What? Jesus!

I was thinking of some life strife last week – and internally said: “what am I going to do?” – Well, immediately on my wall my eyes caught the visual of a sticker of the word: JESUS.

Yes Jesus – the Word and the Walk and the Way…

If I ask: “What am I going to do?” – If we ask this – well let us BE Jesus in the situation – APPLY Jesus in the moment – APPRECIATE Jesus when we can’t be everything He is – and just DO OUR BEST (and let God take care of the rest)…

Let us offer a Jesus attitude and see Jesus in each other by putting on Jesus filtering glasses of spirit and truth. Offering sacrifice and humility and seasoning plus illuminating the situation with salt and light. Be steadfast as scripture urges.

YUP!

“BE JESUS” means take on the servant role, work at the worst stuff without whining, be available, approachable, and eager – but also accepting of the world’s brokenness that going to hurt but spur us on to keep going.

AND

“‘APPLY JESUS” – means be a doer – an encourager – a fruit of the spirit display of Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

AND

“APPRECIATE JESUS” because ‘Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.’ 1 Corinthians 13:7-13 NKJV

AND

DO OUR BEST! because ‘Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. HE SHALL BE LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF WATER, THAT BRINGS FORTH ITS FRUIT IN ITS SEASON, WHOSE LEAF ALSO SHALL NOT WITHER; AND WHATEVER HE DOES SHALL PROSPER.’ Psalm 1:1-3

This next month of December (can you believe it, time flies) – I will plan a month of scripture – what I realize is lacking when I feel lacking something is SCRIPTURE… I hope to start in Luke – with the birth of Jesus – and see what and where Jesus takes me from there… May we keep a light burning brighter and brighter for Jesus.

Amen

2nd Peter 3:10-18 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Be Steadfast
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Make Use of the Time Your Given!

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

WOW – an 80 year old did what is a dream of mine is (well I have many dreams) – she did the Appalachian Trail – walked the whole thing – and honestly I simply need to start walking more and exercising and wow what a difference it makes to stay active! The 80 year old said to make good use of the time you are given! TRUE!

I was at an event recently and a friend of a friend said she best start getting in shape – she had just turned 72 – it is not like I don’t have the tools or the place to get in shape – I just don’t take the time and well, that is where I need to start – taking the time – numbering my days – being aware of being better… It’s not just me, we all have this motivation to muster up! Right?!

Yes – I had a moment of a few years of being in MUCH better shape than I am now and I am not asking for perfection but wow if I could get back to that shape, that motivation, that energy level… Yes, if I could get back to making the most use of my time in many aspects of life. At least I should try to start walking again… Especially with a few trips that I have coming up – I need to walk into them to walk on them!

And walking was my fix – both physically and mentally a few days ago where I was in such pain of the hips and legs and back and thought – “I really need to walk this out” – TRUE – and I felt so much better on that walk – and it was also when I saw the “999” sign on that walk – and I also knew God wanted me to start with me and “turn my frown upside down” – and just get back out and live – ONE MOMENT AT A TIME!

May the Lord bless us in each of our walks – and may we continue to walk and make the most of our days. “establish the work of our hands, Lord” – from Psalm 90 (and our feet too!!!)

AMEN

Here us the link to the 80 year old – she also makes advice to not walk alone but sometimes she had to: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/oldest-woman-to-hike-the-entire-appalachian-trail-reflects-on-her-journey

Psalm 90 NKJV

The Eternity of God, and Man’s Frailty
A Prayer of Moses the man of God.
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

You turn man to destruction, And say, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers.

For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Return, O Lord! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

999, One Upside Down at a Time

I am thankfully traveling this Thanksgiving long weekend. And so I prewrote these… Happy Thanksgiving!

Recently I was walking and a mental thought started to rise from my questioning doubts. It didn’t even get to the surface of question stage but just formulated a thought, about what often crosses my mind: “what should I be doing right now with my life that makes a difference, how do I use my mental energy, my motivation or lack thereof?” This was not a thought-out sentence like that above – had not even made a question of great concern mentally, it mentally was just a whimper of wonder, barely even formulated. Yet the IMMEDIATE newsflash response, that shook me noticeably, well it was quite mind-focus fueling and doubt-shattering! Yeah!!! It was a gift, maybe silly, of interacting mentally reconfiguring an image in front of me, of the 999 building address – that I could formulate a vision of it upside down then right side up – that the “999” was the upside down correction for the number “666”, which in the Book of Revelation is said to be the mark of evil. WELL! So not silly but seriously serious for me. So the message I got, not a verbal one but a shake up thought, was that God wants me, wants us, to pursue and upside-down the acts of evil, as we come to them, one act or one response or one prevention at a time.

Well, YEAH!

Profound and yet we CAN’T do this without Him, Jesus crushed and is crushing the evil. We need to call on Him!

It was a unique mental picture that moment, but truth as God is, that He is saying TRY, telling us try without a checkbox or goal requirement but instead let this be a life path, a direction, a request, to upended the bad with good by relying upon ME to help, to flip the tables and flip the evil into something better. Know that for each of those who do try to push evil pursuits, that God already has “got their number”, and the evil one will never pull the darkness over the light – you can not cover over God’s eyes as He sees the Way for Good. SO our efforts are requested gently and matter of fact-ly from the Lord.

Enlightening YES, just in a simply walk and view I can see this as a goal for each of us BOTH to RELY UPON JESUS to give us direction and make us aware of the situation where we request JESUS deal with the evil

God always says to take life ONEDAY AT A TIME, one moment at a time. Therefore take one overturning of the tables, one flip at a time.

I continued my walk and I think the most important flip I had at that very moment was a repeat request for REPURPOSE, to stop doubting and start determining that God wants us each in the mix of meddling and yet let Him handle it.

God says: “start with retraining thoughts” even everyday – and put that devil of doubt down, behind, beneath, and tell him to be gone!

Gone

Going

Going to

Good!

Turn that frown (and trials of the real clown) upside down. And don’t stress – this is all by God’s Success.

999

Amen!

—-

“Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” – from Revelation 13

In Genesis 50, Joseph said to his brothers who feared retribution from the evil they had originally inflicted on him – but Joseph at that point knew God meant to bring good out of bad – a great flip, an upside down that took many years and many tears: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Thankful for Today

Thankful for Today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here’s another little thanksgiving poem and my favorite book of the bible, James.

I profit from trials like James states – and I try not to be wishy washy in doubt that the Lord is sovereign – so sometimes it may seem that we are fatalistic – but I think that we need to put the work in to help turn the wheels of today and tomorrow and of thankfulness. Let us not be just hearers but doers – and let the Word in us – that is Jesus – give the spiritual fruits that will help the rest of the people see God’s Righteousness.

James 1 in the NKJV: verses 19-20 state: “Qualities Needed in Trials – let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” – and verses 22-25 “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”

I am thankful for today.

Today’s thanksgiving day.

I am thankful for today.

In a thanks-giving way

Tomorrow I do have plans,

Therefore i’m not going to worry about them.

I made them so that I don’t have to worry about them.

I am thankful for today.

Focus on today.

I had a good day yesterday.

I got some work in and I got some family time in, chores too.

And I am grateful, but I won’t dwell in the past, only appreciate it.

And I am grateful that I had a past that allowed me to have a today.

I am thankful for today.

Focus on today.

Tomorrow is never promised.

That’s a statement for earth.

Tomorrow is never promised on earth, yet tomorrow IS promised in HEAVEN.

Knowing Tomorrow IS SOMEWHERE allows me TO FOCUS ON TODAY.

I am thankful for today.

Focus on today.

Thanksgiving is PRAISE with prayer to continue to see God’s Blessings.

Praise before petition and pride.

Praise because of past promises fulfilled.

Praise because of Grace for what was done and Mercy too – for past and for future – and for today. Focus on today.

Praise because the Lord is praiseworthy – He has already done GREAT THINGS. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

Thank You Lord, Happy THANKS GIVING.

Amen

Thankful & Blessed & Hopeful

James 1-5 NKJV
Greeting to the Twelve Tribes
1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials
19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Doers—Not Hearers Only
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Beware of Personal Favoritism
2 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?

8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Faith Without Works Is Dead
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The Untamable Tongue
3 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Pride Promotes Strife
4 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Humility Cures Worldliness
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Do Not Judge a Brother
11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

Do Not Boast About Tomorrow
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged
5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. 4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.

Be Patient and Persevering
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Meeting Specific Needs
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

Bring Back the Erring One
19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

A Thanksgiving Praise Poem

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I hope you all have a wonderful opportunity to be with family and friends and especially know that God is with us all!

Here is my Thanksgiving Poem (early):

Prayers taste best

with THANKFULNESS.

Prayers say we know God is ABLE.

PRAISING HIM puts our prayers right ON the Table.

Know God is willing to hear,

So what we speak, may it be sincere.

Know God and respectfully fear,

Hold His counsel dear.

Know God knows EVERYTHING, oh He knows,

That’s how it REALLY goes.

And prayers without ceasing,

Taste best with PRAISE seasoning.

We praise You Lord, giving thanks.

You hear our every request from our lowly ranks.

You bring us into the picture,

Our life with knowing You is more abundant and richer.

So worthy You are Lord to hear our thankfulness,

Thank You Lord, for giving us Your Best!

AMEN

Jesus is Prince of Peace

Jesus IS our:

PRINCE OF PEACE

Jesus is THE Prince of Peace

Passion Pursued

Placed Promised

Promise Planned

Peace Perfect

Jesus

Power

Priceless

Palatable

Pursuer

Place Positioner

Perfector

Peace

Jesus is our Peace

Jesus is the PRINCE OF PEACE

AMEN

KING OF KINGS

JESUS

KING OF KINGS

LORD OF LORDS

Comforter of calamities

Soother of scenarios

Forgiver of faux-pas

Healer of hurts

Savior of sinfulness

Helper of Hope

Ransomer of repair

Rescuer of risks

Negator of negativeness

Relegator of roughness

Smoother of situations

Trainer of Trust

Fruitfulness of favorites

Power of prayer

Victor of Voice

Beautification of blessings

Sweet honeycomb to savor

Calm in chaos

Known in knowledge

Friend for Forever

KING OF KINGS

Jesus, God of All

Lord of Love and Life

Alpha and Omega

With us Forever

Amen

Alpha and Omega and Everything in Between

Alpha and Omega

Mercy and Grace

Waiting and Willing

Breath and Breadth

Building and Blessings

Worthy and Wishful

Trust and Truth

Spoken and Silent

Forgive and Forgo

Good and Generous

Light and Lavishness

Just Enough and Joy

Boldness and Beautification

Forgiveness and Fruitfulness

Humbleness and Hope-full-ness

First and Forever

Rescue and Renewal

Love and Life

Alpha and Omega and everything in between.

Thank You Jesus.

A Daily Double of Life and LOVE

“I’ll take ‘LIFE’ for $500, Alex”- ‘DING‘ – “It’s the DAILY DOUBLE!” — This could be a fictional scenario on Jeopardy, the TV game show, but you could consider it a reality. Life has a daily double every day. Not necessarily double meaning – but a DOUBLE VIEW of how you look at life…

In the TV game show, a ‘Daily Double’ means your bet is the opportunity for twice the amount of money. You might win or lose depending upon your knowledge of the category. Hopefully you win – and you win double. Hopefully you are smart enough for the answer.

Now, what about NOT a category but about the real “game of life” or how one approaches it. Is life a gambling lifestyle? or is it knowing about life journey in a hard way – or maybe we sidestep trouble all the time? Do we really know about life? Do we?

We DO know a lot about life’s ups and downs, we DO know our physical aches and pains too, we know mental joy or relief or anger or anguish, anxiety and apprehensiveness, depression and doubt. Yeah and even though we know these things both personally and in others, do we know how to navigate and when to sit on the sideline and rest? When to “take life by the horns” – pull up our bootstraps – or ???

Well, what if life was DOUBLE – like a DAILY DOUBLE of circumstances??? Well, IT IS! We don’t have to be smart to know this answer – the ANSWER is LOOKING ABOVE.

We have life here on earth – but in spiritual realms – there is a whole lot of life going on – AMAZING – we have NO IDEA the amazing arena of the Spiritual realms that surround us – and “Angel Armies”. A Spiritual battle for good over evil, light over darkness, hope over holding us back. The Spiritual realms fight for our right – not to party – but to be mentally WITH God in Spirit and Truth without a distraction to the daily grind of life. To FOCUS ON THINGS ABOVE – is to know that we are NOT alone in life and that we best redirect the grasp of this world to gaze at the right and righteousness of God.

Paul would remind a church set of folks whom he dedicated, the Colossians, to put off being obsessed from all the things of earth – including the bad things of immorality – and then also put on the good things of obedience, “put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another…“, – and especially forgiveness in love: “if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Paul would remind us to “put on LOVE” – and this is the state of knowing how Heaven looks at us – how Jesus looks at us: in LOVE – and for us to take on that DAILY DOUBLE of choice to look at the world in LOVE and be peaceful… “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

So – our focus on above and the LOVE – means we focus less on this earthly mess – except to try to bring LIGHT to the situation – to bring HOPE – to help encourage best living – in love – in loving – in life.

A Daily Double of Life and LOVE.

AMEN

……

Colossians 3:1-17 NKJV – Paul writes a letter to the church urging them to improve, focus, hope…

Not Carnality but Christ – If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Therefore put to death your members [not people but distracting ways] which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Angel Armies are good to Google search – 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV of Elisha and his servant seeing that the battle is with the Lord more than with our human earthly means: When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

and Psalm 91:11-12 NIV to know God commands His angels to guard and protect believers, the psalmist says: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

and Revelation 12:7-10 NIV: Archangel Michael fights and defeats the devil. John sees: “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down….'”

Don’t Trade Victory for Just Surviving

I often feel like it’s God’s intention for us to NOT have the feeling of just surviving, of running on fumes, of crossing the finish line from our own running. JESUS SAVES. We are to live as chosen people, as saved, and focus on work over wallowing.

Jesus did create a victory for sure to carry us over the threshold. Not running on fumes, but WALK, and rest, in SPIRIT

A poem for VICTORY over mediocrity:

Absolution over Obsolescence.

Make GOOD over making it up.

RESCUED over running out of steam.

VICTORY over mediocrity.

LIGHT over darkness.

Aware over ignorance.

Soothing over sorry.

Addition over omission.

LOVE over hate.

On time over late.

Go forward over falling.

Look forward over frowning.

Life is for living best

SALVATION gives us rest

Jesus welcomes us as family not guests.

KNOW HIS VICTORY over death.

Victory is valuable.

Victory is vital.

Fear is forgetfulness.

Jesus frees us to focus.

Focus.

Victory over mediocrity.

Forever over just now.

Live as saved and live abundant in JOY.

Amen

Oooohhhh, to be in the Midst

Just starting the TV series from PBS, online streaming, of Ken Burn’s The American Revolution – which is not just about the war but about the fight for independence and about the creation of a new government. The intro is all I’ve watched so far gave me two goosebumps – the discussion of the Iroquois Indian tribes – which are the area natives of where I grew up in – I’ve walked in those lands – and so their discussion of creating a nation of different tribes and being together in cooperation certainly hit home – we lived in the midst of a legacy but not longevity – the nations are not in charge of their destiny now.

And the second really was a “wait a minute” moment – right in the intro – I recognized the last name and the general face shape of one scholar they have many clips interviewing – she is someone I recognized – and yes, grew up in my hometown and yes, her brother was in my classes – and it took me a good solid 5 minutes of google searching and mental searching – but my mind found his name faster than google… Cool – scholars – both he and his sister – him in medicine and her in history. Sort of make me appreciate that I too can be a scholar of my own interests – we all can be – we know what we know the best… I also am appreciative for the areas and people whom I lived in the midst of. Cool… I also appreciate now that when I watch that American Revolution show that I live in the midst of these areas in the northeast – many which I have visited. It is touching history that is old but not too old to grasp.

Nothing greater than an “Oooooh moment” in life to be in the midst of God – yes and Him with us – for the ultimate “in the midst” is us in the Lord and the Lord in us. The psalmist sings truth: “let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” (Ps5) and “Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” Ps2

We too are in the midst of the Lord always – when we call upon Him we realize we are not far away at all – we are in His midst and He is in ours…

And Psalm 2 brings warning about kings and their behavior towards the Lord – for them to revere the Lord – and that is us too – we are best to be humbled in the Lord – and listening to His direction. We walk in His Midst always – and never will He leave us.

We ARE in HIS Hands.

Amen

—

from Psalm 2 “I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery. Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

“The American Revolution | Streaming | Ken Burns | PBS https://share.google/UgydAh2RXJhErfIca

Not Without the Word, 1st John 1

I use paper notes, sticky notes and lists, calendar reminders (electronic) and grocery lists I email to myself. I use paper bookmarks or binder clips to organize my place. I have my own scribbles for shortcuts and secret passwords and not so secret or secure computer and social media platforms. We trust much to memory, but what if we forget? We even sign on for a text message backup for authentication.

We use planner agendas, reminders and minute-taking at work too. We study org charts for people’s names, CVs for the information of their work pedigree and social media for maybe a photo. We know that electronic records are important to save, and even if it’s all electronic, our paychecks are the equivalent of cold hard cash… We read into numbers all the time, we read into conversations and communications, over read and stress ourselves out by reading in between the lines…

We are read as much as we read.

How’s our life in the Lord? We have the best read, the Bible, to be in the Word, mindful of the Word, covered and convicted by the word. Judge against the Word by the Word, as it’s sharp sword of truth trims our dead branches of unfruitfulness. And how are we covered and blessed? That also by the Word, in forgiveness and grace, direction and leading, rescue and restoration. We are saved not by the letter of the law, but the fulfillment thereof, by Jesus sacrifice and righteousness, by the WORD WILLING TO WORK.

Jesus, as in Lord God Almighty and Spirit Saving, is our fulfillment and we are His, so He had written us down in His Book of Life from the beginning and won’t erase without a chase, God will pursue us (Psalm 139), find us to find Him, and not nail us down, but have us resurrected in His Righteousness, by fulfillment of His Word.

Nothing in ourselves can be complete without the Word. We live in parts, and don’t live complete without Him. Not without the Word.

Let us hold to His Word, and our fruitfulness be held dearly on His “to-do” list.

1 John 1 NKJV

What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

Fellowship with Him and One Another

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.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

God’s Busy Business, John 5

I’m just waking up with great focus, not my great, as it’s just wake-up from a madness of crazy dreams, but a wake up into the real great focus of being awake, the focus of a Great, and a great focus. When we wake up, let us say “THANK YOU LORD for waking me up!”

And next, I can say, “What, Lord, are we talking about today?”…

Lord, You are the One Who soothes and satisfies, and if nothing else (and there’s plenty else), I’m thankful for You waking me up to be thankful. “Whew” is a phrase which describes my attitude and response and drive to keep going. Yes, there is busy ahead of us and busy behind, but nothing can be approaching God’s Busy Business with orchestrating and providing and captivating and corralling us – from providing a way in to LIFE and a way OUT of confusion or mess by sleeping a moment to reset, and that’s just us, hopefully on His time frame, so imagine the orchestration in God’s Busy Business is not limited to ‘just us’, not just earth, neither physically known nor mentally perceived nor spiritually understood. If we learn how Big we are in God’s heart, we also know we are but one small fraction of a fraction in life. Yet, God knows us and loves us immensely immense.

To learn something about God is to wonder why even more.

I wonder why I wonder, do you? Because when we wonder about God, there’s always more to know and wonder about.

We hunger for understanding and yet understand that we can’t understand all. And I question why I am allowed to question, only to understand God is the only answer in an unraveling scenario for earth which is still under His control. God still reigns, and will return for His people here, of us collectively.

And us? We must take in and know the knowledge of the Hope of Him before we even know Him fully, we must walk with our Hope and mission all while Jesus is still finding us find our way. We walk through the world just as much as we always did before we knew Jesus was our guide. We have met Jesus and just as He guides, we must listen, listen even more… Wonder but still walk.

If we are commanded to walk into our future, like the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda, who didn’t even have to touch the water there to be healed, but be healed by the Words of Jesus, then we also must be healed by the Word of Jesus, knowing His Grace and Mercy and blessings and forgiveness. And test ourselves, “Do I truly believe Jesus as my Lord and King?” We must know what we didn’t know before Jesus brought us knowledge of Him, all while unmasking our fear and shame in front of Him. If we didn’t know, we didn’t, but now we do, we DO know Jesus.

We must live, must make the best, must make a difference, must be thankful by the Word of Jesus. The once crippled man at that pool of Bethesda (John 5) answered the Jews questioning ‘who gave authority to work’ on the Sabbath, the man answered: “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ” That man surely was then standing eye to eye with those who had always not even seen him enough to move him to the water. He stood as proof that Jesus was the answer all along.

Of the proof of living through Jesus, for Jesus, in Jesus, well doesn’t that also come FROM Jesus? YES. Yes, then if later if we have lost our way in a path that was clearly lit, but we diverted, well we must return to Jesus. Lest we forget what we have already learned, we come back to the scriptures, as through scripture we see Jesus come alive and connect all the dots, with authority and example and fulfillment.

Jesus said we live in Him, through Him and will keep on living (John 5): “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

So, our life in God’s Busy Business has already started, let’s just keep walking, one day at a time. One step at a time. (and yes, take your mat with you, because at some point in life we are going to need a nap!)

Amen

—

John 5 NKJV

A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”

Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Honor the Father and the Son

For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”

Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Life and Judgment Are Through the Son

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

The Fourfold Witness

“If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

“I do not receive honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

Pause before you Pitch, Remember to Reach, Reminisce, then Recycle or Restore

I’m glad I hesitated before putting a bag into a clothing donation bin, a bag that I figured was all new 1970’s fabric – IT WASN’T. I paused before I pitched. In the bottom of the bag was embroidery plus crocheted hot pads for use or decoration. The embroidery was done but not yet sewn into a functional item like a tablecloth or fancy hanky, the fabric “Made in USA”, and the embroidery, beautiful peacocks of blue stitches with flowers of pastel colors, and those French knots were perfect and immediately it was my remembrance of my Grandma who taught all of us how to sew by hand, and make beautiful things out of thread.

I can see myself practicing these types of embroidery French knots, they were fun as a challenge. I immediately realized this was likely my grandma’s work, maybe my aunt’s, but likely grandma’s who also had made me a beautiful pillowcase for my young birthday of an embroidered doll with lace skirt. That doll, like the peacocks in this fabric, had the neatest stitches and those fancy French knots.

Pause before you Pitch, Remember to Reach, Reminisce, then Recycle or Restore…

There are so many things we have in our overloaded lives, things to keep, but in cleaning up 125yrs of farmhouse, you do have to pitch the decaying items, and recycle the paper and preserve the past treasures, even maybe restore one or two.

I’m glad for the remembrance and reminiscing, I will frame them perhaps, it’s interesting that my family and I might be the only few who understand and see this memory – it is cherished on the very small audience scale and like each little stitch, it was done not for world-shaking activity or applause, but for enjoyment and beauty. Yes, I’m glad I paused before pitching that bag. I can’t save everything – so I also have to be willing to give a lot away – it might become someone else’s dream to restore it, my role this time is to preserve the stuff worth preserving – even if temporary – even if to give away – to just to pause before pitching… and yes I will plan to make good use of the thrift store donation places – save the opportunity for someone else’s dream…

But before you pitch – it is good to reminisce with the people who know those items. And on the flip side – I find myself trying to reduce my footprint of “stuff” – save what is worth saving and parse down the rest so that good intentions are not caught in clutter.

What about people encounters (not items) and what about blessings or warnings we find in our interactions? Do we also practice caution over what we say or throw away flippantly? Do we also NOT pause before we pitch away the frustrating scenarios, get rid of them and move on? Then do we knit the good thoughts into our hearts of “random strangers”? What about our prayers and giving good vibes that we can share with others we “randomly meet” without knowing what each interaction is about? We can leave that up to the Lord for storing in their hearts, we just be the good stuff and not the junk they encounter. Will the conversation that day be something like a stitch in their tapestry of life? It is all important how God makes these stitches – even if only one or two share them.

I hope so – I hope we pause before we pitch, remember to reach, reminisce then recycle and move on – or restore a connection lost…

I hope our day is as pretty as a peacock – and not cluttered with concerns… We are to be His Hands and Feet and fruitfulness and filling stitches of strength and beauty. He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Amen

—-

Ecclesiastes 3 KJV
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.

All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Living in the Mom-Moment-Momentum, a Tribute to my Friend

I was so blessed to be sitting at lunch yesterday and in the pew at the church, not because of the sadness of the passing of my friend, but I felt like I was PREVIEWING HEAVEN, I really did. I felt the comradery of fellowship of fellow believers sitting next to me, they have been faith family 25 years now, plus the table behind me, back to back to back with 3 pastor friends too… like even though we don’t see each other each week, we are bonded, heaven-bound and earth-eager companions – only problem (which is a big problem) is sadness of loss. Our hearts ache for my friend’s husband, her daughter, her grandkids who cried and tried to be brave, especially the littlest, but the truth of emotions is that it IS hard to lose a loved one and see pain, this is OK to experience, and yet we are called to loose the rein of holding them back from Heaven.

Let them go – OK?!!!

Oh what Heaven’s gain is our friend. Jesus was loaning her to us, she’s pre-positioned for greeting us in Heaven now. Of the photos displayed you could see and knew of her being Mom in the Moment with the Momentum of MUCH LOVE.

I remember her deepest and first for just loving people – loving the moment to be there for her family and her friends – and just being the open greeter to new people, including us 25 years ago with a new baby in tow, stepping into an unknown church situation, picked only because it was the last latest starting service we could find at 1030am, yeah. She greeted us and walked us around, while another friend took our munchkin 7month old, dressed in St. Patrick’s dress, and we felt instantly to be in church family. She (and God) made that happen. We stepped in OK.

I remember my friend for being the maybe 4th or 5th person I told about this incredible overwhelming THING going on in my head, an awakening I later comprehended, being born again by Jesus, with a few people whom I could confirm my calling with. She walked by the sanctuary, after church right time right place, I still see the scene. It made my sharing feel OK!

I remember her for being REALLY REAL at our woman’s retreat, with announcing her enormous hot flashes, whew… It might have been the first time, in a society which doesn’t talk about menopause and dealing with it, that I actually heard TRUTH about this aging unknown known… That weekend I was educated, and pre-learned that someday they will come, they have, and yet I will be OK. Now I understand and now I worry less about me, because of her open sharing.

Fast forward many years, mid covid recovery to society and her church where she worked needed VBS help, she called me, I learned of the need, I said OK, yeah she taught me it’s OK to say OK, when other people think it’s strange to stretch thin or stretch outside the norm, it’s OK. The Lord leans into His OK.

I can also see her sitting across from me one evening (pre-covid) at a planning meeting for our women’s retreat where she mentioned some memory issues that concerned her. I remember years after that being shocked and surprised about the vascular dementia diagnosis, with fear of quick decline, but at ease with a diagnosis and plan to start – it was a quick “no question” decision to MOVE, a Mom with Momentum Moved to be closer to her daughter and grandkids. No questions needed, no questions asked. We knew it was OK to have a primary priority which put everything else second. OK!

(And I appreciated her honesty when she asked to NOT get my daily emails because she had no time to read, having this refocused focus on her family. I said OK, and was OK with that!)

And then the day just fairly recently where I was amazed to see her in person, at a funeral last year at our home church where we first met, and we reconnected in person (thankfully Facebook fosters the regular news, but in person comes with hugs). My friend greeted me with wide eyes excitement for seeing me – instant knowledge of me – even in the lack of verbal communication, she established her excitement. It was maybe 30 minutes more later that she uttered the most important question that took that much processing time, but was paramount in her being able to ask: “How are your children?” – Yes, the Mom Moment drew up all her Momentum and strength to ask – ask of my now grown kids – children kids teens adults who have been blessed being raised in the church with church family surrounding us in support as a community. What’s funny to me was even with this mental decline, she popped up out of her chair abruptly with SO MUCH ENERGY to go to the kitchen, wow OK, and surely wanted to help with dishes, as she always helped in the kitchen… yeah… She showed OK even when things weren’t OK.

I remember my amazing friend for being a perfectly placed role model of not perfection but of perseverance and sharing. A role model of “OK”. She was (and is) a woman of faith who taught us all how to be OK in so many real times of living through change. Even of making changes even when fighting back the “Why?” of her disease… She showed being a faith force, a Mom in the Moment with Momentum, a child of God, a loving force for Jesus, a Spirit-moved model of our gain in trusting the Lord.

And being OK in the time appointed BY the Lord to be back WITH the Lord, she said “OK” to this too… The displays of photos included music scores of “Are you washed in the Blood?” – amen to being more than OK with being blessedly washed in Jesus’s blood, I had to be, we have to be, OK to give in like Naaman and fully be OK to dip deeply in.

I miss you my friend, but it’s OK, I will see you again someday when ALL will be OK.

In the meantime, we will follow Jesus’s Way, OK!

Amen

—

Psalm 23 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Good Internal Housekeeping – Paul’s Letter to the T – 2nd Corinthians 13

It was drilled into us, both as women and in society in the 1950’s and beyond, to have “Good Housekeeping”, like the magazine cover states, which I found many copies of, that we will save, cleaning up my old family farmhouse. These vintage 75yr old gems are just paper, sure, saved stacked and stashed away, but the sentimental thing about them is the LOVE of mom’s, grandma’s, great grandma’s that wanted to keep good housekeeping for their families.

We as society, especially influenced by social media in each era had/has ways to show ideas (sometimes over-ideals) in the form of help (from cookie recipes to the latest diet fads) and these magazines had ways that made folks dream but even be jealous in comparison… But most likely they were printed in good faith of good housekeeping ideas.

Yet, the most important thing is to not get carried away with in worldliness, of world trends or craving worth from the world, even from people.

In a spiritual sense, it’s a bit more serious, well deeply serious, to have GOOD HOUSEKEEPING of one’s beliefs, to know truth over trip-ups, to self test and confirm our calling.

Apostle Paul was ADAMANT yet GENTLE in asking the wayward Corinthians: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?”… Paul hoped and prayed: “And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.”

Many of Paul’s writings speak of being in authority given as a church leader, yet he knew it is each person who has to come to the TRUTH in JESUS by a gift of faith conviction not just conformist ways. Completeness comes by faith and Holy Spirit sparks to know not just OF Jesus but know Jesus IN oneself, not just someone we have read about or by mirroring actions. Faith is in faith.

And the benefits of being IN Jesus and His Ways IN us, are to continue acting according to His calling, wherever He leads us… “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” – and this includes loving, sharing, teaching, witnessing, being fair, gentle, genuine and trustworthy plus being kind, having self control and even withstand long-suffering.

It’s never been easy to not be conformist in society’s pressures, for dozens and hundreds of years and we probably shouldn’t for glamor or greed. Don’t be devilishly distracted by temporary gain. Instead be faithful with being Jesus-cleaned, cleared, clarified and considerate. Jesus confronts us, like He confronted Paul, but does not condemn us. Conviction by Spirit into firm faithfulness is for our benefit to draw closer to Him… We learn by His leadership to maintain good internal housekeeping with His Help…

Amen

—

2 Corinthians 13 NKJV
Coming with Authority
This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare— since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward 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. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

Paul Prefers Gentleness
Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.

Greetings and Benediction
Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Caught Up to Heaven or Thorned on Earth – Paul’s Letter to the T – 2nd Corinthians 12

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

That is what Paul realizes over and over- because God gave him the strength – and we too can believe this – God gives US of HIS Strength. When we don’t know which way to turn, the Lord has already mapped out the moment for Him to be relied upon. Ask and you shall receive… inspiration and information… guidance and grace.

God said/says to Paul, as recounted in his 2nd letter to the Corintians: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

We may not get a shaking of a wake up as severe as Paul(Saul) did, but the Lord is sure that we will notice His interventions and miracles and motivation.

Paul praises the Lord for direction and discipline and knowledge of mission. Us too, who are we to become weary on our own accord when God brings us the strength.

And God says Go! Keep going!

Keep going!!!

Amen

—-

2 Corinthians 12 NKJV
The Vision of Paradise
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

The Thorn in the Flesh
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Signs of an Apostle
I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!

Love for the Church
Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.

Spiritual Wars Abound – Paul’s Letter to the T, 2nd Corinthians 10-11

BE CAREFUL – apostle Paul says BE CAREFUL…

‘For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.’

It is for sure that the bible is written for old times and for future times and for NOW… And the warnings about false idols false teachers false hope and fakeness in the here and now is to be cautioned against…

Paul warned, warns now, and will warn as the Bible will last forever as the Living Word – as Jesus made flesh and able to be spread forever in faith to all corners of the world and every heart here at home.

Jesus is the One True King, fully God, Who was spoken about from Genesis and Who is quoted in Revelation – Alpha and Omega. Apostle Paul knew the newly planted churches had to hear that in word and writing. In those years before and after the time of Jesus on earth, earthly kings were and are asked to bow down to the one true and trustworthy king.

Every new Christian needs to hear that and guard against the devil of doubt, doubt in themselves or their salvation, and doubt in Jesus as Divine and alive. These writings of Paul, warnings, are God-inspired and purposefully placed in the bible for then, now and in the future.

Imagine – we don’t know what the future holds in ways of destruction, confusion and angst – but what we DO know – is that Jesus is already winning and won – and that God grants us His Heavenly HOPE – and we can believe it.

Don’t give the devil any due – give GOD all the GLORY! Jesus will crush the head of the serpent and has already won over sin and death.

AMEN

Thank you Jesus, Amen.

—

2 Corinthians 10-11 NKJV
The Spiritual War
Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Reality of Paul’s Authority
Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed— lest I seem to terrify you by letters. “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

Limits of Paul’s Authority
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Concern for Their Faithfulness
Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Paul and False Apostles
For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Reluctant Boasting
I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Suffering for Christ
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

The 67 OPEN REFERENCE of Paul’s Letter to the T – 2nd Corinthians 6,7

Rolling Stone (online article by Jeff Ihaza on Nov 11th 2025) says the number or ‘saying “67” has become the latest way for grown-ups to confirm their fears about young people becoming difficult to decipher — that they live in an internet-based world they increasingly can’t understand.’ – which even people who hear about 67 don’t know the movie and music reference and just brush it off – just like the saying – just like being “in the know” – and ‘the New York Times posited that perhaps a dada-esque absurdity is the point, that youth culture, in an active quest to bewilder adults, adopts nonsensical humor in an effort towards subterfuge. A nine-year-old from Indiana interviewed for the piece suggests that there isn’t really any meaning behind 67. “No offense to adults, but I think they always want to know what’s going on,” she told the paper of record.’

I will walk away from reading too much into it – the phrase – I mean our generation had lots of sayings that today’s kids would never understand… And life is too short to be caught up in worldliness – and wordiness….

Here is something laid out straight however – OPEN REFERENCE – the 6,7 of Paul’s letter to the wayward Corinthians is DIRECT and then his JOY in their improvement of faith is PALAPTABLE REAL. Paul gives it to them straight and we have this OPEN BOOK reference called the Bible to derive all this material as “gospel truth” and even “old testament teasers” of what God said He would do and then He did! (and this means we can also believe what God says He WILL do in our future…)

Paul said OPENLY to the Corinthians, quoting old testament prophet Isaiah, he even pleads ‘not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’

Paul told of the distress he and others had in this ministry – and yet how important it was and is to keep going. And to subsets of populations of new churches, as he would say not to us all: Be Holy – O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.

Paul was really trying to get repentance of the people, and sorry but not sorry that he was so harsh and open in his letters to them – He just wanted to present the truth of the need to follow the Lord – and not waste it… Paul said: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Yes – God does not sugar coat things – He want attention and righteousness – even so much as to give His only Son to be able to cloak the sins and welcome the sinners into Heaven. In our repentance we remember the hardships of earthly life and remember Paul’s pause to see that his ministry makes a difference – then and now: Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

THANK YOU LORD for being open with us – we need repentance – and this is written over and over again – and with our repentance is our understanding of needing Jesus – and this is the TRUTH of Life forever – thank you for being an OPEN REFERENCE to Heaven’s HOPE for us to come to You as Your children.

Amen

—

Here’s the 6,7 on this all:

2 Corinthians 6-7 NKJV
Marks of the Ministry
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Be Holy
O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”

Therefore

“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”

The Corinthians’ Repentance
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The Corinthians’ Repentance
Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

The Joy of Titus
Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

A Cheerful Giver and the Cheerful Receiver, Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 8-9

“Everyone loves a cheerful giver” – love that scripture… Even though we are not to love the world and the worldliness of flashing lights etc, it is a joy to support the big fun “Camp out for Hunger” sponsored by a radio station and manned by the fun and giving DJs and producers and cheerful giving volunteer staff of their time and energy and talents. It is not a spectacle as much as it is a spectacular display of work and play.

Offerings of self comes in many ways – and these folks are in the right place for the right reasons – to use their energies to drum up donations and awareness for the food insecure and how efficiently to help thru the local Philabundance programs. If anything, the agency has learned how to reduce purchase costs and distribute volumes and volumes of necessary sustenance throughout a BIG region – and to do it with care and joy.

This morning we are also reminded that it is Veteran’s Day – a day to remember and thank those who serve – selflessly often – and with sacrifice of self comes the sacrifice of selfishness – these people who serve the military are often living at or below the poverty line – they say people in the active military are more often food insecure than normal citizens. WOW!

For the “Camp Out” – I try to make it each year – I loved the JOY of attending the event last night “after dark”, which the first time I have done that – was both the only time I could find in my busy work and life schedule it seems but also because it was the time when traffic is low, and the people glued to TVs for the out of town football game drew the traffic (foot and car) down to a trickle. (Yeah – only 30 minutes there and back). But the most exciting reason to go was both to see my friend Jacky BamBam an unique character to say the least – as he DJ’ed the last shift of the night – in a spectacular sight with glitzy lights and a tribute to the late DJ Pierre Robert – and even was the big game on the big TV screen next door – it is always an adventure I am game for – but even better when I know the ease and time is a gifted window of opportunity.

A cheerful giver is what this whole set up tries to encourage – we truly are blessed with resources – it is good to share at this time of year and any time of economic stress for many – and cheerful givers just could go in and drop off food items – or buy right there at the tent and the donation would be tallied at the end. I chose the latter and travelled light – did get through the donation line easily and then got a free parking pass to show I was there NOT for the concert next door – and easily parked and walked 2 minutes across the street to the tent.

The big retro-decorated restored “Minerva” VW bus re-creation was propped up so beautifully. I was there late – the amusement rides were shutting down for the night – and the tent was practically empty – but for me it was the perfect time to go – and to be in the front row of maybe 12 of us – get to take the photos for the busy moms and this crew of kids there – and to see then the stars of the morning show stop in for the cross over chat between DJs before heading to the sportswatching space next door – and it was hilarious to me to have found the right timing to be there – front row enjoying their barbs to each other – in love…

I waited patiently because they were doing a live radio show – busy busy and especially putting it together in a tent and talking back to the studio – lots of logistics – but then I chatted first with the other DJs and producers and then felt that moment of “oh – this is one GREAT reason I came” – I got to give a hug to the producer Ryan, of Pierre’s show – hugs are the cheerful giver gift that gives back – and showed him how blessed I was to see that stone that I wrote “God bless the Grateful Dead” – and gave to Jacky to give to Pierre – I think that I have told that story again and again until I found the one I WANTED to tell – Ryan – and explain that it gave me such hope in the time we were all reeling from Pierre’s unexpected passing. How could I not credit the Lord for the timing for me to see it – it was not and is not about me – but about being given an insight into what giving can give…. I am not saying it (a small easy free gesture) is a WOW for the world – but for me it was something on the small scale which still says I know we work together for good… It’s the little things – God IS a cheerful giver to give cheer… We can be too.

So in reading the letter from Paul to the Corinthians about “being a cheerful giver” – it is clear that the Lord has put before us the struggles of the world and the mission of the moments. Jesus is our pattern in giving it all – so we can at least give some of what is given to us. In warning, apostle Paul was teaching the Corinthians of how to live a Godly life – asking them to include GRACE in their offerings of self. In JOY, Paul was commending them for their sharing and urging them to do more of this – SHARE SHARE SHARE.. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

Our gifts are to be a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation – as Paul states – and so we best keep ourselves in the right spirit of giving.

It is like preparing ourselves to be able to give best – to know what we have in our blessing from God and then be able to give because we are “OK” – “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

This is not just material or food gifts – but of our spirit – of our joy – our our sacrifice – of our love. We give because we can – and because we are gifted to give.

We thank the Veterans who gifted so much to us in everything including example.

We thank the volunteers who gift these food drives and spectaculars over spectacles to bring the people in.

We thank the Lord for His ultimate gift of gifts – Himself and His Way.

May we increase the fruits of righteousness – be enriched in everything – and give thanksgiving to God.

Amen

2 Corinthians 8-9 NKJV
Excel in Giving
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Christ Our Pattern
I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

Collection for the Judean Saints
But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

CHAPTER 9 Administering the Gift

Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

The Cheerful Giver
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

“He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 2

There is a level of forgiveness in our lives which is Heaven-sent – and therefore we being “the fragrance of Christ” – an aroma that either is foreboding or forevering… Paul said: “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.”

It is commanded of us that we forgive others – and roll off our backs the barbs that hurt us in life because those people either will have moved on or they might get stung by our friendliness – by “kill them with kindness” approach to just letting the Lord deal with them instead – and know that He forgives in greater strength than we do…

Life is too short to dwell in the past – so just keep moving forward…

If anything – I am in need of forgiveness – we all are – of not being as perfect as could be – but we can’t be – because we are human – we judge – we over judge ourselves too – we just fail in certain aspects of life even when living near perfect – we just need God to be His Righteousness “righting” making us stand whole again.

Just plain human is the basic bread that is not put together until Jesus brings all His ingredients to us – His living water – His yeast living organism to work His Spirit in us – His warmth to rise us – and the fire of living in this world to strengthen our faith to those hardpressed walls of the jar of clay that we are…

For Life in Harmony – we read this Letter of Paul to a “T” – and live because of Jesus who gave it all – including life towards the cross and triumph over it – over death.

If we are to live – and live more perfectly – we need Jesus to lead the Way – as He already saved our day…

Amen

——

2 Corinthians 2 NKJV

Paul Urges Forgiveness
But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

Forgive the Offender
And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Triumph in Christ
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 5

“that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

Wow, Paul’s 2nd letter chapter 5 to the Corinthians is such direct direction for us for living in reconciliation – and reconciling others – WOW!!!

There are bite-sized chunks here which remind us of our walk, our mission, our opportunity, and His Love: “We walk by faith and not by sight”; “be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”; “Be Reconciled to God”; “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. “; and “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” WOW

To be living IN reconciliation means we have to enter situations ready to forgive as Jesus forgave – we have to approach the strife of situation with hoping to bring it new life – and cast away the old. We certainly have to believe in the forgiveness asked for and the forgiveness given – God wants us to be with HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS – which means to me that He is “Righting” – making something stand up again – live again – be allRIGHT in the new life – because He allowed “it” and He made “it” happen.

So much of our Life in Harmony with the Lord comes from the Lord – our role is to accept it and not flaunt it or sell it – but feel it humbly and shine it unashamedly – our boast is in the Lord – and He IS LORD – so let the LIGHT SHINE!!!

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

We forgive and we live – we believe and we receive – we know and now we go – go with Christ – Jesus SHINE our Way!

Amen

—

2nd Corinthians 5 NKJV
Assurance of the Resurrection
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

The Judgment Seat of Christ
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Be Reconciled to God
For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

It’s All About the Knees (and Garden Photos that Please), Psalms 30 and 29, Praises Divine

It’s all about the knees,

Whether you are down praying on them, “Lord Please!”

Or raising up low on them, Oh Geez!

Oh Lord, please Lord, help our knees.

Our knees must bend and sway,

Carry burdening weight each day,

If they give in or give way,

Let us know we will walk more freely someday.

Whether you stroll, wander, or run,

Walk chasing the morning to evening sun,

On a mission or just out for fun,

Let us walk the walk, talk the talk, and then some.

So, let us take a few days of ease,

Listen to the seasonal breeze,

And praise and pray emotionally on our crucial knees,

Help us walk the path best, oh Lord how You please.

Life is all about talking to the Lord in ease.

Life is all about flexibility of following Him, and yes, the spiritual and physical knees.

Amen

(Attached are photos that please, from a walk yesterday where I did use my knees, up and down hills and chairs with still ease. A walk that I promised myself, an emotional gift to take a couple hours off for myself to get to the garden near work, a cultivated gorgeous rolling landscape… Here I emotionally and physically prayed praises and thankfulness to the Lord for His faithfulness and mercy and blessings in my many trials and troubles, now blessings and incentives to keep moving: moment by moment, rest by rest, knee by knee, day by day appreciative of the Lord taking care of me, my family, my work, finances, ALL, AND OUR FUTURE TOO. Amen)

—

Psalm 30

New King James Version

The Blessedness of Answered Prayer

A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house of David.

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Now in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.” Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong; You hid Your face, and I was troubled.

I cried out to You, O Lord; And to the Lord I made supplication: “What profit is there in my blood, When I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your truth? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!”

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 29

New King James Version

Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty,

A Psalm of David.

Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire.

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth, And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”

The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, And the Lord sits as King forever. The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.

Please Pleasing God

Seeking to Please God is asking guidance, every decision: “Please, God, show me the way…” – an utterance to PLEASE GOD (no commas)- not just saying (with commas): “Please, God, do this for me…”

To know His Grace and Mercy through forgiveness by Jesus, we now seek to Please God, no commas, rather than ask first for what pleases us. So we please God in our devotion to what pleases Him.

And yet, we are ALSO allowed to ask for what pleases us in guidance, in provisions, in comfort, in hope. “Please, God, …” is a rally cry to Him, which also pleases Him…

And loving God pleases Him, and loving others pleases Him. And knowing our worth as He makes us worthy – straighten the crown of being children of the King.

Peter wrote: “but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Surely we ALSO please God with our ability to get up every morning and keep going… going for ourselves, going for others, going because we have to, and going for sake of sharing faith, and even for when it’s others witnessing us going through tough stuff but we keep going. And we get motivated as we see others going and going…

Last week I was struggling to find a parking spot on a trip, in hindsight I should have taken the train, but well I didn’t (the next day I did because I had the understanding of the landscape, the relief of realization of what was going to work out logistic wise for me that day. I powered through new semi-strange scenes and was refueled in motivation seeing others who we’re pushing hard to get where they were going – even a mom was bicycling 2 small kids in the city streets in the cold, wow… In the pursuit of my passion, I had to pay certain prices, push purposefully, and pause perplexed too… I got through… I did…

It’s a privilege the paths we take. And pride has no space when God gives us the time and place to do what we do.

And we do, we do give God His Due…

Amen

Jesus Calling: November 6 by Sarah Young:

“Seek to please Me above all else. As you journey through today, there will be many choice-points along your way. Most of the day’s decisions will be small ones you have to make quickly. You need some rule of thumb to help you make good choices. Many people’s decisions are a combination of their habitual responses and their desire to please themselves or others. This is not My way for you. Strive to please Me in everything, not just in major decisions. This is possible only to the extent that you are living in close communion with Me. When My Presence is your deepest delight, you know almost instinctively what will please Me. A quick glance at Me is all you need to make the right choice. Delight yourself in Me more and more; seek My pleasure in all you do.”

John 8:29

English Standard Version

And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 4

I was looking at the latest business release for my work – and there is that classic fine print: “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” – that is earthly true, that the past doesn’t always indicate future… The hopes and educated guesses of stock and business performance is still an iffy game. It continued: “This press release includes forward-looking statements… Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “estimate,” “plan,” “outlook,” and “project,” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters.”

In business – we have to caution against “forward looking statements” – but IN FAITH??? We LIVE on “forward looking statements” – we know the past and we know the present and we know the future – we do – we know they are all WITH GOD – and we will live, in truth, in His counsel and comfort always…

Paul, the prolific writer and apostle, was writing so many churches that he helped establish and cajoling them to carry on – to improve themselves – to keep going and share the GOOD NEWS. Paul wrote about that some people’s hearts are still veiled – they just can’t see to believe- and God knows that – and yet we are importantly still preaching: “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.”

And we get to see the invisible – YES! We get to see the eternal!!!!

“our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

“anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “estimate,” “plan,” YES!!!!

We must be FORWARD LOOKING – and preach and share and believe – as there are people being “unveiled” by God all the time – and they are the recipients of our seed planting – God knows – God knows all who will come to Him – and He makes sure they SEE THE LIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMEN

—————

2 Corinthians 4 NKJV
The Light of Christ’s Gospel
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 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.

Cast Down but Unconquered
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Seeing the Invisible
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 1

YES OR NO? VOTE THIS ONE OR THAT?

I DID get out to vote yesterday – not that I understood all the intricate details of all the races or the people – some yes but honestly I didn’t know much at all for some – but I voted…

One person I made sure to vote for was the son of the woman who handed me the sample “suggestions” ballot – I thought well, his mother came all the way to my little district (and yeah mine is little) – and the other thing I voted for was some people holding up a sign on an overpass over the highway, standing and waving a few times this last cold month – i thought – wow that’s a strange cause, they must really be dedicated for a proposition that seemed so hohum, not to worry about… but they were there and I voted thinking of them…

That is one thing in the scripture that struck me this morning – in this look at one of Paul’s letters – the VOTE to be faithful was all about NOT being wishy washy or uninformed. This letter in this scripture is about teaching and believing in God fully – believing in Jesus – and that in God it is YES! All the promises in Him are YES!!!

Paul writes: “Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. “

Paul was writing about not boasting in himself but in each other for that the Lord had delivered and was delivering them – that they (both groups of letter writers and letter receivers) were faithful. And “we trust that He will still deliver us” – yes – the TRUST that they had and we have in the Lord will deliver us from the suffering (physical and emotional and otherwise) that we have in this present world.

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony – is that we believe in Jesus and in His Father – be led by the Spirit to TRUST and to OBEY.

Amen

2 Corinthians 1 NKJV
Greeting from Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Comfort in Suffering
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 any 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. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Delivered from Suffering
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

Paul’s Sincerity
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Sparing the Church
And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit— to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea. Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Corinthians 2-3

I think it’s interesting that a new friend and I were talking about the old religion they were raised in (not one that I had heard of – was interesting conversation and I thought how awful – and she realized later how awful of the harshness and the hybrid rules that seemed to have been made up by man) and our conversation grew to how NOT to be stuck in living in forced “legalistic” routines and rules.

If anything – we in the church should not get so caught up in legalism but be caught up in the Spirit that allows us to share – to teach – to help others and ourselves grow…

Then the verse of the day, today, surely NOT “coincidentally”, that I received from Bible Gateway by email, was a short sentence from Paul about God: “who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”– and Paul certainly talks about the pull away from legalism.

In this 2nd letter to the Corinthinans – Paul was not commending himself or his fellow teachers – but saying that the Holy Spirit has inspired them and filled them to be the teachers to tell others of the LIFE that the Spirit gives: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE! That is Paul’s Letter to a T – that we can have life in Harmony with the Spirit.

Truly, we are made alive by God – we can be refilled by the Spirit and hold close as well as share Jesus from our hearts – we share and are not perfect but “perfecting” as God renews in us His life for us – to believe in Him and to live life in an abundant way – not materially but in a spiritual “OK-ness” that we can life knowing we have a glorious future with Jesus in Heaven – with God our Father – and a peace that the world will not bring but will be fulfilled with the fulfilment of Jesus forever.

The letters that Paul wrote were preserved – for the sake of teaching 2000 years plus – and this section of scripture of being filled with the spirit is bracketed by writing of living victorious in Jesus – not gloating or peddling the Word of God – but being assured and assuring of the comfort of the Lord.

So – here is our study and our life – to live like Paul urged – free of death – and to

triumph in Christ – let us listen to this letter to motivate us to not judge or perish by the law but to live in the Spirit – to be the aroma of salvation – to live freely IN CHRIST – “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

THANK GOD

AMEN

…

(starting in chapter 2 of 2nd Cor. NKJV)
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3
Christ’s Epistle
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

The Spirit, Not the Letter
And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Glory of the New Covenant
But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

WOW – Give God Props!

Wow… I am amazed and thankful. I just watched this story on Instagram for the radio station WMMR. And as I was looking at all the October posts, I was BLESSEDLY SHOCKED to see that the stone piece I decorated for legendary DJ Pierre Robert, who legendarily said “God Bless the Grateful Dead” all the time, was in the video! The stone piece was in the studio!!!!

No mistake to me at this moment of scrolling that this was a “sign from God”. This is a handwritten stone plaque that I made and then gave to fellow DJ Jacky BamBam to deliver, which I handed over at a meet and greet in 2024 and which he promised to deliver) – it made it there. It is actually propped up behind the vinyl record player at WMMR in their vinyl cut station at the Pierre Robert studio… WOW!!!! Pierre would have seen it every day, perhaps for up to a year (others too – and now see it on social media)… WOW!!!

I HAVE TO GIVE GOD PROPS!

I mean, giving GOD KUDOS, as in “Proper Respects” as well as the actual physical props too, because I wrote it to bless the situations, bless the Lord and bless the Grateful Dead reference, I love their music too, and bless Pierre and Jacky too!!! WOW!!!

And in turn, God blessed me with it – because I was wondering that day – after a long but good day about the meaning of my path of the day. Yes, even thought we don’t have to work to get God’s salvation, we and I want to do our best to serve God in the day. I had given the sermon in the morning about shining the LIGHT – and wondered my impact – and I think was temporarily came over me was a struggle of the devil trying to get some headspace time in me – and I was not shrugging it off fast enough – but then I was able to shake it – as I decompressed and enjoyed a visit to the farm (and farm store) and the wagon rides where the apple pickers were going, then went down the road to pickup printouts from my writing of Sept at the local Office Max knowing that the printing and curating as well as the writing that I do is driven in me to keep going, then I drove to a girl scout event at the historical manor in a recreated location where William Penn resided a few summers. It was like perfect weather outside – with friends – with curious scouts and some needing motivation scouts – and wonderful presenters.

And I felt the peace of the Lord increase as the day went on ,just that I was “in my space” – “in my place” – “with my people” – helping and healing and having fun…

And when I got home, well that ability to be home with my kids, dinner, and I got in a phone call, and then scrolling to see the events of the day with the informal celebrations of the DJ Pierre – where they gathered down in the city – I thought about going to it – but it was better to be up with the scouts and the farm – it was better to let the Lord place me… He did and I enjoyed and even got in a good walk.

And props – I thought it was weird but not weird – that the people like that I bring props to my sermons – but I don’t necessarily want that to distract from the Lord’s Word – but perhaps it enhances or not for the presentation – I think others think it enhances… so OK… And all in all I felt – after the sermon – relief it was done – and relief to just keep going – move forward – don’t dwell – decompress but don’t dwell… and at the farm and then at the girl scout event I remembered that MOST of God’s people are not in the church building – they are all around us – and we best be the LIGHT wherever we can be – be the light and salt – everywhere we go… And that is how I felt the right place for me to be – and the right headspace – with God’s people increasingly throughout the day… I have to give God props – proper respect as well as the props.

Like the placard stone sign – a plaque now in a public space – I have to say “God bless the Grateful Dead” – God bless Pierre – God bless Jacky and all the staff at the radio – God bless the day – God bless the friends through scouts – God bless the farm – God bless the beautiful day and realizing it – and God bless the knowledge of God in everything we want to do…

Thank you Lord for props – for propping me up – for moving me forward – for being able to see the small impact in a big world.

God bless YOU God… Thank you for showing me that it is YOU Who bless each of us, even finding the right “pick me up” of us little me in a BIG world. You Lord, coordinate life to encourage the encouragers and move your love forward.

Shine on…

Amen

Here is the Instagram post, https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPg9ZVLAA9n/?igsh=MW5kMWdyMDF0aXZwMw==

Growing Community – The LIGHT of Jesus, Sermon

LIGHT OF THE WORLD – Carry the LIGHT out to SHINE – Grow Community – Share the Light of Love –

(Start with a visual – pretend to be holding a cigarette lighter, sweeping back and forth during a concert. )

You ever seen this? Or done this? Vintage era folks – what am I pretend holding? Yes a cigarette lighter at a concert – swaying back and forth… Now people use their phones. (mimic that)… And have you ever seen those light bracelets they give out at big sporting events or concerts? Coordinated during a show for a spectacular sight? It’s a sea of lights – a community in a cool way.

These are lights of encouragement, and they are lights that connect people. And of course entertain – but really I want to use these lights to illustrate our theme today:

1^st John 1:5 – “God is LIGHT. In HIM there is NO darkness at all.”

What about lighthouses? Lights for safety and navigation – to know which path to take and which rocks to avoid… Both tell the ships of warning them, but also beckoning them to know where the rocks are… The lights on a runway also help planes navigate too, oh what comfort it is landing in light and just light with no distractions.

Light in our darkness too is such a blessing… Light overcomes – Light beckons – Light illuminates – and I am NOT talking JUST about physical light, but this LIGHT of God, inside us and which we take in, that is key: “Your Word is a LAMP to my feet and a LIGHT to my PATH.” Psalm 119:105

We know that as growing community together we are blessed and we can be a blessing. This morning we illustrated so many opportunities our church and we had and have to shine the LIGHT – to help give HOPE by our actions – and by modeling Jesus’s LOVE as the gospel of John reiterated: In Jesus was life – and Jesus’ life was and is the Light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

If the darkness did not comprehend that LIGHT – then surely it couldn’t and doesn’t now know how to stop it – right? Amen to that? – and we have such a celebration that the Light of HOPE & Direction and of LOVE WON’T be stopped ! In our prayers of comfort – may we send out that message – that in God’s Time, all will be made right again – it may take longer than we want – but the Victory is certain.

Now we are called to carry this Light out into the community. The Light of Jesus which gives hope – we are to share it to a broken world that desperately needs this LIGHT.

David would write of this amazing JOY of Those Who Trust in God – Psalm 34:4-5, 8

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed… Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

You’ve seen that glow right? A glow of hope and of joy and felt it too – in our hearts…

There’s a great Christmas commercial – from 1977 (came after the 1971 original) People from all over the world holding candles, standing in the shape of a Christmas tree.

* Let me sing a little for you and you can chime in: “I’d like to teach the world to sing – in perfect harmony…” “I’d like to buy the world a Coke – And keep it company. (That’s the real thing)…

* Yes, it was first a 1971 Coca Cola commercial and then 1977 the Christmas one with candles is from my childhood TV growing up mid 70s with that era of commercials 50 years ago that resonate to this day… the lyrics and visuals are about reaching out to all nations and to all people – and bringing joy…

If we “share a coke and a smile” to all nations and people, then how about we share a smile and a spiritual HOPE … How about we share LOVE to let others know Whom brought the LIFE in LIGHT – Jesus came to give that LOVE freely with His sacrifice – Came into the world at that Christmas time – when the time was right…

And the truth is Jesus was and is and is to come – so darkness was lit from the beginning, IS being lighted now – and will be light-ing our way forever more – in growing His community. The community of Heaven

So, in our whole theme today we also pledge to share the hope. Pledge to share love in all it’s manifestations of giving and caring and sharing. And especially be Christians who don’t forget to believe that hope too.

Use the skill set He gave us – remember those fruits of the spirit – and the vine that Jesus IS within our branches. The gospel of John spurs us on: those who received Him, Jesus, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Back to a story of physical lights – Christmas and otherwise – How about the new tradition of putting up Halloween lights on the house? Well that is a growing trend – even all year round – sure it can be a little light pollution – but it is fun…

And surely Christmas lights, which are fun to have on your house, and are again mostly not seen by you, but by the other people driving by… we like to go see the lights that other people put up… it is something we do for each other.

My Dad in the early 1960s had big plywood pieces cut with holes. He made these himself and he used big pudgy lights and had a big pumpkin, a big candy cane, a big American flag for the summer, and an Easter egg and more. He was one of those early trend setters, made them himself – and they wrote him up in the 1960s newspaper… My Dad just wanted to share the light, just wanted to entertain, to encourage, and to bring some joy.

How much MORE is Jesus Joy – Gospel writer John tells us about Jesus Alpha and Omega – the Christmas when Jesus entered the world “when the time was right” prophesized by Isaiah – Jesus came as the eternal Word AND the true light – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:1-3 NKJV

Jesus said and says: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We share this light of hope to grow community – Sharing the Good News of Jesus – and how in His Light we have encouragement, joy, understanding, and direction – so much more than just physical light – a spiritual light is an emotional healing light – a truth – a motivational light to overcome darkness every day!!! It is surely not a coincidence that every day we get to see light overcome darkness – physically and spiritually – Even if clocks change – as they did last night – Jesus is ALWAYS on time.

We also heard in our scripture this morning about John the Baptist – sent from God – a Witness to the True Light – that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light – that was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

Jesus was foretold by “illumination” through the prophecies – and there is prediction right before his birth, these words by Zacharias, John the Baptist’s father – that his child was called to be the prophet of the Highest – to go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways – to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God… Give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke1

*** Imagine people in our community who look for that light –

*** Yes I brought props – my friend said once at a camp they handed out birthday candles and lit them in the immense darkness and oh the LIGHT even from such a small source was IMMERSURABLE – NOW imagine the LIGHT of God even more.

*** AND also IMAGINE Motel 6, they are “gonna keep the light on” for us! Now not imagine but KNOW the LOVE of GOD – keeps the light and hope – beckons us home.

*** AND imagine these glow in the dark stars. I used to cover my ceiling with them as a kid – they were charged up and you went to bed you were still entertained and comforted, you didn’t feel alone… We also KNOW God is always with us. We are never alone. (Please take some of these stars home with you scatter them at home.)

All this fun but we can’t ignore darkness – we can’t ignore the pain of living in a broken world – life is just plain tough for so many – and it will still be tough – the whole reason Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” was to illuminate the plight of the poor – yes for the whole history of time there is darkness – many have experienced it. And yet we are told not to let it deter us from being motivated to continue to BE THE LIGHT.

One of the sad parts about living in the world is that there are just people who want to cause trouble and this has hit all of us, time to time – no sugar coating. Yes, I have a story to share – nothing tragic but of a little sadness my family experienced well before I was old enough to know, it is not tragic, but I will use it to illustrate the point here – that we are to keep moving on, even in the broken world… So, like I said I was little but my family talked about an incident near our house – on our garage actually – and a child maybe 12, was playing with matches or a lighter and set fire on the garage either intentionally or accidentally from the outside – not sure – the child was from the neighborhood – I don’t think my dad pressed any charges – we were just the wrong place at the wrong time – perhaps it was just for this child’s folly over anyting, but damage was done and most all of those light displays I told you about – the big plywood ones were damaged along with that corner of the garage. Sad…

Only the pumpkin shape and most of the candy cane shape survived intact – the rest were too damaged. It was a small but significant impact not just on light displays but on our view of the world – 50 plus years later our family still remembers – with evil and of ignorance in the world – we do have a sad broken world… scorched marks like on the garage – those are but a reflection of scars that this life inflicts on us sometimes but we keep going. And sure we know many more worse things than losing part of a garage and the contents – we know tragedy unspeakable, darkness in droves – Yet – WE MUST KEEP GOING – called to survive and even thrive in trials – James in scripture speaks of strengthening and carrying on… Darkness is no excuse to not KEEP BEING THE LIGHT.

From what was not lost, in plywood and pudgy light strings, my dad used the left over wood to shore up the wall of the garage instead… Even just with one plywood left for the display of lights – the pumpkin – my father would still string up the lights once a year and set it up on our porch… I bet it was hard but He did it – maybe it was easy and a healing feeling to still share – a continuation of the JOY. Darkness will never overtake the light.

SO physically and emotionally and spiritually we will not let darkness win.

What about you and me? So, can we spiritually, emotionally, and in strength and hope, continue to SHARE? Can SHARING to inspire?

A famous well-known local DJ Pierre Robert passed away this week. Radio station WMMR – he was amazing for over 40 years – one of the “last DJs” who played what he wanted to play – People looked to Pierre for both his musical knowledge and because he was so connected to people – so generous to the fans – me included – met him few times and the outpouring of love this week due to his death reminds us that people are hungry for connection – people listening to the radio got the hope of conversation and the hope of comfort – like live music and life radio did and does. He did a thanksgiving show that comforted and connected. They said Pierre the DJ was salt of the earth – and isn’t that what we are called to be sharing the HOPE – grow a spirit in which others connect – we are also said to cling to what is good and be salt and light –

Isn’t that a good goal for us too – to grow community that’s connected. TO SHARE THE LOVE OF GOD TO A HUNGRY WORLD. Matthew 5 reminds that Jesus said: ¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I know we do help – and we are continually asked to keep putting up our lights to show the HOPE of the Lord – take the time – share the gifts –seeds to plant… We plant and another will harvest – and we harvest what others have planted before us. Jesus always told His disciples to “open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest”… That “the sower and the reaper may be glad together.” John 4:35, 36

Let me close by reading this cute saying about being a Christian – I don’t know the author – but it is fitting for this season: “Being a Christian – it is like being a pumpkin – God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you, that you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then, He cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.”

A close up of a text

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Yes, Thank you all for being part of our community – as a church, imagine how collectively we can share – how much more impact we can make. We can do this – and God will help us to help Him. We share and care in teaching and giving – everyday reaching community – and especially to grow the community of the Kingdom of Heaven.. We are knowing God’s Mission and there is nothing more important than us using our skill sets – our resources – our commitment to Sharing His HOPE – Everything will fade away but LOVE is forever…

AMEN and Let us pray – “Lord – we want all to know You – and to know Your Love – help us use our gifts to share and grown community – help us to invite those who hunger to feast at Your banquet – to have abundant life in You – to see and follow the Light… Lord – we have You as our strength – and we can do these things for You and for each other – Thank You for the HOPE and the LIGHT.

AMEN…

Legacy in Life, Longevity in Life Ever After

It is a great new fridge – beautiful and shiny – but it is the functionality that we like the most – and then after that we like that it is the exact same model as our 22yr old fridge and hopefully as reliable – at least for a few years – hopefully another 20!

I had to clean out the old fridge too many times when it would falter – the dressings and cheeses and long term storage things – got expensive tossing – it was unreliable and getting water leaks all down the floor cracking the wood… It was “sort of” working and in the band-aid approach to life, but after a while I opted for replacement – so that the next 2 to 20 years will be OK… I hope…

It was easy cleaning OUT the fridge – but the pause came when I knew I had to clean OFF the fridge door and sides – oh… that was emotional and strange and real…

But I knew there would be new – new fridge, new life, new hope, new salads and milk and cheeses inside, and new adventurous things to post outside…

But for this moment, I knew there was more than a fridge full of magnets and memories – posted things like student of the month and awards, art work, photos from weddings, magnets from trips, and a funny combined double manufacturing error of collection we had – like 2 forks in one bag and 2 covid masks sewn together in manufacturing error – for some reason the “kids” of 5 years ago were amused – and these got posted on the fridge next to the calendar and memories. Oh there was the side of the fridge, with comics and with a photo of “Granny Jane” our then neighbor at 90 to 100 years – she was wearing a fun hat in our photo – my kids and I met her and loved her – everyone loved her. And then there were important lock combinations and a few memos. More memories in the vacation bible school art crafted photos. OH – the values we hold of love and family and friends clung to that fridge as we clung and cling to them… Cleaning OFF the memories was bittersweet…

but I saved all those memories just as I saved all the stuff…

and now – I will recreate that – it might take me a while to get back to it – but I plan to recreate the same items in the same places… I took off it in a pattern and have the photos to recreate it – wouldn’t it be funny to simply print a photo of the old magnets and stick that up there…

Why? – because I can – why? – because I care of my own memories – why? – because I never lost the love of most of those moments – and just a few things will be discarded as not needed – most will stay. why? because I love what I love. We love what we love, and save trinkets to save space – and try to give them all space.

Isn’t that life with our Lord – we are cleaned out and rejuvenated on the inside – we have a new self – we have a new step – a new “chill” mentality like a cooling fridge – a new preservation mode of temporary treasures and yet the willingness to shed it all and start fresh… And isn’t that our Lord’s Life with us – a new shiny exterior that is the cloak of forgiveness and grace that cleans up the view. Paul would write: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2nd Cor 5:17 – and that is inside first and outside next..

And isn’t that the new life we step into everyday – old treasures – and new treasures to experience and only take snippets – fridge magnet sized memories of adventure and loved ones – but don’t try to overload it – but we do… and that is our next step – to make new memories and save a NEW spot on the fridge for those… take off the old magnets of irrelevance and put on new history.

All in all – be thankful that we are replaced with a new model in Heaven – let life continue in a better style with no energy drain or cost.

And as for legacy? that would be of our values – and when I had the fridge cleaned and my daughter came home, she had that gasp of an empty fridge – not inside because we have been dealing with that for a month of not-cooling – but her gasp was of the memories stripped from the fridge – I quickly told her that I saved them all… Legacy is that we show others and they also learn that we DO care about our past and our loved ones – and that we are willing to make the sacrifices to go forward… out and off with the old – and on with the new – that is what will step us forward…

Remember life, like the items in the fridge are perishable – and the treasures of earth like those ON the fridge will weather and fade – but the LORD lives forever and so will we in Him…

Amen

Peter (1Peter 1:15-25 NKJV) would write: “…as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. … Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Amen

Paul would write: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2nd Cor 5:17 NKJV

Jesus would teach: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV

Debbie Upper

A Child of God Awakening to His Love

Month: November 2025

What? Jesus!

Make Use of the Time Your Given!

999, One Upside Down at a Time

Thankful for Today

A Thanksgiving Praise Poem

Jesus is Prince of Peace

KING OF KINGS

Alpha and Omega and Everything in Between

A Daily Double of Life and LOVE

Don’t Trade Victory for Just Surviving

Oooohhhh, to be in the Midst

Not Without the Word, 1st John 1

God’s Busy Business, John 5

Pause before you Pitch, Remember to Reach, Reminisce, then Recycle or Restore

Living in the Mom-Moment-Momentum, a Tribute to my Friend

Good Internal Housekeeping – Paul’s Letter to the T – 2nd Corinthians 13

Caught Up to Heaven or Thorned on Earth – Paul’s Letter to the T – 2nd Corinthians 12

Spiritual Wars Abound – Paul’s Letter to the T, 2nd Corinthians 10-11

The 67 OPEN REFERENCE of Paul’s Letter to the T – 2nd Corinthians 6,7

A Cheerful Giver and the Cheerful Receiver, Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 8-9

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 2

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 5

It’s All About the Knees (and Garden Photos that Please), Psalms 30 and 29, Praises Divine

Please Pleasing God

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 4

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Cor 1

Paul’s Letter to the T – for Life in Harmony, 2nd Corinthians 2-3

WOW – Give God Props!

Growing Community – The LIGHT of Jesus, Sermon

Legacy in Life, Longevity in Life Ever After

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: