Falling at the feet of Jesus…

 Falling at the feet of Jesus…

I find it interesting that in the fifth book of Mark, three distinct people fell at the feet of Jesus,

1. The man with a demon…

2. A ruler of the synagogue…

3. An ill woman..

All with different requests, but all desiring healing…different parts of the local area…different levels of the society…

Background first, Jesus had just come through a storm at sea, calmed it with a word before his frightened disciples, leaving them wondering who this is who has power over the wind and sea…

First the man with demons..

And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him.

Mark 5:2-6

Jesus healed man amongst the tombs with witnesses…

Jesus told him to go home and tell his friends what Jesus had done for him…

Jesus calls out the demon who has tormented this man, sends the demon into a herd of two thousand pigs, who then run into the ocean…taking the livelihood of the local villagers who ask him to leave, being more interested in economics than the healing…

The man goes home telling all of his healing, with people marveled at this miracle…

Second, a ruler of the synagogue….

Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 

They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 

And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 

Mark 5:22-23,38,41-42

Jesus healed the daughter with the family…having put the crowd outside…

Third, the woman who had a lengthy illness…

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

But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

Mark 5:27,33-34 

Jesus healed to woman on the way to the ruler’s home…amongst a great crowd of witnesses…

He treats all with  compassion and care, seeing to their individual needs… all believed in his healing power…whether by a word, or his presence…he didn’t show partiality between them…he spoke to each, healing, peace, faith…just as he had the storm 

And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.

Galatians 2:6 

My brothers,  show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

James 2:1

 

They each came  away, healed and amazed…

When I see God’s hand in my life, I need to remember these moments in the lives of others…drawn to the healer, the comforter, the compassionate, the Savior…and declare what He has done for me…

Thank YOU….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9jhLNDfAKQ

Moving forward….

 Moving forward…

I am reading a novel about cancer survivors and families of non-survivors…by Ruth Herne

A quote, “ she had been so angered by what she lost, that she’d forgotten to celebrate what she had.” It was a turning point of her grief journey….

This stuck in my mind. We each have those turning points or faith challenges…which way do we turn? Do we choose to live in the hurt, the past, the anger, the frustration or do we choose to move forward?

When I look back on the following blog, we had to move forward, no other choices with terminal cancer…we sought out the help we needed medically, physically as well as business advice, estate advice…there were so many decisions….we knew there was to be some pretty hefty changes. Our emotions were all over the chart…as we moved forward…but we also took time to celebrate the time we had…there were a lot of “lasts” and “firsts”….there was a time for tears and laughter …

I thought of the story of Jesus being asked why his disciples weren’t fasting…he said they could do it after he was gone…making the most of the time they had while he was with them…

Thank YOU… 

“Listening to bad news...moving forward... 

I remember the moments when two different doctors gave the diagnosis of terminal cancer for my husband.  One was the afternoon in ER after I took him to find out why he was losing his balance so much...the second was after surgery two days later. Both doctors said basically the same thing...15-18 months at the most....we were in shock....this wasn't what we wanted to hear, let alone live with....they both gave the cancer a name and of course we looked it up to find out for ourselves what this disease was...were the doctors really right?, what were we dealing with?, was there someplace we could go for "better" treatment?, what was the treatment?, ....then we continued living day to day...dealing with whatever came as best we could... 

Lawyers, doctors, accountants, friends, family, business matters....a multitude of details...we tried to make the most of our time....everything seemed to be in fast forward and intense .....every family and friend time was precious ....we did the mundane as well, trying to find a new normal which changed daily it seemed...my husband even went to a convention ....I dropped him off in the morning and picked him up in the afternoon...he enjoyed talking to friends in his industry from many,  many years of association ....(he was called an institution of that industry in the state)... 

God held us so very closely...although we couldn't "see" Him, He was there with us all the time, strengthening, encouraging, comforting, holding ...every waking moment...he was there in the people he sent, the notes and treats we received, the love we felt.... 

Thank YOU for the bad news as well as the good...thank You for holding our family closely...even when at times we may have felt You didn't ...we may never understand the "whys"... But we trust you know... 

Joshua 23:8 But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now.  

Psalm 18:16-19 He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.  

He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.  

They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.  

Psalm 139:8-10 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  “

Advice from a lake…

 Advice from a Lake…



I have a bookmark titled, “advice from a lake” from the product line “advice from…”. 

You see this line in many gift shops which has nature themes, park stores…there is advice from the otter, bear, etc…but, this particular one stuck a cord with me…

The advice is..

1. Be clear…

2. Make positive ripples…

3. Look beneath the surface…

4. Stay calm…

5. Shore up friendships…

6. Take time to reflect…

7. Be full of life…

There seemed to be a Biblical lesson with each short admonishment…

1. preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.   2 Timothy 4:2

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:25 

2. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  Acts 1:8 

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,  not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;  not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

1 Peter 5:2-3

3. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7

4. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 4:4-7

5. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11

6. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 

7. 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

      10 …I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

      John 10:10b

      38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed       down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 6:38

Thank YOU….

Chapel of the Lake, Juneau, AK

The fox and the fawn…waiting expectantly…

 The fox and the fawn…waiting expectantly…

Years ago when I was taxiing my children to school, we passed various pastures each day.  One day I spied a fox in one. Another day, a brand new wobbly fawn with its  doting mother. After that, every time I passed those particular places I would look to see if there was a repeat of those initial sightings.  Never saw them again, but to this day, when I pass I look expectantly, hoping the see that little fox or fawn’s descendants…

Those were fleeting gifts at the time…not to be repeated…

As I read in the first chapter of Acts, I think of the wonder of the disciples watching Jesus be lifted up and out of their sight on a cloud…then being told he would return…

Wouldn’t it be hard not to look up expectantly all the time, waiting to see that return? Did they ever return to the same spot, watching the clouds, waiting to see Jesus again? 

We know they waited in Jerusalem, were filled with the Holy Spirit, then proclaimed Jesus near and far, but, did they think of the day of His return? They walked through trials and travels, spreading the good news, waiting…waiting…until they too departed this earthly journey…

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 

5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 

And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? 

This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:1-11

Only the Father knows the time of Jesus’ return…but we are to be watchful…

13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Matthew 25:13 

Paul admonishes…

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Thank YOU…help me to be watching, while waiting…

The bandaid box…

 The bandaid box…



  

I just used up the last bandaid from a box of my husband’s…it was leftover from one of his “junk” drawers…out fell these stickers…

I found them in various places over the years since I cleaned out his office, office supplies and dressers.  He had them made to put on his outgoing correspondence. When we moved the last time, I had this verse painted over a seating area in our home as a surprise…

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

Matthew 7:7-8

It is one verse that really reminds me of him…as a geologist, he did a huge amount of research, collection of data, mine information, land information, rock samples, drill samples, collection of books on geology for the western states…as evidenced in the multiple four-drawer filing cabinets and various map cabinets we ended up with at his death…

He was always asking, seeking and finding mineral deposits…but he put his trust in God and sought his wisdom in more areas than just geology…

So when these stickers appeared this week, and then opening up one of my Bible programs to this “verse” for the day…I just had to say Thank YOU again…

Finding fault or good…

 Finding fault or good….

There are gratitude journals where you write down  at least 5 things per day for which you are grateful ….do this for at least 40 days to get into the habit of looking for good rather than finding fault…

I thought of that while reading in the book of Mark again….although Jesus did many marvelous things, the rulers of the day found only fault…

Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 

And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” 

And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 

The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. 

And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.”

Mark 2:6-7,16,24,3:2,6,22

Jesus was performing miracle after miracle, the people were amazed, but the leaders could see only fault ….

10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” 

And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.” 

And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”  He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

Mark 2:10-12,17,28,3:5

 I dare say that they were not filled with the fruit of the Spirit,….

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the works of the flesh…

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21…

As l venture out, do I find things only to complain about, or do I look for the finger prints of God and where He is Working …finding fault or good…

And in the world, there is plenty to gripe about, no doubt…but, what good is happening?

Can I write down at least 5 things that are good?…or am I blinded by finding fault….

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:7,9-10

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:13-18 

Thank YOU,,,help me to be a good news bearer, a sower of peace…

New?

 New?

Every time I begin a grief class, we share where we are in the process of grief..

For some it is new; others, a series of loss; or any of the variations in between…loss is loss…we wonder why, we question life, we  can question God…for some it is too overwhelming to even take a class (which is fair)….too raw or some need professional counseling…all coming from different angles and different stages of grief…

We need to be honest with our emotional health…we need to be honest with ourselves and others….and seek help accordingly….

The following was written two years out from my husband’s passing…

“You are new into this"....

"You are new Into this"....

Twice In the last week, I have been told i am new into this-widowhood...whoa...I guess when you look at 43 years of marriage and 1 1/2 years of widowhood it is "new"...

...does it ever get "old"?  Oh, there is less pain in some  ways than at the first....I don't cry at the drop of a hat...but tears are still near the surface...I am not expecting him to walk through door at any moment like I was at first...I still find that I want to call him about something while he is at the office..tell him a funny story or tidbit or just talk...

I yearn for his advice on all the paperwork that is has been left behind-that he used to do......I want to hold his hand in church like we used to do .....I want a hug when I cry...I see his mannerisms in our children and grandchildren...physical characteristics that they have inherited .....so he is still here in that way...just not the whole him....anymore...

I see the legacy that he has left behind through giving, and we celebrate that....

Each day is new ....and we move forward and live life.whatever that may be....only God knows...trust....openness to each day...it's joys and sorrows...it smiles and tears ...it emotions...it's old memories and new ones...

A quote from a book I have been reading, two widows talking, one a widow for four years to a brand new widow, during World war 2  in the Netherlands ..widows made daily in the face of the war and enemies in their land...

" I don't know what I am going to do ". Said a new widow....

"You are going to do the same thing I am",.said a older widow...

What are we going to do?

Live life!

How do we do that?

I am trying to figure that out."

           Snow on the tulips, by Liz Tolsma

Again, I come the my favorite psalm...my default mode..  Refreshment and comfort....

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3     he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

4 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.

5 You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

6 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.

And...

Psalm 119:49-50

49 Remember your word to your servant,

    for you have given me hope.

50 My comfort in my suffering is this:

    Your promise preserves my life.

Thank YOU, for your comfort, your peace, your refreshment, your holding my hand I times of sorrow and joy.....help me to live the life that you have given me...

  

 "The New Resource

Daily Devotional for January 16

From the Writings of Ray Stedman

  

From your friends at

www.RayStedman.org

Read the Scripture: John 6:16-21

A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 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 6:18-20)

Those are very wonderful words for us, because our Lord is saying these same things for our benefit. This whole incident of the storm and their precarious condition in their boat is designed to teach his disciples the resources they have in their risen Lord. This is why John follows immediately by saying, they were glad to take him into the boat. Their fear was immediately relieved when they realized it was indeed Jesus who was walking on the water, and he was in control of all events, so they willingly received him into the boat. Immediately there was further demonstration of the power of Jesus, for they were instantly on the other side of the lake, to where they were going. The three or four remaining miles of the journey was suddenly accomplished, and they found themselves at the dock in Capernaum.

I am startled by the number of Christians who do not act upon this truth, but seem to succumb to the pressures and the problems of life and react just like a non-Christian would. They grumble and complain, feeling set upon and put upon. They despair and strike out and strike back; they rely upon worldly schemes to deliver them from difficulties. What is more amazing is how many times I have experienced the joy of Jesus' presence, freeing me from the circumstances, and yet how many times I go right back and react the same way that others do in times of pressure and danger. Yet, here indeed, is the sign of the New Covenant, the new creation: Jesus with us in the very circumstances we find ourselves; triumphant, in control, Lord of all those circumstances, the new hidden resource for life which is available to believers but which the world knows nothing about.

This leaves us with really only one question: Why don't we believe this? Why are we so much like Peter, who, even in the midst of experiencing the power of God to walk above his circumstances, loses his faith and begins to sink beneath the waves? You can always tell the man or woman who does learn this secret, who does welcome the Lord into the boat of difficulty, who does hear his Word, It is I; be not afraid.

When we accept that fact we will find that it reveals itself in our very countenance. People who have discovered this have a quiet peace in their eyes even when things are going wrong. They have a confidence that everything is going to finally work its way out to what God's intended purpose was. There is not a word of complaint or grumbling. They regard the circumstances as necessary to what God wants to do in their lives—which is always for their own good, for their own ultimate happiness—and they accept them. They are a joy to be around. When you go to encourage them you find they encourage you. Do you know why? It is because they have already taken Jesus into the boat. When people do that, they discover that they have already arrived at the goal toward which the rest of us are still struggling. They are already there; they have found love and joy and peace.

That is why these accounts are here in the Scriptures—to teach us the hidden resource of life, the place to run to when things get overwhelming and we find ourselves pressured. And this is not something to be reserved only for the great trials of life. It is available for any time of pressure, or any degree of it. When we accept this on that level, we are discovering the new creation, a new resource the world knows nothing about.

Lord, may I understand afresh the inner resources by which I can remain calm and confident in the midst of trouble and danger. Help me to manifest this, Lord, as a testimony to your presence.

Life Application: As our lives are rocked by worldwide turbulence, added to life's daily stresses - where do we go to find peace of heart and soul? Does the Prince of Peace have full occupancy in our lives?

Related Message: This daily devotional was inspired by one of Ray's messages. Please read "The New Resource" or listen to Ray for more on this portion of scripture.

Devotions for January from John

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Copyright © 2014 by Ray Stedman Ministries — This daily devotion is from the book Immeasurably More: a year of devotions from the writings of Ray Stedman; compiled by Mark Mitchell. It may be copied for personal non-commercial use only in its entirety free of charge. All copies must contain this copyright notice and a hyperlink to www.RayStedman.org if the copy is posted on the Internet."

Still packing….

 Still packing…

It seems like my suitcase has become a permanent fixture in my bedroom, ready at a day’s notice to go somewhere, anywhere…it has been packed and unpacked several times in the last two years…it doesn’t have the freedom to go anywhere that it once did…more considerations, with the times we are living in right now…911 changed so much in travel, then this pandemic going on three years changed travel radically again…the freedoms of travel wherever we wanted, held dearly have been more stringently scrutinized….and add aging to the mix, ugh…another limitation…

When I wrote this blog in 2013, I had travelled to the New England states ending in Quebec City, toured New York City, visited my father in central California, and just returned from Australia/New Zealand…

I didn’t know it at the time, but within a month, my father would be joining me in my home for the last time…

He would bring all of his worldly goods with him and be gone in two months…leaving behind a legacy of story telling, family, tree farming, travels with my children….I wasn’t ready for him to pack it all in, so to speak, we had talked about traveling as well…but his “suitcases” were empty and not prepared anymore…he had traveled enough…

I have traveled many miles since then…fun-filled, amazing sights, amazing people…walked where Jesus walked, seen what ancient people or pioneers saw…observed smiles from the Jesus Film presentations or Operation Christmas Child boxes,   watched many sunrises and sunsets…walked many miles…even worn through a couple of those suitcases….God has been so good in those preparations and travel…thank YOU…

And I had just finished my first Griefshare class…one of many since then…

May 31, 2013

“Packing a suit case...

 

When I am getting ready to travel, it takes several days to pack. Not that there is that much, but I want what is needed for that particular trip, not too much, just the right amount. Not too much weight as I  have to carry it, or roll it as the case may be...( I have switched from two wheel drive to four wheel drive this year with my suitcases, though...much easier)

 

On a longer journey, I lookup the weather and adjust my clothing for that climate or the itinerary . What will it be like, what are the activities be?  It is casual , dress up?

I try to pack as many easy wash items as possible  so that I don't have to spend time at the laundry or will they do the laundry for me?

 

Preparation....a key task, in preparing for the journey...

 

What do I need in life's journey???? Who will I meet, what are the events..

In 2 Timothy 4, Paul exhorts Timothy to be prepared in season and put of season......

 

Throughout scripture the word "prepared" is used 79 times, people prepared for battle, they prepared meals, 

God prepared various things, times....each event, seems to be a thoughtful planned out time..preparing...getting ready for.....

 Again,  what do I need on life's journey ?

 

God ' s view of life

His Word

His care

His provision 

His view

His fruit

His pruning

 

Openness to His preparations for my life....not my own all the time...

 

1 Corinthians 2:9

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—

 

Now I need to go pack that suitcase for a journey...

 

Traveling through grief---

Grief causes growth like nothing else we know of. It reorders priorities and life values. It helps us appreciate the goodness of the smaller things found in each day, of children playing and nature all around .......”

 

Revisiting contentment…7 years later…

 Revisiting contentment…7 years later…

Yesterday I spent a large part of the day going through 10-12 year old business and tax records, preparing them for the shredder, emptying files upon files…seeing the meticulous records of our faithful secretary and countless documents signed by  my late husband…

The next batch of these records,  the 9 years to present show a definite change…not in amount, but, they are without my husband’s touch…they signify a new path, chapter of life…without him….the handing off of the torch to me and the next generation….

New decisions, new directions, new ideas….

We are still following the “intent”,  the legacy left behind, but differently…

This blog was written January, 2015, seven years ago…

“Answered prayer....contentment....

One of the things I have been "fighting" since my husband's death is change of roles or "new hats" I have had to put on....

I was comfortable in my old roles ....and I didn't want change or like the change...I didn't want the authority, the final decision  making responsibility to lay with me...I wanted it like it was...him being the businessman that he was, not me...I liked working on women's church issues  or time to work in the floral shop, to create, to serve in other areas...not business....not paperwork....not my forte...

But, apparently, God had other plans....but He did them so graciously .....we still had a trusted administrative assistant, lawyers, accountants and partner who knew and willingly advised and counseled about what to do and where to go...my husband and I had even added this list of advisors to our estate planning binder for our children to call upon in case something should happen to us...I am glad we talked over the qualities of each and agreed on them...as I am now using them...

I remember the day we walked into one of our lawyer's office....we sat down as usual with unusual news...we have known him for 25 + years...he had helped us with so many things, from adoption to land issues to wills to trusts, a friend....we sat there before him and told him about my husband's cancer and our deadlines of changes in paperwork, the many changes we needed to make, quickly....his face in dismay, his burden for us evident (his wife's mother had just died from exactly the same cancer).....a good advisor...

Or our administrative assistant who was going through issues of her own...a friend ....and so much more in our business...she helped immeasurably ....while she herself was losing her father to dementia ....and finally death as well...

Or the accountant, with my uneducated questions about what was right or wrong with various accounts and accounting procedures ....

Or our partner, who this past year has repeated radiation for his own cancer and received a new voice from throat cancer....his work and enthusiasm on work projects...and diligence through his cancer, his father's death....

I would call upon these wonderful advisers, friends with all sorts of questions...how to do this or that,...and they would patiently walk me through them......I realized the other day that I wasn't as rattled or anxious about the decision making as I was a year ago...I was in a better place emotionally ....time had  helped...Prayer had helped....God had intervened yet again to add contentment in this area of my life....

 But beyond me, God has been working in all of our lives, through drastic events, deaths, cancer, moves, business ups and downs, church revision, graduations, job changes ....we are all a small microcosm of the whole world in flux...

We are to give thanks in ALL things....I usually want to do that in my perceived good only ...but the Word says ALL...not part or things of my choosing, but ALL...contentment in ALL as well....

Then the peace which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus...Phil. 4:6-7

Thank YOU for answered prayer, peace, guarding my heart and mind...”

Reviewing notes ….blogs…

 Reviewing notes…blogs…

Starting a new “growth” group this month, reviewing notes, rewatching cds has set me on a “return” path…a path taken I started 12 years ago…”Griefshare”, a focused study on grief with participants familiar with loss and grief…a course designed to help   one another journey from grief to Joy, or a new normal in life, to move forward…

when I first took the class, it was after my husband had died but 3 years after my mother had died and right before my father died…intense…I took it the first time as a participant and then later as a co-leader “advancing” to leader/facilitator….each time learning  and still learning…

That is when I started blogging…it was a way to decompress, listen and also encourage…( they eventually ended in a book form, sold on Amazon)…at first, many, many blogs were on grief, then it morphed into other parts of life and observations…

But, the grief ones were special and still are…so that being said…I may be revisiting those blogs…they are just as relevant now as they were this years ago…

Thank YOU….

“Prepared for grief... 

 

One of the questions the Griefshare workbook asks is; "Pretend you are writing a letter to a friend to help him or her prepare for grief...what would you tell your friend to expect?" 

 

Prepared for grief??? How do you prepare for grief?  I looked at this question over and over...no one could have "prepared" me except whether or not I was  part of God's family....that is the basic, bottom line preparation...then I at least knew I had Someone beside me, with me, in me no matter what...but prepared? No way...no matter how many times I have watched others go through grief, given out books, held their hands, given them hugs, encouraged them...it is still an individual experience that tests us to our very inmost depth, souls and beyond.... 

 

It is good and but, sometimes overwhelming,  to go through a grief class,  but one has to be ready to start to assimilate life again after the death of a loved one...ready to move forward, ready to accept all the emotions that come tumbling out, the lost expectations, the anger, the holidays, the new normal, the "life goes on", the decisions, the torrent of tears, even the joy and laughter, the "why Lord questions", even the "thank you", or whatever comes forth from that place of grief... 

 

Like Lazarus coming forth out of the grave when Jesus called him...he was clothed in death wrappings, newly aware of life, probably treated differently, asked "what was it like?", but probably a new perspective on life around him....we, who have grieved or are grieving are newly aware of changes in our lives, are shedding our death wrappings, are working through a different level of life, are still answering "what is it like" questions and may be treated differently.....what will be our new normal....what will define us....who will we comfort, encourage...who will be our Guide.... 

 

Thank YOU that You are always there...even sometimes when we don't "feel "  it...help us to come forth, alive in You...”

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

Psalm 61:1-3

Strength…

 Strength…

I started reading through the book of Mark recently, and was just listing all the things that Jesus did as recorded in the first two chapters.

Teaching…preaching… mentoring…forgiving…traveling…praying…event after event…

Was thinking about a descriptive word to use for these multitude of activities…Jesus’ strength, fortitude, and continued coming and going…the worldly word that popped into my mind  was His “Herculean” amount of strength…I had to chuckle as I thought of this definition…we have replaced a mythical figure known for strength for the strength that only the Creator of the universe holds…

“Herculean, related to Hercules 

Definition of Hercules

: a mythical Greek hero renowned for his great strength”

How easily we replace other attributes which God alone holds with our finiteness…the eternal with the temporal….

Thank YOU for the reminder that no myths, no make believe can ever compare,  let alone replace YOU..

But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.

Psalm 59:16-17

 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, 

the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; the one who by his strength established the mountains, 

being girded with might; who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, 

the tumult of the peoples, so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. 

You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. 

You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. 

You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.

Psalm 65:5-10

“Joy Stealers”

 Joy stealers….

In the last 24 hours, I have seen or heard multiple references to “joy” stealers…

1. Living with regrets…

2. Living in the past…

3. Dwelling on the negative…

4. Pain, both physical and emotional…

5. Seeking only oneself’s  gain…

6. Weariness…

7. Anger…

8. Lack of encouragement…

9. Lack of purpose…

10. No direction….

11. No God…

12. ….fill in….

There is a weightedness of lack of joy…both physical and emotional…

My husband suffered from SAD, seasonal affective disorder. Lack of sunshine, light affected his whole being…we didn’t realize this as we lived most of our married life in sunny Nevada…when we would visit either my family or his in the rainy/dreary  times of year, he had to really work at his attitude…and then,  when we moved to western Oregon for a time of school and family, SAD, hit big time. He had to find office space with as many windows as possible, no dark rooms for him…I can remember seeing a dramatic change in his demeanor, descending into the cloud shrouded valley from the Cascades, like a black “cloud” hovering over him…that lack of  graying his moods…a joy stealer…

It is more then worth finding out if the “joy stealer “ is a physical pain or emotion one and address it…like we did with SAD…

But, finding joy in God, His Word in life-changing as well…

Anyone and more of the list above can have the same effect on our lives…a “cloud” follows, enfolds, dwells on us…sapping our strength, causing pain in our minds, hearts and souls….

One of my favorite Books in the Bible is Philippians…written when Paul was was in a “joyless “ place, a prison…he speaks of joy at least 5 times…it is worth reading over and over to see what gave him joy, how he suggested to live joy…

Or other epistles…finding joy…

Or the Psalms…

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:11

And many , many more….Thank YOU….

Random thoughts…

 Random thoughts…

First and foremost…

I want to thank everyone who has been praying for me…it is uplifting, centering, appreciated…so humbling that others take time to think and pray for me…I know we are told to bear one another’s burdens, pray for another, but it still a wonder and a gift that keeps on giving…thank you…

Second, I don’t blog to get other’s attention or for any profit or for notoriety or fame , thoughts are just put on my heart to share and maybe encourage or build up others…thank you for your comments, but mostly I hope they edify others, bring us back into the Word…

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14 ESV

O satisfy us with Your lovingkindness in the morning [now, before we grow older], That we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psalm 90:14 AMP

I think I am on the mend…

Random thoughts through this ordeal…

I told a friend, that one of my bucket list items  is to see the aurora borealis, the lights that  dance in the northern skies, in person…as I was putting lotion on all my bruises, I had to chuckle as there there all of colors of the lights on me…so maybe that is my “bucket list” answer…

Decided the a memory foam toilet seat needs to be invented ( maybe there’s one) for hip and leg injuries…

I like to read the Word everyday in the early morning hours…through this, I couldn’t sit like that and concentrate or write much…so paced and put on Christian music…so uplifting…so my devotions focused more on songs which filled my heart, soul and mind…

Was so glad to be a part of a body of believers that has livestream church services…

Blessings to you all, paise for a Father and family who cares…

Thank YOU…

The lime green ski suit…

 The lime green ski suit….

As winter has hit big time in many areas, there are more and more comics about snow, snowmen, etc…I get “Tundra” created by a former Alaskan.   He always includes a fun spin or pun in his creations…or “BC” with their antics in the snow as “cave dwellers”.

My husband enjoyed these as well…he could have posed for one or the other in his lime green ski suit…

As a family we enjoyed cross country skiing for a time…my husband and youngest son went on to downhill and snowboarding…in the Cascades and later in Nevada …liking the adrenaline rush over the quiet, calm cross country…

My husband wasn’t into buying matching or trendy  skiing clothes, he used what he had on hand, a lime green suit, button-up Pendleton wool coat, and a huge warm brown fur hat with animal tails dangling around or a big black fur Cossack-style hat, both purchased in Mongolia….he was a “statement” himself…I think my son found friends quickly at the slopes  to distance himself from this “fashion statement “….but, he had fun…

I bring up these fun memories, because we all have pictures in our minds of past experiences, we all have stories to tell, things which tickle our funny bone and bring a tear, things that make us smile or maybe bring us to our knees…family history both good and bad,  light and heavy, events that we may need to move on from and press forward, forgiving….or those that help us grow…none are wasted…they may have built character, faith, relationships…life…

In the Word, we read of families, people and event all the way through…How God worked, how the people responded…examples of good and bad, encouraging words, building Words, admonishments, Transforming Words and situations…His Love, His judgment…His invitation…

Thank YOU….

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17

But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.

Psalm 102:12

He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.

Psalm 111:4

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.

Psalm 143:5 

And they remembered his words,

Luke 24:8

Consider…

 Consider…

These last couple of weeks, have not been so great physically…as I was exiting my local place of swimming and exercise, I slipped and fell on the ice. Two young men helped me to my car and I drove home in pain…not a good start for the day, but thankful they were so helpful…thus begins a small saga of life…most of us get to go through these times….mine is not finished yet…can’t sit well, or stand or walk much, spasms through back and leg that keep me from concentrating/sleeping … trips to ER, doctors for some relief, medications that may or may not numb the pain…

( my dog “considers” all this differently, the heating pads are great to curl up on, he doesn’t have to stay alone, etc)

You may know the story, different set of circumstances… events that take away our focus, add some anxiety, change our direction…

There is a 8 letter word that came to me this morning, “consider”…

When you are laid up, there is lots of considering….how to get out of bed with the least amount of pain, which meds to take, “why am I such a wimp?”, “help me not complain”, “what day is this?”, “how much longer!?”….

But, consider….it appears 89 times in the Word in the ESV version…

Definition of consider-

: to think about carefully

: to think of especially with regard to taking some action

: to take into account

: to regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way

: to gaze on steadily or reflectively

: to come to judge or classify

: REGARD

: REFLECT, DELIBERATE

A few “considers”…. 

Consider what God has done in the past…

And consider today (since I am not speaking to your children who have not known or seen it), consider the discipline of the Lord your God, his greatness, his mighty hand and his outstretched arm, his signs and his deeds that he did in Egypt to Pharaoh the king of Egypt and to all his land, and what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses and to their chariots, how he made the water of the Red Sea flow over them as they pursued after you, and how the Lord has destroyed them to this day, and what he did to you in the wilderness, until you came to this place,

Deuteronomy 11:2-5

Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.

Deuteronomy 32:7

“For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers have searched out.

Job 8:8 

I consider the days of old, the years long ago.

Psalm 77:5 

Consider how God has done for you personally…His love…

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24 

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

Psalm 107:43 

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Isaiah 41:17-20 

24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Luke 12:24,27

Consider your plans…teaching…

Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you.”

1 Kings 20:22

Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction.

Proverbs 24:32

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:16 

Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 

Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways.

Haggai 1:5,7 

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Consider others…

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;

Psalm 41:1 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Hebrews 10:24 

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

James 5:11  

A few “considers”… makes one want to contemplate a bit more…

THANK YOU….

Three Josephs in the Bible….

Three Josephs in the Bible…

Just thought it was fun to compare the three main Josephs in the Word…one in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament…they each have positive character qualities…lessons to learn from each, faithfulness, care,..

Meaning

Increaser, May He Add

Thank YOU….

Joseph, the son of Jacob, Old Testament 

1. First born of Rachel

2. Shepherd

3. Dreamer

4. Disrespected by brothers

5. Sold into slavery 

6. Trusted servant

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord  caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.

Genesis 39:2-4

7. Handsome in form and appearance

8. Falsely accused

9. Sent to prison 

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord  caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.

Genesis 39:2-4

10. Gained respect and honor from a a pharaoh 

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”

Genesis 41:39-44

11. Reunited with family

12. Saved and took care of his family

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: load your beasts and go back to the land of Canaan, and take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat the fat of the land.’ And you, Joseph, are commanded to say, ‘Do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. Have no concern for your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’”

Genesis 45:17-20

13. Forgiving

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Genesis 50:19-21

14. Saw good in the bad things

Joseph, the son of Jacob, New Testament 

1. A just man.

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:19-21 

2. Listened and obeyed God

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:24-25

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matthew 2:13-15 

3. Cared for, guarded his family and Jesus 

4. Carpenter 

Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?

Matthew 13:55

Joseph of Arimathea.., who was rich, who was a disciple of Jesus…

1. A disciple

2. Cared for Jesus after his death.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

Matthew 27:57-61