Trains and training…

 Trains and training…

Some of my grandchildren loved Thomas the Train…they had boxes of tracks…a multitude of cars, accessories, books, videos and dvds…they could name each car with its correct name…go on all kinds of adventures, while staying on one make believe “ island”…what fun…they could lay a multitude of pathways for their train adventures….

My train journeys have been few, but so memorable…loved them..

1. Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon…amazing on an old train…

2. Quebec City, Quebec to Vancouver, B.C., beautiful country coming across Canada with stops in tiny villages…dome car views…

3. Beijing north to a beautiful town, winter home…seeing country villages along the way…

4. Albany, Oregon to Phoenix, Arizona …along the California coast…

5. Central California, north to south…

6. Small dinner trains in various places…Oregon, California, South Dakota…to wonderful, fun, destinations 

All were on a track with an engine, power, a conductor, helpers, a destination….various sites along the way…

We were reading a verse about training the other day…as in instruction, being prepared, growth in godliness…

My mind  wandered to the picture of a train as well…with its track to keep the train moving in one direction…there are stops and starts, loading  and unloading of freight or passengers, refueling, a conductor, workman to maintain, brakes to slow down, signals to give direction…

We have a path, our “ track” which God has laid before us..

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

My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

Psalm 16:11,17:5

Our conductor, the Holy Spirit, leads , teaches, convicts…

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 

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 16:7-8,13-14

We have various “workman” along out path to help us, encourage us…

Therefore encourage one another with these words. 

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,  encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

1 Thessalonians 4:18,5:11,14

We have freight, stuff, to off-load, leave behind, while picking up new…

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 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 5:19-24

Definition of train 

: a connected line of railroad cars with or without a locomotive

: to teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient

: to form by instruction, discipline, or drill

: to make prepared (as by exercise) for a test of skill

: to direct the growth of (a plant) usually by bending, pruning, and tying

: to aim at an object or objective :

trained his camera on the deer

training every effort toward success, 

Merriam Webster Dictionary…

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Hebrews 5:14

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Psalm 139:5-6

Thank YOU for the journey on Your life’s pathway, tracks…conducting life, the power of prayer…

Know the truth about Christ….

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77ScC63xZK8

10 habitual sins women especially struggle with…Chara Donahue

 10 Habitual Sins Women Especially Struggle With…

Crosswalk.com had a column this morning written by 

Chara Donahue…so good…so convicting…

1. Thinking  we know better than God..

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

2. Delayed obedience..

3. Tolerance of sin..

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6-7

4. Fear of man..

Galations 1:10

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

5. Planning without considering God..

James 4:13-15

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

6. Gluttony ..

Philippians  3:19 

Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

7. Glory grabbing..

Acts 12:21-23

On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

8. Grumbling…

Philippians 2:14-15

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,

9. Envy..

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

10. Discontentment…

Philippians 4:11-13

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

It is well worth the read…and contemplation…

Thank YOU a for the reminders…

 Bible verses to meditate upon from, the book, Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges… 

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 1:9-12 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

Psalm 27:4 

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42:1-2

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1 

In the same way,let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify  yourFather in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Gardens along the way…2 years later…

 Gardens along the way….2 years later….

Two years ago, due to Covid, the gyms were closed…and it seemed like everything else was closed, locked down, masked…

My trusty little dog and I walked miles, exploring new routes in my part of town…we found beautiful gardens, flowers, vegetables…hidden pathways…met a lot of people who were out and about as we were.

I am still walking those paths…many of the gardens have been let go as people have returned to work, changed work patterns.   Many gardens have totally changed as the former residents have moved, new residents with new visions have taken over…

One in particular used to be a beautiful rose garden, now lower maintenance rocks…

Another yard has turned into a bunny pen…with a multitude of black, gray and white bunnies hopping around, keeping the grass short…they watch you as you walk by, hopping from one area to another…or holding completely still, so you won’t “see” them, just as their wild counterparts do distant fields…

Just as the gardens have changed, people have changed, Covid has changed, time has marched inward…but, on the other hand, there is really nothing “new under the sun” as Solomon wrote so many years ago…

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! 

All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? 

A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 

The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. 

The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. 

All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. 

All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 

What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 

Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? 

It has been already in the ages before us.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-10

But, God is still on the throne, He still reigns supreme…His thoughts are still higher than man’s…He still has a plan …He still doesn’t lie or leave us…He still desires that we seek Him…He still loves us…He still desires that none perish…He still makes good from the bad for those who love Him…

He is still waiting at the door of our hearts, ready to enter …

Thank YOU…

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20

And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

Hebrews 1:10-12 

And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

Hebrews 1:10-12 

Reactions…

 Reactions…

I can remember the day, when I was so angry…stomping around, raising my fist upward, striking out at anything  or anyone around me…I was so convicted…I wanted that calmness of heart, spirit, soul and mind that I saw in older Christians…that paniclessness, that steadfastness, that peace that was beyond my understanding…

I didn’t want to be numb to emotions, I just wanted peace in the battles of life…peace that only God can give, demonstrate “through if all”…

So it was  and is a journey to cultivate that peace…and like praying for patience, instead of a peaceful time, it seemed like time after time opportunities presented themselves to choose peace or anger…the journey is not without innumerable potholes in the road to peace…and as I climbed to my feet again, God was and is always there to hold my hand, lift me up, dust me off….patient and forgiving, reminding me of His awesome presence…

Thank YOU….

But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

Psalm 131:2

If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Isaiah 41:10,13

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:26

And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.

Luke 8:24

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

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. 

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

James 1:2-4,19-20

Through it all, 

Bill and Gloria Gaither

“I’ve had many tears and sorrows,

I’ve had questions for tomorrow,

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

But in every situation,

God gave me blessed consolation,

that my trials come to only make me strong.

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

I’ve been to lots of places,

I’ve seen a lot of faces,

there’s been times I felt so all alone.

But in my lonely hours,

yes, those precious lonely hours,

Jesus lets me know that I was His own

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

I thank God for the mountains,

and I thank Him for the valleys,

I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.

For if I’d never had a problem,

I wouldn’t know God could solve them,

I’d never know what faith in God could do.”

Food storage…

 Food storage…

I have a fence post from my grandparent’s ranch.

It is an old oak post with holes  “drilled” into to…it sits in my back yard, a reminder of my grandparents, their life, their love, their hard work, their faith…just them…

People have asked me who “drilled” all of the holes and why…

Woodpeckers “drilled” the holes, then they would store their oak acorns inside for their food source…makes sense…we have our storage cubby holes, why not woodpeckers…

But remembering back on the ranch, all of the hundreds of posts had these holes drilled into them…quite the food storage arrangement.

No one taught those birds how to do this …it passed from one generation to another …and they did it…woodpeckers can drill wood well, they are  created that way…

Just like the ants are created to gather another way…

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer;…

Proverbs 30:24-25

Noah, building the ark with God’s design had a humongous task of food storage for all the creatures which filled the ark for their journey on the waters…every nook and cranny had a purpose…I can’t even imagine…

I love my pantry, freezer, cupboards for all those “essentials “ we seem to accumulate…my “ storage” places…a little fancier than a post…but they are what God has provided me with…

Another “storage” place we have is His Word, His letters to us for our teaching, learning of Him…we can “drill” the words in for further reference, feast daily on their provision…the supply is endless…the learning, the meditation feeds, admonishes, our hearts, souls and minds…references are stored so that the Holy Spirit can teach us the truths stored there…

Thank YOU…

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 

Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! 

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. 

I will delight in your statutes; 

I will not forget your word. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

Psalm 119:11-12,15-16,27

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 14:26 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Samaritans…”

 “Samaritans…”

I have thought it interesting that Jesus had several encounters with Samaritans…even though the Samaritans were spurned as “lower” class than the Jews, there seemed to be no love lost  between the Jews and the Samaritans…but, I think it goes along with “love your neighbor “ as yourself…they were geographical neighbors, carried on business with one another, one had to go through their country to get from Judea to Galilee…

But, Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, teaching her and her village, people came and believed…

He spoke of the Good Samaritan…using his care as an example of love…no matter what race or creed…

The leper that actually said “thank you” was a Samaritan….

And in Acts 1:8, Samaria is listed by name as a place to evangelize…after Jerusalem and Judea before the rest of the world …and reading through Acts, that is exactly what happened…

Our next door neighbors, the “Samaritans “ …those whom we see frequently, but may not associate with…whom we may visit with, not just the missionaries we send out to the ends of the earth…they are part of our lives day in and day out…they need the love of Christ as well…

Thank YOU for our next door neighbors…those whom you have give to us to befriend, to show love to, ….



But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 

31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 

32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 

33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 

34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 

35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 

36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 

He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Luke 10:29-37

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:18

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers,  who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

Luke 17:11-16

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days.

John 4:39-40

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

Acts 1:8 

Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Acts 8:25

https://christ.org/history-rituals/why-the-conflict-between-jews-and-samaritans/

Martha, Martha…l

 Martha, Martha….

I was raised by two perfectionists…there were just the three of us, so it was fairly easy to keep things in “order”.

Every project had to be just right…the saying I heard all the time growing up was, “do it right the first time and then you don’t have to do it again…”…was a high standard to live up to…when I had multiple children, that was a bit harder to adhere to…and I ran myself ragged trying to make everything “perfect”. The house had to be clean all the time…when company came, food had to be just right, everything clean, perfection…..one day I realized, no one really cared and I was setting myself for “no fun with company” as I was dreading it and always tired..I did not look at other people floors, or their houses, it was about fellowship, visiting, people, not the busyness of the service…so the conscious decision was made to slack off…enjoy…

I didn’t do certain things, because I knew they wouldn’t be perfect the first time, too high of expectations on myself…so I missed out doing things that might have been fun, maybe not perfect, but fun…I hated playing the piano because it wasn’t perfect(my mom was a music teacher)…I didn’t paint because it wouldn’t be perfect like my mom’s…so many missed opportunities because “perfectionism “ was in the way….Not blaming my parents…my own expectations got in the way…

Then you read about Martha…her perfect serving heart got in the way of listening to Jesus…she wanted to serve well, and wanted her sister to help…instead of simple fare, “cookies and milk” she probably prepared a whole feast when the others just wanted to fellowship, listen to Jesus…not that what she did was wrong, but a wrong attitude..

Later, we find her serving again…(her gifting must have been serving)…maybe she had simplified by then…she wasn’t called out on it this time…no exasperated “Martha, Martha”…

We are called, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Not for our own perfectionism, but for Him…a much better reason…

Thank YOU…

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. 

And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 

But Martha was distracted with much serving. 

And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 

42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

John 12:1-3

Celebrations…

 Celebrations….

Earlier this week our nation celebrated the Fourth of July…a commemoration of our freedom, fought for so many years ago and still be sought after….fireworks, picnics, family gatherings held all over the United States…even at various US embassies in other parts of the world…

What does the various colors/items on the American flag stand for was a question posed by reporters as they roamed the crowds…

“The flag of the United States, sometimes referred to as the American Flag, or lovingly as “Old Glory”, the “Stars and Stripes”, and the “Star Spangled Banner”, has stood as a symbol of freedom since 1777, and its design encompasses both our nation’s history and patriotic ideals.

It is, of course, widely known that the 50 stars represent the 50 states of the Union and the 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies, however, the colors of the flag also hold important meaning.

WHY IS THE FLAG RED, WHITE & BLUE?

The significance behind the colors was not acknowledged when the American flag was adopted in 1777, however, the meaning was later explained by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, when he presented the U.S. Seal of the same colors to Congress in the early 1780s.

While the colors of the American Flag were likely inspired by our mother country’s flag, the Union Jack of England, they were also deliberately chosen to reflect the beliefs and values that our Founding Fathers deemed essential to building our nation.

Red

The color red represents hardiness and valor, as well as courage and readiness to sacrifice. It is also sometimes said to represent the blood shed by those who have fought to protect our freedom and our country.

Blue

The color blue signifies justice for all, as well as vigilance and perseverance. A reminder that we must remain watchful and strong.

White

The color white stands for purity and innocence. Pure, because we are independent from other countries and hold true to our ideals.”

From…

Red, White & Blue: American Flag Symbolism

Red, White & Blue: American Flag Symbolism

As I was reading in Mark 11, another celebration is recorded…Jesus’ Triumphant entry into Jerusalem…symbolism there as well

A colt which not had ridden for Jesus to ride-“humble King of peace”…fulfillment of prophecy…

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

People spread their cloaks on the ground-honor for political leaders…

Some spread palm branches-leafy branches were a symbol of Jewish nationalism…

People shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!-“please save”or “save now”…

The day which Jesus came-the Passover, which celebrates the freedom from the Egyptians….

And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

Mark 11:7-10 

As Americans, we have our special temporal celebrations…but for those believers in Christ, those who have put their faith in Him, we have  celebrations  which have eternity as well…

Thank YOU….

Christmas in July…already…

 Christmas in July….already….

School supply specials are starting crop up, summer sales are happening, fall decorations are getting  unpacked….Christmas is right around the corner…hummm,…I want to enjoy each season, but they seem to get crammed into one another quickly…always looking forward…

This week for me was Covid, Covid, coughing, coughing…I hadn’t experienced the bug firsthand these last 2 1/2 years, so it was my turn…it seems to be breaking out here whether or not you have been vaccinated….not fun, but being sick is not fun…

But, I was reminded of the Operation Christmas Child boxes from a friend who is in Colombia, South America right now with Young Life…

This was a particular encouragement gift to me while I laid up….

She met a young man who received a box I sent 10 years ago, made a short video of them, he had kept the letter and picture that was included in the box…and he said, “hi”. What a blessing!

For all the millions of boxes sent and distributed, he got mine and connected with a friend of mine…amazing…makes my heart smile…we don’t know the outcome most times for the gifts we are instructed to share…

My mind went to the popular song, “ thank you for giving to the Lord”…by Ray Boltz

“Thank You

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said friend you may not know me now
And then he said but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

CHORUS
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry
You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today

CHORUS (repeat)

One by one they came
Far as the eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed

And I know that up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward”

I digressed…sorry, just so heart warming and such a blessing to my soul..

Back to Christmas is July…or anytime of the year…if one chooses to do the Christmas boxes, which are collected in November, shopping throughout the year can be fun…

Now with school sales are pending, is a good time to look for school supplies which are appreciated the world over…

One of my favorite box fillers are the “shoes that grow” from “Because international “ , small solar calculators, crafts kits, sewing kits, socks, underwear, tee shirts, stuffed toys, cars, fishing kits, tools, toothbrushes, wash clothes, eating utensils…..

There are lists of suggestions on the website for the various ages…Pinterest as oodles of ideas as well.

Or if you don’t want to personally pack one, you can go to the website and choose what you want chosen and pay them to do it…

It does our hearts well to do something special for someone else…even with no expectation of a “thank you”…

Most important , write a note, send a picture…you never know what will happen….

Thank YOU for Your gift…Jesus…

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

1 Peter 4:10

Weddings…

 Weddings…

A friend and I used to help with weddings….I moved and became a wedding coordinator for a church, plus went to floral school and became a florist…

I loved doing weddings, even without much sleep the week of, my mind rerunning scenarios, plans, timing, scripts, people, etc…

I love the smell of fresh flowers in their buckets waiting for designing, not so much anymore the pressure of two days of getting everything ready without wilting, finding refrigerated rooms…

I love silk flowers, their abundant colors, slower paced designing, not the last minute pressured timing, no wilting, no refrigeration…

Have gotten the chance to pick fresh flowers in the commercial fields in California, visit various wholesale warehouses picking out individual stems and bunches, carted blooms in coolers 500 miles, ordered from local grocery stores, or picked in someone’s backyard…all with the expectation of a beautiful wedding…

But that is just one aspect…

There are dresses, men’s attire, food choices, theme choices; getting the venue, the music, the pastor, the invitations, the shower, the people, the cake, the time, the photographer, the premarital counseling, the license, the decorations, the reception, the rehearsal dinner, etc., etc., etc.so many decisions….

But, all is fun and challenging…

With this all in mind…was thinking about the Bride and Groom spoken of in the Bible….

“Jewish marriage included a number of steps: 

first, betrothal (which involved the prospective groom’s traveling from his father’s house to the home of the prospective bride, paying the purchase price, and thus establishing the marriage covenant); 

second, the groom’s returning to his father’s house (which meant remaining separate from his bride for 12 months, during which time he prepared the living accommodations for his wife in his father’s house); 

third, the groom’s coming for his bride at a time not known exactly to her; 

fourth, his return with her to the groom’s father’s house to consummate the marriage and to celebrate the wedding feast for the next seven days (during which the bride remained closeted in her bridal chamber).” Bible study tools…

Just reading those steps, gives me chills, in an exciting way, of what the path of Christ’s coming does for us, the Bride…

He left his heavenly home to step here on earth with us…he returned at his resurrection with a promise to return again and take His own and take them to his fathers house…amazing…

Thank YOU….

https://bibleandrevelation.com/2017/08/08/the-ancient-jewish-wedding/

http://www.trackingbibleprophecy.org/jewish_wedding.php

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” 

Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. 

To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 

Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 

12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” 

And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Revelation 21:2-3,5-6,9,22:12-13,16-17

Who is the greatest…

 Who is the greatest?

I once heard a story of a pastor who “arrived” late to church, but unknown…he came dressed as a homeless man, weaving up the aisle as though drunk, wearing tattered clothing , disguised from his congregation, muttering to himself, looking for a seat amongst the seated…his “test” to see what his congregants would do…and they had a variety of responses, from kindness to escorting him to the exit in no uncertain terms…

I have to ask myself, where would I fall in that scenario….what do I do with just the ordinary ones, the everyday people who cross my path? Is there a chip upon my shoulder, a “holier than thou” attitude grating through…am I unknowingly or knowingly asking for that seat next to Jesus in glory…do I give out that cup of cool water to those in need…or seek out others….

Open my eyes to the needs of others, seeking not to be the greatest, but the servant…as You alone are the greatest….

Thank YOU…

And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 

But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 

And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 

43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 

44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 9:33-35,10:35-37,43-45

My brothers,  show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

James 2:1-9

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:1,4

And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.

Zechariah 14:9