Outing at Palisades-Kepler

Today was a glorious day, well actually, the weekend was simply splendid. This afternoon, from about 3:30 to 7 p.m., we and a couple of friends, who are celebrating their second anniversary on the 29th, traipsed around Palisades-Kepler State Park near Mount Vernon.

Here are some digital shots. We also took prints, but they won't be ready for at least a week. Enjoy.

We took the Cedar Cliff Trail, which my husband so documented. It looks like a big pencil.

The second photo is a reflection - I love reflections - as the Cedar River meanders through the park.

The third photo is a glorious meeting of the sun and sky - a Skywatch post.



Our outing also took us into downtown Mount Vernon, where we found the Lincoln Highway Arts Fest was just winding down, closing up shop actually. But we found ample things to do just the same. These pretty flowers were sitting in a tub next door to an antiques shop, which of course was closing soon after we got there. Jim and I will go back there again and take a longer tour through vintage-era goodies.

Here's a quite impressive shot of King Chapel on the campus of Cornell College. Such a pretty campus it is.

Our last stop was at the Abbe Creek School Museum.

The seedling mile of the Lincoln Highway was near this spot and a marker shows it. The Abbe cemetery is across the street.

The day ended, driving home along the Lincoln Highway, with the sun beginning to set.

Always learning

I'm always learning something new, even when I'm feeling crummy and my disposition is considerably under par. The verse on this blog, "Morning by morning he (The Lord) wakens me and opens my understanding to his will" is from Isaiah 50:4b. I have read this before many times. It wasn't until a week ago that it hit me, that it sunk in. That no matter how often we study a given passage, we learn, glean something from it that supersedes whatever we learned before.

Here are some of the things I learned this week through the Scriptures:

• Because Christ bore the reproach of others, so should we. That even though we often disagree with the beliefs of others, we are to live as Christ did. We are to look to Him for all our answers and be obedient to His will. Even though there are (and will continue to be) many differences between Jews and Gentiles, the common bond is faith in Christ. That common bond is much greater (or should be) than their difference.

• In discerning false prophets, each of us needs to figure it out for ourselves. I John 4 says, "Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is the way to find out if they have the Spirit of God: If a prophet achnowledges that Jesus Christ became a human being, that person has the Spirit of God. If a prophet does not acknowledge Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist (of deception)."

Living the new life

Living the new life is hard even as a mature Christian. We are to fill our thoughts about godly things, not just about things here on earth. That's what Scripture tells us in Colossians 3:1-2.
We strive to follow what the Holy Spirit urges us - if we are studying God's word, praying, seeking His wisdom, listening, being obedient to His commands. We are not all so fruitful at all times. Doing these things brings us into a much closer relationship, union with Jesus Christ, but it can never happen because its right or because you should. Love needs to be at the center. Love for Jesus and what He did for us individually; love for others because of His love.
We are to "put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking with you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust and shameful desires. Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry." (v. 5)

Galatians 5:16 and following talks about living by the Spirit's power. Verse 17 says, "The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just the opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from the conflict."
Never free from conflict. Every single step we take (or don't take) is a choice - leading us to do good or evil.
The evil that results from our sinful desires is more extensive than that noted in Colossians 3:5. It is also more extensive than that noted in Galatians 5:19:

sexual immorality
impure thoughts
eagerness for lustful pleasure
idolatry
participation in demonic activities
hostility
quarreling
jealousy
outbursts of anger
selfish ambition
divisions
the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group
envy
drunkenness
wild parties

Verse 22 tells us that by allowing the Holy Spirit to control us, guide us, we will produce good fruit:
love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
faithfulness
gentleness
self-control

Where are you? Are you walking with Christ? Are you striving to live a holy life, but not a "holier than thou" one?

It is not easy. But it is worth it.

Priority: skin color or character?

Another interesting article from the Christian Newswire service regarding the upcoming presidential election arrived in my e-mail box today: "Black Conservatives Join to Warn Fellow Believers About Making Skin Color Top Priority in Presidential Election" Read it here or click on the above title.

CHICAGO, Sept. 24 /Christian Newswire/ -- While polls indicate up to 96 percent of America's Black constituency plans to vote for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama this November, a growing number of African-American conservative leaders are exhorting Christians not to vote based on skin color, but on character.

The latest edition of Freedom's Journal Magazine, which poses the soul stirring question, "Are we more Black than Christian?" is published in Obama's south side Chicago backyard; and warns that Black Americans bright future could be irreparably dimmed if Obama and his radical leftist political agenda emerge victors come this Nov. 4th.

"Dr. Martin Luther King's dream that future generations be judged by the content of their character would be set back decades if Obama wins based on racial loyalty alone. Obama's skewed approach to traditional Judeo-Christian values and his obvious inexperience in leading through times of crisis would spell disaster for the black community and our nation as a whole," Dr. Eric Wallace, founder of Wallace Multimedia Group, LLC and Freedom's Journal Magazine said today.

FJM, which premiered in January 2008, is an emerging political voice for conservative Black leaders. This month's edition features a compelling op-ed by nationally syndicated columnist Star Parker on the topic of racial and gender politics. Other noteworthy highlights include how religion influences politics, and the contrast of Obama's policies with that of Republican candidate John McCain's.

"Christians who are tempted to support Barack because of a feeling that we aren't doing enough to fight poverty, racism or sexism, etc. need to realize that the government cannot (and should not) do the work of the Church," Wallace writes in his editorial "Unto the Least of These." "As a matter of fact, government will, in almost every case, limit what can be done."

Freedom's Journal Magazine's exciting interactive online digital format offers the latest in news, commentary and opinion with a biblical worldview. Wallace Multimedia Group, LLC will soon release its first full-length video presentation featuring national Black leaders speaking out on issues of faith, race and politics.

For more information, see www.freedomsjournalmagazine.com

For or Against

Pro-Choice . . . Pro-Life . . . perhaps better is For Life or Against Life

God desires us to use all we have to further his kingdom, BUT you and I have the choice.
God created life, thus He is for life. Unfortunately, through some of the choices we make in our lives, the phrases "Pro Choice" and "Pro Life" came into being.

We always have a choice. Since Adam and Eve, humans have had a choice - good over evil.

I am for life. And that is my choice.

God understands

Psalm 33:13-15 says, "The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do."

It's a good thing He does, because I certainly don't.

Today is a downer. God knows that. I want Him to pick me up and encircle me with his love and comfort. I want to not feel the way I do.

Distressed
Today.
All because
I remembered
what today was.
Of what it became.

I imagine.
I know.
God knows my thoughts.

Life ends
Life begins
What is sandwiched inbetween
is what is important.

Get me past Lord
these remorseful feelings I have

Gone, but not forgotten.
Help me keep the memories
of her life alive
and
bury the memories
of her death/demise

We all have loved ones die

Help me Lord
stay focused
... on You

Flood my soul with love
Encircle me ...

Cathy Orrick Luders

9.23.2008

My mom

This is a picture of my mom, taken July 29, 1990, at Bever Park in Cedar Rapids. The occasion was her 80th birthday celebration. I thought the photo a fairly good one, in that she looks happy. My mother was born on July 31, 1910. She lived 86 years and a few months. She went home ... to heaven on Sept. 23, 1996.

Sometimes it is hard to imagine her being gone for 12 years already or that in 2010, just two years from now, she would be 100.

Jim and I were thinking of her the other day, when we saw all the Halloween candy at the store.

We grew up in rural southwest Cedar Rapids and it wasn't until the early 1970s that my mom moved into town. The move enabled her to enjoy the little kids coming to her door on Halloween night, dressed in cute costumes and asking for a treat. She enjoyed that so much during those years. The funny thing is, the treats she bought for them was often consumed long before Oct. 31 arrived, and she'd have to buy more bags of candy. Instead of two bags, it would be four!

Spin Art

My husband is responsible for this spin art creation. I think it is the best he has ever done, but then I could be a bit bias. We spent today at the National Cattle Congress in Waterloo. We have been attending it for years, at least the 17 or so that we've been married, and Jim a long time before that too. He grew up in Cedar Falls and on kids day, secondary schools in the area let the kids out early to go to the fair. The spin art booth has been a mainstay. Last year though the booth wasn't there and no one seemed to know why not. This year, we discovered the couple who had been doing it retired, and sold it to a younger couple. It is good this fun and inexpensive way to create art will remain for more generations to come. Another mainstay of Cattle Congress which we enjoy is the AMVETS Noodle Nook -- oodles and oodles of chicken and noodles, plus boiled potatoes, coleslaw, rolls and butter, and milk or coffee, all for $7. Its very tasty. Jim says they've been at the Cattle Congress grounds for well over 50 years - they were there when he was a little boy.

If you have never been to the Cattle Congress, think about it for next year. Or you could go tomorrow - Sunday is the last day of a 4-day run. Something for everyone.

God's beauty

This is a SkyWatch Friday post! You can click here to to view Sky Watch shots from here and there.

A godly life

1 Peter 2:12 says, "Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world."

The most powerful testimony is a godly life.

Am I ungodly? I am unworthy. I was once ungodly. I was once among those who do not call you Lord Father, whose aim in life is to follow their own whims and desires. The journey we travel is sometimes short, out before we start; sometimes long and winding. We all travel a different route. We each have different opinions, sometimes, perhaps more frequently than we should, those opinions are voiced too loudly, not thinking about what we're saying.

The political arena doesn't much interest me. I tend to watch from the sidelines, then make my choices. To back someone when nearly everyone around you is criticizing that very person or team makes you want to cower in a corner. I hear my husband frequently say, "Why would anyone want to run for public office, to be criticized about every little thing all along the way. Taking everything out of context." Why indeed.

I have a blog, two actually. The first one I started in 2005 and hardly anyone read it. Still I voiced my thoughts, my feelings, my prayers. The second one I started this year. And I have readers - no one comments on it, but I know its read. Plus its linked to http://www.gazetteonline.com/ The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. Readers know where I stand.

I read the "Our Daily Bread" (http://www.rbc.org/) devotional. Sometimes I have read other devotionals. Each offers insights, reminders. Sometimes the short devotional study develops into a longer Bible study - of a specific word or thought. I've found Jesus' teachings in parables to be rather interesting. The longer I walk with Christ the more I get an inkling of what he's teaching ... what the symbolism he uses means. It is exciting.

I hope I do not offend anyone. However, because I am human, I probably will. And because of what I believe, I probably will. That's just the way it is. I'm not going to reneg, back down just because you don't like it.

Am I ungodly? I accepted Christ as my savior, I am one of His children. The route I have chosen, to follow Christ, is under construction. My hope, in the end, is He will be pleased with me.

"If God be for me, who can be against me?" No one. No one.

Christians - don't be speechless, be heard

I watched with intent interest the last half of a program titled "Speechless: Silencing the Christians'' www.silencingchristians.com on insp.com Saturday night. Christians should not become downtrodden and squashed, 'speechless,' but stand up for what they believe.
Commentator Janet Parshall talked about separation of church and state and that its not absolute and the double standards allowed in schools across our country, i.e., such as its okay to study Islam and pray to Allah but not to study Christianity and pray to God.

The U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were discussed, especially the First Amendment, which says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
That to me includes Christianity, not everything except. No one should prohibit the free exercise of Christianity, the right of Christians to peaceably assemble, the right of Christians to petition the Government.

The program is a must see, whether you view it on television or online. Check it out. Take a stand. Make yourself heard.

A prayer

Dear Lord,
I am blessed you came into my life, turned me around, surrounded me with loving Christian people to teach me your ways and to grow in closer fellowship with you.

I thank you for your love for me.

I pray for all those who are afflicted this day - in addition to Jim and I - because there are many. Afflictions vary. We often wish they would just go away. But that's not always possible. Sometimes the affliction is there to help us learn something about our life - with you, or possibly without you, and thus our need for you.

I pray you will enable us to make the property tax payment due. $800 something and we need an additional $300. Through you this payment has been realized the last two times. Help me with my unbelief. I am fearful. Help me to rely totally on you, to not jump the gun, to know what to do and when.

Help me Lord to NOT move out ahead of you, thinking I alone have the answers. I do not. My answers are never quite enough. My reasoning is based on being human. There is more to life than breath.

Help me Lord with my struggles. Keep my fears beyond reach, be with me always, be my constant companion, my Father, the Father I never really had fully here on Earth.

In your precious name I pray. Amen.

The pain of it all

Today pain is with me. Yesterday too. I have arthritis in my wrists as a result of an auto accident 15 years ago. It doesn't bother me all the time and some people think it is carpal tunnel, but I know differently. It doesn't matter if I'm using the computer or reading or drinking a cup of tea or doing absolutely nothing. It just hurts. Plus I'm cold. Nice outdoors, nice indoors too. But I'm cold. The sweater feels good on my arms. Having thyroid disease doesn't help the situation. Much like having diabetes doesn't make things any better. Just makes you more conscious of what is around you. I'm not especially hungry either, but Jimmy will be home soon for lunch, and we're having vegetable beef soup. So, until another post....

Persecuted Christian?

I think Christians in America are persecuted. Not the way they are in other countries though ... more subtle.

There are hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. who do not believe what the Bible says or that Jesus was born of God and man or that Jesus died for ALL of our sins or that He takes care of us. Those people think its a disgrace on our (us Christians) part, that we would stupe to such lies. This is just like Biblical times. God said it would happen and would continue until the end of time. And so it is.

Perhaps too few American Christians stand up for their beliefs. Perhaps too many of us stay in the background, on the sidelines, professing only silently what we believe. I don't know.

Fear of the unknown plays a big part. Be gentle, be compassionate, be patient, be honest. Be true to the Lord. Be obedient to His teachings.

I am a Christian
an Evangelical Christian
I believe the Lord Jesus
saved me from my sins
He gave up the ghost
laid down His life
ALL for me.
ALL for me.

I am a Christian
an Evangelical Christian
I have many fears and doubts
I am much like another
But different you see
for I have Jesus
And He means more to me
than whatever you have to offer.

I am a Christian
an Evangelical Christian
I believe in God's power
His holy word
He is my Father
up in heaven
Understands me better
than any being here on Earth.

I am a Christian
an Evangelical Christian
I reside in the United States of America,
in Iowa
in Cedar Rapids
But its only for a while
Someday I will go home ...
to my Father up in heaven

I am a Christian
an Evangelical Christian
a child, daughter
of the King
For Jesus died for me.
ALL for me.
ALL for me.

Cathy Orrick Luders

9.10.2008

R E M E M B E R God's Truths

This was originally written in my first blog, In...Sight, on Oct. 26, 2006.

REJOICE in the Lord always for He is with us
ETERNALLY when we have
REPENTED of our sins past present and future and accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour.
MEDITATE on the Scriptures - the word of God - for they are our instructions for living, an
EXAMPLE of how God wants us to live and not to live.
MAJESTIC BEAUTY of God's wondrous creation surrounds us - the mountains, sunrise and sunset, rainbow after a storm and much more.
BLESSINGS flow from above when we are one with Him. We must run the race set before us with
ENDURANCE. God enables us to continue on, to
ENDURE, to
RESIST the Devil. We are
RENEWED daily when we seek God's will, look to Him.
Cast ALL our BURDENS upon Him and He will give us REST.

Accepting responsibility

A way to please God and grow spiritually is to accept personal responsibility for our actions, not blame them on another. Passing the buck gets us nowhere.

Sin began with Genesis 3:6 when Eve listened to the serpent (of which Satan spoke through), believed the lie of Satan, thereby disobeying God, and ate from the tree in the midst of the garden. Eve offered the fruit to Adam who partook. It wasn't the act of eating that was the sin. Satan tempted them; they both accepted the temptation, placing their own wills above God's. Adam didn't sin because of Eve - he made his own choice. He could have said NO. Eve also could have said No, but she did not. Cannot say it's because she's the weaker vessel. They are both weak - we are all weak.

God gave us choices. What we do or don't do determines our character. When we do something wrong, when we think even we've done something wrong, whether we have truly or not, a sense of guilt comes upon us. Then we want to cover it up, figure out a way to hide from it. But we need to acknowledge it - the sin. We need to come clean.

When we don't acknowledge what we've done and continue to make poor choices, eventually you will discover your choices have imprisoned you - if only in your mind. That will be enough. The turmoil within will destroy you.

Seek out God. Know Him in your heart. Head knowledge is worthless if you do not have a very personal relationship with Him, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Resist, Repent, Renew.
REMEMBER God's Truths

Is he the anti-Christ?

During morning fellowship Sunday at church some of us were discussing the presidential candidates. It was suggested Obama could be the anti-Christ. That's scary. What are your thoughts?

Success

Success makes it harder to depend on the Lord.

Very true. It's much easier to stay true, to pray, wait on the Lord when we don't have much, if anything. The more we make, the more we think its all our own doing. It isn't.

All we have is because of God's grace. If we make more money it is because God enabled that to happen. If we don't thank the Lord for what He has given us, If we don't obey His commandments, we're facing His judgement. Don't think you are above reproach. Don't think because you are not a believer or you follow some other god, you are free from the wrath of the Lord Almighty. We are all under His judgement. Every single one of us. No one is exempt.

Political polls and Christians

I receive regular emails from the Christian Newswire and one which I found particularly interesting had to do with the Top Three Election Issues for Active Christians, with poll results from NationalChristianPoll.com Politics is not my cup of tea, it never has been; I do not keep up-to-date with the affairs of the world. The upcoming presidential election was no different. The candidates did not excite me. Sometimes they do. It was more interesting when there were more choices, but then my selections were never chosen. And so I decided I would vote for Mickey Mouse, unless something drastic changed of course. The change came, with the forum meeting of Barack Obama and John McCain with Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and well-known in Christian circles of the "Purpose-Driven" books. I watched, I listened and I determined I would vote for McCain. No longer was Mickey Mouse in the running. And then he picked for his running mate an Evangelical Christian, whose beliefs mirrored his own and mine as well. And that set it in stone. McCain and Sarah Palin became my choice for the next president of the United States.

What I want to share are the highlights of that poll. You can go here http://nationalchristianpoll.com/poll/vpsurvey.html to view the results yourself and download the entire report.

• Nearly all (97%) Active Christians are registered voters.
• Almost all (97%) Active Christian registered voters are planning to vote in the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election.
• Three out of twenty (15%) Active Christian registered voters would vote for Barack Obama while about seven out of ten (71%) would vote for John McCain.
• Healthcare (78%), economy (77%), and war (76%) are the top three issues for those who will vote for Obama.
• Abortion (73%), moral issues (70%) and terrorism (68%) top the issues for those who will vote for McCain.
• Slightly more than half (53%) of the Active Christian registered voters who would vote for Barack Obama had a more favorable view of him after he chose Joe Biden as his running mate.
• Top issue influencing Active Christian registered voters more favorable view of Obama after he chose Joe Biden is the war.
• Nearly two-thirds (65%) of the Active Christian registered voters who would vote for John McCain had a more favorable view of him after he chose Sarah Palin as his running mate.
• Top issue influencing Active Christian registered voters more favorable view of McCain after he chose Sarah Palin is abortion.
• Approximately half (52%) of the Active Christian registered voters describe themselves as Evangelical.

Make your own determination. But don't decide not to vote.

Today is .... what?

Today is I think Thursday, but it seems like Saturday. It's been a strange week. Holidays help that feeling along. Last weekend I had Friday and Saturday off, worked Sunday; then had Labor Day off (a rarity); then I worked Tuesday and Wednesday. And now I have today (in exchange for working this Saturday) and Friday off.

Today's agenda was being cold, wet, damp, crummy. But outside of that, it was a nice day. My husband Jimmy had the afternoon off from work, so he and I spent it together, walking around at the mall, and just enjoying being together. Then we came home. We were going to attend a high school football game this evening at Kingston Stadium between C.R. Washington and whoever, but the weather dampened that idea considerably and we didn't go. Besides the sophomore game was cancelled. Another time we'll try.

So I made some hot tea and called a couple of friends. Spent two hours on the phone chatting. It was most enjoyable. A good day for visiting, ... and playing games. Jimmy and I had leftover pizza for supper and then played dominos and Rack-o. It seems to never fail, he must cheat (not really), but we played seven games of dominoes, and he won the first four! Then we played Rack-o, a card game of sorts, and of the three games played, I only won the second one. It's just luck. He doesn't cheat, but I always say he does.

And now its after 9 p.m., how fast the day has gone by. I feel I have not accomplished much, but perhaps I have.

Forgiveness

The Sunday School lesson for this week has to do with forgiveness, with Scripture in Matthew 18 : 21-35. There were several interesting points, but those that I will share here have to do with what forgiveness is and what it is not.

I found it an eye opener. I have believed ... it has been pointed out to me repeatedly it seems, that when you forgive another, that's it. You're supposed to forget, get past it, don't think about it, don't go there. All pain is supposed to vanish. Well, I found out that isn't true.

Forgiveness DOES NOT mean:

• forgetting the whole thing ever happened
• ignoring the pain / pretending it never happened
• there will be no justice / they'll get away with what they did
• feelings don't count

Biblical forgiveness means releasing the offender from making it up to you. It is not an emotional release, not something we feel, but a mental and spiritual release. Different. Biblical forgiveness acknowledges the offense. If we're not honest about our pain, if we can't share that, we can't heal. Biblical forgiveness affirms we trust God to handle the offender and removes us ourselves as the punisher. Meaning there will be justice, but not our way. God's way.

If I bring mention of the offense up again or if I am reminded of the hurt as a result of something else said, does it mean I have not forgiven the offender? -- I'm not sure, I don't think so. I think the pain is still there and I have to re-acknowledge that and again give it to the Lord for Him alone to handle. What would not be a good idea is to renew the offense with the offender, to rehash things. I can't be the judge. I can't bring the judgement. God will handle it. You just have to give it to Him. It's not that easy. But its the best way, best thing to do.

I need to mention here, and why I haven't before now I don't know. But lest I forget, you need to know .... Jesus forgave me of my sins. Jesus paid the ultimate price for the sins of us all. It is right that I forgive others as He forgave me. Still, it is not always easy to do.

"Consider your ways!"

Today's Scripture brought me to Haggai 1 : 2-7. In verses 5 and 7, the Lord says, "Consider your ways!" (New King James version) or "Consider how things are going for you." (New Living Translation)

We say one thing - we say the time isn't here to do this or that for the Lord. We don't really know. How are we to know what is, when is time. Only the Lord knows. He tells us, but we don't listen well.

Verse 6 (NJK version) says,
"You have sown much, and bring in little;
You eat, but do not have enough;
You drink, but you are not filled with drink;
You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm;
And he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag of holes."

Look to the Lord always, center your focus on Him and Him alone, don't veer off to this or that, don't think too heavily on other things that only distract you, keep you away from the one true focus. It is hard. Sometimes when it is hard it is easy to stay focused; other times that is not so true. We all have struggles. My struggles may not seem as big or as important to you as your struggles, but that matters little. Anything and everything is important to the Lord.

The more I study the Bible the more I see how it is all woven together. It is not separated, mixed up, jumbled. It flows smoothly. My life is jumbled, in disarray. But with the Lord in control ... when I allow the Lord to take the reigns of my life to lead me, I will be able to overcome all that pains me. The struggles may still be apparent, but they won't rule over me. God will be in control. The hurdles will not be so cumbersome. God will be in control. God is in control. I am not ... no matter how much I think I am. I only falter. God must be. Here.

IF I would remember

If children, or anyone for that matter, are to find their way to God, we Christians must point the way. Always, all the time. Unfortunately, I am not always God's best servant. I sometimes let my personal wants and desires get the best of me and become outspoken, and, as a result, sin. Oh what grief I imagine this causes my Father. If only I would remember and follow His teachings regularly. I can only begin again, strive anew...

Labor Day / Freedom Fest

We spent most of the day at home, watching the Muscular Dystrophy telethon or working on various projects on the computer. But around 4:30 we got our lawn chairs and other stuff together and drove down to Ellis Park for the Five Seasons Ski Team show. A lot of people came out for the belated Freedom Festival event. The day was enjoyable, not too hot nor cold. We had a good seat for visiting and watching both seasoned participants and beginners perform.

Our next stop was out at the Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band played their last concert of the season, mostly patriotic tunes, all very good. The Stars and Stripes brought everyone to their feet. My husband frequently comments that it should be our national anthem.

By 8:20 p.m., the 20-minute fireworks display started. Displays actually. One inside the stadium, and the other near the ice arena. It was spectacular. For the first time we had front row seats - we could see down low. When it was held downtown we sat in front of the court house and you could only see what was up high. So this was different and a nice different too.

It seems every event always has a down side. Don't know why that is. The down side for our visit to the stadium was you could not bring drinks or food inside. Food and beer is one thing, but no water?! Even the vendors outside the stadium - if you wanted to eat or drink their stuff, you did so outside the gates. I didn't think it was fair. Therefore, we did not buy anything inside the stadium.

Reminders

My favorite verse in the Bible is from Proverbs 3: 5-6. I use it on nearly all of my E-mail correspondence and have it placed various other places as well. This morning I decided to review past journal entries of this year. Of course I came across that verse again. It reminded me of what I should be doing and what I should not be doing. God is in control at all times. Not us. Not me. We may think we have it all together, but that's far from true. I get frustrated. It dawned on me yesterday, last night, that in all likelihood, God knew something I didn't. Of course. He knows what's going on. He knows where things are going. Just because we don't doesn't mean a darn thing. Things don't go the way we think they should. We think we know everything. How stupid can we be? I need to rely on God, on the Lord Jesus at all times, not just occasionally, but always. In good times, sad times, happy times, difficult times.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding,
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will direct your paths."

When I keep my focus on Jesus, I see how He provides for our needs, all our needs. There is no usefulness to be found when we carry our doubts and fears around with us.

Yesterday's events ... today's thoughts

Friday was an eventful day.

The photo exhibit open house for Gazette employees at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art was very moving. Still hard to believe how the flooded waters moved in and took over. Peoples' lives - of those thousands affected - will be in disarray for some time to come.

Thought payment had been made to Midwestern for Jim's seminary studies but come to find out that isn't so. Frustrated about how to proceed, what we have to do. Classes have begun. More waiting.

I sometimes, oftentimes, feel it is my fault when things don't pan out the way we think they're going to. Guess that's not real smart thinking. The Lord knows what is going on. We are to pray always. What appears is not always so. Guess we can't pre-suppose anything. It is true - what comes around, comes around again, but not always when we think, and not on our own time table.

We drove down to Mount Pleasant mid-afternoon for the Old Threshers Reunion and to visit Larry and Dorothy Gillespie, our friends from LaGrange, Mo., who were spending a couple days there. Arrived around 4 and left at 8:30 p.m. The cost to get on the grounds was more than we anticipated, at $12 each. It cost substantially less if you were staying for all five days ($20 per person). Parking was an additional expense, ranging anywhere from $3 to $5 per vehicle. We got in on the lower end of that deal. The four of us enjoyed visiting and seeing all the sights, from antique engines to automobiles and even snowmobiles - some of them were really huge! And crafts galore. Plus of course there was lots and lots of walking. We enjoyed supper on the grounds by one of the many church groups - St. Alphonsus Catholic Church provided choice of chicken, meatloaf or turkey tender with beans, mashed potatoes, roll, jello and drink - all for $7.50 each. It was an excellent meal.

Dorothy brought with her reprints of photos taken when their family came up Aug. 2 for Jim's surprise 60th. Looking through them I realized some of the stupid eating choices I've made in the past eight months have added poundage that I had previously lost. Have you ever noticed or felt that what you can't see isn't really there? Not true. Not all all. The pictures proved to me what I've tried to avoid. Now I'm left to start over so to speak. I started on a low carb eating program, small meals, eating more frequently, then I got away from it - in the past year especially - when I've reached for peanut m&ms and bread, particularly in times of stress. No more. Must strive to overcome. Must pray, ask for God's wisdom in the process. No more buying things which I'll end up eating in quantity instead of just one. I've noticed too on the internet that the process of managing diabetes (which I don't have) involves low carb, small meals. I need to get back to that regiment.

Now is the time to Act, or Re-Act or perhaps the word is Re-New, Re-Strengthen, Re-Solve, Re-Make, Re-Learn, Re-Think, Re-Turn, Re-Juvenate.

Colossians 1:10 says The Lord wants us to have a walk with him "fully pleasing, being fruitful." I'm sure some of my habits are far from pleasing and they're not particularly fruitful either. Fruits of the spirit include gentleness, patience, humbleness, perseverance, self-control. I am a continual work in progress. I'm sure glad the Lord doesn't give up on me even when I do.

Silence

Silence after a rain
Birds singing
Squirrels, rabbits about
in the stillness,
freshness of the day
Memories
of childhood
on the farm
in southwest Cedar Rapids
So clearly
in my mind's eye

Cathy Orrick Luders

8.28.2008

Real comfort

What is your idea of comfort food? Currently, at this particular point in time, I consider peanut m & m's, ketchup sandwiches and hot tea. Strangely bizarre I know. Anyway... not the most healthy choices (especially the first two) for me, unless of course taken in moderation. That too comes and goes.

Comfort food is not what we eat or drink. There is no real comfort there. Only a habit that we continue to gravitate toward because we think it brings comfort. Eating is good for physical health; eating because you are stressed or you simply desire it so must have it, is not good. The same goes with drinking and getting drunk and a lot of other choices we make.

Real comfort can be found in the Bible. Romans 15:4 says, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." But how often do we go there to seek it?

Every morning I read my devotional and the Scripture passage and then reflect on it. Sometimes what I learn excites me to want to dig deeper, other times not so. But whether or not I dig deeper into His word, I am at peace and comforted by the knowledge that He (the Lord Jesus) is with me wherever I am (go). He will guide me and instruct me in His way. I must be open to listening/hearing, obeying/following, praying, abiding always with Him, and there within I find "real comfort."

Scenes from Clear Lake

Jim and I took a day-trip to Clear Lake this past weekend (Aug. 22-23, 2008). We left Cedar Rapids Friday afternoon and returned home Saturday evening.

(1) Storm clouds were gathering Friday evening, hence no beautiful sunset, but still made for an interesting photo.
(2) Seagulls
(3) A lake scene
(4) A 1946 trolley to be restored at the Iowa Trolley Park in Clear Lake. Restoration takes lots of volunteer hours.
(5) Jim and I and our friend Kwallie on a hand car we operated around the 1/2-mile track at the Iowa Trolley Park. In back of us is the railroad depot formerly located in downtown Clear Lake. It is in various stages of restoration.

Still and quiet

I read Psalm 131 this morning. Verse 2 was an interesting passage: "But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me." The picture that came to mind was even as adults, we want to become like a small child again, being close to our mothers, cuddled, stroked, feeling calm and quiet, peaceful.

David, the psalmist, reflects on this stillness and quietness; finding a way to achieve it through the Lord's power and strength.

• Be humble.
• Stay or keep your mind on the Lord, not seeking ambitious things that may only overwhelm us.

Not saying we shouldn't be ambitious. Depends on the reason. Why - for the glory of God or for our own self-worth? We all want to grow I'm betting. Grow and be important. Like others to look up to us. But we shouldn't be on a pedestal. It really isn't us who is so important. It is God. God alone.

It is hard to be like Jesus.

Jesus and God are one, yet separate. Jesus is God and Jesus is the son of God. And Jesus is the Holy Spirit as well.

Jesus showed us the true meaning of being humble. Be, do unto others as you would have them likewise unto you. Jesus is love. Jesus is the example of what we should be and how we should live.

Never more important than God. The Father of us all. Each and every one.

Do not write for an audience. Write for God alone. Be content to do his bidding, not seeking your own.

What you will and what He wills is never the same. One wins out. Who is the winner - who is the owner of your life - who rules? Is it God or is it Self, and ultimately Satan? It is a constant struggle, constant surrendering of your will to God's.

It's when we refuse to surrender, when we give in to our whims and desires, that Trouble starts and runs rampant.

Returning to reality

It's Sunday night...8.21 to be exact. Eating fresh Colorado peaches - oh are they ever sweet and scrumptious. We returned from our brief but grand trip to Clear Lake early yesterday evening. The unfortunate moments were when a storm blew up and the beautiful sunset was only a dream. Saturday was sunny but rather cool right near the lake and in the shade, but as time crept on the other side of noon, it warmed considerably. Jim and I got lots of walking in from the time we arrived until we left. We even played a game of miniature golf - been in the same family for 46 years - and also visited the Iowa Trolley Park, where we worked! the hand car around a 1/2-mile track. That was fun, but not as easy as it looked and I got a blister on my hand to prove it! We drove around the lake, stopping frequently for exercise - such as sliding down the slide, and picture-taking. When I have more time, I plan to put up a slide show of some of our weekend fun.

Sunday was the day of our church's pre-Labor Day picnic at Cherry Hill park. It used to be held Labor Day weekend, but about 5 years ago it was changed and so far we haven't changed it back. Fellowship, food, fresh air and Bible; what more could you ask. Even a little bit of competition - for the gals we have a rolling pin throw. Gals of all ages can participate - from pre-school through the eldest. I didn't participate this year. You could say I ate too much. And then probably 20 years or so ago, we used to have a hammer throw for the guys, but that got out of hand, so to speak.

This afternoon I worked at the office. Although from the looks of things, especially if you read Monday's Gazette, you might question that - there weren't too many deaths. Ah well, you never know when death comes knocking.

And that brings to mind something else. Death comes, sooner or later, springtime and fall, young and old, fit and unfit. Best be ready. Are you? Reflections on Jesus

New blog

Click on the link above. It will take you to my new blog created just 7 days ago. Check out the articles on both blogs and the Web site too: Window To Christian Ministries ... in Iowa.

Ah ... the weekend

The weekend is here. Friday and Saturday are my usual days off, so I am officially done with work (at the work place) for the week. My husband and I are planning a day trip to Clear Lake. It's about 2-1/2 hours drive from here and we plan (barring no complications) to leave around 3 p.m., spend the night near the lake, take in the sights and do lots of walking. Then come home around 6 p.m. Saturday. It's been at least two years since our last visit there, so needless to say, we are looking forward to going and being and enjoying.

Cleaning and such

Today I am clearing out files on the home computer. Some I am just deleting all together, whereas others are being saved elsewhere and some others I'm printing. Of course it will take more than one day, or the 1-1/2 hours I have devoted to it this morning. But it is a start.

I have lots of things to clean or clear out. I have accomplished some things since starting in February. But since that is not a project to stay with forever over time, it takes longer.

So what is something you don't know... Um, well, let's see. We're having left over chicken for lunch. Might fix it with rice, might have sweet corn with it, maybe a salad. Will have to get started no later than 11:30, as Jimmy will be home around 12:40 p.m. Eat, watch a little television and go back to work. ... at the work place.

So until another day, enjoy a cup of tea.

Second chances

All of us need and desire second chances. An opportunity to turn around, turn back. God knows what we need and in His time, provides for those needs. Of course we have to be actively seeking His will and be obedient to His commandments. Still ... second chances. Lots of times we don't seek out the Lord, but our neighbor, co-worker, friend, maybe even a family member. Sometimes they will give us a second chance ... and sometimes not. Sometimes we need more than a second chance.

I've been working on the railroad .... sorta

"I've been working on the railroad, all the livelong day...." Anyone remember that song? Well, I might as well ... I sure have been working on this blog pretty much all day, and I'm tired. So, enough for today. On to something else. Maybe a game or two - on the computer or perhaps a game of old-fashioned Scrabble.

An hour or two ago, after Jim and I had a nap, he made bread by hand (sometimes he uses the bread machine, but usually he kneads the dough himself) and peach cobbler. Yum, yum. The kitchen smelled oh so good. We'll be having some in another hour.

What others see / remember about you

What do you want people to remember about you?
... your likes / dislikes ... your physical looks ... your attitude ... your lifestyle ... your beliefs ... Different things ... and what we desire to be remembered of us is not necessarily what actually will be.

And then if you are a Christian, that is, a follower of Jesus Christ, what evidence is there (to see) of your relationship with Him? What do you see in me? What do I see in me?

Growing - Maturing - Vibrant - Fruitful - Blessed OR Stagnant - Greedy - Immoral - Impure - Unfruitful - Dead

Sometimes following God's commandments as an individual, or as a body of believers can be heart-wrenching. Love the sinner, hate the sin. Love / loving another somethings brings with it distasteful tasks. Think about what Ephesians 5 (New Living Translation) says to believers --

1 Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children
2 ... following the example of Christ ...
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.
5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world.

6 Don't be fooled by those why try to excuse these things, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him.
8 ... now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it!
10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.
15 So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise.
17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
18 ... Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you."

God allows U-turns

And its a good thing too. If He didn't, we'd all be in a bit of a pickle and Satan would have a field day.

Since I titled my new blog Journeys, when I've been out, I think and watch how people travel. Of course there is the usual mode of transportation - by some form of vehicle - car, truck, bus, bicycle, airplane, train, on foot. There is also the choices we make, and what we choose to do with those choices. That is a journey. Life is one big journey, with enough paths to keep us going and going, around in circles, on the straight and narrow or on the road widely traveled.

I have an address book titled "Traveling Light - a product of Max Lucado. I bought it years ago because of the picture on the front and the idea of traveling light. It also contains thoughts and Bible scripture, such as Matthew 11:28 (NLT). Jesus says "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heaven burdens, and I will give you rest."

The Simplicity That is Devotion

The following Walk With Jesus commentary is copyrighted and written by Jim Reynolds, pastor of First Baptist Church, LaGrange, Missouri. I receive e-mails nearly weekly from him. My husband Jim and I worship at First Baptist/LaGrange when in the area.

Sometimes, I just have to tell you what is going on. As you know, I now serve as one of the volunteer staff of writers for the online publication Heartbeat the Magazine. Each month, we are given a theme; we are free to stray from the focus of the month, but it is a nice help. September is the magazine’s second anniversary (didn’t realize I’d gotten in so close to the ground floor!) and we were encouraged to write about “Starting Fresh,” “New Beginnings,” “A New Life” etc… “Straying” a bit, I strongly felt that I should use the opportunity to revisit my first letter. When new subscribers come on board, I send a personal greeting and Letter #1 because it explains everything behind why I do what I do. To be honest though, I hadn’t really read that first letter in quite some time… perhaps not even once since I first sent it to a handful of subscribers almost 4 years ago.

If you have never had the experience, it is quite amusing and a little annoying for God to use your own writing to bring conviction. If you will recall, WWJ refers to a picture God gave me many years ago. To oversimplify (if you want to read the whole thing again, either write prov2525@socket.net and ask for Letter #1 to be re-sent… or wait for the Sept. 7th edition of Heartbeat) I saw myself on a dusty road… trudging along with little purpose or enthusiasm. Looking up, I spied a magnificent city in the distance. From earlier experiences with our Father, I knew this city represented my future, my ministry, my destiny. Like most of us would, I tried to run, but was stopped quite forcefully by an outstretched arm. Frustrated, I started to bat it away, but then noticed the unmistakable scar… and realized that Jesus Himself had stopped me. Then, He began pointing to the ground and showing me diamonds… blessings and experiences I would have missed had I continued to run away. Opening His hand once more, He invited me to “walk WITH Him.” Staying with Him and enjoying His Presence and His guidance is far easier than running ahead, far more fun than lagging behind, and I dare not go against Him. Besides, if I stick with Him, we will get to the city… and I will arrive with my pockets full of diamonds.

There is, as I said, more to the story, but God convicted me that I had abandoned – to some degree – the “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3.) I have become far too “results” oriented… too focused on the city and no longer drawing joy from the Way to the city. John 14 still makes me smirk. When Jesus tells His disciples that they “know the way where He is going,” I think Thomas scratched his head and blurted out, “Wait a minute! We don’t understand what’s going on. You keep talking about leaving us and death and yet You say You’re also unveiling a Kingdom… We have no idea what You are doing or where You are going! How can we possibly know the way?!” Then Jesus speaks those famous words, “I AM the Way…” How quickly we forget that simple truth. Walking WITH Him is how we get where we are supposed to go. Of course, it is not always that simple. We lose sight of our Guide… we question His direction… the path grows fuzzy… the forks in it too numerous… But there are plenty of times when we… okay, I… miss the first joy of being a disciple. Mark 3:14 – “He appointed twelve… that they might BE WITH HIM.”

Since it seems I have some work to do along these lines, I turned to another man’s writing. He has since joined the God he served for so many years, but his son, Rob, continues to publish his Dad’s writings. (If you would like to read more, go to http://www.todayseries.org/ To read the entire article I quote from below, go to http://todayseries.org/archives/2008/07/the-simplicity-that-is-in-chri-1.html Jeff Floyd was always an inspiration… and these words really ministered to my “conviction.”

The Christian life can become so complicated and mundane that we lose sight of the simplicity that is in Christ. In the early years of my ministry He was all I knew. It was never my desire to be philosophical, psychological or even theological.
(Might I, Jim, add, it was also never my primary desire to be known, “successful,” or influential.) I just wanted to know Him. I could relax in Him and draw from His wonderful love and benevolent care as I heard His voice saying: "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy ladened and I will give you rest."

Men are rarely satisfied with the simplicity that is in Christ. It is a quirk of human nature that men design a Jesus which fulfills their own specifications, expectations, and imaginations. Jesus once asked the disciples who men said that He was. Their answers were
interesting. The most common answer had Jesus being the reincarnation of one of the prophets. It seems inevitable that men will have Jesus to be different from He is or less than He is. This will always be true when men view Him with eyes other than what the Holy Spirit gives them.

It is human nature to make the simple complicated. We preachers can turn a single word into a three point message--complete with introduction, exposition, poem and conclusion. When we get through we may have educated the mind but until Christ is revealed that is all that happens. I am convinced that much of what we write and speak would be unnecessary if men were made more aware of the presence of Christ. Long forgotten practices of piety need to be restored to the Christian life.
Generally speaking, probably the least practiced part of piety is that of prayer. Many questions of understanding, faith and obedience are answered when we spend quality time with Jesus. It is much easier to talk about prayer--to read and write books about it--than it is to practice it. Without
the continual practice of prayer our faith becomes a definition rather than a practice and our walk a struggle of human will rather than one of divine enablement. God loves us enough, however, to use whatever method it takes to bring us back to the simplicity that is in Jesus. Now is the time and today is the day. Let us seek Him with all of our hearts, forgetting all complicated notions of religion---simply clinging to Christ in His simplicity.

In the middle of all this “heart work,” God showed me yet another WWJ type verse. I close with this… and pray that these words again become the “desire” of my heart: Isaiah 26:8 -- Yes, LORD, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. I like part of it even better in a different translation: We’re in no hurry, God. We’re content to linger... Who You are and what You’ve done is all we’ll ever want.


Walk WITH Jesus,
Jim

Moving On

Well I won't delete this blog. Too much stuff on it. But will link it to my Web site and my new blog.

The Last Trip

My editor at The Gazette, Steve Buttry, loaned me the book "Obit" by Jim Sheeler. A most interesting, intriguing book of stories about people who are no longer living among us, but are, yet, in a sense. I wonder if I could write like that. I have not tried. I would like to meet this man Sheeler. He makes each person's life fascinating. I have not seen any local writer - well, maybe one - Tom Fruehling wrote features that were compelling and heartwarming before he left the newspaper.

Too many of us don't try things because of fear. Our age doesn't really matter - young or old, we can be "stick-in-the-muds" or blossoming peonies.

A lot has to do with our relationship with the Lord. Satan impresses me with the desire for things I really don't need. To rise above the ashes of death, which is really what Satan offers, we must look to the Lord, and I can do all things through Him, with Him. Look to Him, not elsewhere.

My husband works with hospice, caring for the physical needs of men who are on their last journey. Sometimes he also cares for their spiritual needs - it depends - the patient/client must request him to read a Scripture passage or pray with them. Jim does this willingly. He is one of God's servants.

I write the obituaries at The Gazette, but it's not feature writing. It's following style, putting together the pieces/facts in an orderly fashion or merely editing what a funeral home or individual has sent in. I've been doing this for 21 years here, and years before at other newspapers - dailies and weeklies.

When I was a child I used to write stories. My mother enjoyed writing, so we shared that common ground. I wrote fiction and poetry (which I still do occasionally) for a long time - through college anyway, before I stopped. I have always kept a journal.

Feature writing is not fiction. It's not mundane or boring either. Could I practice writing on someone's life...

A new beginning

Nearly 3 years ago I started blogging. I guess it's about time I change the look. My weekend has begun. I got off work at 9 p.m., so ready to not work, just go home and do whatever. So many projects I have, but as to which will get down in any kind of timely manner, that is the question. Shortly, my travels will be to dreamland, as soon as I have that cup of tea. So till later ....

A new blog in the works

I am working on creating a new blog. I think it will be titled Journeys, although I do like the name Sojourner. When I have achieved what I want with it, I will probably delete this one.

Desires of the flesh

Four years ago I reduced my body weight by 110 pounds. Four years later I have managed to keep the weight off but it is a continual struggle to maintain. Up and down I go. Since November 2007, it has been a particular struggle. I'm not sure why. This past week devotional study has been pointing me to reflect on my eating habits. Sweet sweets really irritate me ... meaning, I do not feel well. It's not just chocolate and it's not just foods that you would think would be particularly harmful to you. Anything and everything that is really sweet to my tastebuds.

One verse I read that makes me think more of my harmful habits is Romans 8:5 (NKJ) which says, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, the things of the spirit."

Eating the desires of our heart can be "to the flesh," our sin nature. Brings death, not peace. I am not pleasing God, nor am I pleasing myself, because afterward, I don't feel good. But then it becomes hindsight. I'm not seeing the carnal mindset before I proceed ... I need to be aware of what I am doing and what I destroy, it destroys.

With the Lord's help we can rise above, but we must actively seek, actively work to prevent, to stop from regressing. Similar to what the apostle Paul says, "we do what we don't want to do and that which we know is right we don't do'' in Romans 7:15.

We think a long life is a good life. But that is not true. It's not how long we live, but how well. Quality instead of quantity.

More verses were found in Ephesians 5, verses 1, 8 and 10: "Follow God's example in everything you do ... For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! ... Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord."

So I will try to determine what is pleasing. I have a fair idea what is not.

An honest talk with God

I talk to God regularly. I write letters, then I wait for His answer. I don't usually share my letters to the world. But they are my thoughts and whoever may read this may also find it useful.

Dear Lord,
So tired I am. Want to return to sleep. The item that causes me to be distressed remains on my mind. Distraught, angry. You know what I feel. Why?! What should I do about it - rise above it somehow. Don't know how.
Betrayed. The Lord alone can heal me. Continual thinking of the situation only causes more pain and anguish. This would be Satan's plan of action - to get my stomach in knots and move me away from God. That would not be wise. I cannot continually dwell on disturbing things. Show me Lord Jesus how to move my thought pattern to you and to not allow life's painful moments to get the best of me.
There are many individuals in this world who do not believe in you, let alone follow you. All across the globe. Not caring to what extent they may cause havoc to another. They don't want what you offer and so give it back, make it look like they accepted, but are not ... they are giving nothing, offering nothing. They are refusing, rejecting your gift. You said Lord, I remember reading it somewhere in your Holy word, that what they do to me (personally) they have first done to you.
I Peter 2 verses 4 and 7-8 says (New Living translation, paraphrased) Christ is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him. He is very precious to you who believe. But for those who reject him, "He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that will make them fall." We who believe in Jesus are a chosen people. We "are called out of the darkness into his wonderful light to show others the goodness of God."

I Peter 2 verses 19 and 23 says "Do not retaliate. Do not threaten to get even."

Psalm 118:8 reminds us: "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

I am no better than you. I am, however, a child of the King, and so must live as such.

An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind. And God's peace is a slice of heaven.

Things that didn't

Things that didn't ... what an interesting concept. Didn't what? Well, in my way of thinking this morning, its things that didn't turn out the way expected. So what is new about that? Isn't it rare when things turn out the way we think they should? Whatever. Here's my list:

• the sweet corn and brats wasn't available on Thursday at the Cedar Falls Bible Conference. It was served on Tuesday. We were told it would be Thursday. Pie and ice cream was served instead, and Jim and I weren't interested in that.
• the speaker for Thursday evening was someone whose name I can't even begin to pronounce. He was Indian. He beat around the bush to get to the point, which was basically, "abide in my word and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." We wanted Bible teaching, but there wasn't much of that.

Now that I've written them down, they seem so petty.

Only able to spend two days at the Bible Conference this year. In previous years, when I had the whole week off and Jim wasn't working as many hours and the gas prices were not as such a premium, we would be there every night and some morning sessions. I miss that. Maybe another year, next year maybe, we can do that.

Harold DeCou, who has played the organ at the conference for many years and was scheduled to be there again this year, had to cancel. He has colon cancer. He and his wife live in the Peoria, Ill., area.

Are you ready?

If you died today, do you know where you will spend eternity? Don't presume there is nothing after death. There is heaven and there is hell. Hell is very real. You may think your life is currently a "living hell," but in death, without God, your torment will be much much greater.

Hebrews 4:7 (NKJ) says, "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts."

For when you refuse to obey the living Lord and live to self, you face eternal damnation. Always seek the Lord's guidance and be obedient to His commands. They are for our own good, not to destroy us.

But our decisions are our own. Know, seek what is right and true, not what you feel or think, but what IS.

Deliveries - and the lack thereof

Just want to vent a little here. I ordered a supplement from a company in Middlesex, New Jersey, on Nov. 29, 2007. It was shipped by DHL Express. It arrived at my door in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on July 29, 2008.

I wonder where this package has been sitting all this time.

DHL Express .... nothing express about this delivery!

Snapshots of time

Today's devotional brought me to Psalm 90. Verse 12 (NKJ version) says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" -- meaning, it is not how long we live that counts, but how we live.

We talk about wanting to live a long life, but it may be pointless if our life is meaningless. I'd like to live to be 100, but I sure don't want to be a vegetable ... i.e., an invalid hooked up to machines, bed ridden, no one to love, no one to love me. I suppose that is being selfish. I don't know. I'm sure God will let me know.

I was thinking of how much I ask from the Lord. More than perhaps I have any right to do. Yet, He is my Father, and my physical father was mostly absent from my life. To the Lord I can talk and discuss my life, my feelings. He knows me. ... way more than I know myself. I need to be able to let things out to somebody. He doesn't judge me - He will judge me, but not the way I mean right now. He does not have a preconceived thought that I'm up to no good, that I can't do this or that. The Lord never considers me worthless. He loves me. For that and much more I am most grateful.

Thank you Lord Jesus for being my Savior, my friend, my confidant, my mentor, my all.

The necessity of trials

Yes, I suppose, trials are necessary. They bring us much closer to the Lord, that is assuming we are in a relationship with Him. I am. My husband is. I accepted the Lord as my savior in 1982, but the relationship didn't really start for many years after. Our church went through the Purpose-Driven Life. Many people don't give two hoots what Rick Warren has to say, but we found it brought us to a closerness we seemed to be lacking. I had always kept a journal, but after this study, my husband started keeping one too. His written thoughts are considerably shorter than mine, but that doesn't matter. The Bible studying, whether it be full-fledged into a particular book or word, or devotional studying, ... a beautiful relationship with our Lord was developing. The trials we find ourselves in, small or huge, doesn't matter the size, whatever we go through individually, if we stay focused on Jesus, look to Him for our needs, for our answers, be obedient to His instructions, we will overcome. For with God all things are possible. Without God, life is very hopeless indeed.

Learning

Learning, always learning - about what we say or don't say or do. Most recently I learned I still need to be more aware of what I may be about to say. Think, stay quiet before saying anything that may prove distasteful to another. How can you do that!? Pray that the Lord will enable you to build up another, not tear them down. Ah,... to put that into practice and do it at all times.

The Lord enables you to have this or that. Because of what He has given, because of who He is, don't follow those around you who follow dangerous paths - i.e., human sacrifice, witchcraft, occult, etc.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12 says, "When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. ...who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, ... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer. ... or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you." (NKJ version)

Our future is determined by our faithfulness to God (the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), not by our own selfish desires. Disrespect for the Lord, reliance on ourselves, shows a lack of trust in Him who IS.

So ...

So much that I think about in the course of a day, week, month, year. So much and yet so little. It can mean nothing or be rather useful. Very few actually read this blog, so it would seem no matter what I say, it won't matter. Well, so be it. It might matter to me and it always matters to God. So between me and God, that's pretty good.

Today's Scripture reading brought me to Romans 12:3b, which says "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think" Don't think of yourself as too high and mighty, better than another. But then I thought, we shouldn't think too lowly either should we? So low that we become self-centered. Selfishness can be at either end of the spectrum can it not? Romans 12:3c says "God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." Well, if you don't have faith, you don't have God, and without God, you have nothing.

My editor loaned me the book "Obit" by Jim Sheeler ... inspiring stories of ordinary people who led extraordinary lives. It is the most interesting book I've read about news obituaries. I've often though I'd like to try my hand at news obits. I edit obits for the local newspaper. But editing them and writing a story, a short synopsis of one's life, is something else. I question my abilities. I don't know why. Fear factor gets in the way.

"With God I can do all things." "With God on my side, who can be against me." There is no one. With God in my park and me obeying his direction, I can do many things. To his glory. I can write a news obit. Just remember to whom, to what purpose you do this.

Sunday morning, I wrote in my journal, "If I died today, who would remember me?"
I imagine there are many who think that on any day. Is it selfishness or just a sincere desire that someone, anyone, would think well of another, that their life would mean something to another. Something important, not just stupid things, being silly or ridiculous. Perhaps being silly and people remembering that, is meaningful ...to someone somewhere somehow. I wonder.

There is a song included in this book "Obit" that one ordinary man sung ... about smiles. I like what it says. I don't know if these are his words or someone else, but still, I like it and its worth repeating here...

"There are smiles that make us happy,
There are smiles that make us blue,
There are smiles that steal away the teardrops,
As the sunbeams steal away the dew
Here are smiles that have a tender meaning,
That the eyes of love alone may see ...
And the smiles that fill my life with sunshine
Are the smiles that you give to me."

God saved the people

Yes, God saved the people! And that's what counts in the end. Not the stuff we collect, but our very souls. Coyle says it well ... The waters take our buildings, but not our souls. And now we build again.

I finally listed to the powerful words song by Jim Coyle, pastor of Ellis Community Church. If you want to listen to it:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8Tw9lgAdTw

When Christ returns.... not if

There is no if - and - or but about it. Jesus Christ will return. And when He does, He will conquer the world and defeat all the evil powers. You think not? Stick around, and if you should live so long, you will witness it. And if you are among those who do not follow Christ, your end will be imminent. No matter how bad things get around us, those of us who know the Lord, are assured that Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will ultimately be victorious.

"And I saw the beast (Antichrist), the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to make war against Him (Jesus Christ) who sat on the (white) horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." - Rev. 19:19-20 New King James version

Don't be deceived

Even though one church may be similar to another church, if (they) don't have the same beliefs, meaning 1 God, 1 son Jesus, 1 Holy Spirit = 1 Gospel, thou are a deceiver, a false apostle.

2 Corinthians 11:13b, 14b, 15a New Living Translation: "They have fooled you by disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. "Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. "So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers."

Don't become deceived like Eve was by the serpent. Don't believe what everyone tells you. If you preach something different, if you hear and listen and follow something different, you are deceiving others and being deceived. You are as the serpent.

Do you think all denominations preach the same ... or all religions? What do you think is the common denominator?

Disasters and our response

The message this past Sunday morning at church would have been about Father's Day, since it was Father's Day, but..... instead it was about disasters (Iowa floods), particularly about how we, as Christians, can and should respond to them when we're in its midst.

Our pastor read Job 1 and made these points:

• Disasters are not necessarily God's judgement
• Disasters can prompt us to turn from sin and turn to Christ
• Disasters can prompt us to a more fruitful life
• Disasters should prompt us to do what we can

Our response should start with faith in Christ.

1964 Goldwater glass for sale

We're planning a garage sale for Friday, June 13. No, I'm not suspicious. Hoping for good weather ... it will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. here in Cedar Rapids. Will have at least 1 collectible - a 1964 Barry Goldwater drinking glass. Asking price is $15. Other items include jelly glasses that I've decided to rid ourselves of and use instead the glasses we received as wedding presents. Also, a gas-powered weed eater, miscellaneous magazines, some small kitchen appliances and computer ware and other miscellaneous items. If interested, send an e-mail to cjandbeejay@gmail.com