SOUND ASLEEP

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "Mark 13:36 - 37

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

SOUND ASLEEP

Have you ever been to an auction? Picture this: A fairly large room, but not huge, with over three hundred people wandering about and talking. That, by itself, makes for a lot of noise, but add to that the cry of the auctioneer. Now add the ring men yelling, "Yup." "Yup." Make those 'yups' loud. About the decimal level of a three year old's outside voice. Do you have a picture in your mind?

Now I want you to add one more image. There, in the back row of chairs, picture a man sleeping. Yes, asleep! Asleep in the midst of all that noise and activity. So sound asleep we were afraid he would fall off the chair. So sound asleep we watched to see if he was breathing. So sound asleep he was missing everything that was going on around him.

Sorta like some people and life. They go through life oblivious to everything around them. They do not see the sunrise let alone the sunset. They do not see need. Or hunger. Or joy. Or peace.

They just go through life. As if, they are asleep. They are not watching and they may miss their chance for salvation. How sad.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been so tired you could sleep while chaos was swirling around you? Have you ever felt so lost that you could not notice the sunrise? Sunset? Need? Hunger? Joy? Peace? Are you watching, so that when the hour comes, you are awake?

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

LET US PRAY

I am awake, Jesus. I am awake! Although physically I may get tired and need sleep, my soul is awake. Although my eyes may need to close, my spirit rejoices in your sunrises and sunsets. Although my hands and feet may need to be still, my heart prays for those in need and those that are hungry. Although my body may need to lie down, my faith holds tight to the joy and peace you provide. I am awake, Jesus. I am awake! Amen

SEASONS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 1:14

And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years…"

SEASONS

I want to tell you what I see out the window. The sky is clear. No clouds at all. Just blue sky. A soft blue. Peaceful looking. That blue color the sky gets in the fall.

There is a breeze because the trees are swaying. Doing a gentle dance as if they are hearing music that makes them want to nod their branches from this side to that. The evergreens are being stubborn. They are just standing there. Not moving. Most of the trees have that dusty fall green look. Some leaves are even tired of that and have started wearing the fall colors. One more fling before they float to the ground.

The grass has not heard that fall starts next week and is still growing. "Mow me. Mow me," it shouts. If Bill doesn't mow about every four days, it gets so tall you could hide in it. Okay, not your whole body, just up to your knees. Okay, over the ankle.

The flowerbed is starting to look less colorful but even that is a good thing. Those plants are tired and need to rest until the ground warms up again next spring.

The robins have left and the wild geese are heading south. I saw a flock this morning making their V and checking their GPS. The katydids have been making a racket for about three weeks so frost will not be long in coming.

Do you know what I see out my window? I see the scriptures in action!

God did all this. He arranged things to mark seasons and days and years.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Which is your favorite season? Do you see a change of seasons where you live? What do you see out your window? Do you see God at work?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart. (If you live where one season is pretty much like all the others, then change this prayer to fit.)

LET US PRAY

Hello God, I want to thank you for the trees. They offer shade in the summer and a very colorful show in the fall. I want to thank you for flowers. The spring lilies, the summer roses and the fall mums each coming and going to brighten our lives. I want to thank you for the songbirds in the summer and the loud honk of the geese as they tell us they are headed south. I want to thank you for the seasons. I want to thank you for ….… Amen

SEPTEMBER 11

There are just some days you do not forget. Birthdays. Graduations. Wedding days. Days when families add to their numbers. Days when families tell a loved one goodbye. The day you bowled over 200, hit a home run or sent that golf ball straight down the fairway. The day you stuck your toes in the mud or rode your bike without anyone holding on. The day you baked your first pie or changed the oil in your car. The day you got your driver's license.

The day you realized the USA was vulnerable.

I do not remember WW II but I do remember seeing the Vietnam War fought on the evening news. I remember reading about WW I, WW II, the Korean War, the Cold War and all the other wars that our soldiers fought so we could be free. So our flag would fly over this land. But these wars were all fought "over there." These wars did not blow up the house next to mine. Nor mine. These wars -- These wars kept our land safe from invasion. Safe until September 11, 2001.

On that day, I received a phone call telling me to turn on the television. On that day, I watched the towers fall. On that day, I watched the Pentagon being attacked. On that day, I heard about the plane crash in Pennsylvania. On that day and in the days to follow, many people died because of hate. On that day, a day I will never forget, I realized the USA is vulnerable.

This September 11, I want to remember that day. I want to remember that our freedoms should not be taken for granted.

We fly our flag everyday, but on September 11 we fly it in memory of the lives needlessly lost and for their families. We fly our flag in gratitude for all those that came to look for survivors and to respectfully tend to the dead. We fly our flag in support of the soldiers that serve and defend this country.

Today we fly our flag so we will never forget September 11, 2001.

LET US PRAY: Including parts of PSALMS 143 and 144

O Lord, hear my prayer and listen to my cry. I need to stay strong when I feel vulnerable. I need to know you will come to my relief. When I feel crushed to the ground and my spirit grows faint, I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. When I feel vulnerable I am thankful that you are my Rock, my loving God, my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield and my refuge.

O Lord, hear my prayer and listen to my cry. Let the United States of America remember "In God we Trust." Let this country turn to you each morning and ask you to bring them word of your unfailing love. Show this country the way it should go and instill a united spirit. Rescue us from our enemies, O Lord. Teach us to do your will and let your good Spirit lead us on level ground. Preserve our county, in your righteousness.

O Lord, hear my prayer and listen to my cry. Amen

SEPTEMBER? NO WAY!

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands.

SEPTEMBER? NO WAY!

SEPTEMBER? It cannot be September! If it is September, there are only four months left in this year. Four months to finish that list of things I wanted to accomplish by year's end. It is my month to teach Sunday School, we start a seven week Bible Study this coming week and I just took on new projects! What was I thinking? SEPTEMBER? It cannot be September!

Oh, but it is and as I think about the things I did not get accomplished so far this year, I realize some of them did not amount to a hill of beans and some of them will be finished by years end. Or the next. I realize some of the "work God has for Mary" was not intended for me to accomplish. At least, not at this time.

The other stuff: I am glad it is my month to teach our class. I never thought I would enjoy teaching, but I do. One thing for sure, our class never knows what to expect when I teach. A new Bible Study - When Godly People Do Ungodly Things - is a chance to learn, grow and, hopefully answer questions. And new projects. Well, I am going to try to drag our church into the modern age of technology. We need a working website and I taught our Church Council a new word: Facebook.

It's funny. Those things I thought I had to get done. Those "work God has for Mary" projects that are still in the drawer. Something always came up.

Ongoing work - teaching Sunday School and Bible Study - always seem to fit into my schedule.

And the new projects? I checked the website for our denomination. Guess what. They offer an online course to learn managing a website. No roadblock there. And I have the names of two very good website providers and design companies. Not just one, but two. And I can do this from our home.

And facebook. I have people wanting to learn how to set up personal pages on facebook. Not only are we looking at a facebook page for our church, but one for the youth. Who knows where this will lead. I wonder why this seems to be falling into place?

Oh yeah. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands. Maybe this time I was listening to what God had in mind for me.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you believe it is September? Only four months left in this year! Have you accomplished everything you set out to do? Will you get it done by December 31? Do you need to sit down and figure out what is important and what needs to be put aside for another year? Or maybe never.

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

LET US PRAY

Hi God, I only have a minute because I am so busy. Doing what? Well, I am doing Your work. At least I am trying. There always seems to be a reason I cannot finish. Or sometimes a reason I cannot get a project even started. There is so much I need to do. Did you say I need to step back? That I need to listen? Forgive me. Let me start over.

To the Lord my God, May your favor rest upon me. Establish the work of my hands. Yes, establish the work of my hands. Amen

~ ~ ~ ~

A reminder for next Friday, September 11: Please fly your flag as a prayer for all who died September 11, 2001. As a prayer for the families who now only have a memory of a loved one. As a prayer for all the rescue workers who gave so much. As a prayer that this country will always remain strong.

WHERE WOULD JESUS GO?

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Jesus talking to Simon Peter: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 16:18

Jesus speaking to his disciples: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

WHERE WOULD JESUS GO?

Bill and I took a couple of days and got out of town. While driving, I noticed many churches. They were labeled by denomination: Lutheran, Church of God, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Christian, Seven Day Adventist, Jehovah Witness and Brethren.

They were labeled by other names: Full Gospel with healing service, Restored, Pentecostal, Reformed, United, Community, Missionary, Evangelical and Independent.

Some church names include words: Hope, Faith, Love, Peace and Grace

Some buildings you knew were churches. They had a steeple, a cross or some other symbol on them that illustrated their beliefs. I had Bill turn into one church so I could take this picture.

I can remember a church poster we saw when we were in a small town in Stewart, British Columbia, Canada. It started out saying, "All welcome." Then it gave the name of the church. Followed with, "King James version only." Followed with a few more specific beliefs. By the time I had read the entire poster, I realized not all were welcome.

Thinking about that poster and all the churches we saw on our drive, I wondered, "Why can it not just be called The Church? Why cannot our statement of faith just be I Believe?"

Thinking about that poster and all the churches we saw on our drive, I wondered, "Where would Jesus go?" What church would Jesus attend? How would he decide? Would Jesus be comfortable sitting in the pew of a Methodist Church? A Catholic Church? A Reformed Church? Would any of these churches resemble what Jesus instructed Peter to build?

For all of our differences. For all of our different names. For all of our different creeds and statements of faith. Where would Jesus go? This is answered in the scripture. We know that Jesus goes "where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Remember when you go to church, Jesus is there. Make Him feel welcome.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

How would you answer the question, "Where would Jesus go?" Would Jesus be comfortable sitting in the pew of your church?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, As believers, we allow mission statements and church doctrine to come between us instead of being united in our common beliefs. Jesus, as I work, play and live let me see the common areas of our faith instead of the small areas that separate us. Jesus, I am working to have the faith of Peter when he said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." When I work for the church, let me work in such a way that You would be welcome and when you enter you would feel at home.… Amen

THE LOST DRIVER’S LICENSE

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! Job 23:3

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5

THE LOST DRIVER'S LICENSE

I love working at auctions. You meet a very diverse assortment of people. We have our groupies and they become like family. Chatting about their week. Their health. Their new babies or grandbabies. We have those that have never attended an auction and are afraid to blink for fear it will be taken as a bid. We assure them that only happens on TV. We have the ones we like to tease and those we wish would never come back.

The other day we had the man who could not find his drivers license. Honestly, this happens with great regularity and, I am not male bashing, but it is usually a man. (Now admit it ladies. Men will look and look for something and then give up. That is when the female will walk to the garage/kitchen/desk and find the lost object laying in plain sight. I saw that nod of agreement.)

Back to my story: First, his wife came to our table and asked if we had found her husband's license. I had checked this gentleman in and I assured her that I always hand the license back with the bidder number card.

Later that day, the man came to the table to check again and make sure no one had turned in his license. "No sir. Are you sure you did not put it in a different pocket?" I asked.

He said he had checked and as he talked, he patted each pocket. Each empty pocket. Then he took out his money clip.

As he held his clip and assured me that he always put the license back in the same spot, I am ashamed to say I started to laugh. So did the two other ladies standing there. Why?

As the gentleman held his money clip and as we were trying to control our smiles and only laugh a bit, I said, "Sir, would you please turn your clip around."

There, on the wrong side of his money clip. There where he never puts his driver's license, was his license. That is when his wife started laughing. Then the man laughed too.

How often do we know right where to find something and then when we reach for it, it is not there? How often do we need something, but need help finding it?

Sorta like finding God. Sometimes we know right where He is. We feel Him beside us strong and true. Other times it is as if God is lost. We are just not sure where to find Him. But just like the driver's license, God is always there. Sometimes we find Him right away. Sometimes we need someone to show the way. Sometimes it is as easy as turning around.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever lost something only to have someone else find it quickly? Have you ever felt like you lost God? 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

Hello Lord. I am so thankful that I can always find you. That I can find you when I feel alone. Or frightened. Or sad. I know you are always there. I am so thankful that I can always find you. That I can find you when I feel happy. Or joyous. Or humble. I am so thankful that I can always find you. That I can find you when I feel you are far away from me. I know you are not. I know you are there, waiting for me to find my way back. Thank you for others that tell me, "Turn around. God is right there. See him. God is waiting for you." And when I find you, I know I will find rest. Amen

Greetings, Thanks to a broken modem I will not be able to post a blog this week. Glad the library has a computer for me to briefly use.

Since I can not post something, read your favorite scripture and let me know what it is.

Have a great week. A blessed week. A joyous week.

Mary

DECISIONS

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

DECISIONS

"What would you like for dinner?" asked Bill. "It doesn't matter," I replied.

"Do you want to teach during August?" I asked Judy. "I will," she said.

"What do you want to watch this evening?" I asked Bill. He came back with, "All those channels and nothing to watch. You pick."

Decisions! Decisions!! Decisions!!!

From the time our eyes open until they shut, the day is full of decisions. What to eat? What to do? What to wear? Are the errands done today or tomorrow? Decisions of reading or watching TV? Does the yard need mowed? Who gets the last piece of dark chocolate? (Okay, that is an automatic easy decision.) Do I prepare a will? Do I call my sister? Friend?

Do I go to church or decide it is okay to miss? Do I talk to God throughout the day? Do I keep God before me or do I put Him on the back burner when I work? When I talk with friends? Do I notice all of God's creation as I see flowers? Trees? Birds? Do I realize I am touching God, when I take the hand of a child? Do I tell others about Jesus?

Decisions! Decisions!! Decisions!!!

Some decisions are not important. A yes or no works just fine. Either way. No big deal. Sometimes one TV channel is as good as the next. And those errands can wait until tomorrow.

Other decisions are important. Where your next meal is coming from is very important when you have no money for groceries. A will is important. Calling a sister, brother, friend, son, daughter, spouse or parent is important. Your call may change their life. Or yours.

Then there are those DECISIONS!!! Just as some decisions are not important and others are, some decisions are extremely important and need to be made now. Now while you have time. Decisions that will change your day. Your life. Decisions that will help you understand life and help you understand death.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What decisions do you have to make today? Which ones are not important? Important? LIFE CHANGING?

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

LET US PRAY

Jesus, as I try to decide what to wear. What to watch on TV. As I make these decisions, I realize how silly I can be. Some decisions are so unimportant. Other decisions are important. Help me understand the most important decision I will ever make. Jesus, I do not want to have a troubled heart and need your guidance as I make decisions. I believe you are the way, the truth and the life. I come to you seeking peace, knowing that my life will have troubles, but that You can help me face those troubles. I also know that just as You will walk with me in life, You will welcome me into eternal life. … Amen

UPDATE

I have wonderful news – Praise the Lord news. The two young girls hurt on the 4-wheelers are both home. They need rest and to regain strength. These two girls still need prayers, but are on the way and much better than ever expected. THE POWER OF PRAYER AT WORK!!!

The young lady that was to be married is okay. She is moving one day at a time and, for now, that is what she needs to do. Continue to pray for her too.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

UNLEARNING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 1:7

Look, he is coming with the clouds

UNLEARNING

I do not know if you use My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, as a devotional, but if you were looking for a devotional, I would highly recommend this. I am reading this for the forth time and I am still finding new insights. This happened again on the July 29 reading.

"In the Bible clouds are always connected with God. Clouds are those sorrows or sufferings or providences, within or without our personal lives, which seem to dispute the rule of God. It is by those very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were no clouds, we should have no faith. "The clouds are but the dust of our Father's feet." The clouds are a sign that He is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow and bereavement and suffering are the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near without clouds, He does not come in clear shining."

I had highlighted parts of this in previous years, wrote in the margin, "Learn more from troubles than from easy times," and thought I understood this days reading. Then the next paragraph jumped out at me.

"It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials; through every cloud He brings, He wants us to unlearn something."

What? I am not supposed to learn. I am supposed to unlearn. Now that makes no sense. One thing I am learning as I read and reread My Utmost for His Highest is that I dig deeper each year and Oswald Chambers can be deep, but unlearn. I always thought I was to learn from my experiences. What could I unlearn?

I could unlearn self-reliance. Hate Distrust. Bitterness. I could unlearn having an un-forgiving spirit. Fear. Disobedience. Prejudice. I could unlearn -----

Light bulb moment: I have to unlearn all these things (and a gazillion more) so I never allow anything to injure my relationship with God.

This week - Go forth and unlearn!!!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Did you ever think about it this way? What do you need to unlearn? Think you are alone when you study and do not understand something? Never fear! You are not alone!!! We are all learning. Seeking. And, hopefully, understanding more.

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

LET US PRAY

Unlearn. You want me to unlearn? Lord, I know you are with me during trials and rough times. I know you understand and that I can draw upon your strength. But I thought I was supposed to learn. I never thought about unlearning. Help me look at my life and determine what I need to unlearn. Help me work on ________________________.

Help me unlearn so I never allow anything to injure my relationship with You. Amen

IT HAPPENED SO FAST

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

IT HAPPENED SO FAST

This last weekend was difficult for the members of our church. And yet it did an amazing work in our church. (For privacy reasons, I will not use names, but this happened on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.)

Saturday was a beautiful day, in our part of Indiana. Sun was shining. A cool day. Rain maybe later in the day, but Saturday started great. Until --

A young lady in our church was to be married Saturday. The Friday night rehearsal went great. Saturday, the bride-to-be posted on facebook, "This is my wedding day." She had planned this day. She was going to be a bride. Until -- Until her fiancée died. Yes, you read that correctly. He died. This Saturday started great. Until.

As our minister was giving comfort to this young lady, another tragedy was taking place. Two young girls were riding 4-wheelers. We all know kids will be kids and they were having fun. Until -- Until the 4-wheelers hit head on. Two girls were flown to the nearest hospital. Two girls who are in serious, but stable condition. This Saturday started great. Until.

I want you to know that there were so many prayers being said. Prayers for comfort. Prayers for peace. Prayers for understanding. Prayers for healing. Prayers for faith. Prayers for wisdom as doctors and families had to make decisions. Prayers. Prayers.

Those prayers continued Sunday morning when blankets were blessed and taken to the young lady who would soon be burying a loved one and to two young girls who did not know when those blankets were laid on them.

The amazing work it did in our church: Sunday during the blessing of the prayer blankets, you could feel the Holy Spirit in our church. Every person was united. United in their love and compassion. In their tears. Every person was united in prayer. United because they knew their prayers were being offered to a God that IS. A God that IS alive and listening. A God that IS there for each person. A God that IS strong when we are weak, confused and lost.

We all have faced or will face a "Saturday started great. Until day." We all have faced or will face a day that brings unspeakable tragedy into our lives. That is when we need a strong faith foundation. A foundation where we have a solid footing.

I pray that each of you have a strong faith foundation. And that you build on that foundation. That your cornerstone is Jesus. That the walls you build are built on the Word of God. That the strength of the cross is placed at the center and that the Holy Spirit fills you.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Have you had something happen in your life that made you need the prayers of others?

LET US PRAY

Please pray for this young lady and all who loved her and her husband-to-be. Please pray for these two young girls. They need your prayers.

Pray for a strong foundation in your life.

Dear God, Take all that is in my heart and know my prayers are honest and sincere. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen

FLOWERBED

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 58:11

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

FLOWERBED

As I worked in my flowerbed, I began to think of all the scriptures I had heard that referred to gardens. Planting. Flowers. Vines. As I deadheaded flowers and pulled weeds. As I cut fresh flowers to brighten our kitchen. As I worked, I thought how much these flowers and Christians had in common.

Some of the flowers have deep roots. Deep roots that will hold them tall and will draw water and feed from the ground to make their blooms full and colorful. These deep roots keep the flower firmly planted when the winds blow and reaches deep when the weather is dry. Many Christians are like this. They are rooted in the word and have a strong faith. A faith that stands when life throws them wind and dry spells.

Some of the flowers do not have deep roots and they have rather flimsy stalks. These flowers do not fare too well unless conditions are perfect. They fall over when anything more than a gentle breeze blows. They wither. Their flowers do not last long. Many Christians are like this. They believe. They think that is enough. But when life doesn't go just as they think it should, they don't know what to do. They have no strong, deep faith. So they fall over. They wither. They do not last long.

Some flowers have bright, big, beautiful blossoms. They almost glow in the dark. They have energy. You cannot miss them. Some Christians are like that. They just beam with joy. They have energy to sing in the choir, fix dinner for a shut-in and say yes every time they are asked to help. They are big, bright and beautiful.

Some flowers are delicate. They are soft. They fill in all the empty places. You almost do not notice them. Some Christians are like that. They are just there. They fill in all the empty places. They just do their job.

I do not have the green thumb my mother had. I just do the best I can. Bill puts on fertilizer and waters. I cut some here, thin some there and hope for the best. I enjoy the flowers but the care these flowers get is not even a drop in the bucket to the care God gives the Christians in His flower garden.

God knows just how to tend each flower. He knows how to make the deep roots even deeper. He knows how to help and nurture the flowers that have not developed deep roots. He knows how to celebrate with the big, bright and beautiful outgoing flowers and He knows how to gently appreciate and cultivate the delicate, soft flowers that just do their job.

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. How wonderful to be a flower in God's garden.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What type of flower/Christian are you?

LET US PRAY

Today, say your own prayer. Ask God to tend you. To give you strong roots. To give you His living water. Tell God you want to be planted in His garden.

THE BUZZARDS

SCRIPTURE:  ECCLESIASTES 10:20

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.

THE BUZZARDS

Have you ever watched buzzards? I used to think they were extremely ugly, gross birds. I still think buzzards have an appearance that only their mothers can love, but they are not gross. Not only do they serve a purpose, they are so graceful. Okay, they are graceful in the air.

The other evening, we were sitting in the back yard watching one buzzard. That ole bird was just using one air current after another to fly higher and higher, until it was just a speck. Then down it came. Ever so slowly, floating down. Down. Down. Then that buzzard just flew off to the east. So, I quit watching the sky.

Shortly, something caught my eye and I looked up. There came the buzzard and it had brought friends. A full dozen. Overhead were 13 buzzards. Circling. Some high. Some low. They would be in a group and then scattered. I would think they had flown off and they would appear again. Thirteen buzzards circling. Over my head.

As I sat there watching them, I wondered if they were watching me. Had the first buzzard gone off to get its buddies because I was such a strange looking human sitting there? Were the buzzards trying to figure out why I was not up flying around? Were they laughing at my blouse? Did they wonder why I wore shoes?

If those buzzards were watching me and were going to report to the King, what would they say? Would they report that I was being lazy, just sitting there? Would they report that I was enjoying the trees? The breeze? Would they repeat my words? What I say?

This got me to thinking. When people watch me, do they see a child of God? Do my actions reflect the King? Do my words ring true? Can they see the love of Jesus?

Darn! Shouldn't have thought about that. Now I need to see my actions through the eyes of others. Do I need to pick my words more carefully? Do I need to smile more so people can see the joy of Christ? Do my actions -- oh, I can see this could be a very long list.

While I work on my list, you have a great weekend.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever watched a buzzard? Have you ever looked at your actions and words and realized that you are an inspiration to others?

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, Help me live my life in such a way that others want to come to you. Amen

THE BASEBALL GAME

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HAVE A SAFE AND FUN 4TH.  CELEBRATE AMERICA ! ! !

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TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24-25

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

THE BASEBALL GAME

There I sat. Watching a Little League baseball game. Why? That is a good question, but there is a good answer. I had promised our grandson, Nathan, I would attend at least one game. I tried last season, but, every time I could go, it rained and the game was cancelled. Then this season I have been sidelined by surgery and, again, rain. The other night I ran out of excuses. Just so you know. Nathan's team did win and Nathan slid into home plate. That boy sure does love to slide and the holes in the knees of his pants prove it.

It isn't that I don't like to watch the games. It is the parents. Little Johnny or Susie is up to bat and wham, dad and mom kick into super mouth. Yelling and giving instructions louder than the coaches. Swing. Run. Slide. Stay. "What? WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO UMP? SAFE BY A MILE!"

The sad part is that Johnny or Susie was excited to be up to bat. They picked up that bat and swaggered to home plate. Took their place in the batting box. They were ready. They knew they were going to hit it out of the park. Then, strike one.

"Watch the ball." dad yells. Then a ball. Then strike two.

"How many times have we told you to step into the ball?" yells mom. Then strike three.

I hate that time. That is when Johnny or Susie turns away. As they walk out of the batters box, they hang their head. There is no longer a swagger. There is no longer a sparkle in their eyes. They do not want to look at their parents. They know they have let them down - again.

I used to play sand lot ball. Kids getting together at the school diamond to play baseball. Someone would bring a bat. Someone always had a ball. I don't think we all had mitts. We just got together and played. It was fun. If you struck out, your side encouraged you with, "That's okay. Next time." If you hit the ball, your side jumped with glee. One time, I hit the ball through the school window. That game ended quickly and I never told my parents about that.

The thing is we had fun. No parents. No umps. Just kids calling balls and strikes. Changing sides. Playing. You knew you did good when you got a hit, caught the ball or got someone out. You knew you messed up when you struck out, missed that easy catch or threw the ball too low. The difference is, no one yelled at you. No one made you hang your head, loose your swagger or take the sparkle from your eyes.

It seems like kids can't just play a game. Have a good time. Tell each other "See ya tomorrow." Then go home. And tomorrow get together and do it all over again.

Sports are fun. Sports are good for us -- if we are headed in the right direction and after the right prize. 1 Corinthians tells us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize." Then it tells us "we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

We have a coach - God. We have sideline coaches - the angels, the saints and all those that have gone before us. We have the rules - the Bible. We have training - studying the rules and prayer. We have the playing field - our lives.

Batter up. Keep your eye on the ball. Swing. Connect with the ball. HOME RUN!!!!!!!!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you ready to play? What games are you playing with your life? Are you running after the crown that will last forever?

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

LET US PRAY

A Coach. Sideline coaches. A Bible. Study and prayer. My life. I am here God. I want to play on your team. Pick me. Pick me. I want to play and I want to win. Be my coach. Teach me the rules. Give me the support of the angels. The saints. Loved ones that are watching over me. As I hit the ball with my life stamped on it, let it be a home run. A solid, over the fence, no question about it, out of the park HOME RUN. A home run that that ends at home plate with you, my coach, taking me in your arms and saying, "Welcome home." Amen

GOD SAID

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1

(Please read this first chapter of the Bible. I am only quoting two lines: In the beginning God created and And God said,

GOD SAID

I love the way the Bible starts: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Wouldn't it have been great to be there? To see God create? I picture God, filling a void in space with our earth. A planet God was preparing just for us. Now how cool is that? The Bible says, "the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Yes, God was getting a place ready for us.

Do I believe that God created the world? YES. Do I think He did it in what we consider six days? No. I think God created in God's idea of time and not ours.

"And God said." The earth was created and then the fun began. Light. Sky. Land and seas. Then came all the plants. And the sun, the moon and the stars. Living creatures, in the water, the air and on land. Finally, God created man.

What an imagination God has. And a sense of humor. But most amazing (Are you ready?) is the 'God said' part. Just think about it. God said, "Let there be ····· ". That is all God had to do. God said and it happened. God said and a lion roared. God said and a whale leaped from the water. God said and day became night. God said and a zebra checked out her stripes. God said and a monkey climbed a tree. God said and lilies grew in the fields and sparrows flew in the sky.

God said and you were formed in your mother's womb.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Can you look around and see God's creations? Do you realize God made all of this for you?

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

LET US PRAY

Thank you God. Thank you! I see you everywhere I look. In the sunset. The sunrise. The silly monkeys and the eagles. I see you in the creeks and the oceans. I see you in the deserts and in the mountains. I see you in the twinkling stars. I see you in a rose. Thank you for creating me. .… Amen

Last night a group of ladies came to our home to discuss a study we are doing.  This picture shows you the benediction God gave to our meeting.

 

This morning I knew I had to add this to my blog.  Again, a confirmation of creation.  “And God said”

THE PERFECT DAY

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

THE PERFECT DAY

It is raining. AGAIN! I have put out a call for gopher wood and our grandson Noah is on standby. I do believe we might need to build another ark. Want to ride along?

So, if I had a perfect day - sun shining, with a gentle breeze. Temperature between 70 and 75. (Bill says I have a very narrow comfort range.) What would I do? Where would I go?

I would go to see the ocean. Waves gently rolling in and out. A horizon that goes forever. A blue sky. A ship in the distance. Children building sand castles. A couple walking by, holding hands, oblivious to the world.

I would go to the mountains. Powerful reminders of God's grandeur. Snow on top and pine trees. Sharp jagged rocks. Beautiful valleys. The setting sun making shadows and filling the sky with pink. Purple. Blue.

I would go find a creek. (Pronounced 'crick' in my neck of the woods.) I would wade. Feeling the water drifting over my toes. Smooth rocks underneath and tiny fish swimming by.

I would go to a big city. To feel the energy that is generated by so many people rushing to get nowhere. I would look at the buildings and be amazed at the architecture. I would go to an art museum to see how other people see the world. I would find a neighborhood so I would know that even in big cities there are families eating supper together.

I would go to Yellowstone. There I would sit and watch a herd of buffalo. Watch them graze. Watch them sleep. Walk. Exist. Buffalo are my favorite wild animal. They have attitude!

I would find a church. A quiet, old church. Along a dirt road. Forgotten by time. With the doors unlocked. I would enter. Sit quietly and wait.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What is your idea of a perfect day? What would you do with it?

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

LET US PRAY

Life can get so hectic. The day can be planned to the last minute. Each second necessary for me to get everything accomplished. No extra time. Then wham. One phone call throws me off schedule. Lord, let me see each day as the perfect day. Maybe not what I had planned. Maybe not what I even wanted to do. Sometimes pulled this way and that. Lord, give me a perfect day. A day where I sense your direction. A day where I know you are in control. A day where I take time for work. Play. Family. Friends. Myself. A day where I make time for you. Amen

TV RERUNS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: JOHN 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

TV RERUNS

I have discovered some things about television, during my weeks of confinement and I am thrilled that I can be up and about and no longer need to rely on TV for my main source of entertainment. I have discovered:

>No matter how many channels you have, sometimes there is absolutely nothing on worth watching.

>I still do not like I Love Lucy.

>I do not understand how there can be so many "infomercial" channels. Do people really watch them?

>Mash reruns are great no matter how many times you see them.

>I missed many Little House on the Prairie stories. Laura grew up and got married! When did that happen?

>Touched by an Angel is touching me all over again. I have that little box under the TV set to record every episode. If you have never watched this show, it is on the Hallmark channel.

Some of the shows I remember and sit there waiting for Monica to glow. To help someone see the truth. The truth that God loves them. Other shows I have forgotten. Watching those, I wonder if Andrew is going to escort one of God's children to heaven. And I love watching Tess as she gives Monica her assignments or as she encourages Andrew when he is beside the bed of a dying believer. This show, about three angels, brings some peace to a day filled with bad news and worse news.

Mainly this show gives hope. Touched by an Angel tells stories about people in big cities, in rural areas, with children, without children. Stories about child abuse, long held resentment and fear. Stories about lost dreams. Lost people. Lost faith. Stories about people living real lives. Stories about good people and very bad people.

And every time Tess, Monica or Andrew will glow with the love of God and say, "I am an angel sent by God and He wants you to know that He loves you."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever had an angel help you? Have you ever been an angel to another person? Have you ever told someone that God loves them? Has someone told you that you are loved by God?

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

LET US PRAY

For God so loved - What powerful words these are. They bring joy to my soul. They bring peace to my spirit. They bring hope to my days. They give comfort to my nights. Let me see the angels in my life. Maybe it is just the opening of a door when my hands are full. Or a smile when I am feeling down. Or someone at work saying, "May I help you with that?" Or hearing just the right song on the radio. And let me be an angel to others. Let me open doors. Let me smile. Let me help those around me. Let my words be a song to another's ears. Let them hear, "God loves you." Amen

TELL ME IT AIN’T SO

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 17:6

Children's children are a crown to the aged,

(The study narrative, for this verse, says, "To live to see one's grandchildren was considered a great blessing.”)

TELL ME IT AIN'T SO

Our granddaughter told me she was surprised I was on facebook. I replied back, "Why? Do you think I am too old to be on facebook?" Kailyn walked into church, last Sunday, wearing a new dress. Now I do feel old! Why you ask.

Where shall I start? Is it because she is taller than I am even when she is barefooted? Or is it the fact that she told me about her 8th grade graduation and that she is now officially a high school student? Or, just maybe, because she then proceeded to mention, in an off-handed manner, that in four years she would be in college?

Help! TELL ME IT AIN'T SO! Our first grandchild. Our little granddaughter is 14 and a few months old. She is a high school student. What is next? A driver's license? Boys? College? Please, please, tell me it ain't so.

Kailyn should still be, maybe four. Or five. Not going on 15. Kailyn should still be that little girl that helped wash dishes. And sat on our laps. And played dress up and imaginary zoo. And ate carrots until her skin turned orange. (Yes, that is true.)

Where have the years gone? I remember when our family was given this gift. A gift of a very sweet little baby girl. A little girl. When did she grow up? I know I have not gotten older. How did she? I want my little girl back. The little girl who made me feel special when she called me grandma and looked up to me with that silly, little Kailyn grin. I want that little girl back not this big girl who has all sorts of plans to go with friends here, there and yonder. Kailyn should still be confined to the back yard or maybe just around the block on her bike. Where is that little girl? Oh ---

As we sat in church, Kailyn whispered, "Grandma, you are so good to lay my head on." And with that, my little girl fell asleep. And right there in church, I knew Kailyn would always be my little girl. No matter how old I get. No matter how old she gets. No matter how tall. No matter high school or college. No matter if she finds a nice young man that I am sure will never be good enough for her. No matter what, she will always be our little girl. Our sweet Kailyn.

Sorta like how God feels about each of us. God knows us from beginning to end. I am His. You are His. No matter how young or old. How short or tall. How smart. Married. Single. God will always say, "This is my little child."

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Are you absolutely thrilled to be God's child?

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

LET US PRAY

I am God's child! Thanks be to God. No matter if I am old or young, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. No matter if I am tall or short, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. No matter if I am in school or not, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. No matter if I am married or single, I am God's child. Thanks be to God. I am God's child! Thanks be to God. Amen

YOUR SOUL IS SAFE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 62:5-8

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

YOUR SOUL IS SAFE

The following is a quote from Jan Karon's book, Home to Holly Springs. A man was explaining, to Father Timothy, why he wrote a poem.

"I wrote it while Mama was praying; asking God what he wanted her to do about contacting you. Mama was sitting with her back to the window that looks out to the garden. She had her Bible open on her lap, but she was reciting the words from memory, as she often does. I happened to look up from my book and saw something so remarkable that the breath went out of me like a shot.

I saw my mother's soul."

I do not know that I have ever seen another's soul. I have seen my Grandma read her Bible. I can still see her. Her whole being absorbing each word she read. I can still see those hands. Gently holding her Bible. Did I see her soul?

I have seen fathers walking with their child. Holding their hand. Keeping them safe. Did I see the father's soul?

I have seen mothers sitting beside the bed of a child. Just watching the child sleep. Did I see the mother's soul?

I have seen one person praying for another. Did I see their soul?

Have I ever seen a person and had the "breath go out of me like a shot?"

Know what? It doesn't matter. It does not matter if I see another's soul. It only matters that God sees your soul. "Find rest, O my soul, in God" --

When life throws you curves. When life throws you wonders. When life throws you upheavals. When life throws you a calm day. When any of these happen, God is there. He is your rock, salvation and fortress.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you seen another's soul? Have you entrusted your soul to God?

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

LET US PRAY

Rejoice. Rejoice. O Lord in you I rejoice. You are the keeper of my soul. You are my rock. My salvation. My fortress. I trust you at all times. When my life is hectic. When my life is peaceful. When I can see the wonders of your world. When I can only see a small corner of my life. No matter what is going on in my life, I will not be shaken. My soul finds rest in you. Amen

BAPTISM

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 3:21-22

and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also - not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand -- with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

BAPTISM

I once wrote that with grandchildren, I would never run out of stories. How true!! I want to tell you about a conversation between our daughter and her five-year-old son.

Terri: "What did you do while you were outside?"

Timothy: "I baptized Jamie so she would go to heaven." (Jamie is a dog.)

Terri: "How did you baptize Jamie?"

Timothy: "I put her in a bucket of water."

Terri: "Did you take her out of the bucket?"

Timothy: "Yes."

And this is how you know Terri is a seasoned mother of four boys. Without missing a beat, this was her reply.

Terri: "Okay, go wash your hands for lunch."

I am sure that with son number one, Terri would have worried that the dog might have drowned. That Matthew might have been bitten trying to put that poor dog under the water. Matthew or the dog might have gotten sick because it really is not warm enough yet to be playing in the water. And she would have washed Matthew's hands to make sure they were really clean, not just dried off. (After all, those hands just came out of water. Timothy believes you should only wash one hand if the other hand is not dirty. Yes, he can wash one hand without getting the other one wet!)

Where is all this going? We learn from the children. Jesus said we are to "receive the kingdom of God like a little child." Timothy knew being baptized was important.

I do not remember my baptism as being a "big deal." It was part of the Confirmation Class I took along with the rest of the kids my age. Just something we did. We were baptized and joined the church.

Baptism should be a big deal and I am not talking about the 'sprinkle, pour or dunked' debate. Or the 'at birth or older' debate. I am talking about true baptism.

Baptism of your soul.

Galatians 3:26-29 -- You are all sons of God, through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Baptism of your soul is when you know you ARE a son or daughter of God. When you know you ARE clothed with Christ. When you know you ARE one in Christ Jesus. When you know you DO belong to God and ARE heir to all the promises.

That, my sisters and brothers, makes baptism a big deal.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you been baptized? Do you remember your baptism? Would you like to be baptized again or renew your baptismal vows? If you have never been baptized, are you ready to take that step? Your minister would be thrilled to help you with any of your questions or decisions.

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

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord and Savior, Baptism - When I close my eyes and think of that word, I see the Spirit descending on Your Son like a dove, as he was baptized. I hear you proclaim, "You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." That is what I want my baptism to be. I want it to be a time of repentance. A time when my sins are washed clean. I want my baptism to be a time when I welcome the Holy Spirit. A time when I take with open hands all the promises of your word. I want my baptism to be a time when all the angels, authorities and powers hear you say to me, "You are mine, whom I love. With you I am well pleased." In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

I READ IT IN A BOOK

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 26:39

Yet not as I will, but as you will.

I READ IT IN A BOOK

I know I have talked about Jan Karon's Mitford Series before, but one of the things I have been doing, while I am confined, is to read these books again. For the third time!! It is like visiting old friends. The Mitford Series is about Father Timothy, an Evangelical minister. At age 60+, Father Timothy meets the love of his life, Cynthia.

This time, I noticed some points I had missed. (The prayers in bold are mine.)

Father Timothy told Cynthia he kept trying to get it right. He had been trying to do this since he was a boy because he had never been able to please his father. So, here he was, a minister. A friend to many. And still trying to get it right. Know what Cynthia told him? She said, "Only God has to get it exactly right."

Lord, let me trust in you to get it right. Amen

One day, Father Timothy was driving. Just enjoying the day. Thanking God. Then he had a thought -- Suppose for a moment that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks. What would be left?

Lord, let me never forget to be thankful. Thankful for everything from each breath I take to the smallest grain of sand on the beach. Amen.

One day Father Timothy saw how happy Cynthia was and asked, "What are you celebrating?"

Cynthia replied, "Being alive. We breathe, we run around in our underwear, we go to the store, we dig up the tulip bulbs or plan to, we make soup and pay the electric bill, and we never stop to think - we're alive! This is a gift!"

Lord, thank you for the gift of life. Amen

Buck came to the house one day. He stood in the doorway as in a trance, taking in the Christmas tree ablaze with tiny lights and the train running around its base. Suddenly the rector saw the room with new eyes. He had been passing in and out of this room for days, scarcely noticing, enjoying it with his head instead of his heart.

Lord, let me walk through life, seeing each day with new eyes. Let me never just walk through this life you have given me. Amen.

Whenever Father Timothy or Cynthia had to make a decision. Whenever they needed direction. Whenever they needed to turn it all over to God, they prayed the prayer that never fails: Thy will be done.

Thy will be done. Amen

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What book have you read that inspired you? Do you have books that you read twice? Three times? Why?

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

LET US PRAY

My dear Lord, I do trust you to get it right. I have to because it is for sure that - on my own - I never will. I keep messing up. I try and try, but there is always something I leave undone. Something I don't undersatand. That is why I trust you. Trust you to get it right. I am also thankful. Thankful for my hands, my eyes, my feet. Thankful for the air I breathe and the stars and the moon and the sun. Thankful for trees and books and aardvarks. Thankful for laughter. Thankful for the gift of life. Let me see my life with my heart. With new vision. Let me see the little things. Clean laundry. A glass of water. A sunset. Let me see life in all of its brilliance and wonder. And as I go through my life and face decisions, let me always turn to you and, with faith that you will get it right, say, "Thy will be done." Amen