The blood...

The blood...

While we are getting closer and closer to a highlight of the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the tune that keeps flooding my mind is, "Nothing but the blood".

Christ died that I might live...he shed his blood for me and anyone else...
He loved me before I even knew him...
He arose from the grave that I might live...
He ascended into heaven to prepare a place for believers...
He is alive...

We celebrate his death and resurrection with communion, in rememberance...

But, the shed blood...oh that blood, that life we have through it...
So as I was thinking about that, the pastor talks about the importance of blood to our bodies...
One thing....It brings in good things and takes out the waste...what a wonderful description of Christ's forgiveness...he replaces our old life with new...gives us the Holy Spirit...He transforms us, renewing us daily...

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2


Another, it fights infection...Jesus helps us fight our battles...with his Word, Himself...he helps carry the burdens...
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Psalm 68:19

I know these maybe stretches in descriptions, but it was interesting to see the functions and there are more...cells need the messages carried by the blood...etc. etc...the comparisons many...

But, we need Christ's blood in a spiritual way...as well as a physical way...I love that the Word is so descriptive...powerful...saving...it is hard to wrap my mind around it all...there is something new everyday... Thank YOU...

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:26-28


I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1:18-23









http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/why-is-blood-important-4118.html


Blood is a body fluid that delivers essential substances like nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body. Blood also transports carbon dioxide and other waste products away from the cells, to the lungs, kidneys, and digestive system; from there they are removed from the body. In addition, the blood also helps fight infection in open cuts in the body.

Our body has billions of cells that need regular supply of fuel and oxygen to function. Blood meets these requirements and ensures proper functioning of cells, thus, also making sure that our body keeps in good health. It might interest you that an average adult human body has about five liters of blood.

Blood in our bodies is pumped by the heart through a network of arteries and veins. It is interesting to note that even the heart cannot survive without blood flowing through the vessels that bring nourishment to its muscular walls.

Having said that, it is anybody’s guess, we can't live without blood. Without blood, we couldn't keep warm or cool off, we couldn't fight infections, and we couldn't get rid of our own waste products.

Blood, therefore, is a vital body fluid – lifeline of a body that performs many important functions.

Functions of Blood
• Blood performs important functions, some of which are as under:-
• Supply of oxygen to cells / tissues
• Supply of nutrients such as glucose, amino acids and fatty acids Removal of waste such as carbon dioxide, urea and lactic acid
• Making body immune by circulation of white cells, and detection of foreign material by antibodies
• Regulation of core body temperature
• Hydraulic functions
• Aiding body's self-repair mechanism by Coagulation
• Messenger functions like transportation of hormones and the signaling of tissue damage
• Regulation of body pH (the normal pH of blood - 7.35 - 7.45)
Composition of Blood

The blood that flows through a network of veins and arteries is called whole blood. Whole blood contains three types of blood cells which are as under:
• Red blood cells (also called RBCs or erythrocytes) – contain iron rich protein called hemoglobin, giving blood its characteristic red color.
• White blood cells (also called WBCs or leukocytes) – help fighting diseases.
• Platelets (also called thrombocytes) – help in blood clotting.
These blood cells are mostly manufactured in the bone marrow, especially in the bone marrow of bones that make up the spine (vertebrae), ribs, pelvis, skull, and breastbone (sternum). Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside our bones.

These cells that make up the whole blood travel through the circulatory system suspended in a yellowish fluid called plasma. Plasma is 90% water and contains nutrients, proteins, hormones, and waste products. Whole blood is a mixture of blood cells and plasma.

In addition to the cells mentioned above, the blood also contains clotting factors and other important substances, such as nutrients from the food that has been processed by the digestive system. Also, the hormones released by endocrine glands are present in the blood which carries them to the body parts that need them.

Blood Clotting – An important mechanism to heal wounds
Blood, in addition to platelets, also contains important proteins called clotting factors. These clotting factors are vital for the process of blood clotting. Although platelets alone can plug leaks in small blood vessels and even temporarily stop / slow down bleeding, the action of clotting factors is needed to produce a strong, stable clot.

Platelets work with clotting factors to form solid lumps that seal leaks, wounds, cuts, and scratches and prevent bleeding inside and on the surfaces of our bodies.

However, when large blood vessels are severed, the body may not be able to repair itself through blood clotting process alone. Dressings or stitches, in addition to body own blood clotting mechanism, are used to help control bleeding in such cases.

Read more at http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/why-is-blood-important-4118.html#DPYGgv3KBw0bORbl.99



The smallest blood vessels measure only five micrometers. To give you some perspective, a strand of human hair measures about 17 micrometers.
But if you took all the blood vessels out of an average child and laid them out in one line, the line would stretch over 60,000 miles. An adult’s would be closer to 100,000 miles long.

https://www2.palomar.edu/anthro/blood/blood_components.htm
Blood Components

Normally, 7-8% of human body weight is from blood.  In adults, this amounts to 4.5-6 quarts of blood.  This essential fluid carries out the critical functions of transporting oxygen and nutrients to our cells and getting rid of carbon dioxide, ammonia, and other waste products.  In addition, it plays a vital role in our immune system and in maintaining a relatively constant body temperature.  Blood is a highly specialized tissue composed of more than 4,000 different kinds of components.  Four of the most important ones are red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma.  All humans produce these blood components--there are no populational or regional differences.

Red Cells



Human erythrocytes or "red cells"
(cell diameter about .0003 inches)
Red cells, or erythrocytes , are relatively large microscopic cells without nuclei.  In this latter trait, they are similar to the primitive prokaryotic cells of bacteria.  Red cells normally make up 40-50% of the total blood volume.  They transport oxygen from the lungs to all of the living tissues of the body and carry away carbon dioxide.  The red cells are produced continuously in our bone marrow from stem cells at a rate of about 2-3 million cells per second.   Hemoglobin is the gas transporting protein molecule that makes up 95% of a red cell.  Each red cell has about 270,000,000 iron-rich hemoglobin molecules.  People who are anemic generally have a deficiency in red cells, and subsequently feel fatigued due to a shortage of oxygen.  The red color of blood is primarily due to oxygenated red cells.  Human fetal hemoglobin molecules differ from those produced by adults in the number of amino acid chains.  Fetal hemoglobin has three chains, while adults produce only two.  As a consequence, fetal hemoglobin molecules attract and transport relatively more oxygen to the cells of the body.

White Cells
White cells, or leukocytes , exist in variable numbers and types but make up a very small part of blood's volume--normally only about 1% in healthy people.  Leukocytes are not limited to blood.  They occur elsewhere in the body as well, most notably in the spleen, liver, and lymph glands.  Most are produced in our bone marrow from the same kind of stem cells that produce red blood cells.  Others are produced in the thymus gland, which is at the base of the neck.  Some white cells (called lymphocytes ) are the first responders for our immune system.  They seek out, identify, and bind to alien protein on bacteria, viruses, and fungi so that they can be removed.  Other white cells (called granulocytes and macrophages ) then arrive to surround and destroy the alien cells.  They also have the function of getting rid of dead or dying blood cells as well as foreign matter such as dust and asbestos.  Red cells remain viable for only about 4 months before they are removed from the blood and their components recycled in the spleen.  Individual white cells usually only last 18-36 hours before they also are removed, though some types live as much as a year.  The description of white cells presented here is a simplification.  There are actually many specialized sub-types of them that participate in different ways in our immune responses.

Platelets

erythrocyte (left), thrombocyte
(center), and leukocyte (right)
Platelets , or thrombocytes , are cell fragments without nuclei that work with blood clotting chemicals at the site of wounds.  They do this by adhering to the walls of blood vessels, thereby plugging the rupture in the vascular wall.  They also can release coagulating chemicals which cause clots to form in the blood that can plug up narrowed blood vessels.  Thirteen different blood clotting factors, in addition to platelets, need to interact for clotting to occur.  They do so in a cascading manner, one factor triggering another.  Hemophiliacs lack the ability to produce either blood factor 8 or 9.
Platelets are not equally effective in clotting blood throughout the entire day.  The body's circadian rhythm system (its internal biological clock) causes the peak of platelet activation in the morning.  This is one of the main reasons that strokes and heart attacks are more common in the morning.
Recent research has shown that platelets also help fight infections by releasing proteins that kill invading bacteria and some other microorganisms.  In addition, platelets stimulate the immune system.  Individual platelets are about 1/3 the size of red cells.  They have a lifespan of 9-10 days.  Like the red and white blood cells, platelets are produced in bone marrow from stem cells.

Plasma
Plasma is the relatively clear, yellow tinted water (92+%), sugar, fat, protein and salt solution which carries the red cells, white cells, and platelets.  Normally, 55% of our blood's volume is made up of plasma.  As the heart pumps blood to cells throughout the body, plasma brings nourishment to them and removes the waste products of metabolism.  Plasma also contains blood clotting factors, sugars, lipids, vitamins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins.  It is likely that plasma contains some of every protein produced by the body--approximately 500 have been identified in human plasma so far.
https://www.gold-traders.co.uk/gold-information/how-much-gold-is-found-in-the-human-body.asp
The human body is composed of many elements, including Gold in trace amounts.
According the technical treatise, The Elements Third Edition, written by John Emsley and published by the Clarendon Press, Oxford in 1998, the average person's body weighing 70 kilograms would contain a total mass of 0.2 milligrams of gold. The volume of this gold in purified form would be 10 nanoliters. If this refined gold were formed into a solid cube of purified gold, the measurement of each side of the cube would be 0.22 millimeters.
By comparison, the human body contains 43 kilograms of oxygen, the most abundant element in the earth, as well as the human body. Other elements found in the human body include 16 kilograms of carbon and 7 kilograms of hydrogen.
While the role of gold in the physiological processes of the human body was unknown for many years, it has recently been determined that gold plays a role in both the health and maintenance of the joints, as well as being a key element in the transmittal of electrical signals throughout the body. Of interesting note, the human body contains 1.0 gram of Silicon. This element is commonly found in the presence of gold in nature and its metabolic function is currently unknown.

Dividing...

Our family has been working on estate planning for years...both with my late husband's family, my grandparents, my parents and ourselves...each has done something different...each has made good decisions and some not so good...but, they and we made decisions based on information and laws at the time...

The importance of updating, I cannot stress enough... We started in the 1990's with guardians for our children and simple divisions...as times and laws changed as well as ages of children, we had to update later and I just updated again this past fall, twenty years later..with three updates in between...( great accountant and lawyer jobs)...

On the other hand, my parents didn't update theirs (didn't want to pay all those fees) and it was took a lot of patience, time to complete their documents after their deaths...

Reading in Joshua, with the dividing of the promised lands, I was reminded of all those documents we went through...what did these families get in the promised land?...how did those divisions line up with Jacob's blessings when he was about to die?  

So I searched for those answers...they didn't talk about lands in relation to townships and range as we do on property maps...they talked about hills, cities,  mountains, deserts, valleys, rivers as boundaries...what was the interests of the various tribes, were some fisherman, shepherds, craftsman, farmers...what kind of land did they get?  Did they get what fit their interests?  Not sure...but they got what God gave and promised...were they content?

We still ask those questions today as we do estate planning... Will this be a good to distribute?  Will our successors be happy with the decisions we made? Will they carry on? Will this help them fulfill their dreams? Etc.

Thank YOU for the resources You Have kindly blessed us with...help my children and children's children follow you...be content with the blessings you bestow... 

"Question: "Were Jacob’s prophecies about his sons fulfilled?"

Answer: Just before Jacob died, he called his twelve sons and said, “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come” (Genesis 49:1). The chapter then shares Jacob’s prophecies regarding many of his sons. A brief look at each prediction reveals that they were fulfilled.

Reuben: He was the firstborn, but he gave up his birthright by his evil actions. The birthright then moved to Joseph, who received a double portion as the oldest son of Jacob’s wife Rachel.

Simeon and Levi: These two brothers were mentioned together as being violent (Genesis 49:3–4). Their land would be divided. This did occur later, as Simeon was given only a few cities in Israel, and the Levites were the priestly tribe that received no land inheritance.

Judah: Judah was like a lion and would be a leader of the other tribes (Genesis 49:8–12). His tribe would later produce a line of kings, beginning with King David and, much later, Jesus Christ.

Zebulun: This son would later be given the land between the Mediterranean Sea and Sea of Galilee (Genesis 49:13). Zebulun will also have land that extends to the sea in the future Millennial Kingdom (Ezekiel 48:1–8, 23–27).

Issachar: Verses 14–15 state Issachar’s land would be agricultural. True to the prophecy, his tribe later inherited the rich farmland of the Valley of Jezreel in Galilee.

Dan: Verses 16–18 note Dan would become a judge in Israel. Samson, one of the greatest judges, came from this tribe. Yet many of Dan’s leaders worshiped idols (as in Judges 18) and brought God’s judgment.

Gad: Verse 19 simply notes Gad would be effective in military struggles. It is difficult to link this to any direct fulfillment due to the brevity of the prophecy. Some have seen a fulfillment of this prediction in the great number of troops who served King David from the tribe of Gad (1 Chronicles 12).

Asher: Verse 20 states Asher would enjoy good soil. Asher’s tribe later inherited the very fertile land of Carmel along the seacoast.

Naphtali: Verse 21 mentions that the other tribes would admire him. The meaning of this prophecy is unclear, though it may indicate his tribe would have an easier life than the other tribes.

Joseph: Joseph received many blessings in verses 22–26, including a double portion. His two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, each became the founder of a tribe of Israel.

Benjamin: Jacob’s youngest son would be a warrior, producing many of Israel’s military leaders, such as Ehud, Saul, and Jonathan. His tribe would be known for its warring characteristics (Judges 5:14; 20:16; 1 Chronicles 8:40).

Jacob’s blessings and predictions provide further evidence of God’s supernatural power to foretell the future of His people and to reveal it to whom He desires." Gotquestions.org

Be strong and courageous...

Be strong and courageous ....

As I was reading the beginning of Joshua, the phase, "be strong and courageous" repeatedly stood out...in fact it is repeated 4 times in the first chapter...

Here is a man in his seventies, who had been a spy for Moses along with his friend Caleb...the two men who had faith enough to want to take the land forty years earlier...the only older men who survived in the desert crossing to actually go into the promised land and be a part of the conquests of taking that land and be given an inheritance ...leaders...but relying on the deliverance help of his God...as his name implies ...."God is help"...

In Chapter one, Joshua is on the verge of going into the promised land...what he must have felt to finally be going into it...trepidation, elation, fear, "finally"... But he was forty years older , but with forty years more faith building in the God whom he followed and revered...with his beloved leader admonishing "be strong and courageous"...as Moses hands off the leadership of this nation to him...

My take away...what do I need to be strong and courageous about? What does God have for me to face with courage, resting in His strength?   Only time will tell...
But, somethings have happened and I have had to step into roles that I didn't think I was ready for...God was there ready to comfort, guide...when my mom died, when my husband died and finally when my father died...I became an orphan, a widow with a business, a matriarch of my family...lands and roles which I hadn't explored before...yet for whatever reason I had been prepared for it in the preceding 40 years...in our desert wanderings...

I am be no means a Joshua, a leader of millions, a courageous warrior, but God prepares each of us in our own way for what he has for us...even when we don't know it...He has given us helpers, advisors and a Helper in which to confide and listen...

"Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is with you wherever you go..."
Thank YOU...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.
The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”
Deuteronomy 31:7,23

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous! ”
Joshua 1:6-7,9,18

Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”
Joshua 10:25

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
1 Chronicles 22:13

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.
1 Chronicles 28:20

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.
2 Chronicles 32:7-8

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:10-17


http://biblehub.com/topical/j/joshua.htm

Seeking ....

Seeking...

Lying on my college dorm's bed, I questioned that there was a God...and if there was one, how could he let bad things happen....could I really trust Him, who did things or allowed bad events....

My roommate at the time was perplexed that I would even question God's existence, His actually being there....and to this day, I don't know if she ever had those struggles or questions....

Struggles like these must happen to every generation...some more that others...some deeper than others...for a variety of reasons...the questions of Why? How come? Why me?  Why them? Are You for real? If, then? What for? Etc...crop up in writings over the years....each person coming to their own conclusion...some feeling guilty and some feeling at peace depending on the      context of their questions ....

Job's "friends" questioned, the Israelites under Mose's leadership questioned, generation after generation has questioned....we each have the opportunity to make our decisions regarding God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit...the creation, how we fit into the picture ....some turn away, some feel guilty for even questioning, some dig deeper than others, some find that gentle peace that pervades the seeking soul...for some it is simple while others it is complex...we are each unique in our searching, in the manifestation...

for me, God is there...thank YOU...help each to find their place, their roots, their solid ground....

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.
Deuteronomy 4:29-31

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of?
Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.
Deuteronomy 4:32,39

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
1 Chronicles 16:10

“..... If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
1 Chronicles 28:9b

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

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Choices...paths....

Choices...paths ...

We were standing in the kitchen, eating cheese and crackers, when the question was asked, " how did you come to faith in Jesus?" to a CEO of a major  worldwide mission organization...

The answer was surprising to me...he hadn't been raised in a Christian home, hadn't any affiliation with Christians but at 38, he knew he was missing something in his soul...his story was like reading Jesus' temptations, only this man had said yes to each...until one day, he looked out of his pinnacle office and felt empty inside...he cancelled his appointments, drove his BMW to a market place, intent on finding a Bible, found one, took it home and started reading...called an acquaintance whom he knew had changed his life about going to church with him....heard the gospel, plain and simple and within weeks was saved... Left the worldly pinnacles behind and eventually became a missionary to far away places, sharing Jesus with tribesmen  in jungles....moving over the years back into leadership....not the penthouse office, but one which had much more worldwide view- the bringing of Jesus to faraway, obscure places...

He then spoke of being invited to Billy Graham's funeral...the honor of that invitation...sitting there listening to the testimonies of the impact of a man called by God, following that call...simply telling others of Christ and His gift of salvation...

We are each called, chosen...we may be a janitor or a king, a mother of one or a dozen, a father in the public or  obscurity...in the fifth avenue office or the jungles of South America...a blogger...a senior in a senior living home, a craftsman, a teacher...a pastor or a secretary, the patient or the doctor ....one up front or one in the back row....we have a plan or a purpose...a path chosen uniquely for us, not to be compared with another, or jealously copied...

Our question is, "are we following it?"... Do we take time to look back and see how God has worked and is working...do we complain about the path or walk faithfully in it???

Thank YOU....that You are at work in our lives moment by moment ...that you bring glory to yourself...

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:13-14

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment —to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
Ephesians 1:3-11

Springtime...

Springtime...

I was awakened by a soft spring rain, not the blustery, wind driven ones of earlier in the year....the grass, the trees, bulbs, spring flowers are lapping up and soaking in all they can get after the dry of winter...the temperature is in the 40's rather than the chilly 30's...spring may actually be coming...or just a taste of it anyway...

The winter wasn't as hard as predicted...which was total blessing for me personally...shoveling snow up over my head was tiring last year...the continual iciness was chilling all the time...I don't like to be whiny, but it got old days after day...but, I kept in good physical shape and didn't fall once!

But, there is just something about spring rains that refreshes the soul...the soft, pattering sounds...and I can just imagine the plants awakening, stretching out their roots, life oozing into the new growth, reaching through the soil toward their light and nutrients...ready to burst forth into the bright of day...growing, growing...those dandelions just waiting to be send forth another year's worth of pesky seeds or the crocus and daffodils brightening the days with their first colors...springtime...newness...freshness...thank YOU for each season and its spectacular displays of Your creativity...hope...

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul — then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.
I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.
Deuteronomy 11:13-15

When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
Proverbs 16:15

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
James 5:7

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”
Acts 14:17


http://www.coolestone.com/media/18910/How-Spring-Looks-Like-around-the-World/#.WrDv1-tOKK1

The hole...

The hole...

A friend, who is currently serving in Mozambique, sent me this story ...she was attending a local church service when this young man spoke..

"One young man spoke about a vision God gave him during the service.

In his vision God walked him through an area of burned, black trees. He asked God, 'What is this?" God said, "Go find out"

They came to a clearing that was totally burned, nothing alive in it and there was a hole in the center. He asked again "What is this?" God said, "Go find out"

So he went and looked in the hole, in the hole there was something white that looked like a bat that was blocking the hole and when he asked God "What is this?" God said, "This is your heart and this creature is resentment that is stopping My joy from flowing". He said, "What do I do?" and God said, "Remove it, cast it out and bitterness with it." He said, "Your resentment to Me, family, people, government has stopped My joy from flowing" And he said when he threw it out then water started to come up out of the hole. He asked God, “What is that?" and God told him it was His joy. He said he apologized to God and cried, but that he didn't know, and God, like He does, just comforted him and said He knew that."

Such an eloquent and heartfelt story...God working in a life to show him that illustration of stopped joy...or any other "stopped blessings" when we allow resentment, bitterness, fear, anger, etc..to cover the blessings of His presence or provision ....

Personally, I don't want those waters to stop flowing, but I stop them at times when I hold on to unconfessed sins, hidden resentment or anger... Or whatever that blocks God's joy in my life...

Thank YOU for this illustration from around the world, but speaks to life everywhere...

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:10,13-14

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
John 7:37-38

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.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23,25

Teach me your way,  Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead.
Psalm 86:11-13

Parallels....

Parallels.....

Over the years I have read through the New Testament more times than the old one...not that the old one isn't important ...no, no...it is there to learn from, to get perspective from, history, principles, songs...the whole picture of
Iife...
But as I was reading this a.m., I was again reminded how there are so many parallels between what God said in the old and new, how many times the old is spoken of in the new, how God worked in the old and the new...how God works in our lives...

As New Testament  believers, We are redeemed.....the Israelites were brought out of Egypt
We are chosen .....
We are admonished like they about whom to serve ...
So many parallels...God is the same yesterday, today and in the future ...

Jesus boils the Ten Commandments down ..."
Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
"You shall have no other gods before me.
"You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
"Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you.
"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
"You shall not murder.
"You shall not commit adultery.
"You shall not steal.
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house or land, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
These are the commandments the Lord proclaimed in a loud voice to your whole assembly there on the mountain from out of the fire, the cloud and the deep darkness; and he added nothing more. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me.
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 5:6-8, 11-12, 16-22

They faced fears just like we do...and Paul spoke to that as well...

You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out? ” But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.
Deuteronomy 7:6,17-19

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39

We are being transformed daily ....as they were learning to live in faith...daily bread both for the body as well as for the soul..

They were brought into the promised land as we are promised heaven or living at peace with God on a daily basis...they had a cloud to lead in Moses' time and we have the Holy Spirit to counsel ....But God's presence was with them all the time just like present day...

The parallels go on and on...and it is interesting and a blessing to see how God works in the past as well in my life...how he teaches, blesses....thank YOU...

Hallelujah...

Hallelujah....


http://www.coolestone.com/media/18845/Gaither-Vocal-Band---Hallelujah-Band-(Live)/#.WqUUrOtOKK1


I opened this early this morning...brought a smile to my heart...so wanted to share...Hallelujah...

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9 ....hallelujah...

After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”
And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”
The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!”
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Revelation 19:1-7

Thank YOU...

All the nations...

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20


For whatever reason, I found out that this blog goes all over the world and is read in so many places that I never realized...I don't know who is reading it or for what reason...but, I hope that it is speaking to hearts that are softened to the Word of God, hearts that are open and that through these simple blogs, people are encouraged, built up, and brought to the throne of the grace of Jesus Christ, the Love of God and the counsel of the Holy Spirit...

Everyone has a story, a path which leads through this life we are granted on earth...I am blessed to be able to write some of mine...but I also have a responsibility before God to share the Word of Life...

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
2 Timothy 1:9

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...Romans 3:23
We have all done wrong...actions, words, thoughts..Jesus was perfect and came to save us from those sins...

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord...Romans 6:23
A gift...we didn't earn it and we can't  buy it or work for it...

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

And God desires that none should perish ...
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17

And the "whoever" is all of us...the nations, the world of humanity...Jesus came to save...because God loves us...and has loved us while we were sinners...He is faithful and just..

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Each of us needs to accept this gift of salvation...I can't do it for another and someone else can't do it for me...this is a personal choice we face...

Thank YOU God for your unmeasurable gift...Jesus Christ who came as a baby, grew, ministered, was crucified, died and rose again for the world, that each might believe and live...your miracles, your provision, your love...yourself, your living Word...your Holy Spirit...

Through it all...

Through it all....

There is an old praise song, "through it all" written by Andrae Crouch, released in 1993...25 years ago...we sang it, hummed it, wandered through the words as life happened...at times, wondering if we were going to make it ...through it all...taking one day at a time...relishing the life at times and despairing as well when it seemed like the darkness was going to overtake us ...

Events, high or low, built into our  lives a deeper faith if we chose or weariness of going on...our choice...bitter or better...

Saints through ages had the same choices, enduring hardships or giving up...

There have been times, when we were knocked to the ground or lifted to the heights...just as former saints...some wrote about it that we might have hope to carry on...

Thank YOU that these words have endured through the generations...Your Word to us, encouraging in the rough times, as well as the good...You are life ...

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. 

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 1:20-22 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1-6 

“See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness —

Habakkuk 2:4 

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. 

Christ Jesus who died —more than that, who was raised to life —is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-39 

And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

Hebrews 10:38

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart...

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:5 

ANDRAE CROUCH

Through It All Lyrics

I've had many tears and sorrows,

I've had questions for tomorrow,

there's been times I didn't know right from wrong.

But in every situation,

God gave me blessed consolation,

that my trials come to only make me strong.

Chorus:

Through it all,

through it all,

I've learned to trust in Jesus,

I've learned to trust in God

Chorus2:

Through it all,

through it all,

I've learned to depend upon His Word.

Verse 2:

I've been to lots of places,

I've seen a lot of faces,

there's been times I felt so all alone.

But in my lonely hours,

yes, those precious lonely hours,

Jesus lets me know that I was His own!

Chorus

Verse 3:

I thank God for the mountains,

and I thank Him for the valleys,

I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.

For if I'd never had a problem,

I wouldn't know that he could solve them,

I'd never know what faith in God could do.

Sent from my iPad

An old friend ....

An Old friend...

Awakening suddenly, I recalled my dream about an old friend, Stormy.

I had been dreaming about Stormy, but in a context that was I was perplexed where in the world did my mind come up with such a scenario...many friends were trying to escape from something, we were hiding, waiting for the perfect time to escape...but my horse of my growing up years came, pulling a wagon in which we were to ride...we boarded, she pulled us up this  long hill and then died... What a downer...

Stormy had been raised by my dad on the ranch were he worked...I rode her from kindergarten through third grade...she was trustworthy, faithful and such a good worker and pet...
then we moved, my father taking another job in a different part of the state...Stormy stayed on at the ranch where she belonged..

On day when I was in my teens, my dad got a phone call asking if he would like to have Stormy as they were retiring her due to cataracts...he said a resounding "yes!". So he and I drove our old truck with racks on the sides to go get her...what a sight we were...Stormy had goggles on, watching over the old wooden racks as we drove the 500 hundred miles to her new home and retirement...
we rode many miles together even though she could only see out of one eye...she was still trusting, faithful and a great pet... Now she was trusting us to take care of her...but she trusted us to ride her where she wouldn't stumble...then one day, she laid down and died...is was a downer day...

And here was this dream 50 years later where she starred as our rescuer ...and still gave her life...

Where had that come from? I don't know...but it was fun to remember those days of riding with the wind, either when I was really young or a teen...special times with my dad herding cattle, having a special horse friend, riding as a teen with other friends...most gone now ...God has been good along the path He gave me...thank YOU...

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1

Instructions...

Instructions...

Reading my way again through the Old Testament, I love it when passages fit together, though written years apart...what was applicable centuries ago is just as current today...the Word spoken to the ancients is as modern as each generation...

God's Word is for all times...all people...

To be passed down by speaking, actions, teaching...
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

When our children were small, we taught as best we could...we tried to instill that love of the Word, wisdom...and then came a time when each had to choose their own ways, seek personally what paths they would take...we had to let go and let God work personally in each of their lives...we had done what we could for the children lent to us....God is such a better teacher...His wisdom surpasses all...

Thank YOU, that You love our children and their children with an infinite depth...that You teach with wisdom that surpasses all...that You have a plan and a path for each...we can release them into your loving hands(not that we really had that much control that we thought we did)... You blessedly control all things...help me to pray wisely for each as you lovingly work in their lives...


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. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Psalm 119

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown. "
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:1-27

Designers...provisions...

Designers....provision...

Reading through  Exodus 36+, I was again amazed at the plans that God had for these people to design His tabernacle...he had people already in place to design and execute his plans for this huge project...

Not only that, the Egyptians gave to the project as the Israelites left Egypt which the Israelites gave until there was a call to stop giving...the provisions were there...poles of acacia wood, gold for coverings, linen for weavings...stones for decoration...goat hair for fabric, skins, bronze, talents...all was provided before hand...for a project they didn't know they were going to do....

Looking back over the years, I can see where God has done exactly the same thing in my life, put various people in place for a specific event of project...provided the materials, the funds or ideas or all of it to be executed as He directed...it brings about a measure of trust that He will continue to do so in the future...it may look different, be for different circumstances, whatever, but the plan is still there...provided and designed ...if I will listen and be obedient to the call..

Nehemiah had it, Boaz's extra grain, the Kings' gifts to Joseph and Mary....provisions for a journey or project...each supplied at just the right time to the right people...thank YOU...

Exodus 36-38

Don't waste the abundance...the broken pieces...the crumbs...

Don't waste the abundance ....the broken pieces...the crumbs...

Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Mark 6:39-44

Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Mark 7:24-30

Reading the first passage, the collection of the broken pieces of bread and fish left from feeding the five thousand, I was struck with the thought of not even wasting the abundance...or the broken pieces...they were important...
These scraps started out as five whole loaves and two fish, fed so many, and still there were leftovers...but, then the disciples collected the broken pieces....no waste...

But, then the narrative of the Grecian woman followed in Mark shortly after...she was not part of the nation of Isreal, the chosen people...but she believed that Jesus could heal her daughter...she wanted those "crumbs or leftovers" from the "table" of Jesus' healing presence...she had the faith....how she must have praised him when she went home to find her daughter well...I imagine that someday we will see her...

Jesus came to the Jews, but he also came for the world  that all might be saved...he fed them, came to them first, they were his chosen people from Abraham on...nations were to be blessed from him...the sands of the sea, uncountable blessed...he came for the broken, the sin filled, mankind as well...His abundance is our gift...

Thank YOU for your abundance that was not wasted ....the broken is important to You...the crumbs fed the world ...and we have been blessed...


(I wonder what happened to those baskets of leftovers, one for each disciple, tribe....hummmm)

Psalm 90...

Psalm 90...

Psalm 90 has been attributed to the writings of Moses. In the chronological Bible it comes after the people have rebelled against the sightings of the promised land and listened to the 10 men who say there is no way they can take the land promised....even though Caleb and Joshua say they can...the people are crying for a new leader to take them back to Egypt where they are willing to be enslaved again...they have seen the hand of God give daily bread, water, dry the sea to cross, the building of the tabernacle...and now they want to return, not to enter the promised land...

Can you imagine getting to heaven's entrance and decide to go back to earth and all of its tribulations?...choosing another leader after having the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort, Jesus as a savior, God as a father and turning back???

I admit, daily decisions for me pose that question...whom will I follow???

Thank YOU for your Holy Word...written down for my perusal...spoken into my heart ...help me not to look back, but forward to your promised riches not getting cAught in the day to day doubts...


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. 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.
Psalm 90:14-17 NIV

 Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well! Come back, God —how long do we have to wait?— and treat your servants with kindness for a change. Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long. Make up for the bad times with some good times; we’ve seen enough evil to last a lifetime. Let your servants see what you’re best at— the ways you rule and bless your children. And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!
Psalm 90:12 - 17 MSG