OH WHAT FUN

There are so many ways to have fun but one of my favorites is called:  EMBARRASS YOUR HUSBAND AND KIDS.

Over the years, I have become quite accomplished in this area.  Sadly, this game only works when they are actually embarrassed.

YOU ARE WEARING WHAT TO CHURCH

Hubby would not walk into church with me the morning I did the children’s story dressed like a clown.  He actually shrunk down into the pew when I stopped beside a totally bald man and polished his head.  (At that time, hubby still had hair so I could not polish his head.  Oh my, that would have sent him through the floor.)  The bald man, on the other hand, took it in stride.

It takes a lot for me to embarrass him now.  He even helps set up pictures when I take Norman Frog on vacation with us.  (For any that do not know, Norman is a stuffed frog that has his own Instagram account.)  He has, pretty much, gotten used to my antics and I am not sure what it would take for him to say, “Honestly, Mary.  You just had to do that didn’t you?” 

TALKING TO STRANGERS

I talk to everyone.  It does not matter if I know them.  Why miss out on a good conversation with a stranger while standing in line at the concert?  Or on the plane?  Or on a cruise?  Or at breakfast.  This used to embarrass our little boy to death!  I would hear a sigh and then the question, “DO YOU HAVE TO TALK TO EVERYONE?”

Well, not now.  He has become my clone.  Our son and I went on a cruise and I swear this kid who thought I was being “nosey” quickly knew half the people on the ship.  As we walked around, he would nod to someone and tell me they were from Canada or Texas or they worked for Amazon or some other fact about them.  No longer could I use talking to strangers to get to him.  I must figure out a new way to get under his skin.

STANDING OUT IN A CROWD

My voice can get a bit loud and, over the years, I have heard, “Mom, everyone is looking.”  Our daughter was and, still is, the easiest to embarrass.  Last Saturday though, she never even blinked.

We were in an antique store in Michigan and she saw a table she liked.  It was then that she made a mistake.  “Mom, will you guard the table while I go ask about it?”  Silly girl!  You see, I found another person who enjoys life.  This seemingly normal woman strolled by the table and I told her, “I am guarding this for my daughter.”  And – are you ready?  She said, “Oh, I should act like I want it.”  As daughter was returning, we began:  I think I like this table.  “No.  My daughter is asking about it and I am holding it for her.”  There is no sold sign.  I want this table.  “There will be a sign as soon as she gets here.”  She is not here now.  “Yes she is.  Tell her this is sold.” 

Embarrassed?  Not in the least.  She smiled at both of us, knowing it was a performance for the embarrass you daughter game.  Drat!  What fun was that?

I DO NOT KNOW THAT PERSON

The embarrass your family game can be fun but sometimes people do not want to admit they know you.  They are embarrassed.

“You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.

But he denied it.  “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said. ….. Again he denied it. ….. “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

Mark 14: parts of 67 -71

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been embarrassed to admit you know someone?

Are you embarrassed to admit you know Jesus?

EMOTIONS

A group of six women.  Sitting around a table.  Talking.  Those words brought an image to your mind didn’t they?  To that image add a bit of food and a bit of wine.  Now you have the monthly meeting of the W W & W --- WISE WOMEN AND WINE.

The third Thursday, of almost every month, we discuss and the topics have been fantastic.  And before you scoff at this, let me assure you that 99% of the topics are serious.  We have discussed:

• What makes up a community?  (If you think this is a fluff discussion, think again.)
• The death penalty
• Other people’s pain changes our perspective (Let it sink in… tough discussion.)
• School dress codes, abortion, family, separation of church and state
• Almost every subject on ProCon.org

This month’s topic is emotions.  When “emotions” popped into my strange mind as a discussion topic, I thought, “Oh, this will be easy.”  I even printed out four questions and two discussion starters.  I WAS READY!!

Then I made the mistake of googling one simple phrase:  The Pros and Cons of Emotions.  Warning:  Never google unless you want your life to get complicated.  Suddenly a simple topic became … less simple.

One place listed 15 emotions.  Not to be outdone, another listed 57.  57?  There is even a chart showing where 14 emotions are felt in the body. 

I found a debate titled “Emotion is the basis of all decisions.”  “This should be good,” I thought.  Wrong.  I am not a dictionary!  Of course, this educated debate made me laugh, when, after all those words I had to look up, one person ended with:  So would a pilot whose plain --- yes, plain. 

After reading 12 Pros and Cons of Emotional Intelligence, I decided:

• Emotions can help or hinder decision making
• Emotions can be there when you are born or can be learned
• Emotions can be used to help people or to manipulate people

WRAP IT UP

Emotions --- what are we to do with them?  Oh my goodness!  Why did I not go here in the first place?  Silly me!  I used google when I should have used the Bible.

Jesus’ life was full of emotions.  He felt empathy, compassion, happiness, sadness, anger, love, and grief.  He wept, sighed, and groaned.  He was surprised and amazed. 

But – BUT – Jesus did not fear.  He was not anxious.  He did not worry.

Emotions:  What are we to do with them?  Read the Bible.  The answer is there. 

SPOONS, FORKS AND A HIDDEN TREAT

If you know me, you realize I am not a “fancy” person.  I wear jeans.  I do not wear the latest fashions nor carry a $3,000 purse.  My hair is my hair, complete with a stubborn cow lick.  My not so straight fingers look just like my mother’s.  They are what they are, but this means I do not have elegant nails.  Most will agree, I am pretty outspoken.  All this is okay, because all this mixes together and makes ME.

So how did I end up dining at a table like this? 

There were four forks, two spoons, and three knives.  There was a water glass and five – yes five – wine glasses.  There were two napkins rolled together – and they stood up.  I knew right away I was not at my kitchen table.

So how did I end up dining at a table like this?  We were invited to dine at the Chef’s Table.  And dine we did. 

Never fear!  I allowed my chair to be pulled back and trusted that it would be there when I sat down.  I waited for the napkin to be placed on my lap.  I listened as each course and wine pairing was explained. 

I waited for the appetizer and knew which fork to use.

The tomato soup was served and I used the correct spoon.

Two more courses were served.  We were now at four courses and four different wines.  The evening was going splendidly.  Throughout the entire meal – after each course – we knew we were getting closer to the final course:  DESSERT!  We had heard about this dessert and were looking forward to it becoming a reality.

The wine was poured and discussed.  The dessert was placed in front of us. 

  And then …..

It was worth the wait! 

:   :   :   :   :   :   :   :   :   :   :

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look!  God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”     

…showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.  It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.  The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.  The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone …jasper …sapphire …agate …emerald …onyx …ruby …chrysotile …beryl …topaz …turquoise …jacinth …amethyst.  The twelve gates were pearls.  The great street was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Revelation 21:3-4, parts of 10-21

My goodness!  And I thought that little bit of chocolate with ice cream and caramel sauce was something to look forward to.

AT SEA

If you are reading this on Friday, March 8, your feet might be on solid ground but mine will be firmly planted on the deck of a ship.  I am sailing the high seas with our son.  There have been numerous mother/daughter adventures, but this is the first mother/son get-away. 

There were supposed to be a grandchild or two tagging along but work, school and life took that option away and we decided to sail away.  Just the two of us!  (Hubby gets queasy if he stays in the shower too long.  Not quite that bad, but he does not do boats!)

I love cruises.  Someone else cooks.  Someone else cleans the bathroom.  Someone else --- oh, someone else does everything!  It is fun to be pampered!  It is fun to see a new part of God’s world.  It is fun to spend time with someone you have loved since the moment you laid eyes on them.

Having been on a cruise before, I sorta know what to expect.  They will want to see that lovely passport picture.  They will take pictures every time you stick your head out of the room.  (They are sure you will want to purchase each and every one.)  There will be food and more food and more food and more food.  There will be noise!

But, there will be water so blue it is black.  There will be a cozy spot to read that no one else has discovered.  There will be sunsets and sunrises.  There will be excursions to islands and the experience of meeting people.  There will be laughter and there will be exhaustion. 

There will be time together – mother and son – to talk, to play games, to eat, to laugh, and to just be. 

And I am very thankful!

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

This time with our son is truly a gift – a perfect gift!  And I realize all of my adventures are gifts.  Come to think about it……EVERYTHING in my life is a gift from God.

And I am very thankful!

WISE DECISIONS

I often write down snippets when I am reading a book, watching TV or when something pops in my head.  Never know when they will come in handy.  Never know when they will end up in my blog. 

The church we attend had a very special service last Sunday and will have one as equally special this Sunday.  Because we were on vacation and not there, I can only imagine the emotions involved. 

This first snippet is my own:

Hanging onto the past till you have no future

You see, there were two churches, one block apart.  Both churches were built and provided a place of worship.  Both churches hold memories.  Both churches --- saw a decline in attendance.  Leaving behind two denominations, these churches became one fellowship --- but continued to meet in both churches. 

As it became clear that maintaining two buildings was becoming a burden instead of a blessing, this congregation bravely decided that hanging onto the past till they had no future was not an option. 

The second snippet is from the book The Giver, by Lois Lowry: 

Guide the wisdom for the present by memories of the past

Memories of the past --- Memories of the past do include the weddings, the baptisms, the funerals, the fellowship …. BUT memories of the past also include why the churches were built.  The churches were built as a place to worship God.  As a place to pray with a friend.  As a place to cry and celebrate.  As a place to prepare a meal and then join in making that meal disappear.  As a place to hear and study the Word of God. 

The memory of why these churches were built is the wisdom that guided the move for the present and into the future and united members in the decision to work hard, move forward, and continue as one strong body meeting in and maintaining only one building. 

AND NOW

Beginning this coming Sunday, a special service will move the church toward tomorrow. A church united to stand in a small community as a light to those that seek.  As a home to those that believe.  As a place to worship a loving God with song and prayer and sermons and study and, every so often, worship through fellowship over a pot of really good chili.

Urbana Yoke Parish -- You done good!!!

RANDOM THOUGHTS

This week my mind is not blank.  It seems to be jumping from one thought to another.  Not sure where it will land, but let’s begin.

I am looking out a window and wonder about the first time the lady of the house said, “If you would cut a hole in the wall and put in a window, it would sure make it lighter in here.”  Did the man of the house reply, “What is a window?”

There is a jar of marbles sitting on my desk.  They are very colorful and most of them came from playing marbles in grade school.  I would never have won a spelling bee but I was darn good at marbles! 

A grandson and I were coming back from shopping and he asked, “What sports were there for girls when you were in school?”  I told him, “None.”  (I was wrong.  There was a mixed bowling league.)  That made me feel bad.  Then he told me, “You do not drive like a grandma.”  That made me feel better.  Then I looked at the speedometer.

Why do dictionaries have page numbers?

Why do we no longer have phone books?  REALLY…WHY?  Have you tried to find a phone number lately?

What are the odds that the snowplow will come through five minutes after hubby gets the snow off the driveway?

Speaking of odds:  What are the odds the weather man will be right?  Honestly, I would not want to be a weather man – opps – weather person.  You would think the odds would be at least be 50/50 but one little shift in a stream of some sort or other and we go from a forecast of 6 feet of snow to 80 degrees and flooding from the quick thaw. 

Another random odds question:  What are the odds that when you have time to take a nap, a telemarketer will call?  And the phone will ring at the exact moment when the blankie is perfectly covering your toes and chin, the pillow is exactly in the comfortable head position and you are drifting off to dream land.

Now, if you have read this far, I bet you are wondering, “Is she just going to continue or will she find a way to wrap this up?”

WRAP UP:  Today my thoughts were random and I honestly had no idea where they were leading.  Our lives are like that.  We can have a plan and that plan lasts ….that plan lasts.. not very long.  If a plan for the day makes it past noon, you are having a super day.  All the way to five o’clock is amazing.  A plan that hangs in there from the time you arise until you retire for the day, could qualify as a miracle.

EXCEPT FOR – God’s Plan. 

In the beginning God ….

Genesis 1:1

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,”

says the Lord God,

‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8

We might have random thoughts.  Random actions.  Plans that do not hold together.  

BUT NOT GOD.  There is absolutely nothing random about God.  And be assured, God’s plan does not fall apart.

OLD FRIENDS

Every so often I cannot think of anything to write on.  Absolutely blank!  (No comment on my mind being blank allowed.)  Bill was sitting there so I asked him and his reply was OLD FRIENDS.

One of his favorite songs is Willie Nelson’s OLD FRIENDS.  “Old Friends, Lord, when all my work is done, Bless my life, grant me one, Old Friend, Just one Old Friend.”

OLD FRIENDS

What do you see when you look at this picture?  Most likely, you see silly pictures.

What does Bill see?  MEMORIES!

Eugene and Bill have been friends since – a very long time.  They were in school together and they both love farming.  They were not born with silver spoons.  They were born with quirks in their DNA that have given them the ability to farm all night, to know every weed in the northern hemisphere, to run a few strides faster than a bull, and eyes that can see how crooked the neighbor’s rows are while driving on a country road at night.  This DNA quirk has also given them a love for the land and livestock.

Eugene’s wife and I both attended the same high school and, although we knew each other, we were not friends.  Until I married Bill and Brenda married Eugene.  We became friends.  Eugene and Bill say no girls at their high school would have them.  Brenda and I say they had to come to the “town” school to find a couple of girls worth having.

What does Bill see?  MEMORIES!

A friendship can begin anywhere.  Even in a fruit market.  Terry entered our lives.  Terry and Jan entered our lives.  If you think Bill and I have different personalities, you should meet our friends.  But that is another story.  Terry had grown up on a farm and that gave them a starting point.  That starting point soon turned to hunting.  Quail hunting to be exact.

Where we grew up there were a lot of old strip mines and the banks of those old mines were the perfect place for quail.  Let the hunting begin.  The hunting continued and expanded to include hunting in more distant locations.  They would leave.  Hunt.  Enjoy their time.  Come home.  I would freeze the quail and never mention how much a pound the quail cost.  Quail are very small.

BLESS MY LIFE, GRANT ME ONE, OLD FRIEND

How important is a friend?  Especially an old friend?

Proverbs 17:17 first part:  A friend loves at all times.  ALL TIMES!  A friend loves even when you do not see each other for a month, a year or even a few years.  A friend loves when you are grouchy or sad or grieving or happy or joyous.  A friend celebrates with you and a friend allows you to cry.

Proverbs 27:9 – Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.  When I ask Bill what a friend meant to him, he said, “You can share everything.  You can ask personal questions.”  A friend will listen, allow you to ask questions, and give heartfelt advice.  Heartfelt advice that comes from years of knowing things about you that no one else knows.  They know because they are trustworthy.

FRIENDS

I have noticed one thing about friends – true friends.  They do not go away!  When you talk and talk about your problems, they listen.  When you are seriously ill, they care, pray and do all they can.  When life is wonderful, they celebrate with you.  My goodness, even when you are absent from their lives for a period of time, they just take up where they left off.  True friends – they never go away!  Bless their hearts! 

LET’S MAKE A DEAL – ANOTHER WALL STORY FROM JOSHUA

Subtitle:  A PROSTITUTE, A LIE, A DEAL, and A NEW LIFE

THE NEWS

The local gossip told the reporter, “Yes, some say she is “reformed” but, really?  Once a prostitute, always a prostitute.  She can call herself an “innkeeper” but everyone knows what goes on in her house.  I am sure I saw two strangers slip in her door very quickly.  Why would they have to slip in quickly?”

The reporter shook his head and knew he needed to verify what he had heard.  The local gossip was known for spreading fake news, but there was an unusual amount of activity in the area.  He was sure he had seen representatives of the king enter her house.

Stopping one of the men, the reporter asked, “Is there anything wrong?  Do I need to put out a news flash?”

“I am not at liberty to say,” said the man.  Turning his head to make sure no one was listening; he continued quietly, “Off the record, we were sent to tell Rahab to turn over the men who entered her house.  We just missed them.  They had been there but left at dusk.  Rahab said they left the city.  I have no idea where to look.  They could have gone in any direction but we will head toward the Jordan.  Remember this is all off the record.  I better not see it on the morning news.”

The reporter shook his head and told the man, “The king will not like this.  He seems to be afraid of the Israelites.  I do not understand why he is so concerned.  We have a wall.”

AN OLD LIFE

Rahab would not have been voted “The Most Likely to Believe in the One True God.”  Jericho was a wicked city with a corrupt, depraved, pagan culture and Rahab was a willing contributor to that culture.  She did hear a lot from her clients and was ready to take advantage of any opportunity that came her way.

LET’S MAKE A DEAL

Rahab had experience in making deals with men and it was now time to make the deal of her life.

“You can come out now,” Rahab told the two spies.  “The king’s men think you headed out of town.  Before you go to sleep, we need to talk.”

“I have listened to my … my guests.  Word spread quickly of your crossing the Jordan River, your journey and all you have conquered,” Rahab continued.  Feet firmly planted and eyes that would not look away, she made a deal.  “I saved you and you will save my family!  Now how is this going to work?”

THE NEWS

BREAKING NEWS:  “Just in from Jericho, the walls to the city have fallen.  In a unique strategy, the Israelites shouted and the walls came tumbling down.  Everything has been destroyed!  A trader was traveling to Jericho and has called in.  Jacob what have you heard?”

“I was almost to Jericho when I heard a loud shout and the walls began to fall before my very eyes!  I did see one thing that seemed strange.  There was a red cord hanging out a window and two Israelites were leading the prostitute Rahab out of her house.  I think her family was with her, but that is just a guess.  I am not sure what happened after that because I hid behind a rock.”

“Thank you Jacob for that report.  Listeners, this is so hard to report.  A whole city destroyed except for a prostitute’s family.  We will give updates as they come in.  Reporting from Ai, this is First News.”

THE NEW LIFE

Rahab made the deal of a lifetime.  A deal which led to being the wife of Salmon and the mother of Boaz.  Boaz became the father of Obed who was the father of Jesse and Jesse the father of King David.

Rahab made the deal of a lifetime.  It was worth the risk of hiding the spies.  It was worth everything!

A PROSTITUTE, A LIE, A DEAL, and A NEW LIFE

I love the footnote in the NIV for Hebrews 11:31.

“the prostitute Rahab” A designation describing her way of life prior to her newly found father; also a testimony to God’s boundless grace that can reach down and redeem and raise any sinner to eternal dignity.

Wow.  Let’s reword that:

“the sinner Mary” A designation describing Mary’s way of life prior to her newly found Father; also a testimony to God’s boundless grace that reached down and redeemed and raised Mary to eternal dignity.

Can I hear an AMEN!

LIGHT

Last week I ended my blog with:

One person changes their life, which can change a family, which can change a church, which can change a community, which can change a country, which can change the world.

That means we are ______________.

Did you figure out that this week would be “light” or were you wondering what I would come up with?

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  Genesis 1:3

I do not know about you but I am sure glad God made light.  It would be terrible to be in the dark all the time.  Never knowing what was in front of you.  Being afraid to take even a baby step for fear of tripping or falling.  Yup.  Glad God made light.

Have you ever watched the light play on the floor or make rainbows on the wall?  Amazing how the light rays refract and change shape.  Interesting how the light will shine on one place and leave another dark.

Have you ever noticed the sun shining through a tree?  From over 91 million miles away, the light filters through the leaves and branches to change the world below.

Think about walking into a dark room and flipping the switch.  Such a small action.  Such a big difference.  The light comes on and suddenly there are no monsters in the corner.  Suddenly steps become easier because you can see the missed Legos before you step on them.

Jesus teaching his disciples:  “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.,  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16

NEWS FLASH:  We are that light!  We have received our marching orders.

Mark 1:17 – “Come, follow me,“ Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

Matthew 28:18 – Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

(After being rejected by the Jews)  Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly:  “We had to speak the word of God to you first.  Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.  For this is what the Lord has commanded us:  “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ “  When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.  The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.  Acts 13:46-50

-   -   -   -   -   -   -

Like it or not we are the light of God!  Inside the church walls and outside, the Holy Spirit shines through us. 

Are we ready to be a light?

Are we ready to fish for people?

Are we ready to made disciples of all nations leading them to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Are we ready to teach all nations to obey all Jesus commanded?

Are we ready to tell others Jesus is with them always?

Are we ready to bring salvation to others?

-   -   -   -   -   -   -

Do you know our job will end?  Our job will end when Eden is restored.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.  On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.  And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be any curse.  The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.  There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.  And they will reign for ever and ever.  Revelation 22:1-5

Do you know why we have to do our job?

If we are not the light, how will anyone find their way to Eden?

LIFE

Being Lay Leader during January, I started the month and told our church they were filled with a great sense of humor and that we should come to church with joy in our hearts.

January 13, I told them they should get up on Sunday and say, “I am so excited.  I get to go to church today.”

January 20, I was going to say something about the congregation being the life of the church, but I was not there.  Why?  Because our grandson was choosing a new life – an eternal life!  He was baptized!

There are a gazillion articles, books and papers written on how our lives change once we accept Christ as our Savior.  Some books point out person after person who continued on with their lives as if nothing had happened and use that as proof that God is not real.  Others tell of miraculous changes where addictions are instantly left behind.  And some tell how the changes are subtle, happening slowly as greed turns into generosity and selfishness into compassion and hate into love. 

As I thought about this, I wondered:  What else changes when someone becomes a true believer?

HEAVEN?  Do the carpenters get busy and add another room to the mansion?  Do the angels look down at Satan and go, “Na, na, na, na.  This one is ours!”  Is another heavenly robe sown? 

Yes, I am being a bit silly, but the question remains:  What changes when someone truly chooses a new life? 

THE PERSON:  Even a person who grew up in the church and has always believed changes when they make a personal commitment.  Maybe, slowly at first, thoughts change.  Attitudes change.  Actions change.  A person changes when they fully accept that the Cross is for them!

THE FAMILY:  When a family has a commitment to a new life in Christ, the family changes.  I am in no way saying the terrible twos will not happen, those dreaded teenage years will be smooth sailing or that life will be a bed or roses.  Life changes because the family is united in their faith.  Their faith directs family situations to be handled with respect and love and wisdom.

(Disclaimer:  Pastor Larry also writes a blog:  https://larry- fromthepastorsdesk.blogspot. com/ but you need to know we never discuss what the other is writing and it is absolutely a coincidence when the blogs are on the same topic.  It is also a coincidence when the ideas swimming in my head are mentioned during the Sunday sermon.)

THE CHURCH:  What exactly happens when the Church makes a commitment to a new life in Christ?  THE CHURCH CHANGES!  The focus and the direction of the church changes.  Eyes open and see.  Hands unclasp and do.  Hearts thaw and feel.  Doors open wide.  And a church works as one, using each talent and gift to the Glory of God.

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

January 20, I was going to say something about the congregation being the life of the church, but I was not there.  Why?  Because our grandson was choosing a new life – an eternal life!  He was baptized!

NEW LIFE BEGINS

One person chooses a new life – an eternal life – and thoughts, attitudes and actions change.

One family commits to a new life in Christ and family situations are handled with respect and love and wisdom.

One church makes a commitment to a new life in Christ and begins to work as one, using each talent and gift to the Glory of God

NEW LIFE

One person changes their life, which can change a family, which can change a church, which can change a community, which can change a country, which can change the world.

That means we are ---- come back next week to see.

EXCITED

Are you a morning person?  Do you wake up; eyes wide open and ready to face the day?

Well good for you.

That is not exactly how I wake up.  My day starts when hubby says, “Good morning, it is time to get up.” He is my alarm clock because .... Well .....  My mom always woke us kids up so I never woke up to an alarm clock.  Until I got married.  Believe it or not we received three alarm clocks as wedding gifts.  Personally I think alarm clocks are a strange wedding gift but, as it ended up, we used all three.

Morning one:  The alarm clock was there waiting to welcome me to a new day.  The alarm went off. A very loud alarm that scared me to death and clock one did not survive me trying to silence that absolutely obnoxious sound.

Morning two:  The box said the alarm was a pleasant sound that would not cause permanent damage to the ear.  The box lied. Clock two joined clock one in the trash can.

Morning three:  Bill turned the alarm clock off and from that day forward, the alarm clock resided on his side of the bed.

A perfect morning would be to hear a very soft, “Good morning Mary.  Here is your coffee and the morning paper turned to the cartoons.”  Ah, coffee!  Thank you God for coffee.

Over the years, I have gotten up to go to work, to fix breakfast and get everyone out the door, to take care of sick kids, to take care of a sick hubby, to go on vacation, to deliver calves, to get cows off the road and fix fence at 2:00 AM, and because it is the adult thing to do.  It is not that I want to sleep in.  It is just that I hate waking up!

Except for Sunday. On Sunday I am excited, because I know that, after coffee, I GET TO GO TO CHURCH!  I am:

EXCITED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORSHIP.

EXCITED TO BE IN GOD’S HOUSE.

EXCITED TO GREET OTHERS.

EXCITED TO JOIN IN SONG.

EXCITED TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD.

EXCITED TO LEARN FROM THE SERMON.

Yup.  On Sunday I wake up with the joy and excitement of knowing I will be going to church...... right after I have my coffee.

JOY

Written Sunday, January 6, 2019

I am doing Lay Leader at church this month.  This morning I started by saying the congregation has a sense of humor.

First, I better tell you that I am neither the tallest nor the shortest person around, but I am always a few inches too short to reach the stuff on the top shelf at any store.  Yesterday I had a day out with friends and my friend – a friend much taller than I am --drove her truck.  A truck with no running boards.  But she is a good friend and brought along a step stool.  So every time I had to get in the truck, out came the stool, I stepped up on it and then into the truck.  This caused more than a few glances and snickers from passersby.  Getting out was so much easier.  I could slide out.  Gravity took care of that! 

I told about this at church and could see a picture forming in everyone’s mind.  I am not sure which picture gave them the greatest joy – my climbing in the truck or my sliding out. 

I told the church what the pastor said in the prayer room as were getting ready to pray before service started.  The pastor had commented, “We are not 27 anymore.”  I told him I was.  I just used the numbers in a different order.  It was my turn for joy because it was funny to see the congregation thinking, “27 in another order would be…oh… 72.”

To top it all off, the pastor suggested I lead the singing.  I informed him that the Bible said a joyful noise and the only one that thought my singing was joyful was God.  I told the congregation I would not be standing anywhere near the microphone during the singing.  The congregation clapped.  Ok.  They did not clap but they were very joyful to learn I would not be leading the singing.

I wish everyone would worship joyfully.  I do not think there is a scripture that tells us to come to church with a scowl on our face.  Believe me, when you are up front you do not want to see row after row of prune faces and I am pretty sure God would agree.  There is so much joy around us

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 28:7

I can guarantee that God has provided me with many, many, many stepstools to reach where I need to be.  My heart leaps with joy when I slide down and find my feet firmly planted on solid ground.  And I praise him.

Since my youth, God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God,

till I declare your power to the next generations,

your mighty acts to all who are to come.

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I whom you have delivered.

Psalm 71:17-18, 23

Age is a number and hair color is just a color.  But God being beside me when I am old and gray is a fact!  And that fact makes me shout for joy.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth;

make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalm 98:4

I will make a joyful noise unto the LORD.  I will make a loud noise.  I will rejoice and sing praises.  I will do this but I will only do this when I am not standing close to a microphone.

Bottom line:  Come to church with joy in your soul.