A check off list for taxes prep....
A check off list for travel....
A bucket of food rations for emergencies....
A box of stuff stashed in the back of a car/truck, flares, chains, water, rags, food....
Spare tire...
Duct tape...
A credit card...
Batteries...
Snow chains ...
Goals and objectives...plans...
Diaper bag...
All these items have a commonality....Preparedness.....
I thought of them as I watched my police officer son undo his vest with all of its tools and gear, which weighs about 25 pounds....he is prepared for a lot of events...some good and some not so good...
We have a choice each day to prepare...putting on the full armor of God...prayer prep...attitude adjustments...smiles...rest...worries and plans...daily schedules, etc...
For me, I awaken early...saying hello to the day and God...thanking Him for the new day...think about prayer requests I know about...lay those out...Bible reading...blog or not...
Preparing as much as I can for the day ahead...many times there are changes, but preparedness helped...attitude preparedness helped...thank YOU...that You light my path, preparing the day for me...
"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. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
Ephesians 6:10-18
Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
2 Timothy 2:21
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Friday, December 28, 2018
50 years...December 28, 2018...
50 years ago....December 28...
50 years ago today, I was getting married...nervous, sooo mature, ready to be a bride, ready to be a wife...naive...
Looking back, I wouldn't have traded it for anything...we had 43 great years until that dreaded 6 letter word entered our lives with vengeance to change our expectations, our "timing", our "plans"...our life's chapters had a different ending, but still by God's grace...it is still happily ever after...
And, Today I finished reading through the Bible again...there are "hallelujahs and hallelujahs", "it is done" repeated over again...a glorious ending to a glorious beginning for millions whose name is found in the Book of Life...a glorious feast...eternity...
Every time I read the Word, I find something new, a bottomless, endless treasure trove ...
Our marriage was rarely predictable...oh, we had the day in day out habits, but we were still learning about one another, our children, our grandchildren...life...God...everyday was precious and still is...a treasure as well...our family was blessed with long marriages...my grandparents, parents-in-law, my parents all passed the 50 year mark plus several more...what a heritage...
thank YOU for Your Word, Yourself, the gift of marriage...the celebrations we had, those to come...
"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. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children."
Revelation 19:6-9,21:6-7
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
Ephesians 5:21-33
50 years ago today, I was getting married...nervous, sooo mature, ready to be a bride, ready to be a wife...naive...
Looking back, I wouldn't have traded it for anything...we had 43 great years until that dreaded 6 letter word entered our lives with vengeance to change our expectations, our "timing", our "plans"...our life's chapters had a different ending, but still by God's grace...it is still happily ever after...
And, Today I finished reading through the Bible again...there are "hallelujahs and hallelujahs", "it is done" repeated over again...a glorious ending to a glorious beginning for millions whose name is found in the Book of Life...a glorious feast...eternity...
Every time I read the Word, I find something new, a bottomless, endless treasure trove ...
Our marriage was rarely predictable...oh, we had the day in day out habits, but we were still learning about one another, our children, our grandchildren...life...God...everyday was precious and still is...a treasure as well...our family was blessed with long marriages...my grandparents, parents-in-law, my parents all passed the 50 year mark plus several more...what a heritage...
thank YOU for Your Word, Yourself, the gift of marriage...the celebrations we had, those to come...
"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. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children."
Revelation 19:6-9,21:6-7
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
Ephesians 5:21-33
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Those tiny hands...
There is currently an advertisement (not sure what it is for) with a new mother holding her newborn baby on her chest...
The baby's eyes are looking intently toward the mother and its tiny hand is resting on her neck...
When I see this advertisement, I am so reminded of my own children or grandchildren as newborns, entering the world of light and darkness, sound, color, small focusing eyes taking in a new world after living in the womb forming into the individuals they have become...
How God the Father must have watched over his son in Mary's womb with delight...he knew the process...he did the miracle of cells each turning into an organ, fingernail, brain, bone...etc...but, this baby was so very special...the Messiah, the Prince of peace, Wonderful Counselor to name a few...
Those tiny hands which curled around a finger would heal a blind man, the leper, feed thousands, touch the unclean, calm the sea, hold children....and finally be nailed to a cross...still responding to the needs of others...
Those tiny hands, so small, so innocent, so dependent, so soft, so reaching for the world...became hands of purpose, healing, caring, loving...thank YOU
that You reached those hands to the world, for me...as You reached for your mother, the shepherds, the wisemen...to all who come to you...
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:1-20
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Psalm 145:16
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.
Matthew 8:3
After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
John 20:20,27
Friday, December 21, 2018
Walking in a winter wonderland....
Walking In A winter wonderland....
As I look out my window, to a layer on new snow on the trees which yesterday were bare, temperature a cozy 28 degrees, adding inches of snow on top of the 18-24 inches of accumulated snow....I am thankful for a warm house, family around, friends, blessings I can't begin to count...but are so abundant...
I am again reading 2 Timothy, Paul's last letter....an encouraging letter to keep the faith...
I kept finding myself thinking of how I could add my families names into the script...not all but some...we haven't known the persecution or hardships that they endured...but we each needed those last encouraging words from a "parent" to their "heirs"...
The years are closing in, generations moving forward...advise/counsel given ...each has their gifts that God has so graciously given...talents, vocations evident/chosen ...grandchildren growing/maturing, sowing and reaping...
Reflections of the past and plans for the future...a variety of choices and roads to travel both literally and figuratively....
But through it all, God remains the same, His word is eternal, His Love constant ....thank YOU....
2 Timothy....
As I look out my window, to a layer on new snow on the trees which yesterday were bare, temperature a cozy 28 degrees, adding inches of snow on top of the 18-24 inches of accumulated snow....I am thankful for a warm house, family around, friends, blessings I can't begin to count...but are so abundant...
I am again reading 2 Timothy, Paul's last letter....an encouraging letter to keep the faith...
I kept finding myself thinking of how I could add my families names into the script...not all but some...we haven't known the persecution or hardships that they endured...but we each needed those last encouraging words from a "parent" to their "heirs"...
The years are closing in, generations moving forward...advise/counsel given ...each has their gifts that God has so graciously given...talents, vocations evident/chosen ...grandchildren growing/maturing, sowing and reaping...
Reflections of the past and plans for the future...a variety of choices and roads to travel both literally and figuratively....
But through it all, God remains the same, His word is eternal, His Love constant ....thank YOU....
2 Timothy....
Monday, December 17, 2018
Super imposed...Creator/Kingahip in a manger...
Super imposed....
Christmas is almost here...the time of the celebration of the Christ child's birth...
The whole Bible pictures Jesus...in various roles, times, His infiniteness, His humbleness, His names...
I was imagining those as I read...
Just pictures played out one on top of another...if I were an artist, how I would begin to create a tableau of impressions....I have seen an artist who uses smoke to create art work, layers upon layers...
First there would be an empty canvas,
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Genesis 1:1-2
Then an open book...
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
A garden...a people....
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Genesis 2:8,15
A love...
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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:16-18
A tiny baby in a manger...
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:7,16
A servant...
so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:4-5,12-17
A man walking on water...
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
John 6:19-20
A teacher...
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Luke 5:3
A cross...
When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:35,37,50-54
A mighty warrior ....
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS
Revelation 19:11-16
A throne...
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
Revelation 20:11
As I picture these pictures one after another, I hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" ( which is as close to heaven singing that I can earthly imagine) with a full orchestra filling the air with its triumphant praise...
I can add picture upon picture, as John says in John 21:25...filling the world with books...
We all have in our minds impressions of Jesus...how He works in our lives and those around us...from that void to the manger to the mighty King and all inbetween...each filling our souls...if we believe...thank YOU...for the celebration of Christmas... Creator/Kingship in a manger...
Christmas is almost here...the time of the celebration of the Christ child's birth...
The whole Bible pictures Jesus...in various roles, times, His infiniteness, His humbleness, His names...
I was imagining those as I read...
Just pictures played out one on top of another...if I were an artist, how I would begin to create a tableau of impressions....I have seen an artist who uses smoke to create art work, layers upon layers...
First there would be an empty canvas,
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Genesis 1:1-2
Then an open book...
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5
A garden...a people....
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Genesis 2:8,15
A love...
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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:16-18
A tiny baby in a manger...
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:7,16
A servant...
so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13:4-5,12-17
A man walking on water...
When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
John 6:19-20
A teacher...
He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
Luke 5:3
A cross...
When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
Matthew 27:35,37,50-54
A mighty warrior ....
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS
Revelation 19:11-16
A throne...
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
Revelation 20:11
As I picture these pictures one after another, I hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" ( which is as close to heaven singing that I can earthly imagine) with a full orchestra filling the air with its triumphant praise...
I can add picture upon picture, as John says in John 21:25...filling the world with books...
We all have in our minds impressions of Jesus...how He works in our lives and those around us...from that void to the manger to the mighty King and all inbetween...each filling our souls...if we believe...thank YOU...for the celebration of Christmas... Creator/Kingship in a manger...
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Serving Mac and cheese...
Serving Mac and cheese...
Yesterday I had the fun opportunity of serving a Christmas dinner to about 250 people. My job was scooping Mac and cheese on styrofoam plates with the ham, green beans, salad, cranberry sauce, butter and a roll... dessert was served separately ...this was a meal was given out along with food boxes, clothing, toys, a visit with Mr and Mrs Santa Claus, and a gospel message and as well as info about the services of a local valley mission...the expectation was 1500 people during the several meal seatings....
There were children of all ages, parents, grandparents, singles, families, many ethnic groups, all shapes and sizes....all getting a taste of service on both sides of the tables...
It was cold outside, barely topping freezing...cloudy and a bit breezy ..
This was such a small portion of what this organization does...they serve thousands of meals weekly to a huge variety of people... One of the local grocery stores sponsored this meal...blessings to many...
I was reminded that our family has been so blessed with material as well as spiritual blessings...we have the opportunity to give, to serve, to respond, to so many around us...out of humility and love...not showing paritiality, but genuine love...smiles...
Reading in Titus this am,
"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives."
Titus 3:14
I was reminded not to live unproductively...do what is good, serve when I can...even scoops of Mac and cheese on styrofoam plates... Seeing Jesus in those faces...thank YOU ....
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
Ephesians 6:7
A short video about service...
http://mvotd.com/mobile/watch.php?vid=407ec792b
Yesterday I had the fun opportunity of serving a Christmas dinner to about 250 people. My job was scooping Mac and cheese on styrofoam plates with the ham, green beans, salad, cranberry sauce, butter and a roll... dessert was served separately ...this was a meal was given out along with food boxes, clothing, toys, a visit with Mr and Mrs Santa Claus, and a gospel message and as well as info about the services of a local valley mission...the expectation was 1500 people during the several meal seatings....
There were children of all ages, parents, grandparents, singles, families, many ethnic groups, all shapes and sizes....all getting a taste of service on both sides of the tables...
It was cold outside, barely topping freezing...cloudy and a bit breezy ..
This was such a small portion of what this organization does...they serve thousands of meals weekly to a huge variety of people... One of the local grocery stores sponsored this meal...blessings to many...
I was reminded that our family has been so blessed with material as well as spiritual blessings...we have the opportunity to give, to serve, to respond, to so many around us...out of humility and love...not showing paritiality, but genuine love...smiles...
Reading in Titus this am,
"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives."
Titus 3:14
I was reminded not to live unproductively...do what is good, serve when I can...even scoops of Mac and cheese on styrofoam plates... Seeing Jesus in those faces...thank YOU ....
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
Ephesians 6:7
A short video about service...
http://mvotd.com/mobile/watch.php?vid=407ec792b
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Trees....
Trees....
Okay, we have brought the trees inside now for this season...either fake or real, big or small...various kinds to decorate.
My first recollection of a "Christmas" tree was a manzanita with its coin like leaves and beautiful curvy red limbs...that is what was available where I lived...so pretty with bubbly lights and ribbon candy, real glass ornaments...
Later, we had spindly redwood trees with lots of room between the limbs for decorations ....
My husband family later rented out their foothill land for Christmas tree plantations. But, those trees were just too perfect and didn't have the "character" of the earlier ones...
Anyway, memories of trees...I was honking if that as I look out now and see the barren deciduous trees nearby, void of leaves this time of year...some with their limbs reaching skyward....others, like the giant weeping will drooping toward the ground...so many kinds...in our world..so many uses around the world...from ones used to make boats, masts, arrows, carvings of wood, to simple fuel to warm us, fruits to feed us, or simply enjoy their beauty...
There are some which droop their limbs as they grow thirsty, lifting their limbs as refreshing water is provided...these same ones lose their needles if cut before fall rains fill their cells...the commercial Christmas trees...
I was thinking of these as pictures of people, we droop when not watered by the life giving water of the Word...we lift our praise when we are filled ...ever needing that refreshment...from the True Water...
Thank YOU that we can come to You for refreshment, filling, lifting our hearts in praise...
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
Psalm 104:13,16
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
This story came to mind...
Story of the Three Trees
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up.
The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: “I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I’ll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!”
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way to the ocean. “I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I’ll be the strongest ship in the world!”
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. “I don’t want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they’ll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.”
Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain.
The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, “This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell.
“Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest. I shall hold wonderful treasure!” the first tree said.
The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree is strong. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell.
“Now I shall sail mighty waters!” thought the second tree. “I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!”
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven.
But the woodcutter never even looked up. “Any kind of tree will do for me,” he muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter’s shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feedbox for animals.
The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, nor with treasure. She was coated with sawdust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead, the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail on an ocean, or even a river; instead, she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard.
“What happened?” the once tall tree wondered. “All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God...”
Many, many days and night passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams.
But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox.
“I wish I could make a cradle for him,” her husband whispered.
The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy wood. “This manger is beautiful,” she said.
And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake.
Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through with the wind and the rain.
The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, “Peace.” The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun.
And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man’s hands to her.
She felt ugly and harsh and cruel.
But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth tremble with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God’s love had changed everything.
It had made the third tree strong.
And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God.
That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn’t get what you want, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
Source unknown
Okay, we have brought the trees inside now for this season...either fake or real, big or small...various kinds to decorate.
My first recollection of a "Christmas" tree was a manzanita with its coin like leaves and beautiful curvy red limbs...that is what was available where I lived...so pretty with bubbly lights and ribbon candy, real glass ornaments...
Later, we had spindly redwood trees with lots of room between the limbs for decorations ....
My husband family later rented out their foothill land for Christmas tree plantations. But, those trees were just too perfect and didn't have the "character" of the earlier ones...
Anyway, memories of trees...I was honking if that as I look out now and see the barren deciduous trees nearby, void of leaves this time of year...some with their limbs reaching skyward....others, like the giant weeping will drooping toward the ground...so many kinds...in our world..so many uses around the world...from ones used to make boats, masts, arrows, carvings of wood, to simple fuel to warm us, fruits to feed us, or simply enjoy their beauty...
There are some which droop their limbs as they grow thirsty, lifting their limbs as refreshing water is provided...these same ones lose their needles if cut before fall rains fill their cells...the commercial Christmas trees...
I was thinking of these as pictures of people, we droop when not watered by the life giving water of the Word...we lift our praise when we are filled ...ever needing that refreshment...from the True Water...
Thank YOU that we can come to You for refreshment, filling, lifting our hearts in praise...
He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.
Psalm 104:13,16
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
This story came to mind...
Story of the Three Trees
Once upon a mountain top, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up.
The first little tree looked up at the stars and said: “I want to hold treasure. I want to be covered with gold and filled with precious stones. I’ll be the most beautiful treasure chest in the world!”
The second little tree looked out at the small stream trickling by on its way to the ocean. “I want to be traveling mighty waters and carrying powerful kings. I’ll be the strongest ship in the world!”
The third little tree looked down into the valley below where busy men and women worked in a busy town. “I don’t want to leave the mountain top at all. I want to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me, they’ll raise their eyes to heaven and think of God. I will be the tallest tree in the world.”
Years passed. The rain came, the sun shone, and the little trees grew tall. One day three woodcutters climbed the mountain.
The first woodcutter looked at the first tree and said, “This tree is beautiful. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe, the first tree fell.
“Now I shall be made into a beautiful chest. I shall hold wonderful treasure!” the first tree said.
The second woodcutter looked at the second tree and said, “This tree is strong. It is perfect for me.” With a swoop of his shining axe, the second tree fell.
“Now I shall sail mighty waters!” thought the second tree. “I shall be a strong ship for mighty kings!”
The third tree felt her heart sink when the last woodcutter looked her way. She stood straight and tall and pointed bravely to heaven.
But the woodcutter never even looked up. “Any kind of tree will do for me,” he muttered. With a swoop of his shining axe, the third tree fell.
The first tree rejoiced when the woodcutter brought her to a carpenter’s shop. But the carpenter fashioned the tree into a feedbox for animals.
The once beautiful tree was not covered with gold, nor with treasure. She was coated with sawdust and filled with hay for hungry farm animals.
The second tree smiled when the woodcutter took her to a shipyard, but no mighty sailing ship was made that day. Instead, the once strong tree was hammered and sawed into a simple fishing boat. She was too small and too weak to sail on an ocean, or even a river; instead, she was taken to a little lake.
The third tree was confused when the woodcutter cut her into strong beams and left her in a lumberyard.
“What happened?” the once tall tree wondered. “All I ever wanted was to stay on the mountain top and point to God...”
Many, many days and night passed. The three trees nearly forgot their dreams.
But one night, golden starlight poured over the first tree as a young woman placed her newborn baby in the feedbox.
“I wish I could make a cradle for him,” her husband whispered.
The mother squeezed his hand and smiled as the starlight shone on the smooth and the sturdy wood. “This manger is beautiful,” she said.
And suddenly the first tree knew he was holding the greatest treasure in the world.
One evening a tired traveler and his friends crowded into the old fishing boat. The traveler fell asleep as the second tree quietly sailed out into the lake.
Soon a thundering and thrashing storm arose. The little tree shuddered. She knew she did not have the strength to carry so many passengers safely through with the wind and the rain.
The tired man awakened. He stood up, stretched out his hand, and said, “Peace.” The storm stopped as quickly as it had begun.
And suddenly the second tree knew he was carrying the king of heaven and earth.
One Friday morning, the third tree was startled when her beams were yanked from the forgotten woodpile. She flinched as she was carried through an angry jeering crowd. She shuddered when soldiers nailed a man’s hands to her.
She felt ugly and harsh and cruel.
But on Sunday morning, when the sun rose and the earth tremble with joy beneath her, the third tree knew that God’s love had changed everything.
It had made the third tree strong.
And every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God.
That was better than being the tallest tree in the world.
The next time you feel down because you didn’t get what you want, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
Source unknown
Saturday, December 8, 2018
How long?...
How long?....
The pastor paced back and forth, back and forth, calling out loud, "why, how come, how long....this pain is too deep to bear..." For all the congregation to see...
We sat rooted to our pews watching this man go through the same anguish we all bear from time to time...he was reacting in the same way, not the model of decorum we "expect"....during hard times...
Thus was my dream, it was so vivid.....sometimes our expectations of others restrain them from acting "normal"... They can't break down because of their station, or profession...they can't exude too much joy, pain, or laughter, grief because we need them to be strong through it all, ....after all, they are to be the example...the perfect mom, Christian, dad, parent, merchant, servant...the perfect everything...Christ is the only "perfect" and he wept, confronted, sweat blood in anguish, forgave...
Reading through one of the "minor" prophets, Habakkuk, he asked those hard questions and God, in turn, answers...
"How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted."
And again he asks...
Habakkuk 1:2-4
"Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord , have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler. The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad. Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food. Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?"
Habakkuk 1:12-17
Hard questions...David, in the Psalms, asks as well...
We do, as well... Pacing back and forth either in our minds or physically...the whys, the how come...the pain, the griefs pouring out for others, for ourselves, for our nation, our world...
Until we are calmed as Habakkuk was in final verses of his book...
"I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
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 3:16-19
The Lord is our strength in times of trouble...we may pace and question, but we come back to this bottom line...thank YOU...that Your strength lifts us up to the heights...
The pastor paced back and forth, back and forth, calling out loud, "why, how come, how long....this pain is too deep to bear..." For all the congregation to see...
We sat rooted to our pews watching this man go through the same anguish we all bear from time to time...he was reacting in the same way, not the model of decorum we "expect"....during hard times...
Thus was my dream, it was so vivid.....sometimes our expectations of others restrain them from acting "normal"... They can't break down because of their station, or profession...they can't exude too much joy, pain, or laughter, grief because we need them to be strong through it all, ....after all, they are to be the example...the perfect mom, Christian, dad, parent, merchant, servant...the perfect everything...Christ is the only "perfect" and he wept, confronted, sweat blood in anguish, forgave...
Reading through one of the "minor" prophets, Habakkuk, he asked those hard questions and God, in turn, answers...
"How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted."
And again he asks...
Habakkuk 1:2-4
"Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord , have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler. The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad. Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food. Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?"
Habakkuk 1:12-17
Hard questions...David, in the Psalms, asks as well...
We do, as well... Pacing back and forth either in our minds or physically...the whys, the how come...the pain, the griefs pouring out for others, for ourselves, for our nation, our world...
Until we are calmed as Habakkuk was in final verses of his book...
"I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
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 3:16-19
The Lord is our strength in times of trouble...we may pace and question, but we come back to this bottom line...thank YOU...that Your strength lifts us up to the heights...
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Lights...
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
Lights...
I took one of my grandsons to our local light parade the other night. Thousands of lights covered trucks, boats, motor homes, cars, horses, people with added tossed candy and music...what a "bright" time!
Then Last night I watched one portion of "the great light fight", contestants vying for the greatest light displays...so very beautiful and so much dedication to their craft...
This time of year, December, lights are displayed everywhere...they shine in the darkest of nights...the lights in the skies in the north are busy as well, crackling, dancing...
Such a reminder of Christ, the true light, whose birthday we celebrate this month...amid the gifts, the Santas, the giving, the ice and snow...help us not to lose sight of His free gift of salvation to all the world...He is the Light... Who can light the heavens without a single manmade electrical bulb...
Thank YOU for the reminder in the lights...that You are the real light...
You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 22:29
Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent
Psalm 104:1-2
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Isaiah 60:19-20
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
Ephesians 5:8-9
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Revelation 21:23
John 8:12
Lights...
I took one of my grandsons to our local light parade the other night. Thousands of lights covered trucks, boats, motor homes, cars, horses, people with added tossed candy and music...what a "bright" time!
Then Last night I watched one portion of "the great light fight", contestants vying for the greatest light displays...so very beautiful and so much dedication to their craft...
This time of year, December, lights are displayed everywhere...they shine in the darkest of nights...the lights in the skies in the north are busy as well, crackling, dancing...
Such a reminder of Christ, the true light, whose birthday we celebrate this month...amid the gifts, the Santas, the giving, the ice and snow...help us not to lose sight of His free gift of salvation to all the world...He is the Light... Who can light the heavens without a single manmade electrical bulb...
Thank YOU for the reminder in the lights...that You are the real light...
You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 22:29
Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent
Psalm 104:1-2
The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.
Isaiah 60:19-20
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
Ephesians 5:8-9
The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Revelation 21:23
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