Mary's Moments

INDIGNANT

2012-02-24T08:51:00.001-06:00

So picture this: It is a Sabbath. Jesus is teaching in a synagogue. A crippled woman is there. Jesus sees her and calls her to him. She goes to Jesus and he heals her. She praises God.

Wow! Can you close your eyes and picture that? All eyes are on Jesus but He has his eyes on a crippled woman. And he calls her over. In front of everybody! How do you think she felt walking through the people? Did they clear a way for her? Were they mumbling about how bent over she was? Did they wonder what was going to happen? Then Jesus -

Then Jesus set her free from her infirmity and put his hand on her. Can you hear the tenderness in his voice? Can you imagine the feel of his touch? Can you picture the woman slowly straightening her back? Standing tall! Standing upright! Can you see the tears on her cheeks as she looks into the eyes of Jesus? Can you hear her praise God? Now this is an example of LIFE - DIFFERENT TODAY THAN YESTERDAY!

And then ---

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 13:14

Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”

WHAT? What happened here? How can one verse end with ‘praised God’ and the next start with ‘indignant’?

Time to use your imagination again: Picture the synagogue ruler standing there with his hands on his hips, head cocked to the side and a ‘Just who do you think you are’ expression on his face. INDIGNANT? Jesus had just healed a crippled woman and this man was indignant!

Now, picture Jesus slowly turning to this man, fixing his eyes on him and giving a less than gentle reply.

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 13:15-16

The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

Give it to them Jesus! Do you think the people listening were shocked to hear Jesus call those important men hypocrites or do you think they gave Jesus an Amen?

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 13:17

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Okay, you can smile now. A perfect ending!

NOW REALLY STOP AND THINK ABOUT THIS --

First, can you picture the joy of the crippled woman upon being healed? Think of your everyday activities and how hard it would be to do them bent over. But how often do we stay bent over because we refuse to forgive, hold a grudge or hang onto a sin? What joy would come into your life if you didn’t have to carry those burdens? How much better would your life be if you allowed Jesus to set your free?

Second, do you think the Sabbath should be one way and only one way? Jesus pointed out that certain work is required to take care of animals but the need of a person is far greater.

Third, talk to Jesus about setting you free. Life is much better when you are standing straight. Just ask the crippled woman.

LIFE - DIFFERENT TODAY THAN YESTERDAY

2012-02-17T10:26:00.001-06:00

The title today sure is true. Just when you think life is good, wham something blindsides you and -- your life is different. Or your life just absolutely sucks and wham, out of nowhere comes just what you need.

Our lives do change. We find people to love. We have children. We work. We retire. Death claims those we love. Our health fails. Or our bodies heal. Each day is different.

But are you ready for a really big change in your life? Was the crippled woman ready?

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 13:10-13

On A Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

LIFE - DIFFERENT TODAY THAN YESTERDAY

I would say this woman’s life changed. Eighteen years, bent and crippled, unable to stand up and then because Jesus saw her, called her forward, put his hands on her and wham - she was different than yesterday.

And she straightened up and praised God. SHE PRAISED GOD!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

How would you like your life to change? Can you make this change by yourself?

LET US PRAY: We all have areas of our lives that need to change. You will notice Jesus called the woman forward, but she had to go to Him. Use this as the beginning of your prayer as you go to Him. He can help you.

Jesus, there seems to be so much of my life that I have no control over. Today I pray for my life to change. I pray for faith, trust. For you to call me forward and say, “You are set free from ____________.” Amen

I SAW GOD

2012-02-10T05:59:00.001-06:00

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you ever wondered what God looks like?

SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 6:1

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.

I SAW GOD

The other day I heard the old joke about the boy in art class and the teacher ask what he was drawing. The boy said, “God.” The teacher said, “No one knows what God looks like.” The boy replied, “They will now.”

Yup, an old joke, but how would you draw God?

I want you to know that, if I actually had the talent to draw anything other than stick people, I could draw God, because I have seen God.

Yes, I did! I saw God -

I saw the eyes of God. They were reflected in the eyes of my husband as he said, “I love you.”

I saw the hands of God. They were wrinkled with age, but they were full of canned goods for the food pantry.

I saw the back of God’s head and his ears. I saw them as a mother bent down to listen as a child tells about her day.

I saw the tears of God. God’s tears were on the cheeks of children as they watched their parent slip peacefully into death.

I saw the love of God. God’s love radiated in the room as parents met their newborn son.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

God, I try to put my features on you. I want you to have my eyes. My smile. My hair. The truth is I do not know what you look like. Someday I will, but for now I will be satisfied in seeing you in the people around me. I pray others see you in me. Amen

1099 FROM GOD

2012-02-03T09:51:00.001-06:00

It is beginning to arrive! The dreaded TAX INFORMATION: W-2’s. 1099’s. Receipts for donations. Interest statements. With each piece of paper, I check my records.

Are there any missing? Do the numbers agree? The tension is rising! Will we owe more taxes? Could there be a refund? (Hey, I still believe in miracles!) Am I ready to call the accountant to schedule an appointment?

No, there seems to be something missing? Did I get a 1099 from God? Surely I did enough in 2011 to warrant a 1099. After all a 1099 is for any goods and services over $600 and I know I did more than $600 worth of work for God last year. Could there be a mistake? Better check on this.

Oh, I think I got this backwards. God doesn’t owe me a 1099. I owe God one.

Box 1: Rents - “God, what figure do I enter? After all, I am taking up space on the world you created. Would the IRS believe you do not charge rent?”

Box 2: Royalties - “God, I read your book. What royalties do I owe for reading the Bible?”

Box 3: Other Income - “God, this one is really hard to figure: ‘prizes/awards/winnings when not for services performed’. How do I report the value of a sunset? Or rain needed for the garden? Or the hugs from grandchildren? Or answered prayers? Or - You are a gracious God and have given me so many prizes. What value do I enter in Box 3?”

Box 14: Legal Fees - “God, I have skipped boxes 4 - 13. I am so confused. The IRS will never understand a 1099 to God. They will think I am nuts. They will audit us for sure! But God, I came to Box 14. My heart skipped a beat. ‘Fees paid to an attorney for legal services’ - Fees paid to defend me? God, I do not want to fill in this box.”

SCRIPTURE: JOHN 3:16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

1099 TO GOD

Box 14: Legal Fees - “God, it is hard to fill in this box. Fees paid to defend me: The life of your Son. Thank you.”

EXPECT LITTLE, GET LITTLE

2012-01-27T08:26:00.001-06:00

When I paid my last Anthem insurance premium, I figured it to November 1, 2011 because that is when I went on Medicare. That was that. Premium paid and I did not expect to hear from Anthem again.

Well, this week I did hear from Anthem. It seems I had overpaid! Being an honest company, they sent me a refund. Then I looked at the check. Can you guess the amount? Are you ready? This is going to blow your mind! The check was for ------

$ .01

Yes, you are reading that correctly. The check was written for one cent.

Bill and I laughed and laughed. Then I told him I was going to call and ask for interest from November 1, 2011 to January 17, 2012. Of course, we estimated how much it cost them to generate a penny check. Then we laughed again. But why was I surprised? I expected little and got little.

SCRIPTURES: Various scriptures from Matthew --

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”

Jesus turned and saw her, “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.”

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you expect a lot or a little from God?

PET PEEVES

2012-01-20T09:58:00.001-06:00

What just sets you off? Seeing someone leave a grocery cart in the parking lot instead of putting it in the cart return? Or like my new one, people who have to open their phone during a movie just in case they got a text? Starting plays/shows ten minutes late! Those computer generated phone calls that ring once, come up on id as unknown, but you answer anyway and there is no one there!

Oh, this could be a very long list. And, what would be on my pet peeve list might not be on yours. Funny how what annoys one person isn’t a big deal to another but we all have them. Those little things that just make us want to stand up and shout, “I AM WATCHING THE MOVIE. SHUT YOUR PHONE.”

I wonder if God has a list of pet peeves. A list of little things that just tick him off. Don’t know about that, but God does have a list.

SCRIPTURE: Exodus parts of 20:3-17 From The Message

No other gods; only me.
No carved gods of any size, shape or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim.
No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter.
Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor your father and mother.
No murder.
No adultery.
No stealing.
No lies about your neighbor.
No lusting after your neighbor’s house - or wife or servant or maid or ox or donkey.

Wow, that makes my pet peeve list seem a bit trivial. But, let’s see - No other gods and no carved gods? Okay there. Oh, you wouldn’t consider the TV or the computer a “carved god” would you?

Got the next one! Although I will admit to using swear words occasionally, I would never use the name of God as a curse! But then The Message says, “silly banter.” Do I - do we - use the name of God lightly? I am sure God enjoys it when we joke and when we laugh, but how do we use the name of God?

Now I wish I had not started with this blog idea. It is not going where I wanted it to go. This was to be a light, fluffy, fun -- but maybe it is going where God wants it to go. As a Christian, I should be able to follow ten simple rules. I should be able to do ten items that God put on His list.

But it seems like I have trouble getting past the first three. What am I to do?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you have trouble obeying God’s list of ten?

SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:28-33 from The Message

One of the religion scholars came up and put in his question: “Which is most important of all the commandments?”

Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. And here is the second. ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”

The religion scholar said, “A wonderful answer, Teacher! So lucid and accurate - that God is one and there is no other. And loving him with all passion and intelligence and energy, and loving others as well as you love yourself. Why, that’s better than all offerings and sacrifices put together.”

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord God, My God, the One God, I may not be able to live up to your list of Ten Commandments and I do not always want to love my neighbors, but I can make my daily, sometimes my minute by minute, breath by breath, priority to love you with all my passion, With all my prayers. My intelligence. My energy. My Lord God, when I follow this first, greatest commandment, I will slowly learn to follow the others. Amen

I BELIEVE

2012-01-13T06:18:00.001-06:00

Today I would like to share with you two things I have written. The first one was written January 2005, after completing Purpose Driven Life. I have this taped in the front of my Bible.

The purpose of my life is to place God at the center of my being and to see God in all the world around me. To be always thankful and grateful for being created by God to be his child and to know I am important to God.

With God at the center of my life, I want my character to reflect that I am a believer and that I make Christ based decisions.

I want the lives of others to be enriched by my actions and words. I want to help family, friends and strangers move closer to God because they can see the light in my life and hear the story from my heart.

I want to share in fellowship with other believers so we can worship together, using the talents God has given each of us, to encourage each other and celebrate our faith.

The second one I wrote after a Sunday School lesson challenged us to write our own personal statement of faith. This was written April 3, 2011.

I believe Jesus is the Son of God.

I believe Jesus walked on this earth and that he brought the love of God

to all who will accept it.

I believe Jesus can heal souls and bodies.

Although I may have times of doubt or times of disobedience,

I believe the love of Jesus is unending and never fails.

I believe Jesus is my salvation.

I believe Jesus died so my sins could be buried with him.

I believe he arose and is with his Father.

I believe Jesus lived so he could present me to his Father

as a forgiven, cleansed daughter.

What is the purpose of your life? What is your statement of faith?

Have a blessed day!!

Mary

GRANDCHILDREN

2012-01-06T07:41:00.001-06:00

SCRIPTURES: (Jesus enjoyed the company of others)

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:3

And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16

GRANDCHILDREN

This has been the week for grandchildren. Nathan came to spend the day Monday. We watched the Rose Bowl Parade. Actually, I watched the parade and Nathan watched the clock to see when it was going to be over. He was a bit bored.

Tuesday, our daughter and her four boys came for lunch. We met at the Pizza Hut and then enjoyed some time at the house where the boys got out the puzzles.

What is so neat about this picture is that my mother loved to work puzzles. I have a feeling she was looking down at the boys and smiling.

Besides working with puzzles, two of them did crafts and two pestered their mother. They had lemonade and cookies. They went home. Yup! A great day.

Tomorrow our granddaughter is coming. What a way to round out the week.

Yes, I love to spend time with our grandchildren. But what makes me the happiest is that they like to spend time here. With me! They might get bored watching something on TV that Grandma wants to watch and they might make a mess with construction paper and they might eat the last package of cookies and they might call and say, “What are you doing tomorrow? May I come over?”

What a wonderful blessing grandchildren are! They are fun to watch TV with. I smile when I pick up the pieces of paper that they swore they picked up and I will happily buy another package of cookies and I will be thrilled to say, “Of course you may come over!”

Jesus enjoyed spending time with his friends at weddings or spending the night. Jesus enjoyed children. Do you suppose Jesus likes it when we say, “What are you doing Jesus? May I spend some time with you?”

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What ways do you enjoy spending time with your children/grandchildren/family/friends? What ways do you enjoy spending time with Jesus? How do you think he feels when we ask to spend time with him?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Hello Jesus, Do you have a minute? It seems like 2012 is already busy, but, if it is okay with you, I would like to sit a minute and talk. Have I told you how much I enjoy watching the sunrise? Have I told you how much I enjoy reading the Bible and finding just the right words I need to encourage me? Or the words I need to comfort me? And thank you for prayer time. Life can be so -- Lord, I don’t know the word I need. Life can be so -- persistent. Prayer time helps me focus. Prayer time helps me quiet myself so I may hear you.

Hello Jesus, Do you have a minute? Amen

THE ORIGINAL HOME ALONG

2011-12-30T07:50:00.001-06:00

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:43-45

After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.

THE ORIGINAL HOME ALONG

Well, guess Joseph and Mary will not receive the Parents of the Year Award. How could they not know their son was not with them? Didn’t they help him pack for the trip home? After all, he was only 12! Didn’t they make sure he was with them? Didn’t they check on him at noon to make sure he had something to eat? After all, he was only 12! He was not 13 yet. He was not ready to be a man. Not yet!

Okay, it was a bit hectic. There would have been many groups of people heading home after the Feast of the Passover. And I am sure there were family members traveling with Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Maybe, just maybe, they thought he was with a cousin. Maybe they thought he was somewhere close.

Can you picture Mary and Joseph when they realized Jesus was not with them? When they realized he was not with friends. Or family. Can you sense Mary’s panic?

“Where is Jesus? Where can he be? Oh, Joseph, what are we to do? God help us!”

Jesus, on the other hand, was perfectly calm. This 12 year old was exactly where he was supposed to be.

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

One year is ending and a new year will soon begin. We will stop writing 2011 and begin writing 2012. Endings. Beginnings. Change!

But not all things change. No matter what day. No matter what year. We will always know where to find Jesus.

Jesus is right there. In his Father’s house!

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Hello Jesus, Well, I have made it through another year. There has been good and bad during 2011 and there will be good and bad during 2012. The peace I feel is knowing You will be there, right there in your Father’s house. You are right there for me to pray to, talk to. During 2012, my prayer is for ______________________ . Amen

BE WISE: GET THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

2011-12-23T09:08:00.001-06:00

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

The snow falls. The fog rolls in. The rain pours. The roads are ice covered. Would any of these keep you from going to church? What reasons do you find for not going to church?

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 2:1-2, 10-11

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him”

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

BE WISE: GET THERE ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

How did you answer the questions of the day? Ice might keep me home. I love winter but I hate walking on ice. Honestly, I have found other reasons to stay home, but they are always good reasons. “I wouldn’t want to give my cold to anyone else.” “Just this Sunday I want to keep my feet up, have another cup of coffee and read the whole paper.”

What reasons do you find? “The big game starts early and I would miss the kick-off.” “I was up late last night.” “Man, I just did not get my lesson read.”

The Magi came a long way to find the king of the Jews. Apparently, they could find no good excuse to stay home. Riding a camel miles and miles and miles -- Can do. Using early GPS (aka star) -- Can do. Asking for directions - Can do. Finding the right home - Can do. Those were mighty determined Magi. They found no excuse. What they did find was Jesus.

Christmas is two days away. I pray you find no excuse. I pray you find your way to the Christ Child.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

PRAYER TIME

Remember, Jesus likes to hear you talk to Him. Today, please take time to wish Jesus a Happy Birth Day. Tell him about your journey to the manger.

BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE

2011-12-16T09:33:00.001-06:00

December 18 is the fourth Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: JOHN: parts of Chapter 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”

Jesus then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE

Matthew began with the information that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures and Mark began by telling us that the baby grew into a man. Luke - Luke investigated and announced: IT IS TRUE! What does John want us to know? A LOT!

I didn’t count them, but the study notes tell me the Book of John uses the word life thirty-six times. This is nineteen times more than any other New Testament book. The first eighteen verses of chapter one are a bit deep (theological) but please read all of them. These verses are like a 2 X 4 whack on the head so we do not miss THIS IS THE WORD MADE FLESH!

John also wants us to know John the Baptist is a great man and has his own calling, but John the Baptist is a man sent from God to be a witness. You have to give credit to John the Baptist. He never tried to steal the limelight or make himself to be anything other than what he had been called to do. “I baptize with water but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” John the Baptist came to proclaim: This is the Son of God.

This chapter closes with Jesus talking to the disciples. But what is the main objective of the Book of John?

John 20:31 -- BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND THAT BY BELIEVING YOU MAY HAVE LIFE IN HIS NAME.

Matthew, Mark and Luke informed, investigated and confirmed that Jesus, the fulfillment of the Old Testament, is the Son of God. John wants us to believe! Because, by believing, we - THAT WOULD BE YOU - can have life. Eternal life!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you get confused by the first few verses of the Book of John? Or other verses? If so, let me assure you are not alone. Do not let that stop you from reading the Bible. Sometimes the Bible uses complicated words to say: Do you believe in my Son, Jesus?

This week, think about Advent a time of expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come. What do you expect to come? Now take time to talk to God.

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I rarely do a series so the last four weeks have been a stretch for me. It has personally been a challenge because I usually have an idea and then know the scripture to go along with it. And I am not a “deep” writer. I write everyday stuff. This has been a stretch and not as much fun to read, but it has been good too. It has shown me that I can get in a rut about what I write and what I read. It has shown me that I need to read Psalm 139 (my favorite) but that I also need to read John 1:1-18. Thank you for hanging in there while I tried something new. -- Mary

CAREFULLY INVESTIGATED

2011-12-09T07:42:00.001-06:00

December 11 is the third Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: LUKE: parts of Chapter 1

Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you so you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The angel Gabriel told Zechariah: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.

The angel Gabriel told Mary: “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

Mary visits Elizabeth and, upon seeing Mary, Elizabeth exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

Mary sang: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed.”

Zechariah spoke: “No! His is to be called John.” And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

CAREFULLY INVESTIGATED

Matthew Chapter 1 contained 25 verses and Mark Chapter 1 contained 45. Then along comes Luke. Luke Chapter 1 contains 80 verses! Luke must have had a deal with the local office supply because 80 verses would require a lot of ink. Luke is one windy guy. Or is he?

Luke wanted this one special friend to know “the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

What a friend Luke was. He wanted to make sure his friend had no doubts. He wanted his friend to know Gabriel himself came to Zechariah and to Mary. He wanted his friend to know - to know IT IS ALL TRUE! Everything his friend had been taught was CERTAIN! Can you see him smiling as he sent this wonderful news to his friend? Can you imagine the joy his friend felt when he read the news Luke had for him?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you know for certain that Jesus is true? Do you have a friend that could use a letter telling them about Jesus?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear God, Thank you for the Gospel of Luke. One friend writing to another to help him understand that everything he had been taught was real. When I am having a rough day or a number of rough days, may I remember that everything I have been taught has been carefully investigated and is true! May I remember that Jesus and the lessons he has for me are true! Amen

PREPARING THE WAY

2011-12-02T05:49:00.001-06:00

December 4 is the second Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: MARK: parts of Chapter One

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”-- “a voice of one calling in the desert. And so John came, baptizing and preaching. And Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Temptation - 40 days in the desert
Disciples - Come follow me
Be gone - Jesus drives out an evil spirit
Healing - Jesus heals many
Prayer - Jesus prayed in a solitary place

PREPARING THE WAY

Now hold on, what happened here? Do you ever compare stories with your sister or brother and wonder if you grew up in the same house? How could these two believers have such a different starting point for their writing? Matthew began with the genealogy of Jesus but Mark skips right over the background, even the birth of Jesus, and starts with John the Baptist. Did Mark not consider the birth important? Or ---

I think Mark was a meat and potato guy. Or a ‘just the facts’ man. Mark wanted those that read his Gospel to understand quickly who Jesus is. Mark wanted the reader to be ready for what was coming. He wanted the reader to be ready for the ministry of Jesus. Let someone else give you the “Once upon a time” version. Mark began quickly in verse 11 telling us: And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Wow! No genealogy. No long prelude. Just the facts: Listen up folks. The Son of God is here! The disciples were ready to help and by the end of the first chapter Jesus had cast out an evil spirit, healed many and prayed.

Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. I do not think Mark was an Advent guy. Mark wanted us to know that we no longer had to wait or prepare. Mark wanted us to know that the reason for advent was all grown up and ready to serve!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When you think of Jesus, do you picture him as a baby or as an adult? Or do you see Jesus as a baby at Christmas and an adult the rest of the time?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Father of Jesus, Christmas comes and goes quickly as I prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus. First I spend all my time getting ready and then I spend time putting it all away. This Christmas I want to slow down and understand what I am celebrating. This Christmas I celebrate the birth of Jesus and the man Jesus became. Amen

FAMILY TREE

2011-11-25T07:56:00.001-06:00

November 27 is the first Sunday in Advent. When I looked up Advent, it was explained this way: A time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. A shorter answer was coming. So, Advent is expecting, waiting and preparation for something to come.

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 1: parts of 1 - 17

A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Jesse the father of King David, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

FAMILY TREE

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I tell a story, I start with, “Let me tell you about…” or “Have you heard?” or “A long, long time ago…” No, Matthew starts with, “A record of the genealogy…” Doesn’t that just grab you and make you want to read more? How many people do you know that say, “Let me introduce, Susie. She is the daughter of, the grand-daughter of, the great-granddaughter of --?”

Okay, I will admit I am not big on genealogy so I would, most likely, just skip this part. Or should I? Is it important? Does it matter what Jesus’ family tree looks like?

Actually it does and Matthew realized that. If Matthew was going to write a book for me, he would have started, “Mary, let me tell you about this man I knew. His name is Jesus.” But Matthew wasn’t writing to me, his readers would have been Jews. Matthew wanted them to realize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures. Matthew knew his audience.

The Jews had been expecting a Messiah. They had waited a very long time: Fourteen generations + fourteen generations + fourteen generations. They were expecting and they were waiting, but something happened.

Romans 1:16 and 10:12-13 - I am not ashamed of the gospel (proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus), because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Matthew tried to give his Jewish readers the facts. He tried to help them make the connection from Abraham to Jesus. Somehow, the Jews missed that Jesus is the Messiah. The Son of God. They missed that their wait was over.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you missed Jesus?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord of All, Christmas is coming and it is coming like a freight train at full speed. I feel like -- Advent: Expecting? Waiting? Preparation? Lord, I do not want to be so busy that I miss Christmas. Lord, I do not want to miss you! As I prepare to celebrate Your birth, let me not forget that Abraham was the father of Isaac, Jesse the father of King David, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. .… Amen

GIVE THANKS

2011-11-18T08:58:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is almost here so, of course, this will be on giving thanks.

SCRIPTURES

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. Psalm 7:17

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

GIVE THANKS

We are told to give thanks to the Lord. We are told to enter his gates with thanksgiving. We are told to give thanks in all circumstances. Give thanks - oh, this could be fun!

MY THANK YOU PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for ice cream. Don’t know how ice cream was first thought of. Guess I could Google that, but I just want to thank you for ice cream. I especially like vanilla because it has such possibilities. Vanilla is good on pie and cake. It is good with root beer poured over it. It is good with chocolate, caramel and marshmallow crème on top. Yes, Lord, thank you for ice cream.

Lord, thank you for mud. There is just nothing like squishing my toes in mud after a nice summer rain. And it makes the neatest sound when I pull my feet out. Yup, mud deserves to be on the list. Thank you.

Lord, thank you for knee high nylons. What a pleasure to put those on, under slacks, instead of fighting with a pair of panty hose. And, if my skirt is long enough and I watch how I cross my legs, those knee highs will work just fine. Bless you for giving someone a creative mind and that mind coming up with knee highs.

Lord, I so enjoy magnets. Have you gazed upon my refrigerator and freezer? Or the door in our office? Or the file cabinet behind me? Magnets! The pictures of our grandchildren are on the office door. (What a treat that is to see them watching me work. Do you have my picture sticking around somewhere?) My file cabinet has business cards, a cow, a cross, two angels, a scripture (Do I get brownie points for the angels, cross and scripture?), notes and a calendar. The magnets on the refrigerator reflect where we have traveled or give me good advice. Thank you for magnets.

Lord, when I enter your gates with thanksgiving, I am absolutely going to say thank you for toothpicks. You just have no idea what it is like to have a tiny, tiny seed caught between your teeth. And that seed is always stuck where my tongue cannot get to it! What a relief when a tooth pick is handy! Thank you that someone looked at a sliver of wood and thought, “Wonder if that would get that seed out of my back tooth?”

Lord Most High, I am thankful for family, friends, home. But Lord, I thank you for all the little joys you place in my everyday life: Ice Cream, Mud, Knee High Nylons, Magnets and Toothpicks. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you and Amen.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Relax. Take a deep breath. Smile. Now: WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

LETTERS - A DAD I NEVER KNEW

2011-11-11T06:31:00.001-06:00

(Brief background: At the time dad was drafted, he had a wife, a son and a daughter. I am the ‘I-am-home-from-the-war’ baby and a few years later another daughter joined the family. November 11, 2010 blog was also about these letters and how my hubby’s name was in them.)

LETTERS

They had always been there in mom and dad’s closet, but we never looked at them. And dad never talked about the war. Dad died in 1972, mom died in 1998 and the letters just sat there - unread until the fall of 2010.

As I began to open and copy the letters, a strange thing happened. I received a glimpse into an enlisted man’s life and I found a man I never knew.

Dad was in basic training in Camp Wheeler, Georgia. Dad, prior to service, was a mechanic, truck driver and had bad feet. Guess where the army placed him. Yup, in the infantry. His letters told about walking. And walking. And walking. And very, very sore feet.

Dad tried to explain what basic training was like and told about new friends, skunks in their barracks and KP duty. When dad arrived in Germany, his letters contained fewer details, because he could not give specific information. Dad did tell about meeting children, being lucky enough to have a heating stove and having his buddies shot. Dad mainly asked about mom, Kenny and Jean. Dad’s letters used the word love. And that is the dad I never knew.

Worlds and worlds of love, dearest, love you millions and love written big and bold were in each letter. And yet, I have no memory of ever hearing my father tell me that he loved me. I always thought that was a generalization thing until I read these letters. He knew how to write that word! What happened between putting that word on letter after letter after letter and speaking it when he came home?

I have always wanted to hear my dad tell me that he loved me. In a way, the reading of these letters has accomplished that. How? Not sure. I just know that somewhere between unfolding the first letter and now, I found a dad I never knew. A dad that did love his family whether he could say it out loud or not. Somewhere, while putting a letter back into its envelope, I heard my father say, “And I love you too.”

Today, as I think about these letters, I want to thank and honor all VETERANS and THEIR FAMILIES.

SCRIPTURES

He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. 2 CHRONICLES 32:6 - 8

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. PSALM 144:1

What a world this would be if the word war was never heard again! What a world this would be if no son or daughter, no husband or father, no wife or mother, no sister, brother or friend was ever sent to battle again!

Until that happens, let us honor those that serve and appreciate the families that support them.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord, today I offer prayers of thanksgiving for the men and women who are willing to defend and protect our freedoms and our country. I pray you give them strength, courage, safety and Your power as they face evil around the world. Lord, I ask that you give comfort to the families as they maintain a home. Lord, never let me take for granted the freedoms I have or ever forget those that protect and defend me. Amen

HARVEST 2

2011-11-04T10:21:00.001-05:00

Last week this blog was a prayer for our farmers and the fall harvest. Bill works each spring and fall for a farm family. In the spring he prepares the ground and in the fall he hauls grain from the combine to the trucks.

While doing this, Bill has to be close to the combine and he must keep pace with the combine so the grain cart is under the auger.

Then he makes his way across the field to the trucks. Sometimes he has to go around obstacles – tile holes, rocks – and he always has to be careful that the auger, on the grain cart, does not hit a power line. Yes, he has to watch where he is going as he approaches the truck.

Bill has to be under the auger of the combine or the grain would end up on the ground. When he unloads into the truck, he has to be sure the grain auger is over the truck. Grain on the ground is of no value.

Then he heads back into the field for the next load.

SCRIPTURE: Parts of EPHESIANS 5:8-10, 15-20

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord. Be very careful then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. Understand what the Lord’s will is. Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

HARVEST 2

Our lives with God are like Bill hauling grain.

Bill has to go to the combine to receive grain. We have to go to God to receive the Spirit that will guide us.

Bill has to stay close to the combine or the grain will spill to the ground and be of no value. We have to stay close to God to learn what pleases Him and to learn His will for our lives. If we are not close to God, His words are just words on a page and will have no value in our lives.

Bill must have an empty grain cart so it can receive the grain. We have to empty ourselves so God can fill us.

Bill must travel away from the combine, watching out for obstacles, and unload the grain. We travel through life, watching out for obstacles, and unload/share the Word of God with others.

And when the grain cart is empty, Bill takes it back to the combine to be refilled. When we are empty, because we have encountered numerous obstacles or have given of ourselves to help others, we must go back to God to be refilled.

There is one big difference between our lives with God and Bill hauling grain. When the combine finishes the very last row, it is put away and it just sits there. It is of no use. There is no reason to take the grain cart near it. It is empty.

The difference? You can ALWAYS go to God. He is never empty. He is not put away, sitting around being useless. GOD IS! And God is always willing to fill you up!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you close to God? Are you trying to get past obstacles? Do you feel like you are empty? Do you know where to go to get filled again?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

God, have you ever thought of yourself as a combine? The amazing thing is that your hopper is never empty. My wonderful God, let me always stay close to you so I can be filled. Let me always please you and know your will. And when I feel empty, let me have the wisdom to return and be filled. Amen

HARVEST

2011-10-28T06:57:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURES

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22

…. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and the joy will be complete. Deuteronomy 16:15

HARVEST

When I hear that word, I see fields waiting – corn, soybeans, wheat – waiting to give back what was planted, tended and given a chance to grow. I would like to offer a prayer for all those farmers that are in the fields. A prayer for all that harvest the crops that feed us.

Lord, thank you that there will always be a seed time and a harvest time. Your farmers are in the fields. Protect them. The equipment is so big and accidents can happen so quickly. Let their minds not wander from their task. Prosper them. Let their yields be high and prices remain stable. Give them strength. Let their bodies be strong during this harvest so they can work the long hours and, when the opportunity arrives, allow their bodies and minds to rest. Give them perseverance. Farmers are true stewards of your earth! Let them have the vision and wisdom to move from planting to tending to waiting to harvest to waiting and then to planting. Yes Lord, your farmers need perseverance.

Lord, thank you for all involved in agriculture! Send a special blessing that they will know their effort, their work, their calling is directed by you.

Amen

SCRIPTURE

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest fields.” Matthew 9:37

HARVEST

Lord, your church is to have a different type of harvest. We are to harvest souls! Instill in us the desire to be farmers for God. Let us plant the seed of your word. Let us each tend and nurture all believers. Let us have patience, as we wait for the spiritual growing that only your Holy Spirit can give. Let us be prepared for the harvest as believers unite in worship.

Lord, instill in each disciple the desire to be farmers for God, so that when the final harvest begins, not one “kernel” will be lost in the field.

AMEN AND AMEN

Today – no questions and no final prayer. Today your job is to thank the farmers as you enjoy your next meal.

NEVER ALONE

2011-10-20T15:42:00.001-05:00

(CASA – COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE – The voice of the child)

Naomi Haines Griffith was the keynote speaker at the 2011 CASA State Conference. What a speaker! First of all, she is from the south and I absolutely love her accent. Second, she sure could make you laugh and then immediately hit you with a zinger.

One minute we would be laughing as she described the real way to cook green beans and her dead family members. She said she grew up thinking all families were just like hers.

Just like hers until – Until she realized no child is ever alone. Every child has their family with them; it is just that we cannot see them. Every child grows up thinking the world is like their family -- Kind/Cruel, Chaos/Calm, Loving/Distant -- and to understand the child we have to understand the family.

This is a lesson I am learning as I work with children and families. Sometimes it is hard to understand why they just don’t get it. (Look at the family.) Sometimes, I wonder if they will ever get it. (Look at the family.) Sometimes,

Sometimes – No, always, I have to look below the surface and ignore the obvious. Always I have to realize they are a part of a unique family – their family – and that is how children see the world. Always I have to ask, “Tell me about your family.” Then I have to listen with my ears, my eyes and my heart.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you remember being asked, “Whose child are you?” Were you proud to answer? Did you answer with your head held high? Or did you look to the ground and quietly give your answer? Knowing you were going to be judged unkindly.

Do you judge the way others live against the way you live? (And the answer to the last question is yes. We all do that.)

NEVER ALONE

Just as no child is ever alone because they carry their family with them, you are never alone. Our earthly families may be a long way from perfect but when asked the question, “Whose child are you?” you do not need to hang your head. You can proudly hold your head high and proclaim to the world:

SCRIPTURES:

I AM A CHILD OF GOD (How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1)

AND MY FATHER IS ALWAYS WITH ME. (“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 and Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ….. even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:8-10)

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children, no matter their age. Some children come from families that are hard to understand and some families do not treat their children the way they should. Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children. Surround them with your arms and give them comfort. Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children. Send into their lives someone who will listen with their ears, eyes and heart. Today Lord I lift up all your hurting children. Amen

AM I INVISABLE?

2011-10-13T14:32:00.001-05:00

Picture this: I drive a red - a very red - Envoy. Not a BIG vehicle but big enough. Big enough YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE IT!!

It happened again this week. Just driving home, down the main street of our small town, and, "WHAT?" A pickup pulls out and across the lane I am in! It was a good thing I was not changing channels or using my cell phone.

"CAN HE NOT SEE ME? AM I INVISABLE?"

One day, after driving to our daughters, I asked Terri to look out her window and see if she could see anything in her driveway. "Your car." she said.

I came back with, "If you can see my red, four wheel, SUV why couldn't the milk truck that came around the curve in my lane, the black car that pulled out in front of me and the -----

"AM I INVISABLE?"

Do you ever feel invisible? Like no one knows you are there? Like they cannot see you? Or hear you?

SCRIPTURE

From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth -- he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. Psalm 33:13-15

"AM I INVISABLE?" You are not invisible to God!

LET US PRAY: Psalm 121

Lord, I lift up my eyes to the hills and there find You, the Maker of heaven and earth. To You I am not invisible. Thank You for helping me during the day, by giving me shade from the sun and keeping my feet from slipping onto the wrong path. Thank you for keeping me safe during the night. To you I am not invisible. 24/7/365 You see me. Thank you for always watching over me no matter where I am.

"AM I INVISABLE?" NOT TO YOU!!! Lord, when I feel invisible, as if no one knows I am here, allow me to look up and know you are looking back. Amen

DID YOU EVER WONDER?

2011-10-07T07:59:00.001-05:00

Why do you not see the dust on the TV until someone un-expectantly comes to visit?

Why is the 12 and less lane closed when you have two items and open when you have 13?

Why does it rain really hard until you call off the picnic and then the sun comes out?

Why is the blouse to-die-for only available in a size smaller or one size larger than you wear?

Why, when people tell you your kids are so sweet, do you wonder if they are confused as to which ones belong to you?

Why does it sound like there is a cup of salt still in the box but when you cut the top of there is only a few grains?

We all have questions and things we wonder about. We ponder the oddities of everyday life. We contemplate the universe.

Asking questions is nothing new. The Bible is full of people asking questions.

What is the greatest commandment?

Why didn't Jesus' disciples fast?

Will you give us a sign from heaven?

Should we pay taxes?

Why do you speak in parables?

WHO WOULD HAVE THE AUDACITY TO QUESTION JESUS?

SCRIPTURES

Mark 2:18 - some people

Mark 8:11 - Pharisees

Mark 12:18 - Sadducees

Mark 12:28 - teacher of the law

Luke 20:21 - spies

Matthew 13:10 - disciples

DID YOU EVER WONDER? As you can see many people wondered about what Jesus said and about what Jesus did. Know what that means?

It is okay to ask questions. Know what else? The Bible has the answers.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you ever felt guilty because you questioned God?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

It is me again, Lord. Today I want to ask you, "Why did you make the sky blue? Why did you make birds fly? Are you real? Is Jesus your Son? Does the Holy Spirit really live in me? How can I be sure?" "Why did you make me?" See, that is my big question. Why did you make me? Is it okay to ask that? Amen

CONFIDENT AND BOLD

2011-09-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How do you worship? Do you worship with your head bowed? Sitting quietly? Is it good to worship in more than one way? Is it okay to dance? Be confident? Bold? Courageous? Fearless?

SCRIPTURES

David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 2 Samuel 6:14

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:3

The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Philippians 1:14

CONFIDENT AND BOLD

I do not think there is one set style to worship God. Sometimes our worship is quiet. Peaceful. Using songs that bring memories of tradition. At other times our worship uses songs set to drums and guitars. Is convicting. A bit noisy.

Today I would like to encourage you to be CONFIDENT and BOLD. David was confident and bold when he danced in the streets. Danced with shouts and trumpets. David was so excited to be bringing the ark home that he could not wait until he was home, within the confines of walls, to praise the Lord. No way! This worship demanded dancing! And shouts! And trumpets!

The scriptures tell us to be bold as a lion, to speak with great boldness and to be more courageous and fearless.

Do you want to sing: Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Or do you want to boldly and with confidence sing: JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN TODAY, ALLELUIA!

Do you want to ask: Father forgive me. Or do you want to courageously (Because it does take courage to admit you have sinned) ask: FATHER FORGIVE ME.

Do you want to tell: For God so loved the world. Or do you want to fearlessly tell: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD!

Spending quiet, prayerful, personal, listening and study time with God is extremely important. We each need these times of worship, but do not limit the way you worship God.

Be bold!

Be confident!

Be courageous!

Be fearless!

As you spend time in worship, shout to God, "ALLEULUIA!" And, if you are really fearless, dance in the streets.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Bold. Confident. Courageous. Fearless. Lord, these are new terms when I think about how I worship. Can I just sorta be over in the corner and watch? Can I just think bold? Can I --My dear, loving God, give me boldness and confidence when I sing. Making each word important and each song a statement of my faith. Give me courage when I pray. Making each prayer honest, holding nothing back. Give me fearlessness when I tell others about you. Making each statement a truth from your Word. Amen

TAKING THE LONG WAY

2011-09-23T05:54:00.001-05:00

Men might not understand but women will. I am tired of our dishes. I did like them when I bought them probably 15 years ago, but they say farm fresh and we no longer live on the farm. They also have apples and, well, I just am ready for some new dishes.

I looked and I looked. I knew I wanted Corning Ware so I checked every pattern they had. Then there it was! Just what I was looking for so I began watching their sales. Would they put that design on sale? Could I get a really good buy?

I am a Wal-Mart shopper only when I can not find something locally, but I went online and there were my dishes. And for less than I could get them from Corning Ware. Even with a 20% off coupon! I ordered the dishes September 14.

It has been fun tracking my dishes. I am not exactly sure where they began, but they arrived in Greencastle, Indiana on the 18th. They left Greencastle on the 19th. They arrived in Coldwater, Michigan on the 20th and they left there on the 21st. Hopefully the next stop will be Wabash, Indiana.

Just for fun, get out a map. Find Greencastle, Indiana. Now go north into Michigan to Coldwater. Now come back south into Indiana to Wabash. My dishes have had quite a journey!

Now, get out another map. A map of your journey with God. What would your journey be like? Would it be a straight line from your birth to God? Or did your journey begin later in life? Has your journey been by the most direct route? Or, at times, has your journey taken you right past your destination?

SCRIPTURE: Please read Psalm 139

Psalm 139:8-10 -- If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

This is my favorite Psalm. I have not always known where my dishes were, but it reminds me that God always knows where I am. God knows where you are. God knows because God holds fast to each of us with His right hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now you want to know a secret? God loves you when you take the most direct route to be with Him, but God loves you even when your journey to Him takes the long way home.

ACTIVITY OF THE DAY

Yes, there is usually a question but today there is an activity. Get a piece of paper. Write GOD at the top. Write your name at the bottom. Now track your journey. Be honest and mark those side trips that you wish you hadn't taken. But be thrilled to mark the times when you stayed strong, with your destination fixed in your heart.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

I can see you smiling, God. You have been tracking me since the day I was born. If my journey was marked by push pins and yarn, it would look like a jumbled mess. It would look like I did not know where I was going. My God, even when my journey took me in the opposite direction, in my heart, in my soul I knew my journey would lead me to you. Thank you for tracking me. Thank you for knowing where I am when I feel lost. Thank you for holding me fast in your right hand. Amen

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

2011-09-16T09:28:00.001-05:00

SCRIPTURES

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. -- Ephesians 2:22

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

One simple idea, a quick flash in the brain – But it is a small thing. Is it really worth the trouble? I only have two coupons and it takes five.

That is the way my mind worked one morning as I looked at the coupons our local grocery gave away. When you spent $50 at one time, you received one coupon. Then, when you had collected five, you would receive a $10 gift card. The problem is I only had two tickets and knew there was no way to get three more. What to do? What to do?

Then I thought, “By themselves, my two coupons are worthless, but what if other people at church had one or two they could not use? By themselves mine are no good, but if I could put them with others, we could use them in to help the local food pantry.”

Cliff Notes version: We asked for coupons. We donated $40 to the food pantry. $40 they did not have.

Ephesians tells us we “are being built together” and Acts tells us that we “must help the weak.” As one I could not help, but together we could help the weak. We could help those struggling to make ends meet and in need of assistance with food.

Was this a big help? Not really. $40 will not go far but together, with donations from others, small contributions add up.

I am very thankful that we do not need assistance with food. But there are times I need help. Times when I am weak and when those times arise, I am thankful I know just where to go for help.

Romans 8:26 – In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where do you turn when you are weak? When you need help? Do you have ideas that could help others but think they are too small?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Together. Lord thank you for the opportunity to help others when they are weak. I pray I never think an idea is too small to help.

Together. Lord that is such a comforting word. It means I do not have to go through life alone. I can go through life together. Together with family, friends and sometimes with strangers who want to help me.

Together. Lord that is such a powerful word. It means I do not have to go through life alone. I can go through life together. Together with you. When I am weak, the Spirit knows how to intercede for me. Intercede when I am too weak to even pray.

Amen

POLITICALLY INCORRECT

2011-09-09T07:52:00.001-05:00

If after reading this title you choose to not read my blog this week, I will understand. But this week I have decided to take a stand. I fear too many are being politically correct. I fear this will be the downfall of many faiths and our country.

SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 2:12, 14-16

From The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson

Write this to Pergamum, to the Angel of the church. The One with the sharp-biting sword draws from the sheath of his mouth – out come the sword words:

“But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don’t you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel’s holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties? And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing?

Enough! Don’t give in to them; I’ll be with you soon. I’m fed up and about to cut them to pieces with my sword-sharp words.

POLITACALLY INCORRECT

As the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001 approached, I found myself having many, many questions. The main question: Why are we not speaking out? Why are we not taking a stand?

A stand for our beliefs. Are we willing to weaken our faith in the name of unity? Are we willing to remain quiet because we might offend someone?

A stand for our country. Are we willing to allow the values of our country to be lost because our elected officials have become entrenched in words like Republican, Democrat, Liberal, Conservative and Independent?

A STAND FOR WHAT I BELIEVE – FAITH

I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Do I know how to explain this? No. What I do know is that God the Father comforts me, encourages me and has prepared a place for me when I leave this earthly body. I do believe God the Son came to cleanse me of my tiniest sin. Because I am cleansed, God the Father will remember my sins no more. I believe I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

I do not have the right to force my beliefs on others, but I do not have to water down my beliefs or integrate what I believe just so everyone is happy. God warned the church in Pergamum. They were allowing people to compromise with the world and with pagans. This is what I see our churches doing today.

I am instructed to be a good neighbor and love my enemies. I have no problem working beside and with individuals of other faiths, races or nationalities. I do not want anyone to suffer and my heart breaks when I see hungry and mistreated people wherever they are. But I do not have to agree with or approve of other beliefs just to present a unified front.

I do not have the right to kill someone because they do not agree with my faith. But I do have to right to speak out against a religion that will not censure, stop funding and remove from the Muslim or other faiths the “radical” faction that wants to kill anyone that does not believe the way they do. The shooting in Norway, the bombing in Oklahoma City, the Westboro Baptist Church protesters and the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001 are all wrong. Radical factions are not limited to one faith nor one country, but no faith should continue to support and defend the radical factions. And when a faith continues to do so, they should not be asked to hold hands in unity, they should be held accountable.

A STAND FOR WHAT I BELIEVE – COUNTRY

I am first a Christian. Second a wife. Third a mother and grandmother. Then I am an American, but I am very concerned for the country we are handing to our children and grandchildren. I may be politically incorrect, but I believe:

I believe we need to return to strong family values. Parents need to be parents and not friends. They need to set boundaries. They need to teach their children values instead of allowing them to learn from the street, television, computer games and overpaid athletes. We need to teach our children about responsible sex, that love lasts more than one night and being there at conception is the beginning of being a parent not the end. The education of our children needs to be a priority. This education must begin in the home and continue in the schools, with the parents being involved in reading and math instead of just the Friday night ball game.

Every citizen is as important as any other and should be treated equally. Until we quit checking a box for race, sex, income and nationality, this country will be divided.

I am proud that our country has opened its arms to people, although I am also sure the original Americans wonder if things might have been better if they would have sunk those ships instead of welcoming and feeding the strange new people. I am proud of a country where people choose to live. Where individuals and families run to escape persecution, starvation, torture and death and wish to make this their home. Their country. Who bring their dreams and hopes of a better life. But we are one country and we need to be united under one flag and one language.

I welcome all who enter this country legally but I refuse to be labeled unchristian because I support the enforcement of illegal immigration laws. I honor the office of President but refuse to be called a racist because I do not support the agenda of our current President. Neither of these have a thing to do with race or nationality. It is my right to support laws and disagree with agendas.

Laws should be applied equally whether you are employed by a private or public company, self employed, unemployed, retired or working in the government. Our rights cannot harm others. Being mad at someone does not give you the right to shoot them. Having a rough time does not give you the right to rob someone. And nothing gives you the right to physically, mentally or emotionally abuse children.

As much as anyone, I hate to pay taxes but the only way this country can survive is by everyone contributing at the same tax percentage without deductions and exemptions. This is not a new idea, but it is fair.

I believe companies should either keep manufacturing in the USA or be forced to build overseas facilities equally compliant with USA environmental regulations and wage scales. The USA does not make anything anymore. We can blame this on strict environmental regulations and union demands for extreme benefit packages. I believe in a days pay for a days work but our citizens cannot work if the companies receive tax incentives and then leave the country once those incentives expire.

Our elected officials have passed so many laws no one knows what they are. They pass laws without reading them. They pass laws to get their name on a bridge. They pass laws – Our elected officials have forgotten the foundation upon which this country was founded. They are so removed from living they do not understand being without a job, being homeless, being broke, or living a normal life with shopping, cooking and paying their own way. They are so removed from living outside Washington that the only thing they do know is how to listen to lobbyist, exempt themselves from the laws they pass and spend our money. It must stop.

Our country is extremely blessed in compassion, patriotism, a call to duty and resources. But we are also at a crossroads. We no longer have the funds to finance the world. We have assisted in wars to protect the freedoms and lives of strangers. We have given medical, financial and other forms of relief following natural disasters. And we are told, by the very countries we assist, that we do not do enough. We purchase products from other countries that can be found within our own borders. We are willing to have the landscapes in other countries destroyed, to drive our cars, but unwilling to create jobs and develop less expensive energy on our own soil.

Do you know what I just realized; I have written much more than I had planned, but there just didn’t seem to be a stopping point. Also, I have written more about what I believe about our country than what I believe about my faith. I wonder why? I know my faith is solid because the foundation is solid.

Is the USA still solid? Are we standing on a solid foundation? My fear is that we are not and an even bigger fear is that our country is like a snowball, rolling down a mountain, getting bigger and bigger. Rolling away from its foundation so fast no one will be able to stop it.

No one? Oh, yes. There is one.

Lord, What power lies in my hands? None. But I do know where the power is. Thank you Lord that the power is in the heavenly realms not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Only you know what is to happen tomorrow. For today, give me patience and understanding. Give me strength and courage to stand on a strong foundation of faith and be loyal to what I believe. Close my ears to those that try to weaken your word. Guard my Spirit. Awaken this country, Lord. Remind them of the values of truth, honesty and justice. You have richly blessed our land, please open the hearts of our people and give us guidance and direction. Amen.

IF IT’S BROKE AND USELESS, THROW IT AWAY

2011-09-02T07:56:00.001-05:00

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19

IF IT’S BROKE AND USELESS, THROW IT AWAY

Yes, I know. We have become a throw away society, but give me a break!

A couple weeks ago at church, Joyce asked, “Did you notice we have a new clock in the kitchen?”

We all looked and sure enough, a new clock and it was working. The old clock would stop at odd intervals so someone was always resetting the time. Joyce finally just bought a new one.

She then said, “But I put the old one under the sink.”

I asked, “Why? If it is not working, why didn’t you just throw it away?”

A few days later, Bill and I left on vacation and the first morning he told me his travel razor quit. We decided we would find a Wal-Mart and get a new one. Bill left for his coffee and it was my turn in the bathroom.

There – sitting in the travel case – was the razor that no longer worked! Were we going to haul it all the way back home?

I met Bill downstairs and asked, “Why? If it is not working, why didn’t you just throw it away?”

Yes, I know we have become a throw away society, but we have also become a society that hangs onto things that are no longer of value. Things that are broken and just clutter our lives.

What broken things are you holding onto? What have you stuck under a sink, broken and useless, but taking up space? What have you left in your suitcase, broken and useless, but carrying it everywhere you go?

Our lives are full of burdens and God is more than happy to bear them for us, but we need to remember: IF IT’S BROKE AND USELESS, THROW IT AWAY.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What broken and useless items, habits and past hurts are you holding onto?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Lord, God and Savior, Thank you for bearing my burdens but give me wisdom to look at my life and see the broken, useless parts I need to throw away. The things I need to throw so far that I can no longer retrieve them. Amen

ALMOST TOO LATE

2011-08-19T07:40:00.001-05:00

This has been a week. It didn’t look this busy a couple weeks ago. There was not much written down. Then Monday filled up. And Tuesday. And Wednesday. And Thursday. And – OH NO – It is Friday. How did Friday get here?

I have not written my blog and it is time to post it. How did I forget? Where did this week go? It is Friday and I am almost late.

Almost! Sometimes it is fine to be almost late. It is okay to be almost late to a ball game. Almost late to dinner. It would be okay if I was almost late to church. I wouldn’t miss anything since it was just almost. So, I guess it is okay that it is Friday morning and I am writing this at 8:07 AM instead of posting it. I am just “almost” on time.

Oh, I feel better. I haven’t really missed anything. Or have I?

What if this morning, one person needed to hear about God at 8:07 AM and instead of finding words of encouragement they found – nothing? (No I do not have grandiose ideas that my blog makes a huge difference in the world.) But, what if, one searching soul randomly stumbled on Mary’s Moments and --

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 24:44

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

ALMOST TOO LATE

What if some searching soul almost found words of encouragement? Would they be ready when the Son of Man returns?

What if I am almost ready to give up what stands between God and me? Will I be ready when the Son of Man returns?

What if you have almost made a decision to give your life to God? Will you be ready when the Son of Man returns?

Or will we be standing there saying, “I was almost ready.”

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Will you be too late?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Lord, Slow my breathing. Give me deep breaths as I calm myself. As I take a moment to – A moment to save my soul. I do not intentionally make myself so busy that I forget you. I no not intentionally fill my calendar to the point of breaking. Slow my breathing. Give me deep breaths as I calm myself. As I take a moment to save my soul. As I turn to you and say, “I am ready Lord. Your return is one thing I do not want to miss. I want to live each day so I am ready and will never have to say I almost made it.” … Amen

OLDER SON: “I WANT THE PRODICAL SON’S FATHER.”

2011-08-12T07:20:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:20, 28

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.

OLDER SON: “I WANT THE PRODICAL SON’S FATHER.”

When I turned the radio on, the minister was giving his take on the Parable of the Lost Son and again I thought, “Wrong.” Can you stand one more time on this subject? I do believe this is the most discussed, most preached, most one sided parable there is. Let’s get the given out of the way: Yes, this is a parable about us coming home to God. Coming home after we have taken his blessings, wasted them, hit rock bottom and hoping we will be forgiven.

My problem is that I think the older brother is getting a bad reputation he does not deserve. I do not think he is mad about his brother coming home. I do not think he is even mad about the fattened calf. He might have been a bit upset about the ring, but who knows for sure.

I think he was upset because he wanted his brother’s father. He wanted a father who was so excited to see him that he would run to meet him. He wanted a father who loved him enough to throw him a party. Not one that said, “My son you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But…” You see, it is the “But” that causes the problem. He wanted his brother’s father. That father did not say “but” to the lost son. That father just showed love!

From the first time this parable was told, the older brother was the bad guy. I just don’t agree, because I know how he felt.

You see, I wanted my brother’s mother. There were four of us and my mother had one child. My brother! He could do no wrong. He could be late for a family dinner and we all had to wait. If he wanted something mother had – even if one of us girls had given it to her – she gave it to him. My brother’s mother showed him love! Love I felt I did not get.

One time I asked mother about this. “Why do you love my brother most?” Her reply was, “There is just something about your firstborn.” When I asked, “What about your second, third and fourth born?” she had no reply.

I know my Creator, my Father, my God loves me unconditionally. He loves all His children equally. But I am like the misunderstood older brother. I did not want the “but”. I just wanted to know that this third born was loved as much as the first.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you the prodigal son? Are you the older brother? What do you feel when you read this parable?

Most children have issues with their parents. Some we leave behind in childhood. Some we carry with us into adulthood.

I no longer carry resentment or bitterness and, when my time comes to go back home to God, I will be thrilled to see my parents and my brother again.

What feelings toward your parents or siblings do you have? Good? Bad? Somewhere in between? Talk to God. Believe me, it works.

And remember: GOD HAS NO FAVORITES! GOD LOVES US ALL! EQUALLY!

AWFUL WORDS TO SAY AND HEAR

2011-08-05T05:50:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURES

Judges 10:6 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, he became angry with them.

Judges 10:13-14 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!

AWFUL WORDS TO SAY AND HEAR

If you read the history of the Israelites, it is no different from our history. The phrase ‘did evil in the eyes of the Lord’ appears repeatedly. This time their evil was not only worshiping/serving one other god, but multiple gods. I guess you could call it “god of the day” worship.

AWFUL WORDS TO SAY:

We, like the Israelites, continue to tell God no. We refuse to do X, Y or Z. We do over and over things, we know we shouldn’t. Our gods have different names: Money. Pride. Sports. These are all gods we serve by our actions. And by those actions we tell God no! We tell God we will not serve you alone.

But could you:

Look into God’s face and say, “Sorry, God. I would rather spend my time watching football/sport of your choice than go to church with my family.”
Shake God’s hand and say, “Thank you for the plan you prepared for my life, but my plan is better.”
Sit next to God, remember what you have in the bank, put 1% into the collection plate and say, “Well, God. That is better than nothing.”

How loud would your voice be if you had to raise your head, open your eyes, look into the face of God and say, “I pick these things over you. I no longer serve you.”

I no longer serve you. Awful words to say.

AWFUL WORDS TO HEAR:

In these scriptures, the people have turned to God and asked for help. God tells them, “Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!” Now that would be tough to hear. Immediately you would know you had really messed up this time. Instantly you would realize those gods could not save you.

These are not the awful words to hear though. The awful words? “I will no longer save you.”

Our Sunday School class studied these scriptures and I asked the class, “How would it feel to have God say he would no longer save you?”

No one spoke. Most looked down at the table. It was as if the air was sucked right out of the room.

One person finally said, “But he didn’t take away his presence.”

Another said, “They truly repented. (Verse 15) They gave up the other gods.”

What reaction would you have? Would it seem as if the world stopped spinning? As if time stood still? Would you --

I will no longer save you. Awful words to hear.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord forgive me for all the times my actions have refused to serve you. Open my eyes so I will recognize the gods that take my time, my resources, my soul. And when I finally see, when I truly repent - please Lord, forgive me.

Lord, I know you will always be present in my life, but I pray that the Holy Spirit stays strong and so fills me, that I never hear you say, “I will no longer save you.” For if I ever turn to other gods and hear you utter those words, I will be lost forever.

Amen

RANDOM THOUGHTS

2011-07-29T12:19:00.001-05:00

Okay, so this is one of those days when my mind just goes here, there and yonder. Bill will tell you that is how my mind has always worked. At least, it is still working!

Trying to figure out what to write, I looked in my prayer journal and I thought, “That sounds good. So does that. That is good but short. Great, now what?”

So, today you get random thoughts.

The church building can be beautiful, a work of art, but if the Spirit of God is not there, it is just a building.

I can have a healthy body, but if the Holy Spirit is not there, what good is it?

Seems we always have a good reason for missing a Sunday here and there. Wonder if God thinks they are good reasons.

There are so many ways to thank God for being an ALWAYS God. If you break the word and add an ‘l’, God becomes an ALL WAYS God.

I am becoming older but God is already ancient! Daniel 7:9 calls him “Ancient of Days.” At least no one has called me ancient. Yet!

I am to be a light. Sometimes I feel like I need new batteries!

God, would you consider deleting patience and obey?

Yes, I know we prayed for the rain to end so we could get crops out, but now we need rain.

SCRIPTURES

HEBREWS 4:12 (first part) -- For the word of God is living and active.

Philemon :6 -- I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

FINAL RANDOM THOUGHTS --

God is a verb: I AM! That means HE IS living and active in our lives.

We are a verb: ACTIVE! That means we are to share our faith. Then, not only will we have a full understanding of all we have in Christ, but others will also.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

So what thoughts enter your mind as it goes here, there and yonder?

Now put those thoughts into a prayer.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!

THERE ARE WOMEN IN THE BIBLE?

2011-07-22T08:12:00.001-05:00

Did you notice the question mark at the end of the title? I first had an exclamation mark, but decided that most people would ask this as a question. “There are women in the Bible?”

How many women can you name? ------- Okay, times up. How many did you come up with? Mary - 1. Martha - 2. Sara - 3. That other Mary - 4. Elizabeth - 5. Getting harder? Oh - Esther - 6. Ruth - 7. Keep going! You are only thinking of the good women. Bathsheba - 8. Potiphar’s Wife - 9. Come on, you can make it to 10. Yes, Eve - 10.

For a program, at church, I was going to look in the concordance and list all the women. Hit a snag real quick. It is hard to tell the difference between names of men, women and cities. And do you realize how many women are not even given a name? Is Basemeth the name of a mountain or a woman? Noah? Male? Wrong! Numbers 27: 1 - …. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.

When I googled, the list of major women numbered 114. That is only the major names! Time to rethink the title: THERE ARE WOMEN IN THE BIBLE!!!

The big problem is that, when we read the Bible, we so focus on the men that we overlook the lessons the women have for us. It is time to stop skimming over those lessons and READ! Take time to think about what the woman was going through. What her life would have been like.

One of the resources I found was Women of the Bible at www.womenofthebible.com

Anita Gutschick pointed out:

Lot’s Wife looked back - Are we always looking back and therefore not able to look forward?
The Woman at the Well - One of those “not so nice” ladies without a name meets the Messiah and what does she do? She left her water jar (essential to her life) and ran to tell others about the good news. From this woman we need to answer the question: What are we willing to leave behind and who are we willing to tell?
How we behave is more important than how we look.
There are consequences to our actions.
The kitchen is a busy place when Jesus and his friends drop in for lunch.
You can stand up to the Pharaoh.
We should not play favorites and should not interfere in others affairs.

My favorite discovery? Sisterchicking began a very long time ago.

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:39-40, 56

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you imagine the conversations Mary and Elizabeth had? Can you picture Zechariah over in the corner, listening but not being able to join in? Can you picture the women comparing bellies? (Yes, they would have! They were women.) Can you picture them as Mary leaves to return home?

What have you learned from a woman in the Bible?

LET US PRAY

In your own words, tell God how thankful you are for the female role models He has placed in the Bible.

-----------

PS - If you are a man and made it to the end of today’s blog, please let me know. I want to congratulate you.

STONES VERSUS DOORS

2011-07-16T09:51:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURES

Joshua 7:20, 25b - Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel." Then all of Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them.

John 8:7, 9 - When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

Please also read Matthew 7:7, Acts 14:27 and Revelations 3:20. Oh, go ahead. It will do you good to look them up.

STONES VERSUS DOORS

Our Sunday School class was studying Joshua 7 and a comment I made has been on my heart.

Cliff notes: The Israelites defeated Jericho but then got thoroughly trounced. Why? Well, thinking themselves undefeatable after Jericho, they planned the next battle instead of following God. Joshua also failed to notice God was no where to be found. You see, God was more than a bit upset with them. He had told the Israelites to take nothing for their own out of Jericho. As usual, one guy saw a few items he liked so he took them and hid them under his tent. No one knew except God. When they were defeated, Joshua called God and asked, "What gives?" God says, "Did you even notice I was no where to be found? Here is what you are going to do to fix things." Each tribe and person was judged innocent until only Achan remained. The punishment was severe. Achan, his family and everything he owned was stoned, burned and buried under a pile of rocks.

The discussion was great: How would you feel waiting to see if the guilty person was in your tribe? Your family? Why punish the whole family? How does one person's sin cause others to suffer? How would you feel if you were Achan? How would you feel as you threw stones?

It is hard for us to understand much in the Old Testament. One man sinned and the whole family stoned. Why the whole family? Why death? Why did the whole community have to participate? But we are New Testament people and we see sin through the Cross. We like the time Jesus said to throw the stone if you are free of sin. We know no stones will be thrown because we have ALL SINNED. We no longer throw stones or punish a whole family - or do we.

At the end of class, I commented, "Today we do not throw stones, we just shut doors."

We shut the door on:

> the person that has funny colored hair

> the person that doesn't like our style of music

> the person that has really sinned unlike our teeny tiny sins

> the person that has paid the price (jail time, etc.) for their crime

> the family of the person that committed crimes or those really big sins

> the person that doesn't wear the right clothes

Do you get the idea? Do we throw stones? No, we do something worse. We shut the door and deny those we judge, as not up to "our" standards, the opportunity to know Jesus.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Would you shut the door on someone?

(As you are thinking on this, I want to make a further comment. Please do not think I have some better-than-thou attitude. I am very guilty of judging people and am sure I have shut doors. My goal today is to help us see that we do not have to throw a rock to injure someone. We can shut the door to our church, to our compassion, to our understanding of God. When we do that, the person on the other side of the door will never learn about God's love and forgiveness.)

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Forgive me Lord. Forgive me when I feel smug because I do not throw stones, but feel it is fine shutting the door on people who do not live up to my standards. Move through me and be the force that gives me the courage to open doors in my church and in my life. When I see someone that has sinned, let me open the door of forgiveness. When I see someone that doesn't look quite like me, let me open the door and invite them in. When I see someone who is suffering because of the actions of another, let me open the doors of understanding and compassion. When I see someone looking for you, let me open the door before they even have a chance to knock. Amen

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #4

2011-07-08T06:02:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: John 4:6-14 (Please go back and read the entire scripture. Here is a bit of those verses.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #4

Living Water - Oh, my friends, that is only the beginning of the gifts God has for us.

Welcome to week four of The Gifts of God. Nine gifts down and one to go. Have you given thought to those nine gifts? Trials. Gentleness. Hiding Place. Delight. Tears. Called. Warning. Rest. Walk with head held high.

What gift could be in the box for us to open this week? What gift could top resting in God?

FOREVER

Now what can that mean? I know I'm not going to live forever? I know that nothing lasts forever. What kind of a gift is forever?

In the beginning God Genesis 1:1

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

Forever - Thank you for the gift of knowing YOU are forever.

God wants you to know HE is forever. He will never abandon you. That is a gift. He wants you to know that you may have no family here, but he has adopted you. He has adopted us all. We are God's children. We belong to God. That is a gift. God has given us the gift of an advocate. God is on our side. That is a gift.

God wants you to know about all his gifts not just those "normal" gifts that we can name so easily.

So many gifts. So many blessings. There. Right in front of us. Really so many no altar is big enough to hold them. So many gifts. Waiting to be taken. Waiting to be opened.

And there is no one gift limit. God's gifts just keep coming and coming.

Everyday comes bearing its own gifts and God has prepared wonderful, amazing gifts for each of us. We do not have to wait for Christmas. We do not have to wait for our birthday. We do not have to wait.

God does offer the gifts? He does offer them, but he does not make us take them. God offers. But we have to accept.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

What gifts has God prepared for you? Will you accept them?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Thank you God for all you have given me. Thank you for the unique gifts you have prepared, because only you know what I need.

Lord, take away my hesitation. My fears. My doubts. Let me humbly accept your gifts. Courageously unwrap. And joyfully celebrate each one.

Amen & Amen

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #3

2011-07-01T05:33:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: John 4:6-14 (Please go back and read the entire scripture. Here is a bit of those verses.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #3

Living Water - Oh, my friends, that is only the beginning of the gifts God has for us.

Welcome to week three of The Gifts of God. We have learned about the gifts of Trials, Gentleness, Hiding Place, Delight, Tears and Called. Some of these just didn't fit into our usual idea of Gifs of God, but have you thought about them? Do they make sense now?

What will this week bring? Three more gifts! Oh, the Gifts of God just keep piling up and up and up and up and up and up!

WARNING: This is an unusual gift but one I should have opened. More than once. What a blessing it is when we receive a warning that something just isn't right. That feeling in our stomach. Those times when our conscious kicks in. The warning that makes us stop. A warning that makes us stop and think.

(speaking of Israel's history) Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11

The Bible is so full of lessons on how we should live, but it is also full of warnings that tell us what not to do.

REST: A gift we can all use. So busy. Work. Family. Too many phone calls. Too many committees. Too many times of saying yes. Too many -- Too many demands on our time. And each comes with -- Tired. Not enough hours. Not strong enough.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-29

Where can we find rest? In God!

WALK WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH: As I searched the scriptures to find those unusual gifts God wanted pointed out, I found this one. That's a gift I didn't understand. Why wouldn't we walk with our heads held high?

Maybe because we are sinners. Maybe because we are afraid of something in our past. Maybe because we feel unworthy. Psalm 44:15: My disgrace is before me all day long, and my face is covered with shame.

(God speaking to the Israelites) I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. Leviticus 26:13

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

We are forgiven children. Walk with your head held high. What a wonderful gift!

Nine gifts. Although God's gifts are unending, I only one more to tell you about. Come back next week to find out what it is.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been ready to do something and had a warning? Have you ever been so tired you just didn't know what to do? Have you ever had trouble holding your head high?

LET US PRAY: Today, please talk to God about his warnings. Thank him for breaking the bars of your yoke. Thank him for rest.

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #2

2011-06-24T07:06:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE John 4:6-14 (Please go back and read the entire scripture. Here is a bit of those verses.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.

THE GIFTS OF GOD -- #2

Living Water - Oh, my friends, that is only the beginning of the gifts God has for us.

Welcome to week two of The Gifts of God. Last week we learned that sometimes the gifts of God are not what we expect or what we really want. The three gifts mentioned last week were Trials, Gentleness and Hiding Place.

This week I have three more. What gift might God give you? Or me? When the gift is opened, would you smile, laugh or worry?

DELIGHT: Delight is defined as something that gives great pleasure or enjoyment. And are you ready for this? GOD HAS A WHOLE RIVER OF DELIGHTS!

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. Psalm 36:7

Think about it. God has a whole river of delights! A river just waiting for us to drink from.

When I gave my message, I held up a little drinking glass and told them I was not taking this to the river.

This is the cup I am dipping into the river of delights.

I don't know about you, but I want to take a very big glass, a super duper size glass to that river.

TEARS: Tears? Tears from laughter? From joy? Well, of course we all want that gift. What feeling is there like laughing so hard the tears run right down your cheeks? Or the sweet tears of joy? This is a great gift. This is a keeper!

Yes, but also God has given us tears to help us when we are grieving. When we are scared. Tears help us deal with pain. We must remember though, tears are not permanent.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

CALLED: Oh, my. Here is another gift we do not like to open. Called -- Our first question is, "Called to what?"

When we receive this gift, we begin to bargain with God. Can I do it tomorrow? Surely, you meant this gift for someone else. I don't know to teach. Africa? That is so far away. What about someplace not so hot. With indoor plumbing? I know. After the kids are out of the house. After the bills are all paid. After -- . But called is a gift.

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4: part of 14

Some ladies had just finished a study on Esther and understood that Esther was called to be a Queen. Called to save her people.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Of course, there is only one answer when we receive the gift of called. The Lord came and stood there, calling, "Samuel! Samuel!" We must be like Samuel. Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Take time to think about these three gifts: Delight. Tears. Called.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Three new gifts this week. Which would you be thrilled to open? Which gift have you received? Would you like to open the gift of called?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

More gifts! Lord, your gifts are never ending. I thank you for the gifts I welcome with open arms: joy, peace, love. And I thank you for the gifts I receive but do not understand until later. I so do want to drink from your river of delights and will dip into that river with the biggest container I can find. Tears have come with laughter and tears have come when life had no laughter in it. Called? Lord, when you give me that gift, make sure it is wrapped in strength and tied with your guidance. Called? Speak, your servant is listening. Amen

THE GIFTS OF GOD

2011-06-17T08:14:00.001-05:00

One morning I sat in the courtyard, at our church. What a wonderful, peaceful place for prayer, surrounded by flowers, a blue sky and the cross towering over the church. Surrounded by gifts from God! As I sat in the courtyard, I pictured the altar stacked high with packages. Each wrapped perfectly. Tied with colorful bows. All sizes. All shapes. And never ending. No matter how many received a gift, the altar was never bare. The pile of gifts never got smaller. There were always gifts waiting to be taken.

I wondered how God feels when his children come to take a gift. Is he happy that we want his peace? Is he thrilled when we take faith? Hope? Charity?

We can make a long list: Peace. Patience. Grace. Mercy. Salvation. Trust. Courage. Healing. Faithfulness. Self - Control. That list could go on and on. And each of us would put different gifts on the list. Gifts we would like and gifts we have received.

As I sat there, a simple idea began to form for the next time I spoke at church. Everyone needs to know about God's gifts. I wanted to tell that sometimes the gift, when opened, may say yes. But it also may say no. All the "normal" things we call gifts from God popped into my mind, but God had another idea. God wants you to know about all his gifts.

Last Sunday I delivered the message and, over the next three weeks will tell about some of the not-so-obvious gifts.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: John 4:6-14

Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.

It was about the sixth hours. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.

Living Water - Oh, my friends, that is only the beginning of the gifts God has for us.

TRIALS: God, may I put that one back. I don't want trials. Life is so complicated now. Why have you given me trials? - May I put this one back? I don't want trials.

As much as we hate trials, they do come and we learn from them. We learn to give care to a loved one, showing tenderness and compassion. We learn to allow others to help us. And we all learn when we stand with our family and friends, helping them through their trials.

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

GENTLENESS: Now that is more like it. Gentleness is a great gift.

What a blessing. What a gift when God gives us gentle words which we can use to comfort others. Or a gentle touch when caring for a loved one. What a gift when God's gentleness wraps around us.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

HIDING PLACE: That is a strange gift. Or is it?

Have you ever just felt like the world was too much? Like you just needed to get away? Away to a place that was safe? Away, alone, just for a bit? Have you ever wanted to get away to a place where you could take a deep breath, close your eyes and forget your troubles?

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Hiding place is not a strange gift after all.

Enough for today. Next week will be soon enough to find out about other gifts God has prepared for you.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How would you feel if you went to the altar, selected a gift, opened it and found trials? Would you think that was a gift you wanted to keep? Would you want to keep gentleness? Have you ever wanted a hiding place?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

To the giver of gifts, Thank you for each gift I receive. For those, like trials, that I do not appreciate until long after the trial is over and for those that I willingly accept, like gentleness. Thank you for being there when I need a hiding place. God, please open my heart and my eyes so, unlike the woman at the well, I will see your gifts. Amen

HOW COULD I FORGET THAT?

2011-06-10T07:06:00.001-05:00

Mondays, during the summer, I spend with four of our grandsons. Sometimes we play board games. Sometimes we bake. We usually play wii. Sometimes we watch a movie. And sometimes we do a craft.

This last Monday the boys wanted to make garden stones like we did last summer. We did it once so now it is a tradition. A summer ritual.

I bought more quick crete and colored stones. When I checked my supplies, a new mixing bowl, strong spoon and plastic trays were added to the list. Everything we needed was now on hand and ready to be loaded into the car.

To make the process less messy, I even pre-measured the crete for each stone and bagged it separately. I was thinking ahead!

Into the car went the crete, the bowl, the spoon, the trays and all the goodies to decorate with.

The boys were excited when I arrived and out of the car came everything. The crete, the bowl, the spoon and all the goodies to decorate with. Did you notice that the trays did not come out of the car? They were no place to be found.

I looked three times! I just knew I had put them in the car.

Four very sweet grandsons said we could do them next week. IF I DIDN'T FORGET AGAIN.

We are human. We will forget things. God, on the other hand, will never forget us!!

My favorite Psalm is 139 and I read it often.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 139

O Lord, you have searched me, you know me, you perceive my thoughts, you discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways, you know my tongue completely, you are behind and before me and you have laid your hand upon me. parts of 1-6

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 7-10

WOW!! We forget little things. We forget big things. Some days we forget God. And sometimes those days stretch into weeks and years. But God never forgets us. He always has us held fast in His right hand.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you forgotten anything this week? How did it make you feel? Mad at yourself? Frustrated?

How does it make you feel to know that God never forgets you?

(In case you are wondering about the trays, I found them when I got home. When I picked up the supplies I was not taking with me, I put the trays in the wrong pile. My bad.)

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

O Lord, Sometimes I make plans and they just don't turn out right because I forgot one small item. Thank you for not forgetting even the smallest detail of the plan you have for me. Sometimes I forget someone's name. Thank you for not forgetting my name. Sometimes I forget where I put something. Thank you for always knowing where I am. That means I am never alone. Amen

45 YEARS, 364 DAYS AND COUNTING

2011-06-03T07:20:00.001-05:00

Thinking back to June 3, 1965 I remember not being nervous at all. In my mind I picture a very young, 18 year old girl preparing for a very big day: June 4, 1965: MY WEDDING DAY!

For just a moment, close your eyes, take a deep breath and picture a wedding. Okay. Got it? Did you picture a wedding gown with a long veil? Flowers and candles? A packed church? If you did, you are so wrong!

We were married on a Friday evening, in a small Methodist Church with only our families present. How much time did I take off work for our wedding? Friday and Monday! That is what Bill and I both wanted and I have never regretted not having a big, traditional wedding.

Friday, June 4, 1965 was a busy day. I actually had my hair done! We picked up the flowers. And we - nope that was it. Oh, guess the 4th wasn't that busy. I'm not sure what Bill did to prepare. After the wedding, we were going back to his mother's to have cake and punch, so I imagine he helped her get the house ready and probably picked up the cake.

My dad walked me down the aisle and, as we were getting ready to take that first step, he said, "If you want to change your mind, I'll take you out the door instead." No way!! Down the aisle we went.

Our service was very short. Our minister, Rev. Sam Boyle, read the proper words, pronounced us Mr. and Mrs. and sent us down the aisle.

Just so you can check out the styles and I can stop, look and remember here are pictures.

My parents

Bill's mother, Uncle George and Aunt Nelle

Maid of Honor, my sister Jean, and Best Man, Jim

Yes, this is the complete wedding party.

Today's blog does not have a deep message. There are no questions for you to ponder. I think I just wanted you to share in our anniversary. I want you to know God's blessings can begin on a Friday evening in a small quiet church.

One young girl walking toward one young man,

standing before an altar and

saying, "I do."

I am thankful I walked down the aisle and not out the door. Bill is the very best gift God has ever given me. We began our lives walking side by side and that is how we have traveled the path that began June 4, 1965.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 2: parts of 20-24

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

My very gracious God, Thank you for my Bill. Amen

TIME TO BUILD AN ARK

2011-05-27T08:15:00.001-05:00

As I look at cloudy skies and a forecast for more rain, I thought about Noah. Today I am repeating a blog from April 4, 2008.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 6:22

Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

TIME TO BUILD AN ARK

In this part of Indiana, we are having our share of rain. We now have water standing on water. And it is raining again. I wonder if it is time to build another ark.

All of this rain got me to thinking about Noah – Now things were not going too great on earth. Wickedness. Evil. All sorts of bad stuff. So God was ready to wipe out everything.

Genesis 6:7-8 says, “So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe out mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth – men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air – for I am grieved that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

“Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” What about in the eyes of others? Can you hear it? I imagine it went something like this --

Mrs. Noah probably said, “You’re going to build what?”

And I am sure he heard from his neighbors. “Noah, what are you doing? If you keep this up, the property values will go down.”

Noah’s son Ham was in for some teasing also. “Ham, your daddy doesn’t have both oars in the water.” And Ham would have come back with, under his breath of course, “Maybe not now, but you wait and see who floats and who doesn’t.”

Then there was the trip to the local hardware. When Noah told the owner what he wanted, the owner would have wondered if he heard the order correctly – “You want how much cypress wood? You need how much pitch? I will have to order that in." Rubbing his hands together and, with a wicked grin, he most likely asked, "Will you be paying now or later?”

Think of the strength of character Noah needed to stand up to the looks. To the questions. To the laughing. And yet verse 22 tells us, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

Noah had courage. He listened to God and had the courage to do just what God commanded. We can learn from Noah. We can have courage.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

In a Bible Study, the author pointed out that when Noah shut the door, he would have been leaving family, friends and neighbors to drown. They would have been pounding on the boat. They would have been calling to Noah. Think of the courage it took to "do as God commanded."

Has God ever asked you to do something that made you choose His will over family, friends or neighbors? Have you ever taken a stand and then been laughed at or criticized? Have you ever taken a stand and then wished you had not, because the pressure was so great? Have you ever just walked away and then felt ashamed that you were not strong enough? (Remember, God will never ask us to do more than we are capable of doing. And He will give us the strength we need. We just have to trust Him.)

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Glorious God, I am so thankful that you found Noah worthy. And that he listened to your commands. Let me learn from Noah. Let me first listen and find my strength in you. Then let me do everything you command. I do thank you for being patient with me when I am weak. When I do not listen. I ask for courage when I feel you leading me. …… Amen

OFF TO THE OTHER SHORE

2011-05-20T05:45:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURES: MARK

3:9 Because of the crowd he told his disciples to have a small boat ready for him to keep the people from crowding him.

4:36 Leaving the crowd behind

5:21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.

6:32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

6:46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray

OFF TO THE OTHER SHORE

These scriptures came to mind and I wondered why Jesus kept taking off for the other shore. The other side of the lake. Why would he want to leave the crowd behind? Didn't he want the people around him? Then I pictured the people getting closer and closer. All wanting to hear exactly what he was saying. Some wanting to touch him so they would be healed. Can you picture him, at the edge of the water, with the crowd pushing and pushing? They would take a step forward and Jesus would take a step back. Then into the boat he would go. Off to the other side. Off to another shore.

The only problem with that is the people on the other side of the lake were waiting for him. What was he to do?

That is when the light bulb went off and I realized that often I feel that way. Crowded and pushed. Too much work. Too many other things I want to do. Too many books waiting to be read. Too much dust waiting to be scattered to another landing spot and laundry to do. Too many people needing my time and energy.

Have you ever felt that way? Pushed? Crowded? Surrounded? Where to go? Where to go?

Well, get in the boat with Jesus. He is right there waiting to give you a ride to the other side. Yes, the bills are there too. And the job. And all the people and things that demand your time and energy. But you will be ready to face them because you have rested your body and mainly your Spirit as you rode in the boat with Jesus. Just that short ride gives you the strength to go on!

While I was pondering this, I also thought about Jesus, those crowds and his solitary time.

"Jesus," I would ask, "did you ever get bruised or scratched as people crowded and pushed just to touch you? You were human, did you ever get scared when they crowded you to the edge of the water?"

"Jesus," I would ask, "how did you feel when you went away to a solitary place? Did your body sigh with relief and relaxation? And what did you and your Father talk about?"

I think Jesus might have said something like this: "Hi Father. This has been some day. I need rest so thank you for the shade of this tree and the breeze. Did you see the crowd? I pray they heard with their hearts. I pray they believe tomorrow. What? Yes the disciples are coming along. They're out on the boat and I'll go there shortly. I think I'll just walk out. Yes. That will give them a shock, but I like to shake them up. So how far do you suppose Peter will walk? He will do okay until he takes his eyes off of me. Then down he'll go. How long will it take them to learn? Really? That long. Better go. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't get away for our talks. Later. I mean, Amen."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you ever feel pushed? Crowded? Surrounded? Where do you go when you feel like this?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

O Lord, you do not intend for me to always feel pushed. Crowded. Surrounded by pressure. Send a boat so I can spend time with you and receive comfort and renewal for my body and soul. Amen

PRAYER - A NEED? A PRIVILEGE? A DUTY?

2011-05-13T12:26:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord. Genesis 4:26

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

PRAYER - A NEED? A PRIVILEGE? A DUTY?

The other day I heard an interesting message on prayer and it got me to thinking: Is prayer a need? Is prayer a privilege? Is prayer a duty?

Do we need to pray? The Bible says God knows what is in our hearts and he knows what we require before we even tell him. So, why pray if it is not essential for God to understand our would likes and our must haves? The question, "Do we need to pray?" is answered by no and yes.

Does God need us to pray so he will know what we require? No. Do we need to pray? Yes! We need to know that God is quite clear on what we would like and what we must have! Just kidding! We need to pray so the Spirit himself will intercede when we just do not have the words or the energy to express our true needs. And God, who searches our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit and they work together in the harmony of God's will. (Based on Romans 8:26-27) Prayer is a need!

Is prayer a privilege? This question can also be answered yes and no. If you consider a privilege something that only a few of the elite are entitled to, then the answer is no. But if you consider a privilege something that is a benefit, an opportunity, an honor or a pleasure, then the answer is yes! What other faith is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? (Based on Deuteronomy 4:7) Prayer is a privilege!

Is prayer a duty? This question has only one answer: YES! Prayer is something we have to do. It is a responsibility. An obligation. Why?

Prayer is a duty because Jesus prayed and we, who with uncovered faces reflect the Lord's glory, are constantly being changed into his likeness. (Based on 2 Corinthians 3:18) It is our duty to live in such a way as we reflect the likeness of Jesus. Jesus prayed. We must pray. Prayer is a duty!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

Do you have trouble praying? Trouble finding the right words? Use your own words or find scripture passages that you really like and make them personal. Use I, me and my. But remember, no matter how you say it, God loves to hear you pray. Today, with no help from me, say your own prayer. God is listening!!! He will hear you!!!

CHANGE OF IDENTITY

2011-05-06T05:37:00.001-05:00

As I look back, I realize my identity has changed over the years. I have gone from a young thing to a getting-closer-to-65. My identity has gone from daughter, to wife, to mother, to grandma. I have been a resident of Indiana, a resident of Michigan and back to a resident of Indiana. I have been a student, a car hop and an accountant's secretary. I am still my husband's right hand in our office and I am an auction cashier.

My identity is getting ready to change. As I write this, I am still an auction cashier. That, after 32+ years, will change May 21 when I work my last auction. This was not an easy decision to make. I have met some extremely wonderful people and, yes, a few that tested my patience and caused my temper to flare. I have enjoyed the challenge of the auction and, yes, suffered frustration when we would occasionally not balance. I have traveled to work auctions all over Indiana and into Michigan and Ohio. There are people I will miss. I will miss those that I have worked beside for all of these years, but it is time.

Just so you do not think cashiering is a piece of cake, I want you to know that I will not miss working out of very breezy barns and freezing my backside and I will not miss 90 degree summer days when there is no breeze and the sweat is dripping down the back of my neck. I will not miss driving in fog, snow, rain or sleet. I will not miss needing to have a nature break and there being a line at the port-a-pot. I will not miss the port-a-pot!!!!!!!

The bottom line is that by late afternoon, on May 21, my life will change. Again!

But our lives change from moment to moment. No two days are the same and not one of us is exactly like we were yesterday. We change with the activities in our own lives and we change as we interact with family, friends and strangers. We change as the world changes. Everyone's identity changes. Oh, wait!

TODAYS SCRIPTURES

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:13

I the Lord do not change. Malachi 3:6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." Revelation 22:13

CHANGE OF IDENTITY

My identity will continue to change. Your identity will change. The only thing we can be sure of is that God - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - never changes. God is the Beginning and God will be the End. God is the Alpha and the Omega.

LET US PRAY (I have put in things that touch each of us at one time or another, but use this only as a guide. Use the changes in your life to make it personal.)

What do I do Lord? I think I have it all figured out. Life seems to be going good and then everything changes. There are disagreements within my family and friends just seem to disappear when I need them. Things pop up at work I hadn't expected and then I am flustered and on edge. Supper doesn't get done on time and the washer springs a leak. Is there ever a normal day? Why do things continually change? How do I survive in an ever changing life?

How do I survive? I turn to You. Thank you for not changing. Thank you for being the same God from morning to morning. Thank you for being with me in all of my yesterdays. Thank you for being with me today and I know you will be in my tomorrow. When everything around me changes, I know I can turn to you. When everything around me changes, I know you will always be faithful. Amen

MY IDENTITY

2011-04-29T08:11:00.001-05:00

When we are making a quick trip to the store or for coffee, I do not always take my driver's license: proof of my identity. If we were to be in an accident, I would think, "This is a small town. Someone will know me." But, when we go out of town, I always take my ID with me. And, if someone is riding with me, I insist they have theirs.

In case of an emergency, what I carry, in my purse, would tell people a lot about me. They could quickly learn my name, address and age. They might question my weight which hasn't been up-pounded for a few weight gains and my hair color changes each time Clairol messes with their formula for dark blonde. Digging further, my home phone number is on my cell phone. My health and auto insurance cards are behind my license. I usually carry only one credit card, but my fabric purchase card is almost full so they will know I like to sew.

If they did a bit deeper, they will know I am old school and still carry enough cash to buy a cup of coffee without using a charge card. It will be quickly revealed that I chew gum and use Tylenol. And that my calendar has some really busy days and some where I can relax. From my key chain, they will learn I shop at CVS, Hallmark and Alco and that my library card number begins with a 2.

I usually carry my camera because I love to take pictures, but they won't find many pictures. There is one of Bill and me taken a few years ago at church and a few school pictures of the grandkids.

One thing I hope they find is a picture I have carried since grade school. Why do I want them to find this picture?

Because if I am ever rushed to the emergency room, I want them to be shouting, "She is a Christian. We found Jesus in her purse."

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he was the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17

As you can see, the picture is a bit worn.

"But what about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." Mark 8:29

The Gideons gave these out, I think, when I was in the fourth grade.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What would your purse or wallet say about you?

LET US PRAY: Today, say your own prayer. Talk to Jesus. Tell him about yourself. Yes, he knows everything about you, but He does so enjoy listening to you. Then answer the question: Who do you say I am? Have a heart to heart about how you would answer that question. Then ask Him to protect you and be always with you as you continue learning about yourself and about becoming an even stronger Christian.

WHAT DO YOU HEAR?

2011-04-22T10:07:00.001-05:00

This past week I spoke for Chapel, at a local retirement community. I asked them to hear the scriptures. Not just read them, but to imagine the surroundings and how it would have sounded. Today I ask you to do the same thing and I am asking you to look up the scriptures. Yes, this is a bit longer than usual, but remember, you are reading the reason for the Christmas story.

Please read the scriptures for each section.

Luke 22:7 --- The Last Supper: When I think about the sounds of the day of the Last Supper, I picture Peter and John walking down a very busy street. Noisy with chatter. Merchants selling wares needed for Passover. What do you think they talked about while they prepared the room? Can you hear how quiet the room would have become when the preparations were over?

Can you hear Jesus and the disciples coming up the stairs? Do you hear the door open?

Can you hear the water being poured into the basin? Can you hear Peter telling Jesus not to wash his feet? Can you imagine the quiet as Jesus continues to go from disciple to disciple? Can you hear the cup being passed? Can you hear the bread being broken?

Jesus made many startling and troubling remarks that night. Can you hear the whispers, as the disciples tried to figure out what Jesus was talking about.

Can you hear the door shut as Judas leaves? Can you hear the quiet return as Jesus and the disciples left? What sounds do you hear in the Upper Room?

Luke 22:39-46 --- In the Garden: "Father" - What do you hear in his voice when he prays? Pain? Hope? Pleading? Obedience! What sound would an angel make? What sound would an angel make bringing the love of the Father to strengthen the Son? Do you hear his sweat fall to the ground? Do you hear someone snoring in the distance? Do you hear the footsteps getting louder and louder? Do you hear the confusion in the voice of the disciples? Do you hear the disappointment for a lost soul, as Jesus tells Judas to carry out his task?

Matthew 27:63-67 --- The Trial, the Courtyard and the Crucifixion: Sometimes we visualize what we have seen in movies and we hear what the director feels is important. What would you hear at the trial? What would you hear in the courtyard? Would you hear the disciples asking themselves what they could do? Can you hear the anguish in the voice of the women? Can you hear the crowd? Can you hear the crown being made? The whip cutting through the air? Can you hear - Oh, these are sounds we do not want to hear. I do not want to hear the cross being drug down the street. I do not want to hear the hammer hit the nail. I do not want to hear -- Oh, this is where I would rather just read the words and not hear or see.

Luke 23:46 --- The Cross: Words are bad enough, but the sounds. The vision of this is too hard. But it takes all of our senses to make this real. We must hear. We must feel. The sounds at the cross are the hardest to hear. Can you hear Jesus being called names? Being made fun of? Do you hear the weeping? Do you hear Jesus as he calls out to his father? Do you hear Jesus as he -- As he says, Father, forgive them --

Matthew 28:1-2, 5-6, 18 --- The Empty Tomb and the Ascension: Can you hear the sounds of footsteps as the women walked to the tomb? Do you suppose they talked? Or were they quiet? Can you hear them go (intake of breathe) as they saw the open tomb? What did the voice of the angel sound like? Gentle? Full of promise? I think it sounded like - hope! Can you hear the difference in their footsteps as they leave? Coming their steps would be sad. Heavy. Sorrowful. Now their steps were light! Joyful!

Hearing the sounds of the courtyard and the cross were so hard, but hearing the sounds of the empty tomb is like hearing the most beautiful -- The most beautiful sound. Sweet to the ears. Comfort for the soul. A melody that can only be played on an angel's harp.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you imagine being there when Jesus spoke for the last time? Read the Gospels and imagine.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. How would that have sounded?

Jesus ascended! Listen!

Can you hear the joyful sound in heaven?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Heavenly Father, As I read and study Your word, let those words touch my whole being. Let me use my ears to hear the activity and emotions that surround Your word. And, in that hearing, let my understanding be greatly increased.

Amen

THROUGH THE VALLEY

2011-04-15T07:45:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me.

THROUGH THE VALLEY

The other day I was reading a book and the character pointed out that they were walking through the valley of the shadow of death. That darn ole 2 X 4 hit me and I realized it said through. It didn't say: I stay in the valley. It said: THROUGH. Why had I never thought of this before? I have read this Psalm many times and just never focused on this one word.

I have a friend who is walking a valley right now. And it is a valley of death. But it is not a physical death. It is the death of a marriage and the death of a dream. I called her and told her, "YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STAY!"

This next week we begin to celebrate Easter. The problem is that before we can celebrate Easter, we must go through the valley of shadow of death. We must go through the valley of the Cross. But go through. Go through, just like Jesus did.

Jesus did not stay in the valley. Jesus did not stay in the tomb. Jesus went through death. Jesus went through the tomb. Jesus went through the valley to go to the Father.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you in a valley right now?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Father, Thank you that I am only meant to go through valleys and not meant to stay in them. Because you are with me, I do not have to be afraid or alone. Your rod of authority and staff of support reassure me that I will safely travel through all of the valleys in my life. Amen

AND JESUS SAID

2011-04-08T11:11:00.001-05:00

I gave our Sunday School class an assignment. Giving an assignment made me feel like a "real" teacher. The assignment was to write a personal statement of faith that expresses what you believe to be the twelve most important things about Jesus Christ. Or list what you believe to be the ten most important statements Jesus made.

I searched the scriptures and having a Bible with the words of Jesus in red really helped. I quit trying to get a list of 10. I cut my list down to 12 but refuse to delete any more!

Here are my 12 and why I chose them.

A question I need to be able to answer:

But what about you? Who do you say I am? Luke 9:20

A question of my faith:

Do you believe that I am able to do this? Matthew 9:28

Who I am to worship and serve:

It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' Luke 4:8

When I am tired:

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

When I feel like I cannot do life:

My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. Matthew 26:39

How I am to love:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hand on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40

Who I am to help:

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

A warning:

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:4-5

Be alert:

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Mark 13:32-33

What I am to do and Jesus' assurance:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20

Where I will go:

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:1-4

How I get there:

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What are favorite scriptures?

LET US PRAY

Today, think about your favorite scriptures and use them as your prayer.

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

2011-04-03T17:18:00.001-05:00

GUESS THE APRIL FOOL'S IS ON ME. FOR SOME REASON MY BLOG DID NOT POST. THANKS TO A FRIEND WHO MISSED IT.

Now who would come up with a day called April Fool's Day? And why?

Who and why? No one really knows but in 1582, in France, people were a bit confused. Or so it seems to me. They celebrated the New Year from March 25 to April 1. Then Charles IX introduced a new calendar that began with January. Not having the internet or text messaging, it took the news a bit of time to travel and some people did not take the news in stride. They did not want to change. They wanted to keep the old calendar.

What were the people called who refused to change? These backward folk were labeled "fools" and they were teased for continuing to celebrate the beginning of the year on April 1. A new tradition was born.

April Fool's Day is just one of those nonsensical days. A day where kids try to trick their parents with the same jokes that their parents used. (Hey, your shoe is untied.) Times on clocks are changed to confuse people. Sugar is put in place of salt and money is glued to the sidewalk. And kids around the world - kids of all ages - smile when they yell, "Got ya. April Fools!"

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

(Jesus speaking) "But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:26-27

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:17

APRIL FOOL'S DAY

This day came into being because, as people heard of the new calendar, they did not want to change. People have heard about God at different times. Some heard early in their lives and some did not hear until they were up in years. Some believed immediately. Some did not. Some have not. Some will not believe because they do not want to change.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When did you first hear about God? Did you believe right away? Did you have trouble because you did not want to change? (The changing part is an ongoing process. God keeps pointing out big and little areas of my life that need changed. Also, just when I think I have learned one lesson, God hits me between the eyes with a 2 X 4 and teaches me something else. I told someone that I wished he would use something softer.)

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Do you laugh at us on April Fool's Day? Teasing each other. Pulling pranks. Lord, do you think your children are a bit silly? Or do you enjoy seeing us having fun? Do you enjoy watching young children trying to put one over on their parents?

I know better, but so often I do deserve to be called a fool. Forgive me, Lord, when I try to put one over on you. Forgive me when I resist changing my life.

I do not want to be fools and live a foolish life. I want my faith built on solid rock - on Your solid rock. And I want to understand your will. Amen

RANDOM FINDS

2011-03-25T07:38:00.001-05:00

You just never know where you are going to find words of wisdom. From a television program, I have learned that "You can't do everything, but you can do more than nothing." In other words, "Mary, you may not be able to fix the world, but how about helping one child at a time?" That thought got me started as a volunteer for CASA.

Every year I buy myself a Mary Engelbreit calendar. She has the brightest artwork and thought provoking quotes. One of my favorites is a quote from Marcel Proust: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." I seem to remember hearing that somewhere else.

Psalm 119:18 -- Open my eyes that I may see

Psalm 121:1 -- I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?

Luke 24:31 -- Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him

Ephesians 1:18-19 -- I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Who would think a calendar page would send me to the scriptures?

Dear Lord, Open my eyes. Open the eyes of all who read this so they may see the world around them with new eyes. So all will recognize you and seek the riches you have for us. Amen.

Do you like to read? I do and one of my favorite authors is Dean Koontz. I just finished his book From the Corner of His Eye. Normally you would not think about finding any inspirational quotes or ideas from a Dean Koontz book, but two just jumped right off the pages of this book.

Agnes says, "Hope is the food of faith, the staff of life. Don't you think? When we don't allow ourselves to hope, we don't allow ourselves to have purpose. Without purpose, without meaning, life is dark. We've no light within, and we're just living to die."

Wow. Scriptures, here I come.

Psalm 42:5 -- Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 62:5 -- Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

Proverbs 23:18 -- There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Romans 15:13 -- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 6:19-20 -- We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Dear Lord, With open eyes, we find hope when we are downcast and disturbed. We find this hope, this rest, in you alone. O, Lord, fill us with joy. With peace. With trust. With open eyes and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are firm and secure because Jesus is our anchor. Amen.

Also from this Dean Koontz book, an artist, Celestina, had just ended her first gallery showing. "By ones and twos, the festive crowd eventually deconstructed, but, for Celestina, an excitement lingered in the usual gallery hush that rebuilt in their wake."

I have a vivid imagination and can picture this. You try: Picture a room in your home. Now fill that room with people. Think about the room being noisy. Busy. A high level of energy that builds each time someone enters the room. During that time, the room takes on a new life as people move here and there. Now think about the evening winding down. First one person leaves and then another. Half are gone. Now only a few remain. Finally you close the door behind the last person and turn back into the room.

Did you hear the room sigh as it returned to normal? But then you look at a napkin dropped on the floor and remember the joke your best friend told. You straighten the pillows and feel concern for the neighbor whose mother is ill. Yes, everyone is gone, but each left something of themselves behind. "The usual hush rebuilt in their wake" but the room was not the same.

Bet you are wondering where this will send me. How about looking into a room with me.

Mark 14:13 -- Jesus sent two of his disciples

Mark 14:16 -- The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

The disciples left and prepared a room for the Passover. This wasn't anything new. This was Jewish tradition so they prepared the room. A normal room. A normal Passover meal.

Now open your eyes and look at that room. The room is ready and soon Jesus is in the room with his disciples. Many things took place in that room that night. Many traditions were carried out. Startling and troubling conversations were had. Many things were said that the disciples did not understand. Then the evening ended. First Judas left. Then the others. The room was empty. The room could return to normal.

Do you see the water and towel? Do you see the lamb that had been eaten? Do you see the bread that had been broken? The cup? "The usual hush rebuilt in their wake" but the room was not the same.

My dear Lord, With open eyes and renewed hope, we look at the Upper Room. We look and we are not the same. Amen

BILLBOARDS, ADS AND FINDING THE WAY

2011-03-19T09:38:00.001-05:00

I do not know who is in charge of advertising agencies, but they need a new CEO.

We do appreciate the information provided on billboards because we can quickly find the nearest gas station, restaurant or hotel, but get real. At 65 mph, small print just does not make the grade and only my husband can remember a phone number that flies by at warp speed. Give me a name and an exit number! Leave the small print and detailed information to ads.

And ads, put in those details. When we travel, we see so many flyers with the name of the store or attraction and a street address, but no town. Well, duh! Don't you think that is a bit important? And you might know where Main and Market streets intersect, but I am trying to find my way from the interstate. Some help here please!

I am not even going to start offering my opinion on television ads.

Oh, no. Another of those whacks between the eyes. "Mary, when others see you, they see me. What does your billboard say? What does your life advertise? Will loved ones or strangers find their way to me by what you advertise?"

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever thought of yourself as a billboard or an advertisement? Well, you are and the question is, "What are you advertising?" What do people see as they drive by you? What do people see when they stop to take a closer look?

LET US PRAY

Today ask God, in your own words, words from your heart, to use you in such a way that everyone wants what you have. Let his light so shine through you that all want to hear the message you have to deliver.

WHERE ARE MY EMAILS?

2011-02-25T07:49:00.001-06:00

I really enjoy IncrediMail. They have fun backgrounds for my emails. Neat animations. I like IncrediMail because -- Well, right now I do not like IncrediMail!

I know I am not a "geek" and I get frustrated with my lack of computer skills, but I have upgraded their product many times, with absolutely no problems. Until this week.

Up pops, IncrediMail 2! Upgrade now. New and improved! This has been popping up for awhile, but it always said, "But you might want to wait if you don't have the latest program." So I waited. This week, there was no, "But wait.", so I kept hitting next, next until it said, "You now have IncrediMail 2." I was so excited -- Excited until I realized it had not brought my emails forward. And my contacts were missing.

IncrediMail and I are exchanging emails. They said, "Do this." I tried. Only imported emails from October 26, 2010, a few folders I thought I had deleted and an old contact list. I sent their email back and informed them it did not work. As I write this, I am waiting on their okay now try this suggestion.

I have learned a few things: New and improved is not always better. Folders with old emails I thought I had deleted were still hiding in my computer. (Guess delete does not really mean delete and disk cleanup missed a few corners the last time it cleaned.) I should have printed my contact list.

Updating this program is a bit like our Christian life. How many Bibles do you own? Do you buy one each time you see a "new and easier to understand" version? Do you delete things from your life just to find out they are still there, waiting for a weak moment when they can again be in your life? And do you keep a list of contacts you can call on? People who will pray for you? Listen to you? Support you? Do you have a backup of that list in case your system crashes?

Did you just hear God laugh? "Mary, are you a Bible "geek"? Are you making full use of the one you have or are you only using a few kilobytes instead of the gigabytes available? Have you cleaned out your deleted-from-my-life folder lately? Do you know that your first "contact" should be me?"

(Have a great week. I will be on vacation so will not post again until March 18.)

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 4:22-24

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever upgraded something on your computer only to have that upgrade cause you hours of trying to get it fixed? Have you upgraded your life?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

What a strange world we live in. Instant access to information. To people. And we think this is so great. Well, duh, we have always had instant access to you. Lord, we take better care of our computers than we do of our own lives. We update, upgrade and use all the new and improved programs. But sometimes we try to put new upgrades in old programs and it just doesn't work.

Lord, I have been taught about my old corrupt self. I am learning new attitudes. And I have been given a new self. A new self created to be like you, in true righteousness and holiness. Thank you and please keep me on automatic updates. I do not want to miss a thing you have to offer. Amen

CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

2011-02-18T08:25:00.001-06:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 17:8

Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

Children are a blessing! Well, most of the time. We were blessed with a son and a daughter. And they have blessed us with "children's children" or more commonly known as grandchildren.

It is hard to believe but our oldest is 16 and our youngest turns 7 on February 19. Today I would like to tell you about Timothy (aka Timmy).

Timmy is the youngest of four boys. Yes, four! To picture this boy, please think about blonde hair, eyes that just snap and a smile that - A smile that melts your heart as you ask, "Okay, what have you done now?"

When it was time for Timmy to start kindergarten, the words heard over and over were, "And you have to keep your clothes on." This is a boy who never wears shoes and thinks having on anything more than a pair of shorts is being way overdressed.

One day I heard his older brother thanking him for getting his army man for him. Where had he gotten it? From out on the roof! Our daughter came in and heard the tale end of the conversation and asked, "Timothy, were you out on the roof?" He looked her square in the eyes and said, "No."

He then gave me a quick glance out of the corner of his eye. I never said a word. He left the room and Terri said, "He was out on the roof wasn't he?" She knows her boys.

Timmy is great at stirring up his older brothers and trying to convince me that it is not his turn to clear the table. Timmy is the only person I know who can be quietly sitting on the school bus and then hit himself in the eye with a school book while trying to kill a bug. Timmy -

Timmy is the first one to come running through the house saying, "Grandma is here. Grandma is here."

Timmy is the last one asleep when we have a movie night. And Timmy gives great hugs.

Timmy is my favorite youngest grandson.

Yes, children's children are a crown to the aged. You will have to ask our son and daughter if parents are the pride of their children

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you have a "Timmy" in your family? Someone with eyes that just snap and a smile that melts your heart as you ask, "Okay, what have you done now?" in your family?

LET US PRAY

Today, please think about the children you know. Your children. Children in your family. Children of friends. Children of those you work with. Children at your church. Children in your neighborhood. Children who are healthy and can run and jump and go out on roofs. Children who are not healthy. Think about these children, lift them up in prayer and ask God to surround them with His love.

THE BIBLE IS FULL OF LIES

2011-02-11T07:50:00.001-06:00

I have heard for years that the Bible is a lie. Well, I have decided they are right. The Bible is full of lies and it doesn't take long for the lies to begin.

Genesis 3:4: "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. See! There are lies in the Bible. In the very first Book, the serpent lied to the woman to get her to do what he wanted.

And those brothers lied about Joseph. Genesis 37:12-36 tells how the brothers sold Joseph and then let Jacob think his favorite son was dead. Talk about lies! And all because they were jealous.

There are also lies in the New Testament. One of Jesus' disciples lied. Not once, but three times! "I don't know what you're talking about," he said. "I don't know the man." And then a third time, Peter swore, "I don't know the man!" Well, of course Peter knew Jesus. Peter lied!!!

Oh, there are more lies. Leaders and kings lied about the power of their gods so the people would follow them. A father lied and tricked a man into marrying his oldest daughter. A woman lied about switching her dead baby for a live baby.

Men lied.

Women lied.

But, mainly, the devil lied. That is Satan's biggest weapon. Lies he tells and lies he puts into the hearts of others. Satan knows how to use each of our fears. Doubts. Desires. And misguided emotions of pride, envy, jealousy and greed. Satan uses us to get his work done.

Matthew 4:8: Again, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Now, if that is not a big, bold faced lie, I have never heard one.

But, Jesus knew it was a lie and he knew what to do. Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan. For it is written; 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you know what to do when that ole, sneaky, snaky, mouth-full-of-lies devil comes toward you?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord, I do know what it feels like to have the devil put lies into my heart. Those lies make me question who I am. They make me question my worth. They make me question my faith. Today I ask for wisdom and strength. I need the wisdom of Your Word because it is through Your Word that I will recognize the lies of Satan. I need strength. Strength to say, "Away from me, Satan. I worship the Lord my God and serve Him only." Amen

GET READY!

2011-02-04T08:54:00.001-06:00

I don't know about where you live, but much of the United States has been a bit under the weather. And I am not referring to the flu bug that hit me last week. No, I am referring to that white stuff that has decorated our back yard, covered our highways and caused every school to close. I knew it was really, really, REALLY serious when they announced that Tuesday night Bingo had been cancelled. We can do without meetings. We can do without the basketball game, but when Bingo is cancelled you know it is bad!

The storm of a lifetime was predicted. We could get two feet of snow. Freezing rain. High wind. Oh, my! And people listened. People got ready for the storm. People prepared!

I will admit, early Monday morning Bill went to the store and got milk, flashlight batteries and a couple other things. Late Monday afternoon, he went to town and said the parking lot, at our one and only grocery store, was filled. People were also topping off their tanks, in case the power went out. Yes, people were preparing.

Superintendants watched the front move in and called off schools. Highway crews were put on full alert. Factories closed early so employees could get home safely. Yes, people were preparing.

People prepared. People watched the weather maps. People were concerned that if the storm hit too hard the Super Bowl might not take place. We were all getting ready for a storm that might happen.

Did the storm come? Yes and it hit some areas harder than others. People were stranded on highways. Power was out. Country roads were drifted shut. Neighbors helped clean out each others driveways. Yes, the storm did come and we might be lucky enough to be hit again.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Peter 1:13

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Luke 12:40

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Did you have to prepare for a storm this last week? Was it a weather storm or a personal storm?

Do you prepare for spiritual storms? Do you prepare so you will ready when the Son of Man comes again? There is a room with your name on it. Have your prepared yourself to enter your room?

LET US PRAY

Snow! Your earth received a good share of snow during the last few weeks. Lord, watch over those who are cold because they cannot afford heat or because power lines are down. Comfort and protect all who do not have walls to keep out the storms. Give people wisdom to be careful when they have to go out and protection to all those who brave the elements to provide for our safety. Lord, it seems we spend a major portion of our lives preparing for one storm or another. We go from this crisis to that crisis. We buy bread to feed our bodies and put off until tomorrow the bread we need for our souls.

(Finish in your own words, words from your heart. Talk to God about preparing your soul.)

Lord, keep my room ready. Amen

JIGSAW PUZZLES

2011-01-21T07:53:00.001-06:00

Do you like to work jigsaw puzzles? I sure do. My mother did too, so that must be where I get it. I think it has to do with putting things in order. The thrill of looking for a piece and finding it because just one tiny speck of blue is on it. Or comparing the piece to the picture until you find where it should go. And no, I do not put the border together first. I used to do that, but my card table just isn't big enough. The border is saved for last.

My current puzzle is 1,000 pieces and I have worked on it for almost two weeks. Honestly, I thought this would go together quickly. Wrong! Hopefully, I will get it finished tonight.

Here is the puzzle I am working on.

What do you see when you look at this picture? Do you see different colors? Different shapes? Places where pieces are missing? Do you wonder what it will look like when it is finished?

When I look at puzzles, I see my life. The pieces all fit together and the missing pieces are right there waiting to be put into place. Waiting for me to learn new lessons. Waiting for me to --- Well, waiting for me to do it God's way. As I take steps in the right direction, another piece of my life is put into place. I like to think about God putting my life together.

There is one thing God does different. God puts the border together first. The border of my life puzzle is His love.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you ever felt like parts of you were missing?

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord, You created my life and I am a puzzle only you can put together. Keep putting those pieces in place until I am whole. Amen

SAVE MY BROTHER

2011-01-14T07:40:00.001-06:00

I was going to write on winning 2.5 million dollars and how it was only going to cost me $895 postage and handling to receive that money from Jamaica. Bill and I have laughed about this all day.

Then I went on online. I am not laughing now. I have tears in my eyes and a humble heart, because I heard about a 13 year old boy, Jordan Rice, who said, "Save my brother."

Jordan Rice lived in Australia and, as you know, Australia has flooded. Many lives have been saved. Many lives have been lost.

During disasters and emergencies, the true nature of a person emerges. When the rescuers could only save one, Jordan told them to save his brother. And they did.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 1 John 2:10

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16

SAVE MY BROTHER -- Jordan, rest in peace.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Our dear Lord, we come to you with tears over lost and disrupted lives. Lives that have been touched and changed because of floods. Snowstorms. Violence. We lift up each person that is searching for a loved one. Cleaning up the mud and the snow. We lift up each person that has empty arms because a loved one has died. We lift up the injured. Lord, give comfort.

As our tears flow, we also feel humbled by those, like Jordan, who have said, "Save my brother." Lord, surround each rescue worker. Each person that is helping their neighbor. Or helping a stranger. Be with doctors and nurses as they give care to the injured. Be with ministers as they give comfort. Be with those providing food. Or clothes. And those that sit and listen or hold a hand so one of your children will not feel alone. Lord, give comfort. Amen

THERE ARE RULES. THERE ARE LOSERS. THERE ARE BAD GRADES.

2011-01-07T07:43:00.001-06:00

Why have I waited so long to read the book The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch? I am only halfway through and can hardly wait to finish. I will then watch the video of his last lecture.

Mr. Pausch tells about being on a football team and the coach really getting after him.

Coach Graham used to ride me hard. I remember one practice in particular. "You're doing it all wrong, Pausch. Go back! Do it again!" I tried to do what he wanted. It wasn't enough. "You owe me, Pausch! You're doing push-ups after practice."

When I was finally dismissed, one of the assistant coaches came over to reassure me. "Coach Graham rode you pretty hard, didn't he?" he said. "That's a good thing," the assistant told me. "When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you."

"They've given up on you" -- That made me think about how we treat our kids today. What are we teaching them? Do we give up on them or do we teach them? Do we care enough to discipline them?

I read a newspaper article about parents suing a school because their son got kicked off the basketball team. He didn't want to cut his hair. The rule: Hair cut above the eyes, over the ears and off the neck. Makes sense to me. You would want your players to be able to see where they are going. The parents said their child should be able to have his hair cut anyway he wanted. If the parents win, what does this child learn? He learns rules are not important. I have news for all people: There are rules in life. The choice is yours -- Follow the rules and play on the basketball team or wear your hair long.

There is no last place anymore. Every team gets a trophy. We wouldn't want anyone to feel bad. Give me a break! There are losers. One team wins and one team loses, not one team wins and the other team almost wins.

And teachers, get out those red pens. There are mistakes!!! 2 + 2 = 4. 2 + 2 = 3 needs a red mark beside it, not a discreet pencil giving them half a credit for trying. We are creating a generation of students who do not know how to take criticism.

Have we given up on our children? When we allow them to not follow the rules or suffer the consequences, when we do not teach them how to lose and when we do not correct them, it is because we have given up on them.

Oh drat. God has rules he expects us to follow. God says some people will lose out and not enter the kingdom of heaven. God does discipline us when we do wrong.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 12:5, 6 and 11

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." (Notes on this text: Suffering and persecution should be seen as corrective and instructive training for our spiritual development as his children.)

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

This is a new year. Is there anyone you have given up on? Anyone you have just said, "Why bother? They just don't get it and will not listen?" Is there anyone you need to give another chance?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

How do I pray for discipline? I don't like getting told I have done something wrong. I don't want to lose! And all those rules! How about if I just do as I want? How about if I --- O, Lord, discipline me. Teach me your rules so I may learn to live the abundant life you have planned for me. O, Lord, discipline me. Teach me to handle defeat so I can learn humility. O, Lord, discipline me. Do not quietly point out my sins. Be bold so I do not miss your directions. O, Lord, discipline me. It is then that I know you love me and that you have not given up on me. Amen

IT SOUNDED GOOD

2010-12-31T09:35:00.001-06:00

May 2011 be filled with the peace, joy and hope that only God can give and the love you deserve from those around you. HAPPY NEW YEARS!! Mary

IT SOUNDED GOOD

"Now that sounds good. And looks easy to make." I thought as I looked at the back of a box of macaroni and cheese. I saved the recipe for someday when I needed something quick to fix.

Wednesday was that day. All the ingredients were in the pantry so I started mixing.

1 box macaroni and cheese, cooked as directed and 2 cans no bean chili stirred together and put into baking dish, topped with 1 box cornbread mix, prepared as directed. Put in oven and bake. Easy! Looked good when I took it out of the oven.

Then we took a bite. My poor husband had this look in his eyes that said, "How do I tell her this is not fit to eat?"

I took pity on him and said it first, "This is awful."

I don't know what happened but this recipe just did not work for us. Although we grew up being told to clean our plates because some child was starving in China, we quickly tossed the whole thing.

2010 ends at midnight and we have a new year in front of us.

Look back at 2010 and at midnight toss all the things that just did not work. The things in your life that have a negative hold on you. The resentments you just refuse to let go of. At midnight, let go!

Look forward to 2011 and at 12:01, take hold of -- take hold of nothing. At 12:01, open your hands, both hands, palm up and say, "God, I am ready for all the wonders and blessings you have waiting for me during this new year."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER:

Please end this year reading your favorite scripture and offering a prayer from your heart, in your own words.

(Don't have a favorite scripture? Try Psalm 86:11-13, Isaiah 58:11, Matthew 11:28-30 or 1 John 3:1.)

PREPARING FOR CHIRSTMAS - PART 4

2010-12-24T09:42:00.001-06:00

"Calm down. Calm down." God said in a quiet voice. "Everything is right on schedule and everyone is ready."

Joseph looked at his wife and said, "Mary, I am sorry the journey has been so long and this is not exactly where I thought you would give birth, but it is quiet here. The inn would have been so noisy. Look at that sky. Do the stars seem brighter? Is it me or does the air seem charged with energy? The darkness even has a different look. I must be very tired. And worried. Are you sure you are comfortable? How are the pains?"

"O, my sweet Joseph. I would not want to be anywhere else tonight. I feel as if I am surrounded with love. The pains are strong, but that means this baby will soon be born. Poor thing, bounced around inside of me as we traveled." Mary answered.

"Is there anything I can get you? A drink? Did you notice how the animals have settled down? It is as if they know what is going to happen." Joseph said as he comforted Mary.

Mary looked into Joseph's eyes, "I am so thankful you had that dream and listened to the angel. Joseph, I would never lie to you but I know you had doubts. These months have been hard but we have been so blessed to be chosen to raise God's son. Do you like the name Jesus? I do not understand how this baby will save people from their sins. Do you?"

"No, but we do not have to understand." Joseph softly replied. "Rest. You look tired. Did you know I have been working on a cradle? I thought I saw you peek in the carpentry shop one day when I was working on it. Sleep, if you can. I will be right here."

Mary smiled, "Yes, I saw the cradle. You were sneaking off to the shop and I wanted to see what you were working on. Oh. That was a strong pain. Do you have everything ready? Cloths to wrap him in? I think I will close my eyes for just a moment. I feel I will need all my strength very soon."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:4 - 7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

THINK ABOUT THE BIRTH

A very young girl. Her first baby. No hospital. No nurse. No doctor. No epidural. This was a Holy Child, but this child was born in human form by human birth. There would have been pain. Do you suppose they were afraid? How would Joseph have felt? How would Mary have felt?

How would God have felt watching his plan unfold? Waiting for his Son to be born.

Are you ready for Christmas? Are you ready to accept the Christ Child born to the Virgin Mary?

Tomorrow is Christmas. The day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Are you ready for Christmas?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 3

2010-12-17T05:23:00.001-06:00

"Got a minute?" Gabriel asked God. "I was just wondering how it went with Joseph. Mary is ready to return home and I have been so busy making sure everything on my list is done, I haven't had time to hear an update."

God smiled, "Went just as I planned. I knew Joseph was a righteous man and when the angel came to him in his dream, Joseph understood that he was to take Mary as his wife. He is taking Mary home now. There will be no physical union until she has given birth but this will give them time to really get to know each other. Besides, these next few months are going to be busy."

"Tell me about it," Gabriel sighed. "The genealogy is verified and written down so there can be no question that the baby is of the house and line of David. Caesar Augustus has started work on the decree for a census. I don't think he realizes the confusion this will cause or that the census is all part of your plan. I know hotels and motels are ideas for the future, but they sure would come in handy during this census. So many people traveling. A mail in form would be a lot easier."

"Now Gabriel," God said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice, "you know all things in their time and what would the people of Bethlehem think if a seven story, 300 room hotel just appeared on the edge of town? Besides my Son needs to be born in a humble surrounding. And the angel has the lines memorized. The company of heavenly hosts would be so disappointed if they couldn't wake up the shepherds with the glory of the Lord shining all around them. Don't want to disappoint the heavenly hosts."

God continued, "I do so worry about Joseph and Mary. This time has not been easy for them and so many people just do not understand. Mary has been very strong but the trip to Bethlehem will be long and hard. Yes, the time is getting closer."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 1:18 - 25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel -- which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

THINK ABOUT JOSEPH

Joseph was in a binding relationship with Mary, whom he called his wife, which could only be broken by divorce. What must Joseph have thought when he found out Mary was with child? Did he believe her? Why would he divorce her if he believed her? Sounds like he had doubts. Do you think he might have gone and talked to someone? Asked for advice? Did he talk to Mary's parents? Or did he just ponder on this, alone and confused? Feeling betrayed. Then he had a dream.

Can you put yourself in Joseph's place? Can you feel his confusion? Can you imagine waking up from the dream? Would you have the courage to do as the angel had asked? Would you wonder if you could be a father to a son conceived from the Holy Spirit? Would you feel inadequate? Would you feel honored?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 2

2010-12-10T10:03:00.001-06:00

"Well, Gabriel," asked God, "what did you think of Mary?"

Gabriel answered, "What a wonderful young lady. She was a bit confused about exactly how she would become pregnant, but willingly accepted her role. She has gone to visit Elizabeth."

Looking down from heaven, God told Gabriel, "Yes, she arrived safely. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped."

Gabriel chuckled, "Elizabeth thought she would never have children. She receives a surprise visit from Mary and the baby leaps with joy. To top that off, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth has had an exciting day. What did she say to Mary?"

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" God replied. "Elizabeth called Mary 'blessed.' The baby Elizabeth delivers will be very special in the life of Jesus.

"So what is next?" Gabriel wondered.

"Mary is going to stay with Elizabeth a few months and then go home. Joseph has been informed that Mary is with child and, being a righteous man, does not want to expose her to public disgrace. He thinks he will quietly divorce her. I have a better idea." God replied.

"Oh, listen, Mary is singing."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:46 - 55

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.

THINK ABOUT ELIZABETH

What was Elizabeth's role in the Christmas story? She opened her home to an unwed mother-to-be. She was the first to call Mary and her child blessed. Did she hear the song Mary sang? Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist.

According to Luke 1:7, Elizabeth was well along in years. That means her body was past its prime for giving birth. And think about being well along in years and then having to potty train a child. Raise a teenager. Then a young man. And all the while making sure he never took wine or other fermented drink. Talk about being odd man out at every wedding and party. Do you think being a mother at her age made Elizabeth's job harder?

In a Christmas play, the role of Elizabeth would be that of a supporting actress. Do you think she ever felt like she was playing second fiddle? A bit below Mary? Her son not as great as Jesus? Do you think she was ever jealous?

Think about Elizabeth. God did not look at Elizabeth and consider her too old. God gave Elizabeth a very important supporting role in the birth of His Son. What role has God given you?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 1

2010-12-03T08:03:00.001-06:00

The birth of Jesus was no surprise. The Old Testament had foretold the birth, but what would it have been like as the time neared? Heaven must have gone to "High Alert." Everyone on standby. All checking their duties. Do you think the angels were disappointed when they were not picked for the "important" assignments?

Do you suppose there was a check list?

Elizabeth pregnant - check

Zechariah will name the baby boy John - check

Mother for my Son selected - check

Gabriel have the message to Mary memorized - check

Star ready to shine - check

Wise Men reading the scriptures - check

What activity! What excitement! What was God feeling? What would the conversation have been like, as God prepared Gabriel?

"Are you sure this is the only way?" asked Gabriel.

"Yes," answered God. "Mary will be a wonderful mother for my Son. She is such a servant and will be called blessed by all generations."

"She is so young. So humble. You are right. She will be a good mother." said Gabriel.

"Do you see how strong she is?" asked God. "What you are going to ask her to do will take strength. An inner strength she does not realize she has. But it is there and will let her stand tall when people talk and do not understand."

"Besides," God said softly, "raising Jesus will not always be easy. Jesus will give Mary and Joseph great joy, but they will also experience great sorrow."

God continued, "Gabriel, it is time. I am sending you to Nazareth. Please deliver my message to Mary. The people have been walking in darkness a very long time. Soon a child will be born. My people will be saved."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:26-38

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

THINK ABOUT MARY --

Just for a minute, put yourself in Mary's shoes. Would you wonder if you had fallen asleep and this was all a dream? How would you explain this? Would anyone believe you? Would you believe until you saw Elizabeth was actually pregnant?

Just for a minute, put yourself in Mary's shoes. Would you be frightened? Would you be proud? Would you say, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Or would you consider saying, "No way. Find someone else."

ONE TURKEY SAVED

2010-11-19T08:15:00.001-06:00

When you think about Thanksgiving dinner do you see a pilgrim chasing a turkey? Axe in hand, ready to do the poor fellow in. Or do you see the Norman Rockwell painting of the lady sitting the perfectly browned turkey on the table already straining under the weight of potatoes, cranberry salad, green beans and dressing? Or do you see ---

Ham?

Next week, we are off on a Thanksgiving Adventure. Six adults and seven children will be celebrating together in a cabin in Gatlinburg. This has required the strategy skills of at least a Three Star General (aka me).

We had to reserve the cabin more than a year in advance. Our children had to inform the in-law sides of their family they would not be around for Thanksgiving. This in itself can be a tricky maneuver with the potential for minor repercussions. Pulling the grandchildren out of school a day early also takes some smooth talking to those in charge of the attendance chart. These were the easy decisions.

The General's Aide (aka hubby) decided to leave Tuesday afternoon instead of Wednesday morning. That meant the General had to determine the best pick-up schedule for the two grandchildren riding in the command vehicle and arrange for Tuesday night accommodations.

The General then began assessing the grocery list. What to take from supplies on hand and what to purchase at the local commissary. Easy task? NOT! Numerous emails later, the General now knows that one family prefers strawberry jelly to grape. The Sergeant in charge of breakfast strongly expressed disdain with the hash browns on the list. Real potatoes will be served, thank you. The other Sergeant added that her army, of four boys, would consume a bit more milk and eggs, so those numbers were increased.

Have you been wondering about the ham? After taking into consideration the comments from the "But what is Thanksgiving without turkey?" supporters and the "Ham doesn't have to be thawed, taken off the bone and is a lot less work" side, the General pulled rank and said: "We shall eat ham."

Did you really read all of this? I do have a point. Time with our family is valuable. Our Thanksgiving Adventure has required planning. It has required co-operation. It will require patience pills for the General's Aide. But it will be worth it.

The reward of our year long planning will be the joy of being together as a family.

The reward of working for the Lord will be the joy of receiving an inheritance from God and being together with our family for eternity. Now that is something to work for!

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Colossians 3:23-24

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What is something you have really worked for? Do you work equally as hard for the Lord?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Thanksgiving. What a beautiful word, Lord. Fill my heart with Thanksgiving and wrap my soul around the blessing I hold dear. My eyes behold such wonders. Trees. The night sky. Promises in the Bible. My ears hear sweet sounds. Water filling a glass. Music. Prayers. My blessings surround me. They begin when I wake. They cover me when I sleep. Thank you for ........................ Amen

THE LETTER

2010-11-11T09:45:00.001-06:00

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 139:13, 16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

THE LETTER

My father was drafted, into the Army, in 1944, had his basic training in Wheeler, Georgia and then went to Germany. He never talked about his service. Oh, there were times when this one Army buddy visited and he and dad would sit at the kitchen table and talk quietly. They would stare at the table, drink many cups of coffee, smoke too many cigarettes and remember. We were never allowed to sit and listen. Those memories were not meant for young ears.

The WAR was something that happened before I was born. The WAR was not something we talked about. The WAR and dad's service ended when he came home. The WAR was the past. Dad was ready to live in the present and begin the future.

A few weeks ago, I started a project. You see, there had always been those letters. Letters between mom and dad while he was in basic training and the ones from dad when he was in Germany. They had always been there in one closet or another. Moved from one home to another. Mother kept them after dad died in 1972 and one sister or another kept them after mom died in 1998. Yes, there had always been those letters, but they had always been in a box or the metal suitcase. Still stuck back in a closet or attic. Remembered but forgotten.

That is until my younger sister found them again and decided it was time for them to be read. What she discovered was a whole new side to our parents. Love. That was never a word used freely in our home, but the word 'love' and the phrase 'I miss you' were in every letter. In those letters, we were seeing a father who missed his son and daughter. A son who had memories of him and a daughter too young to remember anything other than his picture. In those letters, we were seeing a husband who missed his wife. In those letters, we were seeing a wife who learned to run a home on her own and who tried to put the lives of their children into words.

My sister is putting together a booklet with information on family and World War II. My job is to copy the letters. As I opened one letter, the tears began. I had to sit down. I realized God had a plan for me.

I have not copied all the letters, but the first letter I have found so far, was written from Georgia on March 3, 1944.

The letter that made chills go from my toes to the very top of my head was written by my mother in July 1944. This letter contained a news clipping about various soldiers from the Brazil, Indiana area.

Please remember: The amount of mail was tremendous, but this letter made its way to Georgia. Dad left the clipping in the letter. Dad brought the letters home after he finished basic training. Please remember: These letters have been unread since they were written during 1944, 1945 and 1946.

As I opened that letter, I saw the clipping and read: S/Sgt Thomas William Earle is home on leave to visit his wife and son William Francis.

The first letter dad wrote was dated, March 3, 1944. That is my husband's birth day.

I was born November 7, 1946

I met William Francis Earle in 1963. We had our first date August 17, 1963, were engaged June 1964 and were married June 4, 1965.

SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 29:11-12

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Before I was even a twinkle in my parent's eyes, God put the name of my husband into our home.

"For I know the plans I have for Mary," declares the Lord. "And his name is William."

AMEN AND AMEN

2010-11-04T12:22:00.003-05:00

Greetings,

If you are looking for a new devotional, I will be back next week. My thumb had a slight encounter with the clippers as my husband and I were cleaning the flower bed. Thumb okay but hurts to type.

Have a blessed week,
Mary

HIGH WINDS

2010-10-29T14:00:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Mark 4:41

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

HIGH WINDS

We had high winds this week. Tornado warnings. School children sitting in the halls. Hospitals moving patients to safety. From my kitchen window, I saw a few leaves blowing and a bit of wind. "What is all the fuss about?" I wondered.

Then my husband called and told me barns were blown over and roofs were coming off buildings. Now I knew what all the fuss was about.

How wonderful a breeze is on a hot sticky day. How frightening the wind is on a day when trees fall. Or, as the disciples feared, when waves could sink ships.

The disciples were amazed that Jesus could make the wind obey. What gives here? Would they never get it? They were with Jesus and they were still surprised! They asked, "Who is this?"

Are we any different? We are tossed around, waves of life washing over us, and we say, "Jesus, where are you?" Then Jesus comes and lifts us off our knees. We are then like the disciples and say, "Who is this that can calm the winds in my life."

Will we always ask, "Who is this?"

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where and to whom do you turn when the high winds blow through your life? Do you find the calm after the storm?

A BLESSING AFTER THE STORM

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear One who the winds obey, Strengthen my belief so I am not tossed here and there by the winds and the waves of life. Remove all doubt so I do not ask, "Who is this?" Remove all doubt and make my belief so strong I say, "This is Jesus, my Lord and Savior, the Son of God. He died for my sins. He lives for all of us. This is Jesus Christ who can calm the winds of my life and the waves that threaten my soul.

When the gentle breeze or the high winds blow, let me always say, "I am safe with the one who the wind and waves obey." Amen and Amen

WAKE UP!! LISTEN! LIVE WISE!

2010-10-22T10:01:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Isaiah 50:4 - The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

Ephesians 5:13-15 - But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but as wise.

WAKE UP!! LISTEN! LIVE WISE!

Each morning I wake up with God, but I wondered what it would be like to have God wake me up.

"Good Morning," God would gently whisper in my ear. "Mary. Mary, it is time to wake up. Mary, can you hear me? Are your ears awake?"

God continues, "Today I want you to really listen. And look, because today you have much to learn. With every step you take, there will be a light shining. That light will shine so everything - EVERYTHING - will be visible."

"Today, Mary, I want you to live, not as a dead spirit just going through your day, but with the light of Christ shining on you. Mary, wake up. Listen. Learn. Be wise. Walk in the light of Christ."

"Now go have your coffee."

Wouldn't that be a great way to wake up? I especially like the ending where He tells me to go have a cup of coffee. That shows God understands me and knows how I like to start my day.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What would God say to you? Do you go through the day as a dead spirit? Has God ever given you wisdom, just when you needed it: The right words to say? The energy to accomplish a task? Compassion for another? Patience?

God would tell me to have coffee. God does know you! How would He tell you to start your day?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Good morning God, I enjoy the quiet as I wake up because I know the day will become hectic. So many days, I do not find time for you. That is hard to admit, but today wake my ears so I may listen and be taught. Expose everything so I may wake up, listen and live wise. I do not want to go through one more day or one more minute with a dead spirit. I want to arise, say, "Good morning God.", lift my hands and have the light of Christ shine on me. Amen

ANCIENT OF DAYS

2010-10-14T10:07:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 7:9 - 10

"As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened."

ANCIENT OF DAYS

Now that is some description. Doesn't it just take your breath away? And calling God, Ancient of Days. I must have missed that before, because when that term came up in a Bible Study I about fell off my chair. Ancient of Days. Wow!

So much for making God, the friendly God that joins us at the kitchen table when we study and pray. Sometimes we try to make God way too human. Sometimes we forget God is GOD. Ancient of Days.

Those are the thoughts I had at the Bible Study. On Tuesdays, I pray at our church. Actually, I journal because when I try to pray my mind wonders, but when I journal my thoughts are a bit more coherent. The following is from my journal.

--------------

Ancient of Days - That is how you are called in Daniel 7:9. I really like that. How many names do you have? What is your favorite? What fun it will be to learn from You and be able to ask you questions.

This isn't exactly what I had planned, but now my mind is going crazy with questions:

Do you have a favorite color?

Sunrise or sunset?

Mountains or beaches?

What song is your favorite?

Which Scripture?

What do you most like to hear people pray for?

Do you ever get tired of us asking for the same thing?

Back to the favorite name - Your children call you by so many names. Which name do you like to hear? I AM? God? Father? Lord? Ancient of Days?

Have we been unbearable at times? (Bet I know the answer to that one.)

Do we make you laugh?

You never sleep or take a vacation. Don't you get tired?

How did you come up with such interesting places?

And leaves turning color. Great idea.

How do you hear so many prayers at once?

What was it like in heaven the night Jesus was born?

Did you enjoy watching Jesus as a boy?

Did you ever help his saw cut straight?

Keep him from falling?

How did you stand to see Your Son on the cross?

Were the angels surrounding you with prayers?

How did you feel when he ascended?

Ancient of Days I will stop. How glorious it will be to -- How glorious it will be to have no more questions. How glorious it will be to say, "Ancient of Days, Thank you for all you have given me."

Later, Mary

--------------

Hey, I didn't say my written thoughts were coherent, just a bit more coherent. That day, I just wrote what popped into my little mind. Wonder what God thought as He listened?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you journal? Sometimes it helps to concentrate. What "silly" question would you like to ask God?

LET US PRAY

Today write a letter to God or just talk to Him. Not about the big stuff. Just a fun conversation. Use words from your heart and talk to the Ancient of Days.

BRACE YOURSELF

2010-10-08T09:43:00.001-05:00

I love chapter 38 of Job. I turn to this chapter and read it when I am feeling smug. When I feel a bit on the proud side. All I have to do is read this chapter and my feet and the size of my ego are right back where they belong: Feet on the ground and ego human size.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: JOB 38:1-3

Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man: I will question you, and you shall answer me."

BRACE YOURSELF

Can you picture Job, when God says, "Brace yourself."? I have a feeling his shoulders drooped, his head lowered and his eyes were full of fear.

After God got Job's attention, he continued, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand." Verse 4

God didn't stop there. He came back with, "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?" Verses 12 and 13

By now Job had to be shaking in his sandals. God kept it up: Do you know? Can you? Who? When? Have you? Who provides? God kept questioning Job in Chapters 38, 39, 40 and 41. Can you hear his voice sometimes loud? Sometimes sarcastic, as in 38:18, "Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this."

Job's mind had to be turning a mile a minute. His thoughts had to bouncing around like a super bouncy ball. Why? -- I was blameless and upright. -- I lost everything. -- I didn't blame God. -- Okay, maybe a bit. -- Maybe I shouldn't have asked for my accuser to face me. -- And all the advice I have been getting. Oh, why did I listen to them?

When God finished, Job understood the reason for his suffering. Everything had happened so he would have complete faith. Job realized he had spoken of things he did not understand and things too wonderful for him to know. He told God, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever read these chapters? Will God question us also? Are you ready to hear, "Brace yourself."?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart. Have a conversation with our Glorious God.)

Dear God, These chapters, in Job, are very powerful. "Brace yourself" makes me smile when I think of Job being told off by God. They do not make me smile when I think about my own actions. Many times you have given me "brace yourself" moments. They always happen when I am being stubborn and trying to do things without knowledge. Do things my way. That is when I get a "Well have you made the sunshine? Were you even there? No? Then why are you feeling so sure of yourself?" God, if you tested me, to the degree you tested Job, would I still be honest before you? Would I still be strong? Or would I fail? Oh how I hate those "brace yourself" moments. They mean I have not been doing God's will. BUT, Lord, I also love them, because they mean you are giving me the knowledge I need to grow and go forward. Go forward to complete faith. Amen

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

2010-10-01T10:21:00.001-05:00

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

I am getting my blog written later than normal, but that seems to be par for this week. Monday and Tuesday were routine. Catch up the laundry, weekend mail and deciding that, although I keep the house picked up, it was time to clean. A friend has told me, "If you leave dust alone, it is fine. But once you disturb it, it becomes dangerous." That is a good theory, but the dust on my dining room table now has my name written in it. For sure, I cannot get away with dusting around the edges this time.

Wednesday, with every intention of getting a days cleaning in, started out fine. I began in the office which shouldn't have taken that long. Until I found a couple of things that needed put into the supply cabinet. To get them into the cabinet - Well, let's just say that the supply cabinet is now clean and orderly. Then, I received an email from our son saying, "Meet me for lunch." So I fixed my hair, changed my clothes and met him for lunch. After lunch I did not have enough time to start cleaning before going to a funeral. I told myself, "Mary, you can clean after the funeral."

I finished the office and started in the laundry area. Not a very big area. An entryway off the garage with the washer, dryer and a freezer. Just the perfect project to finish the day. That was until I needed to move some cleaning supplies into the garage. Well, let's just say that the cleaning supply cabinet is now as clean and orderly as the office supply cabinet. Then Bill came home.

Wednesday cleaning completed: one and one-half rooms. But tomorrow was Thursday!!!

Thursday I started right in and was almost done with the laundry area when Bill came home and said, "They don't need me in the field today, so how about we meet our friends for lunch?" So instead of cleaning, we drove an hour and half (each way) to eat lunch. And I had Bible Study Thursday evening so --

Thursday cleaning completed: one-half room. But today is Friday!!!

And I am sitting here writing my blog.

Why have I told you all this? A long way around the barn to say that this is how sin enters our lives.

I have every good intention of never swearing again. I will finish that thank you letter. I will: There are so many things that can go after I will and I will not. For some of us, it is "I will not take one more drink." and for others it is "I will pray daily."

And each time there seems to be something pulling us in the other direction. That something is ole Satan. Satan does not want us to quit drinking. He does not want us to pray. He does not want us to treat each other with respect. But he does want us to move further and further away from God.

My cleaning has not gotten done because one thing kept leading to another. Satan will find a cabinet for you to clean or a lunch to go to. Satan will lead you from one thing to another so you do not have time to clean up your life. Satan will lead you from one thing to another so you do not have time for God.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE

ROMANS 7: parts of verses 17-25 -- Taken from The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson

For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. Is there no one who can do anything for me?

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How does Satan lead you from one thing to another and keep you from growing closer to God?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Thank you Jesus for being there to help me stay on a true course. I do need help because I am guilty of wanting to do right and slipping back into old habits. Time and time again I turn away but I seem to leave just enough of myself open to Satan that he finds a way to lead me back to the path I just left. I can be so easily distracted. Be patient with me, dear Jesus. I am moving closer and closer to you, sometimes with giant leaps and sometimes with baby steps. Amen

GOD COMES TO US!

2010-09-24T07:01:00.001-05:00

GOD COMES TO US!

You know how you hear something over and over? Over and over to the point that you quit listening or just no longer hear? And then all of a sudden you hear. You actually hear and get it. This happened to me a couple Sundays ago.

We were attending church in Durango, while on vacation. The minister was giving a very good message and said, "God's choice is to be with us!" My soul heard and I thought, "What? God's choice is to be with us. I thought it was the other way around. I thought it was our choice to be with God."

I thought about this and searched the scriptures.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE

But the Lord God called to man, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:9

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. Matthew 3:16

As he (Saul later named Paul) neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Acts 9:3

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:2

GOD COMES TO US!

Now how could I have missed this? I am sure I have heard this before and I have read all of these scriptures. This time I looked at them differently.

God walked in the garden. That in itself is amazing to picture. God strolling around looking at the trees and listening to the birds. Maybe checking out the baby buffalo. Then calling out to Adam and Eve, "Where are you?" Give me a break. God knew where they were and what they had done, but he still wanted to be with them. God came to the garden to be with them! Did you get that God came to find Adam and Eve?

Abram, later called Abraham, received the word of the Lord in a vision. The word came to Abram. Came to him to assure him God was his shield and above all, God was Abram's greatest reward. Did you get that the word came to Abram?

Jesus was baptized by John and the Spirit of God descended. The Spirit came down like a dove. Did you get that the Spirit came down to Jesus?

Now Saul was a man with a cause and that cause was to kill these new Christians that believed in that Jesus guy. Saul was determined. Determined until a light from heaven flashed around him. Did you get that the light came from heaven to Saul?

I love the last scripture. What a vision this creates. The Holy City. The new Holy City coming down out of heaven from God. A city beautifully dressed. Did you get that the city came down from heaven to us?

Now how could I have missed this? I am sure I have heard this before and I have read all of these scriptures. This time I looked at them differently.

God loves us so much that HE came to the garden. HE came in a vision. HE came like a dove. HE came in a burning bush. God loves us so much that HE will come in the New Jerusalem. God's choice is to be with us.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you ready for God to come to you? When you hear God say, "Where are you?", are you prepared to say, "Here I am. Please spend some time with me."

LET US PRAY

Today talk with God and thank Him for wanting to be with you. Thank God for being there in your joys and in your trials.

OUR HOPE

2010-09-06T19:09:00.001-05:00

OUR HOPE

(Today, there will be no comments, questions or scripture after the pictures. Look back over the last two posts. Please take time to feel these pictures. Put yourself there. Then read today's and finish in your own way and in your own time. I hope you have been blessed by my telling you about my experience. If possible, go experience this yourself.)

Our church took a field trip to The Shrine of Christ's Passion, at St. John, Indiana. What a moving experience. www.shrineofchristspassion.org

As I looked at the Stations of the Cross, I noticed three very import things, the Roman Soldiers, the hands of Jesus and our hope.

I was going to tell you about this in one blog, but have decided to make it a three part experience. This is part three on our hope.

The first part on the soldiers and the weight of the cross was hard to witness, write and read. The second part on the hands of Jesus was easier to witness and gently touched my spirit. This part is our joy. This part is our hope. This part is the empty tomb!

A MOTHER'S GOODBYE

READY FOR BURIAL

OUR HOPE

THE EMPTY TOMB

ALIVE

OUR RISEN LORD

THE HANDS OF JESUS

2010-09-03T09:57:00.001-05:00

THE HANDS OF JESUS

Our church took a field trip to The Shrine of Christ's Passion, at St. John, Indiana. What a moving experience. www.shrineofchristspassion.org

As I looked at the Stations of the Cross, I noticed three very import things, the Roman Soldiers, the hands of Jesus and our hope.

I was going to tell you about this in one blog, but have decided to make it a three part experience. This is part two on the hands of Jesus.

Unlike the pictures last week, the pictures this week are much easier on the heart. Yes, Jesus is carrying the cross, but he is encountering believers or being given assistance by a stranger. But first, Jesus prayed in the garden.

THE HANDS OF JESUS

JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN

MARY KNEELS BEFORE HER SON

JESUS STANDS TALL BEFORE HIS MOTHER

SIMON OF CYRENE IS TOLD TO HELP CARRY THE CROSS

VERONICA OFFERS COMFORT

REACHING OUT TO THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Did you notice the veins standing out on Jesus' hands, as he prayed in the garden?

Did you notice the look on the face of Mary? I had trouble walking away from this one. Mary must have been feeling such deep grief. But Jesus stood tall for her. He stood tall so she would understand that this was to be.

In the other pictures, did you notice Jesus always put his hand out to those helping him? His hand went out to Simon, Veronica and to the women. Even during this painful, agonizing journey, Jesus gave comfort.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:35 - 36

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever said a prayer so intense that your hands were gripped as if your life depended on the outcome of your prayer? Have you felt the hand of Jesus reaching out to you?

DID YOU TAKE HIS HAND?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Dear Jesus, When I pray, I want my prayers to be honest. True. I want my prayers to be sincere. O Lord, hear my prayers when I place my deepest fears, my greatest joys, and my sincere petitions into your care. Thank you for giving comfort to those that had the courage to step out of the crowd and give you comfort. I pray that I can be a Veronica, a Simon or a believer. Strong enough to answer the call for help, as Simon did, or as brave, in my faith, as Veronica and other believers that stayed by your cross. Amen

WHERE ARE YOU?

2010-08-27T07:09:00.001-05:00

WHERE ARE YOU?

Our church took a field trip to The Shrine of Christ's Passion, at St. John, Indiana. www.shrineofchristspassion.org

What a moving experience.

As I looked at the Stations of the Cross, I noticed three very import things, the Roman Soldiers, the hands of Jesus and our hope.

I was going to tell you about this in one blog, but have decided to make it a three part experience. This is part one on the statues of the soldiers and the weight of the cross.

THE SOLDIERS

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS

BEHIND JESUS

OVER JESUS

These depictions were not always easy to look at.

You could see the scars. You could see the tears.

You could see Jesus getting weaker, as the cross got heavier.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 27:27:31

Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

Where are you? Which side of the cross are you on? Are you behind Jesus? Do you have the hammer in your hand? (The answer to this question is yes. That is the answer for all of us.) Do you think the soldiers were doing their job or were they enjoying what they did? Can you see the cross becoming very heavy?

LET US PRAY: (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

My dear Jesus, It is so easy to look at the bronze cross on the altar. It is so easy to look at the empty cross. It is so hard to look at the cross and realize what you did for me. For me! My dear Jesus, I want to wipe away your tears. I want to tend to your wounds. I want to thank you. Amen

DID YOU READ YOUR EMAIL? DID YOU CHECK FACEBOOK? WHAT ABOUT YOUR TEXT MESSAGES?

2010-08-19T14:13:00.001-05:00

DID YOU READ YOUR EMAIL? DID YOU CHECK FACEBOOK? WHAT ABOUT YOUR TEXT MESSAGES?

I am the administrator for our church's Facebook page. That means I post updates on what is going on at church. I remind people about meetings. About times. And I encourage all to attend church on Sunday mornings.

As secretary for our Church Council meetings, I write up the minutes and then email them to the members of the committee.

Personally, I also use Facebook and post to other people's status updates or send a personal note by "message." When people are not home, I leave messages on their answering machine or voice mail. And I would not know what to do without email. I use email to contact our accountant with tax questions. Email my sisters and my cousins. Email friends. Email to send and receive information on my CASA case. Email for business and for pleasure. I would miss email!

Yes, I use the phone. Email. Facebook. One thing I do not do is send text messages.

All of these are great. All are great ways to keep up to date on business situations. To keep in touch with family and friends. To give and receive encouragement. To request prayers. To offer prayers. To send a laugh or even a virtual hug.

BUT all, of these modes of communication, are useless if the person you are trying to make contact with does not check their email. Does not check their Facebook page. Does not listen to the messages on their recorder. Does not check voice mail. Does not check their text messages.

God uses many ways to communicate with us. Nature. Other people. The Holy Spirit. The Bible. The word of Christ.

Do you check for messages from God?

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 10:16-18

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where do you find messages from God? When you are outside? When you are in church? When you study the Bible? When you are just quiet, listening and ready to receive the message God wants you to hear? Are you ready to accept the good news?

As I wrote these questions, I thought about the show Touched by an Angel. How would you feel if a person said, "I am an angel and I have a message from God."?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

My dear Lord, I am listening. I am always checking to see if you have left me a message beside a tree. Or beside a brook. I am listening. I listen to others who can help me learn. Others who can direct me. Pray for and with me. Others who can be my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am listening. I am listening to the Holy Spirit. I am listening to the Spirit's voice and allowing that voice to help me make wise choices. I am listening. I am listening to the words of the Bible. I am listening and learning. Thank you for loving me so much that you want to communicate with me. You want me to hear your love song in the gentle breeze. In the loving hearts of others. In the Spirit you have placed in the very core of my being. In the inspired words written for eternity. I am listening. Amen

PS. By the way. God, you are so much better than email, Facebook, voice mail, recorders or texting. You are never off-line. You are never in a glitch area with no reception. You are never floating around in space instead of landing in my inbox. You are not accidently deleted before I hear the message. And you are not small print on a phone that will be outdated by the time I finish this prayer.

I am listening, but I am filled with wonder and amazement when I realize that you are listening to me. Amen and Amen

OH NO! FRIDAY THE 13TH

2010-08-13T06:04:00.001-05:00

OH NO! FRIDAY THE 13TH

Beware! Be on your guard! Warning! Today is Friday the 13th! OH NO!

I Googled Friday the 13th and was amazed at what I found. Snopes.com says Friday the 13th is "a day fraught with peril."

One source said 17-21 million people in the USA are affected by a fear of this day. $800-900 million is lost in business revenue because people stay home. They miss work, will not fly and some will not get out of bed. There is a 23 letter word for this phobia.

Do you know all the things you are not supposed to do on Friday? You are not supposed to:

Give birth (child will be doomed to misfortune, 1846), get married (doomed to a cat-and-dog life, 1879), get up for the first time if recovering from an illness (no reason given, 1923), listen to news (adds another wrinkle on your face and adds a year to your age, 1883), move (you won't stay long, 1982) or start a new job (never stay long in that job, 1923).

And do not even consider giving a dinner party for 13 people or having 13 people in a room.

These sound so silly. No woman is going to say, "Stay in there baby. It is Friday." Bill and I were married on a Friday and our marriage is not a cat-and-dog life. Would you wait until Saturday to get up if you were feeling strong enough on Friday? I bet FOX news has as many listeners on Friday as they do on Wednesday. The verdict is still out on Friday news giving you wrinkles and adding a year to your age. And do you really think moving or starting a new job on Friday has anything to do with how long you live in that house or keep a job?

Yes, these sound silly. They sound silly to me, but I am sure they do not sound silly to the person with a fear of Friday. Or the person that fears the number 13. Or the person that fears Friday the 13th.

We each have fears in our lives. Some are irrational fears. Irrational fears which can cause havoc in our day to day existence. The person who will not go into a small room does not consider claustrophobia an irrational fear. The person who can spend hours in a closet just does not understand claustrophobia. One person can study a spider and another is too afraid to even step on it. Yes, we each have fears in our lives.

Questions:

What do we do about these fears?

Do we let them control our lives?

Where do we get help?

How can we overcome our irrational fears?

(Disclaimer: I am not making light of anyone's fears. I do not like small rooms or large crowds, but can cope with both. There is also a difference between irrational fears and real fears. I do not like to walk on ice, because I know if I fall I can break something. Real fears include loss of employment, health issues, family relationships and things from our past that cause fear today.)

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

Lord I seek deliverance from my fears. I no longer want the fear of ________________ to control my life. I want to acknowledge and overcome my fear.

Lord I seek deliverance from the real fears in my life. I know my life will always be full of problems and trials, but I turn to you so these real fears do not consume my spirit.

Amen

WHICH ROAD DO YOU TAKE?

2010-08-06T12:28:00.001-05:00

This has been a very hectic week because we took off for three days to see a friend in Canada.

Traffic at the Michigan/Canada border crossing.

No traffic on this road.

A partridge looking for a pear tree.

As I was looking at these pictures, I thought of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken."

I will be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Frost asserted, "You have to be careful of that one, it's a tricky poem - very tricky."

He commented, "It does not moralize about choice, it simply says that choice is inevitable, but you never know what your choice will mean until you have lived it."

We had a choice to go to Canada and it took us 50 minutes to get across the border. The people traveling into the USA were backed up clear to the Canadian crossing. They waited much longer. We lived with the result of this choice but it impacted another choice. When we came home, we got up REALLY early and made it across in about ten minutes.

The second picture is always my choice of roads. I love back roads. Roads where you cannot see anyone in front or behind you. Roads where you can stop and take a picture of -- A picture of a partridge wondering what that crazy lady is doing.

My Christian journey is similar to our recent adventure. Sometimes I get stuck. I don't understand. I am at a standstill. And it takes me moving ahead a little at a time until the ole brain kicks in and God checks my passport and says, "Okay, move on down the road."

Sometimes I am on my Christian journey with others. And sometimes I am on the road less traveled. The road less traveled gives me quiet. And peace. And time.

And just like finding a partridge out in the middle of the road, I find God's gifts.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.' " Luke 3:4-6

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Which roads do you take?

LET US PRAY

This week, talk to God about the roads you have been on. Have a good long, heart to heart with Him. You will both enjoy your time together.

PRICELESS

2010-07-30T06:34:00.001-05:00

PRICELESS

Rental car: really good deal!

Motel rooms: used points!

Fuel: MasterCard!

Friendship: Priceless!

Last weekend my hubby and our daughter drove to Enid, Oklahoma, a 1,760 mile roundtrip. They left Thursday evening and returned Sunday. It was quite a drive just to surprise an extremely important friend. To surprise a friend and her family as they baptized their son. A long awaited addition to their family. An addition that took years, tears and a trip to China.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this time that Bill and Terri had together: Bill driving and Terri talking. (That is the job of the person in the passenger seat. Terri is much like her mother and, I am sure, perfectly capable of talking the entire time.)

Thank you for Bill offering to take Terri so she could surprise a friend. Thank you for all who stepped up to help with Terri's four boys so she could go. Thank you for Terri's husband who realized how important this journey was to his wife.

Thank you that Lana was surprised. I am told there were tears and hugs when Lana saw Terri and Bill. In that instant, Lana realized what value we place on her friendship.

O God, do tears of joy flow in heaven and arms open wide when we come to you? When we clear our schedule and make you a priority? When we work together to help another achieve a goal? When we just enjoy time together?

O Lord, do you realize how valuable you are when you see the reflection of your love in our eyes, the smile that will not stop, the joy making our hearts beat strongly, our hands lifted and our heads bowed

Amen

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

Transportation: Provided

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:3-4

Housing: room waiting

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

Price of trip: paid by Jesus

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Eternal Life: priceless

See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us -- even eternal life. 1 John 2:25

Do you have everything you need to reach the destination of eternal life?

READY. SET. SEW.

2010-07-23T06:31:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

READY. SET. SEW.

Grandson Nathan told me he would like to learn to sew. So, sew we did.

There was some thought and preparation put into his first project. What material should he use? What should he make? There were questions. Would he really enjoy sewing? Since it was not a computer game, would he stick with the lesson and project?

The material was easy. Inexpensive cotton, with a baseball print would be easy to work with. The decision of what to make was also easy. A pillowcase requires few seams and they are all straight. A good beginning project.

Our lesson began by looking at the material and pillow I had purchased. (Why do these projects seem to require an outlay of cash from grandma?) They passed inspection, so the lesson began.

I won't make you wonder. Yes, he did enjoy the project and yes he did stick with it, although I did hear a few, "How many more practice seams do I have to do before I can start sewing on my pillowcase?"

So, sew on his pillow he did.

He trimmed the threads.

He tried out his new pillow.

Today Nathan learned a lot.

He learned someone had prepared everything he would need to accomplish his goal. He learned the pillowcase did not make itself and that he had to work. As he laid his head down, he found comfort.

Hum. Sorta like our Christian life. God has prepared everything we need. But -- our goal can only be accomplished when we accept and use the items God has prepared for us. And, during the process, God gives us great comfort.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When you have a project, do you get everything ready before you start? If it is a new project, one you have never tried before, do you practice on "scraps" before you start on the real thing? How do you feel when the project is complete?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

O God, you have given me everything I need to become a true, believing child of God. Your inspired words, written by man, and held in my hands are like a pattern to follow. Using the Bible, I am constantly learning how to make my life's seams straighter and how to saw just the right length of board I need to build my foundation strong. I know you are not practicing on me and you do not consider me a disposable scrap. I know I am very dear to you. I know you want me to learn. To work. To believe. To follow Your Son, Jesus Christ. I know you want me to find the comfort only You can give. Amen

POINT OF VIEW

2010-07-16T07:09:00.001-05:00

POINT OF VIEW

Point of view is everything. It decides how we look at the world. At politics. At each other. How we look at life. Yup, point of view is very important.

What do you see in this picture? Do you see the pond? The trees? The geese? Does looking at this picture make you feel peaceful? Do you enjoy seeing the geese? Would you like to wash a worm in hopes of catching a fish?

Or do you see geese making a mess of the bean field?

What do you see in this picture? Do you see the pretty, blue wildflowers? The Queen Ann's Lace? Would you like to pick the flowers to enjoy in your home?

Or do you see weeds growing along the roadside that need mowed?

What do you see in this picture? Do you notice the architecture? The bell? Do you see a decoration on a building?

Or do you see the cross reaching to heaven?

Yup, point of view is very important.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Genesis 1:31: God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (When God looked at the world He had created, His point of view was positive.)

Proverbs 15:30: A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. (So - a cheerful look is good for the heart.)

Isaiah 40:26: Lift your eyes and look to the heavens; Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (Wow - Look to the heavens. Each star is named. Look to the heavens and remember that God knows you by name also.)

Jeremiah 6:16: This is what the Lord says: " Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' " (The Lord is there at each crossroads in our lives. Look so you know which way to go. Or will you be like those in the Old Testament who would not walk the good way?)

John 1:36: When John saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" (Have you looked for the Lamb of God? Have you found Him?)

Luke 24:5 6: In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" (If you have not found Jesus, maybe you are looking in the wrong place. If you have found Jesus, then you have the perfect point of view!)

+ + + + + + +

Please finish with a prayer of your own and have a blessed week.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR

2010-07-09T06:36:00.001-05:00

Remember when someone knocked at your door unexpectedly? The first thought is, "Who can that be?" And then you check to see if your clothes are all in place. Then you open the door and ---------

What can be on the other side of the door? Looking at life, we open doors from the time we are born.

"Mom, can I go play? All the kids are outside running through the sprinkler. Please." Then a door opens and friendships are formed.

"Why are my loving parents leaving me in this strange building? With all these strange people? And other children I do not know?" Then a door opens and learning begins.

"It was only yesterday when I started first grade and now I am graduating from college. This has been a good dorm room but am I ever ready to get out on my own." Then a door opens and life hits you square in the face.

"Yes, mom, I will be careful. Dad, I know the way. You marked the map and I promise I will pull over if I get tired." Then a door opens and working 8 to 5 becomes a reality.

"Gee did you see those deep blue eyes? I could get lost in those eyes." Then a door opens and a family is formed.

"It is time. We have waited so long for a child." Then a door opens and a family grows.

"But this shouldn't happen. Not for many years." Then a door opens and grief is felt.

Yes, all during our lives, doors open and our lives are never the same. Doors open and friends are found. Education shows us the world. Life becomes real and work becomes a reality. Doors open and we find love and the wonder of birth. And death.

Have you opened the most important door of all? Jesus said, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you holding back from opening a door? Are you afraid of what might be on the other side? OR Do you hear the knock? Are you ready to open the door? Are you excited about what you will find? Are you ready to eat with Jesus?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Jesus, I hear you! I hear you! I am coming to open the door. Oh, Jesus, I open the door wide so you can come into my life. Into my heart. I have been seeking you and here you are! Come in. Come in. Oh, Jesus, please come in. Here you are! I am so excited. You are here. With me. Come in! Come in! Amen

DECLARING MY DEPENDENCE

2010-07-02T07:39:00.001-05:00

DECLARING MY DEPENDENCE

Nope, that is not a typo.

Each July 4th the United States of America celebrates Independence Day. This celebration is to remind us of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which declared our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. With that declaration, we became a country that governs ourselves and has sovereignty over our own land. As an American, I celebrate living independent of the laws or control of another country.

Dependent is when a person relies on or trusts another to take care of them. So, I am declaring my dependence.

I am declaring my dependence on the Kingdom of God.

This is a short list of things I am dependent upon the Kingdom of God for:

Grace which I do not deserve
Salvation which I can never earn
Forgiveness of my sins
A strong Holy Spirit
Peace for my soul
Every breath I take
Eternal Life

On this July 4th and every day, I DECLARE MY DEPENDENCE ON GOD.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 62:7

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you dependent upon God?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. My soul finds rest in You alone. You are my salvation, my rock, my fortress. When I am dependent upon You, I can never be shaken. I find my rest in You. My hope. I trust You at all times. I pour out my heart to You and know You will give me refuge. Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my Declaration of Dependency. Listen as I declare my dependency on You. Amen

I WONDER

2010-06-25T14:35:00.001-05:00

I WONDER

I wonder what it would feel like to swim in the depths of the ocean.

I wonder how long it would take to count all the grains of sand.

I wonder how it would feel to fly like an eagle.

I wonder how many rain drops it takes to make a puddle.

I wonder if big horn sheep have a headache after butting heads.

I wonder how much God loves me.

I will never know the answers to these questions. Oops. My bad! I do know the answer to the last one.

PSALM 103:8-18

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children -- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you know how much God loves you?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

How much do you love me God? This Psalm tells me that you love me so much you are compassionate and gracious with me. Your love for me is so great you do not treat me as I deserve. Instead you remove my transgressions far, far away. When I no longer have a place on earth, I will, over time, be forgotten. But I will never be forgotten by you. How much do you love me God? You love me from everlasting to everlasting. Thank you. Amen

THANK GOODNESS FOR CELL PHONES

2010-06-18T05:11:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 49:13

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

THANK GOODNESS FOR CELL PHONES

Friday, June 11, was some day. I am thrilled to report that Timothy's surgery was a success and he no longer has tonsils or adenoids. I would like to report that he is back to his usual crazy self, but he is having all the normal surgery side effects. Throat very sore. Grumpy. Really bad breath. And did I mention, grumpy? He is even getting tired of watching TV.

Timothy has three older brothers. Let me tell you, those four boys can get into some really nasty fights. "He kicked me." "You hit me first." "Tell him to stay out of my room." "I want to sit by mommy." "Daddy said I could." "That is my light saber." "We watched your movie last time." Get the idea? Sometimes, you would think those boys hated each other.

That is until one of them gets sick. We were headed to Fort Wayne and the phone rang. "May I talk to Timmy?"

Because we had to be at the hospital early, we stayed in Fort Wayne the night before. As we entered our room, the phone rang. "May I talk to Timmy?"

We walked over to Bob Evans and had a bite of supper and upon returning to the room, Timmy asked, "Can I call grandpa?"

And before we made it to bed, the phone rang again, "We want to tell Timmy goodnight." Yup, those boys can get into some battles, but when one hurts they become brothers and they all hurt.

I am not sure how many times the cell phone was used Friday. "Yes, we are headed to the hospital." "Yes, Timothy is in surgery." "Yes, he is out of surgery." "He is awake." "We are headed home."

And again, the phone rang, "May I talk to Timmy?"

The cell phone gave everyone comfort. Timothy talked to his father, his brothers and his grandparents. But the cell phone could not be used everywhere. BUT during this time of concern. During this surgery. During this separation from family, there was one connection that was always available.

That connection? God, of course.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Like all devices of man, the cell phone can get us into trouble or be a blessing. Do you drive and talk? Drive and text? (HOPE NOT!) Talk on the phone instead of enjoying the person/people you are with? When has the cell phone been a blessing? Have you called when your car was broken down? When someone was ill? When you just needed to hear a loved ones voice?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Hello, God.

I know with you I never get a busy signal or have to worry about leaving a message. You are always ready to hear my prayers.

I look at this wonderful world and appreciate __________.

You have so blessed me. Thank you for __________.

Please help __________.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen and Amen.

GOOD MORNING LORD

2010-06-10T09:13:00.001-05:00

Yes, it is Thursday instead of Friday, but tomorrow I will be at the hospital while our grandson has his tonsils taken out. Would you please say a prayer for Timothy and all those involved in his surgery and recovery.

HAVE A WEEK FULL OF GRACE AND PEACE – Mary

When I woke up this morning, this is what came to my mind.

GOOD MORNING LORD

Good morning Lord, Take my hand and walk with me today,

Protect my thoughts, so they do not stray,

Guard my ears, keep hurtful words away,

Keep my eyes focused, so they do not betray

May my mouth have truth and love, in all I say,

Keep my heart beating strong, all this day,

Let each breath I take, remind me to pray,

Guide my feet, show me the way,

Good morning Lord, Take my hand and walk with me today,

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 143:8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

WELCOME

2010-06-04T06:40:00.001-05:00

Today I would like you to watch two YouTube videos.

The first is Rodney Carrington's "If I'm the Only One." Watch it to the end, please. This link should work by either using the Ctrl key or clicking the link or by copy and paste. The link is: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nZMtwm7fcs

The second is Mark Schultz's "Everything to Me." This video can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPYaRJOWznk Again, use the Ctrl key and click or copy and paste.

Do you know what I am going to write about today?

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

And she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. …… When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water." Exodus 2:2, 3 and 10

ADOPTION

A while back, all within a three day period, four things happened:

A Facebook friend told about adopting his wife's children.
The Sunday bulletin offered this prayer, "Thank you Father, for adopting us into Your family because of Jesus Christ our Savior.
An email said that adoption is when you are entrusted with a child to raise.
Our son had me watch the Rodney Carrington video.

I put these in my "is a good idea for a blog" file. This morning, Sunday, May 30, I saw Mark Schultz's video and decided it was time to take them out of the file.

Adoption is very special to our family. Because one woman understood she would not be able to raise her unborn baby, we are blessed with a granddaughter. That granddaughter is now 15 years old but I can remember the very first time I saw her. Instant love!

In that instant, I realized there are three ways to deliver a baby. One is by natural birth. The second is by caesarean section. The third is from the hands of another.

My 1995 Christmas poem included this: "We received a gift this year - an answered prayer. Our son and his wife adopted a baby. What joy this little girl has brought into our lives. Knowing that an unseen hand always held ours, made the uncertainty and waiting easier. As we waited for this addition to our family, we learned to appreciate the unselfish generosity and love that one person can have for another. A mother put the future of her child first. She gave us a granddaughter. God put us first -- He gave us His Son!"

As this is being written, we have friends who are in China. They have traveled a very long way to adopt.

Moses' mother knew she had to find a safe home for her son. Many mothers and fathers make the same decision. Bless you.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you adopted a child? Do you know someone who is adopted? Are you adopted? (Read Ephesians 1:4-7) Maybe you have been adopted twice.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Adoption. This can bring up so many emotions. Lord, I pray for the mothers and fathers, who have entrusted their children to others. Give them peace with this decision. Lord, I pray for the mothers and fathers who opened their arms and their hearts to these very special children. Lord, I pray for the children. I pray they will grow into adulthood, proud to be called adopted. Amen

REMEMBER

2010-05-28T05:48:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 2:2 - 5

In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

REMEMBER

Anyone who knows me knows I am not big on history or genealogy. I am big on people who defend this country and the rights of its citizens.

My father was a Private in the Army and served in Infantry Co B 115th Inf Reg. He served in the Rhineland and central Europe and received two Bronze Stars. My father-in-law was a Master Sergeant in the Army and was the Chief Radio Operator over 39 men. Neither died during their military service, but they served proudly.

Both of these men were older when they were called to serve during WW II. My father, who was truck driver, was put into the infantry. We still have not figured that out other than he told a Sergeant he could drive a truck and the Sergeant told him to walk. And walk he did. Dad never talked about the war.

My father-in-law managed a store's hardware department and was an amateur radio operator. The Army put his skills to good use and he taught others. I never met him, but I have often wondered what he would think of the internet. I understand he never talked about his service either.

My brother served in the Army during peace time. Our son-in-law was in the Navy. One nephew was in the Navy and traveled far from Indiana. One nephew is in the National Guard and served in Iraq. My sister, although not military, works at Camp Atterbury and sends soldiers off with a smile and greets them when they return with an even bigger smile.

We have a friend that served in Korea and many who served in Viet Nam. We have a friend who is in the Air Force and friends who are Marines. (Once a Marine, always a Marine.) A Canadian friend served with the US military. There are men in our church who survived the Battle of the Bulge and the landing at Normandy.

I am proud of my family members who have served this country. I am grateful for each and every soldier - old, young and those in-between; male and female; Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and the National Guard - who has defended the United States of America.

It does not matter if we remember on the traditional Memorial Day of May 30 or the day now set as the last Monday in May. What is important is that we remember and, with respect, offer our gratitude. A line, in a 1915 poem, says, "That blood of heroes never dies." That is true. The blood of heroes lives in our freedoms. Always remember.

LET US PRAY

Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. Lord I do come to your mountain. I come with prayers of thanksgiving for those who are willing to serve and risk their lives so I may have freedom. I come with gratitude for all who gave their lives to protect the freedoms of the United States of America and the freedoms of other countries and individuals. I do not take for granted my right to pray and worship you. I do not take for granted the freedoms I have today because I know that, without willing soldiers, these freedoms might disappear. I pray for the safety of our soldiers. I pray for the mental and emotional stability of our soldiers. I pray for the families of our soldiers. Also give them the physical, mental and emotional strength they need to stand with their spouse, parent or child who is serving in the military. Lord I do come to your mountain and I will celebrate the day when there are no swords. No spears. No wars. Amen

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

2010-05-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15:3-7

Then Jesus told them this parable, "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

Well, let's see. Rainbows and puppies make me smile. Wiggling my toes in the mud and blowing bubbles make me smile. Family and seeing Bill smile, makes me smile. Also, the sound of children laughing, the feel of a child's hand in mine and cartoons. A finished project. The first winter snow. The last winter snow. A good glass of wine. Friends.

Oh, my. This could be a very long list. Take a deep breath, here we go: Books, the sound of the ocean, buffalo, a new born calf and the sound of our children, even at their ages, calling me mommy. Driving very crooked roads, a good nights sleep, music, cheesecake and helping children. Quiet time but also the noise created when friends and family are all talking at once. An email from my sister, a USA flag blowing in a gentle breeze, white roses and playing games. Also, sitting on the deck, clouds, sunsets and getting a nice hot shower.

Deer running through our yard, fresh lettuce from the garden. Praying in a quiet church, children singing, Sunday School classes, Psalm 139 -- I better stop because these are just a few of the things that make me smile.

I do like to smile. Smiling makes my face feel good, changes the tone of my voice and improves my outlook on life. A smile can change my day from lousy to fantastic.

What makes God smile? I think God is happy and has a very large smile when all of His children are safe in His care.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have any of these made you smile? Did you start your own list as you read mine?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

I am smiling God. Can you see my smile? I look around and find so many things to smile about. Your world and all you placed in it are amazing. I pray I never loose the ability to smile at simple pleasures like mud in my toes and bubbles floating to heaven. I hope I make you smile. It makes me feel so secure to know that when I am lost YOU will come find me. It makes my Holy Spirit smile to know you want me in your flock. I am smiling God. Can you see my smile? Amen

THE LIGHT IS THERE

2010-05-14T07:16:00.001-05:00

A very generous friend has allowed us to stay at his cabin in Colorado. We have been there twice and are looking forward to returning this September. It is very quiet. You can rest. You can relax.

One end of the cabin is windows and, in the mornings, you can watch the world wake up and, at night, watch it go to sleep. One evening, as I walked from the kitchen toward the window, it looked dark outside. But when I got to the window I saw it wasn't totally dark. Above the tree line, the sky was still light blue with a few scattered clouds. Then I saw the white jet stream. So close, it looked as if I could touch it. What a closing to a wonderful day. A reminder that when we think life is dark, full of problems, the light is still there. So close, we just need to reach out and grasp it.

The scriptures are full of reassurance.

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Genesis 1:3. God created the heavens and the earth. Then He lit up the sky! He lit up our lives!

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:29. It is never so dark that God's light will not shine through.

The Lord is my light and my salvation Psalm 27:1. Wow, not only our light but our salvation. Two for one!!!

For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psalm 56:13. Joy of joy! The light of life!

Where do we find this light? How do we understand it? The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130. Where and how? We look in God's word.

From my favorite Psalm, we learn even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12. So -- no matter how deep the dark is that surrounds us, God sees us. He knows where we are.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26. God created us and all we have to do is lift our eyes and look to the heavens.

Micah 7:8 encourages us. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Yes, we all fall and sometimes we all sit in darkness. When that happens, do not think you are there forever. Do not let your enemy win. When you fall, ask the Lord to be your light.

You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14. Just as God is our light, God expects us to be a light to others.

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5. We never know what the next minute may bring, let alone tomorrow. But, one thing we know for sure is that the time will come when there will be no more darkness.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible, the unfolding word of God, gives understanding to each of us so we will call upon the light. "Darkness" is different for each person and can come when least expected. When your life gets dark. Or you feel alone. Or you feel like you are at the end of your rope, remember, reach out and grasp the light.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Do you have this light in your life?

PRAYER TIME

Today, use the scriptures to surround yourself with the light of God.

Dear Lord, Bless all who call upon your light so there will be no more darkness. Amen

VOTING

2010-05-07T07:04:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: GALATIANS 3:26 - 29

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

VOTING

I have not worked the elections for a long time. When I said, "Sure I can help.", I forgot about getting up at 4:00 AM, to be at the polls by 5:00 AM, to begin at 6:00 AM, to end at 6:00 PM and then leave a little after 7:00 PM. My memory had failed to enter a few years of aging into the tired equation.

Bill said, "No your butt is not dragging behind you." Maybe not, but all it took was a shower to make my behind land asleep on the couch.

The polling place I worked was in a retirement home. As I watched people come in, using walkers, canes or wheelchairs, I realized voting is a freedom, a right and a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

I have not missed voting in any election since 1967. Primary. General. I have voted. Voting is a privilege we should not take for granted. Even in the United States, voting has not always been open to all.

15th Constitutional Amendment Feb 26, 1869: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
19th Constitutional Amendment Aug 26, 1920: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
26th Constitutional Amendment July 5,1971: The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

You would have thought that the 15th Amendment would have given women the right to vote. Nope. It took 51 years and the 19th Amendment before women could vote. Although 18 year olds were drafted and could serve in the military, they were not allowed to vote until 1971.

Voting is a privilege we should not take for granted. Voting has not always been open to all. Being a child of God is open to all who "vote" by being baptized.

How have you voted?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you say you are an heir to God's kingdom? Have you been baptized? If so, then offer this prayer of joy:

I am one in Christ Jesus. I have been baptized and am clothed with Christ. I belong to Christ and I am an heir to the promise given Abraham. Amen

Have you not been baptized or not sure if you are ready to make a commitment? Would you like to learn more? Do you have a place where you can learn more? If so, then offer this request for guidance:

Jesus, I understand baptism is the outward sign of the inward change of my spirit. I am trying, but am not quite sure and have not been baptized. Jesus, open my heart, my mind and my soul. Place in my life the direction I need to discover a strong, unshakable faith. Amen.

FINDING BILL

2010-04-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: JOHN 4:10

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

FINDING BILL

The phone rang just as I was getting ready to leave. "What are you doing?" Bill asked. When I told him I was going to get my hair cut, he said, "Could you bring me some water. Mine got knocked over." Considering he is doing fieldwork, I told him sure. "I am working on 500 E, just past 500 N." he said, as he hung up.

Instead of taking a couple bottles of water, I added water to a bag of ice and left the house. I figured he could just fill the water jug he had with him. By the time I drove to the beauty shop, I discovered the bag had a hole in it and the floor of my car was getting very wet.

While getting my hair cut, Bill called and said, "By the time you get here, I might be on 400 N."

Instead of a quick drive, I now had to go to buy water. That done, I left to find Bill.

I tried 400 N and sure enough there was the big Cat tractor. The tractor stopped, but Bill did not get out. "Bill is working over by that house."

That house looked like it was one mile over, so I drove one mile north, one mile east and did not see Bill. Bless cell phones. Hearing what corner I was at, Bill said, "Turn right."

Bill said turn right, but I turned the other right. Still on the phone, I hear Bill say, "Gee I should see you by now. Are you going south?"

Oops. Turn around. That would make another half mile back to the corner and straight ahead. Another half mile and I saw Bill. But I had to drive to the corner and turn right. Finally, I found Bill. I found Bill, on 400 N, about a quarter mile east of where I had stopped at the first time. I drove around the mile square for nothing.

I gave Bill the water and left for home. Bill called when I was about a mile down the road. He just wanted me to know, "The water bottles are too big to fit in my little cooler."

A Samaritan woman went to the well to get water. Something she did every day. A very normal activity. A normal activity until she met a stranger. A Jew who asked a Samaritan for a drink. A Jew who asked a Samaritan for a drink but offered water that would give eternal life.

With a few wrong turns, I found Bill. With a few wrong turns, a Samaritan woman found eternal life.

Do you know where to find Jesus and the living water he offers?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you thirsty?

PRAYER

This week say your own prayer. Thank Jesus for finding you and giving you eternal life. Or, if you have not done so, ask Jesus into your life and ask Him for the living water.

STEPPING STONES

2010-04-23T06:12:00.001-05:00

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 48:17

This is what the Lord says -- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."

STEPPING STONES

Bill no longer has any Quikrete. He likes to keep it on hand to repair a chip in the sidewalk or a crack in the driveway. I will admit this is what the product is for, but I have found a way to use it that is a lot more fun.

Last October I went to Florida with our daughter and her family and I brought back some shells. I knew what I was going to do with them and finally got around to making stepping stones for their flower bed.

Internet instructions said to make the mix like "brownie batter." Not wanting to make a batch of brownies, I thought, "I know what brownie batter looks like. I have made many pans of brownies. This will be a piece of brownie." (That is meant to be funny.)

Found out this is a bit trickier than I thought. The mixing was going good but seemed a bit too thick. So I added a tad of water. Now too thin. So I added more Quikrete. Ah, that looked just right so I poured it in the pan. And started making another batch.

That one was no easier to make. I thought I was adding a bit of water and it turned out to be a bit more than I needed. But I planned to make a third stone and did not want to use all my mix. So, it was a thin "brownie batter" that I poured it into the pan.

I decided I better put the shells in the first pan before it set up too much. Oops! Remember that was the thicker mix. I am glad they were tough shells because I had to push them in.

That was not the problem I had with the second stone. Remember it was a bit thin. When I put the first shell in, it sank! When I dug it out, it left a hole. So I patted and smoothed in the hole. Finally all the shells were in place and I added some accent pieces. They were heavy and - yup - would not stand up. So I dug them out.

Do you get the picture? An easy project that was not easy and I now have to replace Bill's Quikrete. The stepping stones do look good though.

The Bible tells us many things about our steps. Bill used to get upset because I would go out in the barnyard barefoot. Proverbs 14:15 says, "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Believe me, I gave much thought to where I would step. I like putting bare toes in mud, but I did not want to put bare toes in - well, let's just say I did not want to put bare toes in other barnyard items. I was prudent with my steps.

It is not always so easy to know where to step. Or what path to follow.

Again the Bible reassures us. Job 34:21 tells us, "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step". Psalm 37:23 says, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

So, when you are unsure of your next step. Or questioning what path to follow. Take the Lord's hand and he will direct you in the way you should go.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever tried an easy project that ended up being not so easy? Do you watch where you step?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

To the Lord my God, -- Who sees my every step. Who knows what is best for me. Who is there when I stumble and will not let me fall. Who upholds me with His hand. Who directs me in the way I should go. -- I reach for Your hand so I may step firmly onto the path you have prepared for me. May each step be for Your Glory and Delight. Amen