I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

I enjoy "Share a Song Monday" on Eileen's blog.  So I decided to do my own share-a-song.  I really don't spend a lot of time on youtube.  I can eat up my download limit pretty quick.

I'm sharing this song because it has been a special reminder to me during a long drawn out process that I'll talk more about later.  My goal is not the rapture, or even heaven.  My goal is to submit to Christ my Lord daily.  When I do that, I don't have to worry about tomorrow (as the song says).  I know the One who knows and holds.

"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"  
Written by Ira Stanphill.  Performed by Signature Sound Quartet.


(Father God, thank you for holding this child's hand through every tomorrow that you have planned for her.  Thank you for knowing those plans and prospering those plans according to your great mercy and grace.  I praise you in the name of Jesus, Amen.)

Wealthy

From my garden onto my table.

Yesterday I verbalized out loud that I am the richest I have ever been.  It wasn't an epiphany or even a revelation.  It is just something that I know.  I've even known it for awhile.  I just had never spoken it out loud.

I am rich and wealthy and it has nothing to do with money.  My heavenly father has provided a garden of marvelous food and beauty.  He has provided a home.  He has provided a husband who loves me!  He has provided stability.  He has provided.  I am rich and wealthy.

(Father God, thank you for the riches and wealth that you provide.  In the name of Jesus, I praise you.  Amen.)

Garden Lessons: Heat

August 2011.  Our part of the country is gripped in a massive heat wave.  It is oppressive.  The temperatures are in excess of 100 degrees early in the day and continue that way through the night.  It is tiresome.  The grass is dry and crispy so that our dog can hardly walk on it.  It is severe.  We eagerly look to the skies for some indication that there might be some rain.  It is relentless.  It hurts us.  It hurts our garden.

Our nation is in the grip of sin.  It is oppressive.  We proudly proclaim our homosexuality with parades and celebrations while God calls it an abomination.  It is tiresome.  Our government is borrowing money to pay it's debts but regulates the individual in an attempt to stop such a practice.  It is severe.  We dismiss life through abortion, euthanasia, alcohol, and drugs trying to find something to relieve the shame of our sin.  It is relentless.  It hurts us.  It hurts our garden.

(Righteous Father,  I beseech you in the name of Jesus, your only begotten Son, my Savior.   Forgive us for the grievous sin that offends you.  Turn our hearts, soften our hearts, cause us to be ashamed of the sin which our nation so proudly displays.  Let your people, called by your name, humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our sins so that you can heal our land.  Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Stand Amazed (08/16/10)

I often stand amazed at how God directs our paths. Just this week my mom and I were discussing how He laid the foundation for me to be in the right place for her to have good access to medical care during her cancer treatments. These are plans that He had in place long before we knew we would need them.

My husband and I were discussing how blessed we are to be together. Both of us have wondered what it would have been like if we had met in our 20's. As we considered that, we came to the realization that we would not cherish what we have now if we had not traveled our individual roads. I am so amazed at what God did there also.

So, why am I amazed? I know the Creator of the Universe. Why would I be surprised and amazed when things work for His glory? Does this show a lack of faith on my part? Am I missing something? No, I pray that I will always be amazed at God. He deserves my incredulous wonder and adoration. He deserves my fear and trembling. He is due all my, well, everything.

(Father God, forgive me for holding back. I pray that You will teach me to love You with total abandon and adoration. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

First

Have you ever considered the depth of information in the first verse of the Bible?  Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis - an origin, creation or beginning - is first.  The first verse of the first chapter of the first book is all about the beginning as we know it.  Those ten words contain the fact that God exists.  They contain the fact that He witnessed the beginning.  He was there before the beginning.  He made the beginning.

Those ten words contain the fact that God is smart.  He created the heaven.  Have you looked up there lately? Have you seen the marvelous sights?  Have you heard on the news about the amazing discoveries of planets and stars and galaxies and more?  He created the heaven and it reflects His glory.  It is amazing how all that works together and stays in place and moves and lives.

Those ten words contain the fact that God is logical.  He created the earth.  Have you gazed in wonder at an infant lately?  It is astonishing that all those systems work together just they way they do.  Have you examined the ecosystem of a pond lately?  Have you observed the incredible diversity and harmony that works there?

Those ten words contain the fact that God is love.  In the beginning, He created the heaven and the earth.  It's like He was making them for something special.  It appears that He was going to do something awesome.  And, He did.  He placed humans in the midst of the heaven and the earth.

Wow!

Bumpy Monday - Flashlights and Candles (03/03/08)

July 23, 2003

Psalm 18:28, 32
For thou will light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
It is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect.

Sometimes when there doesn't seem to be anyway out of a bad, undesired situation, there is a light in the darkness. It may only be a small flicker at first but God reveals himself and the darkness disperses. Then, He clothes me in the strength to do what needs to be done. God is my modern candle - my flashlight - in a dark world. He reveals the traps and snags along my path so that I can walk safely around them. He shows me the beauty so that I might stop and enjoy. His light shows me His perfect trail ahead.

For further reading ... Psalm 18: 21-32

That Idiot, Samson.

Okay, so I'm reading the historical record of Samson and am marveling at the idiocy of this judge of Israel.  (Judges 14-16)

First, he decides he wants a woman.  He found one that pleased him.  He and his dad went to make the arrangements.  Congratulations, Samson, you're engaged.  He waits a bit and then goes to claim his bride.  They get married and have a traditional seven day wedding feast.  During this time, she conspires with her family to trick her new husband.  (What!?)  She uses tears to get her way.  He gets mad (rightly so) and goes home without her.  Her dad then marries her off to another guy.  When  the wheat harvest comes in, Samson's anger has subsided and he takes a peace offering to his wife.  But her daddy said NO, want her cuter sister instead?  Uh, that sure didn't help Samson contain his anger.  He then lights the tails of some foxes and burns the harvest.  When the oppressing government finds out who did it and why, they burn up the wife and her dad.  Then, Samson whups the tar out of them.

Next, Samson decides he wants a quickie.  So, he goes to visit a sweetie he saw on the street.  The oppressors figure this is a great opportunity to kill him.  So they lock down the city and wait for morning in order to kill him.  He gets up at midnight and takes out the main city gate and two posts carrying them to the top of a hill and dumping them.  He escaped.

Again, he decides he wants a woman.  So he loves Delilah.  She's in cahoots with the gov't.  They've promised to give her money if she finds out the secret to Samson's strength and power.  Lots of money.  She asks, "Hey, honey, how can I tie you up and keep you tied up?"  (Seriously?!  I think I'd be concerned.)  So, he lies to her. She arranges a test.  Samson is still strong.  She whines, probably sheds a tear or two, "You  are making fun of me."  She asks again the secret to his strength.  He lies again.  She arranges another test.  He is still strong.  She cries.  Now, we are at round three.  She asks.  He lies.  She arranges.  He is still strong.  She cries.  But, this time she adds, "You don't love me!"  Her constant boo-hooing vexes his soul.  He crumbles.  He spills his guts and the secret to this strength and power.  (Dummy!)  She arranges.  His strength is gone.  She afflicts him and turns him over to the oppressing gov't.  They blinded him and put him to work on the grindstone.

Yet, in all his idiocy, the Spirit of God dwelt with and moved in Samson.  Samson was called to be a thorn in the side of the Philistine nation that was oppressing the Israeli people.  He did that well.  He must have been a confident guy.  He was strong and powerful.  He might have even been a cute guy.  In the end, he was a blind, humbled guy.  And, God still used him.

When the oppressors had him in chains, they threw themselves a party.  The referred to him as the "destroyer".  Samson became the entertainment.  (Can anyone say, professional wrestling?)  Samson was smart, even at death's door.  He brought the house down, literally.  Whoot!  Even in death he fulfilled his calling.

(Father God, what an awesome record of your mercy and grace.  Amen.)

Division

Math.  Ugh.  I don't like doing math, especially division.  Today, it became clear to me why.  Division is what Satan uses to keep Christians from fellowship.  Division is what Satan uses to destroy the family.  Division is what Satan uses to cause a church to split.

As I was doing my daily Bible reading from "The Evidence Bible" produced by Way of the Master Ministries, there was a quote by Charles Spurgeon.

"Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his (Satan's) policy to keep Christians apart.  Anything which can divide saints from one another he (Satan) delights in."

Then, the Proverbs 31 Ministries daily encouragement was on the topic of division in marriage.  Oh, I hope I am listening to what the Father has to say.  I can see that He is using it to encourage me today.  He is using it to show me what I need to do.  I must heal and not cause division.  I must have care for the members of the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:25)

(Father God, thank you for talking with me today.  Please help me to act as you desire.  Strengthen me for what is to come.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Chain Letters (07/27/09)

I'm starting a new feature called Soapbox. Yes, it's where I rant or rave about something that annoys or excites me. This week's feature is Chain Letters.

Why do people ruin a good email by ending it with a "you must forward this to 5 (or more) people in order to receive a blessing?" There are so many emails that I get that "have" to be forwarded in order to get the answered prayer or the benefit of it. How insane! Why can you not just tell the story and leave it at that?

I mean, really, how often do you tell a good tale in actual conversation and then follow it with "you have to tell five other people about this in order to have your prayers answered?" Can you imagine what your dinner conversation with your husband would be like? Or, what lunch with your girlfriends would sound like?

I refuse to forward them on in that manner. If I like the story and feel like it needs to be shared with others in my life, I delete all the "works" at the end of it and send just the blessing.

(Father God, thank you for the shared blessings of life. Help me to always remember that I do not need to add anything to what You have done for me. Help me to remember You own the cattle on a thousand hills and all the gold underneath. Your blessings are bestowed as You see fit. Thank you! In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.)

A Tenth Remains

Reading:  Isaiah 6

A tenth remains.  Even though the cities are wasted and the land is desolate, a tenth remains.

Hope for today exists in the tenth that remains!  Are you one of the tenth that remains?  Or, are you wasted and desolate?

Going Back

I've been going back over my study notes from the past year and I have discovered something.  I haven't spent enough time in personal study.  I have pages and pages of sermon notes, Sunday School notes, and special event notes.  I have several pages of reading notations.  But, I lack pages of personal, in-depth discoveries.

I found one undated page with the following information.

How'd you do on your daily reading?  Did you remember to keep your appointment with God?  If so, congratulations!  You are on your way to developing a great habit and a greater relationship with God.  (Psalm 37:23)

If not, what are you going to do now?  Try again!  (Psalm 37:24)

Ask for forgiveness!  (1 John 1:9)

Trust God to guide me.  (James 1:5, Micah 7:7)

I know I cannot go back and change the past.  I can only go on from here.  So, here I go!!

(Father God, thank you for the blessing that you are.  Thank you for being.  Thank you for loving me in spite of my foolishness.  I ask that you guide me to a greater knowledge of you.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Reflections (12/31/10)

On this final day of 2010, I've not felt compelled to think back over the year.  I've not wanted to dwell on the ups an downs.  Instead I sit here doing my normal thing.  I'm here in the present.  I read the blogs on my list and wish that more were updated today.  I smile at the cat curled comfortably next to my husband's Bible on the couch.  I am again thankful to be in this place at this time.

I consider my friend, Ashley, and am grateful for her parents and their dedication to choose life.  Choosing life is a reflection of God.  Awesome.  I consider another family waiting and working patiently for their Ukrainian child.  Their desire to care for an orphan is a reflection of God.  Awesome.  My heart grows heavy when I consider my friend, Jan.  Cancer has invaded her life aggressively.  Yet, she has chosen to live with her daughter and redeem this time to the best that she can.  What a lesson for me to learn!  Sounds a bit like another reflection of God, doesn't it?  My son is defending his faith against an atheist.  Their conversation challenges me to grow more intimate with my LORD.  It requires me to see the reflection of God in His Word.

I know I can't change the past.  It has happened.  I will be exposed to the consequences of it.  And, I can fully trust God for all I need in the present.  I am so thankful to be surrounded by reflections and remembrances and realities of my God.  Awesome!

(Father God, thank you for your great and mighty presence in my life.  Thank you that you surround me with reflections of yourself in so many places.   What a joy!  Father, I pray that as this calendar year closes you will be a welcome, comforting, sustaining presence to Ashley, Angela, Jan, and us.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Encouraging Words: Youthful

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Youthful - fresh or vigorous; having youth

Try these also... young, dewy, new, springtime, prime, green, maiden

Heritage

Truths about God can be passed on from generation to generation, but personal faith cannot.  Parents can and should teach their offspring about God, but it is up to each child to accept this heritage through his own personal choice.

From The Names of God copyright 2009 by George W. Knight, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc.  Used by permission.

From the Archives: Need Marriage?

December 29, 2008

Genesis 2:18 - God said it is not good that the man should be alone.

Genesis 2:22 - God brought her unto the man.

Proverbs 18:22 - He who finds a wife finds a good thing.

Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is honorable in all.

After many years God has revealed to me the part that I played in destroying my first marriage. It rests in need. When my first child was an infant, I told my husband that I did not need him. I told him that I could raise the baby without his help. I wanted - but didn't need - my husband to be a part of my life and the raising of the baby. I never let go of the posture of independence through 10 years of marriage.

This week I learned that undermines all that God uses to make a man. I also learned that I continue to not need a husband. Yet, God is moving my heart.

Let's apply this to my own relationship with God. I know I NEED Him. I cannot obtain salvation without Him. I cannot pay the penalty of my own sins. I cannot bridge the gap between God and myself on my own righteousness. I don't have any.

Garden Lessons: The Squash Plant

It is mid-summer and sitting on our back porch nestled snugly in its pot is a single squash plant.  It is a beautiful plant.  I admire the large gorgeous yellow blossoms it produces.  Its lovely green leaves are strong.  It's a great plant.  It's beautiful to see.

But, in all those blooms, we've not seen any fruit.   A squash plant has two types of flowers, one male and one female.  Some type of pollinator, such as a honeybee, is required to move pollen from the male flower to the female flower.  The flowers are only receptive to pollination for one day.  I haven't observed any honeybees around our squash plant.  Ugh.  This means that I'm going to have to intervene.

What does the squash plant tell me about God?  God is an amazing creator.  He has fashioned so many incredible systems - our own human body made up of the muscular, skeletal, endocrine, circulatory, and other systems in one body.  There is the ecosystem of nature.  And, there are social systems such as the work place, school, and other places where people interact.

Is your church like our squash plant?  Is it gorgeous on the outside but unable to produce fruit?  Are the environmental factors taking their toll?  Is someone going to have to intervene in order to cause the production of fruit?  God has set these systems to work properly.  Our indifference to God and His ways have resulted in some factors that influence the system.

Within any church, there are a multitude of people.  It may be a small group or an expansive group.  In either case, some people have the skills, ability and desire to accomplish one part of the job such as the flowers and  the honeybee.  The flower cannot do the honeybee's job and vice versa.  And sometimes, it takes an outside influence to accomplish the job.  Is God calling you to a specific job within your church?  If so, do your part to produce the fruit.

(Father God, how amazing your creation is.  Your intelligence is evident in the various systems.  O how I long to see it in it's original perfect state.  Help me to work as you designed me.  Thank you.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Faithful and Correcting (05/06/08)

This may seem like an odd title for a blog entry but it is very representative of my past few weeks. My body is physically tired from the stress of my job and the mental work that seems to surround every day. God has been faithful to provide a job for me. The job allows me to have a place to live, food to eat, and stuff I want. I have allowed the physical tiredness to distract me from the provision of God. Tonight, I was corrected.

Yes, God is faithful to give me what I need in the form of physical things. He is also faithful to give me what I need spiritually and mentally even when that means correcting me. Our church has a visiting evangelist this week. Tonights lesson was for me. It was all about being a mature Christian. 1. Mature Christians do not gossip. There is always an encouraging, uplifting, building message from a mature Christian. God showed me that I have some growing up to do. 2. Mature Christians see the blessings of burdens. God has been faithful to call to remembrance how the trials and burdens I've been through have been for His purpose. He's been working with me on this for some time. 3. Mature Christians know that to live IS Christ and to die is gain. God has much for me to learn here though He only gives me what I can handle each time.

(Lord God, forgive me for my loose lips, for the hurtful things I've said, for the negative tone about my church, for each time I have fallen short. Thank you for bridging the gulf between us so that I can know You. I cannot do this under my power, You alone are the power needed. I pray for that power to be evident through my life. Thank you for the salvation You have given to me. In Jesus name, I pray.)

Encouraging Words: Sincere

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Sincere - genuine; free from hypocrisy or deceit

Try these also... heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned, whole-hearted, candid, frank, open, plain, faithful, honest, truthful, forthright, clear, devout, unaffected

Bumpy Monday - Cat Hair in the Escape (08/25/10)

Yesterday after a wonderful lunch with my husband, we were sitting in our vehicle, a Ford Escape, talking. As we were discussing things, my eyes took in the grit and grime that had collected in the console. So, I started cleaning.

Our conversation turned to the cleaning and how quickly things get dirty. My husband commented that the vehicle needed to be washed, vacuumed, waxed, etc. It was then that I noticed the cat hair.

Our cat is an indoor cat. She hasn't always been an indoor cat. She used to spend as much time outside as she did inside. Several years ago during the summer, she decided that it was much safer and comfortable to stay inside. It's not much safer or comfortable for us humans living inside because that cat still has her claws and she won't stay still long enough to for us to clip them. The last time her claws were clipped we had to sedate her. That should give you some idea as to her personality. She loves on her terms, not yours.

She has never been in the Escape. She does not ride well. I think she isn't in control so she doesn't like it. Yet, her hair is tucked in nooks and cranny's of the Escape. It is under the seat, on the seat, in the carpet, on the dash, on the window, and working it's way in the glove box.

Isn't that a lot like sin? The evidence of it is everywhere. Even if my sin does not take place in one particular area, the evidence of it is still there in other areas - just like the cat hair from the cat that has never been in the Escape. Now, think about this. It travels far. Our Escape takes us on trips hundreds of miles from our cat.

Where have you left small evidences of sin? Did you leave it at the grocery store when you were frustrated with how slow the line was moving? Did you leave it with your child as you sent him off to school with negative words ringing in his ears? Did you leave it on your husband as you silently let him know that he forgot to take out the trash?

(Father God, please forgive me for not noticing how far the evidence of my sin has spread. Help me to clean up the sin and remove it from my life. Thank you for the wonderful cat that you created to help me learn more about You and your ways. You are an awesome God. May you be honored by this today, in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Encouraging Words: Optimistic

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Optimistic - reflecting  an expectation of a favorable outcome

Try these also... bright, cheerful, sunny, hopeful, sanguine, merry, upbeat, rosy, assured, confident

Cat Armor

Have you ever considered that a cat is fully capable of fending for itself?  Even that big lazy cat on your couch is armed with incredible sharp claws, finely honed teeth, reflexes like a ninja, a nose that can smell even the faintest of tuna a mile away, and ears.

She doesn't fit!

I love to watch my cat's ears.  The move independent of each other.  One goes this way, the other stands straight.  What is she listening to?  Can she hear the spider scampering across the kitchen floor?  Can she hear the dog sneaking into her food dish?  She can hear so much that I'm not aware of.  That's a story for another time.

She is beautifully designed to do exactly what she is supposed to do.  She's been given all the tools she needs to protect herself.  She lives in a great big box, our house.  She is sheltered within these walls and she knows it.

So our air conditioner quit working this morning.  After our rain last evening, the morning was cooler outside than inside.  Oh, this heat is taking it's toll.  So, in an effort to cool the house, we opened the front door and the back screen.  And, our wonderfully designed cat freaked out.

She watched the front door with great care.  She ventured toward it but far enough away to run if she needed to.  Yes, that's right - RUN.  She's nothing but a big ol' fraidy cat.  She was on super alert but wasn't willing to venture close to the open door.  Perhaps it would help you to understand that she used to be an indoor-outdoor kitty.  She even caught a squirrel.  She used to be a great hunter and might spend several days roaming her territory.  But, something got a hold on her and she's not been interested in going outside for several years now.

How about you?  Are you a spiritual fraidy cat?  God asks you to put on the whole armor and be prepared.  Are you?  Or, do you run and hide when called to take a stand?

Traveling Too Fast

Traveling is a most tedious activity.  I am confined to a minimal space speeding along with a multitude of others in their own minimal space.  My movements are restricted.  I have no comfortable place to put my feet.  Comfort in general is difficult to find.

Outside my window an interesting tree flashes by.  A sparkle of color catches my eye and is gone.  A nondescript sign silently states how far it is to the next something.  A bland sign limits how fast I can travel.  None speak of excitement.

Buildings.  Hay bales.  Fences.  Fallen trees.  Cows.  Horses.  A rare deer.  A glimmer of water.  All are observed in the briefest of moments.

The guard rail is a blur.  There is no time to savor the uniqueness of anything.  There is no time to appreciate the details.  Rust roofed barns display only for a moment.  Even the fluffy clouds have soon faded to nothing.  One is replaced quickly by another.

Oh, how like my life traveling sometimes is.  So many times I'm moving so fast I can't see the details.  The joys are a blur, just a glimpse.  It's here and now I've passed it by.  The sound of my 2 year old daughter's laughter.  The seriousness of my son at work with building blocks.  The touch of my spouse at the end of a day.  The moments come, I see it but I don't get to savor the details.

O, that I would take the time to savor the details.  I should make a conscious decision to feel, taste, smell, hear, and see the details of sitting on the couch watching a movie with my love.  I want to deliberately absorb all that God has to share with me on this journey of life.  I must stop traveling too fast.

(Father God, how I want to know You on the journey.  I want to feel all that You have for me.  I want You.  Keep me from traveling too fast to know and love You with all my heart and soul.  I praise You!  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Oklahoma Pineapple (01/13/08)

I've always enjoyed pineapple - from a can or even fresh. It is a sweet juicy fruit that comes in a pretty, prickly, unique container.

I learned a valuable lesson from a pineapple one summer. I had purchased a fresh pineapple for a family treat. I cut off the top, cut away the core and the rind to reveal the best part. Then, we tasted the sweet fruit. It was an every day event. Only, this time I asked my son if he wanted to plant the top.

Sure, okay. Well, we didn't really plant it. It stayed on the kitchen counter for a couple of days until I decided to do something with it. It wasn't carefully planted, I just sorta dumped it there in the compost pile with the rest of the trimmings. And then, I ignored it. But, God didn't. There was enough rain that summer to keep it watered. Then, after a period of time, I noticed that it was putting out new leaves. Hmmm... It had put down roots and begun to grow. How exciting, a pineapple in Oklahoma. This thing had been chopped off at the heart and abandoned in a pile of rotting stuff. Yet, God added some fertile soil and just enough water to cause new growth. Oh, God is good!

Did my pineapple produce any fruit? No, the harsh Oklahoma winter killed the plant before any fruit could be seen. (Of course, I didn't protect it from those harsh elements and if I had the outcome might be different.) Did that make it any less of a pineapple plant? No way. When a Christian has been cut up and tossed out - emotionally, spiritually or even physically - by this world, God still provides the soil of His Word and the water of His living Spirit to produce growth. And, for that I praise Him.

There is more that God wants to tell about Oklahoma pineapples... Stay tuned.

Encouraging Words: Valuable

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Valuable - having significant worth or value; costly

Try these also... precious inestimable, invaluable, priceless, clear, expensive, appreciated, prized , treasured, admired, esteemed, respected.

Old Dog

My husband's dog is old.  When you look up ancient in the dictionary, his picture is there.  Caesar is 18.5 years old.  He has control of his bowels.  He can still get up.  He can bark if coaxed extensively.  His sense of smell has diminished but he still has it.  He leaks.  He has arthritis.  He's old.

Old Dog

And, he can't see very well.  Okay, he can barely see.  He likes to be lead.  It doesn't take a leash to lead him just a slow walk.  If you think having a toddler follow your every move is tough, try having an old dog follow you.  We take really slow walks around the back yard.  (We hunt cicadas this time of year.  He loves to eat the dead dry ones.)  Then we come back in, get a drink, check our food bowl, and wait for a biscuit (treat).

I wonder if I'll be like that when I'm old. Will I leak?  Will I be able to speak if coaxed?  Will I be able to see?  Do I want my Lord to lead me?  Can I take a slow walk around with Jesus leading the way?  Will my eyesight be so bad that all I can see is the Lord leading directly in front of me?  Will all the other stuff in life just be a blur around the edges?  When we finish our walk, will Jesus provide me a cool drink, some food, and a treat?

(Father God, I pray that I can be so focused on you that all the stuff around the edges has no meaning.  If you grant me old age, I pray that it will be filled with following you.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.)

So Much Yet So Little

As I have been attempting to organize all the notes from several years of study and reading, I have come to the conclusion that I have so much info yet I have retained so little of it.  I find myself re-reading some of the journal entries that I've made over the years and thinking, "I don't remember writing that."  I'll read a verse that I know I've read many times before and think, "Wow, I don't remember reading that before."  I'll peruse the notes from a sermon and think, "Huh?  When was that?  I don't remember it."

This is a frustrating place for me to be.  After all, the purpose of this blog is to remember the God Moments. And I forget so many of them.  We are admonished in scripture to remember God's works of old (Isaiah 46:9) even to write them (Psalm 102:18).  HOW COULD I FORGET?

Forgetfulness is an indication that we cannot save ourselves.  We can't do it because we've forgotten the  gruesome works of our flesh.  I don't remember every lie I've told.  So, why do I forget so many of the God moments?  I'm wondering if it might be because they are so often tied to sin.  Or, more so, sin lurks at the door and blinds me.  I don't take the time to clearly see the God moments because I'm covetous or have vainly placed something else before Him.  The result is that I forget.

I rejoice in my salvation.  I remember that work of God!  That's when I realized that I was not worthy and that God was.  He cleansed me.  He created me new.  Oh, how wonderful!

(Father God, holy is your name.  Help us to remember your wonderful works - the old ones and the new ones.  Thank you in the name of Jesus, Amen.)

Encouraging Words: Real

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Real - genuine; not imaginary.

Try these also... authentic, bona fide, true, pure, honest, sincere, unfeigned, undoubted, indubitable, unquestionable

Life Writing: Life as Usual

Now, the way I hear it told, for me everything began sometime in the summer of 1966.  A young couple in rural woods of Oklahoma found that they were going to have a new addition to their family.  The doctor said to expect this new family member sometime around March 23 of next year.  So in order to pass the time, R and D went about life as usual - though they could hardly wait.

Somewhere in the rural woods.

At this time, the green house on the hill by the road was home to them and the two rambunctious members of the family- 3 year old A and 1 year old T.  Grandpa G and Grandma E lived just a mile or so up the road and across the creek on the old homestead land.  Grandpa and Grandma H lived on the south side of town on Memorial Road.  Various other family members- aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandparents, and in-laws- were located in the vicinity as well.  

As summer began to wind down, A’s 4th birthday came and went.  Autumn was in full swing when T’s 2nd birthday came and went.  Thanksgiving soon flew by and Christmas was just around the corner.  R took a job working on off-shore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast.  It was still life as usual.  

Winter ushered in Christmas and the New Year.  R celebrated his birthday.  Then, unexpectedly, almost a week later, D started experiencing contractions.  A quick trip to the doctor to make sure everything was all right was in order and then it would be back to life as usual.  So, off she went.  Soon, R was notified that D was in labor and should probably try to come home.  She spent 24 hours in uncomfortable but not highly painful labor.  He made it back to Broken Bow in record time.

Then, at 10:05 AM on a Wednesday, I breathed my first independent breath.  I was a fuzzy red bundle weighing in at a whopping 5 lbs and 2 oz while measuring 19 ½ inches long.  I was a little more than seven weeks early but overall, I was in great health.  There appeared to be a minor issue with my left eye as it was swollen shut.  And, with that being the worst, the doctor sent me home with my experienced Mom after only a couple of days at the hospital.

I was honored with a given name that means maiden. My middle name means, well, faith.  You know, the theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.  It also is defined as confident belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing thereby producing trust, loyalty and allegiance.  I am aware there is power in what you name a child.  You may not realize it at the time but it will make a difference in their life.  Mom decided as a little girl that if she ever had a little girl, her name would be Faith and so it was.  And, then, there was a certain song which provided my given name.  I refuse to share it here.

There was joy and celebration everywhere (music begins…).  The world was singing my song (music swells…).  My birth was announced from the highest rooftops and proclaimed throughout the lands (music crescendo…).  It would never again be “life as usual” (music crash).  Okay, so it wasn’t really such a big deal after all and life did go on as usual; but, I am telling or, um, re-telling this story.

Sticky Notes

I have an abundance of sticky notes.  They contain notes from sermons, Bible reading, study, thoughts, and references.  Some are quite extensive flowing along several sheets.  Some are confusingly cryptic.  Some are just on scraps of paper.  Some are in notebooks.  Some are on church bulletins.  Some really are on post-it sticky notes.  The size doesn't matter.  I keep them all.

I desire to organize them.  I want to put them together into a study book.  I'd like for them to be chronological.  I have issues.  Oh, maybe I could put them together in a magazine or periodical format.  (You know, issues.)  I want to share them with others.  I'm afraid that what this blog has become is a collection of sticky notes.

How do I go about organizing all my notes?  Augh!  Overwhelming!  Yet, one step at a time can bring it about.

(Father God, thank you for all that you have shown me through the years.  I pray that you would help me to honor you with all that I do.  There is so much you have done the volume of the books cannot hold it all.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

From the Archives: Tornadoes

A prayer from March 2, 2008

This evening saw tornadoes in the OKC area.  Thank you, Lord, for the protection You provide.  It is an awesome power that a tornado displays.  Yet, it is only a drop of the power that You hold.  It is amazing and fascinating to watch.  A tornado can capture your attention and keep it.  Thank you, Lord, that I've never been in a tornado.


Watching the video on the news just captured my thoughts.  I couldn't look away for fear of missing something.  Lord, I want to look at You in that same way.  I want to see Your awesome power and holiness.  I want to be captured and captivated by Your presence so much that I can't bear to look away for fear of missing something awesome.  You deserve my complete attention.  


Help me to see You in everything.  Thank You for what You do that I never acknowledge.  Forgive me for glancing past even the smallest miracle.  You are incredible, powerful, true, just and perfect.  I cannot understand it all.  I accept it anyway.  Now, dear Lord, help me to rest.  This prayer I utter with the groaning desires of my heart in Jesus name alone.  Amen.

Bumpy Monday - Breath and Challenge (06/06/08)

Well, it's almost time to get back into regular work activities. I'm thankful for the job that I have even though I don't always treat it honorably. There are times when I just get tired of getting up and going to the stress each day. This week I'm looking forward to addressing a couple of items that have been hanging on for quite some time. I'm sure there will be other things that interfere with the primary plans but I'll be seeking a singular focus from God in order to do the job He gave me for His glory.

Today's God Moment happened as I began praying for this week's work activities. God reminded me that He has the power over it all. And when I dwell on that thought, I recall that He has the power over my next hearbeat. He and He alone has given me breath. Just as He give power to the stars to light the night sky. How awesome.

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)

Our pastor challenged us today to live our life pure as if we know that Jesus is returning for His church at a set time some few hours in the future. God is good and will help when His children ask. There are times when I'm comfortable and don't consider how soon the return might be. Yet, I long for Christ to come. He has promised that we won't have the same struggles in heaven as we have on this earth. I desire that struggle free time. I desire the time when I can praise and honor with abandon knowing that the world and this flesh no longer have influence on me.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9)

Thanks for listening.

Encouraging Words: Kind

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Kind - benevolent, compassionate, and humane.

Try these also... warm, loving, altruistic, charitable, caring, responsive, tender, sympathetic, merciful, tolerant, affable, amiable, cordial, polite

Garden Lessons: Control

There are many things our garden has taught us this year.  From the early days of trying to start the plants to the times of putting them out to the small harvest gleaned, we've gained knowledge.  However, the one thing that stands out to me right now about our garden is control.

My awesome husband put a sprinkler system in so that the garden would always have water.  That has worked really well.  It "rains" on our garden every other day for about 30 minutes early in the morning.  Has that helped our plants produce?  Do we have an overflowing abundant crop of tomatoes?  Are the squash coming out our ears?  Are we leaving corn on everyone's porch?  Are we selling our peppers to the local restaurants?  I don't think so.

Our part of the country is gripped in a massive heat wave.  It is oppressive.  The temperatures are in excess of 100 degrees early in the day and continue that way through the night.  It is tiresome.  The grass is dry and crispy so that our dog can hardly walk on it.  It is severe.  We eagerly look to the skies for some indication that there might be some rain.  It is relentless.  It hurts us.  It hurts our garden.

So, even with the sprinkler system running regularly, the garden shows the stress of being in the drought and heat.  Grasshoppers have decimated the corn.  Squash bugs are on everything.  Potato bugs are on the eggplant.  There aren't any bugs on the hot pepper plants, nor are there many peppers.  Honeybees are rare visitors to our garden.

Ultimately, it has shown me that even when I think I can control things, I cannot.  I still HAVE to rely on God for the increase.  I can do my part to till the earth (prepare my heart), to plant the seed (read His Word), to water the plants (read His Word and pray), and to care for the plants (watch my tongue, etc) but the increase comes from Him.  I can be doing everything right but still not have a good harvest.

(Father God, I thank you for the harvest that has come.  It is an abundant bounty from you but may seem small in the eyes of the world.  Lord, it is more than we had and that makes it abundant.  I pray for relief from this gripping heat.  Thank you.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Encouraging Words: Joyful

Let's use an encouraging word today.  Share it with someone you love, with a co-worker, with a friend, with a clerk at the store, or with a complete stranger anywhere.

Joyful - expressing or feeling intense happiness or pleasure.

Try these also... glad, happy, thrilled, joyous, lighthearted, buoyant, effervescent, expansive, pleasured, ecstatic, sparkling, bubbling

Encouraging Words

I've decided I want to have more encouraging words in my vocabulary.  I know there are a bunch already there but I may have forgotten one or two along the way of living.  So, for Saturday entries in my blog, I'm going to have "Encouraging Words."

I found these words on a set of scrapbooking cards by Autumn Leaves.  There is an encouraging word for each letter of the alphabet.  The only problem is that I couldn't find the ones for A-I.  I've only got the ones for J-Z.  :(

But that's okay, I have another list that I can use to cover those letters. :)  The definitions come from my Webster's Quick Reference Dictionary Notebook.

(Father God, thank you for the encouraging words that you provide in scripture.  I pray that you will use these words to bless others.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Gravel Road, Paved Road

My husband and I live in the city.  It's not a huge city and it's close to the country but it is still "in town."  We have a small garden spot about 12 miles from our house because our lot is too small to have a garden on it.  In order to get to the garden, we travel on paved roads and gravel roads.

Several days ago as we were happily traveling along, the gravel road shook us.  Now, our little Ford Escape has been a tremendous blessing and we appreciate the job that it does for us.  As we traveled down the gravel road, our Escape groaned and worked and squeaked and rattled and labored.  The noise filled our ears like the roar of much rushing water.  We gritted our teeth and finally reached our destination.

We quickly checked the squash plants for bugs.  Ugh.  We harvested a few tomatoes.  We observed the jalapeno peppers developing.  We lamented the lack of blooms on our okra.  We were surprised by the sunflower that had blossomed.  We dusted the corn in an effort to cut down on worms and fertilized everything for the first time this season.  We labored.  No, it was not intensive labor but we worked.  Then, it was time to head back home.

We gritted our teeth as the Escape groaned, worked, squeaked, rattled and labored back down the gravel road.  Again, the noise filled our ears nearly drowning out everything else.  Then one final section of rough gravel and we were on the pavement.  And the silence was deafening.  No more groaning, no more squeaking, no more rattle, there was just the quiet hum of the tires.

As we traveled I reflected on it all.  When our lives are on a gravel, bumpy, washed-out path, do we squeak and rattle and groan to God?  Then, when our lives are on the smooth path, are we silent?  Sadly, I could only answer the questions with, "Yes."  When trials and tests come our way, we spend many hours in prayer telling God what we want and asking Him to fix everything.  But when things are going the way we want, we don't take the time to talk with Him at all.

(Father God, please forgive me when I forget that you are the provider of the smooth path.  Help me to remember you in the good times and to thank you for them during them.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Speeding Along (04/07/08)

During this weekend's travels I found myself speeding along the highway. I was convicted. Wow, it seems like such a small thing just a couple of miles over the speed limit - 67 in a 65. Yet, God used that to speak to me. It is rebellion. Rebellion against the governing laws. If I'm comfortable speeding along in defiance of the country's laws, am I also willing to continue on sinning in defiance of God's laws? Am I speeding along in my little sin ignoring God's call to obedience and repentance? That sin could be a continual lie, not providing all my tithe, gossip, undermining the authority of the scripture, drinking alcohol, cursing, or any number of things just barely over the speed limit. I slowed down those two miles per hour and set my cruise control. Now, I'm seeking to slow down the sneaky sin and let God be my cruise control. I love the way God shares with us when we are open to hear His voice.

(Lord God, I pray that you will reveal the speeding sin in my life. Help me to turn to You for my cruise control. I thank you for being the govenor that keeps me from running away crazily. In Jesus name, Amen.)

Life Writing: Dodge Polara

I have a few assorted early childhood “pictures” in my mind.  Some are of Head Start.  One is having the cots ready for our naps and another is riding in the 1972 Dodge Polara with Mom driving and going down the really big dip in the road.  The time I busted out my top four front teeth while climbing in the dirty clothes pile really was A or T's fault.  One of them left the number five washtub in the mound of clothes Mom was getting ready to take to the laundry mat.  When I started up the pile and pushed down on one side of the tub, the other side came up and busted me right in the chops.  Two of my teeth were already loose but two weren’t quite ready to come out.  They did anyway.  Yeah, that's a pretty "picture".

Ninth grade, T and I both attended the new Broken Bow High School.  T is in the first class to graduate from the new building.  I am in the first class to complete all four high school years in it.  This was the year that I read the “Count of Monte Cristo”.  I have never forgotten that story. (Shiver)

Along somewhere around this time, Dad began building a house primarily by himself.  It is a beautiful log home with 3 bedrooms and an outhouse.  It has no electricity, is heated by wood, and the remaining utilities are run off gas.  At 16 years old I thought this was horrible.  We were moving back to a time in the "old" days.  After we moved in, I became an expert at running over to Grandma's house each morning to take a shower and get ready for school.  At least she had indoor plumbing and a place for me to use my hair dryer.  Those are critical things to a teenager in the '80's.  It took a long time but I finally realized that it was an incredible thing my parents did.  They sacrificed so that they could have their own home and land.  

During tenth grade, we moved to the boonies.  Yes, the real boonies.  It’s just a mile past the end of the earth which is conveniently located in McCurtain County.  I got my driver’s license, barely, that year and started driving to school each day.  Yup, I was driving the same 1972 Dodge Polara that Mom used to take me to Head Start way back when.  I took Drivers Ed and Drafting this year.  Mr. Rick Banta was our drafting teacher.  His wife had been my third grade teacher.  Ah, the joy of small towns.

Mercy, Mercy

Reading:  Psalm 136

"... For His mercy endures forever."

Every single verse in Psalm 136 ends with the same phrase.  I wonder if some One is trying to tell us some thing.  How incredible and awesome to know that God's mercy goes on eternally.  It has, does, and will last.  Mercy is a defining trait of the one true God.  It is mercy that doesn't fail, doesn't change, doesn't sway.  Constant, enduring mercy comes from God alone.

Our mercy may depend upon the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  For instance, on a good day we may extend mercy quickly and completely to a child that offends us.  But, tomorrow when we have a headache we offer only a limited version of mercy to the bleep-bleep that can't drive properly.

What is mercy?  The number one definition carries the meaning of compassionate treatment of or attitude towards an offender or adversary.  Synonyms include forgiveness, indulgence, leniency, tenderness, among others.  I've heard it said that mercy is not getting the punishment or consequences we deserve when we break the law or err in conduct.  Oh, wow!  I am so thankful and appreciate when some one shows mercy to me.  Have I shown mercy today?

(Father God, Thank you for the great mercy you show me hour by hour.  Please help me to show mercy to others.  Help me to show true mercy and not a watered-down version which causes me to hold the error over another.  Help me to forgive insults or offenses and give mercy freely.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Forgotten (7/29/09)

Read chapter 8 of Deuteronomy.

Did you notice how much the United States has become like the people described there? We have plenty. And, we have forgotten the commandments of God. We are in a good land. Yet, we have forgotten that He is a holy God. We eat sumptuously. But, we have forgotten that He is a just God. We have a land that brings forth much produce. Still, we have forgotten He is a jealous God. We are full. None the less, we have forgotten that He is a perfect God. We are wealthy. And, we have forgotten He is a living God. By forgetting all these things about God, we are making our own false god.

It is our turn to pray as Moses did in the next chapter (9:18, 26-27). We must pray that we will not be destroyed. We must pray for remembrance. We must pray for mercy. I wonder what "work" God will do to the USA if we are subjected to Psalm 119:126 because we have made God's law void.

(Father God, I thank You for the bountiful land that You have provided these United States. I bless You for the good land which You have given us. I am thankful that we have eaten and are full. I praise you for the water, the wheat, and the honey. Oh, Father God, it is Your power that has made this possible. It is Your power that has made us wealthy. Please remember us and grant us mercy because we have forgotten You. I remember You, O LORD. I remember to walk in Your ways and to fear You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Life Writing: Beekeeping

I remember watching Dad walk though Grandma E's field sowing Vetch seed because he read the bees would make good honey off of it.  You see, one of Dad's hobbies was beekeeping.  His hobby became a hazard in our lives when it was time to extract honey.  But, it was also a freedom when we could watch with awe the bees in the observation hive.  

Dad's observation hive was under the Osage Orange tree in the front yard.  This tree is also known by the common name bodark, an altered version of the French "bois d'arc".  We also called it the "horse apple" tree.  This was a dangerous location as the thorns of the tree are painful and the horse apples hurt when they fall on you.  

We normally didn't check in on the bees during the winter as they would be balled up trying to stay warm but spring time was a different story.  Those worker bees would be dancing and gathering nectar while the drones just lazed about.  We could watch through the glass as the workers drew out the honey comb and filled it with pollen or nectar.  Then, they would cap over their food storage.  

There was an added excitement when we were able to spot the queen.  She was slightly larger than the other workers with an extended abdomen.  She stayed busy laying eggs.  If the honey comb cell had an egg in it, it would be capped over so the egg would hatch and develop.  Bees are pretty efficient at keeping things organized.  Rarely would there be brood (developing larvae), pollen, and honey intermixed on a frame.  

Late summer was when we would harvest the honey from the hives.  This was an activity that took place inside and by hand.  Dad, Mom, A, and T all took turns at the extractor.  Yes, I took a turn or two also but not near as many as they did.  The extractor was a large round tub open on the top with wire baskets on the inside and a turn handle.  Dad would go out to the hive, smoke most of the bees away from the frame, place it in a temporary box and, when the box was full, bring it in the house.  Once in the house, Mom or Dad would cut the caps (which served as a tasty treat) off the honey and place a frame in one of the two baskets of the extractor.  Then, the crank would be turned which caused the wire baskets to go round and round.  As the baskets went faster and faster, the honey would be slung out of the frames and collect in the holding tank.  Mom would then fill the jars from the holding tank.  

It was beautiful sight to see the golden honey in the jar with light glistening off of it.  Some years we would work a booth at the County fair selling the honey.  Though, it was for our own use most of the time.  You see, we didn’t buy much sugar and honey sure does give Kool Aid a unique taste.    Most of the time I was okay with this hobby, it was only when an angry bee jumped on a hand, arm, or face and stung me that I really didn’t like it. 

Faith and Bella

Bella followed us blackberry picking from Granny's deep woods house.  She loved all the smells and was having a wonderful time.  She walked nearly a mile with us and then we decided to drive to another location for berries - wild berries.  Upon arrival, we parked and went a little way into the woods and Bella was nose to the ground checking every smell.

Bella

Then, she saw the rabbit.  She barked and started after the bunny.  We attempted to call her off for just a moment.  I told the berry pickers she'd be fine.  After all, she's a Bassett, they love to hunt.

Well, she found that rabbit again and off she went, barking and chasing.  She probably ran that poor rabbit for half a mile through the woods.  She was baying the whole time.  I told the berry pickers she'd be fine.  As long as we could hear her, she wasn't too far away.  I had faith.  After all, she's a Bassett hound.

Time passed and my faith evaporated.  When tried by time, my faith dissipated like a morning fog.  Poof!  Gone.  Vanished.  I started to worry.  I didn't want her to be lost.  I had to go looking for her.  I called.  She answered.  I called.  She answered.  Time and again, I called and she answered.  But, she was still deep in the woods.  Eventually, she grew quiet and I went back and forth looking for her.

Finally, I decided to head back to where she started chasing the rabbit in hopes that my faith had promise.  Just as we began down the trail to the spot, she came loping along.  Her tongue was hanging as low as her ears but she was a content doggy.  Yes, she did just what a good Bassett hound was to do.  I, on the other hand, learned just how weak my faith is.

(Father God, help me to have faith rooted deeply and strongly in you.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Monocular Vision

I was born 7 weeks premature and my left eye was swollen shut.  In today's terminology it would have been classified as a birth defect.  The result was (and is) that my eyes do not work like most everyone else.  I didn't know this for many years.  It only started becoming apparent when I started driving.  I scared those riding with me because I tended to drive really close to the right side marker.  3D movies make no sense to me.  All I see is the fuzzy red and blue outlines.  Even the newer types of 3D imagery hold no fascination for me.  Why?  Only one eye focuses on the object.  My brain sees the two images but the one presented by my right eye is the dominate image.  The left image is background, fuzzy, almost non-essential.  Normal eyes see a blended version of the two images presented to the brain.  That is why 3D is exciting for most.

My physical vision causes me to think about my spiritual vision?  Do I have a blended worldview?  Is my vision a blend of worldly and Godly view so that neither is dominate?  Can I see each distinctly different as they truly are?  I'm thankful for this physical reminder to keep things in God's perspective.

(Father God, thank you for my abnormal eyes.  Thank you for using them to show me and remind me to look through Yours.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Considering Ways (7/22/09)

Haggai1:1-2:23

Consider your ways. Again, consider your ways. The Lord God is with you. Be strong the Lord of Hosts is with you. Consider from today and onward. Again, consider from today and onward.

In two short pages, God asks us to consider four times. Twice He tells us what to consider and twice He tells us when to consider. I teach 3rd-6th graders each week. Our public schools have fallen down on the job of teaching vocabulary and I love words. Words are my love language. So, I've come to the realization that many people don't understand what God is trying to say to us through His love letter, the Bible.

What does "consider" mean? What did it mean when the Bible was translated from Hebrew and Greek? Does it mean the same thing now that it meant then? A little research will show you that the word hasn't really changed in meaning over the years. Some words do but this one hasn't. When we consider something we look at it closely and think carefully about it.

So, God asks us to look closely at and think carefully about our ways. What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What is the desired outcome of what we do? This includes everything we do. Our ways are our day to day activities, our habits, our speech, our interactions, our money, our food, our clothing, our movies, our books, our friends, and so on. We are to look closely at and think carefully about each.

Remember that the Lord God of Hosts is right there with you. He sees your activities, habits, speech, interactions, money, food, clothing, movies, books, friends, and so on. As we consider our ways, do they please Him? Do they honor Him? Do they bring glory to His Name? Or, do we shame the fearful Name of God? Do we embarrass Him? Do we cause Him to turn away in disgust? He's right there with us. Consider it.

When are you to start considering your ways? Now. Then, continue on tomorrow and the next day and the next. That's pretty clear. Don't wait.

God repeated Himself. He said each thing twice. That's like saying, "HEY! PAY ATTENTION TO THIS! IT'S IMPORTANT!!"

(Father God, help me to consider my ways beginning now. Thank you for being there with me. Forgive me for the shame and disgrace that I've caused. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Life Writing: Getting Started and Squirrels

Welcome to the first installment of Life Writing.  I'm looking forward to sharing this endeavor with you.  Life Writing is writing about one's life.  It may be your own life in memoir or autobiographical style or it may be the life of someone else in memoir or biographical style.  For me, life writing is about capturing memories.  There is a distinct blur between fiction and non-fiction.  It's writing what you remember.  I started writing my life story several years ago.  I'm writing it scrapbook style and I'm on Volume IV.  I'll be posting specific excerpts here.  So...

Squirrel!

One winter Dad came home with a bunch of baby squirrels in his pocket, seven to be exact.   Mom raised five of those squirrels through the spring, feeding them from an eye dropper until they were big enough to drink out of a bowl.  One chilly evening, there was an escape.  We thought the poor squirrel escapee wouldn’t make it through the night.  Mom went to the store the next morning and when she got back, it was hanging on the screen door wanting inside.  They stayed inside in a makeshift cage until early spring when they moved to a large backyard cage my dad built just for them.

My brothers thought it would be hilarious to put the dog in the cage one day.  I calmly went and asked Mom if that would be okay.  She went straightway to discuss the situation with them.  I smiled a satisfied little sister smile until Mom chewed me out for tattling.  By the time those squirrels were old enough to fend for themselves, there were only three left.  On the day of their release back to the wild, two of them promptly ran across the road and up the transformer pole to the transformer.  The other lived to a fine old squirrel age next to the creek behind the trailer.

Tornadoes and Storms

Several days ago when doing the entry on Surround Sound, I came to the realization that storms are not a part of God's original creation.  Storms, specifically tornadoes, are destructive.  God creates.  And, what He creates is good - until we mess it up.  In the beginning God created and it was good.  (Genesis 1: 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25)  By the time He was finished, it was very good.  (Genesis 1: 31)

So, initially creation was perfect.  I don't know that I can even imagine what that perfection was like.  The way I see things now is so marred by the negatives that I just can't imagine it.  The plants grew and produced perfectly.  In my mind, that means that every blossom produced a fruit.  Every leaf was perfectly shaped and there were no bug eaten holes in them - unlike the tomatoes and peppers on my back porch.

God had a perfect sprinkler misting system in this perfect creation.  There was no rain.  There was a mist that rose from the ground and watered the whole face of the ground.  (Genesis 2:6)  I imagine that to be similar to the way dew waters the ground.  Then, God created humanity.  He formed man out of the dust and breathed life into him.  (Exciting!)

Man promptly broke the one rule given to him.  And because of this sin, we no longer have perfect creation.  As time has passed, the decay brought by sin has resulted in several changes to the sprinkler system.  It took many hundreds of years and the sin of man was so offensive that God caused it to rain resulting in a world wide flood. Prior to that time, rain did not exist and the misting system was still working.

Just this week, deadly tornadoes have been spawned across Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri.  Earlier this year, deadly tornadoes rumbled across Georgia and Alabama.  While these storms can display the awesome power of God, they aren't what He originally had in mind for us.  The devastation of a tornado can remind us of God's justice to come.  It will come, it will come swiftly and it will leave nothing in its path.   (Proverbs 1:27)

God's voice does come out of the whirlwind.  It is strong and mighty.  It is a reminder.  "As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation." (Proverbs 10:25)  "Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked."  (Jeremiah 23:19)

In Nahum, the prophet tells us,  "God is jealous, and the LORD revenges; the LORD revenges, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserves wrath for his enemies.  The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet." ... Yet, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he KNOWS them that trust in him."  (Nahum 1:2-3, 7)

Tornadoes and storms won't go away until perfection is returned to this earth.  In the mean time, I will seek to honor God with my whole heart.  I'll be standing in awe of the power He mercifully withholds from judging me.  I will stand sheltered in His strong hold because I believe Him.

(Father God, you alone have the power to calm the storm.  I pray that you will sustain those that have lost much in this tornado.  I pray that you will use this to draw all men near to you.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bible Translations

There are a multitude of Bible translations out there.  I've heard that the only "right" one is the King James Version.  I've heard that the King James is so full of errors that it should never be consulted.  I've heard that the NIV is full of errors and contradictions.  I've heard that some translations are just a mockery of the original Hebrew and Greek.

Have you ever noticed that every person describes an event differently?  Even if every person sees the event at the same time, each of them have a different view of the event.  Certain facts can be determined from eyewitness accounts but each account has differences.  Have you also noticed that every person describes a photograph differently?

Every person brings a unique and individual perspective to life.  My experiences and life are different from yours.  I know that.  You know that.  It's an awesome thing.  How I translate or communicate my experience to you may not be the same as how you receive it.  If I use the word "peace" to describe the absence of conflict but you use the word to describe my conforming to your thinking, we are NOT communicating.  The only way we can communicate is if we have a standard by which to judge.  We have to both agree to use the same definition of a word before communication is a success.

Which leads me back to Bible translations.  There is a truth by which all translations are judged, God Himself.    I enjoy using the King James Version because it has high expectations.  Yes, you must understand formal English if you use the King James.  It has the attitude of grandeur, of aristocracy, of formalness.  But, I often compare translations.  The Common English Version is an informal version.  It is like meeting God at the kitchen table instead of the banquet hall.

All modern English translations rely on translations of translations and copies.  The meanings of our words have changed.  Some words have been lost and are no longer used.  Others have been added to describe changes in society, science, and technology. Can you image using LOL in a Bible translation?  Would the Apostle Paul use technology terms instead of athletic terms in his letter to the Romans?

We did not live at the time the Bible was written.  Phrases and terms had meaning at the time that we don't use or see now.  And, the next translator thinks his version is better than any previous version.  It is up to us to choose a version and use it.  Key- USE IT.  God's word is alive.  It has the ability to meet the needs of people today even though it was written long ago.  God satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.  He saves souls out of trouble and distress.  He brings them out of darkness.  So, I give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures for ever.  His love never fails. (Psalm 107)

(Father God, I praise your name that your word does not return void.  Every translation has some human error in it.  Yet, you make yourself know through it.  Thank you.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.)

Direction

So, I've been reminded that this blog is not really about me.  It is about God in my life.  Therefore, I will continue to blog with perhaps a bit more direction.  Each Monday will be a "Bumpy Monday".  These will be previous posts.  Tuesday through Thursday will be new entries.  Friday will be new entries with one of the following topics:  Penguins, Memoirs, or God Moments.  Saturday or Sunday posts will be rare and by the leading of the Spirit only.

Next, I've got to publicize the blog a bit more.  Please refer my blog to your friends.  Tell me about your blog.  I'll read and comment.

(Father God, thank you for being a part of my life.  I praise your name because you are.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Bumpy Monday - Pack Rat Traits (3/9/08)

On occasion, I loose sight of the penguin traits that I'd like to emulate and take on the incredible traits of a pack rat. Okay, often I do. I have many many boxes of children's school papers that I have kept. And, I've been culling the ones that have come home since 6th grade. So, I have all these boxes of papers in the attic that I should go through.

I also have just about every scrap paper on which I've written a reference to a verse. Now, some of them have other statements besides the verse address. But, many do not. Some of them are references from a sermon or lesson. I have no idea what that verse meant to me at the time I wrote it down. AUGH! It was a shiny button or trinket that caught my eye at the time. I carried it off to my nest and put it with the rest of the glittering objects.

I don't know if pack rats go back through their treasure but God calls me to do such a thing. He repeatedly tells me to remember His mighty works, to remember who He is, to remember what He has done for me. Today, I remember that He wrote my name in the book of life. He has removed my sin and remembers it no more. He has transformed my deceitful heart and given me a heart of life. God is awesome.

(Lord, thank you for saving my soul. Thank you for remembering my sin no more. Thank you for the only way to know you. Thank you for the wonderful treasure You give me through Your word. Thank you for the grace and mercy that You personally extended to me. Thank you also for the judgement. Thank you for the rules that keep me safe. Forgive me when I so bluntly ignore them. Help me to accept the necessary chastisement. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.)

Encouragement - Where does it come from?

Encouragement.  Where does it come from for you?  Where do you get that extra charge to keep going?  In what form does it present itself?  Do you need verbal encouragement or will a simple smile keep you going?  Does it matter if it's someone close to you or a complete stranger that shares it?  When do you need it the most? Do you happen to fail to notice it if it is given during good times?

I started writing this blog four years ago. (http://dailyswim.blogspot.com/2007/08/welcome-to-daily-swim.html) Sometimes it was easy to write on a regular basis.  Sometimes living life distracted me away.  I have no idea how many people read it or if anyone gets anything out of it.  I've prayed that someone would get a blessing from reading it and that it would honor God for His purpose.

Is it time to stop?  Or, is it time to be more vocal about it's existence?  I need some encouragement here.

(Father God, I leave this blog in your hands.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.)

Surround Sound

This morning I started the day by lying in bed listening to the thunder roll.  How beautiful the sound that starts way in the distance, rolls right over your head and across the horizon.  Now I sit here listening to the raindrops hit the roof and splash to the ground.  I am truly surrounded by this phenomenon known as a storm.  Have you ever considered just how amazing storms are?  How incredibly powerful lightening is?  How intense thunder happens to be?  How magnificent water is?  And, just how impressive the whole cycle is?

I am  humbled by the power of a lightening strike.  Last year I heard a woman speak who survived but lost her family to a lightening strike.  (You can check out her story at http://www.anitakscott.com.)  It's amazing.

I am so in awe of thunder.  It's the sound of the lightening.  It rumbles across the sky for miles.  I can't even see a mile in the distance.  I can barely see my computer screen sometimes.   (I guess I better go find my glasses.  After all, they do help. Ahh, that's better.)   I don't believe my kids can hear me yelling a mile away.  Mostly they aren't able to hear from the other room.  Hmm.

The rain can be gentle or pelting.  It can come down all at once and result in a flood strong enough to move a house.  It can fall over a long period of time and result in the grass growing right before your eyes.   Generally, though, it seems to fall somewhere in the middle.  It might be cold.  It might be warm.

Now, let's consider the wind.  Do you see where it comes from?  Do you see where it starts?  Do you know where it ends?  Do you know how far it has traveled?  How did it gain its strength?  It too may be soft and gentle or pelting and strong.  It is remarkable.

Today I am absorbed by the storm.  It's more than just surround sound, it's surround sight, surround feel, surround smell and surround sound all rolled up into an experience. If I weren't such a chump, I'd be out tasting the storm also.

(Father God, thank you for storms.  Thank you for the reminder of just how incredible you are.  Thank you that you hold the storms under your feet.  You are above and beyond everything the storm is.  I pray that I can be surrounded by your sound, sight, feel, taste, and smell.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Genealogy

I've been tramping through piles of left behind papers.  I can't find all the information that I want to find.  Ugh, it's so frustrating.

There are some wonderful nuggets of information in these papers like great-grandma's marriage certificate.  Yet, there is nothing about Jephtha's personality.  How do I write about a young man that lived only 25 years?  How can I describe to you a young man that died when my mother was only a year old?  My grandmother, Jephtha's sister, has been gone for more than four years now.  Why didn't I pay more attention when she talked about her brother?  Why didn't I ask for more information while she was still here to provide it?

So, what should I do?  Should I continue this search on Jephtha's history or should I spend my time talking with the living to get their memories?  There is so much that I've lost because I was too busy with myself.  So what if the stories I hear are not specifically about Jephtha?  If I spend a few days with a World War II veteran, the stories would still be appropriate, right?

(Father God, direct me.  Place on my heart the direction that you would have for me.  Light my passion for what you have created me.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Facebook Destroys Relationships

Recently our local news did a story on "Facebook Destroys Relationships."  It was all about how spouses were cheating using Facebook.  Every time I heard the promo for the story, I just wanted to scream.  In fact, I did find myself talking to the TV every single time.

Facebook doesn't destroy relationships.  People do.  People wound, maim, attack, pursue, frustrate, and kill relationships.  It's the people involved in the relationship that destroy it.  We were doing it without Facebook for many years.  I'm pretty sure we will keep on doing it even if Facebook goes away.

Proverbs 23:7 tell us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, he says to you; but his heart is not with you."  Relationships are destroyed by a heart that thinks it can find something better somewhere else.  Relationships are destroyed by hearts that are unwilling to forgive.  Relationships are destroyed by hearts that are bitter and critical.  Relationships are destroyed by hearts that are not with the one they've married.  Relationships are destroyed by a heart that has placed higher importance on something or someone else.

If there are 95 things that you love about your spouse and 5 things that bug you, you've got a wonderful thing. Don't dwell on those 5 things, think on those things that are lovely, pure, right, just, honest, good.  When your heart and mind are thinking on the good things, the bad things fade into the background where they belong.  That does NOT mean that criminal offenses should be overlooked.  That means it's not important if she leaves the cap off the toothpaste.  It means that it's not important if he leaves his socks in the living room.  Don't quibble over the small stuff.

(Father God, help us to place you first in our lives so that other things may also be placed in the right order.  Thank you for the relationships you give us.  Help us to value and treasure those relationships.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)