Nothing New

I've heard for years, "There's nothing new under the sun." Of course, desiring myself to be creative, I think, "Sure there is."

Well, I was reading Daniel 6 (v1-10) today and it just made me mad. Those politicians had to invent a way to cause Daniel to break the law. They searched and searched but did not find anyway they could defame him. There was no insider trading rumors, no sexual infidelity, no kickbacks, no skimming the funds, no negative campaigning. The Word says, "They could find none occasion nor fault." Basically, he was an honest, hardworking, excellent, and true citizen.

Does that remind you of anything? God showed me that there is nothing new. Just as politicians then had to invent a way to make true, honest, hardworking individuals into lawbreakers, they are doing it today also.

(Father God, I thank you for the signs of the times. My heart quickens with anticipation and fear. Forgive our nation, Father. We are a sorry bunch to say the least. We have openly ignored your direction and have followed each one after our own selfish desires. Forgive us! Have GREAT mercy on us! In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.)

Stand Amazed

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.)

Life- Worthless or Valuable?

Over the past few weeks, I have constantly been reminded how valuable life is. My daughter has a friend whose sibling drowned. My mom is fighting cancer. My friend, Ashley, is just fighting.

I do NOT and will NOT comprehend those people that place little or no value on life. God gives us life. He gives us human beings eternal life. He also gives us the option to chose where we will spend that eternal life - with or without Him. What have you chosen?

Life is not worthless. It has not come about by a string of random chances that "evolve" from goo to you. Life is granted by the Supreme Creator, God, in whose image humans have been created.

Life is valuable from the moment it is conceived in the womb. Abortion is a choice that places no value on the life of others. Life is valuable on this earth for many years. Euthanasia is a choice that places no value on the life of others. Life is valuable to those around you. Suicide is a choice that places no value on your own life. Murder is a choice that places no value on the life of others.

Each choice is a decision that has to be lived with by someone. Do you see that? Someone will continue to live here on this planet with the consequences of that choice. The one making the choice will live with it eternally.

Life is valuable. Live it.

(Father God, thank you for creating me in your image and giving me eternal life with you. Lord, comfort those that have lost a family member. Heal those fighting illness. Support those that have lived long lives. Convict those of us that have not placed value on life. Forgive us, Father God. Please show us great mercy. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.)

Traveling Thoughts

This is what happens when I am traveling and thinking at the same time. These are notes that I saved on my cell phone. I've posted them like I thought them. Grammar beware! I think I was planning to expand on the first thought for a blog entry and I may still. And, obviously the second thought is an extension of the first thought, perhaps a bit more poetic. Both entries were made when traveling down Oklahoma Highway 3.

11/24/2009 4:34 PM

Ever notice how each tree is different? They don't have the same number of branches or leaves. They don't grow at the same rate.

5/7/2010 6:50 PM -

Green, everywhere green. Dark green leaves of the oak tree. Medium greens. Light greens of new leaves. Green grass. Dotted with purple vetch and orange Indian paint brush. Light tan topping green wheat-like plants. Multicolor green obscuring tree trunks. Silver maple leaves casting a delicate green hue briefly in the green sea. Dark evergreens. Lacy ferns. Rare and random rocks. Suddenly the sea of green is broken by an expansive blue mirror, cool and inviting. Where are the reds, yellows, and oranges? Where did the shades of grey go? There is no strict contrast of black and white. Green reaching up to the expanse of sky. Curtains of green hanging in gentle waves. Dresses of green dancing across my vision. Short dresses, long dresses, fluffy dresses, slim dresses. Gorgeous array. Waving arms, singing joyous praise.

(Father God, thank you for the blessings of the seasons. Thank you for the simple yet so complex examples of your creation. Thank you for allowing me to see them. Help me to always be aware of the beauty around me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Dinosaurs, Turkey Bacon, and Toilet Paper

Do you see those words together very often? I never thought I'd see them together in the same paragraph let alone a sentence. But, that is what greeted us this morning. We were TP'd.

Now, I could have been upset and frustrated because of the vandalism. I dislike TP'ing. I don't see the reason for it. I have no desire to participate in such an activity. Granted, it's a fairly minor form of vandalism with few consequences. It's work on the targeted family or person due to the clean up and has little effect on the one doing it.

However, today I am grateful for Dinosaurs, Turkey Bacon and Toilet Paper. It was these items that caused our family to come together. First, we just kinda wondered. Then, we began the suspect list. Next, we started the clean up and questions. Why is someone picking on us? Was it malicious or just a practical joke? And, why did they use Turkey Bacon on the bushes and storm door? Turkey Bacon?

We joked about needing to call NCIS for the investigation. Gibbs will solve the case. Hey, maybe the cat was the culprit. The poor dinosaurs all lost their heads. So did Barbie. Turkey Bacon?

After the cleaning was nearly done, we ended up trying to solve the case at Denny's. We had a long list of suspects. And the true culprit probably isn't even on the list.

None the less what someone else mean for harm, God used for good. Listening to the kids banter back and forth, enjoying a good breakfast as a family, and just having time together was a awesome blessing. Yes, there are still some remnants of paper in the tree. Eventually, they will blow away or get rained down. It's been a good morning.

(Father God, thank you for the blessing of family. Thank you that You caused us to be together. Thank you for the smiles. We are truly blessed by You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Getting Back to Full

I often run my bucket more empty than I should. Bucket of what? Anything. Occasionally, I run my vehicle pretty low on gas. I could easily run out and then would have the added burden of searching out fuel. I probably would have to walk to the nearest gas station. That would require me to expend energy that could be better used elsewhere.

Occasionally, I let my fridge get low on groceries. It requires more thought and creativity to come up with a meal on just a few items than it does when there is plenty from which to choose.

Occasionally, I let my spiritual nourishment run low. Praise God, the Holy Spirit never leaves me so I can't run completely out. But, sometimes the everyday cares of life seem to absorb almost all of my bucket. I have to go back to the well to fill it up again and again. Here lately it seems that I let it get more dry than normal. So, God provided a weekend for my husband and I to recharge. God rearranged some priorities and sparked new interest in filling my bucket.

(Father God, thank You for everlasting springs of life. I am so grateful that I can come to You for all my spiritual needs. And that You will meet my physical needs as well.. Father, help me to grasp all that my bucket will hold. Help me to use each drop wisely. Help me to love with Your love. Remind me to daily come to you to refill my bucket. A full bucket is more easily shared and can meet the needs of many. Help me to keep my bucket close to You and full. Thank You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Farewell, Trace

Yesterday we had to say good bye to our cat, Trace. This adorable little cat came into our lives about 6 years ago. She had the sweetest disposition of any cat I have ever known. She was a little heater while curled up next to you or in your lap. She was most talkative early in the morning.

She was a gentle cat. She never attacked anything other than a pecan. She would bat that pecan all around the house. We found it in some interesting places.

She chose my daughter as her caregiver. She slept with my daughter. Oh, she'd let others feed her and pet her but my daughter belonged to her.

Trace will be missed. Yet, I thank God that He allowed us the time with her. No, we don't know what happened. She got ill quickly. The Vet indicated it might have been a brain issue, tumor or injury. Reflection leads us to believe that she probably had a tumor.

Our hearts are heavy and tears come easily. But, we are comforted by the One who created her and sustained her. How much more we are loved by Him.

(Father God, thank you for Trace. She reflected the awesome design that You put into each of Your creatures. She enriched our lives and reminded us of You continually. Thank You for holding our hearts in Your hands as we grieve. Thank You for loving us. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.)