GOD, FAMILY AND COUNTRY – WHAT I BELIEVE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 1:5

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

GOD, FAMILY AND COUNTRY - WHAT I BELIEVE

GOD

I do believe God is the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and He will be the end. I see God as a Creator when I see the birds in flight, when I wiggle my toes in a creek and when I see a newborn baby. I know God is my Father because Psalm 139 tells me "he knit me together in my mother's womb." I experience God as a judge when my conscious makes me understand I am heading in the wrong direction. I learn from God, the teacher, as I study His word. And I know God loves me. God loves me so much he sent His Son to become a sacrifice for my sins. I also know God wants me to be with Him in eternity. He wants that so much He has a room waiting for me. I do believe God is the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and He will be the end.

FAMILY

I do believe in family and have been blessed with a wonderful husband, two children, a son-in-law, a soon-to-be daughter-in-law, six grandchildren and two soon-to-be grandchildren. This is my family but I know families are made up of any number from one to unlimited. A family can be one person. A couple. A single parent with children. A family can include pets. A family can be made up of friends. A family is always changing as people enter our lives and as people are taken away. I believe there are "things" every family needs. Respect. Consideration. Understanding. Forgiveness. The ability to work together. The ability to listen. Families need to know they will never agree on everything. A family needs to know they are safe from harm - physical, mental or emotional. A family needs to love each other as God loves us. When I began to learn the love of God, I learned to love my family differently. I wish I had always understood the love of God and, when I look back, I am sure my family wishes I had too. I work very hard to be a strong link in our family and I now surround our family in prayer and wrap them in the love of God.

COUNTRY

Until now, I have kept politics out of my blog, but today I am going to make an exception. I want to end 2009 by taking a personal stand. I do believe in my country. Or I should say I believe in the principles the United States of America was founded on. I consider myself very fortunate to be born in this country. To be a citizen of a country founded on beliefs of freedom: Freedom to worship. To bear arms. To vote. Freedom of speech. Freedom to work in a job of our choice. Freedom to -- This could be a long list. My fear is that our country is being taken apart. I see our Supreme Court telling us what the laws mean instead of enforcing the laws. I see a President turning our country away from individual freedoms and toward socialism. I see Congressmen and Senators forgetting they are elected officials to represent us. I believe in term limits because term limits would end professional politicians and send people to elected positions who know what it means to work and struggle in day-to-day life. I want an end to special treatment, pork barrel or buying votes to pass specific legislation. I believe in the right to own guns. I welcome every person who enters our country legally, but do not believe in allowing those here illegally to stay. I believe in helping my fellow man, but do not believe in never-ending welfare. I want to be able to decide what medical treatments I will or will not have. I believe businesses should remain in this country instead of job after job being sent outside our borders. I believe the executives of companies who send their factories overseas should have to go there to live. I believe businesses should be allowed to prosper or fail. I believe in taxation but I believe those taxes should be equal and fair to all. I believe we, as a country, have been put in the position of defenders of world peace, but I am tired of sending our sons, daughters, husbands, wives or any soldier into a country where our support is not wanted. I know our world is constantly changing, but I cannot take seriously anyone telling me global warming is real or that we should go green, when they are flying here, there and yonder in private jets. Or want us to drop the ball on New Years Eve by using bicycle power while consuming untold energy in the building where people are pedaling those bicycles. I am tired of being a nation who shows up at every disaster and then being told we are not doing enough. I am tired of being trillions in debt because we are taking care of the world. I am tired of being told we deserve to die because we are infidels and that the whole world should be subject to Shariah Laws. I am tired of not being able to express my opinion because I might offend someone but have to listen to others put down my Christian faith.

What do I want for the USA? I want our country to return to the values it was founded on. I want elected officials to listen to the voters and use common sense. I want each citizen to be proud of being an American. An American period. We all have a history. A heritage and should be proud of our heritage, but if you were born here - You are an American. If you chose to come to this country to live - You are an American. I want to know we can live here safely and want our borders, our streets and our travels by car, bus, train or plane to be safe from terrorists. I want companies to keep factories in this country so our sisters, brothers and friends have jobs. I want people to have pride in their work and know life is better because they are a contributing member of society. What do I want for this country? I want this country to return to its values. One nation. One nation, Under God.

LET US PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, I am blessed to live in the USA. We are not a perfect country and we have pulled away from the foundation upon which we were formed. God, You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. I pray our country turns back to You. Just like our country, our families are not perfect. For each family I pray they have respect, consideration, understanding, forgiveness and love for each other. I pray each member of a family is first a strong individual who is willing to listen and work with others in the family. I pray each is held safe in Your hand and never experiences physical, mental or emotional abuse. I pray that, if a person does suffer, they will find an earthly friend to help them and they will find comfort in You. I pray for each family - be it a family of one or a family of many - to experience Your love. Mainly, I offer my prayer as a prayer of worship to You. You - the Creator, the Father, the Judge, the Teacher. To You, the one who loves Your children enough to give us Your Son so we can have eternity with You. To the Alpha and the Omega, I say, "Thank You." Amen

ADVENT CANDLES - JOY

Celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Celebrate the gifts of Christmas - Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. -- Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas, Mary

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

(God asking Job, "Were you there when I created the earth?") On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy. Job 38:6-7

(Upon completing the foundation of a temple) With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: "He is good; his love to Israel endures forever." And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while others shouted for joy. Ezra 3:11-12

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24

I bring you great joy that will be for all people. Luke 2:10

ADVENT CANDLES - JOY

Around the base of our Advent candle ring are the words Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Four simple words. Four extreme goals.

I have written about peace, hope and love and how, from the beginning, they were a part of God's plan. This week the simple word is joy. Again, I found joy has always been a part of God's plan.

I never know where God will lead me, as I begin my blog. I thought - Joy, this will be easy and I would be directed to scriptures of praise and singing. Scriptures about joyful noise. But instead, God sent scriptures about cornerstones. And foundations. And a new city.

A JOYFUL PRAYER

O God, how you must feel when your children have joy in their hearts.

In Job, the angels sang together and shouted with joy, as You laid the cornerstones of the world. Why joy over cornerstones? Why? Because the cornerstones need to be strong and true to hold your world together. We shout with joy and praise as we consider the world You created.

In Ezra, your people built a new temple and they shouted for joy when the foundation was completed. Why joy over a foundation? Why? Because without a strong and true foundation, the temple would not stand. We shout with joy as we consider the strong foundation of Your church.

In Hebrews, we are given a glimpse of the future. A time when we will be in a city where thousands and thousands of angels are in joyful assembly. Why joy over a new city? Why? Because You have a city of the living God and that city is ready for us. We shout with joy as we consider coming to You because of Your Son, Jesus.

You laid the cornerstones of the world. You have been beside us as we have laid cornerstones for our places of worship. As we laid cornerstones for our lives. For our faith.

All of these must be built on a strong and true foundation. Built on Your word and Your gift to us all.

Listen, O God. We are shouting with joy. The angel told us, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people."

Listen, O God. We are shouting with joy. Shouting with joy because You sent a strong and true cornerstone upon which our faith can be built.

You sent us Your Son.

Joy to the world. Amen

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What started this four-week blog, on the advent wreath, was my annual Christmas writing. If you are not tired of reading, I hope you enjoy this.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES

HOPE

Isaiah 40:30 - but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

This Christmas experience God's hope. Allow your faith to soar to new heights and you will not grow tired or faint as you walk in the hope of the Lord.

PEACE

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This Christmas experience God's peace. Allow your faith to trust the peace of God to protect your heart and mind.

LOVE

John 3:16 - 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.

This Christmas experience God's love. Allow your faith to accept these gifts of His Son and eternal life.

JOY

Job 38:7 - while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy

This Christmas experience God's joy. Allow your faith to be so joyous that you are like the angels and join with the stars in praise.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Luke 2:11

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

He is Hope. He is Peace. He is Love. He is Joy.

ADVENT CANDLES - LOVE

This is the Advent Wreath at our church.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

JOSHUA 22:5 -- But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses, the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 -- May the lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

1 John 3:1 -- 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!

ADVENT CANDLES - LOVE

Around the base of our Advent candle ring are the words Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Four simple words. Four extreme goals.

I have written about peace and hope and how, from the beginning, they were a part of God's plan. This week the simple word is love.

In my Bible concordance, I counted 519 entries for the word love. And those entries did not include the other forms of the word. Bible Gateway had 697 verses that contained the word love. I think God is very serious here. He definitely wants LOVE to be a part of his plan.

As I looked at these entries, I find that we are supposed to love God and Jesus. We are to love the saints and the church. We are to love the word of God. We are to love our parents, our spouse, our children and our brothers and sisters. It would be easier if the list would stop there. Then the Bible includes neighbors. And our enemies.

This loving thing is complicated. Some family members are hard to love, but they are family. Neighbors? They can be like family. Some are easy to love and others - - - not so easy. Enemies? That is the hard. How do we love our enemies? Or the neighbor that allows their children to play loud music until all hours of the night? Or the family member that tries our patience?

Joshua told us how. "to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."

God's love plan - We are to love God with all our heart and soul. And when we do that, we will also love His children. All of them.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you have trouble loving some people? (Remember it says love. It does not say you have to like them.) Do you feel loved? If you are feeling a bit blue or like no one cares, please remember that God loves you!

LET US PRAY

My dear loving God, Direct my heart into your love and into Christ's perseverance. With this love and perseverance, my goal will be to love you, to walk in your ways, to obey your commands, to hold fast to you and to serve you with all my heart and soul. I am so blessed and humbled, but I do accept the love you have lavished upon me. I am so honored to be a Child of God. As you love me, let me love others.   Amen

ADVENT CANDLES - HOPE

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"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." Jeremiah 29:11-12

remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-12

ADVENT CANDLES - HOPE

Around the base of our Advent candle ring are the words Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Four simple words. Four extreme goals.

Last week I wrote about peace and, from the beginning, peace was a part of God's plan. This week, Jeremiah tells us that hope is also a part of God's plan.

There are so many things to hope for. World peace. Riches. Good health. That the paycheck will stretch until the next one. That your parents will not get too old and feeble too fast. (Put that in there for our children.)

But have you ever felt totally hopeless? As if, you were an outsider in your own home or community. Even in your church? Have you ever felt like God was not there? I have. And when I felt like that, I did not know where to turn.

We are all at different stages of our faith journey and I hope you know where to turn. I know now! I know God has plans for me. Good plans. Plans that will give me hope and a future. I know that I can call upon God, in prayer, and He will listen to me. The same is true for you!

Hebrews 6:17-20 tells us that it is impossible for God to lie and to take hold of the hope offered. God does not lie, His words are true and God does offer us hope. Verse 19 - We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Take hold of the hope you are offered. Use this hope to anchor your soul. Anchor your soul firmly. Anchor your soul strongly. Firmly and strongly anchored in God's true word.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you remember a time when you were separate from Christ? Where you felt without hope and without God in your world? Do you feel that way now? Find hope! (If you need help, leave a comment.)

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

LET US PRAY (ROMANS 15:13)

O, God of hope fill me with all joy and peace, as I trust in You, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

ADVENT CANDLES - PEACE

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

A heart at peace gives life to the body. Proverbs 14:30

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. Micah 5:4-5

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

ADVENT CANDLES - PEACE

The Advent candle lighting service is used in many churches and we do this in our home. Around the base of our candle ring are the words Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. My blogs in December will be based upon these four words. Four simple words. Four extreme goals.

What peace the scriptures give. Peace just a five letter word that completely changes our lives. When the heart has peace, the body has life. A peaceful soul would make the body relax. There would be calm in the eyes and breathing would be deep and easy. Yes, life just springs forth when the heart has peace.

It never ceases to amaze me how the scriptures interweave. How one book ties into another. Isaiah 9:6, long before the birth of Jesus, told of a child. A child that would be called the Prince of Peace. Peace - always, from the beginning, a part of God's plan.

Also in the Old Testament, the prophets knew. Micah told of a shepherd who would "stand in the strength of the Lord and the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And this shepherd would be our peace."

Prince of Peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, because he was at peace with the plan God had for his life. And the peace, given by our Shepherd, is a lasting peace. This lasting peace is not like the short-term peace we feel from earthly pleasure.

Jesus offers peace so our hearts will not be troubled and we will not be afraid. This peace is forever! It is strong! It is ours!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

The big question is where do we find peace? Are we at peace when we have oodles and oodles of money? Or someone to love us? Are we at peace when we have children? Or when we have a job? Or enough to eat? Or a place to live?

Yes, these all give peace. Sort of. The peace these give can so quickly be taken away or lost. If these are the only places, we find our peace, what happens when any of them fail?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Prince of Peace, I want the peace you offer at all times and in every way. _(ask for peace in your own words)__ Amen

THANKSGIVING TO CHRISTMAS

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

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

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28

THANKSGIVING TO CHRISTMAS

I hope you all had a Blessed Thanksgiving.

Seven people decided to pray for our church and each picked a day. Tuesday is my day and since it was close to Thanksgiving, I looked up the words thank, thanksgiving and thankful, in the concordance. There were twenty-nine scriptures listed. I think God wants us to be a thankful people.

As I sat in the church, I realized we have so much to be thankful for: A wonderful building, minister, staff, choir, musicians, teachers, those willing to serve, the pew warmers, hymnals and even collection plates. Thankful for handshakes, hugs, smiles and tears.

As I sat there, I was thankful for baptism, communion, salvation, grace and mended lives. As I sat there, I pictured the couples that said, "I do." and all of the people that have said goodbye to a loved one.

Yes, I am thankful for the building, but I am most thankful and grateful for the people that make it a church.

When I do my prayer time, I journal because if I try to just sit and pray, my mind wonders. If I journal, an hour of prayer flies by. The first part of my time was on Thanksgiving, but then my eyes returned to Hebrews 12:28 and all I could think about was Christmas.

Christmas and gift giving. Hebrews 12:28 says "we are receiving a kingdom." This is how I finished my prayer time and how I will end the blog for today:

Lord, I am receiving a kingdom! How could I not be thankful? Christmas is coming and this verse tells me I am receiving a kingdom! Lord, look at me. I am happy, ecstatic, grateful, humble, excited, joyful, jumping up and down, shouting to the world, wound up tighter than an eight-day clock, hands in the air, eyes turned to heaven thankful. Wow - I AM RECEIVING A KINGDOM! Thank you. Thank you. Amen and Amen.

PS: I just hope God is this excited that I am coming!!!

THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 (From Eugene H. Peterson's The Message)

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.

THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME

"I was just in the wrong place, at the wrong time." How often have you said that?

We use that comment when a deer comes out of the woods and runs into our car. We use that phrase when the waiter trips and spills someone else's dinner in our lap. We use that phrase - Well we use that phrase to make sense of random accidents.

"I was just in the right place, at the right time." How often have you said that?

Just this morning, November 19, 2009, two friends told about being in the right place, at the right time. Joe and Penny.

Penny is an artist and had attended an art workshop. "The people were so friendly and helpful. They gave each other tips on cleaning brushes. And how to ship paintings." she said. Then she told us about being "in the right place, at the right time."

A fellow artist has cancer and Penny just learned that his wife was also diagnosed with cancer. Penny was very troubled and needed to share her concern. She needed to tell someone. So Penny spoke to the next person that walked by. To someone she had only met a few days earlier. To someone she did not really know. To this lady, she said, "I have a friend just diagnosed with cancer and I am so worried."

How was Penny in the right place, at the right time? The one lady Penny chose to talk to needed to talk to someone, but did not know how to start the conversation. She listened to Penny and then said, "I have cancer and have just finished treatments." She then talked about further treatments and surgery.

The right place, at the right time. Two women who each needed someone to listen to them. Someone who would understand. What a gift Penny gave to someone who needed to say, "I have cancer. Do I look alright?"

What Penny did not know was that her husband was touring a museum that day. Then Joe told us about being "in the right place, at the right time."

Joe said he had a great history lesson from an elderly gentleman who had always lived in this town. Then he toured the museum and there saw a picture of someone he knew. Joe is a Marine (Once a Marine, always a Marine) who served in Viet Nam. The Marine in the picture had served with Joe. He found there was still family in town and he went to see them.

The right place, at the right time. Because Joe saw a picture, in a museum he did not know existed, in a town he had never been to before, he was able to talk to a family about a young soldier who did not survive the war. What a gift Joe gave that family.

Being in the right place, at the right time -- Just luck? No, the scriptures tell us, "he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us."

And God? God is always in the right place, at the right time.

LET US PRAY

Dear Loving and Compassionate God, Please put me in the right place, at the right time. Place me where I can hear another's concerns. Where I can give comfort. Place me where I can encourage. Where I can offer a memory of a loved one. Where I can wipe away a tear. Where, even for just an instant, I can extend your love to another. And, Lord, when I need comfort. Or someone to listen to my concerns. When I need someone to wipe a tear away, please put one of your children in the right place, at the right time for me. Amen

RANDOM SCRIPTURES

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: COLOSSIANS 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.

RANDOM SCRIPTURES

Because I have never been good at memorization, I spend a lot of time in the general index and concordance of my Bible. To find the appropriate scripture for my blog, I usually read ten or twelve. And that is after going through the concordance looking at key words. God chuckles every time I have trouble finding what I am looking for. It is His way of making me search His Word. Today I would like to share some of my favorite scriptures.

When I am feeling, "Well, Mary aren't you something!" I read Job 38 - 41. Yes all of them. God tells Job, "Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer." God then ask Job, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?" For Job, it goes downhill from there. Believe me, if God told me to brace myself, I would be scared to death. Yes, these chapters put pride in its place.

Psalm 34:4 is a comfort when afraid. "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Every morning remember 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."

Many times, the verse that says mega tons about my day is Isaiah 48:18. "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea."

And, when one of those days happens, offer Psalm 141:1-2. "Oh Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice."

Always remember 1 John 3:1. "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!"

2 Samuel 22:31 says, "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless." What do we do with God's flawless Word? James 1:22 tells us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

God just smiled. "Yes, Mary. Read and then do it."

I had to find just one more scripture didn't I?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you good at memorizing? What is your favorite scripture? Do you have a way of keeping track of scriptures that jump out at you?

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

LET US PRAY: 1 Timothy 1:17

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen

ONCE UPON A TIME

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. Psalm 45:13

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but through the washings of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

ONCE UPON A TIME

Once upon a time - That phrase just kept coming into my mind. Once upon a time - The way fairy tales begin. Once upon a time - The way the grandkids and I begin a story that ends up being about them. Once upon a time -

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, a baby girl born. This baby had an older brother and sister. Her father was a truck driver and her mother was a stay-at-home mom. When she was five, she became a big sister to a little baby girl. This fair princess loved to read, hit a baseball and go swimming. But she did not like to iron or work in the garden. Day by day, the princess went through life until one day a handsome stranger ordered a malt at the drive-in where she worked. The handsome stranger said, "Let me take you away from all of this." The princess looked at the handsome stranger, realized he was a prince in disguise, and said, "Yes." And they are living happily today.

Once upon a time, in a land very close by, a princess, a bit past her prime, was not feeling very good. Her stomach did not like it when she ate those greasy fries or chili that was anywhere above mild on the heat scale. What was the princess to do? She really did like chili. The princess called upon the royal doctor and the doctor quickly said, "You are having gallbladder attacks. You need surgery. But never fear this is a simple procedure." The prince, leaving the truck in the royal garage, drove the royal car to the hospital and made sure the princess was on time for her surgery. All of the doctors and nurses bowed and the princess put on a designer hospital gown of gold. As the princess was given that last bit of "go to sleep now" juice, the doctors put on their royal blue surgical gowns and surgery began. But, alas, it seems the instructions for this to be a simple procedure had been misplaced. The princess died on the table. But remember, this is a fairy tale. The princess survived and is living happily today.

Once upon a time, in a land extremely close by, a princess said, "Wow, I get to celebrate two birthdays every year. The day I was born and the day I survived." Then with a very big, royal smile, the princess said, "Oh, I get to celebrate three birthdays every year."

This princess knows how to count and happily celebrates three birthdays every year.

I celebrate November 7th. That is my birthday and I will be 63. A great age.

I celebrate September 2. That is when I had my surgery and am glad God was not ready to have me as a full time resident in heaven.

Mainly, this princess celebrates every day. I celebrate my rebirth as a loved child of God.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When is your birthday? How do you celebrate?

LET US PRAY

Psalm 139 says God created your inmost being. That God knit you in your mother's womb.

You are a special, unique person. There is no other person in the world like you. God made you and he has a plan just for you. Today, please take time to thank God for creating you.

SONGS, OBITUARIES AND HEAVEN

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people…. Deuteronomy 26:15, first part

"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Mark 14:62

Jesus is speaking: "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

SONGS, OBITUARIES AND HEAVEN

Last week, Lana posted on Facebook that her mother wanted her to pick some songs for her funeral. Jan is not ill, just planning ahead and she wanted her daughter to have some songs in mind. Some of the songs they used to sing. Peppy. Lively. Songs with a beat. No somber or sad songs. She wanted happy hymns too. No hymns that make your shoulders heavy or leave you in tears. Jan just wants Lana to "Name that tune."

That made Bill and me think. Since our choice is to have no viewing and only a graveside service, we do not have to pick music, but what about the obituary. (Now you need to keep in mind that Bill and I look at death a bit differently than most people. We are not making light of grief or the loneliness that follows the loss of a loved one; we just think death is the closing of one door and the opening of another. A funeral should be a celebration of a life.)

Bill wants his obituary to say he died. Plain and simple. Then that he is survived by his Pain-in-the-butt wife, Mary, and their two children and six grandchildren. Bill has a buddy in the excavating business and he has talked to him about opening the grave. I told him no way was that going to happen because he would charge too much to drive to southern Indiana.

I want mine to say, "During her life, Mary was accomplished at aggravating her husband and annoying her children. Mary was also very proficient at "rattling on like a junk car." I want my obituary to end with, "Jesus said, Come." So Mary went.

Then the other day our grandson, Nathan, asked about heaven. He wondered if heaven really did have streets of gold. I told him, my mother was in heaven and if there were not weeds to pull and flowers to water, she would be having a talk with God. When I asked him what he had read about heaven, he said he did not know where to find the scriptures. So, I sent him some.

Read Revelations 21. Yes, the whole chapter. The New Jerusalem. Heaven shining with the brilliance of precious jewels. Walls of jasper and gold as pure as glass. Read the chapter, then close your eyes, and picture it.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What did you see when you closed your eyes? What do you think heaven will look like? Who do you think will be standing right inside the gate to welcome you?

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

LET US PRAY

Mighty One, You are mighty and you are watching over me from heaven, your dwelling place. And sitting at your right hand, is your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus said he was going to prepare a room for me. I cannot begin to picture what that room will look like. What comfort it gives me to know that someday I will find the door to my room open. O, Mighty One, as I continue to grow in faith. As I continue to study your word. As I continue to live out your plan for me on earth, keep my room ready. Amen

SUN, SAND AND ONE SUNSET

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Psalm 103:1

Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

SUN, SAND AND ONE SUNSET

I SURVIVED! ! ! We are not sure if three adults and four children or one adult and six children went on vacation. The four grandchildren (ages 5 through almost 13) were counting when I said, "Yes, but your mommy is my little girl, so she is a child." Then I asked, "Is your daddy grownup?" The answer was, "No!" That is when we decided I was the adult and the rest were children. Here is a picture of the six adorable children who allowed me to accompany them to Florida.

We did have fun and I swear my grandsons are part fish. They were always in the pool or trying to find big waves in the Gulf. Or they were standing under an outdoor shower rinsing sand off before they could go back into the pool or into the house. They were wet from the time they finished breakfast until they put on their pajamas.

They did dry off enough to go to a Military Museum, a BooZoo at the Tampa Zoo, play miniature golf and eat. We also played Uno and many games of Farkle.

The youngest had the responsibility of taking care of grandma and he took his duties very seriously. Timothy always made sure I got through the airport and was quite certain that if he was in the water, I should be too. Noah helped me pick up shells and Joshua and Matthew made sure I added the Farkle scores correctly. After all, they kept reminding me, "You are 62 and that is old."

This last week was a blessing. Time with our daughter and her husband. Time with our grandchildren. Time to --

It has been a long time since I have been to a beach. The sound of the waves is a sound I love. And watching the waves come in. Go out. The strange things that wash up on shore remind me that God has a great imagination. I find peace as I stand and take it in and one evening, when I walked the beach by myself, I had a quiet time with God.

He put on this sunset just for me. Were there other people on the beach? Yes. Were there other people looking at the same sunset? Yes.

But this sunset was for me.

For my soul.

This sunset was the glory of God shown in a spectacular display of clouds and color.

As I walked the beach that evening. As I watched the sunset. My Spirit was singing:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!     Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!     O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,     And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

(To God be the Glory, by Fanny Crosby)

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Has God given you a sunset?

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

LET US PRAY

No matter where I am, on the beach, at home, at work, awake or asleep, You are there. Praise the Lord. As the daylight begins and as the daylight ends, You are there. Praise the Lord. When my life is clear and when my life has clouds, You are there. Praise the Lord. When I behold your glory, You are there. Praise the Lord. I am just one person. I do hear your voice. I do come to the Father through the Son. And I do give you glory for all you have done. Praise the Lord. Amen

A WEEK AWAY

Enjoy the devotional for October 9.

I will not be posting a devotional the 16th.  Instead I will be spending time in Florida with our daughter, son-in-law and four grandsons. 

Come back and check out the devotional on October 23 to see if I survived.

Have a blessed week.  Mary

FACEBOOK CLASS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ACTS 15:31

(Upon receiving a letter) The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.

FACEBOOK CLASS

Tuesday was fun. Our church used the computers at our local library for two Facebook classes. For any of you that are not on Facebook or do not know what Facebook is, I will try to explain.

Facebook is an internet social club. Think of it this way. Instead of sitting around a table at the local watering hole, be it a coffee shop or the Dairy Queen, you sit at your computer and talk to your friends. Facebook is not the place for long detailed discussions. Facebook is a place where you post: "My day is really yucky." "The kids are driving me crazy." "The laundry is done. For now." (A big deal at our daughter's home because they have four boys.) "I need prayers." "Band practice was hard, but I learned the new routine." "I just scored 10,600 on Farkle." (Farkle is a game.) Get the idea. Facebook is a place to let your friends know what you are doing. Should Facebook replace those gatherings at the coffee shop? NO!

When I joined Facebook, I did it because our daughter, granddaughter, a nephew and great-niece were on. It was a way this old gal could interact with the younger generation. I could see pictures of our grandchildren. I knew how our granddaughter was doing. I also acquired sympathy friends. Sympathy friends? Those are friends of our daughter Terri. They felt sorry for me because there were so few people my age (62) on Facebook. I now have friends from Junior High age to friends that I graduated High School with.

What am I learning? Unlike me, most people my age do not post anything once they establish their Facebook page. Why? I think they are just not comfortable with it.

Why do I do it? I like leaving notes for my family. I like being able to encourage our granddaughter and great niece. I enjoy being a part of the next generation and the next. I love to play Farkle. Because of Facebook, we know when someone is having a bad day and needs help or a pat on the back for not smoking. Because of Facebook, a young lady is coming to our Bible Study. Because of Facebook, we were able to give encouragement to a family while they were in Texas for the funeral of a parent. Because of Facebook, friends leave prayer requests.

I enjoy Facebook, but be warned - Facebook can take a lot of your time!

Do I think Jesus would use Facebook? Yes, I think He is!!!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How do you use the internet?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear BFF (Best Friend Forever), Jesus that is what you are. You are my Best Friend Forever!! Thank you that there are so many ways I can learn more about you and share my faith with others. The internet is an amazing technology. I pray that I will always use it wisely. Let the words that leave my computer be words of encouragement. Words of hope. Amen

SINGING AND A RUMBLING SOUND

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music. -- Psalm 98:4

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. -- Ephesians 5:19-20

and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound -- Ezekiel part of verse 12

SINGING AND A RUMBLING SOUND

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven." Last weekend was the season for song and then a loud rumbling sound!

Friday evening we saw a group called Straight No Chaser. Ten men in their early 30's that sang a cappella. I see you shaking your head but they were very good. They started their a cappella group in 1996, at Indiana University and even performed in Carnegie Hall. After graduation, they all went their separate ways. In 2006, they joined up for a reunion performance; put a song on YouTube and the rest is history. Straight No Chaser did burst into jubilant song. Check them out at www.sncmusic.com.

But wait! Did you think about the infomercials on TV when you read that? But wait! It gets better.

Saturday evening we saw David Phelps. That man can sing! He must have read the verse from Ephesians because he did speak to us with hymns and spiritual songs. I think my favorite song was Nessum Dorma. And I could not understand a word of the song. You did not have to understand the words to know he was praising God. Go see David Phelps if you get a chance. His website is www.davidphelps.com.

But wait! The music was not over.

Sunday morning we attended church with our son, Bill, Kim and Nathan. A group we have seen many times delivered the message in song and deliver they did. The Overtones ran down the aisle, started to sing and did not stop. They lifted us up and they touched our souls. What a witness. They did sing and make music in their hearts. They did give thanks to God the Father for everything. If the Overtones are in your area, please go experience these young men. You will be blessed. Their website is www.overtonesquartet.com.

But wait! The music might have been over but soon to come was the experience of a loud rumbling sound.

Using this section of a verse from Ezekiel is a stretch but does describe our other Sunday adventure. A local Harley dealership had a bike ride in honor of the founder of the store. Eight hundred Harley bikes left the parking lot, two at a time, to begin the ride. What a sight. What a sound. A small rumbling sound as they started their bikes and then a loud rumbling sound as they went by. All ages. All types. All kinds of bikes. All making a loud rumbling sound.

Does it sound like we went from one extreme to the other. In a way, we did, but we had a season for every activity. We enjoyed secular music on Friday. A good clean, enjoyable performance. We were lifted up in song Saturday and Sunday. As David Phelps and the Overtones made music on stage, we made music in our hearts. And then we watched a parade of Harleys as they rode to honor a man's legacy.

Singing and a loud rumbling sound -- last weekend was one to store in our memory.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What weekend do you have stored in your memory?

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

LET US PRAY

I am shouting with joy Lord. My heart is bursting with jubilant song. Do you hear me? I pray that my joy starts as a whisper and then builds into a loud glorious sound. The psalms, hymns and spiritual songs help me give thanks to you. Thanks to you for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

SOUND ASLEEP

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "Mark 13:36 - 37

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

SOUND ASLEEP

Have you ever been to an auction? Picture this: A fairly large room, but not huge, with over three hundred people wandering about and talking. That, by itself, makes for a lot of noise, but add to that the cry of the auctioneer. Now add the ring men yelling, "Yup." "Yup." Make those 'yups' loud. About the decimal level of a three year old's outside voice. Do you have a picture in your mind?

Now I want you to add one more image. There, in the back row of chairs, picture a man sleeping. Yes, asleep! Asleep in the midst of all that noise and activity. So sound asleep we were afraid he would fall off the chair. So sound asleep we watched to see if he was breathing. So sound asleep he was missing everything that was going on around him.

Sorta like some people and life. They go through life oblivious to everything around them. They do not see the sunrise let alone the sunset. They do not see need. Or hunger. Or joy. Or peace.

They just go through life. As if, they are asleep. They are not watching and they may miss their chance for salvation. How sad.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been so tired you could sleep while chaos was swirling around you? Have you ever felt so lost that you could not notice the sunrise? Sunset? Need? Hunger? Joy? Peace? Are you watching, so that when the hour comes, you are awake?

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

LET US PRAY

I am awake, Jesus. I am awake! Although physically I may get tired and need sleep, my soul is awake. Although my eyes may need to close, my spirit rejoices in your sunrises and sunsets. Although my hands and feet may need to be still, my heart prays for those in need and those that are hungry. Although my body may need to lie down, my faith holds tight to the joy and peace you provide. I am awake, Jesus. I am awake! Amen

SEASONS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 1:14

And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years…"

SEASONS

I want to tell you what I see out the window. The sky is clear. No clouds at all. Just blue sky. A soft blue. Peaceful looking. That blue color the sky gets in the fall.

There is a breeze because the trees are swaying. Doing a gentle dance as if they are hearing music that makes them want to nod their branches from this side to that. The evergreens are being stubborn. They are just standing there. Not moving. Most of the trees have that dusty fall green look. Some leaves are even tired of that and have started wearing the fall colors. One more fling before they float to the ground.

The grass has not heard that fall starts next week and is still growing. "Mow me. Mow me," it shouts. If Bill doesn't mow about every four days, it gets so tall you could hide in it. Okay, not your whole body, just up to your knees. Okay, over the ankle.

The flowerbed is starting to look less colorful but even that is a good thing. Those plants are tired and need to rest until the ground warms up again next spring.

The robins have left and the wild geese are heading south. I saw a flock this morning making their V and checking their GPS. The katydids have been making a racket for about three weeks so frost will not be long in coming.

Do you know what I see out my window? I see the scriptures in action!

God did all this. He arranged things to mark seasons and days and years.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Which is your favorite season? Do you see a change of seasons where you live? What do you see out your window? Do you see God at work?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart. (If you live where one season is pretty much like all the others, then change this prayer to fit.)

LET US PRAY

Hello God, I want to thank you for the trees. They offer shade in the summer and a very colorful show in the fall. I want to thank you for flowers. The spring lilies, the summer roses and the fall mums each coming and going to brighten our lives. I want to thank you for the songbirds in the summer and the loud honk of the geese as they tell us they are headed south. I want to thank you for the seasons. I want to thank you for ….… Amen

SEPTEMBER 11

There are just some days you do not forget. Birthdays. Graduations. Wedding days. Days when families add to their numbers. Days when families tell a loved one goodbye. The day you bowled over 200, hit a home run or sent that golf ball straight down the fairway. The day you stuck your toes in the mud or rode your bike without anyone holding on. The day you baked your first pie or changed the oil in your car. The day you got your driver's license.

The day you realized the USA was vulnerable.

I do not remember WW II but I do remember seeing the Vietnam War fought on the evening news. I remember reading about WW I, WW II, the Korean War, the Cold War and all the other wars that our soldiers fought so we could be free. So our flag would fly over this land. But these wars were all fought "over there." These wars did not blow up the house next to mine. Nor mine. These wars -- These wars kept our land safe from invasion. Safe until September 11, 2001.

On that day, I received a phone call telling me to turn on the television. On that day, I watched the towers fall. On that day, I watched the Pentagon being attacked. On that day, I heard about the plane crash in Pennsylvania. On that day and in the days to follow, many people died because of hate. On that day, a day I will never forget, I realized the USA is vulnerable.

This September 11, I want to remember that day. I want to remember that our freedoms should not be taken for granted.

We fly our flag everyday, but on September 11 we fly it in memory of the lives needlessly lost and for their families. We fly our flag in gratitude for all those that came to look for survivors and to respectfully tend to the dead. We fly our flag in support of the soldiers that serve and defend this country.

Today we fly our flag so we will never forget September 11, 2001.

LET US PRAY: Including parts of PSALMS 143 and 144

O Lord, hear my prayer and listen to my cry. I need to stay strong when I feel vulnerable. I need to know you will come to my relief. When I feel crushed to the ground and my spirit grows faint, I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. When I feel vulnerable I am thankful that you are my Rock, my loving God, my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield and my refuge.

O Lord, hear my prayer and listen to my cry. Let the United States of America remember "In God we Trust." Let this country turn to you each morning and ask you to bring them word of your unfailing love. Show this country the way it should go and instill a united spirit. Rescue us from our enemies, O Lord. Teach us to do your will and let your good Spirit lead us on level ground. Preserve our county, in your righteousness.

O Lord, hear my prayer and listen to my cry. Amen

SEPTEMBER? NO WAY!

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands.

SEPTEMBER? NO WAY!

SEPTEMBER? It cannot be September! If it is September, there are only four months left in this year. Four months to finish that list of things I wanted to accomplish by year's end. It is my month to teach Sunday School, we start a seven week Bible Study this coming week and I just took on new projects! What was I thinking? SEPTEMBER? It cannot be September!

Oh, but it is and as I think about the things I did not get accomplished so far this year, I realize some of them did not amount to a hill of beans and some of them will be finished by years end. Or the next. I realize some of the "work God has for Mary" was not intended for me to accomplish. At least, not at this time.

The other stuff: I am glad it is my month to teach our class. I never thought I would enjoy teaching, but I do. One thing for sure, our class never knows what to expect when I teach. A new Bible Study - When Godly People Do Ungodly Things - is a chance to learn, grow and, hopefully answer questions. And new projects. Well, I am going to try to drag our church into the modern age of technology. We need a working website and I taught our Church Council a new word: Facebook.

It's funny. Those things I thought I had to get done. Those "work God has for Mary" projects that are still in the drawer. Something always came up.

Ongoing work - teaching Sunday School and Bible Study - always seem to fit into my schedule.

And the new projects? I checked the website for our denomination. Guess what. They offer an online course to learn managing a website. No roadblock there. And I have the names of two very good website providers and design companies. Not just one, but two. And I can do this from our home.

And facebook. I have people wanting to learn how to set up personal pages on facebook. Not only are we looking at a facebook page for our church, but one for the youth. Who knows where this will lead. I wonder why this seems to be falling into place?

Oh yeah. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands. Maybe this time I was listening to what God had in mind for me.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you believe it is September? Only four months left in this year! Have you accomplished everything you set out to do? Will you get it done by December 31? Do you need to sit down and figure out what is important and what needs to be put aside for another year? Or maybe never.

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

LET US PRAY

Hi God, I only have a minute because I am so busy. Doing what? Well, I am doing Your work. At least I am trying. There always seems to be a reason I cannot finish. Or sometimes a reason I cannot get a project even started. There is so much I need to do. Did you say I need to step back? That I need to listen? Forgive me. Let me start over.

To the Lord my God, May your favor rest upon me. Establish the work of my hands. Yes, establish the work of my hands. Amen

~ ~ ~ ~

A reminder for next Friday, September 11: Please fly your flag as a prayer for all who died September 11, 2001. As a prayer for the families who now only have a memory of a loved one. As a prayer for all the rescue workers who gave so much. As a prayer that this country will always remain strong.

WHERE WOULD JESUS GO?

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Jesus talking to Simon Peter: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 16:18

Jesus speaking to his disciples: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

WHERE WOULD JESUS GO?

Bill and I took a couple of days and got out of town. While driving, I noticed many churches. They were labeled by denomination: Lutheran, Church of God, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Christian, Seven Day Adventist, Jehovah Witness and Brethren.

They were labeled by other names: Full Gospel with healing service, Restored, Pentecostal, Reformed, United, Community, Missionary, Evangelical and Independent.

Some church names include words: Hope, Faith, Love, Peace and Grace

Some buildings you knew were churches. They had a steeple, a cross or some other symbol on them that illustrated their beliefs. I had Bill turn into one church so I could take this picture.

I can remember a church poster we saw when we were in a small town in Stewart, British Columbia, Canada. It started out saying, "All welcome." Then it gave the name of the church. Followed with, "King James version only." Followed with a few more specific beliefs. By the time I had read the entire poster, I realized not all were welcome.

Thinking about that poster and all the churches we saw on our drive, I wondered, "Why can it not just be called The Church? Why cannot our statement of faith just be I Believe?"

Thinking about that poster and all the churches we saw on our drive, I wondered, "Where would Jesus go?" What church would Jesus attend? How would he decide? Would Jesus be comfortable sitting in the pew of a Methodist Church? A Catholic Church? A Reformed Church? Would any of these churches resemble what Jesus instructed Peter to build?

For all of our differences. For all of our different names. For all of our different creeds and statements of faith. Where would Jesus go? This is answered in the scripture. We know that Jesus goes "where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Remember when you go to church, Jesus is there. Make Him feel welcome.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How would you answer the question, "Where would Jesus go?" Would Jesus be comfortable sitting in the pew of your church?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, As believers, we allow mission statements and church doctrine to come between us instead of being united in our common beliefs. Jesus, as I work, play and live let me see the common areas of our faith instead of the small areas that separate us. Jesus, I am working to have the faith of Peter when he said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." When I work for the church, let me work in such a way that You would be welcome and when you enter you would feel at home.… Amen

THE LOST DRIVER’S LICENSE

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! Job 23:3

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

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

THE LOST DRIVER'S LICENSE

I love working at auctions. You meet a very diverse assortment of people. We have our groupies and they become like family. Chatting about their week. Their health. Their new babies or grandbabies. We have those that have never attended an auction and are afraid to blink for fear it will be taken as a bid. We assure them that only happens on TV. We have the ones we like to tease and those we wish would never come back.

The other day we had the man who could not find his drivers license. Honestly, this happens with great regularity and, I am not male bashing, but it is usually a man. (Now admit it ladies. Men will look and look for something and then give up. That is when the female will walk to the garage/kitchen/desk and find the lost object laying in plain sight. I saw that nod of agreement.)

Back to my story: First, his wife came to our table and asked if we had found her husband's license. I had checked this gentleman in and I assured her that I always hand the license back with the bidder number card.

Later that day, the man came to the table to check again and make sure no one had turned in his license. "No sir. Are you sure you did not put it in a different pocket?" I asked.

He said he had checked and as he talked, he patted each pocket. Each empty pocket. Then he took out his money clip.

As he held his clip and assured me that he always put the license back in the same spot, I am ashamed to say I started to laugh. So did the two other ladies standing there. Why?

As the gentleman held his money clip and as we were trying to control our smiles and only laugh a bit, I said, "Sir, would you please turn your clip around."

There, on the wrong side of his money clip. There where he never puts his driver's license, was his license. That is when his wife started laughing. Then the man laughed too.

How often do we know right where to find something and then when we reach for it, it is not there? How often do we need something, but need help finding it?

Sorta like finding God. Sometimes we know right where He is. We feel Him beside us strong and true. Other times it is as if God is lost. We are just not sure where to find Him. But just like the driver's license, God is always there. Sometimes we find Him right away. Sometimes we need someone to show the way. Sometimes it is as easy as turning around.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever lost something only to have someone else find it quickly? Have you ever felt like you lost God? 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

Hello Lord. I am so thankful that I can always find you. That I can find you when I feel alone. Or frightened. Or sad. I know you are always there. I am so thankful that I can always find you. That I can find you when I feel happy. Or joyous. Or humble. I am so thankful that I can always find you. That I can find you when I feel you are far away from me. I know you are not. I know you are there, waiting for me to find my way back. Thank you for others that tell me, "Turn around. God is right there. See him. God is waiting for you." And when I find you, I know I will find rest. Amen

Greetings, Thanks to a broken modem I will not be able to post a blog this week. Glad the library has a computer for me to briefly use.

Since I can not post something, read your favorite scripture and let me know what it is.

Have a great week. A blessed week. A joyous week.

Mary

DECISIONS

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"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

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

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

DECISIONS

"What would you like for dinner?" asked Bill. "It doesn't matter," I replied.

"Do you want to teach during August?" I asked Judy. "I will," she said.

"What do you want to watch this evening?" I asked Bill. He came back with, "All those channels and nothing to watch. You pick."

Decisions! Decisions!! Decisions!!!

From the time our eyes open until they shut, the day is full of decisions. What to eat? What to do? What to wear? Are the errands done today or tomorrow? Decisions of reading or watching TV? Does the yard need mowed? Who gets the last piece of dark chocolate? (Okay, that is an automatic easy decision.) Do I prepare a will? Do I call my sister? Friend?

Do I go to church or decide it is okay to miss? Do I talk to God throughout the day? Do I keep God before me or do I put Him on the back burner when I work? When I talk with friends? Do I notice all of God's creation as I see flowers? Trees? Birds? Do I realize I am touching God, when I take the hand of a child? Do I tell others about Jesus?

Decisions! Decisions!! Decisions!!!

Some decisions are not important. A yes or no works just fine. Either way. No big deal. Sometimes one TV channel is as good as the next. And those errands can wait until tomorrow.

Other decisions are important. Where your next meal is coming from is very important when you have no money for groceries. A will is important. Calling a sister, brother, friend, son, daughter, spouse or parent is important. Your call may change their life. Or yours.

Then there are those DECISIONS!!! Just as some decisions are not important and others are, some decisions are extremely important and need to be made now. Now while you have time. Decisions that will change your day. Your life. Decisions that will help you understand life and help you understand death.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What decisions do you have to make today? Which ones are not important? Important? LIFE CHANGING?

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

LET US PRAY

Jesus, as I try to decide what to wear. What to watch on TV. As I make these decisions, I realize how silly I can be. Some decisions are so unimportant. Other decisions are important. Help me understand the most important decision I will ever make. Jesus, I do not want to have a troubled heart and need your guidance as I make decisions. I believe you are the way, the truth and the life. I come to you seeking peace, knowing that my life will have troubles, but that You can help me face those troubles. I also know that just as You will walk with me in life, You will welcome me into eternal life. … Amen

UPDATE

I have wonderful news – Praise the Lord news. The two young girls hurt on the 4-wheelers are both home. They need rest and to regain strength. These two girls still need prayers, but are on the way and much better than ever expected. THE POWER OF PRAYER AT WORK!!!

The young lady that was to be married is okay. She is moving one day at a time and, for now, that is what she needs to do. Continue to pray for her too.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

UNLEARNING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 1:7

Look, he is coming with the clouds

UNLEARNING

I do not know if you use My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, as a devotional, but if you were looking for a devotional, I would highly recommend this. I am reading this for the forth time and I am still finding new insights. This happened again on the July 29 reading.

"In the Bible clouds are always connected with God. Clouds are those sorrows or sufferings or providences, within or without our personal lives, which seem to dispute the rule of God. It is by those very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were no clouds, we should have no faith. "The clouds are but the dust of our Father's feet." The clouds are a sign that He is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow and bereavement and suffering are the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near without clouds, He does not come in clear shining."

I had highlighted parts of this in previous years, wrote in the margin, "Learn more from troubles than from easy times," and thought I understood this days reading. Then the next paragraph jumped out at me.

"It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials; through every cloud He brings, He wants us to unlearn something."

What? I am not supposed to learn. I am supposed to unlearn. Now that makes no sense. One thing I am learning as I read and reread My Utmost for His Highest is that I dig deeper each year and Oswald Chambers can be deep, but unlearn. I always thought I was to learn from my experiences. What could I unlearn?

I could unlearn self-reliance. Hate Distrust. Bitterness. I could unlearn having an un-forgiving spirit. Fear. Disobedience. Prejudice. I could unlearn -----

Light bulb moment: I have to unlearn all these things (and a gazillion more) so I never allow anything to injure my relationship with God.

This week - Go forth and unlearn!!!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Did you ever think about it this way? What do you need to unlearn? Think you are alone when you study and do not understand something? Never fear! You are not alone!!! We are all learning. Seeking. And, hopefully, understanding more.

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

LET US PRAY

Unlearn. You want me to unlearn? Lord, I know you are with me during trials and rough times. I know you understand and that I can draw upon your strength. But I thought I was supposed to learn. I never thought about unlearning. Help me look at my life and determine what I need to unlearn. Help me work on ________________________.

Help me unlearn so I never allow anything to injure my relationship with You. Amen

IT HAPPENED SO FAST

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

IT HAPPENED SO FAST

This last weekend was difficult for the members of our church. And yet it did an amazing work in our church. (For privacy reasons, I will not use names, but this happened on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.)

Saturday was a beautiful day, in our part of Indiana. Sun was shining. A cool day. Rain maybe later in the day, but Saturday started great. Until --

A young lady in our church was to be married Saturday. The Friday night rehearsal went great. Saturday, the bride-to-be posted on facebook, "This is my wedding day." She had planned this day. She was going to be a bride. Until -- Until her fiancée died. Yes, you read that correctly. He died. This Saturday started great. Until.

As our minister was giving comfort to this young lady, another tragedy was taking place. Two young girls were riding 4-wheelers. We all know kids will be kids and they were having fun. Until -- Until the 4-wheelers hit head on. Two girls were flown to the nearest hospital. Two girls who are in serious, but stable condition. This Saturday started great. Until.

I want you to know that there were so many prayers being said. Prayers for comfort. Prayers for peace. Prayers for understanding. Prayers for healing. Prayers for faith. Prayers for wisdom as doctors and families had to make decisions. Prayers. Prayers.

Those prayers continued Sunday morning when blankets were blessed and taken to the young lady who would soon be burying a loved one and to two young girls who did not know when those blankets were laid on them.

The amazing work it did in our church: Sunday during the blessing of the prayer blankets, you could feel the Holy Spirit in our church. Every person was united. United in their love and compassion. In their tears. Every person was united in prayer. United because they knew their prayers were being offered to a God that IS. A God that IS alive and listening. A God that IS there for each person. A God that IS strong when we are weak, confused and lost.

We all have faced or will face a "Saturday started great. Until day." We all have faced or will face a day that brings unspeakable tragedy into our lives. That is when we need a strong faith foundation. A foundation where we have a solid footing.

I pray that each of you have a strong faith foundation. And that you build on that foundation. That your cornerstone is Jesus. That the walls you build are built on the Word of God. That the strength of the cross is placed at the center and that the Holy Spirit fills you.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you had something happen in your life that made you need the prayers of others?

LET US PRAY

Please pray for this young lady and all who loved her and her husband-to-be. Please pray for these two young girls. They need your prayers.

Pray for a strong foundation in your life.

Dear God, Take all that is in my heart and know my prayers are honest and sincere. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen

FLOWERBED

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 58:11

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

FLOWERBED

As I worked in my flowerbed, I began to think of all the scriptures I had heard that referred to gardens. Planting. Flowers. Vines. As I deadheaded flowers and pulled weeds. As I cut fresh flowers to brighten our kitchen. As I worked, I thought how much these flowers and Christians had in common.

Some of the flowers have deep roots. Deep roots that will hold them tall and will draw water and feed from the ground to make their blooms full and colorful. These deep roots keep the flower firmly planted when the winds blow and reaches deep when the weather is dry. Many Christians are like this. They are rooted in the word and have a strong faith. A faith that stands when life throws them wind and dry spells.

Some of the flowers do not have deep roots and they have rather flimsy stalks. These flowers do not fare too well unless conditions are perfect. They fall over when anything more than a gentle breeze blows. They wither. Their flowers do not last long. Many Christians are like this. They believe. They think that is enough. But when life doesn't go just as they think it should, they don't know what to do. They have no strong, deep faith. So they fall over. They wither. They do not last long.

Some flowers have bright, big, beautiful blossoms. They almost glow in the dark. They have energy. You cannot miss them. Some Christians are like that. They just beam with joy. They have energy to sing in the choir, fix dinner for a shut-in and say yes every time they are asked to help. They are big, bright and beautiful.

Some flowers are delicate. They are soft. They fill in all the empty places. You almost do not notice them. Some Christians are like that. They are just there. They fill in all the empty places. They just do their job.

I do not have the green thumb my mother had. I just do the best I can. Bill puts on fertilizer and waters. I cut some here, thin some there and hope for the best. I enjoy the flowers but the care these flowers get is not even a drop in the bucket to the care God gives the Christians in His flower garden.

God knows just how to tend each flower. He knows how to make the deep roots even deeper. He knows how to help and nurture the flowers that have not developed deep roots. He knows how to celebrate with the big, bright and beautiful outgoing flowers and He knows how to gently appreciate and cultivate the delicate, soft flowers that just do their job.

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. How wonderful to be a flower in God's garden.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What type of flower/Christian are you?

LET US PRAY

Today, say your own prayer. Ask God to tend you. To give you strong roots. To give you His living water. Tell God you want to be planted in His garden.

THE BUZZARDS

SCRIPTURE:  ECCLESIASTES 10:20

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

THE BUZZARDS

Have you ever watched buzzards? I used to think they were extremely ugly, gross birds. I still think buzzards have an appearance that only their mothers can love, but they are not gross. Not only do they serve a purpose, they are so graceful. Okay, they are graceful in the air.

The other evening, we were sitting in the back yard watching one buzzard. That ole bird was just using one air current after another to fly higher and higher, until it was just a speck. Then down it came. Ever so slowly, floating down. Down. Down. Then that buzzard just flew off to the east. So, I quit watching the sky.

Shortly, something caught my eye and I looked up. There came the buzzard and it had brought friends. A full dozen. Overhead were 13 buzzards. Circling. Some high. Some low. They would be in a group and then scattered. I would think they had flown off and they would appear again. Thirteen buzzards circling. Over my head.

As I sat there watching them, I wondered if they were watching me. Had the first buzzard gone off to get its buddies because I was such a strange looking human sitting there? Were the buzzards trying to figure out why I was not up flying around? Were they laughing at my blouse? Did they wonder why I wore shoes?

If those buzzards were watching me and were going to report to the King, what would they say? Would they report that I was being lazy, just sitting there? Would they report that I was enjoying the trees? The breeze? Would they repeat my words? What I say?

This got me to thinking. When people watch me, do they see a child of God? Do my actions reflect the King? Do my words ring true? Can they see the love of Jesus?

Darn! Shouldn't have thought about that. Now I need to see my actions through the eyes of others. Do I need to pick my words more carefully? Do I need to smile more so people can see the joy of Christ? Do my actions -- oh, I can see this could be a very long list.

While I work on my list, you have a great weekend.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever watched a buzzard? Have you ever looked at your actions and words and realized that you are an inspiration to others?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, Help me live my life in such a way that others want to come to you. Amen

THE BASEBALL GAME

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HAVE A SAFE AND FUN 4TH.  CELEBRATE AMERICA ! ! !

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TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-25

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

THE BASEBALL GAME

There I sat. Watching a Little League baseball game. Why? That is a good question, but there is a good answer. I had promised our grandson, Nathan, I would attend at least one game. I tried last season, but, every time I could go, it rained and the game was cancelled. Then this season I have been sidelined by surgery and, again, rain. The other night I ran out of excuses. Just so you know. Nathan's team did win and Nathan slid into home plate. That boy sure does love to slide and the holes in the knees of his pants prove it.

It isn't that I don't like to watch the games. It is the parents. Little Johnny or Susie is up to bat and wham, dad and mom kick into super mouth. Yelling and giving instructions louder than the coaches. Swing. Run. Slide. Stay. "What? WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO UMP? SAFE BY A MILE!"

The sad part is that Johnny or Susie was excited to be up to bat. They picked up that bat and swaggered to home plate. Took their place in the batting box. They were ready. They knew they were going to hit it out of the park. Then, strike one.

"Watch the ball." dad yells. Then a ball. Then strike two.

"How many times have we told you to step into the ball?" yells mom. Then strike three.

I hate that time. That is when Johnny or Susie turns away. As they walk out of the batters box, they hang their head. There is no longer a swagger. There is no longer a sparkle in their eyes. They do not want to look at their parents. They know they have let them down - again.

I used to play sand lot ball. Kids getting together at the school diamond to play baseball. Someone would bring a bat. Someone always had a ball. I don't think we all had mitts. We just got together and played. It was fun. If you struck out, your side encouraged you with, "That's okay. Next time." If you hit the ball, your side jumped with glee. One time, I hit the ball through the school window. That game ended quickly and I never told my parents about that.

The thing is we had fun. No parents. No umps. Just kids calling balls and strikes. Changing sides. Playing. You knew you did good when you got a hit, caught the ball or got someone out. You knew you messed up when you struck out, missed that easy catch or threw the ball too low. The difference is, no one yelled at you. No one made you hang your head, loose your swagger or take the sparkle from your eyes.

It seems like kids can't just play a game. Have a good time. Tell each other "See ya tomorrow." Then go home. And tomorrow get together and do it all over again.

Sports are fun. Sports are good for us -- if we are headed in the right direction and after the right prize. 1 Corinthians tells us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize." Then it tells us "we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

We have a coach - God. We have sideline coaches - the angels, the saints and all those that have gone before us. We have the rules - the Bible. We have training - studying the rules and prayer. We have the playing field - our lives.

Batter up. Keep your eye on the ball. Swing. Connect with the ball. HOME RUN!!!!!!!!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you ready to play? What games are you playing with your life? Are you running after the crown that will last forever?

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

LET US PRAY

A Coach. Sideline coaches. A Bible. Study and prayer. My life. I am here God. I want to play on your team. Pick me. Pick me. I want to play and I want to win. Be my coach. Teach me the rules. Give me the support of the angels. The saints. Loved ones that are watching over me. As I hit the ball with my life stamped on it, let it be a home run. A solid, over the fence, no question about it, out of the park HOME RUN. A home run that that ends at home plate with you, my coach, taking me in your arms and saying, "Welcome home." Amen