A STUFFED FROG

I have a secret identity.  A stuffed frog!  His name is Norman and I live vicariously through him.

It started a number of years ago when Norman was sitting on a shelf at the local CVS.  There he sat, looking at me with those big eyes.  He is a rather large frog.  A great shade of green.  And, since it was close to Valentine’s Day, he has a red heart on his … well, … on his butt. 

Honestly, I was just standing there, when that frog jumped right into my cart.  I had no choice but to take him home.  As I drove home, with this big green frog that would not fit in a bag, I wondered what hubby would say.  Would he think I had finally gone over the edge?

Hubby took one look at the frog and one look at me.  He was smiling and I knew he was sure I had officially gone bonkers.  “Does it have a name?”  he asked.

That night we were watching City Slickers and there was a calf named Norman.  We looked at each other and said, “Norman.  The frog is Norman.” 

To shorten a long story, let me say that Norman has an Instagram account: #adventureswithnorman or norman_frog.  I have 221 Facebook friends.  Norman has 876 followers.  It is quite humiliating to know a stuffed frog has more “friends” than I do.  If that is not enough, other than one friend in England and a few that could swim, my friends are on the east side of the Mississippi.  Not Norman.  His summer postcard went to 13 states and 20 countries.  He even gets mail in HIS NAME from such places as Russia, Germany, The Netherlands, Moldovia, Singapore and once from the Antarctic.  I mean really!  Norman got a card from a man spending the winter in the Antarctic! 

Norman is famous for his red heart, getting stuck, having conversations with his human (aka me) and hosting the #plushieolympics2018nf.  With help from his human, Norman has given the children’s story at church.

Norman at church.

Norman was on vacation with us.

He got bored and the next thing we knew he was upside down.

I bet you agree with Bill:  Mary has finally lost it!  Just the opposite.  I get to use my imagination.  I see pictures of places I will never visit.  Norman received a CD from a musician in The Netherlands who has won international carillon competitions.  He uses Instagram to talk to an actor and Ninja Warriors.  Now stop and contemplate that.  If you think I am a bit off center, exactly what would you call a photographer who sends a card from the Antarctic to a frog, a world famous carillon artist who addressed that envelope to Norman Frog, the Ninja Warrior who liked Norman’s moves and the actor who thought he might have a role for Norman in his next movie.  (The actor did mention a table and frog legs…..)

So often Christians think they should go around with long faces.  Never have joy.  Never laugh. The Bible says just the opposite.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

…. a time to laugh,

…. a time to dance

Ecclesiastes 3:1 and parts of 4

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

Psalm 47:1

God wants us to have joy.  God has a sense of humor.  I mean, he created the platypus and that long neck on the giraffe.  And if you want proof God has a sense of humor:  He created--- us.

This week – this life – find something joyful.  Who knows….you might happen upon a frog, sitting on the top shelf, with a red heart on his butt and very big eyes.  And that frog might open up a whole new adventure for you.

CELEBRATE EVERY DAY WITH JOY

LOST IN A ROOM

My younger sister is directionally challenged.  I am not saying she cannot get out of her driveway, but her finding the way back to said driveway is never a certainty.

We were talking about this and she said, “I can get lost in a room.”  Then we laughed.

Later my mind started turning that phrase over and over and …. That phrase was the topic at our last W W & W Discussion Group.  At first there was silence.  Finally, a look appeared in their eyes.  Then, the question:  What do you mean lost in a room?  I shrugged my shoulders.

The light bulbs started shining and the discussion began.

LOST IN A ROOM

How can anyone get lost in a room?  A room has walls and doors.  That should be easy to get in and out of.  But is it?  Everyone has rooms they get lost in.  Rooms they try to find.

ROOMS WE GET LOST IN:

Despair                  Depression                  Anger                          Hopelessness

Resentment           Frustration                   Distrust                       Joy

Worry                    Fear                             Anxiety                       ??

I bet you understand why all of these are on the list except Joy.  Joy, in this case, would be when you put on those rose colored glasses and fail to see the reality of the world around you.  Coming out of any of these rooms takes great courage.  A person, lost in these rooms, is blessed when they have someone to open the door and walk with them, as they learn a new way of living.

THOSE WALLS AND DOORS:  OPTIONS

Build taller walls                                       Tear down the walls

Lock the doors                                          Fling the door wide

Stay in the room                                        Find a way out

We do have options but they are not always easy.  Sometimes, sadly, the doors stay shut forever and the walls close in tighter and tighter.  The eyes and heart see no way out and the body does not have the strength to even nudge the door.  Sometimes, thankfully, the doors open and the walls crumble.  And the light gets in.

ROOMS WE TRY TO FIND:

Love                      Peace                           Calm                            Understanding

Healing                  Acceptance                 Answers                      Companionship

Wealth                   Comfort                      A Purpose                   ??

Do most of these make sense as things we try to find?  We all want love and calm and companionship and answers.  Does wealth belong on this list?  Somehow it seems out of place, but people try to find the room they think is important.

THOSE WALLS AND DOORS:  OPTIONS

Make sure it is the right room                   Enter or turn away

Find the key                                              Open the door or leave it closed

Go in

We all have options.  Sometimes it is as hard to enter a room as it is to leave one.

LOST IN A ROOM

Have I made you think?  Have you thought about rooms you have stayed in way too long because you could not find the way out?  Have you thought about rooms you would like to find? 

Do I have news for you!!!  You are not alone and there is one who will open the door for you and will walk beside you as you learn to leave behind fear and anger and hopelessness.  And those rooms you are looking for -- peace and calm and love?  My goodness!  He knows the way to those too. 

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me

Yup, Jesus knows you.  He can knock down walls and open doors.  He will get you out of those rooms you are lost in.  He will give you strength and courage.  He wants his sheep in the light, not shut in a room.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

Yup, Jesus knows the path to the rooms you are seeking.  And he knows which rooms you need to stay away from.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.

Yup, all you have to do is open the door.  Allow Jesus into your life and your life will change.

And go get the good china – you know the china you don’t use so you can pass down to your kids – because the last of that verse says Jesus wants to sit and eat with you.

Jesus, with his elbows on your table, leaning forward, looking you right in the eyes and saying, “Did you hear me when I said I love you?”

Now honestly --- DOESN'T THAT JUST BLOW YOUR MIND? 

RIPPLES

Have you ever thrown a stone into a lake and watched the ripples spread into larger and larger circles?  Watching, until the ripples again return to a smooth surface.  That is how our community feels today.  Except the ripples continue to reach further and further.

At 7:10 the community was calm.  People were going to work.  People were talking and drinking coffee.  People were sending their children to school.  And then the stone was thrown into the water.

At 7:15 a vehicle did not stop and, while crossing the road to get on the bus, three children were killed and one injured.  A nine year old and six year old, twin siblings were killed and the ripples began.  The ripples are still moving.  There is no calm.  No smooth surface. 

In a split second, lives changed forever.  And I can only imagine…..

I spoke with one friend, who has buried a child, and her prayers immediately went out to the parents.  She talked from her heart and experience.  I lift up the parents in prayer.  May you find strength to breathe.  May you find courage to move.  May you find comfort in your faith.

I saw pictures of the scene.  A school bus no longer headed to school.  I lift up the bus driver and students who were on the bus in prayer.  May you find rest when you close your eyes.  May you be surrounded by those who can help you understand the tragedy. 

There were police cars and ambulances and a helicopter.  Each filled with those who would have to do their job, fill out the forms, talk to everyone and be strong while doing so.  It is what they are trained to do.  I lift up the police and EMTs in prayer.  May you always serve with courage and strength, but with compassion and gentleness.  May you find a healthy way to relieve the stress and images of your job. 

I saw the truck that hit the children and I wondered why.  I still wonder but I have heard the driver is a good woman.  I lift up the driver in prayer.  May you find the courage to be truthful as you answer questions and try to figure out how this could happen. 

I could picture the school.  Administrators advising teachers.  Teachers telling students.  Students confused.  I lift up the school in prayer.  May the staff and counselors find the words to comfort the children.  May the children not be afraid.  May the staff and counselors find a way to stay strong but allow themselves a time to grieve.

My day started with a nice smooth surface.  Friends having coffee.  Then the phone rang.  Conversation stopped as we heard about the accident.  The accident was like a stone thrown into the lake.  A ripple began.  A ripple that will last a lifetime.

We often think communities are small areas, but when something like this happens we are all a community.  We all question.  We all grieve.  We all want to hold our children and never let them go.

Hello, hello, hello,

I am taking some family time.  Going to see a sister, go to Florida with daughter's family, and then hopefully go see another sister.

That means you get a break from reading my blog --- OR --- you can go to the side, pick a month, and try an oldie but a goodie.

I will post again November 2.

Remember, celebrate each day,

Mary

TAKE A PILL AND FEEL BETTER

I have ongoing sinus problems.  Just part of me.  I can sneeze 7-8-13 times in a row.  When I start sneezing, hubby starts counting.  13 is the highest.  Sneezing makes my eyes water, my nose run and …  Well, you get the picture.  It is just part of me, until this last weekend.

For some reason I felt lousy.  My head hurt.  My ears hurt.  My eyes hurt.  And I was not sneezing.  A call was made, an appointment was open, the doctor agreed with me, and a prescription for an antibiotic was written.

Take a pill and feel better!  I wish there were pills for things other than sinus infections.

Take a pill and quit hating – I do not understand hate.  There are people and actions I do not like, but how can anyone hate another person because of the color of their skin?  God made each one of us – we are His children.  When did hate between the political parties become acceptable?  A difference of opinion does not mean you quit respecting the person.  I wish there was a pill to end hate.

Take a pill and enjoy life – I do not understand those that only find the bad in life.  How do people become so bitter that they do not see the wonder around them?  How can anyone not feel the gentle breeze or stop to enjoy the sky turning gold and pink and purple?  I wish there was a pill to restore joy.

Take a pill and be thankful – The words “thank you” are slowly disappearing from our vocabulary.  Why should I thank someone?  They only opened a door.  Why should I thank mom/dad?  They are my parents.  Why should I thank the minister?  It is their job.  I wish there was a pill to instill gratitude.

Take a pill and be changed – Oh how people do not want to hear the word change.  It actually makes them shudder.  I always eat at 5:00!  I will not go to the earlier/later service at church!  I …..  I wish there was a pill to make people realize change can be good.

Take a pill ----  Oh, wait.  I have a better idea!

Read the Word of God.  Believe me – you will be changed!  And with that change you will become thankful.  You will find joy as your eyes are opened to the wonders of God.  You will put hate aside when God’s love fills your soul.

So, take the Word of God and call me in the morning.

I LOVE

I love –

            wiggling my toes in mud,

            watching a gentle rain and how the air smells after a storm,

            the laughter of children,

            the wrinkles of life,

            the hymn Here I Am Lord,

            finishing a jigsaw puzzle

            reading, learning and technology,

            music and quiet,

            driving back roads,

            and my family.

I love –

            wine,

            sleep,

            conversation,

            cheesecake,

            a glass of cold water,

            leaves in the fall,

            the ocean and the mountains,

            buffaloes,

            swimming,

            numbers,

            and friends.

I love –

            watching a sunset,

            coffee,

            wind blowing my hair,

            and God.

This list could go on and on.  Life is so full of blessings to enjoy – to love.  How do I describe standing on the edge of an ocean or looking up at a mountain?  How do I explain the feeling of holding the hand of a loved one?  How do I tell you the feeling of being on a ship in the middle of the ocean?  How do I put into words the power of a buffalo?  Life is so full of blessings to enjoy – to love.

Wow God!  So many blessings in my – our – day to day lives.  Some we take for granted like that morning cup of coffee.  Some we hold close and pray we never forget like the laughter of children.  Some we are guilty of never seeing because they are so common like a glass of water.  We daily thank you for the biggies:  family, friends, home, health, but today we thank you for all the joys, blessings and gifts you have so generously given us.  Amen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

My grandkids told me that September 2, 2019 they are going to throw me a 21st birthday party.  That means I am 20.  Well, maybe a bit more than that.  Cliff notes:  During surgery, September 2, 1998, I died.  Bet you guessed I did not stay that way.  I am not unique.  Many people have died and lived to tell about it.

When the young man was wheeling me out to the car, he asked, “Did you see a light?”  Told him, “No.  Figured God was not done with me and the devil didn’t know what to do with me, so they both refused to keep me.”

This has made for many jokes and remarks.  One grandson told me I like technology and continue to learn because I have a young brain.  (Wish I had the young body to go with it.)  My daughter once told me that if I had stayed dead she would have buried me with shoes on.  (I realized she had finally dealt with her fear.  I hate wearing shoes.)  My son put on a stiff upper lip and was manly.  (But I saw right through that act.)  Hubby, on the other hand, would like to wrap me in cotton and protect me.  (I am so blessed to have him!!!)  And my reaction?  I realized how precious life is.  Even more, I realized I did not need to fear dying.  Been there.  Done that.

But when I do – and news flash:  we all will die – I will see the scriptures fulfilled for me.

Therefore I will not lose heart.  Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly, I am being renewed day by day.  For my light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So I fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what I see is temporary, but what I do not see is eternal.   2 Corinthians 4:16-18

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because to come to him I must believe that he exists and that he will reward me because I earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

Personal Statement of Faith

I believe Jesus is the Son of God.

I believe Jesus walked on this earth and that he brought the love of God

to all who will accept it.

I believe Jesus can heal souls and bodies.

Although I may have times of doubt or times of disobedience,

I believe the love of Jesus is unending and never fails.

I believe Jesus is my salvation.

I believe Jesus died so my sins could be buried with him.

I believe he arose and is with his Father.

I believe Jesus lived so he could present me to his Father

as a forgiven, cleansed daughter.

A disclaimer here.  I am fine.  Well, other than a little of this and a little of that, but we all have this and that.  I am not ready to die, but when I have fulfilled whatever it is God has for me to do, I will be ready to live.

I will see the twelve gates and the walls of jasper and gold as pure as glass.  I will pluck fruit from those trees.  And I am taking the biggest drinking glass I can find.  I will dip that glass in the crystal clear river and be refreshed by the water of life.

Then I am going to ask God to retire that 2 X 4 He uses to get my attention. 

PRAY BEFORE THE PHONE RINGS

Our daughter was in bed, but her husband was doing an extra good job of rattling the walls.  (This family has six people and, believe me, they all snore.  Of course, they tell me the same thing.)  Anyway, back to the story.  Terri got up, went out to the living room, and decided to read.  As she was reading, she felt the urge to pray for son number two, Joshua.

Terri figured she was to pray for Joshua getting ready to leave for his adventure of higher education.  So she did.  Another urge to pray, but this time she also felt the need to pray for his protection.  So she did.

A few minutes later the phone rang.  “Mom I am okay, but I had a wreck.”

PRAY BEFORE

PRAY BEFORE THE NEED:

Have you ever had to sudden urge to pray for someone?  It is like a small voice in your head.  A stirring of your Spirit. 

Maybe you decided to put that person on your list for later.  Maybe you stopped and prayed immediately. 

When the call to pray is felt, there is a need.  An immediate need.  It cannot wait till later.  Even though you do not know the need, immediately lift the person up to God.

PRAY BEFORE YOU STUDY:

I wish I could say I had a regular routine for spending time studying and reading the Bible.  There is one thing I know.  If I start my study time by turning to a passage or turning to the next page in a study, it will not go well.  The scriptures will be words on the page and the study will bring more questions than answers. 

When I pray before I study, before even opening the Bible, the scriptures seem relevant and the study leads me in the right direction.

PRAY BEFORE YOU DECIDE:

Big decisions – scary!  Every decision has a consequence.  Do not want to brush your teeth?  Get ready for cavities.  We make decisions all day long.  Some are common sense and others are routine, until we have to make a big decision.  Is this the right person to marry?  Should I take a new job opportunity?  Should we move to another town?  What church do we go to?  As we face big decisions, we think about it.  We look at all the options.  We might even make a list with columns for Positive and Negative.  Then we decide.  I do not know about you, but, whenever I have made decisions that way, they usually do not turn out.  Way too many times I have made major decisions without praying about them first. 

When I pray for guidance before making decisions, I will see the path to the wise choice.

PRAY -----

PRAY CONTINUALLY      1 Thessalonians 5:23

I do believe that says it all.  

When should we pray?   CONTINUALLY of course.

NEEDED:  FOOD TRUCKS AND PORT-A-POTS

Mother:  I do not want you going, but if you are determined, at least take this to eat.

Son:  Oh, mom.  I am not a baby.   I am sure I will be able to find something to eat. 

Mother:  You are not an adult either and you will do as I say or you will not go.  I have packed the bread and fish so no one will know ‘my mommy packed my lunch.’

Son:  Ok.  But don’t wait up.  I have heard so much about this man that I want to hear everything he says.  Yes, mother, I will be careful.

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”  He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Then Phillip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

John 6:5-9, 13

It was fun to close my eyes and picture Jesus quietly teaching about the kingdom of God.  Quietly healing those that needed healing.  Jesus having compassion on them.  After all, He is their shepherd.  What would it have been like to see the crowds leaning forward to hear every word?  What tears fell as a loved one was healed.  How amazing to be hungry and be fed.

=   =   =   =   =   =   =

It was not so fun to close my eyes and picture Jesus arriving outside a town today?

Mother:  I do not want you going, but if you are determined, be sure and have your debit card and charge your phone. 

Son:  Oh, mom.  Really!  Quit being a helicopter mom.  I always have my card and you honestly think I would let my phone run down?  Besides, I have the solar charger with me.  I wonder what food trucks will be there.  Sure hope they bring in the fancy port-a-pots.  Some of them are ..

Mother:  I am not a helicopter mom!  Remember you are still my little boy.

Son:  Gotta go.  There will be a lot of traffic.  Don’t wait up.  I have no idea when I will be home.  I do not want to miss a thing!

Can you imagine the entrepreneurs that would follow Jesus around today?  Food trucks.  Port-a-Pot services.  Vendors selling chairs-in-a-bag.  Phone and iPad charging stations.  People selling vials of water guaranteed to be from the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized.  A few shysters selling tickets to the healing line.  (Of course they were never around when the people realized they did not need a ticket.)  And the religious leaders taking notes on what Jesus said and keeping track of each healing.  The local stations would have reporters hoping to get a story for the 11:00 news.  The stage crew.  The sound crew.  The list could go on.

=   =  =  =   =   =

THREE QUESTIONS

If Jesus came to your town, known only as a teacher and healer, would you be there?  Would you want to hear for yourself?  Would you want to see for yourself? 

If Jesus came to your town, as the risen Christ, would you be there?  Would you want to hear for yourself?  Would you want to see for yourself?

If you go to see Jesus, would you want to see Jesus quietly teaching and healing, as the Shepherd to His Sheep or would you want to see Jesus surrounded by food trucks and lights and little bottles marked “From the Jordan River” and an ATM machine?

This is NOT a put down on contemporary services or today’s music.  I like energy in the service and I listen to today’s contemporary hymns.  What this is (and honestly, I usually do not know where a blog will go until I am done) is a warning about how we worship.  God does not care if we come to church in jeans or dresses.  God does not care if we read the Word from a printed Bible or one on the iPad.  It is okay with God if you keep your hands securely at your side or if you raise them high. 

But God does not want our worship to be a show.  The place where we worship should not be determined by a spectacular scene set up for a series of messages or if cappuccino is available or because it is the newest church in town.

God cares that we worship.  That we worship HIM.  God did not send Jesus to put on a show.  God sent Jesus to save our souls.  To be our way. 

MORE QUESTIONS

Are you hungry?

Do you know where to go to be fed?

Do you know you have a Shepherd that watches over you?

Do you worship the God that sent His Son to be your Savior?

All you have to do is talk honestly to God.

Then listen and He will guide you.

MISDIRECTION

MISDIRECTION:

a wrong direction

the act or an instance of diverting

the state of being misdirected

This word popped into my mind this morning.  Made we wonder:  Am I misdirected?  Am I putting my energies in the wrong direction?  Am I not doing something I should?

Then another image popped into my mind.  A scary image --- the devil. 

If you know me, other than reading this blog, you know I am pretty outspoken.  Ok.  Very outspoken.  I stand up for what I believe and will defend my opinions.  Misdirection – how does that apply and what am I supposed to learn?  It would be so much easier if God would just show up at my door and say, “Mary, we need to have a talk.”

“You see the devil quoted the first part of a scripture.  That is an old trick called misdirection.  His goal is to make you think you can do anything you want.  Is that true?”

No!  The scripture continues “--but not everything is beneficial.  ‘Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything.”  So, if I use the suggestions from the devil, am I doing it right or am I following him instead of YOU.

“My child, you already know the answer!  What happens if you follow the misdirection of the devil?”

I might win my point – achieve my goal – but I will have a new master.  I do not want a new master!

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

MISDIRECTION:  A TOOL OF THE DEVIL

The whole truth – Facts are facts, right?  Not really.  Paper lays still.  Good facts can be put front and center while other facts are buried in the fine print. 

A secret agenda – Oh my.  This should be a no brainer!  If secret meetings are required and agendas have to be kept secret, a new master is being obeyed.

The devil’s help list – What is wrong with getting outside help?  Maybe nothing.  Maybe everything.  Are the people giving advice honest? Or are they looking out for themselves and willing to do anything to win?

You are right – When a mind is completely closed, the devil has used misdirection perfectly.  Why?  Because the person will no longer see others as people to respect.  Only people to dominate and control.

They are sheep and will never believe you lied to them – People are easily swayed.  They will listen to the loudest voice and remember the best graphics.  People do not want to believe the person they have coffee with or the person who has kids on the same little league team or a person they sit next to in church would lie to them. 

The Bible says –The devil loves this one!  The devil will point out the exact words to make actions seem perfectly acceptable.  AND if it is in the Bible, it must be okay. 

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

The word misdirection has helped me understand what I am up against.  What you are up against.  What we are all up against, as we stand up for what we believe.

The word misdirection has helped me understand the tactics my opponent might use.  I have never felt the urge to be right at all cost and pray I will never allow the devil to be my master just to get my way.

Yes, I am taking a stand in my community.  Writing this has strengthened my resolve to fight an honest fight, to respect those with a different opinion, listen with an open mind, to use all the facts, and, win or lose, to know “Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything.” 

OPEN MY EYES

2 Kings 6:8-23 is quite the story.  It has kings, a prophet (a man of God), frustration, a big army, eyes that see, eyes that do not see and wisdom.

Cliff Notes:  The king of Aram was at war with Israel.  He kept moving his troops here and there, but somehow the king of Israel always found out where they were setting up camp.  Poor guy was frustrated and was sure one of his officers was a spy.  No spy, but the prophet, Elisha, had a way of knowing these things.  Pretty sure it had something to do with Elisha being “a man of God.”  The king of Aram was more than upset to hear about Elisha and sent men to capture him.

The servant of the man of God arose to begin his day and thought it was going to be a normal day until he went outside.  The servant saw horses and chariots and a strong force surrounding the city.  And he was the one that had to tell Elisha. 

Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid.  Those who are with us are more than those who are with them”

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”

See what?  The servant saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The enemies were struck with blindness, they followed Elisha to the king of Israel, the king was convinced not to kill them, instead prepared a feast, and sent them back to their master.  No more raids on Israel’s territory by the king of Aram.

<   <   <   <   <      >   >   >   >   >

I am working on the 30 Life Principles Bible Study, by Charles F. Stanley.  Lesson 9 is titled:  Trusting God Means Looking Beyond What You Can See to What God Sees.  Dr. Stanley commented:

Elisha did not pray that his servant would stop seeing the enemy.  He prayed he would start seeing the goodness and provisions of the Lord.

 The servant saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire!

CHARIOTS OF FIRE!

HILLS FULL OF HORSES!

<   <   <   <   <      >   >   >   >   >

The servant still saw the enemy.  He saw the strong force that surrounded them.  Now he also saw all those that were with them.  And they outnumbered the enemy.

Sometimes our eyes are closed and we only see the trial.  The struggle. 

Open my eyes that I may see.  What would I see when I am afraid?  When I am going through a trial?  What would I see surrounding my loved ones when they are struggling?

<   <   <   <   <      >   >   >   >   >

What would you see when you are afraid?

What would be surrounding you when you are going through a trial?

What would you see surrounding your loved ones?

O Lord, open my eyes so I can see past the enemy.  Past the trial.  Past the suffering.  Open my eyes so I can see those that are with me.    Amen

PS        Remember, they outnumber the enemy but they also are there to celebrate the victory, to share in your joys, and wait with you while you rest.

A MAT, A HOLE, AND A HEALING

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.  They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.  Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.  Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”  He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.  This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Mark 2:1-5, 11-12

Capernaum was a fishing and agricultural community of less than 2,000 people.  Peter, James, John, Andrew and Matthew lived in Capernaum and Jesus stopped there often.  If he went there to get away from it all, he should have slipped in under the cover of darkness because the people heard he had come home. 

Jesus stayed in Peter’s home.  Most likely, it would have had small rooms surrounding an open courtyard, course walls, and a roof of earth and straw. 

This story makes me wonder.

A MAT – I wonder about the paralyzed man.  What was so special about him that others were willing to carry him around?  Did he have a way of telling a good story?  Was he a good listener?  Did he give good advice?  Was he someone they had known since childhood?  How and when did he become paralyzed?  Did he ask them to take him to Jesus or was it their idea?  How did it feel to be carried around on that mat when everyone around you could walk?

A HOLE – I wonder about the roof and the hole.  How did they get up there?  Was it safe to be on a roof of earth and straw?  How did they not fall through?  How come the pictures never show people with straw in their hair and brushing dirt off their shoulders?  If someone made an opening in the roof by digging through it, it would have been a bit of a mess below.  Did Jesus step out of the way when he heard the digging start?  And why didn’t someone stop them when they heard the noise overhead?

A HEALING – I wonder about the healing.  Did Jesus see their faith in their actions or in their hearts?  Or both?  What did the man think when Jesus told him his sins are forgiven?  Did he realize he could get up then or did it not sink in until Jesus told him to get up and go home?  What did it feel like to stand and be able to walk?  What were his friends thinking?  Were they giving high fives?  Or were there tears in their eyes?  How did it feel to witness this healing?  To be amazed?

I WONDER

Would I be willing to carry a friend?

Could I support that friend not worrying what others thought?

Would Jesus see my faith?

Would I believe when I heard “your sins are forgiven” and walk away from what paralyzed me?

A MAT.  A HOLE.  A HEALING.

I wonder……………….