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Passover Pollution, Blue Skies Peace and Hope are Here, 08APR

Why do BLUE SKIES remind me of JESUS SAVING US? Because we are being showered with Grace, Hope, Life, Peace, and Love. Jesus was lifted up for death and for eternal life. He made a Way where there was no way, for Moses and opening the sea and for us thru JESUS opening the Way to God FOREVER.

Romans 5 reminds: For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 

The blue skies, bluest this generation has ever seen are now showing up over India and China. And L.A. too. The pollution is lifting away as the activity grinds to a halt. Not a joy in how we are huddling in place due to this pandemic,  but an observation of God’s blue skies un-clouded by our pollution.  Our souls clouded by sins can be un-clouded too. How many could be saved if they looked for the Son-Shine save of Jesus.

Millions – worth repeating MILLIONS – of deaths are contributed to air pollution each year. How many future lives could  be save-able thru the life-sustaining pure air? Sadly damage is done for many living there already, but imagine how much clean air could help. HOPE

These blue skies are temporary as China returns to “normal”, India will as well, sending the pollution levels increasing again. It’s a balance of economic growth and clean atmosphere, the economy will win out for now… this is the same in our US metropolitan areas,  California, L.A. specifically, has clearer skies for now… this is a temporary reprieve.

But Jesus is NOT a temporary fix, is He? Jesus gives us a clear path forever – not temporary blue skies but FOREVER LOVE.  God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

It’s also Passover celebration time. We can remember proper fear of the Lord’s power as the darkness of death passed over and skipped the houses of the faithful slaves who marked their doors, allowing escape from the last and most horrifying plague at the time of Moses which Passed – over.

Exodus 12:11-14 “It is the Lord’s Passover.  For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.

SO, as EASTER comes closer to us, how much intensely can we feel how LOVE flows from Jesus, passes over us but also thru us as He is in us and we in Him. Our blue skies are sometimes filled with rain, cleansing life-giving rain, so that the fields and flowers can produce abundance. The Lord also showers us with LOVE, so we can produce abundance too!!! Surely when we are aware of His Reign, then we respect rumblings of thunder announcements of His authority…  After our attention is caught, His Son-Shine brings forth His love. If we were saved while we were still sinners,  think of the bluest of skies that exist for us now that Jesus has arose.

Easter is not simply a date in the calendar that moves, Easter is the movement of our lives to acknowledge we are SAVED. We must accept the cleansing Spirit. We must look to Him.

Share your blue skies with someone today,  tell of Jesus saving, recount the Son-Shine,  peace and hope.

LIVE

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Romans 5 (NIV) Peace and Hope

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!  Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

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Help Them Live, 06APR

Nothing more endearing these day than hearing throughout the world of people wishing each other: “Stay Safe”… When the times are sad and yet the JOY of living is shared,  we are now seeing the goodness of people ring out over and over. And we do see more people helping people – especially locally – people want to share HOPE,  not be overloaded by desperation.  I believe that God expresses His LOVE thru us in this way, not wanting anyone to perish, but to experience the desire to share some compassion.

We often can help others to live a little easier, as others help us too…. We are also called to live a little more Easter-ier too. Easter-ery by giving life over death advice. God’s great compassion became a gift in which we all can share in, especially remembered at Easter-time, JESUS.

JESUS.  Easter IS all about not perishing. If we can share knowledge of Jesus who opened up the Way to Heaven by being the Way, we will help others live.

I believe that we all have the instinct to help, if it is cultivated.  That comes from seeds of God’s love pre-planted. We may say it’s helping and welcoming the stranger – but God knows each soul. We are placed into the situations where God hopes we share attributes of Him.

I was chatting with a local very friendly homeless man, Mike, outside the store he resting in front of. He chooses street life freedom and he never asks for anything,  and he is SHOWERED with gifts. Mike always asks me about my singing,  I am not a stranger to him, nor him to me, from talks over the last couple years. At this moment, a mom walked up with a young man who gave him brown paper bags of prepared food. The boy was timid, but the mom urged him forward,  and she did the talking.  Mike was welcoming and thankful to the young man (he always is). In that brief interaction I saw God’s opportunity and love cultivated: teaching the young man, someone helping Mike, and someone approaching him more than simply as a stranger, because clearly she pre-planned those bag meals for specifically him.  AND I saw gratitude. Ah, the innate love of God being cultivated.

Similarly,  on a bigger scale, I heard of people showing goodness and compassion in seeming chaos 50 years ago, from a documentary streaming on Netflix about Woodstock’s 4-day peace love and rock-n-roll festival in 1969, same year as my birth.  People feeding people was a segment  that drew me in, a local woman interviewed spoke of the scriptures “welcome the stranger” –  a man interviewed mentioned he had a 19 year old as well and knew they all needed to eat because the food ran out and he gave thousands of eggs. One quote from a news reel read: “The people of Sullivan County, hearing reports of food shortages, gathered thousands of food donations to be airlifted to the site, including about 10,000 sandwiches, water, fruit and canned goods.”

Yes, in the documentary they showed locals bringing food to the school to be airlifted in. They showed volunteers passing out cups of granola and of course water to the crowds… there were volunteer medical teams too… 500,000 people in an instant city, volunteers galore…

So we probably can’t feed the whole world only in brown bags,  but we can help in small and big ways, we can help people live better by sharing our gifts, our tools. And God does give us tools….

Then, how can we help people live NOT for food but FOREVER? By shining Jesus and teaching like He did. By sharing the knowledge of God as the source of all good, of all sharing,  of all love. By telling others the meaning behind the sharing, and hope they dig deeper… It is a secret of life that MUST be shared. We are all in this together…

While looking up the scriptures on welcoming strangers,  a friend who works in the grocery store texted how much of an honor it was for her to serve the Lord in these times. She is being cheerful at her store stocking shelves. When many stay in their homes like a fortress, she puts her own troubles aside and ventures out (with protection of the full armor of God) to go serve – and remembers to share her JOY,  service to Jesus, to Others, before Yourself.  JOY teaches… JOY inspires…

Jesus is our Easter message of how to HELP THE WORLD LIVE. Take JOY in the opportunity to share Jesus today…

Amen

 

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Matthew 25:35 ESV /

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

Hebrews 13:2 ESV /

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Leviticus 19:33-34 ESV /

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Romans 15:7 ESV /

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 12:13 ESV /

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Leviticus 19:34 ESV /

You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

1 Peter 4:9 ESV /

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Matthew 25:40 ESV /

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Exodus 23:9 ESV /

“You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 24:22 ESV /

You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the Lord your God.”

Deuteronomy 10:19 ESV /

Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

Exodus 22:21 ESV /

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

3 John 1:5 ESV /

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are…

Hebrews 13:1-2 ESV /

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Deuteronomy 10:18-19 ESV /

He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

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Hotspots of LIGHT, 06APR

Jesus is walking into Holy Week,  SO ARE WE. We first need to dust off our Easter road map. By following Jesus, He leads us where we are going, but we MUST put in our own legwork. We best not let our faith fail or waiver.

Tomorrow is NEVER promised on Earth. Many this week will pass away, due to the COVID19 situation and also normal deaths – many always do each day. Death is not new, the darkness is in our loss, and every day there is an opportunity to live as if it WAS our last day, to tell all the people whom we love how much they mean to us, to pull our heartstrings together to sing of the JOYS of life, and to step up our preparedness for the worst too. We know that we can NOT live forever here, so we best to make the mark of LOVE in our earthly pages that point to our HOPE in everlasting life.

I imagine the darkness of earthly death is NOTHING compared to the HOTSPOT of Heavenly LIGHT for us on the other side.

We have the Easter story within us right now, the Word of Words buried within us but ready to rise. In order to hear, we must un-bury the Truth in the Word. We must sprout the seeds. Jesus is the Word ready to be heard. Like seeds in spring, He was buried to rise.

Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anointed Jesus before He was buried with her family’s heirloom of oil. Her Spirit KNEW. Jesus said she will be remembered for sharing her love while He was still alive.  Her spirit created from love brought forth love as well as listening and knowledge – and these were in her before she even witnessed how He would die or rise. Our Spirits ALSO are planted with the desire to be Risen before we are even born.  We need to walk thru life, death,  life. Our Spirit knows the Way, thru Jesus, by Living the Word in our own days of LIGHT.

Let us step into the LIGHT today.  It’s our Only Way to get to Easter. There are dark days ahead, but the night comes before the dawn. Let us step into LIFE today and SHARE HIS LIGHT.

Amen

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John in chapter 12 recounted the 6 days before the Passover: Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

 

 

 

 

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Jesus IS in His Element, 05APR

How fitting – that on the video feed for last Sunday’s Eucharist preparation that my friend Terry shared with me on Facebook Watch Party, that you can see the reflection of the phone, beaming the spirited transmission. You can see the phone in the Cup’s Shine – and the Lord wants to SHINE – by us remembering Him – in the consecration of the Elements. We are to reflect on Him, His sacrifice, His life, His hope – reflect in our hearts as the phone reflects in the cup, resting at the feet of the cross and listening just like us. Jesus IS in His Element gathering all to Himself.

As we socially distance we are not alone, Jesus comes closer to us and thru His Spirit, His people speak so many shared prayers.

Jesus IS in His Element today – reaching out and meeting us all where we are.

Amen.

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Palm Sunday – yes Hand Palms!!! 04APR

Oh I have tears at this Word play!!!

It dawned on me that waving PALMS from the safety of one’s car – in a parade of cheer – would be so uplifting to those safely home and standing behind their windows!!! Imagine a local parade of passionate love outpouring on those waves!

So in these interesting times and ALWAYS, it’s not simply the palm fronds,  but the wave of the PALMS of your hands to share LOVE of God in hello’s and goodbye’s and in excitement – waving the WAVES OF GOD’S LOVE!!! Imagine a parade of waving the Spirit of 99 to the one – as Jesus leads the parade to each child He needs to comfort!

The deaf wave hands instead of clap for applause, just try it, it’s EXHILARATING to praise to share the JOY of the Spirit, the Joy of the Lord!!!!

Wave your PALM as a Hello Lord in praise! Both arms up in JESUS-JOY!!!  To every child of God, let your gifted God-love flow!!!

Amen!!!

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Prophecy and Plotting for Resurrection Day, 03APR

Well, whoda thunk the Spirit was plotting too !?!?!?! We know the authorities we plotting for Jesus’s death,  but how often do we appreciate the coordination of complex prophecies that were documented throughout the bible – setting up the scenes for resurrection! The Spirit stole the scene of death of one into LIFE FOR ALL.

We often think of the awfulness of Jesus dying, but His mission of securing eternal life was a calling for Jesus, He knew His planned days in Jerusalem, He continued… He knew His Own Word foretold His Own Walk. He knew God’s Plan for total reunification of His Flock. He knew He had a choice and He chose for ALL.

Our Spirit specifically lets us in on knowledge of this mission as well – at the time we need to open our ears – this is how we are also included in the fulfillment of the miracle of Easter. The best of all good happened from the worst of the bad. The Event of Jesus Rising from the dead was to (is to) enable the re-uniting of all of us as children ONCE AGAIN in Harmony with our Father. A process that we are still called to be sharing with each of His children by shining His Light on our lives. Teach it and Preach it – but most of all Live it as FREE and no longer enslaved souls.

Look at what happened in Jerusalem, the High Priest Caiaphas had a prophesy recorded in the Gospel of John,  chapter 11, which clearly moved this event along:  Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 

So from that day on they plotted to take his life. Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

We know that Jesus knew,  but often we think of rash judgements of the accusers, yet this shows Spirit intervention and wisdom poured into a person, Caiaphas, for a purpose. People then like now were put in place for not a performance but for the showing of the glorification of God.

The bitter truth that Jesus gave about Judas, the sad story pre-told about Peter’s denials – Jesus knew all.  Jesus also knew the strength of the women who kept their duties to anoint His body after death, and He knew the cascade reaction to tell the world  of His Resurrection… So what does Jesus know of us? Of our strengths? The Spirit moves in step, on plan, YES, then and now, may use even the worst blinded evil to change the consequences into good….

Can we keep doing that too? Change our circumstances for good? Use our weakness to be filled with His strength?

God did not plan the suffering but gave Jesus the reason for tolerating it. US TOO. Jesus  understood the hard and human road to the cross and victory over death. It does catch our attention as cruel, but how much MORE we should  pay attention to His eventual resurrection for glory. So will we contemplate our own personal sufferings and look for good?

Will we likewise be used as an example here and now for how we tolerate thorns in our sides like Paul, our pains in our plans, and how we humble ourselves for a mission to show His Strength thru us. Will we keep walking to Jerusalem as well and not stop walking until we meet up with other children to share the Good News?

The story of Easter is known but it is ALSO THE FAITH,  OUR FAITH, which now must be shared and understood by others to help continue to see the prophecy of eternal life becoming real for others.

Jesus would die for ALL the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. You are one child, called into His fold under one God. You are the most important person in God’s eyes, because YOU ARE HIS CHILD.  GOD LOVES YOU!!!!

Jesus followed thru because God Loves YOU!

Amen!!!

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What If? 30MAR

What if the rain of seemingly endless days is to wash away virus?

What if the rain is to wash-out the plans that you had for going outside anyway, to make you more content at home?

What if the spring flowers bloomed early this year, to give us good distraction of looking at beauty, not bleak?

What if the pollen levels are being allowed to creep up and phlegm-you-up to keep virus particles at bay?

What if the Lord ALREADY knows the back story of this event and is watching how we handle everything.

What if we really are supposed to first figure out that we don’t have all this figured out?

What if we are SUPPOSED to learn lots of things for next time?

What if we are SUPPOSED to learn to cooperate and even cut across local, state and federal red tape?

What if LOVE is stronger than fear.

What if we are SUPPOSED to pay attention to hundreds of thousands migrating on foot in India because they have no work?

What if the poor always have had a tough time, but we only are noticing now?

What if?

What if we are SUPPOSED to help in places where there already was no clean water to wash hands, or medical attention, just like we were SUPPOSED to be helping them for years?

What if we learn that we have not yet learned where to put our energies?

What if summer-like thunderstorms in March, and altered climate wacky weather means we have wavered on what we should have been doing to help the planet, not hurt it…

What if seeing mountains for the first time in years due to low pollution is to indicate we are missing seeing beauty in what we have been given…

What if?

What if we are being made to understand to fear the Lord? Who could wipe out any plague but will let it linger JUST ENOUGH to teach His children lessons?

What if we were to be made to understand the Lord is ALL-POWERFUL?

What if we were to be made to understand the Lord LOVES US?

What if this COULD be much worse than it is?

What if the virus did not discriminate as much as it does?

What if the virus did not have such specific symptoms to know to stay away from others?

What if the non-living virus which has a name “corona” meaning “crown” reminds us that it is up against the LIVING CROWN?

What if thru our actions, we are the reason the outbreaks were minimized compared to what it could have been… or what it could still do?

What if we will never know?

What if we at least know that we were OK thru this?

What if we learn that we were held?

What if we learn that we were loved?

What if we remember His love, and all else in our lives will fall into place…

What if we put HOPE in His Unfailing Love?

What if we are the ones He has HOPE in to share this LOVE and this HOPE?

What if we are the ones who are called to call to others and remind them to count blessings?

What if?

 

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Job 36-37

Elihu teaches Job:

“How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out. “He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams; the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind.

Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion? See how he scatters his lightning about him, bathing the depths of the sea. This is the way he governs the nations and provides food in abundance. He fills his hands with lightning and commands it to strike its mark. His thunder announces the coming storm; even the cattle make known its approach.

At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place. Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth. He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven and sends it to the ends of the earth. After that comes the sound of his roar; he thunders with his majestic voice. When his voice resounds, he holds nothing back. God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.

He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’  So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor. The animals take cover; they remain in their dens. The tempest comes out from its chamber, the cold from the driving winds. The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them.

….

The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power;  in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?”

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Psalm 147

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

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Sewing and Sowing… 29MAR

If there are folks who ask for help – we are to help. This is how we show our example. “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5: 42

Regardless of perceived effectiveness of homemade masks, I know that medical servants are clamoring for them. I know of sew-many sewers are now stitching away in “Mask-production” “Mass-production”… It is inspiriting to see the good come out of the bad – it is an important comfort that we can help to give others – and with every stitch we can place prayers and HOPE… So it’s time to SEW and SOW… SEW stitches and SOW seeds of HOPE…

And now to enter in public, people are being asked to cover their faces so that we don’t spread seeds of sickness. We can keep sewing and supplying their needs – what a great way to just give of our selves and our time… surely we can give from our excesses for successes in preventing the spread of disease.

1^st Peter 2:13-14 Submission to Authority – Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

Romans 13:5-6 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

I thought the guard rail info was TMI… but I’ll post this anyway… it’s all true, guard rails are great prayer rails.

I think that ESPECIALLY NOW we realize that we MUST put our life plans into God’s Hands. Scripture is perfect: James 4:

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

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Life and Living made possible by God – Guard Rail Prayer Rail

Friday night could not have predicted Sunday night memories of a great weekend… The Mercy of the Lord abounded to me… You could say that this is TMI for a devotion,  but this story is the truth: God rallies us – He rallied me when I asked…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Seeking the Lord’s intervention…

That Friday afternoon I had FOOD POISONING! YEAH food poisoning, knew EXACTLY what food must have caused it… But Saturday I had major plans for my Polar Plunge with 8000 other crazy fun people, plus my daughter came home this weekend. On Sunday I wanted to be singing at church AND my son had been planning a rock climbing excursion with friends.

And I got FOOD POISONING…

And I put my plans in His…

And God rallied me… 

I turned my plans over to Him and He turned my life around. 

Why? Maybe because I ASKED. Maybe because of my stubborn willpower or maybe because I am greedy for my own plans? At any rate, that weekend with so many great memories now was ONLY made possible by God, requested by my fevered prayers at the guard rail, humbled and hurling…. if it’s TMI so sorry,  but a guard rail makes for an impromptu Friday evening, side of the road, PRAYER RAIL… I knew EXACTLY what I ate wrong (my fault, a bad opened can of coconut milk that I had left out on my desk, but drank a lot of anyway)… At that guard rail I went through hell and back in 5 minutes… I was SURE it was food poisoning not viral (an added fevered prayer was that I didn’t want my family to get sick. They didn’t, and I had no other symptoms,  my body rejected that poison soon after it went in)…

I made it. God made it better as soon as I collected my thoughts to pray. 3 hours later I felt recovered and I knew WHY. He’s saved me from worse.

Today my face, my bagged eyes, are still flushed and bruised from all that guard rail trauma and strain. But I made it, Lord.  God is good.

I prayed being so very aware that I had to SURRENDER ALL my plans to Him… how I recovered so certainly and quickly was because of God… I was so surprised,  maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised that God can answer so specifically… 

He does.

We did have a great weekend. I put my life in His Hands and He gave me back a beautiful set of memories…. I’m grateful with prayers of thanks and looking forward to rest all my life and plans into His Hands… whew… blessed.

Guard rail and Prayer rail… ALL GLORY TO HIM.

Amen Amen Amen

 

(Thanks God! Really, THANKS…)

 

 

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Faith Flow Facebook Flowers Family Flock, 27MAR

I started a Zoom class last night from my Facebook friend Pastor Pierre on listening for God’s voice… He says it is important to ask open-ended questions… I appreciate that in the short practice time we had I tried to listen – and the Lord told me to “keep smiling” and to “take care of my flock“. My job is to handle things,  de-stress,  keep going… my preparation includes gathering life assurance (as well as financial life insurance) for both are needed for current reassurance to keep living life now. Life flowing means everyday life is for living and sharing… My job is to help my kids keep living – even after I am gone… take care of my flock…  My job is to take care of Jesus’s flock too.

There are many different ways for us to behave in this current COVID19 world crisis, one must listen to the Lord always and especially now… especially we must study how to not fly off the handle or go down the drain… in doing so we are to share the Spirit in whatever way we can.

Many people before us must have had it REALLY awful with their pandemics.  I do pray for those who are ill and have passed away, I pray that they found the Lord in time… and I pray for the financial strain on so many, and I remember to count my blessings…  today is Friday – always good to end the week on a good note so I got to work, took a walk to see flowers, went socially-distanced grocery shopping, got paid, navigated traffic, made dinner, had prayers with my kids, and gave reassurance to them that we are ok…  and now I can rest on the couch to write. I would say I live a sheltered cushy life.  So what am I to do? Not turn my back on the stability that He gave me but COUNT MY BLESSINGS AND WORK FOR GOD…   I love the scripture Luke 1:38, my life verse, mentioned in this article,  I remember it often,  “I am the handmaiden of the Lord.”

We could all listen a little closer right now…

Sharing Joy is still tops on my to-do list…

Faith Flowing, Facebook, Flowers, Family, Flock

Faith-filled Friday

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Isn’t it Ironic? 24MAR

I have this song stuck in my head by Alanis Morrissette – Isn’t it Ironic? don’t ya think?!!! A little too ironic…

Isn’t it ironic that God DOES go before us and we MUST follow to look for His hand in our blessings.

Isn’t it ironic that my neighbors were setting off fireworks last night while I was gardening – because home and stir crazy people find things to do.

Isn’t it ironic that people used to get snowed in all the time and were fine, and we are called to be enjoying home time with no snow.

Isn’t it ironic people think they don’t know what to do cooped up at home, when many of us really need a month just to catch up!

Isn’t it ironic that the cat who sleeps all day wakes me up to work.

Isn’t it ironic that my retreat group stressed about stopping to retool, but the retreat they didn’t have would have been canceled anyway…

Isn’t it ironic that the Lord worked me thru the task of canceling VBS last year, then gave me MORE work for Him. Now not running it this year I don’t have stress about preparations that would’ve be iffy. When the season starts, I will hope to help someone else catch up with theirs.

Isn’t it ironic that I had no idea how to get my family together in one place, especially me, and now each night we have been praying to the Lord.

Isn’t it ironic that I asked the Lord why I had gotten a good bonus this year, and finished my taxes early, there must be something that I needed that money for – that He knew before I knew, He needed me to steward that money for Him, people to share with, my debts to pay down a little, as well as cover extra expenses for my family, and there are!

Isn’t it ironic that the world slows down – but our WORK SPECIFICALLY FOR HIM speeds up.

Isn’t it ironic that I gave birth 6 weeks early, July 2001, which I didn’t understand, to my daughter, but then I was in a good routine with her by the time 9-11 occurred and she got me thru that day and those times with purpose.  And as she went to school a year early and then college a year early, she got that all in when she should have been a high school senior this year.  Isn’t it ironic that she got a prom, graduation, college visits, and fearless college year (3/4) to enjoy and mature – all that would have been different if she were born “on time” in September like these other 18yr olds. Isn’t it ironic that God’s differing timing was gifted timing.

Isn’t it ironic that my broken tooth was fixed just in time before my dentist closed, I got in to a private office because they cancelled their appointments.

Isn’t it ironic that I decided to donate blood last week even if the social distancing was semi-compromised, but then my iron was just barely too low and I was deferred. There are hidden blessings we can’t see.

Isn’t it ironic that life timing gets reset for this or that, which is beyond our understanding… but it always works out…

Isn’t it ironic that God takes care of us even when we can’t see beyond ourselves.

Isn’t it ironic that the Lord draws us closer when we think about fear and death in order to give us peace and life.

Isn’t it ironic all the things that you or I are thinking about but don’t have time to mention here, God has taken care of.

Isn’t it ironic that things that haven’t happened yet, He already knows how to take care of.

Isn’t it ironic that God ALREADY knows how He is going to get us thru today,  if only we look for His Peace.

“Isn’t it ironic”…

“Who would have thought,  it figures…”

Isn’t it ironic, no it’s truth in the Lord, that we have to trust, that we must have faith without sight…

Isn’t it not ironic that the Lord is here and sends help in droves.

“… Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord and His Peace is at hand.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:4-7

Amen

833

Jesus Tears and Smiles, 20MAR

I was excited to see this new plush Jesus doll that I ordered,  my 4th purchase, I have saved two for me and two bought for giving away. This new doll I had that feeling that I was supposed to give it to someone. I had bonus money and I thought to “splurge” on it – and I hoped this was the doll that someone, who knows the love of Jesus, could treasure. But who? I know now, but I didn’t know then whom God would lay on my heart to give it to. So I ordered it and then later, while the doll was in transit, I heard of a friend in need of cheer – ah, she might like it, a gift of love that stems from Him, that we get to share thru us.

If you know me, you would know I am excited to tell of Jesus when He is smiling and loving and holding and comforting. I am blessed to encourage the JOY. Why does Jesus smile? He smiles when someone believes in Him. He smiles when the little children come to Him – and aren’t we all called to become child-like in our faith?

So what smile would this new doll have? Each one so far triggered a distinct thought of the real Jesus. I was very excited when the box came. My curiosity was just supposed to be that, not for deep meaning but for fun, but I take the subtle triggers of my impressions to heart. What was the exciting message that God would lay on my heart from this doll’s squished position? And then – I opened the box.

First, I looked at His strong posture – puffed out chest and upright and attitude of ready to face the world, a knowledge of His future cross, His tomb, His destiny, His victory over death. Then, I was completely stopped in my tracks, and I started crying.  I never saw this coming, this doll looked like a crying Jesus.  A tear – this doll had a tear.

Smiling Jesus, yes – but one solid strong tear was coming down His right eye. Oh – my – soul. I started crying too. I knew in my heart why Jesus would have a tear, many tears. Oh His tears. My tears too. I know and I knew. I instantly had a Palm Sunday thought of the tears of Jesus: When Jesus came closer and could see Jerusalem, He cried and said: “It is too bad that today your people don’t know what will bring them peace! Now it is hidden……. because you did not see that God had come to save you.” Luke 19:41

The doll was not intended to be crying, it simply was a lose string, not cut off in the manufacturing process. But the tear was oh so real in my heart to the portion of His grieved spirit in me, in each of us who really know in truth that Jesus cries for each of God’s lost children… Jesus came to reach the lost children who don’t hear, don’t know, won’t believe until they believe. This thought is always heart wrenching to me when I enter a massive gathering of people. Yet at this very moment, the tears gave me a deeper smile knowing His love for all was why He came to save us all. I was then filled with heart-warming PEACE – this Jesus doll is truly smiling a warm and sweet SMILE (as I knew it would). A deep SMILE – alongside and as deep as his deep thoughts of His tear.

But I didn’t want to send my friend a doll with tears!!  I intended to send her a doll that would give her cheer.  It is a sweet doll, full of comfort when you hug it. And TRULY JESUS DOES SMILE for this friend of mine because she loves Jesus and she knows Him. And so, I cut this manufacturing flaw of a string tear carefully away from Jesus’ eye. It took only a couple small snips and even if there is a little bit of tear left in string you would have to look close to see it. So I hope that my friend ONLY and forever sees this Jesus doll’s SMILE.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2nd Corinthians 1:3-5

Isn’t that the Holy Spirit for you, finding the right object to trigger teaching. Jesus came to save all, us who know Him and those who want to know Him. Plus He wants to save all the people who don’t even know Him, so He is going to try to introduce Himself to them thru us, thru His Spirit in us. Jesus is going to try to smile life into their hearts, strength in their spirits, conviction and correction into their lives, and move each one past their own tears of lostness. He wants everyone to feel His presence as He comes alongside them. Jesus is on a mission still, He wants us to help share our knowledge of the love of God.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus was SHOUTING to the Jerusalem crowd that He had cried over. Jesus, appointed by the Father to come to save the World, has now appointed us. God needs us to still work the crowds.  On Easter, Jesus found the way to life everlasting for us who accept Him. We do want to live forever for Easter is Every day, for our Lord God has already risen for the occasion.  So can we. So can we.

I took photos to remember this moment and this small token of knowledge is tucked away into my appointed job to cheer. Absorb the knowledge of the tear, and try to reach those who need to hear.

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.  I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.  I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” John 12:44-50

Amen Amen Amen

PS – a Pastor friend added:  Is this just like Jesus in another way? You’re right, the tear is simply a manufacturing mistake; and yet that’s what Jesus does: He takes all our mistakes, all our sins, all our brokenness and imperfection and first weeps over our pain and lostness. But then, O glory, THEN He redeems them, which is why the smile is always on His face whenever we look upon Him and come to Him!