A time...snow...

A time....snow...

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

I woke up to this verse this morning..I just had to chuckle because I had been thinking about it the day before...as I was shoveling yet another six inches of heavy snow, perfect for a "snow lady", (which I proceeded to make in my front yard with a scarf)...

I thought about the " time for everything" as I looked at my trails surrounded with 3-4 feet of snow in some places and over my head in others...that come spring , or even next week, they would be gone and replaced with brown ground or green leaves and flowers...it would be surreal that I had had so much snow to shovel each day or several times a day with only photos to prove it...a time for everything...

And this was the time for shoveling...there will be a time for planting or mowing later...

I have come back to those verses over the years, with marriage, miscarriages, births, joys, sorrows, teens and tweens, parents, in laws, feast or famine years of work, aging parents, grandparenting, widowhood, illnesses....times..they  are built into the fabric of life for growth, decisions, bringing us to faith or not...attitudes of bitter or better...thankfulness or regret... We get to choose ....as we are shoveling through the day to day events...

Thank YOU that you are always there in the "times" of our lives...comforting, encouraging, holding our heart and hands...you alone know our days...

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Psalm 118:5-7, 14 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.
The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.

Death...through the crucifixion ....

Death...through the crucifixion...

I was reading in the book of Mark about Jesus' trial and cruxifixction...

(They let the sinner go so the sinless man could die, even though the sinless man was in Fact dying for the sinner, I wonder if he ever realized that)

Anyway, a question was asked in the accompanying notes, "have you ever sat with someone who is dying?"... Yes, yes, as a matter of fact I have...two of those I sat with went so peacefully and the third struggled to the very end...saying "this hurts so bad" as his body slowly shut down.  None were easy, especially for those of us left behind...I kept saying in my heart and to them, "you won't remember this soon"...believing with my words and heart that there will be no more tears in Heaven....as my heart was breaking at their leaving us, ....but, there are tears for those left behind...

I picture the soldiers so callously casting lots over garments left by those on the cross, .....or people walking by, calling out insults...oh, what a public spectacle ....a public event...
The women standing afar, watching their leader slowly die a horrible death....
Another leader, ready to take His body to a tomb for burial...
The day darkening...
And finally, the last gasp...
the curtain tearing from top to bottom...opening the way to the holy of holies...

Oh, my heart aches for the  pain endured for the sake of others...thank YOU...

Hebrews 12:2-3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 "Keep your hope fully fastened on Me and on the heavenly reward that awaits you...." Jesus Always,

1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

2 Corinthians 6:10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Be on guard...

Be on guard....

Right now we have a lot of snow...so the driving is somewhat hazardess. Watching others, watching the bumps and ruts, watching the berms of snow, looking for pathways is demanding.  You have to be alert to drive safely through all the streets, parking lots, wherever you need to go...walking can be a challenge as well...plus, wearing enough protective clothing in the subfreezing temperatures...

As this storm system makes its way from the west across the continent, the same requisites are needed everywhere...be on guard, be watchful, be alert...icy conditions can be deadly....(as well as fun for the snow enthusiasts....)

Reading through Mark 13, I found the same admonition," be watchful, be on guard, be alert" as Jesus talked to his disciples about the end times...
So I had to look other references for that idea...be alert...
The following are a few..
-be on guard and do not be unfaithful
-be on guard against sin
-be alert to his coming...

Thank YOU for the warning to be alert, to be watchful in life...we don't want to be caught unaware of what is around us...or found unfaithful to your Word...to the life that you have abundantly given...watching for your return with anticipation...alert..


1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Malachi 2:15-16 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.
"The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.
So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

Matthew 16:6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Mark 13:9, 23, 33, 37 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.
What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Health and gratitude....

Question...health and gratitude, what does one have to do with the other???

I asked this question on my search this  morning...many, many references for which I was grateful...

(Especially as I listened to the snow plow make its way around my neighborhood...we have had lots of snow!! I really appreciate these public workers who on twelve hour shifts have worked tirelessly plowing, moving tons of the cold white stuff into more convenient places....)

One of my doctors was asking what quietness does for health, a worthy question, and there are answers for that as well..but, I was interested in "gratitude".   It just makes life easier...it brings about peace as we "give thanks in all things". It may not change the circumstances, but it changes the mind set...

Paul wrote from prison,
John Bunyan wrote from prison...both very real horrible places, but they looked to what they could do, not how they were bound...thankful...

Psalm 136:1-3 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank YOU....


Gratitude - Wikipedia
Gratitude - Wikipedia

Gratitude
Start the day with a thankful attitude. It's in the Bible, Psalm 92:1-2, TLB. "It is good to say thank you to the Lord, to sing praises to the God who is above all gods. Every morning tell him, 'Thank you for Your kindness,' and every evening rejoice in all His faithfulness."
One of the first marks of rejecting God is forgetting to thank him. It's in the Bible, Romans 1:21, TLB. "Yes, they knew about Him all right, but they wouldn't admit it or worship Him or even thank Him for all his daily care. And after awhile they began to think up silly ideas of what God was like and what He wanted them to do. The result was that their foolish minds became dark and confused."
Give thanks in every situation. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:18, NIV. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
In giving thanks to God; don't forget from where our blessings come. It's in the Bible, Psalms 103: 2, NIV. "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  bible info

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/21/gratitude-healthy-benefits_n_2147182.htmlt

http://www.healthline.com/health/depression/giving-thanks

http://blogs.christianpost.com/health/a-thankful-attitude-is-good-for-your-health-4227/

Morning....

Morning...


I tend to rise early in the morning, even when I wish I could rise a little later...some brag about "sleeping in" which sounds like a luxury to those of who are early risers... It would be nice to do that once in a while...but, no, that is seems not to be in my DNA...
So I read, pray, plan, write, think...all before I get out of bed...that is my "quiet time"....
Even when my husband was alive, we both rose early for our "quiet times"...some of our children following soon after while others dragged out later....some bouncy, ready for the day, others grumbling to the table...what fun memories....

There are over 200 references to morning in the Word...from Genesis' first days...to Revelation's ending with Jesus as our Morning Star...

These I share to renew my mornings day by day...joy started first thing ...to be comforted, enfolded by God's great love He gives us....thank YOU for each new morning and help me to take joy in You.....

Psalm 143:8-10 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Lamentations 3:22-24 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 65:8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Isaiah 33:2 Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

The blind...

The blind....

While Jesus walked among the people during his earthly ministry, he healed many, people flocked to him for healing...following, begging for cures for their misery....just reading through the gospels about the blind and how he dealt with each one has been enlightening....

He healed by mud, touch and word...each at his own discretion.....each differently..unique..personal...but he cared for them...

It made me realize again that God doesn't have to have a set of guidelines that he follows in dealing with me or anyone else....He is sovereign...he chooses what is the right or best path...

Just because someone else was treated or had this experience doesn't mean that I will be helped the same way...

It was just a reminder that God has a particular path for each of us and we are not to compare with one another...He loves us individually...he cares for us individually...

Thank YOU...for the unique way you work in my life....

John 9:39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

John 9:1-41 tells the story of Jesus healing the blind man who had been blind since birth...Jesus makes a little mud, puts it on the man's eyes, send him away to wash and he can see...later he believes and worships...

Matthew 9:29-30a Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. .....

Matthew 12:22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.

Matthew 15:31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Matthew 20:34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Matthew 21:14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.

Mark 8:23-25 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village.
When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

 Matthew 11:5-6 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Psalm 146:8 the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.

Loaves and fishes...

In Mark 6 and 8, the stories are related about feeding a crowd of five thousand and four thousand men....

The people were hungry for the words he spoke...
The people were hungry physically...

Jesus had compassion...

Jesus gave thanks...blessing the little they had with abundance that only he, the Creator, could give....

The people were satisfied...

There was more than enough for leftovers...

The Bread of Life feeding the crowds, later asking his disciples to be fishers of men...bread and fish...compassion, multiplying...giving thanks in "impossible, remote" places...and then abundance with leftovers...

The other question posed, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” Seems to speak the heart, when we are without any resources to cope...a remote place...we may feel alone, maybe distraught, the end of the line...a season of remoteness...and Jesus speaks compassion, life, food for the soul, peace, abundance into that remoteness..with leftovers...then sends us on our way refreshed, fed...loved...

Thank YOU...you are in the remote places...of our lives...you provide from your compassion...food for our souls...You are the Bread of life which we need desperately...

Mark 6:33-44 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

Mark 8:1-9 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away,....