Butterfly kisses….

 Butterfly kisses….

When I was young, my mother would give me “butterfly kisses”, fluttering her eye lashes on my cheek…it was so soft and sweet, a very tender touch….I in turn did it to my young children, endearingly keeping up the tradition….

I had kind of forgotten those small tender moments…until God reminded me…

Yesterday was the big release of my butterfly family…I took their mini home into the fields of a friend where one of my grandsons and another friend gathered each butterfly on a finger….they either put them on a flower or let them fly…watching these delicate creations go into a new world and make their way….what fun…miracles all….

When my oldest grandchildren were young, we went to a butterfly “ exhibit “ near Independence, Oregon…we were all enthralled with the beauty of these tiny creatures, their delicacy, their colors…

Since then, I have seen them in Costa Rica, Australia, South America, Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian, my home town with my parents, central Oregon …various zoos…

They are mesmerizing, like watching a crackling fire or fish in a fish tank….fluttering from one flower to another….wings thinner than tissue, glorious colors…

Thank YOU for small wonders of Your creativity, creation…pictures of your transforming power…

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:24-25

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,  are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Philippians 3:20-21

Joseph and his many coats….

 Joseph and his many coats….

We often talk about Joseph and his coat of many colors…a favorite child Bible story…great for illustrations….

But he had  other coats/ cloaks as well…

1. Coat of many colors made especially for him…for which his brothers hated him…

2. The same coat used to prove he was dead, his brothers took…

3. The same coat which his father wept over in despair of his loss..

4. Cloak which Potiphar’s wife stole…in her rage of rejection…

5. A clean set to go before Pharaoh…

6. Clothing from Pharaoh, of fine linen…

7. Clothing he supplied to his family when they came to Egypt….

Was just contemplating these garments…the first came because of a love from a father, a special coat, given to a son from a woman he loved…a son of his old age…a very special one….

Which caused anger, jealousy from his other sons and caused them to do wrong and then try to cover it up…

The second coat, taken by a woman who desired more from a young man than he was willing to give, his purity….

The third, in readiness to meet the king…

The fourth, given in honor by the king, for his revealing of future, his wisdom, discernment….fine cloth…

The fifth, not his, but given to supply his family with clothing…those who had stolen from him….provision….forgiveness….love…

We have coats/cloaks as well…the world’s cloaks we may wear with pride…ones which cover our lives in beauty…there seems to be an unending amount of advertising about clothing that we need, clothes of many colors…

Clothes which may cause jealousy among others, in price, in levels of society…

We were different clothing for different occasions, from work clothes to royalty…rags to riches….

God clothed Adam and Eve in the garden, exchanged our filthy rags for a robe of righteousness, a garment of praise…

Jesus’ cloak was gambled over…while he gave his life for the World…his provision for us….

Thank YOU….

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. 

And he made him a robe of many colors. 

But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. 

So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. 

Then they took Joseph's robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. 

And they sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son's robe or not.” 

All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.

Genesis 37:3-4,23,31-32,35 

But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” 

But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. 

And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled out of the house.”

Genesis 39:11-13,18

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. 

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.

Genesis 41:14,42

To each and all of them he gave a change of clothes, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five changes of clothes.

Genesis 45:22

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things,

John 19:23-24

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10

There are so many references, descriptions of robes in the Word…how Esther, Job, the Lord,  leaders, priests, etc,   were/are adorned…interesting reading/studying….

To be known…2…

 

To be known…2…

 Just finished another round of Griefshare, one of the topics basically asks, “who are we now?…we have been known as someone’s wife, husband, mother, father, daughter, son, etc..and that significant other is gone…they knew us differently than any other…and we have lost that identity…

Then, as I did, we may move for various reasons…another loss, but a gain as well…we have to intentionally meet new people in a new environment, new everything….they know us at face value and not connected with any past…it has its distinct advantages and disadvantages…new building of trust, friendships…

I realized how much I depended upon my outgoing husband to make friendships…now I was on my own, more introverted than he ever was…I have had assume roles that I never had to in the past…

Now ten years later, it is easier to meet new people, attend meetings, make decisions that weren’t part of my “previous “ life…I haven’t become a social butterfly that he was, but I have grown some…I think…

But, I am so thankful that God has directed the way, the path…and new people into my life…given me courage…

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

It is the Lord  who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:6,8

Thank YOU….

“To be known....

 

One of the consequences of losing parents, or a spouse is not being known by anyone else as well as they did, shared history.  Suddenly you are thrust into a world of strangers...oh, they may be your friends, even longtime friends, but somehow they don't know your idiosyncrasies, or maybe your deepest thoughts, likes or dislikes as well as parents or spouses...how your brush your teeth, what your dresser drawers look like, whether or not you sing off key in the shower, how you really sleep or snore, whether or not you have a secret candy stash, secret fears......

Now the only non-stranger we can rely on is Jesus, who knows us from the beginning and knows us from  the inside out...he knows the words before we speak, our thoughts, nothing is hidden from Him...that is a daunting thought...as well as comforting ...we are known by him....

 

Thank YOU...for being my intimate friend....for knowing me from the beginning...

 

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16, 23 You have searched me, Lord,and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 

Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

“Jesus Calls-October 2

Never take for granted My intimate nearness. Marvel at the wonder of My continual Presence with you. Even the most ardent human lover cannot be with you always. Nor can another person know the intimacies of your heart, mind, and spirit. I know everything about you—even to the number of hairs on your head.You don’t need to work at revealing yourself to Me.

Many people spend a lifetime or a small fortune searching for someone who understands them. Yet I am freely available to all who call upon My Name, who open their hearts to receive Me as Savior. This simple act of faith is the beginning of a lifelong love story. I, the Lover of your soul, understand you perfectly and love you eternally.

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
—Luke 12:7

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
—John 1:12

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””
—Romans 10:13”

 

 

It hurts…2…

 It hurts…2…

Reading this again, the person who graciously gave me my little tear bottle has passed away now as well, her daughters and family needed the tear bottles as well, she was much loved…her laughter still rings in my heart…

Years have come and gone, time has stood still and yet zoomed by…I am thankful that God knows our hearts, our paths and that He holds everything…thank YOU….

Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Psalm 73:23-26,28

“It hurts…

 

Someone gave me a jar symbolizing God's jar of our tears...it was tiny, about the size of my little pinky finger...I thought this isn't big enough to hold them all...but it was precious...hand blown in Israel, varying colors and fragile...
Just as we are to God...Godmade, varying in sizes, colors, personalities and oh, so fragile at times…He holds us,  taking our tears, taking our emotions no matter what they are...and treats us as precious in His loving hand..

.

Dear God,

help us to rest in You...handing over our tears, our anger, our bitterness, our hurt...cover each with your healing hand...bringing a deep joy that only comes from You...in your time.

..


" tell me how you feel..
..it hurts,....sometimes I get so jealous I want to scream....I want to shake people and tell them not to take what they have for granted..." Lauraine Snelling.., "Song of Laughter"

The sentiments of those who are left....

we want to tell those around us to enjoy the times they have ....live every moment ....because quickly, they may change, in a word, a moment, a diagnosis, a step, a drive...



We want the "normal" back, we don't want change ...we want our parents back, our children back, our spouses back, our friends back, ourselves back.....to normal...and it hurts not to have it...

And then there are times we don't want them back as we watch  pain or disease ravage their bodies or their minds slip away to another world...we want them comforted and we can't do anything about it.....we say our goodbyes, sing a song or read or we hold their hands as much for our comfort as for theirs....but it still hurts ...



None of us like to hurt...it is tiring, disappointing, wearying,....and we can even feel guilty because we hurt... Putting on a happy face...

There are memories we want of better times, places,... those non hurting spaces...times when grief or pain didn't mar the picture...where we reveled in the joy, pain free, carefree...we want to think on those, live in those..

.

It is okay to cry, it is okay to grieve, it is okay want a hug ....it is okay to hurt....stuffing it away makes the pain boil and intensify to later erupt...



Thank YOU, even when I don't want to give thanks for the hurts...the pain..

.For it's there in the hurt that You help us grow, help us lean more and more on Your strength ...
to Your glory...amen and amen...

.

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.



Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”




Tiny gym….

 Tiny gym…

I realized I housed a tiny gym…only about 14” x14” x14”….that’s tiny…

I realized that as I was flexing four fingers that aren’t in a cast while watching 10 newly emerged butterflies flexing their wings….they open and close them 4-5 times, then rest …just as I was doing…then repeat over and over again… finally they try to move to another area, some belly flop, flapping wildly until they get their minuscule feet under them again…each time getting stronger, but resting frequently…

They are getting ready to be released into the bigger world…later this week…

Practice before releasing as a parent is scary, amazing, gratifying, a blessing, tear jerking, and a while more ….

Those first overnights…or first camp experiences….times with friends or grandparents…all practice for the journey away from home…packing “what you need”, as piles of stuffed animals rather than clothes fill the suitcase…or forgetting pjs or underwear…saying, “I can do it”…

Until, we all reach the time of the goodbyes…and they are their way down the street, the next state, around the world, college, first apartment, marriage…

Then comes the harder tests, the advice over the phone, the new adventures…

Have we grounded them enough, have we helped seek the right counsel, the right people, the right life, the right decisions…have we prepared them enough….as we watch them flex their wings over and over….

Now as a grandparent, I watch my children launch their children into the world…I ask the same questions…watching my grandchildren spread their wings…what a gift…

Thank YOU…

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. 

My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.

Proverbs 3:19-22 

Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.

Proverbs 23:19

Proverbs 31….

Shipwrecked…2…

 Shipwrecked…2…

10 years later…

I watch as person after person goes through the “shipwreck” times of life….times of trials…illnesses, estrangements, deaths, family strife, pandemic, financial ruin …whatever…transitions…

Some come out deeper, steeped in God’s Word, love…driven with purpose…

Some come out bitter, angry, stuck in the past, the rage at life…

We each get to use these life trials as stepping stones to transforming our lives, making new paths, reaching for the best… or we can tread over and over, mired in the mud of unforgiveness, “poor me”…never getting to the other side …

I am in no way saying that getting through the “shipwrecks” is easy, or not painful…but we can choose how to move forward or not…we can “sit, soak and sour” as I once heard or choose to be transformed by the Word…realizing that God is not finished with us…that He will continue to work in our lives….

Thank YOU….

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

Shipwrecked...

 

Reading this morning in Acts 28.

Paul, on his way to Rome is shipwrecked...again...sounds bad but God had a "glorious agenda planned" as  Beth Moore states.

 

Making something good out of something seemingly bad, people were won to the Lord, people were healed...

 

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

 

Last summer I was reading one of my devotionals about looking widowhood as working all things for the good...I balked at that statement and still do...how can Don's death be working good in the lives of those whom he left behind and loved him...? I  have worked past the upset that that brought to me.  I still wonder why, but am not so upset. Even though I wish he were here with us, I have to trust that God knows what he is doing....

 

When looking back, what will be the result?  What good will come out?  Will there be a listing of things that changed for the good in people's lives because if his death?

 

What am I doing to make things good?  How is my attitude? How is my trust quotient?  

 

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love 0deeply becomes a part of us.” Helen Keller

 

New hope…new life…

 New hope…new life…

Discipleship Ministries | History of Hymns: 'I Know Whom I Have…

2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

I awoke with this song on my mind this am…was already thinking of   Blog title…

This winter has been wars, rumors of wars, awards for killing, atrocities of humans against humans everyday in the news, questions by millions of “why”, mistrust, divisions, etc., etc., etc….

Even though I am not personally suffering, there are those who are..

For myself, besides, giving, praying…I purchased  butterfly and ladybug kits to bring new life, new hope …to watch and wait to see their development…lessons my soul needed in the midst of the turmoil I was watching…(first new butterfly emerged yesterday)

I have friends and family who are building, landscaping, clearing land for new beginnings…new hopes, new dreams, new life…

Or watching the hundreds of acres of fruit trees come to bloom after a winter’s rest…new hopes…or newborn animals appearing…

There is hope…newness after the winter, the destruction…

Thank YOU….

For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

Psalm 9:18 

Psalm 10

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Psalm 43:5

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

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

The “if onlys”…2

  

The “if onlys”…2

As I reread this blog 7 years out, I remember the desperation I felt as I watched my father die…I wanted so for him to live…I wasn’t ready for another loss…and I fought it…

There had already been so much change, even good changes after the deaths of my mom and husband…but…

When I think of this, I find my motivation for facilitating Griefshare…to encourage others to find joy in the mourning…I needed that, found that, wanted to share it…

Oh, we all still grieve, we mourn over the losses…but God heals in the grief…He does bring good from the bad as the Word says…we may not understand how or even why or the “if onlys”…

There are still down days, reflecting days, crying days but, they are fewer and more replaced with new normal days, thankful days, joyful days, “I can “ days…as we trust more, live more, praise more, give more…

Thank YOU…..

“The "if onlys"....



When my father came to stay with me two years ago, my goal was to get him well, and we would have a great time together...do some traveling, visiting as we had in the past...my expectations were high ....just get him well, healthy, thinking clearly, thinking positively as he was known for, whistling again, gain some weight, eat healthy, walking again, happy...get him back on track....



Such naïveté.....all he was ready for was to float away and die....he was ready for his heavenly home ..and I didn't recognize it or maybe I didn't want to recognize it...I wanted this one last parent to live...we had already lost my mother   and my husband.....I wanted life...not another death...I wasn't ready to let him go...



And within six weeks, he got his wish and I was still not ready...my expectations were so different  than his...I had only to reread the tasks and the processes of dying...we had read them when my husband was dying...but I blocked them out as I still wanted what I wanted....I didn't want to let go until the very end...



There are so many "if onlys" in life and death...things we usually have no control over...being at the wrong place at the wrong time, being exposed to something "accidentally",  making a last minute decision, a multitude of events...which we can't redo...there are not many "do-overs" in life...
There are some readjustments, or realignments ...or renewed focus, and there is always forgiveness ....if need be...

.

And I tend to over-think some things, over planning, trying to get it just right...when all God wants is setting my mind on Him and he will take care of it....letting Him have to plans, the "if onlys", my hearing heart...and open mind...He makes the ultimate decisions.....



Thank YOU for Your timing, you plans in my life....help me be open to changes, directions,....opening my hands to receive from You....Your perfect will...



Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. 

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps

. 

Ecclesiastes 11:8a However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all.....



Ecclesiastes 7:2b ....for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. 



Ecclesiastes 3:2a a time to be born and a time to die ...”
  


http://dying.about.com/od/thedyingprocess/a/process.htm

http://dying.about.com/od/thedyingprocess/a/5_tasks_dying.htm




Two is better than one….

 Two is better than one…

I thought I was prepared for this surgery and I was to a certain extent, but…more things to learn, as usual…the verse that keeps coming out is “two are better than one”….so true…but need to take care of the everyday things for awhile…

So to those who become “one-armed” a few hints…

Easy to pull-on, pull-off comfortable clothes, no buttons, zippers…

Utilize friends, Family….

Precooked/prepackaged meals…

Lightweight things into microwave, stove…

Paper plates/plastic ware… 

Drive carefully…

Keep up on meds for pain…

Get the right equipment…(waterproof covers to bathe in)

No pity parties…

My hardest-give myself some slack, no everything gets tight lids, made beds, put away, etc… ASAP

Slow down, take time to heal…

Etc…

And there are YouTube instructions for a lot, things the doctors didn’t say anything about…

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ3wneKf458

Etc….more in YouTube…

Then, of course I had to look up scripture with the word “two” in it…over 600….from Genesis to Revelations…

Starting with “two great lights” and ending with “two thrown in the fire”….but so many verses with “two” in them…so interesting and teaching…important…from creation to the end…

Caring, provision, convicting, marriage, warning…

Thank YOU for your daily lessons…through life experiences and your Word….

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 

And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:16-18 

for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Jeremiah 2:13

“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?

Amos 3:3 

41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Matthew 5:41

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”

Matthew 9:27

They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 14:17-21 

20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Matthew 18:20

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:37-40

And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Mark 12:42-44 

Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

Acts 12:6-7,11 

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31

And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

Revelation 19:20

 I just finished day 6 of the @YouVersion plan 'Holy Week Through the Eyes Of…'. Check it out here:

https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/30663

The “ pain” before the healing….

 The “ pain “ before the healing…

Sometimes things have to get worse before the better…

Cases in point…

1. Recently I had some renovation done to my kitchen…well, that meant the kitchen had to be cleaned out, stuff stacked around, construction paraphernalia and clean up, then everything put back together…but much better…

2. Experiencing a bit of pain in one hand from traumatic arthritis stemming from caring and lifting my husband during his cancer, I finally had surgery this week…have been putting it off because I knew there would be a lot more surgery pain to deal with before the healing…even though I knew it would make it better….had aLready had one done…

(I know my kitchen and hand are nothing compared to the third case in point, but are tiny reminders of the pain before healing)… 

3. Jesus….this week of commemoration of Jesus trials, his ridicule, his torture, his death, burial and resurrection…he knew the pain was coming, he knew the whole scenario but chose, for our sake, to face it because he knew the reason, the outcome….the victory….because He loves us…

Thank YOU….

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53:6-12 

And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke 22:39-44

And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 

And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 

Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 

And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 

Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 

And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 

So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 

He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 

He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. 

For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 

And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way. 

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 

And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 

And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 

But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 27:31-50,28:6,19-20

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:54-58 

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Hebrews 12:2-3

 Holy Week Through the Eyes Of…: Day 5 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/30663/day/5?segment=0

“Quiet” in the tomb….

 “Quiet” in the tomb….

My caterpillars are changing…yesterday they looked like caterpillars hanging from the lid of their jar, this morning they have changed into a shrouded,  wrapped looking, hanging cocoon….something is going on inside that wrapping…

Something I can’t see or define or even understand…but change is coming…transformation…

Just like the resurrection….I don’t fully understand it, but I embrace it…the hope, the life eternal…the Christ who died, arose for all mankind …to prepare a place for believers…to sit at the right hand of God…to send the Counselor…and so much more…thank YOU…on this Easter week rememberance…

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain. 

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

John 11:25-27 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:3-9 

“By Linda Riddle  



The butterfly has long been a symbol of the resurrection. The butterfly symbolizes rebirth into a new life after being inside a cocoon for a period of time.

To understand the symbolism, it is important to understand the life cycle of a butterfly. The butterfly has three phases during its life: the caterpillar, the chrysalis or cocoon, and the butterfly. The caterpillar just eats-symbolizing normal earthly life when people are preoccupied with taking care of their normal earthly needs. The caterpillar spins itself into a chrysalis or cocoon, resembling the tomb. The butterfly emerges from the cocoon, representing the resurrection and a glorious new life, free of material restrictions.

This symbolism also tracks the life of Christ. When Christ died on the cross, he was placed in a tomb. At the end of three days he arose from the dead. In the resurrection of Jesus, God was doing the same kind of thing he does when he makes butterflies out of worms. When people die, because of Christ's resurrection, we know it is possible for them to live again, too.

The butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. The symbolism is related to the following verses, written by Paul. The theme of Paul's teachings is that "we shall all be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51) The Christian hope is that what is sown in the grave as a weak mortal body will be raised an indestructible spiritual body not subject to temptation, sorrow, death or pain. (1 Corinthians 15:44-54) Through death the spirit will escape-not from its body but from the vulnerabilities and hardships of mortal flesh. The victory of eternal life over death represented by the butterfly makes it a favorite image on old tombstones.

"So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

"For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.(1 Corinthians 15:52b)

There is a butterfly by the name of the Cleopatra butterfly which appears during the Easter season. In some countries the nickname of this butterfly is the "Easter Jesus." The "Easter Jesus" and, in fact, all butterflies can serve as a reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how his sacrifice has given all of us the opportunity for life eternal.”

Signs and Symbols in Christian Art: With Illustrations from Paintings from the Renaissance…



Butterflies and ladybugs…

 Butterflies and ladybugs….

In 2009, I purchased a kit to raise ladybugs…my husband and I watched each day as those tiny little bugs changed and eventually changed into the ladybugs we see on our plants and flowers…

We then took the container on a trip to the foothills of California on the road leading to the giant Sequoia redwoods where we met with family for a family reunion instigated by my father…my oldest grandchildren met us and we released those ladybugs in the bushes near our motel rooms…

A few years later, I needed a diversion, so I got a butterfly kit to watch in wonder as the little caterpillars grew and changed daily in their lifecycle to finally emerge from their chrysalis to butterflies and fly away…

So remembering those times of wonder, I recently purchased another butterfly kit to watch the process again…everyday there is change and growth…a guide book comes with each kit so I can follow along with the change…

it is still marvelous to watch the miracle of life and change…

With this season of Easter, spring, new life in nature, it is fitting  to ponder the wonder of the resurrection of Christ….each year we have the reminder and rememberance of what Christ did on the cross for each and every person across the eons of time…there was a plan, there was a purpose…we have the Guide in the Word, we have the “diary” of the events…we see the agony of the changes in people, we see the agony of Christ….but we see the joy, the forgiveness…the victory of life over death…the love given…demonstrated…nothing will ever compare…

Thank YOU….

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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17

Matthew 26,27

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:8-11

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:15-20

Desert or streams of living water…2022

 Desert or streams of living water…2022

Another Griefshare class completed….more lives touched by life’s pain and peace…more lives reaching out to joy, hope, healing…that comes from Jesus’ healing Word…

Thank YOU…

“Desert or streams of living water ......2015…



We finished our 13 week study in Griefshare last night...I was sooooo very blessed by people that God sent, their lives, our growth, our conversations, the connections...every week was a growth time...



We are not finished with grieving, but everyone is moving forward "from mourning to joy" as the title insists...

From death to life, moving forward into new normals, new seasons....never forgetting our loved ones, but becoming emotionally healthy in our lives...looking to God for His direction, His peace...



We each have choices to make: bitter or better, deserts or streams, trust or distrust, and so many more....

And the timing is right...do we have a dead god or a resurrected Savior, this season? Do we live in the parched land of unbelief or the lush fertile valley of trust and life giving water with an eternal Creator?

 Do we shrivel up and exist or bear fruit? Whose are we? And whom do we follow?



Thank YOU for Your timing in our lives...help us to live in that trust, in that living water...moving forward toward new normals, new lives in Christ ...finding new purpose, new normals...as You direct...

.

Jeremiah 17:5-8 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. 
That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. 
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” 



Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”

                                         



 JESUS THE KING: An Easter Devotional By Timothy Keller: Day 1 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/1489/day/1?segment=0

Weariness…10 years later…

 

Weariness….10 years later…

Today marks the last griefshare lesson for this time around…this weeks also marks the 10 year “anniversary “ of Don’s passing…the lesson on, “what is heaven like” and where do we go from here?….moving forward…or just moving at all….

There have been times of extreme weariness, times of wondering where the time went, times of loneliness….times of looking forward….times of looking back…and times of triumphs….

I can honestly say…God has been there through them all…I admit I have questioned, been angry, wondered why…but throughout it all, He has been there…some times silent, sometimes with songs, sometimes with a silent voice, sometimes with drama…

Thank YOU….

“Weariness......

 

Today was the last Griefshare lesson and homework…

 

The ending verses were from Isaiah 40:28-31

 

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord Will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

 

 

In grief, one grows weary of the death, the loneliness, the decisions, sometimes life itself, the unrelenting grieving that seems to stalk every waking moment....the fogginess, the tears, the reminders that seem endless at the time...

 

Oh yes, we can seem joyful saying  or hearing such things as "they are in heaven now", "they have no pain", etc., etc., etc.,...the clichés that go on...we paste smiles on that don't go to deep into our hearts...we grieve...that is just a fact....

 

But there comes a time when we have to face reality...where are we going?  What are we doing?  Who are we?  Where is our trust? In whom can we trust? Are we ready to give up this weariness and replace it with what?  Do we want to move ahead? How can this be used for good or anything? Can we leave this "pity party"?  We can turn a corner or still head down the same road....

 

We are not forgetting or dishonoring those who are gone...they have stepped into eternity...we are still here in this temporal world for a while....we have faced the enemy...Jesus has taken away the sting by His victory over death through His resurrection...now we have to decide how to live....

 

God refreshes the weary, He helps us soar, He helps us run and not grown faint...He satisfies...He strengthens through His Word....He bring us Good News....He sustains....He takes the burden and gives us rest....He gives wisdom when we ask...He gives hope...truth....life abundantly .....

 

There is no other name under heaven like His...praise be to Him....thank YOU...

 

 

Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” 

 

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.

Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

Proverbs 25:25

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Proverbs 30:1 he sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an inspired utterance.

This man’s utterance to Ithiel:

“I am weary, God,
    but I can prevail.[a]

Isaiah 46:1

[ Gods of Babylon ] Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary.

 

Isaiah 50:4

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

 

Jeremiah 20:9

But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

 

Jeremiah 31:25

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

 

Holy Week Through the Eyes Of…: Day 1 • Devotional
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/30663/day/1?segment=0

Palm Sunday 2022…

 Palm Sunday…

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 

3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 

This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 

Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 

And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 

And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Matthew 21:1-11

 

And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

Luke 19:41-42 

It doesn’t say what kind of transportation Mary had riding into Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus…but it was common to use a donkey…

But, if she did, Jesus entered earthly life, riding in the womb of Mary, on a donkey…

Angels proclaiming…“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Luke 2:14 

Then he rode into Jerusalem, toward his death, riding on a donkey…which meant peace as well…

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9

Palms symbolized goodness and victory….

Thank YOU that you knew the victory was yours, but you came, endured the cross…your Grace and goodness to all mankind…

Sideline coach…

 Sideline coach…

The water exercise coach is usually on the deck of the pool giving instructions through each class…she walks back and forth instructing throughout the class…giving the best example she can of each exercise which we are to copy in the water….

Today, she jumped in…into the pool…after “threatening “ that she would to personally instruct…from our level…

It made me think of the story which the late Paul Harvey told once a year of the birds in the snow…and a man…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODoMZD5xi7A

Jesus came to live among us….

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 4:7-12

Jesus was no sideline coach…He “jumped “ into the world to live among us and he still does through the Holy Spirit…who teaches truth …

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

John 16:13-14

Thank YOU….

Prepared…

 Prepared….

I was recently sent a small earthen jar and lamp, a depiction of the lamps used in the New Testament reading of the ten virgins…

A reminder to be prepared…the bridegroom may come at any moment…

With world events as they are, famines, wars, earthquakes, disruptions of various kinds throughout the world….we wonder and watch for Jesus’ return….wanting it to happen soon to release many from the pain of watching and waiting….in real or instant news, we can see the pain and suffering of millions….we wait patiently and impatiently, hoping…

But, I have to ask myself, am I prepared?   Is my lamp trimmed, have I secured enough oil…do I shine in the darkness, do I yearn for the arrival of the bridegroom, Jesus…is my heart prepared, cleansed, to greet Him with exaltation…or am I selfishly awaiting Him to get out of the present circumstances…have I foolishly let my lamp go out…do I reflect Him or represent myself…

Will the words, “good and faithful servant” be said or “I never knew you” be repeated?

Preparation…is key …we can’t go back…there are no redo’s…

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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17 

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 

2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 

3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 

4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 

6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 

7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 

8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 

9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 

11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 

12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 

13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Matthew 25:1-13

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 

37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 

38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 

40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Luke 12:35-38,40

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15

https://sermonwriter.com/biblical-commentary/new-testament-matthew-251-13/

https://bible.org/seriespage/26-ten-virgins-what-it-means-be-ready-matthew-251-13

https://redeeminggod.com/sermons/matthew/matt_25_1-13/#:~:text=Matthew%2025%3A1-13%20is%20the%20parable%20of%20the%20Ten,introducing%20us%20to%20ten%20virgins%20in%20Matthew%2025%3A1.

And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Revelation 22:5

Pure joy…

 Pure joy….

At my class at the local “Y”recently, the area rang with giggles and bubbling laughter of a tiny 2-4 year girl who repeatedly jumped into the pool to her instructor….she obviously loved the water and the instruction…just her enthusiasm brought smiles to all who watched and heard her…the smiles were infectious to the whole crowd who were involved in various pool classes or exercises…

Awhile later, a little boy about the same age, came in crying, holding on to his patient mother’s hand, repeating over and over again, “but, I don’t want to go swimming”….(he finally acquiesced, reluctantly getting in)…

Such contrasts can be found in many situations….joy, reluctance….when meeting new adventures…

The scene in Acts came to mind when Peter and John met a lame man ….not that either one of these children were lame, but the joy exuded from  the little girl gave the wonderous feeling to those around…”walking and leaping and praising God”…joy….

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 

And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 

Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 

And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 

And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 

And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 

And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. 

And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Acts 3:1-10

On the other hand, the little boy, was “Eeyore”, looking for the “downer” things in life, not wanting to try something that might give him delight …or not…His mother faithfully bringing him to the pool…hoping he would receive that fun time in the water…like the friends of the man bringing him to beg for alms…only to receive a much better gift, healing and joy…

What do we look for when faced with the “over and over” events, joy or reluctance?    Am I diligently seeking Joy in the Lord or being dragged along, complaining the whole way,  dreading any change…

My attitude says it all…. 

Thank YOU for the sweet picture in two little lives….

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

Psalm 5:11

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:12

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Psalm 98:4

 Role changes…2022

We’ve come to the section in Griefshare which touched in role changes…after the loss of a loved one…spouses, children, even friends…

Where do we fit with friends, family, those around us…in small groups, family groups, this may change…some feel uncomfortable and not able to accept the changes we have experienced…we are of “odd” number in a group…when all we may want is someone just to talk to “normally “…not left out because our life has changed sooooo much…

I am now ten years out this month…time has crawled at times and flown at others…more than half of my grandchildren don’t know their grandfather….where I have lived or live, no one knows me as a wife…

We still use business advisors, but, even they have changed and didn’t know my husband…I have gotten younger ones who can relate to my children…but, I can go to the older ones myself…

The world has marched on…

Roles do change…lives do change, children grow up, paths change, new chapters are being written….God has been so gracious in guiding the way…opening doors, closing others…I have learned and and still learning to settle in His peace…

Thank YOU…. 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

“Answered prayer....contentment....2013
 


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...”
 

Interesting….thought provoking….

https://trk.klclick2.com/ls/click?upn=lmlf-2FiVd5CZjE3UU6GM90IiaNXq3GUs4sY-2FfN4m1hoAk-2B87fOv38fG1XyWTL0TxjaT4mMGwh33OdJlNo936iUHSQRIKUDg-2BYgG-2BTEdpL1Za-2FK4i4DnSpaXADoLp6aWcmb2qmFCQd1-2B0FLFBAD6sQ9RT29dAOku87gD4-2BhO5KK-2B4-3DZdrC_Gniv7UsiNKLaIk3PbgTc-2FSbJ5wAvkRVVTjLxk3ZDv3oI1S3UcbpIm9ZDixZfKrIgMwMfZx1JNxGisL4jOxjOQB99pGmHyVnNynfnxJV2F8NJSAIj2uMdsdEna9v0cUXukziD86PnJbAZ5ZO7EEu9zSNMqdmV3koAKON6oY-2FxI1tKq2-2FnmfIlcUeqSFIlOsW4QxmP8NW8NEpJOyh-2Bh9S4xSJT4PmB0C0HS4XTlQtifLYD7iF071gfTYIgFEZ7T6XEtNzAEbvKhhKVRDK0qW9pjM09Y98Xy-2Fr9WrajspAC04ZX1XMOL7SB1t08r0EkWSpKR74ZMD0qt51rMP7Omewx0453SlVUM4Qb3QUq4o7r-2FKevoBHKrP4OqB4GB4iC1P3o-2BW5A9YcO-2Bva8QYFIqcg1nA-3D-3D

 he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Isaiah 49:6

Behold, these shall come from afar, and behold, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Syene.” 

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord  has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.

Isaiah 49:12-13

Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and raise my signal to the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.

Isaiah 49:22

but ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.’ For I will bring them back to their own land that I gave to their fathers.

Jeremiah 16:15

Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. 

With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. 

“Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’ 

For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. 

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall be like a watered garden, and they shall languish no more. 

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. 

I will turn their mourning into joy; 

I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. 

I will feast the soul of the priests with abundance, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, declares the Lord.” 

There is hope for your future, declares the Lord, and your children shall come back to their own country.

Jeremiah 31:8-14,17

Covenant….celebration…

 Covenant…celebration….

Recently I got to watch a video of a friend’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration…was so fun watching this couple stand before their family, friends and God in celebration of the covenant which they have kept for over 50 years…they don’t renew their vows but celebrated those vows….

Watching vows being kept and dissolved over my lifetime has been both wonderful and heartbreaking….people being blessed and torn apart…

Looking through the Word, there are over 300 references to “covenant” from Genesis to Revelation, Noah to heaven…

It is worth the read through each verse…totally uplifting from the 

Perspective of God keeping his promises …throughout generations in the past, present and future…His continued care and love for those whom he deemed his and those who have put their faith and trust in Him…

God repeats his covenant over and over to generations…promises He made to the patriarchs…his faithfulness even in their unfaithfulness…to His chosen…

“Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 

I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. 

And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 

When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 

God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Genesis 9:9,11-13,15-17

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 

And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. 

On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates, the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites and the Jebusites.”

Genesis 15:1,6,18-21

When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 

Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham,  for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 

And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” 

God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.

Genesis 17:1-8,19 

And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Exodus 2:24 

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;

Exodus 19:5

“Now, therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, let not all the hardship seem little to you that has come upon us, upon our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, our fathers, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until this day.

Nehemiah 9:32 

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. 

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

Psalm 25:10,14

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord . 

For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Jeremiah 31:33-34 

I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord,

Ezekiel 16:62

Daniel 9

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:1

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 

28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26:26-28

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Thank YOU….

Sheep…

 Sheep….

For several years as our children were growing up, we had sheep, Suffolk and Merino.

Now the Suffolk were very independent, roaming around the pasture at will. My daughters worked with them, bottle feeding lambs until they were so tame that they thought their home was our front porch…(which it wasn’t)…

The Merinos, on the other hand, stayed in a flock, always moving together as a group…very protective, watchful…

Their wool is different…the Suffolk’s was coarser, while the merino was fine and soft…much nicer to work with…

My husband would shear them if needed, but he would rather hire shearers to come and shear them…they would plop them on their back, tummy up, run those electric shears around and down the bodies until a whole fleece would lay on the floor…a pure white sheep would get up and run free from the constraints on the shearer and the fleece…the fleece was then bundled up and added the huge, long burlap wool bag to be sold later…

As a child, my step grandfather had sheep as well, when their fleeces were piled into the bags, we would get into the bag and stump and stuff and condense the wool to get as many fleeces as possible into the bags before they were closed and sewn with heavy twine…

Whenever I read the following verses, those past scenes come to mind…those Suffolk sheep were perfect examples of “going their own way”…they had a mind of their own, wandering around, not staying in any group…and leading little, cute lambs was fun, as they gambol around, jumping, playing …not knowing their end…the sheep being sheared on their backs are quiet, lying helplessly as the shearer does his work…

Thank YOU for speaking to our hearts ….thank YOU for taking on our punishment, being wounded for our healing…

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Isaiah 53:5-7

https://petkeen.com/popular-types-of-sheep-breeds/

https://www.bristolpetitions.com/are-there-sheep-in-israel/