CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 17:8

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

CHILDREN'S CHILDREN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Timmy is my favorite youngest grandson.

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

QUESTION OF THE DAY

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

LET US PRAY

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

THE BIBLE IS FULL OF LIES

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

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

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

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

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

Men lied.

Women lied.

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

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

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

QUESTION OF THE DAY

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

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

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

GET READY!

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

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

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

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

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

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

TODAYS SCRIPTURES

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

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

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

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

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

LET US PRAY

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

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

Lord, keep my room ready. Amen

JIGSAW PUZZLES

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

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

Here is the puzzle I am working on.

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

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

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

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you ever felt like parts of you were missing?

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created

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

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

SAVE MY BROTHER

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

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

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

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

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

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

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

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

SAVE MY BROTHER -- Jordan, rest in peace.

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

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

As our tears flow, we also feel humbled by those, like Jordan, who have said, "Save my brother." Lord, surround each rescue worker. Each person that is helping their neighbor. Or helping a stranger. Be with doctors and nurses as they give care to the injured. Be with ministers as they give comfort. Be with those providing food. Or clothes. And those that sit and listen or hold a hand so one of your children will not feel alone. Lord, give comfort. Amen

THERE ARE RULES. THERE ARE LOSERS. THERE ARE BAD GRADES.

Why have I waited so long to read the book The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch? I am only halfway through and can hardly wait to finish. I will then watch the video of his last lecture.

Mr. Pausch tells about being on a football team and the coach really getting after him.

Coach Graham used to ride me hard. I remember one practice in particular. "You're doing it all wrong, Pausch. Go back! Do it again!" I tried to do what he wanted. It wasn't enough. "You owe me, Pausch! You're doing push-ups after practice."

When I was finally dismissed, one of the assistant coaches came over to reassure me. "Coach Graham rode you pretty hard, didn't he?" he said. "That's a good thing," the assistant told me. "When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you."

"They've given up on you" -- That made me think about how we treat our kids today. What are we teaching them? Do we give up on them or do we teach them? Do we care enough to discipline them?

I read a newspaper article about parents suing a school because their son got kicked off the basketball team. He didn't want to cut his hair. The rule: Hair cut above the eyes, over the ears and off the neck. Makes sense to me. You would want your players to be able to see where they are going. The parents said their child should be able to have his hair cut anyway he wanted. If the parents win, what does this child learn? He learns rules are not important. I have news for all people: There are rules in life. The choice is yours -- Follow the rules and play on the basketball team or wear your hair long.

There is no last place anymore. Every team gets a trophy. We wouldn't want anyone to feel bad. Give me a break! There are losers. One team wins and one team loses, not one team wins and the other team almost wins.

And teachers, get out those red pens. There are mistakes!!! 2 + 2 = 4. 2 + 2 = 3 needs a red mark beside it, not a discreet pencil giving them half a credit for trying. We are creating a generation of students who do not know how to take criticism.

Have we given up on our children? When we allow them to not follow the rules or suffer the consequences, when we do not teach them how to lose and when we do not correct them, it is because we have given up on them.

Oh drat. God has rules he expects us to follow. God says some people will lose out and not enter the kingdom of heaven. God does discipline us when we do wrong.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 12:5, 6 and 11

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." (Notes on this text: Suffering and persecution should be seen as corrective and instructive training for our spiritual development as his children.)

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

This is a new year. Is there anyone you have given up on? Anyone you have just said, "Why bother? They just don't get it and will not listen?" Is there anyone you need to give another chance?

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

How do I pray for discipline? I don't like getting told I have done something wrong. I don't want to lose! And all those rules! How about if I just do as I want? How about if I --- O, Lord, discipline me. Teach me your rules so I may learn to live the abundant life you have planned for me. O, Lord, discipline me. Teach me to handle defeat so I can learn humility. O, Lord, discipline me. Do not quietly point out my sins. Be bold so I do not miss your directions. O, Lord, discipline me. It is then that I know you love me and that you have not given up on me.           Amen

IT SOUNDED GOOD

May 2011 be filled with the peace, joy and hope that only God can give and the love you deserve from those around you. HAPPY NEW YEARS!! Mary

IT SOUNDED GOOD

"Now that sounds good. And looks easy to make." I thought as I looked at the back of a box of macaroni and cheese. I saved the recipe for someday when I needed something quick to fix.

Wednesday was that day. All the ingredients were in the pantry so I started mixing.

1 box macaroni and cheese, cooked as directed and 2 cans no bean chili stirred together and put into baking dish, topped with 1 box cornbread mix, prepared as directed. Put in oven and bake. Easy! Looked good when I took it out of the oven.

Then we took a bite. My poor husband had this look in his eyes that said, "How do I tell her this is not fit to eat?"

I took pity on him and said it first, "This is awful."

I don't know what happened but this recipe just did not work for us. Although we grew up being told to clean our plates because some child was starving in China, we quickly tossed the whole thing.

2010 ends at midnight and we have a new year in front of us.

Look back at 2010 and at midnight toss all the things that just did not work. The things in your life that have a negative hold on you. The resentments you just refuse to let go of. At midnight, let go!

Look forward to 2011 and at 12:01, take hold of -- take hold of nothing. At 12:01, open your hands, both hands, palm up and say, "God, I am ready for all the wonders and blessings you have waiting for me during this new year."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER:

Please end this year reading your favorite scripture and offering a prayer from your heart, in your own words.

(Don't have a favorite scripture? Try Psalm 86:11-13, Isaiah 58:11, Matthew 11:28-30 or 1 John 3:1.)

PREPARING FOR CHIRSTMAS - PART 4

"Calm down. Calm down." God said in a quiet voice. "Everything is right on schedule and everyone is ready."

Joseph looked at his wife and said, "Mary, I am sorry the journey has been so long and this is not exactly where I thought you would give birth, but it is quiet here. The inn would have been so noisy. Look at that sky. Do the stars seem brighter? Is it me or does the air seem charged with energy? The darkness even has a different look. I must be very tired. And worried. Are you sure you are comfortable? How are the pains?"

"O, my sweet Joseph. I would not want to be anywhere else tonight. I feel as if I am surrounded with love. The pains are strong, but that means this baby will soon be born. Poor thing, bounced around inside of me as we traveled." Mary answered.

"Is there anything I can get you? A drink? Did you notice how the animals have settled down? It is as if they know what is going to happen." Joseph said as he comforted Mary.

Mary looked into Joseph's eyes, "I am so thankful you had that dream and listened to the angel. Joseph, I would never lie to you but I know you had doubts. These months have been hard but we have been so blessed to be chosen to raise God's son. Do you like the name Jesus? I do not understand how this baby will save people from their sins. Do you?"

"No, but we do not have to understand." Joseph softly replied. "Rest. You look tired. Did you know I have been working on a cradle? I thought I saw you peek in the carpentry shop one day when I was working on it. Sleep, if you can. I will be right here."

Mary smiled, "Yes, I saw the cradle. You were sneaking off to the shop and I wanted to see what you were working on. Oh. That was a strong pain. Do you have everything ready? Cloths to wrap him in? I think I will close my eyes for just a moment. I feel I will need all my strength very soon."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:4 - 7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

THINK ABOUT THE BIRTH

A very young girl. Her first baby. No hospital. No nurse. No doctor. No epidural. This was a Holy Child, but this child was born in human form by human birth. There would have been pain. Do you suppose they were afraid? How would Joseph have felt? How would Mary have felt?

How would God have felt watching his plan unfold? Waiting for his Son to be born.

Are you ready for Christmas? Are you ready to accept the Christ Child born to the Virgin Mary?

Tomorrow is Christmas. The day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Are you ready for Christmas?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 3

"Got a minute?" Gabriel asked God. "I was just wondering how it went with Joseph. Mary is ready to return home and I have been so busy making sure everything on my list is done, I haven't had time to hear an update."

God smiled, "Went just as I planned. I knew Joseph was a righteous man and when the angel came to him in his dream, Joseph understood that he was to take Mary as his wife. He is taking Mary home now. There will be no physical union until she has given birth but this will give them time to really get to know each other. Besides, these next few months are going to be busy."

"Tell me about it," Gabriel sighed. "The genealogy is verified and written down so there can be no question that the baby is of the house and line of David. Caesar Augustus has started work on the decree for a census. I don't think he realizes the confusion this will cause or that the census is all part of your plan. I know hotels and motels are ideas for the future, but they sure would come in handy during this census. So many people traveling. A mail in form would be a lot easier."

"Now Gabriel," God said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice, "you know all things in their time and what would the people of Bethlehem think if a seven story, 300 room hotel just appeared on the edge of town? Besides my Son needs to be born in a humble surrounding. And the angel has the lines memorized. The company of heavenly hosts would be so disappointed if they couldn't wake up the shepherds with the glory of the Lord shining all around them. Don't want to disappoint the heavenly hosts."

God continued, "I do so worry about Joseph and Mary. This time has not been easy for them and so many people just do not understand. Mary has been very strong but the trip to Bethlehem will be long and hard. Yes, the time is getting closer."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 1:18 - 25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel -- which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

THINK ABOUT JOSEPH

Joseph was in a binding relationship with Mary, whom he called his wife, which could only be broken by divorce. What must Joseph have thought when he found out Mary was with child? Did he believe her? Why would he divorce her if he believed her? Sounds like he had doubts. Do you think he might have gone and talked to someone? Asked for advice? Did he talk to Mary's parents? Or did he just ponder on this, alone and confused? Feeling betrayed. Then he had a dream.

Can you put yourself in Joseph's place? Can you feel his confusion? Can you imagine waking up from the dream? Would you have the courage to do as the angel had asked? Would you wonder if you could be a father to a son conceived from the Holy Spirit? Would you feel inadequate? Would you feel honored?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 2

"Well, Gabriel," asked God, "what did you think of Mary?"

Gabriel answered, "What a wonderful young lady. She was a bit confused about exactly how she would become pregnant, but willingly accepted her role. She has gone to visit Elizabeth."

Looking down from heaven, God told Gabriel, "Yes, she arrived safely. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby in her womb leaped."

Gabriel chuckled, "Elizabeth thought she would never have children. She receives a surprise visit from Mary and the baby leaps with joy. To top that off, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth has had an exciting day. What did she say to Mary?"

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" God replied. "Elizabeth called Mary 'blessed.' The baby Elizabeth delivers will be very special in the life of Jesus.

"So what is next?" Gabriel wondered.

"Mary is going to stay with Elizabeth a few months and then go home. Joseph has been informed that Mary is with child and, being a righteous man, does not want to expose her to public disgrace. He thinks he will quietly divorce her. I have a better idea." God replied.

"Oh, listen, Mary is singing."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:46 - 55

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.

THINK ABOUT ELIZABETH

What was Elizabeth's role in the Christmas story? She opened her home to an unwed mother-to-be. She was the first to call Mary and her child blessed. Did she hear the song Mary sang? Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist.

According to Luke 1:7, Elizabeth was well along in years. That means her body was past its prime for giving birth. And think about being well along in years and then having to potty train a child. Raise a teenager. Then a young man. And all the while making sure he never took wine or other fermented drink. Talk about being odd man out at every wedding and party. Do you think being a mother at her age made Elizabeth's job harder?

In a Christmas play, the role of Elizabeth would be that of a supporting actress. Do you think she ever felt like she was playing second fiddle? A bit below Mary? Her son not as great as Jesus? Do you think she was ever jealous?

Think about Elizabeth. God did not look at Elizabeth and consider her too old. God gave Elizabeth a very important supporting role in the birth of His Son. What role has God given you?

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS - PART 1

The birth of Jesus was no surprise. The Old Testament had foretold the birth, but what would it have been like as the time neared? Heaven must have gone to "High Alert." Everyone on standby. All checking their duties. Do you think the angels were disappointed when they were not picked for the "important" assignments?

Do you suppose there was a check list?

   Elizabeth pregnant - check

   Zechariah will name the baby boy John - check

   Mother for my Son selected - check

   Gabriel have the message to Mary memorized - check

   Star ready to shine - check

   Wise Men reading the scriptures - check

What activity! What excitement! What was God feeling? What would the conversation have been like, as God prepared Gabriel?

   "Are you sure this is the only way?" asked Gabriel.

   "Yes," answered God. "Mary will be a wonderful mother for my Son. She is such a servant and will be called blessed by all generations."

   "She is so young. So humble. You are right. She will be a good mother." said Gabriel.

   "Do you see how strong she is?" asked God. "What you are going to ask her to do will take strength. An inner strength she does not realize she has. But it is there and will let her stand tall when people talk and do not understand."

   "Besides," God said softly, "raising Jesus will not always be easy. Jesus will give Mary and Joseph great joy, but they will also experience great sorrow."

   God continued, "Gabriel, it is time. I am sending you to Nazareth. Please deliver my message to Mary. The people have been walking in darkness a very long time. Soon a child will be born. My people will be saved."

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:26-38

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.

THINK ABOUT MARY --

Just for a minute, put yourself in Mary's shoes. Would you wonder if you had fallen asleep and this was all a dream? How would you explain this? Would anyone believe you? Would you believe until you saw Elizabeth was actually pregnant?

Just for a minute, put yourself in Mary's shoes. Would you be frightened? Would you be proud? Would you say, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Or would you consider saying, "No way. Find someone else."

ONE TURKEY SAVED

When you think about Thanksgiving dinner do you see a pilgrim chasing a turkey? Axe in hand, ready to do the poor fellow in. Or do you see the Norman Rockwell painting of the lady sitting the perfectly browned turkey on the table already straining under the weight of potatoes, cranberry salad, green beans and dressing? Or do you see ---

Ham?

Next week, we are off on a Thanksgiving Adventure. Six adults and seven children will be celebrating together in a cabin in Gatlinburg. This has required the strategy skills of at least a Three Star General (aka me).

We had to reserve the cabin more than a year in advance. Our children had to inform the in-law sides of their family they would not be around for Thanksgiving. This in itself can be a tricky maneuver with the potential for minor repercussions. Pulling the grandchildren out of school a day early also takes some smooth talking to those in charge of the attendance chart. These were the easy decisions.

The General's Aide (aka hubby) decided to leave Tuesday afternoon instead of Wednesday morning. That meant the General had to determine the best pick-up schedule for the two grandchildren riding in the command vehicle and arrange for Tuesday night accommodations.

The General then began assessing the grocery list. What to take from supplies on hand and what to purchase at the local commissary. Easy task? NOT! Numerous emails later, the General now knows that one family prefers strawberry jelly to grape. The Sergeant in charge of breakfast strongly expressed disdain with the hash browns on the list. Real potatoes will be served, thank you. The other Sergeant added that her army, of four boys, would consume a bit more milk and eggs, so those numbers were increased.

Have you been wondering about the ham? After taking into consideration the comments from the "But what is Thanksgiving without turkey?" supporters and the "Ham doesn't have to be thawed, taken off the bone and is a lot less work" side, the General pulled rank and said: "We shall eat ham."

Did you really read all of this? I do have a point. Time with our family is valuable. Our Thanksgiving Adventure has required planning. It has required co-operation. It will require patience pills for the General's Aide. But it will be worth it.

The reward of our year long planning will be the joy of being together as a family.

The reward of working for the Lord will be the joy of receiving an inheritance from God and being together with our family for eternity. Now that is something to work for!

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Colossians 3:23-24

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What is something you have really worked for? Do you work equally as hard for the Lord?

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

Thanksgiving. What a beautiful word, Lord. Fill my heart with Thanksgiving and wrap my soul around the blessing I hold dear. My eyes behold such wonders. Trees. The night sky. Promises in the Bible. My ears hear sweet sounds. Water filling a glass. Music. Prayers. My blessings surround me. They begin when I wake. They cover me when I sleep. Thank you for ........................ Amen

THE LETTER

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 139:13, 16

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

THE LETTER

My father was drafted, into the Army, in 1944, had his basic training in Wheeler, Georgia and then went to Germany. He never talked about his service. Oh, there were times when this one Army buddy visited and he and dad would sit at the kitchen table and talk quietly. They would stare at the table, drink many cups of coffee, smoke too many cigarettes and remember. We were never allowed to sit and listen. Those memories were not meant for young ears.

The WAR was something that happened before I was born. The WAR was not something we talked about. The WAR and dad's service ended when he came home. The WAR was the past. Dad was ready to live in the present and begin the future.

A few weeks ago, I started a project. You see, there had always been those letters. Letters between mom and dad while he was in basic training and the ones from dad when he was in Germany. They had always been there in one closet or another. Moved from one home to another. Mother kept them after dad died in 1972 and one sister or another kept them after mom died in 1998. Yes, there had always been those letters, but they had always been in a box or the metal suitcase. Still stuck back in a closet or attic. Remembered but forgotten.

That is until my younger sister found them again and decided it was time for them to be read. What she discovered was a whole new side to our parents. Love. That was never a word used freely in our home, but the word 'love' and the phrase 'I miss you' were in every letter. In those letters, we were seeing a father who missed his son and daughter. A son who had memories of him and a daughter too young to remember anything other than his picture. In those letters, we were seeing a husband who missed his wife. In those letters, we were seeing a wife who learned to run a home on her own and who tried to put the lives of their children into words.

My sister is putting together a booklet with information on family and World War II. My job is to copy the letters. As I opened one letter, the tears began. I had to sit down. I realized God had a plan for me.

I have not copied all the letters, but the first letter I have found so far, was written from Georgia on March 3, 1944.

The letter that made chills go from my toes to the very top of my head was written by my mother in July 1944. This letter contained a news clipping about various soldiers from the Brazil, Indiana area.

Please remember: The amount of mail was tremendous, but this letter made its way to Georgia. Dad left the clipping in the letter. Dad brought the letters home after he finished basic training. Please remember: These letters have been unread since they were written during 1944, 1945 and 1946.

As I opened that letter, I saw the clipping and read: S/Sgt Thomas William Earle is home on leave to visit his wife and son William Francis.

The first letter dad wrote was dated, March 3, 1944. That is my husband's birth day.

I was born November 7, 1946

I met William Francis Earle in 1963. We had our first date August 17, 1963, were engaged June 1964 and were married June 4, 1965.

SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 29:11-12

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Before I was even a twinkle in my parent's eyes, God put the name of my husband into our home.

"For I know the plans I have for Mary," declares the Lord. "And his name is William."

AMEN AND AMEN

Greetings, 

If you are looking for a new devotional, I will be back next week.  My thumb had a slight encounter with the clippers as my husband and I were cleaning the flower bed.  Thumb okay but hurts to type.

Have a blessed week,
Mary

HIGH WINDS

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Mark 4:41

But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

HIGH WINDS

We had high winds this week. Tornado warnings. School children sitting in the halls. Hospitals moving patients to safety. From my kitchen window, I saw a few leaves blowing and a bit of wind. "What is all the fuss about?" I wondered.

Then my husband called and told me barns were blown over and roofs were coming off buildings. Now I knew what all the fuss was about.

How wonderful a breeze is on a hot sticky day. How frightening the wind is on a day when trees fall. Or, as the disciples feared, when waves could sink ships.

The disciples were amazed that Jesus could make the wind obey. What gives here? Would they never get it? They were with Jesus and they were still surprised! They asked, "Who is this?"

Are we any different? We are tossed around, waves of life washing over us, and we say, "Jesus, where are you?" Then Jesus comes and lifts us off our knees. We are then like the disciples and say, "Who is this that can calm the winds in my life."

Will we always ask, "Who is this?"

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where and to whom do you turn when the high winds blow through your life? Do you find the calm after the storm?

A BLESSING AFTER THE STORM

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

Dear One who the winds obey, Strengthen my belief so I am not tossed here and there by the winds and the waves of life. Remove all doubt so I do not ask, "Who is this?" Remove all doubt and make my belief so strong I say, "This is Jesus, my Lord and Savior, the Son of God. He died for my sins. He lives for all of us. This is Jesus Christ who can calm the winds of my life and the waves that threaten my soul.

When the gentle breeze or the high winds blow, let me always say, "I am safe with the one who the wind and waves obey." Amen and Amen

WAKE UP!! LISTEN! LIVE WISE!

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Isaiah 50:4 - The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

Ephesians 5:13-15 - But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but as wise.

WAKE UP!! LISTEN! LIVE WISE!

Each morning I wake up with God, but I wondered what it would be like to have God wake me up.

"Good Morning," God would gently whisper in my ear. "Mary. Mary, it is time to wake up. Mary, can you hear me? Are your ears awake?"

God continues, "Today I want you to really listen. And look, because today you have much to learn. With every step you take, there will be a light shining. That light will shine so everything - EVERYTHING - will be visible."

"Today, Mary, I want you to live, not as a dead spirit just going through your day, but with the light of Christ shining on you. Mary, wake up. Listen. Learn. Be wise. Walk in the light of Christ."

"Now go have your coffee."

Wouldn't that be a great way to wake up? I especially like the ending where He tells me to go have a cup of coffee. That shows God understands me and knows how I like to start my day.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What would God say to you? Do you go through the day as a dead spirit? Has God ever given you wisdom, just when you needed it: The right words to say? The energy to accomplish a task? Compassion for another? Patience?

God would tell me to have coffee. God does know you! How would He tell you to start your day?

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

Good morning God, I enjoy the quiet as I wake up because I know the day will become hectic. So many days, I do not find time for you. That is hard to admit, but today wake my ears so I may listen and be taught. Expose everything so I may wake up, listen and live wise. I do not want to go through one more day or one more minute with a dead spirit. I want to arise, say, "Good morning God.", lift my hands and have the light of Christ shine on me. Amen

ANCIENT OF DAYS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: DANIEL 7:9 - 10

"As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened."

ANCIENT OF DAYS

Now that is some description. Doesn't it just take your breath away? And calling God, Ancient of Days. I must have missed that before, because when that term came up in a Bible Study I about fell off my chair. Ancient of Days. Wow!

So much for making God, the friendly God that joins us at the kitchen table when we study and pray. Sometimes we try to make God way too human. Sometimes we forget God is GOD. Ancient of Days.

Those are the thoughts I had at the Bible Study. On Tuesdays, I pray at our church. Actually, I journal because when I try to pray my mind wonders, but when I journal my thoughts are a bit more coherent. The following is from my journal.

--------------

Ancient of Days - That is how you are called in Daniel 7:9. I really like that. How many names do you have? What is your favorite? What fun it will be to learn from You and be able to ask you questions.

This isn't exactly what I had planned, but now my mind is going crazy with questions:

Do you have a favorite color?

Sunrise or sunset?

Mountains or beaches?

What song is your favorite?

Which Scripture?

What do you most like to hear people pray for?

Do you ever get tired of us asking for the same thing?

Back to the favorite name - Your children call you by so many names. Which name do you like to hear? I AM? God? Father? Lord? Ancient of Days?

Have we been unbearable at times? (Bet I know the answer to that one.)

Do we make you laugh?

You never sleep or take a vacation. Don't you get tired?

How did you come up with such interesting places?

And leaves turning color. Great idea.

How do you hear so many prayers at once?

What was it like in heaven the night Jesus was born?

Did you enjoy watching Jesus as a boy?

Did you ever help his saw cut straight?

Keep him from falling?

How did you stand to see Your Son on the cross?

Were the angels surrounding you with prayers?

How did you feel when he ascended?

Ancient of Days I will stop. How glorious it will be to -- How glorious it will be to have no more questions. How glorious it will be to say, "Ancient of Days, Thank you for all you have given me."

Later, Mary

--------------

Hey, I didn't say my written thoughts were coherent, just a bit more coherent. That day, I just wrote what popped into my little mind. Wonder what God thought as He listened?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you journal? Sometimes it helps to concentrate. What "silly" question would you like to ask God?

LET US PRAY

Today write a letter to God or just talk to Him. Not about the big stuff. Just a fun conversation. Use words from your heart and talk to the Ancient of Days.

BRACE YOURSELF

I love chapter 38 of Job. I turn to this chapter and read it when I am feeling smug. When I feel a bit on the proud side. All I have to do is read this chapter and my feet and the size of my ego are right back where they belong: Feet on the ground and ego human size.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: JOB 38:1-3

Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man: I will question you, and you shall answer me."

BRACE YOURSELF

Can you picture Job, when God says, "Brace yourself."? I have a feeling his shoulders drooped, his head lowered and his eyes were full of fear.

After God got Job's attention, he continued, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand." Verse 4

God didn't stop there. He came back with, "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?" Verses 12 and 13

By now Job had to be shaking in his sandals. God kept it up: Do you know? Can you? Who? When? Have you? Who provides? God kept questioning Job in Chapters 38, 39, 40 and 41. Can you hear his voice sometimes loud? Sometimes sarcastic, as in 38:18, "Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this."

Job's mind had to be turning a mile a minute. His thoughts had to bouncing around like a super bouncy ball. Why? -- I was blameless and upright. -- I lost everything. -- I didn't blame God. -- Okay, maybe a bit. -- Maybe I shouldn't have asked for my accuser to face me. -- And all the advice I have been getting. Oh, why did I listen to them?

When God finished, Job understood the reason for his suffering. Everything had happened so he would have complete faith. Job realized he had spoken of things he did not understand and things too wonderful for him to know. He told God, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever read these chapters? Will God question us also? Are you ready to hear, "Brace yourself."?

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart. Have a conversation with our Glorious God.)

Dear God, These chapters, in Job, are very powerful. "Brace yourself" makes me smile when I think of Job being told off by God. They do not make me smile when I think about my own actions. Many times you have given me "brace yourself" moments. They always happen when I am being stubborn and trying to do things without knowledge. Do things my way. That is when I get a "Well have you made the sunshine? Were you even there? No? Then why are you feeling so sure of yourself?" God, if you tested me, to the degree you tested Job, would I still be honest before you? Would I still be strong? Or would I fail? Oh how I hate those "brace yourself" moments. They mean I have not been doing God's will. BUT, Lord, I also love them, because they mean you are giving me the knowledge I need to grow and go forward. Go forward to complete faith. Amen

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

I am getting my blog written later than normal, but that seems to be par for this week. Monday and Tuesday were routine. Catch up the laundry, weekend mail and deciding that, although I keep the house picked up, it was time to clean. A friend has told me, "If you leave dust alone, it is fine. But once you disturb it, it becomes dangerous." That is a good theory, but the dust on my dining room table now has my name written in it. For sure, I cannot get away with dusting around the edges this time.

Wednesday, with every intention of getting a days cleaning in, started out fine. I began in the office which shouldn't have taken that long. Until I found a couple of things that needed put into the supply cabinet. To get them into the cabinet - Well, let's just say that the supply cabinet is now clean and orderly. Then, I received an email from our son saying, "Meet me for lunch." So I fixed my hair, changed my clothes and met him for lunch. After lunch I did not have enough time to start cleaning before going to a funeral. I told myself, "Mary, you can clean after the funeral."

I finished the office and started in the laundry area. Not a very big area. An entryway off the garage with the washer, dryer and a freezer. Just the perfect project to finish the day. That was until I needed to move some cleaning supplies into the garage. Well, let's just say that the cleaning supply cabinet is now as clean and orderly as the office supply cabinet. Then Bill came home.

Wednesday cleaning completed: one and one-half rooms. But tomorrow was Thursday!!!

Thursday I started right in and was almost done with the laundry area when Bill came home and said, "They don't need me in the field today, so how about we meet our friends for lunch?" So instead of cleaning, we drove an hour and half (each way) to eat lunch. And I had Bible Study Thursday evening so --

Thursday cleaning completed: one-half room. But today is Friday!!!

And I am sitting here writing my blog.

Why have I told you all this? A long way around the barn to say that this is how sin enters our lives.

I have every good intention of never swearing again. I will finish that thank you letter. I will: There are so many things that can go after I will and I will not. For some of us, it is "I will not take one more drink." and for others it is "I will pray daily."

And each time there seems to be something pulling us in the other direction. That something is ole Satan. Satan does not want us to quit drinking. He does not want us to pray. He does not want us to treat each other with respect. But he does want us to move further and further away from God.

My cleaning has not gotten done because one thing kept leading to another. Satan will find a cabinet for you to clean or a lunch to go to. Satan will lead you from one thing to another so you do not have time to clean up your life. Satan will lead you from one thing to another so you do not have time for God.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE

ROMANS 7: parts of verses 17-25 -- Taken from The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson

For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. Is there no one who can do anything for me?

The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How does Satan lead you from one thing to another and keep you from growing closer to God?

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

Thank you Jesus for being there to help me stay on a true course. I do need help because I am guilty of wanting to do right and slipping back into old habits. Time and time again I turn away but I seem to leave just enough of myself open to Satan that he finds a way to lead me back to the path I just left. I can be so easily distracted. Be patient with me, dear Jesus. I am moving closer and closer to you, sometimes with giant leaps and sometimes with baby steps. Amen

GOD COMES TO US!

GOD COMES TO US!

You know how you hear something over and over? Over and over to the point that you quit listening or just no longer hear? And then all of a sudden you hear. You actually hear and get it. This happened to me a couple Sundays ago.

We were attending church in Durango, while on vacation. The minister was giving a very good message and said, "God's choice is to be with us!" My soul heard and I thought, "What? God's choice is to be with us. I thought it was the other way around. I thought it was our choice to be with God."

I thought about this and searched the scriptures.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE

But the Lord God called to man, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:9

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. Matthew 3:16

As he (Saul later named Paul) neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Acts 9:3

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:2

GOD COMES TO US!

Now how could I have missed this? I am sure I have heard this before and I have read all of these scriptures. This time I looked at them differently.

God walked in the garden. That in itself is amazing to picture. God strolling around looking at the trees and listening to the birds. Maybe checking out the baby buffalo. Then calling out to Adam and Eve, "Where are you?" Give me a break. God knew where they were and what they had done, but he still wanted to be with them. God came to the garden to be with them! Did you get that God came to find Adam and Eve?

Abram, later called Abraham, received the word of the Lord in a vision. The word came to Abram. Came to him to assure him God was his shield and above all, God was Abram's greatest reward. Did you get that the word came to Abram?

Jesus was baptized by John and the Spirit of God descended. The Spirit came down like a dove. Did you get that the Spirit came down to Jesus?

Now Saul was a man with a cause and that cause was to kill these new Christians that believed in that Jesus guy. Saul was determined. Determined until a light from heaven flashed around him. Did you get that the light came from heaven to Saul?

I love the last scripture. What a vision this creates. The Holy City. The new Holy City coming down out of heaven from God. A city beautifully dressed. Did you get that the city came down from heaven to us?

Now how could I have missed this? I am sure I have heard this before and I have read all of these scriptures. This time I looked at them differently.

God loves us so much that HE came to the garden. HE came in a vision. HE came like a dove. HE came in a burning bush. God loves us so much that HE will come in the New Jerusalem. God's choice is to be with us.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you ready for God to come to you? When you hear God say, "Where are you?", are you prepared to say, "Here I am. Please spend some time with me."

LET US PRAY

Today talk with God and thank Him for wanting to be with you. Thank God for being there in your joys and in your trials.

OUR HOPE

OUR HOPE

(Today, there will be no comments, questions or scripture after the pictures. Look back over the last two posts. Please take time to feel these pictures. Put yourself there. Then read today's and finish in your own way and in your own time. I hope you have been blessed by my telling you about my experience. If possible, go experience this yourself.)

Our church took a field trip to The Shrine of Christ's Passion, at St. John, Indiana. What a moving experience. www.shrineofchristspassion.org

As I looked at the Stations of the Cross, I noticed three very import things, the Roman Soldiers, the hands of Jesus and our hope.

I was going to tell you about this in one blog, but have decided to make it a three part experience. This is part three on our hope.

The first part on the soldiers and the weight of the cross was hard to witness, write and read. The second part on the hands of Jesus was easier to witness and gently touched my spirit. This part is our joy. This part is our hope. This part is the empty tomb!

 

A MOTHER'S GOODBYE

 

READY FOR BURIAL

OUR HOPE

 

THE EMPTY TOMB

 

ALIVE

 

OUR RISEN LORD

THE HANDS OF JESUS

THE HANDS OF JESUS

Our church took a field trip to The Shrine of Christ's Passion, at St. John, Indiana.  What a moving experience. www.shrineofchristspassion.org

As I looked at the Stations of the Cross, I noticed three very import things, the Roman Soldiers, the hands of Jesus and our hope.

I was going to tell you about this in one blog, but have decided to make it a three part experience. This is part two on the hands of Jesus.

Unlike the pictures last week, the pictures this week are much easier on the heart. Yes, Jesus is carrying the cross, but he is encountering believers or being given assistance by a stranger. But first, Jesus prayed in the garden.

THE HANDS OF JESUS

 

JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN

 

MARY KNEELS BEFORE HER SON

JESUS STANDS TALL BEFORE HIS MOTHER

 

SIMON OF CYRENE IS TOLD TO HELP CARRY THE CROSS

 

VERONICA OFFERS COMFORT

 

 

REACHING OUT TO THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Did you notice the veins standing out on Jesus' hands, as he prayed in the garden?

Did you notice the look on the face of Mary? I had trouble walking away from this one. Mary must have been feeling such deep grief. But Jesus stood tall for her. He stood tall so she would understand that this was to be.

In the other pictures, did you notice Jesus always put his hand out to those helping him? His hand went out to Simon, Veronica and to the women. Even during this painful, agonizing journey, Jesus gave comfort.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:35 - 36

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever said a prayer so intense that your hands were gripped as if your life depended on the outcome of your prayer? Have you felt the hand of Jesus reaching out to you?

 

DID YOU TAKE HIS HAND?

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

Dear Jesus, When I pray, I want my prayers to be honest. True. I want my prayers to be sincere. O Lord, hear my prayers when I place my deepest fears, my greatest joys, and my sincere petitions into your care. Thank you for giving comfort to those that had the courage to step out of the crowd and give you comfort. I pray that I can be a Veronica, a Simon or a believer. Strong enough to answer the call for help, as Simon did, or as brave, in my faith, as Veronica and other believers that stayed by your cross. Amen

WHERE ARE YOU?

WHERE ARE YOU?

Our church took a field trip to The Shrine of Christ's Passion, at St. John, Indiana. www.shrineofchristspassion.org

What a moving experience.

As I looked at the Stations of the Cross, I noticed three very import things, the Roman Soldiers, the hands of Jesus and our hope.

I was going to tell you about this in one blog, but have decided to make it a three part experience. This is part one on the statues of the soldiers and the weight of the cross.

THE SOLDIERS

 

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS

 

BEHIND JESUS

 

OVER JESUS

These depictions were not always easy to look at.

 

You could see the scars. You could see the tears.

 

You could see Jesus getting weaker, as the cross got heavier.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 27:27:31

Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

Where are you? Which side of the cross are you on? Are you behind Jesus? Do you have the hammer in your hand? (The answer to this question is yes. That is the answer for all of us.) Do you think the soldiers were doing their job or were they enjoying what they did? Can you see the cross becoming very heavy?

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

My dear Jesus, It is so easy to look at the bronze cross on the altar. It is so easy to look at the empty cross. It is so hard to look at the cross and realize what you did for me. For me! My dear Jesus, I want to wipe away your tears. I want to tend to your wounds. I want to thank you. Amen

DID YOU READ YOUR EMAIL? DID YOU CHECK FACEBOOK? WHAT ABOUT YOUR TEXT MESSAGES?

DID YOU READ YOUR EMAIL? DID YOU CHECK FACEBOOK? WHAT ABOUT YOUR TEXT MESSAGES?

I am the administrator for our church's Facebook page. That means I post updates on what is going on at church. I remind people about meetings. About times. And I encourage all to attend church on Sunday mornings.

As secretary for our Church Council meetings, I write up the minutes and then email them to the members of the committee.

Personally, I also use Facebook and post to other people's status updates or send a personal note by "message." When people are not home, I leave messages on their answering machine or voice mail. And I would not know what to do without email. I use email to contact our accountant with tax questions. Email my sisters and my cousins. Email friends. Email to send and receive information on my CASA case. Email for business and for pleasure. I would miss email!

Yes, I use the phone. Email. Facebook. One thing I do not do is send text messages.

All of these are great. All are great ways to keep up to date on business situations. To keep in touch with family and friends. To give and receive encouragement. To request prayers. To offer prayers. To send a laugh or even a virtual hug.

BUT all, of these modes of communication, are useless if the person you are trying to make contact with does not check their email. Does not check their Facebook page. Does not listen to the messages on their recorder. Does not check voice mail. Does not check their text messages.

God uses many ways to communicate with us. Nature. Other people. The Holy Spirit. The Bible. The word of Christ.

Do you check for messages from God?

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 10:16-18

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where do you find messages from God? When you are outside? When you are in church? When you study the Bible? When you are just quiet, listening and ready to receive the message God wants you to hear? Are you ready to accept the good news?

As I wrote these questions, I thought about the show Touched by an Angel. How would you feel if a person said, "I am an angel and I have a message from God."?

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

My dear Lord, I am listening. I am always checking to see if you have left me a message beside a tree. Or beside a brook. I am listening. I listen to others who can help me learn. Others who can direct me. Pray for and with me. Others who can be my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am listening. I am listening to the Holy Spirit. I am listening to the Spirit's voice and allowing that voice to help me make wise choices. I am listening. I am listening to the words of the Bible. I am listening and learning. Thank you for loving me so much that you want to communicate with me. You want me to hear your love song in the gentle breeze. In the loving hearts of others. In the Spirit you have placed in the very core of my being. In the inspired words written for eternity. I am listening. Amen

PS. By the way. God, you are so much better than email, Facebook, voice mail, recorders or texting. You are never off-line. You are never in a glitch area with no reception. You are never floating around in space instead of landing in my inbox. You are not accidently deleted before I hear the message. And you are not small print on a phone that will be outdated by the time I finish this prayer.

I am listening, but I am filled with wonder and amazement when I realize that you are listening to me. Amen and Amen

OH NO! FRIDAY THE 13TH

OH NO! FRIDAY THE 13TH

Beware! Be on your guard! Warning! Today is Friday the 13th! OH NO!

I Googled Friday the 13th and was amazed at what I found. Snopes.com says Friday the 13th is "a day fraught with peril."

One source said 17-21 million people in the USA are affected by a fear of this day. $800-900 million is lost in business revenue because people stay home. They miss work, will not fly and some will not get out of bed. There is a 23 letter word for this phobia.

Do you know all the things you are not supposed to do on Friday? You are not supposed to:

Give birth (child will be doomed to misfortune, 1846), get married (doomed to a cat-and-dog life, 1879), get up for the first time if recovering from an illness (no reason given, 1923), listen to news (adds another wrinkle on your face and adds a year to your age, 1883), move (you won't stay long, 1982) or start a new job (never stay long in that job, 1923).

And do not even consider giving a dinner party for 13 people or having 13 people in a room.

These sound so silly. No woman is going to say, "Stay in there baby. It is Friday." Bill and I were married on a Friday and our marriage is not a cat-and-dog life. Would you wait until Saturday to get up if you were feeling strong enough on Friday? I bet FOX news has as many listeners on Friday as they do on Wednesday. The verdict is still out on Friday news giving you wrinkles and adding a year to your age. And do you really think moving or starting a new job on Friday has anything to do with how long you live in that house or keep a job?

Yes, these sound silly. They sound silly to me, but I am sure they do not sound silly to the person with a fear of Friday. Or the person that fears the number 13. Or the person that fears Friday the 13th.

We each have fears in our lives. Some are irrational fears. Irrational fears which can cause havoc in our day to day existence. The person who will not go into a small room does not consider claustrophobia an irrational fear. The person who can spend hours in a closet just does not understand claustrophobia. One person can study a spider and another is too afraid to even step on it. Yes, we each have fears in our lives.

Questions:

What do we do about these fears?

Do we let them control our lives?

Where do we get help?

How can we overcome our irrational fears?

(Disclaimer: I am not making light of anyone's fears. I do not like small rooms or large crowds, but can cope with both. There is also a difference between irrational fears and real fears. I do not like to walk on ice, because I know if I fall I can break something. Real fears include loss of employment, health issues, family relationships and things from our past that cause fear today.)

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears.

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

Lord I seek deliverance from my fears. I no longer want the fear of ________________ to control my life. I want to acknowledge and overcome my fear.

Lord I seek deliverance from the real fears in my life. I know my life will always be full of problems and trials, but I turn to you so these real fears do not consume my spirit.

Amen

WHICH ROAD DO YOU TAKE?

This has been a very hectic week because we took off for three days to see a friend in Canada.

Traffic at the Michigan/Canada border crossing.

No traffic on this road.

A partridge looking for a pear tree.

As I was looking at these pictures, I thought of Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken."

I will be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Frost asserted, "You have to be careful of that one, it's a tricky poem - very tricky."

He commented, "It does not moralize about choice, it simply says that choice is inevitable, but you never know what your choice will mean until you have lived it."

We had a choice to go to Canada and it took us 50 minutes to get across the border. The people traveling into the USA were backed up clear to the Canadian crossing. They waited much longer. We lived with the result of this choice but it impacted another choice. When we came home, we got up REALLY early and made it across in about ten minutes.

The second picture is always my choice of roads. I love back roads. Roads where you cannot see anyone in front or behind you. Roads where you can stop and take a picture of -- A picture of a partridge wondering what that crazy lady is doing.

My Christian journey is similar to our recent adventure. Sometimes I get stuck. I don't understand. I am at a standstill. And it takes me moving ahead a little at a time until the ole brain kicks in and God checks my passport and says, "Okay, move on down the road."

Sometimes I am on my Christian journey with others. And sometimes I am on the road less traveled. The road less traveled gives me quiet. And peace. And time.

And just like finding a partridge out in the middle of the road, I find God's gifts.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.' " Luke 3:4-6

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Which roads do you take?

LET US PRAY

This week, talk to God about the roads you have been on. Have a good long, heart to heart with Him. You will both enjoy your time together.