Sunday, March 2, 2025

Rock and gem show…

 Rock and gem show…


Once a year the local Rock and Gem society has a show here in my town…it is  this weekend…of course there are all kinds of booths and vendors with all of their wares, jewelry, specimens, etc..plus beautiful displays of cut rocks, polished rocks, crystals…various  people grinding facets on to stones, making jewelry from cut stones…there is  people selling thunder eggs with the opportunity to have them split so you can see the crystals inside…panning for gold, panning for gems and my grandson’s favorite- a continuous silent auction of  various rocks and stones put out for auction starting at .25….fun to watch and participate…


Our favorite this year was a demonstrator with a powerful microscope, a computer and specimens no bigger than 1/4 inch in size…looking at the intricacies, crystals, rock formations in minuscule size, the beauty…wow…things we would overlook as plain, take on a whole new significance to minute size…


When you think of God creating the universe and not forgetting the molecules, the minute, the atoms…the big, the little…the precision, the intricate…with the detail …how much fun He must have showing us surprises in his creation…good gifts…just like we like to gift others…


And then He designed gems for the priests in the Old Testament, gems for the new Heaven in the New Testament…he had a purpose for each …


Thank You…


 “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands. It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings. There are to be twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes.

Exod.28.6,Exod.28.7,Exod.28.8,Exod.28.9,Exod.28.10,Exod.28.11,Exod.28.17,Exod.28.18,Exod.28.19,Exod.28.20,Exod.28.21


 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. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Rev.21.18-21



The love of God…


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


“Idaho is often called the “Gem State,” and it has a long history of “gem mining in Idaho.” Native tribes have treasured these valuable stones for hundreds of years, and early settlers quickly understood the state’s importance in gemology. 

The search for gems in Idaho led to the finding of many minerals, which interested both fans and scientists. Over time, public gem mines opened up in Idaho, allowing people to go rock hunting and find secret treasures in the state’s rough terrain.”

https://www.allcrystal.com/articles/gemstones-in-idaho/


https://rockchasing.com/idaho-rocks-minerals-gems/


https://rockseeker.com/minerals-gemstones-in-idaho/

Saturday, March 1, 2025

The stars at night…

 The stars at night…



This last week, we have had clear skies at night…and if you are at a place that doesn’t have so much night light, you can see the brightest stars for this time of the year…so amazing…


We have a creator who made the stars, who shows us the splendor  of the stars…has named the stars…yet knows each of us as well…


Thank YOU..


 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set,or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang togetherand all the angels shouted for joy?

Job.38.4-7


 Lord, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory in the heavens. 

Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger. 

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars,which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them,human beings that you care for them?

Ps.8.1-4


 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods.His love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:His love endures forever. 

to him who alone does great wonders,His love endures forever. who by his understanding made the heavens,His love endures forever. 

who made the great lights—His love endures forever. 

the moon and stars to govern the night;His love endures forever.

Ps.136.1-5Ps.136.7,9


“He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name” (Psalm 147:4 NKJV). 


 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

1Cor.15.41


How great is our God…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LXro5_cvo


Friday, February 28, 2025

Towel warmers…

 Towel warmers….


One of the homes we lived in had towel warmers in the bathroom…what a luxury….stepping out of the warm shower , to be  enfolded by a warm towel…wow…it felt so good…it wasn’t the shock one usually gets with cooler air reaching  for a towel…it was warm to warm…I didn’t even know there was such a thing until then…


So,what does that  have to do with real life? I don’t know…I thought it was interesting…

No, I was thinking about worry, anxiety …it can shower us, enfold us, keeping us, not letting go…and we go around shrouded in the covering, not ever leaving it’s “comfort”…not feeling the invigorating freedom of letting God take care of us, take care of the problem, giving Him the burden…not believing in his promises…not giving him a chance to work out the good he promises…not seeing Him work his will…instead of our finite solutions…


Oh, don’t even think I don’t worry…that would be a lie…..that I don’t get anxious…another lie…I want to get to the point where I immediately cast my cares on Him…I haven’t reached that point yet…but, there is a point when I realize, I cannot solve the problem and only He can…then the freedom in Him is amazing…God usually doesn’t solve problems “my” way, but always so much better…


Thank YOU…


 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matt.6.25-34


I cast all my cares …


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





Thursday, February 27, 2025

In need of reassurance…

 In need of reassurance…


When wevisited Israel several years ago, we saw wine presses in various places…they aren’t that big….so reading about Gideon thrashing wheat in a  small confined  place was interesting…

First he is using the wine press for something different, hidden from the enemy, and then the Angel of the Lord visits him and calls him “a mighty warrior “…an ordinary man, the least among his family, becomes a warrior…


But before he accepts the challenge, he has some questions…and he needs some reassurances…

“If the Lord is with us, why is all this happened to us? Where are all the wonders that our fathers told us about….”


And God answers repeatedly, “I will be with you, do not be afraid,” to the  tasks that God has called him…

“His journey illustrates how God can empower individuals to rise above their circumstances and fulfill a divine purpose.”Bibledictionary.com


(My Bible notes I had written from previous reading were from five years ago…right before a second retina surgery…when the Word says “ peace,do not be afraid”…my reassurance at the time…with several weeks of recovery ahead..besides the surgery itself…and a cataract surgery ahead because of the retina surgery…I didn’t ask why, but just went forward… I didn’t feel brave, but resigned that this was the path set before me)…


Gideon, the warrior. ..did what was set before him …with God’s leading and promises..and reassuring…he overcame the enemy with amazing odds that only God can do…”I will be with you”….


He promises that to us all…”I will never leave or forsake you”…a reassurance…


 So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

For I am the Lord your Godwho takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;I will help you.

Isa.41.10,Isa.41.13


Thank YOU…


In your hands…


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


Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The names of God…

 The names of God…


This morning I received a letter from friends in Uganda…we have known them since college years…we have supported them all of their missionary years…helped with weddings, drought at their Bible college, their medical travels and issues, prayed for them, received their letters-personal and public …and this year they are retiring…where have all the years gone…so long, so quickly…


Looking at this page from my Bible on names of God and situations of the authors were going through to be shown these attributes is a history book in itself…and looking back over the lives of these missionaries and our lives…God made himself soooo real in certain seasons and times of life..even though we know God is always present and there….there are times that are pivotal at His presence and care…stories, memories of comfort, provision, peace, etc…


Thank YOU…

God will make a way…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o


Awesome God…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcfpuWKC2jY


Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Belated wishes…

 Belated wishes…


When I was going through my earlier blogs, I found this from a .Valentine’s Day several years ago..it still fills a heartfelt wish…belatedly…but we need that wish every day…love…from one another, from the God of love…in lonely times, in emotional times, all times…


Thank YOU…


“Happy Valentine's Day....

Another day of giving heartfelt hearts and joy...or another flower buying day...wearing reds or pinks....

When I worked as a florist, this day with Mother's Day were the bread and butter days for them...getting as many arrangements out the door as possible., 3000 plus roses each year in varying arrangements as well as other red or pink flowers with balloons, cards, stuffed animals ,   Etc...we had lines of people waiting ....until we ran out of flowers....and we were exhausted....hired extra delivery people, started delivering by 8 am and were on the road continuously until each arrangement was home that night..girlfriends, daughters, wives, mistresses, husbands, boyfriends, and just friends....received and sent gifts....usually in the coldest weather of the year...it was a unique and tiring experience each year....

When I think of how God expresses his love, I think of his creation for us to enjoy...His son he sent for our salvation, His hand holding mine in times of hurt, his comfort in time of need, his provision in times of want, his compassion, his written word to ponder and meditate upon, his ever present presence...all the ways in which we have needs, he is there....caring, comforting , loving...not necessarily with red valentines but Himself...or maybe someone as a messenger...all the red roses in the world aren't worth a thing next to His love....

Thank YOU for your great love, I realize that I don't understand it all, but I know it in my heart, soul and mind....

Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 28:7
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 30:12
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 32:11
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!


Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 4:9
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”


The love of God…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LapBD802O0 


Friday, February 21, 2025

How quickly “we” forget….

 How quickly “we” forget…


Reading about the Israelites as they enter the promised land…it is a sad  commentary about “teaching”…what was taught or not..to succeeding generations…

The really sad part though is that it really hasn’t changed over the generations…

Alas, we are still people just as they were…we really haven’t changed over the millennia…and God knew and knows that…and he continues to love us, leading us through our deserts, sending his Son to die for our sins…to raise again…in his grace,  forgiving us as we choose to believe…he listens to our woes, our cries for help just as He did for the Israelites…he goes before us…


Thank YOU…


 The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. 

After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.

Judg.2.7,10


 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

Judg.21.25


 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 

Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 

Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 

Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah. Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 

Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors, thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the Lord said.

Deut.6.1-2, Deut.6.4-8,Deut.6.13-19


Our God will go before us…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmEYeZB8dDI