Trains and training…

 Trains and training…

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Central California, north to south…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 16:11,17:5

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

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

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

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 

14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

John 16:7-8,13-14

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

Therefore encourage one another with these words. 

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

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

1 Thessalonians 4:18,5:11,14

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

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:19-24

Definition of train 

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

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

: to form by instruction, discipline, or drill

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

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

: to aim at an object or objective :

trained his camera on the deer

training every effort toward success, 

Merriam Webster Dictionary…

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

1 Timothy 4:7-8

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

Titus 2:11-14

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

Hebrews 5:14

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

Hebrews 12:11

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

Philippians 3:14

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

Deuteronomy 5:32-33

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

Psalm 139:5-6

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

Know the truth about Christ….

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

10 habitual sins women especially struggle with…Chara Donahue

 10 Habitual Sins Women Especially Struggle With…

Crosswalk.com had a column this morning written by 

Chara Donahue…so good…so convicting…

1. Thinking  we know better than God..

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

Isaiah 55:8-9

2. Delayed obedience..

3. Tolerance of sin..

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

Genesis 4:6-7

4. Fear of man..

Galations 1:10

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

5. Planning without considering God..

James 4:13-15

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

6. Gluttony ..

Philippians  3:19 

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

7. Glory grabbing..

Acts 12:21-23

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

8. Grumbling…

Philippians 2:14-15

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

9. Envy..

Titus 3:3

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

10. Discontentment…

Philippians 4:11-13

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

It is well worth the read…and contemplation…

Thank YOU a for the reminders…

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

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

1 Timothy 4:7-8 

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

1 Corinthians 10:31

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

Colossians 1:9-12 

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

Colossians 3:23

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

Psalm 27:4 

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

Psalm 42:1-2

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

Psalm 63:1 

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

Gardens along the way…2 years later…

 Gardens along the way….2 years later….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It has been already in the ages before us.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-10

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

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

Thank YOU…

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

Revelation 3:20

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

Hebrews 1:10-12 

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

Hebrews 1:10-12 

Reactions…

 Reactions…

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

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

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

Thank YOU….

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

Psalm 131:2

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

Ecclesiastes 10:4

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

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

Isaiah 41:10,13

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

Matthew 8:26

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

Luke 8:24

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

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 

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

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

Philippians 4:4-7

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 

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

James 1:2-4,19-20

Through it all, 

Bill and Gloria Gaither

“I’ve had many tears and sorrows,

I’ve had questions for tomorrow,

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

But in every situation,

God gave me blessed consolation,

that my trials come to only make me strong.

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

I’ve been to lots of places,

I’ve seen a lot of faces,

there’s been times I felt so all alone.

But in my lonely hours,

yes, those precious lonely hours,

Jesus lets me know that I was His own

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,

I’ve learned to trust in God.

Through it all,

through it all,

I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

I thank God for the mountains,

and I thank Him for the valleys,

I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.

For if I’d never had a problem,

I wouldn’t know God could solve them,

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

Food storage…

 Food storage…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just like the ants are created to gather another way…

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

Proverbs 6:6-8

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

Proverbs 30:24-25

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

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

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

Thank YOU…

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

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

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

I will delight in your statutes; 

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

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

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

John 14:26 

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

2 Timothy 3:16-17