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.

.

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.”

.

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!

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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.

I made it just in time, our favorite takeout Asian food, 930pm plus 2 minutes… I called ahead and they know me, they must have a lot of return customers, remembering order preferences, but closed is closed if you are too late. They were calling me as I walked thru the door. I made it… something for my kid, miso soup for me…. mmmmm…. good…

Here’s an amazing “lamb” scripture – not the food but the Savior, Revelation 19. It does relate to food however – TAKE IN food – not TAKE OUT – because we are going to be IN Heaven and the food there is going to be unimaginably good – healing – nourishing – tasty – I have no idea – and yet I am sure that there would be no need to get “take out” from any other place. No place could be better than heaven? Right? Jesus is our groom to us as the Bride of His Church. The feast is the wedding supper of the Lamb.

Supper’s best is Jesus’s ready offering for us to sit down with Him as His Bride. Can you even imagine looking at food when you are looking instead at our Lord Savior? WOW. Jesus is our best revelation in our life, and we can keep hope with Him as our friend and forever companion.

Revelation 19, revealed to apostle John, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Please read about this amazing event:

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

Revelation 19:6-9 NIV

I can’t imagine any better food being fulfilling than our “Take in” Daily Bread of Jesus now – but in the meantime before we become face to face with our Lord, let us hunger upon HIS hope and HIS peace – and TAKE IN all the goodness He offers.

Amen

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FYI The Song of “Supper’s Ready” is not just a great Genesis song from way back, 23 minutes of a song, it talks of scenes imagined from the book of Revelation. I listen to it not as the Word, but as the reassurance that our Lord is in control!

The Supper’s Ready by Genesis https://youtu.be/9hKYpNpajpI?si=za67vceiDSXRfX9d

God is Nigh, which means God is close, that’s all I know of Taps, which is good to resonate in my head from the hauntingly beautiful bugle serenade of my uncle’s memorial service yesterday, a beautifully warm day in March. We stood briefly as time was still but not, overlooking the pond, with a military gun salute so beautiful in appreciation of service to country.

The day, as the night before, was filled with family and love. My uncle was a man of faith as well as full of love for his family, many grateful folks spoke of his gentle nature and being truly the one going down “the road less travelled” – quoted on his cremation box – his favorite Robert Frost poem, whom he met, and had autograph a copy of one poetry book. 

The Detroit Lions memorabilia was sweet, my uncle appreciated his teams, his fun, his life… My uncle was full of life. God does that, He makes us energetic and appreciative. 

The Lion of the Lord then ROARS and calls His cubs of children HOME. The Lamb of the Lord, Jesus, leads His little dutiful sheep, secures them as their Shepherd, and carries them Home. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Lion and the Lamb. Jesus is our Lord and Master, Friend and Savior, Helper and Healer, and Heavenly Hope. 

Thank You Lord for Your Lion’s Roar of Loyalty and Your Lamb’s Save for Eternity.

Amen 

(And Uncle Joe, say Hi to Jesus, to my Dad and our family and everyone for us. We will meet you again in the end, and new beginning… amen)

Recently – I saw a scene – and it was a moment that I could not hear what was going on but I knew the scene – I knew the frustration – a little boy (it seems) was well behind another sibling and perhaps their mom who was leaving – and the boy was protesting and crouched to the ground and frustrated and well, I have imagined this into the scene because we have all been there – at least I have – and the stubbornness of a tirade or the frustration of not being understood – or the temper tantrum induced “I give up” that the mom felt and acted upon…  They were leaving and perhaps nothing was resolved – perhaps in the car the conversation was important about consequences – at least this is how I saw it in my long-view – of the little boy on the sidewalk… And maybe I am envisioning the mom’s frustration too much but I have been there… Maybe she was showing tough love and they left the event – which is frustrating in itself…  Ah yeah, been there, done that – things are better now – those times with little ones is a far memory for me…

“The Lion lays down with the Lamb.” – We have heard this phrase taken from scripture but what does it mean? It is actually inferred from a longer scripture and it all means there will be a time when peace will prevail and enemies will cease to fight each other – and Jesus will be revered and all will be OK. Jesus will see with His Righteousness and not our wrongness. Isaiah foretold this and his writings bring vivid imagery of the stuff that dreams are made of – PEACE in play. Isn’t that both a nice thought and a hope into reality someday? And scenes like frustration will stop – scenes like fighting and temper tantrums will stop – and wars will cease – and life will truly be GOOD. The Wisdom and Spirit of God will rest on the Messiah and all of us will “delight in the fear of the Lord” – an AWE-event – an AWESOME time.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.

Oh, that little boy on the sidewalk – I would imagine Jesus next to him saying “it is OK”, calming him down, and I imagine Jesus with the Mom too, saying “I understand, this is hard…”…  I imagine this but I also know this because I know this has happened in my lifetime – and His Righteousness undercut the frustration – and the forgiveness was real and healing and the reality was righted. And the LONGVIEW is a view best seen thru JESUS’S HEART…

I do imagine a day of forgiveness – of peace – of hope – and of the Lord’s Lift – for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord…

Amen and Keep the Faith!

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Isaiah 11:1-10 NIV – speaking prophesy of Jesus the Messiah coming

The Branch From Jesse
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

I love putting my favorite fortune cookie sayings on my tape dispenser.  My favorite one so far is: “Ignore previous cookie”. YEAH!

The rest I saved as inspiring messages like: “Keep your goals away from the trolls”, “Go for it you never know what happens next”, and sage advice like “Begin nothing until you have considered how it is to be finished” (I don’t take that advice much!)… I’m not saving ‘get rich quick’ promises because fortune telling is a form of idolatry and false hope, but I like the cute messages which gently inspire. “When you learn to be flexible, amazing opportunities reveal themselves.” TRUE! And “Today, some new connections will be very exciting indeed.” FUN!

Recently, but I don’t remember the circumstances, I opened a fortune cookie just as I was in a complicated thought process. I’m sure I was going for the sugar stress grab over the fortune advice, another form of a dangerous slippery slope of sweet yet sugar-soothing sin-stressing. But I knew best it is to trust the Lord and even keep faith in the trials. Well, I laughed at yet the best “fortune-ate” fortune saying from the cookie: “Love, because it is the only true adventure.” AHHH… YES…

Now, I’m ‘framing’ that statement in a Godly context (as well as taping it to my tape dispenser). LOVE. The advice was to look towards love. GOD IS LOVE, and Godly LOVE IS an ADVENTURE every day… I know you know that, we surely experience it.

Yes, we are to remember as well as appreciate all the Godly gifted reminders of how to love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” from 1st Corinthians 13:4-7.

I don’t remember what that stress item was that cracked me and coincided as I cracked open the cookie and read the fortune for fun. That stress disappeared almost as fast as the cookie crunched, but I will remember what never disappeared nor disappears, God’s Love and counsel. You might forget everything else but don’t forget HIS LOVE.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1Cor13:8

That is truth and not a fortune, but a fortunate find of KNOWING God’s adventurous LOVE every day – we best put TODAY in God’s Hands. 

Amen 

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And here is the rest of the chapter, beginning and end with the love section in the middle as it always is:

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1Cor13:1-3

…

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the GREATEST of these is LOVE. 1Cor13:9-13

I’ve heard HOPE, the word and sentiment, so often lately. Give HOPE, cling to HOPE, keep HOPE, HOPE in HOPE. This is for everything from health to the weather, hope in money situations, hope in restrictions lifted or applied, hope in understanding, hope in forgetting.

One HOPE we should be assured of, is forgiveness from the Lord. Jesus came and finished the biggest gap bridging. HOPE that we remember that, HOPE that we appreciate it, HOPE we act generous too reflecting our forgiveness. 

HOPE in the Lord is assured. Actually we are told to not hope in people or riches of this world. Put our TRUST in situations YES we do this, we trust and we HAVE to trust in order to live, otherwise we would never book a plane flight, eat purchased food, or step outside. Yet HOPE is trust in the Lord in advance and in the present, especially knowing past accomplishment, that God STILL has everything under control.

And God is HOPEFUL for us, HOPE in our relationship and remembrance. HOPE to hear praises, HOPE for our TRUST. Jesus also preached that He HOPES people will not be deceived in this life, that we will focus on things above, we will keep looking to the BIG picture beyond our sight. We will look to the Lord in everything.  “WE HAVE THIS HOPE AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL” Hebrews 6:19 

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

Let the Lord be our HOPE. Let Him grow our branch, place fruit in our life, and fulfill our longings.

Let us APPLY HOPE and LIVE.

Amen 

I feel complicit in encouraging RUSHING… I’m just as impatient as anyone… This past Sunday alone I rushed into a store from a made up parking spot, rushed a nice afternoon for a bit before savoring the time, and then later when I was so tired, I kinda influenced the uber eats driver, who was next to me, also waiting for an order, and we peeked at the bag name at the take out place… yeah, he took it and the clerk came out (after a long wait) to see he missed items in another bag… oops… 

The wise observation from yet a third takeout soul, waiting with us, was: “COMMUNICATION [is what’s lacking in society]. If we ask, if we communicate, then we get a chance to learn and respond and agree where we might have disagreed.” TRUE! We should spend more time listening than speaking. Thinking rather than reacting. 

And then he stated the BEST observation of the weekend: “God gave us a brain not a potato in our heads” – ah yes…

Yes, and in hindsight of my potato blight, I’ve seen when I was not so spud-tacular in my thinking nor communicating. Ah yes, I slim cut when I should have steak-cut my potato brainwaves in RUSHING… I spiral cut out of trouble mostly, but I often spliced when I should have just diced more bite-sized time. I mean even the seagulls WAIT for the perfect time to steal your fries.

Thank God that often we DON’T jump out of the frying pan and into the fryer. Thank God for WISDOM. We have the Lord to thank for that… See, when we feel our blood boil, let us try to wait and take conversations and urgency off the heat. Let us potato pancake rather than potato panic.

We rush, I rush. We oops, we yikes, and we get mad. I might brush it off like dirt off a potato, but the Lord actually covers us up (like melted butter on a hot salt potato) covered in GRACE. Thank you Lord for Holy Spirit conviction not condemnation for us all. If we want to finish this race, let us accept your GRACE.

I tried to apologize later for my impatience to the busy overworked wait staff at the take out counter (even if she wasn’t there to witness me and technically I only did a little thing by ignoring that sign that said “don’t step behind the counter” to read a name not mine) and I was thankful she even gave me a free drink for waiting that I should/ could/ would have paid for… But really I should/ could/ would apologize to the Lord for going overboard – as each time I step into a faux pas, don’t guard my heart and allow it to influence my brain, mashing my potato, I appreciate His mercy and grace in forgiveness for our sinful ways. He knows our name, should wait for Him to call it.

Jesus came to bear our sin, bring us back on the path. No matter how minor or major, He’s the judge of the intention, His love weighs the heart. 

Lord, I bow my potato brain and all the sour cream of crud I could stew… I melt cheese over my geeeez… You make my life all gravy. Let me focus more than I fondue. Lord, I love YOU!!! Lord, thank You!!!

Amen…

Please read Proverbs 4:5-13; 23-27 of Solomon teaching his son and us about wisdom:

“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

…

“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”

…

ABOVE ALL ELSE, GUARD YOUR HEART, FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FLOWS FROM IT.

…

Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Picture perfect day at the Jersey Shore Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and absorbing the whole day – even an “easy parking spot” – not a problem to simply pay… 8000 plungers made their way – and 100,000 watching – we enjoyed all = everything that made the day!

…

Here is some poetry to process the day:

More Fun Under the Sun

What have you done today, JUST FOR FUN?

Take a moment, under the Sun!

When have you allowed yourself a GOOD RUN?

I like to enjoy everything including a Polar Plunge.

.

No snow no clouds couldn’t keep us away from these crowds.

Not parking problems nor pushing, no one is even shushing.

A moment taken for the best day to feel everything made it an easy way.

Pump up your adrenaline and shout your best hooray – today was a day to play!

Life is more fun – under the sun!

Location Location Vacation

Location location location,

That can make life feel like a vacation. 

A fuzzy bear and a funny hat,

Joy is how we approach all that.

Appreciating life in the sun.

Warming in the fun.

People who please, 

Put you at ease.

Let’s keep and USE our wits,

Finding the right best hat that fits.

Adjust your mindset to a life not filled with regret.

Location Location Vacation

Entertaining Angels (well, seniors at a ticket kiosk)

I entertained some angels, you could say,

Why not enjoy the day in this way?

Well, 80 yr olds in hats and gloves.

Of Merry Go Rounds we all shared a love.

.

It was marvelous electronically one could go beep beep beep,

As a 4 dollars ticket price was not so steep. (3 for seniors!)

These angels rode in fashionable style,

And I watched them for a while.

.

I know that being young,

Should include old-fashioned fun,

Take life in our best stride,

And ride out our days on a Merry-go-round ride. 

.

Entertaining Angels is a small part,

Of what makes us happy inside our heart.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-2

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us… Psalm 46:10-11

THE Lord Almighty is with us.

The LORD Almighty is with us.

The Lord ALMIGHTY is with us.

The Lord Almighty IS with us.

The Lord Almighty is WITH us.

The Lord Almighty is with US.

THE LORD ALMIGHTY IS WITH US!!!

LET US BE STILL AND KNOW!!!

AMEN