Greetings, Thanks to a broken modem I will not be able to post a blog this week. Glad the library has a computer for me to briefly use.

Since I can not post something, read your favorite scripture and let me know what it is.

Have a great week. A blessed week. A joyous week.

Mary

DECISIONS

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

DECISIONS

"What would you like for dinner?" asked Bill. "It doesn't matter," I replied.

"Do you want to teach during August?" I asked Judy. "I will," she said.

"What do you want to watch this evening?" I asked Bill. He came back with, "All those channels and nothing to watch. You pick."

Decisions! Decisions!! Decisions!!!

From the time our eyes open until they shut, the day is full of decisions. What to eat? What to do? What to wear? Are the errands done today or tomorrow? Decisions of reading or watching TV? Does the yard need mowed? Who gets the last piece of dark chocolate? (Okay, that is an automatic easy decision.) Do I prepare a will? Do I call my sister? Friend?

Do I go to church or decide it is okay to miss? Do I talk to God throughout the day? Do I keep God before me or do I put Him on the back burner when I work? When I talk with friends? Do I notice all of God's creation as I see flowers? Trees? Birds? Do I realize I am touching God, when I take the hand of a child? Do I tell others about Jesus?

Decisions! Decisions!! Decisions!!!

Some decisions are not important. A yes or no works just fine. Either way. No big deal. Sometimes one TV channel is as good as the next. And those errands can wait until tomorrow.

Other decisions are important. Where your next meal is coming from is very important when you have no money for groceries. A will is important. Calling a sister, brother, friend, son, daughter, spouse or parent is important. Your call may change their life. Or yours.

Then there are those DECISIONS!!! Just as some decisions are not important and others are, some decisions are extremely important and need to be made now. Now while you have time. Decisions that will change your day. Your life. Decisions that will help you understand life and help you understand death.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What decisions do you have to make today? Which ones are not important? Important? LIFE CHANGING?

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

LET US PRAY

Jesus, as I try to decide what to wear. What to watch on TV. As I make these decisions, I realize how silly I can be. Some decisions are so unimportant. Other decisions are important. Help me understand the most important decision I will ever make. Jesus, I do not want to have a troubled heart and need your guidance as I make decisions. I believe you are the way, the truth and the life. I come to you seeking peace, knowing that my life will have troubles, but that You can help me face those troubles. I also know that just as You will walk with me in life, You will welcome me into eternal life. … Amen

UPDATE

I have wonderful news – Praise the Lord news. The two young girls hurt on the 4-wheelers are both home. They need rest and to regain strength. These two girls still need prayers, but are on the way and much better than ever expected. THE POWER OF PRAYER AT WORK!!!

The young lady that was to be married is okay. She is moving one day at a time and, for now, that is what she needs to do. Continue to pray for her too.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

UNLEARNING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 1:7

Look, he is coming with the clouds

UNLEARNING

I do not know if you use My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, as a devotional, but if you were looking for a devotional, I would highly recommend this. I am reading this for the forth time and I am still finding new insights. This happened again on the July 29 reading.

"In the Bible clouds are always connected with God. Clouds are those sorrows or sufferings or providences, within or without our personal lives, which seem to dispute the rule of God. It is by those very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were no clouds, we should have no faith. "The clouds are but the dust of our Father's feet." The clouds are a sign that He is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow and bereavement and suffering are the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near without clouds, He does not come in clear shining."

I had highlighted parts of this in previous years, wrote in the margin, "Learn more from troubles than from easy times," and thought I understood this days reading. Then the next paragraph jumped out at me.

"It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials; through every cloud He brings, He wants us to unlearn something."

What? I am not supposed to learn. I am supposed to unlearn. Now that makes no sense. One thing I am learning as I read and reread My Utmost for His Highest is that I dig deeper each year and Oswald Chambers can be deep, but unlearn. I always thought I was to learn from my experiences. What could I unlearn?

I could unlearn self-reliance. Hate Distrust. Bitterness. I could unlearn having an un-forgiving spirit. Fear. Disobedience. Prejudice. I could unlearn -----

Light bulb moment: I have to unlearn all these things (and a gazillion more) so I never allow anything to injure my relationship with God.

This week - Go forth and unlearn!!!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Did you ever think about it this way? What do you need to unlearn? Think you are alone when you study and do not understand something? Never fear! You are not alone!!! We are all learning. Seeking. And, hopefully, understanding more.

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

LET US PRAY

Unlearn. You want me to unlearn? Lord, I know you are with me during trials and rough times. I know you understand and that I can draw upon your strength. But I thought I was supposed to learn. I never thought about unlearning. Help me look at my life and determine what I need to unlearn. Help me work on ________________________.

Help me unlearn so I never allow anything to injure my relationship with You. Amen

IT HAPPENED SO FAST

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

IT HAPPENED SO FAST

This last weekend was difficult for the members of our church. And yet it did an amazing work in our church. (For privacy reasons, I will not use names, but this happened on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.)

Saturday was a beautiful day, in our part of Indiana. Sun was shining. A cool day. Rain maybe later in the day, but Saturday started great. Until --

A young lady in our church was to be married Saturday. The Friday night rehearsal went great. Saturday, the bride-to-be posted on facebook, "This is my wedding day." She had planned this day. She was going to be a bride. Until -- Until her fiancée died. Yes, you read that correctly. He died. This Saturday started great. Until.

As our minister was giving comfort to this young lady, another tragedy was taking place. Two young girls were riding 4-wheelers. We all know kids will be kids and they were having fun. Until -- Until the 4-wheelers hit head on. Two girls were flown to the nearest hospital. Two girls who are in serious, but stable condition. This Saturday started great. Until.

I want you to know that there were so many prayers being said. Prayers for comfort. Prayers for peace. Prayers for understanding. Prayers for healing. Prayers for faith. Prayers for wisdom as doctors and families had to make decisions. Prayers. Prayers.

Those prayers continued Sunday morning when blankets were blessed and taken to the young lady who would soon be burying a loved one and to two young girls who did not know when those blankets were laid on them.

The amazing work it did in our church: Sunday during the blessing of the prayer blankets, you could feel the Holy Spirit in our church. Every person was united. United in their love and compassion. In their tears. Every person was united in prayer. United because they knew their prayers were being offered to a God that IS. A God that IS alive and listening. A God that IS there for each person. A God that IS strong when we are weak, confused and lost.

We all have faced or will face a "Saturday started great. Until day." We all have faced or will face a day that brings unspeakable tragedy into our lives. That is when we need a strong faith foundation. A foundation where we have a solid footing.

I pray that each of you have a strong faith foundation. And that you build on that foundation. That your cornerstone is Jesus. That the walls you build are built on the Word of God. That the strength of the cross is placed at the center and that the Holy Spirit fills you.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you had something happen in your life that made you need the prayers of others?

LET US PRAY

Please pray for this young lady and all who loved her and her husband-to-be. Please pray for these two young girls. They need your prayers.

Pray for a strong foundation in your life.

Dear God, Take all that is in my heart and know my prayers are honest and sincere. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen

FLOWERBED

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 58:11

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

FLOWERBED

As I worked in my flowerbed, I began to think of all the scriptures I had heard that referred to gardens. Planting. Flowers. Vines. As I deadheaded flowers and pulled weeds. As I cut fresh flowers to brighten our kitchen. As I worked, I thought how much these flowers and Christians had in common.

Some of the flowers have deep roots. Deep roots that will hold them tall and will draw water and feed from the ground to make their blooms full and colorful. These deep roots keep the flower firmly planted when the winds blow and reaches deep when the weather is dry. Many Christians are like this. They are rooted in the word and have a strong faith. A faith that stands when life throws them wind and dry spells.

Some of the flowers do not have deep roots and they have rather flimsy stalks. These flowers do not fare too well unless conditions are perfect. They fall over when anything more than a gentle breeze blows. They wither. Their flowers do not last long. Many Christians are like this. They believe. They think that is enough. But when life doesn't go just as they think it should, they don't know what to do. They have no strong, deep faith. So they fall over. They wither. They do not last long.

Some flowers have bright, big, beautiful blossoms. They almost glow in the dark. They have energy. You cannot miss them. Some Christians are like that. They just beam with joy. They have energy to sing in the choir, fix dinner for a shut-in and say yes every time they are asked to help. They are big, bright and beautiful.

Some flowers are delicate. They are soft. They fill in all the empty places. You almost do not notice them. Some Christians are like that. They are just there. They fill in all the empty places. They just do their job.

I do not have the green thumb my mother had. I just do the best I can. Bill puts on fertilizer and waters. I cut some here, thin some there and hope for the best. I enjoy the flowers but the care these flowers get is not even a drop in the bucket to the care God gives the Christians in His flower garden.

God knows just how to tend each flower. He knows how to make the deep roots even deeper. He knows how to help and nurture the flowers that have not developed deep roots. He knows how to celebrate with the big, bright and beautiful outgoing flowers and He knows how to gently appreciate and cultivate the delicate, soft flowers that just do their job.

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. How wonderful to be a flower in God's garden.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What type of flower/Christian are you?

LET US PRAY

Today, say your own prayer. Ask God to tend you. To give you strong roots. To give you His living water. Tell God you want to be planted in His garden.

THE BUZZARDS

SCRIPTURE:  ECCLESIASTES 10:20

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

THE BUZZARDS

Have you ever watched buzzards? I used to think they were extremely ugly, gross birds. I still think buzzards have an appearance that only their mothers can love, but they are not gross. Not only do they serve a purpose, they are so graceful. Okay, they are graceful in the air.

The other evening, we were sitting in the back yard watching one buzzard. That ole bird was just using one air current after another to fly higher and higher, until it was just a speck. Then down it came. Ever so slowly, floating down. Down. Down. Then that buzzard just flew off to the east. So, I quit watching the sky.

Shortly, something caught my eye and I looked up. There came the buzzard and it had brought friends. A full dozen. Overhead were 13 buzzards. Circling. Some high. Some low. They would be in a group and then scattered. I would think they had flown off and they would appear again. Thirteen buzzards circling. Over my head.

As I sat there watching them, I wondered if they were watching me. Had the first buzzard gone off to get its buddies because I was such a strange looking human sitting there? Were the buzzards trying to figure out why I was not up flying around? Were they laughing at my blouse? Did they wonder why I wore shoes?

If those buzzards were watching me and were going to report to the King, what would they say? Would they report that I was being lazy, just sitting there? Would they report that I was enjoying the trees? The breeze? Would they repeat my words? What I say?

This got me to thinking. When people watch me, do they see a child of God? Do my actions reflect the King? Do my words ring true? Can they see the love of Jesus?

Darn! Shouldn't have thought about that. Now I need to see my actions through the eyes of others. Do I need to pick my words more carefully? Do I need to smile more so people can see the joy of Christ? Do my actions -- oh, I can see this could be a very long list.

While I work on my list, you have a great weekend.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever watched a buzzard? Have you ever looked at your actions and words and realized that you are an inspiration to others?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, Help me live my life in such a way that others want to come to you. Amen

THE BASEBALL GAME

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HAVE A SAFE AND FUN 4TH.  CELEBRATE AMERICA ! ! !

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TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-25

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

THE BASEBALL GAME

There I sat. Watching a Little League baseball game. Why? That is a good question, but there is a good answer. I had promised our grandson, Nathan, I would attend at least one game. I tried last season, but, every time I could go, it rained and the game was cancelled. Then this season I have been sidelined by surgery and, again, rain. The other night I ran out of excuses. Just so you know. Nathan's team did win and Nathan slid into home plate. That boy sure does love to slide and the holes in the knees of his pants prove it.

It isn't that I don't like to watch the games. It is the parents. Little Johnny or Susie is up to bat and wham, dad and mom kick into super mouth. Yelling and giving instructions louder than the coaches. Swing. Run. Slide. Stay. "What? WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO UMP? SAFE BY A MILE!"

The sad part is that Johnny or Susie was excited to be up to bat. They picked up that bat and swaggered to home plate. Took their place in the batting box. They were ready. They knew they were going to hit it out of the park. Then, strike one.

"Watch the ball." dad yells. Then a ball. Then strike two.

"How many times have we told you to step into the ball?" yells mom. Then strike three.

I hate that time. That is when Johnny or Susie turns away. As they walk out of the batters box, they hang their head. There is no longer a swagger. There is no longer a sparkle in their eyes. They do not want to look at their parents. They know they have let them down - again.

I used to play sand lot ball. Kids getting together at the school diamond to play baseball. Someone would bring a bat. Someone always had a ball. I don't think we all had mitts. We just got together and played. It was fun. If you struck out, your side encouraged you with, "That's okay. Next time." If you hit the ball, your side jumped with glee. One time, I hit the ball through the school window. That game ended quickly and I never told my parents about that.

The thing is we had fun. No parents. No umps. Just kids calling balls and strikes. Changing sides. Playing. You knew you did good when you got a hit, caught the ball or got someone out. You knew you messed up when you struck out, missed that easy catch or threw the ball too low. The difference is, no one yelled at you. No one made you hang your head, loose your swagger or take the sparkle from your eyes.

It seems like kids can't just play a game. Have a good time. Tell each other "See ya tomorrow." Then go home. And tomorrow get together and do it all over again.

Sports are fun. Sports are good for us -- if we are headed in the right direction and after the right prize. 1 Corinthians tells us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize." Then it tells us "we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

We have a coach - God. We have sideline coaches - the angels, the saints and all those that have gone before us. We have the rules - the Bible. We have training - studying the rules and prayer. We have the playing field - our lives.

Batter up. Keep your eye on the ball. Swing. Connect with the ball. HOME RUN!!!!!!!!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you ready to play? What games are you playing with your life? Are you running after the crown that will last forever?

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

LET US PRAY

A Coach. Sideline coaches. A Bible. Study and prayer. My life. I am here God. I want to play on your team. Pick me. Pick me. I want to play and I want to win. Be my coach. Teach me the rules. Give me the support of the angels. The saints. Loved ones that are watching over me. As I hit the ball with my life stamped on it, let it be a home run. A solid, over the fence, no question about it, out of the park HOME RUN. A home run that that ends at home plate with you, my coach, taking me in your arms and saying, "Welcome home." Amen

GOD SAID

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1

(Please read this first chapter of the Bible. I am only quoting two lines: In the beginning God created and And God said,

GOD SAID

I love the way the Bible starts: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Wouldn't it have been great to be there? To see God create? I picture God, filling a void in space with our earth. A planet God was preparing just for us. Now how cool is that? The Bible says, "the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Yes, God was getting a place ready for us.

Do I believe that God created the world? YES. Do I think He did it in what we consider six days? No. I think God created in God's idea of time and not ours.

"And God said." The earth was created and then the fun began. Light. Sky. Land and seas. Then came all the plants. And the sun, the moon and the stars. Living creatures, in the water, the air and on land. Finally, God created man.

What an imagination God has. And a sense of humor. But most amazing (Are you ready?) is the 'God said' part. Just think about it. God said, "Let there be ····· ". That is all God had to do. God said and it happened. God said and a lion roared. God said and a whale leaped from the water. God said and day became night. God said and a zebra checked out her stripes. God said and a monkey climbed a tree. God said and lilies grew in the fields and sparrows flew in the sky.

God said and you were formed in your mother's womb.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you look around and see God's creations? Do you realize God made all of this for you?

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

LET US PRAY

Thank you God. Thank you! I see you everywhere I look. In the sunset. The sunrise. The silly monkeys and the eagles. I see you in the creeks and the oceans. I see you in the deserts and in the mountains. I see you in the twinkling stars. I see you in a rose. Thank you for creating me. .… Amen

Last night a group of ladies came to our home to discuss a study we are doing.  This picture shows you the benediction God gave to our meeting.

 

This morning I knew I had to add this to my blog.  Again, a confirmation of creation.  “And God said”

THE PERFECT DAY

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

THE PERFECT DAY

It is raining. AGAIN! I have put out a call for gopher wood and our grandson Noah is on standby. I do believe we might need to build another ark. Want to ride along?

So, if I had a perfect day - sun shining, with a gentle breeze. Temperature between 70 and 75. (Bill says I have a very narrow comfort range.) What would I do? Where would I go?

I would go to see the ocean. Waves gently rolling in and out. A horizon that goes forever. A blue sky. A ship in the distance. Children building sand castles. A couple walking by, holding hands, oblivious to the world.

I would go to the mountains. Powerful reminders of God's grandeur. Snow on top and pine trees. Sharp jagged rocks. Beautiful valleys. The setting sun making shadows and filling the sky with pink. Purple. Blue.

I would go find a creek. (Pronounced 'crick' in my neck of the woods.) I would wade. Feeling the water drifting over my toes. Smooth rocks underneath and tiny fish swimming by.

I would go to a big city. To feel the energy that is generated by so many people rushing to get nowhere. I would look at the buildings and be amazed at the architecture. I would go to an art museum to see how other people see the world. I would find a neighborhood so I would know that even in big cities there are families eating supper together.

I would go to Yellowstone. There I would sit and watch a herd of buffalo. Watch them graze. Watch them sleep. Walk. Exist. Buffalo are my favorite wild animal. They have attitude!

I would find a church. A quiet, old church. Along a dirt road. Forgotten by time. With the doors unlocked. I would enter. Sit quietly and wait.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What is your idea of a perfect day? What would you do with it?

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

LET US PRAY

Life can get so hectic. The day can be planned to the last minute. Each second necessary for me to get everything accomplished. No extra time. Then wham. One phone call throws me off schedule. Lord, let me see each day as the perfect day. Maybe not what I had planned. Maybe not what I even wanted to do. Sometimes pulled this way and that. Lord, give me a perfect day. A day where I sense your direction. A day where I know you are in control. A day where I take time for work. Play. Family. Friends. Myself. A day where I make time for you. Amen

TV RERUNS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: JOHN 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

TV RERUNS

I have discovered some things about television, during my weeks of confinement and I am thrilled that I can be up and about and no longer need to rely on TV for my main source of entertainment. I have discovered:

>No matter how many channels you have, sometimes there is absolutely nothing on worth watching.

>I still do not like I Love Lucy.

>I do not understand how there can be so many "infomercial" channels. Do people really watch them?

>Mash reruns are great no matter how many times you see them.

>I missed many Little House on the Prairie stories. Laura grew up and got married! When did that happen?

>Touched by an Angel is touching me all over again. I have that little box under the TV set to record every episode. If you have never watched this show, it is on the Hallmark channel.

Some of the shows I remember and sit there waiting for Monica to glow. To help someone see the truth. The truth that God loves them. Other shows I have forgotten. Watching those, I wonder if Andrew is going to escort one of God's children to heaven. And I love watching Tess as she gives Monica her assignments or as she encourages Andrew when he is beside the bed of a dying believer. This show, about three angels, brings some peace to a day filled with bad news and worse news.

Mainly this show gives hope. Touched by an Angel tells stories about people in big cities, in rural areas, with children, without children. Stories about child abuse, long held resentment and fear. Stories about lost dreams. Lost people. Lost faith. Stories about people living real lives. Stories about good people and very bad people.

And every time Tess, Monica or Andrew will glow with the love of God and say, "I am an angel sent by God and He wants you to know that He loves you."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever had an angel help you? Have you ever been an angel to another person? Have you ever told someone that God loves them? Has someone told you that you are loved by God?

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

LET US PRAY

For God so loved - What powerful words these are. They bring joy to my soul. They bring peace to my spirit. They bring hope to my days. They give comfort to my nights. Let me see the angels in my life. Maybe it is just the opening of a door when my hands are full. Or a smile when I am feeling down. Or someone at work saying, "May I help you with that?" Or hearing just the right song on the radio. And let me be an angel to others. Let me open doors. Let me smile. Let me help those around me. Let my words be a song to another's ears. Let them hear, "God loves you." Amen

TELL ME IT AIN’T SO

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 17:6

Children's children are a crown to the aged,

(The study narrative, for this verse, says, "To live to see one's grandchildren was considered a great blessing.”)

TELL ME IT AIN'T SO

Our granddaughter told me she was surprised I was on facebook. I replied back, "Why? Do you think I am too old to be on facebook?" Kailyn walked into church, last Sunday, wearing a new dress. Now I do feel old! Why you ask.

Where shall I start? Is it because she is taller than I am even when she is barefooted? Or is it the fact that she told me about her 8th grade graduation and that she is now officially a high school student? Or, just maybe, because she then proceeded to mention, in an off-handed manner, that in four years she would be in college?

Help! TELL ME IT AIN'T SO! Our first grandchild. Our little granddaughter is 14 and a few months old. She is a high school student. What is next? A driver's license? Boys? College? Please, please, tell me it ain't so.

Kailyn should still be, maybe four. Or five. Not going on 15. Kailyn should still be that little girl that helped wash dishes. And sat on our laps. And played dress up and imaginary zoo. And ate carrots until her skin turned orange. (Yes, that is true.)

Where have the years gone? I remember when our family was given this gift. A gift of a very sweet little baby girl. A little girl. When did she grow up? I know I have not gotten older. How did she? I want my little girl back. The little girl who made me feel special when she called me grandma and looked up to me with that silly, little Kailyn grin. I want that little girl back not this big girl who has all sorts of plans to go with friends here, there and yonder. Kailyn should still be confined to the back yard or maybe just around the block on her bike. Where is that little girl? Oh ---

As we sat in church, Kailyn whispered, "Grandma, you are so good to lay my head on." And with that, my little girl fell asleep. And right there in church, I knew Kailyn would always be my little girl. No matter how old I get. No matter how old she gets. No matter how tall. No matter high school or college. No matter if she finds a nice young man that I am sure will never be good enough for her. No matter what, she will always be our little girl. Our sweet Kailyn.

Sorta like how God feels about each of us. God knows us from beginning to end. I am His. You are His. No matter how young or old. How short or tall. How smart. Married. Single. God will always say, "This is my little child."

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you absolutely thrilled to be God's child?

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

LET US PRAY

I am God's child! Thanks be to God. No matter if I am old or young, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. No matter if I am tall or short, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. No matter if I am in school or not, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. No matter if I am married or single, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. I am God's child! Thanks be to God. Amen

YOUR SOUL IS SAFE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 62:5-8

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

YOUR SOUL IS SAFE

The following is a quote from Jan Karon's book, Home to Holly Springs. A man was explaining, to Father Timothy, why he wrote a poem.

"I wrote it while Mama was praying; asking God what he wanted her to do about contacting you. Mama was sitting with her back to the window that looks out to the garden. She had her Bible open on her lap, but she was reciting the words from memory, as she often does. I happened to look up from my book and saw something so remarkable that the breath went out of me like a shot.

I saw my mother's soul."

I do not know that I have ever seen another's soul. I have seen my Grandma read her Bible. I can still see her. Her whole being absorbing each word she read. I can still see those hands. Gently holding her Bible. Did I see her soul?

I have seen fathers walking with their child. Holding their hand. Keeping them safe. Did I see the father's soul?

I have seen mothers sitting beside the bed of a child. Just watching the child sleep. Did I see the mother's soul?

I have seen one person praying for another. Did I see their soul?

Have I ever seen a person and had the "breath go out of me like a shot?"

Know what? It doesn't matter. It does not matter if I see another's soul. It only matters that God sees your soul. "Find rest, O my soul, in God" --

When life throws you curves. When life throws you wonders. When life throws you upheavals. When life throws you a calm day. When any of these happen, God is there. He is your rock, salvation and fortress.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you seen another's soul? Have you entrusted your soul to God?

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

LET US PRAY

Rejoice. Rejoice. O Lord in you I rejoice. You are the keeper of my soul. You are my rock. My salvation. My fortress. I trust you at all times. When my life is hectic. When my life is peaceful. When I can see the wonders of your world. When I can only see a small corner of my life. No matter what is going on in my life, I will not be shaken. My soul finds rest in you. Amen

BAPTISM

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 3:21-22

and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also - not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand -- with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

BAPTISM

I once wrote that with grandchildren, I would never run out of stories. How true!! I want to tell you about a conversation between our daughter and her five-year-old son.

Terri: "What did you do while you were outside?"

Timothy: "I baptized Jamie so she would go to heaven." (Jamie is a dog.)

Terri: "How did you baptize Jamie?"

Timothy: "I put her in a bucket of water."

Terri: "Did you take her out of the bucket?"

Timothy: "Yes."

And this is how you know Terri is a seasoned mother of four boys. Without missing a beat, this was her reply.

Terri: "Okay, go wash your hands for lunch."

I am sure that with son number one, Terri would have worried that the dog might have drowned. That Matthew might have been bitten trying to put that poor dog under the water. Matthew or the dog might have gotten sick because it really is not warm enough yet to be playing in the water. And she would have washed Matthew's hands to make sure they were really clean, not just dried off. (After all, those hands just came out of water. Timothy believes you should only wash one hand if the other hand is not dirty. Yes, he can wash one hand without getting the other one wet!)

Where is all this going? We learn from the children. Jesus said we are to "receive the kingdom of God like a little child." Timothy knew being baptized was important.

I do not remember my baptism as being a "big deal." It was part of the Confirmation Class I took along with the rest of the kids my age. Just something we did. We were baptized and joined the church.

Baptism should be a big deal and I am not talking about the 'sprinkle, pour or dunked' debate. Or the 'at birth or older' debate. I am talking about true baptism.

Baptism of your soul.

Galatians 3:26-29 -- You are all sons of God, through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Baptism of your soul is when you know you ARE a son or daughter of God. When you know you ARE clothed with Christ. When you know you ARE one in Christ Jesus. When you know you DO belong to God and ARE heir to all the promises.

That, my sisters and brothers, makes baptism a big deal.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you been baptized? Do you remember your baptism? Would you like to be baptized again or renew your baptismal vows? If you have never been baptized, are you ready to take that step? Your minister would be thrilled to help you with any of your questions or decisions.

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord and Savior, Baptism - When I close my eyes and think of that word, I see the Spirit descending on Your Son like a dove, as he was baptized. I hear you proclaim, "You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." That is what I want my baptism to be. I want it to be a time of repentance. A time when my sins are washed clean. I want my baptism to be a time when I welcome the Holy Spirit. A time when I take with open hands all the promises of your word. I want my baptism to be a time when all the angels, authorities and powers hear you say to me, "You are mine, whom I love. With you I am well pleased." In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

I READ IT IN A BOOK

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 26:39

Yet not as I will, but as you will.

I READ IT IN A BOOK

I know I have talked about Jan Karon's Mitford Series before, but one of the things I have been doing, while I am confined, is to read these books again. For the third time!! It is like visiting old friends. The Mitford Series is about Father Timothy, an Evangelical minister. At age 60+, Father Timothy meets the love of his life, Cynthia.

This time, I noticed some points I had missed. (The prayers in bold are mine.)

Father Timothy told Cynthia he kept trying to get it right. He had been trying to do this since he was a boy because he had never been able to please his father. So, here he was, a minister. A friend to many. And still trying to get it right. Know what Cynthia told him? She said, "Only God has to get it exactly right."

Lord, let me trust in you to get it right. Amen

One day, Father Timothy was driving. Just enjoying the day. Thanking God. Then he had a thought -- Suppose for a moment that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks. What would be left?

Lord, let me never forget to be thankful. Thankful for everything from each breath I take to the smallest grain of sand on the beach. Amen.

One day Father Timothy saw how happy Cynthia was and asked, "What are you celebrating?"

Cynthia replied, "Being alive. We breathe, we run around in our underwear, we go to the store, we dig up the tulip bulbs or plan to, we make soup and pay the electric bill, and we never stop to think - we're alive! This is a gift!"

Lord, thank you for the gift of life. Amen

Buck came to the house one day. He stood in the doorway as in a trance, taking in the Christmas tree ablaze with tiny lights and the train running around its base. Suddenly the rector saw the room with new eyes. He had been passing in and out of this room for days, scarcely noticing, enjoying it with his head instead of his heart.

Lord, let me walk through life, seeing each day with new eyes. Let me never just walk through this life you have given me. Amen.

Whenever Father Timothy or Cynthia had to make a decision. Whenever they needed direction. Whenever they needed to turn it all over to God, they prayed the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done.

Thy will be done. Amen

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What book have you read that inspired you? Do you have books that you read twice? Three times? Why?

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

LET US PRAY

My dear Lord, I do trust you to get it right. I have to because it is for sure that - on my own - I never will. I keep messing up. I try and try, but there is always something I leave undone. Something I don't undersatand. That is why I trust you. Trust you to get it right. I am also thankful. Thankful for my hands, my eyes, my feet. Thankful for the air I breathe and the stars and the moon and the sun. Thankful for trees and books and aardvarks. Thankful for laughter. Thankful for the gift of life. Let me see my life with my heart. With new vision. Let me see the little things. Clean laundry. A glass of water. A sunset. Let me see life in all of its brilliance and wonder. And as I go through my life and face decisions, let me always turn to you and, with faith that you will get it right, say, "Thy will be done." Amen

MOTHERS

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7

MOTHERS

What do you picture when you hear the word Mother? Depending on your age, the person would be wearing a dress, slacks, jeans or shorts. Her hair would be long. Short. Somewhere in-between. The hair might be gray, blond, brown, red, black or orange. And size? Mothers come in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 30. They are 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100+. Some are still in their teens. No two mothers are alike. Some smile and laugh easily. Some are serious. And, let's be honest, some are good mothers and some are not. Just like so many things in life, we do not get to pick our mother. And sometimes, other women add more to our lives than our own mother does.

THE MOTHERS IN MY LIFE -- AND THEIR HANDS

My Grandmother -- My maternal grandmother lived with us in the winter because we had a furnace and indoor plumbing. Grandma shared a bedroom with my sister and me. I can still see her doing stretches and she could bend over and touch the palms of her hands to the floor. I can see grandma's hands as she stirred mush. She made good mush! I can see her hands crocheting. Mainly, I can see her hands holding the Bible. She held the Bible with great reverence.

My Other Mother Lois -- I work auctions and I called the lady that provided the lunch wagon mom. She listened when I needed to talk and she allowed me to cry. She listened when I told stories of our family. She gave me hugs. She filled a spot in my heart that needed to be filled. Mainly, I see Lois serving hot dogs and pie. Her hands busy. Her hands feeding people. Her hands serving others.

Spiritual Mothers -- Spiritual mothers can be any age. Spiritual mothers are teaching me to pray. I see their hands folded in prayer. Cathie is one of my spiritual mothers. Spiritual mothers are teaching me to study. I see their hands holding a Bible in one hand and a study guide in the other. Gracie is one of my spiritual mothers. Spiritual mothers are teaching me how to serve as Jesus served. I see their hands preparing meals for funeral dinners, making prayer shawls, serving communion and holding a baby while a mother can attend the worship service. Margaret and Anna are two of my spiritual mothers.

My Mother -- I saved mother until last. As I have grown, in years and faith, I love my mother. I cannot say that was always the case. Because of years and having children of my own, I understand mother a little better. Because of faith, I can see the things mother did for me and understand mother loved me, as she knew how. I see mother's hands sewing a special red birthday dress. I see mother's hands making a cup of hot chocolate for me when she knew I would be cold coming home from a football game. I see mother's hands finally holding a Bible. I see mother's hand gently, for the first time in my life, touching my cheek, in a soft caress, just days before that same hand took the hand of Jesus. I see mother's hands, waiting to, once again, gently touch my cheek.

So many women have touched my life. Mother. Grandmother. My other mom. Spiritual mothers. I am eternally grateful for each woman that has helped me learn. Grow. Each has been put in place by a loving God to serve as an example.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Can you name the women who have influenced your life?

Mother's Day can be very hard when you do not or did not have a good relationship with your mother. If this is the case, try to place in your heart the image of one person that encouraged you. That taught you what love should be.

LET US PRAY

Because each of us has such a different relationship with our mother, I am asking you to say your own prayer today. If your relationship with your mother and other women in your life is good, praise God for blessing you. If your relationship with your mother is not quite so good, ask God to give you insight that you might find common ground or even just one thing for which you can give thanks. That is a place for you to start. Also look at your life and thank God for the other women who have taught you. Encouraged you. If your mother is now with God, have a talk with her.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

Rain, Rain, Go away -- Come again another day.

That is the chant of everyone in our area. Fields sit waiting to be planted. Fertilizer is ready to serve its purpose. Anhydrous is getting claustrophobic in the tanks. Farmers are getting extremely anxious. Farm wives are wondering what to do with all the bread and supplies they had ready for those meals-in-the-field.

To say we are having a bit of a wet spring is an understatement. And people are getting on edge. Those farmers want to get in the fields. They want to get the corn and beans planted. They want -- They want to do what they were born to do: Farm.

Sometimes we think our work is the most important thing we do. Our work is who we are. But is it?

Have you heard of My Utmost for His Highest? This book of daily devotionals was prepared from writings of Oswald Chambers. I read this book in 2006, 2007 and 2008. I am working on 2009. I have underlined. I have made notes. Many times, I have put questions marks because I do not understand. When I started this writing, I was not sure where it was going. To be honest, I don't usually know where my writings are going. They just seem to have a mind of their own. But, as I wrote, "But is it?" I remembered something I had read.

December 18: The idea is not that we do work for God, but that we are so loyal to Him that He can do His work through us -- "I reckon on you for extreme service, with no complaining on your part and no explanation on Mine." God wants to use us as He used His own Son.

Sometimes we think our work is the most important thing we do. Our work is who we are. But is it? The answer is yes, if we are allowing God to do His work through us.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you allowing God's work to flow through you?

Do you have a prayer you would like to share with others? Or would you like to tell how God is using you? If so, leave a comment.

PRAYER

Hello God, I am ready. Ready to fulfill the purpose you have for my life. The exciting part is that you want to use me. The scary part is that I am not always sure I can do your bidding. Sometimes I am held back by what I want to do. Or what others think I should do. Or -- oh so many things pull me one direction or another. Please show me the way I should be going. Show me the work you have planned for me. The work you have equipped me to do. Lord, I do love you and I am ready to serve. Amen

HELLO

Greetings,

I am back at the computer. AMEN. Do you know how little there is to watch on TV? And when you have taken pain medication, you get really sleepy when you read. And even with that extra padding, my backside is getting tired of being sat on.

Bill has been the best nurse ever and YES I have done exactly what I was told to do. Stitches came out yesterday (the 27th) and the pins come out of my toes May 12. I can walk around more but still have to be very careful not to hit those things sticking out the end of my toes. I am walking in funny shoes that make me walk on my heels and using a walker for balance. I have developed a new level of respect for those that use a walker all the time. There is a knack to using a walker that I have not perfected.

I will post a new blog this Friday, May 1. Can you believe May already?

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS!!

Celebrate the day, Mary

Good morning!! My mom asked me to post an update since she is recuperating from her surgery. She is doing wonderful and being a good girl and following the Doctor's orders. We are praising God daily that her pain is going away and that she had no complications during the procedure.

Hopefully she will be back to her blogging self soon. Until then, I hope you enjoy re-reading some of her older posts.

Her loving daughter---Terri

Greetings

I am posting this in case I can not get to the computer this Friday, April 17.  I am having my feet operated on today and am not sure when I will be able to wobble to the computer.

Please check back Friday, the 17, and if there is not a new post, check the 24th.  I am sure by then I will be a bit more mobile.

While I am recuperating, please celebrate each day because each day is a gift. ---- Mary

AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." Mark 13:32-33

AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT

I stood by the door watching as they wheeled the gurney into the house across the street. The EMS had been called and now I knew the outcome of that call. In the kitchen, Bill was getting ready to eat his salad as lunch was finishing on the stove. Our son was at work. Our daughter at home. One granddaughter was in New York, with her school's band. Other grandsons were in school. "At any given moment" came to my mind.

"At any given moment" a new life begins and another life ends. "At any given moment" one family learns about instantaneous love and another the first stab of grief.

"At any given moment" friends share a joke and laugh uncontrollably. Or young girls sneak a glance at the good-looking guy walking by. Or boys flex their muscles to show off. Or someone is sitting alone, wishing they were part of a group.

"At any given moment" someone is waking and someone else is going to sleep. One team is winning and one is losing. One person is bowing their head in prayer and another is raising a clinched fist towards heaven.

"At any given moment" - that is the thought that popped into my mind. It was as if, for just a second, I could see this world as God sees it. Every extreme. Every emotion. Every tear. Every smile. Every birth. Every death.

"At any given moment" -- and at every moment. Every beat of the heart. Every breath that is taken. "At every given moment" -- God cares.

"For God so loved the world." "At every given moment." Are you ready for the moment Jesus returns?

QUESTION OF THE DAY 

Are you ready?

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My prayer for each of you is that you have a faith strong enough to get you through each day. A faith that allows you to turn to the cross for forgiveness. A faith that shouts "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." And that you shout this every day!!! Because when we commit our lives, our spirit to God, we are ready for any given moment that comes our way.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart. Think about this and then tell Jesus how you feel. What you believe.

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, I do believe you are the Son of God. I believe you gave your life willingly for my sins. When I confess my sins, I believe they are forgiven. I believe … Amen