"Watch, Stand Fast in the Faith, Be Brave, Be Strong."

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 

Let ALL that you do be done with love."

I Corinthians 16:13-14

(I am trying, Lord. Help me here. Thank you.)

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.

Test yourselves.

Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? ...

Unless indeed you are disqualified..."

2 Corinthians 13:5

"And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him,

though He bears long with them?

I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.

Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes,

will He really find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:7-8

These past few days have really put me into a bit of a quandary.  I am perplexed at the total shift in our society. Although the media would have us believe that it IS a total shift to the left, I believe that if the whole nation were brave enough to speak their true hearts, we would find that it is not as "total" of a shift as they would lead us to believe.  What I don't understand is how so many people are actually celebrating something that is such an unbelievable heresy...and even deliberately teaching their children that this is a good thing. 

In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus' disciples are asking Him about the end of the age...specifically in the following verses:

Verse 3: 

"And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"

Verse 4-5:  

And Jesus answered and said to them:

"Take heed that no one deceives you.

For many will come in My name, saying 

'I am the Christ, and will deceive many."

Verse 24:

"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive,

if possible, even the elect."

Verse 33-39:

"So you also, when you see all these things,

know that it is near--at the doors!

Assuredly, I say to you, 

this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.

Heaven and earth will pass away, 

but MY words will by NO MEANS PASS AWAY."

But of that day and hour no one knows,

not even the angels of heaven,

by My Father only.

BUT AS THE DAYS OF NOAH WERE,*

SO ALSO WILL THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE.

For as in the days before the flood,

they were eating and drinking,

MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE,

until the day that Noah entered the ark,

and did not know until the flood came and took them all away,

so also will be coming of the Son of Man be."

Verse 42-44:

"WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT 

HOUR YOUR LORD IS COMING.

But know THIS:

that if the master of the house had known what hour

the thief would come,

he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.

Therefore, you also be ready,

for the SON OF MAN IS COMING AT AN HOUR YOU DO NOT EXPECT!"

I find it very interesting that the iconic symbol of the current wave of deception in our country is a rainbow. The rainbow first came into existence in the time of Noah*, which can be found in the book of Genesis, chapters 6-9.  In Genesis 6:5-8 it says:

"Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,

and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

So the Lord said, 'I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth,

both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air,

for I am sorry that I have made them.

But NOAH found grace in the eyes of the Lord."

I think we all know the story of Noah and the Ark...how God instructed him exactly how to build the Ark, and who would be allowed to enter the ark with him...only his family and two of every kind of animals on the earth.  (see Genesis chapter 7 for specific details).   And then came the flood...and every living thing that was left on the earth was destroyed, except for Noah and his family and those animals that were with them on the Ark.

And when the floods receded and Noah and his family were able to leave the Ark, God spoke to Noah and promised that He would never again destroy all of the earth with a flood (Genesis 9:8-17), and in verse 13 in particular He said:

"I set My rainbow in the cloud, 

and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth..."

The rainbow was meant to be a symbol of God's covenant never to destroy all of the earth again with a flood.  It doesn't mean that God will never judge the earth again, but rather that He will not destroy it with a flood.

To use a rainbow as a symbol of something that is anathema to God is a real sacrilege, and a type of "in your face, God" expression of rebellion. I think I would think twice about that before using God's rainbow as a symbol of something we know that God hates.

I know that I am rambling here...I have so many thoughts on this subject that I can't begin to express them all in this short venue.  

Please let me state one thing here: 

 God does not hate sinners. But God DOES hate sin.  

Jesus came to forgive sinners and save them, giving them eternal life.
But there is one condition...REPENTANCE.  Repentance means to turn away from sin...to change one's mind and heart and behavior.  Jesus told about the woman taken in adultery in John 8:1-11.  According to the law, she should have been stoned for her sin of adultery.  Jesus said to her accusers, (verse 7)

"He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first."

When the accusers each left one by one, Jesus asked the woman where were all of her accusers...and asked "Has no one condemned you?"

She replied in verse 11, "No one, Lord."

And Jesus said to her,

"Neither do I condemn you; 

GO AND SIN NO MORE!."

Note that Jesus did NOT say, "Neither do I condemn you, now go on and have a good life.  Go on and keep living in sin because you have been forgiven, go on and keep doing what you want to do!"

NO, that would be totally opposite everything that Jesus stood for...if it was okay for us to continue living in sin after Christ gave His life for us and forgave us for our sins, His whole purpose would be ineffectual.  He came to give us new and abundant life...

"I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, 

but have the light of life."

(John 8:12)

And again He says in John 10:9-10

"I am the door.  

If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

I have come that they may have life,

and that they may have it more abundantly."

I know I have to wrap this up somehow.  Please understand that I am not trying to stand in judgment of any person or group of people. I am merely stating the truth of God's Word.  

I Corinthians 6:9-20 talks about the Sanctity of the Body...the holiness of the body that is washed and justified by Christ, and the holiness of the body as the temple of God's Holy Spirit who is in you if you are born again...

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, 

whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

For you were bought at a price; 

therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit,

which are God's." (verses 19-20)

Verses 9-11 says:

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?

Do not be deceived.

Neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers,

nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,

nor thieves, nor covetous,

nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU.

BUT YOU WERE WASHED, BUT YOU WERE SANCTIFIED, 

BUT YOU WERE JUSTIFIED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS AND BY THE SPIRIT OF OUR GOD."

And also in 2 Corinthians 5:17~

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new."

Ephesians 4:17-27 says to the believer as a new man in Christ:

"This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, 

that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, 

in the futility of their mind,

having their understanding darkened,

being alienated from the the life of God,

because of the ignorance that is in them,

because of the blindness of their heart;

who, being past feeling,

have given themselves over to lewdness,

to work all uncleanness with greediness.

But you have not so learned Christ,

if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, 

as the truth is in Jesus:

that you put off, concerning your former conduct, 

the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

and that you put on the 

new man which was created according to God, 

in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore, putting away lying,

'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," 

for we are members of one another.

Be angry, and do not sin:

Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 

nor give place to the devil."

As believers in Christ we are to:

"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,

but RATHER EXPOSE THEM.

For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light,

for whatever makes manifest is light.

Therefore He (the Lord) says:

"Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light."

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

redeeming the time, 

because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be unwise,

but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Ephesians 5:11-17

I know there are many people, yes, even Christians, who think that the latest Supreme Court decision is a good one. We are each entitled to our own opinions, and so far as I know, we still have the right to freedom of speech. 

 I have disconnected the comment form for this particular post.  Why?  Well, because I would rather not leave it open for discussion or dissension.  This is my opinion based on what I believe is found in the Word of God, the Bible. There has been much said in opposition to what I believe already in the media, social media, and even among family and friends. If you wish to make a statement of your own beliefs, you may do so wherever you wish.  But this is my post. This is what I believe.

 I certainly believe in love and forgiveness...but we as Christians must stand for THE TRUTH.  We must "WATCH, STAND FAST IN THE FAITH, BE BRAVE, AND BE STRONG".  We need to "REDEEM THE TIME...BECAUSE THE DAYS ARE EVIL."

"Finally, my brethren,

BE STRONG IN THE LORD 

AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT.

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD,

THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL.

For we do not wrestle against

flesh and blood,

but against principalities, against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this age,

against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, 

TO STAND."

Ephesians 6:10-13

Amen and Goodnight.

Quick Change Artist (Rerun)

(This is a "rerun", originally "aired" on 9/20/13, but nothing much has changed...I'm still that same "quick change artist"...and these thoughts are still right-on for me and my situation...and maybe yours as well! Read on...and if you didn't comment the last time, feel free to do so this time!)

Been kicking some thoughts around in my head this week, and never got around to putting them on paper, so now I will try to remember what they were.  Usually when I think I've got something really good to say, by the time I get around to saying it it no longer seems quite so special.  Perhaps things have happened to change my viewpoint, or to draw my attention to other topics even more significant. (In my mind, that is)

Earlier this week I was thinking about how I sometimes feel like the female version of Superman, not in the powerful superhero sense, but in the quick change of clothes in the phone booth from Clark Kent, Newspaper Reporter, to Superman.  But my quick change is just the opposite...like when I come home from my job as a church business administrator everyday, dressed semi-professionally, (dress pants, shoes, top/jacket depending on the season, etc.), the minute I walk in the door of my house at the end of the day, off come the shoes, the jewelry (why is it I feel naked when I go out the door if I don't have on my watch, rings, earrings, bracelet, necklace, but the minute I walk in the door of my house I suddenly feel like I am being strangled by too many "chains" around my body?)...and then I peel off my slacks, top, and grab the most comfy, loose fitting, somewhat stained and grungy t-shirt and capris, and slide my feet into the softest, lighter than air shoes (my new Skechers Go Walk shoes)
and then I breathe such a sigh of relief...I am home.
I am the real me again.  Not that I don't feel I am
the real me at my job, but that's the other me.  The
professional me who has to think, make decisions,
figure out problems, deal with weighty issues, sometimes financial, sometimes supervisory, sometimes unpleasant situations that fall on my shoulders because "that's your job".

Of course, I often have similar issues to deal with when I get home...make decisions, figure out problems, deal with weighty issues, OFTENTIMES financial, sometimes "supervisory"...and even deal with unpleasant situations because that's my job as a mother, wife, homemaker, cook, bill payer, etc....but when I'm home I'm on safe ground...I know I am beloved, treasured, and secure. I am not in danger of losing my position because I didn't handle something right, or forgot some very important deadline, or called in sick too often.  When I am home, I am free to be me. I can breathe...I can laugh, I can cry, I can get angry and be forgiven...I am loved unconditionally.

Now please don't get the wrong idea here, especially if you happen to know me at my place of employment and wonder if something has triggered all this...No, nothing has happened. I am just making general observations here...probably most people who are employed can relate to this no matter where they work.

I don't have any astounding revelations here or answers to these questions...just thinking out loud. One thing I do know for certain...even if I wasn't exactly beloved, treasured and secure in my home, I am beloved, treasured, and secure with my Lord.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!"       I John 3:1

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."  I John 4:10

"But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, 

Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear..." I John 4:18a

Therefore, I do not fear that I will not be loved or accepted by my Heavenly Father...He loved me before I was even born...I am highly treasured by God...no matter what position I am in, what clothes I wear, or what I do to try to make myself appear righteous and noble...He loves me...just the way I am. My righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6)...without God, I am nothing. But in Christ, I am precious in His sight.  And so are you, dear friend, if you belong to Jesus.  And if you are not certain about that...ask Him to show you how much He loves you. You may be surprised at what you will discover.

This is the real me, taking a walk in the woods and loving that feeling of freedom
from pressure and deadlines...
On the journey of life...precious and beloved...as are you, my friend.

UPDATED PICTURE 6/18/15...This is the real me today, except I still have on my jewelry...but I can't
wait to get home and sit in my rocker on my front porch and "RELAX", like it says in the sign above my head! 

Fresh and Flourishing

"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,

He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord

shall flourish in the courts of our God.

They shall still bear fruit in old age;

They shall be fresh and flourishing,

To declare that the Lord is upright;

He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."

Psalm 92:12-15

It is my prayer that I would be "fresh and flourishing", and continuing to "bear fruit in old age".  As I draw closer to the time of "retirement"  (no, nothing definite as of yet...still a dream for the future...but getting closer all the time)...I pray that God will continue to bless, guide and keep me focused on Him and His kingdom work.  I fear that I fail the test too often...perhaps even tonight as I had to say no to someone who asked for my assistance...but it was due to circumstances beyond my control...and I was already in the middle of my own family concerns.  I pray that God will provide exactly what this one needs.  Lord, help me to stay sensitive to Your promptings...and to know exactly when to say "yes", and when to say "no".  

Amen.

"The Light Has Come" -Random Journal Day Update

This Original Post  was written on 5/26/2013...I think that was the last time I really washed my windows I am ashamed to admit...but this past year was a bit difficult...and clean windows weren't at the top of my list of things to be concerned about.  However, recently I have been noticing that there are cobwebs and many smudges and smears from bugs, birds and dusty roads coating my windows. It is time for another good window washing day before it gets too hot.  

Anyway, my friends, today is Random Journal Day, a day to share something that we've written in our journals or someplace that we want to share with the world.  I've admitted before that I've sort of run out of suitable journal entries to share...and most of my latest writing has been right here on this blog. So, my apologies to the other ladies who are sharing their deep dark secrets from their old journals. I hope this will still be a blessing to you today.  After reading this (again!) take a little stroll over to Enthusiastically Dawn - Random Journal Day and see what our other friends are sharing. I know you'll be blessed.

The View through my clean window

5/26/2013

For those of you who happen to also be my Facebook friends, you've already heard me bragging about washing my windows yesterday...13 of them...and that's only half of the windows in my house. I ran out of steam and had to quit.  I was so proud of the fact that I had spent my day washing these windows...and many of you were duly impressed. Obviously, window washing is not something that many of us enjoy doing, and that's why it is such a big event when it happens once or twice a year (maybe).  I happen to live in a national forest, and I love looking out my windows at the birds and the trees and all of nature surrounding our home.  If you've followed this blog for a while, you know that there has been quite a bit of wildlife to view  (Click on the highlighted words to check out some previous posts about this).




But the "wildlife" around our home in the woods is not really what I want to discuss with you today. No, actually, what I have on my mind is what I discovered this morning when the sun came up.  

You've heard the old saying, "Pride goeth before the fall"?  Actually that comes from the book of Proverbs 16:18 ~

"Pride goes before destruction, 

and a haughty spirit before a fall."

That's what I experienced this morning as I opened the curtains on my freshly washed windows to let the morning sunshine in...and what to my horror did I see but streaks and smudges on my supposedly sparkling clean windows!!! How could that be? I worked so hard all afternoon washing both the inside and outside of these windows, and inspecting every one before I put the freshly scrubbed screens back on and called it quits for the day.

This is when I realized a truth about myself and people in general...

You know, we can work so hard to clean ourselves up on the outside and inside, scrubbing every blemish and flaw and making ourselves appear to be smudge-free to the rest of the world.  And then the light shines through us, revealing the shadows and smears of dust and grime that the stains of sin have left in our hearts and minds and bodies.  We thought we had done a pretty good job of covering it up, but when the true Light of God's SON shines, the darkness of our evil hearts is exposed and we realize that cleaning ourselves up in our own strength just isn't going to cut it.

"And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

For everyone practicing evil hates the light

and does not come to the light,

lest his deeds should be exposed.

But he who does the truth comes to the Light,

that his deeds may be clearly seen,

that they have been done in God."

John 3:19-21

Listen to what Jesus said to the Pharisees in John chapter 8:12 ~

"I AM the Light of the world.

He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,

but have the Light of life."

Again, see this message in I John 1:5-7~

"This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you,

that GOD is LIGHT and in Him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, 

and walk in darkness,

we lie and do not practice the truth.

BUT, if we walk in the LIGHT as He is in the Light,

we have fellowship with one another,

and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son

CLEANSES us from all sin."

Isn't it amazing the lessons that can be learned from a mundane experience such as washing windows? If we are listening and paying attention, God is speaking to us through many aspects of nature and basic daily life experiences. Perhaps we just need to "wash the windows" of our spiritual eyes more often to see the Light that He is shining upon our way. We may be surprised to see what is waiting for us right outside our windows!

I love to share old hymns with you...and here is one that goes along with today's thoughts:

"The Light of the World"

"The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;

The Light of the world is Jesus;

Like sunshine at noon-day 

His glory shone in,

The Light of the world is Jesus.

Chorus:

Come to the Light,

'tis shining for thee;

Sweetly the Light

has dawned upon me;

Once I was blind,

but now I can see;

The Light of the world is Jesus.

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide,

The Light of the world is Jesus;

We walk in the light

when we follow our guide,

The Light of the world is Jesus.

(chorus)

Ye dwellers of darkness with sin-blinded eyes,

The Light of the world is Jesus;

Go, wash at His bidding, 

and light will arise,

The Light of the world is Jesus.

(chorus)

No need of the sun-light in heaven, we're told,

The Light of the world is Jesus;

The Lamb is the Light

in the city of gold,

The Light of the world is Jesus.

Chorus:

Come to the Light,

'tis shining for thee;

Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me;

Once I was blind, but now I can see;

The Light of the world is Jesus."

(Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876)

My final thought for today...Have YOU "come to the Light?  'Tis shining for thee!"  

On a more practical note: some of my friends tell me that using newsprint paper to wipe the windows after applying vinegar or Windex will help to reduce the problem of streaking and smears. I'll have to try that next time!  Maybe another analogy would be to let the "Good NEWS" printed in God's Word wash away all our smudges and stains! Jesus washes us white as snow...and that's very Good News!!!

Catching Flies With Honey or Vinegar?

Today the son of our Vice President Joe Biden passed away from brain cancer. (Click on link for full story).  When I first heard this news this morning my heart jumped into my throat and my eyes filled with tears.  Not because I am a fan of Joe Biden or any of his philosophy of politics, etc., but because he is a father who has just said good-bye to his beloved son here on earth.  Because he is a parent who is grieving and hurting and in need of comfort and strength that only God can give at a time like this.  Because I too am a parent who has been touched by this same grief.  One year ago I also said goodbye to my beloved son here on earth.

On my Facebook page I posted the above news article with the following statement:

"No matter what your political view may be, when someone loses a child, whether it be to cancer or accident or other tragedy, hearts are broken. My prayers go out to the Biden family today as they mourn the loss of their son Beau. This is not an easy "club" to belong to...the club of parents who have lost a child. I never chose to become a member of this club, and I am certain VP Joe Biden would not choose to be here either. I understand from reading this article that this is not the first child he has lost, in addition to his first wife. May God give this family strength and comfort during this time."

One thing I have learned since going through the loss of my son is that when someone loses a loved one, regardless of their political stance, religious affiliation, race, nationality or even sexual orientation...yes, I said that...now hear me out...regardless of any of that stuff, when a human being has lost someone very dear to them, it is not my place to judge them or make comments regarding how I think they should respond or act or change...it is my place to extend the love of Christ toward them...to pray for their comfort...to hold them  up to the Father with love and compassion...to show them the same comfort that He has shown me in my times of tribulation:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

Who comforts us in all our tribulation, 

that we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble,

with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also abounds through Christ."

II Corinthians 1:3-5

I would hate to think that when my son died there were well meaning people making comments that they hoped his death would cause me to change...or that somehow my son's death was because of my political viewpoint or religious beliefs or because of my or any of my family member's sins.  If anyone felt that way I am so thankful that they kept their opinions to themselves.  If anyone feels like they should pray that God will change my heart or my beliefs or political viewpoint now that my son has died, you may go ahead and pray that if you think that is necessary...but please leave the judging to God.  I recently wrote about this in the following link:"Interesting Insight Today".   Jesus said:

"I have come as a light into the world,

that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.

And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, 

I do not judge him; 

for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words,

has that which judges him--

the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."

John 12:46-48

And also:

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through Him might be SAVED!"

John 3:17

Again, I say that even though I may not agree with someone's viewpoint or lifestyle, etc., it is not my place to judge them...but to LOVE THEM AS CHRIST LOVED THEM AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR THEM.  Especially when they are hurting and grieving.  Save the preaching for another time. Right now just extend the Love of Christ to them and their family.  Pray for them to be comforted as only Christ can comfort them.  If there is any changing to be done in the heart...God knows how to reach them.

You know the old saying "You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar?"  Well, I think if we as Christians would practice this saying more often, we just might win more "flies" to the Lord.  Yes, there is a time and a place for strong preaching and teaching and exhortation.  But the time of grief and loss is not the time.  This is the time for love and compassion and wisdom.

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,

an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

Ephesians 5:1-2

Amen.

Musings Over A Cup of Tea

It seems as though my quiet times are becoming fewer and farther between...especially on the weekends. Please don't think I am complaining...I'm just stating the facts.  Since my almost 92 year old mother in law has been spending the weekends with us, the moments of rest and reflection are fleeting at best.   I love my mother in law and feel privileged to have been a part of her life for the past forty-six years.  She has always been very loving, generous, and kind to me.  We've had our moments as most mother and daughter in law relationships do...but thankfully I can honestly say that we love and respect each other deeply, and that covers a multitude of "sins" of frustration and misunderstandings.

However, there are days when the constant repetition of chatter about things that I've heard so many times before in the very recent past become overwhelming. She doesn't realize that she's told me the same things over and over again, and it is easy for me to lose my patience as I nod and smile and act like it's all new news. I find myself biting my tongue and reminding myself inwardly not to blurt out that I've already heard that story today...and yesterday,..and last week...and the week prior to that, etc., etc., etc....because it would only cause hurt and anger and sorrow.  It's not worth that to stop the litany of well known information.

So, this evening, while she was enjoying watching a baseball game with my hubby, (her son), I stole away into the kitchen to fix myself a cup of herbal tea...actually, I didn't have to sneak...she knows that I enjoy that cup of "Sleepytime" tea each evening while sitting in my chair reading a book while they watch TV.  She actually even encouraged me to go have my cup of "comforting tea", as she calls it.  And so I did.

Since I am currently in between good books to read it seemed like a good chance to make it a little more special than my usual mug of tea...so I sat down in the rocker in the dining room by myself and pulled a little book off the shelf entitled "Everything I Know I Learned Over Tea", by Emilie Barnes.

At first I felt a little guilty about having this little tea party by myself, but then I remembered that she and I had actually enjoyed a cup of tea together this afternoon as we sampled the fresh baked, warm out of the oven banana nut bread that my mother in law had watched me mix up and put into the oven.  We didn't use any fancy tea cups or tea pot, but it really didn't matter.  She enjoyed that mug of hot tea and fresh banana nut bread like it was the best thing she'd ever eaten.  We sat and chatted about this and that...whatever happened to pop into her mind at the moment (again!) and relaxed like two old friends at a tea party.

As I mused over my evening cup of "comforting tea" I did feel comforted that even though there are moments when I wish I could have total peace and quiet for a spell, the time spent together allowing her to talk about her childhood, loved ones who have passed on, and other things that are on her mind is far more valuable than my personal quietude.  There will be plenty of other moments for me to rest and reflect after she has gone on to join her loved ones in heaven...and then I will wish that I could hear her laughter and see her smile as she tells me one more time something I already know.

Here is a little something gleaned from the pages of "Everything I Know I Learned Over Tea" ~

"A Loving Recipe for a Perfect Cup of Tea"

1 willing friend who loves to sit and share

1 grateful heart to have a friend that cares

1 beautiful garden to show us God is near

Many wonderful memories of times shared throughout the years

Lots of smiles and laughter to brighten up our days

Many prayers that we prayed for each other along the way."
Author Unknown 

Is there someone that you ought to invite to have a cup of tea with you?  Emilie Barnes says in her book,

"And when we offer tea to someone, we are also offering ourselves.  We are saying, 'For the next few minutes I will listen to you. I will treat you with respect.  I will be present for you.'" (pg. 17)

Tonight I learned while musing over a cup of tea that being present for my mother in law at this time in her life is just as valuable, no, more valuable than whether or not I get to have my "quiet time".  Hey!  Maybe Emilie Barnes is right!  "Everything I  Know I Learned Over Tea."....Well, almost everything!

Good Night! ~ Rest Peacefully, My friend!

"The path to heaven passes through a teapot."

Ancient Proverb

(per Emilie Barnes' book, page 34) 

I Saw the Light!

I know some of you are probably wondering what this picture is all about.  It is rather unusual, isn't it?  Well, that is the new view from my front porch.  One evening as I was relaxing and rocking in my new rocking chair,

my eyes were suddenly blinded by this bright light shining through the trees.

 I thought to myself, "Hmmm, that's never happened before in this spot. Something is different!"  After a few minutes of exploration in the wooded area directly in front of the porch, I discovered that an old tree had blown down, which knocked over another smaller tree, causing its leafy abundance to be pinned to the ground and creating an empty spot in the foliage where it once stood. Even though we removed the dead tree from the top of the young tree, it was too late to save it.

Quite frankly, I am not too happy about this new vista from my porch, as it truly does leave an opening for the evening sun to shine rather too brightly and directly into my line of sight.  This is somewhat annoying to me...it has disturbed my peaceful, secluded and shady haven where I try to unwind and relax at the end of a stressful day.  I mean, I've worked so hard to create this space so I can sit here and watch the birds, listen to the sounds of nature surrounding me...and now this extremely bright shaft of evening sunlight is piercing through the cool shadows of dusk and infiltrating my serenity with an unsettling aura of blazing glaring light.  

What to do, what to do?  I cannot replace the tree that quickly....and I certainly don't want to hang some kind of shade to obscure the light, as that would block out other lovely trees as well, and I might miss a bird flitting to and fro as it gathers its last seeds of the evening before retiring for the night. 

I know some of you are probably saying, "She thinks she has problems? Hasn't she noticed that the world is in chaos and people are being flooded out of their homes and would love to see the light of day...others are dying, starving, hurting...and she's worried about the sunlight bothering her as she rocks on her porch?"  Yes, I have noticed...part of the reason I love to sit on the porch in the evening is to avoid watching the evening news. But that's another whole subject. (Added note: I not only NOTICE the news of the world and country, but I often use this time on the porch to pray for those affected. I am not ignoring their plight...but prayer is the only real weapon I have that can do anything about it right now.)

There must be some kind of lesson here for me...and as I've been writing this, I've been asking the Lord just what this is all about.  The message I'm hearing in my heart is this:

"I don't want you to get too comfortable or shut away from the rest of the world entirely.  I still have work for you to do.  There are people who need the light that you possess."

II Corinthians 4:6-7 says,

"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."

See, I've been wanting more and more to get ready to "retire" and to sit back and enjoy life for awhile.  There is nothing wrong with that...I've certainly earned it.  (even if there is no money to back it up).  But I think what I am hearing is that my so-called retirement, when it ever comes, will not be one of just fun and games and doing what I want to do. I'm not supposed to get too comfortable in my rocking chair on the front porch and watch the world go by.  God has opened a new window of light to get my focused attention on Him and His plan.  I don't know exactly what that plan is today, but I have a feeling that it will be revealed in due time.  Meanwhile, I'll just get some sunglasses to wear while I rock on the porch and follow the rest of the "Porch Rules"...

Please pray or sing the words to this old familiar hymn with me:

"Open my eyes, that I may see

Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;

Place in my hands the wonderful key

That shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready, my God, Thy will to see;

Open my eyes, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear

Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;

And while the wave-notes fall on my ear,

Everything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready my God, Thy will to see;

Open my ears, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Open my mouth, and let me bear

Gladly the warm truth everywhere;

Open my heart, and let me prepare

Love with Thy children thus to share.

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready my God, Thy will to see;

Open my heart, illumine me, 

Spirit divine!

Written by Charles H. Scott, 1923

Yes, Lord, "Silently now I wait for Thee...Ready my God, Thy will to see; Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine!"  AMEN.

Prayer: Something New to Ponder UPDATED

5/7/2015:  * Please see the portions below marked by an *, and then go to the end for the update.

Original Post dated 2/15/15:

"Now a leper came to Him (Jesus), imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, 

'If You are willing, You can make me clean.'

Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him,

'I am willing; be cleansed.'

As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed."

Mark 1:40-42

Wow! Could it really be that simple?  Jesus said...

"And whatever you ask in My Name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it."

John 14:13-14

According to today's reading (February 15) in Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, Jesus is saying to us, 

"Come to Me with all your weaknesses; physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Rest in the comfort of My Presence,

remembering that nothing is impossible with Me."

(Reference Luke 1:37 ~ "For with God nothing will be impossible.")

Could that really be true, God? Nothing will be impossible?  Dare we put God to the test?

In Matthew 6 Jesus gives us instruction on how to pray...and in verse 8 He says "...your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

In verses 9-13 we are given word by word instructions, directly from the source, Jesus Christ Himself...the One Who intercedes on our behalf before the Father, so He ought to know the best way to reach God's ear and heart.  Listen (and pray along with me) this beloved and very familiar prayer: (KJV)

"Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those that trespass against us.  *
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom,

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen."

In verse 14 Jesus goes on to say, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."*

It is interesting that Jesus seems to put the emphasis on FORGIVENESS in this prayer...and not just our own personal forgiveness from God...but there seems to be a contingency here...it appears that Jesus is telling us that our trespasses (sins, debts, etc.) will be forgiven by God when "we forgive those that trespass against us."    I discovered another place in the Bible this past week that caught me by surprise...I had never in all my years noticed this passage before...and here it is, in the book of JOB...chapter 42 and verse 10. *

"And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends.  Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."*

Anyone who has ever read or heard the story of Job knows that he was tested severely by the devil...and that Job was an extremely righteous man...He never cursed God or lost faith in Him even though he lost everything and suffered severely.  Job's friends were not exactly comforting or helpful. Instead they were constantly critical of Job AND God, even attempting to turn Job away from God. And even though Job himself did not sin throughout this ordeal, it appears that God was waiting for Job to actually pray for his so-called "friends"...and perhaps even forgive them* for their constant negative jibes and ridicule, before He opened the windows of heaven and restored everything to Job~ even twice as much as he had before.

Very interesting new line of thought here.  Something to ponder when I come before the throne of God asking for healing, deliverance, guidance, or provision.  If I am harboring any form of resentment, anger, or an unforgiving spirit in my heart when I pray, God may not hear me until I forgive others who may have hurt me in some way.*

Perhaps it is time for us to lay down those hurts and resentments and disappointments...and to actually, literally "forgive those who trespass against us." * Yes, this is definitely something to ponder. What about you?  Can I be the only one that needed this message today?

*Okay, now for the update:  I originally wrote this post on 2/15/15.  At that time I had a little sore on my leg that had started out as a little nick made perhaps with a razor, and it got infected, and then became a sore that would not heal. I had cleansed it thoroughly with peroxide, and/or alcohol,  put antibiotic salve on it, scrubbed it, tried other medications, and it just would not go away.  It wasn't terribly sore, but enough to make me notice it and begin to worry.  My husband wanted me to go to the doctor and get it checked, but since I don't have insurance (that's another "sore" subject), I would not go.  But as the weeks and then months went by and this sore remained and would become inflamed and then act like it was healing and then start all over again, I truly was becoming concerned.  You know, they tell you if you have sores that don't heal there could be something more seriously wrong, etc., so I was beginning to fear the worst. 

At the same time, there was a "friend" who was causing some hurt and distress in my life.  Nothing major, but then again, some frustrating and confusing signals.  Resentment and even some anger was beginning to creep in, affecting my attitude toward this individual. This wasn't the first time we'd had "issues", and I wasn't going to let this person get me down again.

Then one evening this person called me, crying and in deep distress, and begging for my forgiveness. At first I was reluctant as I wanted to let this person know just how much her actions had caused hurt and pain for me and others. But as I heard the genuine pain and anguish in her voice, I sensed the Lord telling me it was okay to let it go and to forgive. As I uttered the words of forgiveness verbally, something changed internally...and at that very same instant, the scab literally came off of the sore on my leg.  It opened up the wound and I could see that it was healing. After I concluded my conversation with a prayer for my friend and expressing true compassion that I know came only from God, I went and got a better look at the sore on my leg that was now truly healing...and I remembered these words from this message that I had written just a few months ago...

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."*

"And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends..."

and here was tangible, living proof of the truth of those passages. Even though I believe the wound is healed, it appears there will remain a little scar to remind me of this lesson lest I forget it in the future.

To close this post, I would ask that you also pray for my friend. She is going through some deep water and needs emotional healing.  And pray for me, that I will keep an open heart and loving spirit. And may we all have eyes of compassion to see that sometimes we have to look beyond our personal hurt to see when someone may have deeper needs than our own...and be willing to forgive and help  a brother or a sister...and perhaps be personally healed in the process. Amen.

Bitter Roots (recycled & updated)

I just realized that today is the first Friday of the month, so therefore it is also "Random Journal Day"...the day we peruse old journals/writings and share with you something from the past.  I honestly don't have time today to go digging in my old journals as I have company...but something has been on my mind this morning..."Forgiveness"....because some bitter roots started to come back up to the surface regarding a relationship that has had difficulties from day one...and even though I have offered forgiveness and have actually tried hard to maintain this friendship, it would seem as though that is a one sided feeling.  So I needed to re-read what I wrote about this and remind myself that forgiveness is a choice that I can choose to continue to live, or I can slip back into an unforgiving spirit and cause myself more sorrow.  I can't control what other people choose to do or how they try to cause division and hurt between my loved ones.  But I can choose to demonstrate Christ's love appropriately regardless of the outcome.  Lord, help me to do what You have taught us to do. Amen.


"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled...."  Hebrews 12:14-15

bit·ter  (btr)

adj. bit·ter·er, bit·ter·est

1. Having or being a taste that is sharp, acrid, and unpleasant.

2. Causing a sharply unpleasant, painful, or stinging sensation; harsh: enveloped in bitter cold; a bitter wind.

3. Difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear: the bitter truth; bitter sorrow.

4. Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity: a bitter struggle; bitter foes.

5. Resulting from or expressive of severe grief, anguish, or disappointment: cried bitter tears.

6. Marked by resentment or cynicism: "He was already a bitter elderly man with a gray face" (John Dos Passos).

	1.	bitterness - a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will

root ¹  (rt, rt)

n.

1. The usually underground portion of a plant that lacks buds, leaves, or nodes and serves as support, draws minerals and water from the surrounding soil, and sometimes stores food.

2. Any of various other underground plant parts, especially an underground stem such as a rhizome, corm, or tuber.

3. The embedded part of an organ or structure such as a hair, tooth, or nerve, that serves as a base or support.

In the physical, earthy sense, if you have ever worked in a garden or a yard, you know about ROOTS.  Those are the essential parts of a plant or a tree that feeds the plant and enables it to grow and flourish.  If the roots do not have any food, (water, nutrients) the plant will die.  It cannot develop and prosper without the roots providing food.

In the spiritual sense, the roots feed the heart and soul and mind of man.  In order for the spiritual man/woman to be healthy, the roots need to feed on good food...solid teaching, God's Word, love, forgiveness, kindness, gentleness...the "Fruit of the Spirit"

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23

However, when the heart and soul of a man/woman feeds on bitter roots, i.e.; anger, fear, anxiety, lies, unforgiveness, false teaching, hatred, jealousy, selfishness, idolatry, dissension, ~  the Spirit of that person cannot survive. 

"....Of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."   (Read Galatians 5:16-21)

When we allow such thoughts and feelings and unforgiveness to control our minds, we die a slow, painful death. That bitter root of resentment and anger takes control, causing not only our own heart, mind and soul to be severely injured and endangered, but according to Hebrews 12:15, any root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by this many become defiled.  We not only hurt ourselves, but all those around us.  Our pain and anger ferments and oozes out of our being with every word we speak and every movement we make. We become prisoners, bound within the vile chains of self-righteousness and hatred toward anyone and everyone who does not show us pity and align themselves with our "cause". 

What is the cure? How can we escape such painful self-destruction?

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, EVEN AS GOD IN CHRIST FORGAVE YOU!" Ephesians 4:30-32

Can it be that simple?  Is it even possible? How can I let go of my feelings of hurt, humiliation, shame, anger, disappointment, self-righteousness, resentment, and allow myself to forgive?

"Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2

Christ forgave me.  Christ forgave you.  Christ died for me.  Christ died for you. Christ suffered agony on the cross for me.  Christ suffered agony on the cross for you.  Christ didn't have to do that, but He did it anyway, willingly, lovingly, deliberately.  Why?  Because He loves me.  Because He loves you. Because He wants to spend eternity with you and me. That's why.  I don't deserve that. You don't deserve that. We deserve to die. But Christ came and saved us so we could have eternal life. 

He forgave me...and all He asks is that I forgive others just as He forgave me and gave His life for me. Is that too difficult for me? Is that too difficult for you? Forgiveness...freedom...eternity...This is something to think about.  This is something to do.  With God's help...it IS possible.
 
Please click on this link for a song that speaks to what I've been saying here.  Let this message settle into your heart today."Forgiveness" by Matthew West  Let it permeate the hidden places in your heart, soul and mind that are still harboring bitter roots of unforgiveness...and ask God to help you let it go.

Set the prisoner free...and "that prisoner is you"....