HAPPY EASTER!

HE LIVES!

AND THEN THERE WAS FRIDAY

On my current medical binge show, "Mindless Chatter" the reoccurring theme is ER or OR blood baths.  LOTS OF BLOOD!  They pour the blood into the body and it pours it out through some open artery or wound.  There is usually blood pouring out of the patient, blood spurting all over the doctors, and the floor, gurney and sometimes even the walls.  It is NOT for the squeamish!

In my annual read through the Bible the reoccurring theme during the past few weeks is the blood sacrifices to atone for man's sin.  When you read it flat on the page, it does not seem like a big deal.  If you have ever witnessed the slaughter of a farm animal or the field dressing of a deer, you know it can be a big deal.  Blood, the life sustaining fluid, which supplies the body with all we need to keep us alive can be messy.  I guess I am a literalist for when I read of those sacrifices, I can see the blood all over everything---everywhere--running down the steps- pouring for the alter-covering the priests.  Blood makes for a messy  business.

And then I think of Jesus---on this Friday---and what He suffered---and how he suffered.  A crown of thorns---we all know how head wounds bleed.  A lashing to strip the skin from his back.  Nails driven through his feet and hands---and more blood.  The final thrust of a spear which brought that last gush of blood.  Jesus suffered a messy death.  Bloody--brutal--excruciatingly painful--His sacrifice for our sin.  The ultimate sacrifice to clear all mankind's messy record of sin.  All for us who call upon His name---all because He loved us---the gift of infinite grace.  Thank God for Friday and all it entailed and the promise of Sunday was coming! 

"Through Him to reconcile to Himself all things,

whether on earth or in heaven,

making peace by the blood of His cross."

Colossians 1:20

AS IT SHOULD BE

So many important occasions and celebrations are anchored by a meal together.  A moment to refuel, rest, and reflect with one another.  Our family is invited to join with another family of friends this Easter to feast and celebrate.  It will be a joyous occasion filled with lots of young ones hunting for eggs.  At the other end of the spectrum is the meal shared with family and friends following a funeral.  A time to join together and remember.  All of those dinners for whatever the occasion~ some may dread---some may look forward to, but it is a time to gather together and remember the whys.

Thursday of Holy Week brought the tradition which continues until today--throughout Christendom---

The Lord's Supper

An important reminder of exactly what Jesus did for us.  Who better to celebrate with than The Band of Brothers He had poured Himself into---taught---counselled---led--prayed with---trusted and bestowed the mantle of evangelism upon.  They would be responsible for the spread of The Word---The Good News.  It was only fitting that He eat His final meal with them.  This meal began the ball rolling toward Calvary---it was all foretold---there were no surprises.

And then---As It Should Be----after the meal and Judas running off on his errand of greed, He withdrew to pray.  To prepare Himself for what was to come---He turned to the One true source of strength and wisdom.  He communicated with His Father.

Maundy Thursday is derived from the Latin word for "command" and refers to Jesus' commandment to "Love one another as I have loved you."    A monumental task if you consider "how" Jesus loved us.  

As we begin the push toward Easter---I pray we all pause and reflect on exactly what happened.  The story has been told and retold over the years---but it bears repeating--it deserves contemplation as we walk toward Friday and all it will hold.

                                                        "And He said to them,

                      'I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.' "

Luke 22:15

A PAUSE BEFORE THE FINAL CURTAIN

When you train for a marathon, it is 18 long weeks of training.  The final big push sees a week of over 50 miles including a long run of 20+ miles.  The work of preparing is finally behind you and there is a two week "taper" resting your body, allowing it to heal from the punishment of all that running,  but still lightly training for the big race.  How I would look forward to those 2 weeks!  It was time to get my mental game on in anticipation of that REALLY difficult 26.2 mile run.  So much of running is a mental game---what you are thinking you can do will more than likely be what you do.  Time was spent reflecting on what the race day would look like and your game plan.  The pause was necessary and helped prepare you for the day of sure pain and exhaustion.

The Word has no record of what Jesus was doing on Wednesday before the final days of His great suffering.  The commentary I read speculated He rested.  We know Jesus took time to leave the crowds--leave the noise of life--and spend time praying.  Perhaps He was praying---perhaps He took a pause---and reflected and prepared for what was to come.  Since so much of Jesus's ministry is recorded in the Gospels, I find it probable He was not only away from the crowds, but He was not teaching the disciples.  We know those with Him later wrote down all the important lessons---so it makes me wonder did He withdraw and prepare?  We will never know---but what we do know was there was a pause mid-week.

Do you take pauses in life?  Do you allow yourself time to think--time to consider--time to assess?  In our hurry scurry world, we think we do not have time to pause, but a pause is not only good for the body--but good for the soul.  I pray we can all follow the example of Jesus---and allow ourselves pauses.  A pause to prepare for what lies ahead--known or unknown; a pause to pray for guidance, strength, and peace; a pause to remember and plan for tomorrow; a pause to consider the role God has played and is playing in our lives; a pause for our well being.  If Jesus found this a good thing---shouldn't we also?

"You keep him in perfect peace

who mind is stayed on you"

Isaiah 26:3

NEVER TOO LATE

 Tuesday of Holy Week found Jesus entering the temple and making every effort to teach the crowds the meaning of all that would come in the next few days.  When stories are told in parable form, many have a difficult time looking beyond the surface.  There is a deep meaning behind the curtain of the story--you must stop and consider---question what is really being said.  So it was with Jesus and His parables---there is much more than a story---there is a life lesson---a foretelling of the future--all behind the veil of symbolism and analogies.

The first occurrence in the scriptures surrounding Tuesday is Jesus withering the fig tree to never produce fruit again.  At face value--Jesus was hungry and angry (we call that hangry), but there was no fruit so he took out revenge on the tree.  Jesus then used this as an example of the power of faith when teaching the disciples.  Was Jesus really hungry and angry, or did he know the days to come would see the need for great faith among His followers.  He knew the end of the story of the week---they did not.  He knew how trying and demoralizing those days would be.  He knew---and he used the fig tree to teach a lesson in the conquering power of faith.  The life rope we cling to when all seems lost and we are in the pit of dismay-- is the gift of faith.

And then we have the great debate--with the priests and Pharisees.  When Jesus stumped them with his parables for which they found no answer, they were furious.  Riled up and ready to end this rebellion without losing face.  This long stream of teaching is called the Olivet Discourse and would be the final long debate with the Jewish leaders.  They left with one thing in mind--getting rid of Jesus.  

In life, we are given opportunities---doors are cracked for us to speak with love to those who are not Believers.  God supplies the opportunities---He will do the wooing---we are charged with telling our story.  It is never too late---even in our final chapters--our final days to tell that story.  It is my experience God usually does not allow us to see the fruits of our bold telling---but when we plant the seed---after it has germinated---it can sprout and grow.  That is how God works---He uses us to lead others to Him.  There has been a long line of truth tellers in my life.  It is amazing when I consider all those God has used to woo me, grow me & help me down the road to sanctification.  I am so thankful for all those who obeyed His call and for His Holy Spirit wooing me and encouraging me on the trek.  Even for Jesus---knowing what was coming---it was never too late.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise

as some count slowness,

but is patient toward you,

not wishing that any should perish,

but that all should reach repentance."

II Peter 3:9

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

 It's Monday and the parade is over--does Jesus sit around and reminisce about the glory of that triumphant entry to Jerusalem?  NO--we find Him going about the urgent business of the day.  Friday is coming and He knows where this is all headed.  He does not sit back and enjoy the glow but instead is busy with the  last minute important business.  We find in the scriptures these activities

CLEANING OUT THE RIFF RAFF FROM THE TEMPLE WHILE TURNING OVER TABLES

HEALING THE BLIND AND THE LAME

SET THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND SCRIBES STRAIGHT

LEFT THE CITY AND STAYED IN BETHANY

Jesus was busy with His ministry.  In my mind, He had to get out of town to be able to rest and recharge for what was coming.  AND, though the scriptures do not state this, He communicated with His Father.  

The point---while there is business to be taken care of--we should be busy- as long as possible taking care of business.  I have heard, so many times, I have done my part and now it's up to the next generation.  NOWHERE in the Scripture are we told we get a pass from God's work at a certain age.  There is no retirement clause, no golden parachute for a job well done, no indication it is okay to sit back and relax.

Yes--I am retired from my career, but my life long pursuit of the Lord will not be over until my final breath.  Our lives are a living testimony to our faith--until we leave this terrestrial ball OR are physically unable.  Even in our infirmities---we are a testament of God's faithfulness.  It is NOT over---until it is over---then you rest!

"And Jesus entered the temple 

and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple,

and He overturned the tables of the money-changers

and the seats of those who sold pigeons.

He said to them,

"It is written, 'My House shall be called a house of prayer'

but you make it a den of robbers.' "

And the blind and lame came to him in the temple,

and he healed them.

But when the chief priests and the scribes saw

the wonderful things that he did,

and the children crying out in the temple,

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"

they were indignant,

and they said to Him,

"Do you hear what these are saying?" 

And Jesus said,

"Yes; have you never read,

'Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies

you have prepared praise?' "

And leaving them,

he went out of the city to Bethany

and lodged there."

Matthew 21:12-17

WE ALL LOVE A PARADE

 Perhaps the title overstated the love of a parade.  I remember when my children were growing up, in those early years, they were frightened by the noise, the chaos, the crowds.  BUT most of us enjoy watching a parade go by---and sometimes even participating in the parade.  As my daughter learned at a young age---when you participate and throw the candy--you do not get candy thrown to you.  She loved riding in the parade, but was disappointed over the loss of a sugar feast.

In most cases a parade is held to celebrate an occasion.  Holidays are often accompanied by a parade--Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years and Fourth of July come to mind.  In small town USA, which I have called home for most of my life, the Shriners (Grown men and their grown up toys) almost always came to participate.  There were always bands, floats, dignitaries, beauty queens, and of course police cars and firetrucks  At the tail end of those parades were the horses and their riders (they had to go last due to the hazardous waste left behind them.)  It was a joyous party in celebration of a special day.

I have heard the entrance of the wedding attendants during that special occasion called a parade~  especially when the bride has a lot of friends.  My own daughter's wedding had a parade--she did not want to leave anyone out.  There are school parades--my grands have a story book character parade at their school every year.  When we think parades~ we think of fun and joy filled days ~ usually.

There are solemn parades too.  The memory of watching President Kennedy's funeral cortege is engraved in my memory bank.  Only recently the people of England watched their beloved queen pulled through the streets on a dignified carriage--as they made their way to her dignified service of remembrance.  Even us commoners can also choose to have a parade on the way to the cemetery.  We call it a funeral procession.  The cars behind the hearse have loved ones -family and friends--who are saying their final good bye in honor of the one deceased.

This Sunday will mark the day, in the liturgical calendar, we remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.  Boughs of palm were waved and placed before the coming King in celebration.  The people gathered along the path to catch a glimpse of the Promised Messiah.  This parade marked the beginning of the Holy Week--the days leading up to the Cross.  As can happen in  life---the days of celebration turned to sorrow in a very short time.

Pause and remember what we will celebrate Sunday.  Remember Jesus riding the donkey into the city with all the people surrounding Him elated at His presence.  Remember--though this was a joyous day--Jesus knew what was coming.  He knew the road before Him would soon turn painful and He would feel deserted and alone.  He would feel the pain before the celebration of joy.  Take a moment and be thankful for all that played out.

"The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast

 heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

  So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, 

crying out,

'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord,

even the King of Israel!'

And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written"

John 12:12-14

GRACIOUS IN RECEIVING

 I usually scroll through the local Buy, Sell & Trade group when I look at the Book of Face.  A recent post intrigued me when it caught my attention when I read the title---"DIVORCE BARGAIN".  A daughter was trying to sell a lovely garden table and chair set with this explanation.  "My parents are downsizing to a townhome and will not have room for this.  When my Dad gave it to my mom for their Anniversary it almost caused a divorce since this was NOT what she had in mind as "the perfect gift".  OH YEAH---the wheels began grinding!

I am fairly certain I have been guilty in the past of not receiving a gift  with graciousness and gratitude.  We somehow get it in our head what we would like as a gift, but instead of voicing that desire--we expect our loved ones to read our minds.  AND then when the day arrives and the gift they lovingly spent time and energy getting for us is not what we had in mind--we are disappointed.  Instead of being gracious and receiving the gift with a smile and thank you--we are crestfallen and dejected---perhaps even mad.  We set ourselves up for disappointment when we failed to make our desires known, and we are mad at those who failed to read our mind.  I am ashamed to admit---before God convicted me---I was guilty at times.   Today--I voice my desires to family when gift time rolls around.  I am WAY over wanting stuff--but love to get updated Grand photos--or some small something that when I look at it I will be reminded of the giver.  Some are really fun to shop for and some (probably including me) are a chore.  TRULY it is the thought---not so much the gift that counts.  In this busy life---if someone took the time to remember me--I am delighted.

Perhaps this is a good reflection on our lack of gracious gratitude to all God has provided.  Do we get  in our head what we deserve and become disappointed when God seems to ignore our hints?  Are we thankful---are we aware of the extravagant abundance we are surrounded by?  Sadly, we forget if God gave us what we deserve--we would be on the short end.  Can we have an attitude change and in all things be grateful?  Questions to ponder today--questions to ponder.

"In everything give thanks;

for this is God's will for you

in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:18

FINALLY--THE BOOK

 Well--I know you are all tired of waiting to hear the title of the book which  I have savored --paused and considered--been challenged by.  Here you go

You can find this book HERE.  Since I am an Amazon Associate--and they want you to know if you use this link they might pay me a very small % of the sale.  This is not going to make me rich and in fact---I donate any compensation to ministries for the least of these.  BUT to keep them happy and for your ease in finding--here is the link--use or not use--just please read the book.

I really thought I was a good listener---I have been humbled by this book.  So much wisdom--I have almost every page filled with underlines and notes.  I could not say it better than the book description~

"Adam McHugh places listening as the heart of our spirituality, our relationships and our mission in the world.  God Himself is the God who hears, and we too can learn to hear what God may be saying, through creation, through Scripture, through people.  By cultivating a posture of listening, we become more attentive and engaged with those around us, and more able to minister to those in distress.  Our lives are qualitatively different - indeed, better - when we become listeners.  Heed the call to the listening life, and hear what God is doing in you and the world."

The best endorsement I ever give a book is - I PLAN TO KEEP THIS BOOK.  Normally I pass books on--but this one will bear going back to over and over.

"Let every person be quick to HEAR,

slow go speak,

slow to anger."

James 1:19

BRICK WALLS

 I have a very distinct memory of the time while Son #2 was a baby.  He was not a good sleeper and continued to get up in the middle of the night for months--if memory serves me correctly--almost an entire year.   I was working and his big brother was in elementary school.  My life was busy from early in the morning until late at night AND he would wake up every night sometime during the wee hours.  I tried many things to get him to stay down--all to no avail.  Sleep deprivation can be a bear!  One night I heard his familiar cry and jumped up before I was fully awake.  I never turned on lights for fear it would REALLY wake him up more and he would not go back down.  His bedroom was at the end of a long hall.  As I sprinted down that hall to pick him up before he could really got going and awake---I ran smack dab into the wall at the end of the hall --right by his bedroom door.  I literally bounced off the wall!

Many times in life I have hit one of those walls---seemingly an impenetrable brick wall.  The feeling of frustration when I felt the inability to get through that wall would take over my life.  It would seem I was standing there banging my head against that brick--trying to get through---when there was no way I could.  Until I stepped back and looked around to consider all the possibilities available for getting around it--I was stuck in the quicksand of a dead end.  Once I backed up and observed--a solution would be right there staring me in the face, but as long as I stood close it was not in my field of options.  I was too close to failure to see the obvious solution.  There was always a door to go through--but it was hidden from my view when I stubbornly kept banging my head against the brick.

When life seems to have us at a brick wall--we are promised a door.  Jesus is the answer--all we need do is knock on the door.  He promises us an abundant life---if we will only knock on that door and call unto Him.  The steps are outlined for us in The Word-  Ask---Seek---Knock---and the door will be opened.  There is always a door---seek it and you will find it.  He will invite you to enter His presence.

"Ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find'

knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives'

the one who seeks find'

and to the one who knocks,

the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8

WHY WE LIGHT A CANDLE

 Almost all of us like the warm ambiance of a lit candle.  In the past, I have lit candles for the scent buried in their wax.  The heat of the fire begins to melt the wax releasing the wonderful smell into the air as it slowly melts.  Today, because of rules of safety concerning the potential fire risk, I do not use candles very often.  I miss that warmth--that glow--that light in the darkness.  The diffusers and plug ins while certainly giving off a nice aroma--are just not the same.

Some churches have rows of candles placed by an alter or alter table.  Worshippers stop and light a candle and say a prayer --sometimes for a specific person or concern.  The intent is a symbol of the prayer being offered to God.  As our prayers drift toward God, so the smoke from the candle also wafts in a stream of worship and acknowledgement of a Holy God.  A God who hears our prayers.

The lit candle is also a reminder of the light Jesus brought into the world.  A light of hope in the presence of the darkness of the fallen world.  A gift of the beauty of the light in the midst of the dark.  When you enter a darkened church and see the row upon row of candles burning---you are reminded of all the prayers lifted by so many believers.  Soon the light from those burning candles fills the darkness and we can see.  We can see the way--we can see the path--and we are reminded of a God who is larger--more powerful--than our wildest imagination.  He lights the world--with hope, with love, and his reconciling redemption for man.  We visually see a display of acknowledgement of our need for Him.

Candles are reminders of who God is and the light of hope He gives us.  May we always burn brightly with the light He has given us through Jesus.

"This is the message we have heard from Him

and proclaim to you,

that God is light,

and in Him is no darkness at all."

I John 1:5

WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR STRING

At this point in  life, it is my personal aim to be comfortable in my clothes.  I wore jeans as casual attire for much of my life, but with the introduction to elastic waist bands I am a changed woman.  Jeans could never compare in the comfort department to these lovelies~

 AND I prefer soft dri-fit material and a string in the waist band.  This helps with keeping my pants up even when my weight fluctuates.  I call them expand-o-matics.  Most days this is my dress of choice.

There is a down side----when I forget to tie the string before throwing them in the wash disaster ensues.  Yesterday as I pulled them out for a quick spin in the dryer at low heat before hanging to dry---low and behold the string had come out of one side.   GROAN!  NOW--this is fixable--but it takes a great deal of patience to accomplish the task.  I spent at least 30 minutes salvaging one of my favorite pair of pants...WORTH IT!  I could have just thrown them out and bought a new pair, but they were salvageable with a little patience.  They had served me well--and nothing was wrong with them--except the lop sided string.  So I restrung the string.  (That should be a country song lyric.)

So many things in life can be fixed with a little patience and there is always that feeling of accomplishment when you efforts pay off.  Waste not--want not.

Today I am so thankful for a loving God who considers me salvageable---when it must look like I am beyond repair.  He lovingly and patiently steers me back on the true course--He repairs my breaks and helps me move forward.  He is even willing to restring my string if needed.  Our God of infinite patience never discards us--He lovingly restores us.  We are blessed!

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved,

that with the Lord

one day is as a thousand years,

and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness,

but is patient toward you"

II Peter 3:8-9

WHEN MUSEUMS BECOME PERSONAL

 The vast majority of us have been to some sort of museum.  I have been to local museums with displays involving the past of the area and huge national museums~ most memorably the Metropolitan Museum in New York City, the National Holocaust Museum in Washington DC and the granddaddy of them all the Smithsonian In Washington.  I have found each and every one fascinating as I visit the past through curated displays of "The Way We Were".  

I cannot remember what started this train of thought, but I do remember the point, thankfully.  (My memory is hit or miss---and a lot more missing these days)  The point is the museums I enjoyed most and could have spent days in were those with which I have personal knowledge or involvement.  The Smithsonian had Dorothy's red slippers, Archie Bunker's chair, the first satellite; local museums involving families and places I have been around my entire life.  The museum which really spoke to me was the World War II museum in New Orleans.  You might wonder why?   Since I am a Baby Boomer, I was born in the years following the war.  My dad was in the army in the European theater during that war.  I am most interested in the battles he was a part of; what his life was like while deployed; what life was like at home with all the men gone; and how it affected him and my mother--forever.  It is my attempt to understand the experiences of my parents and how it shaped their lives--and consequently mine.  Our history plays a huge roll in who we are.  In any quest to better understand ourselves we need to investigate our history.  The story we are living was directly impacted not only by our experiences, but those who played a part in helping us become who we are today.

Where could I possibly be going?  We have a history with God~ the story of our relationship with Him.  The Word is filled with examples of these stories which makes us aware of how important our stories are.  If we were to create a display based upon our history with God--what would it look like?  Thinking through this gives you a good start on "your testimony".  Someone will be interested (probably our children) , but also those God places in our path.  Stories are told best with a little preparation and practice.  SO--sit down and at least think through what your story exhibit would look like.  Are you prepared to relate to others the story of you and God?  It is the most important story you will ever tell.

"My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,

of your deeds of salvation all the day,

for their number is past my knowledge.

With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;

I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone."

Psalm 71: 15-16

OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE

 If you love a good "who done it", you know the methods to determine who done it.   You must follow the string of evidence.  What is evidence?  Dr, Google says it is the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.  So we study the scene surrounding the crime in order to come up with our suspect.

I do love one of these boards they use when narrowing down the suspects.  Who doesn't love a good diagram?  

My day to day life includes time spent trying to maintain order in my life and surroundings.  One of the things I truly love is drapes pulled back or blinds raised to let in the beautiful sunshine.  This is best enjoyed with sparkling windows.  I have spent a great deal of energy trying to keep the windows clean.  At present---being in a second floor apartment--I can only clean the inside, but I do my best.  The reward for my labor is an unobstructed view.

In the beloved home we raised our children in, we had a leaded glass front door that I dearly loved.  BUT--the draw back was those who insisted upon putting their hands on the glass instead of using the handles.  The guilty party's handprints were left behind as evidence of their guilt.  NOW---I do not have a fingerprint kit, nor do I have the capability of tracing said prints.  A great deal could be discovered by the size of the print---one of the children or an adult?  AND since my 3 children were born in three different decades and have quite a gap in age---there was a clue.  Was it the 16 year old, the 9 year old or the 2 year old.  It didn't take a rocket scientist to determine the culprit.

Evidence helps us in many ways in our lives.  We can see evidence of spring coming all around us--the shrubbery is beginning to bloom, the temperatures are beginning to moderate---and the days are longer.  The dark clouds coming from the west are evidence of a storm coming.  The time spent with family is always filled with evidence of our love for one another.  Our beliefs about life and all it holds are usually formed when we examine the evidence surrounding us.  

 There is overwhelming evidence ---of God.  We all begin to make the mistake of taking a lot for granted as just being part of the world.  We forget the complexities of creation and all we are blessed by--without a second thought.  Personally I have seen God work in my life over and over.  I have had something I have been earnestly praying about for months with seemingly no answer beyond wait.  I was prompted in small group prayer time to ask the ladies to pray with me.  Within a week---the prayer was answered with God's handprints all over it.  The story is wonderful and such an encouragement.  Today's point though is the power of two or more praying.  It takes courage to admit we need prayer---US---not our loved ones, our friends, our kin---US.  God reminded me of my need for a fellowship of Believers to not only study with---but pray with.  So many times over the years---I have seen God's handprints on my life--and footprints walking beside me.  I am so thankful for this evidence---this reminder of His deep love for us all.  AND I am thanking God for those who pray with us--for us--and ask that we pray for them.  What a blessing from God.

"Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed for I am your God;

I will strengthen you,

I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

IT'S AN EMERGENCY!

My current binge of watching episodes of "Mindless Chatter" involves the medical field.  It is no secret among those who know me well that I have endeavored to get my M.D. through Dr. Goggle, various laymen's books including a Nurse's Guide to Drugs, and medical soap operas on television.  I keep waiting for my diploma to arrive, but so far no one has recognized my vast medical knowledge.  Dr. Son-in-law literally rolls his eyes back in his head if I dare try to enlighten him with my medical wisdom.   HEY---I KNOW THINGS!

 

The show I am currently watching sometimes focuses on the ER (in England they call it A & E--SEE I know things).  In one short 40 minutes everything bizarre and life threatening  imaginable will happen.  Last night it was a broken baseball bat which had impaled a woman and was sticking out of her chest.  The night before it was a typhon arriving with a mudslide (crushing and suffocating) and THEN a church bus evacuating those stranded was blown over and wrecked right in front of the ER-(that was convenient).  I have not been sleeping well--perhaps the adrenaline rush after watching an hour of this fast paced--action filled show could be part of the cause???  At any rate---I have seen more action on these shows than I can imagine in my wildest moments.  My career as a CPA had one client throw a file at me and some clients jump my case like I wrote the tax laws that created their tax burden, but that was about all the action (the long hours are another subject).  There were NO emergencies in the world of taxes -well except the failure of some to anticipate and plan for where the money would come from to pay said taxes.  I even had a sign that said it for me in my lobby (a little tongue in cheek but a lot of truth)

SO I once asked my dear Godly friend, Dr. Dale, if all the action you saw in those ER shows really happened when he staffed the ER.  As only Dr. Dale could, he gave me that look out of the corner of one eye with his eyebrow raised and a little grin and said, "Yes, but not all in one night.  You see it all--but it is spread over years."  I miss that dear man greatly.

So it is with life---we all have moments of suffering--physically and emotionally--but usually (I will say some do seem to have it piled on) over decades.  We WILL suffer in this life.  Their will be illness, death of loved ones, accidents, and that is only the tip of the iceberg.  The road to sanctification passes through great and small trials of various types.  BUT we have a faithful Father who never leaves our side.  I can testify of countless times I have told Him, "I can't do this without Your help."  He has never failed to uphold me, love me--stand by me.  I am so thankful and, though the road gets bumpy and can be steep---God always walks with me--encourages me--teaches me--and is never surprised or caught unaware.  Such a comfort--and with each incident in life---my faith has deepened.  What a great God we serve.

"Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be frightened,

and do not be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you

wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

LOVE LETTER

There are readers of this blog who have been with me for years and there are those who recently joined our fun and games.  Depending upon when you started reading and, if you knew me before I began blogging  (a long time ago--I think I am on my 3rd or 4th blog) you may or may not know the person behind the blog face.  I change almost as often as I seem to move--SIGH!   Once again I am using the book I am reading as my inspiration.  I hope this gives you a hunger to read it since it has been one of the best books I have read in a while.  That report is coming--I am over half way finished--but it is a book which requires relishing--NOT a fast read.

One certainty is the deeper we know the writer--the more we will understand their written word.  Once again--the advent of the internet has not been the friend of the hand written letter.  There are so many forms of communication today including podcasts, chatrooms, and other social platforms that written communication is slowly dwindling to a trickle.  Hopefully, the more I write--and you read---you will begin to "know" me and understand the nuances and meaning behind what I am trying to say.  You will understand when I am being tongue in cheek without me having to tell you.  My intent will be crystal clear and you will understand where my thoughts come from and what motivates them.  The more we are together--the better we will know each other--especially if you are a regular commenter who gives me the opportunity to know you.

  I have an old letter written by my Daddy to my mother during WW II when he was stationed in the European theater.   I can almost hear his voice when I read it and know the very tone his endearments would have.  If I showed you the letter, you would think it was sweet---BUT since you did not know my dad---it would not have the same deep emotional meaning it does to me.  The better we know the writer--the more we understand the meaning and tone behind the flat words on the page.

God's Word is a letter to us---a letter filled with His great love for us.  The more we get to know God---the better we will understand His letter to us.  With time spent with Him seeking Him, communicating with Him, we will grow closer and closer to understanding His intent--and motivation.  His great love for us---His Beloved.  I pray we all can read His Word and take the time to ponder Who the author is, what our history is with Him, and remembering His intent.  I pray it will become God's precious love letter to each and everyone of us.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love:

therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

Jeremiah 31:3

JUST BREATHE

 HOW MANY TIMES have I told my self to take a deep breath and keep moving.  When talking with Dr. Wonderful during my physical we discussed my being winded occasionally.  My theory is it comes with age and not being in the great shape I once upon a time was.  She agreed that could be the culprit, but said it could also mean I need to get on the tread mill and do a cardio stress test.  LET ME SEE HOW I CAN GET OUT OF THAT!  

Have you ever stopped to consider the act of getting oxygen into your internal system?  It is a wonder in itself---a flipping miracle of creation if I EVER knew one.  By the act of expanding our diagram we inhale the air around us.  It travels to our lungs after being filtered by our bronchia.  The lungs then extract the needed oxygen---mix it into our blood---and the heart pumps it all over our body.  Oxygen is a fundamental need of the human body.  Each and every cell needs oxygen.  Without it the part deprived of the oxygen will die--PERIOD.  It is a marvel--pure genius----what a Creator we have!

I learned the Lamaze breathing techniques decades ago to help bear pain.  It did help during child birth, but I have used it so many times since then when in intense pain.  By slowing down our breathing and concentrating on the action of our breathing---our mind is taken off the pain, our muscles unclench, and we are helped with getting past the pain.  It works--I promise!

The Word is full of references to breath.  We are told in Genesis the very breath of God is in us ~

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground,

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and

man was a living soul."

Genesis 2:7

In one book, Job, I found 11 verses referencing breath.  There are countless times in the Old Testament it is used.  And then there is the Holy Spirit--the very breath of God . The breath of life that sustains all living beings.    God and breath---so closely intertwined --both so very necessary for life. 

SO the next time you are stressed, in pain, hurt, or in distress---just breathe--and know that God Himself enters you and courses through you with the very act of taking a breath we acknowledge Who He is ~

"Who among all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

In His hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath of all mankind."

Job 12:9-10

ONE EAR OPEN

 One of the ways the world has made a huge change in my lifetime is the advent of the internet and all that goes with it.   Personally I am not a fan of being "available" 24-7 via cell phone.  My dirty little secret is I keep my phone on silent when I am busy with other things--like sleeping or talking with a friend or I am just plain down right busy.  Do not take it personally--but I feel the phone is for my convenience not yours.  When I worked, I had a secretary who screened my calls for me.  Those days are in the past, but you can leave a message on my phone and I will get back with you (unless you are trying to sell me something).  I do not want a cell phone ruling my life.  There is such a thing as being too available.

Here at the Young Executive-College Student Apartment Complex almost everyone walks around with these in their ears.  This seems to tie them even closer to their cell in my mind.  The internet and all it entails has become the ruler of lives.  Dirty little secret #2--I do not have ear buds and do not want ear buds.  My children and grands all have them--so it is definitely a generational thing.  I am not interested in learning this new trick. 

I have used wireless buds for my music in the past while running/walking alone.  BUT--I only put one bud in.  I wanted to be able to hear the noises around me and two buds seemed to drown out the world.  It was important to be able to hear the traffic, and I enjoyed hearing the sounds around me--especially the birds singing.  The #1 Rule of running and walking out on the by-ways---stay alert.  Be aware of what is happening around you.  That is difficult to do if the sounds around you are effectively drowned out by the noise coming from you buds.  That is all you can hear.

Any public place is a good indicator of how many are now tuning out the world and selecting to hear only what they want to hear.  Is that a good thing?  Are we missing out on when we decide we will only listen to what we choose?  

This is all coming from the book I am reading that I posted about recently.  One of the best Christian books I have read in a long time.  The review is coming---when I finish it.  Suffice it to say---it has been a huge wake up for me.  BUT--this tidbit really spoke volumes to me and I wanted to share it today.  Be open to hearing by listening to the world around you.  There are certainly times for quiet contemplation, certainly times we need to focus on the one speaking to us, but there also is the wonder of so much to hear--all around us.  I have been inspired by so much of what I have heard and more importantly--it has caused me to think.  I am praying we all keep at least one ear open---and practice the art of listening.  There is so much to be gained--so many surprises--such a beautiful world of sound playing a symphony all around us.  And then there are the soft whispers of God needing our attention.   Try it for a day--

"He who has ears to hear,

let him hear."

Matthew 11:15

HELP IN RECOGNIZING THE SCHEME AND THE SCHEMER

 It seems I speak of sin a great deal lately (or so it seems to me).   Perhaps this is a sign of my own personal struggle with sin?  In my defense, I am reading Leviticus in my annual walk through the Bible plan and when you read ALL those laws---you can get bogged down in how anyone could ever live a sinless life.  (THANK GOD & JESUS FOR FREEING US FROM THE LAW)  We are studying Genesis on Sunday morning and just hit upon the very first sin.  Poor Eve--what a thing to be remembered for.  This past Sunday (March 3) the pastor taught on the Devil's Schemes.  I walked away with a page full of notes and the certainty I needed to address this.  What hope am I giving if all I am talking about is  how fallen man has a propensity to sin and no help in fighting off that inclination?

Satan has a game plan and I will give you the high points of what I heard~

ISOLATION---BOY--did this hit me in the face.  In many ways since the pandemic I have lived a very isolated life.  It began with a huge amount of caution, knowing I did not want to have the plague.  (I do not handle suffering physically well either.)  Once the habit of being home became ingrained---my introverted self found that I did not mind being alone.  NOW--I love people--enjoy almost all of you (I will not name names of those I might run from).  BUT my mother seems to have passed on her introvert gene to all three of her offspring.  My sister in law told my brother, "This pandemic shut down played right into the hands of you James'es."  Well not intentionally--but all three of us do not mind periods of aloneness.  The Word instructs us---to meet together.  My favorite together is small group and one on one.  We need others to hold us accountable and be our truth tellers.  At times we do not realize what we are in the middle of and its danger unless someone hits us in the face with it.  God places those in our lives who love us enough to lovingly point out where we are headed.

DISCONTENTMENT-- A friend recently told me of a meeting with a missionary from a third world country where poverty causes a daily struggle for the necessities of life.  The missionary told her--"I feel sorry for you Americans!  You live in a land of plenty and extravagant riches of abundances which become a huge distraction from the God who supplies WHAT WE NEED."  We are guilty of fighting against the concept of enough.

DOUBTING GOD--  When things are going south for us--when tragedies come--when everyone seems to have more--when we are struggling, there is that evil whisper--"How could a loving and good God allow this? This is not fair.  Why should I listen to a God who allows this?"  You can quickly find in the Word proof that not only is God good in the midst of trouble, but He is faithful and will sustain us.

RATIONALIZATION--  NOW I have at least discussed this with you.  Our need to tell those little white lies.   Sin making sense in our convoluted attempt to justify the wrong path we have taken.  The pastor gave this quote from one of the other pastor's on the pastoral team, "You will never find in sin what you went into sin seeking."  BUT we still try to rationalize our guilt away.

LOOKING FOR COMPANY--We seek validation by association.  We were told  to examine ourselves and ask the question, "Are your friends beginning to change?"  We all want others to love us for who we are---even when we are sinful we are seeking approval.  Where is your wisdom and accountability coming from?

BLAME SHIFTING-- Another one we have discussed before.  The ultimate aim for Satan is he wants us to blame God.  In the "sin in the garden" story, God asked three questions-

Where are you?

Who told you that?

What did you do?

It had never occurred to me God wanted Adam and Eve to confess, probably because I was so focused on the fall of man.   Biblical confession is needed for God to redeem our sin so that we can live in reconciliation with Him.  Satan wants us to blame God---but God NEVER tempts anyone.

 DIVISION--Satan's ultimate goal is to cause a break--a division between us and others and, most importantly to our enemy---us and God.  We allow him to win if we turn our face from God.  

That crafty old devil is a smooth talker--a magician of words who wants first and foremost to place doubt in our minds.  I pray we all will seek truth and remember Who God is.

I am not certain I have ever devoted an entire blog to a sermon (I prefer the term lesson).  This was too important to not share.  

"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren,

that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God,

to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

For in that He himself has suffered,

being tempted,

He is able to aid those who are tempted."

Hebrews 2:17-18

HUDDLE UP!

 I am reading a book recommended by my blogger friend, Martha (you can find her HERE & she is a wonderful poet and writer).  It has hit me squarely between the eyes and humbled me---more about that to come---after I finish reading it.  In the Introduction I became convicted and hopefully will take it all to heart and grow.  Really a great book--that I am certain  will inspire future posts.

The book is about how we should be listening.  In the introduction the author challenged me about who I am listening to.  I am guilty-guilty-guilty of loving to be in that holy huddle of believers.  I love to discuss our faith with other believers--love to be challenged by them---love to study -learn- and be stretched by my peers.  The truth was pointed out quickly by the author--that in most ways we all look alike.  Their views closely parallel mine and, when we discuss, it becomes a "social echo chamber".  GASP!  Here is an excerpt from the introduction---not even into the meat of the matter yet -

"The great hope of the Internet has been that dialogue will prevail, that people with different theologies, worldviews and politics will log in to learn, grow, and communicate with those who disagree with them.  Yet, it would seem that social media has helped people connect with like-minded people, and the unfortunate consequence has been the intensifying and radicalizing of beliefs and the deeper entrenchment of people's beliefs.  We settle into our own little truth corners."

Think you are not guilty?  When is the last time you explored an opposing viewpoint with anyone in any arena?  Are we afraid of being challenged?  Can we not listen to each other?  My sweet counselor friend told me when my daughter was leaving to go off to college, "Be sure she is grounded in her faith, because it will be challenged in the upper education environment."  Well---are we grounded enough to be able to listen to another so that we will have the opportunity to explain our faith?  Can you explain that faith?  I don't mean with "the party line"---I mean on a personal basis.  Have you thought about what God has done for you personally and, given the opportunity, can you discuss it without condemning another's view?  Are you aware that usually we go on the attack when we are feeling insecure or threatened when discussing with someone of an opposing view?  One more quote from the book introduction ~

"What the Bible portrays as a household of faith instead becomes a scattering of encampments, people who warm themselves by their own fires, whoop with their own war cries, listen solely to their appointed leaders and only interact with the other camps when firing arrows."

I am not a Biblical scholar, but I am pretty certain Jesus did not preach war---and I know for a fact he did not always sit with those of like mind.  He listened.  Now, do not get me wrong--we are instructed in The Word to gather together to worship.  Iron sharpens iron.  We are also given the great commission---and we can only be obedient if we are wiling to step out of the huddle.  I am being challenged with every page and pray these words will cause you to think also.  Huddling up is great--but the real action begins once the huddle is broken.  It's time for me to step away from the huddle.  BREAK!

"All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of

The Father

The Son

and

The Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:18-20

NEVER CHANGING

 In a recent email exchange, I asked how the change at work was going.  The answer began my wheels turning--- "I suppose change is inevitable."  My response was I have lived a life of change and learned to "Go with the flow".

Change is inevitable, for we do not live in a static world.  Things are always changing.  I also found this ~

Platitudes are great, but real life is another thing entirely.  While mulling this over, I thought about standing in the strong Texas winds that blow from the west consistently.  I can walk facing the wind and refusing to change direction be blown flat on my butt, or I can change directions and allow the wind to help move me along.  It is my choice.  Life is filled with change--it is a given.  Our part of change is to either adapt to it or fight a losing battle against it.  Changes come--in all areas of life.  It is just a matter of time---get ready because change is coming.  I love the above quote and hope we all can seek the opportunities and not get stuck in the mire of refusal to comply.  Sooner or later--we must either comply or get left behind.  That can become a real struggle as we age.

There is one constant that never changes in life---the fact that Jesus paid the price for our failures.  That does not change.  The promise of eternity is all because of Him and there is no compromise.  Not to say that we cannot change our opinions over points of theology with growth and study.  BUT the one thing which is never going to change is what Jesus did for us.  It is the line in the sand.  Come what may---as the world swiftly changes---Jesus is the sure and certain way.  No need for change when He is the answer.

"For I the Lord do not change."

Malachi 3:6

COVER UP

Texas weather is a proverbial whirlwind.  You don't like today's weather--stick around--your favorite kind is coming.  As I write this a cold front screeched through last night--literally.  The wind howled all night and is still making its presence heard.  Today the highs will be in the 40's--wind chills in the 30's----yesterday it was in the 80's and the day before it was in the mid 90's.  YES--you heard me right--it hit 95 Monday after a slow warming trend claimed dominance at the end of last week.  And with those rising temperatures the snow bunnies became bathing beauties.

 

As Hero and I walked by one of  the pools during his noon time constitutional stroll, we noticed the pool area was filled with all the young college coeds in their sunning attire.  They all prefer the brands Barely There and Covers Nothing for their swim suit wardrobe.  NOW-in fairness to them--if I still looked like they do perhaps I would dress similarly.  In the days when I did look like them, even though I was a little rebellious, I did not dare barely dress.  Momma kept a tight rein on some parts of my life--with the aim of always being a lady.  AND a lady certainly did not overexpose herself in public!   

Today's my swimsuit wardrobe is filled with the brands Behind a Berka and Covers It All.  Time and living life has taken a toll on my body and it is best kept covered.  Lesson learned about over exposure to the sun after skin cancer surgery is one small example.  I have a criss- cross of scars & wrinkles from surgeries, accidents, and the pull of gravity.  Perhaps I would be doing those lovely coeds a favor if I walked out there in a bikini sans cover up and showed them what they have to look forward to.  Instead--IF I dared to go to the pool, it would be with a cover up that I took off after I found a chair in some obscure dark corner (then what is the point of going to the pool).  Some things are best not seen---with me in a swimsuit on the list.

I have noticed they all walk to the pool in some form of coverup.  There are over 700 apartments in this complex so it it a huge area requiring walking through and around several buildings.  They are careful to keep everything covered with a long shirt or swim cover.  Once they reach the pool--the cover is flung off and they found a chair to sprawl in and soak up the sun.  So much for the cover up---if you didn't see anything on the way to the pool--it was all exposed once they arrived at the pool.  Very little left for the imagination--with only strings to hide behind.

NOW---don't think I am some old grandma prude--on second thought perhaps I am.  The point of this post is not swimsuits at all.  This reminded me of our (that means me too) efforts to cover up our sin---hide it behind some excuse or justification of the whys it is not our fault.  We think---no one will ever know as long as we are sinning behind cover--but though man may not know---there is One Who knows all.  There is no way to cover it up--sweep it under the rug--or hide behind the tree.  He knows--just ask Adam and Eve.  SO before you don that sin cover up---remember God sees it all.  Yes---our sin is forgiven once we accept Jesus into our life.  BUT there will come a day when we stand before the throne and see a recap of our lives.  Will it be criss-crossed with the wrinkles and scars from a sinful life or will we reflect the perfection of striving toward Jesus?  My toes are black and blue---I just stepped all over them.

"For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ,

so that each one my receive what is due

for what he has done in the body,

whether good or evil."

II Corinthians 5:10