CHOICES

Welcome to my day of choices.

Do I get up?

Do I brush my teeth?

What do I eat for breakfast?

Delete emails or save them?

Be polite to the scam caller or just hang up?

What do I eat for lunch?

Nap or no nap?

Dust or not?

And on and on and on.

Choices! Decisions!  

Yes.

No.

Maybe.

Whatever.

I just do not care.

Choices.  Decisions.  Does it ever end?

The list goes on.

What to watch on TV?

What to wear?

How to spend money?

Chocolate?

Coffee?

Life is one decision after another with each leading to either a wise choice or ----- disaster.  Okay.  All choices do not have earth shaking consequences but some do.

And the angel said unto them. Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke2:10-11

Life is one decision after another with each leading to either a wise choice or ----- disaster.  Okay.  All choices do not have earth shaking consequences but some do.  This is one of those choices.

For unto you is born......

Believe?

Don't believe?

My choice:  BELIEVE. What is your choice?  

May your choice bring you peace, joy and the assurance of eternal life.

Merry Christmas

REAL PEOPLE. REAL EMOTIONS. REAL DRAMA.

As I was wondering what to discuss in our Sunday School class, I came up with: Christmas: Emotions On Steroids -- Then And Now. Hopefully it will make for an interesting discussion. My goal is to put life into the Christmas Story. To make it real.

We hear the Christmas Story over and over. We might not know it word for word, but could tell it pretty close. That can be a problem. When we hear the same thing over and over, we can quit listening. Our minds wander. We forget the joy! We forget the people, the emotions and the drama were real.

Just think about Mary. There she is, minding her own business, when Gabriel came to her and said, "Greetings." Now how would you react if you were mowing your yard and an angel appeared saying, "Greetings."? Don't worry about your reaction. Mary was a bit un-nerved too. Luke 1:29: Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be." TROUBLED? Mary was not only troubled, but greatly troubled.

Just think about Joseph. Joseph's day was not going exactly as planned. (Ever had one of those days?) He had found out his soon-to-be-wife was with child. Wow. Can you image the back and forth going on in his head? And his heart? Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Enough to make anyone tired. Slumber gave Joseph the answer he was searching for. He had a dream. He not only had a dream, he remembered the dream and obeyed.

Yes, real people with real emotions and enough drama to be the lead story on the evening news. Maybe the networks will even break into the ball game with a news alert. Ok. In today's society, breaking into a ball game might be a stretch, but there is plenty of drama.

• A walk of 70 to 90 miles, depending on who is doing the measuring, by a pregnant teenage
• No room at the inn
• A baby is born
• Angels everywhere
• Shepherds arriving
• Wise Men headed their way
• A very mad King Herod
• An escape to Egypt

Real people. Real emotions. Real drama.

Do you remember my goal for the Sunday School class? "My goal is to put life into the Christmas Story. To make it real." That is my goal for all of us and we can accomplish this by not just reading about the birth of Jesus. Instead we need to close our eyes and picture each action. We need to open our hearts and feel each emotion. We need to allow the drama to unfold before us.

Take time - yes, we are all busy - and read MATTHEW 1:18 - 2:18 and LUKE 1:26 - 38 and LUKE 2:1-20

Once more read these verses by section or activity. Stop and consider the emotions each person would have been going through. Fear? Surprise? Anger? Frustration? What was going on around them? Was it quiet? Noisy? Dusty? What did the sky look like to the shepherds? What did it sound like when "a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' "?

Position your arms as if holding a baby and ask, "What did it feel like to hold Jesus?"

Jesus does not want you to read His story every year just so you can say, "Well, of course we read it. Doesn't everybody?"

Jesus wants you to read His story and proclaim, "Mary was with child and gave birth to a son. She named him Jesus. He is great and is called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God gave him the throne of David and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

AMEN!!!

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks. We all are thankful for our families and friends.  For our faith. But what about the little things?

It is winter and static electricity gives us a shock.  Have you ever put your head under the covers and then watched the "lightening" as you ran your hand over the blanket?  Just a little thing.

Have you ever turned the radio on and your favorite song was playing?  Just a little thing.

Have you ever watched your grandkids get the giggles?  Just a little thing.

Have you ever --

• wiggled your toes in the mud,
• played in the rain,
• finished a really good book,
• held hands with a child,
• snuggled with your sweetie,
• had peanut butter stick to the roof of your mouth,
• found a wild mushroom,
• or
• closed your eyes and listened to the quiet?  

Just little things.

Have you ever felt God listening to your prayers?  Oops.  My bad.  That goes in the "big thing" blessing.

I hope you had a Thanksgiving where you remembered all the "big thing" blessings, but don't forget the "little thing" blessings that make you laugh, renew the feeling of wonder and make life fun.

IT IS MY BIRTHDAY

Greetings.  Today is my birthday. 

BIRTHDAYS

Each birthday means I made it through another year.  The joys spurred me on and the trials did not stop me.  This year I have been blessed with sunrises and sunsets that proclaimed God has not forgotten me.  I have been blessed with the love of an amazing husband, wonderful children and their spouses and fantastic grandchildren.  It does not get any better than that!!!

When I look in the mirror, I see a 68 year old woman, with hair the color of my mother’s.  I see eye glasses, but glasses, in one shape or another, have been on my face for the majority of my life. I see a few wrinkles, but not many.  There are just enough to remind me that life has not always been easy.  

The mirror also shows extra pounds.  These pounds arrived over the years, beginning with a few extra with the birth of each child.  Menopause, along with all of its other gifts, deposited a pound here and there.  Then there was a surgery recovery that jumped on the send-the-scale-higher bandwagon.  Now, that weight is a part of who I am.

When I look at my hands, I wonder why mom had to give me her arthritis but then I am amazed that my fingers can still write, use the keyboard, clip flowers and drive that car at a few miles over the speed limit.  Hands are amazing!  I am thankful for my hands because they can gently wipe away a tear, hold a child or give a less than friendly gesture to the jerk that cuts me off in traffic.

When I look at my feet, I am thankful.  I can walk, maybe not as far or fast as I would like, but those silly toes have not worked correctly, even after surgery.  BUT those silly toes have been in all fifty states, have enjoyed two oceans and a gulf, and have been stuck in more streams and creeks than I can count.  Yes, I see silly toes but those silly toes have many stories to tell.

When I look around me, I realize how very blessed I am.  Church.  Family.  Friends.  Of course!!!  But so much more.  I am blessed to live in the USA.  I am blessed to be able to read and think.  Blessed to go to the faucet and have clean drinking water.  Blessed to have peanut butter cake with a son that shares my birthday. 

Happy birthday to me.  Happy birthday to me.  Happy birthday, dear me.  Happy birthday to me. --- Yes, I love my birthday.  It is a day to reflect, remember and celebrate.

DO YOU SEE A STORY?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Pictures can evoke such feelings: Joy. Wonder: Peace. Compassion. Fear. Anxiety. Sadness. Pain.

This picture was posted on Facebook (Phyllis's Art, fantasy and contemporary) and I was drawn in. It is so full of emotion. Usually I prefer the feeling of peace or wonder, but the pain in this picture made me want to sit beside her. Made me want to help her.

Can you see her pain? The young lady has her arms folded over her stomach and her head is down. Flowers from the bouquet have fallen onto the floor. Storm clouds cover the sky. She is alone. She looks so alone.

I wondered if she had just told a loved one goodbye. A black dress. Flowers. Hurting. And alone. She looks so alone.

She is safe inside but you can tell the storm has driven her to her knees. There is no shadow of someone standing close by to offer comfort. There are no hands gently touching her shoulders. She looks so alone.

Could she be praying? Could she be asking, "How can I bear this? The pain of this is ……." She looks so alone.

It would be great if life was always a picture of joy, wonder, peace and compassion. Life is not always like that. Life also comes with fear, anxiety, sadness and pain.

This young lady looks so alone. She does not have to be. You do not have to be alone when the storms come into your life. You may be on your knees, in a house by yourself and wondering how will I bear this, but you are not alone. You do not have to carry the burden by yourself or go through the storm alone.

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

Are you weary? Burdened? Do you need rest?

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

CLEANING

Oh my goodness! If you ever hear me say I am going to clean the pantry, please do an intervention and stop me. Such a simple organize-those-cans idea can lead to ---

= a trip to the store to replace outdated spices,

= cleaning the kitchen drawers because when the pantry was cleaned there was shelf space for all those I-don't-use-often-but-do-not-want-to-throw-away things,

= cleaning the shelves because after cleaning the drawers they looked messy,

= washing the canisters, salt and pepper shakers and those measuring spoons that got put away with just a bit of spices on them (probably those outdated ones I am now going to replace) but now look dirty next to the clean shelves,

= the counter tops because when I moved the canisters I saw the flour and sugar hiding behind them,

= which then made the stove top look a bit less than sparkling

and

= drat; now I see the dust on those empty wine bottles that did look just fine before the sink was scrubbed.

HELP!!! Once started there is no end to cleaning. Each clean spot makes the next spot look dirty. Oh no! There is a cobweb……………………

CLEANING ME

All this cleaning made me think about my life. What do I need to clean?

I need to search out things that misuse my time and energy. My hubby would say I should start with those silly games on the iPad. He is probably right.

I need to throw away bad habits. Cannot think of any at this moment but I am sure my kids, grandchildren or friends would be more than happy to point out one. Or two. Or three. Why would Bill not point out my bad habits? He is smarter than that. : )

I need to restock my shelves with patience, understanding, compassion, gratitude and a listening Spirit.

I need to fill a trash bag with my temper, an unyielding spirit and the word but when I am talking to God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

How is your life? Do you need to do a bit of cleaning?

WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT?

Sometimes the blog just seems to write itself. An idea pops in my little brain fully formed, flows from my fingers onto the keyboard and appears on the computer screen. Sometimes that just does not happen. Today is one of those days. I goggled "motivation" and up popped one site after another with quotes. Even that did not help. Until:

"Fashion is always of the time in which you live. It is not something standing alone. But the grand problem, the most important problem, is to rejuvenate women. To make women look young. Then their outlook changes. They feel more joyous." Coco Chanel

Let me tell you - that did motivate me, but not in a good way. IT MADE ME MAD!! Fashion! Rejuvenate women! Look young! Then women will feel joyous! Then I thought, "Well she lived back in the dark ages and was brainwashed by society." Look young? I have earned every wrinkle! Every gray hair! Every additional pound! The part that makes me really mad is that, unlike men, women are still judged by their looks. Guess we are still being brainwashed by society.

Calm down. Look again. Maybe ---

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters." Audrey Hepburn

"I think the most important thing in life is self-love, because if you don't have self-love, and respect for everything about your own body, your own soul, your own capsule, then how can you have an authentic relationship with anyone else?" Shailene Woodley

These made me feel sad for Ms. Hepburn and Ms. Woodley. I do enjoy life. I enjoy my life, but it is not all that matters. Most of the time I like myself, but putting your body, your soul, your capsule -- making self-love the most important thing in life would make the world revolve around you and I just don't think that is the way it works.

Getting nowhere fast, but not ready to give up, I tried again.

"Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?" Mary Manin Morrissey

Finally! Some words of wisdom. Take your foot off the brake. Let go. Release hurt, fear and old pain. These make sense. Maybe I can find one more.

"The most important thing for me is having a relationship with God. To know that the owner, the creator of the universe loves you, sent His Son to die for your sins; that's very empowering. Knowing Him and knowing that He loves me gives me encouragement and confidence to move forward." Benjamin Carson

"There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer." John Wooden

Added bonus: I found two. What great quotes by Dr. Carson and Mr. Wooden.  These do motivate me.  Have a relationship with God.  Pray.  Yup.  I like these.

Where do you find motivation?

THE WEDDING BANQUET

Jesus responded by telling still more stories. “God’s kingdom,” he said, “is like a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. He sent out servants to call in all the invited guests. And they wouldn’t come!

“He sent out another round of servants, instructing them to tell the guests, ‘Look, everything is on the table, the prime rib is ready for carving. Come to the feast!’

“They only shrugged their shoulders and went off, one to weed his garden, another to work in his shop. The rest, with nothing better to do, beat up on the messengers and then killed them. The king was outraged and sent his soldiers to destroy those thugs and level their city.

“Then he told his servants, ‘We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren’t up to it. Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.’ The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on—every place filled.     The Message Matthew 22:1-10

Our Sunday School class studied this section and it made for some interesting discussion. I put on a sign saying: Most Important Person. Then asked what they would expect when the Most Important Person invited them to a wedding banquet. Would it be hard to decide if they were coming? What would they wear? What would the banquet hall look like? What would they expect to eat?

They quickly decided it would be elegant.

They also decided the menu would consist of hamburger, steak, asparagus, salad, lemon pie, loaded baked potato and chocolate cheesecake. Now who wouldn't want to show up for a free meal like this?

Weed the garden? Work in the shop? Is that the best they could do? And to beat and kill the messenger! Why didn't they just say no? But why didn't they want to go?

This is a parable and we had to dig deeper.

God is the King. Jesus is the Son. The wedding banquet celebrates the marriage between Jesus and the church (us). We are the "B" list of guests.

The next question was: How do you feel knowing you are only at the table because someone else refused to come?

The answer: THRILLED!! EXCITED!! GRATEFUL!! The class was all smiles to know they were invited to the wedding banquet and not by a human "most important person" but they were INVITED BY GOD!!

We do not know when the banquet will be, but we are ready. We do not want to miss this one. We do not know what we will wear. We trust that the proper attire will be provided. We decided that we have no idea how it will look? We did decide what we will fill our plates with.

Joy. Glory. Patience. Forgiveness. Peace. Hope. Grace. Oneness. Eternal life. Helping Spirit.

We know we will be in the presence of God and Jesus.

We know we will see the fulfillment of God's Word.

But why didn't they want to go? Why would anyone weed the garden, work in the shop and even beat and kill the messenger instead of going to this wedding banquet. Why?

Why? Because they did not realize the importance of the invitation. They thought they would only be eating hamburgers. Or steak. Or chocolate cheesecake. No big deal. Just another banquet.

But why didn't they want to go? Why? Because they did not realize the importance of the invitation. Do you?

BALANCING THE CHECKBOOK

Do not know about you, but I want my checkbook to balance.

If the amount is off by a "3", I know to check my adding to see if I hit the wrong number on the adding machine. Yes, I still have one and I use it. If the amount is divisible by "9", I know I have transposed figures. These two mistakes are usually pretty quick and easy to find. It is that silly penny I hate!

I will look for a penny. Knowing it must be there somewhere; I will compare the bank statement to the checkbook. I will add and re-add each column. Then, when that elusive penny is found, the world goes back into alignment. A smile comes back to my face. All is right for another month.

A LOST COIN

Jesus is speaking: "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:8-10

Now that is a woman who would balance her checkbook.

NEWS FLASH!

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’      Luke 15:3-6

Are you ready? This is important! Pay attention!!

Are you sitting down? Are you all ears? This IS REALLY important! Paying attention now?  Ready?

WE ARE THE SHEEP!

JESUS IS THE SHEPHERD!

WHEN ONE OF US GETS LOST, JESUS COMES LOOKING FOR US!

Told you it was really important!

REFLECTION

This is my favorite picture taken on our 2006 trip to Alaska. We were traveling on my type of road. Bill calls them "How do you find these roads?" and I call them "There is no one coming in either direction!" So quiet and peaceful! (You did get the there was no one else on the road, didn't you?) Beautiful! The water was so still the reflection was perfect.

Exactly what is a reflection? The noun means:

~~ the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected

~~ an image; representation; counterpart

~~ the return of light, heat, sound, etc., after striking a surface

This got me to thinking. What would my reflection look like?

This is pretty easy to answer. There would be a face with gray hair, eyes looking out through glasses and --- but the Bible says:

As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19

What if my heart was reflected onto the water instead of my face? Would the image be different?

Would I only see myself? My thoughts? My actions? My feelings? That reflection would be self-centered wouldn't it?

Would I see the influence of others? Their thoughts? Their actions? Their feelings? That would not be a true reflection of who I am. It would be a reflection of how others want me to be.

OR would I see the reflection of the Lord's glory as 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us:

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

Wow! I sure hope it would be the reflection of the Lord's glory. That is so much better than a gray haired, self-centered, trying to please others woman that might be looking back at me.

Unveiled face -- Lord, tear away anything that covers my face which will stop Your Glory from shining through.

Transformed into His likeness -- Transform me Lord. Change my attitude, my desires, my goals into Your attitude, Your desires, Your goals.

Ever-increasing glory -- Lord, let my Spirit, the Holy Spirit you placed inside of me, ever increase until my reflection is only of YOU.

I have an amazing idea! Look into the lake with me.

Unveil your face.

Be transformed.

Allow your heart to reflect the Lord's glory.

Give your Spirit the space it needs to grow with ever-increasing glory.

Look again. What do you see now?

OLD FRIEND

I graduated in 1964 and finally went to a reunion. MY 50 YEAR REUNION!! Does that make me old? Of course it does! Unless, that is, you just went to your 75th reunion, then I am just a young thing. I was amazed at how old everyone had gotten. Everyone except me. All that gray hair. Or no hair. Wrinkles sprinkled on cheeks and brows. Some have converted feed really well. (You have to have fed livestock to get that.)

Oh! My hair is gray. I call it character, but my face of character has been created by well-deserved wrinkles. And I have converted feed better than some. Is that how they all saw me?

One of the rewards of going was discovering a classmate/friend lived only 40 miles away. At the reunion, we promised to get together. Get together we did. We started talking at 5:00 PM, at a local restaurant, continued talking at our home where we allowed Bill to enter the conversation on a limited basis and finally said goodbye at 8:30 PM. Hard to condense 50 years into three and half hours. The conversation will be continued.

NOTE: Any former classmates reading this can be assured we only discussed good memories. Gossip waits till the next time!

A VERY LONG TIME

Has it been a long time since you visited with God? Have you had a heart to heart conversation with him? To you it might seem like a really long time, but God is eternal

In the beginning God -- Geneses 1:1

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Chronicles 29:10

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

AND during this eternity, God is patiently waiting for you.

Maybe you have tried to hide from God.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:1-5

        Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7

You cannot hide!

Maybe you have stayed away from God because you thought He would no longer recognize you with gray hair or pink hair or no hair. Or because of your sins.

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Luke 12:7

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:19-23

Why did I miss going to all the other reunions? I could make excuses, but that is what they would be -- excuses.

Why do you miss going to God? You could make excuses, but that is what they will be -- excuses.

PINTEREST

"Did you see what she posted on Facebook?"   "What about that tweet?"   "She reads what?"   "Did you know that the NSA is reading your emails and checking your phone calls?"

Everyone knows what we are doing these days. We are very open with our pictures, our comments, our lives. BUT do we stop and think what all this says about us? The Bible tells us that we influence others.

1 TIMOTHY 4 (instructions to Timothy): ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

PHILIPPIANS 3: ¹⁷ Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

If someone checked my Pinterest boards, what would they find out about me?

THEY WOULD FIND OUT I LIKE COLOR.

THEY WOULD FIGURE OUT I AM THINKING ABOUT A 50TH ANNIVERSARY.

THEY WOULD LEARN MY FAVORITE FLOWER IS THE WHITE ROSE AND THAT I STILL HAVE ALL MY MARBLES.

THEY WOULD DISCOVER I HAVE A STRANGE SENSE OF HUMOR.

When I see this, I want to add the caption: "Do you think the big guy knows we did it?"

NUMBERS WOULD SHOW THIS HAS BEEN REPINED 165 TIMES AND LIKED 22 TIMES.

And God said, “I am here.  Do you want to talk now?”

QUICKLY IT WOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT I AM ON A JOURNEY.

This long path, in the fog, reminds me of my life journey. I have to trust God that He knows where my path leads. (Because left to myself, I would be absolutely lost in the woods.)

THERE WOULD BE NO QUESTION AS TO WHAT I HOLD ONTO.

The nativity is so sweet to look at. It held the Baby Jesus. The image of the New Jerusalem is a vision we hold in front of us.  But the Cross. Oh how we do not want to look at the Cross.  Not only should we look at the Cross, we should take ahold of it and hold on securely.

------------------------------------------------------ I picked these pins because they make me look like a really good person. Am I that careful with my Facebook posts? My words? My actions? My deeds? My life? PHILIPPIANS 4: ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. The Bible tells us that we influence others. How do you influence others? And me? Like I said, I picked these pins to make me seem like a great influence. Truth is, more often than I want to admit, I would be an absolutely horrible, miserable, lousy influence on those around me. THE ONLY HOPE I HAVE IS TO KEEP THE LOVE OF GOD BEFORE ME AND KEEP DOING MY BEST TO FOLLOW.

DID YA MISS ME?

Did ya miss me? Did you even think, "Mary didn't post a blog this week?" There were three weeks in August when no blog was posted. Did ya miss them? Honestly - the answer is you didn't miss my blog.

That is okay. Our lives are so busy that we notice when more things are added to our day or week, but we don't seem to notice when something is left out. Ponder that for a minute.

When a friend calls, you talk to them and enjoy the conversation. BUT - If a friend stops calling, how long does it take you to notice? A day? A week? A month? When do you finally miss them?

Do you notice when a Facebook friend has not posted? When family pictures stop showing up? When there are no likes to your posts by them? Or do you have so many Facebook friends that you just keep scrolling down the screen. When do you finally miss them?

When someone misses church, do you think they must be on vacation? Do you wonder if they are sick when they do not show up the next week? Do you even think about them the third week? How long before you realize that pew has an empty spot? When do you finally miss them?

Our day gets busy and we push Bible study to tomorrow. Many things grab our attention and we forget to pray. We lay our head down and go to sleep. Does God miss us?

I have been guilty of each of these. When it dawns on me that I haven't heard from a friend, I realize I hadn't made time for them either. When that Facebook friend falls away, I realize I had rarely responded to their posts. When I see the empty spot in the pew, I realize the empty pew seems normal. When God seems distant, I realize I had pushed Him out of my days.

Our lives are so busy that we notice when more things are added to our day or week, but we don't seem to notice when something is left out. Were any of these people missing me? Are they missing you?  I do not know.

Was God missing me? Does God miss you?  This I do know. YES!!!

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;

he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love,

he will joy over thee with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

Be assured, a God that saves you, rejoices over you, loves you and has such joy that he will sing over you will miss you. God will not stop calling you. God will not unfriend you. God will not think the empty pew is normal. When you go back to studying the Bible, when you go back to praying, and when you go back to telling God goodnight, God will say, "My child, I have missed you."

FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES

Our minister was trying out a new toy -- a sound system with karaoke. He said he thought he shouldn't be caught singing Friends in Low Places. I told him, "Why not? It is a great song and it could lead to a sermon."

That is when some of the verses started rolling around in my head. I do have friends in low places, because sin puts you in a very low place. And we are all sinners.

Blame it all on my roots

== If only Eve had not taken the first bite and Adam the second, my roots would be way different.

Cause I've got friends in low places

== These friends are called sinners and the low place is where that ole devil wants us to stay.

Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away

== Ok. I will have to change this verse to where "the Cross covers" and "forgiveness chases" my sins away.

And I'll be okay

== Yes. Yes I will

I will be okay. You will be okay. Why? Because God loves us enough to send His Son.

SIN

We are not walking around in the Garden of Eden because of sin. It started with just a small sin. Taking a bite from that pretty fruit on just one tree. NO. It started with the not so small sin of disobeying God. It went downhill from there, but God really did want His children to walk the straight and narrow.

First God sent prophets but His children did not listen to them and even roughed them up. People were out there doing all sorts of things. Worshipping other gods. Sacrificing children. Breaking those silly Ten Commandments. The Priests were in it for stature and power. Yup, a lot of sinning going on. Really big sins. Sins that required a big, larger than life sacrifice. God sent His Son.

Today we don't hear much about sin in church. We hear about a loving gracious God. And He is! Also, it seems we get caught in the trap of, "Well, of course I am a sinner. But I only do small, little sins. It is not as if I have ever done a big sin. I am not like (fill in the name) who has (fill in the sin)."

News flash! Sin is sin!!! Jesus came, suffered, died and arose for the tiniest sin each of us commits. Jesus came so we - you, me, and them - have a way to overcome sin. Without Jesus and the payment He made for our sins, we for sure would be with our friends in a low place.

A low place that gets very, very hot.

A LESSON TAKES A TURN

The lesson, for our adult Sunday School class, was based upon Matthew 20:17-19:

Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

I teach this class and I had studied the commentary. I had looked at the notes in the study Bible. I was ready and thought this would be a quick discussion, so I was also prepared for the next section. How long can it take to discuss three verses? Besides, this was the third time Jesus told the disciples about what was ahead of him.

The discussion started out with: Why had Jesus only told his disciples? (He was preparing them. Getting them ready so they would understand and be able to carry on. Jesus wanted them to realize this is what he came for.) Why hadn't he told everyone? (Really strong believers would have tried to stop these things from happening. Those new believers might have been scared off. Afraid of the trouble that was to come.) It was at this point that my mind went absolutely down another way (Not a bunny trail, but a full blown, paved, ten lane interstate). It was at this point that the lesson took a major turn.

I asked the class, "How many of you like to talk about death?" Followed with, "How many of you have talked to your children about your death?"

Those questions were followed by a you-could-have-heard-a-pin-drop silence. Until, I asked, "Isn't that what Jesus was doing? He was preparing his children for his death? Shouldn't we do the same?"

There was no quiet after that! It was close to being one of the best discussions our class has ever had. We talked about how hard this can be. Our children do not want to face the fact that their mommy or daddy will die. We talked about ways we can make it easier for them by making our funeral arrangements and making sure they know what we want.

We laughed about places where they now have "drive-by" viewings. One lady said if that was to happen she wanted a sign that said, "Do you want fries with that?" They all nodded, with compassion for the funeral director, who sent my obituary back three times for revisions. No, I did not revise it! If I have to pay to put my obituary in the paper, it will say what I want! (Yes, I can be stubborn. Just ask Bill.)

We were serious when the question came up, "Do you know what your children want if they were to die?" No parent wants to face the fact that their child might die first.

Often, in the middle of a lesson, an idea will fly right into my heart and I trust it is there for a reason. This idea absolutely changed the way our class looked at these verses.

Jesus was preparing his children. We should prepare our children.

Jesus was also preparing himself. He was acknowledging that the end was near. That he would die. We should prepare ourselves. We should look at our life to make sure we are not leaving important things undone or important words unsaid. We should prepare because we started dying the day we were born.

Jesus knew where he was going. That is the biggie question. Do you know where you are going? Do you think that life has been grand and the casket will be comfy? OR Do you know you can be with Jesus -- eternally?

Jesus prepared his disciples. Jesus prepared himself. Are you allowing Jesus to prepare you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come back and take you to be with me

that you also may be where I am.

John 14:3

REASSURANCE

A few months back, I posted this picture on Pinterest, with the tag And God said, "I am here…..."

This picture continues to be repined and it makes me wonder why it touches so many people. Does it take their breath away like it did mine? As they gaze at this picture, does their world seem to spin a bit slower?

This young woman is alone but does not appear lonely. She is not looking around as if she is expecting someone to join her but instead is enjoying a quiet moment. She is calmly making ripples with her toes, yet her reflection is clear. And the tranquility is complete.

What story could this picture tell? A great writer would take you back in time and have you slowly proceed to this moment. Each page revealing the passion, the struggles, the joys of her journey. And as you closed the book you would be reassured of this young woman's future.

REASSURANCE

Reassurance: something that is said or done to make someone feel less afraid, upset, or doubtful

There are days when I do not feel calm and life for sure is not tranquil! There are days when I would not be sitting on that log with my toes in the water making nice little circles. I would be splashing my feet and saying, "Really God? Again?" Those are the days when I need reassurance. When I need to find a way to feel less afraid. Less upset. Less doubtful. Days when I need reassured about the future.

Those are the days when I need to hear God say, "Mary, I am here…..."

God is here. He is all around us and His word is waiting to calm us. To sustain us. To take away our fear. His word is waiting to fill us. To give us faith.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

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

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

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen me with power through his Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that being rooted and established in love, I may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen Ephesians 3:14-21 (made personal)

GOD'S REASSURANCE

God is here. He is all around us and His word is waiting to calm and sustain us. Seek the Lord so He can deliver you from your fears. Allow His Spirit to fill you with hope and faith.

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

MY YARD

Welcome to my yard.

Some flowers are new, with lush leaves, and so full of color.

This reminds me of the beginning of life.

Some flowers are a single bloom.

This flower reminds me of alone time. Times when we are reading a good book, walking on a beach or having a quiet cup of coffee as the sun comes up.

I transplanted a few of these red gladiolus and they have multiplied!

These flowers remind me of times when we are surrounded by family or friends.

I like to make garden stones and they add points of interest in the flower bed.

These make me think of the things in our lives that add interest and a splash of color.

I call this a brain and you never know where an angel will be.

Some things that add interest can be a bit strange, unusual.  In this case, the outside of the rock hides the beauty within.

Still reading? Hang in there.

Only a few more pictures and I am trying to figure out where this is headed.

This rose has an aroma that hangs in there too. It used to be close to the house and, when the sun hits the siding where this rose used to grow, the sweet smell makes me breathe deep.

Some plants are a joy to behold and some are a joy to eat.

This reminds me that we need to feed our soul with the beauty of God's world and our stomachs with those zucchini before they get too big and take over the yard.

This sweet corn was growing tall. Tall until we had some strong wind.

This reminds me that there are times in life when everything is going great and then, WHAM, along comes a wind that knocks us flat.

As you can see, some stalks stayed flat and some stood back up.

The rain came. The wind followed. The roses all lost their petals.

This reminds me that pruning brings new growth.

The final picture. These blooms are dying. The end of life.

At first that sounds morbid. Then I realized that the end of this life means a new life.

That is the end of the walk around my yard and it does seem to represent my life. At one time, I was new and fresh. Sometimes I am alone and sometimes I join others in celebrations and worship. I add splashes of color to my world and I never know when an angel may appear. I pray my inside is much more beautiful than my outside. At times, I have been knocked down and pruned. So far, I have always gotten up and grown from the experience. I also know that I have more life behind me than in front of me.

My favorite scripture is Psalm 139. Those verses assure me that God is with me when I walk. God is with me no matter where I am.

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6

Now go for a walk in your yard. And talk to God while you look around. He loves to hear your voice!

CELEBRATE AND RELAX

Please enjoy the next week or so.  I will not be posting again until July 18.

CELEBRATE – Remember your freedoms and cherish them.  They are dear and so easily taken away.

RELAX – Going to a class reunion and then to see an old friend. 

TOO PRETTY TO CUT

My hubby loves rhubarb pie so I was the every loving wife and made him one. I cut the rhubarb. I cleaned it. I chopped it. I added the ingredients. I put it into the crust. Okay. It was a Pillsbury crust. I put the pie in the oven. I waited. I took the pie out.

THE PIE WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!

The edges were a golden brown and just enough juice had seeped out to make it shine. The top crust was perfect. And the smell!! The whole house had a sweet aroma with just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The pie was way too beautiful to cut! But I had made the pie to eat. What to do?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There was a Samaritan woman at the well when Jesus came by and he said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"

The woman was more than a bit shocked. Why did this man even speak to her? Samaritans and Jews did not work and play well together.

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

Wow. Living water just for the asking!!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There that pie sat. All I had to do was cut it and we would be rewarded.

Yes, we cut the pie and it was as delicious as it looked.

There is only one piece left. Should I allow Bill to have the last piece?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Samaritan woman made a comment and 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."

Living water just for the asking!! Eternal life!!!

Scriptures from various verses in John 4:4-14

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

If we had only looked at the pie, we would have missed out.

If we do not ask for the living water, we will miss out.

Do you want to look at what Jesus has to offer or do you want to receive what Jesus has to offer?

VACATION TIME

Our daughter, two (maybe three) grandsons and I are headed to Missouri in July. I am so excited because we are going to visit a fantastic friend and her family.

I had the best time this morning. Noah and Timmy and I planned the trip. We looked at the atlas and Timmy found the states we would be going through. We answered questions: Do you want to go on interstates or back roads? When will we eat lunch? (Well, they are growing boys.) Of course, that question was followed with, what snacks can we take? Which was followed with, what about supper? Grandma, you know we like to take a blanket and pillow don't you? Where are we staying? (We looked it up and they gave it their stamp of approval.)

We also set some rules: Since we have established a time frame and where we will lunch, you will not keep saying you are hungry or ask when we will stop. Trash will be put in the trash sack. If you feel sick, grab the throw-up bowl. (Hey, this is not my first trip with kids.) No game boys/video games/iPads used when we are not on interstates. (They admitted when they are playing games they forget to check out the countryside.)

Timmy and Noah are very excited. Part of that comes from helping make decisions. Part comes from knowing exactly where we are going and what to expect.

Vacations are fun and, although sometimes getting in the car and just heading out is okay, planning is a major part of the vacation. Planning is: Checking to see which road is the best to take where. Using your imagination to picture what you might see. Looking forward to the challenge of finding that out of the way place from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Knowing your room is waiting.

Noah, Timmy and I spent time this morning making plans. I spent time this afternoon organizing those plans. We will pack. We will prepare. This got me to thinking.

Do I spend this much time preparing for the most important journey of my life?  Do I know where I am going and what to expect?

WHICH ROAD SHOULD I TAKE? I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

WHAT MIGHT I SEE? He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23: part of verse 2

WHAT SHALL I EAT? On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. Revelation 22:2

WILL MY ROOM BE READY? 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

Do I spend this much time preparing for my journey with God?

Do you?

HELLO MY NAME IS

Don't ya hate it when a song gets in your brain and takes up residence? It just repeats and repeats. Around and around. You hear it when you wake up in the middle of the night. You hear it when the room gets quiet.

You even hear it when the radio is playing another song. Don't ya hate it when a song gets in your brain and takes up residence?

I have one stuck in there and it can just stay because that song has caused me to add something to my bucket list. I want to go see Matthew West!

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

1 John 3:1

When I first heard the song, Hello My Name Is, I stopped in my tracks.

Hello, my name is regret -- Oh, how that fits my life. It fits all of our lives.

Hello, my name is defeat -- Yes, listened to that one too.

Voices, lies -- Why do I - we - listen to the voices of others and allow them to define us?  Why do I - we - listen to the lies?

I have believed them for the very last time -- Declaration of freedom!

No longer defined by all the wreckage behind -- Permission to let go!

Then my body stayed planted firmly on earth, but my Spirit soared. I am sure it circled the moon before it came back --

Hello, my name is child of the one true King! -- Yes! That is what I want to be called.

Saved! Changed! Free! -- Amen!

Oh, goodness! My fingers are having trouble staying on the keys. They want to get that CD, crank up the volume so I can sing along.

Hello, my name is child of the one true King

WANT TO JOIN ME?

JOE: TALKS AND KEYS

JOE

Joe and I worked auctions together. We packed out houses. We set up sales. We laughed and talked and laughed some more. Joe was the go-to-guy during the auctions. "Joe, could you go get a sheet? Thanks." "Joe someone is going through other peoples stuff would you go tell them to stop?" "Joe…" "Joe…"

We had an agreement: If one quit, so did the other. One day Joe told me he was not going to hold me to that agreement because he was ready to quit. You see, Joe's health had started to fail and, being a STUBBORN man, he would not go to the doctor. Among other health issues, he lost his eye sight. One of the ways Joe coped was to distance himself from people. I regret that I allowed him to do that. I should have been stubborn and kept calling.

TALKS

I just loved talking to Joe. He told me all about his "froggie." He loved Becky and his family. I told him about my family.

Being the same age, we talked about good old rock and roll music. We rarely talked politics. We often discussed religion.

Joe told me about Viet Nam and my heart broke with his memories.

Joe talked about fishing and being out on the lake.

We talked whenever we had a break and I sure did miss him when he quit.

KEYS

At the graveside service, all I could picture was Joe's keys. He had a set of keys that would open just about every door, drawer and cabinet imaginable.

"Hey, Joe, this drawer is locked. Think you can open it"? And out came the keys. He would eye the drawer. Size up the key hole and look at his keys. Sometimes he picked the right key the first time and sometimes it took more than one try, but almost always Joe would have a key that fit.

I realized Joe had used his final key. I picture him going right up to those gates and saying, "I know this is the key to eternal life."

I picture those gates swinging wide as Saint Peter says, "Yes, Joe, you have the right key. Come in."

___________________________

QUESTION:  Do you have the right key?

STRIVING TO SURVIVE

I attended a women's conference and they closed with a poem Keys to the Kingdom, by Regina Elliott. (seasonsofhopeministries.org) The poem began:

We are living in a world consumed with much distress,

People are on every hand discouraged and oppressed,

Questioning their existence, the reason they're alive;

Living without purpose - just striving to survive.

Wow! Is there anyone who has not felt like that? Just striving to survive. We were awakened by just such a person.

At 5:15 AM, we heard someone knocking on our back door. When we looked out the door, there was a young woman standing there. We did not know her so we only talked to her through the door. When we asked what she wanted, she was incoherent. We did understand, "I know someone who lives here." and "I'm sorry." Over and over, she kept saying, "I'm sorry."

We had options. We could have opened to door. That was not an option. (Such a distrusting society we have become, because it could have been an act. Another person might have been hiding, just waiting for us to open the door.) We could have told her to go away and turned out the light. That was not an option. The option we chose was to call the police. Maybe they could help her. She was coherent enough to leave when my husband told her that we had called and the police would help her.

Just as she was walking away from our home and into a neighbor's yard, the police came. They talked with her. We later saw in the paper that she was 22 and arrested for public intoxication.

Living without purpose - just striving to survive.

How lost do you have to be to knock on a strange door, early in the morning and have no idea where you are. What discouraged and oppressed her so much that the only relief she could find was in a bottle? Is the only reason she is alive is to take the next drink? Living without purpose - just striving to survive.

As we watched the police talk to the woman and then assure the officer that she had not been trying to break in, my husband kept saying, "That is someone's little girl." He felt such compassion as he watched a lost child being taken away in the back of a police car.

When we went to the police station the next morning, the officer said he could not give us any information. Thankfully, we live in a small town, because the officer understood our concern and said, "I can tell you that she is in a place where she can get help." Those were comforting words but the picture of "someone's little girl" dwells deep in my husband's heart.

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

Just striving to survive. Is there anyone who has not felt like that? BUT there is help when our burdens are so big.

Jesus came to help with our burdens.

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

All you have to do is go to Him. He will not talk to you through the door. He will open His arms and share your burden.

PINTREST

As I strolled around Pintrest, my eyes were drawn to these three works of art.

So many emotions came flying at me when I saw this painting.

Wild on the left, soft on the right.

My eyes moved to the right side and, although the tree was bare and dark, a feeling of peace rested there - as if the tree knew the storm was over. The colors are soft and easy to my eyes. As my eyes moved to the left, the personality of the painting changed. Calm was replaced by blowing wind, tumbling clouds and colors that removed the calm feeling.

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:15

What a perfect scripture for this! I am the tree and I may be bruised and battered after the "snare" no longer has me, but I am calm because my eyes are on the Lord.

Now this is amazing!!! Thanksgiving Chapel in Dallas, Texas.

When I saw this my eyes followed the spiral to the center. I marveled at the way the light reflected. How the center looked like a perfect jewel. I envisioned a prayer being lifted to God.

I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes -- My eyes so often lift up. I look up to watch hawks fly and clouds drift. I look up when I seek help.

Totally alone but completely relaxed!

When I saw this picture, it took my breath away.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Can you feel the peace in this picture? The calm in the reflection? It is as if God is saying, "I am here. Do you want to talk now?"

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

What do your eyes see?  Where do you find reminders of God?

WOW! WHAT A RIVER

Yes, I have a big imagination and it has been fun putting my imagination to use. I hope - no I pray - my imagination and words have encouraged you to read the Bible differently. To understand the Bible is more than words. The Bible is God. The Bible is people. People who, although they lived long ago, were no different than you and me. They were struggling. Sometimes they got it right and sometimes they did not. They wanted healing of the body. They needed healing of the soul.

I want you to use your imagination one more time to picture this scripture.

WOW! WHAT A RIVER

(REVELATION 22:1-6)

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place."

Jesus died. Jesus was buried. Jesus arose from the dead. And he did all this so you - so everyone who believes - will have a journey through the grave into eternal life. They will see his face ……The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people.……………Amen

SAYING GOODBYE

(based on Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-10 and John 20:1-2)

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all wrote on the women going to the tomb. Amazingly, they all told it differently. Matthew says Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Mark agrees but adds Salome. Luke finally gave the women names and added Joanna and others. John has only Mary Magdalene going to the tomb.

My imagination thinks more than one but -- be it one, two or many -- going to a grave would not have been an easy journey. Can you hear their conversation as they go?

"Walk with me up the path to the grave. Be beside me as we go to prepare the body. Each step is hard. I know I should hurry, but I am so afraid," says Mary Magdalene.

Mary replies, "We all listened as Jesus spoke. His voice was always so sure. So calm. To know I will never hear his voice again breaks my heart."

"The grave is closer now," Salome adds. "I wonder how we will roll away the stone. We have the spices and perfumes. We will attend to the body, of Jesus, with love and respect. But how will we roll away the stone?"

Joanna whispers, "We are almost there."

Can you picture these women? No longer saying a word. Each lost in their own thoughts. Each wondering what will happen. Each fearing the answer to the question, "How can we go on?"

Mary looks at Mary Magdalene and gasps, "There is the grave. I don't understand -- The stone is rolled away. The body of the Lord Jesus is not here. Where is my Lord?"

Do not be afraid. Remember everything Jesus told you.

He has risen!! He has risen!! He has risen!!

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

The women made a painful journey to the grave of someone they loved. This was not an easy walk. They did not want to reach their destination. They did not want to say goodbye.

It could happen to you. No, it will happen to you. This is one we all must face.

Bottom line: Death is going to happen.

It is a hard walk to the cemetery when a parent dies. When a spouse dies. When a child dies. When a friend dies. It is a painful journey.

Please go back to the women at the tomb. Watch as they finish their journey.

Jumping up and down and with a smile which filled her face, Mary shouted with joy, "Why did I not remember? The man simply asked, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead?' "

Turning first to one woman and then the other, Mary continued, "Remember what he said? 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' Of course our Lord is not here. HE IS ALIVE! HE HAS RISEN!"

My friend, the journey is hard but the journey ends not on earth but in heaven. Jesus died, was buried and rose from the dead so you - so everyone who believes - will have a journey through the grave into eternal life.

Remember 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."

He has risen and Jesus, the Son of God, is waiting to welcome you to eternal life.

30 PIECES

(based on Matthew 26:14-16, 47-49 and 27:3-10 and Luke 22:1-5, 21-23, 47-48)

There it sat. A bag. A cloth bag with 30 pieces of silver. "Why," Judas thought, "do I feel sick to my stomach? It had to happen. The Messiah was supposed to fight! He was supposed to win. Jesus -- Jesus didn't fight. Jesus healed and talked."

Can you picture Judas staring at the bag containing the money he had received from the priest? Look close. What is his body language? Is he still defiant? Is he still an accuser? Is he wiping his lips with his hand, as if to wipe the filth of his act away?

Again Judas bangs his hands on the table, "If only he had been a Zealot. He was supposed to oppose the Roman soldiers not heal their children. But ---- "

"But when Jesus said to me, 'Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?' I knew. I knew. But it was too late."

Look again at Judas. I picture him walking the floor. Back and forth. Back and forth. Anguish. Sweat dripping.

Mad at Jesus for not being who he thought he should be.

Mad at himself for allowing the devil to lead him to the priests.

Mad at the priests for using him to get what they wanted.

Mad at himself. Pacing back and forth. Back and forth. His mind going from anger to shame. To regret.

"I will take the money back. It will be okay. I will tell the priests. They ---. I will take the money back. It is early, daylight now. They will be there. I will go. I will take the money back," Judas said feeling relief. "I will take the money back."

Judas did repent. The priests and elders did not care. Judas threw the money down and --

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

Do not think for a minute I am trying to make Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him, a person who deserves our compassion. But maybe, just maybe.

It could happen to you. Does Jesus always live up to the image you have of him? And when he doesn't, how do you feel?

You see, Judas, who also betrayed him, wanted Jesus to act one way but Jesus came to act in another. Jesus was supposed to fight the Romans. Jesus - if he was the Messiah - was supposed to save the chosen people. Judas felt deceived and let down.

It is so easy to say, "I would never betray Jesus." The words are spoken with conviction. Those words slip right off the tongue, as if they were true. And they are true, at the moment.

Then life happens. Tragedy appears in a wreck, an illness or an addiction. A strong love changes and disappears. "Jesus, how could you let this happen? If you are the God of love." And suddenly the image of Jesus changes because he is not saving. He is not healing. "Isn't that what you are to do Jesus? Save and heal?"

And then confusion sets in, "Well, if he isn't going to save this person whom I love. If he isn't going to heal me, what else isn't he going to do?" The image of Jesus changes as it did for Judas.

Do you betray Jesus because he does not act like the Messiah you want?

VERY IMPORTANT: When Judas finally realized he had made a terrible mistake, he should have gone to Jesus. Jesus would have forgiven him. When you realize you have made a terrible mistake, go to Jesus. Jesus will forgive you.

GETTING THE ROOM READY

(based on Mark 14:12-16)

Two disciples went to prepare the room for Passover and I bet they talked while they worked. My imagination can fill in the gaps.

"Did you hear what they shouted? 'Hosanna, to the Son of David'."

"Yes and do you think Jesus has been different this week? Reflective as if he knows something is going to happen. He was mad in the temple."

"I say! Stuff sure went flying. He called it 'my Father's House'."

"Did you see the look on the faces of the chief priests and the teachers of the law? I am afraid they will be after Jesus even more now. We must keep our eyes and ears open."

"Did you see Jesus' face when he was telling us 'to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'? He was so serious. I felt like he was speaking only to me."

"I was confused when he talked about the temple being rebuilt in three days. I thought I understood what Jesus was trying to teach us until then."

"Maybe this evening we can ask him to explain about the temple being rebuilt."

"What about the woman pouring expensive perfume on his head? He sure set us straight. But why would she have been preparing him for burial now?"

"By the way, have you seen Judas?"

"No, I don't know where he is."

"Is that everything? Are we ready for the Passover meal?"

"I think we are ready. I have a feeling this is going to be a very important evening with Jesus."

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

The disciples prepared a room for what they thought was going to be another Passover meal with Jesus. They were thinking ritual, food and fellowship.

It could happen to you. How would you prepare a room if Jesus was coming to eat?

"Tonight Jesus? Well, of course, I mean who am I to tell the Son of God this is a bad night, what with work and the kids having ball practice and I haven't been to the store. Yes, tonight will work."

Would you go into warp speed? Would you notice the dust behind the couch and realize there are shoes everywhere? And hasn't anyone taken out the trash all week? Good china? Yes, I will have to get out the good china. Now where is the lace tablecloth my mother-in-law said would come in handy? Better call and cancel ball practice and tell the kids to get home early so they can shower and put on their good clothes.

"Yes dear it would help if you ran the sweeper and went to the store. Pork chops. Oh, he is Jewish. Make it a beef roast. I can put one of those in the oven and forget it."

"AND WHERE IS THE BIBLE?"

If Jesus was coming to your home tonight to join you for supper, how would you act? Would you panic? Would you be afraid? OR ----

Would you set the table, get out the leftovers and wait at the door?

Jesus doesn't care if there is dust. He doesn't care if the floor is swept or if you put the most expensive cut of roast in the oven. Jesus doesn't care if you leave an old, ugly lace tablecloth hidden in the back of the closet. It is simple.

Jesus wants you to open the door.

Jesus wants you to invite him in.