I WONDER

• I wonder how the first person came up with tires. 
• I wonder who looked at a marshmallow, candy bar, and graham cracker and thought, “How would this taste if I put the marshmallow on a stick, held it over a fire, toasted it, and then stacked them all together?”
• I wonder who was hungry enough to take an egg, crack it, and decide it needed to be cooked before eating.
• I wonder why items were named car or ball or telephone or marbles.
• I wonder who mixed together the right ingredients to make my life better, when they invented bubbles.

Yup, I wonder a lot.  Life fascinates me.  I look around and I think:

• “Why is that single leaf still hanging on the tree?”
• “Why does mud feel so good when it squishes between my toes?”
• “How can silence be so peaceful sometimes and so brutal at other times?”
• “Why did God…”

And when I think these things out loud, my poor hubby answers, “How am I supposed to know?”

So many questions in our lives.  Some can be answered. 

• I am sure a botanist could easily explain why the last leaf is still there and shake their head wondering why I don’t understand such a simple theory. 
• Most children would look at me, with a how-dumb-are-you-stare, and say, “Because it is mud.”  And that would be the correct answer. 
• A new mother would tell me that silence is a gift after trying to comfort a crying baby.  A prisoner would tell me that silence is torture, because then they hear their thoughts and their memories and the silence confirms their bad choices.

Some cannot be answered.  Why did God…?

I ask God that question a lot.  “God, why ????”  It is okay to ask God questions.  I have even been mad at God.  That is okay too.  He is a really big God and can handle my questions and my anger, along with all my joys and praises.  I love praising God.  I love the joys.  I am calm after God takes my anger.  But, I wonder why He doesn’t answer my questions.

Am I to figure it out?  Am I to search for the answer?  Am I to read His Word and discover the answer?  Sometimes, I do figure it out.  Sometimes, I search and find the answer.  Sometimes, I read His Word and discover the answer.  But other times, I want to shout:

“GOD, WHY WON’T YOU ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?”

And at those times, I have to trust ….As the song, Trust and Obey, written by John H. Sammis in 1887, says: 

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

CHOSEN

Our Sunday School class has started a new study.  The class members suggest a Bible story or Bible verses to discuss.  The object is to look at these verses, “see” the people, look at what was happening, discuss how and why the person reacted as they did, and understand the story or the verses better.

One suggestion was the chapters in Matthew and Luke which tell of the birth of Jesus.  And we began with Zechariah.  Last Sunday we talked about Mary.  Toward the end of the discussion, I pointed out that each person, we would be discussing, was chosen for a specific reason.  Their lives intertwined as they walked, with faith and obedience, on the path God chose for them.

Then my mind went, “Oh that applies to us too.  We are to walk on God’s path and our lives intertwine with and influence others.”  I drew something like this:

My goodness!  Just like Zechariah and Mary, those in class were right there on the path God had prepared for them.  Well…except for Mary (The Mary that writes this blog.).  Seems like I took a detour.  Made a path of my own.

A question was asked:  Do you get a chance to get back on the path?

Answer:  A chance?  More than that.  God gave me a second chance.  Then a third chance.  Eventually, God got out the 2 X 4 with my name on it, whacked me over the head, and I finally got it.  Now I am on God’s path.  I am where I belong.

But what about the time I was not where I belonged?  What happened during that time?  What happened?  I grieved God.  (Oh, how I hate to use that phrase.  How it broke my heart the first time I read Ephesians 4:30 and felt the words do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.) 

During the time I was on my path – was there one person I let down?  Was there someone I was to help?  Or just listen to?  Was I supposed to pray for someone?  Was there a child I was to help?  Did I not call someone?  Did someone suffer because I was off doing my thing instead of God’s?  Was there an angel ready to give me a message – a job -- an assignment – and I missed it? 

As I look at Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the shepherd’s, Simeon, Anna, the wise men, and John the Baptist, I realize each was chosen, each was obedient, and each faithfully followed the path God had planned for them.

NEWS FLASH

GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU TOO! ! !

ARE YOU ON HIS PATH?  OR YOURS?

GOOGLE

Say the word google.  Sounds silly doesn’t it?  Google might sound silly but it has power.

When you google, you have absolutely unending amounts of information.  Search cell phones and you can pick one of 247,000,000 results.  That is million!  What about some other searches?

Love              624,000,000

Beach            587,000,000

Family           581,000,000

Education      574,000,000

Christian       411,000,000

Football         187,000,000

God               173,000,000

Dogs              169,000,000

Jesus              153,000,000

Peace             149,000,000

Hate              130,000,000

Satan               60,700,000

I wonder how many people look at 624 million links to love.  Or 187 million links to football.  Or 60.7 million links to Satan.  It was good to see that God and Jesus ranked above Satan, but a bit scary that they ranked below the beach and football.

Where is this going?  Not sure.  It started because I was googling information on hands.  That was going to be this week’s blog.  Then I saw that there were 155 million results.  How does all that get entered?  Where do 155 million results even come from? 

The word concordance is not a silly sounding word like google, but it serves the same purpose.  The NIV concordance has 35 listings for hands.  There are 159 for various forms of the word believe.  Enough examples!

Where is this going?  Not sure.  It is just one of those blogs that starts and meanders its way across the page.  (Wow, that is quite the descriptive sentence.  Way to go Mary.)  Where it lands is up to you.

But remember – when you search for an answer by using google, you have to sort the truth from the where did you ever come up with that. 

When you search the Bible?  No sorting!  IT IS ALL TRUE!

We were getting ready to leave on a vacation and I scheduled my blog for the wrong week.  Oops.  So, one week later than planned......

Looking back is fun and while looking back, I rediscovered this one, posted November 6, 2009.   True then.   True now.   I left the ages the same, but, in 2019, two of the ages have increased to 73 and 21.

ONCE UPON A TIME

TODAY'S SCRIPTURES:

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

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

ONCE UPON A TIME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When is your birthday? How do you celebrate?

LET US PRAY

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

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

Bill and I were doing a bit of fall cleanup and I got thinking about my first blog, Grass or Weed, written September 8, 2006.  Today, enjoy a shortened version of my first blog.

Friday, September 08, 2006

INTRODUCTION

Mary’s Moments started at a church committee meeting. If you just emitted a groan, I know you are a committee member.  At this particular meeting, it was brought to our attention that the weekly church paper could use some articles.  The next question was, “Who would be willing to help?”

If you are a true committee member, you know how many hands went up.  Did you guess zero? Bingo!  Everyone looked up to the ceiling or doodled on any available paper.  Would no one step up?

Someone said, “Okay. Okay. I will write a monthly article. I will write Mary’s Moments.  Will that help?”  All of a sudden I realized the someone who just spoke up was me.  Mary’s Moments was born.

My goal is to give you encouragement in your faith, help for each day and the realization that we all have shared experiences.  I also hope to give you a smile and will make you feel better about this world and the people in it.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.        James 1:12

GRASS OR WEED?

As I stood looking out at Bill mowing off the weeds, I got to thinking about the dry brown grass and the tall green weeds.  Which would I rather be:  Grass or weeds?  The grass, when we have rain, is so green and soft under foot.  Everybody likes grass.  It is just right for wiggling toes in or laying a baby on while they nap.  Now it is dry.  And brown.  And does not feel good to bare toes.  When the rain comes, it will turn green again.  It is just waiting to be nourished.

The weeds seem to be doing just fine without the much-needed rain.  They are still growing.  They are still green.  No one likes weeds, but there they are.  In the flowerbed.  In the yard.  In the garden.  In the corn and soybeans.  Why do they do so well when everything else seems to suffer in the heat and drought?

Guess the grass and weeds are a lot like people.  Some people face hard times like the grass.  They do not have a reserve of strength or strong roots to support them.  Some people just wait for trouble to blow over.  They wait for the “rain” to come to them.

Other people are like the weeds.  They are strong in the good times, when they are well fed and watered.  BUT – they are also strong when the times are hard.  They find an inner strength to stand up to the heat and they have roots to reach down for the water.

Yes, I think I want to be a weed.  I want a faith that keeps me strong when times are good.  BUT -- more importantly, I want a faith that can stand up to the heat and a faith with roots that will draw up the help I need when my body or soul may be dry.

TRICKLE-DOWN EFFECT

TRICKLE-DOWN: 

• a situation in which something that starts in the high parts of a system spreads to the whole of the system
• relating to or being an effect caused gradually by remote or indirect influences

Oh my, mention trickle-down and you can start one really big political argument.  This is not a political post, but I want to look at a recent movie using the trickle-down effect.

I love the Kendrick brother’s movies.  It all started at the Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany, Georgia.  Two brothers wanted to make movies.  The church said, “Sure.”  The rest is history, as they produced Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous, War Room, and their current movie, Overcomer. 

DISCLAIMER:  If you plan on seeing Overcomer, please stop reading now.  Go to the movie and then read the rest.

Trickle-down

• Major employer closes its doors -- therefore
• People start moving to other locations for jobs -- therefore
• Students move out of the school district -- therefore
• There are less jobs and teachers take a pay cut -- therefore
• Stores close -- therefore
• The main character is a coach and no longer has a basketball team – therefore

Trickle-up

• He agrees to coach cross country -- and
• Only one girl shows up -- and
• She meets her father – she had been told he was dead -- and
• She becomes a believer -- and
• She wins the state race (of course) -- and
• Goes on to influence others with her faith

I believe there is a trickle-down effect in our lives.  Some we have no control over and the effects ripple out into the community – sometimes, even into the world.  In the movie, an employer closing their doors forced the community to redefine itself.  Friends moved away taking their children out of the school system.  A community that gathered every Friday for football or basketball, no longer had anything to cheer about.  Income drops and stores close.

I also believe there is a trickle-up effect in our lives.  One man agrees to coach one girl.  One girl learns she was lied to, but also learns she has a Heavenly Father that never leaves her and never lies to her.  She accepts being forgiven and then forgives others.  And the ripple begins.  Once more, a community gathers and they cheer as one girl crosses the finish line.  And one girl goes to college and shares her story and her faith.  The ripple spreads further.

All this made me think.  The way I live my life – Do my actions have a trickle-down effect or a trickle-up effect? 

GO

God says go.

• Noah, go take the animals and your family for a boat ride.
• Abram, go away from your homeland, because I have big plans for you.
• Moses, go take a very long walk and do not worry about the Red Sea.  I have you covered.
• Jonah, go to Nineveh and be careful or you will end up in the belly of a big fish.

Even today God is telling people to go.  Go to Haiti or Africa or China or America.  And sometimes God says, “Go to those young girls.”

Our daughter and I were standing outside Cleveland Clinic waiting for the shuttle back to our hotel.  The weather was good and it is always fun to people watch.  Then I saw them -- two young girls talking quietly, tears in their eyes, and making phone calls. 

We continued to observe people, talk about the controlled chaos of picking up/dropping off patients, and watch the fountain.  And glance at the girls.

Then, the one girl put her phone down and began to cry.  And God said, “Go.”

“Are you okay?” 

“No.  Our friend from our dorm is here and she has no family close.  Her mother called us to see if we could sit with her.”

“How is she?”

“She was found in a pond and has not regained consciousness.  We don’t know.  We are not family.  And we are missing classes, but will worry about that later.”

They continued, “There is nothing we can do but be here and pray.”

“I am sure her mother is very thankful you are here.  Her daughter is not alone.”

After they talked a bit longer, I asked, “May I pray with you?”

=   =   =   =   =   =   =   =   =

Have you ever had the thought, “I should call ___?___?”

Or, “I should pray for ___?___?”

Have you ever passed a stranger and wanted to tell them everything would be okay?

Did you do it?  If you are like me, the thought or urge passes and is quickly forgotten.  Except this time.

The thought or urge passes and is quickly forgotten -- except this time --- and, know what?  It was easy!  I was not self-conscious.  I am not the best prayer in the world, but the words came. 

We talked.  I prayed.  I went back to waiting on the shuttle.  The girls went back inside.  And I wonder what happened. 

=   =   =   =   =   =   =   =   =

What happened is up to God.  I only had to comfort and pray.  But what if I had not?

Sooooo – The next time you get a feeling you should call a friend, call them.  Or pray for them, pray.  Or tell that stranger everything will be okay, do it.  Because, what if you don’t?

MEME

No, I did not forget a space.  The word is “meme” and Merriam-Webster describes it this way:  it is an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media.”

How would I describe myself in memes?

 I really, really do like my morning coffee. 

“Normal” is rarely used to describe me.

 I am a bit outspoken.

I have days when I am trapped between Do Not Enter and Do Not Exit.

When I saw this picture, I swore they were my two youngest grandsons.  They denied it, but I am not sure I believe them.  (No, I do not find this picture in bad taste.  My goodness it is funny!  God has a sense of humor.  After all, He created me.)  I put this picture in because I am a grandmother.  I must be prepared for anything.

A true friend

I hope this is my outlook on life.

I hope I will always hold this scripture in my heart.

I pray this is how Jesus reacts when I arrive and he shows me to my room in the mansion.

I am a mix of emotions.  Experiences.  Memories.  I have my good side.  Silly side.  I have parts of me that need worked on…big time!  I cannot be described in one word nor summed up in one meme. 

One thing is for sure – there is no one else quite like me!  (And for that all God’s children said Amen.)

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:13

My goodness, God does good work.  He created me and know what?  He isn’t done with me yet!!!

Question:  What memes would you use to describe yourself?

Reminder:  God created you and he does good work.  He is not done with you yet.  He has plans for you – unique plans. 

SATAN – YOU WILL NOT WIN

I love this and I have needed it this month.  Satan – Devil – whatever you call him – has sure tried to get a hold of me.  News Flash -  AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN!

THE STORM

My goodness, where shall I start?  August has been and is going to continue to be a storm. 

1. 15 year old grandson had a biopsy to determine the outcome of a suspect ultrasound the 6^th – Biopsy was clear - AMEN
2. 20 year old grandson had surgery on his arm the 13^th – Surgery went good -- AMEN
3. After battling Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year, a very good friend had a stroke the 16th – Motor skills good and ability to speak coming back -- AMEN
4. My brother-in-law is having serious back pain issues and will find out the results of his test the 23rd
5. Our daughter is going for tests the 29th to find answers to why she has pain (and this girl has a pain threshold at like … 20)
6. ???? – I have no idea what else that sneaky snake will throw in the mix

I AM

On my own, I am at risk.  On my own, I would falter.  BUT, I am not on my own.  The prayers, of my family, my church family, friends, and people I have never met, have surrounded and supported me.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people

Ephesians 6:18

On my own, I am at risk.  On my own, I would falter.  BUT, I am not on my own.  I am a Child of God and I am strong.

God is striding ahead of me.  He’s right there with me.  He won’t let me down; he won’t leave me.  I will not be intimidated.  I will not worry.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Message – made personal

I AM THE STORM

Bring it on you ole sneaky snake.  You may think you will win.  YOU ARE WRONG!

I AM A CHILD OF GOD!

I am ready with truth and righteousness.

A WOMAN OF FAITH!

My faith will shield me.

A WARRIOR OF CHRIST!

My helmet of salvation will protect me and I will use the sword of the Spirit.

Bring it on, if you dare, Satan.  But be prepared, because --

I AM THE STORM!

FOCUS and RESPONSE

There is a video of a father, comedian DJ Pryor, talking to his young son, Kingston.  They are having a very deep conversation.  The father asks a question and the little guy answers.  What he answers is unknown.  The world does not have an app to translate baby chatter.  I hope they never do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY35eXTKVLY

This video became such a hit, they have made more.

Another video is about a father trying to explain why his little one cannot come outside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMR2aFyt86Q

/   /   /   /      \   \   \   \

Often my blog will use a dialogue with God to make a point.  Usually, the dialogue came from one of my talks with God. 

Yes, I often have conversations with God.  I wonder how a video of those conversations would turn out?  Would it make people laugh?  Would it make people think?  Would they hear God answering me?  Would I really want others to watch?  To hear what I say to God?

What would I sound like?  Would a person hearing me think I was babbling?  Would they need an app to understand words I use like forgiveness, mercy, hope, faith, and grace?  Would they comprehend when I say, “All is well with my soul?”

FOCUS!!  RESPONSE!!

I hope you watched the videos because they have two things in common.  FOCUS!!  RESPONSE!!

The father is 100% focused on his child.  The child is responding to the father. 

1 JOHN 3:1

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God?

And that is what we are!

Our Heavenly Father is 100% focused on us -- HIS children.  But, do we respond to the Father?

WHY I GO TO CHURCH

Our Sunday School class discussed going to church.  It got me to thinking – exactly why do I go to church? 

Because:

• I want to
• I like the sermons
• I like the prayers
• I like taking communion
• I like the music
• I like to talk to the church members

I think that covers it.  Or  maybe not.  Last Sunday, the pastor used Psalm 107:28-32 and it helps answer the question.  Let me put those verses this way:

Then I cried out to the LORD in my trouble, and he brought me out of my distress.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

I was glad when it grew calm, and he guided me to my desired haven.

Let me give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me.

Let me exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

Haven – a place of safety, a shelter, a sanctuary.  I need a haven.  A haven would be a place where I can breathe, relax, rest.  A place where I can have a feeling of trust and hope and security.  A haven needs to be a place that is solid.  A place that is there 24/7.  A place where I can be honest and open and myself.  A place where I do not have to fit in … rather a place where I am welcomed and valued.

Why do I go to church?  Well – my final haven will be heaven.  I am totally confident in that!!!  Until then, I go to church.

I want to go to church!  It is a desire deep inside me.

I want to hear a sermon!  I want to hear the Word of God preached.  I want to hear a message that makes me think and, occasionally, makes me feel uncomfortable.

I want to join others in prayer!  I want to share joys and I want to unite as a congregation to lift up those with special needs.

I want to take communion!  What an honor to be allowed to take the Bread and the Cup.  How humbling to understand Jesus died for me.

I want to hear the music!  I want to hear hymns that were written 100, 200 years ago and those that were written last week.

I want to greet and talk with people!  People who are believers.  People who are doing the best they can.  People who I trust with my deepest fears and my greatest triumphs.  People who will respect my privacy, while offering prayers on my behalf.  People who realize I will do the same for them.

I attend church because I do not want to forget how to care!

The world is going crazy and we are no longer shocked.  We read a headline and turn the page.  We hear the news and never shed a tear.  The most horrendous acts are part of the latest TV show and we calmly change the channel.  As a town, as a county, as a state, as a country, as a world…we just go on. 

I attend church because I do not want to forget how to care.

WDJS

I was sitting on the deck, snapping beans, and enjoying the world.  The birds were chirping away.  The neighborhood was noisy with the sounds of lawn mowers, kids, and cars.  And I got to thinking.  WDJS?

Do you have one of those WWJD bracelets?  Or maybe a coffee mug with WWJD, in bold letters, reminding you how to start your day?  WWJD is everywhere. 

I want something that says WDJS.

WDJS – WHAT DID JESUS SEE?

Well – Jesus saw

Ø  Satan, evil spirits, and demons

Ø  the disciples, the crowds, and the hungry

Ø  the man with leprosy, a paralytic, the blind, the lame, the dead, and the ill

Ø  the poor and the rich

Ø  the children

Ø  the Canaanite woman, the widow, the crippled lady, and the Samaritan woman

Ø  the money changers, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and a tax collector

Ø  his mother

WDJS come before WWJD

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  …  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said,...  Matthew 4:18, part 19

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.  John 9:1, 6

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.  As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late.  Send the crowds away so they can get to the villages and buy themselves some food.”  Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat.”  Matthew 14:14, 15-16

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”  From that time on, the disciple took her into his home.  John 19:26-27

Jesus saw and then Jesus did.

WDIS and then WWID?   

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WHAT DO I SEE and then WHAT WILL I DO?