Struggles at a sewing machine.....
I received my first sewing machine at the tender age of 8 years old.....it was a little children's Singer hand crank. It Attached to the table with a clamp, you cranked a little wheel of the side and off it went. My friend got an electric similar to mine, ...Mine was heavier and worked better...I still have it packed away in a box....
I made baby doll clothes, Barbie clothes, whatever I wanted, learned to read my first pattern instructions and a love for creating with cloth...
My next big leap Into sewing was my grandmother's treadle machine. She had it in her bedroom, next to a window....that soft rhythm of your foot on the treadle, back and forth, back and forth as the machine is still a soothing sound memory...she had made many a quilt on that machine as well as other items...I made school clothes while I visited her and sat under her instruction.....
Finally, I learned how to use my mother's electric Singer machine...it sat in a cabinet with a lid over the top..I had to open the lid and lift out the machine where it was hidden down on its side, fold the shelving into place and voila, there sat a black shiny machine...my mother made so many of my clothes and hers as well. Each school year, we went to the fabric store, picked out patterns and material for most of my clothes...my first formal was even fashioned at that machine...as well as others that followed...
My high school graduation present was a sewing machine.....there was much discussion about this as my parents were afraid I wouldn't study because I would be too tempted to sew instead...not so....I did study and find some spare time to sew...that graduation present lasted for ten years with much use in my early marriage and first child...the next machine was and is a Viking. I remember purchasing it with a 25 year guarantee, thinking that is a long time...it flew by swiftly with years added ...and it is still working with all its metal parts...
there were times when I sewed 2-3 hours a day, creating children's dresses, cowboy shirts, underwear, matching doll clothes, little girl clothes and mommy dresses, my husbands shirts, quilts, machine embroidery, Christmas presents of fabric, a wedding dress..and teaching my daughters to sew their first pair of shorts, a simple quilt, and duffle bag.....my oldest son learned at that machine as well...each home had a special spot for that machine, near a window, at ready for its work out...for 36 plus years....it still holds a special spot before a window.....
Granted, sewing held a practical use....but it was and is a place to think, ponder, pray, Struggle through ideas and problems, all the while feeling that piece of material take on new form...just like life with its changes from a one thing to another...a thing of practical use or beauty.....creating....a place of comfort.....God met with me there....my quiet "garden"..... Laying out plans, giving ideas, sorting through life's questions, dilemmas, needs...calmness in storms....
Thank YOU for the art of sewing....it winds it way through my life as a thread of care, comfort, creativity.....listening, struggles unloaded, soothing out the wrinkles....making something out of a simple piece of cloth...as You were and are making me, Your creation out a simple piece of dirt into a molded vessel...
Exodus 31:1-6New International Version (NIV)
Bezalel and Oholiab
31 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you
( I can't say I have the skills these men were obviously gifted with, but He has created in each us, talents that we can use)
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Weary....but good....
Weary ...but good...
Picture three children, ages 4, 2 and a teething/crawling 11 month old, one grandmother and one dog sprawled across couch, two chairs, asleep... Actually I wasn't asleep, but weary...I undid myself from underneath the youngest, put her to bed and went and treaded in treadmill. But the picture from the ceiling of the room that I had in my mind was cute...peaceful...after four active hours....these times make one thankful we are younger when we have our children....times of endless questions, sibling rivalry, attention getting, cuddling, feeding, diaper changing, laundry, quick meals, spilled bottles, washed faces/hands, "mine", "no", "yes"....helter-skelter....and even picture taking....
At times I felt like this verse...
While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Jeremiah 7:13
Other times, instant obedience....or the shelter in the storm with cling-ons...depended on the minute ....
Grandchildren are a blessing....I have them from three days to almost 15 years...each have their wonderful personalities, temperaments, needs, desires, dreams.....each specially designed for a path planned for them....each loved for their specialness...and I thought my children were/are special as well...but seeing the next generation is delightful....there are no replacements...for either....
Thank YOU so much for the opportunity to be a small part of my grandchildren's lives...from diaper changing to storytelling, to cuddles at night....talking about life and dreams....just time....
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
—2 Thessalonians 3:16
Picture three children, ages 4, 2 and a teething/crawling 11 month old, one grandmother and one dog sprawled across couch, two chairs, asleep... Actually I wasn't asleep, but weary...I undid myself from underneath the youngest, put her to bed and went and treaded in treadmill. But the picture from the ceiling of the room that I had in my mind was cute...peaceful...after four active hours....these times make one thankful we are younger when we have our children....times of endless questions, sibling rivalry, attention getting, cuddling, feeding, diaper changing, laundry, quick meals, spilled bottles, washed faces/hands, "mine", "no", "yes"....helter-skelter....and even picture taking....
At times I felt like this verse...
While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Jeremiah 7:13
Other times, instant obedience....or the shelter in the storm with cling-ons...depended on the minute ....
Grandchildren are a blessing....I have them from three days to almost 15 years...each have their wonderful personalities, temperaments, needs, desires, dreams.....each specially designed for a path planned for them....each loved for their specialness...and I thought my children were/are special as well...but seeing the next generation is delightful....there are no replacements...for either....
Thank YOU so much for the opportunity to be a small part of my grandchildren's lives...from diaper changing to storytelling, to cuddles at night....talking about life and dreams....just time....
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
—2 Thessalonians 3:16
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Mom....
Mom....
Jesus calling-August 6
When things seem to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me. Calmly bring these matters to Me, and leave them in My capable hands. Then, simply do the next thing. Stay in touch with Me through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in My sovereign control. Rejoice in Me—exult in the God of your salvation! As you trust in Me, I make your feet like the feet of a deer. I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility.
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
—Job 13:15 nkjv
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
—Psalm 18:33
Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!
—Habakkuk 3:17–19 amp
I turned to this today...again it was spot on...
Four years ago today, my mother passed quickly, unexpectedly away.....
Oh, she had not been feeling well...had put off surgery, going to the doctor, etc....because she wanted to continue to drive, teach, live...
When she finally made the surgery decision, she was joyous...finally an end to the headaches, dizziness....the doctor assured her that all would be well quickly and she would regain her health...back to her active life...
But, even as I packed my things to got help her heal for a month, I packed a dress for a funeral, thank you cards.....not out of fear, but.....
The surgery went well...the recovery was speeding along ...she began talking and smiling again...and then boom, an infection raged and total collapse of her system and she was gone....quickly, quietly....slipping away...
My dad and I said our goodbyes and began the process of memorials, recreating his life as a widower....mom was not there to do all those things she had done...
God was our strength .....we had but to trust His timing and in hindsight it was.....
Thank YOU for your strength in the hard surprising times of life....
Jesus calling-August 6
When things seem to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me. Calmly bring these matters to Me, and leave them in My capable hands. Then, simply do the next thing. Stay in touch with Me through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in My sovereign control. Rejoice in Me—exult in the God of your salvation! As you trust in Me, I make your feet like the feet of a deer. I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility.
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
—Job 13:15 nkjv
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
—Psalm 18:33
Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!
—Habakkuk 3:17–19 amp
I turned to this today...again it was spot on...
Four years ago today, my mother passed quickly, unexpectedly away.....
Oh, she had not been feeling well...had put off surgery, going to the doctor, etc....because she wanted to continue to drive, teach, live...
When she finally made the surgery decision, she was joyous...finally an end to the headaches, dizziness....the doctor assured her that all would be well quickly and she would regain her health...back to her active life...
But, even as I packed my things to got help her heal for a month, I packed a dress for a funeral, thank you cards.....not out of fear, but.....
The surgery went well...the recovery was speeding along ...she began talking and smiling again...and then boom, an infection raged and total collapse of her system and she was gone....quickly, quietly....slipping away...
My dad and I said our goodbyes and began the process of memorials, recreating his life as a widower....mom was not there to do all those things she had done...
God was our strength .....we had but to trust His timing and in hindsight it was.....
Thank YOU for your strength in the hard surprising times of life....
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Babies....
Babies....
New born animals are so cute to watch. The calves as their gangly legs work erratically to stand, pushing up first on leg then the other, only to fall back to,the ground....then trying again and again until finally success ....all the while the mother is lowing, encouraging ....then the hunt begins for that first nourishment...the miracle of it all...
Baby goats are similar, only they seem to have springs in their legs, hopping up and down, up and down, starting their bouncing through life....the miracle of it all...
Baby chicks, turkeys, quail, fowl in general, pecking their way out of those shells into the cold air, wet, cold, slowing drying the fuzz that covers their bodies...launching into life...the world unknown...the sky...the miracle of it all....
New born human babies are so helpless...extending their arms in the air, grasping for something, tensing, not seeing well, needing warmth, nourishment, needy in every way.....the miracle of it all...
I had the privilege to watch my fifth grandson enter the world yesterday...he was ready on one level, not so much on others. "It is cold out here...the lights are bright....and so many people....I think will cry and let them know..." So pink, soft, precious, helpless...blessed with life...care...
Another generation.....small enough to be held in two hands ....big enough to let the world know he had arrived....
How did Eve feel when she held that first baby?....in awe, wonder, blessed....scared?
Or down through the ages, each new mother, did they see the miracle of life that they held in their hands...that first look, that first toe count, that first snuggle, that first cry, that first smile....beyond comprehension how that miracle happens, is woven to precisely in the womb...
Mary, the mother of Jesus....she had other promises with her small newborn son...those things she pondered in her heart and mind...the Emmanuel, Messiah....the sacrifice for all mankind...the lover of our souls....still a newborn to be cherished and cared for...
Thank YOU for babies,,,a reminder that we are all so dependent on You for life and breath at any age...the miracle of it all...
Genesis 4:1 [ Cain and Abel ] Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.”
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Luke 2 New International Version (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them..
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem .
New born animals are so cute to watch. The calves as their gangly legs work erratically to stand, pushing up first on leg then the other, only to fall back to,the ground....then trying again and again until finally success ....all the while the mother is lowing, encouraging ....then the hunt begins for that first nourishment...the miracle of it all...
Baby goats are similar, only they seem to have springs in their legs, hopping up and down, up and down, starting their bouncing through life....the miracle of it all...
Baby chicks, turkeys, quail, fowl in general, pecking their way out of those shells into the cold air, wet, cold, slowing drying the fuzz that covers their bodies...launching into life...the world unknown...the sky...the miracle of it all....
New born human babies are so helpless...extending their arms in the air, grasping for something, tensing, not seeing well, needing warmth, nourishment, needy in every way.....the miracle of it all...
I had the privilege to watch my fifth grandson enter the world yesterday...he was ready on one level, not so much on others. "It is cold out here...the lights are bright....and so many people....I think will cry and let them know..." So pink, soft, precious, helpless...blessed with life...care...
Another generation.....small enough to be held in two hands ....big enough to let the world know he had arrived....
How did Eve feel when she held that first baby?....in awe, wonder, blessed....scared?
Or down through the ages, each new mother, did they see the miracle of life that they held in their hands...that first look, that first toe count, that first snuggle, that first cry, that first smile....beyond comprehension how that miracle happens, is woven to precisely in the womb...
Mary, the mother of Jesus....she had other promises with her small newborn son...those things she pondered in her heart and mind...the Emmanuel, Messiah....the sacrifice for all mankind...the lover of our souls....still a newborn to be cherished and cared for...
Thank YOU for babies,,,a reminder that we are all so dependent on You for life and breath at any age...the miracle of it all...
Genesis 4:1 [ Cain and Abel ] Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.”
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Luke 2 New International Version (NIV)
The Birth of Jesus
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them..
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem .
Monday, August 4, 2014
Surrounding of many.....
Surrounding of many....
Today a friend has a memorial for her husband. He read the obituary at my husband's memorial and then shortly thereafter, found he had cancer..so here we are two years later, his memorial celebration of a life well lived...
They had coffee many times together, distributed Bibles for Gideons, talked of investments, business, how to retire ....how to live...we helped one another move and helped others move....played Mexican train dominoes, traded travel experiences...in life and now in death....
What they must be doing walking those streets of gold so pure it is clear. On earth, one had searched for it and the other had hauled it in trucks...now they get to walk on it, without having to work....those memorial Bibles that have been gone out in memory of both are worth so much more than the gold they strived for here on earth.....
the Word is the real treasure...and they acknowledged that in many ways....
My friend may not remember much of today but through a blur, an impression, a blessing...a celebration of sorts...and may have to read back through the guest book to see who was really there...but she will receive a multitude of hugs, handshakes ...cards..and maybe plants and flowers...but she will be surrounded by many, both the seen and the unseen....who will strengthen her and her boys...through the crying times, the grieving times and even the joyous times...
The songs of the service will fill people's hearts, souls and minds...the words spoken will be refreshing, even though they maybe hard to listen to...the Kleenex will be distributed and the food will be wonderful...but the essence of the people will be the most remembered...the embracing of those who cared, befriended, listened, learned, visited, encouraged, were encouraged....that will the strong undercurrent through it all....
Take heart, my friend, you are loved as was your husband...
God is there for you to draw on in night's darkness, the day times, the laughing times, and the crying times, the blurry times, the overwhelming times...He never leaves or forsakes....He carries.....speaks in a multitude of ways....
Thank YOU....God for Yourself...your comfort, guidance....peace...stillness...
Psalm 5:12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Today a friend has a memorial for her husband. He read the obituary at my husband's memorial and then shortly thereafter, found he had cancer..so here we are two years later, his memorial celebration of a life well lived...
They had coffee many times together, distributed Bibles for Gideons, talked of investments, business, how to retire ....how to live...we helped one another move and helped others move....played Mexican train dominoes, traded travel experiences...in life and now in death....
What they must be doing walking those streets of gold so pure it is clear. On earth, one had searched for it and the other had hauled it in trucks...now they get to walk on it, without having to work....those memorial Bibles that have been gone out in memory of both are worth so much more than the gold they strived for here on earth.....
the Word is the real treasure...and they acknowledged that in many ways....
My friend may not remember much of today but through a blur, an impression, a blessing...a celebration of sorts...and may have to read back through the guest book to see who was really there...but she will receive a multitude of hugs, handshakes ...cards..and maybe plants and flowers...but she will be surrounded by many, both the seen and the unseen....who will strengthen her and her boys...through the crying times, the grieving times and even the joyous times...
The songs of the service will fill people's hearts, souls and minds...the words spoken will be refreshing, even though they maybe hard to listen to...the Kleenex will be distributed and the food will be wonderful...but the essence of the people will be the most remembered...the embracing of those who cared, befriended, listened, learned, visited, encouraged, were encouraged....that will the strong undercurrent through it all....
Take heart, my friend, you are loved as was your husband...
God is there for you to draw on in night's darkness, the day times, the laughing times, and the crying times, the blurry times, the overwhelming times...He never leaves or forsakes....He carries.....speaks in a multitude of ways....
Thank YOU....God for Yourself...your comfort, guidance....peace...stillness...
Psalm 5:12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Drawn by the light.....
Drawn to the light.....
Whenever I turn on the porch light outside, the moths are immediately drawn to it as well as other bugs flying around..and pretty soon the whole porch ceiling is covered with bugs until the light is turned off and they are drawn to someone else's light...and they go away...leaving the dark for light....
I noticed that again this morning when I turned my bed light on..along came a little moth fluttering toward the light, from somewhere out in the darkness....
At night we have night lights, to lead the way....street lights, house lights, run way lights, watch lights, flash lights, car lights , head lights,.....
Lights of all kinds....either directing,,showing the way. Illuminating something....so that we can see what is important...and keep the darkness away....
John 8:12
[ Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony ] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Genesis 1:4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
Exodus 10:23 No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.
Exodus 13:21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
We have had light since the beginning...God saw to that....God gave the Israelites light during the plagues when all the land was covered with so much darkness you couldn't see you hand...He lead them with light .....they were instructed to have lights in the tabernacle .....
2 Samuel 22:29 You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 23:4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’
Job 33:28 God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’
Psalm 18:28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 27:1 Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
The Bible speaks of light from Genesis to Revelation....
God is Light....Jesus is light....am I walking in it, am I drawn to Him, His Light..His Word ....His Lamp...is He my light or do I flit from one thing to another,,not finding the true light, and burned along the way....?
Thank YOU for Your light....help me to follow and be led by Your
Light.....
Whenever I turn on the porch light outside, the moths are immediately drawn to it as well as other bugs flying around..and pretty soon the whole porch ceiling is covered with bugs until the light is turned off and they are drawn to someone else's light...and they go away...leaving the dark for light....
I noticed that again this morning when I turned my bed light on..along came a little moth fluttering toward the light, from somewhere out in the darkness....
At night we have night lights, to lead the way....street lights, house lights, run way lights, watch lights, flash lights, car lights , head lights,.....
Lights of all kinds....either directing,,showing the way. Illuminating something....so that we can see what is important...and keep the darkness away....
John 8:12
[ Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony ] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Genesis 1:4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.
Exodus 10:23 No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.
Exodus 13:21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
We have had light since the beginning...God saw to that....God gave the Israelites light during the plagues when all the land was covered with so much darkness you couldn't see you hand...He lead them with light .....they were instructed to have lights in the tabernacle .....
2 Samuel 22:29 You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.
2 Samuel 23:4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’
Job 33:28 God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’
Psalm 18:28 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 27:1 Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
The Bible speaks of light from Genesis to Revelation....
God is Light....Jesus is light....am I walking in it, am I drawn to Him, His Light..His Word ....His Lamp...is He my light or do I flit from one thing to another,,not finding the true light, and burned along the way....?
Thank YOU for Your light....help me to follow and be led by Your
Light.....
Friday, August 1, 2014
Welcomed....
Welcomed....
One of the neighborhoods we moved into was less than welcoming....not one person came over to say, "welcome". So I determined that when people moved in anywhere in the neighborhood, i would not do the same...cookies or casserole or even just a simple, "hello, welcome" had to be the order of business...at least a name...and a smile...
We did not become bosom buddies, but at least on speaking terms...a smile here and there, a "hello".....
When I visit my children's neighborhoods, it is nice to meet their friends that they have made in new areas..as well as the churches they attend to meet friends accumulated in those places as well..or the communities ..networks that they maintain or are building...as well as going back to old neighborhoods where I have lived or worked...welcomed again...
Now I live in a new neighborhood, and I still try to meet and greet new neighbors, at least say hello...a new church, a new town...and maybe a word or two in greeting....
Lord. Help me to welcome those around me as I want to be welcomed...not to be afraid to intrude, but greeting others in love and kindness...in Your name...
Judges 19:3 her husband went to her to persuade her to return. He had with him his servant and two donkeys. She took him into her parents’ home, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him.
Judges 19:20a, "You are welcome at my house,” the old man said. “Let me supply whatever you need....
Matthew 10:40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
Luke 8:40 [ Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman ] Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
Luke 9:11a but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God.....
Luke 9:48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
Luke 10:8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.
Luke 15:2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Luke 19:6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
Acts 15:4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
Acts 17:7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.”
Acts 18:27a When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him....
Acts 28:2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.
August 1 -jesus calling
Nothing can separate you from My Love. Let this divine assurance trickle through your mind and into your heart and soul. Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this unconditional promise: “Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus.”
Most of mankind’s misery stems from feeling unloved. In the midst of adverse circumstances, people tend to feel that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken. This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself. Be assured that I never abandon any of My children, not even temporarily. I will never leave you or forsake you! My Presence watches over you continually. I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 8:38–39
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
—Joshua 1:5
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
—Isaiah 49:15–16
One of the neighborhoods we moved into was less than welcoming....not one person came over to say, "welcome". So I determined that when people moved in anywhere in the neighborhood, i would not do the same...cookies or casserole or even just a simple, "hello, welcome" had to be the order of business...at least a name...and a smile...
We did not become bosom buddies, but at least on speaking terms...a smile here and there, a "hello".....
When I visit my children's neighborhoods, it is nice to meet their friends that they have made in new areas..as well as the churches they attend to meet friends accumulated in those places as well..or the communities ..networks that they maintain or are building...as well as going back to old neighborhoods where I have lived or worked...welcomed again...
Now I live in a new neighborhood, and I still try to meet and greet new neighbors, at least say hello...a new church, a new town...and maybe a word or two in greeting....
Lord. Help me to welcome those around me as I want to be welcomed...not to be afraid to intrude, but greeting others in love and kindness...in Your name...
Judges 19:3 her husband went to her to persuade her to return. He had with him his servant and two donkeys. She took him into her parents’ home, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him.
Judges 19:20a, "You are welcome at my house,” the old man said. “Let me supply whatever you need....
Matthew 10:40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
Luke 8:40 [ Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman ] Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
Luke 9:11a but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God.....
Luke 9:48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
Luke 10:8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.
Luke 15:2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 16:9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
Luke 19:6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
Acts 15:4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
Acts 17:7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.”
Acts 18:27a When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him....
Acts 28:2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.
August 1 -jesus calling
Nothing can separate you from My Love. Let this divine assurance trickle through your mind and into your heart and soul. Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this unconditional promise: “Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus.”
Most of mankind’s misery stems from feeling unloved. In the midst of adverse circumstances, people tend to feel that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken. This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself. Be assured that I never abandon any of My children, not even temporarily. I will never leave you or forsake you! My Presence watches over you continually. I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 8:38–39
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
—Joshua 1:5
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
—Isaiah 49:15–16
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