GOD COMES TO US!

GOD COMES TO US!

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

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

I thought about this and searched the scriptures.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE

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

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

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

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

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

GOD COMES TO US!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

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

LET US PRAY

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

OUR HOPE

OUR HOPE

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

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

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

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

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

 

A MOTHER'S GOODBYE

 

READY FOR BURIAL

OUR HOPE

 

THE EMPTY TOMB

 

ALIVE

 

OUR RISEN LORD

THE HANDS OF JESUS

THE HANDS OF JESUS

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

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

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

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

THE HANDS OF JESUS

 

JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN

 

MARY KNEELS BEFORE HER SON

JESUS STANDS TALL BEFORE HIS MOTHER

 

SIMON OF CYRENE IS TOLD TO HELP CARRY THE CROSS

 

VERONICA OFFERS COMFORT

 

 

REACHING OUT TO THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

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

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

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

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:35 - 36

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

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

 

DID YOU TAKE HIS HAND?

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

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

WHERE ARE YOU?

WHERE ARE YOU?

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

What a moving experience.

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

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

THE SOLDIERS

 

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CROSS

 

BEHIND JESUS

 

OVER JESUS

These depictions were not always easy to look at.

 

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

 

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

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 27:27:31

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you check for messages from God?

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 10:16-18

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

OH NO! FRIDAY THE 13TH

OH NO! FRIDAY THE 13TH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions:

What do we do about these fears?

Do we let them control our lives?

Where do we get help?

How can we overcome our irrational fears?

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

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 34:4

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

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

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

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

Amen

WHICH ROAD DO YOU TAKE?

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

Traffic at the Michigan/Canada border crossing.

No traffic on this road.

A partridge looking for a pear tree.

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

I will be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

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

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

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Which roads do you take?

LET US PRAY

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

PRICELESS

PRICELESS

Rental car: really good deal!

Motel rooms: used points!

Fuel: MasterCard!

Friendship: Priceless!

Last weekend my hubby and our daughter drove to Enid, Oklahoma, a 1,760 mile roundtrip. They left Thursday evening and returned Sunday. It was quite a drive just to surprise an extremely important friend. To surprise a friend and her family as they baptized their son. A long awaited addition to their family. An addition that took years, tears and a trip to China.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this time that Bill and Terri had together: Bill driving and Terri talking. (That is the job of the person in the passenger seat. Terri is much like her mother and, I am sure, perfectly capable of talking the entire time.)

Thank you for Bill offering to take Terri so she could surprise a friend. Thank you for all who stepped up to help with Terri's four boys so she could go. Thank you for Terri's husband who realized how important this journey was to his wife.

Thank you that Lana was surprised. I am told there were tears and hugs when Lana saw Terri and Bill. In that instant, Lana realized what value we place on her friendship.

O God, do tears of joy flow in heaven and arms open wide when we come to you? When we clear our schedule and make you a priority? When we work together to help another achieve a goal? When we just enjoy time together?

O Lord, do you realize how valuable you are when you see the reflection of your love in our eyes, the smile that will not stop, the joy making our hearts beat strongly, our hands lifted and our heads bowed

Amen

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

Transportation: Provided

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 14:3-4

Housing: room waiting

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. John 14:2

Price of trip: paid by Jesus

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

Eternal Life: priceless

See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us -- even eternal life. 1 John 2:25

Do you have everything you need to reach the destination of eternal life?

READY. SET. SEW.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13

READY.  SET.  SEW.

Grandson Nathan told me he would like to learn to sew. So, sew we did.

There was some thought and preparation put into his first project. What material should he use? What should he make? There were questions. Would he really enjoy sewing? Since it was not a computer game, would he stick with the lesson and project?

The material was easy. Inexpensive cotton, with a baseball print would be easy to work with. The decision of what to make was also easy. A pillowcase requires few seams and they are all straight. A good beginning project.

Our lesson began by looking at the material and pillow I had purchased. (Why do these projects seem to require an outlay of cash from grandma?) They passed inspection, so the lesson began.

I won't make you wonder. Yes, he did enjoy the project and yes he did stick with it, although I did hear a few, "How many more practice seams do I have to do before I can start sewing on my pillowcase?"

So, sew on his pillow he did.

He trimmed the threads.

He tried out his new pillow.

Today Nathan learned a lot.

He learned someone had prepared everything he would need to accomplish his goal. He learned the pillowcase did not make itself and that he had to work. As he laid his head down, he found comfort.

Hum. Sorta like our Christian life. God has prepared everything we need. But -- our goal can only be accomplished when we accept and use the items God has prepared for us. And, during the process, God gives us great comfort.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When you have a project, do you get everything ready before you start? If it is a new project, one you have never tried before, do you practice on "scraps" before you start on the real thing? How do you feel when the project is complete?

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

LET US PRAY

O God, you have given me everything I need to become a true, believing child of God. Your inspired words, written by man, and held in my hands are like a pattern to follow. Using the Bible, I am constantly learning how to make my life's seams straighter and how to saw just the right length of board I need to build my foundation strong. I know you are not practicing on me and you do not consider me a disposable scrap. I know I am very dear to you. I know you want me to learn. To work. To believe. To follow Your Son, Jesus Christ. I know you want me to find the comfort only You can give. Amen

POINT OF VIEW

POINT OF VIEW

Point of view is everything. It decides how we look at the world. At politics. At each other. How we look at life. Yup, point of view is very important.

What do you see in this picture? Do you see the pond? The trees? The geese? Does looking at this picture make you feel peaceful? Do you enjoy seeing the geese? Would you like to wash a worm in hopes of catching a fish?

Or do you see geese making a mess of the bean field?

What do you see in this picture? Do you see the pretty, blue wildflowers? The Queen Ann's Lace? Would you like to pick the flowers to enjoy in your home?

Or do you see weeds growing along the roadside that need mowed?

What do you see in this picture? Do you notice the architecture? The bell? Do you see a decoration on a building?

Or do you see the cross reaching to heaven?

Yup, point of view is very important.

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Genesis 1:31: God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (When God looked at the world He had created, His point of view was positive.)

Proverbs 15:30: A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. (So - a cheerful look is good for the heart.)

Isaiah 40:26: Lift your eyes and look to the heavens; Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (Wow - Look to the heavens. Each star is named. Look to the heavens and remember that God knows you by name also.)

Jeremiah 6:16: This is what the Lord says: " Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' " (The Lord is there at each crossroads in our lives. Look so you know which way to go. Or will you be like those in the Old Testament who would not walk the good way?)

John 1:36: When John saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" (Have you looked for the Lamb of God? Have you found Him?)

Luke 24:5 6: In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" (If you have not found Jesus, maybe you are looking in the wrong place. If you have found Jesus, then you have the perfect point of view!)

+ + + + + + +

Please finish with a prayer of your own and have a blessed week.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR

Remember when someone knocked at your door unexpectedly? The first thought is, "Who can that be?" And then you check to see if your clothes are all in place. Then you open the door and ---------

What can be on the other side of the door? Looking at life, we open doors from the time we are born.

"Mom, can I go play? All the kids are outside running through the sprinkler. Please." Then a door opens and friendships are formed.

"Why are my loving parents leaving me in this strange building? With all these strange people? And other children I do not know?" Then a door opens and learning begins.

"It was only yesterday when I started first grade and now I am graduating from college. This has been a good dorm room but am I ever ready to get out on my own." Then a door opens and life hits you square in the face.

"Yes, mom, I will be careful. Dad, I know the way. You marked the map and I promise I will pull over if I get tired." Then a door opens and working 8 to 5 becomes a reality.

"Gee did you see those deep blue eyes? I could get lost in those eyes." Then a door opens and a family is formed.

"It is time. We have waited so long for a child." Then a door opens and a family grows.

"But this shouldn't happen. Not for many years." Then a door opens and grief is felt.

Yes, all during our lives, doors open and our lives are never the same. Doors open and friends are found. Education shows us the world. Life becomes real and work becomes a reality. Doors open and we find love and the wonder of birth. And death.

Have you opened the most important door of all? Jesus said, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you holding back from opening a door? Are you afraid of what might be on the other side? OR Do you hear the knock? Are you ready to open the door? Are you excited about what you will find? Are you ready to eat with Jesus?

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

LET US PRAY

Jesus, I hear you! I hear you! I am coming to open the door. Oh, Jesus, I open the door wide so you can come into my life. Into my heart. I have been seeking you and here you are! Come in. Come in. Oh, Jesus, please come in. Here you are! I am so excited. You are here. With me. Come in! Come in! Amen

DECLARING MY DEPENDENCE

DECLARING MY DEPENDENCE

Nope, that is not a typo.

Each July 4th the United States of America celebrates Independence Day. This celebration is to remind us of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which declared our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. With that declaration, we became a country that governs ourselves and has sovereignty over our own land. As an American, I celebrate living independent of the laws or control of another country.

Dependent is when a person relies on or trusts another to take care of them. So, I am declaring my dependence.

I am declaring my dependence on the Kingdom of God.

This is a short list of things I am dependent upon the Kingdom of God for:

• Grace which I do not deserve
• Salvation which I can never earn
• Forgiveness of my sins
• A strong Holy Spirit
• Peace for my soul
• Every breath I take
• Eternal Life

On this July 4th and every day, I DECLARE MY DEPENDENCE ON GOD.

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 62:7

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you dependent upon God?

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

LET US PRAY

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. My soul finds rest in You alone. You are my salvation, my rock, my fortress. When I am dependent upon You, I can never be shaken. I find my rest in You. My hope. I trust You at all times. I pour out my heart to You and know You will give me refuge. Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my Declaration of Dependency. Listen as I declare my dependency on You. Amen

I WONDER

I WONDER

I wonder what it would feel like to swim in the depths of the ocean.

I wonder how long it would take to count all the grains of sand.

I wonder how it would feel to fly like an eagle.

I wonder how many rain drops it takes to make a puddle.

I wonder if big horn sheep have a headache after butting heads.

I wonder how much God loves me.

I will never know the answers to these questions. Oops. My bad! I do know the answer to the last one.

PSALM 103:8-18

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children -- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you know how much God loves you?

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

LET US PRAY

How much do you love me God? This Psalm tells me that you love me so much you are compassionate and gracious with me. Your love for me is so great you do not treat me as I deserve. Instead you remove my transgressions far, far away. When I no longer have a place on earth, I will, over time, be forgotten. But I will never be forgotten by you. How much do you love me God? You love me from everlasting to everlasting. Thank you. Amen

THANK GOODNESS FOR CELL PHONES

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 49:13

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

THANK GOODNESS FOR CELL PHONES

Friday, June 11, was some day. I am thrilled to report that Timothy's surgery was a success and he no longer has tonsils or adenoids. I would like to report that he is back to his usual crazy self, but he is having all the normal surgery side effects. Throat very sore. Grumpy. Really bad breath. And did I mention, grumpy? He is even getting tired of watching TV.

Timothy has three older brothers. Let me tell you, those four boys can get into some really nasty fights. "He kicked me." "You hit me first." "Tell him to stay out of my room." "I want to sit by mommy." "Daddy said I could." "That is my light saber." "We watched your movie last time." Get the idea? Sometimes, you would think those boys hated each other.

That is until one of them gets sick. We were headed to Fort Wayne and the phone rang. "May I talk to Timmy?"

Because we had to be at the hospital early, we stayed in Fort Wayne the night before. As we entered our room, the phone rang. "May I talk to Timmy?"

We walked over to Bob Evans and had a bite of supper and upon returning to the room, Timmy asked, "Can I call grandpa?"

And before we made it to bed, the phone rang again, "We want to tell Timmy goodnight." Yup, those boys can get into some battles, but when one hurts they become brothers and they all hurt.

I am not sure how many times the cell phone was used Friday. "Yes, we are headed to the hospital." "Yes, Timothy is in surgery." "Yes, he is out of surgery." "He is awake." "We are headed home."

And again, the phone rang, "May I talk to Timmy?"

The cell phone gave everyone comfort. Timothy talked to his father, his brothers and his grandparents. But the cell phone could not be used everywhere. BUT during this time of concern. During this surgery. During this separation from family, there was one connection that was always available.

That connection? God, of course.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Like all devices of man, the cell phone can get us into trouble or be a blessing. Do you drive and talk? Drive and text? (HOPE NOT!) Talk on the phone instead of enjoying the person/people you are with? When has the cell phone been a blessing? Have you called when your car was broken down? When someone was ill? When you just needed to hear a loved ones voice?

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

LET US PRAY

Hello, God.

I know with you I never get a busy signal or have to worry about leaving a message. You are always ready to hear my prayers.

I look at this wonderful world and appreciate __________.

You have so blessed me. Thank you for __________.

Please help __________.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen and Amen.

GOOD MORNING LORD

Yes, it is Thursday instead of Friday, but tomorrow I will be at the hospital while our grandson has his tonsils taken out.  Would you please say a prayer for Timothy and all those involved in his surgery and recovery.

HAVE A WEEK FULL OF GRACE AND PEACE – Mary

When I woke up this morning, this is what came to my mind.

GOOD MORNING LORD

Good morning Lord, Take my hand and walk with me today,

Protect my thoughts, so they do not stray,

Guard my ears, keep hurtful words away,

Keep my eyes focused, so they do not betray

May my mouth have truth and love, in all I say,

Keep my heart beating strong, all this day,

Let each breath I take, remind me to pray,

Guide my feet, show me the way,

Good morning Lord, Take my hand and walk with me today,

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 143:8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

WELCOME

Today I would like you to watch two YouTube videos.

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

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

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

TODAYS SCRIPTURE:

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

ADOPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

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

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

LET US PRAY

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

REMEMBER

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 2:2 - 5

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

REMEMBER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET US PRAY

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

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 15:3-7

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

THINGS THAT MAKE ME SMILE

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

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

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

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

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

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

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

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

LET US PRAY

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

THE LIGHT IS THERE

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

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

The scriptures are full of reassurance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUESTION OF THE DAY

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

Do you have this light in your life?

PRAYER TIME

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

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

VOTING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: GALATIANS 3:26 - 29

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

VOTING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How have you voted?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

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

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

OR

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

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