Friday, February 28, 2025

Towel warmers…

 Towel warmers….


One of the homes we lived in had towel warmers in the bathroom…what a luxury….stepping out of the warm shower , to be  enfolded by a warm towel…wow…it felt so good…it wasn’t the shock one usually gets with cooler air reaching  for a towel…it was warm to warm…I didn’t even know there was such a thing until then…


So,what does that  have to do with real life? I don’t know…I thought it was interesting…

No, I was thinking about worry, anxiety …it can shower us, enfold us, keeping us, not letting go…and we go around shrouded in the covering, not ever leaving it’s “comfort”…not feeling the invigorating freedom of letting God take care of us, take care of the problem, giving Him the burden…not believing in his promises…not giving him a chance to work out the good he promises…not seeing Him work his will…instead of our finite solutions…


Oh, don’t even think I don’t worry…that would be a lie…..that I don’t get anxious…another lie…I want to get to the point where I immediately cast my cares on Him…I haven’t reached that point yet…but, there is a point when I realize, I cannot solve the problem and only He can…then the freedom in Him is amazing…God usually doesn’t solve problems “my” way, but always so much better…


Thank YOU…


 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matt.6.25-34


I cast all my cares …


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





Thursday, February 27, 2025

In need of reassurance…

 In need of reassurance…


When wevisited Israel several years ago, we saw wine presses in various places…they aren’t that big….so reading about Gideon thrashing wheat in a  small confined  place was interesting…

First he is using the wine press for something different, hidden from the enemy, and then the Angel of the Lord visits him and calls him “a mighty warrior “…an ordinary man, the least among his family, becomes a warrior…


But before he accepts the challenge, he has some questions…and he needs some reassurances…

“If the Lord is with us, why is all this happened to us? Where are all the wonders that our fathers told us about….”


And God answers repeatedly, “I will be with you, do not be afraid,” to the  tasks that God has called him…

“His journey illustrates how God can empower individuals to rise above their circumstances and fulfill a divine purpose.”Bibledictionary.com


(My Bible notes I had written from previous reading were from five years ago…right before a second retina surgery…when the Word says “ peace,do not be afraid”…my reassurance at the time…with several weeks of recovery ahead..besides the surgery itself…and a cataract surgery ahead because of the retina surgery…I didn’t ask why, but just went forward… I didn’t feel brave, but resigned that this was the path set before me)…


Gideon, the warrior. ..did what was set before him …with God’s leading and promises..and reassuring…he overcame the enemy with amazing odds that only God can do…”I will be with you”….


He promises that to us all…”I will never leave or forsake you”…a reassurance…


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

For I am the Lord your Godwho takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;I will help you.

Isa.41.10,Isa.41.13


Thank YOU…


In your hands…


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


Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The names of God…

 The names of God…


This morning I received a letter from friends in Uganda…we have known them since college years…we have supported them all of their missionary years…helped with weddings, drought at their Bible college, their medical travels and issues, prayed for them, received their letters-personal and public …and this year they are retiring…where have all the years gone…so long, so quickly…


Looking at this page from my Bible on names of God and situations of the authors were going through to be shown these attributes is a history book in itself…and looking back over the lives of these missionaries and our lives…God made himself soooo real in certain seasons and times of life..even though we know God is always present and there….there are times that are pivotal at His presence and care…stories, memories of comfort, provision, peace, etc…


Thank YOU…

God will make a way…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o


Awesome God…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcfpuWKC2jY


Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Belated wishes…

 Belated wishes…


When I was going through my earlier blogs, I found this from a .Valentine’s Day several years ago..it still fills a heartfelt wish…belatedly…but we need that wish every day…love…from one another, from the God of love…in lonely times, in emotional times, all times…


Thank YOU…


“Happy Valentine's Day....

Another day of giving heartfelt hearts and joy...or another flower buying day...wearing reds or pinks....

When I worked as a florist, this day with Mother's Day were the bread and butter days for them...getting as many arrangements out the door as possible., 3000 plus roses each year in varying arrangements as well as other red or pink flowers with balloons, cards, stuffed animals ,   Etc...we had lines of people waiting ....until we ran out of flowers....and we were exhausted....hired extra delivery people, started delivering by 8 am and were on the road continuously until each arrangement was home that night..girlfriends, daughters, wives, mistresses, husbands, boyfriends, and just friends....received and sent gifts....usually in the coldest weather of the year...it was a unique and tiring experience each year....

When I think of how God expresses his love, I think of his creation for us to enjoy...His son he sent for our salvation, His hand holding mine in times of hurt, his comfort in time of need, his provision in times of want, his compassion, his written word to ponder and meditate upon, his ever present presence...all the ways in which we have needs, he is there....caring, comforting , loving...not necessarily with red valentines but Himself...or maybe someone as a messenger...all the red roses in the world aren't worth a thing next to His love....

Thank YOU for your great love, I realize that I don't understand it all, but I know it in my heart, soul and mind....

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 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 30:12
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 32:11
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!


Mark 12:30
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 4:9
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.”


The love of God…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LapBD802O0 


Friday, February 21, 2025

How quickly “we” forget….

 How quickly “we” forget…


Reading about the Israelites as they enter the promised land…it is a sad  commentary about “teaching”…what was taught or not..to succeeding generations…

The really sad part though is that it really hasn’t changed over the generations…

Alas, we are still people just as they were…we really haven’t changed over the millennia…and God knew and knows that…and he continues to love us, leading us through our deserts, sending his Son to die for our sins…to raise again…in his grace,  forgiving us as we choose to believe…he listens to our woes, our cries for help just as He did for the Israelites…he goes before us…


Thank YOU…


 The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. 

After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.

Judg.2.7,10


 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

Judg.21.25


 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 

Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 

Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. 

Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah. Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. 

Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors, thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the Lord said.

Deut.6.1-2, Deut.6.4-8,Deut.6.13-19


Our God will go before us…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmEYeZB8dDI




Wednesday, February 19, 2025

 “I am old and well advanced in years”…Joshua 


The passing of another baton…


Joshua=God delivers…the Lord is salvation…God saves…


Joshua, born in Egypt, mentored by Moses, a spy who was ready to go into the promised land-but was voted down, had to live with the Israelites while his generation died off, waited 40 years before they could finally enter the promised land, led the Israelites into Canaan to the take over of the land, divided the land by tribes…


Still in his old age he followed God…what an epitaph…


“The name Joshua continues to hold spiritual relevance for contemporary believers. It symbolizes hope and salvation, reminding them of God’s unwavering support. In times of uncertainty, the narrative of Joshua encourages individuals to trust in God’s plan and promises…

In everyday life, the principles embodied by Joshua—strength, courage, faith, and obedience—are applicable to various challenges. Whether facing personal struggles, leadership roles, or community service, the name Joshua inspires individuals to act with integrity and faithfulness.”

Bibledictionarytoday.com


His life and actions epitomize faith, obedience, and divine guidance. Joshua's name symbolizes hope, redemption, and unwavering faith in God's promises…namealways.com


 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Josh.1.9


 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. 

But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Josh.24.15


Thank YOU…


Find us faithful…


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKT5BCmvmq0




https://www.lovetoknow.com/life/grief-loss/what-should-i-write-headstone





Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Order out of confusion ….2…

 Order out of confusion….2…


I found this early blog as I was copying mine to paper these last weeks…

We are living in a confusing world…more and more turmoil, mankind desires so much, covets so much, …

I was listening to a news commentary the other day, that the younger generation are desiring more and more traditional values to have more stability in their lives, more connections, less stress and less confusion…more order…they actually want to sit down and have a conversation and not just on their mobile devices…


Funny, isn’t that what God wanted, fellowship,order…delight in his world, his creation…


It fills a void in our world as well…we are created in His image,  after all….


Thank YOU…


Father of creation….


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AtGRBcOC3Lw&pp=ygUQc29uZyBvZiBjcmVhdGlvbg%3D%3D




“Order out of confusion.....


I have a friend  who excitedly told me that their first child just found her tiny toes...so cute...the baby is following a fairly orderly pattern of learning about her world and herself...

 

My grandchildren are all doing the same with their lives...first their toes, followed quickly, it seems, by high school subjects....how time marches on ....learning, discovering, doing , growing ....but there is a natural progression of growth....

 

God created the world in order...from light and dark to people...with each day in between created in order...

 

The Israelites marching through the desert, did so in an orderly manner, knowing what to do and when...

Numbers 2:17 Then the tent of meeting and the camp of the Levites will set out in the middle of the camps. They will set out in the same order as they encamp, each in their own place under their standard. 

 

If there is no order, confusion comes quickly...

Isaiah 41:29 See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion. 


1 Corinthians 14:33, 40 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 

 

Galatians 5:10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 

I remember some of the intersections we have driven through in populated cities...it seemed like utter confusion, with all modes of transportation trying to get from one side to the other, honking horns, raising of fists, punching,,shoving until movement... as the traffic light finally changed colors... 

 

There is order and without it there is confusion...Satan lives in the confusion.....wanting us not to find the peace of God...


We develop in order, as the baby does, day by day, line upon line...if we don't, we may have to return to  a time or spot to pick up that was ignored or out of sequence....there are some behaviors in children who have skipped a normal progression that have to return to fill in the gaps of that development to be able to move on correctly...one thing leads to another to another...with no confusion..


There are times in my life that I have to step back and ask..."is this from God or is Satan bringing confusion and fear to make chaos?...."  God brings order and peace....not chaos...babies don't go from birth to immediately walking...without learning the steps in between or gathering the strength to do it..there is developmental between...order...

Thank YOU that You Are a God of order ....You don't  confuse, You are not chaotic..


Baby’s First Year: How Infants Develop

By Gina Shaw
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Renee A. Alli, MD

WebMD Archive 

From helpless newborn to active toddler: It takes just 12 short months for your baby to undergo this incredible transformation. Babies grow and change at an astounding pace, and every month brings new and exciting developments.

New moms and dads often wonder what to expect next and how to know if their baby’s development is on target. Instead of focusing too much on developmental milestones, however, it’s important to remember that babies all develop at their own pace. There’s a fairly wide “window” for when it is normal for a baby to reach a particular developmental stage.

“If your baby reaches one milestone sooner, she may reach another one later, because she’s so busy perfecting the other skill,” says Jennifer Shu, MD, pediatrician and co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn.

Some babies may say their first word at eight months, while others don’t talk until a little after the one-year mark. And walking may start anytime between nine and 18 months.

Keeping those kinds of variations in mind, here’s what your baby may be doing during each three-month stage of the first year.

Baby Development: One to Three Months

During this first development stage, babies’ bodies and brains are learning to live in the outside world. Between birth and three months, your baby may start to:

• Smile. Early on, it will be just to herself. But within three months, she’ll be smiling in response to your smiles and trying to get you to smile back at her.

• Raise her head and chest when on her tummy.

• Track objects with her eyes and gradually decrease eye crossing.

• Open and shut her hands and bring hands to her mouth.

• Grip objects in her hands.

• Take swipes at or reach for dangling objects, though she usually won’t be able to get them yet.

Baby Development: Four to Six Months

During these months, babies are really learning to reach out and manipulate the world around them. They’re mastering the use of those amazing tools, their hands. And they’re discovering their voices. From 4 to 6 months old, your baby will probably:

• Roll over from front to back or back to front. Front-to-back usually comes first.

• Babble, making sounds that can sound like real language.

• Laugh.

• Reach out for and grab objects (watch out for your hair), and manipulate toys and other objects with her hands.

• Sit up with support and have great head control.

Baby Development: Seven to Nine Months

During the second half of this year, your little one becomes a baby on the go. After learning that he can get somewhere by rolling over, he’ll spend the next few months figuring out how to move forward or backward. If you haven’t baby-proofed yet, better get on it!

• During this time period, your baby may:

• Start to crawl. This can include scooting (propelling around on his bottom) or “army crawling” (dragging himself on his tummy by arms and legs), as well as standard crawling on hands and knees. Some babies never crawl, moving directly to from scooting to walking.

• Sit without support.

• Respond to familiar words like his name. He may also respond to “No” by briefly stopping and looking at you, and may start babbling "Mama" and "Dada."

• Clap and play games such as patty-cake and peekaboo.

• Learn to pull up to a standing position.

Baby Development: 10 to 12 Months

The last development stage in baby’s first year is quite a transition. She isn’t an infant anymore, and she might look and act more like a toddler. But she’s still a baby in many ways. She’s learning to:

• Begin feeding herself. Babies at this developmental stage master the “pincer grasp“ -- meaning they can hold small objects such as O-shaped cereal between their thumb and forefinger.

• Cruise, or move around the room on her feet while holding onto the furniture.

• Say one or two words, and "Mama" and "Dada" become specific name for parents. The average is about three spoken words by the first birthday, but the range on this is enormous.

• Point at objects she wants in order to get your attention.

• Begin “pretend play” by copying you or using objects correctly, such as pretending to talk on the phone. 

• Take her first steps. This usually happens right around one year, but it can vary greatly.”