DID YOU HEAR?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 16:29

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.

DID YOU HEAR?

I rarely pass on the latest news (aka gossip). I would like to say it is because I am trying to take the high road. That I am above gossip. Really, it is a self-defense strategy (aka keep foot out of mouth).

Although we have lived in this community for 30 years, I do not know everyone's relatives all the way back to the Mayflower. You can be sure if I begin a sentence, "Let me tell you what I heard about Sadie," the person I am talking to will eventually inform me that Sadie is their second cousin. If Sadie only had one cousin in the whole country, the one person I would pick to pass on a tidbit of news to would be her cousin. (Take foot out of mouth time.)

There is also a slight problem I have remembering names. I may know something really, really juicy and just as I start to tell, my lack of retention kicks in and I cannot remember if it was Kelly or Katherine that ......... Not wanting to get the wrong person in trouble, I just do not tell.

Did you ever play the game telephone? Where one person whispers in the ear of the next in line. The idea is to see how close the last person comes to repeating the starting sentence. The first person said, "The bed is red." The last person said, "Fred is dead." Not wanting to be responsible for Fred's family being upset, I try not to repeat what I hear.

Do I talk about people? Yes, but remember, there is a difference between conversation and gossip. How can you tell the difference? Simple. If Sadie walked into the room, would you keep talking or change the subject?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What have you said lately that you wish you had kept to yourself? Have you ever been hurt by gossip?

LET US PRAY

Dear Sweet Jesus, So many words. So many ways to express what I feel and what I think. Let me always use my words wisely. Let me use my words to build a friend up, not tear them down. Let me respect others and their privacy. Let me use my words to praise you and to tell your story. Let me ………………………………… Amen

VACATION PLANS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

VACATION PLANS

Our son, Bill, always teases us about our vacations. You see, we plan. We send off for information. We mark our route. We make some reservations so we know that, at the end of the day, we will have a place to stay. We know where we want to go and we know what we want to do when we get there. We print off our route and our itinerary for the kids. That is where the teasing comes in. Bill will look at it and say, "Just how far do you think you will get before you change your plans?"

He is right. We will be going down the road and I will look at the map and say, "Now what we could do…." That usually means we will take a side road or even make a major change in our plans. The route and the reservations -- each carefully chosen -- are thrown away. A new adventure begins.

Usually we are at least going down the road when the changes start. This year the itinerary was hardly out of the printer when my husband said, "Now what we could to…" That comment resulted in a major change.

Wow, this is a lot like life. We prepare. We plot. We have our day planned. Our week. Our year. Our life. Then WHAM. God says, "Now what you could do…" Oh, I hate it when that happens. It means I have to throw out my schedule. Throw out my plans.

Then I think about it and turn to the new adventure God has prepared for me. After all, His road leads me where I really want to go.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do all of your plans work out? Do you get frustrated when plans fall through? Can you be excited when change comes into your life? Do you listen for God's directions?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear God, You formed this world and you formed me. You have a plan for this world and you have a plan for me. I spend so much of my life deciding what I want to do. Give me ears to hear when you say, "Now what you could do ." Give me courage to change. Courage to follow your good, pleasing and perfect will. Give me courage to follow your plan. ………………………………… Amen

WHERE DO YOU SIT?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: LUKE 10:39

She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

WHERE DO YOU SIT?

Have you ever heard this? "That is my pew! How dare those people sit there? Don't they know that I ALWAYS sit in that spot? I just would not feel comfortable sitting in another pew. I will just ask them to move."

Laugh, but I have heard of this happening. The question is where do you sit? Do you have a favorite pew? Is it in the back? Halfway back? On the left of the aisle? On the right? In the middle of the pew? At the end of the pew?

I spoke at a small church a few weeks back and told them I felt right at home. They were like the Methodist, all sitting in the back of the church.

Now I am going to ask you to get out of your comfort zone. Move around. You would meet new people. Move around. Surprise your minister and sit up front. (Believe me, all speakers would be thrilled if they looked down and the front row was filled.) Move around. Sit in the back row one Sunday and in the middle the next. Move around. Sit on the left of the aisle one Sunday and on the right the next. Do not be glued to a particular seat!

New question: If you heard that Jesus was going to speak this Sunday, where would you sit? Would you get there early so you could get the front pew? Would you grab an aisle seat so you could see better? Would you sit on the floor, at his feet?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where do you sit? Would you feel comfortable in another pew? The purpose of church is to join with others to worship and hear the word of God. If you would sit up close to hear Jesus, shouldn't you be just as willing to sit up front to hear His Word?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, I have become a creature of habit. I am glued to my pew. I want to sit there because I feel comfortable. I know the people who sit next to me. Help me get out of my comfort zone because I come to church to worship You. I come to learn Your word. Give me the courage to sit at Your feet. To sit close so I will not miss one syllable. ………………………………… Amen

A JOYOUS TIME

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:16-18

A JOYOUS TIME

(To the males reading this blog: Today this is mainly for the women, but please read it. Hopefully, after reading this, you will encourage your mother, wife, daughter or female friends to attend a Women of Faith Conference.)

What a joyous time I had last Saturday! A group of women went to the Women of Faith Conference - Amazing Freedom 2007. 11,000 women joined in song. Joined in laughter. Joined in praise. Joined in celebrating being Women of Faith.

We heard how to go on with life when you have been molested as a child and when you have faced serious, life threatening illness. We heard Sandy Patty sing and heard a drama on the sisters, Martha and Mary. As the praise singers led us in song, hands were raised toward our Amazing God. We heard about God telling Luci Swindoll to "show up, shut up and let go." And we heard Marilyn Mcberg tell about putting an Ajax sticker in her husband's pants.

We laughed as Anita Renfroe talked and sang about things only women would understand -- under-wire bras, childbirth and those "press those girls flat" mammograms. Yes, we laughed until we cried.

The amazing thing is the timing of each speaker. You see, they would have us laughing. They would have us listening to every word they said. Then they would give us a zinger. They would quote a scripture and we understood that every word, every laugh was designed to make that scripture come alive.

What a joyous time I had celebrating the freedom of being a believer.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When was the last time you went out with a group of women? When was the last time you laughed until the tears ran? When was the last time you just plain celebrated the freedom you receive from being a Woman of Faith?

The website for Women of Faith is www.womenoffaith.com. Look it up. They have many books and videos that will help you celebrate your life.

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

LET US PRAY

Dear loving God that created me to be a Women of Faith. Thank you for the support I receive from other women as I live my life as the Daughter of a King. Thank you that I am free to laugh and free to sing. That I am free to pray and free to worship you. ………………………………… Amen

I DIDN'T DO IT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Genesis 3:13

(Moses upon coming down from the mountain and seeing the golden calf) He said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?" "Do not be angry, my lord," Aaron answered. "You know how prone these people are to evil. They said to me, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.' Exodus 32:21-23

I DIDN'T DO IT

As long as I have grandchildren, I will have stories. Our daughter has four boys -- 10, 7, 5 and 3. They are good boys, but they are boys. Noah, age 5, seems to have the ability to make rather big messes when he plays. The trouble comes in when it is time to pick up all those toys.

One day, mommy said, "Noah, it is time to pick up your toys."

Noah replied, "I didn't get them out."

Mother came back with, "Yes, you did. You had fun, but it is time to pick them up."

Noah replied, "I did not get them out! Matthew did it!"

There was one major flaw with Noah's defense and logic. What flaw you wonder.

Noah's older brother Joshua quickly informed Noah, "Matthew is in China."

The moral of the story -- Be sure the person you blame is not on the other side of the world.

The blame game goes back to the beginning of time. Eve didn't step up to the plate and admit she did a very big no-no. She blamed the serpent. Aaron couldn't look Moses in the eye and tell him that he went along with the plan. He blamed the people. O o o oh, it is so hard to take responsibility for our mistakes. O o o oh, it is so much easier to blame someone else.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you have trouble taking responsibility for your mistakes? Have you ever blamed someone else for your error? Have you ever had someone blame you for something they did?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, It seems there are so many temptations in life and failing to be honest and admit our mistakes is one of them. Forgive me for the times, in my past, when I have not been honest with others and with you. Today I ask you to guide me in the right direction. When I am tempted to blame another for my mistakes, either directly or by being silent, gently remind me that this is not Your way. ………………………………… Amen

WHAT A DAY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 40:1-5

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

WHAT A DAY

I don't know about where you live, but we had the most beautiful sunrise one day this week. The sky was magic. The sun started as a small slit peeking through. Then the light got brighter. The rays were extending over the top of the dark sky and then it happened. The whole sky lit up. There were oranges and purples and golds. Wow. What a way to start the day. God sure can say good morning.

The rest of my day was wonderful. The rose moss flowers were open and showing their colors. The barn swallows were putting on a show, darting in and out of the barn. There was a very welcome breeze and the sweet corn tasted extremely good. The junk email didn't even seem to annoy me.

Every have one of those day? Where everything just seems to fit together. Where you are more aware of everything around you. Where you feel -- where you feel comfortable with yourself.

I think a day like this is how most of us experience our Christian walk. It starts with our spirit allowing God to peek in. Then the light of God gets brighter and the rays of His light shine out around us. We cannot contain them. Then our whole being just explodes with His grace. When that happens, we begin to see God in everything around us. We see His plan in the flowers. And the birds. And the breeze. And in ourselves.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you had a day like this lately? What causes you to feel like you are one with God?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear God, Thank you for telling me good morning with your sunrise and good night with your sunset. Thank you for all that you have planned for me. For me. For me you made the birds, the flowers and the breeze. You have made wonders for my ears to hear, my eyes to see, my nose to smell, my mouth to taste and my hands to touch. For me you made these things. As I am going on my walk with you, show me your plan for my life. Let me always feel at one with you.………………………………… Amen

LORD, I AM AFRAID

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Psalm 23:1-4 -- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Matthew 28:20 -- …. and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

LORD, I AM AFRAID

My 1998 gallbladder surgery did not go quite like we expected. It was to be routine, done in the morning and home in the afternoon. Yet the problem that arose has changed my outlook on life. A problem so much smaller than many other people have, I know that, but let me explain.

I was home and lying in bed, short of breath and I was afraid. The doctor said I should be aware if I noticed any changes, like getting winded walking to the barn or having trouble breathing while lying on my back. Was I in trouble, was my heart going to stop again? Should I wake my husband? Quietly, I went downstairs, taking my fear with me. Dear Lord, I am afraid.
Just seven short days before, my world had been safe and secure. A simple gallbladder operation. Outpatient surgery. Arrive at the hospital early and leave late in the afternoon. Routine surgery until something went wrong. During surgery, my heart stopped for one minute. One minute did not seem like such a long time, until I tried holding my breath that long. I tried to count one-one thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand -- all the way to sixty one-thousand. One minute is not long, but it was long enough to make me afraid.

Three days of tests revealed no heart problems. With each test came new risks though. Papers had to be signed to make sure we were aware certain tests could cause strokes or even heart attacks. Fear. The gallbladder surgery went well and those scars were healing, but my chest hurt where they had hit me to get my heart started. Each movement caused pain. And fear. They did not know what caused this. Could it happen again? Fear. "Go home and in thirty days we will see you again. The only problem now is your heart is not pumping one hundred percent, but, most likely, that is a result of the stress. In thirty days, it should be back to normal," the doctors assured me. Most likely, should be -- “fear,” -- that is all I heard and felt.

Sitting in the dark, I tried to go over the last week, but I was afraid. More afraid than I had ever been in my life. Then it happened. A light. You know how sometimes, when you close your eyes, you see a light? That is what I thought was happening, but this was different. My eyes were open. I was awake. The light was there. A light more brilliant than any I had ever seen. A light with no beginning and no end. The light made the world quiet and gave me peace. A light that took my fear and left.

Thank you, God, I am not afraid now.

I know there is no guarantee tomorrow will come and I have never been afraid to die. Not ready, but never afraid. And I have always believed in Heaven. My fear was real and I do believe the fear could have killed me. Why had I been so afraid that night?

When I was being released from the hospital a young man was taking me by wheelchair to the car, he asked if I had seen a light and I told him no. He said some people do and some do not. I did not think too much about it until sitting there, alone and no longer afraid. Why hadn't the light been in the operating room? The answer is simple -- I did not need it then.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When have you been afraid? Where did you find the strength to face that fear?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, Fear. The word itself makes me cringe. Some of my fears are real and others are irrational. I know I cannot face them alone. I know I need help. Be beside me as I face the fear of ………………………………… Amen

FEAR

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:15-19

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

FEAR

This week I read extremes. I use Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest as a daily devotional. This is an amazing devotional. Not light stuff like I write, but deep thoughts. I also read a book by Dean Koontz, The Good Guy. Extremes, but they both made me think about fear.

In The Good Guy, Dean Koontz wrote, "Fear is a hammer, and when the people are beaten finally to the conviction that their existence hangs by a frayed thread, they will be led where they need to go." If you read Dean Koontz, you know that the person saying this was not the good guy.

What things do we do out of fear? This question can also be reversed -- What things do we not do out of fear?

Oswald Chambers wrote, "We say -- "If I really could believe!" The point is -- If I really will believe. If we really believed that God meant what He said -- what should we be like? Dare I really let God be to me all that He says He will be?"

Do you fear believing? Do you allow God to be all He can be in your life?

Again, to quote Oswald Chambers, "We utilize God for the sake of getting peace and joy, that is, we do not want to realize Jesus Christ, but only our enjoyment of Him."

What an amazing change would happen in our lives if we "will" believe, not just hope to believe. The Bible is full of promises from God. How He will enrich our lives and how He will give us peace. How He will give us eternal life. What amazing changes would happen in our lives if we would leave fear behind and let God "be all that He says He will be." (Go back and read the last sentence of today's scripture.)

Next week I will tell you about a time when I was very afraid.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What do you do out of fear? Is fear being used in your life "like a hammer." Are you so afraid of someone or something, that you live your life in fear? (If this is the case, please get help. Find a church, a person or an agency that will help you. Making a change in your life takes courage. Be strong and good luck.) Are there reasons you are afraid to trust God? Are you afraid you would have to change your lifestyle?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear God, Fear. So often, I am afraid. I am afraid I will not have enough money to pay the bills. I am afraid I will be fired. Or be ill. Or say the wrong thing if I speak out at church. Or if I speak out about injustice. I am afraid others will think I am weird if I admit to believing and loving you. I am afraid to change how I worship. I am afraid to allow you to enter every part of my life. I do not want to live in fear. I do not want fear to control me. I want ………………………………… Amen

SURFING BLOGS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:8-11

SURFING BLOGS

I recently signed this blog up, with Blog Explosion, to increase exposure. I am not sure that was a good thing. Yes, the number of people looking at my blog has increased. The problem is they are not reading it. They are staying just long enough to rack up credits for surfing blogs. Then they move to the next one. This is done to help increase the traffic to their blog. If you think about it, it makes no sense. People are going to flip from blog to blog and no one reads anything.

Now here is the kicker. My "surfing blogs theory" is exactly how many people pick their religion and their beliefs. They go from church to church and do not stay long enough to find out what that church really believes. You need to find a church, which fits you, but you cannot do that in one visit or even two. If you are going to try a new church, go for a few Sundays. That doesn't mean you have to join the choir the first week or be on a committee. It means you go and listen to the Word. You see how you are welcomed. You watch people as they worship. Does it feel comfortable? Are they preaching the Word of God or just saying what makes you feel good? Are there all age groups? Do they have small groups (Sunday School, Bible Studies, Craft/Art/Conversation groups where people with like interests can meet)? Do you feel the presence of God?

Many people also read the Bible in a "surfing blogs theory" way. They jump around in the Bible, reading first this and then that and they expect it to make sense. That is not going to happen. Again, you have to stop and take your time. Until the last couple of years, reading the Bible was my weakest area. I think that was because I never had any order to my reading. I would read a scripture attached to a devotional and call that good enough. It takes time and determination to make sense of the Bible. Everyone has their own style and you need to develop yours.

Surfing blogs may be fun, but you do not learn anything by surfing blogs. You learn by taking time to read. Surfing churches gets you in and out of a church fast, but you do not learn anything by surfing churches. You learn by staying and making decisions based upon more than one Sunday. Surfing the scripture is a fast way to go from verse to verse, but you do not learn the Word by going from here to there. You learn by slowly reading and finding the meaning and wisdom.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you a surfer? Do you flip from blog to blog, not reading anything, always looking for the next blog? Do you go from church to church, always looking for one just a little better? Do you open the Bible and then hop from verse to verse?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, You came to earth with one purpose - to serve your Father and do His will. You did not go from here to there, you put your feet on the path and you followed it. That is what I want to do. I want to belong to a church that teaches me how to walk the same path. I want that path to begin in the Old Testament and lead me to the very end of the New Testament. I do not want to be a surfer, I want to be ………………………………… Amen

HANDS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 19:13

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.

HANDS

THE HANDS JESUS

The hands of Jesus were gentle and kind. The hands of Jesus held the children.

With just a touch, His hands gave speech to the mute and gave sight to the blind. They blessed the bread that feed 5,000 and they restored life to the dead.

The hands of Jesus cast out demons and they offered blessings. The hands of Jesus cured leprosy. The hands of Jesus did not cast stones.

The hands of Jesus washed the disciples' feet. They offered the cup and the bread. The hands of Jesus carried the cross.

OUR HANDS

Oh how amazing is our hands. They can sharply bring pain or touch a cheek softly. They can conquer a land or be offered in peace.

They can give help or they can be selfish. They can be clinched in rage or lifted in praise. Oh how amazing is our hands.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How do you use your hands? Are they strong, but gentle? Are they friendly? Do they serve others? Are they clinched or raised in praise?

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

LET US PRAY

To the loving Jesus who holds me in His hands, You are the example I need to follow. I want to use my hands as you used yours. I want to give care to those who suffer from physical, mental or emotional pain. I want to use my hands as instruments of peace as I offer friendship to those I meet. I want to have gentle loving hands. Hands that will serve others. Dear Lord, I want my hands to ………………………………… Amen

ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

"… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Please read Psalm 139

Jesus speaking to Saul (Paul) "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." the Lord replied. "Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 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 26:15-17

"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

OH, NEVER MIND -- ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF

One day, shortly before Easter, our grandson Matthew called and, while we were talking, asked, "Grandma, can you bring eggs on Easter so we can hunt them?" In the background, his mother told him they were doing eggs. Matthew told me, "Oh, never mind." A request not needed, it was already taken care of.

How many request do we make that are already taken care of?

"Dear Lord, I am feeling alone." Jesus reminds us that He is with us always. "Oh, never mind." -- Taken care of -- Matthew 28:20

"Dear Lord, do you know me?" This Psalm tells us that God knows when we sit and when we rise, is familiar with our ways and knows a word before it is on our tongue. "Oh, never mind." -- Taken care of -- Psalm 139

"Dear Lord, I have sinned and I am sorry. How do I receive forgiveness?" Through Jesus, our sins can be forgiven. "Oh, never mind." -- Taken care of -- Acts 26:15-17

"Dear Lord, I worry about eternity." Jesus assures us that there will be a place in his Father's house. "Oh, never mind." -- Taken care of -- John 14:1-4

I know that being alone, wondering if God really knows who I am, fearing that my sins are too great to be forgiven and trying to picture eternity are deep, deep concerns and I am not using "Oh, never mind." in a flippant manner. It is used to show that many of the things we fear or questions we have are already Taken care of. Hopefully these verses can help you during these times.

God knows our fears and He knows each of us as a unique individual. We just need to listen and have faith.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When are times that you feel separated from God? When do have the most questions? Do you have a prayer partner or someone you can call when you are having rough times?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you as a thankful child who has received everything I need. Let my eyes see your wonders and my ears hear your words. Let my mind understand your ways and fill my very being with the Holy Spirit. When I have questions, calm me with the reassurance that you have the answer. Lead me, guide me and be beside me always as I ………………………………… Amen

HANDPRINTS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:11-13

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the son of god and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

HANDPRINTS

I looked out the window this morning and remembered a time when Timothy came for a visit, about a year ago. Yes, he has been here since, but this is what I wrote the morning after that visit. --

Timothy was here yesterday. I was reminded of that fact when the morning sun hit the kitchen window. Timothy is two and he loves to look out windows. He loves to stand on the kitchen counter, look out the window and tell me about the birds and the cows. At least that is what I think he is telling me. I only have grandma ears, so I pick up most of the words but not all of them. Whatever he says though must be quite some story. He gets excited and points. And he puts his hands on the window.

I probably should wash that window. The sun makes it look pretty bad. Handprints and fingerprints are as high as a two year old can reach. Yes, I should wash that window but I think I will wait a few days. When I see that handprint, I think of Timothy and smile.

So let the sun shine on the window and let the handprint glow.

Wow, guess that is sorta like us. We travel though this life leaving our prints everywhere. We are very blessed, because Jesus can wash away our bad prints. We are very blessed, because when the light of the Son shines on our good prints, they glow.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Where have you left your handprints? Have you helped the earth by recycling? Have you left your print when you volunteered at a soup kitchen? Have you left your print in the hand of another when you extended the hand of friendship? Where have you left your print? Will it glow?


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

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, Thank you for so many opportunities to leave my handprint on your world. Guide my hands in such a way that my handprints help and that they lead others to you. I want my prints to glow when the light of Your Son shines on them. I want my handprints to ………………………………… Amen

ENEMIES

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23:5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

ENEMIES

Enemy. Now that is one powerful word. What comes to your mind? Do you picture a certain person? Do you think of someone in history like Hitler? How do you feel when you say that word? Does your blood pressure go up? Do your eyes lock in a stare and your mouth set into a scrawl? How big of a table would it take to seat your enemies?

Enemy. That is one powerful word. The other Sunday we heard Pastor Robert A. Schuller speak on this verse from Psalm 23. He made me think about the enemies that would be sitting at my table.

I think I am going to need a very big table to seat my enemies. They would be temper, prejudice, lack of compassion, and fear. Also seated would be pride and lack of trust. Seated there would be gossip and hate. And being judgmental. I would be in one of those chairs, because sometimes I am my own worst enemy. There would be a chair - an empty chair - for all the things I was afraid to do. The things I left undone. The words I did not say. The prayers I did not pray. These things are or have been enemies to the life I can have.

Enemy. That is one powerful word. We spend time worrying about "humans" who are enemies. "Human" enemies would take up very few chairs at the table. The real enemies - the ones that threaten eternal life - could fill a room.

Enemy, that is one powerful word. But God is more powerful. Through God, you will sit at the table, in the presence of your enemies. The enemies God has invited so they can see that you are one of His children. You are an anointed child. Through God, YOU CAN OVERCOME YOUR ENEMIES.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Who do you consider an enemy? What is your worst enemy? How many chairs will you need at the table?

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

LET US PRAY

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Dear Lord, What comforting words these are. And to know that you have a table prepared for me. To know that I can draw on your strength to overcome my enemies. Teach me forgiveness, because I need to be forgiven. Let me forgive my human enemies. Give me strength to defeat the other enemies in my life. Give me strength to rid my life of ………………………………… Amen

SECRET PLANS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 22:29-36

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great.

SECRET PLANS

Have you ever planned something and tried to keep it a secret? That is what our son and I are working on. Bill is planning to take his two children, Kailyn and Nathan, to Gatlinburg. Can you keep a secret? I am going with them.

Kailyn and Nathan are so excited about going and have talked and talked about their plans and the cabin they are going to stay in. And the hot tub. And the aquarium they are going to visit. And just sitting on the porch and using the rocking chairs. Yes, they are excited about going. They are going to stop and tell us goodbye before they leave.

I am excited, because when they stop to say goodbye, I am going to get in the car and go with them. I cannot wait to see the look on their faces.

God has made so many plans for us, but He has not kept his plans a secret. He wants to turn our darkness into light. He is our shield! He is our rock! And he stoops down to make us great!

I bet God has an extremely big smile on His face when we say, "We are going along with you."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you know what plans God has for you? How can you discover those plans? Have you told Him you want to be a part of His journey?

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

LET US PRAY

My Shield, My Rock, You have a plan for me. You created me. You made me special and unique. You made me one of a kind. You stoop down for me. For me. To make me great. What can I do for you? What is my part in your plan? Teach me to listen and hear your directions. Show me how to serve you. ………………………………… Amen

FILL UP THAT TANK

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: John 4:10-15

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

FILL UP THAT TANK

Watching the evening news, I saw the lines of people trying to fill their gas tanks before the price went up another 20 cents. The first time I put gas in a car, the price was 25 cents per gallon. (Yes, that was back in the dark ages, as are the next two examples.) The cost has gone up.

Saturday afternoon at the movies was the highlight of the week. You saw not one, but two movies. Good westerns where the guy in the white hat was the hero and he kissed his horse instead of the girl. The movie, popcorn or candy bar, and pop cost less than a dollar. The price of watching a movie has gone up.

The first job I had was as a carhop at a Tastee Freeze. (If you know what a carhop is, good. And Tastee Freeze? That was like a Dairy Queen.) I made 35 cents per hour plus tips. Wages have gone up.

We live on a farm and, unbelievably, we sold our rock pile. Rocks we had picked up out of the fields. Now who would buy rocks? It seems people pay at least a penny a pound for rocks to put in their flowerbeds. The cost of a flowerbed has gone up.

Then there is bottled water. No longer do people turn on the tap and take a drink. The water has to be from a spring, be flavored, be enhanced with power aides or be a certain brand. A bottle of water is over one dollar. The cost of water has gone up.

Or has it? Jesus told us that if we drink the water he offers we will never thirst. And the cost of that water today? The same as it was back then. All we have to do is ask for a drink.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you thirsty? Do you need to fill up? Have you asked Jesus for a drink?

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

LET US PRAY

Giver of the Living Water, The world takes so much out of me. Sometimes it seems I am running on empty. I turn to worldly things to fill me up. I think I can be filled by having a better car or a better job or more money. Teach me to ask you for the living water. Only then will I be filled. Teach me to ask you for the living water when .………………………………… Amen

GIFTS FROM GOD

(Introduction to today's devotional: This blog actually started because I tried to get a book of devotionals published. I was told, "These are good but there are so many devotionals on the market that getting published is almost impossible." I found out one thing -- To get published, you need to already be published. Then I had an even better thought -- If I do a blog, anyone can read it. Free! If you have read this blog since I started posting, you have pretty much read the book I envisioned. Last week was the last devotional. This week is how I would have ended the book. OH, DO NOT FEAR -- I PLAN ON CONTINUING. (You are not going to get rid of me that easy.) Now I get to start writing new ones. I AM EXCITED.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Psalm 145 (Please read the whole scripture. Quoted are verses 1, 2, 6 and 7)

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Everyday I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

GIFTS FROM GOD

God has given me so much; I don’t know where to begin. He gave me things before I was smart enough to realize they were gifts from Him. I am continually amazed by this world. Trees and who would have ever thought of frogs? Turnips yes, but spinach? And how does a calf know where to look for the milk supply? This world -- one wonder after another. All I have to do is open my eyes and look. I know that God gives me a new day as the sun comes up and watches over me at night when the sun sets.

And the giving does not stop there! Looking back, I realize God gave me help and strength when things were tough. Those times when I was not sure about God or had to face the loss of a loved one. When I had to give care to someone ill, God was giving me strength. The tough times are when my faith grew.

And it does not stop there! God gives me opportunities beyond belief. He gives me the opportunity to help others. So many people need help because of floods, tornadoes, abusive home lives, or just bumps in the road. He gives me the opportunity to tell others, so that God’s story reaches each of his children. God gives me the opportunity to praise Him. Prayer is such an easy thing -- a word of thanks spoken quietly or joy coming clear from the toes or a plea for help sent with head bowed.

You know what? These are not gifts God only gave to me. God sent these gifts for all of us. FOR YOU.

And it does not stop there! God gave us the beginning of His church. A foundation on which to build. A church where we can fellowship. And sing. And hear the word of God. And study. And grow in the faith.

And it does not stop there! God gave us His Son and offers us eternal life!!!

I write these devotionals because God gives me the words. If I had to rely on myself, there would be just blank pages.

*I hope, within these devotionals, you find a reason to smile.
*I hope you find some moments of peace and rest.
*I hope these devotionals touch your soul.
*I hope you are changed. That you will want to reach out to others who need your help, who could use a friend.
*I hope somewhere on these pages you find a word or a phrase or a thought that brings you closer to God, that deepens your faith.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

No questions today. Just my thanking you for reading my blog. For being a part of my faith walk. For sharing my life.

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord Jesus, Today I want to thank you for each person that enters this site to read your words. I am but one of your children and my prayer is that you will use me to encourage others. Please continue to give me words so that others receive the strength they need to get through the day. Words so someone will feel less lonely. Words so someone will smile. Words so someone will come to You. Bless and enrich each person that reads this. Give them peace in their soul. Give them your protection. Give them the courage to stand up for their beliefs. Give them the assurance that you are the Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End. Amen

MAKING "EVE" CHOICES

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1 and 3:4-6

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die. Genesis 2:15 - 17

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1

"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. Genesis 3:4 - 6

MAKING "EVE" CHOICES

Okay, so the apple on the tree looked good and that ole snake told a good story, but why did Eve fall for it. Why did she not do as God told her? How hard could it have been to resist the fruit of just one tree? It isn’t like she and Adam didn’t have anything to eat. And she should have known better. After all ---

Come to think of it, there was no “after all.” No one before Eve had ever been tempted. She really did not understand the consequences of that one little bite, of that one little piece of fruit.

Don't you hate those "Eve" choices in our lives? Those choices that seem innocent. Those choices where someone is telling us, "Go ahead. Who will ever know?"

Wouldn't it be great if there were warning labels on choices? We are warned not to use that curling iron in the shower. We are warned to buckle up before we drive. We are warned that, if we spend too much time on the computer, we could get carpal tunnel. Why don't our choices come with a warning label? After all ---

Come to think of it, there is an "after all." A very big one. It is called the Bible.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What choices do you face? Are you ever like Eve and listen to that ole sneaky snake instead of your own good sense? Are the big decisions in life easy, but the little "one bite of the apple won't hurt" decisions hard? Can you find help in the Bible?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, It would have been so much easier if Eve had not listened to that snake. Then we would still be in the Garden of Eden. Working. Talking to you. But so many times, I am like Eve. I listen to the wrong people. I listen to the world instead of to you. Let me turn to you and to your word when I am making decisions. Let me turn to you and to your word when I face ………………………………… Amen

YOUR STORY --- THE BEGINNING, THE MIDDLE AND THE END

TODAY'S SCRIPTURES:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10

YOUR STORY --- THE BEGINNING, THE MIDDLE AND THE END

We often think of the Bible as the whole story, but the Bible is only the beginning and end of “Your Story.”

Please read this section aloud. It is about you. -----

MY STORY

The Bible tells me, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” It also says, “… male and female he created them.” My story began that day and what a wonderful way for my story to begin – with God. And in a world, God made just for me. Not just any world either. A world that held everything I would ever need. Food, clothing, shelter, companions and, most importantly, a loving God who wanted me to celebrate my life in His world. What a way for my story to begin! (Read Psalm 139:13-18)

God knew I would get into trouble. He knew I would need help, so he sent his Son. The Christmas and Easter message assures me that I will make it from the beginning of my story to the end. (Read Philippians 3:12-16)

The Bible tells me, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” That will be the end of my story. The goal I am moving toward. My eternal reward. My life in the light of God. (Read Revelation 22:17)

What about the middle of my life? That part of my story is still being written. Each day I am writing the middle of my life.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How will you write the rest of “your story?” Will you draw from the beginning of your story and all of God’s promises? Will you accept the gift Jesus has offered you? Will each day be a step closer to the end of your story? How will you do this? What are your strengths? Where are you weak?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you have been with me from the first breath I took. I am so thankful that your Son paid the price for my sins. I am so thankful that, when my time comes, you have a crown ready for me. I ask that you guide me as I work on my life. I ask that you ………………………………… Amen

WHERE IS KAILYN?

Hi, This is posted a little later in the day than usual. We had a storm and that caused our server to be down. Hope you were not in the path of a tornado or high winds.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 21:15-17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

WHERE IS KAILYN?

Sometimes in an emergency, not knowing what is going on until it is over is a good thing. When our (three years old at the time) granddaughter, Kailyn, went missing, was one of those times. How frightening not to know where your child is, especially in this scary world.

She had been standing there. Just two minutes before and Bill, our son, thought he heard a door shut. "Kailyn," he called. No answer. Outside and louder, "Kailyn." No answer. No Kailyn. He checked inside again. No Kailyn. Outside again. No Kailyn. Bill was becoming very afraid. Is Kailyn upstairs with her mother? No Kailyn. Now they are really afraid. The call for Kailyn became very loud. Did she cross the street to play? No, she is not on the playground. Call the police. Yes, they will begin to search. Neighbor children on bikes ride by. No, they have not seen Kailyn, but they will look. Everyone is looking. NO KAILYN!

Then Kailyn came out of the house. "Wasn't I playing hide-n-seek good? I never answered when you called."

After the police went home, after the children on bikes were told to quit looking and after everyone had calmed down, Kailyn understood -- She had to tell BEFORE she played hide-n-seek.

I then turned this into a children's story at church. I told the story of Kailyn being lost and of the number of people who were willing to help. I asked the children who would help them. Their parents. Okay, would the parents of these children stand up? Who else? The ministers. Okay, would all the ministers stand up? Who else? The Sunday School teachers. Okay, would all the Sunday School teachers stand up?

Then I took a chance, because you never know how well the congregation is listening. I told the children that I bet there were other people out there who would help them. Guess what? Before I could get the sentence out of my mouth, everyone else had stood up. One little boy turned to me and said, "They all stood up." Yes, they had. Do you know how impressed the children were to see the whole congregation standing, to show they were there for them? The kids knew. Hopefully, they will not forget and will call on the members of the church when they need help.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Who can you call on when you need help? When you want to laugh? When you want to cry? When you want to pray?

LET US PRAY

Dear God, You are always ready to listen to me. But you have also put other people into my life. People I can call on when I need to pray or cry or celebrate. Shepherds who will come look for me, when I am lost, and then be there for me. I thank you for ………………………………… Amen

A DAY OFF

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:22 - 23

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

A DAY OFF

Last week I mentioned that you should take time for yourself. I did that this week. Our grandson Noah had a slight problem with the baby blanket I made him 5 years ago. It has been used to the point of absolute destruction. To be honest, the experiment he did with scissors did not help the blanket, but I think it had just been loved to death. I thought I could fix it, but upon close examination, there was no way to repair it. It says in the Bible that you should not put new wine in an old wine skin. You should not try to sew new material onto old either. It was time for a new blanket. Out came the sewing machine and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It had been a long time since I had made something. Since I took the time to be off in a room by myself, doing something I love.

Jesus went off to pray -- by himself. We need to learn that. We need to take time for ourselves. It is not a selfish act.

I remember one time, when the children were grade school/junior high age and I had a really rough day. Not with the kids. Just one of those days. Things to do for the children. Things to do for my husband. Things to do for church, for scouts, in the house and for work. Things to do -- FOR EVERYONE EXCEPT ME. I discovered something that day. It seemed there was no me left. I was a mother. I was a wife. I was a committee member. I was a worker. But where was I in all that. I learned two things -- I could easily have walked out the door that day (I would have come back.) and I needed to find myself again. I first needed to be the person God had created. Only then could I be a good wife. A good mother. A good Christian. It may sound selfish, but I learned to take time for myself.

Do you ever feel like that? Do you feel like you have no life other than how other people need you? Your job is important. Your family is important. Your work at church is important. But YOU are important. Take care of yourself. Take time for yourself.

Remember -- Jesus went off to pray.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Again back to last week -- it is a matter of time and how you use it. Do you know how to say no? Are you on too many committees? Are you trying to be a super person --thinking you can do it all? Do you make time for yourself? How can you make time for yourself?

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, I have so much in my life. So many blessings, but sometimes it seems I am running here and running there. Show me how to be the child you created. Teach me to go off to pray. Teach me to be the best, whole person I can be. Make me a strong me, because then I can be there for others. ………………… Amen.