WELCOME

Today I would like you to watch two YouTube videos.

The first is Rodney Carrington's "If I'm the Only One." Watch it to the end, please. This link should work by either using the Ctrl key or clicking the link or by copy and paste. The link is: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nZMtwm7fcs

The second is Mark Schultz's "Everything to Me." This video can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPYaRJOWznk Again, use the Ctrl key and click or copy and paste.

Do you know what I am going to write about today?

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

And she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. …… When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water." Exodus 2:2, 3 and 10

ADOPTION

A while back, all within a three day period, four things happened:

• A Facebook friend told about adopting his wife's children.
• The Sunday bulletin offered this prayer, "Thank you Father, for adopting us into Your family because of Jesus Christ our Savior.
• An email said that adoption is when you are entrusted with a child to raise.
• Our son had me watch the Rodney Carrington video.

I put these in my "is a good idea for a blog" file. This morning, Sunday, May 30, I saw Mark Schultz's video and decided it was time to take them out of the file.

Adoption is very special to our family. Because one woman understood she would not be able to raise her unborn baby, we are blessed with a granddaughter. That granddaughter is now 15 years old but I can remember the very first time I saw her. Instant love!

In that instant, I realized there are three ways to deliver a baby. One is by natural birth. The second is by caesarean section. The third is from the hands of another.

My 1995 Christmas poem included this: "We received a gift this year - an answered prayer. Our son and his wife adopted a baby. What joy this little girl has brought into our lives. Knowing that an unseen hand always held ours, made the uncertainty and waiting easier. As we waited for this addition to our family, we learned to appreciate the unselfish generosity and love that one person can have for another. A mother put the future of her child first. She gave us a granddaughter. God put us first -- He gave us His Son!"

As this is being written, we have friends who are in China. They have traveled a very long way to adopt.

Moses' mother knew she had to find a safe home for her son. Many mothers and fathers make the same decision. Bless you.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you adopted a child? Do you know someone who is adopted? Are you adopted? (Read Ephesians 1:4-7) Maybe you have been adopted twice.

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

LET US PRAY

Adoption. This can bring up so many emotions. Lord, I pray for the mothers and fathers, who have entrusted their children to others. Give them peace with this decision. Lord, I pray for the mothers and fathers who opened their arms and their hearts to these very special children. Lord, I pray for the children. I pray they will grow into adulthood, proud to be called adopted. Amen

REMEMBER

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 2:2 - 5

In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

REMEMBER

Anyone who knows me knows I am not big on history or genealogy. I am big on people who defend this country and the rights of its citizens.

My father was a Private in the Army and served in Infantry Co B 115th Inf Reg. He served in the Rhineland and central Europe and received two Bronze Stars. My father-in-law was a Master Sergeant in the Army and was the Chief Radio Operator over 39 men. Neither died during their military service, but they served proudly.

Both of these men were older when they were called to serve during WW II. My father, who was truck driver, was put into the infantry. We still have not figured that out other than he told a Sergeant he could drive a truck and the Sergeant told him to walk. And walk he did. Dad never talked about the war.

My father-in-law managed a store's hardware department and was an amateur radio operator. The Army put his skills to good use and he taught others. I never met him, but I have often wondered what he would think of the internet. I understand he never talked about his service either.

My brother served in the Army during peace time. Our son-in-law was in the Navy. One nephew was in the Navy and traveled far from Indiana. One nephew is in the National Guard and served in Iraq. My sister, although not military, works at Camp Atterbury and sends soldiers off with a smile and greets them when they return with an even bigger smile.

We have a friend that served in Korea and many who served in Viet Nam. We have a friend who is in the Air Force and friends who are Marines. (Once a Marine, always a Marine.) A Canadian friend served with the US military. There are men in our church who survived the Battle of the Bulge and the landing at Normandy.

I am proud of my family members who have served this country. I am grateful for each and every soldier - old, young and those in-between; male and female; Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and the National Guard - who has defended the United States of America.

It does not matter if we remember on the traditional Memorial Day of May 30 or the day now set as the last Monday in May. What is important is that we remember and, with respect, offer our gratitude. A line, in a 1915 poem, says, "That blood of heroes never dies." That is true. The blood of heroes lives in our freedoms. Always remember.

LET US PRAY

Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. Lord I do come to your mountain. I come with prayers of thanksgiving for those who are willing to serve and risk their lives so I may have freedom. I come with gratitude for all who gave their lives to protect the freedoms of the United States of America and the freedoms of other countries and individuals. I do not take for granted my right to pray and worship you. I do not take for granted the freedoms I have today because I know that, without willing soldiers, these freedoms might disappear. I pray for the safety of our soldiers. I pray for the mental and emotional stability of our soldiers. I pray for the families of our soldiers. Also give them the physical, mental and emotional strength they need to stand with their spouse, parent or child who is serving in the military. Lord I do come to your mountain and I will celebrate the day when there are no swords. No spears. No wars. Amen

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15:3-7

Then Jesus told them this parable, "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

Well, let's see. Rainbows and puppies make me smile. Wiggling my toes in the mud and blowing bubbles make me smile. Family and seeing Bill smile, makes me smile. Also, the sound of children laughing, the feel of a child's hand in mine and cartoons. A finished project. The first winter snow. The last winter snow. A good glass of wine. Friends.

Oh, my. This could be a very long list. Take a deep breath, here we go: Books, the sound of the ocean, buffalo, a new born calf and the sound of our children, even at their ages, calling me mommy. Driving very crooked roads, a good nights sleep, music, cheesecake and helping children. Quiet time but also the noise created when friends and family are all talking at once. An email from my sister, a USA flag blowing in a gentle breeze, white roses and playing games. Also, sitting on the deck, clouds, sunsets and getting a nice hot shower.

Deer running through our yard, fresh lettuce from the garden. Praying in a quiet church, children singing, Sunday School classes, Psalm 139 -- I better stop because these are just a few of the things that make me smile.

I do like to smile. Smiling makes my face feel good, changes the tone of my voice and improves my outlook on life. A smile can change my day from lousy to fantastic.

What makes God smile? I think God is happy and has a very large smile when all of His children are safe in His care.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have any of these made you smile? Did you start your own list as you read mine?

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

LET US PRAY

I am smiling God. Can you see my smile? I look around and find so many things to smile about. Your world and all you placed in it are amazing. I pray I never loose the ability to smile at simple pleasures like mud in my toes and bubbles floating to heaven. I hope I make you smile. It makes me feel so secure to know that when I am lost YOU will come find me. It makes my Holy Spirit smile to know you want me in your flock. I am smiling God. Can you see my smile? Amen

THE LIGHT IS THERE

A very generous friend has allowed us to stay at his cabin in Colorado. We have been there twice and are looking forward to returning this September. It is very quiet. You can rest. You can relax.

One end of the cabin is windows and, in the mornings, you can watch the world wake up and, at night, watch it go to sleep. One evening, as I walked from the kitchen toward the window, it looked dark outside. But when I got to the window I saw it wasn't totally dark. Above the tree line, the sky was still light blue with a few scattered clouds. Then I saw the white jet stream. So close, it looked as if I could touch it. What a closing to a wonderful day. A reminder that when we think life is dark, full of problems, the light is still there. So close, we just need to reach out and grasp it.

The scriptures are full of reassurance.

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Genesis 1:3. God created the heavens and the earth. Then He lit up the sky! He lit up our lives!

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:29. It is never so dark that God's light will not shine through.

The Lord is my light and my salvation Psalm 27:1. Wow, not only our light but our salvation. Two for one!!!

For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psalm 56:13. Joy of joy! The light of life!

Where do we find this light? How do we understand it? The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130. Where and how? We look in God's word.

From my favorite Psalm, we learn even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12. So -- no matter how deep the dark is that surrounds us, God sees us. He knows where we are.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26. God created us and all we have to do is lift our eyes and look to the heavens.

Micah 7:8 encourages us. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Yes, we all fall and sometimes we all sit in darkness. When that happens, do not think you are there forever. Do not let your enemy win. When you fall, ask the Lord to be your light.

You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14. Just as God is our light, God expects us to be a light to others.

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5. We never know what the next minute may bring, let alone tomorrow. But, one thing we know for sure is that the time will come when there will be no more darkness.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible, the unfolding word of God, gives understanding to each of us so we will call upon the light. "Darkness" is different for each person and can come when least expected. When your life gets dark. Or you feel alone. Or you feel like you are at the end of your rope, remember, reach out and grasp the light.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Do you have this light in your life?

PRAYER TIME

Today, use the scriptures to surround yourself with the light of God.

Dear Lord, Bless all who call upon your light so there will be no more darkness. Amen

VOTING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: GALATIANS 3:26 - 29

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

VOTING

I have not worked the elections for a long time. When I said, "Sure I can help.", I forgot about getting up at 4:00 AM, to be at the polls by 5:00 AM, to begin at 6:00 AM, to end at 6:00 PM and then leave a little after 7:00 PM. My memory had failed to enter a few years of aging into the tired equation.

Bill said, "No your butt is not dragging behind you." Maybe not, but all it took was a shower to make my behind land asleep on the couch.

The polling place I worked was in a retirement home. As I watched people come in, using walkers, canes or wheelchairs, I realized voting is a freedom, a right and a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

I have not missed voting in any election since 1967. Primary. General. I have voted. Voting is a privilege we should not take for granted. Even in the United States, voting has not always been open to all.

• 15th Constitutional Amendment Feb 26, 1869: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
• 19th Constitutional Amendment Aug 26, 1920: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
• 26th Constitutional Amendment July 5,1971: The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

You would have thought that the 15th Amendment would have given women the right to vote. Nope. It took 51 years and the 19th Amendment before women could vote. Although 18 year olds were drafted and could serve in the military, they were not allowed to vote until 1971.

Voting is a privilege we should not take for granted. Voting has not always been open to all. Being a child of God is open to all who "vote" by being baptized.

How have you voted?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you say you are an heir to God's kingdom? Have you been baptized? If so, then offer this prayer of joy:

I am one in Christ Jesus. I have been baptized and am clothed with Christ. I belong to Christ and I am an heir to the promise given Abraham. Amen

OR

Have you not been baptized or not sure if you are ready to make a commitment? Would you like to learn more? Do you have a place where you can learn more? If so, then offer this request for guidance:

Jesus, I understand baptism is the outward sign of the inward change of my spirit. I am trying, but am not quite sure and have not been baptized. Jesus, open my heart, my mind and my soul. Place in my life the direction I need to discover a strong, unshakable faith. Amen.

FINDING BILL

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: JOHN 4:10

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

FINDING BILL

The phone rang just as I was getting ready to leave. "What are you doing?" Bill asked. When I told him I was going to get my hair cut, he said, "Could you bring me some water. Mine got knocked over." Considering he is doing fieldwork, I told him sure. "I am working on 500 E, just past 500 N." he said, as he hung up.

Instead of taking a couple bottles of water, I added water to a bag of ice and left the house. I figured he could just fill the water jug he had with him. By the time I drove to the beauty shop, I discovered the bag had a hole in it and the floor of my car was getting very wet.

While getting my hair cut, Bill called and said, "By the time you get here, I might be on 400 N."

Instead of a quick drive, I now had to go to buy water. That done, I left to find Bill.

I tried 400 N and sure enough there was the big Cat tractor. The tractor stopped, but Bill did not get out. "Bill is working over by that house."

That house looked like it was one mile over, so I drove one mile north, one mile east and did not see Bill. Bless cell phones. Hearing what corner I was at, Bill said, "Turn right."

Bill said turn right, but I turned the other right. Still on the phone, I hear Bill say, "Gee I should see you by now. Are you going south?"

Oops. Turn around. That would make another half mile back to the corner and straight ahead. Another half mile and I saw Bill. But I had to drive to the corner and turn right. Finally, I found Bill. I found Bill, on 400 N, about a quarter mile east of where I had stopped at the first time. I drove around the mile square for nothing.

I gave Bill the water and left for home. Bill called when I was about a mile down the road. He just wanted me to know, "The water bottles are too big to fit in my little cooler."

A Samaritan woman went to the well to get water. Something she did every day. A very normal activity. A normal activity until she met a stranger. A Jew who asked a Samaritan for a drink. A Jew who asked a Samaritan for a drink but offered water that would give eternal life.

With a few wrong turns, I found Bill. With a few wrong turns, a Samaritan woman found eternal life.

Do you know where to find Jesus and the living water he offers?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you thirsty?

PRAYER

This week say your own prayer. Thank Jesus for finding you and giving you eternal life. Or, if you have not done so, ask Jesus into your life and ask Him for the living water.

STEPPING STONES

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 48:17

This is what the Lord says -- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."

STEPPING STONES

Bill no longer has any Quikrete. He likes to keep it on hand to repair a chip in the sidewalk or a crack in the driveway. I will admit this is what the product is for, but I have found a way to use it that is a lot more fun.

Last October I went to Florida with our daughter and her family and I brought back some shells. I knew what I was going to do with them and finally got around to making stepping stones for their flower bed.

Internet instructions said to make the mix like "brownie batter." Not wanting to make a batch of brownies, I thought, "I know what brownie batter looks like. I have made many pans of brownies. This will be a piece of brownie." (That is meant to be funny.)

Found out this is a bit trickier than I thought. The mixing was going good but seemed a bit too thick. So I added a tad of water. Now too thin. So I added more Quikrete. Ah, that looked just right so I poured it in the pan. And started making another batch.

That one was no easier to make. I thought I was adding a bit of water and it turned out to be a bit more than I needed. But I planned to make a third stone and did not want to use all my mix. So, it was a thin "brownie batter" that I poured it into the pan.

I decided I better put the shells in the first pan before it set up too much. Oops! Remember that was the thicker mix. I am glad they were tough shells because I had to push them in.

That was not the problem I had with the second stone. Remember it was a bit thin. When I put the first shell in, it sank! When I dug it out, it left a hole. So I patted and smoothed in the hole. Finally all the shells were in place and I added some accent pieces. They were heavy and - yup - would not stand up. So I dug them out.

Do you get the picture? An easy project that was not easy and I now have to replace Bill's Quikrete. The stepping stones do look good though.

The Bible tells us many things about our steps. Bill used to get upset because I would go out in the barnyard barefoot. Proverbs 14:15 says, "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Believe me, I gave much thought to where I would step. I like putting bare toes in mud, but I did not want to put bare toes in - well, let's just say I did not want to put bare toes in other barnyard items. I was prudent with my steps.

It is not always so easy to know where to step. Or what path to follow.

Again the Bible reassures us. Job 34:21 tells us, "His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step". Psalm 37:23 says, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

So, when you are unsure of your next step. Or questioning what path to follow. Take the Lord's hand and he will direct you in the way you should go.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever tried an easy project that ended up being not so easy? Do you watch where you step?

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

LET US PRAY

To the Lord my God, -- Who sees my every step. Who knows what is best for me. Who is there when I stumble and will not let me fall. Who upholds me with His hand. Who directs me in the way I should go. -- I reach for Your hand so I may step firmly onto the path you have prepared for me. May each step be for Your Glory and Delight. Amen

ONE MINUTE WARM AND THE NEXT COLD

Bill says I have a very narrow temperature comfort zone. If it is below 70, I am cold. Above 72 and I am too hot. The sad thing is that he is correct. And my comfort zone kept me awake the other night.

One minute I was too warm, so I kicked the covers off. Of course, that made me cold, so I had to find the covers. Shortly, too warm. That is the way my whole night went. The sheet was not enough and the blanket was too much.

As I went from hot to cold and back to hot, I thought about the Church in Laodicea. They had the same problem.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 3:14 - 17

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm --- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

ONE MINUTE WARM AND THE NEXT COLD

Sounds like they were pretty well off. Most likely, no foreclosure notice in the mail. No credit card debt. Their children probably went to private school. And they went to church. How could God be upset with them? And why would he call them "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

Are we ever like the church in Laodicea? Lukewarm? Does faith sit there somewhere along with the TV schedule, the grocery list and the latest novel? Is faith something reserved for Sunday morning?

What's the problem here? I believe. I go to church.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Is your faith hot? Cold? Lukewarm?

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

LET US PRAY (Based on Revelation 3:18 – 22)

To the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation, You know my deeds and you are telling me these things because you love me. I need to buy gold from you, not from the world. Gold that has been refined in the fire so I can buy clothes of white and salve to put on my eyes so I can see. I am earnest. I repent. I open the door because I heard you knock. I heard your voice say, "Here I am!" I am opening the door so you will come in and eat with me. I desire to overcome so I can sit with you on the throne just as you overcame and sat down with your Father. My ears are open and I have heard.    Amen

WOMAN BE QUIET

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 TIMOTHY 2:11-15

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing -- if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

WOMAN BE QUIET

The other day hubby Bill, said, "You are always reading a scripture to me. One you find interesting or new. I have one for you. Are you ready?"

That is when he read 1 Timothy 2:11-15.

Now, if you do not know us very well, you probably wonder what happened next. Are you ready? BILL AND I BOTH LAUGHED!

Yes, I do study in quiet, but one thing I cannot be accused of is being quiet. Submission to God? Yes. Submission to man? No. Another woman and I enjoy co-teaching our Sunday School Class. Yes, there are men in our class. And every so often God just lays something on my heart that I have to share and I deliver the Sunday message. God made two children, Adam and Eve. I believe God loved them equally. And the apple? Eve might have picked it but Adam took that bite.

Propriety? Has anyone ever used my name and propriety in the same sentence? Propriety: suitable, desirable behavior. Okay. Now I understand why Bill sometimes will just shake his head and roll his eyes. I have decided that my idea of good behavior is a bit different than the rest of the world. Don't get me wrong. I know how to behave. I just don't always see the need to behave.

Faith. Love. Holiness. Finally, something I can agree with. I was so excited when I learned the difference between religion and Faith. I will take Faith! Love. O my yes. Love of God. Love of my family. Love of my fellow believers. Love of my country. And love of my enemies. Darn. There I do not always have propriety.

Holiness. This is my goal. I am glad God gave me a strong, stubborn Holy Spirit because sometimes my Holy Spirit has to be a warrior. A comforter. A teacher. My Holy Spirit gives me courage. And by the way. I have a fat Holy Spirit. That is what I decided when I did a Bible Study. I am not overweight! My Holy Spirit just needs a lot of room!!! That is my story and I am sticking to it.

I have been saved through childbearing, but it was not because I gave birth to two children. I have been saved because Mary gave birth to the Son of God.

As we read the Bible. As we learn. We all pick and choose words, sentences or ideas we do not agree with. And we all pick and choose words, sentences and ideas that we build our faith on. There are things we question. There are questions we want to ask God. No man or woman has all the answers. No one has it all right. No one except God.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What passages do you have trouble understanding? Accepting? What passages do you find strength in? Build your faith on?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear giver of the Word, The Bible is your story and the guide for my life. Give me wisdom to understand the meaning behind the words. Let my eyes see, my ears hear, my mind comprehend and my faith grow. Amen

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. OH NO. IT IS TRUE!

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying." John 16:18

Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15

He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:44-47

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. OH NO. IT IS TRUE!

When I am having a tough time understanding a passage, of the Bible, or I just cannot grasp a theological concept, I remember the disciples. They just did not get it.

They did not understand. Jesus had just washed their feet. He broke the bread. He took the cup. They had heard all of the parables. They had seen the miracles. They had been with Jesus when he prayed. When he read the scriptures. And they still did not understand. That is when Jesus used words they could understand. Jesus told them, "I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." (John 16:28)

Wow. The disciples finally understood, but with understanding came reality. "I am leaving." What emotions and feelings and pangs of regret the disciples must have felt as that night and the next day moved before them. Have you ever felt like you were an observer at an event? Not part of it, but as if life was moving and all you could do was stand there? Stand there helpless. I am sure that is how they felt as they watched Jesus being taken prisoner. Being condemned. Being flogged. Being crucified. "I am leaving you." OH NO.

Then came Easter. The tomb was empty. Jesus was not there. Then Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene. And the disciples. And many others. Jesus is alive.

The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Jesus is alive. IT IS TRUE!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you celebrate a risen Lord?

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

LET US PRAY

Jesus is alive. Jesus is alive. I want to shout it from the rooftops. I want to whisper it into the ears of every baby. I may not understand every verse in the Bible. I may not comprehend theological concepts. But I know Jesus is alive. And he is alive for all. Thank you, my Lord Jesus. Thank you. Thank you. Jesus is alive! Amen

PALM SUNDAY

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

No eye. No ear. No mind. What God has prepared. But Jesus knew.

Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!" Matthew 20:17-19

What God has prepared. Son of Man betrayed. Condemned to death. Mocked. Flogged. Crucified. Raised. But Jesus knew.

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" ……. At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. John 12:13, 16

What God has prepared. Hosanna. Blessed. King. But Jesus knew.

PALM SUNDAY

Are you getting ready for Easter? Have you purchased new clothes? A chocolate rabbit? Fake grass that you will be finding under the couch next August? A ham for Sunday dinner? How are you preparing? Thinking ahead to Easter made me wonder how Jesus prepared.

Did he have times of absolute joy because he would be seeing his Father? Did he feel anxious over what lay in front of Him? Did he look closely at faces and hold a loved ones hand for an extra second? Did he - - ?

The Bible answers some of these questions. We know Jesus got angry when he entered the temple area and "would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts." We know he washed the feet of his disciples. And we know he was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." We know he wept and prayed.

But how did Jesus prepare his heart?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How are you preparing for Easter?

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 prepare for Easter. I want to be your humble servant so I may give gentle care to others following your example of tenderly washing the feet of your disciples. I want to receive the bread and wine you offered at the Last Supper. I want to be awake as you pray in the garden and I want to share in your tears. I want to offer praise and be thankful for the blood that washes me clean. I want to raise my hands and celebrate a risen Lord. … Amen

TWO MINUTES

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”

TWO MINUTES

It was a normal morning. Children complained about getting up for school. Men and women went to work and the same idiot cut across three lanes of traffic causing everyone to slam on their breaks. Boys and girls, too young for school, told their parents goodbye as they were dropped off at daycare.

It was a normal morning, as men and women turned their minds from loved ones to business.

It was a normal day, as children put moms and dads in their hearts and turned to study and play.

9:01 AM – It was a normal morning. No one paid attention to the truck parked at the loading dock.

9:01 AM – It was a normal morning, April 19, 1995. A normal morning in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Two minutes passed. 120 seconds.

9:03 AM – It was no longer a normal morning.

We stopped at the Oklahoma National Monument and felt the results of hate and mis-directed anger. 149 adults and 19 children died.

We were too early to tour the museum, but I do not think I could have entered.

The empty chairs had already broken my heart and reminded me that two minutes had changed a nation, a state and a city. Two minutes and family trees were altered.

It was hard to walk to the Children’s Area. Each step closer was a reminder of those smaller chairs. Each step carried us closer to --- closer to hope!

Hope because children from all parts of the country sent drawings of comfort. Drawings which offered a prayer or a dream of peace. Drawings of broken hearts and families. And those pictures were bright and colorful. Each picture was full of hope.

Hope for the end of hate.

How do you explain hate? How do you understand one person being so desperate they kill innocent people? How do you not take hate into your own heart? I have no answers.

When an April 19, 1995 (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), April 20, 1999 (Columbine High School, Littleton, Colorado), September 11, 2001 (New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania) and other days of hate happens, you weep, you pray, you trust, you hope.

The inscription over the entrance to the Memorial reads, “We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.”

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

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, When acts of hate destroy my feeling of well-being, when acts of hate touch my life, when hate is strong, O Jesus, protect my heart and mind so hate cannot hold my Spirit captive. Almighty God, hold victims close and give peace to those left behind. Peace and the assurance that they will again celebrate with their loved ones. Amen

AN HONEST MAN

Hi, Please enjoy this devotional. We are going on vacation so the next post will be March 19. Celebrate each day, Mary

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be: not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-4

AN HONEST MAN

I cashier auctions and try as I might, I will - and I hate to admit this - make an occasional mistake. Sometimes I file a ticket behind the wrong number. Or the clerk will put the wrong bidder number down. It is hard to hear when the crowd is noisy and 51 and 61 can sound alike. When the sale is over, we go through those lone tickets and try to figure out where they belong.

Occasionally a person will say, "I know I have another ticket. I bought a periwinkle marble for $ 35.00." If a quick search does not turn up the ticket, we take the money, note the amount and try to find a match when we balance out. And there it will be. A single ticket with the wrong number or (Regretfully my error.) filed where it does not belong.

Last Saturday, I waited on an Honest Man. This young man regularly comes to our auctions and usually has his son with him. When I told him the amount he owed, he said, "You must be missing a ticket. I know I had another $ 20 item." I looked and could not find it. Asking if he was sure it was $ 20, I told him I would find the ticket later and tear it up. He paid his bill and turned to leave.

That is when I embarrassed him. I said, "Do you realize the example you just set for your son? Your son saw his father being an honest man. He will not forget that."

The son grinned from ear to ear, as he realized how special his father is. The father turned a bit pink and started to say something. Then he grinned and said, "Thank you."

Train a child in the way he should go

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care

Because you are willing

You will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away

And right there, in the middle of a very busy auction, stood an honest man who was training his child in the way he should go. He was being a shepherd to the flock that is under his care. And he was doing it willingly and without even realizing it, he was training his child. He will receive his crown of glory.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you set an example for someone lately?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Chief Shepherd, I pray that my Spirit is a willing Spirit. I pray that I am a good shepherd to the flock you have placed around me. I pray that I live my life in such a way that I exemplify Your works to children. I pray that family, friends and strangers will observe me serving and want to serve the same God. I pray that I serve, not to be seen, but to teach by example. And when you, the Chief Shepherd, appears I will humbly receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Amen

KEEPING CURRENT

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Then Jesus said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

KEEPING CURRENT

Our church is SLOWLY entering the age of technology. Since I have been the one pushing to get a website and facebook page established, I have spent hours and hours researching. I took an online United Methodist Web Ministry Course and learned why web ministry is important and who is most likely to use the website.

Now website research has started. Enter Christian web design and web hosting into Google and you get 815,000 sites. No, I did not check each one but have narrowed my search down to four. Let me tell you what I found when searching for just the right service.

"Special until January 1, 2010." Sounded good except for the fact that it was February 13, 2010. If they could not keep their own site current, why would we want to trust them to stay on top of ours?

The Google info on one site sounded good until I went to their home page. Not sure what language it was, but I know it was not English. Mark that one off the list. Another was marked off because if your church did not hold the same beliefs as the site host, they would immediately shut your site down. Some were too expensive and would make our church treasurer faint.

Do you know the main reason I put a red line through most of the sites I checked? Their own sites did not work! I would try a link and it would go to a blank page or not come up at all. One site was still showing 2008 information. They were not keeping current and they lost out.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you keeping your faith current?

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

LET US PRAY

O Gracious Lord, Every morning I long for your strength and my salvation. Every day I desire that you renew my Holy Spirit. Daily I turn to Your Word to be fed. And day by day, I deny my wants and desires so I can follow You and take up Your cross. Day by day. Daily. Every day. Every morning. Lord I desire to keep my faith working properly. To keep my faith current. Amen

YARN ART

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 3:13

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for wisdom is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

YARN ART

Our favorite nine-year-old grandson, Nathan, loves to do art stuff. We are never sure exactly what we will do or how it will look, but we sure have fun as we sit at the table creating and talking. Some days it is watercolor. Sometimes markers. One day he told about his art class making a picture with yarn. While he worked with watercolors, I got out the yarn and a needle. Because I did not have a pattern to follow, Nathan did not think I was doing my project correctly. I told him, "I am not sure how this is going to turn out. Guess we will see."

This is how it turned out.

Nathan took one look and said, "What is that?" And, by the tone of his question, I could tell he was not impressed.

As I looked at my creation, I saw my life. The orange yarn, starting in the top left corner is my life. It is not straight. There is one place where it is sideways. My life has been like that. All lives are. We hit snags. We make detours. Sometimes we just have to be in one place. Sideways. Waiting to get back on track.

See the white yarn? White represents the people who have been in my life since the beginning or for most of it. Family. Husband. Children. These people have had the greatest influence on my life. They helped craft my personality.

Notice the red yarn? Red is for the people who were in my life early. My grandmother taught me so much before she died. She was in my life until I was a freshman in high school. Also, childhood friends. People who, because of death or circumstances, are no longer in my life.

Notice the brown yarn? See how it is there at the first and again later? Brown represents people who have been important at different stages of my life. Teachers. Additions to our family. Or people I did not meet until I was 40. Or 50. Or 60.

Look for the black yarn. Sometimes a person can influence my life by just walking through it. A chance encounter with a homeless man in Tucson, Arizona. A stranger who gives me a smile just when I need it. Hearing about the tragedy in one person's life, I do not take for granted the blessings in mine.

The yellow yarn? Yellow is for the people I have never met who have influenced my life. Beth Moore and the Bible Studies she has written have lifted my understanding to a new level. The writer of The Shack. The person who cut out the first jigsaw puzzle. I love to do jigsaw puzzles. The person that discovered Mirapex. Mirapex has changed my life because now - at least most nights - I can sleep instead of being awake with Restless Leg.

Can you see the invisible yarn? The invisible yarn is the love of God. And that love is interwoven in all of our lives.

As I looked at my creation, I saw my life. I saw all the people who offered me wisdom. Who helped me gain understanding.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What would your yarn picture look like? Could you put names to the white yarn? The red yarn? The brown yarn? The black yarn? The yellow yarn?

LET US PRAY

This week, please say a prayer for the people who have helped you during your life. Those that have been in your life for a long time or a short time. Say a thank you for those that have touched your life without even knowing it.

THE BRAVE CALF

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Then I will go back to my place until they admit their guilt. And they will seek my face; in their misery they will earnestly seek me. Hosea 5:15

When he came to his senses, Luke 15: part of 17

So he got up and went to his father. Luke 15:20

THE BRAVE CALF

A few years ago, I watched as a young bull calf slept on a sunny afternoon. He was just lying there, oblivious to the world, enjoying the warm sun. But then he woke up, lifted his head and looked around. That is when it got funny.

You see, while the calf slept, the rest of the cattle went to the woods and when the calf woke up, he realized he was by himself. Never fear. Remember this is a bull calf. That calf looked to the right. He looked to the left. Then he stood up. All the time being calm and brave, as only a bull calf can be.

I can still see that calf stretching his neck, back and legs. Stretching out the stiffness that a long nap leaves behind. Then the calf, all the time keeping his bull attitude, looked behind him. It was then that I noticed a change.

All of a sudden, the head was not held as high. And the tail drooped. And there was just the hint of a bellow. The bellow got louder. I could tell the calf was crying, "Mother! Mother! Where are you?" Now the calf was scared. The calf realized he was totally, completely alone. Where was his mother? Where was his milk? He cried again. This time as loud as he could yell, "Mother!"

From the woods came a reply, "Here I am." That big, brave all bull calf tucked its tail between its legs and ran as fast as those scared legs would carry him. He knew where to go.

How often I have been like that calf. Big and brave. I can do this on my own. I can handle anything that comes my way. I, I, I am alone. I am scared. I cannot do this on my own. Where will I turn? Who can help me? And then I yell, "Father!"

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are there times when you are like the calf, trying to do everything on your own. Afraid to ask for help? Afraid to admit you need God?

(Luke 15:20 continues: But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. This is how God feels every time we go to Him.)

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

LET US PRAY

Father, I have come to my senses. In my misery and my joy. In my trials and my triumphs. In every moment of every day, I seek your face. I earnestly seek you. I have come to my senses. Where can I turn? I turn to you. Amen

FREE GIFT

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 20:1, 15

Please read Matthew 20:1, 2, 12, and 15

(Verses 1-2) "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard." (Verse 12) 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.' (Verse 15) "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?"

FREE GIFT

An ad announced that, if you opened a new checking account at a local bank, you would receive a Snuggie Blanket. Sounds pretty good, but it got me to thinking.

What if I was a long time customer? Would I get a Snuggie? What if I went in and asked if they would give me a Snuggie for not changing banks? And if not, would I be upset? Shouldn't I be rewarded for being a customer?

I have seen this same incentive used in other ways. "Are you a registered nurse? Then come work at our facility and we will give you a $1,000 sign on bonus." "First time buyers receive free shipping." "First time buyers receive a discount." "Order in the next 24 hours and we will not only send you one, but two."

What if I was a nurse and worked at the facility for years. Why shouldn't I receive a "stay on the job" bonus? And what if I order after 24 hours, am I penalized and only get one?

Did you read all of Matthew 20:1-15? The complete parable tells that the person hired to work all day received a denarius. So did the person who started work at the third, sixth, ninth and eleventh hours. No matter how long they worked, they received a denarius.

The notes say, "This parable occurs only in Matthew's Gospel. In its original setting, its main point seems to be the sovereign graciousness and generosity of God extended to "latecomers" into God's kingdom. It is addressed to the grumblers who just cannot handle this amazing expression of God's grace."

Wow. I get it. God is so loving. So gracious. So generous. God offers His Kingdom to all that believe. Those that have believed for their lifetime. Those that find faith in their 30's. In their 60's. In their 90's. God offers His Kingdom to those that believe in the last minutes of their lives. He offers His Kingdom to all!!!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you a grumbler? Do you complain or wonder why someone receives the same blessings as you do, when they have only been a Christian for three hours? Or six hours? Or nine hours? Or even those that believe at the eleventh hour?

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

LET US PRAY

Loving, Generous, Gracious God, Thank you that the kingdom of heaven is for all believers. Those that came early into faith and those that came late. I thank you for all those that came early into faith. They have been role models for me. By watching them, I have learned to walk through my troubles with the knowledge that You are with me. Thank you that they are there to celebrate my Christian life. Thank you for all those that came into their faith later. They show me childlike faith. I thank you, gracious, generous, loving God, that you are patiently waiting, eager to give each of your children their reward. Thank you for waiting for me. Amen

I AM NOT THAT STUPID

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

And the heavens proclaim his righteousness for God himself is judge. Psalm 50:4

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37

I AM NOT THAT STUPID

I love to go to Yellowstone National Park. In 1980, I saw my first buffalo and the buffalo has been my favorite wild animal since. They have attitude. They are big and, when they walk, they swagger. As if to say, "Go head. Cross my path. I will come out on top."

When I saw my first buffalo, I also saw an extremely stupid man. Picture a buffalo. Standing there minding his own business. Munching on grass. Now picture a man crawling toward the buffalo. YES. I said crawling. He kept getting closer and closer. Then he stood up and -- are you ready -- took a picture. He turned his back on the buffalo and walked to his car. If that buffalo had sneezed, the man would have been in the emergency room. Just plain stupid!

Of course, I never do stupid things. Okay, maybe once. Or twice. Okay, many, many times during my life. But I would never do anything that stupid.

I never try to read, text or put on makeup while I am driving. And I might slip and say a small, insignificant swear word, but I would never use those big swear words. And ---Better stop here. This is not going where I want it to. I just remembered that I have a lead foot and seem to disregard speed limits. And the other day I shocked my grandson when I used one of those small swear words.

The scripture tells us, "God himself is judge."

Do not judge. Do not condemn. That is so hard. I really do want to judge others and I want to condemn them. Why? Because I want to make myself feel like I am not as bad as "that person." Or "him." Or "her." I want to feel like my sins, my stupid mistakes are small ones.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you judge others?

LET US PRAY

This week say a prayer from your heart and soul. Ask God to give you a loving heart full of compassion and forgiveness. Ask him to teach you how to love yourself enough that you do not have to measure yourself against others.

NOT ALL THERE

If you know me, I know what you are thinking. "Well, she has never been all there, so what is new?" I am not talking about me. I am talking about the pictures on our office door.

These are four of our grandchildren. They are good-looking boys and I am sure they have inherited their looks from their mother's side of the family. They range in ages from almost six to thirteen. They are "all boy" and love to roughhouse, give snakes a few bounces on the trampoline and have yet to learn the concept of keeping their rooms clean. They get those traits from their father's side.

But something is missing from the door. Or I should say four things are missing. Pictures of our other four grandchildren. They range in ages from nine to almost fifteen. (A disclaimer here: I AM NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE A FIFTEEN YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER. On second thought, I am.) I need pictures of the other four.

Each of our grandchildren has a unique personality. Each has a special place in my heart. I do not want to miss even one of these special children.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Luke 15:3-7

Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous person who do not need to repent."

NOT ALL THERE? My door will not be complete until all eight children are there. God's "door" will not be complete until all of His children are there. God wants every one of His unique children to be with Him. God does not want even one to be lost.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you on God's "door" or are you lost? If you are lost, do you realize that all you have to do is turn to God? He is looking for you! God does rejoice every time a lost sheep comes home!!!!!

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

LET US PRAY

My dear Shepherd, Thank you for including me in your flock. Thank you for coming to find me, when I have wandered away from the safety of your care. No matter where I wander. No matter where I am on my faith journey. No matter that, the ninety-nine are safe, I know you rejoice when I turn to you and say, "Here I am. Please lead me back to your flock." Amen

NEW, YEAR, OPPORTUNITY AND SNOW

NEW, YEAR, OPPORTUNITY AND SNOW

How do you say anything that has not already been said about a new year? So I decided to break it down.

NEW: 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

The footnote tells us "The unrestrained hunger of a healthy baby provides an example of the kind of eager desire for spiritual food that ought to mark the believer." Is there anything sweeter than a baby? And the feeling of holding a sleeping baby, as you rock in the old creaky rocking chair, is like no other. Especially when that baby is well fed and content. Wouldn't that be great to feel that way? Safe in the care of someone that loves us. Well fed. Content. God loves us. God's Word will feed us.

YEAR: 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 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth."

God sure did put thought into his creation. Think how terrible it would be if the world was always light. Or, even worse, always dark. When would we rest? How would we tell time? But he separated our days and nights. Our seasons. Our years. And with each new day, new season and new year, we have the chance to begin again.

OPPORTUNITY: Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Before us is the year 2010. What will we do with it? Will we face it with a smile? With fear? With worry? Before us is the year 2010 and Galatians tells us that "as we have opportunity" we should do good. Opportunity is a big word that comes in small situations, like offering a smile. Or sometimes a kind word. And sometimes we have a really big opportunity, like offering a smile. Or sometimes a kind word. No, I am not confused. A smile or a kind word may seem like such a small thing. A natural reaction or the least we can do. But that one smile or that one kind word may be just what someone needed to get them through the day. Or even through the next second.

SNOW: And where does the snow fit in? That is what I see outside my window. Snow that is light and fluffy. Glittering like diamonds. A world made beautiful by white, pure snow.

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you well fed? Are you full of spiritual milk (the Word of God)? How are you facing 2010? Are you excited about the opportunities ahead of you? Have you turned your sins over to God and allowed them to become white as snow?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, I am thirsty. Give me wisdom and understanding as I read and study your Word. I see 2010 in front of me and will try to face this year with excitement and appreciation for the days and seasons and years you have given me. And I will turn my worries and fears over to you so they do not consume my joy. I will look for opportunities to do good. To smile. To encourage. To give your love to others. I thank you for the blessings of 2009, for making my sins white as snow and for opportunities ahead of me. Amen

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