Exalt….exalt…

Exalted over the nations…

Exalt, for He is holy…worship at his footstool…

Exalt the LORD our God…worship….He is holy…

Just reading through this Psalm brings goosebumps to my arms…

We get so caught up in this world, the people in it, rich or poor, famous or not, the leaders, the bad guys , the events around each one…that we forget sometimes that we have a “World leader” like no other…who leads like no other, who cares like no other, the Creator of the universe…who know the beginnings, the endings, the words, the thoughts before they are even spoken…who knows us each personally…He formed us…He is the one we need to exalt….

Thank YOU….

Psalm 99 song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcqI2Layo1M

The Lord reigns,let the nations tremble;he sits enthroned between the cherubim,let the earth shake. 

( The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;let the distant shores rejoice.Ps.97.1

 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.

Exod.25.22)

Great is the Lord in Zion;he is exalted over all the nations. 

 (Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise,in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

Ps.48.1

 For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;you are exalted far above all gods.

Ps.97.9

 The Lord is exalted over all the nations,his glory above the heavens.

Ps.113.4)

Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy. 

( God is renowned in Judah;in Israel his name is great.

Ps.76.1)

The King is mighty, he loves justice—you have established equity;in Jacob you have done what is just and right. 

 (For the Lord is righteous,he loves justice;the upright will see his face.

Ps.11.7

 let them sing before the Lord,for he comes to judge the earth.He will judge the world in righteousnessand the peoples with equity.

Ps.98.9)

Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool;he is holy. 

( “Let us go to his dwelling place,let us worship at his footstool, saying,

Ps.132.7)

Moses and Aaron were among his priests,Samuel was among those who called on his name;they called on the Lord and he answered them. 

He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them. 

Lord our God,you answered them;you were to Israel a forgiving God,though you punished their misdeeds. 

Exalt the Lord ourGod and worship at his holy mountain,for the Lord our God is holy.

Ps.99.1-9

 

The Lord reigns…

I was reading this article this am while cleaning out my emails…it went so well with the verses we are studying in our Bible study…so wanted to share…

We have these times when our hearts are afraid or tremble at the path before us….or we think we do it all in our independence….

 The Lord reigns,let the nations tremble;he sits enthroned between the cherubim,let the earth shake. 

Moses and Aaron were among his priests,Samuel was among those who called on his name;they called on the Lordand he answered them. He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

Ps.99.1,Ps.99.6-7

Really good….

Four ways prayer humbles us and why that a good thing….

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/four-ways-prayer-humbles-us-and-why-thats-a-good-thing.html

 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Exod.14.13-14

Thank YOU…

A friend sent this song, I have heard many time…but a great reminder of Who we need to go to…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS9e0nxHP-w

Pathway…

 

Pathway….

This past month, the Pilgrim’s Path In Jerusalem has opened to the public…winding its way from the pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount, another pathway walked by Jesus. They have been working on excavation for years…

“The Pool of Siloam represented God’s provision and protection over Jerusalem. The waters became a source of life during a difficult time, representing God’s peaceful care for Judah. “

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-pool-of-siloam-in-the-bible.html

As I was reading the first verses of Psalm 96,

 Sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth. 

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Ps.96.1-3

I just envisioned singing that as you went up hill to the temple…I don’t know that they did, just my imagination…singing a new song, praising the Lord, declaring his Glory and marvelous deeds….why not sing?

Thank YOU…

https://www.timesofisrael.com/2000-year-old-pilgrimage-road-to-temple-mount-opens-to-public-after-years-of-digging/

From the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount: Jerusalem’s pilgrimage road reopens - Israel365 News

The Times of Israel spoke to some of the first people to walk the path.

Israeli resident Shira Greenspan said, “It was just the biggest honour to be among the first people to rewalk these steps … I  thought it was just like a perfect blend of experiential, funny, and meaningful. It did not feel dry; it felt alive and real. You’re suddenly connected across thousands of years. It’s just breathtaking.

“To be here with Jews and non-Jews from all over the world makes you feel like you are a little stone in a big story,” she added.

2,000-year-old 'Pilgrim's Path' opens in Jerusalem - Christian Today

Grateful….(this gets a little loud, but he is grateful….)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag08JVZhP9M

Glasses…

 Glasses…

I had a friend who wore necklaces of glasses…she put this necklace on every morning first thing and took it off last thing at night…three or four glasses, each with an attached necklace…

That way she could choose which pair of glasses she needed throughout her daily tasks….she laughed about them, and her reliance on those necklaces…their nosiness…

I don’t have the necklaces but I have glasses at various places that I work…one pair for the computer, one pair for Bible reading, one pair for all purpose wear and the last for nighttime reading in bed…4… it would make quite a necklace too…I wanted to see wherever I am…seeing is so important…I find I need it….

What do we need to see in the Word? We see with our reading eyes, our heart as the 

Word finds its way into our soul and teaches us…it gives us light to our situations…shows us 

God….

Thank YOU….

 For the Lord is righteous,he loves justice;the upright will see his face.

Ps.11.7

 Let my vindication come from you;may your eyes see what is right. 

As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Ps.17.2,Ps.17.15

 Taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

Ps.34.8,Ps.34.12

 For with you is the fountain of life;in your light we see light. Hope in the Lordand keep his way.

He will exalt you to inherit the land;when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

Ps.36.9,Ps.37.34

 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Ps.119.18

 See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.

Ps.139.24

 Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.

Prov.20.12

I see you…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6wvzx6pUhbc&list=RD6wvzx6pUhbc&start_radio=1&pp=ygURaSB3YW50IHRvIHNlZSB5b3WgBwE%3D

1 john 4

 

1 John 4

With so much happening in the world, I need this reminder today…maybe more than just me…so will share…

 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. 

This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming 

and even now is already in the world. 

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 

They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 

We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. 

This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, 

God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: 

He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.God is love. 

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 

This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 

There is no fear in love. 

But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. 

The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 

We love because he first loved us. 

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. 

For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 

And he has given us this command: 

Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

1John.4

Thank YOU…

The answer was love….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOShhF9Bxig

 

 Sing to him a new song;play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true;he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice;the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Ps.33.3-5

 He put a new song in my mouth,a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

Ps.40.3

 Sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name;proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Ps.96.1-3

 Sing to the Lord a new song,for he has done marvelous things;his right hand and his holy arm have a worked salvation for him.

Ps.98.1

 Praise the Lord.Sing to the Lord a new song,his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

Ps.149.1

 Sing to the Lord a new song,his praise from the ends of the earth,you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,you islands, and all who live in them.

Isa.42.10

 …. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph.5.18b-20

 And they sang a new song, saying:“You are worthy to take the scrolland to open its seals,because you were slain,and with your blood you purchased for Good persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Rev.5.9

 

A gentle book….

 

A gentle book…

“Theo of Golden is the endearing story of a curious old man who quietly moves into a southern city and, for reasons unknown to anyone but himself, undertakes a campaign of anonymous generosity. 

Theo’s love for people, combined with his fondness for books, art, birds, and story, unite in a colorful expression of outreach and affection. 

Stories are shared, friendships are born, and lives, in response to his inexplicable kindness, are affirmed and transformed. 

The old man, no stranger to sadness and loss, quickly becomes a welcome presence in the community but his new friends and neighbors wonder, who is Theo? And why is he here? 

Beautifully written stories of kindness and neighborliness are always timely, but perhaps especially so now. 

Meet Theo of Golden. He’s happy to meet you”….

I friend sent this book to me…I didn’t know I needed it until 

I started reading…it is not a great theological book, it is a simple gentle book….that is the only way I can describe it and it speaks to my heart that I need right now…I need that gentleness, that encouragement that comes through the pages….how we can be gentle, caring of others…speaking  words of encouragement to people’s hearts…looking at their soul and encouraging that fruit of the spirit to the forefront in other’s lives…….encouragement to show how God is working in the lives of others….

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

Matt.11.29

 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Eph.4.2,Eph.4.3,Eph.4.4,Eph.4.6,Eph.4.29,Eph.4.30,Eph.4.31,Eph.4.32

 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Phil.4.5

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Col.3.12-14

 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1Pet.3.4,1Pet.3.15

Thank YOU…

Gentle Shepherd….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw0WLM85aW4

Instrumental….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVuf6ldrFgk

 

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John.14.1,John.14.27

Hardened hearts…

 Hardened hearts….

 Today, if only you would hear his voice, 

“Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness….

Ps.95.7b-8

Meribah means quarreling…

Massage means testing….

Do we see ourselves in either of these circumstances?   Hardening of our hearts results in so much…I will let the word speak for itself…

 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Prov.28.14

 But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.

Dan.5.20

 because they all saw him and were terrified.Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

Mark.6.50-52

 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 

This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:“Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 

For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,so they can neither see with their eyes,nor understand with their hearts,nor turn—and I would heal them.” 

Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. 

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. 

But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

John.12.37-43

 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

Eph.4.18

do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion,during the time of testing in the wilderness, 

As has just been said:“Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” 

This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:“Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts.”

Heb.3.8,Heb.3.15,Heb.4.7

I would rather be blessed than have a hardened heart as the Word speaks about so aptly…

Bible study notes…

“A hardened heart is as useless as a lump of clay, or a hardened loaf of bread. Nothing can restore it r make it useful……when someone’s heart is hardened that person is so stubbornly set in his ways that he or she cannot turn to God….” Useless, worthless as old stale bread or hardened clay…

Our goal should be useful in God’s world, moldable…

Thank YOU…

Have thine own way…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERT7d_HF2Lk

Trunk ….3…

 Trunk…..3…

So what was in the trunk…memories…good ones at that….

1. A 54 year old wedding veil…

2. 8 Hand crocheted lace on a pillowcases…

3. An old “ Night Before Christmas” that my dad read every year, I had to finally frame it as it was falling apart…

4. My college diploma and graduation 👩‍🎓 hat…

5. Letters from one of my grandparents…

6. A 49 year old sweater and bonnet…

7. A 61 year old souvenir from Alaska…

8. A 53 year old hand embroidered bib

9. A 55 year old towel from my grandma Clara, given on their 50th anniversary…..

All sitting on a antique rocking chair that one of my grandmothers refinished and did needlepoint work on the back and seat…

Now they go back into the trunk, not sure for what….

(I actually have few antiques in my house, as there was lots of family to claim items and desire…but, lots of “antiques” by virtue that I still use things that I got at my wedding showers and early marriage, estate sales)

But these items aside…what does God put into our lives, our trunk? What can we put into it…new songs, proclaim Him to “all the people”, praise, peace, offerings, worship, His Truth, the Holy Spirit, comfort, provisions, salvation, righteousness, ….the Fruit of the Spirit, and so much more…

We are filled with abundance, sometimes we just have to sit down , open the lid of our minds and memories and contemplate them, thank HIM for them…

 Sing to the Lord a new song;sing to the Lord, all the earth. 

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;proclaim his salvation day after day. 

Declare his glory among the nations,his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Ps.96.1-3

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Against such things there is no law. 

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Gal.5.22-25

 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John.14.26-27

Thank YOU…

Gifts from God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfLGfuINnG4

Psalm 94:18-19

 Psalm 94:8-19….

As I have said previously, I write notes in my Bible…not every page or verse, but those who are meaningful certain times, when I come    upon them again, they bring back the memories and the emotions…maybe some tears or laughter, thankfulness….

This morning it was …

 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 

When anxiety was great within me,your consolation brought me joy.

Ps.94.18-19

Beside it was a star, a date…and the words “ I am moving away from Elko…” which meant I was moving g away from friends, my home, my church, the mountains…all of which I love…but moving to family and a new beginning as a widow, starting over in a new community, new church ….where I needed God’s support and consolation…..and I needed it badly…I cried in church the day before and my friends crowed around me and prayed peace and love for me…what a gift…and I walked away comforted, trying to count it all joy….

There are just times we need to write those words in our Bibles so we don’t forget what 

God has spoken to us …

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything .

Jas.1.2-4

 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1Pet.5.7

Thank YOU….

Cast all my cares…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKM4NoTKLzo

Faith journeys…

 Faith journeys….

Our married life as far as finances went was one of feast and famine…we never missed a meal, we never missed house payments, we didn’t carry health insurance s it was too expensive for our budget, our children were fairly healthy, we shopped thrift stores, we always tithed and gave a little more, we hosted simple meals, we hosted missionaries…God provided what we needed…and sometimes wants, desires…

In the last verses of Psalm 90, He talks about “deeds be shown”,  or in psalm 44, “our ancestors have told us”, or in Hab., repeat your deeds…

I have written about my trunk from my ancestors….I would love to hear their stories of crossing the ocean, starting a new life from scratch, daily living, children, etc…what did they experience, how did God Provide….I find that I am guilty of not writing down our stories of feast and  famine, how God provided abundantly, at the last minute, by prayer and fasting, by surprise, helping through crisis and friends…etc….

Help us to remember….praise…stand in awe…

Thank YOU…

 If only we knew the power of your anger!

Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. 

(  It is you alone who are to be feared.Who can stand before you when you are angry?

Ps.76.7)

Relent, Lord! How long will it be?

Have compassion on your servants. 

( My soul is in deep anguish.How long, Lord, how long?

Ps.6.3

 The Lord will vindicate his people and relent concerning his servants when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free.

Deut.32.36

 For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.

Ps.135.14)

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,for as many years as we have seen trouble. 

May your deeds be shown to your servants,your splendor to their children.

( We have heard it with our ears, O God;our ancestors have told us what you did in their days,in days long ago.

Ps.44.1

 Lord, I have heard of your fame;I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.Repeat them in our day,in our time make them known;in wrath remember mercy.

Hab.3.2)

Ps.90.11,Ps.90.13,Ps.90.15,Ps.90.16

I stand in awe of You…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bypinON83r4&list=RDbypinON83r4&start_radio=1&pp=ygUVaSBzdGFuZCBpbiBhd2Ugb2YgeW91oAcB

Trunk..2..

 My trunk …2…

I finished lining the trunk drawer with some upholstery fabric and braids then more Modge Podge…the pictures in lid are the original ones as far as I can tell…

I keep thinking about the age, 160+ years, each time I work on it…the creator of the trunk, the users, etc…all long gone, but did they ever think about the future users…did they wonder what their descendants would be like, what they would do, where they would live….the ones who used this one settled in Nebraska to farm those many years ago, some later moving to Ontario, California to plant orange orchards…then some to central California to rise cattle…(my father told of stories as a young adventurous boy, throwing rotten oranges at passing cars until his father found he and his brothers, they never did it again)…

 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 

Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,for as many years as we have seen trouble. 

May your deeds be shown to your servants,your splendor to their children.

Ps.90.14-16

Some of our days are definitely “glad” days while others are definitely “afflicted “…

And we are to thank Him for each one…”in everything give thanks”…

Thank YOU….

Satisfy us with your love…

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

 

Quickly pass…

Maybe it’s me, but the days , years seem to fly by so quickly….here it is February 7th already and next week the month will be half over…didn’t it just turn 2026? Tax season has already started, Easter decorations and items are already being sold…pretty soon the swim suits, summer toys will be on sale with the Fourth of July stuff….and it doesn’t slow down at all….whew, I need to stop and smell the roses….

I am glad that God knows the time…and he has it under control….

 We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you,our secret sins in the light of your presence. 

All our days pass away under your wrath;we finish our years with a moan. 

Our days may come to seventy years,or eighty, if our strength endures;yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,for they quickly pass, and we fly away. 

If only we knew the power of your anger!Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.

Ps.90.7-11

 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,for they are from of old. 

Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;according to your love remember me,for you, Lord, are good.

Ps.25.6,Ps.25.7

 There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens:     

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,     

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,     

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,     

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,     

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,     

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,     

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace. 

What do workers gain from their toil? 

I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time. 

He has also set eternity in the human heart; 

yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. 

God does it so that people will fear him.

Eccl.3.1-14

Thank YOU….

Turn…. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB6jhbtDUZE

My trunk…

 My trunk….

 

I inherited a trunk from one of my grandmothers….it came through Ellis Island in the 1860’s from Germany with one of my ancestors…I realized  I needed to glue the interior paper down as it is peeling  away from the body…so I got out my trusty Modge Podge the other day and painted all of the interior…then of course, as usual I created another project on the inside,..it has a lift-out drawer that was almost in splinters, the wood so brittle…it needed help…my neighbor is wonderful carpenter, so he took and remade the drawer, adding some new wood, the old wood and made a beautiful drawer…now I am refinishing that with paint and upholstery fabric for the liner.

 You turn people back to dust,saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” 

A thousand years in your sight-are like a day that has just gone by,or like a watch in the night. 

Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: 

In the morning it springs up new,but by evening it is dry and withered.

Ps.90.3-6

I thought of pictures taken of trunks decaying and turning to dust along the western trails, crosses of people who had died there as well…time…those years we live, aren’t the thousands that God knows…the years that quickly fly by in our lives…I watch my great grandchildren and am reminded what their grandparents and parents did at their age…not so long ago…He has held us in his hand, cared for us…prepared a place for us….

Thank YOU…

Pslam 90 song….

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

Used….

 Used…

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.  Erma Bombeck….

“Use it up”, my son-in-law about a MAF plane ready to foreign service…

When we were studying First Americans in school, I was intrigued by the many uses they discovered in using a buffalo….it was said they could use everything but but their sound…we have gotten away from that creativity in the many uses of products we have now…we use somethings very little and toss…I am glad we have thrift stores to shop at to continue the use of a variety of items. I grew up wearing hand-me-downs. There was a time when my family collected the over ripe fruits and vegetables from the grocery stores for ourselves and our livestock…we ate like kings as did our livestock!

Reading Psalm 90 reminds us of passing time and good use of it…

 Psalm 90A prayer of Moses the man of God.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 

Before the mountains were bornor you brought forth the whole world,from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 

Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. 

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

Ps.90.1,Ps.90.2,Ps.90.12,Ps.90.14,Ps.90.17

Realizing that life is short helps us use the little time we have more wisely and for eternal good.Take time to number your days by asking, “what do I want to see happen in my life before I die?what small step could I take toward that q purpose today….because our days are numbered, we want our work to count, to be effective and productive……”.   Bible study notes…..

Seeing the cancer center every week, reminds me personally of these things…use my time wisely….

Thank YOU….

God’s timing….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BUmXLhhVKs

Photo albums….

 

Photo albums…

I have started going through photo albums of pictures taken on trips that just my husband and I took, not having anything to do with our children…we saw some incredible places and things…I am sorting and purging out stuff that I don’t think my family would be interested in…Castles, temples, street scenes, people…foreign to them and us where gods are revered and God is not honored…there were places I felt so uncomfortable, I had to walk out, not trying to insult local people….I was their guest after all ….

As I read these verses in Psalm 84, I thought of the various places we traversed…I would have rather been in the Lord’s house than some of the tourist places…His Spirit is welcoming rather than not…

I am thankful we saw and experienced so much….God was gracious to allow it in our lives…but, I am sooooo much more thankful we had a “ home “ to come to where God’s presence was so alive…

Thank YOU….

Better is one day in your courts…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEr5Wn7LHvw

 One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship,beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches.

I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.

All sunshine and sovereign is God,generous in gifts and glory.

He doesn’t scrimp with his traveling companions.

It’s smooth sailing all the way with God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

Ps.84.10-12MSG

 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;the Lord bestows favor and honor;no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 

Lord Almighty,blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Ps.84.10-12NIV