Hello, hello, hello,

I am taking some family time.  Going to see a sister, go to Florida with daughter's family, and then hopefully go see another sister.

That means you get a break from reading my blog --- OR --- you can go to the side, pick a month, and try an oldie but a goodie.

I will post again November 2.

Remember, celebrate each day,

Mary

TAKE A PILL AND FEEL BETTER

I have ongoing sinus problems.  Just part of me.  I can sneeze 7-8-13 times in a row.  When I start sneezing, hubby starts counting.  13 is the highest.  Sneezing makes my eyes water, my nose run and …  Well, you get the picture.  It is just part of me, until this last weekend.

For some reason I felt lousy.  My head hurt.  My ears hurt.  My eyes hurt.  And I was not sneezing.  A call was made, an appointment was open, the doctor agreed with me, and a prescription for an antibiotic was written.

Take a pill and feel better!  I wish there were pills for things other than sinus infections.

Take a pill and quit hating – I do not understand hate.  There are people and actions I do not like, but how can anyone hate another person because of the color of their skin?  God made each one of us – we are His children.  When did hate between the political parties become acceptable?  A difference of opinion does not mean you quit respecting the person.  I wish there was a pill to end hate.

Take a pill and enjoy life – I do not understand those that only find the bad in life.  How do people become so bitter that they do not see the wonder around them?  How can anyone not feel the gentle breeze or stop to enjoy the sky turning gold and pink and purple?  I wish there was a pill to restore joy.

Take a pill and be thankful – The words “thank you” are slowly disappearing from our vocabulary.  Why should I thank someone?  They only opened a door.  Why should I thank mom/dad?  They are my parents.  Why should I thank the minister?  It is their job.  I wish there was a pill to instill gratitude.

Take a pill and be changed – Oh how people do not want to hear the word change.  It actually makes them shudder.  I always eat at 5:00!  I will not go to the earlier/later service at church!  I …..  I wish there was a pill to make people realize change can be good.

Take a pill ----  Oh, wait.  I have a better idea!

Read the Word of God.  Believe me – you will be changed!  And with that change you will become thankful.  You will find joy as your eyes are opened to the wonders of God.  You will put hate aside when God’s love fills your soul.

So, take the Word of God and call me in the morning.

I LOVE

I love –

            wiggling my toes in mud,

            watching a gentle rain and how the air smells after a storm,

            the laughter of children,

            the wrinkles of life,

            the hymn Here I Am Lord,

            finishing a jigsaw puzzle

            reading, learning and technology,

            music and quiet,

            driving back roads,

            and my family.

I love –

            wine,

            sleep,

            conversation,

            cheesecake,

            a glass of cold water,

            leaves in the fall,

            the ocean and the mountains,

            buffaloes,

            swimming,

            numbers,

            and friends.

I love –

            watching a sunset,

            coffee,

            wind blowing my hair,

            and God.

This list could go on and on.  Life is so full of blessings to enjoy – to love.  How do I describe standing on the edge of an ocean or looking up at a mountain?  How do I explain the feeling of holding the hand of a loved one?  How do I tell you the feeling of being on a ship in the middle of the ocean?  How do I put into words the power of a buffalo?  Life is so full of blessings to enjoy – to love.

Wow God!  So many blessings in my – our – day to day lives.  Some we take for granted like that morning cup of coffee.  Some we hold close and pray we never forget like the laughter of children.  Some we are guilty of never seeing because they are so common like a glass of water.  We daily thank you for the biggies:  family, friends, home, health, but today we thank you for all the joys, blessings and gifts you have so generously given us.  Amen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

My grandkids told me that September 2, 2019 they are going to throw me a 21st birthday party.  That means I am 20.  Well, maybe a bit more than that.  Cliff notes:  During surgery, September 2, 1998, I died.  Bet you guessed I did not stay that way.  I am not unique.  Many people have died and lived to tell about it.

When the young man was wheeling me out to the car, he asked, “Did you see a light?”  Told him, “No.  Figured God was not done with me and the devil didn’t know what to do with me, so they both refused to keep me.”

This has made for many jokes and remarks.  One grandson told me I like technology and continue to learn because I have a young brain.  (Wish I had the young body to go with it.)  My daughter once told me that if I had stayed dead she would have buried me with shoes on.  (I realized she had finally dealt with her fear.  I hate wearing shoes.)  My son put on a stiff upper lip and was manly.  (But I saw right through that act.)  Hubby, on the other hand, would like to wrap me in cotton and protect me.  (I am so blessed to have him!!!)  And my reaction?  I realized how precious life is.  Even more, I realized I did not need to fear dying.  Been there.  Done that.

But when I do – and news flash:  we all will die – I will see the scriptures fulfilled for me.

Therefore I will not lose heart.  Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly, I am being renewed day by day.  For my light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So I fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what I see is temporary, but what I do not see is eternal.   2 Corinthians 4:16-18

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because to come to him I must believe that he exists and that he will reward me because I earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

Personal Statement of Faith

I believe Jesus is the Son of God.

I believe Jesus walked on this earth and that he brought the love of God

to all who will accept it.

I believe Jesus can heal souls and bodies.

Although I may have times of doubt or times of disobedience,

I believe the love of Jesus is unending and never fails.

I believe Jesus is my salvation.

I believe Jesus died so my sins could be buried with him.

I believe he arose and is with his Father.

I believe Jesus lived so he could present me to his Father

as a forgiven, cleansed daughter.

A disclaimer here.  I am fine.  Well, other than a little of this and a little of that, but we all have this and that.  I am not ready to die, but when I have fulfilled whatever it is God has for me to do, I will be ready to live.

I will see the twelve gates and the walls of jasper and gold as pure as glass.  I will pluck fruit from those trees.  And I am taking the biggest drinking glass I can find.  I will dip that glass in the crystal clear river and be refreshed by the water of life.

Then I am going to ask God to retire that 2 X 4 He uses to get my attention. 

PRAY BEFORE THE PHONE RINGS

Our daughter was in bed, but her husband was doing an extra good job of rattling the walls.  (This family has six people and, believe me, they all snore.  Of course, they tell me the same thing.)  Anyway, back to the story.  Terri got up, went out to the living room, and decided to read.  As she was reading, she felt the urge to pray for son number two, Joshua.

Terri figured she was to pray for Joshua getting ready to leave for his adventure of higher education.  So she did.  Another urge to pray, but this time she also felt the need to pray for his protection.  So she did.

A few minutes later the phone rang.  “Mom I am okay, but I had a wreck.”

PRAY BEFORE

PRAY BEFORE THE NEED:

Have you ever had to sudden urge to pray for someone?  It is like a small voice in your head.  A stirring of your Spirit. 

Maybe you decided to put that person on your list for later.  Maybe you stopped and prayed immediately. 

When the call to pray is felt, there is a need.  An immediate need.  It cannot wait till later.  Even though you do not know the need, immediately lift the person up to God.

PRAY BEFORE YOU STUDY:

I wish I could say I had a regular routine for spending time studying and reading the Bible.  There is one thing I know.  If I start my study time by turning to a passage or turning to the next page in a study, it will not go well.  The scriptures will be words on the page and the study will bring more questions than answers. 

When I pray before I study, before even opening the Bible, the scriptures seem relevant and the study leads me in the right direction.

PRAY BEFORE YOU DECIDE:

Big decisions – scary!  Every decision has a consequence.  Do not want to brush your teeth?  Get ready for cavities.  We make decisions all day long.  Some are common sense and others are routine, until we have to make a big decision.  Is this the right person to marry?  Should I take a new job opportunity?  Should we move to another town?  What church do we go to?  As we face big decisions, we think about it.  We look at all the options.  We might even make a list with columns for Positive and Negative.  Then we decide.  I do not know about you, but, whenever I have made decisions that way, they usually do not turn out.  Way too many times I have made major decisions without praying about them first. 

When I pray for guidance before making decisions, I will see the path to the wise choice.

PRAY -----

PRAY CONTINUALLY      1 Thessalonians 5:23

I do believe that says it all.  

When should we pray?   CONTINUALLY of course.

NEEDED:  FOOD TRUCKS AND PORT-A-POTS

Mother:  I do not want you going, but if you are determined, at least take this to eat.

Son:  Oh, mom.  I am not a baby.   I am sure I will be able to find something to eat. 

Mother:  You are not an adult either and you will do as I say or you will not go.  I have packed the bread and fish so no one will know ‘my mommy packed my lunch.’

Son:  Ok.  But don’t wait up.  I have heard so much about this man that I want to hear everything he says.  Yes, mother, I will be careful.

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”  He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Then Phillip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

John 6:5-9, 13

It was fun to close my eyes and picture Jesus quietly teaching about the kingdom of God.  Quietly healing those that needed healing.  Jesus having compassion on them.  After all, He is their shepherd.  What would it have been like to see the crowds leaning forward to hear every word?  What tears fell as a loved one was healed.  How amazing to be hungry and be fed.

=   =   =   =   =   =   =

It was not so fun to close my eyes and picture Jesus arriving outside a town today?

Mother:  I do not want you going, but if you are determined, be sure and have your debit card and charge your phone. 

Son:  Oh, mom.  Really!  Quit being a helicopter mom.  I always have my card and you honestly think I would let my phone run down?  Besides, I have the solar charger with me.  I wonder what food trucks will be there.  Sure hope they bring in the fancy port-a-pots.  Some of them are ..

Mother:  I am not a helicopter mom!  Remember you are still my little boy.

Son:  Gotta go.  There will be a lot of traffic.  Don’t wait up.  I have no idea when I will be home.  I do not want to miss a thing!

Can you imagine the entrepreneurs that would follow Jesus around today?  Food trucks.  Port-a-Pot services.  Vendors selling chairs-in-a-bag.  Phone and iPad charging stations.  People selling vials of water guaranteed to be from the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized.  A few shysters selling tickets to the healing line.  (Of course they were never around when the people realized they did not need a ticket.)  And the religious leaders taking notes on what Jesus said and keeping track of each healing.  The local stations would have reporters hoping to get a story for the 11:00 news.  The stage crew.  The sound crew.  The list could go on.

=   =  =  =   =   =

THREE QUESTIONS

If Jesus came to your town, known only as a teacher and healer, would you be there?  Would you want to hear for yourself?  Would you want to see for yourself? 

If Jesus came to your town, as the risen Christ, would you be there?  Would you want to hear for yourself?  Would you want to see for yourself?

If you go to see Jesus, would you want to see Jesus quietly teaching and healing, as the Shepherd to His Sheep or would you want to see Jesus surrounded by food trucks and lights and little bottles marked “From the Jordan River” and an ATM machine?

This is NOT a put down on contemporary services or today’s music.  I like energy in the service and I listen to today’s contemporary hymns.  What this is (and honestly, I usually do not know where a blog will go until I am done) is a warning about how we worship.  God does not care if we come to church in jeans or dresses.  God does not care if we read the Word from a printed Bible or one on the iPad.  It is okay with God if you keep your hands securely at your side or if you raise them high. 

But God does not want our worship to be a show.  The place where we worship should not be determined by a spectacular scene set up for a series of messages or if cappuccino is available or because it is the newest church in town.

God cares that we worship.  That we worship HIM.  God did not send Jesus to put on a show.  God sent Jesus to save our souls.  To be our way. 

MORE QUESTIONS

Are you hungry?

Do you know where to go to be fed?

Do you know you have a Shepherd that watches over you?

Do you worship the God that sent His Son to be your Savior?

All you have to do is talk honestly to God.

Then listen and He will guide you.

MISDIRECTION

MISDIRECTION:

a wrong direction

the act or an instance of diverting

the state of being misdirected

This word popped into my mind this morning.  Made we wonder:  Am I misdirected?  Am I putting my energies in the wrong direction?  Am I not doing something I should?

Then another image popped into my mind.  A scary image --- the devil. 

If you know me, other than reading this blog, you know I am pretty outspoken.  Ok.  Very outspoken.  I stand up for what I believe and will defend my opinions.  Misdirection – how does that apply and what am I supposed to learn?  It would be so much easier if God would just show up at my door and say, “Mary, we need to have a talk.”

“You see the devil quoted the first part of a scripture.  That is an old trick called misdirection.  His goal is to make you think you can do anything you want.  Is that true?”

No!  The scripture continues “--but not everything is beneficial.  ‘Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything.”  So, if I use the suggestions from the devil, am I doing it right or am I following him instead of YOU.

“My child, you already know the answer!  What happens if you follow the misdirection of the devil?”

I might win my point – achieve my goal – but I will have a new master.  I do not want a new master!

-------------------------------------

MISDIRECTION:  A TOOL OF THE DEVIL

The whole truth – Facts are facts, right?  Not really.  Paper lays still.  Good facts can be put front and center while other facts are buried in the fine print. 

A secret agenda – Oh my.  This should be a no brainer!  If secret meetings are required and agendas have to be kept secret, a new master is being obeyed.

The devil’s help list – What is wrong with getting outside help?  Maybe nothing.  Maybe everything.  Are the people giving advice honest? Or are they looking out for themselves and willing to do anything to win?

You are right – When a mind is completely closed, the devil has used misdirection perfectly.  Why?  Because the person will no longer see others as people to respect.  Only people to dominate and control.

They are sheep and will never believe you lied to them – People are easily swayed.  They will listen to the loudest voice and remember the best graphics.  People do not want to believe the person they have coffee with or the person who has kids on the same little league team or a person they sit next to in church would lie to them. 

The Bible says –The devil loves this one!  The devil will point out the exact words to make actions seem perfectly acceptable.  AND if it is in the Bible, it must be okay. 

-----------------------------------------------

The word misdirection has helped me understand what I am up against.  What you are up against.  What we are all up against, as we stand up for what we believe.

The word misdirection has helped me understand the tactics my opponent might use.  I have never felt the urge to be right at all cost and pray I will never allow the devil to be my master just to get my way.

Yes, I am taking a stand in my community.  Writing this has strengthened my resolve to fight an honest fight, to respect those with a different opinion, listen with an open mind, to use all the facts, and, win or lose, to know “Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything.” 

OPEN MY EYES

2 Kings 6:8-23 is quite the story.  It has kings, a prophet (a man of God), frustration, a big army, eyes that see, eyes that do not see and wisdom.

Cliff Notes:  The king of Aram was at war with Israel.  He kept moving his troops here and there, but somehow the king of Israel always found out where they were setting up camp.  Poor guy was frustrated and was sure one of his officers was a spy.  No spy, but the prophet, Elisha, had a way of knowing these things.  Pretty sure it had something to do with Elisha being “a man of God.”  The king of Aram was more than upset to hear about Elisha and sent men to capture him.

The servant of the man of God arose to begin his day and thought it was going to be a normal day until he went outside.  The servant saw horses and chariots and a strong force surrounding the city.  And he was the one that had to tell Elisha. 

Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid.  Those who are with us are more than those who are with them”

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”

See what?  The servant saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The enemies were struck with blindness, they followed Elisha to the king of Israel, the king was convinced not to kill them, instead prepared a feast, and sent them back to their master.  No more raids on Israel’s territory by the king of Aram.

<   <   <   <   <      >   >   >   >   >

I am working on the 30 Life Principles Bible Study, by Charles F. Stanley.  Lesson 9 is titled:  Trusting God Means Looking Beyond What You Can See to What God Sees.  Dr. Stanley commented:

Elisha did not pray that his servant would stop seeing the enemy.  He prayed he would start seeing the goodness and provisions of the Lord.

 The servant saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire!

CHARIOTS OF FIRE!

HILLS FULL OF HORSES!

<   <   <   <   <      >   >   >   >   >

The servant still saw the enemy.  He saw the strong force that surrounded them.  Now he also saw all those that were with them.  And they outnumbered the enemy.

Sometimes our eyes are closed and we only see the trial.  The struggle. 

Open my eyes that I may see.  What would I see when I am afraid?  When I am going through a trial?  What would I see surrounding my loved ones when they are struggling?

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What would you see when you are afraid?

What would be surrounding you when you are going through a trial?

What would you see surrounding your loved ones?

O Lord, open my eyes so I can see past the enemy.  Past the trial.  Past the suffering.  Open my eyes so I can see those that are with me.    Amen

PS        Remember, they outnumber the enemy but they also are there to celebrate the victory, to share in your joys, and wait with you while you rest.

A MAT, A HOLE, AND A HEALING

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.  They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.  Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.  Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”  He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all.  This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Mark 2:1-5, 11-12

Capernaum was a fishing and agricultural community of less than 2,000 people.  Peter, James, John, Andrew and Matthew lived in Capernaum and Jesus stopped there often.  If he went there to get away from it all, he should have slipped in under the cover of darkness because the people heard he had come home. 

Jesus stayed in Peter’s home.  Most likely, it would have had small rooms surrounding an open courtyard, course walls, and a roof of earth and straw. 

This story makes me wonder.

A MAT – I wonder about the paralyzed man.  What was so special about him that others were willing to carry him around?  Did he have a way of telling a good story?  Was he a good listener?  Did he give good advice?  Was he someone they had known since childhood?  How and when did he become paralyzed?  Did he ask them to take him to Jesus or was it their idea?  How did it feel to be carried around on that mat when everyone around you could walk?

A HOLE – I wonder about the roof and the hole.  How did they get up there?  Was it safe to be on a roof of earth and straw?  How did they not fall through?  How come the pictures never show people with straw in their hair and brushing dirt off their shoulders?  If someone made an opening in the roof by digging through it, it would have been a bit of a mess below.  Did Jesus step out of the way when he heard the digging start?  And why didn’t someone stop them when they heard the noise overhead?

A HEALING – I wonder about the healing.  Did Jesus see their faith in their actions or in their hearts?  Or both?  What did the man think when Jesus told him his sins are forgiven?  Did he realize he could get up then or did it not sink in until Jesus told him to get up and go home?  What did it feel like to stand and be able to walk?  What were his friends thinking?  Were they giving high fives?  Or were there tears in their eyes?  How did it feel to witness this healing?  To be amazed?

I WONDER

Would I be willing to carry a friend?

Could I support that friend not worrying what others thought?

Would Jesus see my faith?

Would I believe when I heard “your sins are forgiven” and walk away from what paralyzed me?

A MAT.  A HOLE.  A HEALING.

I wonder……………….

TWO COPPER COINS

They spent time getting dressed.  Picking out their best robe.  After all, they wanted to be seen.  How great it was to walk into the temple and be treated with respect.  Just last night they had the best seat at a banquet.  And today they would be in the most important seats in the synagogue.  They were prepared to offer long prayers that would make people take notice.  It was unimportant that they had taken a few houses away from widows.  They were the teachers of the law. 

She looked at the tattered edges.  But her clothes were clean.  Besides, who would notice her?  Only a widow.  That is what she was:  a widow.  If she hurried she would be in the woman’s court early and she could slip in quietly.  She could drop her money --- money?  It was not even enough to be called money.  What use were two copper coins?  She hesitated and wondered if she could, just this once, miss temple.  She decided if she looked at the floor she would not see the disgust in the eyes of those who judge what she put in.  Slowly, she closed the door, entered the street and became invisible.

Jesus sat opposite the temple treasury as the rich put in large amounts.  He watched as the teachers of the law made their way to their seats.  Then he saw her.  Bent over, trying to melt into the floor.  She approached the treasury, wearing the best she had.  Quickly she dropped two copper coins into the treasury.  Quickly so no one would notice how little she gave.

We know very little about the widow in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4.  Only four verses.  But I can picture the whole scene.  It is as if I am watching it unfold in front of my eyes.

Jesus is in the middle.  Calmly watching the people.  The disciples are off in the corner discussing yesterday’s activities.  The teachers of the law are making a grand entrance.  Others, the rich and the not so rich, are mingling and dropping their money in the treasury as they head to the different areas of the temple. 

It is then the widow enters.  Looking around she realizes she did not get there early.  She will not walk in alone.  She will be seen.  She will have to drop her coins in … she will have to drop her coins in and they will all see there are only two copper coins.  Only two.

The disciples hear Jesus calling them and they go to him.  Jesus tells them about the widow.  Jesus tells them about her extravagant gift.  Jesus tells them…

These verses on the widow’s offering are used often.  It is used to encourage us to be generous givers.  To give out of love and not show.

BUT –

I see this in a different light.  JESUS SAW HER!!!

The life of a widow was hard.  (The story of Ruth is a big exception to the life of most widows.)  She would not have inherited an estate.  Maybe a small settlement to help with expenses, but that would not have lasted long.  She had no way to support herself and had to be dependent on her son(s) or the generosity of the community.  She could only take the leftovers from the fields.  She could not easily remarry.  She would be invisible so people would not feel guilty about her poverty. 

Invisible!  But JESUS SAW HER. 

In her poverty.  In her tattered clothing.  In her humility of only putting in two coins.  JESUS SAW HER.

In that instant, Jesus saw her humble heart.  He saw her struggles.  In that instant, she was not invisible.

I wish Luke and Mark had told the rest of the story because I do not think it ended with Jesus pointing out this woman to his disciples.  I think Jesus approached the widow.  I think Jesus gently held her hands.  I think Jesus assured her that she was not invisible.  I think Jesus assured her that she was valued and loved.

And he assures us of exactly the same things.  JESUS SAW HER.  JESUS SEES YOU.

WHY DOES HE DO THAT?

A few years back, a Sunday School Class I was teaching studied God in the Flesh: What Speechless Lawyers, Kneeling Soldiers and Shocked Crowds Teach Us about Jesus.  The author is Don Everts. 

Before we started the book, I asked the class to describe Jesus.  What do we know about him?  These are a few of the words they used:

Healer/Great Physician      Forgiver

Human Qualities      Mortal

Consistent      Approachable

Teacher      All Knowing

Son of God      Amazing

As we studied, we learned to think about who Jesus was interacting with and where he was at the time.  We read what Jesus said, but we also talked about why he said those words.

When our children were small, I often said things to Bill so the children would overhear.  I might tell Bill how bad my day was because Willie wouldn’t do his chores.  Or Terri would not pick up the toys.  Then Bill would come back with, “Oh I am so sorry you have had such a bad day.  I thought we would go to the Dairy Queen for ice cream, but now I think we will just stay home so you can relax.”  Without yelling at the children or even speaking to them directly, they realized there were consequences to their actions.

Jesus often did the same thing.

While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the teachers of the law.  They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.  They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.  These men will be punished most severely.”    Luke 20:45-47

Just exactly who did Jesus want to hear these words?  Luke 20 tells us that Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts when the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders showed up and questioned him.  They were determined to trick Jesus so they could have him arrested.  But Jesus came out on top every time and they finally gave up.  Jesus talked to his disciples knowing the priests, teachers and elders were still standing around listening.  Without speaking to them directly, Jesus let them know there would be consequences for their actions

.

Jesus spoke to the woman at the well – a Samaritan woman.  He stayed in a Samaritan town.  Jesus’ actions shouted, “I am for everyone!” 

Jesus knelt beside the woman caught in adultery and told those surrounding her to throw a stone – if they were without sin.  Jesus allowed them to leave without giving a sermon.  They learned from the words he did not say.

Jesus took a small child upon his lap and, to a world where children were disposable, declared “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Holding a child Jesus taught those around him that children are valuable and should be treated that way.

What Jesus said is recorded in red letters.  We need to remember his words.  But we need to understand why he said them.  We need to know who he was speaking to.  We need to know why he held the child.  Why he knelt beside the woman.  Why he had the Samaritan women get him a drink.  And why he spoke so the religious leaders would hear him.

When we finished the book, I asked the class to describe Jesus.  The description changed.  We saw Jesus, not for what he could do for us but why he did it.

He became human because he is obedient.

He teaches because he is wise.

He gives peace because he is a counselor

He heals because he is compassionate.

He forgives because he is loving.

He is ever present because he is eternal.

When we read the Bible.  When we read about Jesus, we need to do more than read the words.  We need to picture what was going on around Jesus.  We need to know the culture, because what Jesus said and his actions were radical at the time. 

When we know why he said something or why he did something, we will see the character of Jesus. 

REST

My blog today will be short.  I promise!  My hand is telling me it needs to rest instead of doing so much on the computer and iPad.

God rested.  After all that creating, I would say he deserved a rest.  (Genesis 2:2-3)

We are often so busy; there is no time to just be still.  We are a “right now” society and have forgotten how to be patient.  (Psalms 37:7)

Jesus told his disciples to rest.  (Mark 6:31)

My all-time favorite scripture on rest --

“Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-29

How about you?  Do you need to rest?  God rested.  It is perfectly fine for you to do the same!

I told you – short. 

CELEBRATE EACH DAY!!!

HONORING A FRIENDSHIP

We lived in Michigan for four years and were many miles from my family.  It was hubby, a four year old boy, a three month old girl, a mother-in-law suffering from dementia and me.  It was a learning experience!  Suddenly, in the middle of the night, I quickly learned how to call a doctor I had never met.  A little boy, burning up with a fever, and a very scared mommy was assured it would be fine.  Bill and I learned to rely on each other.  We learned how to deal with small children and a very special lady who lived in her own world.

Those four years were full of very little money, laughter and hard work.  When we left, there was one extremely valuable thing we took with us and cherish to this day:  a friendship.

And Sunday we traveled back to honor that friendship as we attended the visitation for Wayne.  We did the same for Mary a few years back.

Wayne and Mary – I could fill a book of how they encouraged, accepted, helped and welcomed us into their lives.  I do not remember how we met.  I am sure Bill met Wayne when he needed a part fixed.

Wayne, like many men his age, only finished the eighth grade.  The thing is Wayne had a gift.  He could see a problem and build something to take care of it.  A broken part – he could make it.  A machine to make parts – he would build it.  It amazed us when this humble man would tell about working for GM and traveling the world.  He told about $800 – 1,000 meals in Brussels.  (That would be around $8,000 today.)  When he was in New York, he would hire a taxi for the day.  When in Los Angeles, he would use a helicopter.  His wife would meet him at the airport and they would exchange suitcases.  Mary would go back home and Wayne would fly away. 

Mary was … Well, she was Mary.  You had to know her.  She raised the girls, took care of the home and supported Wayne.  She had a smile that lit up her face and she was part monkey.  One time, I was trying to figure out how I was going to paint a stairway that led to the basement.  No problem for her.  She brought over a couple of boards and, I swear, hung from the ceiling as she painted away.  Mary filled a spot in my life that needed filled and she did it with quiet dignity.

They had two daughters, Judy and Susie.  Wonderful girls and Susie was the right age to babysit.  Plus, our daughter thought Susie was her best friend ever, although they did ask if Terri could not eat onions before coming over. 

If you drove into their yard, you would not believe your eyes.  They lived simply.  BUT, there was the area Wayne called his.  The Shop!  Machines of every description.  Our son swore Wayne had every tool ever invented.  Plus hit and miss engines, one of which ran on lard.  Plus old tractors.  Plus a car he bought at an auction.  He carried it home in a bushel basket and, way before google, Wayne researched what parts were missing.  Eventually, a car called Orient sat in their garage.

They helped us move.  They visited and spent many New Year’s Day enjoying a meal with our family and friends.  They even took one of our cats on vacation.  It was not intentional.  The small kitten crawled into the wheel well.  They discovered the stowaway when they heard a funny sound.  Each time they had coffee; they would keep the creamer and give it to the kitten.  On their way home, they stopped, knocked on the door and asked, “Did you miss this little guy?”

The memories are there:  A 25^th Anniversary.  A 50^th Anniversary.  A dog named Gretchen.  A mountain of shopping carts.  (A whole story by itself.)  Two children who fell asleep on their floor as easily as they fell asleep at home.  Wayne and Bill standing under a tree talking.  Mary and I being friends. 

Today I honor a friendship.  A friendship that lasted over years and miles.  A friendship that blessed our lives from the time we heard, “Hi my name is Wayne and this is my wife, Mary.”