New beginnings…

 New beginnings….

After being away from home for a couple of weeks, I came home to find daffodils in bloom,  trees and other flowers ready to burst, weeds prospering…the winter had slipped away and spring had begun…

Every year I love to watch the transformation, new beginnings…after a time of unseen preparation ….

I thought of this as I read Mark 7 and 8…two people that were healed…

Others had such faith to bring to Jesus a man who was  deaf and could hardly talk in one scene and a man  who was blind in another…maybe they were testing Jesus, maybe they desired real healing for their friends…but, there were new beginnings for the two that were healed…amazement for those who watched…maybe real belief in this Jesus…which meant new beginnings, as well…

As I grow older and my eyes change sight and my ears hear less, I long for those days when I saw well and heard everything…but, these two went the opposite…they could hear and speak clearly, see clearly with a touch from the  Master’s hand….they hadn’t experienced this before…such new and wonderous events….all so new…they could communicate, see…a new world opened up for them….like the buds on the branches or flowers ready to bloom…those around them watched in wonder….seeking Jesus…the light after winters in their lives…

Thank YOU for new beginnings….

Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 

There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. 

After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. 

Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!” ). 

At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. 

But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” 

They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 

He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 

He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. 

Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Mark 7:31-37,8:22-25 

Washy, washy…

 Washy, washy….

The ship from which I just returned had hand washing stations at the entrance of the main dining room…crewmen stood near the entrance reminding passengers to “washy, washy” our hands with soap and water, followed by hand sanitizer before entering the dining and food area…

As I was reading this portion in the book of Mark, I was reminded of the scene I had just come from…we were compelled to wash before gathering our food and eating…(a lab person we had met previously warned more of common flu bug, norovirus)…and the ship wants us all to have a pleasant time without becoming sick, so washing hands is a simple deterrent…there were hand sanitizer stations throughout the ship as well…

The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed.

(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles. ) 

So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 

He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 

7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ 

8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” 

And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!

Mark 7:1-9 

Paul wrote about washing through the Word…

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.

Ephesians 5:25-27

 Using then Word as our “washing” is such a great picture of true washing…we want the purification/cleansing that comes with a clean heart…not just outward cleaning of hands against a flu bug…the peace, a pure heart, a steadfast heart, the transformation…the salvation…thank YOU for your cleansing….

Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 

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

Psalm 51:2-3,7,10

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

1 John 1:9 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:19-22

Orange blossoms and sunshine…

 Orange blossoms and sunshine …

We drove from Naples on the west coast of Florida up the center of Florida to Kissimmee near Orlando, through the thousands of acres of solar panels, cattle grazing, orange orchards, farm worker villages, warehouses of fruits and vegetables . Tiny towns with no traffic congestion to large cities with stop and go traffic.

Finally stopping at an orchard side-road, I got out to stretch and got some close-up pictures.The fragrance of orange blossoms filled the air, nothing quite like it…

The fun thing about orange trees is that they are blooming and producing at the same time. There are blossoms and fresh fruit on the trees. So the fragrance is of the blossoms and ripe oranges.

My great grandparents planted oranges in Ontario, California, and lived among the orchards…my father recounted that during his childhood, he and his brothers would toss bad oranges at passing cars, much to the consternation of the drivers, his parents and grandparents…

Later, as a child, my family lived in central California, driving through miles of citrus orchards to get to anywhere…an orange was always  a part of the Christmas stocking gifting as well as a box of oranges fresh from the nearby packing house…Meyer Lemons were/are the best for lemon meringue pies, fresh grapefruit split in half with a dusting of sugar was a treat for breakfast time….Mandarin oranges the pick for lunches in the winter… or finding the many “kisses” in the navel oranges for kisses from grandma or mom…

Fragrance….while orange orchards aren’t mentioned in the Bible (they came later)…fragrance, aroma…

The Old Testament speaks of making a pleasing aroma for the Lord…over and over…then in 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks of Christians as an aroma, fragrance…wouldn’t it be nice to be known by the fragrance we give as Christ’s…

That our fruit would be a blessing to Him and those around us…

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. 

Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:30

From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

Proverbs 18:20

20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Matthew 7:20

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 

8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

John 15:5,8

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:22-26

Thank YOU…

Interesting articles…we saw orchard after orchard of citrus in Israel, mixed among the olive orchards..

https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/food/articles/rise-and-fall-of-israels-oranges

https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/citrus-fruits

Old shell…

The old shell…

We were trolling one of the beaches on Sanibel Island, when my friend came upon this shell, offered to give it to me…my mind said, “no”, but my heart said yes…

Covered with old barnacles, aged…a lesson was speaking to me…

I tend to get a bit grouchy/complainy when tired…so my attitude was a bit off from flying, lack of sleep, high heat…even in this beautiful place…

I looked at this shell…saw the barnacles, the roughness, the age…oh, that’s me…I need to throw off the barnacles which had encrusted my attitude, stop the “tude” and move on with life…see the beauty around me…I had to chuckle that such simple things can teach so much…

“bar·​na·​cle 

: a small saltwater crustacean that becomes permanently attached (as to rocks or the bottoms of boats) as an adult”

Merriam Webster 

Seeing the barnacles attached so solidly to the shell, reminded me that grumpiness, bad attitudes, complaining can become permanently attached to anyone…

If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and be of good cheer,’

Job 9:27

But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.

Psalm 55:16-17

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16 

I don’t want to be an old shell, filled with complaints and grumbling…I want to encrusted with the fruit of the spirit shining through…. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:22-24

Thank YOU for the shell….

Sorting books….

 Sorting books…..

For the last 12 years I have been periodically sorting and purging books…

First, children’s books,…

Then, after leaving women’s ministry to care for aging parents and ailing husband…

Downsizing to close up geology offices…downsizing to single living home…

And just lately, sharing books with others, filling and refilling a  small yard library….

Going  through these many purgings is like  reading a journal written over many years of life…giving up old friends…

How to raise toddlers, teens; miscarriages; adoptions; taking care of aging parents; counseling women; money management through feasts and famines; empty nesters; marriage and its many stages; personalities, temperaments, spiritual gifts; surviving crisis; Christian growth and its many dimensions; Bible study references, book studies, topical studies; Christian novels; how-to

and on and on…

Topics like church abuse, drugs, peacemaking in churches, financial crashes, grief, demographics…

The cleaning out my husband’s and his partner’s library yielded 56 boxes to donate to a mining library in Montana…plus many, many file cabinets of data and maps…

I am so thankful for so much advice over the years, counsel from afar…when we lived in remote areas…research already done to help us along the way…historical and current geology which propelled my husband to be the businessman he was…

But, The book that was always with us the most was the Bible…it was always with us, a daily teaching, admonishment, advisor…letter from our Father…we wore out several, we wrote in them, we highlighted them, we desired them…reading from front cover to the end…over and over…I haven’t the heart to downsize that section of books…I still have my parents, my husbands and mine…these I haven’t purged…

Thank YOU….for the writings inspired over the ages…Your Word which changes lives…

On one hand, Solomon spoke of books…

My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

Ecclesiastes 12:12

While John  wrote of books of Jesus ….

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

John 21:25

Peter Walsh wrote in his book, “ let it Go, downsizing for a fuller life”

“…..You’ve probably gotten the impression that downsizing should be a fear-inducing task. Honestly, how could it not be? As you travel through life, you encounter milestones that require you to comb through the stuff you’ve gathered: relocating to a new city; getting married and combining homes with another person; hitting tough times that send you into a smaller home; kids growing up and leaving the family home empty (and unnecessarily large); or the death of a spouse or parent.

When you downsize for these changes, you’re likely to confront some of life’s deepest questions. That’s one reason why the process is so often painful. Downsizing requires us to confront our insecurities, our relationships, and our own mortality. The stuff you sift through has the power to evoke deep emotions and memories, which can easily derail you. 

Downsizing can require you to shrink a houseful of possessions so they’ll fit into a new space that may be much smaller than what you have now. Many of these possessions are things you really, really like. They’re probably things you couldn’t possibly live without! To make the mission even more challenging, you’re likely working on an uncomfortably tight deadline. 

Sound familiar? Or maybe you’re facing another common type of downsizing scenario: the task of wading through a lifetime of items that belonged to someone else, like your parents, grandparents, or other loved ones. Their home contains stuff that might be important to you . . . but you probably have even less time to manage this kind of downsizing.”

He wrote a whole book of letting it go…yet another book…

Jesus of Nazareth….

 Jesus of Nazareth….

Three years ago, when we went to Israel, one of the  first places we visited was Nazareth…now, mind you, it isn’t a little village anymore, but a bustling town…the site where it is purported that was Jesus’ home is hidden under a huge church which covers considerable ground…so the ambiance of a carpenter’s shop, and a home is totally lost in the hustle and bustle of a city…with venders all around selling their wares…

There is, close by, a recreation of the Biblical Nazareth which can be toured to take you back into Jesus’ time…we didn’t visit it, but, I have toured via video..plus the Bible Museum in Washington DC has a recreated a village as well or Biblelands in Orlando, Florida …you get a sense of walking about in Jesus time…his hometown…

We may have those “hometowns” in our lives, those places we hold dear or maybe not…places we may return to, which hold memories or family, both good and bad, smells, sites that take us back in time…places where we played as children, grew up, family gatherings…where we were known…familiar…they may bring back trauma for some or thoughts of safety and grounding for our lives…

Jesus  left Nazareth to be baptized in the Jordon…

He went to speak in the local synagogue…where he was rejected…he didn’t do many mighty works there because of their unbelief…his own home town…

But he was known as “Jesus of Nazareth” until his death…

His mission… “18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. 

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

Luke 4:18-19, Isaiah 61

Thank YOU….for fulfilling Your promises….

And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 2:23

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

Mark 1:9

And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,

Matthew 4:13

And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 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? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:53-58

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

Mark 6:1-6

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?” And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘“Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’” And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away.

Luke 4:16-30 

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”

John 19:19 

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Acts 10:38

https://www.seetheholyland.net/nazareth-village/#:~:text=Small-town%20life%20in%20the%20time%20of%20Jesus%20has,his%20tools%20and%20a%20weaver%20demonstrating%20her%20craft.

Teacups and saucers…

 The teacups and saucers…

When I was a child, it was common for whatever reason to collect teacups and saucers…my mother had several as did my grandmothers…we rarely used them, they sat in the china cabinet to look at…but we collected them…we dusted them periodically and were careful to handle them as they “special”…now I see them at the thrift stores or estate sales…Pinterest has ideas for their use besides tea parties…

Maybe if they could talk as in the  following story, I would have gotten their stories…

There are times that I wonder at God’s hands, at his molding of  me like the clay on the wheel …but I have to come back to His sovereignty, His will, His plans…thank YOU…

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

Romans 9:20

The teacup story….

“There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful cup. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the cup spoke. "You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red, and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'let me alone,' but he only smiled, 'Not yet.'

"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the cup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting dizzy! I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.'

"Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat!" the teacup said. "I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening, and I could read his lips as He shook his head, 'Not yet.'

"Finally, the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better,' I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried. He only nodded, 'Not yet.'

"Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot, and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening, nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.'

"Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened, and he took me out and placed me on the shelf.

One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful.'

"'I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up.

I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled.

I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.

I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life.

And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held.

Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"

Lesson from the Teacup Story:

This teacup story illustrates what Jeremiah wrote by the inspiration of God. The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord saying, "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I shall announce My words to you." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so, he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel." Jeremiah 18:1-6 (NASB)

Moral of the Teacup Story:

God knows what He's doing (for all of us). He is the Potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

May the teacup story become our story as we willingly yield to our Potter's hand.”

Author unknown

“Change My Heart Oh God

Change My Heart Oh God

Make It Ever True

Change My Heart Oh God

May I Be Like You [2]

You Are The Potter

I Am The Clay

Mold Me And Make Me

This Is What I Pray

Change My Heart Oh God

Make It Ever True

Change My Heart Oh God

May I Be Like You

You Are The Potter

I Am The Clay

Mold Me And Make Me

This Is What I Pray”

https://divinehymns.com/lyrics/change-my-heart-oh-god-song-lyrics/

Signet rings and seals…chosen…

 Signet rings and seals…chosen…

I was reading through the book of Haggai. At the end, he refers to a “signet ring”… 

I found I needed to follow that through …what a blessing… am just sharing scripture in this so that whoever reads this will be blessed as I was…

On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”

Haggai 2:23

“Zerubbabel was to become a “signet ring.” The “Signet ring” was engraved with the owner’s name or a design to identify his authority. It was used to attest to the authority of royal messages who carried papers stamped by the image on the ring (see 1 Kings 21:8). It was also used to mark precious articles. It proved ownership. The signet ring was always carried by its owner and worn on the right hand (see Jeremiah 22:24). It was an inseparable and valuable possession. This is what God declared Zerubbabel to be.” From Geneva institute of Reformed Studies…

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:6

Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.”

Joshua 24:22

For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”

Psalm 132:13-18

But you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring, for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.”

Esther 8:8

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1

And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.

Daniel 6:17

Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.

John 3:33-35 

27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

John 6:27

And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it,  to the praise of his glory. 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 1:13-14,4:30

But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

2 Timothy 2:19

Thank YOU that we are precious, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are redeemed, given to the Father….chosen…

Abusers…

 

Abusers….

Not sure why I am to do this one…but was it on my heart…I found several articles with lists of traits of abusers. I did not come from an abusive home life or live in an abusive marriage…I do know those who have survived both with lifelong consequences…

Their fears, their shame, their joys of release, their comfort to others, their walk with Jesus have been a testimony of grace and love to many…

But, also, on the current world scene, some of these traits are exhibiting themselves…

1. “The Profile – 25 Traits Of An Abuser”

2. “Abusers are master manipulators. Most of the time you may not even realize someone is an abuser because they wait until they are behind closed doors with their victim before unleashing their abusive side. 

Below are 12 common characteristics of an abuser you may not be aware of.

1. Controlling
Abusers are always trying to gain control over their victims. They do this physically, through restraint and battery, and emotionally, by establishing himself in every branch of her life.

2. Charming
Abusers portrays themselves as warm, kind, and caring in order to gain trust and discredit claims of abuse against them.

3. Jealous
Abusers may become jealous and angry when their victim spends time with their friends, when they text other people, or even when they go to work.

4. Inconsistent
Abusers often exhibit mood swings, and these are unpredictable. They may be smiling one moment and enraged the next.

5. Manipulative
Abusers say specific things to evoke responses from their victims. They know exactly what to say and how to act in order to get what they want.

6. Threatening
Abusers are known for threatening their victims, but they may also threaten to harm their pets, their children, or even themselves as a means of maintaining control over their victim.

7. Demanding
Abusers want complete power over their victims. They often demand to know where their victims go, who they see, and what they do at all times.

8. Blames the Victim
Abusers place all the blame on others and never on themselves. They may recite lines such as “If you did what I asked I wouldn’t have to hurt you” or “I only hit you because you told your friends about me.”

9. Attacks Self-Esteem
Abusers want to make their victims feel reliant on them. They will tell the victim that they are worthless, ugly, stupid, or unwanted. The less worth they have, the more the victim feels they need their abuser.

10. Isolation
Abusers often want to be the only one their victims talk to and depend on. They will try to isolate them from their friends, family, and coworkers so they will have nowhere to go.

11. Rigid Gender Roles
Abusers might hold rigid, outdated beliefs about gender roles that place women as inferior to men. They might believe that women should stay within the home, obey orders from men, and do whatever possible to please men. He expects this treatment from her.

12. Destruction of Property
Abusers intimidate their victims by breaking their belongings. He might do this to punish his victim; he will destroy things that she needs in order to send the message that whatever he breaks could have been her, or that she could be next.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call our COPEline at 888-285-5665 available 24 hours a day. “

From Women safe organization….

There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mankind.

Proverbs 30:14

For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.

2 Corinthians 11:19-20

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

Psalm 119:49-50

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 

If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Thank YOU For your comfort…healing power….

Sticks and stones…

 Sticks and stones….

When I was a child, there was a saying…”sticks and stones will break the bones, but words will never hurt me”…we would repeat that to those who taunted  or bullied us…believing that words shouldn’t hurt…

But, they do…and as I have grown older, I have realized that words spoken break us more than any stick or stone…they break the heart, the will, the soul, the mind…they embed themselves into our hearts and hurt for all of our life …add the bad attitude with which they were spoken and hurt deepens…or resentment or anger or more erupts…

I find for myself, what I focus on, I become more and more like that…and my words show that …

An example….in the early years of my marriage, I resented my mother in law for bitter and harsh words she had spoken many times to me…I dwelt on those words and her attitude until one day,  I realized I was becoming that same person…I needed a focus and attitude change…I had been holding on to those resentments dearly…I needed to give them over and ask for a transformed heart and attitude daily…until I could only look on her with love and speak love to her…

These lessons are ongoing…transforming never stops… wanting what is good, acceptable and perfect…

Thank YOU…

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 

How forceful are upright words!…

Job 6:25a

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6

You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

Psalm 17:3 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

Psalm 37:30

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Psalm 141:3

Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.

Proverbs 8:6-8

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer……

Proverbs 15:28a

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 21:23

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:26

The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

Ecclesiastes 9:17

 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. 

 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Proverbs 15:1,4,23

Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken at the right time.

Proverbs 25:11 AMP

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Proverbs 25:11  ESV

True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.

Malachi 2:6

11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

Matthew 15:11

….Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. 

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. 

The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. 

It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. 

My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:5-10,13

Unity…

 Unity…

“Their greatest weapon is their unity…”

Last night a newsman was reporting on war in the Ukraine, his ending statement was, “their greatest weapon is their unity” in the battle against the aggressor, Putin…how profound…I couldn’t get it out of my heart…but, it held a much more broader meaning to me…

It reminded me of Christians…and our walk in unity …. or our lack of unity…how precious unity is…

Thank YOU….

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 

It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord  has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Psalm 133:1-3 

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Ephesians 4:1-7

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

Ephesians 4:11-13 

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1 Peter 3:8 

And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

1 John 4:21

 Song written awhile ago…that resonates unity…

JASON UPTON, 1966

They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love Lyrics

We are one in the Spirit

We are one in the Lord

We are one in the Spirit

We are one in the Lord

And we pray that all unity

May one day be restored

And they'll know we are Christians

By our love, By our love

Yes, they'll know we are Christians

By our love

We will walk with each other

We will walk hand in hand

We will walk with each other

We will walk hand in hand

And together we'll spread the news

That God is in our land

And they'll know we are Christians

By our love, By our love

Yes, they'll know we are Christians

By our love

We will work with each other

We will work side by side

We will work with each other

We will work side by side

And we'll guard each man's dignity

And save each man's pride

And they'll know we are Christians

By our love, By our love

Yes, they'll know we are Christians

By our love

All praise to the Father

From whom all things come

And all praise to Christ Jesus His only son

And all praise to the Spirit

Who makes us one

And they'll know we are Christians

By our love, By our love

Yes, they'll know we are Christians

By our love

Stuck…2…

 Stuck …2…

My husband always drove 4-wheel drive vehicles, especially when doing geology out in the mountains, valleys..wherever he went…

there was an upside to this- he could go most anywhere and the downside was he would try to go most anywhere…sometimes high centering, or get caught in ravines with the truck making a bridge instead of a road out…he did get stuck occasionally…He did have stories to tell when arriving home after lengthy digging and escape from his  4-wheeling escapades…but, he made it home…that was the goal…

All this to say, in Griefshare, we have arrived at the chapter dedicated to the topic of “stuck”…a place many find themselves in…it could be stuck in anger, denial, “time”, etc…but not moving forward in the grief process…

It is so important to recognize being “stuck”, face it and move…that doesn’t mean we may not look at the emotion again…but the goal is to move and not remain stranded in one place forever…

Thank YOU that you are with us in the “stuck” parts of life as well as the moving forward…

Stuck.....

We are in a chapter about being stuck in one place in grief...I found this article about being stuck in the mud and tips on how to get out ....it seemed appropriate for this particular topic...and these definitions really pictured the "stuckness" as well...and the freedom of being unstuck from the bonds of grief and moving forward in body, mind and soul...in God's strength...

 

 

adjective

Definition of STUCK

Firmly positioned in place and difficult to dislodge <the car was hopelessly stuck in the mud>

Synonyms fast, firm, frozen, jammed, lodged, set, snug, stuck, wedged

Related Words bonded, cemented, glued; anchored, clamped; embedded(also imbedded), entrenched (also intrenched), impacted, implanted; attached, bound, fastened, secured; immovable, unyielding

Near Antonyms detached, dislodged, freed, loosened, unattached, unbound, undone, unfastened, unsecured; movable (or moveable), yielding...

 

 

• "Keep the wheels straight."  Keep on track. Know that you can move forward.....

•  

• "If your car's transmission has a winter mode, use it to limit wheel spin.".....get the right advice, seek counseling if needed....

•  

• "Try shoveling a path."   God has a plan and path for each of us to follow...we need to seek it and follow....

•  

• "Use a light touch on the throttle and try not to spin the wheels. In mud or sand, spinning them will only dig you in deeper. If there's pavement beneath snow, spinning the wheels may eventually wear through to it. But you'll have to turn off the traction control, if your car has it, to spin the wheels.".... Getting out of the rut, think on these things...."Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Find a way to stop spinning in one place by spending time with God...don’t try to go too fast as well, skipping over important parts…

• "Traction mats, snow chains, and fabric tire wraps can help you get unstuck. Sand or cat litter spread on snow or ice can aid traction. Use your floor mats or trunk liner in a pinch."   Use God's tool, His Word, Christian music, Christian books to help you dwell on other things beside the grief....

• "You might need to jack up the car to put a traction aid under the drive wheels, but make sure the jack is on firm ground. If it's not, place a plank or something flat and solid beneath it". Find God's firm ground...he is the solid rock on which we can stand...

• 1 Samuel 2:2 “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 

• Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 

• Psalm 31:3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 

• Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. 

Thank YOU for graphic pictures and words to help us along the path of life, whether in grief or day to day living...YOU are the ultimate healer and mover, help me to be comforted by your Word, Yourself in getting out of those places where I may be stuck, bound.....

 

 

 Subscription expired..2…

We come up on anniversaries, some with anticipation and others, regret, sorrows…but, they still come whether we like them or not…

This poem was shared in a Griefshare session…worthy of sharing…thank YOU…

The Weaver

My life is but a weaving

Between my Lord and me,

I cannot choose the colors

He worketh steadily.

Oftimes He weaveth sorrow,

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I, the underside.

Not till the loom in silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

- Author Unknown 

“Subscription expired....2013
 


I realized the other day, that I was not receiving my daily devotional about grief anymore...it had expired.....one year of daily grief devotions...gone....but not forgotten....it was a daily reminder about grief and had ended with the eternal hope found only in Christ ......not only that but it reminded me that time does pass....things change...we change....we weather through difficult times....still tears....still ambushes....still remembrances ......still love.....still loneliness....still family times, only different....we are different...weaker, stronger...dependent ,independent.....older.....moving forward...looking forward, looking back....the might-have-beens, the what-ifs, the if-only....new friends, old friends.....singleness, orphaned....decisions, boundaries.....stewardship .....thoughts, conversations.....dedications, memorials ....
 
Thank YOU, that You are always there, a whisper, a sigh, a rainbow, a Word, a Comforter....through tears and laughter, through joy and mourning....Your hand holds firmly....


 
2 Peter 3:11-14
New International Version (NIV)
11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[a] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
 
 


Hebrews 12:1-3
New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
 
 


Books on grief-that I found helpful...not exhaustive by any means


1. The Undistracted widow


2. Widow to widow


3. From one widow to another 


4. Jesus today


5, Jesus calling


6. Ruth, love, loss and legacy


7.  Understanding your grief-Wolfelt, Alan, book and workbook


8. Grief share- a whole website with a daily devotions and possible support groups, surviving the holidays, resources


9. A grace disguised


10. The empty chair


11. Getting to the other side of grief,


12. Embracing life again 


13. Letter to a grieving heart


14. Grieving with hope


15. Walking on the road you never wanted to travel 


16. Let me grieve ,but not forever, Davis, Verdell


17. Hope for an Aching heart, Nyman , Margaret 


18.traveling through grief , DeVries, Smeege


20. A novel, "God's Gift" by dee Henderson ...


21. A grief Observed by C.S. Lewis 


22. Tear soup


23. Through a season of grief


24. Sunshine after the storm, a survival guide for the grieving mother


25. I will love you forever..
 
 


"Jesus calling-Learn to appreciate difficult days. Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way. As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything. This knowledge is comprised of three parts: your relationship with Me, promises in the Bible, and past experiences of coping successfully during hard times.
 
Look back on your life, and see how I have helped you through difficult days. If you are tempted to think, “Yes, but that was then, and this is now,” remember who I am! Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, I remain the same throughout time and eternity. This is the basis of your confidence. In My Presence you live and move and have your being.
 
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—

Isaiah 41:10
 
But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
—

Psalm 102:27
 
“‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”