“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John.14.1,John.14.27

Hardened hearts…

 Hardened hearts….

 Today, if only you would hear his voice, 

“Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness….

Ps.95.7b-8

Meribah means quarreling…

Massage means testing….

Do we see ourselves in either of these circumstances?   Hardening of our hearts results in so much…I will let the word speak for itself…

 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Prov.28.14

 But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.

Dan.5.20

 because they all saw him and were terrified.Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Mark.6.50-52

 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 

This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:“Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 

For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,so they can neither see with their eyes,nor understand with their hearts,nor turn—and I would heal them.” 

Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. 

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. 

But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

John.12.37-43

 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

Eph.4.18

do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion,during the time of testing in the wilderness, 

As has just been said:“Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” 

This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:“Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts.”

Heb.3.8,Heb.3.15,Heb.4.7

I would rather be blessed than have a hardened heart as the Word speaks about so aptly…

Bible study notes…

“A hardened heart is as useless as a lump of clay, or a hardened loaf of bread. Nothing can restore it r make it useful……when someone’s heart is hardened that person is so stubbornly set in his ways that he or she cannot turn to God….” Useless, worthless as old stale bread or hardened clay…

Our goal should be useful in God’s world, moldable…

Thank YOU…

Have thine own way…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERT7d_HF2Lk

Trunk ….3…

 Trunk…..3…

So what was in the trunk…memories…good ones at that….

1. A 54 year old wedding veil…

2. 8 Hand crocheted lace on a pillowcases…

3. An old “ Night Before Christmas” that my dad read every year, I had to finally frame it as it was falling apart…

4. My college diploma and graduation 👩‍🎓 hat…

5. Letters from one of my grandparents…

6. A 49 year old sweater and bonnet…

7. A 61 year old souvenir from Alaska…

8. A 53 year old hand embroidered bib

9. A 55 year old towel from my grandma Clara, given on their 50th anniversary…..

All sitting on a antique rocking chair that one of my grandmothers refinished and did needlepoint work on the back and seat…

Now they go back into the trunk, not sure for what….

(I actually have few antiques in my house, as there was lots of family to claim items and desire…but, lots of “antiques” by virtue that I still use things that I got at my wedding showers and early marriage, estate sales)

But these items aside…what does God put into our lives, our trunk? What can we put into it…new songs, proclaim Him to “all the people”, praise, peace, offerings, worship, His Truth, the Holy Spirit, comfort, provisions, salvation, righteousness, ….the Fruit of the Spirit, and so much more…

We are filled with abundance, sometimes we just have to sit down , open the lid of our minds and memories and contemplate them, thank HIM for them…

 Sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth. 

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Ps.96.1-3

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Against such things there is no law. 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Gal.5.22-25

 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John.14.26-27

Thank YOU…

Gifts from God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfLGfuINnG4

Psalm 94:18-19

 Psalm 94:8-19….

As I have said previously, I write notes in my Bible…not every page or verse, but those who are meaningful certain times, when I come    upon them again, they bring back the memories and the emotions…maybe some tears or laughter, thankfulness….

This morning it was …

 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 

When anxiety was great within me,your consolation brought me joy.

Ps.94.18-19

Beside it was a star, a date…and the words “ I am moving away from Elko…” which meant I was moving g away from friends, my home, my church, the mountains…all of which I love…but moving to family and a new beginning as a widow, starting over in a new community, new church ….where I needed God’s support and consolation…..and I needed it badly…I cried in church the day before and my friends crowed around me and prayed peace and love for me…what a gift…and I walked away comforted, trying to count it all joy….

There are just times we need to write those words in our Bibles so we don’t forget what 

God has spoken to us …

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything .

Jas.1.2-4

 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1Pet.5.7

Thank YOU….

Cast all my cares…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKM4NoTKLzo

Faith journeys…

 Faith journeys….

Our married life as far as finances went was one of feast and famine…we never missed a meal, we never missed house payments, we didn’t carry health insurance s it was too expensive for our budget, our children were fairly healthy, we shopped thrift stores, we always tithed and gave a little more, we hosted simple meals, we hosted missionaries…God provided what we needed…and sometimes wants, desires…

In the last verses of Psalm 90, He talks about “deeds be shown”,  or in psalm 44, “our ancestors have told us”, or in Hab., repeat your deeds…

I have written about my trunk from my ancestors….I would love to hear their stories of crossing the ocean, starting a new life from scratch, daily living, children, etc…what did they experience, how did God Provide….I find that I am guilty of not writing down our stories of feast and  famine, how God provided abundantly, at the last minute, by prayer and fasting, by surprise, helping through crisis and friends…etc….

Help us to remember….praise…stand in awe…

Thank YOU…

 If only we knew the power of your anger!

Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. 

(  It is you alone who are to be feared.Who can stand before you when you are angry?

Ps.76.7)

Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

Have compassion on your servants. 

( My soul is in deep anguish.How long, Lord, how long?

Ps.6.3

 The Lord will vindicate his people and relent concerning his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free.

Deut.32.36

 For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.

Ps.135.14)

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,for as many years as we have seen trouble. 

May your deeds be shown to your servants,your splendor to their children.

( We have heard it with our ears, O God;our ancestors have told us what you did in their days,in days long ago.

Ps.44.1

 Lord, I have heard of your fame;I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.Repeat them in our day,in our time make them known;in wrath remember mercy.

Hab.3.2)

Ps.90.11,Ps.90.13,Ps.90.15,Ps.90.16

I stand in awe of You…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bypinON83r4&list=RDbypinON83r4&start_radio=1&pp=ygUVaSBzdGFuZCBpbiBhd2Ugb2YgeW91oAcB

Trunk..2..

 My trunk …2…

I finished lining the trunk drawer with some upholstery fabric and braids then more Modge Podge…the pictures in lid are the original ones as far as I can tell…

I keep thinking about the age, 160+ years, each time I work on it…the creator of the trunk, the users, etc…all long gone, but did they ever think about the future users…did they wonder what their descendants would be like, what they would do, where they would live….the ones who used this one settled in Nebraska to farm those many years ago, some later moving to Ontario, California to plant orange orchards…then some to central California to rise cattle…(my father told of stories as a young adventurous boy, throwing rotten oranges at passing cars until his father found he and his brothers, they never did it again)…

 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,for as many years as we have seen trouble. 

May your deeds be shown to your servants,your splendor to their children.

Ps.90.14-16

Some of our days are definitely “glad” days while others are definitely “afflicted “…

And we are to thank Him for each one…”in everything give thanks”…

Thank YOU….

Satisfy us with your love…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uayyGjHmvgg

 

Quickly pass…

Maybe it’s me, but the days , years seem to fly by so quickly….here it is February 7th already and next week the month will be half over…didn’t it just turn 2026? Tax season has already started, Easter decorations and items are already being sold…pretty soon the swim suits, summer toys will be on sale with the Fourth of July stuff….and it doesn’t slow down at all….whew, I need to stop and smell the roses….

I am glad that God knows the time…and he has it under control….

 We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you,our secret sins in the light of your presence. 

All our days pass away under your wrath;we finish our years with a moan. 

Our days may come to seventy years,or eighty, if our strength endures;yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,for they quickly pass, and we fly away. 

If only we knew the power of your anger!Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.

Ps.90.7-11

 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,for they are from of old. 

Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;according to your love remember me,for you, Lord, are good.

Ps.25.6,Ps.25.7

 There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens:     

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,     

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,     

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,     

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,     

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,     

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,     

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace. 

What do workers gain from their toil? 

I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

He has also set eternity in the human heart; 

yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. 

God does it so that people will fear him.

Eccl.3.1-14

Thank YOU….

Turn…. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB6jhbtDUZE

My trunk…

 My trunk….

 

I inherited a trunk from one of my grandmothers….it came through Ellis Island in the 1860’s from Germany with one of my ancestors…I realized  I needed to glue the interior paper down as it is peeling  away from the body…so I got out my trusty Modge Podge the other day and painted all of the interior…then of course, as usual I created another project on the inside,..it has a lift-out drawer that was almost in splinters, the wood so brittle…it needed help…my neighbor is wonderful carpenter, so he took and remade the drawer, adding some new wood, the old wood and made a beautiful drawer…now I am refinishing that with paint and upholstery fabric for the liner.

 You turn people back to dust,saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” 

A thousand years in your sight-are like a day that has just gone by,or like a watch in the night. 

Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: 

In the morning it springs up new,but by evening it is dry and withered.

Ps.90.3-6

I thought of pictures taken of trunks decaying and turning to dust along the western trails, crosses of people who had died there as well…time…those years we live, aren’t the thousands that God knows…the years that quickly fly by in our lives…I watch my great grandchildren and am reminded what their grandparents and parents did at their age…not so long ago…He has held us in his hand, cared for us…prepared a place for us….

Thank YOU…

Pslam 90 song….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCDNZwMRYfo

Used….

 Used…

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.  Erma Bombeck….

“Use it up”, my son-in-law about a MAF plane ready to foreign service…

When we were studying First Americans in school, I was intrigued by the many uses they discovered in using a buffalo….it was said they could use everything but but their sound…we have gotten away from that creativity in the many uses of products we have now…we use somethings very little and toss…I am glad we have thrift stores to shop at to continue the use of a variety of items. I grew up wearing hand-me-downs. There was a time when my family collected the over ripe fruits and vegetables from the grocery stores for ourselves and our livestock…we ate like kings as did our livestock!

Reading Psalm 90 reminds us of passing time and good use of it…

 Psalm 90A prayer of Moses the man of God.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 

Before the mountains were bornor you brought forth the whole world,from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 

Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 

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

Ps.90.1,Ps.90.2,Ps.90.12,Ps.90.14,Ps.90.17

Realizing that life is short helps us use the little time we have more wisely and for eternal good.Take time to number your days by asking, “what do I want to see happen in my life before I die?what small step could I take toward that q purpose today….because our days are numbered, we want our work to count, to be effective and productive……”.   Bible study notes…..

Seeing the cancer center every week, reminds me personally of these things…use my time wisely….

Thank YOU….

God’s timing….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BUmXLhhVKs

Photo albums….

 

Photo albums…

I have started going through photo albums of pictures taken on trips that just my husband and I took, not having anything to do with our children…we saw some incredible places and things…I am sorting and purging out stuff that I don’t think my family would be interested in…Castles, temples, street scenes, people…foreign to them and us where gods are revered and God is not honored…there were places I felt so uncomfortable, I had to walk out, not trying to insult local people….I was their guest after all ….

As I read these verses in Psalm 84, I thought of the various places we traversed…I would have rather been in the Lord’s house than some of the tourist places…His Spirit is welcoming rather than not…

I am thankful we saw and experienced so much….God was gracious to allow it in our lives…but, I am sooooo much more thankful we had a “ home “ to come to where God’s presence was so alive…

Thank YOU….

Better is one day in your courts…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEr5Wn7LHvw

 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship,beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches.

I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.

All sunshine and sovereign is God,generous in gifts and glory.

He doesn’t scrimp with his traveling companions.

It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

Ps.84.10-12MSG

 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;the Lord bestows favor and honor;no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 

Lord Almighty,blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Ps.84.10-12NIV

 Psalm 4:8,9,12….

 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;

listen to me, God of Jacob.        Selah…

Look on our shield, O God;         

look with favor on your anointed one. 

( But do not kill them, Lord our shield,or my people will forget.In your might uproot them and bring them down.

Ps.59.11

 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”

1Sam.16.6

 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, “Let us break their chains-and throw off their shackles.”

Ps.2.2,Ps.2.3

 “Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.

Ps.132.17)

Lord Almighty,blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Ps.84.8,Ps.84.9,Ps.84.12

 Kiss his son, or he will be angryand your way will lead to your destruction,for his wrath can flare up in a moment.Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Ps.2.12

“In the Bible, being anointed signifies being chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose. Anointing often involves the application of oil, symbolizing God's blessing, authority, and the setting apart of individuals for roles such as kings, priests, and prophets.

Biblical Significance

• Chosen by God: Anointing indicates divine selection, as seen in the anointing of kings like Saul and David (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

• Empowerment: It represents the empowerment of individuals to fulfill God's mission, such as the anointing of Jesus, who is referred to as the "Anointed One" or Messiah (Luke 4:18).

Cultural Context

• Ritual Practice: Anointing was a common practice in ancient Israel, often associated with significant life events or transitions.

• Symbol of Healing: Anointing also symbolizes healing and restoration, as seen in James 5:14, where the sick are anointed with oil for healing.

Overall, anointing in the Bible encapsulates themes of divine selection, empowerment, and the presence of God's Spirit in the lives of individuals.”  Web notes…

“Anointing symbolizes God’s blessing, empowerment, and healing. It’s a practice that connects believers with divine purpose and community.”

https://biblicalchronology.com/what-is-the-biblical-meaning-of-anointing/

Lots of good articles…

The Baptism of Jesus…

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/baptism-of-jesus-bible-story.html

Thank YOU…

Psalm 84 song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPAKmwHhdg

Essentials…

 Essentials….

 

There are some essentials we need for life…

1. Water 

2. Air 

3. Food 

4. Light…

I thought of that as I read these verses…they really don’t directly address our needs, but we gather our strength from God  who supplies all of our needs…

 But, Jesus is our supply…to live…

1. I am the Living  Water…

2. I am the Breath  of Life…

3. I am the Bread of Life…

4. I am the Light of the World…

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 

As they pass through the Valley of Baka,

they make it a place of springs;the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 

They go from strength to strength,till each appears before God in Zion.

Ps.84.5-7

 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.

John.7.38

 The Spirit of God has made me;the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.4

 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John.6.51

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John.8.12

 Sing for joy to God our strength;shout aloud to the God of Jacob!

Ps.81.1

 Be glad, people of Zion,rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given you the autumn rainsbecause he is faithful.He sends you abundant showers,both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Joel.2.23

 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Prov.4.18

Light of the World…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cLhaZIBSpo

  

Psalm 84:1-4….

My friends and I that are getting older… a key concern is our bigger house, stairs, doorways that at wide enough for walkers/wheelchairs, big yards, mobility…

When my husband passed, I moved into a house that fit the list for seniors and then built another that fit as well…but as I watch others move into assisted living or downsize homes, even a room becomes too big for some…hard to watch, hard face…

It is  hard letting go, losing control, getting old, getting tired, not well, changes that we can’t control, making decisions we don’t want to make, …etc. ..need to get our eyes on a better place instead of hanging on to temporal things…but, still hard…moving is hard, but those who have Jesus as their Savior we have a much better place to look forward to… as this psalm talks about…

Thank YOU….

The theme of psalm 84 according to my Bible study notes is “God’s living presence is our greatest joy” written by temple assistants, the sons of Korah…

“How lovely is your dwelling place,Lord Almighty! 

( One thing I ask from the Lord,this only do I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the Lordall the days of my life,to gaze on the beauty of the Lordand to seek him in his temple.

Ps.27.4

 Send me your light and your faithful care,let them lead me;let them bring me to your holy mountain,to the place where you dwell.

Ps.43.3

 ‘Arise, Lord, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.

Ps.132.8)

My soul yearns, even faints,for the courts of the Lord;my heart and my flesh cry outfor the living God. 

(As the deer pants for streams of water,so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.When can I go and meet with God?

Ps.42.1,Ps.42.2)

Even the sparrow has found a home,and the swallow a nest for herself,where she may have her young—a place near your altar,Lord Almighty, my King and my God. 

( Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke.12.6-7

 Then I will go to the altar of God,to God, my joy and my delight.I will praise you with the lyre,O God, my God.

Ps.43.4

Hear my cry for help,my King and my God,for to you I pray.

Ps.5.2)

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;they are ever praising you. 

Psalm 84:1-4

When we all get to heaven…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTGNQ7BRg8E

 Psalm 71:22-24

 I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God;I will sing praise to you with the lyre,Holy One of Israel. 

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

My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long,for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.

Ps.71.22-24

 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;praise his holy name. 

For his anger lasts only a moment,but his favor lasts a lifetime;weeping may stay for the night,but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Ps.30.4-5

 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Ps.37.8

 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

Ps.39.1

Joy comes in the morning…an old song, but still speaks….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGBGReuvzOc

Psalm 71:9

 Psalm 71:9….

A wonderful Christian woman I knew when I was small and over the years, distantly, wanted to serve the Lord until she was 100 and she did…she died peacefully on her 100th birthday after accomplishing her desire…

Another woman just celebrated her 100th well…she still plays hymns by heart, not needing printed music…but, she can’t remember what she had for lunch…

Both of these women SERVED….and were/are not forsaken…they were sustained by the Lord whom they loved…

What promises!

Thank YOU…

“ Do not cast me away when I am old;do not forsake me when my strength is gone. 

(  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Ps.51.11-12

They will still bear fruit in old age,they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Ps.92.14-15

 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, 

I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isa.46.4

I come to the garden…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJrvGJe4Yc&list=RDEQJrvGJe4Yc&start_radio=1&pp=ygUaaSBjb21lIHRvIHRoZSBnYXJkZW4gYWxvbmWgBwE%3D

 

Psalm 71:5-8….2

Yesterday, I looked at the stats for my blog which goes to a blogspot …worldwide, just to see what was happening.  It tells which countries it goes to and how many “looks” they had gotten…

Checking out the stats, it came to my attention that the blogs with the most scripture got higher attention in countries where the scriptures are banned…the Word is desired over comments and stories…it speaks truth to those whom desire it…

2Thank YOU…

Thy Word…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSZlIVP9u0Y

 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. 

( Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?

Job.4.6

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.

Jer.17.7)

From birth I have relied on you;you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.

I will ever praise you. 

( From birth I was cast on you;from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

Ps.22.10

Yet you brought me out of the womb;you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.

Ps.22.9

  “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,all the remnant of the people of Israel,you whom I have upheld since your birth,and have carried since you were born.

Isa.46.3

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Ps.9.1

I will extol the Lord at all times;his praise will always be on my lips.

Ps.34.1

For what you have done I will always praise youin the presence of your faithful people.And I will hope in your name,for your name is good.

Ps.52:9

Seven times a day I praise youfor your righteous laws.

Ps.119.164

Every day I will praise youand extol your name for ever and ever.

Ps.145.2)

I have become a sign to many;you are my strong refuge. 

( Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.

Isa.8.18

For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.

1Cor.4.9

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield and the horn of my salvation.He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me.

2Sam.22.3

For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe.

Ps.61:3)

My mouth is filled with your praise,declaring your splendor all day long.

(  I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Ps.63.5

Splendor and majesty are before him;strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Ps.96.6

Praise the Lord, my soul.Lord my God, you are very great;you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

Ps.104.1)

Ps.71.5-8

 

Psalm 71:5-8

 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,my confidence since my youth. 

( Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?

Job.4.6

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him.

Jer.17.7)

From birth I have relied on you;you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.

I will ever praise you. 

( From birth I was cast on you;from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

Ps.22.10

Yet you brought me out of the womb;you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.

Ps.22.9

  “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,all the remnant of the people of Israel,you whom I have upheld since your birth,and have carried since you were born.

Isa.46.3

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Ps.9.1

I will extol the Lord at all times;his praise will always be on my lips.

Ps.34.1

For what you have done I will always praise youin the presence of your faithful people.And I will hope in your name,for your name is good.

Ps.52:9

Seven times a day I praise youfor your righteous laws.

Ps.119.164

Every day I will praise youand extol your name for ever and ever.

Ps.145.2)

I have become a sign to many;you are my strong refuge. 

( Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion.

Isa.8.18

For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.

1Cor.4.9

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield and the horn of my salvation.He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me.

2Sam.22.3

For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe.

Ps.61:3)

My mouth is filled with your praise,declaring your splendor all day long.

(  I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Ps.63.5

Splendor and majesty are before him;strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Ps.96.6

Praise the Lord, my soul.Lord my God, you are very great;you are clothed with splendor and majesty.

Ps.104.1)

Ps.71.5-8

 

Rescue me…deliver me…save me…be my rock of refuge…

 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;let me never be put to shame. 

( I trust in you;do not let me be put to shame,nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Ps.25.2-3

 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;let me never be put to shame;deliver me in your righteousness.

Ps.31.1)

In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;turn your ear to me and save me. 

( I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;turn your ear to me and hear my prayer,Ps.17.6)

Be my rock of refuge,to which I can always go;give the command to save me,for you are my rock and my fortress. 

(  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Ps.18.2

 Turn your ear to me,come quickly to my rescue;be my rock of refuge,a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress,for the sake of your name lead and guide me.Ps.31.2,Ps.31.3

You are my King and my God,who decrees victories for Jacob.

Ps.44.4)

Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

( Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;protect me from the violent,who devise ways to trip my feet.

Ps.140.4)

Ps.71.1,Ps.71.2,Ps.71.3,Ps.71.4

Thank YOU…

He’s my rock…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HumevW8l2lA

Broken pieces…2..

 Broken pieces…2..

This was a blog from four years ago…still appropriate…

Blessings…

Heal me…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj-1SmPthQI

“Broken pieces…

Jesus takes our broken pieces and makes His 

light shine through…..

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up 

their wounds.

Ps.147.3

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am 

the light of the world. Whoever follows me 

will not walk in darkness, but will have the 

light of life.”

John.8.12

I thought of this woman, broken…seeking 

the healing, the light of Jesus…what was her 

testimony after being healed?

We don’t know, but I bet she told many of 

her healing…a light to those who knew her..

And there was a woman who had had a 

discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had 

spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 

She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his 

garment. 

For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 

And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her 

disease. 

And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in 

the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 

And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who 

touched me?’” 

And he looked around to see who had done it. 

But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down 

before him and told him the whole truth. 

And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your 

disease.”

Mark.5.25-34”

"Tonight, I walked in from the store with my arms full and a brand new candle in my bag. As I 

struggled to get it all on the counter, one bag dropped and I heard the glass break. My brand new 

candle was ruined as the glass shattered. Frustrated, I was ready to throw the whole thing away. 

My husband refused to let me do so. “It will still light; it will still serve its’ purpose,” he stated. 

Immediately, I began to argue back.... “But it’s broken and ugly and glass is everywhere. It’s just 

not the same.”

I walked away and when I came back, he had placed the candle on the counter and lit the wick.

My heart immediately was drawn to the light. How often do we do this in our own lives or with 

others? Things don’t turn out the way we want them to. Plans fail. Dreams shatter. Goals hit the 

floor. People break our hearts. And we are ready to throw the whole dang thing in the trash. Even 

though it can still light.... still shine.... still bring the fragrance of goodness. It just may not be 

pretty or in the package that we wanted or imagined.

Tonight, may we all be reminded that even in the brokenness and cutting edge of life, there is 

still goodness and purpose and light. We simply must be willing to not throw it all away and 

allow the redemption to take place. There are times that our story will simply speak a little louder and impact even more people when we are willing to allow the broken pieces of our life and story to shine for others to see and understand…”

Cre: Liz Liles Wagoner

 Just reading now

…”God does not preserve believers from difficult circumstances, but he tests the righteous…for it becomes a refining fire…they become opportunities..to grow…”…

There are times when I wish I didn’t need anymore opportunities to grow…🤔

Blessings…But He gives peace…

Blessings…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xRNrnh__SE

 Eternal words, today’s news..2…

I am having a hard time Watching the news anymore…

Am not sure who to trust, violence of mankind, lack of civility, focus on fear, turmoil, more commentary than reporting (I want facts rather so much opinion), etc…

I thought of this while reading the following Psalm…the only difference of this and present day, is that we Get the information faster in full color with added opinions…

 Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;protect my life from the threat of the enemy. 

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,from the plots of evildoers. 

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. 

They shoot from ambush at the innocent;they shoot suddenly, without fear. 

They encourage each other in evil plans,they talk about hiding their snares;they say, “Who will see it?” 

They plot injustice and say,“We have devised a perfect plan!”Surely the human mind and heart are cunning. 

But God will shoot them with his arrows;they will suddenly be struck down. 

He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin;all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. 

All people will fear;they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. 

The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him;all the upright in heart will glory in him!

Ps.64.1-10

I am glad that David reiterated the last sentence…we are reminded that we do have a refuge, we do have the Lord to rejoice in…we can glory in the Lord…He brings us out of the mud and mire of the world…He is the Victor…

Thank YOU….

Peace  in the midst of the storm….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY94fl4UEVs

 Eternal words, today’s news….

When I turn on the news to see what is happening in the world…I wonder if King David can see and reflect over his life and repeat these words from long ago,

 “Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;

protect my life from the threat of the enemy. 

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked,

from the plots of evildoers. 

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.

Ps.64.1-3

There is a saying, “ what goes around , comes around “…we still need protection from our enemies, hiding from conspiracies…cruel  words are still spoken….

Wouldn’t it be better to…

 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

Ps.133.1

 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

John.17.20-23

 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Eph.4.1,Eph.4.3,Eph.4.13

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. 

And be thankful. 

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Col.3.12-17

 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Gal.5.19-25

Thank YOU….

By our love…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuJDZEOQVXA

Joy and gladness….

 

Joy and gladness….

I have to,admit, that I am extremely tired this morning….felt like I wrestled all night long, just to get comfortable…not sure why, but a fact…lots of chores to do today, so need to get with the program…gray skies, cold, dreary…

And then David hits me with words like joy, gladness, steadfast, restore, pleasure, praise, willing spirit.…etc…

I realize I need to align my attitude with God’s….even when it is hard….

Thank YOU…

 Let me hear joy and gladness;let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

 Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 

Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and nd grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 

Open my lips, Lord,and my mouth will declare your praise. 

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heartyou, God, will not despise. 

May it please you to prosper Zion,to build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Ps.51.8,Ps.51.10-12,Ps.51.15,Ps.51.17-18

Restore…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO8EfqU3YtU

Cycles….

 

Cycles…

When I started my cancer treatments two years ago, I charted out days to keep track of the symptoms…as each three week session I got exactly the same meds in the same order…I wanted to know what to expect to plan other things around the side effects. Like not planning a lot of walking on my “swamp leg days( days that felt like I was walking in thigh high mud..) or use the days when I had a lot of energy to do a lot of chores…my life has revolved around those three week cycles…

Lately, the meds have been changed, deleted or added to, so my med cycles have a bit different and I needed to adjust…

We have weather cycles, seasons, currents in the sea, star patterns, etc. which God created in His order…

The other things I have observed to human behaviors….consistency of parents with their children…or friend to friend…if we want our children to persevere and grow up, we have to be consistent…the right things are always right and the wrong things are basically always wrong…if we change the pattern, there is chaos…

If we want a different outcome, a better one, we have to help that…

No matter how many times we do the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome, it just doesn’t work….if we do it the same way, the outcome is the same…that can be highly negative or positive…

If I plant rocks, they are still rocks…they don’t grow…they are rocks…

But, if I plant seeds of different kinds, they yield different plants…after their kind…

We are to saw seeds of love, joy, peace, etc instead of hatred, disrespect, etc…

This made me think of the Israelites in the Old Testament….they were prosperous, turned the backs on God, there was judgment like he promised, they cried out to Him and they were rescued…over and over again…and it is still happening,not just to the Israelites…

When you look at families or various relationships, globally or next door, there are cycles…some good, some not so good…doing the same thing over and over again expecting a new outcome…no change…

When we ask, God gives us wisdom, perseverance to make changes for a better outcome…bringing us closer to Him, transforming to be more and more Christlike…..it may not be easy, but growth and faith building ….

Thank YOU….

 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit.

Lev.26.4

 There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens:     

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,     

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,     

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,     

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,     

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,     

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,     

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Eccl.3.1-8

Seasons..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e9jXfpqn-A

Pop bottle gasoline jugs…

 

Pop  bottle gasoline jugs….

I really don’t like to get into politics but this latest act of our government caught me….because I saw it some it firsthand…

When I was chosen to go on a trip to Colombia, South America several years ago, we drove down nice  highways that the drug cartels had built for their drug trafficking….when they were defeated in the government a few years earlier, the highways were given over the the villages/government for  use. Pretty sure that the cartels are still using them as well,both for trucking and airplanes…

 They are very close to the Venezuelan border as well…as you can see it…all along the roads are huts where the people live, sell haircuts, car repair, food, and siphoned gasoline in large pop bottles, etc…

One of the places we gave out Operation Christmas Child boxes, the whole village turned out to welcome us…that included people who had come over the border to watch as well as get money and food …some with prostitution ….those young girls were interested in hearing the Word as well…

Another group from Colombia taught the youth in a summer camp…these  Colombian young people, who were being rationed for themselves during Covid, rationed themselves so that they take food to the Venezuelan teens as food was scarce  because of government regulations…

Worth the read…

https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-maduro-diet-a-photo-essay-from-venezuela/

 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or

 discipline me in your wrath. 

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. 

My soul is in deep anguish.

How long, Lord, how long? 

Turn, Lord, and deliver me;save me because of your unfailing love. Among the dead no one proclaims your name.

Who praises you from the grave? 

I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. 

My eyes grow weak with sorrow;they fail because of all my foes. 

Away from me, all you who do evil,for the Lord has heard my weeping. 

The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Ps.6.1-10

Thank YOU….

People need the Lord…

Shared Facebook article….

If you are American and you’re curious about why Trump forced Maduro out, you should read this first...

(An analysis by a Venezuelan who left Venezuela)

Because unless you are Venezuelan, you are missing almost everything that matters.

I am Venezuelan. 

I left my country in 2013, when Hugo Chávez died and Nicolás Maduro took power. 

I didn’t leave because I wanted to “try life abroad.” 

I left because I could see what was coming, and staying meant watching my future shrink year after year.

So when Americans ask, “What do Venezuelans think about Trump forcing Maduro out of the presidency?”

Let me answer that question honestly, without slogans, without moral theater, and without pretending this is simple.

Most Venezuelans feel relief.

Not because we love Trump or because we believe the U.S. does things out of pure love for freedom.

And not because we are naïve about geopolitics, oil, or power.

We feel relief because we have lived through something Americans have never experienced: a country where nothing works, where elections don’t matter, where money stops being money, and where time itself feels broken.

Now, before someone jumps in to say “but not all Venezuelans agree,” let’s be precise.

Yes, there is a minority that doesn’t agree.

And that minority usually falls into one of three groups.

- Some were doing business with the regime.

- Some were personally comfortable inside the system and insulated from its worst consequences.

- And some were pushed into such extreme poverty that survival depended on obedience.

This last group matters, so let me explain it clearly.

Millions of Venezuelans were reduced to depending on a government-issued food box. 

A box with rice, pasta, oil, sometimes expired food. 

A box that arrived irregularly. A box that was used as leverage.

People were told, explicitly or implicitly: “If the government falls, this goes away.”

That is hostage psychology!

When misery reaches that level, people don’t defend the system because they believe in it. 

They defend it because they are afraid of losing the only thing standing between them and hunger.

So yes, some people opposed change. 

But that opposition was not free, informed, or dignified. 

It was coerced by collapse.

The rest of us lived something else entirely.

Since Maduro took power back in 2013, Venezuela lost roughly 80% of its economy. 

We lived through years of hyperinflation where prices didn’t rise monthly or yearly. They rose daily. 

Sometimes hourly.

Salaries became meaningless. Pensions became symbolic. 

Entire professions disappeared.

We protested. We marched. Thousands of people got k* and tens of thousands more were illegally incarcerated as political prisoner.

Just because they didn't like Chavez or Maduro.

We also voted because we believe in democracy.

In 2015, the regime lost parliament by a massive margin. The result was ignored.

We voted again. In 2024, the opposition won overwhelmingly, roughly 70–30. The result was ignored.

Imagine winning every swing state in the U.S. and then being told, “No.”

That is not politics.

And still, we didn’t rise in arms. 

We tried to stay constitutional. Peaceful. Legal.

During all this time, around a third of the country left. 

Families were torn apart. 

My own father died in exile. 

Children grew up without grandparents. 

Entire cities aged overnight.

So when Americans say, “But foreign intervention is wrong,” understand this:

From the inside, Venezuela are already occupied by Iran, China, Cuba, Russia, who are using our beloved country as shelter for terrorism, d* trafficking, and as a foothold in American continent.

No Venezuelan I know is celebrating bombs, humiliation, or chaos.

What we are reacting to is the possibility that the lock might finally open.

We know the U.S. has interests. Oil. Minerals. Strategy. Power.

We are not children.

But we also remember a time when Venezuela was functional, prosperous, and connected to the world. 

When people came to our country instead of fleeing it. 

When a future didn’t feel irresponsible to imagine.

So if you are American and confused by Venezuelans celebrating, don’t ask whether they “support intervention.”

Ask what kind of suffering makes people accept risk in exchange for hope.

Because this reaction didn’t come from ideology but from exhaustion.

Viva Venezuela librePopbpttle

Slip and slide….

 

Slip and slide…

Slip and slide, a game played with a roll of plastic, some good slippery soap, water, a slightly inclined yard and a bunch of people…I recently witnessed this game but the winning was going up the hill not sliding down…a challenge…we talk about a slippery slope…we get involved with something that takes our joy, our thought and pretty soon, there we go down the slope back to our sin nature…not guarding our promises…reading this psalm, the author begins with how mighty is our God, his instruction, judgment and we go directly to the thought that others are FINALLY going to be taken care of…but, no….we find out He is going to judge his people first…what a deflater!  Aren’t those around me needing that before me…my pride steps up…then I read about needing a clean heart ….my sins assail me…my thoughts, actions that I have let slide down that slippery slope…

I have slid…

As much as I don’t want it, I need His judgement….His discipline…

Thank YOU…

The Mighty Judge…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsgebOIKxE0

The Mighty One, God, the Lord,speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. 

( Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart.

Job.22.22)

( From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Ps.113.3)

From Zion, perfect in beauty,God shines forth. 

(  Beautiful in its loftiness,the joy of the whole earth,like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion,the city of the Great King.

Ps.48.2)

( He said:“The Lord came from Sinai-and dawned over them from Seir;he shone forth from Mount Paran.He came with myriads of holy onesfrom the south, from his mountain slopes.

Deut.33.2)

( Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,you who lead Joseph like a flock.You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,shine forth

Ps.80.1)

Our God comes and will not be silent;a fire devours before him,and around him a tempest rages. 

( Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,he comes to judge the earth.He will judge the world in righteousness and  the peoples in his faithfulness.

Ps.96.13)

( Fire goes before himand consumes his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world;the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness,and all peoples see his glory.

Ps.97.3-6)

( A river of fire was flowing,coming out from before him.Thousands upon thousands attended him;ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.The court was seated,and the books were opened.

Dan.7.10)

He summons the heavens above,and the earth, that he may judge his people: 

( I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live there long but will certainly be destroyed.

Deut.4.26)

( Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth!For the Lord has spoken:“I reared children and brought them up,but they have rebelled against me.

Isa.1.2)

 

“Gather to me this consecrated people,who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 

( Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;praise his holy name.

Ps.30.4)

( Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.”

Exod.24.7)

And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,for he is a God of justice.

( It is God who judges:He brings one down, he exalts another.

Ps.75.7)

( In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;he is more awesome than all who surround him.

Ps.89.7)

Ps.50.1-6Slip and slide

A blessing to me, personally….

 A blessing to me, personally…

The other day I received this “declaration “ from friends in Africa…I was so blessed, humbled…by their consideration to send this to me….

There are blessings to various people in the Bible, God to his creation, God to Adam and Eve, God to Noah, God to Abraham, Jacob to his sons, God to Moses, etc, etc, etc…

 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 

“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Num.6.23-27

 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matt.3.16-17

“Our declaration over you for 2026 Year Of His Habitation :

Rooted in Christ—unmovable and firmly established.

Greatly loved and deeply valued by all around you.

Anointed to do greater works in Christ Jesus.

New horizons opened, with greater grace to walk in them.

Healed, whole, and strong in the Lord.

Blessed beyond all you could ask or think.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit to endure and remain joyful in every circumstance.

Marked by a joyful and happy disposition.

Walking in the fulfilled promises of God—Yes and Amen.

A Holy Spirit year of power, favor, and divine guidance.

Love,

Richard & Elizabeth”

Our words can build up and tear down, bless and curse…

As we start this new year, help us to build up, bless, edify, bear with one another….

Thank YOU….

Blessings…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc

Sleeplessness….

 Sleeplessness….

I don’t know about you,  but I have sleepless nights…right now, most of them are from the medications  I am taking…they cause about 4-5 sleepless nights every 1st and 2nd week of three…steroids seem to do that to me… I lay there, eyes wide open, pretty soon, I pray, then  I read, then I try to sleep again…but basically it is the same pattern those 4-5 nights…until I crash about the 3rd or 4th day…

David was running from his rebellious son, Absalom and in Psalm 3, he writes,  

 “I lie down and sleep;I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.”

Ps.3.5-6

My Bible study notes….”Sleep does not come easily during a crisis. David could have had sleepless nights when his son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to kill him. but David slept peacefully, even during the rebellion….David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him…the assurance of answered prayer brings peace….God is in control of the circumstances….”…

What a promise…!!!

“ From the Lord comes deliverance.May your blessing be on your people.”

Ps.3.8

Thank YOU….

Psalm 3 song…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XufTZweBGCs&list=RDXufTZweBGCs&start_radio=1&pp=ygUMcHNhbG0gMyBzb25noAcB

Newness…2…

 Newness….2

I wrote this blog at the beginning of 2024…. Not knowing  cancer was going to return again midway through the year…not really knowing, as usual what God had in store for his plans for me…

Yes, more lessons again…we never really stop learning unless we choose to…it would be really boring to stop learning…

Some of the lessons are a bit hard, but apparently useful…

Our family had another wedding this year, the two great grand children grew continue to grow and make progress in their exploration of the world…

Blessings to all in this NEW YEAR…may we all move closer to Jesus…in our walk, our words, our love…

Thank YOU…

 “Newness….

Author, Natalie Holsten, had a column in the local newspaper over the weekend about her journals…reviewing them…”ordinary days”…in her life…not everything has to be extraordinary to make a journal entry…I have appreciated her writings over the last few years since she has come to Nampa.  

  

It was just apropos as I was working on my new journal for the new year as well, adding birthdays, anniversaries and already planned appointments…notes, etc, to remember…

I don’t know what the Lord has planned for this new year for me…the last year and half sure weren’t in my plans with health issues…but, He had lessons through each day, new revelations about Himself…each day was a gift, even if it was painful…

This verse in Isaiah…

“You have heard these things; look at them all.Will you not admit them?“From now on I will tell you of new things,of hidden things unknown to you.”

Isa.48.6

…are words I treasure for the coming year… I want to learn new things from our Father…things I didn’t  know before, things built on a rock solid foundation….and I want my foundation stronger…through Him…

So journals…blogs…what will He fill it with…no certain…But, He knows the way…the truth and the Life..the path is planned…

Thank YOU…

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

2Cor.5.17-18

 Praise the Lord.Sing to the Lord a new song,his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

Ps.149.1

 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.

Lam.3.22-24

 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Matt.13.52

 Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

1Cor.5.7

 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Eph.4.22-24

 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Col.3.10

 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Rev.21.5”

Your plans for us….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW2n0zs6Myk