WILDLIFE

We have WILDLIFE here in Fort Worth and NOT just at Billy Bob's.  I have seen the largest raccoons and possums that I have ever seen ,here on the edge of the inner city.  Recently I saw the largest coyote I have ever come across and it was slightly alarming.  All of us who are early risers realize, with the passing of the summer equinox,  the day light hours are slowly becoming shorter and shorter.  I am always up walking before sunrise, but my walks are in the pitch black these days.  There is not even the early twilight I so dearly love---morning and evening.  

As Hero and I made one of our usual trails, we were on a sidewalk in the shadows of the huge trees of this old neighborhood.  We walk very quietly, since he rarely barks and we are not fast.  Out of the corner of my eye I glimpsed a large dog running down the middle of the street.  As always, I yanked Hero up, since he does not have sense enough to not attack any other living creature---and especially large ones.  Hero began his usual snorting, spitting and, in general, throwing a fit.  This caught the coyote's attention and he stopped---looked right at me and did not move.  I am certain he was trying to decide if Hero was enough of a meal to bother with going through me.  In my normal Louisiana red neck manner, I yelled at said coyote with my mean momma voice which can cause grown men to tremble.  The coyote did not flinch--kept watching us---probably planning his attack.  And then---some poor cat made the mistake of running close by the coyote and his attention was adverted.  The cat got away---Hero and I got away and the coyote went home hungry.  ALL within a few short blocks of the Fort Worth skyscrapers.

Nice wildlife story, but what could possibly be a "God Point"?  Our enemy is watching us---and sizing up where our tender underbelly is and planning his attack.  He is crafty---you might say foxy--and is patiently waiting for the opportunity to go for us.  Will we be ready?  Will we recognize the schemes of our enemies?  Are we on guard?  Have we prayed God's hedge of protection around us?  We can be vulnerable to attack when we least expect it.  BUT GOD!

"Our Lord and our God,

You are my mighty rock,

my fortress,

my protector.

You are the rock where I am safe.

You are my shield,

my powerful weapon,

and my place of shelter.

You rescue me and keep me safe from violence."

2 Samuel 22:2-3  

STUBBORN OLD THING!

 Hero and I have a virtual tug of war every morning when we are walking.  For some strange reason his late afternoon is not such a trial, perhaps he is weary after a long day of napping and protecting us from the next door cat and the birds who dare to visit the feeders.  At any rate, Hero has a mind of his own.  He is only a few inches tall and I am much more---he only weights 10 pounds and I am MUCH more---but he seems to be a slow learner.  He has not caught on that my way is the best way---and stubbornly tries to go his way.  No matter if the sprinklers are on, no matter if there is mud on the sidewalk, no matter if there is a big dog headed our way---NO MATTER WHAT DANGER IS IN HIS PATH----HE IS BOUND AND DETERMINDED TO GO HIS WAY.   You would think after all these walks where I end up snatching him up and out of the way of peril, he would have learned.  You would think he would figure out I always have his best at heart.  You would think---RIGHT!  OH NO---we are walking with him leaning in the direction he has chosen and trying to pull me in the path he has decided is best. and I am holding him by the leash and trying to not choke him.  It is laughable---when it is not trying my patience to the ragged edge.  Here we go--with me faithfully leading him down the road to a nice walk filled with trees, lampposts, and soft grass (he loves high soft grass--I think it must tickle his belly) and he is stubbornly doing everything he can to go his own way.  You would think he would learn---OH NO.  He is a stubborn old thing!

Here he is with his back turned to me pouting.

I'm certain he had not gotten his way again!

As he tried my patience once again this morning, (it's EVERY morning) I began to think of how much alike we are.  God has a plan for me---a plan with my best interest at its core---but I am bound and determined to do things my way.  You would think by this season in life I would have learned.  OH NO--I am leaning in the direction of the world and though God does not have me on a leash--He is still gently nudging me to take the path He knows is best.  I am a stubborn old thing---on my best day I would try the patience of even Job.  His path is the path to sanctification--to be more like Jesus---and yet I have my eyes on the world---the muddy-dangerous-hope stealing world.  I am so thankful He does not give up on me---that even when I am on the path of willful--He is gently calling me back.  His love for us all has no bounds---when will I learn?

"Be patient, therefore, brothers,

until the coming of the Lord.  

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,

being patient about it, 

until it receives the early and the late rains.

You also, be patient.

Establish your hearts,

for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

James 5:7-8

PARTS OF A WHOLE

All of you cooks and, especially all of us who wish we could cook better, understand the importance of following the recipe.  I distinctly remember the cookie recipe we followed to the t---to only discover baking soda had been written down instead of baking powder.  WHAT a disaster that was!  One little ingredient can completely change the outcome.  When I took some cooking classes, the chef was BIG into you using your imagination when cooking- BUT never in baking.   I have learned over the years how to use my cooking imagination, and have a few dishes I change almost every time I prepare them.   Baking, though,  is REALLY about ingredient chemical reactions to each other and unless you follow the recipe you are asking for a possible disaster.  The dish is all the things which are a part of it.  Everything we put into the pot---has a direct consequence on the success or lack thereof.

This train of thought came from a recent statement I read----"We are all the things we have experienced."  THIS is a deep subject and I took a nosedive into my history after reading it.  While spending time self-examining, I often realize my actions and reactions are a direct reflection to something in my past.  We may think we have left the past in the past, but we are forever impacted by our experiences---many time subconsciously.  While we are forgiven and redeemed when our sins are forgiven, and God has forgotten them, we still feel their consequences in our present and future.  Our history is a teaching tool and that is a good thing.  So instead of dwelling on our past, how do we succeed in using what we have learned and moving forward?  Giving it to God---has been my own solution.  Regret is directly tied to the past---and regret has no real benefit.  Instead of living in regret, we should remember our past and use it as a tool of change.  Give that guilt and shame to God with your confession and move forward.  We certainly are a sum total of all the things we have experienced and a wise man is able to use those lessons and bring about change.  A great example is David and the death of his son, who was the result of David's sin.   Take the time to reread the story (2 Samuel 12:16-25)

"Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it?"

Isaiah 43:18-19

CLOUDY DAYS

 If you have ever flown, you understand what happens when you fly up through the clouds.  It can be a perfectly gray day here on terra firm, and once we fly through the cloud cover---we are surrounded by clear sunny skies.  It is truly a beautiful sight---once you suffer through the heart dropping trauma of flying through that cloud cover.  

Why is the ride so bumpy when flying through the clouds?  OF COURSE--I asked Dr. Google and here is his explanation~

1.  The density of the clouds is different from the density of the surrounding air.  This creates a "pothole" effect in the sky.

2.  Air mixing---the temperature, pressure and velocity of air within clouds can differ from the outside air, causing unstable mixing.  This mixing creates updrafts and downdrafts, which can cause the lift on an aircraft's wings to change rapidly and unpredictably.

3. Storm clouds which grow rapidly can push air away, creating waves in the atmosphere.

Your welcome for today's educational points.  While this is certainly interesting, how in the world could it pertain to our faith?  

While we are under the clouds, I began to realize the cloud cover acts as a curtain.  We are trapped in the gray with little light filtering through the clouds.  Gray days---are not just physical.  Lately I have been trapped under a cloud of anxiety over things beyond my control which has led to a bout of low grade depression (a genetic predisposition--remember I come from a long line of depressed people) .  These clouds have thickened to the point--that I sometimes forget the sunshine on the other side of them.  When life has us under clouds of doubt and apprehension, those clouds are a deterrent to the light we so desperately need.  The only way to get through those clouds is to ride out the turbulence so that we may break out of the gray and once again see the sunlight.  The spiritual sonlight which is always there, but not visible because of our focus on the clouds of doubt.  Here is to breaking through the clouds and living in the assurance of the light from above.  

"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

UNMERITED SAINTHOOD

 Recently, a reader commented upon the post concerning the anxiety I am currently experiencing.  Their comment ~ "Thank you for letting your readers see a part of you that we have not seen before."  This caused me to pause and ponder and feel the need for an explanation.  If you see me as one who has their act together and has all the answers, I have misguided you about the real me.

These posts almost all come from the source of what I believe are God nudges.  He uses the experiences of a day to inspire me to ponder many-many subjects.  Responding to another reader's email, I confessed my mind can be a merry go round.  Here is the thing I want you all to understand---I am NO SAINT---knowing and understanding the truth does not mean I always stay on the right path.  I am a Saint according to the The Word---but that sainthood comes to me via the blood of Jesus.  Unmerited Sainthood --undeserved grace--are covered by the abundant love of The Father--via the sacrifice of His Son.  

I have feet of clay--and not just clay but sticky---unmolded---muddy-sticky feet of clay.  I am not proud of all my actions--in fact I am absolutely mortified at times.  BUT GOD---saw fit to provide a way for me to live in communion with the Triune God.  This should not surprise you--but many of those who know me really well---do not read my blog.  They are looking through the lens of my history---and know my failures--this seems to disqualify me since I am a sinner---as we all are, to post a Believer's ponderings.  How could I give anyone insight to God when I can act as I do at times?  There will always be those who doubt the "right" of a fallen woman to speak of the things of God.  I have no right---except through the covering of God's grace.  The truth of who I am is all summed up nicely here~

"Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings,

if it is for Christ.

Because when I am weak, I am strong."

2 Corinthians 12:10  CEV

SO---I struggle---I hope that comes across when you read.  I question---God gave us a brain to think with and sometimes I have my moments of doubt, though not of God's presence.  BUT GOD---shows Himself faithful, true, and loving day in and day out.  My blog has never been intended to convey the idea I have the answers.  My blog is meant to help us all to think of the great mysteries of God.  AND I am so thankful for those who read---and especially those who comment---your comments often cause me to dig deeper---to strive harder to learn--and KNOW the truth.  Iron sharpens iron---thank you for being my iron.  SO I am a Saint---by no claim of my own---but all because of Jesus.  I am so thankful and praise Him for His use of a wretch like me.

"To the church of God that is in Corinth,

to those sanctified in Christ Jesus,

called to be saints"

I Corinthians 1:2

IN A FULL OUT SQUIRM

 Looking at this title I immediately thought of a worm.  NOW---I AM NOT a worm.  WAIT--perhaps I spoke TOO quickly.  I can be wormy (not physically).  

Recently I heard a sermon--45 minutes of teaching---all based upon ONE verse.

"Dear friends, God is good.

So I beg you to offer your bodies to Him as a living sacrifice,

pure and pleasing.

That is the most sensible way to serve God."

Romans 12:1

CEV(side note I am enjoying this new to me translation)

We all have heard this verse.  I have read it countless times and THOUGHT I understood.  Well I did---but the meaning has been emphasized by the teaching.  The High Reverend spoke early on of a sermon he heard on this verse.  We all understand from our reading the Old Testament that the sacrifices were made on the Altar.  This indicates the sacrifices were placed UPON the altar as a gift of love (sometimes atonement) to Almighty God.  When we begin to think of placing ourselves on that altar, it can become a bit uncomfortable.  The word picture he drew was us trying to squirm our way off the altar and back onto our throne.  GROAN---GUILTY!!!! 

My daily struggle is thinking I can control ANY of this!  There are too many variables and too little of me to accomplish much, if any, control over anything.  That is a daunting truth!

What God wants is our spirit of thankfulness and praise.  HE---and ONLY HE is in control.  When do we finally arrive at our destination on the Road to Sanctification?  When we finally truly realize Who is in control over all of this, or when we meet our earthly dead end.  I strongly suspect the latter will be the end of the line for me.  God wants so little---and yet, we are so hesitant to give Him it all.  I am working on my spirit of thankfulness---and surrender of my thoughts of control.

I KNOW ENOUGH TO BE DANGEROUS

Let me begin by saying- I know just enough about technology to be dangerous and this is definitely a first world problem.  Somehow I have managed to switch my Facebook page on my computer to the language of Portuguese.  NOW---here is the problem---I write my blog on my computer--and certainly do not try to type all of this on my cell phone.  BUT, when I try to look at Facebook to respond to your comments while using the computer it is in Portuguese.  HOW IN THE WORLD DID I MANAGE TO DO THAT????  I did it a LONG time ago--and have finally figured out a few months ago how to have it all translated to English.  BUT though that helps--it is NOT fixing the core problem.  I need to find the switch to flip this back to English.  NOW in my defense---I have checked my settings---not only on Facebook, but on my search engines also.  I strongly suspect it is a computer problem--BUT for the life of me---I cannot get back to English.  Most days--I am too busy or distracted to fool with it---BUT when I do--it can eat away a couple of hours.  I am literally running in circles looking for the answer.  The basic problem--the core of my dilemma--is my lack of technical knowledge.  Since I have a way to have it translated, I have become satisfied and content with getting by.   I know just enough to get by and am guilty of speeding through things without reading the book and end up getting myself into a deep hole.  

My brother, who is the computer genius of the family,  told me a long time ago, there were hackers in the world who knew only enough to change things around on the computer.  The problem though was they did not follow the guidelines in how changes need to be made and often made changes--no one could figure out how to fix once the hacker was out of the picture.  I am guilty of being a hacker---lacking formal education, stubborn to a fault about reading manuals, I can manage to get myself in a self created quagmire.  All because I do not know enough about the subject matter.  I call myself a writer---and yet refuse to learn the correct usage of the tools of my hobby.  What can I expect---but to be unintentionally using a language I cannot understand.  

Circle up---here is the point of this ramble----how many of us call ourselves Believers, yet do not read the manual?  How many of us are too busy -too distracted- and know just enough to be dangerous.   Do we call ourselves experts, but yet do not know the language of Belief?  One thing I have learned on my journey to sanctification---God is infinitely broader than I can even begin to understand.  I could study all day--every day---and never truly understand the depths of God.  When I think of the times I have pulled scripture out of context, I cringe.  How many times have I mislead someone--because of my lack of knowledge about the things of God?   Are we always searching for a true picture of who God is?  Are we reading His manual, listening to His teachers, and willing to discuss the mysteries of the faith?  If an unbeliever asks you questions, can you adequately give a correct answer?  Daunting when we consider the great commission and our responsibility. 

"And Jesus had greeted them again, he said,

'I am sending you,

just as the Father has sent me.' "

John 20:21

FU'TBOL-PARTE TRES

 There is a LOT of Spanish spoken here in Fort Worth, so I am endeavoring to learn a few words and phrases---thus today's title.  Bear with me---I am a slow learner at this stage.

Today's topic occurred to me while allowing football to run around the track in my head.  I think this is the last post, BUT as we have discussed before--NEVER SAY NEVER.  

While you certainly need to be able to score points in this game, since the object is the team with the most points wins, you cannot win the game if you cannot prevent the other team from scoring more points.  Thus the all important -

DEFENSE

The grands have learned to love defense after I told them there had to be some satisfaction when legally flattening out one of the opposing players (YES- I can be aggressive).  When you see a football game with low scoring---you KNOW the defense came to play.  Many a defensive player has openly celebrated after sacking the ball carrier for a big loss.  There is just as much glory to be had when playing defense as when carrying the ball.  

Do you get a sense of where I am going?  In the game of life---the all important struggle in this fallen world--we need to have established a good defense.  I am not speaking of physical defense (though that might be important also), but the defense necessary when the world attacks your faith.  This requires a knowledge of what you believe and why.  That comes from study and learning from those more mature believers.  AND, most important, that comes from developing a relationship with the One who is the cause for your faith.  My dear friend wisely told me, "Before you send your child to college, you need to make certain they are well grounded in their faith---because it is going to be attacked in the academic world."  Wise words---not just for our children, but for all of us.  We need to be prepared when we are asked difficult and challenging questions.  Have your defense ready!  Train your mind and heart---be prepared to be challenged.

"Train up a child in the way he should go:

and when he is old,

he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

GAME CONTINUED-PART DOS

 We began our conversation about football---in fact all things concerning ball type games---yesterday.  It should not surprise you that I have more than one thought on the subject since it seems to be all many think about during the fall season.  There is a range of teams beginning just post toddler and ending with the BIG LEAGUES of professionals in football.  I have friends who speak of their spouses watching football every night of the week.  I can certainly enjoy an exciting football game, but as we recently discussed--ALL things in moderation!

At the beginning meeting of our Fall Bible Study we discussed groups we had been a part of over the years and what they had meant to us.  I have been a part of small groups since the early days of their inception, for decades now.  The fact is I was not certain I wanted to participate in the beginning--after all we were in a Sunday School class.  It turned out--small groups were Sunday School with an added splash of community.  A more relaxed atmosphere---community was built as trust was learned.  My good friend and I often speak of the difference between Bible Study and small groups.  Bible study (which I am attending) is 95% study of The Word---with very little time spent on relationship building.  Small group is all about building relationships while studying The Word.  There is merit to each group.

I gave this analogy when it came my turn to speak of my history with groups~

"We laughingly call these Holy Huddles.  The huddle is a football ritual where, before each play, (for simplification we will not talk about no-huddle plays) the quarterback (leader) gets his team together in a huddle.  They are given the next play and the part everyone will play.  The quarterback encourages the players and spurs them on to do their best.  They then encourage each other-with verbal high fives(figuratively).  When it is time to run the play--they all clap their hands and say 'BREAK!'.  This signals the time to line up and run the play---get in the game which is outside of the huddle.

So it can be with small group.  We meet in our Holy Huddles to study the play book, encourage one another, lift each other up to The High Coach, and build a community of support.  BUT---the real point behind the huddle comes when we BREAK and reenter the world.  We are preparing ourselves to go out into the world with Christ written all over us.  

Many of my favorite memories on the Road to Sanctification have been in Small Groups.  I am so thankful for God's provision of community.  Community who love us, though we all have feet of clay, supports us when we are down, and encourages us to live a life of faith. God did created man to be in community and I am thankful for the Holy Huddles.

"Finally, all of you

have unity of mind

sympathy,

brotherly love

a tender heart

and a humble mind."

I Peter 3:18

                                               

DRAMA FREE ZONE

 At this stage of the game, I am DONE with drama.  Some seem to thrive on drama and go out of their way to keep things stirred up.  She said and he said and they said is enough to drive a saint over the edge of reason.  I not only dislike drama---I actively flee from it.  The space around me is a "NO DRAMA ZONE".  My sweet little-ONLY--granddaughter came by recently with her mother and was in tears over some pre-teen drama.  Her Mom told me she can't stay away from the "Girl Drama" that has already begun happening and we are not even into double digits yet.  When it gets started, she has not learned 'DON'T POKE THE BEAR!"

If you poke the bear, it will turn on you and attack you.  She will learn, but it can be a costly lesson.  Hopefully, she will learn the tricks of her mom and her Lulu---we change the subject or walk away.  AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR DRAMA!  Why the need for drama?  I really believe some are not happy unless there is a stink going on---entertainment? or placing yourself in the middle of the action?  Whatever---some seem to not be satisfied unless they are in the midst of turmoil.

I have had my fill of drama in my lifetime and can truthfully say---it is a waste of precious time.  I am done--over and out---turning away and fleeing from any and all drama.  Life is not meant to be spent in the chaos of self-made drama.  We have enough to handle as we trek through life without creating trouble.  SO---do not be drawn me into any drama--- turn your back and walk away---without a second thought.  God did not intend us to be stirring up trouble.  All four gospels have a story of a woman anointing Jesus and someone questioning this act.  My favorite is in the Gospel of Matthew~

"Jesus was in the town of Bethany,

eating at the home of Simon,

who had leprosy. 

A woman came in with a bottle of expensive perfume

and poured it on Jesus' head.

But when his disciples saw this,

they became angry and complained,

'Why such a waste?

We could have sold this perfume for a lot of money

and given it to the poor.' "

Matthew 26:6-9

Jesus's own disciples---are trying to create drama and Jesus quickly puts an end to the discussion.  My take away---Jesus did not like drama and had no patience with those who created it.  My lesson---do not listen---walk away---run-flee from drama.  If at all possible---live in a Drama Free Zone.  Life has enough real drama--without creating more.

GAME ON!

 Once again football season has rolled around.  The Horned Frogs here in Fort Worth have become rabid frogs.  It trickles all the way down to elementary school as today was "Wear your team colors" at the neighborhood elementary school I walk by everyday as Hero and I make our rounds.  I have two grandsons on two different teams this year.  One is playing freshman ball in high school and another is on the Junior High team.  Our lives are currently filled with football here.

While walking this morning, it occurred to me all that goes into playing football---well not just football --any sport or anything---band, dance, debate---almost all things.  You do not just sign up to show up at game day---there are hours upon hours of preparation before that day arrives.  One of my two grands has football practice beginning in August at 6:30 in the morning.  The junior high begins classes at 9:00 so they practice early in the morning since school is not over until 4:30.  Think about it--soon to be 14 year old who has to leave for school at 6:00 AM to practice football.  OBVIOUSLY, he loves the sport.  I asked him what they did when it recently rained and he told me they studied the game plan and play book.  They visualized what they would do on game day.  Basically---most things we do require much more preparation than the actual event.  While watching the Olympics we talked about the hours upon hours--in fact the dedicating of one's life to get to that moment.  AND when clutch time finally arrives---you have done the work---prepared your head and body---to compete in that brief moment of time.  To win----you must prepare.

So it is with our Spiritual Lives----we should prepare our heads and hearts before we put on the armor of God.  You cannot expect to change the world if you are not prepared.  How much preparation have you done?  Have you studied The Book?  Have you attended the team meetings?  Have you prepared your minds and bodies?  Are you listening to The Coach? 

"Blessed be the Lord my Rock,

Who trains my hands for war,

And my fingers for battle-

My lovingkindness and my fortress,

My high tower and my deliverer,

My shield and the One in whom I take refuge."

Psalm 144:1-2

IN THE COOING OF THE DOVE

 I have a pair of mourning doves who spend a great deal of time in my backyard.  There is a water source there, it has sun and shade, and the bird feeder is always full.  They greatly entertain and amuse me.  Hero, on the other hand is not a fan and if I dare let him out the door--he chases them off.  They are almost as big as he is, so I am not certain what he thinks he could do---but he is always game to try and catch them.

Here is a sample of the coos I hear daily

Why are they called mourning doves? Dr. Google led me to this information~

"The mourning dove is considered by many to be a sign of hope, love and freedom.  Doves are also a universal symbol of peace and often associated with the holiday season.  Some bird lovers report experiencing a feeling of comfort when a mourning dove visits.  Others believe that it is a message from a loved one or a reminder of someone who is no longer present in your life, but is missed and remembered."

Perhaps this is why I love seeing my pair (they mate for life) and hearing their sweet coo's.  I always enjoy comfort and peace while watching them.

I am reminded of the beauty of all God created for us to enjoy as I ponder the gift of the backyard doves.   Nature, in itself, is a constant and faithful reminder of Who God is.  He is a God who is in the details---every last one of them.  AND the cooing of the dove--is a song unto my soul.

"In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through Him,

and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

In Him was life,

the life was the light of men."

John 1:1-4

COTTAGE OR CASTLE?

We are all so different--and yet in many ways so similar.  Not everyone loves to be in their house, but it is a balm to my soul.   My new to me home is over 100 years old---and it has the ambiences and detriments of a house that old.  One bathroom is less than 2 years old and has a large walk in shower.  The other bath has the original tub and It is small--which leads to a cozy feel.  The windows are original--but their insulating factor is negligible.  I prefer the smaller house---I have lived in a large house and learned the lesson of upkeep.  If we do not take care of the material things in our possession--they will deteriorate.  I believe we are told from dust we come and to dust we return---especially with time and wear and no upkeep.

I enjoy watching the documentaries of the castles in Europe.  Blame it on my OCD, but all I can see is who in the world wants to take care of all of that?  Even if you are financially able to "hire" it done, someone has to be on constant vigil  for what needs to be done and arranging and supervising the work.  Spending my time and energy taking care of a castle, especially in this season of life, is NOT how I want to spend my days.  AND those castles of old---still have old house problems.  You can end up in a constant state of remodel and update if your start down that slippery slope.  It is a lot like the road system in Texas---in a constant state of construction or repair.  I know there are readers who live in really large houses---castles by the world's standards and there was a time in my life (house full of children) that I felt I needed the space too.  As the house emptied and life began to shrink---it was quickly evident I was not interested in large and grand, but small and cozy had become my cup of tea.  You may be of my mind set, or you may love your large home and all the space and luxury it affords.   Both of them require maintenance and upkeep---especially if you are like me and cleanliness is just below Godliness in my priorities.  

WHERE in the world am I going with this ramble?  No matter if you prefer a castle or a cottage---they both require upkeep.  If I do not stay on top of the dust and Hero's dog hair, I soon will have a dusty dog hair carpet covering these original wood floors.  Without the proper care our houses can disintegrate into a sad state.  So it is with our hearts and souls.  Unless we spend time on their maintenance and upkeep---they will take on the characteristics of the world surrounding them.  If we ingest a steady diet of junk, what do we expect our hearts and souls to look like?  I asked myself this question---

How much time am I spending pursuing growing in my faith?

  How much time am I giving to God?

What am I feeding my soul and heart?

It causes me to cringe when I remember what I am charged with versus what I spend my day doing.  Surely the upkeep of my soul and heart are much more important than the things of this world?  Heavy thinking today---all from the concept of a cottage or a castle.

"But seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness"

Matthew 6:33

QUESTIONS OR STATEMENTS

 For the life of me, I cannot determine what began this line of "mulling it over".  I have just finished a 4 day weekend of dog and house sitting for one of my granddogs.  The Fort Worth kids were all out of town for the long holiday weekend, and I was staying in a neighborhood that is not familiar to me.  For 4 days, I only spoke to the dogs--(and occasionally yelled), so perhaps my lack of oral communication started me thinking this over.  ALSO--tomorrow begins the fall term of the Bible Study I attend.  I will be in a new small group--will not know a soul (it's a huge church and Bible Study).  Perhaps I was pondering the best questions to ask to begin a conversation.  I also VOWED to keep my comments to a minimum---listen---not talk.  Maybe all of this brought on the dialogue in my head over making statements and asking questions.

Socializing 101 teaches us---everyone likes to talk about themselves (Guilty).  So ask a question---about any part of their lives - and usually the conversation is off to the races.  Women --especially-  love to talk about their children, grands, and family.  Ask the question, "Tell me about your family?" and you have begun their monologue and need not concern yourself with question #2.  Men---might be a little more difficult---but I dare say most of them will talk to you ad nauseam about their favorite sport.  They do not like sports--ask them about their job.  These questions are conversation starters 90+% of the time  for men.  So what do people like to talk about--the things they spend the most time pursuing/helping/doing.  

When we make a statement---it can fall flat.  But the interest we show when we ask a question is an instant ice breaker.  We all want to feel like we are seen---and heard.  The esteem and interest of others in our lives is an invitation to come through the door in the wall we place around ourselves for protection.  Most of us cannot resist the lure of a well asked question.

This lead me to thinking over the times in The Word that God & Jesus  ask questions.  Here are a few examples- 

"Where are you?"  Genesis 3

"Where is your brother?" Genesis 4

"What are you doing here?" I Kings 19

"Who do you say that I am?" Mark 8

AND THE REALLY BIG ONE~

"Do you understand what I have done for you?" John 13

"Some say that God asks questions to remind people that His ways are often beyond human understanding.  Others say that God asks questions to bring people to the end of themselves so they can repent and find a closer relationship with God."

God is all knowing---so why does He asks questions in The Word?  To point man to truth.  As I studied the questions God asks in The Word---it became so apparent--the question was not asked because God did not understand, but so that man could understand.  As a parent teaches a child---often beginning with a question---so God teaches us.

PRAYER-PART TROIS

 I am fairly certain this will be the final post on prayer---BUT NEVER SAY NEVER!

The early morning walks I take Hero on are the perfect time for some fine thinking!  There is very little to distract me since it is still semi-dark, rarely do I meet someone, and it is still and quiet.  It is a proven point I am easily distracted.  Thus I move from one project to another like a stream rolling down the mountain side.  My head works the same way--rolling from one topic to the next---unless I am still and quiet.

This morning I began to think about "approach".  It all began with the times I have been in court.  No one is allowed to go near the judge--who is seated high above all of the court--unless you are specifically granted permission by the judge, "You may approach the bench." or at times, "Approach the bench".  Depending upon the circumstance both convey the same message, but one has a kinder tone and the other an order.  Because of the judge's authority and position---the rest of us laymen should show the respect granted by their position.  We are only allowed to approach them with their permission.

This led to considering a country's royalty---whether by birth or by election---all countries have a class of royalty.  Once again we find we are not allowed to approach the deemed royalty without permission.  Their position among the citizens of that country requires a protocol of approach.  We are not allowed near these high powers without their permission and the permission of those who protect them from we commoners.

When you consult the Oxford Dictionary , you learn the verb approach is defined as "come near or speak to someone".  Approach can also be used as a noun, but today we will think about the verb--the action of coming near or speaking to someone----someone with great authority---held in high esteem--by virtue of who they are.  Can you feel where I am going?

If we are allowed to approach our Great God with prayer, have we considered what a privilege we are being granted?  Might I even say we are blessed that Jesus tore the curtain so that mere man might communicate with the High God of the Universe.  When we pray, are we aware---conscious of what a wonderful thing it is to have a conversation with God? Perhaps I should start every prayer with this acknowledgement---and gratitude for His ear. The fact he actually listens to us--proves beyond any doubt---He is the God of Love and His omnipotence is beyond compare.

"So whenever we are in need,

we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God.

There we will be treated with undeserved grace,

and we will find help."

Hebrews 4:16

FINALLY RAIN!

We are actually enjoying cooler temperatures here in Texas at the moment.  OH--I am certain more heat  is to come since September is often one of our hottest months, but at the moment these 80's & low 90's are really quite nice.  It is all relevant.  Add to this--we FINALLY had a brief thunderstorm yesterday (Two weeks ago--I write ahead).  I had the sprinklers going, when out of nowhere this storm blew in.  We had a brief, but really nice shower.  Sitting in the sunroom and watching the wind blow and the rain fall was an oasis in the desert.  There is nothing than can compare to a thunderstorm---I have loved watching them my entire life.  A legacy from my Daddy who never saw a storm he didn't chase.

The sprinklers are keeping things alive, but it can be a chore.  Even in my tiny yard, I move them multiple times trying to give everything a drink.  You can literally see the grass and plants sigh a breath of relief and put on a happy--perky face.  Without water they will not survive--even the most drought tolerant plant needs an occasional drink.  AND the very best kind of watering is rainfall.  It is all distributed evenly---nothing is missed---and life is sustained at its very best.

The same can be said for mankind.  There is no substitute for the spiritual water available from heaven above.  We can try and substitute the water man offers to quench our thirst, but nothing will ever sustain us---give us an abundant life like the water from the spring offered by Jesus--the living water.

"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst;

but the water that I will give him will become in him

a well of water springing up to eternal life."

John 4:14

 

EMOTIONAL SPILLOVER

Lately, I have been thinking about how closely all of our emotions can be tied.  Picture all  our emotions in a large pasture with fences around each category.  All it takes is a break in the fence or a place you can go under or over to co-mingle those emotions.  I have cried buckets of sad tears---but no more than the happy tears which spill over quite frequently and those angry tears---may be the ones that scorch the most as they trickle down my cheeks.  MANY of our emotions are closely connected to other emotions.  We are complex emotional creatures.

What started this line of thought was pondering fear.  We all have fears--some completely rational and others WAY OUT in left field.  Lately I have been anxious.  This anxiety is a by-product of a fear I am dealing with.  The anxiety is a great deal like a low level of pain---such as a tooth ache---NOT so painful that I cannot think of anything else---BUT it has me on edge---chronically.  The thing about being on edge is it does not take much more to push us over the edge into a freefall of despair.  As I was considering how to manage this fear---I realized most fear is the result of loss of or inability to control a situation.  That is exactly what I am facing.  It seems I have done everything I can to alleviate the stressor--all to no avail.  My fear is I have NO control over this situation and have totally lost any control I thought I might have had.

NOW--there are many things in life which cause us fear---illness, financial, relational--on and on.  The "What If's" can wreck havoc on our emotions.  When we float along in life with the pipe dream we have everything under control, we are headed for a fall.  Truly--if you think about it---our control is fleeting at best.  It is laughable for us to think we are totally in control with all the variables in our lives.  BUT GOD (Conjunction Junction)----He realizes this and addresses fear in His Word.  He does not want us to live in fear---but instead trust in His provision---even for the worst of times.  THIS lesson is one I return to over and over in life.  Just about the time I think I have everything under control--the entire bottom falls out of my control plan and I am free falling in the deep chasm of fear.  Perhaps this will be a lesson I have to continue to return to until my last breath---it certainly seems I easily forget when stressed.  BUT GOD faithfully reminds me--He is not surprised----He is in control----all things can work (even the messes we make) for our good---by God's Hand.  Thanking Him for His nudges---when I cannot seem to remember.

"God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear"

Psalm 46:1-2

CONJUNCTION JUNCTION

 There was a children's show many years ago which I loved, "Schoolhouse Rock" which played during the childhood of my children.  They had a really catchy song often featured "Conjunction Junction".  I will now spend the day with this rolling through my head.

NOW where did this come from?  A sermon I recently heard.  It began with a story of telling children it was time to go to bed and their reply, "Yes, but".  As the sermon continued there were many examples of "yes, but".  A tool of manipulation, a way to stall, or the beginning of an excuse for why (that would be deflection)---it was used to insert your excuses or reasoning for delay or to distract from the initial statement.  The High Reverend then reminded us of the statement "But God".   The point of the sermon, "ALL THINGS WORK FOR OUR GOOD, IF WE ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE." Romans 8:28

NOW, I am not going to repeat the entire sermon--although it was an excellent one, but instead I am focusing on the word BUT.  Beginning with the phrase, "BUT GOD", I began to consider if but was ALWAYS a conjunction?  According to Dr. Google, "In the English language, the word "but" is also used for multiple purposes.  It can serve as a conjunction, a preposition, an adverb, or a noun."  As I carefully thought of how we use "But God" it dawned upon me perhaps that phrase is a combination of all these parts of speech.  Why wouldn't it be?  We are speaking of God Almighty---the Great Creator of everything.  When we make a statement---using But God---in my feeble mind-- it stands to reason it very well could encompass all these parts of speech.  When we make a declaration using "BUT GOD", we are acknowledging His sovereignty --His omnipotence.  This to me is reason for the word to be considered all the parts of speech noted.  Think this over---I would love to know your thoughts.

"I am the Lord!

There is nothing too difficult for me."

Genesis 18:14  CEV

IT'S HOT AND EVERYTHING IS THIRSTY!

 

This screen shot of my I phone weather gives you a glimpse at what we are dealing with here in Texas currently.  (Two weeks ago) I do not know WHY I think if school starts it will begin to get cooler.   It started this week, August 13, and this is what we have coming our way.  I suppose that thought comes from the days when I was a school girl and school started after Labor Day.  It was still hot, and we had NO air-conditioning, but somehow it always seemed fall was right around the corner.  Fun fact for all you city dwellers and young people, we started school that late because the crops needed to all be in before the farm boys and girls could take the time to go to school every day.  There was a shortage of mechanical help in those days and the harvest was important, so school was delayed until the crops were harvested and every hand was needed to help.  

NOW, I have once again gotten off on a tangent, but it does all relate to today's topic.  After many years of having a sprinkler system, my new to me home does not have one.  I am hand watering and dragging hoses around 3 times a week to try and keep things alive.  Thankfully, living in the inner city, I have a small yard, but it will absolutely dry up and shrink back to the root if I do not give it some water.  Perhaps I had gotten lazy, or begun to take for granted a sprinkler system as another modern convenience, but it had not occurred to me I would be the one in charge of supplying the life giving water.  That old muscle memory of dragging hoses around and standing and spot spraying was alive and well.  I quickly slipped back into the routine.

When I purchased hoses, I made certain they were flexible.  These new fangled hoses with reinforcement will give you a hose that lasts a long time, BUT I lose the control I need when pulling those hoses into the next position.  I have ONE outdoor faucet.  Thankfully it has a split which does help me.  Walking back and forth to the front from the back can become tiresome, so I came up with a solution.  Once I get the desired water flow I use that flexible hose as my cutoff while moving the hose.  I bend the hose until the water cuts off and hold it until I get the sprinkler positioned.  Back up and let go and RUN!  I get a few sprinkles, but it is so hot--WHO CARES!  I am saved MANY a step and the chore is made easier.  

While out watering this morning, this little act of stopping the water flow inspired me.  What in my life is creating a kink in the line of the life giving spiritual water to my soul?  What activities, what actions, what distractions cut off that life giving flow?  Without water-physically and spiritually we will surely dry up and eventually die.  Time to give this some thought as I go about my day---while doing the habitual---I need to consider---is this cutting off the flow?  It is amazing what God can use to nudge me and there may be more to come on this.

"Jesus answered,

'If you knew the generosity of God

and who I am,

you would be asking me for a drink,

and I would give you fresh, living water.' "

John 4:10

TOO MUCH

I am happy to say, our weather forecast says we will soon be out of the triple digits.  If I can survive 2 more days, we will have a week of balmy 90's.  Here is the amazing  thing about the heat---if there is a breeze, it is ALWAYS more bearable.  Even when it is like an oven (it was 108 degrees, actual temperature,  one day in the last week); the breeze which feels like a convection oven helps cool me.  The breeze speeds up the evaporation of the sweat that is poring off me and thus helps cool me off.  If there is no breeze, the sweat stays and I soon feel as if I am cooking.  

The wind can be a wonderful thing until the wind speed becomes excessive (sound familiar--the heat becomes dangerous when it is excessive).  We are entering the height of hurricane season after Labor Day.  To say we have our fingers crossed is an understatement.  The only good thing I can think of from a hurricane is the badly needed rain.  Even that can bring flooding when it is too much and  happens too fast.  Having volunteered in shelters helping the evacuees after hurricanes, I have had one on one experience with their profound losses.  Couple that with volunteering to clean out houses after major flooding and I have seen the havoc of the aftermath of TOO MUCH.  I will never forget the man who was living in his gutted house--back to the studs in the extreme heat and mosquito infestation.  That sight of desperation is seared on my memory bank.

Too much of anything can be a detriment to our very souls.  I would dare say---even too much money can cause us to misplace our priorities.  The phrase "everything in moderation" is traced back to a Greek philosopher Lindios in the 6th Century BC.  SO---man has known for a LONG time moderation is always best.  Oscar Wilde gave us this quote ~ "Everything in moderation including moderation."  Obviously I am not the first one to think this over.  What has occurred to me---anything in excess can cloud our thinking and muddle our priorities.  Amazing where thinking over the weather can lead .

"Let your moderation be known unto all men.

The Lord is at hand:"

Philippians 4:5

COLLATERAL DAMAGE

 There is a great deal being said about collateral damage in the news these days. " Collateral damage is a term that refers to any unwanted or incidental damage, injury, or death that results from an activity, especially when it affect civilians." Dr. Google.  It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the toll of suffering which is a direct result of war and we have always had wars in this broken world.  Man's insatiable desire for control, revenge, conquest, or any other form of greed brings about wars.  Wars inevitably spill over to the innocent caught in the midst of the chaos produced when man wars against man.

Though I have read a great deal of World War II historical fiction, the devastation was crystal clear when we visited Berlin several years ago.  After the Allies bombed Berlin there was almost nothing left of the once great historical city.  OH, today it has been rebuilt, but the history that was evidenced in the original structures was lost when the city was systematically flattened.  I would dare say---conquering evil was accompanied with the incidental damage of war.  BUT was it incidental?  Following the near destruction of multiple cities in England and other European countries, there was certainly knowledge of the devastation that would be experienced by some innocent Germans.  An eye for an eye---may have been the battle cry or the only way to stop the spread of the evil was the annihilation of even the seeming innocents since they had stood by (at a minimum) and allowed the evil empire make war on the world in an effort to conquer it.

  I am not here to debate collateral damage then or now, but point out our own actions can have collateral damage when they are self seeking.  In man's struggles against his fellow man, when we allow sin (evil) to result---we are inviting collateral damage.  It reminds me of an atom bomb exploding---the destruction at the epicenter is total, but there is a tidal wave of destruction which follows destroying everything in its path.  I think of the scorched earth tactic used in wars to prevent the enemy from using the resources destroyed.  Sin not only affects the one standing in the direct path, but can ripple out in a wide circle.  What we thought would only affect the one directly hit---can also affect many others in their shadow.

It is really quite daunting to really think about the affect of our sin.  To look beyond our direct target and see who else will be affected.  I am so thankful for a God who forgives when we repent, but the damage is not undone.  Read Job--as hard as we try--the loss suffered cannot be restored.  A daunting subject---but there are times we need to carefully consider our actions and all they might incidentally damage.  I, for one, am convicted.  

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,

brawling and slander,

along with every form of malice.

Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other.

Just as in Christ God forgave you"

Ephesians 4:31-32

CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME?

 Hero and I have been up since 3:30 AM---SIGH!  That is when the smoke alarm decided it needed to start chirping that its battery was low.   WHY- WHY - WHY is it ALWAYS in the middle of the night.   I have NEVER had one to begin chirping in the daylight hours---not even in the early evening--it is ALWAYS in the dead of the night.  OH--there is NO ignoring it---believe me I have tried.  No pillow is thick enough to drown out the noise when placed on your head.  Even if I stubbornly decided I would live with it to daylight, Hero is terrified of the chirp.  He immediately wants off the bed, and begins the Chihuahua Shakes,  There is no way to comfort him but to rip that battery out.  Once I get up---there is NO going back down.  FIRST and FOREMOST is finding the offending alarm.  For some strange reason, I have three alarms in the hall that dissects my house.  They are all in close proximity to each other.  The first alarm I disemboweled turned out to be the wrong one.  This entails moving the ladder and listening to the two alarms side by side.  I did discover while hanging off the ladder that one of those is a carbon monoxide alarm.  The heater is NOT on---OF COURSE NOT--but that is the alarm that is chirping.  FINALLY after 30 minutes of working at it---I rip that battery out.  PROBLEM SOLVED!  NOW---I have a solution for this---I am going to replace all the batteries in all the alarms now---just before Labor Day.  Next year, on Labor Day, I will know it is the day to replace them again.  The alarm is there for a purpose, to alert you of the possibility of fire.  I certainly do not want my house to burn, but there has GOT to be a longer lasting battery --say 20 years.  AND why can they not come up with a way for the alarm to only chirp with low battery during the daylight hours?  FIRST WORLD PROBLEM!

OF COURSE---one thing always leads to another---and for some reason that wonderful song- "The Midnight Cry".

When the midnight cry sounds---will you hear it?  Will you be awaken from your slumber and rise to meet Him?  "Oh, at the midnight, the Bride of Christ will rise."  

"They will see the Son of Man coming

on the clouds of heaven with power

and great glory.

And He will send out His angels

with a loud trumpet call,

and they will gather

his elect from the four winds,

from one end of heaven to the other."

Matthew 24:30b-31