COVERED BY A BAND-AID

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 13:4-5

so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

COVERED BY A BAND-AID

Yes, this Mary's Moment will show my age, but here goes anyway -- I remember, when I was in high school, the teachers and adults were upset with turned up collars. And we constantly heard, "Tuck that shirt tail in." The boys used tons of grease to keep their hair in place and the girls slept on curlers. If you didn't sleep on curlers, your arms fell off from making pin curls and using bobby pins to hold them in place until your hair dried. Of course, it took so long to roll those curls you had to keep wetting your hair. And resting your arms. With your hair in rollers or pin curls, you absolutely refused to be seen in public. If your mother said, "Go to the store now." you put a scarf over your head and prayed you would not run into anyone over the age of two.

Oh, how times have changed. Now I am the one saying, "Why in the world would they dress like that? Don't they get tired of holding their pants up so they can walk? And do those boys really think their underwear showing is sexy?" Or I look at girls and think, "My gosh, are you leaving no surprises for the bedroom? Do you really think that tattoo is going to look good when those girls start to sag? How do you eat with that thing stuck in your tongue?"

It is true. I have become my mother! But I realize, after our discussion in Sunday School class, that this generation is trying to get attention just as my generation did.

One comment was made about a UPS driver who had a band-aid over his eyebrow. When asked about his injury the driver said, "Oh, I have an eyebrow ring and I am not supposed to have any piercings, so I cover it up with a band-aid."

It was time to end class and I was wondering how to tie this into our lesson. (Our class does get off the lesson sometimes. Okay, quite regularly.) When this comment was made, I thought, "Wow God. Just the lead in I needed to make a closing point."

You see, our lesson had been on Jesus as a servant. How he washed the feet of the disciples. How he cleans us. I may not have tattoos or any piercing other than one in each ear lobe, but my body is marked. Marked by my mistakes. I try to cover my temper, my trying to do it myself and my questioning instead of trusting. But God can see beneath the band-aid. God sees what part of my body needs cleansed and then he takes off his outer robe, ties a towel around himself, pours water into a basin and begins to clean.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What areas of your life are you trying to cover with a band-aid? How would you feel if you looked up and Jesus stood there with a basin of water and a towel?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Servant Jesus, It is so hard for me to picture you as a servant. On your knees washing dirty feet. Would I have been like Peter and said, "you shall never wash my feet." Or would I have quietly allowed you to cleanse me. Servant Jesus, remove my band-aids and wash me with your healing water. …… Amen

THE ATTACK OF THE GLASSES CASE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

(Jesus praying for His disciples) I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name -- the name you gave me -- so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11

THE ATTACK OF THE GLASSES CASE

Wednesday was a day to remember. Bill and I took a dress, which was made by my Great-Great Aunt and donated it, along with some other articles of clothing, to the Indiana State Museum. Aunt Betsy spun and the dress was made from the results of her spinning wheel. We know the dress was made sometime in the 1840's. It is exciting to know the dress will be displayed for many to see instead of being passed from cedar chest to cedar chest.

Not only was Bill being a nice husband by going to Indianapolis with me, he also saved me from the attack of the glasses case. Picture this: The sun is shining and it is time to put sunglasses on. A normal, everyday activity. A normal activity until the case attacks you.

Let me point out one thing about this particular case. It is a hard plastic case, with a very strong spring so the case snaps shut with a vengeance. This has never been a problem until Wednesday.

There we were. Driving on the very busy 465 Interstate. Traffic zooming on both sides. Cars going too slow in front and coming up too fast behind. That is when it happened. I had my sunglasses almost out of the case, when - SNAP - that case closed. Closed on an ever so tiny piece of skin, on my thumb. IT HURT!!!

As I was trying to open the case, it just pinched my skin harder. And with the way the case had closed, I could not get it open with just one hand. I tried to talk but all that came out was a strange sound. I know. I know. You are thinking, "Wimp."

My hero husband finally understood my dilemma and opened the case. What a relief. Of course, he did a lot of chuckling and smirking for the rest of the way home. I have a feeling I will never hear the end of being attacked by a glasses case.

Sorta like life. We never know when something is going to attack us. But when it does, we want to have someone to keep us safe from harm. Someone to protect us. Gee. Someone like God.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you top the attack of the glasses case for silly things that have happened to you? Are you prepared for the big things that attack you?

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

LET US PRAY

Holy Father, How sweet that sounds. The scripture says I can take refuge in You and seek Your protection. That the power of Your name will protect me. I do seek refuge in You and ask that You will protect me. Protect me from … Amen

ONE EXCITED 4-YEAR-OLD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 14:1:4

"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."

ONE EXCITED 4-YEAR-OLD

(Some background: I love grandchildren sleepovers. In our old home, they slept in an upstairs right next to our bedroom. If Kailyn was there, it was her room. If Matthew was there, it was his room. And so on right down to Timmy. Each of the grandchildren called it their room. They didn't mind that the others also laid claim to that room. When we were preparing to move and telling them about the new home, they each asked questions about where "their" room would be. Now you are ready for my story.)

I wish you could have seen Timmy (Timothy is his official name, but Timmy fits him better.). Timmy had seen our new house before it was painted and before we had any furniture in it. Then, when we were all moved in, our daughter brought the four boys over to see where grandma and grandpa were living.

Of course, since Timmy had been here before, he proceeded to show his three older brothers where the kitchen was. And the dining room. And the closet under the steps. Believe me, when Timmy was here the first time he opened every door and explored every room, so he was giving a very good tour. He made a big deal of leading his brothers into our bedroom and announced, "This is where grandma and grandpa sleep."

Then Timmy headed up the steps to show them the other bedrooms. That is when he lost it. He looked in the one bedroom and started jumping up and down. He was so excited he could hardly talk. Then, in a very loud, excited four-year old voice, proclaimed, "You moved my bed. You moved my bed. You moved my bed."

"Oh, grandma. You moved my bed." What joy those words brought to my heart. I don't know if he thought the room would still be empty. I don't know if he thought we would not bring "his bed." I just know he was so excited that he couldn't help but jump, smile and proclaim the good news.

That is what I want to do. I want to leap with joy, smile and proclaim the good news. "God has your room ready. God has your room ready. God has your room ready."

Can you picture yourself - someday - saying in a quiet, grateful and excited voice, "Oh, God. You have my room ready." And those words will bring great joy to God's heart.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you know that God has prepared a room for you? How does that make you feel?

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

LET US PRAY

Oh, my wonderful God. You have prepared a room for me. I feel so unworthy. To know all that I have done and yet know that you are waiting. Waiting to welcome me. Welcome me to my room. I want to leap. I want to smile. I want to proclaim the good news. God has a room for me. For each believer. Someday, when I have finished my work on earth, I will be able to say, "You have my room ready. Thank you." …… Amen

OPEN HANDS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 145:14-16

The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

OPEN HANDS

Happy 4th of July!!! What a day for the USA. A day to celebrate our freedoms. And they are many. Freedom to Worship. Work. Rest. Drive. Determine the size of your family. Select your spouse. Receive an education. Vote. Freedom to -- the list could go on and on.

The sad thing is that we do not take advantage of our freedoms. Too many do not vote. Too many expect our government to take complete care of them. Too many work and never rest. Too many do not realize how easily and quickly our freedoms can be taken away.

Our freedoms come with a price and that price is work and blood. Those that came before us worked to establish a country for all people. No other country in the world welcomes strangers and makes them citizens like the USA. BUT the work must continue as our citizens, new and old, work to make the USA strong. We need to be proud of our heritage, no matter what country we came from, but we need to be united in our desire to be Americans. We must continue the work of past generations. We must protect our freedoms.

Work and blood. Every time I look at the red stripes, on our flag, I am humbled that someone, someone I have never met or even knows I exist, would give their life so I can - Go to church. Vote. Have children, sons and daughters. Marry the man I love. Read books. Watch the news. Work. Blood has been, is being and will be given so I can live in the United States of America.

I bet you are wondering why I called this Open Hands. Put your hands out. Open them, palm up. The open hand can - take another hand in friendship and welcome. A grateful open hand can shake the hand of a soldier. An open hand can salute the flag of the United States of America.

God intended us to use open hands. The open hand can gently touch the cheek of a loved one or give a reassuring pat to a frightened child. The open hand can offer up prayers and praises to God. The open hand (and open heart) can receive the blessings God offers. An open hand - not a closed fist or hand held down to your side - tells people you have just met, your friends, neighbors, family and God that you are reaching out to them.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

For what freedoms are you thankful? What can you do with open hands?

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

LET US PRAY

To the one that can satisfy all my desires, To you I reach open hands towards heaven. Open hands, which offer gratitude for the blessings that you have given me. For the freedom you offer. Freedom to be forgiven. Freedom to be filled with your love. Freedom to share that love with others. Freedom to extend open hands to each of your children I meet. Freedom to …… Amen

COUSINS )

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: JOHN 20:29

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

COUSINS

Last Saturday, my cousin Linda and I helped the oil companies. We went on an adventure. Another cousin came in from Texas, so we met him at his sister's home and picked up where we left off some 40 plus years ago. We have crossed paths at funerals, but we have not had time to talk, laugh and remember. Saturday, we took time.

It took about an hour to catch up on - Where do you work? How are your kids? Are you healthy? Been on any trips? Can you believe the price of gas?

Then the remembering started. Remember the feather bed? Remember the door that bent in the middle? Remember the sugar cookies? Remember? Remember? And all of this remembering centered on our Grandma. Grandpa had died when I was two, so I don't have memories of him. Although Doris had a few memories of Grandpa, we all remembered Grandma.

We laughed as Doris said Grandma had told her she should stay home while she was pregnant. We each could close our eyes and see Grandma's home. Picturing each room as if it was yesterday. There was a sawmill behind Grandma's and we remembered the fresh wood smell drifting up the hill. Jim was corrected about the out-house. It was a three-holer, not two. Three holes of various sizes to accommodate various size behinds.

After talking, we went on a scavenger hunt, of sorts. Let's call it a grave hunt. First, we found Grandma and Grandpa. We all knew where they were. Buried right behind them was Great-Grandpa and Grandma. That was as far as I had ever gotten. Then Doris and Jim got silly grins and said, "Let's go."

The next stop was Great-Great Grandpa and Grandma. What a find! But Jim and Doris were not done with their fun. You see, Jim is way into genealogy and Doris and her husband have started taking pictures of tombstones in old, forgotten cemeteries. Guess whom they found.

I met my GREAT-GREAT-GREAT GRANDPARENTS. Now is that a WOW or what? Okay, so I didn't exactly meet them, but in a way, I did. Seeing those stones made them real.

Sometimes we have to meet people to remember them. Sometimes we meet them through stories. Sometimes we meet them in cemeteries.

How do you know God is real? Have you met Him when a gentle breeze blew? Have you met Him as you watched a sunset? Have you met His Son Jesus? Have you met Jesus as you heard the stories? Have you met Jesus at an empty grave?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What family stories do you enjoy telling? Have you gotten together with adult cousins and sisters/brothers?

How did you meet God?

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

LET US PRAY

Hello God, How wonderful to share memories with others. To remember the past. I know those memories are not always good and I ask you to give comfort to your children that cannot look back with joy. I thank you for the memory of ______ (think about a person who has been a positive influence in your life) ____________. I thank you for my faith memories too. Memories of when I felt you beside me. Memories of when I felt your love. Memories of …… Amen

WHERE ARE THOSE FILE FOLDERS?

TODAY’S 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.

WHERE ARE THOSE FILE FOLDERS?

My knee is better. It is getting less colorful everyday. I am thankful for healing!!!!!

Our office is all set up but everything is backwards. Our previous office was in half of a chicken coop. (I am not sure how to describe this for those unfamiliar with this type of building. Its original use was to house chickens, but the chickens heard we were moving in and found new accommodations. Their old home made us a great office. We did modernize with carpet, paneling, electricity, heat and air-conditioning. Added desks, chairs, file cabinets and we were in business.) Returning to my original thought: Half of a chicken coop is much bigger than the room we designated as an office. That means we had to reconfigure our desk arrangement.

Bill can no longer lay work from his desk onto mine. I can no longer slide emails, mail, letters and questions onto his desk. Our desks no longer face each other. The copier had to be in a different place. Bill cannot find file folders and I had to look for stamps. His new desk does not have a center drawer and that means all his pens and "stuff" he puts in there had to find a new location. I had to put my trays opposite than where they had been for 23 years. Everything seems backwards and difficult to find.

Oh my. My growing faith is like getting a new office. I have to change. I have to learn where to put all the "stuff" I have accumulated in my center drawer (The bad habits. The attitudes I put in there to deal with later. The pictures of my past. The dreams of my future.). My growing faith means I have to look for file folders (Look for answers to my questions. Ways to help others.).

Growing faith means that as I read. As I study. As I learn. As I understand. I have to be willing to turn everything upside down and backwards. I have to be willing to walk in His way.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you willing to turn your life upside down and backwards to live the life God has planned for you?

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

LET US PRAY

My Lord, I do seek your word and I do wrap myself in your love. I do put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go and I will walk in Your way. I lift up my soul and am ready. Ready to …… Amen

MOVING DAY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 12:1, 4-5, 7

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

So Abram left, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

…….. So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

MOVING DAY

We have moved. We are in our new home and I can tell you a couple of things. One, the old saying about working your butt off is not true. I have worked packing boxes. I have cleaned the house. I have unpacked boxes. I have put all the pots and pans away. Most of the boxes are unpacked. Know what? My butt is still there!

The other thing I can tell you is that when you step over a box, you want to make sure that your hind leg is going to make it over too. I was unpacking and the phone rang. Of course, I got up to answer it. Stepped the left leg over a box just fine and then forgot about the right leg. The right leg decided to make contact with the box, which means I went flat. Hit my knee and I now have the most colorful knee and calf you can imagine. It is better and more green now than purple.

The move has gone pretty smooth. The opening for the stove was 1/4 inch too small. Got that fixed. Verizon cancelled my internet order without telling me. Got that fixed. And Two Men and a Truck did an excellent job of moving our furniture.

The Lord told Abram to move. Go to Canaan. Pack all your stuff and leave. Poor Abram could not go to the local grocery store for boxes and he could not call Two Men and a Truck. I cannot image moving without boxes, duct tape and a moving van. How did they pack the dishes? Food? (No local restaurants to eat at while their kitchen was out of commission.) The bed? The laundry? The lamp oil? The animals?

We worked on the planning of our move a long time. Where? When? How? Abram was just told to go. And he did! And then he built an altar.

As Bill and I left our home of 23 years, we thanked God for the memories and the blessings. We thanked Him for being beside us in the good times and the rough ones. We then invited Him to go with us.

When we arrived at our new home, we invited God in and said a prayer for the future. For a new adventure. We are not exactly sure what tomorrow will hold, but we are ready.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever moved? Was it an adventure or a chore? Did you work your butt off? Would it be easy for you just to pack up and move to another town or state?

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

LET US PRAY

Gracious Lord, Thank you for my home. Thank you for walls to keep me safe. Thank you for a roof to keep me dry. Thank you for your love that fills every room. Thank you for a place to rest my head at night. Thank you for …… Amen

Hi, We will be moving next week and part of the move is being off line. So enjoy this weeks post and I will post a new blog on June 13. Remember to celebrate each day, Mary

SPOONS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11

Please look this scripture up and read the whole text. Quoted are verses 1, 4, 5, 7 and 11

1. Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 4. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 7. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 11. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

SPOONS

Before you read this, I want you to go into your kitchen and get as many different spoons as you can find. Go ahead. I will wait.

Good you are back. Now lay those spoons out in front of you. Look at them. Really look. Are they all the same? Do they all have the same purpose? After all, they are all spoons.

I can see you shaking your head. Maybe wondering why in the world you bothered to get the spoons. You know they are spoons. You know they are different. Pick up a spoon from your best silverware. What do you use it for? Now pick up a slotted serving spoon. How do you use it? Did you also get a big cooking spoon? You know, the one you use to stir noodles with. Did you grab a measuring spoon? A wooden spoon? Did you pick up specialty spoons: Sugar? Soup? Grapefruit? Iced tea?

Lay the spoons all out again. Look at them. They are all spoons. But they each have a different use. You could not use that little teaspoon to stir a big pot of soup. The big cooking spoon would not fit in the neck of a spice jar to measure 1/4 teaspoon. And you could not use the slotted spoon to put gravy over the mashed potatoes. Those spoons, each different, are like Christians.

God has a special and unique purpose for each of His children. Some Christians are specialist. They know how to pray. Really good prayers. Or they can run the sound system, without one tiny squeal. Or they are powerful preachers or teachers. Some Christians can handle big projects like building churches. Organizing the retreats. Raising money. Some Christians can go into homes and help cook and clean, when someone is ill or needs extra help. Some Christians sit in the pew on Sunday morning. Some Christians celebrate Sunday morning by sitting in the woods. Some are on committees. Some go to Bible Study and some read quietly at home. Some Christians have time to volunteer and some Christians are busy guiding their families on God's path.

Here's the thing -- Each spoon has a use. How would you work in the kitchen if all the spoons were the same? Each Christian has a use. How would God's work be done if all Christians were exactly alike?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you ever feel like you are less important than someone else because they seem to do "big" things? Do you ever feel uncomfortable when the Christian work you do is used as an example to others? As you put the spoons away, do you realize that God has a special use for you?

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

LET US PRAY

Father God, Thank you for trusting us to do your work on earth. Give us the wisdom to accept the talents and gifts you have given and use them as YOU want them to be used. Help us to put aside our human condition of comparing ourselves to others and follow your path for our lives. … Amen

THE NEXT GENERATION

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 3:14-15

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, "The Lord, the God of your fathers -- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob -- has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation."

THE NEXT GENERATION

Our local library is celebrating 100 years. The library stated small, on the back porch of a member of the Women's Club. Small, but a beginning. The library moved to a larger building and then, thanks to an extremely generous gift, to the spacious building we have now. I am on the committee planning the events to celebrate these 100 years of serving the community.

As part of the celebration, we are featuring various patrons and I interviewed three generations of a family that reads. And I do mean read. Two brothers started keeping track of the books they have read since they retired. Gene, 90, has read over 500 books and he does not count magazines. Max, 86, has read 2,119 books. Gene's daughter Cathie and grandson Cory, each say they have read thousands. I told you this family likes to read.

I figured each interview would take 15-20 minutes. Was I ever wrong! Each lasted for over an hour. As I compared notes, from the different interviews, the thread between the generations could clearly be seen. Although Gene and Max were not read to as children and, admit they did not read to their children, they both told about reading to their grandchildren. Cory talked about the influence of seeing a grandfather read. Cathie read to her children every time they had a spare minute and now Cory has widened the reading circle to include his wife.

Gene and Max both served in WW II and they read about the war. Some things should never be forgotten and those books remind us that our freedom to read comes with a price.

I am glad I had the opportunity to interview three generations. Then I got to thinking. What am I passing on to the next generation? And the next? Our scripture says, "I AM WHO I AM. …the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What have you received from and what are you passing on to: The "older" generation? Those your own age? The next generation? (Remember, generation includes everyone, not just your family.)

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

LET US PRAY

Dear I AM, From generation to generation, You are. You are the God of my faith fathers. The God of the generation before me. You are my God and You are the God of the generations after me. Give me wisdom and direction so I can pass the blessing of knowing the great I AM to all generations. …… Amen

(You are not confused. I posted this Thursday evening instead of Friday morning. Have a great weekend.)

ADDING IT UP

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 2:19

(To the church in Thyatira) I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

ADDING IT UP

As I write this, it is a very dreary day. Rain. A little foggy. Cold and damp. I wonder where spring is, but we have not had extreme, devastating weather conditions so I am not going to complain. I cannot imagine what it is like to see your home blown away, washed away, reduced to rubble from an earthquake or covered with volcanic ash. My prayers go out to each person that, in an instant, now faces unexpected challenges in their future.

When I started to write, I could not think of anything. Then I looked over and saw my adding machine. Don't know what I would do without that machine. I use it for our office work, keeping books balanced, and I use it at auctions, keeping track of how much bidders have spent. I enter numbers. The numbers are printed on the tape and then, when I press that total key, the adding machine gives me a balance. Just like that, I can see if the balance is good or bad. If it is a positive balance or a negative balance.

Little bit like our faith life. Can you picture one of God's office workers adding up your deeds? Your love? Your faith? Your service? Your perseverance?

As I look at the adding machine, I wonder how my faith tape will look. What will show when the total key is pressed?

I can almost hear the office worker telling God about my week, "She was doing pretty good. As you can see, we added in a few good deeds, some love and service. Then she fell behind in her Bible Study and I had to subtract one. I did add in one for faith because she believed your word instead of what a newspaper article was saying. But then she lost her temper, again, and I subtracted three. Yes, God, she is asleep now, so I will keep a sharp eye on her tomorrow. And I will say a prayer for her. She needs it."

My favorite part of today's scripture is "and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Faith is like that. As faith grows, you do more. You just want to!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Think about this last week. How do your deeds add up? Your love? Faith? Service? Perseverance? When you add all your positive actions and subtract all the oh-my-gosh-I-cannot-believe-I-did-that actions, what will your balance for the week be?

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

LET US PRAY

Hello God, I come before you with a grateful heart. Grateful that I have opportunities to do good deeds, in your name. The opportunity to show love to others. The opportunity to stand firm in my faith. I will persevere. I will do more as my faith continues to grow. ……………… Amen

MOTHERS -- YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood - two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. Exodus 37:1-3

(At the evening meal) so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. John 13:4-5

MOTHERS -- YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

Can you imagine being picked to make the Ark of the Covenant? Last week I told you about the simple cup I painted and the Lord gave Bezalel the skill to build the ark. Out of acacia wood and gold. Wow. I would have said, "You want me to do what?"

Other workers were given the skill to sew priestly garments. Ephod made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn. And of gold. They hammered thin sheets of gold and cut strands to be worked into the yarn. Now that is talent. I would have said, "You want me to do what?"

There were specific men who were in charge of recording names. I know why, today, we have simple names like Mary. How would you like the job of recording all those names and genealogical records?

We learn, in the Old Testament that God had a job for everyone. All those men with those strange names had assigned job. Some were priests. Some were temple musicians and some were gatekeepers. Some were carriers of the tent poles and some were in charge of the oil. Some kept track of the flour, the spices and some kept track of the wine. Some were responsible for counting the 5,400 articles of gold and silver. All very important jobs.

Since this weekend is Mother's Day, I want all mothers to look at the work you do. Do you enjoy the big jobs where you get the pats on the back: Directing the class play? Hosting the most amazing birthday parties? Always being the highest seller on those way-to-often fundraisers? Do you like that part of being a mother?

What about changing diapers? Washing the clothes that seem to multiply in the never-find-the-bottom hamper? Fixing macaroni and cheese, again? Repeating, for the nine millionth time, "Get down from the top of the cabinet."?

Mothers -- not everyone can direct the play. Not everyone can afford those elaborate birthday parties for two year olds. And not everyone can come in first. AND IT DOES NOT MATTER.

As a mother, the most important work you can do is to take care of the day-to-day needs (not wants) of your children. Find a way to realize your worth. Understand that a clean bottom and fixing macaroni and cheese are important. Understand that you might never receive a standing ovation for doing laundry or making sure that your child does not fall from the top of the cabinet.

By the way, Bezalel built the ark, but Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Whose name do you remember?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What do you consider the most important part of raising children? Are you a mother who wants to be noticed? Or are you the mother cleaning up the mess made by the tree who got nervous right before she went on stage?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, So often I say, "You want me to do what?" And I get tired of doing laundry again. And again. And shopping. And cleaning. And reading that one favorite book over and over. Sometimes I would just like to yell, "Wake up kids. How do you think that clean laundry got in your drawer? And yes, I found your other shoe after you went to bed. Can you be more responsible?" Being a mother is so day-to-day. Everyday. But then a small hand is placed in mine. Or I see the twinkle in their eyes. Or I hear the laughter. Thank you God for allowing me to be a mother to your children. Teach me to read the Bible to find strength and inspiration. Enrich my faith so, with wisdom, I can tell your story. I am blessed. My name is Mother. ……… Amen

PAINTING POTTERY

Before you read today's blog, I have a question. Did you read the blog for last week and then try the exercise? Did you take a newspaper or magazine and then use your Bible to find scriptures that fit the article or ad? Let me know how it turned out. --- Mary

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 64:8

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hands.

PAINTING POTTERY

Last Saturday, Nathan and I painted pottery. We went to a pottery shop and looked at all the items on the shelves. Did we want to paint a bowl? Or a plate? How about a trivet? Picking something to paint almost takes as long as painting the piece.

Finally, Nathan decided on a bank for his daddy. Not a piggy bank, but a kitten bank. I picked out a coffee cup. A tall one, with a big handle that my knuckles will fit through. (Bless my mother. She left me restless legs and arthritis in my knuckles.) We then picked out colors and began painting.

We sat across the table from each other and put on the first coat. Then two more.

Nathan decorated the ears, nose and eyes. He wrote, "Love you" and put on whiskers. He did not think it looked like the colors he had picked out, but the owner assured him that when the piece was fired, it would be bright and the inside of the ears would be a nice pink.

I painted mine a soft cream and then added a vine with yellow and red flowers. I even put flowers inside so when the coffee is gone I will see a bright yellow flower looking back at me. Huh, maybe I should have put an eye, but I am not that good. Believe me; the designs have to be simple.

This is the third time I have painted pottery, with one of the grandkids, and I do enjoy it. There is something about sitting there, painting and talking. Admiring and talking. Helping pick out colors and talking. Did you pick up on the talking part? I cannot tell you what we talked about. We just talked as we painted. Sometimes we just painted, in comfortable silence.

Then we were done. Then it was time to wait. It will be this weekend before the pieces will be fired and ready to pick up. I cannot wait to see how they turned out. Will Nathan like the color he picked out for the kitten? Will the eyes be exactly as he wanted them?

Will I like my cup? Will the vines be the correct shade of green and will those simple flowers make me smile? Will I enjoy holding the cup as I drink my morning coffee or have a cup of tea while reading a good book?

I wonder if that is how God feels as he watches me. God created me to be one of his children. He gave my eyes their color. He knows the number of hairs on my head. As he waits, does he wonder how I will turn out when I go through the fire, through troubles? Will they make me stronger? Will they make me reach for His hand?

As he waits, does he wonder how I will turn out when I go through the good times? Will the good times also make me stronger? Will they also make me reach for His hand?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you artistic? Do you paint? Take exceptional pictures? Scrapbook? Garden? Write? Write music? Sing? Dance? Cook? Bake cakes? Pies? Arrange flowers? Tell intriguing stories? The list of how you can create is unending. As you are creating, do you wonder how it will turn out when you are finished?

Do you realize that you are a creation of God's and that He is waiting to see how you will turn out?

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

LET US PRAY

My Creator, Thank you for creating me. I know that I see my flaws and you see my beauty. I know that I get impatient with life and you are waiting to see if life will lead me to you. Let me travel through the fire and reach for your hand to help me through. Let me travel through the joys and reach for your hand so I can share them with you. … Amen

Greetings, I would like you to know that my computer has the spring flu. Please check back Tuesday as the doctor says there should be a full recovery by then.
Have a great day,
Mary

NEWSPAPER BIBLE STUDY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

NEWSPAPER BIBLE STUDY

Where do you find inspiration? What makes you take out your Bible and look up a Scripture?

Last Saturday, I received a call reminding me I had devotions for our Evening Circle, Monday at church. I hadn't completely forgotten. I just had forgotten that it was April instead of May. I assured Elsie I would have something. But what? As I worked, I thought of this. Then that. Sunday morning I still was not sure. I wasn't sure until I started reading the paper.

Have you ever found inspiration in the Sunday paper? Me neither! Not until last Sunday. I always start with the cartoons and right there, in living color, was a cartoon that made me think of a scripture. Ah, ha -- I would use the paper.

Sunday evening, I took the paper and sat down with sticky notes, pen and scissors. I cut out the cartoon. Then another. Then I turned to the front page. Oh, that article would work. So would that one. The obituaries. The most wanted of the week and an article on war. Even ads. I cut. I snipped. Then I reached for my Bible.

Now, if I had a better working knowledge of the scriptures, this might have been a quick task, but as I have said before, God has a sense of humor. "Mary, since I have tried to get you to read the Bible for years and you have put it off, you will now have to look it up."

Look it up, I did. What I thought would take, maybe, a half hour, turned into two and one-half hours in God's word. An amazing time. Know what I came up with? I will not give you all of them, but will give you an idea.

Everyone who comes is fed. This article was on a food pantry. There was also an article on students collecting canned goods and volunteers helping a couple with quintuplets. This scripture was easy: Matthew 25: 35-40.

Crime Stoppers. Active warrants and solving crime - where would I find a scripture for this? Psalm 140:4

New unrest in Iraq. When I read this article, I realized that my generation (those 60-year-old baby boomers) has never known peace. The end of WW II, the cold war, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and many wars until the War in Iraq. Where would I find a scripture for this? Psalm 140:1-2

There was a picture of a baby learning to eat. We are learning: Luke 6:40. There was an ad for a camera to record and relive your memories, your way. We have memories to record: Psalm 79:13.

The cartoon that started this process was Heart of the City. The characters were discussing a "You Tube" video where people laughed when a guy smashed into a brick wall. They wondered when people getting hurt became entertainment. Are we like the world? Do we laugh? The scripture: Romans 12:2.

The Evening Circle seemed to enjoy the fruits of my work. I know I did. Those two and one-half hours flew by. Those two and one-half hours guided me from the Old Testament to the New. Those two and one-half hours proved - once again - that God is everywhere!!!!!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Where do you find inspiration? This week I would like you to try this. Take a newspaper. Or a magazine. Find articles. Stories. Cartoons. Ads. Then find a scripture that celebrates good news or helps you understand bad news. Or use a word out of an ad (A word like path or door.) and find scriptures with that word in them. Use the concordance and have an amazing time in God's word.

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Giver of the Word, What comfort and peace I find in your word. I find guidance to help others and I find words to call upon for protection. I find words to set me free and words to make my heart sing. Oh God, let me walk in your word. Let me feel comfortable with the Bible. Comfortable so that when I hold the Bible in my hands, I feel a desire to discover more about you. Instill in me a desire to learn and read. A desire to understand. A desire to ………… Amen

BLOWING BUBBLES

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:1-2

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand. Revelation 8:3-4

BLOWING BUBBLES

The sun is shining today. Thank you Lord! The rain and dreary skies were getting depressing. I just hope this is a sign that spring is finally here. I know one thing -- It is a sign that I can get out the bubble stuff.

When the grandchildren come to visit, they head straight for the bubble-blowing bucket. It is full of different sizes of bubble wands. We can blow big bubbles and small bubbles. We can fill the sky with bubbles. All reflecting the light in every color imaginable. I enjoy blowing bubbles as much as the kids, maybe more. And bubbles have been good therapy.

I can remember when our children were small and they had behaved less than admirably. Or days that were less than perfect. Some days were downright lousy. Or times when things broke, like the washer, just when I needed them. Or times when -- You know what I am talking about -- Stress! Pressure! Frustration! On days like that, out came the bubbles.

Bill used to say that if he came home and I was sitting on the step blowing bubbles, he knew he better go around the block a few more times.

Bubbles as therapy? You bet. I would put that ole bubble wand into the bubbles, take it out and blow. At first, I would blow hard. Bubble after bubble. Those bubbles would race toward the sky. Up. Up. And then it would happen. I would blow slower and watch. The bubble would drift up and float away. Then another. And another. I would suddenly realize that I was no longer stressed. It was if the bubbles carried my troubles with them. I would always blow a few extra. Then I would put the lid on, tight, so there would be no chance of spilling my therapy. I would take my new attitude, get up off the step and face life again. Bubbles as therapy? Yes.

I am 61 and I still blow bubbles if I have had a really rough day. The scripture tells us "smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel's hand." The bubbles are my incense. I first blow hard and send my frustration upward. I send up my concerns. I watch the bubbles rise. Taking my stress with them. Then I lift my hands high as I blow more bubbles and watch them slowly ascend. A calm, peaceful rising toward heaven.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

How do you relieve stress?

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

LET US PRAY

My refuge and my strength, Sometimes life just doesn't go as smoothly as I would like. People will just not cooperate. And the phone keeps ringing. And now -- If only. If only. Oh, Lord, help me when I get frustrated. When I feel stressed. When I feel pressure. Teach me how to send up bubble prayers. Prayers that will rise to you. Prayers for calm to come into my life. Prayers to be understanding and patient. And when I finish my prayers, allow me to arise and face life. Face life full of the knowledge that you are my refuge and my strength. …… Amen

OUR DOG FINDS A NEW HOME

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 SAMUEL 16:3, 11-12

(The Lord said to Samuel) "Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate."

So Samuel asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest (David)," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."

OUR DOG FINDS A NEW HOME

In June, we are moving from the country into town. This decision has been a long time in the planning, but when things began to fall into place, everything happened at once. The one thing we did not consider was that our dog would not be going with us.

Gretchen, a Rottweiler, is used to watching cars, trucks and tractors go down "her" road. She is used to watching the cows. She is used to having the barn to roam in and has her favorite spot in my flowerbed. She is used to being our office assistant. (Sleeping by our desks.) She is used to an invisible fence keeping her in "her" area.

One day we were looking at what would be our new home. My husband turned to me and said, "We cannot bring Gretchen to town." Yes, we could put in an invisible fence to keep her in the yard, but as loving as she is, Gretchen is not used to having close neighbors. Or other dogs wondering in and out of her yard. We could not take Gretchen to town. We had to face it -- Gretchen is a country dog.

What would we do? Could we find someone to take Gretchen?

Yesterday, a fine young man came to meet Gretchen. Know what? I think Gretchen knew. I think she realized her life was about to change. She went right to him. She sat and let him pet her. Gretchen has always ridden in the back of a pickup but, when it was time for her to go; she got right in the car. Along with her favorite rug, her dog biscuits and toys. She got right in the car. She knew she was leaving.

We hope Gretchen is happy in her new home. With a new family.

Life constantly changes and we really have no idea what tomorrow might bring. When Gretchen got into the car, she had no idea how her life would change. But she got in. When he was summoned, David had no idea how his life would change. But he went.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Is your calendar filled out for the year? Do you know what you are doing this evening? Tomorrow? Fifty-seven days from now? Do you really know? Or do you just know what you have planned? Are you open to change?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord of yesterday, today and tomorrow; I admit I have my time planned. I know what I want to watch on TV. I know what I want to wear to church Sunday. I have written my life on a calendar. Let me change. Let me be open to your calling. Let me be willing to change my life when the opportunity comes. Let me be willing to …… Amen

TIME TO BUILD AN ARK

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 6:22

Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

TIME TO BUILD AN ARK

In this part of Indiana, we are having our share of rain. We now have water standing on water. And it is raining again. I wonder if it is time to build another ark.

All of this rain got me to thinking about Noah – Now things were not going too great on earth. Wickedness. Evil. All sorts of bad stuff. So God was ready to wipe out everything.

Genesis 6:7-8 says, “So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe out mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth – men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air – for I am grieved that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

“Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” What about in the eyes of others? Can you hear it? I imagine it went something like this --

Mrs. Noah probably said, “You’re going to build what?”

And I am sure he heard from his neighbors. “Noah, what are you doing? If you keep this up, the property values will go down.”

Noah’s son Ham was in for some teasing also. “Ham, your daddy doesn’t have both oars in the water.” And Ham would have come back with, under his breath of course, “Maybe not now, but you wait and see who floats and who doesn’t.”

Then there was the trip to the local hardware. When Noah told the owner what he wanted, the owner would have wondered if he heard the order correctly – “You want how much cypress wood? You need how much pitch? I will have to order that in." Rubbing his hands together and, with a wicked grin, he most likely asked, "Will you be paying now or later?”

Think of the strength of character Noah needed to stand up to the looks. To the questions. To the laughing. And yet verse 22 tells us, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

Noah had courage. He listened to God and had the courage to do just what God commanded. We can learn from Noah. We can have courage.


QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

In a Bible Study, the author pointed out that when Noah shut the door, he would have been leaving family, friends and neighbors to drown. They would have been pounding on the boat. They would have been calling to Noah. Think of the courage it took to "do as God commanded."

Has God ever asked you to do something that made you choose His will over family, friends or neighbors? Have you ever taken a stand and then been laughed at or criticized? Have you ever taken a stand and then wished you had not, because the pressure was so great? Have you ever just walked away and then felt ashamed that you were not strong enough? (Remember, God will never ask us to do more than we are capable of doing. And He will give us the strength we need. We just have to trust Him.)

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Glorious God, I am so thankful that you found Noah worthy. And that he listened to your commands. Let me learn from Noah. Let me first listen and find my strength in you. Then let me do everything you command. I do thank you for being patient with me when I am weak. When I do not listen. I ask courage when I feel you leading me. …… Amen

NOW WE WAIT -- HE IS COMING

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: LUKE 21:27-28

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

NOW WE WAIT -- HE IS COMING

Easter is over and now we wait. Jesus went to be with his father, but he is coming back. So we wait.

Have you ever heard the song, The King is Coming, by Bill Gaither? What a powerful picture this song paints. Jesus is coming! He is returning! This song tells us that:

~~The chariots will rumble and there will be a marching throng.
~~There will be a flurry of trumpets and regal robes will unfold.
~~Heaven's choir will sing Amazing Grace.

Do you know who will be waiting to greet Jesus? This song says:

~~Those whose lives have been redeemed.
~~Those whose homes have been mended.

~~Those who from prison have been freed.
~~Those who were crippled, broken and ruined but are now clad in garments white as snow.

The best lines are in the chorus. They are:

~~I just heard the trumpets sounding and now His face, I see.
~~The King is coming
~~Praise God He's coming for me.

Yes, Easter is over and now we wait.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you picture that? Can you imagine what it will feel like to see Jesus coming back? To see his face? To know that He is coming for you?

Did you celebrate Easter? On Monday, did your life go back to the day-to-day routine? Or are you excited and waiting? What are you going to do while you wait? (Jesus does not want you just to sit. He wants you to be busy until He comes.)

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

LET US PRAY

The King is coming. What glorious words. Jesus, I did celebrate Easter. I celebrated your resurrection. I am now waiting. I will be so excited to hear the trumpets. And your heavenly choir. And to see your face. I am waiting. Dear Jesus, while I wait, guide me. Lead me on your path. Let me be a light for others. Dear Jesus, while I wait, let me …… Amen

LAST MOMENTS FLY BY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:41

Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

LAST MOMENTS FLY BY

In last week's devotional, the two disciples had prepared the Upper Room for Passover. I imagined their last comment to be, "I have a feeling this is going to be a very important evening with Jesus." They had no idea how important.

It seems life happens in slow motion and then, wham, life spins at lightening speed. It must have been like that for all involved in Jesus' life. I bet they thought they had many years with Jesus. Years to learn. Years to help him spread the good news. They thought they had years, when they only had hours.

Lazarus, Martha and Mary did not know they would never again have Jesus as a guest in their home. Those that followed Jesus, to hear him speak or to be healed, had no idea they would never hear Jesus tell another parable or see Jesus perform another miracle. Mary never realized the pain her heart would shortly feel. They thought they had years, when they only had hours.

The Last Supper. Praying in the garden. The betrayal. The trial. The cross. The grave. The resurrection. Life spinning at lightening speed.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How would you live your life if you knew you had -- not years -- but hours? What regrets do you think Jesus' friends had? The disciples? Mary?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Risen Lord, Easter is such a time of emotions. The elation of sharing the Last Supper. A lonely prayer. The chaos of an arrest and trial. The sound of a hammer on nails. The tears shed at the foot of the cross. The confusion of an empty tomb. The joy and triumph of a risen savior. Thank you, God, for sending your Son. Thank you, Jesus, for taking my sins. …… Amen

PREPARING THE UPPER ROOM

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MARK 14:12-17

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

So he sent two of his disciplines, telling them, "Go into the city and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."

The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve.

PREPARING THE UPPER ROOM

I like to use my imagination to fill in the gaps. This scripture says that the two disciples went to prepare the room. They were disciples, but they were men. Normal humans. I know when we set up tables, for a dinner at church, we talk. I think the disciples talked too. This is what I think their conversation would have been:

"This has been one crazy week. Could you believe what happened when Jesus entered town?"

"Yes, Jesus told us to go find a donkey. He told us where to look and what to say if anyone asked what we were doing. And the donkey and its colt were right there. Just like he said."

"I have never seen a crowd put their cloaks on the ground for a donkey to walk on."

"And tree branches."

"Did you hear what they shouted?"

"Hosanna, to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the lord! Hosanna in the highest."

"Do you think Jesus has been different this week?"

"How?"

"Reflective sometimes and like he knows what is going to happen. Just like finding the donkey, he told us exactly where to find this room for our meal. And have you ever seen him get as mad as he got at the temple?"

"I say! Stuff sure went flying when he overturned the tables."

"He called it 'His Father's House.' "

"Did you see the look on the chief priests face?"

"Yes, and the teachers of the law too. I am afraid they will be after Jesus even more now. We must keep our eyes and ears open."

"Have you seen Judas?"

"No, I don't know where he is."

"Another thing. Jesus has told us so many parables the last few days."

"I have learned so much, but he could have left out the part about paying taxes to Caesar."

"I agree about the taxes. Sure wish I didn't have to pay taxes."

"Did you see Jesus' face when he was telling us 'to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'? He was so serious. I felt like he was speaking just to me."

"I was confused when he talked about the temple being rebuilt in three days. I thought I understood what Jesus was trying to teach us until then."

"Maybe, this evening, we can ask him to explain about the temple being rebuilt."

"What about when the woman poured the expensive perfume on his head? He sure set us straight on that. But why would she have been preparing him for burial now?"

"Is that everything? Are we ready for the Passover meal?"

(Judas comes in)

"Oh, Judas. Where have you been?"

Judas replied, "I. I. I had some business to take care of."

"I think we are ready. Let us go and find Jesus so we can come into this room with him."

"I have a feeling this is going to be a very important evening with Jesus."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Does this sound like what might have been discussed during the preparing of the Upper Room? A lot happened between Palm Sunday and the Last Supper. Would you have had questions? Would you have wondered what was going to happen? What would you have asked Jesus to explain that night? Would you have understood why he was washing your feet? Giving you the bread? And the cup?

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

LET US PRAY

My Jesus, How you must have felt during that Last Supper. Thinking about all that had happened - Hearing Hosanna. Clearing your Father's house. Trying to open the eyes of the disciples so they would understand. And all the time knowing that the cross was ahead of you. All the time prepared to do your Father's will. Dear Jesus, give me a tenth of that loyalty and dedication to my Father's will. And when I go to the garden to pray, let my Spirit say, "Thy will be done." ………………………………… Amen