Mama Mia
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 145:18
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
MAMA MIA
A few weeks ago, Bill and I went to see Mama Mia. The movie did not receive two thumbs up, from the critics, but we enjoyed it. It was colorful. It was fun. I have already told Bill that he can get me the DVD Mama Mia for my birthday. He likes it when I make shopping easy for him.
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed Abba music, but since seeing the movie, I have listened to the Abba Gold over and over and over. To the point that their songs are going around and around in my head. (Some people would say that there would be plenty of empty space for them to bounce around in.) Anyway, one song just keeps returning: Take a Chance on Me.
When I listened to that song for at least the millionth time - okay, that might be stretching it a bit, I figured out why I liked it. It reminded me of God talking to me.
I can hear God saying, "If you change your mind, I'm the first in line. If you need me, I will be around. If you have no place to go. If you are feeling down. Take a chance on me."
"If you are all alone, I will do my very best. Put me to the test. If you will let me try. Take a chance on me."
"I will be there when you dance, walk or listen to music. I just want us to be together. To get to know each other better. Take a chance on me."
God would then assure me, "I cannot let go. I am in no hurry. Take a chance on me. My love is strong enough to last when things are rough."
There are so many wonderful Christian songs, but the surprise is when we find God in an unexpected song. Take a Chance on Me is not a Christian song, but isn't that what God is asking us to do?
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
When do you take a chance on God? When you are alone? When you are feeling down?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
To the God whose love is strong enough when my times get rough. To the God who allows me to change my mind and turn to Him. To the God who welcomes me with open arms when I am at my lowest and have no place to go. To the God who wants me to know Him better. To the God who has taken a chance on me. Thank you for being in unusual places where I can be reminded that You are always there for me to turn to. Amen
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
CLEAN WINDOWS
TODAY'S SCRIPTURES ACTS 9: parts of 8-18
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.
The Lord told him (Ananias), "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord-- Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. he got up and was baptized.
CLEAN WINDOWS
The windows are finally clean. We kept putting this off for a number of reasons, one of which is that I feel so frustrated when I wash windows. I have tried every suggestion and I am still the queen of streaked windows. Also, the window washing had to wait. We were getting the house pressure washed to get rid of that yucky gree stuff decorating the siding and did not want to wash the windows until that was done. The house received a bath, so there were no more excuses. It was time to attack the windows.
Know what I found out? There is a very nice man who has a window washing service. He and his daughter washed our windows--all of them--in the time it would have taken me to get the ladder out. One of the things I really, really, really like about our house is the the big windows. One of the things I really, really, really like about a window cleaning service is that someone else got on top of a very tall ladder (and on the roof) to wash those windows.
Boy do our windows look better. You can actually see out without looking through smudges. WE have a completely new outlook on life. We can see!
Sorta like Saul. He had an eye problem. He saw the world through the eyes of hate. Then Saul encountered Jesus. Then he really had an eye problem--he could not see at all. What to do? Enter Ananias. With the touch of his hand, Saul could see. Ananias, like our window washer, cleaned Saul's eyes so he could see. So he could see with new vision. The vision of Jesus.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Do you have anything covering your eyes? Are you willing to allow others help you see?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Jesus, I know sometimes that my vision is blurry. I allow the world to cloud my vision. And sometimes I just close my eyes so I don't see. Touch my eyes. Clear my vision. Clear my vision so I can see the wonders of your creation. So I can see the vision of Jesus. So I can see.....Amen
TODAY'S SCRIPTURES ACTS 9: parts of 8-18
Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing.
The Lord told him (Ananias), "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord-- Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. he got up and was baptized.
CLEAN WINDOWS
The windows are finally clean. We kept putting this off for a number of reasons, one of which is that I feel so frustrated when I wash windows. I have tried every suggestion and I am still the queen of streaked windows. Also, the window washing had to wait. We were getting the house pressure washed to get rid of that yucky gree stuff decorating the siding and did not want to wash the windows until that was done. The house received a bath, so there were no more excuses. It was time to attack the windows.
Know what I found out? There is a very nice man who has a window washing service. He and his daughter washed our windows--all of them--in the time it would have taken me to get the ladder out. One of the things I really, really, really like about our house is the the big windows. One of the things I really, really, really like about a window cleaning service is that someone else got on top of a very tall ladder (and on the roof) to wash those windows.
Boy do our windows look better. You can actually see out without looking through smudges. WE have a completely new outlook on life. We can see!
Sorta like Saul. He had an eye problem. He saw the world through the eyes of hate. Then Saul encountered Jesus. Then he really had an eye problem--he could not see at all. What to do? Enter Ananias. With the touch of his hand, Saul could see. Ananias, like our window washer, cleaned Saul's eyes so he could see. So he could see with new vision. The vision of Jesus.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Do you have anything covering your eyes? Are you willing to allow others help you see?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Jesus, I know sometimes that my vision is blurry. I allow the world to cloud my vision. And sometimes I just close my eyes so I don't see. Touch my eyes. Clear my vision. Clear my vision so I can see the wonders of your creation. So I can see the vision of Jesus. So I can see.....Amen
Friday, September 12, 2008
TIMMY TIME
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 3:9-11
But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked?"
TIMMY TIME
Timmy is the last of the grandchildren to come for an overnight in the new house. (If you do not remember Timmy and his excitement over the new house, re-read July 11, 2008.) I am excited about Timmy coming too! I never know what to expect out of Timmy. The youngest of four boys, he will try anything he sees his older brothers do. Each of his brothers told him what they did while they were here, so Timmy has a long list of things we are to do: Blow bubbles, read, blow bubbles, play Frisbee, make a craft and play games. I think we are going to be very busy.
One of the biggest challenges, with this be-five-in-February boy is keeping his clothes on him. In the middle of winter, he runs around in shorts. If he had it his way, he would be naked. With absolute abandon, he dances and spins. The other night, Bill and I saw a cell phone commercial that pointed out that a family would not know about the nudist beaches because they had no cell phone coverage. Bill and I looked at each other and laughed. Both thinking, "Timmy's kind of beach." For sure, Timmy feels he has nothing to hide.
Wouldn't it be great to feel that free? Adam and Eve felt that free at first. They had nothing to hide from God. Then things changed, with one little bite of fruit. Did they really think putting on clothes would cover up their sins? Maybe from other people, but not from God.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
When you feel like dancing and spinning? When do you feel free? When do you want to cover up and hide behind a bush?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear God, You created us in your image and you placed us in a perfect place - The Garden of Eden. One little bite and now we hide from you. Let me lay all of my sins, mistakes and just plain bad judgment before you. Let me accept your grace so I can come before you and dance and spin. … Amen
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 3:9-11
But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked?"
TIMMY TIME
Timmy is the last of the grandchildren to come for an overnight in the new house. (If you do not remember Timmy and his excitement over the new house, re-read July 11, 2008.) I am excited about Timmy coming too! I never know what to expect out of Timmy. The youngest of four boys, he will try anything he sees his older brothers do. Each of his brothers told him what they did while they were here, so Timmy has a long list of things we are to do: Blow bubbles, read, blow bubbles, play Frisbee, make a craft and play games. I think we are going to be very busy.
One of the biggest challenges, with this be-five-in-February boy is keeping his clothes on him. In the middle of winter, he runs around in shorts. If he had it his way, he would be naked. With absolute abandon, he dances and spins. The other night, Bill and I saw a cell phone commercial that pointed out that a family would not know about the nudist beaches because they had no cell phone coverage. Bill and I looked at each other and laughed. Both thinking, "Timmy's kind of beach." For sure, Timmy feels he has nothing to hide.
Wouldn't it be great to feel that free? Adam and Eve felt that free at first. They had nothing to hide from God. Then things changed, with one little bite of fruit. Did they really think putting on clothes would cover up their sins? Maybe from other people, but not from God.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
When you feel like dancing and spinning? When do you feel free? When do you want to cover up and hide behind a bush?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear God, You created us in your image and you placed us in a perfect place - The Garden of Eden. One little bite and now we hide from you. Let me lay all of my sins, mistakes and just plain bad judgment before you. Let me accept your grace so I can come before you and dance and spin. … Amen
Friday, September 05, 2008
GETTING READY
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
GETTING READY
Can you believe it is September? I am not sure where this year has gone, but it has gone fast. I think it is because this has been and will continue to be a year of getting ready and making decisions. So many decisions.
I am not sure if I mentioned this: We are retiring at the end of this year. Actually, sorta retiring. Bill manages farms and I do the office work. That part of our work we will turn over to others in the company. Bill will continue to sell farm real estate and do farm appraisals. He has also looked into part time jobs. Oh, more decisions.
I will spend more time with the children and grandkids, continue to cashier auctions, write and read. So, don't worry. We will be busy. We will just be getting rid of a LOT of responsibilities. We are getting ready to retire.
Part of this year was spent getting ready to move. We are very comfortable in our new home and most of the boxes are unpacked. There are still some in the back of a closet that will get unpacked someday -- maybe. We moved and now we are getting ready to do all those little things to the house you discover after you move in.
September is such a wonderful time to take a vacation. September 13 we are heading to Colorado and Yellowstone National Park so we are thinking about what to pack. Again, getting ready.
There have already been hints about Christmas gifts. So I am also getting ready for Christmas.
So many things in life to get ready for -- just plain ole growing up and all those life decisions: higher education, jobs, marriage, children, where to live. Come to think of it, getting ready has been going on my whole life, not just this year. Since I was born, I have been getting ready.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What are you getting ready for?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
My dear God, Right now my life is consumed by the demands of day-to-day living. It seems there is never enough time. I have to ______________________________. This person and that person needs me to ________________________. Dear God, give me time each day to get ready. Time to prepare for the most important part of my life. Give me time for You. Time to get ready so my eyes will see, by ears will hear and my mind will conceive all you have prepared for me. Amen.
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"
GETTING READY
Can you believe it is September? I am not sure where this year has gone, but it has gone fast. I think it is because this has been and will continue to be a year of getting ready and making decisions. So many decisions.
I am not sure if I mentioned this: We are retiring at the end of this year. Actually, sorta retiring. Bill manages farms and I do the office work. That part of our work we will turn over to others in the company. Bill will continue to sell farm real estate and do farm appraisals. He has also looked into part time jobs. Oh, more decisions.
I will spend more time with the children and grandkids, continue to cashier auctions, write and read. So, don't worry. We will be busy. We will just be getting rid of a LOT of responsibilities. We are getting ready to retire.
Part of this year was spent getting ready to move. We are very comfortable in our new home and most of the boxes are unpacked. There are still some in the back of a closet that will get unpacked someday -- maybe. We moved and now we are getting ready to do all those little things to the house you discover after you move in.
September is such a wonderful time to take a vacation. September 13 we are heading to Colorado and Yellowstone National Park so we are thinking about what to pack. Again, getting ready.
There have already been hints about Christmas gifts. So I am also getting ready for Christmas.
So many things in life to get ready for -- just plain ole growing up and all those life decisions: higher education, jobs, marriage, children, where to live. Come to think of it, getting ready has been going on my whole life, not just this year. Since I was born, I have been getting ready.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What are you getting ready for?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
My dear God, Right now my life is consumed by the demands of day-to-day living. It seems there is never enough time. I have to ______________________________. This person and that person needs me to ________________________. Dear God, give me time each day to get ready. Time to prepare for the most important part of my life. Give me time for You. Time to get ready so my eyes will see, by ears will hear and my mind will conceive all you have prepared for me. Amen.
Friday, August 29, 2008
A BABY BLANKET
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 125:2
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
A BABY BLANKET
Even though I don't get much time to do it, I love to sew. I enjoy watching material being sewn into a creation. This particular baby blanket is for Bradley, born to Kerri, a young lady I have known since she was born. A baby boy -- Oh good, I picked material for a certain sex, not material to make a generic blanket.
The material is selected. The middle section is sewn together and, like always, some seams are not quite straight. Much to the dismay of my teacher of home economics (that is what we called it in the dark ages); I did not rip those seams out. The borders are added. The hem is sewn. The blanket was stitched with love and prayers. The blanket is complete. Ready to keep a Bradley warm on a cold winter's night.
As I put the pieces together to make the blanket, I thought about the future of the baby. How Bradley's life was going to be made up of many different pieces and designs. And how those pieces would be woven together with threads anchored by family and friends. How sometimes, like my seams, those threads would not be straight. And how you backstitch when you sew, sometimes Bradley would go back and forth until he finds the way forward again. The baby blanket is surrounded by a border. The hem on that border is stitched from beginning to end with one continuous thread. That border is like the love of Jesus in this child's life. Jesus love encircles each person and his love, like the thread, is always there - from beginning to end.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Have you ever created something? Maybe not a blanket. Maybe a garden. Or a scrapbook. Or a special cake or meal. Something you put together. Something you watched as the parts/ingredients/seeds changed into a new creation.
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear Creator, How amazing it is when projects come together. When what I start with is laid before me. Then organized. Then worked on. Then completed. Is that how you felt as you made the earth? Putting trees here and frogs there. A lake on top of a mountain and a cactus in the dessert. Working until it all fit together. As I create - no matter if it is a blanket, a garden, woodworking or supper - let me create with joy and wonder. Let me thank you for my ability to imagine, to create and let me always remember to lift up in prayer the persons who will receive or enjoy my creation. Amen
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: PSALM 125:2
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
A BABY BLANKET
Even though I don't get much time to do it, I love to sew. I enjoy watching material being sewn into a creation. This particular baby blanket is for Bradley, born to Kerri, a young lady I have known since she was born. A baby boy -- Oh good, I picked material for a certain sex, not material to make a generic blanket.
The material is selected. The middle section is sewn together and, like always, some seams are not quite straight. Much to the dismay of my teacher of home economics (that is what we called it in the dark ages); I did not rip those seams out. The borders are added. The hem is sewn. The blanket was stitched with love and prayers. The blanket is complete. Ready to keep a Bradley warm on a cold winter's night.
As I put the pieces together to make the blanket, I thought about the future of the baby. How Bradley's life was going to be made up of many different pieces and designs. And how those pieces would be woven together with threads anchored by family and friends. How sometimes, like my seams, those threads would not be straight. And how you backstitch when you sew, sometimes Bradley would go back and forth until he finds the way forward again. The baby blanket is surrounded by a border. The hem on that border is stitched from beginning to end with one continuous thread. That border is like the love of Jesus in this child's life. Jesus love encircles each person and his love, like the thread, is always there - from beginning to end.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Have you ever created something? Maybe not a blanket. Maybe a garden. Or a scrapbook. Or a special cake or meal. Something you put together. Something you watched as the parts/ingredients/seeds changed into a new creation.
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear Creator, How amazing it is when projects come together. When what I start with is laid before me. Then organized. Then worked on. Then completed. Is that how you felt as you made the earth? Putting trees here and frogs there. A lake on top of a mountain and a cactus in the dessert. Working until it all fit together. As I create - no matter if it is a blanket, a garden, woodworking or supper - let me create with joy and wonder. Let me thank you for my ability to imagine, to create and let me always remember to lift up in prayer the persons who will receive or enjoy my creation. Amen
Friday, August 22, 2008
PRAYING
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: JAMES 5:13
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
PRAYING
I was looking ahead to our Sunday School class material for August 31. It is on the Prayerful Community. Prayer. Sometimes praying is easy and sometimes it is hard to find just the right words. Prayer takes many forms and, at a class on prayer, an instructor had various names for them.
Most people start with the Santa Prayer. Dear God, Give me this. Give me that. I want. I need. Amen.
Then they move onto the Slot Machine Prayer. Dear God, I pray before we eat. (yes) I go to church. (yes) I read the Bible everyday. (yes) That is three in a row so I get what I pray for. Amen
Next, we try the Help Prayer. Dear God, I know I do not pray as often as I should, but I do need some help so if you could see your way clear to help me I won't bother you again. Amen.
If that doesn't work, try the Let's Make a Deal Prayer. Dear God, If you will give me this one little request to make all A's even though I haven't studied; I promise I will study every night for the rest of my college years. Amen.
Many of us try out the ole Holier than Thou Prayer. Okay God, I am doing more at church than anyone else is and I read the Bible everyday. I am working on two devotionals and teaching my children the Books of the Bible (In book order and alphabetically). Knowing all this, I just know you will put my prayer request above those people that go to that upstart church down the road. Amen
When you finally figure it out, you pray the From the Heart Prayer. My Dear Heavenly Father, What a day. The birds sang. I heard children laughing. Thank you for beautiful sounds. I also knew you were with me when I went to the doctor. I do not know how I would get through my struggles without you there. Thank you. Amen
The point I am making is that it takes time to develop a relationship with God. Not on God's end -- on our end. But while that relationship is developing, do not worry about making a mistake when you pray. God just wants you to talk to him. He wants to hear the words of your heart.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
So -- which type of prayer do you use? Do you find it easy to pray? Do you find it easy to pray aloud? If others are listening?
(If you have any hints/helps for people who have trouble praying, leave a comment. I still do not feel comfortable praying aloud, so do not feel like you are the only one.)
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Hello God, Seems as if I have all sorts of words in my head. Then someone says 'pray' and it seems as if all the words leave me. They hide. I know you will listen no matter how I pray. Keep me from the temptation of waiting until I find just the right words. Let me just begin -- Hello God, Have I told you … Amen
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: JAMES 5:13
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
PRAYING
I was looking ahead to our Sunday School class material for August 31. It is on the Prayerful Community. Prayer. Sometimes praying is easy and sometimes it is hard to find just the right words. Prayer takes many forms and, at a class on prayer, an instructor had various names for them.
Most people start with the Santa Prayer. Dear God, Give me this. Give me that. I want. I need. Amen.
Then they move onto the Slot Machine Prayer. Dear God, I pray before we eat. (yes) I go to church. (yes) I read the Bible everyday. (yes) That is three in a row so I get what I pray for. Amen
Next, we try the Help Prayer. Dear God, I know I do not pray as often as I should, but I do need some help so if you could see your way clear to help me I won't bother you again. Amen.
If that doesn't work, try the Let's Make a Deal Prayer. Dear God, If you will give me this one little request to make all A's even though I haven't studied; I promise I will study every night for the rest of my college years. Amen.
Many of us try out the ole Holier than Thou Prayer. Okay God, I am doing more at church than anyone else is and I read the Bible everyday. I am working on two devotionals and teaching my children the Books of the Bible (In book order and alphabetically). Knowing all this, I just know you will put my prayer request above those people that go to that upstart church down the road. Amen
When you finally figure it out, you pray the From the Heart Prayer. My Dear Heavenly Father, What a day. The birds sang. I heard children laughing. Thank you for beautiful sounds. I also knew you were with me when I went to the doctor. I do not know how I would get through my struggles without you there. Thank you. Amen
The point I am making is that it takes time to develop a relationship with God. Not on God's end -- on our end. But while that relationship is developing, do not worry about making a mistake when you pray. God just wants you to talk to him. He wants to hear the words of your heart.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
So -- which type of prayer do you use? Do you find it easy to pray? Do you find it easy to pray aloud? If others are listening?
(If you have any hints/helps for people who have trouble praying, leave a comment. I still do not feel comfortable praying aloud, so do not feel like you are the only one.)
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Hello God, Seems as if I have all sorts of words in my head. Then someone says 'pray' and it seems as if all the words leave me. They hide. I know you will listen no matter how I pray. Keep me from the temptation of waiting until I find just the right words. Let me just begin -- Hello God, Have I told you … Amen
Friday, August 15, 2008
NEEDED -- WATER
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 4:7, 10, 13-14 (Please look up the missing verses)
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
10 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."
13-14 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."
NEEDED -- WATER
As I sat waiting for our grandson to wake up, I had a talk with God. I pointed out that the yard was getting very dry. That the leaves on the trees were beginning to droop. That the corn and beans, in the fields, were showing signs of drought. I explained all of this. Of course, God loves our conversations. He was probably laughing as he replied, "And you think I don't know this?"
I would hate to be God. This person wants rain. That person is planning a picnic and does not. This person loves the sounds of birds and that person just wishes they would chirp somewhere other than outside their bedroom window. One person wants it to be 90 degrees in the shade and others are saying, "Can you cool it off down here?"
God looks down and sees the person that always has a complaint. Of course, to balance that person out, there is the one who is always cheerful and sees the glass as, not half full, but all the way full. I'm not sure which God finds more annoying. Again, I would not want to be God. I don't like to be around people who always complain, but there are times I want to poke a hole in the bottom of that glass of the eternal optimistic.
Let's get back to the rain. It finally did rain, but a week later. The rain came with the wind and the lightning. Like all rain, it fell when it fell. I could not control the rain.
One kind of water we do not have to wait on. One kind of water is always available. Living Water. It is there. Just waiting for us.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Are you ready to drink of the Living Water?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear Giver of Living Water, Thank you for water. Water that falls on this earth and gives it a drink. Water that quenches my earthly thirst. But, oh, how I thirst for a drink of the water you offer. Just as you told the Samaritan woman, "you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." My Dear Jesus, I do know who you are and I do ask for a drink of your water. …… Amen
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 4:7, 10, 13-14 (Please look up the missing verses)
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"
10 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."
13-14 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."
NEEDED -- WATER
As I sat waiting for our grandson to wake up, I had a talk with God. I pointed out that the yard was getting very dry. That the leaves on the trees were beginning to droop. That the corn and beans, in the fields, were showing signs of drought. I explained all of this. Of course, God loves our conversations. He was probably laughing as he replied, "And you think I don't know this?"
I would hate to be God. This person wants rain. That person is planning a picnic and does not. This person loves the sounds of birds and that person just wishes they would chirp somewhere other than outside their bedroom window. One person wants it to be 90 degrees in the shade and others are saying, "Can you cool it off down here?"
God looks down and sees the person that always has a complaint. Of course, to balance that person out, there is the one who is always cheerful and sees the glass as, not half full, but all the way full. I'm not sure which God finds more annoying. Again, I would not want to be God. I don't like to be around people who always complain, but there are times I want to poke a hole in the bottom of that glass of the eternal optimistic.
Let's get back to the rain. It finally did rain, but a week later. The rain came with the wind and the lightning. Like all rain, it fell when it fell. I could not control the rain.
One kind of water we do not have to wait on. One kind of water is always available. Living Water. It is there. Just waiting for us.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Are you ready to drink of the Living Water?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear Giver of Living Water, Thank you for water. Water that falls on this earth and gives it a drink. Water that quenches my earthly thirst. But, oh, how I thirst for a drink of the water you offer. Just as you told the Samaritan woman, "you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." My Dear Jesus, I do know who you are and I do ask for a drink of your water. …… Amen
Friday, August 08, 2008
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN A PICTURE OF JESUS?
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 16:15
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN A PICTURE OF JESUS?
The Searchers Sunday School class uses the Cokesbury study. Sunday the 27th we had an amazing class - and it had nothing to do with the fact that I was teaching. The lesson was on Jesus, as the Messiah, and asked the question, "Who do you say I am?"
Know all those pictures the children's Sunday School teachers use? I pulled them out and had them spread all over our table. We talked briefly and then everyone picked two pictures. Two pictures that "spoke" to them. That is when the discussions really started!
We heard: This picture shows Jesus is accessible. This one shows Jesus at peace. This one shows Jesus in anguish and stressed. Look how Jesus includes everyone - men, women, children, no matter the age or color of skin. This picture shows Jesus praying. This one shows him listening to God. Here he is a child learning and here he is teaching children. Oh, in this one he has outstretched hands. Look at the smile. The eyes - look at the eyes. You can see the compassion.
Around and around the table the worship and praise continued: Here he is a young boy. Jesus was human. He felt everything we feel and he knows how we feel. There was the picture of Jesus in the temple, learning from the priests and then teaching the priests. Is there a picture of Jesus as the shepherd? You know, the one where he has the sheep over his shoulder.
Can you tell I am still excited about this particular Sunday? In that room, each of us was blessed by the conversation. I do not know about the rest of the class, but I will never forget the way Jesus was described because those descriptions told His story.
The question, "Who do you say I am?" was spoken to the disciples. They needed to know who Jesus truly was. It was going to be their job to tell others.
That question is asked of each of us. We are the disciples now. It is our job to tell others.
How do you answer? ----- "Who do you say I am?"
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
What is your favorite picture of Jesus? Why?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
"You are Christ, the Son of the living God." Oh, my Lord, I do believe this. I believe this from the top of my head to the end of my toes. I feel your Holy Spirit confirming this. The Spirit that fills every cell in my body. The Spirit that opens my ears to hear you and my eyes to see you. When I look to your word, I do see your compassion, your love. I picture you at peace when you are speaking with the Father. I picture you as a teacher, as you reach out to the young and old. Jesus, when I see you I picture you … Amen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 16:15
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN A PICTURE OF JESUS?
The Searchers Sunday School class uses the Cokesbury study. Sunday the 27th we had an amazing class - and it had nothing to do with the fact that I was teaching. The lesson was on Jesus, as the Messiah, and asked the question, "Who do you say I am?"
Know all those pictures the children's Sunday School teachers use? I pulled them out and had them spread all over our table. We talked briefly and then everyone picked two pictures. Two pictures that "spoke" to them. That is when the discussions really started!
We heard: This picture shows Jesus is accessible. This one shows Jesus at peace. This one shows Jesus in anguish and stressed. Look how Jesus includes everyone - men, women, children, no matter the age or color of skin. This picture shows Jesus praying. This one shows him listening to God. Here he is a child learning and here he is teaching children. Oh, in this one he has outstretched hands. Look at the smile. The eyes - look at the eyes. You can see the compassion.
Around and around the table the worship and praise continued: Here he is a young boy. Jesus was human. He felt everything we feel and he knows how we feel. There was the picture of Jesus in the temple, learning from the priests and then teaching the priests. Is there a picture of Jesus as the shepherd? You know, the one where he has the sheep over his shoulder.
Can you tell I am still excited about this particular Sunday? In that room, each of us was blessed by the conversation. I do not know about the rest of the class, but I will never forget the way Jesus was described because those descriptions told His story.
The question, "Who do you say I am?" was spoken to the disciples. They needed to know who Jesus truly was. It was going to be their job to tell others.
That question is asked of each of us. We are the disciples now. It is our job to tell others.
How do you answer? ----- "Who do you say I am?"
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
What is your favorite picture of Jesus? Why?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
"You are Christ, the Son of the living God." Oh, my Lord, I do believe this. I believe this from the top of my head to the end of my toes. I feel your Holy Spirit confirming this. The Spirit that fills every cell in my body. The Spirit that opens my ears to hear you and my eyes to see you. When I look to your word, I do see your compassion, your love. I picture you at peace when you are speaking with the Father. I picture you as a teacher, as you reach out to the young and old. Jesus, when I see you I picture you … Amen
Friday, August 01, 2008
MISSING INFORMATION
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5:1-2
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
MISSING INFORMATION
At a Sunday School party, another lady and I swapped "getting parts" stories. For those readers that have a farming background, you are already smiling. For those of you who do not have a farming background, going after parts is not as easy as it sounds. First, the person needing the part is in less than an agreeable mood because having to get parts means that something is broken down. Having a piece of equipment sitting idle is not good during the farming season. Hence the disagreeable mood. Second, no matter how much information you are given, Murphy's Law kicks in and I can guarantee that 99.9% of the time you will be missing information. Take the time --
To be honest I do not remember if it was a tractor or a combine that decided to take the day off, but my husband sent me after a part. Just one. Simple except that we lived in Michigan and the part he needed was in Indiana, a short drive of two hours. One way. I called a friend to ride along, put our daughter in what would not qualify as a car seat today and off we went. In my possession was all the information I would need. Bill promised everything was written down. He promised!
We arrived at the parts store. I handed the parts man the information. There was all the information he needed. I was confident we would quickly be on the road home. Yes, all the information he needed was there. On that little slip of paper. Bill promised.
The parts man looked at me and, without even a hint of a smile, said, "Is this for the right or left side." Yes, he was serious. I was missing some important information.
I can laugh about this now. And it does make a good story, but at the time, it was not funny. The part was taken home because I could call Bill and get the information I needed.
Life often has missing information. Things we do not understand. Times we need help. For life questions, we can turn to God's word. Look in the scriptures. Read. Learn. Pray. Wait. God will give you the answer. He has the missing information.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Have you ever been sent after a part, a tool or whatever (for the men this could be a needle for the sewing machine or a certain type of flour) and when you got there you either did not have all the information you needed or they were out of that particular item? What did you do? Where did you turn for help?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Oh Lord, Sometimes there seems to be more questions than answers. Sometimes, I think I know exactly what I want and then wham; things just get all mixed up. It is as if I do not have all the information I need to make decisions. But when that happens, I know I can always calm myself down. Lift my questions to you and I know you will provide direction. As I travel through this life, give me the information I need to … Amen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 5:1-2
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
MISSING INFORMATION
At a Sunday School party, another lady and I swapped "getting parts" stories. For those readers that have a farming background, you are already smiling. For those of you who do not have a farming background, going after parts is not as easy as it sounds. First, the person needing the part is in less than an agreeable mood because having to get parts means that something is broken down. Having a piece of equipment sitting idle is not good during the farming season. Hence the disagreeable mood. Second, no matter how much information you are given, Murphy's Law kicks in and I can guarantee that 99.9% of the time you will be missing information. Take the time --
To be honest I do not remember if it was a tractor or a combine that decided to take the day off, but my husband sent me after a part. Just one. Simple except that we lived in Michigan and the part he needed was in Indiana, a short drive of two hours. One way. I called a friend to ride along, put our daughter in what would not qualify as a car seat today and off we went. In my possession was all the information I would need. Bill promised everything was written down. He promised!
We arrived at the parts store. I handed the parts man the information. There was all the information he needed. I was confident we would quickly be on the road home. Yes, all the information he needed was there. On that little slip of paper. Bill promised.
The parts man looked at me and, without even a hint of a smile, said, "Is this for the right or left side." Yes, he was serious. I was missing some important information.
I can laugh about this now. And it does make a good story, but at the time, it was not funny. The part was taken home because I could call Bill and get the information I needed.
Life often has missing information. Things we do not understand. Times we need help. For life questions, we can turn to God's word. Look in the scriptures. Read. Learn. Pray. Wait. God will give you the answer. He has the missing information.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Have you ever been sent after a part, a tool or whatever (for the men this could be a needle for the sewing machine or a certain type of flour) and when you got there you either did not have all the information you needed or they were out of that particular item? What did you do? Where did you turn for help?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Oh Lord, Sometimes there seems to be more questions than answers. Sometimes, I think I know exactly what I want and then wham; things just get all mixed up. It is as if I do not have all the information I need to make decisions. But when that happens, I know I can always calm myself down. Lift my questions to you and I know you will provide direction. As I travel through this life, give me the information I need to … Amen
Friday, July 25, 2008
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
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
Friday, July 18, 2008
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
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
Friday, July 11, 2008
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
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
Friday, July 04, 2008
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
Friday, June 27, 2008
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
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
Friday, June 20, 2008
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
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
Friday, June 13, 2008
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
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
Friday, May 30, 2008
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
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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
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
Thursday, May 15, 2008
(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
Friday, May 09, 2008
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
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
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