MERRY CHRISTMAS

Since 1985, I have written a poem or writing to put in our Christmas cards. This is what I wrote for 2008.

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CHANGE

It was a normal day. The sun came up as usual.
People woke up. They went to work.
There were meals to fix. Children to tend.
There were lessons to be learned and laws to be observed.

Bethlehem was busier than usual. So many strangers coming into town.
The inns were full and the streets were jammed.
This was good for the merchants, but not so easy on the travelers.
The travelers were tired. Some were confused and lost.

People came home from work. They prepared for rest.
It had been a normal day. Bethlehem and the whole world went to bed.
Each person thinking tomorrow they would do it all over again.
But before the next sunrise, there would be a change.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Few people even noticed the change.
They just went on with their lives. As if, the sun had come up as usual.

Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:22-23

My prayer for you, this Christmas, is that you will notice the change.
That you will celebrate this birth.
That you will reach for the hand of a baby.
That you will take the hand of God.

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I hope you had a Blessed Christmas,
Mary

PLAYING CHARADES

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1 -- parts of verses 5 - 25 - the Birth of John the Baptist Foretold (please read verses 5 - 25)

(Zechariah went into the temple of the Lord) Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, …… "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 is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. ….. Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The Angel answered, …… And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." …….. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

PLAYING CHARADES

As I was preparing the Sunday School lesson for this week, I had to laugh at the image of Zechariah coming out of the temple. The people were waiting on him. What did his face look like? It says they realized "he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them." Were his eyes big with wonder? Was he standing taller? Did his face show puzzlement? What signs did he make to help them understand what had happened.

And then it was time for him to go home. Can you picture Elizabeth opening the door and saying, "How was your day at the temple dear?" Then, and this is where my imagination really took over, can you picture Zechariah trying to explain - without speaking - that she was going to have a baby?

Remember, Elizabeth was "well along in years." The pregnancy would be the easy part. Of course staying "in seclusion" for five months would be a bit of a stretch. Pregnancy is followed by a delivery and a delivery before the medical breakthrough of blocking the pain with drugs. Then would come changing diapers. Potty training. The terrible twos. Dealing with a teenager. And all the time making sure this child John did not drink any wine or fermented drink. Plus the fact that he would be filled "with the Holy Spirit even from birth."

Now wouldn't you think Elizabeth would be just a bit upset? And scared?

If Bill came home and told me that he had a vision, a visit from an angel, and that I was going to be pregnant, I would probably take him to the emergency room. Why? Well first, I would think he was hallucinating. Second, he would need stitches from the injury he received when I whacked him with a ball bat.

Elizabeth had quite an adventure, which began because she and her husband were "upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly." Can you picture Elizabeth as she finally figured out her husband's game of charades? Did she have a smile on her face as she realized she was going to have a baby?

Are you ready for verse 25? Was Elizabeth upset? No. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people." She wasn't upset. She was thrilled. She was thankful. Humble.

Then Elizabeth was visited by Mary and the baby "leaped in her womb." Luke 1:41

QUESTION AND ACTIVITY OF THE DAY

Can you imagine what Elizabeth must have felt like? Now go a little crazy. Act out this lesson. Try being Zechariah telling the people. Then try explaining to Elizabeth what was going to happen. Remember, you cannot talk.

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

LET US PRAY

Dear God, As we prepare to celebrate the birth of YOUR SON, we see so many people being prepared to play their part. Mary would be a willing servant and mother to YOUR SON. Elizabeth would deliver the child who would prepare the way for Jesus. The shepherds would hear the good news and then visit the Christ Child. The wise men would travel far, to honor a baby that had been placed in a manger. YOUR SON came to earth for all - the humble servants like Mary. The upper class like Elizabeth. The poor like the shepherds. The rich like the wise men. Thank you, Heavenly Father. Thank you for sending YOUR SON for me. Amen

MERRY CHRISTMAS - MAY YOUR LIFE BE BLESSED BY THE BIRTH OF THIS BABY. --- Mary

EXCITED

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:10-12

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

EXCITED

I am writing this Wednesday evening and I am excited. This has been one busy day. Terri, our daughter, and I are going to bake tomorrow. Almost every Christmas, we bake. We bake cookies. We make candy. We talk. We laugh. We celebrate together.

So today, I shopped for all those supplies. They are waiting on the kitchen counter. Along with the measuring cups. The mixer. The recipes. Waiting until Terri gets here. I have done some prep work. I have one batch of cookie dough in the refrigerator and have the party mix done. The rest will happen tomorrow. I am s-o-o-o excited.

I am excited because, not only is this a day with Terri, it is a time we share the fruits of our work with others. A time when we knock on friends doors and say, "Merry Christmas."

I also received a phone call today from our minister. I had told him I had an idea for a Sunday message. Amazing as it sounds to those who know me, occasionally they do allow me to be the speaker. He wanted to know if January 4th would work. I said, "YES."

You see, this is a message I have been working on since April 2008. If you go back and read my blog for April 25 and September 26, you will know what message I plan to deliver. One grandson has offered to help me put together a power point presentation. I am excited because I will tell the congregation about my nine-month adventure of finding God in unexpected places.

I am glad I will be talking after Christmas. You see, I want to ask the congregation where they find Jesus. If they find Him in unexpected places? After all, who would have thought to look in a stable for the Son of God?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you excited about the Christmas season? Do you have a tradition that you look forward to? Do you find Jesus in your celebrations?

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

LET US PRAY

It is almost Christmas. Almost your Birthday, Jesus. And I am excited. The shepherds had to go to a stable to find you. The wise men traveled a long distance. How lucky I am that I know where to find you. Your Holy Spirit is with me always. I find you everywhere I am. Amen

DECORATIONS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 104:5

He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

DECORATIONS

So do you have your Christmas decorations all in their places? Isn't it funny how you put Santa in the same spot each year? And the tree sits where it sat last year. And the nativity rests in its familiar location. The angels know where to go as soon as you open the box and the lights could hang themselves. That is how it always is. Once you find just the right spot, you "set Christmas up" the same each year. That is unless you move.

That is my dilemma. I did put the Advent candle on the television. That is the only Christmas display that stayed where it had always been. Our 43-year-old nativity will go on the table beside the front door. With angels around it.

But where do I put the Christmas tree? And Santa? And the snowmen?

The tree we put up on the loft area, overlooking the living room. We like it there. The lights shine down on us. It makes a colorful glow because I am a multi-color person and have never gone in for just one color of lights.

I am beginning to find spots for the snowmen and think I know where to put the Santas. It will be interesting to see if it all works together to make a festive season. I am having fun (and Bill is tolerating) "setting Christmas up" and finding new locations for our favorite Christmas decorations.

Know what? Next year we may decide to put the tree in a new location. And the snowmen might be grouped differently. And who knows where Santa will recline. Yes, things can be moved around but it is wonderful that we can rest assured that God "set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are your decorations up? What is your favorite? What decoration would you hate to break or loose?

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

LET US PRAY

The Christmas season has begun. Dear Jesus, I am so excited to begin this time of celebrating your birth. To think that you came to earth for me is such a humbling thought. Let your birth be the foundation of my celebrations. Keep my belief in Your Holy Birth on such a strong foundation that it can never be moved. Amen

THANKSGIVING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 12:28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

THANKSGIVING

I am writing this Wednesday evening, but by the time you read this, the left over turkey will be in the refrigerator. The dressing will be waiting to be eaten for lunch and I will still be wondering why Bill likes Mincemeat Pie. Thanksgiving is Bill's favorite holiday and I do love fixing the meal.

This year we had an added surprise when a beautiful centerpiece was delivered. One of our farm management families sent it to thank us for years of service. Bless their hearts. Every woman loves unexpected, fresh flowers.

I started on Wednesday baking and getting ready. The piecrust stuck to the counter and I ended up patching it. The Jello turned out just right. Then I made a peanut butter cake. (I know that is not traditional, but our son and I love peanut butter cake.) The cake was going good until I realized I did not have quite enough brown sugar. No problem. I just added a little white sugar. Then I realized the cake batter was thicker than usual. I checked the recipe. Right there it said 1/3 cup of peanut butter. Below that was one cup of something. Guess why the batter was thick. You are right. I had put in one cup instead of 1/3. A problem? Not sure. The cake looks okay and it baked fine, but I guess the taste test will come tomorrow. I put on extra icing just in case the cake is only fair.

If this is a normal year, the turkey will look like the picture in those cooking magazines, but will fall apart when we cut it. I guess we like ours actually cooked all the way through. Bill will mash the potatoes and I will make the gravy. The cranberry Jello salad will be eaten by some and some will turn their noses up.

I have the table set and it looks pretty. I had planned to use the everyday dishes that could be stuck in the dishwasher, but then the flowers arrived I changed my mind. The table is set with our 43-year-old wedding china (a gift from my parents), the good glasses and coasters that belonged to Bill's uncle. When we sit down to the table, we will miss having our daughter and her family, but will welcome our son's friend and her children.

I can see why Thanksgiving is Bill's favorite holiday. It is a day to enjoy family. It is a day to reflect on blessings. The big ones we notice -- Health. Family. Friends. Home. The small ones we almost forget and take for granted -- Electricity. Water. Laughter.

Today my biggest blessing is faith. I had religion a long time and I found there is a big difference between faith and religion. I will take faith.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What were you thankful?

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

Friday morning: A note before I post this: The cake was tremendous. I will put extra peanut butter the next time too. The turkey was drier than usual. The dressing (stuffing to you city people) was very good this year. And Bill was the only one to eat the pie. Know what? Dry turkey or not - IT WAS A WONDERFUL DAY. Of course, I will have to write about the kids saying someone is at the door and finding a police officer ready to ring the bell. And no, he was not going door-to-door for charity.

LET US PRAY

Today, please offer a prayer of your own. Use simple words. Or exquisite words. Offer a prayer thanking God for all He has given you.

A DRIVE ON A DARK MORNING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 35:8

And a highway will be there; it will be called the way of Holiness.

(Please read Isaiah 35. This is a wonderful chapter.)

A DRIVE ON A DARK MORNING

On my November 7 blog, I wrote about talking to God while I was driving. Today I want to tell you about an early morning drive I had. For those of you who do not know it, I cashier auctions and those auctions are not always close to home or easy to find.

In the fall and winter, thanks to our Indiana legislature, we experience dark mornings because of Eastern Time zone/daylight savings time. Bless their hearts. (Sarcasm there.) Early one morning. A dark morning. I left for an auction. Did I tell you it was dark? And early. That meant the deer would be meeting in the fields for their breakfast and morning gossip. That meant I had to watch out for deer.

Being dark also meant I had to dim my lights for oncoming traffic and I had to squint when those same cars were not as considerate. Bill had made me a map and I was sorta confident as to what towns I would be going through, where to make turns and how to get to the auction.

What I found, as I drove, were a few unexpected curves that looked like straight lines on the map. I also found I appreciated the reflectors down the center of the road and the white line on the edge of the road. These helped keep me in my own lane on that early dark morning.

Know what? That drive is like traveling the road of life. Life is not always sunny and bright. Sometimes it is dark and danger starts early in the day. The deer and bright oncoming headlights are like sin, ready to step in front of you at any moment or blind you to the truth. The other side is that God is like the reflectors and the white line. He has laid out a path for you - yes a path that has many curves and unexpected turns, but he does have a road for you to travel. The headlights on your own car? The light of God showing you the way. And the map? The Bible.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

As you travel, what is trying to distract you? What light is shining in your life? What do you use as a map?

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

LET US PRAY

A highway will be there; it will be called the way of Holiness. My God, I want to be on that road. As I travel through life, light my way. Protect me as sins and false gods try to distract me from my destination. Let my eyes see the reflectors and white lines so I do not veer off your highway. Give me wisdom so I can understand your map - the Bible. .… Amen

HAVE AN EXTREMELY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I WANT IT NOW

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13

I WANT IT NOW

Do you watch commercials? I try not, but you cannot avoid them. Some are not too bad and if I were looking for an advertising agency, I would find the company that represents Target. Their ads are good. Bright. Active. Gives Target a good image. I would also find out the ad agency that Volkswagen uses. Now just how stupid are their commercials that say, "They got pregnant so they could buy a Volkswagen." Brooke Shields may look good in those commercials, but I would not hire that agency to advertise my product. Is that really the best they could do? Volkswagen needs to talk to Target.

Have you seen the ad where the guy is watching television and the picture goes out? His wife then says, "You are right. We need a new TV." The next shot is of this guy in a store saying, "I want it all. I want it now."

That is one ad I do not like and would love to see taken off the air. The trouble is that is the attitude most people have now days. "I want it all. I want it now."

Remember when you loaded film into a camera. You took pictures. Then waited with great anticipation for days until they were developed. Now you can get same day prints. Or better yet, one hour. Oh, that is right. Now we have digital.

I will take a picture of one of the grandchildren and they instantly say, "Let me see it." (I want it all. I want it now.)

Fast food restaurants. Instant mashed potatoes. Frozen meals. Meals in a bag. Instant coffee. (I want it all. I want it now.)

Overnight shipping. Faxes. Email. Instant messaging. Text messaging. Cell phones. (I want it all. I want it now.)

DVD's that tape one show while you watch another. The newest Wii. The latest video game. A really, really big screen TV. (I want it all. I want it now.)

And heaven forbid if we have to wait in line. Do people not know how important I am? I have places to be. Things to do. I do not have time to wait. (I want it all. I want it now.)

Patience. Waiting. Okay, I am not always good at the patience part. But I do try. I think we lack patience and the ability to wait because we are putting so much "activity" into each day.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you in an "I want it all. I want it now" mode? Are you short on patience? If you have to wait just a few minutes, does it throw your whole day off? Are your days so full of "activity" that you have no time to live?

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

LET US PRAY

To my glorious God and Savior, I come before you and for this brief time retreat from a hectic world. I come asking for the strength to live my life in such a way that it is of worth to you. I do need patience. Patience to live in a hectic world and not to forget what is truly important. Lord, teach me to wait. To wait and not develop an "I want it all. I want it now" attitude. Allow my eyes to see all the blessings I have and the patience to wait for all of the blessings you have in store for me. … Amen

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear Mary, Happy Birthday to me.

Did you guess that it is my birthday? I am 62 today and counting. I love birthdays. It reminds me that I am special. That God made me. Is that not the most amazing thought? God made each of us -- each unique.

When it is your birthday, celebrate. Enjoy. We are God's sons and daughters. Now how much better can it get? Enjoy today's blog, Mary

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 6:9

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be they name.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

Sometimes I enjoy driving by myself. I can listen to the music I want. Or listen to a sermon. I can drive in silence. Or I can talk with God. That is what happened the other morning.

It was early. Barely daylight. I said, "Good morning God."

I wondered how many people were praying at that very moment. I wondered what that would sound like.

"O Lord. What does it sound like? So many prayers being said at one time. So many people asking for help. So many people sending up praise. So many languages. What does it sound like?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What is it like to see your children turn from your way? What does it feel like to see even one of your sheep lost?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What does it feel like to see a child born? To see new life and then to see that life taken in anger. Or neglect." -- And, with tears in my eyes, I thought, "I can only imagine."

"As you look at this great world, what does it feel like to hear words spoken in anger? To see your sons hungry? To see your daughters thirsty?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What did it feel like to watch your Son nailed to a cross? To watch your Son die?" -- And, thankfully, I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What did you feel as your Son rose from the grave? To see Him alive and coming home?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What does it sound like to hear thousands of voices singing? Joyfully singing songs of praise. Declaring You the Most High. The One True God. What does it sound like? Is it music to your ears?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What does it feel like to see one of your treasured children come back to you? Like something missing has been returned?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"God, what do you feel when you -- See tears of joy? Hear the laughter of a child? See people reading the Bible? Watch someone slip from earthly life into eternal life? How does it feel when one of your children opens their heart to accept your offer of peace, comfort, hope and grace? God, what do you feel when you see one of your children reach out their hand to another?" -- And, with a humble heart, I said, "I can only imagine."

(Today there are no questions and no beginning prayer. Take time to talk to God. He will listen. He is waiting for you.)

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him, "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." Mark 10:35-37

When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Mark 35:41

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

When we moved here, there was a dry-erase board in the garage. I wrote a big WELCOME on it and thought that was good enough.

Apparently not! Kailyn wrote, "Kailyn was here." Then she dated her comment. Matthew, not to be outdone, wrote, "Matt was here." He dated his comment and added, "Now beat that."

Into the picture arrives our daughter Terri. She wrote, "Terri was here." She dated her comments and added, "Now beat that Kailyn."

Kailyn came back with, "Oh, I see how this is going. You two are teaming up against me. But I will win in the end." Again, a date was added.

Matthew was here the other day and he is now in the lead. I hate to tell him, but Kailyn will be here this weekend and he will be behind again.

Friendly competition. Fun? Yes. Two cousins leaving each other notes, with corners being filled in by Matthew's mother.

Friendly competition. Fun? Sometimes. Friendly competition can quickly turn into not-so-friendly competition. Even in church. Do you recognize any of these? -- The person who never misses a Sunday and makes sure everyone knows it. The person who knows all the books of the Bible, in order, and gives you that look (you know "the look") when you are not sure if the book is in the Old or New Testament? The one who learns Scriptures easily and then brags about their ability or worse teases about "your" lack of scripture knowledge. (This last one often happens in youth groups.) Friendly competition? Fun? Sometimes not. Not when competition hurts others. Not when you take the "friendly" out. (Yes, I know about sports and one team has to win, but that is not the kind of competition I am talking about.)

If you read the scripture, you see that even the disciples had this problem. James and John got into competition with the other disciples. They asked Jesus to allow them to "sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." Depending on if you read this account in Mark 10:35-45 or Matthew 20:20-28, James and John's mother got into the act too.

Was their competition friendly? No. James and John caused the other disciples to feel indignant. I am sure they felt hurt. Jealous. Left out. Friendly competition? Fun? Sometimes not.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you enjoy competition? Is there a difference between playing to win and friendly competition? Can you do both?

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

LET US PRAY

Lord I ask you for so many things. Today I ask you to help me understand the difference between competition and crossing the line. You have given each of us talents, let me use mine as you direct. Let me never look upon my talent as better than another's. Let me never brag about how good I am at this or that. BUT also help me learn that my talents are important. Lord, You created me. You created me. Thank you for giving me the talent of … Amen

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 7:12

Jesus speaking - "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

Sometimes I have to wait for an idea to come and other times it is as if ideas are flying around waiting for my mind to open. That is where I am right now. Do I write about Friendly Competition? The Early Morning Drive? Change? Patience?

So many neat things have happened lately. Out of the ordinary things? No. Just times when the ordinary turned into God saying, "Mary, look. I am right here. Do you see me?"

I have been working on our Sunday School Class trying to get them to see God in normal day-to-day activities and in unexpected places. Well, last week. Last Thursday to be exact. God was on the South Shore Train that runs between South Bend, Indiana and Chicago.

Our daughter, son-in-law, their four boys and I boarded the South Shore headed to Chicago. Our timing was perfect. We arrived in Chicago, walked two blocks to the Museum of Science and Industry and walked in the doors about 10 minutes after they opened.

We had a great day. I will admit my feet did not want to keep up with the flying feet of children, but I made it. We saw old planes and space shuttles. We saw old inventions and future ideas. Some toured a submarine. Two went down into a coalmine. We were here. We were there. Sometimes we were not sure where we were. But like all good things. This day came to an end and we had to catch the train back.

The train to Chicago had many open seats. The same was not true for the train home. When this very tired grandmother, less tired mother and father, three a-little-bit-tired boys and an extremely-exhausted-ready-for-a-nap four year old entered the train, there were no seats. Jon kept Noah. (They stood and Jon said Noah talked the whole way home.)

Terri and I took the other three boys and went to look for seats. This is where the random acts of kindness began.

One look would tell you that we were not your day-to-day train traveler. The busy conductor took one look at our daughter sitting on the floor with a sleepy boy and said, "I will find you seats. People just make it look like the seats are full so no one sits by them." She did find us seats, but they were not together.

Random act of kindness number two. Two businessmen, who were using four seats, took one look at these two women with three children and said, "Take our seats. We will stand." Bless their hearts. Terri and Joshua sat on one side of the aisle. I sat on the other side with Matthew and very-quickly-asleep Timothy.

But wait. The acts of kindness were not over. As we neared South Bend, the conductor informed us that we had to move to the front two cars. Picture two women trying to get three children back through six train cars with two doors at each end of the car. And those doors are awkward to open. Terri took the lead. Random act of kindness number three. A very nice young man - probably 18 - 22 - stepped up behind me and said, "Let me get the back doors for you."

Now, you could chalk this up to people just being nice. I prefer to picture God saying, "Mary, look. I am right here. Do you see me?"

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

As you go through your normal day-to-day activities, do you see God? Do you see Him in the face of the person that opens the doors? Or in the actions of someone who gives up their seat? Or in the assistance of a busy stranger. Have other people seen God in you?

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

LET US PRAY

Yes God, I see you. You are all around me. I see you in eyes that sparkle. I hear you in laughter. I feel you in a hug. Yes, God, I see you. Thank you for the person that helps me when they think they are only doing their job. Thank you for the person that sees when I am tired and offers me a place to rest. Thank you for the person that opens doors, so I can easily enter. Today I thank you for … Amen

GETTING TOGETHER

TODAY'S SCRIPTURES:

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

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. Luke 10:38

They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. Luke 22:13-14

GETTING TOGETHER

We didn't go to church Sunday. Instead, we had a family day. A day that took us from 2008 back to 1812. Six adults and seven children traveled back in time to "the largest living history of the Mississinewa Battle of 1812."

There was an Indian encampment, with exhibits of Indian food, clothing and games. The grandkids loved the game, even if it was a "woman's game." And they learned that hedge apples could be placed around a tent to keep bugs, spiders and snakes away. I thought the idea of keeping snakes away sounded great.

There were men and women dressed in wool and cooking over open fires. There were children dressed in funny looking clothes and selling birdcalls. They were selling them cheap. (Get it?)

Then there was the battle. I never realized that cannons and those old time muzzle loaders created so much smoke. And they were loud. The good guys came in from one end and the bad guys came in from the other. There was shooting. There were horses. There were soldiers on each side falling to the ground. It was exciting.

It was a good reason to miss church. It was time together with our children, grandchildren and new friends.

Jesus liked to get together with his friends. He went to a wedding. He ate at a friend's house. He ate the Passover with his disciples.

Sometimes we forget that Jesus did normal things. He ate with friends. I am sure he liked a good joke. I can almost see him as he reaches for dessert. I can picture him reclining at the table.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What do you like to do with your family and friends? For what activity would you skip church?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, Thank you for time with family and friends. Thank you for opportunities to talk. To eat. To recline. To attend celebrations like weddings or birthday parties. Thank you for times shared in laughter. Thank you for … Amen

A DREAM PUT ON HOLD

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-7

(Paul to the church of God, in Corinth) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

A DREAM PUT ON HOLD

My husband just came home (I am writing this Thursday evening) from a real estate auction. Not a big sale. 20+ wooded acres, with two ponds. It did not sell. He was hoping it would, because the owners are not only clients, but also friends.

Just a few weeks ago, real estate of this type would have sold. Hunters, fishermen and those wanting to build, in the woods just outside of town, would have filled the auction room. The bidding would have been very competitive. Tonight? Tonight was a no sale.

I think people are scared. We are all financially afraid. They might call it a bailout in Washington DC, but the normal person is still seeing their savings accounts dwindle and their IRA's and retirement plans crumbling. People do not know what tomorrow will bring. Tonight? Tonight was a no sale. People are putting their dreams on hold.

I pray that, if you are facing financial problems, you can find the resources to provide for yourself and your family. I pray that, if you have to put your dreams on hold, you put them where you can easily find them later. I pray that you face life realistically but that you will not lose hope.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you facing a rough time financially? Do you know where to turn for help?

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

LET US PRAY (This prayer is written using Psalm 27)

I lift my prayer to the Lord, my light and salvation. You are the stronghold of my life and I call upon your strength to protect me against the things I fear. Although I am suffering because of evil men and circumstances I could not control, I am confident that my heart will not fear. I ask only one thing of you Lord. I want to dwell in your house all the days of my life. If I dwell in your house, I will be safe when trouble comes. You will be my shelter and my rock. Hear my voice and be merciful. Lead me on a straight path. I am confident that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I will wait for the Lord. I will be strong and I will wait for the Lord. Amen

GOING TO THE TABLE

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 SAMUEL 9:1, PART OF 3 AND 6-8

David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"

"There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet."

When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, "Mephibosheth!"

"Your servant," he replied.

"Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat ay my table."

Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"

GOING TO THE TABLE

Vacation is over and it is back to reality. Back to office work. Back to doing laundry. Back to sleeping in our own bed. (Oh, I love to travel but it sure is nice to find that comfortable spot, fix your pillow just so and pull the blanket up the first night home.) Back to Bible Study.

While we were away, we missed two weeks of a Bible Study. Beth Moore's study "A Heart Like His." This is the study of David and I am finding out that I am like David. And sometimes I am like Saul. If you have never read 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, try it. There are amazing parts. There are bloody parts. There are parts that are hard to understand, but these books do apply to our lives. Saul became jealous and worked to kill David. No one may be trying to take your physical life, but, as you read these books, realize that your spiritual and eternal life is always being threatened.

My blog this week will be comments I wrote in the margins as I have studied --

David was strong and tender. He could tend the sheep, play a harp and slay giants. A question was, "Do you think you possess both qualities of tenderness and strength?"

My answer: As a wife and mother, you have to be both. Actually, we all have to be both. I put on many Band-Aids, after softly cleaning the scrapes, and then demanded that jumping off the tree/the bike/or other non-safe activity would not be allowed. I did not shed a tear at my mother's funeral because I was tending our grown children and then cried when I no longer needed a "stiff upper lip." I think we use tenderness and strength as the situation demands. I can be strong during an emergency and cry at a Hallmark commercial. We just do what is required.

David and Jonathan, Saul's son, had become friends. They had a covenant between them and when Jonathan was killed, David grieved for his friend. He did not have a friend to turn to for comfort. The question was, "Have you ever experienced a loss only time could heal?"

My answer: My Grandma. I remember going to school and being told, "Why are you upset? You only lost your Grandma." What people failed to realize is that I lost my center - my guide. The one stable person in my life. Grandma led me to faith. She started me on my walk, even if she didn't realize it. Healing? I was a teenager. And a teenager in a house where emotions and feeling were NEVER discussed. The loss. The grief. They were never acknowledged.

David did grieve for Jonathan and he wanted to do something to honor him. First, he had to find someone of the house of Saul. He found Mephibosheth. A cripple. A nobody. A person of no worth since the house of Saul had lost everything. Then he told Mephibosheth that he would eat as his table. This cripple would eat at the table like one of the king's sons. (Verse 11)

This made me wonder how I will feel when called to the King's table. To sit with God.

My Dear Heavenly Father, I approach your table on feet that have walked on the path of sin. With hands that have stayed close to my sides instead of giving bread to the hungry and water to the thirsty. With eyes that have refused to see injustice and a tongue which has not defended your children. I bring ears that have not heard the cries of the needy. I come before you with a heart that reserved love for only a few. I bring a body racked with guilt over my actions. But when I arrive at your table, the only thing you see is your crippled child clean and whole. Forgiven. You see your daughter and you invite me to eat at your table. To eat at your table as the King's Daughter.

I know this is a long blog and different than most, but I have been so moved during this study. And there are four more weeks!! I wonder what we will find out about David next. We have seen David learn and grown. We have seen him run from God and turn to God. We have seen him dance in the streets and invite a cripple to his table. I know about Bathsheba, so I have a feeling we are going to see a new part of David's character.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

There are three questions in this blog. Go back to them. How would you answer them?

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

LET US PRAY

O Lord God Almighty, This is how David addressed you and he is correct. You are almighty. Sometimes that scares me. It makes me wonder why an Almighty God would want to make sure I come to His table. Thank you for Your Son. It is because of Jesus that I can come before you. Come before you clean and whole. Leaving my crippled self behind and taking my place at Your table. Sitting down as a child of the King. … Amen

Mama Mia


TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 145:18

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

MAMA MIA

A few weeks ago, Bill and I went to see Mama Mia. The movie did not receive two thumbs up, from the critics, but we enjoyed it. It was colorful. It was fun. I have already told Bill that he can get me the DVD Mama Mia for my birthday. He likes it when I make shopping easy for him.

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Abba music, but since seeing the movie, I have listened to the Abba Gold over and over and over. To the point that their songs are going around and around in my head. (Some people would say that there would be plenty of empty space for them to bounce around in.) Anyway, one song just keeps returning: Take a Chance on Me.

When I listened to that song for at least the millionth time - okay, that might be stretching it a bit, I figured out why I liked it. It reminded me of God talking to me.

I can hear God saying, "If you change your mind, I'm the first in line. If you need me, I will be around. If you have no place to go. If you are feeling down. Take a chance on me."

"If you are all alone, I will do my very best. Put me to the test. If you will let me try. Take a chance on me."

"I will be there when you dance, walk or listen to music. I just want us to be together. To get to know each other better. Take a chance on me."

God would then assure me, "I cannot let go. I am in no hurry. Take a chance on me. My love is strong enough to last when things are rough."

There are so many wonderful Christian songs, but the surprise is when we find God in an unexpected song. Take a Chance on Me is not a Christian song, but isn't that what God is asking us to do?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When do you take a chance on God? When you are alone? When you are feeling down?

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

LET US PRAY

To the God whose love is strong enough when my times get rough. To the God who allows me to change my mind and turn to Him. To the God who welcomes me with open arms when I am at my lowest and have no place to go. To the God who wants me to know Him better. To the God who has taken a chance on me. Thank you for being in unusual places where I can be reminded that You are always there for me to turn to. Amen

CLEAN WINDOWS

TODAY'S SCRIPTURES ACTS 9: parts of 8-18

Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.

The Lord told him (Ananias), "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord-- Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. he got up and was baptized.

CLEAN WINDOWS

The windows are finally clean. We kept putting this off for a number of reasons, one of which is that I feel so frustrated when I wash windows. I have tried every suggestion and I am still the queen of streaked windows. Also, the window washing had to wait. We were getting the house pressure washed to get rid of that yucky gree stuff decorating the siding and did not want to wash the windows until that was done. The house received a bath, so there were no more excuses. It was time to attack the windows.

Know what I found out? There is a very nice man who has a window washing service. He and his daughter washed our windows--all of them--in the time it would have taken me to get the ladder out. One of the things I really, really, really like about our house is the the big windows. One of the things I really, really, really like about a window cleaning service is that someone else got on top of a very tall ladder (and on the roof) to wash those windows.

Boy do our windows look better. You can actually see out without looking through smudges. WE have a completely new outlook on life. We can see!

Sorta like Saul. He had an eye problem. He saw the world through the eyes of hate. Then Saul encountered Jesus. Then he really had an eye problem--he could not see at all. What to do? Enter Ananias. With the touch of his hand, Saul could see. Ananias, like our window washer, cleaned Saul's eyes so he could see. So he could see with new vision. The vision of Jesus.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you have anything covering your eyes? Are you willing to allow others help you see?

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

LET US PRAY

Jesus, I know sometimes that my vision is blurry. I allow the world to cloud my vision. And sometimes I just close my eyes so I don't see. Touch my eyes. Clear my vision. Clear my vision so I can see the wonders of your creation. So I can see the vision of Jesus. So I can see.....Amen

TIMMY TIME

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 3:9-11

But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked?"

TIMMY TIME

Timmy is the last of the grandchildren to come for an overnight in the new house. (If you do not remember Timmy and his excitement over the new house, re-read July 11, 2008.) I am excited about Timmy coming too! I never know what to expect out of Timmy. The youngest of four boys, he will try anything he sees his older brothers do. Each of his brothers told him what they did while they were here, so Timmy has a long list of things we are to do: Blow bubbles, read, blow bubbles, play Frisbee, make a craft and play games. I think we are going to be very busy.

One of the biggest challenges, with this be-five-in-February boy is keeping his clothes on him. In the middle of winter, he runs around in shorts. If he had it his way, he would be naked. With absolute abandon, he dances and spins. The other night, Bill and I saw a cell phone commercial that pointed out that a family would not know about the nudist beaches because they had no cell phone coverage. Bill and I looked at each other and laughed. Both thinking, "Timmy's kind of beach." For sure, Timmy feels he has nothing to hide.

Wouldn't it be great to feel that free? Adam and Eve felt that free at first. They had nothing to hide from God. Then things changed, with one little bite of fruit. Did they really think putting on clothes would cover up their sins? Maybe from other people, but not from God.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When you feel like dancing and spinning? When do you feel free? When do you want to cover up and hide behind a bush?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear God, You created us in your image and you placed us in a perfect place - The Garden of Eden. One little bite and now we hide from you. Let me lay all of my sins, mistakes and just plain bad judgment before you. Let me accept your grace so I can come before you and dance and spin. … Amen

GETTING READY

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

GETTING READY

Can you believe it is September? I am not sure where this year has gone, but it has gone fast. I think it is because this has been and will continue to be a year of getting ready and making decisions. So many decisions.

I am not sure if I mentioned this: We are retiring at the end of this year. Actually, sorta retiring. Bill manages farms and I do the office work. That part of our work we will turn over to others in the company. Bill will continue to sell farm real estate and do farm appraisals. He has also looked into part time jobs. Oh, more decisions.

I will spend more time with the children and grandkids, continue to cashier auctions, write and read. So, don't worry. We will be busy. We will just be getting rid of a LOT of responsibilities. We are getting ready to retire.

Part of this year was spent getting ready to move. We are very comfortable in our new home and most of the boxes are unpacked. There are still some in the back of a closet that will get unpacked someday -- maybe. We moved and now we are getting ready to do all those little things to the house you discover after you move in.

September is such a wonderful time to take a vacation. September 13 we are heading to Colorado and Yellowstone National Park so we are thinking about what to pack. Again, getting ready.

There have already been hints about Christmas gifts. So I am also getting ready for Christmas.

So many things in life to get ready for -- just plain ole growing up and all those life decisions: higher education, jobs, marriage, children, where to live. Come to think of it, getting ready has been going on my whole life, not just this year. Since I was born, I have been getting ready.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What are you getting ready for?

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

LET US PRAY

My dear God, Right now my life is consumed by the demands of day-to-day living. It seems there is never enough time. I have to ______________________________. This person and that person needs me to ________________________. Dear God, give me time each day to get ready. Time to prepare for the most important part of my life. Give me time for You. Time to get ready so my eyes will see, by ears will hear and my mind will conceive all you have prepared for me. Amen.

A BABY BLANKET

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 125:2

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

A BABY BLANKET

Even though I don't get much time to do it, I love to sew. I enjoy watching material being sewn into a creation. This particular baby blanket is for Bradley, born to Kerri, a young lady I have known since she was born. A baby boy -- Oh good, I picked material for a certain sex, not material to make a generic blanket.

The material is selected. The middle section is sewn together and, like always, some seams are not quite straight. Much to the dismay of my teacher of home economics (that is what we called it in the dark ages); I did not rip those seams out. The borders are added. The hem is sewn. The blanket was stitched with love and prayers. The blanket is complete. Ready to keep a Bradley warm on a cold winter's night.

As I put the pieces together to make the blanket, I thought about the future of the baby. How Bradley's life was going to be made up of many different pieces and designs. And how those pieces would be woven together with threads anchored by family and friends. How sometimes, like my seams, those threads would not be straight. And how you backstitch when you sew, sometimes Bradley would go back and forth until he finds the way forward again. The baby blanket is surrounded by a border. The hem on that border is stitched from beginning to end with one continuous thread. That border is like the love of Jesus in this child's life. Jesus love encircles each person and his love, like the thread, is always there - from beginning to end.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever created something? Maybe not a blanket. Maybe a garden. Or a scrapbook. Or a special cake or meal. Something you put together. Something you watched as the parts/ingredients/seeds changed into a new creation.

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Creator, How amazing it is when projects come together. When what I start with is laid before me. Then organized. Then worked on. Then completed. Is that how you felt as you made the earth? Putting trees here and frogs there. A lake on top of a mountain and a cactus in the dessert. Working until it all fit together. As I create - no matter if it is a blanket, a garden, woodworking or supper - let me create with joy and wonder. Let me thank you for my ability to imagine, to create and let me always remember to lift up in prayer the persons who will receive or enjoy my creation. Amen

PRAYING

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: JAMES 5:13

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

PRAYING

I was looking ahead to our Sunday School class material for August 31. It is on the Prayerful Community. Prayer. Sometimes praying is easy and sometimes it is hard to find just the right words. Prayer takes many forms and, at a class on prayer, an instructor had various names for them.

Most people start with the Santa Prayer. Dear God, Give me this. Give me that. I want. I need. Amen.

Then they move onto the Slot Machine Prayer. Dear God, I pray before we eat. (yes) I go to church. (yes) I read the Bible everyday. (yes) That is three in a row so I get what I pray for. Amen

Next, we try the Help Prayer. Dear God, I know I do not pray as often as I should, but I do need some help so if you could see your way clear to help me I won't bother you again. Amen.

If that doesn't work, try the Let's Make a Deal Prayer. Dear God, If you will give me this one little request to make all A's even though I haven't studied; I promise I will study every night for the rest of my college years. Amen.

Many of us try out the ole Holier than Thou Prayer. Okay God, I am doing more at church than anyone else is and I read the Bible everyday. I am working on two devotionals and teaching my children the Books of the Bible (In book order and alphabetically). Knowing all this, I just know you will put my prayer request above those people that go to that upstart church down the road. Amen

When you finally figure it out, you pray the From the Heart Prayer. My Dear Heavenly Father, What a day. The birds sang. I heard children laughing. Thank you for beautiful sounds. I also knew you were with me when I went to the doctor. I do not know how I would get through my struggles without you there. Thank you. Amen

The point I am making is that it takes time to develop a relationship with God. Not on God's end -- on our end. But while that relationship is developing, do not worry about making a mistake when you pray. God just wants you to talk to him. He wants to hear the words of your heart.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

So -- which type of prayer do you use? Do you find it easy to pray? Do you find it easy to pray aloud? If others are listening?

(If you have any hints/helps for people who have trouble praying, leave a comment. I still do not feel comfortable praying aloud, so do not feel like you are the only one.)

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

LET US PRAY

Hello God, Seems as if I have all sorts of words in my head. Then someone says 'pray' and it seems as if all the words leave me. They hide. I know you will listen no matter how I pray. Keep me from the temptation of waiting until I find just the right words. Let me just begin -- Hello God, Have I told you … Amen

NEEDED -- WATER

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 4:7, 10, 13-14 (Please look up the missing verses)

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
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."
13-14 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."

NEEDED -- WATER

As I sat waiting for our grandson to wake up, I had a talk with God. I pointed out that the yard was getting very dry. That the leaves on the trees were beginning to droop. That the corn and beans, in the fields, were showing signs of drought. I explained all of this. Of course, God loves our conversations. He was probably laughing as he replied, "And you think I don't know this?"

I would hate to be God. This person wants rain. That person is planning a picnic and does not. This person loves the sounds of birds and that person just wishes they would chirp somewhere other than outside their bedroom window. One person wants it to be 90 degrees in the shade and others are saying, "Can you cool it off down here?"

God looks down and sees the person that always has a complaint. Of course, to balance that person out, there is the one who is always cheerful and sees the glass as, not half full, but all the way full. I'm not sure which God finds more annoying. Again, I would not want to be God. I don't like to be around people who always complain, but there are times I want to poke a hole in the bottom of that glass of the eternal optimistic.

Let's get back to the rain. It finally did rain, but a week later. The rain came with the wind and the lightning. Like all rain, it fell when it fell. I could not control the rain.

One kind of water we do not have to wait on. One kind of water is always available. Living Water. It is there. Just waiting for us.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you ready to drink of the Living Water?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Giver of Living Water, Thank you for water. Water that falls on this earth and gives it a drink. Water that quenches my earthly thirst. But, oh, how I thirst for a drink of the water you offer. Just as you told the Samaritan woman, "you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." My Dear Jesus, I do know who you are and I do ask for a drink of your water. …… Amen

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN A PICTURE OF JESUS?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 16:15

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN A PICTURE OF JESUS?

The Searchers Sunday School class uses the Cokesbury study. Sunday the 27th we had an amazing class - and it had nothing to do with the fact that I was teaching. The lesson was on Jesus, as the Messiah, and asked the question, "Who do you say I am?"

Know all those pictures the children's Sunday School teachers use? I pulled them out and had them spread all over our table. We talked briefly and then everyone picked two pictures. Two pictures that "spoke" to them. That is when the discussions really started!

We heard: This picture shows Jesus is accessible. This one shows Jesus at peace. This one shows Jesus in anguish and stressed. Look how Jesus includes everyone - men, women, children, no matter the age or color of skin. This picture shows Jesus praying. This one shows him listening to God. Here he is a child learning and here he is teaching children. Oh, in this one he has outstretched hands. Look at the smile. The eyes - look at the eyes. You can see the compassion.

Around and around the table the worship and praise continued: Here he is a young boy. Jesus was human. He felt everything we feel and he knows how we feel. There was the picture of Jesus in the temple, learning from the priests and then teaching the priests. Is there a picture of Jesus as the shepherd? You know, the one where he has the sheep over his shoulder.

Can you tell I am still excited about this particular Sunday? In that room, each of us was blessed by the conversation. I do not know about the rest of the class, but I will never forget the way Jesus was described because those descriptions told His story.

The question, "Who do you say I am?" was spoken to the disciples. They needed to know who Jesus truly was. It was going to be their job to tell others.

That question is asked of each of us. We are the disciples now. It is our job to tell others.

How do you answer? ----- "Who do you say I am?"

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What is your favorite picture of Jesus? Why?

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

LET US PRAY

"You are Christ, the Son of the living God." Oh, my Lord, I do believe this. I believe this from the top of my head to the end of my toes. I feel your Holy Spirit confirming this. The Spirit that fills every cell in my body. The Spirit that opens my ears to hear you and my eyes to see you. When I look to your word, I do see your compassion, your love. I picture you at peace when you are speaking with the Father. I picture you as a teacher, as you reach out to the young and old. Jesus, when I see you I picture you … Amen

MISSING INFORMATION

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5:1-2

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

MISSING INFORMATION

At a Sunday School party, another lady and I swapped "getting parts" stories. For those readers that have a farming background, you are already smiling. For those of you who do not have a farming background, going after parts is not as easy as it sounds. First, the person needing the part is in less than an agreeable mood because having to get parts means that something is broken down. Having a piece of equipment sitting idle is not good during the farming season. Hence the disagreeable mood. Second, no matter how much information you are given, Murphy's Law kicks in and I can guarantee that 99.9% of the time you will be missing information. Take the time --

To be honest I do not remember if it was a tractor or a combine that decided to take the day off, but my husband sent me after a part. Just one. Simple except that we lived in Michigan and the part he needed was in Indiana, a short drive of two hours. One way. I called a friend to ride along, put our daughter in what would not qualify as a car seat today and off we went. In my possession was all the information I would need. Bill promised everything was written down. He promised!

We arrived at the parts store. I handed the parts man the information. There was all the information he needed. I was confident we would quickly be on the road home. Yes, all the information he needed was there. On that little slip of paper. Bill promised.

The parts man looked at me and, without even a hint of a smile, said, "Is this for the right or left side." Yes, he was serious. I was missing some important information.

I can laugh about this now. And it does make a good story, but at the time, it was not funny. The part was taken home because I could call Bill and get the information I needed.

Life often has missing information. Things we do not understand. Times we need help. For life questions, we can turn to God's word. Look in the scriptures. Read. Learn. Pray. Wait. God will give you the answer. He has the missing information.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been sent after a part, a tool or whatever (for the men this could be a needle for the sewing machine or a certain type of flour) and when you got there you either did not have all the information you needed or they were out of that particular item? What did you do? Where did you turn for help?

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

LET US PRAY

Oh Lord, Sometimes there seems to be more questions than answers. Sometimes, I think I know exactly what I want and then wham; things just get all mixed up. It is as if I do not have all the information I need to make decisions. But when that happens, I know I can always calm myself down. Lift my questions to you and I know you will provide direction. As I travel through this life, give me the information I need to … Amen

COVERED BY A BAND-AID

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 13:4-5

so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

COVERED BY A BAND-AID

Yes, this Mary's Moment will show my age, but here goes anyway -- I remember, when I was in high school, the teachers and adults were upset with turned up collars. And we constantly heard, "Tuck that shirt tail in." The boys used tons of grease to keep their hair in place and the girls slept on curlers. If you didn't sleep on curlers, your arms fell off from making pin curls and using bobby pins to hold them in place until your hair dried. Of course, it took so long to roll those curls you had to keep wetting your hair. And resting your arms. With your hair in rollers or pin curls, you absolutely refused to be seen in public. If your mother said, "Go to the store now." you put a scarf over your head and prayed you would not run into anyone over the age of two.

Oh, how times have changed. Now I am the one saying, "Why in the world would they dress like that? Don't they get tired of holding their pants up so they can walk? And do those boys really think their underwear showing is sexy?" Or I look at girls and think, "My gosh, are you leaving no surprises for the bedroom? Do you really think that tattoo is going to look good when those girls start to sag? How do you eat with that thing stuck in your tongue?"

It is true. I have become my mother! But I realize, after our discussion in Sunday School class, that this generation is trying to get attention just as my generation did.

One comment was made about a UPS driver who had a band-aid over his eyebrow. When asked about his injury the driver said, "Oh, I have an eyebrow ring and I am not supposed to have any piercings, so I cover it up with a band-aid."

It was time to end class and I was wondering how to tie this into our lesson. (Our class does get off the lesson sometimes. Okay, quite regularly.) When this comment was made, I thought, "Wow God. Just the lead in I needed to make a closing point."

You see, our lesson had been on Jesus as a servant. How he washed the feet of the disciples. How he cleans us. I may not have tattoos or any piercing other than one in each ear lobe, but my body is marked. Marked by my mistakes. I try to cover my temper, my trying to do it myself and my questioning instead of trusting. But God can see beneath the band-aid. God sees what part of my body needs cleansed and then he takes off his outer robe, ties a towel around himself, pours water into a basin and begins to clean.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What areas of your life are you trying to cover with a band-aid? How would you feel if you looked up and Jesus stood there with a basin of water and a towel?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Servant Jesus, It is so hard for me to picture you as a servant. On your knees washing dirty feet. Would I have been like Peter and said, "you shall never wash my feet." Or would I have quietly allowed you to cleanse me. Servant Jesus, remove my band-aids and wash me with your healing water. …… Amen

THE ATTACK OF THE GLASSES CASE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

(Jesus praying for His disciples) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name -- the name you gave me -- so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11

THE ATTACK OF THE GLASSES CASE

Wednesday was a day to remember. Bill and I took a dress, which was made by my Great-Great Aunt and donated it, along with some other articles of clothing, to the Indiana State Museum. Aunt Betsy spun and the dress was made from the results of her spinning wheel. We know the dress was made sometime in the 1840's. It is exciting to know the dress will be displayed for many to see instead of being passed from cedar chest to cedar chest.

Not only was Bill being a nice husband by going to Indianapolis with me, he also saved me from the attack of the glasses case. Picture this: The sun is shining and it is time to put sunglasses on. A normal, everyday activity. A normal activity until the case attacks you.

Let me point out one thing about this particular case. It is a hard plastic case, with a very strong spring so the case snaps shut with a vengeance. This has never been a problem until Wednesday.

There we were. Driving on the very busy 465 Interstate. Traffic zooming on both sides. Cars going too slow in front and coming up too fast behind. That is when it happened. I had my sunglasses almost out of the case, when - SNAP - that case closed. Closed on an ever so tiny piece of skin, on my thumb. IT HURT!!!

As I was trying to open the case, it just pinched my skin harder. And with the way the case had closed, I could not get it open with just one hand. I tried to talk but all that came out was a strange sound. I know. I know. You are thinking, "Wimp."

My hero husband finally understood my dilemma and opened the case. What a relief. Of course, he did a lot of chuckling and smirking for the rest of the way home. I have a feeling I will never hear the end of being attacked by a glasses case.

Sorta like life. We never know when something is going to attack us. But when it does, we want to have someone to keep us safe from harm. Someone to protect us. Gee. Someone like God.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you top the attack of the glasses case for silly things that have happened to you? Are you prepared for the big things that attack you?

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

LET US PRAY

Holy Father, How sweet that sounds. The scripture says I can take refuge in You and seek Your protection. That the power of Your name will protect me. I do seek refuge in You and ask that You will protect me. Protect me from … Amen

ONE EXCITED 4-YEAR-OLD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 14:1:4

"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."

ONE EXCITED 4-YEAR-OLD

(Some background: I love grandchildren sleepovers. In our old home, they slept in an upstairs right next to our bedroom. If Kailyn was there, it was her room. If Matthew was there, it was his room. And so on right down to Timmy. Each of the grandchildren called it their room. They didn't mind that the others also laid claim to that room. When we were preparing to move and telling them about the new home, they each asked questions about where "their" room would be. Now you are ready for my story.)

I wish you could have seen Timmy (Timothy is his official name, but Timmy fits him better.). Timmy had seen our new house before it was painted and before we had any furniture in it. Then, when we were all moved in, our daughter brought the four boys over to see where grandma and grandpa were living.

Of course, since Timmy had been here before, he proceeded to show his three older brothers where the kitchen was. And the dining room. And the closet under the steps. Believe me, when Timmy was here the first time he opened every door and explored every room, so he was giving a very good tour. He made a big deal of leading his brothers into our bedroom and announced, "This is where grandma and grandpa sleep."

Then Timmy headed up the steps to show them the other bedrooms. That is when he lost it. He looked in the one bedroom and started jumping up and down. He was so excited he could hardly talk. Then, in a very loud, excited four-year old voice, proclaimed, "You moved my bed. You moved my bed. You moved my bed."

"Oh, grandma. You moved my bed." What joy those words brought to my heart. I don't know if he thought the room would still be empty. I don't know if he thought we would not bring "his bed." I just know he was so excited that he couldn't help but jump, smile and proclaim the good news.

That is what I want to do. I want to leap with joy, smile and proclaim the good news. "God has your room ready. God has your room ready. God has your room ready."

Can you picture yourself - someday - saying in a quiet, grateful and excited voice, "Oh, God. You have my room ready." And those words will bring great joy to God's heart.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you know that God has prepared a room for you? How does that make you feel?

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

LET US PRAY

Oh, my wonderful God. You have prepared a room for me. I feel so unworthy. To know all that I have done and yet know that you are waiting. Waiting to welcome me. Welcome me to my room. I want to leap. I want to smile. I want to proclaim the good news. God has a room for me. For each believer. Someday, when I have finished my work on earth, I will be able to say, "You have my room ready. Thank you." …… Amen

OPEN HANDS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 145:14-16

The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

OPEN HANDS

Happy 4th of July!!! What a day for the USA. A day to celebrate our freedoms. And they are many. Freedom to Worship. Work. Rest. Drive. Determine the size of your family. Select your spouse. Receive an education. Vote. Freedom to -- the list could go on and on.

The sad thing is that we do not take advantage of our freedoms. Too many do not vote. Too many expect our government to take complete care of them. Too many work and never rest. Too many do not realize how easily and quickly our freedoms can be taken away.

Our freedoms come with a price and that price is work and blood. Those that came before us worked to establish a country for all people. No other country in the world welcomes strangers and makes them citizens like the USA. BUT the work must continue as our citizens, new and old, work to make the USA strong. We need to be proud of our heritage, no matter what country we came from, but we need to be united in our desire to be Americans. We must continue the work of past generations. We must protect our freedoms.

Work and blood. Every time I look at the red stripes, on our flag, I am humbled that someone, someone I have never met or even knows I exist, would give their life so I can - Go to church. Vote. Have children, sons and daughters. Marry the man I love. Read books. Watch the news. Work. Blood has been, is being and will be given so I can live in the United States of America.

I bet you are wondering why I called this Open Hands. Put your hands out. Open them, palm up. The open hand can - take another hand in friendship and welcome. A grateful open hand can shake the hand of a soldier. An open hand can salute the flag of the United States of America.

God intended us to use open hands. The open hand can gently touch the cheek of a loved one or give a reassuring pat to a frightened child. The open hand can offer up prayers and praises to God. The open hand (and open heart) can receive the blessings God offers. An open hand - not a closed fist or hand held down to your side - tells people you have just met, your friends, neighbors, family and God that you are reaching out to them.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

For what freedoms are you thankful? What can you do with open hands?

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

LET US PRAY

To the one that can satisfy all my desires, To you I reach open hands towards heaven. Open hands, which offer gratitude for the blessings that you have given me. For the freedom you offer. Freedom to be forgiven. Freedom to be filled with your love. Freedom to share that love with others. Freedom to extend open hands to each of your children I meet. Freedom to …… Amen