THE DOLL

Over the years, I have had numerous jobs.  One of my favorites was as an auction cashier.  I love numbers and there was no feeling like ending the auction by balancing to the penny.  When I decided I was tired of being too hot, too cold, and using the port-a-pot, I missed that challenge.  BUT I also missed the magic moments that sprang up.

It was a large sale and people were everywhere.  Some were checking out the old farm equipment.  Some were looking over the dishes.  Some were looking in the boxes that would sell for 50 cents.  You never knew.  There could be a prize buried at the bottom of the box.  The gem you had been looking for. 

Then there were the little girls.  They had found a doll with three faces.  One face was smiling, one was crying, and one was asleep.  They were mesmerized, as one after another took turns making the face go from happy to sad.  Sad to sleeping.  Sleeping to happy.  One girl cradled the doll, holding it close to her heart.  Would she be able to talk her parents into buying this doll for her?

Finally, the auctioneers were ready to sell the doll and standing front and center was the little girl.  She did not take her eyes off the doll.  The ring man picked up the doll.  He made a big deal of turning the face from happy to sad to sleeping.  He played to the crowd.  The auctioneer called for a bid.  $1.  Then nothing.  The doll was not old.  The doll was not valuable.  Maybe, $5. 

The auctioneer called a $5 bid.. then $10 .. then $15.  People stopped looking at other items and turned their gaze to the doll.  What was going on?  $15?  No .. now $20, $30, $40 and then $50.  Everyone finally realized the auctioneers were having fun.  There was no $50 bid.  I wrote $5 on the bid sheet and put the auctioneer’s number on the sale.

BUT there was a little girl, standing front and center, who had not taken her eyes off the doll.  That is when the magic happened.  The ring man turned to the little girl and handed the doll to her.  She reached out, took the doll, and gently drew it to her heart.

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Now think … You are the doll and Jesus is the little girl.  Jesus is right there, standing front and center.  He has paid the price for your soul.  He will gently draw you to his heart.

TIME TO GET UP

I was awake, but it wasn’t light and it wasn’t dark.  It was that time between the two.  Dawn.  Should I get up or wait until the sun chases away the dark?  Waiting won out and, before I knew it, it was daylight.  It was daylight, because, as I waited, I fell back to sleep.  And when I woke up, it was … let’s just say later than I usually head for the coffee..

Sleeping in is not something I enjoy.  It makes the day too short.  It seems the rest of the day is rushed or I decide something can wait till “tomorrow” and then realize “tomorrow” is getting filled with more than “tomorrow” will hold.  I also do not like a list of things that need to be done.  But, this morning, it was still dark and I went  back  to  zzzz.

I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles.  I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Acts 26:17-18

Although Jesus was speaking to Saul, soon to be Paul, isn’t that what I am to be doing?  Waking up from the darkness to the light?  Aren’t I to be in the light so I can, with God’s help, overcome the power of Satan?  Aren’t I to help others find the light?

Sleeping in?  Am I like the people of the church in Sardis?

To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.  I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  Wake up!  Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.  But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Revelation 3:1-3 NIV

I do not want to be like the church in Sardis.  I want to be alive on the outside and the inside.  I want to be awake so my faith does not die.  I want things to be completed.  I DO NOT WANT --- NO, I WILL NOT BE ASLEEP WHEN JESUS COMES.  My faith will keep me awake and ready. 

———————————

I do not sleep in often.  There is way too much to do.  Besides, if I sleep in, it messes with my nap time.  I saw that smile.  Have a joyous day.

 

 JONAH – HOW DID I END UP HERE?

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai:  “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

 

But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish.  He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port.  After paying the fare, he went abroad and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.     

                        Jonah 1:1-3

There was Jonah – can you see him – sitting below deck, with a “I got out of there” smirk on his face.  He gloated, “I guess I showed the LORD.”  “Go to Nineveh,” he said.  “Preach against its wickedness,” he said.  Seeing the coffee pot, he decided to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the ride.

Then it got a bit windy.  Just a bit…  Okay, it was a great wind and violent storm, which tossed the ship around till the sailors thought the ship was going to break up.  The sailors were tossing cargo overboard.  They were sure they were going to perish.  Jonah, on the other hand, was sound asleep. 

Cliff notes:  The captain woke him up.  Jonah admitted he was the cause of their problems.  “Throw me overboard,” he told them.  When trying to save Jonah and the ship failed, over the side went Jonah.  Of course, that big ole fish thought Jonah looked like an appetizer and swallowed him right up.  The belly of the fish was a bit boring and after three days and three nights, Jonah realized his mistake and he remembered the LORD. 

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ “

 

And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

     Jonah 2: last part of 9 and 10

Cliff notes 2:  We know this story so well.  Jonah went to Nineveh.  He told them to straighten up.  They did.  Jonah was mad because they turned from their evil ways, God relented, and did not destroy them.  He sat down east of the city and pouted.  God provided him shade … until a worm chewed the plant and it withered.  Jonah got so hot and angry that he wanted to die. 

But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow.  It sprang up overnight and died overnight.  And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left – and also many animals?”

     Jonah 4:10-11

Jonah had one job: to warn the people of Nineveh to repent.  Was his reason for running away a good one?  “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”  Well, doesn’t that beat all!  Jonah didn’t want to go to the people of Nineveh because he knew God would be gracious and compassionate.

But the LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

I have been Jonah.  My parents did not go to church.  My mother was raised in church.  My dad was not and he drove a semi, so often he was not home on Sunday. They sent us kids to church, but we went alone.  Oh, they came to the Christmas program, but that was about it.  Each Sunday, we would put on our Sunday best, walk to church, attend Sunday School and worship, and then walk home.

Many, many years later, my mother started attending church.  She would tell about receiving hugs.  And I would remember other kids walking into church with their parents.  She would tell about attending Sunday School.  And I would remember carrying Sunday School crafts home before I could show them off.  She would praise Pastor Ernie.  And I became Jonah.

I was mad that mother started attending church.  WHY DIDN’T SHE GO TO CHURCH WITH US?  Were we not important enough?  WHY DID I RESENT THAT SHE WAS GOING TO CHURCH?  Shouldn’t I have been thrilled that she found a church family?  I would like to say that I resolved these feelings quickly.  Instead, I sat under the hot sun and was angry. 

I did finally get out of the hot sun and was thrilled that mother had found her way back to a church where she worshipped a compassionate and forgiving God – because I sure needed compassion and forgiving.

 THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Can you hear the silence?  There are a few people around.  The disciples are there.  Spies sent by the Pharisees and teachers of the law are there.  And it is quiet.  The silence is heavy as people wait for Jesus to speak.  BUT he is silent.  Sorta looking off in the distance.  Watching the children play.  Can you hear the silence?

Of course not.  Jesus was not silent! 

Jesus healed the crippled woman and then was not silent on the hypocrisy of the synagogue leader.  “You hypocrites!”  Jesus had compassion.  The synagogue leader had none.  Jesus was not silent!

Jesus did not let the teachers of the law off the hook either.  “They walk around in flowing robes … have the most important seats in the synagogues … devour widow’s houses …”  Jesus warned people to be careful who they believed and followed.  Jesus was not silent!

Jesus spoke out against using the law unjustly.  The teachers of the law and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus.  He called them out.  “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Then Jesus encouraged a sinner to change.  Jesus was not silent!

Jesus was not silent when his house was taken over by money changers.  “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’?  But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’“  Jesus demanded respect for a place of worship.  Jesus was not silent!

Can you hear the silence?  Of course not.  Jesus was not silent! 

SILENCE

Silence:  silence toward wrongdoing means supporting it

               silence means yes

               silence means being “not in opposition to”

               silence means tolerating and supporting

I used familiar passages to point out that Jesus was not silent.  He spoke up.  So, I wonder.  Are we to be silent?  But, I know the answer.  And the answer is no.  We are called to follow the Word of God and not what is being said and written in the pages of society’s papers and news.

We are called by God to speak against injustice and oppression.  We are called to defend the children and the unborn.  We are called to support family and stand against abuse.  We are called to share our faith in Jesus Christ. 

….. and yet … we are silent.

 

 

SCRIPTURES USED

The crippled woman:  Luke 13:10-17

The teachers of the law:  Mark 12:38-40

The adulterous woman:  John 8:2-11

The clearing of the temple courts:  Mark 11:15-17

YOU ARE IN CHARGE

“You are in charge,” Bill said as he handed me the TV remotes.  IN CHARGE?  That means I have POWER!!!  WOW….in charge ….power ….I can control what we watch.  There will be no stopping me now.  I HAVE THE REMOTE!

“Happy New Year, Mary.  Do you think this is going to be a good year for you?”

I thought so, but I have a feeling you think I am not starting out on the right foot.

“You seem excited.  What’s going on?”

When you ask me that, I know I am doing something wrong.  And why do you ask when you already know what I am doing? 

“Just checking to see if you know what you are doing.”

I’m not doing anything wrong.

“Really?”

(Looking at the remote and hearing myself say something about power, I know I am in trouble.)  I didn’t mean anything like ‘real’ power.  I just meant Bill wanted me to pick the station we watch next. 

“Really?  It seemed to me you were speaking in capital letters.  Power can be very addicting.”

I need to look up a scripture, don’t I?

“Ephesians 6:10”

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

“Do you see your name in that verse?”

No. 

“One more question.  Do you think you still find power in having the TV remote?”

Absolutely not!  AND I read the next verses.  (Making them personal.)  I will put on the full armor of God, so that I can take my stand against the devil’s schemes.  For my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Wow.  I am sure glad I have your power backing me up.  Don’t think I would get very far fighting with a remote.

 “You are making progress, Mary.  Although I do get a chuckle when I picture you in front of the devil and pointing a remote.  Later”

 Sure… laugh and leave. 

IDOLS

You shall have no other gods before me.   Exodus 20:3

Idols, other gods, come in many forms.  Power can be an idol.

 JOHN BAPTIZES JESUS

 

 It was like any other morning.  John woke up to the sounds of nature.  Many thought it was strange that he slept outside.  They also didn’t understand his desire to wear camel hair and stay away from a good beef stew.  There was something about him though.  It seemed he was a people magnet.  Maybe it was his determination.  His loyalty to the mission he had been assigned in life.  Maybe it was because his message was the same.  He sure didn’t tell the Pharisees one thing and the common person something else.  He didn’t say what people wanted to hear.  He said what people needed to hear.

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’  For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.  The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Luke 3:7-9

Brood of vipers?  Why would anyone come to hear John call them names?  But, come they did.  They came to be baptized with water and hear John proclaim the Good News.  They also heard John say that one more powerful than him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.  As the crowd looked around, they wondered who could be more powerful than John? His voice was like a beacon.  His voice was honest.  A voice people trusted.

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As John looked up, he saw a man walking toward him.  Even from far off, John recognized him.  This was Jesus.  He had an air about him.  His steps were certain.  His head held high.  Jesus.  The one greater than him.  Jesus was walking directly toward him.  John had no words.  He almost dropped the man he was baptizing.  Jesus.  Jesus is coming to him.

John began speaking, “This is the one I have been telling you about.  The Lamb of God.”

John said, “Jesus, you should baptize me.  I am not worthy to ….”

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”

John baptized Jesus.

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 alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17

If John was vocal before, he could not be stopped now.  “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven.  It was as a dove.  Then I heard, “This is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.”

John The Baptist was a baby born for such a time as this.  He was real!  He had a mission!  And he honored the responsibility of that mission.  When you read about John The Baptist, see more than a man wearing camel hair and eating honey.  See a humble man, living the life he was born to live.  See a man proclaiming, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

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Thank you for taking this journey to discover that John The Baptist is so much more than camel hair and honey.  May your 2026 be filled with blessings and your soul filled with the Holy Spirit,  Mary

John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, Focus on the Family 

https://youtu.be/w9NgHAy-0yM?si=qNcbaIOlrrqxBm4K

 PREPARING THE WAY –WHO IS JOHN

 

 WHO IS JOHN?

If someone were to describe me, hopefully, they might use words like faithful, honest, loving, and follower of Christ.  I am sure the word list would not be long.  I found a long list of descriptive words for John, as I tried to find out:  WHO IS JOHN?

John was a child of God’s promise, received his name from God, and was ordained by an angel.  He is considered the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first prophet of the New Testament, often referred to as the Prophet of the Highest.  Wow!  John The Baptist had major credentials.  It’s a wonder he didn’t strut around in a robe and have his nose in the air.  Instead, he led a simple life and was described quite differently.

WHO IS JOHN?

What do you see when you look at John, in the above picture?  Do you see a man who is focused, determined, full of passion, and obedient?  John was brave and was not afraid of religious or political leaders.  Can you see past the camel hair and realize John had accepted the responsibility of answering God’s call?  He was on a divine mission, and he knew exactly where he stood in the pecking order.  John knew there was one greater than him.  John was humble and loyal to his mission to prepare the way for the Lord. 

WHO IS JOHN?

How many times do you have to hear something before you get it?  Before you believe it?  The people were constantly wondering if John might be the Messiah.  John answered them, “I baptize you with water.  But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  He also told them, “I am not the Messiah.”  When asked if he was Elijah, he replied, “I am not.”  He did not call himself a prophet. 

“Who are you?” they asked.  Replying in the words of Isaiah the prophet, John said, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness. ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ “

WHO IS JOHN?

Do you see past the camel hair?  Do you have a new image of John?

John knew there was one greater.  He knew he was to prepare the way for the Lord.  And John did just that.  He baptized with water, until the time that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John.  A man, born for just such a time as this.

 

Here I Am, sung by 7 PM Choir

https://youtu.be/cDdniihKBzI?si=qUNN-sEOFV6W2V-7

 

 JOHN GROWS UP

 

 Elizabeth looked up and said, “Oh, Zechariah, how are we so blessed?  Our son has grown to be so tall and has lived up to everything the angel had said.  I don’t know how he lives on honey and …”

“Now, now,” Zechariah said.  “He has followed the path God placed him on.  I admit the neighbors tease about his attire and diet, but, in my heart, I see the hand of God.  He is so outspoken and does not back down, even from the Pharisees.  As a priest, I have never seen anyone so determined that everyone should hear his message.  He is filled with the Holy Spirit.  Yes, I know --- since Mary visited.”

He continued, “It seems the people are listening to him.  Israel needs to be prepared for the Lord and I do believe our John is just the man to accomplish this.  Our son.  Gabriel did say he would bring many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.”

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There he sat.  Under a tree.  Was it safe to approach him?  They had heard rumors, but gossip is not reliable.  Looking at him, the group stopped and whispered, “Do we go back?”  One person said, “His clothes.  He doesn’t look like a prophet.  He …..”.

“What does his clothes have to do with it?  We came to hear what he has to say.  My neighbor said he has a message we need to hear.  Said it would change our lives.  I am going to talk to him.  Are you coming?”  With that, he started toward the man sitting under the tree.

Not knowing what to expect, because they had heard about the passion in his voice that would boom and sometimes condemn, he walked up to the man and said, “Are you John?”

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My mind can picture all of this and I hope yours can too.  I want you to see that John was real.  He had parents who loved and worried about him.  He was alive.  He was humble.  He took the responsibility God gave him seriously.  Every action.  Every word.  Every body lowered into the water.  Every soul washed with the water of baptism.  Every time John shouted, “You brood of vipers!” or “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” the people listened.  They listened as John exhorted them and as he proclaimed the Good News.

John was the voice calling in the wilderness.  The crowds came.

 Find Your Wings, Mark Harris

https://youtu.be/-4NS7gChzvk?si=X27i4HNZUTqUN21h

 GABRIEL WAS RIGHT

 

Of course, the angel of God would be right.  Elizabeth,. even in her old age, became pregnant.  The baby was conceived the old-fashioned way. 

A BABY…A BABY BOY 

After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

Luke 1:24

Can you see her?  Elizabeth is looking out the window.  “A son,” she said out loud.  “A son we are to name John.  After all these years, the Lord has done this for me.  His favor has taken away my disgrace.  No longer will the people look at me as if I am being punished by God.” 

The Lord has granted the prayers of Zechariah and Elizabeth.  She is pregnant.  I believe she chose to stay in seclusion for the first five months, because she was past childbearing years and was not sure how this pregnancy would change her body.  During this time, I am sure Elizabeth offered many prayers of gratitude.  I am sure Zechariah saw her instant faith in the news Gabriel delivered instead of his doubt and questioning.  This seclusion would give them time to say prayers of gratitude for this gift:  a son.  

AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a loud voice she exclaimed:  “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!  But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Luke 1:39-45

Can you see Elizabeth touching her stomach?  Can you see the wonder and questioning in her eyes?  Can you see her go to Mary and wonder why she is so blessed that Mary came to her?  Do you think she realized her child was destined to ….. 

At this point, I do not believe Elizabeth or Mary truly understood the future of the children they carried.  BUT, I can see two women, with great faith, sitting and sharing their emotions and their questions.  I can picture them sitting in a garden, offering prayers, and wondering what was ahead of them.

In the book of Esther, Mordecai told Esther, “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this.”  As I read articles about John The Baptist, I realized Elizabeth had not previously conceived a child because she was being punished by God.  Elizabeth had not conceived because she was to carry a child who was being born for just such a time as this. 

IT IS TIME

Elizabeth was ready and gave birth to a son.  On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child and Elizabeth said, “He is to be called John.”  Zechariah, still not able to speak, wrote, “His name is John.”

 

You Will Always Be My Son, Caleb and Kelsey

https://youtu.be/FUsLT0hIOus?si=CITwAF-M6OGgMYK4

THE BIRTH OF A BABY FORTOLD

 

I want to introduce you to Zechariah, a Jewish priest, and his wife, Elizabeth.  This couple was righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all the Lord’s commandments and regulations.  Elizabeth had never conceived and was now very old.

NOT A NORMAL DAY

Elizabeth sent Zechariah on his way.  It was a great day for him.  What an honor to be the one serving God.  She could picture him entering the sanctuary of the Lord.  It would be a long week until she welcomed him home, and they would discuss his week over the evening meal.

Zechariah looked back one more time.  He knew she would still be watching him.  She always watched until he was out of sight.  He pictured her beginning the day's household chores.  Taking a deep breath, he turned his mind to his task.  The order of Abijah was on duty this week, and he was chosen, by lot, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense.  This was an honor and each priest was only assigned this task once in his lifetime.

Turning the corner, he saw the crowd was gathering.  Today, the crowd seemed rather large.  He knew they would be praying during the burning of the incense and nodded to them as he closed the door.  His service to God would now begin.

The ketoret was a special blend of eleven herbs and balms, which was measured precisely.  This would be burned twice a day on the golden altar that stood in the Temple.  Ketoret means “bonding.”  The incense brings a pleasant odor to the temple, boosts the dignity and respect of the Temple, and represents the essential connection each person has with God.  With great reverence, Zechariah took the ketoret and placed it on the incense altar. 

As he looked up, he saw an angel of the Lord standing to the right of the incense altar.  He was overcome with fear, but the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer.”  The angel continued to tell him that Elizabeth would have a son.  A son they were to name John. 

Zechariah listened as the angel told about the life John would have.  This is where things go a bit off track for Zechariah.  He questions the angel, Gabriel.  The angel that stands in the presence of God.  The angel God sent to bring the good news about the future birth of his son.  Gabriael, being more than a bit upset, caused Zechariah to be silent.  Silent until after the birth of baby John.

The people were waiting when Zechariah came out and wanted to know why he had been inside so long.  Zechariah couldn’t tell them.  Have you ever played the game Pictionary?  That is what I picture him doing.  All sorts of motions … until they realized he had seen a vision.

When his week was completed, he returned home.  Soon afterward Elizabeth became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. 

“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed.  “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”

 

Angels Among Us, Alabama

https://youtu.be/y_4Xfj2LRSA?si=bz3lQGe0rm37m-C6

 

 

 THE CHRISTMAS STORY — THE OTHER BABY

 I love to write Christmas blogs.   Who doesn’t like Christmas?  A baby!  Angels!  A miracle!  Christmas songs.   So much to pick from.   

Every year, I try to find a way to tell the Christmas story that points out something new.  A way to help you see each character as real.  A living, breathing person.  I want you to see their hopes and dreams.  I want you to realize they learned to read and write and do math.

A while back, something popped into my thought process:  Read the Christmas story again.   Really read it.  Slowly.  Picturing it.  Seeing everything as if you were there.

This year, as I slowly read the Christmas story, I saw another baby.  A baby named John:  John The Baptist.  As I have read and found articles, I realized how strong in faith, how dedicated to God’s plan, and how humble this man was.  My goal will be to have you understand his role.   We picture him standing on a rock, wearing weird clothes, and eating honey.  We see him baptizing Jesus.  That is about it.  Oh, yeah, and that he was later beheaded.

I hope by the end of the series, you will be able to “see” John.  You will find his story important.  His story does not begin when he baptized Jesus.  His story began when Zechariah entered the Temple to burn incense.  His story began when Zechariah questioned how he and Elizabeth could have a baby.

Each week, you will find the scripture I posted on our church’s Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/urbanayokeparish/ .  At the end of the blog, you will find a song or story that ties into the spirit of the blog.  I have enjoyed working to tie the Monday Scripture, the Wednesday Pick-Me-Up, and the blog together.  Please join me next week, as a five-part series begins. 

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I am famous for my terrible spelling, but before you try to point out that I have misspelled the names of John’s parents, Zechariah is also spelled Zachariah.  In one article, it is spelled Zachary.  Elizabeth is also spelled Elisabeth.

THANKSGIVING VS GIVING THANKS

Bet you are thinking, “There is no difference.”  But let’s be honest.  When we hear the word “Thanksgiving”, the Norman Rockwell painting comes to mind.  We see a family sitting around a table, a very large, perfectly cooked turkey, dressing (stuffing), smiles and the mother still wearing her apron. 

When we hear the word “Thanksgiving”, we think about having the day off work (except for the people in the kitchen working for hours to prepare a meal that will be consumed in ten minutes), taking a nap after eating that turkey, football games, a dog show, and the long drive home with tired children.  Somewhere in there, we might actually go around and have everyone tell something they are thankful for.  That is, if we can get it in during halftime or a commercial.

Thanksgiving:  The fourth Thursday in November.

vs

Giving:  To make a present of

Thanks:  Expression of gratitude

When I read the meaning of the words giving and thanks, I wondered if I had been doing it wrong all these years.  Over the years, I have made it about me.

·                  I am so thankful for indoor plumbing.

·                  I am so thankful for family.

·                  I am thankful for sunrises and sunsets.

·                  I am – I am – I am.  It was all about me. 

But now?

TO MAKE A PRESENT OF OUR EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

Can you hear me Lord?  Is my voice rising to your heavenly realm?

Worship the LORD with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.

My soul is smiling.  Can you see it reflected in my eyes?  Lord, God, I come before you with a song so full of joy it cannot be contained 

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

You made me.  I am yours.  Shepherd, I rest in your pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

My thanksgiving is so strong no gate can keep me out and your courts will echo my praises.

I will raise my hands as I give you thanks and praise your name. 

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Lord, as my grandmother prayed, so shall I pray.  Your faithfulness surrounded her and that faithfulness will surround my children and their children and their children.

AMEN.  AND AMEN.

Happy Giving Thanks Day!!!

 

 INVISIBLE

The Old Farmer’s Almanac said the ancient Greeks believed that topaz (November’s birthstone) could make a wearer invisible.  I am a November baby and I have a ring, with a topaz setting, on my finger at this very moment.

“Bill, can you see me?” I asked.

He replied, “Yes, ma’am.”

I hate to tell the learned Greeks, but it doesn’t work.  Besides, I don’t want to be invisible.

I want people to see me!!  I want my Sunday morning hug!  If Terry could not see me, he could not give me a hug.  If I were invisible, no one could smile at me and I could not talk to them.  (Oh my.  Not talk.  That might be a big problem.)  My kids and grandkids would not know where I was and the grandkids might trip over me.  Compared to them, I am more than a bit short.  If I were invisible, how could my actions show people God’s love?

BUT (You know the capital BUT means I am going to turn this around.).  BUT … are there people that are invisible to us?

Do we even see them?  Do we turn away?  Do we look right through them?  Often, we don’t want to see them, because then we would have to be an example of Jesus.  Do we see:

• the homeless man or the person sleeping in their car?
• the single parent struggling with a tired child?
• the person cleaning the restrooms or the floors, at a business?
• the person sitting in the back pew?
• the “different” student who no one will sit with?
• the person who wears strange clothes or is covered with tattoos?

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:37-40

“when did we see” ….  Do we even see them?  Do we turn away?  Or are they invisible?

 

CHANGING PLANS

I keep a monthly calendar on the refrigerator.  Meetings, haircuts, doctor’s appointments, activities I want to do, activities I might do, and birthdays.  As soon as I have it printed off, the phone will ring, and I will have to make a change.  The month never turns out like I think it will.  The calendar starts neatly with different colors for each type of activity.  By the end of the month, it is a mess.  How can so many plans change?  I am sure your life is like that too.

I wonder what Jesus’ calendar looked like.  Actually, I can answer that.  Every day — think of that: EVERY DAY — would be the same.  When Jesus looked at his calendar to see his schedule, it would read the same day in and day out.  Sunday: Do my Father’s will.  Monday: Do my Father’s will.  Tuesday: Do my Father’s will.  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: Do my Father’s will. 

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.  And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.  For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”            John 6:38-40

 

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.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.           John 3:16-17

  And that is just what Jesus did.  He did the will of His Father.

  Bless his heart.

  Question: Is doing God’s work written on your calendar?