And the winner is…

 And the winner is…..

When we travel, there is celebrating when we use up something or can finally toss an item that might weigh a few grams hoping it will take pounds off the weight of our belongings….

It used to be, that my husband was my hero in carrying all the travel gear and my back was stronger. When he passed away, I remembered his saying, “ only pack what you can carry”… I could carry more 11 years ago…now I need the same stuff, but suitcases have sure gotten heavier…

I used to add souvenirs to the pile, thinking , “ these don’t weigh much”…but they sure add up…I used to get teeshirts for everyone, then downsized to socks…now I take pictures and order what I want on Amazon… “they won’t know the difference/ it’s the same stuff”…plus we don’t need so much “stuff” anyway…

Our real baggage is much simpler…hope stored in heaven, faith in Christ, the gospel and its fruit, knowledge of His will, gathering of wisdom and knowledge from the Spirit, redemption, forgiveness of sin, growing in faith…

Now of these weigh very much but, are essential to our travels, our paths that God ordained…our journey here and eventually in heaven…there is our true celebration…not temporal stuff, but the eternal gift…which only God bestows…

Thank YOU…

 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. 

In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. 

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Col.1.3-6,Col.1.9-14

 I will celebrate…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiMMyZzl5vA

Showers…

 Showers…

I think engineers/designers must have a sense of humor sometimes by the way they design showers…and when you are traveling you get all of their attempts for more unique showers…

Some successful and others questionable….

One night in this adventure, both my roommate and I tried finding how to turn the shower on from the bathtub spigot…no buttons anywhere, finally finding the spigot itself had to be turned and pulled down…interesting…

Last night, finding the right knob and direction of the knob was the key…there are four knobs, one button, two different shower heads, two spigot directions….finally, after being blasted in the face with the “right” combination, the shower was turned on….it was like a combination lock with no directions…had a hard time keeping a straight face when my roommate went in to take a shower, but relented and  showed her the  correct combination…

After a day of continuous amazing vistas of God’s creation, beautifully good weather, no showers like the week before…we were blessed. This country is so big…the mountains so high…we rode a gondola to the top of one mountain…today is a float trip…

We are being showered with blessings…it has been worth the three year wait…

When I looked up the word, “shower”, I found the verses to be a blessing as well…God’s provision…which I sometimes take for granted ….He is the controller of all …

Thank YOU….

 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew,like showers on new grass,like abundant rain on tender plants.

Deut.32.2

 “He draws up the drops of water,which distill as rain to the streams; the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind.

Job.36.27-28

 You care for the land and water it;you enrich it abundantly.The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain,for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges;you soften it with showers and bless its crops.

Ps.65.9-10

 When you, God, went out before your people,when you marched through the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain,before God, the One of Sinai,before God, the God of Israel. 

You gave abundant showers, O God;you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it,and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.

Ps.68.7-10

 “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness;let the clouds shower it down.

Let the earth open wide,let salvation spring up,let righteousness flourish with it;I, the Lord, have created it.

Isa.45.8

 I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.

Ezek.34.26

 Sow righteousness for yourselves,reap the fruit of unfailing love,and break up your unplowed ground;for it is time to seek the Lord,until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.

Hos.10.12

 Be glad, people of Zion,rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful.

He sends you abundant showers,both autumn and spring rains, as before.

Joel.2.23

 The remnant of Jacob will bein the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord,like showers on the grass,which do not wait for anyone or depend on man.

Mic.5.7

 Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms.He gives showers of rain to all people,and plants of the field to everyone.

Zech.10.1

Showers of blessing…

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

 

A son and brother…..

 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,because they trust in you. 

Trust in the Lord forever,for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Isa.26.3-4

 As I read this verse for today, I was also reading the short book of Philemon…

His slave, Onesimus, had run away from his master in Colosse…I wonder, was he running away from God as many do, only to meet another who points him back to God…was Philemon praying for his salvation…

I know so many whose testimony is one of running, running to and fro trying to get away from that conviction from God in our souls…only to be met again and again with another who points them to God and His eternal salvation…finally to surrender to that perfect peace…

The prodigal son comes to mind as well…did Philemon yearn for Onesimus as the father did?  As God does for those wandering in the world…

Onesimus is sent back to his master, as a brother in Christ, his temporal debt paid by Paul…whose eternal debt was paid by Jesus on the Cross…as Paul also had to face those he had wronged…

What a picture, again, of redemption, forgiveness, welcome…

I had to question myself…am I as forgiving…am I as welcoming…am I as mentoring…

Thank YOU….

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/onesimus/

Redeemed…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_82cISZdFg

 We stayed in Waterton last night and will again tonight…right near the border…rode a boat on Waterton Lake, a lake that spans the two countries…today to Glacier National Park..lots of riding…

We landed in Calgary, the oil and gas capital….bit as soon as you get out of the city, the prairie spreads out for miles and miles and miles….the grain belt …all kinds of grains…wheat, oats, rake for canola oil…plus wind farms …

Waterton boasts of being the wind capital…

The natural resources that God has blessed these countries will is amazing…supplying needs throughout the world…is amazing…the beauty of it all as well…

Thank YOU…

He’s everything to me…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMVmJjbjh0w

Layers….

 Layers….

Yesterday as we took off from Salt Lake City we were going through layers snd layers of clouds, some thin, some heavy, some fluff

Finishing Acts…it was interesting to see all the various people he interacted with…layers of society….

Native people/islanders

The chief with an estate…

Ill father..,

Sick, needing healing…

Sisters snd brothers….

Soldiers …

Guards…

Jewish leaders..,convinced, or rejectors of the Word…

Gentiles…

And the rest of the book list all kinds of people with which he spoke to, worked with, journeyed with…all kind of layers of society…from kings to tent makers, from islanders to the rich, from the sick to the dye sellers...he welcomed all….they were and are part of the plan…

God desires that none should perish…are we welcoming?  Bold?..

Offering the Word without hindering ….rules ….add -ons…

Thank YOU…

 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Acts.28.30-31..

 Come, come as you are..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USQn4IUmS20

A bargain….the first day put

 

A bargain…the first day out…

I love bargains, but they have to be something I really need…not a purchase just because it is a bargain…and I don’t haggle over a price or try to talk the seller down on price…

But this verse always comes to mind after a great find or purchase….

 “It is [almost] worthless, it is [almost] worthless,” says the buyer [as he negotiates the price];But when he goes his way, then he boasts [about his bargain].

Prov.20.14 AMP

A friend and I started on our fourth try ( the last three being cancelled the last three years) on a trip yesterday with tickets purchased with points in April…they have changed at least twice getting better each time since then…and late yesterday afternoon, they changed again, halfway to our destination…we were bumped off the flight…but….they gave us food vouchers, more snacks and water, a free night in a hotel with a wonderful pool, revised our  schedule for a nice morning flight, plus $800 each for another  trip…I’d say that  was  a worthwhile, not worthless, bargain.

And we didn’t have to do any negotiating!

But, this also brings to mind King Hezekiah and his illness…

chapter 38 of Isaiah ends with these verses…(not that I can compare myself with this great king)…he didn’t negotiate, but asked for more years and praised God for what he received…

Thank YOU …

 A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery: I said, “In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?” 

I said, “I will not again see the Lord himself in the land of the living;no longer will I look on my fellow man,or be with those who now dwell in this world. 

Like a shepherd’s tent my house has  been pulled down and taken from me.

Like a weaver I have rolled up my life,and he has cut me off from the loom;day and night you made an end of me. 

I waited patiently till dawn,but like a lion he broke all my bones;day and night you made an end of me. 

I cried like a swift or thrush,I moaned like a mourning dove.

My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens.

I am being threatened; Lord, come to my aid!” 

But what can I say?

He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this.I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul. 

Lord, by such things people live;and my spirit finds life in them too.

You restored me to health and let me live. 

Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.

In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction;you have put all my sins behind your back. 

For the grave cannot praise you,death cannot sing your praise;those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. 

The living, the living—they praise you,as I am doing today;parents tell their children about your faithfulness. 

The Lord will save me,and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.

Isa.38.9-20

Freely, freely…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vhMfCJzXqk

A short time…

 

A short time…

In Acts 26, Paul is brought before Festus and King Agrippa…they want to hear his story, his defense…why he has charges brought against to appeal to Rome…

Yesterday’s blog was ….”no Charges”….they couldn’t find anything with which to charge him…

Paul is still talking , giving testimony to what Jesus had done on the Damascus Road…

 “ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 

Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.””

Acts.26.28-29

I have watched people in foreign countries and here watch the Jesus Film or hear a gospel message, ready to accept Jesus as their Savior…in a short amount of time…or listeners of radio/tv/YouTube broadcasts realize their need as well…some had never heard of Jesus before…but the Word spoke to their heart and they knew….

Others needed  more time  before they  made a commitment…and still others, walked away….

Paul was ready to speak…

 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

 2Tim.4.2

We don’t all get to present the gospel as Paul did…some plant the Word…others water, encourage….some get to reap…but we all need to use the opportunity given…short or long…

I have always wondered if we will see Agrippa in heaven…was he finally persuaded…or who in that hearing became followers of the Way…whose hearts were changed by Paul’s testimony…

Thank YOU….

 As the rain and the snowcome down from heaven,and do not return to itwithout watering the earthand making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,but will accomplish what I desireand achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isa.55.10-11

The Sower’s Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIiKIR6mQOE

The Harvest…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlTdTqCN9xc

 

No charges…

 

No charges…

One time I was stopped by a county sheriff….but he had no charges against me…just wanted to see how one of my daughters was as we had just been released from ER ( he went to our church) …but those flashing lights sure raised my “alarm” level….

I thought of this as I was reading this passage in Acts…as Christians, we have been forgiven of all our sins…that is a promise when we come to him…what a wonderful promise…

 So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. 

Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 

And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. 

But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. 

But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. 

Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. 

For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.”

Acts.25.23-27

 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Ps.32.1-2

 as far as the east is from the west,so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Ps.103.12

 He will again have compassion on us;he will tread our iniquities underfoot.You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Mic.7.19

 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. 

In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 

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

Eph.1.4-8,Eph.1:11-14

 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Col.2.13-14

Thank YOU….

There’s a  wideness in God’s mercy….

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

The seeds that grew….

 The seeds that grew…

This spring I changed my drip watering system a bit so more water was going to an apple tree that has struggled each year, I hoped that more water would help it along its path of growth….one more chance…I have tried several remedies to get this poor tree to grow, but, alas, none have worked…

 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 

And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 

Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

Luke.13.6-9

While adding an extra water line, I was cleaning out old seeds as well…I dropped them into the ground, thinking maybe a few will survive…now I have “jungle” of squash plants…I trim them at least once a week…otherwise they would have taken over the driveway, the whole front on my house and the neighbor’s or climbed the trees…like Jack’s beanstalk of old …those seeds wanted to grow…they were “programmed “ to grow…now I have my own “Squash patch” maze…

As a Christian, I want to grow  as well…I want to soak up as much of the Living water as I can, eat the Living Bread….there are definitely times of pruning, to promote more growth, to deepen the roots….overflowing, growing, fruitful, being a blessing to others, feeding others that are sent my way…

I don’t want to be like the tree with yearly upkeep, only to continue to shrivel after each encouragement to thrive…I want to flourish, being fruitful as much as possible…

Thank YOU…

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

Luke.6.38

 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

Acts.14.17

 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 

 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

2Cor.9.10-12

Thank you….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOgAmQvOUM0

Attics…

 Attics….

Both sets of my grandparents had attics like this…with one set, it was a special occasion to go up there…, but it seemed like every big family event, someone had to go up for something…it didn’t get cleaned out until long after they passed away and the house was to be sold…

The other set’s attic was like Little Women…we grandchildren played and played up there until it was remodeled…then it was never quite the same…all the fun stuff was sorted and gone…

New houses don’t seem to have the ancestral attics anymore…we have garages too filled with bins and boxes, no character… no dress up clothes…or places to share with our grandchildren…our pictures are hidden on our phones instead of books to peruse…National Geographic books don’t pile gathering dust…antique toys have been boxed or sold  at garage sales…

How much are we  sharing with  the next generations? My grand father and my dad told stories of their exploits growing up.   They would laugh or cry at their times reminisced…but we would ask for more and more…

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations; ask your father and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you… Deut. 32:7

I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever…Psalm 45:17

Thank YOU…

Amazing Grace…bagpipes and singer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKQULTTnaI8

Gold panning …..again

 Gold panning….again…



t-online.de

• Gold panning, or simply panning, is a form of placer mining and traditional mining that extracts gold from a placer deposit using a pan. The process is one of the simplest ways to extract gold, and is popular with geology enthusiasts especially because of its low cost and relative simplicity.

When we had our family reunion recently, one of the activities I wanted to do was gold panning…and we did…

I had saved some bags of sand with gold in them from when I packed out our home and shop after my husband’s passing, knowing I would pass that activity on to future grandchildren. I also had some bags of Sapphire sand from Montana from my husband’s late partner. These are two different methods of panning, both fun and tedious…teaching patience…but rewarding…

After we had finished the activity at the Wilder park, I kept the sand from the gold panning to re- pan to make sure we got all of the gold…so have been finishing that task this week…and found a bit more gold hiding in the black sands…

It made me recollect how God refines and refines my life, taking more and more of the dregs out…transforming, transforming…a process that takes time…and He doesn’t give up, patient with me…

At the mine we visited, we were able to watch a “gold pour”….

The ore is heated to high a temperature, then the dregs are poured off first, then the molten gold,near 100% pure, is poured into a brick mold..to be cooled…and sold…purified by fire…

 

Thank YOU…

 

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

Ps.12.6

 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

2Cor.7.1

 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Heb.9.14

Similarly, the Word speaks of chaff and wheat, threshing the wheat from the chaff…separating the waste from the grains of wheat…

Refiners fire…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfH9j-TLg3U

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/gold-panning-locations-idaho-111422.html

https://geology.com/articles/panning-gold/

Moses

 

Baby Moses in the basket…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJWocWc2OUc

Yoke…

 

Yoke….

 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matt.11.28-30

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

Yesterday, while in Lava Hot Springs, after all but me went rafting down a canal, some of us wandered through the local history museum…it was crammed, packed with so many historical items and information….really interesting…

One item was a old yoke…heavy, wooden, used, weathered…

It brought to mind the verses from Matthew…but, also as I am finishing Philippians, Paul has taken Jesus’ words to heart…he gave his burdens to Jesus….and his peace in whatever came, came from letting Jesus from Jesus’ rest….

 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. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 

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. 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Phil.4.4-9, Phil.4.11-13, Phil.4.19-20

Such a good lesson…we don’t need to carry the heavy yoke…

Thank YOU….

Lay down your burdens…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2zhf2mqEMI

 

Unity in service…

 Unity in service…

  I have been with family and friends these last few days…as well as reading in Acts, Ephesians and now Philippians…

Two of the families I have been with have experienced pastoral changes in their respective home churches, one from the sudden passing of their pastor and the other from retirement.

Both bodies have weathered the transitions and have grown through the  change… God brought them shepherds to carry them and heal their wounds, to bind up broken hearts, encourage…

Now here is Paul, writing with joy from a prison cell…joy or rejoice is written 16 times in the book of Philippians…

He has ended Ephesians with Grace to all…

One author writes, “We can build unity in our churches through willing submission to Christ’s leadership and humble service to one another”. (Application Study Bible)

Paul’s writings of admonishment, encouragement, teachings all shepherding those many churches that he knew of, visited, stayed…he strove for each persons growth, each body of believers growth…his joy was others in Christ…his joy was Christ…unity…

I appreciate the fact that I found a body of believers, a pastor and staff who desire the same …

Thank YOU…

 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of  Christ. Eph.4.1,Eph.4.3,Eph.4.13

 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Phil.1.3-7

Bind us together…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPCfks7I_bU

A mine tour…

 A mine tour…

Parts of our family and friends went on a gold mine tour in Nevada this week. We have known this mine since the early 1970’s. At that time it was a little knob, with two tar paper shacks, a root cellar and a wooden stope tower…it was an underground mine in the 1930’s. We could walk around the various diggings, follow tunnels here and there, old iron mine cars and rails littered the area…

It has changed considerably over the years and is still one of the smaller gold mines in Nevada, but still impressive…

As I toured and wandered again, the verses in Job 28 came to mind again…this is one type of mining…which once was a small underground mine has turned to a large open pit which runs for miles…the once small ore cars of 3x5 feet have turned into gigantic trucks…the once seeable gold is now measured by parts per billion and leached on huge leach pads.

The thing  that has stayed the same is  God’s eternal wisdom…it is not found in mounds of dirt, nor in the accumulation of wealth…it can’t be purchased…it can only be found in the “fear of the Lord”…. 

Thank YOU….

 “Surely there is a mine for silver,and a place for gold that they refine. Iron is taken out of the earth,and copper is smelted from the ore. 

Man puts an end to darkness and searches out to the farthest limit the ore in gloom and deep darkness. 

He opens shafts in a valley away from where anyone lives;they are forgotten by travelers;they hang in the air, far away from mankind; they swing to and fro. 

As for the earth, out of it comes bread,but underneath it is turned up as by fire. Its stones are the place of sapphires,and it has dust of gold. 

“Man puts his hand to the flinty rock and overturns mountains by the roots. 

He cuts out channels in the rocks,and his eye sees every precious thing. “

But where shall wisdom be found?

And where is the place of understanding? 

It cannot be bought for gold,and silver cannot be weighed as its price. 

It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,in precious onyx or sapphire. 

Gold and glass cannot equal it,nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. 

The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,nor can it be valued in pure gold. 

“From where, then, does wisdom come?And where is the place of understanding? “

God understands the way to it,and he knows its place. 

For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. 

When he gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure, 

And he said to man,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Job.28.1-6,Job.28.9-10,Job.28.12,Job.28.15-20,Job.28.23-25,Job.28.28

 For the Lord gives wisdom;from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justiceand watching over the way of his saints. 

Then you will understand righteousness and justiceand equity, every good path; 

for wisdom will come into your heart,and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 

discretion will watch over you,understanding will guard you,

Prov.2.6-11

If I speak words of wisdom…

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

Choose to be…

 Choose to be…

I found some of my notes in Philippians from a previous “read through “…” choose to be the person God wants you to be”….

With the verses,

 “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”

Phil.3.13-16

This was in my “travel Bible”, a lighter weight Bible I use when traveling…

We have so many choices in life, but this is a really important one…God has a plan for each us, one which is the best of all…but we can choose to go our own way and not follow it…we can ignore those guidance words, the words whispered into our hearts or sometimes shouted loud and clear and follow our own paths…stay immature….

But, how much better it is to choose to walk in the path prepared by a Father who loves us infinitely, eternally, lovingly, compassionately….who sent his son to die for us…to be our sacrifice…

Nothing compares…no earthly pleasure…to that love…but, he still gave us a choice…

We need to choose wisely….

Thank YOU…

     He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor his name's sake.

Ps.23.3

 You search out my path and my lying downand are acquainted with all my ways. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand.I awake, and I am still with you.

Ps.139.3,Ps.139.17-18

 In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths. 

Be not wise in your own eyes;fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Prov.3.6-8

 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Prov.19.21

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jer.29.11-13

 You have made known to me the paths of life;you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

Acts.2.28

One thing remains….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTe6NKe5PAI

 

Sushi, leftovers, photos, hugs and goodbyes…

 Sushi, leftovers, photos, hugs and goodbyes…

I have two age groups of grandchildren…simply because there is 11 years difference between my oldest child and my youngest…So as the older group is leaving their teen years, the younger group is just entering theirs…but everyone combined well at this weekend reunion event…it was fun to see all of the interactions …

We gathered for one last lunch of leftovers, sushi, fried rice….laughter all around, formal family photos, hugs and goodbyes…a weekend well lived…

Thank YOU for this special time…

Reading about Paul in the New Testament, the Epistles…the helloes and the goodbyes…the parting is hard, but life goes on…and he moved forward just as we will…I can imagine the send offs at various towns, regions he visited…maybe a farewell meal, a few last words in parting,  a small or large gathering as he entered  yet another boat or left by foot…all walking away talking about the gathering and planning for the day ahead…getting on with life…back to “normal”, whatever or wherever that looks like…

 A few partings…of Paul…

After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila.

But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. 

When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 

After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Acts.18.18,Acts.18.21-23

 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days. But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Acts.20.2-6,13-16

So long, farewell….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxjwb5cXTI0

Bind us together….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHJJzD46-qU

Ethan telling African spider story…

Say cheese….

Same birthdays, same names…

Getting together…

 Getting together…

As I said previously, our family is getting together this weekend…it has been more than nine years since this happened, so it has been a big, especially for me…

Since the last time we got together, every family has moved at least once…

We have added 5 by birth, 2 by marriage..there have been high school graduations, kindergarten graduations, Eagle Scout ceremonies, various sports tried, teen years entered and finished, new readers, world travels, missions accomplished, one retirement, colleges entered, houses built, medical situations, house flooding, a multitude of pets loved and lost….many, many miles travelled, either to school, trips, work…many books read, many prayers said…

We may differ politically, life styles, personalities..but, we are still family…

We have lived and loved….and God has been with us each and every day, through feast or famine…

One of the things we have shared is missions…we have been involved with them our whole lifetimes…so we went on a tour of Mission Aviation Fellowship for one of our excursions…viewing the portion of Nate Saint’s plane to hearing stories from a retired pilot…to wandering through planes, parts of planes, to a finale of flying in one…(it happened to be one  9 year old’s birthday, “best birthday ever”)…

It is so fun to pass this experience down, now, to a third generation …passing the baton, the torch, the vision …the responsibility, stewardship of the blessings God has bestowed…

I am in Acts with Paul…standing before the people, the rulers giving testimony to many…the people, the Sanhedrin, the rulers, even the soldiers…over and over again..he has travelled many, many miles, gone through a multitude of good and bad experiences…but his words are sure, he is training others in the Way…he has discipled many, encouraged many, admonished many, written much, handing off the torch…giving vision to others…

 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

Deut.7.9

 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.

Ps.33.11

Or Joshua’s words to the next generation…in Joshua 24, “choose whom you will serve…”

Thank YOU….

I am so glad…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0zljm3KMSA

Reports from abroad….

 Reports from abroad….

 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law,

Acts.21.17-20

Once a year we have a missionary time, when the various missionaries supported by the church give reports about their work…some of the missionaries are in person and others are videos from wherever they are…

Personally, I totally enjoy these times…their reports with the joy of their words, body language is so refreshing…it makes giving so worthwhile…because the gospel is reaching more and more people groups, the Word is being spread…the harvest is being brought in……

We, who  sit in the pews , may not be on the “frontline “ with the foreign missions, but we can rejoice with those who are…our “frontline “ is closer to home…and that is just as exciting…we are all called to do our part for the kingdom…

 Thank YOU…

 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him;he refreshes the soul of his masters. 

Like cold water to a thirsty soul,so is good news from a far country.

Prov.25.13,25

 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Matt.9.35-38

 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 

Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 

For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 

I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. 

Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

John.4.35-38

 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.

 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 

So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Rom.1.12-15

 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

 

An old hymn….bringing in the sheaves…

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

 

Travel plans….

 Travel plans….

This weekend all of my children and grandchildren will all be here, in one place…first time in nine years…some are traveling in from Tennessee, others are coming from Oregon, Montana…some I have never met due to travel restrictions, health…the twelve  grandkids have grown, Some married, in college…each finding their way in the world…we have been planning this since last winter…with accommodations, travel routes, meals, activities…logistics…

Reading through the book of Acts, you might think Paul, for all of his travels, might have benefited from our  computers to make all of his plans…

In chapters 20 and 21, there’s a running list of places he visited, boats he took, people he saw…first here, then a boat there…over and over again…the ports must have been such a bustling place…finding passage to here and there a ritual that many took if they wanted to travel…

Now we think more of cars, planes, trains, less of boats…

But, Paul had a purpose…he was reaching people for the gospel, visiting people whom he had known before, he was teaching, exhorting, admonishing, encouraging at every stop…and at some, he was saying “goodbye “…he had a destination, Jerusalem…

I have met some who have travelled the world, either as missionaries or just travelled…others who haven’t left their state…Paul probably met the same kind as well…each with their paths in lives…he took the gospel to each…Jesus’ love has no partiality…

Thank YOU for each of our journeys through this world…

 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 

And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. 

And they accompanied him to the ship.

Acts.20.21-22, Acts.20.28,Acts.20.31-32,Acts.20.36-38

 For God shows no partiality.

Rom.2.11

 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Acts.10.34-35

Every step…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7edo5ril3WA

Early morNing tracks…

The county fair…2..

 

The county fair….2…

I retrieved my fair entries yesterday…so put  those entries back into their  places…now to go on as before…

Earthly ribbons and prizes are one thing…heavenly rewards are so much better!!!!!  They are everlasting, surpassing anything we could imagine…these here will just pass away, fading, where moth can eat…

Personally, I want my treasures to last…

 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matt.6.19-21

Dr. Jeremiah writes about rewards in the following blog…

Thank YOU…for your heavenly rewards…they infinitely outweigh those here on earth, the  ribbons, trophies…

Well done…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHGZoKFSb1E

https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-kind-of-rewards-will-believers-receive-in-heaven/

https://openthebible.org/article/10-things-christ-promises-to-reward som/

https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1495&context=doctoral