It's New Year's Eve

10:38 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006. The last day of this year. A year of new beginnnings, new starts, new life is but minutes away. Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. You don't have to wait until next year. Do it now. Believe He died for you, for your sins. He died so that we may live. Jesus is the Messiah! Jesus is the only way anyone will get to heaven. If you believe you are going to heaven and do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you are mightily deceived. If you do not know the Lord and die without Him, you will surely know it at your death. But by then it will be too late! Death seals your fate. Don't wait for tomorrow to come. Don't put it off for another time. It is later than you think.

He got an "A"

Jimmy got an "A" in his seminary class "History of Christianity II. We received his papers and grades in the mail today. Hallalujah!

Onward we go

Well, we're not going to have a Korean child in our midst - Josh nor his mother are comfortable with being in a home that has a bunny as a house pet. Perhaps another time, but not now.

Jim did receive a call when we got home this afternoon from a local funeral home requesting his services. So he will meet with the family Tuesday afternoon and the funeral will be on Wednesday morning.

Tomorrow - Sunday - is Christmas Eve Day. Christmas is in the heart, not what's on the ground. But you know, if you grow up with snow at Christmas time you tend to think of it as going hand in hand. But not so really. You also tend to think of families and Christmas going hand in hand. But that's not so either. Traditions we acquire are a result of families ... and friends ... and snow.

But I don't miss the slippery streets of snow or ice. Or unhappy thoughts. My family, albeit small, is enough, and I have Jesus ... and that makes life worthwhile. Jimmy, my husband; BeeJay, our dwarf bunny; me and Jesus.

We hope you have accepted God's gift and will have a

M E R R Y

C H R I S T M A S !!!!!!!!

What have I to give?

Good question. Reminds me of the song "The Little Drummer Boy" - poor as I am what have I to give? I'll give Him my heart, I'll play my best for Him.

I only worked 4 days this week and it was the longest week in history I thought. And now I am off today, Saturday, Sunday and most of Monday - Christmas Day. Jesus's Birthday - the day we Christians celebrate His birth.

Later this morning I have to take the bus to the women's center at the hospital - for a mammogram. Our health insurance deductible has been met, therefore I don't have to worry about paying for it. Thank goodness! This afternoon my husband and I are going to a funeral visitation for one of Jim's hospice patients. And then later we are having friends over for homemade chicken soup and bread and veggies and a gift exchange. It should be fun.

Today, this morning, I will hear whether our desire to be a host family to a Korean boy has been approved or not. It seems there is a concern about the type of house pet we have - which is a bunny. He weighs just over 1 pound. Apparently in Korea, dogs and cats are common, but bunnies are not. God knows best. Whatever. It's frustrating to say the least.

Saturday morning we get our regular 6-week hair cuts.

Sunday - Christmas Eve. In the morning we have Sunday school and church, then more friends are coming over afterward for Kentucky Fried chicken, cranberry salad, veggies, etc. Then we will return to church for evening services.

Yesterday, Dec. 21, was the one-year anniversary of Jim's dad's death, my daddy-in-law.

Monday - Christmas Day. It will be Jim and I and BeeJay and Jesus.

God's greatest gift

God had promised for years, centuries that He would send His messiah to deliver His people. But the way He did it and when resulted in many many people questioning, disbelieving.

Jesus had come. God's greatest gift was here, is here. BUT he was mocked, beaten, crucified. Mankind thought that was the end of him, that he was no one special, spectacular, but they, we were proved wrong.

Jesus died and was buried, but HE rose again.

Of course, why wouldn't he? He is God's own son.

So many have missed the boat - I'm so glad I didn't.

Thank you Lord Jesus for coming into my life, for giving me new life. Amen.

Love

Love bears all things. Love covers another's sins. It does not have an easy tolerance of wrong but extends compassion to the wrongdoer.

Love believes all things. Love places faith in God and chooses to believe the best about others -- to give them the benefit of the doubt. It is an attitude of trust.

Love hopes all things. It does not have unrealistic optimism or rely on positive thinking but faces the future with confidence in God's ability and faithfulness.

Love endures all things. It has the sense of bearing up under a load, of being able to deal with pressure without collapsing. Love faces hardships and perseveres.

Arthritis - how good is Fosamax?

My husband has recently been diagnosed with arthritis - rheumatoid and osteoporosis. This morning he started taking Fosamax and within 30 minutes started getting a severe headache and a sour stomach. Is this a side effect? He doesn't need more problems just to feel better for another. None of us do. I pray the Lord will help him cope and for us to know what to do.

"Facing the Giants"

My husband and I went to the movies this afternoon and saw "Facing the Giants," a Christian film produced by a church in Atlanta, Ga. If you have not seen it, we recommend you do. It's wonderful. Its about football but yet its not about football. It's about facing your fears, having faith, believing in God, believing in what He has for you, remembering what your purpose is here - why are you here? It's not about YOU. It not about ME. It's about Him. It's about giving glory and honor to our Father in heaven. It's about God - with God all things are possible. Nothing is impossible when God is driving, directing, leading and we are following.

Census dropping

My husband works in home care, specifically with men who are dying. Today we found out one of his patients is in the hospital and will probably be moving to a nursing home instead of back home. It's becoming too hard for his wife. Another of Jim's patients died this morning.

I get used to a routine, whether I like it or not, but when something comes along to disrupt it, then fear sets in.

My prayer this morning is this:

Dear Lord,
Keep the fear growing within me away. Keep me mindful of you Lord, help me not stray from your guidance. Remind me of the promises you have made to me, your daughter, keep me mindful of them daily. You know all, are all, you know what will come my way, our way, keep your loving arms around me so I will be comforted and forever and always surronded by your boundless love. Help me, show me how to best utilize the money you have given us for your glory.
In your precious name I pray.
Amen

Listening

God is always listening to His sons and daughters when they are abiding in His will. Sometimes, maybe frequently, God's answers are no or wait, and we are so brazen as to wonder if God is listening at all, because we think the answer is so clear. When he doesn't respond the way we think He should, we open ourselves to questioning doubt and worry. What we perceive is not necessarily an accurate picture. We need to trust, have faith in the Lord to bring good through whatever we are dealt. He is always in control.

"Not ours to know the reason why

Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God's own time
To lift the cross we bear." - Anonymous

Psalm 51

This morning I read Psalm 51 from The Living Bible paraphrased. One part of verse 12 especially caught my eye -- "..., and make me willing to obey you."

God does not care about the sacrifices we bring to His altar (feet) if our attitude is not right with Him. The ritual is only a mockery - it is not real, it is not because of who we are in Christ, but only because we think this is what we are supposed to do. Those who are not Christians think this way (and possibly some Christians do too, I don't know) - that God requires a sacrifice to become one with Him. Not so.

God wants our repentance, being truly sorry for our sins, not merely getting caught, but truly sorry for what we've done against our Father.

It is only when we have turned from our sin, repented, asked for the Lord's forgiveness and for Him to make us whole and one with Him again that our right relationship returns.

Thanks be to God when all is well between you and your Father in heaven.

Brilliant thinking ... or stupidity?

I should not have bought the chocolate mix earlier in the week. Hot chocolate is one thing, but this is NOT it. A bargain buy does not mean it is an appropriate buy, nor in reality, a real bargain. It's just something I bought that I didn't need, that was 60% off the original price. This is without a doubt a place where many of us find ourselves. Thinking we have a bargain when we really don't.

If you are seeking something that is real, look for Jesus. He is ALL you will ever need. Keep your mind set on Him and Him alone, He will bring you through all sorts of trials you undergo. Jesus is the real bargain. He paid a BIG price for our salvation. Don't go off and look elsewhere. There is no bargain to be found. Jesus paid it all. Our allegiance is to Him.

Memorial Keepsakes

It's been nearly a year since starting my business of laminating obituaries. The process itself is not a new thing, but there are many newspapers and/or funeral homes who do not provide this service. It is my hope that the word will get out, particularly in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area, and that people who are seeking this service, will find me.

God knows

It's amazing - God knows our limits and He never permits more than we can bear. He knows far more, far above anything we think we ourselves know, because we frequently think our strength is nothing, that we have far more to carry than we ought and our burdens seem so so heavy at times. They range from health to jobs to education to our children, our siblings, our parents to ... anything. When we ask God for help - He offers - and we accept it, our burdens are less heavy, our footsteps are not as downtrodden for we have Jesus in our midst, guiding us on the way, making pathways straight, and light.

Thank you for being my protector heavenly Father.

Control

I lack self-control, especially when it comes to eating the wrong stuff. I have no problem eating that which is good for me. I practice it day in and day out. Unfortunately, I also have no problem eating that which is not good for me. I don't do that daily - that's good! but it would be better if I didn't do it at all, or allowed myself a sweet only as a special treat and not whenever I felt like it.

Today's Scripture reading was Titus 1: 1-9, but I read the entire 3-chapter book. My devotional book said this: When we discipline ourselves to keep our ordinary desires under control, we make a habit of virtuous living and practice the reality of Romans 6:18 -- "And having been set free from sin, you become slaves of righteousness."

Giving Christ control over everything is a daily thing or minute thing. Whenever we realize we have taken over the reigns, we must give it back, because we can do nothing of ourselves, only through Christ who strengthens us. I know this, I'm more than aware that this is true. Yet I allow Satan to tell me its not gonna hurt you, chocolate is not a problem, you won't gain any weight. Who am I fooling? Life is more than eating.

Endurance

In Sunday School we have been studying 2 Timothy. Today's devotional reading was 2 Timothy 3, which was part of yesterday's S.S. lesson as well. Verse 1 says "In the last days perilous times will come." Last days... the days before Christ returns ... many hundreds of years have already passed; perilous, grievious times will come - have come - there will be / we are in its midst.

I generally read the New King James version of the Bible, but occasionally The Living Bible paraphrased provides a clearer understanding. Here is what verses 1-9 say:

"You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian. For people will love only themselves and their money; they will be proud and boastful, sneering at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them, and thoroughly bad. They will be hardheaded and never give in to others; they will be constant liars and troublemakers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good. They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with pride, and prefer good times to worshipping God. They will go to church, yes, but they won't really believe anything they hear. Don't be taken in by people like that. They are the kind who craftily sneak into other people's homes and make friendships with silly, sin-burdened women and teach them their new doctrines. Women of that kind are forever following new teachers, but they never understand the truth. And these teachers fight truth just as Jannes and Jambres fought against Moses. They have dirty minds, warped and twisted, and have turned against the Christian faith. But they won't get away with all this forever. Some day their deceit will be well known to everyone, as was the sin of Jannes and Jambres."

We are to persevere. God allows trials in our lives not to impair us but to improve us. Sometimes its hard to see, usually its hard to see what God has planned for us. But He knows best. Some of you may remember that old TV show, "Father Knows Best." Well, its true. Our Father does know best. Our heavenly father, the one who is always looking out for His children, for what is best for them.

Memories

This afternoon my husband and I drove from Cedar Rapids to West Branch to see the 60's exhibit (before it closed) at the Herbert Hoover Museum & Library. Admission was $12. Some of it was quite a fun trip down memory lane when we were teenagers, with the TV shows, music and dress. But, there was a lot of pain and sadness during those years, things I had forgotten or had buried - such as Kent State, riots, black inequality, Vietnam. Some things today have not changed much. Some things remain the same, we just get older, not necessarily any wiser.

I changed my post name to LauraMae Joy. Why? Laurie or Laura has always been a favorite name. I always thought if I was to have children, a girl, I might name her Laura Mae - Mae was my mom's first name and my middle name. But it didn't happen. There were/are no children. I like the name Joy as well. In my dreams, my imagination, my blog I can call myself whoever I want. So I am.

Remember

These dark, dreary days we've had of late bring to mind that I really am older. For years I would joke with my Sunday School teacher that she was "old," but she and I both knew I was teasing. I have certainly stopped the teasing and like I said, think more of myself in that vein, so it is no longer funny. Getting older is certainly better than the alternative ... in a way. I'm not ready to die, however, if the Lord deemed it the right time, then I would be ready to go to Him. I know of many much older that are ready to be with the Lord.

The dark days, the dampness, bring on all the joint aches you know you have but don't miss when they are away. Tiredness is all too evident as well.

We have been studying 2 Timothy in Sunday School. This week it's on Endurance. I remember writing about remembering God's truths. I don't think I've written them here before. I can't find it anyway. So am sharing them with you now.

R E M E M B E R God's truths

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 on 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.

It's autumn, but summer days are here

It's autumn and the leaves are changing colors. How beautiful is God's creation. Here in Iowa we're in Indian Summer - temperatures in the 70s and 80s. And how sweet it is. Soon though, these summer days/daze will be gone and winter will be creeping in. It will still be beautiful. Just cold. Brrrrrrr!!

A wedding ...

Today my husband Jim performed the wedding ceremony for his Little Brother. A new chapter as husband and wife begins for 21-year-old Rocky and his bride, Christina. Jim helped Rocky grow up; he became Rocky's Big Brother when Rocky was 12-1/2 and when their weekly visits with each other ended 5-1/2 years later, they maintained they would remain friends and they'd always be lifelong brothers in Christ. The wedding was very nice. Just a handful of friends and relatives gathered for the 6 p.m. ceremony at the gazebo at Ellis Park in Cedar Rapids. Pictures were taken with the Cedar River in the background, the sun still bright and glowing. The weather was cool but pleasant. We wish them happiness and many blessings.

Don't Worry ...

You've probably heard the song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," but a better thought to live by is Don't Worry, Have Faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ, in His word, His promises, His love.

Whatever ...

Thoughts to ponder, to remember, to keep within:

Whatever we are in the midst of, wherever we are, our focus needs to be on the Lord, not on the circumstances surrounding us. If we focus on these circumstances, we will become bound by them, we will falter. However, if we stay on Jesus with our heart and mind, He will help us see it through, complete the task before us.

If I focus on God's presence rather than the presence of difficulties then I will be victorious over fear and discouragement. God encourages me to meditate on and obey His instruction.

Character traits

In 2 Peter it talks about the character traits of Christ. It mentions virtue and what should be added to that, with seven things total mentioned. Do you know what they are and the meanings of each? So often I think we kind of skip over words and we miss the meaning, because we don't stop and contemplate what is actually there.

I've been doing a personal Bible study on 2 Peter for several weeks. I used the book "Peter's Principles," and then I came across another book "You Can Beat Those Spiritual Blahs" - Your Personal Strategy for a Rejuvenated Faith ... based on Second Peter, written by Lew Miller. We have had this particular book in our home library since 1988 and this is the first time I picked it up and read it. Lew Miller was the first pastor of the church I am a member of, have been a member of for the past 24 years. I never met the man, but have gleaned much from his writings. He explains verse-by-verse what Peter has to say and he explains it in easy to understand terms.

Many times over many years we have all heard about the character traits of Christ and how once we are saved/born again we too receive these character traits. But we sometimes wonder if we really have. We hear the words virtue - knowledge - temperance - patience - godliness - brotherly love - love, and question whether we really have any of those, because sometimes it just doesn't seem like we do. I think the problem is we don't live like we have those traits. We don't purposely live for Christ, striving to be what He wants of us and for us. We live for ourselves.

So I looked again at these character traits.

Virtue is a quality of life which enables us to respond immediately when God speaks. Its courage, moral strength and purity. Its a lot of things all wrapped up in one. Giving God our all. God gave His son for all of our sins past present and future. Why is it so hard for us to give Him our all. If we have accepted Christ as our personal saviour, then why do we not accept that He can and will take care of all we have need of. If we live in Christ, if we follow Christ at all costs, if we go when He says go, if we wait when He says wait, we have virtue.

Knowledge is more than knowing, its understanding what the Scriptures say and then its applying it to specific situations. We need to have a personal devotional life of Bible study all the time, not just occasionally. Sunday school is good - there are many churches who do not have Sunday school for adults. Knowing what the Bible says and how to apply it to your personal situation is necessary for every last one of us. But stopping there or believing just coming to church on Sunday is enough is wrong thinking. We need to get into His word, think about what He is saying to us.

Temperance is the mastery of temptations which come from within. I haven't mastered this by any means. I imagine there are a great many of us who haven't really mastered this.
Temperance is keeping a reign on/ holding in our passions, appetites and instincts so that they are our slaves instead of our masters. Lew Miller uses the example of losing your temper ... as a Christian its a definite no-no. As are griping/complaining, self-pity, jealousy, grouchiness.
Being depressed isn't good. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Just means you shouldn't let it control you. Because once it controls you, God takes a backseat in your life and He needs to be the driver.

Desires for material things, for sweets, are temptations that can be mastered. But it takes more than our personal willpower to make it happen. Willpower doesn't work. Remember, we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. We can do nothing by ourselves. We do not remember this enough.

Patience is the mastery of problems which come from without. Yielding to God without complaint, in spite of our circumstances. A brave, courageous acceptance of everything that life can bring to us. I am forever learning patience. Sometimes it gets the best of me and you can see where my lack of it has gotten me. Other times I have found peace and joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit that brings calm assurance and victory in every circumstance. That doesn't mean the circumstance has necessarily gotten better. But it does mean because we have stayed in tune to Christ and His word, God has enabled us to endure whatever the circumstance.

Godliness is acting and reacting as Christ would in every circumstance. Nope, don't think so. It would be good if I did, but of course I get my self-will in the middle of things and then its not God I am listening to and obeying at all, but my own selfish thoughts.

Lew Miller says the best way to witness is by our actions. Interesting. Frequently you hear witnessing is door-to-door, visiting folk, sharing your testimony. I don't really like to witness for that very reason. I'm scared to death. Fear factor numeral uno. But when you talk about witnessing by how we live, it makes it easier. At least I think it does.

Brotherly Love is a genuine affection and concern for our Christian brothers and sisters. A willingness to bear the burdens of others with a desire to move in and help. Everywhere we see people in desperate need of kind words, kind deeds, kind friends.

Love is looking at all people from God's viewpoint. God loves you. God loves me. He does not love many of the things we do. He does not love the sins we commit. But He does love the person you are, because He created you.

When we allow the spirit of Christ to control our lives, others will be spiritually refreshed.

Things

The things we have are of no consequence. Things are handed down from family member to family member for safe-keeping, but in the very end, there is no need for any of it. Only what we need - that should be enough. But our human desires play a huge part - if we were not human, but God, we wouldn't see a need for these things we think, we believe we need, when they are merely desires.

Why? Because its pretty or simply put "I like it. I want it. I don't have one. I want one too. It tastes good. One little bit won't hurt. It doesn't cost a whole lot."

Satan often whispers these things to us and we listen to him instead of turning our minds and hearts to Jesus where all of our focus should be at all times, not just when it appears convenient for us.

Never doubt the power of God

Never doubt God's power. Never doubt His promises. We should never. We should never question anything about God. He is. That should be enough. 2006 has been the most miraculous year. So much has happened, not necessarily good/bad, but the walk with Jesus has been joy-filled. My faith has doubled, tripled. Not because of the prayer requests that He answered, but because I chose to walk with Him, focus on Him, stay in His word, study His word, look to Him for everything. Yes, Satan works harder when your energies are focused on God, but with the Lord before you and behind you and all around you, Satan can be defeated. He'll still strive to overpower you, make you fight with your spouse, but he doesn't win. God wins.
Thank you Jesus for dying for me. Thank you Jesus for sending the Holy Spirit to live inside me on the day I accepted you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you Jesus, thank you God for never quitting on me, always being by my side, always helping me to see things from your perspective. Thank you for the joy that fills my heart. Thank you for all the people you have brought into my life to enable me to see all that you are. Thank you for loving me, when I have been so unworthy of your love, yet have needed it so much.

COMPLAIN ... not

When we cry out to the Lord, we should not then complain about where He has brought us, but PRAY. We cry out ... in pain ... and we seek help. We pray and continue to seek help. We listen, we wait ... we seek guidance continually, we do not give in or give up. WE SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN.

Easier said than to accomplish. Have to work at it, day in, day out. Minute by minute.

Seek CHRIST always

DO NOT become CENTERED on yourself or another being or object

DO NOT CONDEMN those who actively pursue the Lord's will

Show COMPASSION

Be CONFIDENT that the Lord Jesus Christ is with you when you become overwhelmed with the pressures of the day, the trials, the tribulations

DO NOT OFFEND another

OBEY the Lord and follow His lead

Be MERCIFUL

DO NOT MOCK another

DO NOT PERSECUTE another for your losses

DO NOT PUT DOWN another. God loves us all. It is the sin which is hated

DO NOT become LAZY. Go about your Father's business, knowing He is with you

DO NOT become ARGUMENTATIVE. Discussion is one thing, but arguing is an act Satan tells you is okay. Arguing only makes life worse.

DO NOT work AGAINST what God is doing ... whether it be in your life or that of another.

DO NOT worship some other god - be in money, prestige, job, etc. That is called IDOL WORSHIP/ IDLE WORSHIP. It gets you no place worthwhile, no place eternal.

DO NOT become IRREVERANT of our Lord.

DO NOT become IGNORANT and think you alone can accomplish great things

DO NOT become NEGATIVE-minded, finding fault at every turn

Be positive. Look on others as Christ looks on you.

Happy Birthday

July was a busy month when I was growing up. My grandpa's birthday, my sister's birthday, my mom's birthday. All within a week to 10 days of each other. My grandpa's birthday is today. He was born July 20, 1880, 126 years ago and he's been gone 45 years. My sister's birthday is July 23. I will forgo saying how old she is, but suffice it to say she is younger than I am. And my mom, her birthday is July 31. She has been with the Lord for nearly 10 years. She would have been 96 this year.

The days go by

The days go by. In and out. Day and Night. Night and Day. Breathe in, breathe out. Go to bed, wake up, go to work, go home. Start over. Another day. Another night. Much more to anything than just that. But the days do go by. It's life. Sometimes life is wonderful. Sometimes life is not so wonderful. It's sorta irrelevant. God created life and I'm glad of that. Because I am His and that's really what's most important.

June 6 I started a Bible study on the book of Hebrews. Today, July 20, I finished the study.

A lot has happened since my last writing on June 20. For one thing, my husband Jim and I visited Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. Jim had attended there for a year-and-a-half many years ago, but this was my first visit. It's really a small campus. Actually its the smallest of the Southern Baptist seminaries in the United States. Yesterday, two weeks after sending in the application for admission, all of the necessary pieces were in hand to forward to the Admissions Committee. We continue to wait. Wait, wait, wait. It has not always been one of my stronger suits. It still isn't really. But I am better at waiting than I have been. I am more patient. I can not nor will I ever really be able to say I am a patient person. Because I'm not. But I am more patient thanks to Jesus being in my life. I am because He is.

Detours

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2)
"For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

I have been battling food habits (that I thought I had broken) since late April/early May. I had lost over 100 pounds during a 2-year period and now my cravings for sweets have gotten the best of me. I have allowed it. It's my own fault. Why I have allowed it I don't know. It certainly doesn't do me any good. It does taste good, that first moment when it touches my tongue. But in the long run, I can't keep saying yes to sweets and no to better choices.

It's a detour. All of life offers detours for us to take or not take. If we keep our focus on God, we won't get off track. We will obey the Lord at every turn, always seeking His will for our lives and the detour will vanish or we will be able to overcome what seems insurmountable.

Food is necessary to the body, for sustaining physical life, but not all food, not all the time. It is among "the affairs of this life" and its not good to stay entangled upon it, to be focused on it. It can become a hindrance to what we should be doing. Philippians 3:18-19 says, "For many walk, ... whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly (sensual indulgences, such as food), and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things."

Today is the day. Dear Lord, help me stay away from that which is harmful to my body. Only allow me to only take in that which is useful. Keep me from harming myself. In your name I pray. Amen.

"God wills it!" ... ?

I've been reading about the Christian Crusades between 1096 and 1272. The book was written for young people and with that, it seemed somewhat easier to grasp what was going on during that period. The pilgrimage of the first crusade may have had good intentions, but by the time of the last crusades, any good intentions lay in ruin, deceit, disgust, death.

Historian Steven Runciman noted "The triumphs of the Crusades were the triumphs of faith. But faith without wisdom is a dangerous thing ... ... the Crusades were a tragic and destructive episode. There was so much courage and so little honor, so much devotion and so little understanding. High ideals were besmirched by cruelty and greed, enterprise and endurance by a blind and narrow self-righteousness; and the Holy War itself was nothing more than a long act of intolerance in the name of God, which in itself is a sin against the Holy Ghost."

Faith without wisdom is a dangerous thing ... have we yet learned that today, hundreds of years later?

"God wills it!" -- how can any of us presume we know what God wills. Just by saying it, does not make it so. Just because you believe God is behind anything you do, does not mean it is His will. To have even an inkling of what God's will is, you must have a personal relationship with His son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. You must seek His will for you, praying always, continually.

This Is God's World

This is God's world
All that is is His
It is not mine
Nor is it yours
It is God's
and only His.

No other power
nowhere no how
in times past,
present or to come
God has it all.

We - you and me
created in His image
to rule
the fish of the seas
the birds of the air
and all the animals.

But, alas,
it was not enough
We - you and me
wanted more
and more
and more.

And now,
we have more
don't we?
Or do we?

We - you and me
wanted so much
more
that destruction and utter chaos
settled around us.

And now
we - you and me
struggle to find a balance.

God provided that balance ...
in the beginning.

Why wasn't it enough?

by Cathy Orrick Luders

6.2.2006

This and That

• This morning I finished reading Potok's book "I am the Clay." I had just started it yesterday. A different kind of reading. Nothing Jewish about it whatsoever. It was about the Korean War ... refugees, survival. An old man and woman and a boy. The woman often would say, "Have Thine Own Way Lord. Ye are the potter, I am the clay." She didn't know what it meant, but she repeated it often, prayed it. And the Lord ... along the way, had His own way.

• Frank E. Graeff penned these words to a hymn I have never heard:

"Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press,
And the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
O yes, He cares.
I know He cares,
His heart is touched by my grief;
When the days are weary,
The long night dreary,
I know my Savior cares."

• Someone I know is looking for a job. A lot of us are doing that, some any job, some a specific job, some for a well-paying job, some with excellent benefits. This particular person is looking for a fun job. One without stress, not a management position, unless possibly of course it could be fun?! B - that's what I'm going to call him/her ... has no college education. B is heading into a not-so-good depression. It is hard to get out of depression. Is there a way I can help? Lord is there something specific you would have me do to help B? ... a verse or specific book of the Bible to direct B to?

• Faith comes, grows with life experiences. As small as a mustard seed, it grows by leaps and bounds as you give more and more to the Lord, allow Him to form you, mold you. Need to pray, help me, help me be the person you want me to be. Show me the way to act, to speak, keep Satan away from my back door. Guard all sides Lord. Believe the Lord is with you in all you do. Just a little bit of faith is all you need - 'cause like I said, your faith will grow, and then whether you be in lean times or plenty, you will do as the Lord commands, and all will be well.

• The Sunday School lesson for this week is on Caleb: "Faith Endures." Scripture reading is Numbers 13:1 - 14:38 and Joshua 14:1-14

One small negative comment can spread like wildfire and crush out any positiveness that might have been - if we allow Satan to have the upper hand. If we believe any bit of falsehood, what little faith we have gets snuffed out and we become more and more disheartened.

The Promised Land - Israel. So much. Lost. Israel did not become a state until 1948 - after World War II, after the Holocaust. Those who complain, constantly complain against me, your Lord, shall not enter the Promised Land. It seems the Jewish people were constantly nomads, wondering here and there, looking, seeking, but not finding. Looking for something, but unsure what. When it was right there under their noses, they still did not see. Numbers 14:31 says in the Living Bible paraphrased "You said your children would become slaves of the people of the land." Throughout the entire history of the Jewish people, they have been slaves of whoever was the controlling body. All because they failed to see, respond, be faithful to the Lord and ultimately, to his son, Jesus Christ. Descendents of Caleb, tribe of Judah, will inherit Israel. The Jewish people did not listen to the Lord. They did not listen to Moses. They continued to do their own thing. Occasionally there would be one/a few who looked to the Lord for guidance and likewise responded, but for the most part, it was their own will to which they responded.

• Why is the Lord silent? Why do you not hear when He speaks?

The Best Shows on TV say Good-bye

First Seventh Heaven, and now Everwood. Both shows are shown on the WB, but Seventh Heaven ended after 10 years. Everwood has only been on the screen 3 seasons. Next Monday is the series finale. Such a bummer. Such a wonderful show, family based. Why all the good shows go away and we're stuck with trash.

Ponderings

Do you have a crutch, something or someone you lean on? Is it God?
Or is it something else, something maybe you hide behind, a piece of furniture, a prop.

Who do you think worship is for? Yourself, how much you get out of it, whether the preacher is saying what you want to hear. And if he isn't saying what you want, do you make it hard for that man to pursue, to follow the path the Lord has given him? Do you ridicule, put him down for where the Lord leads him? Is it only important how YOU feel, what YOU believe?

Are you ashamed of the Lord? Do you think you are better than Him? Whose business do you want to be about? Your own or the Lord's? If its your own, why are you in church? Church should be about God's business. We can only be effective in reaching others for Christ when we are about our Father's business. If your business is not in reaching others (for Christ), will you do your utmost to keep those who are striving to do the Lord's will in their lives from doing just that? Will you find fault with everyone who does not believe as you believe? Is it your way or no way?

Who are you partners with? Who is your master?

Drift away

Hebrews 2:1 in The Living Bible says: "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."

What is your concept of "drift away"? I think of

• be passed by
• opportunity knocks - you have free choice ... to accept or decline, to take action or ignore
• stay in the Word, in the faith you have accepted vs. moving away from, turning your back on what you know is true to something else

Perhaps I am missing something here, but is it not true that once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you become a Christian? Judaism is a religion, Christianity is a religion. If you are a Jew and become saved, are you not then a Christian? Isn't Hebrews 2:1 saying that once we have heard the truth, we must live in that truth and look to Jesus for everything. If we profess to be a Christian yet continue to follow the laws of the Jewish faith, are we not "drifting away?" Isn't it the same as when God said you cannot serve man and God ... one or the other. You follow the Lord's will or you follow your own, your fellow man.

New study

I've decided to do a study of Hebrews. I've only just barely started, read the first chapter. First thing practically out of the gate was a distraction big time - it was a yelping dog. My request for me either to be able to concentrate with that obnoxious noise or to remove the noise was answered. God removed the noise. Thank You.

Focus

Focusing is hard to do. It's so easy to let distractions come in and destroy our concentration. It's important to stay focused, especially on the Lord Jesus. We need to devote time every day to listening to God, to praying, to studying His word, to immersing ourselves in Him.

In our home, we host an Open House in December every year. Our focus is on cleaning the house, preparing goodies, inviting family, friends, neighbors, enjoying time together. Sometimes it has crossed our minds not to have the party, because of a lack of funds. But then I think, it is not for the food we are hosting it. Its for the fellowship. The focus should be on the fellowship, not on what we have to eat or drink.

If Jesus stopped by your home today, would you:

• Ask Him to wait till you have some free time
• Give Him your undivided attention
• Ask Him to visit someone else first and come back later
• Let Him know what a sacrifice you're making to spend time with Him

I would give Him my undivided attention. At least I think I would. I would prefer to anyway. If I waited until I had free tme, it would never come. If I requested He go elsewhere first and come back later, would He really return? If I was bothered with His visit and told Him so, where was my focus - it surely wouldn't be on my Lord Jesus.

How do you "listen" to Jesus? Through Scripture -- prayer -- music and song -- others who bring a message.

What kinds of "noise" sometimes drowns out Jesus when we're trying to listen to Him?

Distractions I thought of were

• our spouse wanting to talk or asking what you're doing
• having on the radio or TV
• events happening outdoors
• how we're feeling
• our mind wandering elsewhere on things we feel we must get done

Sometimes you might think spending a lot of time with Jesus/God takes you away from everything else. But you know it really doesn't. It depends on what your priorities are and how you've ranked them. When I spend time in Bible study, my day is better. Life is better. Nothing can interfere with you. Nothing can mess it up, because the Lord is right there with you. God can see me through anything, because my focus is on Him, not on me.

My husband is considering returning to school to complete his seminary education. He started many years ago but never finished. At that time, he thought it was the Lord's will for him to be a pastor. But now, years later with work/life experience under the belt, he believes it is the Lord's will for him to be a hospice chaplain. Currently he works as a home health aide in hospice. But he cannot share the gospel. Our focus remains on the Lord. We have looked into clinical pastoral education (CPE) and he has applied for Extended CPE at the University of Iowa. It is a class that meets once a week for 9 months. Interviews are done in the summer with classes starting in September. We are also looking into seminaries which are members of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and what master's degree he should obtain. Some have suggested a Master of Divinity while others a Mastor of Arts in Theology or Religion. While Southern Baptist is our specific denomination, we are not necessarily limiting our choices to only Southern Baptist since becoming a chaplain would bring him in association with all kinds of people with varying beliefs.

It is in waiting that sometimes brings distractions to our focus on the Lord.

He is the "meeter" of our needs

He is. He really is. God. He knows if you are hungry. He knows if you are serving in the wrong place and it's time to move on. He knows if you need your hair brushed or your back rubbed. God knows your need, your every need. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your needs. Even though He knows, it is up to us to talk to Him and tell Him our needs and ask Him to meet our needs.

Obstacles, excuses in serving God

"Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge." (New King James) or "Stop listening to teaching that contradicts what you know is right." (The Living Bible paraphrased) says Proverbs 19:27.

There should never be an obstacle to getting involved in service. God does not need to hear our excuses for why we cannot serve. We should not ever let our youth, inexperience, busyness, old age or lack of knowledge stand in the way of our service to God. If we make ourselves willing and available, then God will provide opportunities for us to serve.

Determine what really matters - pray to the Lord, study His word and wait for His response.

All of our acts of true service, whether great or small in the eyes of the world, will bring glory to God.

• Speak/preach as of God; use the strength and energy God gives you to help others. (1 Peter 4:11)
• Work always as if it were for the Lord no matter where you are . (Ephesians 6:7)
• You are free, but not to do wrong or evil; freedom to love and serve each other. (Galatians 5:13)
• Do not be lazy, lagging. Serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:11)

Mishmash - Did you know?

Seemed like a good title. A lot of stuff, thoughts, etc. I finished Potok's book "Wanderings: History of the Jews." Interesting. I've always enjoyed history, but it seems its only been since becoming an adult (30+ years) that history is more meaningful.

Did you know?

• Hasidism was founded (by a Jewish mystic and faith healer) as a Jewish pietist movement during the 18th century. Some compared it with pagan worship. Lubavitcher is a variation of Hasidism.

• The Jews had a number of "Messiah's," but the true one they didn't see or understand. Those of the Hasidism belief figured out that the coming of the Messiah was God's job and not themselves. It is God's job and God fulfilled His promise. But there are many, besides the Jewish people, who do not see it. They may read the Old Testament, but what is foretold, is not believed.

• Movements exist within every religion. For 40 years, from the time of Jesus' death until A.D. 70, Christianity was considered a sect of Judaism.

• The years of The Enlightenment, from the mid to late 1700s, was probably when the Jewish people were enlightened, or were beginning to see it. During that time, Voltaire said "All men were worthy of freedom except Jews, because Jews were not of the same species as the rest of mankind. You deserve to be punished, for this is your destiny." When Hitler came into power in Germany in the early 1930s, his view was that the Jew was not a religion, but rather a race, and as such, they should be eliminated.

• It was during the late 1800s that talk began on forming a Jewish state. Theodor Herzl, a journalist, was the inspiration. He wrote several books, here are two = "Der Judenstaat - The Jewish State" (Feb. 14, 1896) and "Altneuland - Old New Land" (visionary novel). He met with the First Zionist Congress, established in 1897, and predicted there would be a Jewish state in 50 years. Jewish leaders weren't interested - they would not support such a far-fetched idea. Israel, Jewish homeland, was established in 1948.

Give me a break!

Chaim Potok says "there is no such notion of the Messiah found in the Bible." What Bible is he reading, what doesn't he see in its midst?! Messianic prophecies are throughout the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis. Right there, under your nose. Except that you are blind, you would see it. The Messiah has come. And one day He will return.

Learnings, sojourner, wandererer

I've been reading Chaim Potok's book "Wanderings: History of the Jews" for weeks. Its quite a hefty book and requires intense reading, study. It leaves me with more questions and when I'm done, I will probably go back to the public library and check out material on the Christian Crusades and other histories.

Jesus, or Joshua, as in Hebrew terminology, was born of Mary and of God. Jesus was the stepson of Joseph. If (since) God can and did create Adam and Eve, why is it not conceivable He can create Jesus? Why is one reasonable and the other not?

The first five books of the Old Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus and Numbers is known as the Torah in Jewish life. If the Torah is law, why isn't Passover celebrated today as it is stipulated to be by God? Why do the Jews not believe the prophecies foretold in the Old Testament of Jesus being the Messiah?

Jesus always spoke of peace. Not war, not fighting, although much of that was the way of life throughout history. How it is is not saying it is right.

The Mishnah - a hugh collection of oral law and tradition collected over many centuries. You study the Law/Torah/Old Testament, you review what it says, you add your interpretation.

We all have that, called different things, we all have our opinions. Again, what we say, what we feel, what we think, that's not saying it is right.

Jesus is all about peace. He came to die. To bring unity to all, through His shed blood, He died for ALL of our sins. Every last one of us. Not just a few, not just one group. Jesus is the Messiah. He came, He was among us. He died. And He rose again. That's it in a nutshell. If Jesus had never risen again after death, there would be no Christianity. For Christianity is all about Jesus Christ. It is not about rules and regulations, forced conversions, praying to statutes. It's all about Jesus, the son of God and of man, and the Holy Spirit, who lives within us when we accept and believe that He died for each of us.

There has been much bloodshed for many thousands of years, centuries. Each fighting for what they perceived as the way it is, their truth. But what is truth?

Truth is God created the world. God created everything in the world. God created You. God created Me. God created Adam and Eve. God created Jesus. Jesus was born to bring unity to mankind. There are so so many who have yet to see that.

Many die for the cause of Christ. Many have died for that cause and for other causes. The history of any people still goes back to God, who created us all.

Count it all joy

James 1: 2-6 --
(v 2) "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials." Be joyful always in every circumstance that comes along. Trials (troubles) can produce good qualities.

(v 3-4) "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Actions, reactions, in the midst of trials proves, tests our faithfulness in the Lord.

(v 5-6) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." We, with the Lord with us, through our trials, troubles, become stronger, greater; we gain endurance, stamina to continue on. The trials we endure are not always because of a sin; they teach us, help us grow in the faith, to become mature.

It ain't easy

It ain't easy. You know that, I know that. No one ever said Life would be easy. But don't you wish it were? Sometimes? I wish we always had just enough money to pay for all our bills without fretting over what is not getting paid, enough to save something each pay day and put it in our savings account, enough to pay our property taxes.

Nope, it sure ain't easy.

There's always a reason for things. If you allow Him, God is there, in your midst, showing you how to do it, and do it better than you were by yourself. We never do things ... well we might do things well on our own, but that's usually a fluke. We really do things well with Christ, 'cause He knows what He's doing. We're just doing whatever feels well, seems well at the moment.

Have to always look to the Lord. Always look up, never down, never away. Always have faith. Always believe the Lord will take care of things. It'll be His way, His timing.

Ah, so hard to wait for Him. So, so hard.

It really isn't easy. But its possible. With God, all is possible. Without God, its just happenstance.

I'm back!

My husband and I just returned from a week's vacation in western Illinois and northeast Missouri. We had a pretty good time, limited budget and all. Thursday, April 27, was our 15th wedding anniversary, and on Saturday, the 29th, we renewed our vows. The event was held on the campus of Hannibal-LaGrange College in Hannibal, Mo. Jim and I didn't meet there, but that is where he earned his Bachelor of Theology degree and it holds special memories for him. About 10 friends came to be with us. It was a special time. And now we're back to work and reality. Jim had his surgery follow-up today and the neurosurgeon gave him the go-ahead to return to work next Monday as able.

While we were on our trip, we committed everything to the Lord, praying for everything and anything. If Satan reared his ugly head ... and he did a few times ... we just turned to God and got on the right track. He provided us what we needed and when we needed it. We knew God would take care of us; all we had to do was remind ourselves of that.

If we can do that in a week's time, surely we can do that over a longer time. Why does it seem to be harder? Other things get in the way. There's TV and computers and work and co-workers and the public and what we read in the newspaper or hear on the radio and even church. Nothing is so simple. But it really is. We just have to work harder to stay focused on the Lord. But it is possible. Don't let your mind wander to negative things, away from Jesus. Don't let your desires get the worst of you. Always look to Jesus, talk to Him about what's bothering you, what your frustrations are. When you pray, thank Him for all He does and all He is, today, tomorrow and always. Thank Him for providing for your needs. Thank Him for showing you the way.

It IS possible. All things are possible through Christ. He is creator of all.

The One ... is Jesus

Yesterday, April 13, was my birthday. I received several cards ... in the mail and electronically, but one I especially liked had this verse written by Roy Lessin:

The One who leads you makes no mistakes
The One who guides you has the right directions
The One who counsels you has the wisest answers
The One who provides for you has the greatest resources
The One who blesses you brings the greatest joy.

Memory lapse

It's been nearly 10 days since I last posted anything, so when the other day I attempted to sign on and couldn't get anywhere, I thought great! Just what I wanted to happen - spend time trying to remember what my password is. I come to find out I didn't really remember my user name either. But now I do. Thank you Lord.

Jesus

This week I've been reading Luke 23:32-43.

Acknowledging one's own sinfulness is the first step toward salvation. As long as people do not fear God and refuse to admit they are sinners, they will lack assurance of eternal life.

The Jews alone did not kill Jesus, but rather all mankind. Jesus died for all - past, present and future - not just a single religious group.

There is only one way to be born - the egg is carried inside the mother's womb; there is only one way to be born again - through belief and acceptance in Jesus as the son of God; through His death, burial and resurrection, we may become new, like babes.

If you don't believe in the Son of God, there is no rebirth. You are born and then you die.

Heaven is only for believers. Not everyone who dies becomes a resident of "Paradise" - a house of many mansions.

We are all sinners. Until you admit that, you have no hope, no assurance of where you'll be when death comes.

Death on the cross is the cruelest of punishment. One I myself can barely imagine and would certainly not want to go through. Jesus did. He followed His father's wishes to the end. He took all our sins upon Himself, He died for all of us. He was in control. He suffered - He knows what it's like when we suffer. He did it for us.

What have you done to thank Him? Have you accepted His gift?

Stay focused

First PRAY, always PRAY, before you do anything else PRAY
Then AIM and STAY FOCUSED ON GOD

Never let others discourage you concerning your past. It happened, its over. Don't relive it.

Live every day one day at a time; one hour at a time.

Only God knows our future - we ourselves don't so how can another think they know?! God will not put us through more than we can bear. God knows us better than we know ourselves. We often think we can't bear anywhere near as much as He brings us to. We must have FAITH and remember to STAY FOCUSED ON GOD.

If we STAY FOCUSED ON GOD, our fears will come to pass. If we look to ourselves or if we look to another, a close friend, for our blessings, our answers, we will fail.

Only the Lord can open doors for you and me. Only the Lord is able to open the door. But we must STAY FOCUSED ON GOD. The Lord will open a door that He has prepared in advance for each of us. We must wait, we must be PATIENT. Patience is a virtue, another many of us are lacking in. Patience is hard. If we STAY FOCUSED ON GOD, everything else will follow.

When Satan is knocking at your door, say, "Jesus, could you please get that for me?"

Casting our cares on Him

I Peter 5: 1-10
"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

As a shepherd/pastor of a church, must be a willing servant, honest; not as a ruler, not a boss. Be humble ( I am not much, I think - what do you think Lord?) Not prideful, not thinking and acting as if you are better than another.

Casting/throwing ALL our cares/anxieties upon You. I give them to you Lord, then I take them back. I am somewhat downtrodden. I can't think how to pull myself up. Will you lift me up Lord? Help me to feel better about myself. Jimmy had the surgery and his recovery is slowly coming. But I am dismayed by the amount of television he watches when he could be into your word. I guess I shouldn't go there. It is between him and You. It seems I watched a lot of TV too when I was off; who am I to complain. Help me to stop this. Help me keep the devil away from my mind. Help me resist his mighty efforts to bring bad thoughts into my mind and control my every thought. I don't need the devil. I don't need any part of him. Only you Lord. Help me keep my mind on you Lord.

The sufferings I face are also the same or similar as others. They can be overcome. My sufferings are minor, so very minor compared to some others, but that doesn't make them less important. The sufferings are a test; life is a continual test that strengthens us in the Lord. We must keep our mind, our thoughts always on the Lord. He will bring it to pass.

Patience

Patience isn't easy. I have a hard time with it and so do a lot of others I imagine. Even my husband Jim, who by the way was released from the hospital Tuesday noon, March 21. He had major surgery March 15.

I've been reading Luke 19: 11-44 this week.

Everything we have belongs to the Lord. What do we have that the Lord needs to use? I guess to determine that, we would need to pray for Him to make it known to us. And then we should willingly make it available to Him ... have you?

Back to patience. It's a virtue, one I'm a little lacking in. Ask of God, ask in faith, without doubting, ask humbly, always. Make your request known to God, seek His will, seek His guidance. Look to Him for our all. Don't look to yourself, Don't look to other people. Only God has the answer(s).

In Luke 19: 41-44, Jesus comes through the streets of Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Something I didn't realize is that kings/royalty ride a horse in war and a donkey in peace and that people spread their clothes in front of that individual as a sign of recognizing royalty.
When Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, He wept over what its people did not see and what would become in future days. The people did not see -- they did not open their eyes, their minds to what Jesus offered ... PEACE. They were blind to the truth, only saw what they wanted to see. To the majority of the Jewish people, Jesus was nobody special, least of all The Messiah!

It seems the Jewish people have always been in one conflict or another. They missed the mark when Jesus came and they continue to ignore His offerings of peace (with God) through salvation (His son, Jesus Christ).

Recovery is slow going

My husband Jim had a cervical tumor removed from his spinal cord just below his skull March 15. It was benign and the surgeon was able to remove a large majority of it. Praise the Lord! It was major surgery and God got us through that, with prayer from people all across the country. In some ways post-op is worse. Jim has never had surgery, other than a tonsilectomy when he was a child. He doesn't know what to expect, so he thinks he's doing terrible. He's coming off of anesthesia and being weaned off of steroids. Yesterday (Friday) he was feeling pretty good, and then today (Saturday) he was feeling pretty lousy. Says his legs feel rubbery. He has severe headaches near the incision. And he has problems taking care of "bathroom duty." I am exhausted. I work Sunday through Thursday and managed to get surgery day and the day after plus tomorrow and Monday off, but after that, its back to work I must go. I'm dreading the what if's - what if Jimmy isn't released by Monday. I shouldn't even be going there. Just concentrate on today. It's a good thing I am going to Sunday School and church tomorrow. I need lifting up big time. It helps to be able to talk to friends. Our friends everywhere are so appreciated. I love my Jimmy. I want him all better, on the mend, feeling positive, not resorting to downheartedness. His roommate Paul is not in good shape. Today he has talked often of wishing he was dead. It's off to bed and sleep I now go.

Surgery scheduled

My husband's surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, at University Hospitals in Iowa City. Time is not known at present, won't find out until next Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Matt Howard is the neurosurgeon and surgery will take 4 to 5 hours. Prayers for the doctor's skill in removing the cervical tumor and his team would be appreciated.

My thoughts, My ways

I have sometimes thought of reading Isaiah, but have not done so. However, the possibilty is getting stronger, since a few verses have made a strong impact on me. Since surgery is extremely likely for my husband, my stress level has gone up ... I reach for chocolate much more frequently that I should ... I should reach for the Bible everytime the urge for chocolate pops up its sweet head.
Anyway, the verses I find intriquing are in Isaiah 55:8-9. It says:
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My
ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are
higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher
than your wys,
And My thoughts than
your thoughts."

Love

Our interim pastor has been doing a series on love.
I Corinthians 13:4 says, "Love suffers long ... love is not easily angered ... love is patient."
The Lord patiently waits ... wanting all to repent of their sins.
If we learned to be better forgivers, we'd learn more patience.
Love is kind ... God is kind.
Love could bring unity. You'd think unity would exist in the church. You'd think love would prevail. Sometimes I think hatred, strong dislike, is more prevalent.
It's truly a shame. I need to not settle on what I hear others say. Only on what the Lord has to say ... to me. Follow and obey. Whatever the cost. I want to be His child, His beloved child, with whom He is well pleased.

Republican Christians?

In The Sunday, Feb. 26 edition of The Gazette there was a Letter to the Editor:
Republican Christians? Only if they help the poor
If you have access to it, please read it. Here is my response:

The letter writer infers that because Jesus said in Matthew 19:24 “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” Jesus is saying rich people can not enter heaven.

That’s not true. A rich young Jewish man asked Jesus what he had to do to do to have eternal life. And Jesus tells him. He must be willing to give his all and follow the Lord.

Being willing to do what the Lord commands and following through, obeying is the key.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say what you own or how rich or poor you are determines whether you will enter heaven.

There is only one way to enter heaven and that is through faith in Jesus Christ.

• Admit you are a sinner
• Believe in Jesus Christ as God’s son. He was born of God and the virgin Mary, He suffered and died on a cross for your sins and mine, He was buried and after 3 days He rose again. He became our redeemer
• Confess your faith in Jesus as your personal Savior

In Matthew 19:26, Jesus says, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Salvation is an act of God. It is not an accomplishment of human beings. Our works do not get us into heaven.

In addition, "Thou Shalt Not Kill" is not one of the Ten Commandments. "Thou Shalt Not Murder" is. There is a difference. There have been wars since time began. Read the Old Testament. Wars were prophesized and fulfilled.

Jesus is about peace. What do we know about peace?

Following Christ is not a political issue as some would make it appear. Salvation in Christ is open to all - no matter who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been, your financial status, sick or healthy, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Jehovah’s Witness, Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, etc.

Discontent

Why is there always someone who has to rock the boat, find something wrong, always complain? Why can't Christians act like Christians? Follow Christ. Christ looked for the good, His purpose was to bring us to Him and to follow Him. We don't follow. Some of us do. But I think for the most part, we do not follow. We do not obey. We only complain. I'm getting really tired of it. It's no wonder people leave.

Prayer request for my husband

My husband Jimmy has a mass/tumor about the size of a silver dollar on his spine between C1 and C2, up high just below the skull. It was thought at first something was pressing on his spine, but what is actually going on is this mass is around his spine, from the back to the front, not completely, but almost. It is a relief to know what the cause of all his left-side weakness, extreme fatique and shortness of breath is. Its still scary, but I'd do well not to dwell on that too much. I do much better if I get into the word and stay there and pray for His guidance. Jimmy continues to work, not as many hours - he does patient care, provides aide to men in their final stages of life, but he can't stand, be on his feet too many hours a day. It really wears him out. The neurosurgeon we went to today has now referred us to University Hospitals in Iowa City. Tuesday morning we go down for an evaluation with a surgeon.

Continued prayer

Well, this morning my husband had a CT scan and MRI at the hospital. Results of the MRI show something pressing against his spine, which could be causing the leftside weakness and the breathing difficulties. Its good to know the cause. Still don't know the outcome, still scared. I know the Lord is in control. The Lord is always looking out for His children. I need to always be mindful of that. It's not easy. Still scared. Any who feel led to pray, please do. We meet with the neurosurgeon March 3.

Reading ... hearing ... listening

The day I walked and walked and walked (and thus caused pain in my left leg) I had gone to the public library. Only a week ago and so much has happened since. Anyway, I checked out two books and yesterday I finished the second one. Both were written by Jewish authors. The first one, "I will plant you a lilac tree" was written as a memoir by Laura Hillman, a Schindler's list survivor. I remember seeing the movie Schindler's List and now I'd like to see it again. I have read several books about Anne Franck, but it's interesting reading things from a slightly different perspective.
The second book was a novel based on fact. "The Chosen" was written by Chaim Potok. It was his first book, published in 1967. Its about two Jewish boys, similar but different. It talks about hearing silence. Hearing without speaking, without talking, using your eyes, looking into yourself, your soul. Potok had written several more before his death in 2002 and two that I would like to read are "The Promise" and "My Name is Asher Lev."
I haven't done a lot of reading lately and I don't know why. I enjoy reading, getting into the lives of the people in the story. I have several books here at home I want to read, mostly autobiographies. I think the cold weather prompts me to sit by the fire (mostly dream about that since we don't have a fireplace) , drink tea or hot chocolate and read. I like listening to Christian music or Enya playing in the background.
Hearing silence. What do you think. Is it like meditating on God's word, waiting for Him to speak. Often we don't wait, is that when the silence is broken and we stray?
An article I found written by Pamela Murray Winters of Churchton, Maryland said:
"I don't go to Quaker services for silence. I go because in that silence is the ever present possibility, a space for revelation."

Names

What is your name? Thomas Allen? Do you go by that name or do you have a nickname? Tommy maybe or Tom or T.A. or Allen or Al. So many choices. Maybe not even similar to your real name, but something like "Slugger" or "Big Al." Sometimes our parents, the very people to give us our full name, give us nicknames. Sometimes our peers or teachers at school or church, things we're interested in, that's how we get nicknames.
My full name is Catherine Mae, but I was rarely called that. Mostly Cathy. In school I was also called "Oreo" because I liked oreo cookies. My husband calls me Caffie. A former friend called me Kate. My sister and I used to call each other by our (maiden) last names and I still do on occasion.
Does it matter? Should nicknames not be used?
We have a bunny. He has many names. His full name is BeeJay, he was named after his parents, Brendan and Jewell. But he has other names that we call him, all in love and with much affection. Names like Beeber, Hot Rod Harry, Elephant Eddie, Sweet Pea, Sweetie Pie. Silly names, he doesn't look like an elephant or a hot rod. He's just a little bundle of fluff.
Even in the Bible people who were named one thing at birth had different names by the time they died. Jacob became Israel.
Names mean many things, sometimes nicknames can be cruel and remind us of bad times. But I think for the most part, nicknames are fun.

Prayer request

Prayer works. I've seen it, I've felt it. The Lord delivers. He makes promises. He keeps promises. He is always present, always desiring what is best for His children. We all have struggles, health issues, financial issues, social issues, whatever. This time I have a prayer request for my husband, Jim. He's in the hospital. He was admitted this afternoon with numbness in his left arm, a painful jaw and shortness of breath. So far test results show nothing wrong with his heart. But there was talk of possible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He doesn't smoke. He had asthma as a child. It's possible it has returned to wreak havoc on him now. I don't know. There is a reason the Lord allowed this to happen. Another test of our faith. Must stand and walk in His, not faltering. It's not easy, and we don't have any clue what happens next. Whatever it is, the Lord will be with us, helping us get through it, to rise above it.

Walking, visiting, reminiscing

You know, Jesus walked everywhere he went, except for the occasional ride on a donkey. But He walked. Today I walked. Since we've been down to just one car as of mid-November, I take the bus more frequently. I had to go to the eye doctor this morning, so I rode in to town with my husband, and then from there I walked. Walked downtown and uptown and around town and back home. So much for taking the bus. I take the bus Monday through Thursday to get to work. Fridays are my day off. Fridays and Saturdays. Today I got plenty of walking in and I was pretty well tired out long before I ever got home. Jesus must have had plenty of stamina. But I kept going. And then I stopped to visit Anna. I never stop there, I rarely spend more than a few minutes when I see her at church. We visited for 2-1/2 hours. It was such fun. I enjoyed it immensely. And I think she did too. Anna is 3 years younger than my mom would have been if she were still alive. My mom died 10 years ago in September. She would have been 96 this July. Jim's dad was 88 when he died just before Christmas. My friend Louise died in 2002 and she was 91. Since 2002 I have wished for an older friend. I grew up around older people and I've been comfortable with them. Anna's been there. It wasn't until today that I realized it. She has children and grandchildren and she has friends. Always room for one
more. I 'm glad I stopped to rest and to reminisce. I'll have to do it again... sometime soon. Thank you Jesus.

Is this a cult?

I've been reading a bit about Dahn Yoga. Some say it is just an exercise program, others a brainwashing scheme. I don't partake in yoga primarily because I'm not interested in it. But I am a pretty regular user of massage and have on occasion used acupuncture. Are they cults? I don't know. Massage makes me feel good, makes the aches and pains less painful and sometimes go away. I believe in massage. But its not my God. I would think if you are looking at something different that you've never done before and you have the least bit of anxiety about it, you should earnestly seek guidance from the Lord. Of course if you're not a believer in Christianity, then you have another set of problems. I would pray. I don't know what you would do. Anyone have any thoughts?

Cost

Serving God faithfully is costly. Jeremiah learned that, serving 40 years, speaking the words God instructed him to say, even though there was always the chance he would be killed for those words. Doing what the Lord tells us to do can bring great rewards or untold trouble. It depends what you're seeking and where ... are you looking to God for all - or, are you looking elsewhere ...... My husband finished his application for clinical pastoral education. Just getting the application ready has taken considerable time. But it is done now. And tomorrow it will be put out in the mail. He is following and serving God.

Faithfulness

"You cannot be faithful to God

if you allow any unbelief to take root in your heart"

God's faithfulness endures to all generations. Our faithfulness does not always. Only we, ourselves, individually, can answer that truthfully. I was thinking about being faithful ... to a friend ... to God and the same with being unfaithful. It's a lot to think about. I searched my Bible concordance, then I went online. There's lots to be said about being faithful. Lots of view points... from a Christian standpoint and from non-Christian.
It's interesting. As a Christian, a fruit of the Spirit is "faith." We are saved by grace through faith. God offers us this gift, this wonderful gift of His son, who was born, who died for us, all of mankind, the entire human race, who took all of our sins, past present and future on Himself, that we might have eternal life with Him and the Father. When we accept this priceless gift, we become a child of the King, of Jesus, who opens wide His arms to receive us. That's definitely faith. Believing without a doubt that God will keep His word. He said so.
Another interesting thought. Sometimes it seems to be easier to be a "just recently saved" or "new" Christian than it does one who has been walking with the Lord many years. But then again, maybe not. You have to walk ... run ... skip ... dance ... crawl ... with the Lord day-to-day, minute by minute. It's not here today, gone tomorrow. For some people perhaps it is. Guess it depends what it is you're being faithful to and why.
To be faithful to God, you've got to have the right motive. Love - Trust - Believe.
God always has our very best interests at heart. After all He created us. Why can't we just accept it and not worry about anything? I don't know why we can't. Human nature perhaps?

• Have you accepted Jesus as your personal savior?
• How to be faithful to God
• On Being Faithful

And God is .......

G O D . . . IS

* Creator of the heavens and earth ...the universe and all within; *Good; *Ruler over all; * My Father; *All Knowing; *Loving; *Judge; *Never taken by surprise; *Faithful; *Constant; *Risen One; *Always in control; *Holy; *Kind; *Sinless; *Leader; *Restorer; *Protector; *Annointed One; *Provider; *My Comfort; *Concerned; *Praise Worthy; *Considerate; *The Trinity; *Maker of all we have; *King of Glory; *Strong and MIghty; *Disciplinarian; *Teacher of Life; *Mighty King; *Consistent; *Peace; *Joy; *Everywhere; *My Shepherd; *With Us; *Light of the World; * Creative; * Emmanuel; *The Word; * My Savior; *Redeemer; *Merciful; *Faithful; *Truth; *Compassionate; *Awesome; *Amazing; *Gracious; *Righteous; *Jesus; *Higher than any mountain; *Wider than any sea; *Available; *My Rock; *My Refuge; *My Defense; *Not pleased with charges of wickedness; *Owner of the whole earth and all that it contains; *He who turned the sea into dry land; *Angry, saddened, remorseful when sin takes control of our lives; *Willing and able to reach out to the lost, the hurting, the defeated

H I S * N a m e s

*I AM That I AM *Elohim * El - The Strong One *Elah, Eloah, Allah - The Adorable One *El Elyon - God Most High * El-Roi - The Lord That Seeth * Heleyon, Eleyon - Highest * El Elohe Israel - God of Israel * EL Olam - God of Eternity * El Shaddai - The Almighty, All-Sufficient God * El Shaddai - The one who nourishes, supplies and satisfies. The Breasted One * Adon-Adonai -Jehovah Our Ruler * Adonai Elohim, Adonai-Jehovah * Jehovah (JHVH, JAH) - The Independent One, The Eternal, Ever-Loving One * Jehovah-Elohim - The Majestic Omnipotent God * Jehovah-Hoseenu - The Lord Our Maker * Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord will provide (what He foresees, He can furnish) * Jehovah-Rophi (Ropheka) - The Lord The Physician * Jehovah-Nissi - The Lord Our Banner * Jehovah M'Kaddesh - The Lord Doth Sanctify * Jehovah-Eloheenu - Lord Our God * Jehovah-Eloheka - Lord Thy God * Jehovah-Elohay - The Lord My God * Jehovah-Shalom - The Lord Our Peace * Jehovah-Tsebaoth (Sabaoth) - The Lord of Hosts * Jehovah-Rohi - The Lord My Shepherd * Jehovah-Tsidkenu - The Lord Our Righteousness * Jehovah-Shammal - The Lord Is With Me * Jehovah-Makkeh - The Lord Shall Smite Thee * Jehovah-Gmolah - The God of Recompenses * Jehovah-Shammah - The Lord Is There

Visions of Jesus vary with each faith

Consequences of Sin

• Steals Joy .... Psalm 51:12
• Removes Confidence ... 1 John 3:19-21
• Brings Guilt ... Psalm 51:3
• Gives Satan the upper hand ... 2 Corinthians 2:9-11
• Quenches God's spirit ... 1 Thessalonians 5:19
• Brings physical damage ... Psalm 38:1-11 and 31:10
• Causes an ache in the soul ... Psalm 32:3-4
• Breaks God's heart .... Ephesians 4:30
• Opens the door to other sins ... Isaiah 30:1
• Breaks fellowship with God ... Isaiah 59:1-2
• Produces fear ... Proverbs 28:1
• Makes me its slave ... John 8:34 and Romans 6:16

God's call

Is it right ... What is God's will? or is it What is God's will for my life?
In Henry Blackaby's book "Experiencing God," Blackaby says the correct question is what is God's will. It makes sense once you think about it. As God's children, IF we focus on Him, obey His commandments, study and meditate on His word, follow His lead and direction, we will come to know what is right for each of us. It's the following and obeying that stumps us. As humans, we generally think we know it all or at least a good share of it all. As we get into His word and hear what God is saying to us and then apply it to our lives, we learn we really don't know very much at all.

Blessing our Husbands

Blessing Our Husbands

by Rachel Weaver

I pray that you will read through this in its entirety and that it will be a blessing to you.

It would be a great way to start the new year off! Credits are listed at the bottom.

Ways that a wife can bless her husband taken from ideas given by a group of husbands.

1. Pray for your husband daily, not just casually ("God Bless Hubby") but for specific areas of need and blessing.
2. Thank God for your husband's strengths, for the growth you see, and for the kindnesses that he shows you and the needs he meets in your life.
3. Meditate often (at least once a week) on the Scriptures that teach your responsibilities and position in the home.
4. Listen to him. Try to really hear what he is saying when he communicates with you.
5. When he seems perplexed and troubled, do not pressure him. Support him by prayer, your presence, and words of encouragement.
6. Be ready to share your observations and insights in a meek spirit, but openly and honestly, when he asks you. You can be his best counselor. You can anchor him when he needs it most.
7. Encourage him. Do not nag him, or boss him. Do not argue with him even if you are sure he is wrong. He may have something in mind that you are not aware of or do not understand. Ask his counsel and advice.
8. Only say up building and affirming things about your husband to others. Do not criticize him even in a joking manner. Very rarely should you find yourself sharing anything about his faults or failings, and then only with someone who is truly in a position to help.
9. Bless your husband in public. Do not apologize for his background, weaknesses or failures. This will build up your reverence for him and help establish the trust that you should both have for each other.
10. If your husband has failed, entreat him in meekness, don't exaggerate the issue or berate him.
11. Let him know that you want him to be your leader not only by what you say but by what you do. You get that message across by the way you respond to the leadership he does give you.
12. Seek to please your husband even when he does not spell out what he wants you to do. Try to determine what his heart's desire is and do it as fully as possible.
13. Teach your children to honor him, respect him, and bless him. You do this best by your own example.
14. Depend on him. Be very sensitive to areas in which he wants you to act independently. Do not run away with this responsibility. Handle it carefully. If in question, choose dependence not independence.
15. Seek opportunities to serve your husband in love. Find ways to show him that he is your "lord."
16. Be ready to make changes in your day or schedule to accommodate his needs or desires, especially if you run a home business and he needs you or the children to serve in some capacity.
17. When you need to make an appeal, prepare carefully. Choose your words wisely. Choose the time well so that you can have his attention and time to explain yourself. That way you can be sure that he understands you. When he is weary, at the end of a long day is not a good time to communicate weighty matters.
18. Always let your husband have the last word, the deciding vote, the majority rule.
19. Don't say "I told you so."
20. Show appreciation for the way he provides for you.
21. Let your husband know that you love his attention to you and his singleness of heart for you. Bask in this attention and help him relate discreetly to other women especially by letting him know what makes women respond.
22. Reserve yourself, your beauty, and your charm for him. Maintain true modesty and reserve while relating to other men.

There are many, many ways to bless your husband that were not even touched here. These are just a few of the ways some husbands discussed that would make them feel honored.

Women tend to think of kisses, hugs, notes in lunch boxes and a meal spent together alone. I am sure that our men appreciate all of those things. But as I typed this list that husbands had made, I was extremely impressed with their need for support and encouragement.

They need and want a visible show of this. It is born out in our everyday life in the way we walk and talk, and in the way we respond to their leadership, plans, and desires.

I think that many times we ladies are blind to how much contriving and planning we do to get our own way. Perhaps not consciously, but non-the-less we often tend to get what we really desire. We think we just make good valid appeals. These appeals are in order sometimes, but where is your heart? Is it where your husband can safely rest or are you always pushing the limit?

Are you always going to bat for your young people and helping your husband to see why this or that is such a good idea? No doubt you do have good ideas that need to be shared, sometimes.

But I am fully persuaded that I, all too often, am really blind to my husband's true desires. Let us pray for each other and meditate on how we can be women whose husbands can safely trust in. Let us be supporters, encouragers and blessers.

Let us affirm our husbands and be there for them. I think it is especially important as our families grow up and husbands need to make boundaries and guidelines for our young people. Often these guidelines are hard to make and even harder to implement. Let us back our husbands up and help them in their sincere desire to guide our families right.

We can make their job infinitely easier and thus build a relationship of trust that deepens through the years, rather than ones that erodes as our young people grow in maturity. What a valuable legacy to pass on to posterity! Can he trust you to stand by him?

The Remnant Vol 1 No 7 September/October 1995

This tribute was forwarded to me three years ago. Someone else had found it years earlier with the note of a link that was no longer valid: mosquitonet.com/~kcalla).