PREPARE

.

Pause

Repair

Explain

Pray

Act

Reach-out

Enlist

.

PREPARE

.

Participate

Rescue

Elevate

Pull-in

Acknowledge

Rally the Troops

Engage

.

PREPARE

.

Praise

Raise

Every

Prayer

Acknowledge

Rescue

Every Time.

.

PREPARE for JESUS to RESCUE

AMEN

It’s good I have my photos and notes, reality of the present is creeping in and the past is the past quickly going by. My memories are strong, and so were Joseph’s on day 4 VBS (at the beach church on vacation), teaching from Genesis 40’s, when his family came down to Egypt, in the famine, to beg food. Joseph recognized his brothers who were once jealous of his favorite son status, the fancy coat from their dad Jacob, also named Israel by God, and jealous mad that he told them someday they would bow down to him.  Joseph’s brothers threw him (after that dream interpretation) into a pit and then sold him off as a slave to travelers, who eventually took him to Egypt. (The brothers told their dad an animal had killed him). When the brothers came down to Egypt, some 20 plus years later during the famine, they didn’t recognize grown-up Joseph who was now second in command only to Pharaoh.

VBS on day 4’s, usually and this time beautifully, we learned about FORGIVENESS. “God gives us forgiveness” was our scripture. For Joseph, it was tough, but he granted forgiveness to his brothers, after seeing a repentance in his brothers. There is a great story about a cup hidden to look like Benjamin stole it, being framed for the theft, and his brothers came to his defense and offered their lives for his – so Jesus like… And Joseph’s sacrifice of his easily understandable potential vengeance, to be forgiving of his brothers, that is also so Jesus-like. Likewise, especially when we look at the New Testament teachings, Jesus asks for our repentance, our sorrow and our soul, and also to be humble enough to take His Way over thinking we could do this ourselves (that’s a connection to Peter, Jesus said He HAD to wash Peter’s feet)… Peter HAD to accept it – and so do we… Jesus saves – Jesus gives forgiveness.

VBS friday day 5 – well well the family was all back together – Jacob came down and the israelites prospered for 400 years – fittingly I went into day 6 vbs for me (day 2 for my other friend’s church) to getting out of Egypt with Moses, and day 7 and day 8 (for me) in yet another friend’s church talking about God showing Moses a burning bush to get his attention to tell him to lead the people and later a story about Joshua leading the people forth into the Promised Land. Yes – full circle seemingly convoluted circle but full circle of the people being led into prosperity over famine (south to Egypt), strife, and being slaves – such a consistent story from the bible. And oh on day 5 vbs, we learned that this big big family of Joseph GREW – overtime – over 400 years before we get to Moses. Wow they expanded and the many tribes thrived and then, as I experienced in days 6 7 8 of my vbs at 2 other friend’s churches, God led them all OUT of Egypt to preserve this line that were His people. Talk about persevering!!!

(oh yeah on day 5 Egypt vbs we had an ICE CREAM PARTY for our big family!!!!!)

My favorite part of VBS week, I said jokingly, were the snacks, LOL, and they were good.. but of course my new family with these folks is a favorite memory, and yet that is not the whole truth – my FAVORITE part was/is God putting me where I was supposed to be – and my JOY jumped even more when I gave each child a bible story book (365 days stories from Genesis to Revelation) and a simple dollar store bible – this was the first bible most of these kids received. A sweet little one said he asked his grandma where their bible was (it was at there regular house not this vacation house), and immediately he opened up his new bible (dollar store KJV) and started reading – wow – that sight was the hydration for my soul that will stay with me – the children meeting Jesus in their own special way. I explained that the book of bible stories for children was an even more adapted version for them – that is where I bookmarked the Joseph stories.

For we are all children of God through our faith in Jesus Christ, the scripture for day 5, meant we should love our brothers and sisters. I felt the love – and we love the children for sure.

For vacation days 4 and 5, we went to climb that lighthouse I had seen days earlier. We ate lunch in all the quaint village houses of town – awesome place. and then I even bought my “vacation treat” – an artwork of a 45 record adapter, yellow, on a round canvas that states ADAPT!!! that is totally biblical! and personal! and not about adapting your truth but adapting to truth and adapting your approach to live adaptively (in all things) and ALSO using the tools, like an adapter for records, to make things work at their speed. Go with God’s Speed for you.

Well, I thank God for His placement and slow down speed for me that week of vacation. I finished day 5, all packed, but had to chat with the vet at the emergency room for my cat (who is now improving greatly) and took that call after getting my 3rd lobster roll of the week – yum. I was exhausted of course and pulled over at a rest stop on the expressway – 40 minute subaru-nap so needed – and then as I pulled out I saw the car accident aftermath – rolled over – airbags deployed and even the washer fluid was dangling out – and I am not sure anyone could have survived that – one car – I don’t know – but I know that the Lord reminded/reminds me to “number my days” – appreciate life – go at HIS Speed which is often SLOW DOWN – and also that listening to Him and to my body – and taking that extra 20 minutes of nap could have saved my life too…  I thank the Lord for His ways over mine – and I accept the forgiveness for which He worked so dearly for – and will keep going…  

I have VBS days 1-7 done – and days 8 thru 19 left – in my VBS in July month… 

BLESSED BLESSING BLESS.

AMEN

Well – the middle of VBS is usually and truly when people feel most tired before that boost of the end of the week kicks in – it was truly blessed to be in a great set of teachings during VBS Egypt at the shore – “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God”.  My wisdom told me that this was a GREAT way to spend the week and God was right!

And here is where I need to mention the teen helpers – wow amazing – and wisdom beyond their years with taking care of the little children. Three helpers total, two per day, and we got to meet Joseph again, like on monday, the 20-something sweetest young man dressd as an AMAZING Joseph – this time we met him in the palace and he was SO glad to see us – telling us that the one true God was giving him wisdom to help pharaoh – not just interpret the dream but then prep their supplies for the famine ahead – store away extra grain each year. Joseph helped us see what one-fifth of grain looked like by having the kids pretend to be bags of grain and then picking some to be set aside for the famine years. It was listening to God and saving the day. He gathered so much he didn’t even have to count it after a while. Joseph credited God and so should we – when He gives us the ideas and places us where we need to be.

For vacation day – we played it low key in the afternoon – first visiting the close by revival Camp Meeting grounds – where it was quiet but I felt the Spirit of old revival – so cool the gingerbread decorations – and I love the big late 1800s early 1900s revival tabernacle. “We will go into His Tabernacles. We will worship at His footstools… Come before His presence with singing. Come forth into singing o forest and every tree thereof.” (from Psalm 132)

From there we went to the fish market for fresh crab cakes and swam in the pool and then cooked them up for dinner – quick and easy – (AND MY NEW PHONE ARRIVED!) – and then we were off to the Bay and a whole group of special needs adults went on the rowing machines and then out onto the water with guide rowers in each boat. I rode the boat circling the bay over and I had to take a photo of this buoy that said “SLOW – NO WAKE” to tell the boats to be calm – which I appreciated because I forgot to leave my purse in the car and although I was not afraid of falling in – I was afraid to lose my stuff!. 

All good – and I told the kids the next day that I was thinking of the amazing stained glass that we had looked at that morning – of Jesus standing in the boat and telling the wind and waves to calm down. YES – I was asking Jesus to calm my wind and waves too. I was not just in a boat – but I was in a boatload of thought – with my new phone half charged and I was awaiting a report on the cat – chatting with the vet – and so I needed some calming of Jesus to know what to do and say and also to keep going on my way. And how to calm the kids and to be the thinker. (I am grateful for all the good care and advice and how the cat seems to be improving so much just in a day or two now)…

Well – If you need wisdom (or a calmer boat ride) – ask God…  I was grateful for the day – and especially for the Lord.

Amen…

At VBS we had a great time with our family kids – nine total – wow NINE – in my group this day – loved it – of course there were many helpers all the time – the new ones I was able to catch up early in 10 minutes time on the whole story of Joseph (which is also one boy’s name) and on the activities – and that is when you really feel sanctioned and blessed by God to be equipped -to have the skills and the stories – to teach the kids one on one – as well as a group listening. This older boy really really enjoyed the obstacle course. I loved the VBS snacks – honey on a date-fruity nutty textured cracker.  Everyone dug into the bible story time and marketplace activities. We learned that Joseph was using his skills to interpret the dreams of the Cupholder and the Baker in prison (and the bible does not sugar coat the words for what happened to the baker wow! And at our closing we also were surprised at the things God was doing – we had the most fun activity at closing by using the sponge animals in the small capsules that expanded in water – what a surprise – and I taught that Joseph must have prayed and prayed while in prison for God to rescue him – for Pharaoh to learn and let him go. When we pray, God hears, and God can and will intervene to help us with the situation and/or help us deal with the situation. God does surprise us with such good things. (and I was so happy to use the stickers that I brought as good gifts all week)

AND VACATION day 2 –  after VBS we had outside lunch at the bay from a new-to-me place – great lobster rolls again for lunch and not too crowded and then off to the beach to meet another sister of my friend – free beach – great temp and splurged (because this IS vacation) on close parking $5 (LOL so cheap) for the 4 hours we stayed. I think as a beach, it is one of my new favorites for easy enjoyment. It has the long stretch of gradual water no sudden drop off – so we could wade out past the breakers to the rolling waves part – so nice since the waves scare me! but this was good and we sat and chatted and rested – we watched a big castle and big whole get completely dissolved with the higher and higher tide that invaded our chairs too! (one of my favorite new things to do was to put my chair right in the water waves and let the waves come – so nice!  We then washed off with their new water spigot rinse stations on the boardwalk and went to the Farmers Market with live music – a small nice event – and it reminded me of the devotion that I pre-wrote about music – using music to get connected with people for spreading the messages of God – really we do connect with the music!!! 

After the farmers market, the storms started popping up! oh the clouds so cool… I think thunderstorms always remind us that God means business and is not afraid to put us thru tough things and we find His protection – either physically or spiritually. The storm passed and we saw the sunset.

When we are in a storm – we can pray for God to help us get past it – and He does… He does…

Amen – fun fun fun

I’m on vacation – doing VBS at the beach-close church and then beach in the afternoon. Using a 7 topic piece of advice from John Wesley for a week’s worth of devotions that I will pre-release on my blog page – free up my mornings for jumping right into VBS…  Have a great week!

Seven of John Wesley’s Practices Can Change Hearts Today – an article by Roger Ross: Tactics that John Wesley used to get the Word of God out… The author of this blog reminds us to use these tactics ourselves! Seven practices emerged as characteristic of the early Methodist movement.

NUMBER 7 – Use Mass Communication to Get the Word Out

“In Wesley’s day, the mass communication tool was the printing press. Wesley wrote numerous sermons, treatises, tracts, and books that were distributed to a wide audience to fuel the movement. Thousands of people who never heard him speak came to know Christ and grow in Christ through his writings. Of course, today the Internet and social media enable anyone with web access to have a personal platform previously unimaginable.”

 http://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2016/160330_article.html

(AMEN – I am a media Christian – meaning that the media – social and spiritual were crucial to get me the data that my head needed to understand and be moved to change – to learn – to know how God was moving in my life – to reach me. And therefore the use of media today – like printing in John Wesley’s time – is SO crucial. GOD WANTS TO BE KNOW – WE ARE HIS HANDS AND FEET – showing love in action and dropping hints of His Love – like sharing books – like giving away the little cards that have bible verses on them – stickers  – encouraging words painted on rocks – etc. These can be priceless God-sightings to the viewer at the right time!!! The Word does not go out without doing some encouragement before returning… and to get people to come to the Word, just like any event, you’ve got to make it available to them, invite them, get the word and the Word out!!! AMEN – Keep sharing my friends!!!)

I’m on vacation – doing VBS at the beach-close church and then beach in the afternoon. Using a 7 topic piece of advice from John Wesley for a week’s worth of devotions that I will pre-release on my blog page – free up my mornings for jumping right into VBS…  Have a great week!

Seven of John Wesley’s Practices Can Change Hearts Today – an article by Roger Ross: Tactics that John Wesley used to get the Word of God out… The author of this blog reminds us to use these tactics ourselves! Seven practices emerged as characteristic of the early Methodist movement.

NUMBER 6 – Give the Ministry to the Laity

 “A team member who rides the bench and a Christian who sits in a pew share an eerie similarity — they both watch other people play. Christianity was never designed to be a spectator sport. As the early Methodist movement grew rapidly, Wesley soon took his mother’s advice and allowed laypersons, both men and women, to oversee classes (small groups) and preach in the society meetings (large groups). When he released the energies of the laity, the ministry multiplied even faster.”

 http://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2016/160330_article.html

(AMEN – YES – We are the church!!! And we are all able to share the Word – and absorb it ourselves – go directly to the Word – the curtain is torn – nothing to keep us from Jesus directly. Then we can share – be educated in the Word – as Peter suggests in his letter. And SHARE SHARE SHARE – connect with others in your own experiences. Connect with them in theirs! AMEN)

I’m on vacation – doing VBS at the beach-close church and then beach in the afternoon. For a week’s worth of devotions that I will pre-release on my blog page – free up my mornings for jumping right into VBS…  Have a great week!

Seven of John Wesley’s Practices Can Change Hearts Today – an article by Roger Ross: Tactics that John Wesley used to get the Word of God out… The author of this blog reminds us to use these tactics ourselves! Seven practices emerged as characteristic of the early Methodist movement.

NUMBER 5 –  Everyone in a Small Group for Spiritual Growth

“As Wesley began outdoor preaching in various sites around England, he soon noticed a troubling pattern. Without intentional support and encouragement, people who had moving, even ecstatic experiences of God while he was preaching would soon fall away from their newly awakened state. To provide responsible spiritual care, Wesley would only preach in venues where spiritually awakened people could be placed in small groups or “classes.” His goal was not to see people have a single encounter with God but to have them experience real, lasting life change through faith in Christ. Such transformation of heart and life happens best when people do life together with a handful of others who become a spiritual family.” 

http://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2016/160330_article.html

(AMEN – I know that my small groups are ever necessary to talk things thru – from me to you and the Lord to you to me – TRUE! AMEN!!!!)

I’m on vacation – doing VBS at the beach-close church and then beach in the afternoon. For a week’s worth of devotions that I will pre-release on my blog page – free up my mornings for jumping right into VBS…  Have a great week!

Seven of John Wesley’s Practices Can Change Hearts Today – an article by Roger Ross: Tactics that John Wesley used to get the Word of God out… The author of this blog reminds us to use these tactics ourselves! Seven practices emerged as characteristic of the early Methodist movement.

NUMBER 4 –  Use the Music of the Culture

“Gregorian chants in Latin and heavy German music were standard fare in church services in Wesley’s day. Although the words were meaningful, the music was a complete disconnect with the common people. It didn’t speak their heart language. In his travels, Wesley found that pre-Christian people connected most easily with the gospel when it came through their native culture. He encouraged his brother Charles to put gospel words to the popular tunes of the day, and it caught people’s hearts. Speaking in terms people could understand was part one of cracking the cultural code; music that touched the modern day soul was part two.”

(AMEN – OH HOW WE NEED TO SING A SONG THAT RINGS IN OUR HEARTS – AND IN OTHERS!)

(I have to chime in that the VBS music speaking to the kids is important – Hey Hey Hey – that is a phrase in the set of these videos for the VBS session Egypt. It connects and instead of a CD – there are youtube links. Other music connects with others. And the instruments and the mixing boards and the microphone checks and the whole genre and industry of music is something to tap into for faith. God will have us all sing with perfect pitch one day – but for now – we should just sing His praises in whatever voice we have – He hears – “He makes all beautiful in His time” Ecclesiastes 3:11)

https://youtu.be/zGsRzJxNES4?si=CPZCJbLbA4ItTh71

I’m going to be on vacation – doing VBS at the beach-close church and then beach in the afternoon. For a week’s worth of devotions that I will pre-release on my blog page – free up my mornings for jumping right into VBS…  Have a great week!

Seven of John Wesley’s Practices Can Change Hearts Today – an article by Roger Ross: Tactics that John Wesley used to get the Word of God out… The author of this blog reminds us to use these tactics ourselves! Seven practices emerged as characteristic of the early Methodist movement.

NUMBER 3 – SPEAK PLAIN TRUTH

“In Wesley’s day, the Church of England didn’t connect with the real lives of everyday people. Ironically, the ministry of Jesus was just the opposite. When Jesus spoke, “the common people heard him gladly.” Wesley longed to bridge the gap between real faith and real people. Although he was a highly educated Oxford fellow and deeply steeped in the Christian tradition, he refused to parade his scholarship. He chose to speak plain truth for plain people. He intentionally shaped his language so common people could gladly hear the gospel and respond.”

(AMEN – OH HOW WE NEED TO HEAR WHAT WE NEED TO HEAR WHEN WE NEED TO HEAR IT! And the Lord knows how to speak the right way at the right time – through His Word and through His people – and the messages delivered in new contexts will help reinforce the Word – it is not how the Word changes, it is how we hear the Word. The bible has SO MANY stories that relate to today – so if we read our scriptures we can apply them to real life – and if we want to share scriptures, let us make them accessible, not just in every language but in everyDAY language – letting the people see how they relate because they do. AMEN!)

I’m on vacation – doing VBS at the beach-close church and then beach in the afternoon. For a week’s worth of devotions that I will pre-release on my blog page – free up my mornings for jumping right into VBS…  Have a great week!

Seven of John Wesley’s Practices Can Change Hearts Today – an article by Roger Ross: Tactics that John Wesley used to get the Word of God out… The author of this blog reminds us to use these tactics ourselves! Seven practices emerged as characteristic of the early Methodist movement.

NUMBER 2 – Go Where the People Are

“When the love of Jesus Christ gripped Wesley’s heart, he knew he couldn’t keep it to himself. There had to be some way to reach the vast masses of people who would never darken a church door. Initially, Wesley was convinced the gospel could only be preached in the stained-glass setting of a church building. But with so few people attending church services, he was forced to consider other options. Reluctantly, Wesley began preaching in the open air. He would find a high spot on the edge of a city and speak to whoever would listen. Crowds of three, five, even ten thousand people would gather. Many of them were touched by the spirit of God and awakened to their spiritual state. A revival in England was born largely because Wesley was willing to take the gospel where the people were.”

 http://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2016/160330_article.html

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMEN – I can’t imagine this not to never be a choice we have to make – we should ALWAYS get out to the people because more and more our thoughts of revival are to be out with the people and not people at our door… I imagine the multitudes who need God and God wants them – and when I would go to church with 20 people and then later step into a busy store like Panera, and there would be double that in one store across this state this country this world – well, God can’t afford to have us JUST in a church – we HAVE to be out into the world. Fitting for VBS – I am a willing volunteer but there are fewer and fewer VBS events and kids – we have to make the convenience amenable to the people potentially who come – not just convenient to us… We have to make the welcoming open and not “hey they don’t go to our church” which is exactly what I heard 10-15 years ago. Well, no, but how would you welcome a new person to church if you didn’t welcome their kids. Well, God knows right well that the welcoming of HIS KID, Jesus, was not convenient nor expected to those who didn’t know Jesus was coming TO earth – and we similarly don’t remember that Jesus is coming back. We need to be out to meet the people like He did – that does not change our truth or His Way – but modifies our logistics and our tactics – modifies our sense of going with the world’s flow instead of His flow and glow. We need to follow Jesus – and Jesus is walking EVERYWHERE!!! 

AMEN

There is common sense, 

There is Scooby sense, 

There is Spider sense, 

And There is “Shut your trap, the Lord is doing something here!” sense…

YEAH!

And that’s what we need, to TRUST the Lord in enough to watch Him work, trust that He IS working, and follow HIS Plan, not ours.

Work the situation, Work the scene, Work the problems, work the solutions. But there is no “work the spirit” – because it is the Spirit to work us.

And the Lord will work from His whole OTHER set of logistics, not ours. Let me call them LORDistics, not just logistics. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Last night at the Vacation Bible School meeting, the scripture on the notepad matched the scripture on my bracelet, which is one given out at my friend’s funeral last year: “I can do ALL things through CHRIST, Who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13. Scriptures like that, which show up ALL THE TIME, include scriptures like “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Rom 12:12. In other words, the LORD is working His LORDistics over your logistics.

A LOG-istic that my friend is dealing with is the repair to her house which had a tree LOG crush part of the roof – hey no big deal right? well it JUST went on the market – and well and well…  But the friend had just moved out – the room was empty – no one was hurt – there are insurance claims and adjusters doing their thing – there are logistics to the LOGistics – and there are MUCH bigger plans that the Lord has for the situation where she is now – helping with her grandkids and well and well and well –

Well, I will choose to see the LORD-istic in this all – and that is what we should be looking at all the time – the LORD-istic OVER the logistic – and the LOG-istic too. There is a Process, There must be prayer, patience, petition, persistence, and perseverance.

And I can’t help but think about the scriptures of Joseph and His dream coat, and the years of tough life and then in Egypt (a Vacation Bible School theme I am helping with next week), as Joseph is able to rescue his brothers, all of Jacob’s sons, and his father Jacob, and the Egyptians, well…. that was a LORDistic for sure. Joseph would say: what was meant for evil, the Lord meant for good!!! Genesis 50:20

May we wait on the “LORDistic”, accept the logistic, be the optimistic, and be Spiritualistic. THAT is the hope in the Abundant Life, the Lord promises, TRUST HIM!!!!!

AMEN

Isaiah 55 NKJV
An Invitation to Abundant Life
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.
Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the Lord your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you.”

Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

“For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the Lord for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”

THE Lord will perfect that which concerns me.

The LORD will perfect that which concerns me.

The Lord WILL perfect that which concerns me.

The Lord will PERFECT that which concerns me.

The Lord will perfect THAT which concerns me.

The Lord will perfect that WHICH concerns me.

The Lord will perfect that which CONCERNS me.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns ME.

We (I) have a lot that concerns us – but the Lord – He is MORE than all that – MORE than a lot – MORE than us and MORE than our concerns.

We can take strengthening in His regard for us – Our hope is in that He knows us and pays attention to us and lifts us up. 

His Mercy is the amazing gift of giving grace to the imperfections, and He answers our concerns just as He catches all our tears.

If there is anything we are not good at, we can rely upon Him to find our answers, our helpers, our path.

If there are items we are concerned about, and people and things, He gives us unworldly advice not to ignore things around us but to look at them like He does, with grace and mercy and forgiveness.

If there is anything we don’t know, we can ask. If there is anything we need, we can ask. And when (not if) we fall short, He provides the ability for us to recover.

Lord, You give us of Your Glory – let us know that You will perfect THAT which concerns me – by either perfecting me, or perfecting THAT, or perfecting the concern and bringing that concern into place where it belongs in the universe.

Without You, Lord, we would be nothing. So, WITH YOU LORD? We have everything we need.

AMEN

Psalm 138 NKJV 

All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord,

When they hear the words of Your mouth.

Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,

For great is the glory of the Lord.

Though the Lord is on high,

Yet He regards the lowly;

But the proud He knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;

You will stretch out Your hand

Against the wrath of my enemies,

And Your right hand will save me.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

The Priestly Blessing -Numbers 6:22-27 NKJV 

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” ’

“So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

—

I had the snippet of a dream where Jesus was holding up plastic bag and explaining this verse printed on it, that He wrote it to remind God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit truly do intend to LOVE us forever.

AND THE BLESSING MUST COME, BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE AND HE WANTS US TO KNOW HIS BLESSINGS.

I’ll take that as a dream anytime… I’ll appreciate that as a reality too… The Blessing!!!

May we all remember that we are children of God Himself!!

Amen 

A moment to be, just be.

A moment to see, just see.

A moment to snore, or explore.

A moment to ignore, or implore.

But let me just see, what it’s like trying to just BE.

Because summer, you see,

Is a best time to be.

Relax, enjoy, before it gets more crazy.

One day, you’ll see,

That all we have to be is BE.

Be.

Amen. 

The wind blew! 

The trees many flew!

The sky blotted out the blue!

But God was TRUE!

God also KNEW.

God knew His timing is something we can not undo.

We must trust in His Plan – TRUE!

We must go with it – roll with it – and know He will get us THROUGH!

So hold onto your hats, I know you do!

Times are always changing and blowing life seemingly askew.

But God and God alone will be our Rock – TRUE!

And let us praise for God’s sake, for me and for you.

Amen

The Sun is Shining. 

The words are rhyming.

When things fall into place,

It’s God’s timing.

.

But it’s not easy to understand all time and space. 

It’s not always easy to run this race.

Whether a fast or slow pace,

It’s best God’s Plan that we embrace.

.

There’s trouble in this world. 

The strife heard and unheard.

Natural and man-made crises seem absurd.

But it’s all predicted in the Word.

.

So do your best.

Let God take care of the rest.

Pray Prayers, Praise is best.

Keep smiling and in God, get rest.

.

In sun, by moon, in dark, high-noon,

Don’t traverse this earth in gloom.

In Best Spirits, travel the roads we roam,

All while knowing Heaven is our Home.

. 

Amen 

Opportunity doesn’t just knock, OPPORTUNITY KNOWS…

I had the opportunity to accompany my youngest on a drive on an errand, a quaint and quiet town for a cloudy Tuesday – that was quite fine, not too hot and not too cold, not raining at that moment.

And instead of stressing about using up too much vacation time, I instead realized THIS was the type of opportunity that I should be looking for, in the present. Yes, I would have enjoyment in vacation, so why not a mini one now… I switched my mindset and called myself of work for a half-day… yeah… I realized instead of saving up for theoretical vacation that I would like with my youngest, that this actually fits part of that bill. And it’s nice to have an opportunity to talk, sightseeing, and just be.

And walking, I took notice of the mulberry tree, squish, purple mess, I also wanted to eat one but I didn’t.. it’s a memory from growing up. I have lots of memories, good stuff, but that I don’t need to repeat, it’s time for NEW ones. You know, it’s still not too late to have memories and make NEW memories, just like the flowers and trees come alive again, so can we. I look forward to more adventure opportunities with both my kids. And yes, as a napkin pack stated in a gift shop, they have to be patient with me because I’m from the nineteen hundreds!!! LOL!!!

Walking, we also saw a 911 memorial with some of the steel from the World Trade Centers, remembering that my youngest wasn’t even born yet and gets to understand this in a new way. There is much to teach in the new generations.

This morning, I heard about a woman my same age who passed away, a celebrity chef. I also heard of a local woman who passed away who left a son the same age as my youngest. You know tomorrow is never promised here on earth, only in heaven. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Ps90:12

So, yes… Let us get into new memories… Opportunity Knocks and Opportunity KNOWS!!!

Get traveling now!!! Be with the ones that you want to be with!!!

And always look for the OPPORTUNITIES…

Buried, Risen, only to be buried again???, that’s what my Jesus plush doll looks like, buried under a pile of my own paperwork, which I know is important but I couldn’t tell you what was in it. And gee I hope I paid the bills!

Each of these plush Jesus dolls from the Hallmark store have a slightly unique look, so I think the doll has a “trying to be non judgmental” but with an all-knowing smile, even a smirk at our humanness. Because we all know that Jesus sees right through us.

Don’t worry, I’ll get through this paperwork sorted, it is nothing more than 3 inches. I’ve actually been filtering instead through somebody else’s paperwork recently for helping my friend move.  She has made TREMENDOUS STRIDES and will skip town with the moving pods early next week. It’s kind of addicting helping people and projects, the project fits my personality and mental quick processing mind to match my fingers. After helping at least 4 different friends at different times clean out their backlog of paper, I pretty much know what I’m looking for (sort, shred, save, stash away for another look). I even understand history and vintage things up to 100 years. I’m fair in saving and trashing the uncleanable. And you do have to look at everything. 

Shred to the right, recycle the folders to the left. Take out the binder clips but leave paperclips. Be thankful for free shredding drives. I’ve done this numerous times – I pull up a chair and just decompress my day while my mind filters the paper…

And the same is true with cleaning out my family farmstead, up north (we are not cleaning it out but cleaning it up, honestly it can become a museum in my opinion). That cleaning has no quick time frame, like my friend’s who is moving. But up home those folks are not getting any younger in their 80’s… At my farmstead, my most treasured treasures are the people who still remember the stuff. This makes for a more delicate sort but also a chance to reminisce.

We are on God’s time frame, so we are to remember the people who won’t always be around. In all occasions it is good to remove the excess 25 to 125 years of paper and shred and recycle… and it’s even more important to remember the memories. But if there’s too much stuff and everything is important then nothing is important… so we must weed out the clutter and rescue the memories. 

It’s especially important to LOOK – to underearth the treasures, this can range from a Dad’s dogtags to a child’s artwork, you don’t have to keep everything – there are treasures for someone else – that is valuable in the universe of sharing. And in cleaning we can go through our own memories and appreciate the past that doesn’t have to follow us in paperwork. (and remember things that USED to be important even stressful and don’t even ring a bell now)…  Time heals all wounds… And so we might want to save items that can be token not necessarily big, knowing the experience is treasured. Of course the love is forever. 

They say there are only two certain things in life: death and taxes. But don’t forget the LOVE… there is certainty that there is LOVE because God is LOVE and God LOVES us. This can be squishy plush LOVE or tough LOVE towards us, it is always AGAPE love over the top and more than we deserve or could understand. And our LOVE of mercy and grace will bring us closer to Jesus. We need to bring JESUS into our lives and rise Him up in our piles that need to be shed. And by raising our eyes to focus on Him we raise up His values and our hope. Find Him in all things. 

He rose once, we don’t need to bury Him again!

Let us be more like Jesus in Love and in looking above!

Shed the pack, don’t pack the shed.

Don’t ever pack away love, unpack it and take it forth.   

Amen 

—

John 15 NKJV

The True Vine

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Love and Joy Perfected

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

The World’s Hatred

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

The Coming Rejection

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

I had to get a photo – of this minivan with a magnet saying “Do you follow Jesus this closely?” – cute – but a good question…

There was another road construction stretch yesterday – and wow that road was smooth and fabulous – they were still painting and I thought to take a photo of the template set down before the arrow was painted – so interesting to use a dotted line template before filling it in. This is how I pre-wrote letters for my kids – especially of their names when they were starting to learn how to write (they both are well educated now and marvelous in being smart – my daughter just got her first review and a glowing review it was! plus a raise! yeah! my son is interested in pursuing higher education more too – and I keep learning!)

As for a scripture for following Jesus – I think the dotted lines are appropriate – because we know the direction but how that arrow is filled in will be so unique to us and to how the Lord must make it brighter and brighter for us to really understand. This arrow was faint but I saw it – the next one will be painted and clear – the next level would likely be an overhead sign, and then there is the all out “flashing lights” for direction you can’t miss and/or traffic light addition that could be used for regulation. All in All – the direction is to THAT direction. 

We need direction and we also need that forgiveness when we go the wrong way – sometimes we don’t see the arrow that is faint – sometimes we are asleep at the wheel – sometimes we are purposefully plotters of plodders into muck and mud or a disastrous wrong turn. In scripture story, King David took some disastrous wrong turns and paid the price in both sorrow and being pursued by enemies. David went down the wrong path, but he did then look for the light – the flashing light of LIFE in Jesus. Psalm 25 prays to be forgiven, delivered, and set on the right path again. We should all pray this… Keep my soul, and deliver me… Show me… Teach me… Lead me…

If only we could follow as closely as a car magnet – or have our dotted lines and lives filled in by our glorious painter for clearer direction. If only we keep on the road that is newly paved for us. If only we recognize our only way to Jesus is to ask forgiveness and for His Loving Kindness – Mercy for the sins we do, Grace for the acts we can not repair but do repent for. We must turn to prayer for everything in between… 

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth…

Amen

Psalm 25 NKJV

A Plea for Deliverance and Forgiveness – A Psalm of David.

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed;
Let not my enemies triumph over me.
Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed;
Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name’s sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man that fears the Lord?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses!
Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.

Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all their troubles!

Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. 

The Lord has been so good to me and even especially to tell me that I am OK – I have the ability to count my blessings, which after salvation is probably the best gift He has given me personally in my soul gratefulness, allowing me to then do everything else in my life… 

This is a poem I wrote a while ago in November – “I put away my stressings, to count my blessings”. Funny how I remember writing it but don’t – must be some Holy Spirit inspiration. Now I re-release it for  my hardworking friend who is moving her whole life’s worth of stuff across the country – I send this writing back out as a re-release with New HOLY SPIRIT power…

In the yard sale and packing and sorting – we worked HARD over the weekend – and made lots of progress – physically and mentally. Our bodies HURT – hers worse – but made marked remarkable progress. Yes there is more to do but it CAN be done – that is the best thing to know: IT CAN BE DONE… thanks for prayers…

And to work though mental blockages of “this is too hard” – my friend put it in gear when she needed too – the moving momentum of Jesus’s Will within her – and we put the pedal to the metal and “got it done” – THIS was the PENTOCOST of life in movement… She will be sharing with her grandkids all about Jesus, in their language – the language of little kids – and she will inspire others immensely…

Here is the poem I wrote before – so fitting today for many – including myself – “I Saw Today, I Was OK” – editted somewhat from before.

Let us count our blessings – know we are OK.

THANK YOU LORD – our souls know we are OK. I am OK.

Amen

A Poem: I Saw Today, I Was OK

I saw today my neighbor with a repaired broken hip,

No one likes hospitals but seeing her BIG BIG smile was well worth my trip…

I Saw Today, I Was OK.

I put away my stressings, to count my blessings. 

.

I felt cold today from frozen toes,

But the cat begged and then was SO con-tent outside, so you know how that goes…

I Saw Today, I Was OK.

I put away my stressings, to count my blessings. 

.

I walked today slowly politely behind a man with a crutch. 

He had just one leg, a loss I can’t even dream as having such.

I Saw Today, I Was OK.

I put away my stressings, to count my blessings. 

.

I held today cash to pay some bills.

I can make plans. I can even plan some frills and thrills.

I Saw Today, I Was OK.

I put away my stressings, to count my blessings. 

.

I heard today recorded 911 calls from a school shooting, a voice crying. 

A brave 10 year old begging help for the dying.

I Saw Today, in vast comparison, I Was OK, my own children were OK.

I put away my stressings, to count my blessings.

.

I consulted the Lord today. 

There is so much UGH in life’s fray.

There’s cruddy stuff on the airways.

Friends turned foes these strifeful days.

We must rise above the crud TODAY.  We must choose LOVE today.

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I consulted the Lord today. 

A broken world can not heal in any human way.

So there ARE prayers, 

There ARE HOPEFUL prayers.

Why don’t we pray for others today. 

Accept our own blessings and say: “I am OK.”

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When I have called upon the Lord, He gave me peace, He showed me love.

He gave me action or inaction with pondering. He sheltered my day. 

He responded to my past jams with His amazing plans. I must believe Him now, He told me He will resolve all my troubles, our troubles, in HIS WAY.

.

I Saw Today, I Was OK.

I put away my stressings, to count my blessings. 

.

Let us wait on the Lord and pray. 

Amen

—

Psalm 116

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;  he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!”

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”

What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains.

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord— in your midst, Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord.

You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.

I enjoyed the randomness of Saturday. I try walking by faith not by sight, Saturday makes that easier especially when you put all your whims into God’s Wind – the Holy Spirit to take one anywhere – even just around the corner. We are to walk by faith and insight… which of course isn’t possible for us to know everything that God has going on. Which of course events are not random anyway… because every day is a great day to listen for God and His Direction. And today is celebrating Pentecost. God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to just do His Will – and to move in His Power – and even to rest in His rest.

I enjoyed enjoying the whole day Saturday, EVEN if EXHAUSTING, by helping my friend with her moving estate sale… Sunday is another busy day with the sale after church and wrapping up stuff as she gets ready to move, prayers appreciated. Honestly these are prayers answered because it’s really happening and progress has been palatable and God given. I appreciate that we don’t live because of a God whim but a God WIN and a God WIND blowing the stress and stuff away. All good things come from God, and this coming together is all good, ALL GOD. 

In faith I enjoyed helping, as well as talking to people.  The people at the sale included our first customer, a woman from West Africa originally who told me she was so happy as a child and all she had was one pair of flip flops and now as an older adult here in America, she marvels at her own addiction to shoes and why we are such consumers. However her amazing fashion sneakers, name brand, she got at a yard sale for a dollar. I would have to say that as Americans we are consumers but by looking at the piles of things we have, we’re more like those people who have way too much on their plates and they just keep moving it around.

Then there were the metal scrapper guys who were like the best guys in the world SO HELPFUL. They filled up their truck, but also they were moving stuff and helping with other customers to just enjoy chatting in a rainy morning situation when you had a great garage to work in. And wow we had some big storms and big winds but that garage stood still.

I enjoyed my multiple trips to donate items. It’s unique when you roll your car up and they give you a whole big bucket to fill. It is unique when you look at the volume of stuff we have and we could get it for practically free if we just didn’t mind it was used.

OK back to the sale and more interesting people. I found myself putting on a costume space helmet and waving at cars. As it was lunch time by then, and I impromptu made a delivery of an old fashioned push lawn mower, the guy was tickled pink, and even game me a ten dollar tip… with the cash in hand plus I had a twenty, I had the awesome randomness of driving right by the market. Oh! A power outage at a stretch of road made the novelty of pitch black at the market with the exception of everybody’s cell phone flashlights, everybody was orderly, pleasant, KIND even. Funny situation but every one still wanted their food – and had to be more patient with the situation. Everybody seemed to be doing fine. Everybody got their donuts and their barbecue… and hardly even had to wait in line. It was cash only but plenty of people had it. (They said power came back on within two hours.)

Back to the sale and enjoying lunch. More people and personalities – more rain and randomness – more God motivation.

So yes I enjoyed enjoyed the whole day, but wow my back – too much lifting and not enough resting – but that because it is my own fault for not resting… But I was having fun wearing myself out and well, ibuprofen and rest and the Lord brought it back to OK – and to start a fresh day – I am PRAISING that my legs and my back feel so much better and ready to start the day. I also know other people who need prayer so let us pause and pray: Lord, bless, teach, and sustain us another not-random day. 

In my recovery, fueled by God, rest and ibuprofen, I can see the devotion right away. One could say that my recovery was IN reconciliation PHYSICALLY. First achy then OK. So how much more could we long for in reconciliation SPIRITUALLY? Broken then WHOLE. In Jesus we are WHOLE. And what will we do between now and when we are back with the Lord spiritually because our then physical situation has finally failed us in death? Well – we will WALK BY FAITH – not by sight… and rest by faith too.

Yeah…

In faith walking by faith each day is in an easy hard way – and man, it is a HARD walk to walk like you think Jesus would walk you and approach interactive situations all the time… It is IMPOSSIBLE for Man but only with God is it possible to keep walking…  

We need Jesus to be more like Jesus. That is where the Holy Spirit is here to help!!! Pentecost – the wind of the Lord is the Win of the Lord. Jesus came, Jesus left and Jesus sent an advocate to accomplish His Will in our Work. And His Work is to LOVE. Know we are loved and then love God and love others because God loves them.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ – that scripture is a command and a wish and a hope and a life to live. To be an ambassador FOR Christ is to meet the people where they are, and remind them of the hope that comes from Christ – and GIFTS INCLUDING the self-control, the faithfulness, the gentleness, the JOY, and all those other things that come when the Lord puts His fruit onto YOUR branch of HIS VINE…  We can’t do anything without Jesus – can’t do anything AS an ambassador for Christ unless we let Him have His Will…  For we walk by faith, not by sight. 

I am just now listening to this very energetic and sweet sounding bird outside my window. It is so nice to be able to sleep with the windows open. I think these birds chirp by faith. We should too. We need to sing of Him – LIVE BY FAITH AND INSIGHT!!!

Amen

2 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.

Acts 2 NKJV
Coming of the Holy Spirit
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The Crowd’s Response
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

Peter’s Sermon
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

A Vital Church Grows
And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

To have an audience with a 3-year-old is a TREAT, talk to them and then you are going to learn something. 

I was resting from many hours of yard work and drove down to my friend’s house to dig up a blueberry bush, gifted from her imminent move. I dug it (there are already blueberries on it!) then resting some more, a car pulls up in the driveway. A man came to look at ladders for sale (this house has a HUGE garage and this upcoming weekend is a garage sale worthy of calling it a garage sale!). Well, right behind him comes not one but two then three cutest little girls, cute cute cute. I am glad that my pausing begat watching this parade of spunky little cute girls. Each child is precious in God’s eyes and ours too.

The dad went into the garage with my friend and the girls asked “do you live here?” – “No, I’m a friend from church”, I replied. I explained that I was the helper that day and clicked into Sunday school teacher mode when they said: “we go to church too”, conversing especially with the 3 yr old and 4 yr old who were intensely interested in the cat. I appreciated the time to watch the wonderful wondering of their minds. 

The two youngest had been touching everything all over the patio, stones and trinkets, and intrigued by the pond frogs, and well, using the top of the statue of Mary, her head, to steady themselves while traipsing the balance beam of the garden edging. 

Of the youngest, 3 yrs old, I asked: “do you know who that statue is? It’s Mary. Do you know who Mary was the mom to? gave birth to? in the Christmas story?” 

A quick, no pause answer came from her mouth (and surely the Holy Spirit): “GOD?” … yes, she said “God” with a 3yr old’s inquiring and reassuring comfort… Yes, pleased as praise, I confirmed “Yes, God…”  I can still hear the resonance of that wonderful sound of God’s name from the young babe but old soul.

There was no time for a philosophical conversation about the Holy Trinity, Jesus being God and man, simply she gave an answer to satisfy: “God”… and I thanked the Lord for the girls’ church leaders and teachers, their parents, for all who teach 3 yr olds who then can encourage us with faith. God knows and loves us well before we are born – and we are but to unearth the rich jewels of the Fruit of HIS Labor, like the blueberries to come – they are fruits to be harvested when ready – like the spirit-led thoughts that come out of our souls.

God Loves Little Children, these little children are tomorrow’s teachers, leaders, parents, and forever children of God. Knowing God is first, knowing about God is next, and knowing the stories will confirm their knowledge base. This is where I remind you that summer is upon us and vacation bible school is a GREAT way to teach little ones, and reinforce the Bible messages in yourself. There is nothing greater than to help raise up a child of God – in each of us.

God blesses these little children, and us too.

May we all know how God searches us for His Knowledge, then speak it from the mouth of a 3 year old…

Amen 

—

Psalm 139 NIV
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
They speak of you with evil intent;
    your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Romans 12, a Life Changer FOR GOOD

The TOUGHEST thing about being a Christian is putting in a GOOD effort to be more LIKE Christ – it’s that forgiveness piece which is SO TOUGH. 

And if we are to forgive our enemies, let alone those who just tick us off, that means we should try EVEN HARDER to overcome evil with GOOD. Go the extra mile… Don’t confront just to win… Bring the stress level down by forgiveness… Diffuse and make a difference as a peace-keeper.  Don’t only just be ignoring evil to bring it to an even score, but add an extra level of GOOD in goodness, ADD GOOD EVEN MORE!

ROMANS 12 IS SUCH GOOD ADVICE FOR US TO KEEP LIVING AND IMPROVING. IT’S A LIFE CHANGER, FOR SURE AND FOR GOOD.

It’s like trying NOT to be annoyed, it’s like trying to NOT think so worldly, even if everyone else is, it’s counting blessings and NOT be jealous, it’s giving of yourself more and more until all you can give is Jesus’s level of giving. It’s TOUGH, and that is the blessing to have Jesus when we struggle to be Jesus. Yeah, let us do our best and let the Lord take care of the rest.

“Vengeance is mine” says the Lord… and so is forgiveness…

Romans 12 also advises about the spiritual gifts that the Lord gives us,  and that we all are to WORK TOGETHER and not be jealous or getting out of our lane, but do what the Lord has called us to do. If having “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, LET US USE THEM.”

THE MORE WE USE OUR GIFTS THE LESS THE LAST TIME WE WILL HAVE TO GRIPE. . 

I NEED TO HEAR THIS EVERYDAY. Please read ROMANS 12 as a Life Changer FOR GOOD. 

Amen 

—

Romans 12 NKJV – Living Sacrifices to God

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Serve God with Spiritual Gifts

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Behave Like a Christian

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

—

Proverbs 25:21-22 is a wisdom piece for the ages, life advice from King Solomon to be kind even to your enemies: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.”

Loving More

I can feel the news cycles slowing down about the new Pope – which was the flurry of news activity that I also appreciated. He won’t slow down and the crowds won’t slow down but the news will. Now, we perhaps will see there are people listening more to the messages that may be shared openly to the world about the mission of the Catholic church and especially about the Love of God. These messages are surely going to bring passages from the bible and stories from the bible out into the public to hear then again or maybe for the first time. The Bible is very Viable – it is a living Word of God – and when we share it, we are sharing Jesus directly. It helps others see how Jesus lived and to urge them (and ourselves) to be more Jesus-like in action and especially trust in God. 

I appreciated the recent homily of new Pope Leo – his homily at his inauguration, where he talked about Peter being reinstated by Jesus after his denials. Pope Leo’s speaks of a missionary church – offering Christ’s Love…  LOVE IS GOD and GOD IS LOVE – and this is the crux of the cross – the most important meaning for Jesus is to LOVE and to bring the ability for Love to come to all – all who are sinners and make them saints by the blood of Jesus. And because this love is sacrificial, then we can offer God’s Love because we are loved.

Pope Leo specifically spoke of Peter and how he was blessed by Jesus to have the reinstating-like triple questions after his three denials of Jesus on the night before He was betrayed. But that this ALSO was a reminder of purpose – to keep LOVING and feeding the sheep of God’s children. In the imploring of how to live his life in service – of how to love – how to love LIKE Jesus using the LOVE that God sends out. AND WE LIKE PETER – that we also can not love like God without ACCEPTING the love of God to USE IT. Let us pray to change our lives to make us into the disciples He wants us to be.

If there is anything that we can do to make our lives more missionary – it is to share LOVE. To show the bible to be viable, we need to live LOVE scriptures – Jesus LOVE is MORE – and we can use His love to feed His sheep…

LOVE MORE!

Amen and please read the snippet below about Jesus and Peter from Pope Leo. 

Here is the 11 minute video and below is a link to the transcript – and excerpts for the transcript.

Pope Leo states (excerpts):

“Love and unity: These are the two dimensions of the mission entrusted to Peter by Jesus. We see this in today’s Gospel, which takes us to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus began the mission he received from the Father: to be a “fisher” of humanity in order to draw it up from the waters of evil and death. Walking along the shore, he had called Peter and the other first disciples to be, like him, “fishers of men.”

“Now, after the Resurrection, it is up to them to carry on this mission, to cast their nets again and again, to bring the hope of the Gospel into the “waters” of the world, to sail the seas of life so that all may experience God’s embrace. How can Peter carry out this task? The Gospel tells us that it is possible only because his own life was touched by the infinite and unconditional love of God, even in the hour of his failure and denial. For this reason, when Jesus addresses Peter, the Gospel uses the Greek verb agapáo, which refers to the love that God has for us, to the offering of himself without reserve and without calculation. Whereas the verb used in Peter’s response describes the love of friendship that we have for one another.

“Consequently, when Jesus asks Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (John 21:16), he is referring to the love of the Father. It is as if Jesus said to him, “Only if you have known and experienced this love of God, which never fails, will you be able to feed my lambs. Only in the love of God the Father will you be able to love your brothers and sisters with that same ‘more,’ that is, by offering your love your life for your brothers and sisters. Peter is thus entrusted with the task of “loving more” and giving his life for the flock.”

—–

“We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: In the one Christ, we are one.”
—–
“Brothers and sisters, this is the hour for love! The heart of the Gospel is the love of God that makes us brothers and sisters. With my predecessor Leo XIII, we can ask ourselves today: If this criterion “were to prevail in the world, would not every conflict cease and peace return?” (Rerum Novarum, 21).

“With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit, let us build a Church founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made “restless” by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity. Together, as one people, as brothers and sisters, let us walk towards God and love one another.”

—

whole transcript at https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/pope-leo-xiv-homily-inaugural-mass-transcript

I am remembering favorite times that God used me for His mission without my thinking it was in “my plan” – well God always knows best!

Here is a post where I was upset that the posters I had put IN FRONT of the church were taken down and then put in the back (which is where our entrance is) – well I wanted the cars to see them but oh well – and I stopped being upset because God found a way to show me that my labors were not lost and really I got to view that a different purpose was found…  yeah – we serve because God has a plan… even if we don’t always understand.

GOD’S CHILDREN – July 2017

So I have to tell you how God lets me witness touching moments… I see so many, God tickles me into joy with opening my eyes to see Him in live action… Yesterday a little boy, maybe four years, comes out with his grandma after Vacation Bible School… He says “mom-mom, mom-mom” and pulls her over to the sign that had I made with each of the Bible scripture lessons and Bible Buddies and found them placed in the back garden – which was fine – so that perhaps parent or grandparent would glean the Bible messages while waiting in line to check in. Originally I was going to put the sign somewhere else but that doesn’t matter now, God must have had other plans for that sign, I realize over and over again life is NOT my plan but His plan…

“Mom-mom, mom-mom”, this cute little boy continues… “This is Sal and this is Radar, and….” … He tells her all about the VBS Bible Buddies which help our children understand the scripture messages. He was trying so hard to make sure his mom-mom was focusing on the pictures, understanding what he wanted to teach his mom-mom all about.

See, we are not JUST teaching our children the Bible messages, they are teaching US!!! Children are a living Bible…. God has empowered these sponges to soak up Bible teachings and spread the WORD. How sweet and touching to listen to those innocent words of a child? The grandmas and grandpas LOVE to listen… the children LOVE to share the LOVE… perhaps they don’t yet know this love comes directly from God, but surely we know by now that God has instilled His Spirit into every child… Jesus in their hearts – He gets to play as a child, and He would grow with us if we feed HIM…

I pray, that we all remember our own Child of God beginnings and haven’t lost the appreciation of those touching small and large God-sighting moments. God is using us to reach others,  using our lives to teach… Wants us out there sharing the love…  He loves us, we are HIS children, forever…

Thank you Lord for letting me witness You in action… Thank you for your children.

AMEN

I am going to switch gears and think of the favorite VBS writings that I have – for memories of where God used me where I didn’t know but was just trying to follow Him to wherever He led… This was a moment for sure – and captured in a photo – wow…https://debbieupper.blog/2019/09/16/where-do-i-fit-a-one-sheep-vbs-moment-20jul-715/

THIS is a memory from 2019 when I had to cancel our VBS and was gratefully accepted (along with many of our campers and volunteers) into a neighboring church’s VBS – I went NOT as a director but instead a “spare” special assistant to watch over my friend’s daughter who was recovering from her surgery – wow – this was 6 years ago now – wow – amazing…

This blog is a day in that new vbs where I stepped away from my “job” watching and chased down a disgruntled 7 year old… This story is about accepting that you are not always going to be doing “YOUR” plan – but participate in God’s plan…  YEAH! and sometimes you don’t say anything right but at least have eyes and fast legs!

Where Do I Fit? a One Sheep VBS Moment, 20JUL2019
Ah, my friend caught a precious VBS moment in a photo…

VBS is not just about fun, it is having faith that God needs you to be present where He places you.

Where do I fit?

The most important scanning of a new situation is to see where you plug in and where you can make a difference and to discern why God put you there that day.

I was NEW there – not the leader like I was in my old church – but I did NOT feel that weird in a new Vacation Bible School church because I figured I could be helpful, somewhere…  I did wonder how I could contribute, I wondered how God would use me and I made myself available for His plan. That morning I saw random needs: I folded t-shirts and I placed nametags on people who didn’t think they needed them – they did… A former or ’emeritus’ VBS director ALWAYS scans the scene…

In the opening session for one particular day, middle of the week, God made it SO clear of His answer to my question of “why am I here?” The answer came in one sheep – I noticed seven-year old Jayson pouting on the floor, 2 rows back from the well-behaved 16 five-year olds that I was assigned to…. I saw him not participating, disgruntled, ANGRY at Grandma and the world…. No, I never met him – but knew what an angry 7year old’s “HMMPFFF!!!!” was all about…

The five-year olds were fine with 6 leaders present, so I was able to break away and down I sat, on the ground in the sanctuary… Eye to eye… Really it didn’t matter what I said to Jayson. I just tried to listen.  And then… in a flash Jayson took off!!! Running down the side!!! I ran!!! Yes I ran!!!…. I  yelled “Catch him!” but three adults were totally oblivious, they did not… I caught him just at the back door – and I was thankful!!!…

WHEW!

“God, this is why I am here today”… “Thank you Lord that You enabled me to be aware, to run, to catch, to be present…”

That afternoon and the next day I stood guard watching him in the pews, he was much better, doing the singing, he was OK for his Grandma. I even saw him chatting with a friend.

See, that’s what working for God is all about – it is about being present, aware, asking the Lord: “where do I fit?” – It is NOT “what’s in this for me?” – We are to ask: “What’s my role – where can I be the servant?”…

Running AT camp is where God used me this year – I was NOT running a camp (as the leader) but running AT camp… “Where do I fit, Lord?” EXACTLY where You placed me.

There’s no better week than VBS week… NONE…

Thank You Lord for VBS sheep! I am one of them – thank You for catching me too…

Amen

A little poem for VBS:

Sweet Sheep, Jesus heard your crying bleat.

You are not forever lost, your found is just hidden down deep. 

.

Reach out to Jesus, He knows, He searches, He sees. 

A path to follow is in your life, wherever He leads. 

.

So hold tight, don’t worry little lamb, 

See the Light, and just follow God’s glorious plan.

Amen

—

I’m happy to have taken lunchtime out in the great weather, with VBS scriptures open as my refocus for the shortest respite. There are GREAT volumes of the Word, which guides us, and TINY nuggets too. Even in a great forested garden, I’m not lost here in thought, but grateful for my mentality to be FOUND. 

Mental health surely starts with knowing we are not alone. We can pray and know God hears.

VBS day 2’s saying from True North is “When we feel alone – TRUST JESUS”. Yes, blessed to find VBS PREP time in the scriptures. The Word brings us hope and help. Jesus stated that He knows the little ones are never left alone, like wandering sheep are found. And Jesus stated that we are not to worry, God provides to us all we need, now and forever. Look at the birds – and know God provides – so don’t worry! I know in these scriptures that we are gifted VBS prep time, we know what to do, now just need to embrace it and do it! Remember our blessings!

My Aunt would have be 87 this week, she loved activity, she would love being outside. She loved us as family. She was fun. I wonder, in her death, 4 years ago now, if she was a believer in Jesus, but I don’t know.  I do know she wouldn’t have been one to dismiss faith, maybe just it was never brought up, as she wasn’t brought up in it. But she shared holidays and saw others, got messages on cards. She had reverence, I remember, for faith-folks, like the ministers at my grandmother’s or my aunts’ funerals. She had a sweetness of not telling us (kids grown but still kids) about her worrying, and we didn’t even know how sick she was, I doubt she even knew. And when she passed away she was gone so quick… She seemed to have suffered a long time but still was joyful and fun. If she worried she only told a few. I do miss her. I remember our conversation of the last zoom call from her locked down intensive care unit under many precautions (both covid and other) – and that she was chipper to hear me – she seemed to have an internal lack of worry or at least compartmentalization. She passed the next evening. In pandemic lockdowns I wasn’t able to get to the funeral, yet facilitated a zoom for it. But I don’t think I will ever have complete closure until I see her again – I pray to Jesus to see her again in whole health and in joy. That’s where I also place my trust for Jesus to take care of her.

My hope is that she is at best rest. And my faith knows Jesus’s reminder that God would never let us perish alone. I hope in faith for her faith and have hope in Jesus the Rock. I trust Jesus that He showed up to her at the time she needed Him most.

If we are to trust in Jesus, then let us drop our worry, and keep walking. God’s got us. God’s got the lost, the asleep, the rest. I believe that. I trust in Jesus. 

Amen 

—

Matthew 18:12-14 NIV

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

—

Do Not Worry

Matthew 13:25-34 Jesus said: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Speaking to a friend while driving up home, many hours, we cover many topics, especially since it was over 2 hours of a conversation. The important one for me was about approaching Vacation Bible School – about decorations and registrations – and then focusing on me, about how much I hold back waiting on the new leader and wouldn’t you know it, the Lord had 2 signs for me in the heart of the conversation about me and my existence – to flip it back to WHY we serve the Lord – they were signs of license plates: “4 KIDS” was the first and “Dive In” was next. YES – the most important aspect of Vacation Bible School is SERVING full force for God, for His Kids, for the Kingdom. 

Jesus Blesses Little Children – Matthew 19:13-15 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

It’s rare for a sign to drive by you, like the cars did, both faster than me, but it’s not rare for the Word of the Lord to come alongside you and be real. It really is for the kids, them and our inner children to be more kingdom focused. Approaching Jesus and being accepted and welcomed. 

Let’s dive in for this IS Summer Vacation Bible School season!!!

I’ll start with the scriptures in my next future blogs and let’s go from there… Jesus welcomes us to learn too.

Amen…

DIVE IN…

Oh yeah – HOPE over Hype – and Hype means anything that sets you off – pushes your buttons – and throws you off-kilter. 

In contrast, HOPE is God and GOD IN CONTROL!!!

Like that text message you wish you had not read, on your way to work or somewhere, and if you had not read it then it would not have spiraled you into a rabbit hole of angst or anger or pain or whatever distracting it could spin…  that is where staying calm, saying “NO” I won’t let it bug me, I will remain believing the God is IN control!

I had to laugh, here is the ad banner just above the scripture of the day, emailed to me each morning – maybe I should pay for the no-ad version of Bible Gateway but whatever… SO this advertisement was for Nostradamus and other ‘haunting’ crazy predictions about this year – like hype hype – even the sponsor was a hyped up name…  but the scripture just below the hype ad? Well, the scripture was classic HOPE over hype. From Paul to the Philippians: Be anxious over nothing – keep praying!!!!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7

YES – so it is not that there aren’t crazy times and horrible times – but we need to believe in HOPE and we can keep the faith – and use it!

So don’t get frazzle-dazzled today by somethings that throw you off – keep calm and keep HOPE.

HOPE OVER hype.

Amen

Better EVERYTHING by the Lord to be our ALL IN ALL

Better BUILT by the Lord

Better PLAN by the Lord

Better HANDLED by the Lord

Better ADVISED by the Lord

Better ADAPTED by the Lord

Better TEACHING by the Lord

Better GROWTH by the Lord

Better CHOICE by the Lord

Better ATTITUDE by the Lord

Better BEHELD by the Lord

Better HELPED by the Lord

Better KNOWN by the Lord

Better BETTERED by the Lord

Better RECOVERY by the Lord

Better ATTENTION by the Lord

Better STANDING by the Lord

Better SURVIVED by the Lord

Better HONOR by the Lord

Better SAVED by the Lord

Better EVERYTHING by the Lord

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Isaiah 28:16

Better RELIANCE UPON the Lord

Better SACRIFICE THROUGH the Lord

Better HONOR FROM the Lord

Better LIFE IN the Lord

Better EVERYTHING by the Lord

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 1 Peter 2:4–7

AMEN 

Jesus Christ has Risen Today! Alleluia!!!! Blessed…

Sunrise Easter service, I am glad I found out about it, a great way to be appreciative of today, starting early… This was in the cemetery overlooking the lake… 

This is where some of my family rests, and where my pre-paid plot is. I’m very grateful that Jesus pre-paid my rest in His resurrection too… 

Here is my poem for the day:

Death has no sting, 

That should be a familiar ring.

For we die but soon after WE WILL FLY.

There is a Heaven to behold, above earth and sky.

.

So on Easter we know, 

Our faith in Jesus has to grow.

For Jesus paid the price, 

Jesus is the Christ. 

Jesus paved the Way,

For our lives this very day.

Let us pause, praise and sing,

Let us have immense JOY, let JOY ring!!!

Amen

—-

I was blessed to read Acts 10:34-40 at the service, having arrived early enough to volunteer. 

Peter’s recounting: ” Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every people anyone who fears Him and practices righteousness is acceptable to Him. You know that the message He sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after baptism that John announced; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but GOD RAISED HIM ON THE THIRD DAY and allowed him to appear.”

AMEN

To Know Jesus is to KNOW:

Jesus is MORE than we could ever imagine.

Jesus is the Passover Blood
Jesus is David’s descendant
Jesus is David’s Lord
Jesus is our purifying fire.
Jesus is establisher of His Kingdom
Jesus is the greatness of His governing

Jesus, our Victory
Jesus, our Righteousness
Jesus, our Hope
Jesus, our Lord
Jesus our Savior
Jesus All in All…
Wonderful counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace

Jesus is the Author of never-ending Peace between God and man…
Jesus is the sword of truth, as the divider
Jesus is the conqueror over evil
Jesus is the crusher of the snake
Jesus the lamb suffering
Jesus the burden holder
Jesus the healer of our ailments
Jesus the healer of our sin
Jesus the conqueror over death

Jesus, Immanuel, God with us
Jesus our brother
Jesus our Shepherd
Jesus the Teacher, “Rabboni”, Rabbi
Jesus as God’s Chosen Son in which He was and IS well pleased
Jesus our Groom for the church as a Bride

Jesus is our daily bread
Jesus is our breath
Jesus is our Strength
Jesus is our Spirit
Jesus is our Judge
Jesus is our forgiveness

Jesus our JOY
Jesus the Christ
Jesus Holy Redeemer
Jesus the Blood
Jesus the Body
Jesus the Sacrificed

Jesus the Master
Jesus the Servant
Jesus the Word made Flesh
Jesus is Love
Jesus is the LIGHT…
JESUS is THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

Jesus, is Alpha and Omega, beginning and end.
Jesus, Messiah, more than we could EVER imagine.
Jesus walks to the Cross this week –
FOR GOD – and FOR US.

Amen and AMEN

Oh – ten years since my first real realization Easter and I am blessed to remember the story of Jarius’s daughter because that is the story of ME – of me as a child asleep in her faith and at God’s direction, Jesus swooped in and woke me up – hand in hand He Raised me.

Yeah…

10 years ago my reading of a pretend narration that could have been made by Jarius’ daughter was perfect for me – meant so much for me to read at the sunrise Easter service that year – my first year awakened. Our Pastor sure knew how to pick up on my awakening. 

This was a speech that “could” have been said by Jarius’s daughter and sure was and IS said by me – and the first line is “I was not surprised that the man who brought me back to life rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion. I was proof that he had power over death.”

Here is the rest of my writing – where I was acknowledging that I was still dissecting this new creation that the Lord put together in me. I am GRATEFUL to acknowledge that I am God’s Daughter STILL!!!!

10 years ago:

“I was not surprised that the man who brought me back to life rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion. I was proof that he had power over death.”

Yup Yup Yup….  that’s me in a nutshell… I am not surprised at hardly anything that God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit do anymore – not surprised at all… sometimes I question the timing and say “Really God?” but I don’t question the motive. And, I say “Really God? – little me?”  So much time and energy that God has spent just for me? – unreal… but He is doing this for EVERYONE and not just me – I just am blessed to notice it more and more.

I so realize now that I am not the one who this “corrective action” was for.  Sure, it happened to me and I get to benefit in the glorious happenings – but really, I have to say that God chose me as a servant – which is not a surprise. For my whole life,  my family has raised me as a servant to serve others – I get the greatest joy from seeing others happy – I am just happy to be me and to make others smile….  So yeah, it is not a surprise to me that God took me and said: “OK girl, let’s fix you and put your head on straight and focus you on what you are supposed to be here for” – and now He says: “Let’s Roll!”

So – it is/was the strangest experience to have been “awakened” – in Jesus’ eyes I (as Jairus’ daughter) was simply sleeping – in people’s eyes I (as Jairus’ daughter) was completely dead and they were too late and there was nothing they could do and why even bother…  Well, at least someone DID bother – and for me that somebody was God…  God bothered to think of me – even with everything He holds in His hands (as the song lyric goes: “and He makes time for me, I can’t understand…”).

I now see in this very recent stage (now three months after my awakening) that I am in a new phase – which I am calling the “SELF-AUTOPSY” phase – I am dissecting and examining every aspect of self – to the detriment of time sure, but hopefully to the glorification of God, so that at the bare minimum it is to figure out how I got here and how can I sustain where I am – one would hate to fall back asleep –  I vow to NOT let that happen to me – and I doubt God would ever let that happen anyway, He’s got plans, I can plainly see…  He even made my sins clearer to see – and when the Devil is creeping up in old or strange new ways, it has become so much more easy for me to spot it. Even the mundane sins are still sins and it’s a binary 0/1 or on/off designation – you are all sinners doesn’t matter if you killed someone or did something “light” – still sinners in God’s eyes…

Yes, this self-autopsy has me WIDE open – and I don’t mind – as Jarius’s daughter (in the play) says: “It’s not been a terrible sacrifice.” – which is true – I have been easily telling my tale now – not a problem God, it’s OK, if you are guiding me I will follow. Does it matter what others see, no it doesn’t matter to me…. BUT – it does matter to those people who see it.  They either don’t want to see it – or don’t even notice – or they are at least curious and want to see it – and in that case I am happy to share. I have not yet had to scare people with it – but I wonder if that will happen – probably.

SO, there are some SQUEAMISH people out there – they don’t want to see my spiritual blood and guts – they might get tired of seeing my sins and/or my saintly moments strewn out for display – think about some carefully preserved glass jars of formaldehyde with my parts preserved for eternity…  BUT, there are also some JADED people out there – it doesn’t even phase them to see what is going on with me – they just keep walking – don’t pay any attention to someone that God has opened their whole heart and soul for the world to see…  nope, that doesn’t even register with those people. This is EXACTLY like the times when I can walk down a hallway with a red clown nose on – or easter eggs glued to the top of my car – and they don’t even crack a smile (I love it when the people are trying to hold back and be serious – but it gets them and they fight the smile – they just don’t want to be moved – but it starts to creep out of them)….  BUT – there are tons of those curious people – well, it doesn’t matter whether they are ambulance chaser folks or just super interested in how this happened to me or curious or scared how and IF this might happen to them….

Jarius’s daughter says (in the play version): “I must give my life to the one who has given it back to me. I have to surrender my desires and follow his teachings instead.” – and this I know: there are going to be some more painful trials ahead and yet I won’t have to endure any of them without God’s reassurances, Jesus’s hugs, and the Holy Spirit’s lifting presence. 

OK God, Let’s Roll!

—–
Mark 5:35-43 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.”But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.