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.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
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.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
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.
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?
... 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.
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."
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."
Friday, August 15, 2008
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."
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
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...
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...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
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.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, August 1, 2008
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.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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!
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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.
Monday, July 28, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Monday, July 21, 2008
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."
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."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
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
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
Friday, July 18, 2008
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
"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
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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?
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?
Monday, June 16, 2008
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:
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.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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
A Time for Everything
"And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose in this is that people should fear him. Whatever exists today and whatever will exist in the future has already existed in the past. For God calls each event back in its turn." (Ecclesiastes 3:14-15, New Living Translation)
The events of today (the present) happened yesterday (in the past) and will again tomorrow (in the future). Each may be different to an individual but also similar. All events are for instruction ... from the Lord.
"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven,
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven..." - Only God knows the true time. According to our thinking the time should be now, immediately. But it never is. When is now? To everything there is a time, a season - but it's not according to our time - it's God's time.
For we are created for His purpose. But we cannot lie dormant and expect God to take care of everything without us doing anything to accomplish it. Our efforts are required for God to bring about his purpose, his desires, for us, in us. God doesn't need our help ... but we surely need His.
"There is a time to plant ... a time to harvest."
Sometimes that window appears to be extremely small.
"...a time to tear down and a time to rebuild."
What goes around comes around again and again.
The events of today (the present) happened yesterday (in the past) and will again tomorrow (in the future). Each may be different to an individual but also similar. All events are for instruction ... from the Lord.
"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven,
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven..." - Only God knows the true time. According to our thinking the time should be now, immediately. But it never is. When is now? To everything there is a time, a season - but it's not according to our time - it's God's time.
For we are created for His purpose. But we cannot lie dormant and expect God to take care of everything without us doing anything to accomplish it. Our efforts are required for God to bring about his purpose, his desires, for us, in us. God doesn't need our help ... but we surely need His.
"There is a time to plant ... a time to harvest."
Sometimes that window appears to be extremely small.
"...a time to tear down and a time to rebuild."
What goes around comes around again and again.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
What day was the first day?
"God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day." (Genesis 1:5)
"Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day." (Genesis 1: 14-19)
The evening and the morning were the first day. What time did evening begin? When is sunset? What day of the week was the first day?
From my perspective, in current times, Saturday is considered the seventh day and Sunday the first day. But that isn't true everywhere. What is Saturday and Day 7 here may be Friday or Sunday somewhere else. And then, of course, evening-morning was changed to morning-evening (12:01 a.m. to midnight) as Day 1. And the same calendar is not used by everyone.
Does it matter? Is it important? We won't know, not as long as we live in this world. The day we are ushered into the presence of our Lord, then, we may know. If its important to know. Worshipping and praising our Lord and Savior just may be more important than trivial pursuits of knowledge.
"Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day." (Genesis 1: 14-19)
The evening and the morning were the first day. What time did evening begin? When is sunset? What day of the week was the first day?
From my perspective, in current times, Saturday is considered the seventh day and Sunday the first day. But that isn't true everywhere. What is Saturday and Day 7 here may be Friday or Sunday somewhere else. And then, of course, evening-morning was changed to morning-evening (12:01 a.m. to midnight) as Day 1. And the same calendar is not used by everyone.
Does it matter? Is it important? We won't know, not as long as we live in this world. The day we are ushered into the presence of our Lord, then, we may know. If its important to know. Worshipping and praising our Lord and Savior just may be more important than trivial pursuits of knowledge.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Show mercy and compassion
The Lord tells us (in Zechariah 7:9-10) to
"Execute true justice,
Show mercy (or lovingkindness) and compassion
Everyone to his brother.
Do not oppress the widow
or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
against his brother."
Verse 11 says,
"But they (the Hebrew people) refused to heed,
shrugged their shoulders,
and stopped their ears
so that they could not hear."
And so, as says in verse 13, "...I (the Lord) would not listen."
Who do you think your brother is .... ?
Who is the widow?
Who is the fatherless?
Who is the alien?
Who is the poor?
Do you, do we, are we any more obedient to God than the people of Old Testament times?
"Execute true justice,
Show mercy (or lovingkindness) and compassion
Everyone to his brother.
Do not oppress the widow
or the fatherless,
The alien or the poor.
Let none of you plan evil in his heart
against his brother."
Verse 11 says,
"But they (the Hebrew people) refused to heed,
shrugged their shoulders,
and stopped their ears
so that they could not hear."
And so, as says in verse 13, "...I (the Lord) would not listen."
Who do you think your brother is .... ?
Who is the widow?
Who is the fatherless?
Who is the alien?
Who is the poor?
Do you, do we, are we any more obedient to God than the people of Old Testament times?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The 4th Commandment of the Lord
Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
So, what is the Sabbath? when is the Sabbath? When do we observe the Sabbath? When and how do we keep the Sabbath holy? How does the 4th commandment relate to the other commandments?
These are my my own thoughts based on what I have gleaned from the Scriptures.
God's law is principally about faith. Listening, waiting for God's answer, earnest prayer, then following through. The Ten Commandments are instructions God gives us. We are to learn and pass it on. Learn what God says, teach others what God says. Not learning and teaching what we think, what others think. We will know when we wait on God, seek him earnestly in prayer. Our faith makes us whole.
"Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law." (Romans 3:31)
Without faith we can not understand all that God's law entails. We can not know the whys and wherefores, we can not fully comprehend, not even partially. Obeying the commandments, the law, without faith is of no use. Works alone gets you nowhere. Works do not make you righteous. If you're not righteous, you are not in right standing with God. You are unrighteous, unholy.
"Observe the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. ... And Jesus said to his disciples - The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. ... Therefore the Son of man is also Lord of the Sabbath." (taken from Exodus 20, 23, 31, Mark 2)
The Sabbath is a sign between God and believers throughout generations, that you - we may know that "I am the Lord who sanctifies you - consecrates, makes holy, cleanses? purifies? sets you apart? We are to keep the Sabbath therefore because it is holy to you. A day of rest and refreshment.
"One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day (such as the Sabbath), observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day to the Lord, he does not observe it." (Romans 14:5-6)
What day is the Sabbath? - the 7th day. But worship is not just one day a week - it's an everyday happening.
What does it mean, 'remember the Sabbath - keep it holy? "And God blessed the 7th day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from his work of creation." (Genesis 2:3) It does not say He doesn't bless days 1 through 6 or that those days are not holy. Remember the Sabbath - a day of rest from work - keep it holy - reflect on the Lord, on all He is, all He has done.The first day - the evening and the morning, sundown to sunrise - what day was the first day? When God created, days of the week were not established. There was no calendar. Where does it say day 1 is Sunday or day 7 is Saturday?
"And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made." (Genesis 2:2)
Again, as Jesus himself said, the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
A corporate day of worship - be it Saturday or Sunday or some other day - we have no individual right to judge the reasonings thereof. In this day and age, how do we remember, observe? How do we keep it holy?
Friday, May 9, 2008
Stimulus money - how grateful are we?
Ah, what a break! The government says, or so we hear, if you file a 2007 income tax refund, you will get $600 back for an individual, $1200 for a married couple ..... It's what in the very fine print .... where it says you will get up to $600, up to $1200. ... where it says you might get $600 or $1200. It's not set in stone. There are all sorts of scenarios the government has set up. If you make this amount, of if your net income liability is less than another amount.
A married couple filing jointly may only get $600. A single individual may only get $300. Depends on how much income you brought in last year.
But look on the bright side .... no matter how much or how little the amount is, its still a gift ... we didn't earn it. ... Where is our graditude?
A married couple filing jointly may only get $600. A single individual may only get $300. Depends on how much income you brought in last year.
But look on the bright side .... no matter how much or how little the amount is, its still a gift ... we didn't earn it. ... Where is our graditude?
Thursday, May 8, 2008
BIBLE TRUTHS
- When confrontation is necessary to resolve conflict, Christians are to confront in love in order to restore relationships.
- Christians are to take the necessary actions to be reconciled to others in a conflict situation.
- Disobeying God has immediate and longterm consequences, including boggind down in one's journey of faith.
- Jesus desires to forgive our past sins and directs us to live pure lives in the future.
- When Jesus transforms a person's life, no arguments can convince that person that his or her experience is not valid.
- Like a good shepherd, Jesus knows, sustains, and protects His sheep. He even sacrificed Himself for them.
- Even when situations seem hopeless and are irreversible, Jesus is able to help people through tragedies and restore hope to their lives.
- Jesus, the Messiah-King, died on the cross for our sins.
- Because Jesus rose from the dead, His followers are to tell others Jesus lives for them and that He ascended to God the Father for them.
- Jesus wants His followers to serve others humbly as He did.
- Those who love Jesus do what He tells them to do and produce fruit that lasts.
- Christians should anticipate the world's hating them, continue to testify of Jesus during times of persecution, and remain steadfast and faithful.
- Conflict situations provide opportunities to please and honor God.
- In a conflict situation, believers are to accept responsibility for their attitudes and actions that contribute to the conflict.
- God wants His people to obey Him and blesses those who diligently do so.
- The Lord is God, and His people are to remember He is God in their difficult times as well as in their good times.
- When believers come before God in worship, they should seize the opportunity to renew their devotion to Him.
- Believers demonstrate unity by supporting one another.
- God calls each of us to use the gifts and skills He gives us to serve the body of Christ.
- Because God's offer of salvation is for all people we are to share the gospel with all people and invite them to faith in Jesus Christ.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Jesus
Jews who still currently do not believe in Jesus will eventually, someday, come into favor with God the Father and receive Christ as their Savior.
Everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, who does not know Jesus, who have not accepted Him, believed in Him, acknowledged Him as their personal Lord and Savior, will have no part in His kingdom. They are spending eternity in hell.
Once you die, once you are physically dead, there is no turning back. That's it. It is The End.
Accept the Lord. Believe He died for your sins and rose again. Live in newness of life with Him before its too late.
Everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, who does not know Jesus, who have not accepted Him, believed in Him, acknowledged Him as their personal Lord and Savior, will have no part in His kingdom. They are spending eternity in hell.
Once you die, once you are physically dead, there is no turning back. That's it. It is The End.
Accept the Lord. Believe He died for your sins and rose again. Live in newness of life with Him before its too late.
Monday, November 5, 2007
We can walk....
We can walk through the darkest trials when we walk with God in the light.
Dearest Lord,
Your winds blow
and we think of the havoc it causes
Your sun / son shines brightly,
paving the way
enabling those in darkness
to see,
to find the way
but, we complain
that it's too Bright
we want to go our own way
Your word is ever present
in multiple translations
of The Bible
and through men and women and children of the faith
who present the Good News
to others in word and deed.
But still,
we do not see,
we do not hear,
we do not understand,
we remain ignorant.
Your calm stillness before a storm
makes us think momentarily
of the turmoil to come
But we do not reach out to you O God.
We seek to stop the inner pain
through our own means and methods.
How can I fix it...
Ah Lord,
I grow in understanding.
It is only with time,
with personal study,
with a close walk with you,
with listening, and asking questions
and listening, and obeying,
and knowing.
You are all things
You are in all things
Without you there is nothing
Without you I am nothing.
Thank you for me.
Thank you Lord
for my walk with thee
for finding me
for keeping me from being forever lost.
Thank you for sending your son.
Amen.
Dearest Lord,
Your winds blow
and we think of the havoc it causes
Your sun / son shines brightly,
paving the way
enabling those in darkness
to see,
to find the way
but, we complain
that it's too Bright
we want to go our own way
Your word is ever present
in multiple translations
of The Bible
and through men and women and children of the faith
who present the Good News
to others in word and deed.
But still,
we do not see,
we do not hear,
we do not understand,
we remain ignorant.
Your calm stillness before a storm
makes us think momentarily
of the turmoil to come
But we do not reach out to you O God.
We seek to stop the inner pain
through our own means and methods.
How can I fix it...
Ah Lord,
I grow in understanding.
It is only with time,
with personal study,
with a close walk with you,
with listening, and asking questions
and listening, and obeying,
and knowing.
You are all things
You are in all things
Without you there is nothing
Without you I am nothing.
Thank you for me.
Thank you Lord
for my walk with thee
for finding me
for keeping me from being forever lost.
Thank you for sending your son.
Amen.
Cathy Orrick Luders
11.05.2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Today is Beanne's birthday
It's interesting I think, sometimes after one dies, you remember their birthday more frequently than when they were alive. Beanne was my mother's friend - they went to college together, at Coe, back in the early 1930s. Beanne and her husband Dick became family friends. Dick was a member of the El Kahir Shrine and my sister and I often went to the annual Shrine parades. Dick was my escort when I got married. Beanne had a sense of humor ... humor keeps you young she would say to me. I'm glad they were a part of my life and through my memories, they are still alive.
Gentle words
Today's devotional brought me to Ephesians 4:17-32 ... a lot to say in that passage. Verses that particularly caught my eye and mind: "So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth ... And don't sin by letting anger gain control over you. For anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Gentle words are more powerful than angry words
My prayer is to be gentle in all my words to all I come in contact. ... to refrain from anything that appears malicious. Even when/though it not be my intent, another might perceive it as such. My desire is to be and do whatever the Lord desires. I have far to go in my journey.
Gentle words are more powerful than angry words
My prayer is to be gentle in all my words to all I come in contact. ... to refrain from anything that appears malicious. Even when/though it not be my intent, another might perceive it as such. My desire is to be and do whatever the Lord desires. I have far to go in my journey.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Only 1 way
There is only 1 way into heaven ... and that is through Jesus Christ.
Those who think and tell others there are many ways are lying. They are Satan's workers. Only Satan would have you believe no matter what you do or how you live, you will go to heaven when you die. Everyone will go there. Hell exists only on earth. Satan will tell you, IF God loves you, why would he sentence you to hell?
Your choice, your choice.
It's what you choose.
Jesus is the way ... the only way.
Do not compromise your faith to please one of Satan's workers, to please the world.
Satan is a fallen angel. He wanted all that God had. He wanted to be God. He was sentenced to damnation.
Human beings, God's creation, were given choices. Follow and obey the Lord or do Satan's bidding.
It's our choice. Don't ride the fence, travel down the middle of the road. Follow Jesus the Lord.
... or don't. Reap the consequences of your actions.
Those who think and tell others there are many ways are lying. They are Satan's workers. Only Satan would have you believe no matter what you do or how you live, you will go to heaven when you die. Everyone will go there. Hell exists only on earth. Satan will tell you, IF God loves you, why would he sentence you to hell?
Your choice, your choice.
It's what you choose.
Jesus is the way ... the only way.
Do not compromise your faith to please one of Satan's workers, to please the world.
Satan is a fallen angel. He wanted all that God had. He wanted to be God. He was sentenced to damnation.
Human beings, God's creation, were given choices. Follow and obey the Lord or do Satan's bidding.
It's our choice. Don't ride the fence, travel down the middle of the road. Follow Jesus the Lord.
... or don't. Reap the consequences of your actions.
Monday, September 10, 2007
It's About Faith
Faith is not what we see,
what appears to be
Faith is not the spoken word of others
It is not what we view on television
or read in the newspapers.
Faith is
believing, accepting
God is in control
God has all the answers
God knows.
Faith is
Looking to Him for everything,
Thanking Him for everything.
Seeking answers to all our questions from Him alone.
Not questioning
the hows, whys, whens, wheres, what ifs.
Just knowing
Just believing
Faith
can be as tiny as a mustard seed
or as huge as a mountain
We each have a mountain or many to climb
Our successes are not really ours
We achieve through our faith
in Him alone.
My Jesus
My Savior
My Lord
My God
In His Name, Amen.
what appears to be
Faith is not the spoken word of others
It is not what we view on television
or read in the newspapers.
Faith is
believing, accepting
God is in control
God has all the answers
God knows.
Faith is
Looking to Him for everything,
Thanking Him for everything.
Seeking answers to all our questions from Him alone.
Not questioning
the hows, whys, whens, wheres, what ifs.
Just knowing
Just believing
Faith
can be as tiny as a mustard seed
or as huge as a mountain
We each have a mountain or many to climb
Our successes are not really ours
We achieve through our faith
in Him alone.
My Jesus
My Savior
My Lord
My God
In His Name, Amen.
Cathy Orrick Luders
9.10.2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Faith vs. Tradition
Following Jesus is all about faith, not about tradition nor what we feel nor what we experience nor what we accomplish in life.
Last night's Bible study message, Following Jesus: "Putting Tradition In Its Place," was taken from Matthew 15: 1-20. Earlier this week I started a personal Bible study in Romans.
Following Jesus begins with faith and continues onward and upward. When we accept that Jesus died for each and everyone of us and our sins, that He was buried and that He rose again, we achieve God's righteousness, we are in right standing with God. We are His children. Because of that righteousness God has given us through His son, we are enabled to produce more righteousness by how we conduct our lives and give service to the Lord.
There is nothing more, nothing additional needed for us to be in right standing with God. Some Christian denominations mistakenly think more is needed, by saying "we interpret the Bible according to experience, reason and traditon."
God clearly says He is in control, not us. The Bible is God's book for us.
I concur with my pastor's consensus, "we interpret our experience, reason and tradition according to the Bible." Three points he made make sense to me:
(1) Don't let tradition invalidate God's commands
(2) Don't let tradition blind you to God's call
(3) Don't let tradition hide the real source of your filth
What do you think?
Last night's Bible study message, Following Jesus: "Putting Tradition In Its Place," was taken from Matthew 15: 1-20. Earlier this week I started a personal Bible study in Romans.
Following Jesus begins with faith and continues onward and upward. When we accept that Jesus died for each and everyone of us and our sins, that He was buried and that He rose again, we achieve God's righteousness, we are in right standing with God. We are His children. Because of that righteousness God has given us through His son, we are enabled to produce more righteousness by how we conduct our lives and give service to the Lord.
There is nothing more, nothing additional needed for us to be in right standing with God. Some Christian denominations mistakenly think more is needed, by saying "we interpret the Bible according to experience, reason and traditon."
God clearly says He is in control, not us. The Bible is God's book for us.
I concur with my pastor's consensus, "we interpret our experience, reason and tradition according to the Bible." Three points he made make sense to me:
(1) Don't let tradition invalidate God's commands
(2) Don't let tradition blind you to God's call
(3) Don't let tradition hide the real source of your filth
What do you think?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Fear
Dear Lord,
The fear factor is setting in. Shouldn't, doesn't belong. Help me to overcome. Trust, only you can provide what I need. But somehow I've allowed disbelief to reign. No, not disbelief. But maybe so. With you I can do all things. With you I can overcome. With you, I can move forward. When I don't totally rely on you, but take it back, take it to myself, I will fail. Help me to overcome again Lord. Amen.
The fear factor is setting in. Shouldn't, doesn't belong. Help me to overcome. Trust, only you can provide what I need. But somehow I've allowed disbelief to reign. No, not disbelief. But maybe so. With you I can do all things. With you I can overcome. With you, I can move forward. When I don't totally rely on you, but take it back, take it to myself, I will fail. Help me to overcome again Lord. Amen.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Being like Christ
I wish I could be just like Jesus . . . passionate, tenderhearted, kind, humble, gentle, patient, loving, and much more. Sometimes I am, but of course not all at once. But one at a time, and not every day nor every hour.
Being like Christ is not just something a Christian should be to another Christian. Its what we should be to every one, all the time, every time.
I get upset. I criticize. I step on people's toes. I say things that come out wrong. I put my foot in my mouth. At work, at home, at church, family, on the bus, at school. Everywhere.
Jesus says in Colossians 3:13 "we are to make allowances for each other's faults and forgive the one who offends us."
But its seldom that we do all that Jesus says we should do or should be. We act, react to immediate feelings. We don't first stop and think about what Jesus would do.
I'm supposed to be a representative of the Lord Jesus. After all, God chose me to be one of His.
Think first, speak - act - react second
If only I could remember that instead of react/speak/act first and think about it all second - that's how discontent, disheartedness, depression settles in us and around us.
"Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony." - Colossians 3:14b
Being like Christ is not just something a Christian should be to another Christian. Its what we should be to every one, all the time, every time.
I get upset. I criticize. I step on people's toes. I say things that come out wrong. I put my foot in my mouth. At work, at home, at church, family, on the bus, at school. Everywhere.
Jesus says in Colossians 3:13 "we are to make allowances for each other's faults and forgive the one who offends us."
But its seldom that we do all that Jesus says we should do or should be. We act, react to immediate feelings. We don't first stop and think about what Jesus would do.
I'm supposed to be a representative of the Lord Jesus. After all, God chose me to be one of His.
Think first, speak - act - react second
If only I could remember that instead of react/speak/act first and think about it all second - that's how discontent, disheartedness, depression settles in us and around us.
"Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony." - Colossians 3:14b
Friday, August 10, 2007
It is God's world afterall
Do you hear?
Chimes a-ringing
over yonder
up above
God's chapel in the sky ... on the hillside
God's creation
down below
murky water
still
Turtles big
bigger than a hand
maybe two
paddling
swimming
Dozens there are.
Stillness,
quietness
mugginess
will come
Perhaps not
Perhaps so
Pleasant sitting
out on the porch
The heat of the day
is but a moment away.
Chimes a-ringing
over yonder
up above
God's chapel in the sky ... on the hillside
God's creation
down below
murky water
still
Turtles big
bigger than a hand
maybe two
paddling
swimming
Dozens there are.
Stillness,
quietness
mugginess
will come
Perhaps not
Perhaps so
Pleasant sitting
out on the porch
The heat of the day
is but a moment away.
Cathy Orrick Luders
8.4.2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Scripture
I didn't know what to title today's commentary, so have the generic title of "Scripture."
Yesterday, last night, Sunday, my husband and I went up to Cedar Falls for the Bible Conference. Its in its 86th year. Still run by free-will donations. Still a wonderful blessing to us and numerous others. Last night's speaker was Bryan Loritts, pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Memphis, Tenn. He spoke from Matthew 25, specifically verse 31 and his subject was "Engaging the Less Fortunate."
The less fortunate ... those who have less than we do. You may not have much, but there's always another who has just a bit less.
Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep represent the saved, the righteous; the goats the unsaved, unrighteous. It is not the separation of those who care for the less fortunate vs those who do not. For there are many who care (for the less fortunate), but do not know Jesus. And until you do know Jesus, have accepted Him as your personal savior, all the works you do mean nothing. If you don't know Jesus, all the help you provide for another may be good, but it doesn't get you across the bridge ... to eternal life.
Yesterday, last night, Sunday, my husband and I went up to Cedar Falls for the Bible Conference. Its in its 86th year. Still run by free-will donations. Still a wonderful blessing to us and numerous others. Last night's speaker was Bryan Loritts, pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Memphis, Tenn. He spoke from Matthew 25, specifically verse 31 and his subject was "Engaging the Less Fortunate."
The less fortunate ... those who have less than we do. You may not have much, but there's always another who has just a bit less.
Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep represent the saved, the righteous; the goats the unsaved, unrighteous. It is not the separation of those who care for the less fortunate vs those who do not. For there are many who care (for the less fortunate), but do not know Jesus. And until you do know Jesus, have accepted Him as your personal savior, all the works you do mean nothing. If you don't know Jesus, all the help you provide for another may be good, but it doesn't get you across the bridge ... to eternal life.
~~~~~~~
Today's Scripture reading from Our Daily Bread brought me to James 1:19-20, which says:
"... Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God's sight."
Oh to learn and remember. Remembering is the key I think. When you don't remember, Satan, who is always lurking in the shadows watching and waiting, pounces on you, and then by the time you remember God's words, Satan has succeeded in causing anger in raise its ugly head. Fortunately, Satan's claws don't stay implanted long, and he is crushed until the next time we cave in.
I read all of James 1. About faith and endurance. Always something new to be gleaned from God's word, every time. Verse 2: "...whenver trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."
Trouble ... trials come in many dimensions. Our finances, our jobs and careers, our health, our relationships. Individually, don't we tend to think we have it worse than another? But then we share with each other and often discover another has it far worse than we do. What have we to complain about... yet we do. An opportunity for joy ... we should be thankful for the trials at the work place? thankful for the pain we undergo in our bodies?
Verse 12: "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing..." Patiently endure. Learning patience in the midst of our trials.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
How important is it?
How important is it?
Living as the world lives
or living as God tells us
Knowing one from the other
Having what we need
Knowing what we need
Thinking, wishing
What one has is not realistic thinking
that is what another needs or doesn't need
Each is different
Each person
Each family
Follow the Lord
Follow Him alone
Listen to His words, His widsom
Only He knows
He sees all.
He knows our needs and our desires.
Some will attempt to meet
their needs and desires
by themselves.
Some will succeed.
Some will not.
Some will rely on Scripture, on the Lord
...follow His lead.
The Lord made us.
We are His.
Some have much
Some have little
Some make do
Some falter
Some complain
worry
where does it get you?
what have you accomplished
with worry and anxiety?
Listen, obey, do ...
The Lord will guide you.
He will show you the way
In every aspect of Life,
God is present.
Reach out
grab hold
He is there.
YOU must believe
YOU must seek
YOU must reach out and hold on
Where are you in your walk with the Lord?
Are you walking with Him at all
or
are you walking on your own?
"With God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26
Living as the world lives
or living as God tells us
Knowing one from the other
Having what we need
Knowing what we need
Thinking, wishing
What one has is not realistic thinking
that is what another needs or doesn't need
Each is different
Each person
Each family
Follow the Lord
Follow Him alone
Listen to His words, His widsom
Only He knows
He sees all.
He knows our needs and our desires.
Some will attempt to meet
their needs and desires
by themselves.
Some will succeed.
Some will not.
Some will rely on Scripture, on the Lord
...follow His lead.
The Lord made us.
We are His.
Some have much
Some have little
Some make do
Some falter
Some complain
worry
where does it get you?
what have you accomplished
with worry and anxiety?
Listen, obey, do ...
The Lord will guide you.
He will show you the way
In every aspect of Life,
God is present.
Reach out
grab hold
He is there.
YOU must believe
YOU must seek
YOU must reach out and hold on
Where are you in your walk with the Lord?
Are you walking with Him at all
or
are you walking on your own?
Cathy Orrick Luders
7.28.2007
"With God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Dark ... light
"When it is dark enough, men see the stars." - Emerson
Psalm 42, verse 5 and 11 say:
"Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!"
I say:
No matter what comes my way
Daytime
Night time
God is always there
ever present
at work
I have but to reach out to him, seek him
always there to listen
He Is Listening
answering,
if we but hear, acknowledge, understand.
Psalm 42, verse 5 and 11 say:
"Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!"
I say:
No matter what comes my way
Daytime
Night time
God is always there
ever present
at work
I have but to reach out to him, seek him
always there to listen
He Is Listening
answering,
if we but hear, acknowledge, understand.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Air conditioning
Does anyone out there know of a mechanic in the Cedar Rapids area who can add freon to an older model car? We have a 1991 Olds Cutlais Calaiss with just under 52,000 miles on it. Bought it a year ago. We know someone who has some freon he has never used, so that's not a problem. The problem lies in getting the freon into the car. Don't know how to achieve this or if it is even achievable. If anyone has any anwers or suggestions, please let me know. Thanks.
Good-bye, hello
Thought: once you die and are in heaven, are you aware of those still on earth who have not accepted the Lord as Savior?
I asked my husband about this and after some discussion, we determined that since heaven was a place of joy, there could be no sadness. If a loved one was not saved, that would be oh so very sad, but those in heaven would not be aware of it. That is why, while there is still time, those of us who know the Lord - have accepted His offering of salvation - must actively show others the way to the cross. We can't just sit on our duff and hope someone else takes care of it.
I asked my husband about this and after some discussion, we determined that since heaven was a place of joy, there could be no sadness. If a loved one was not saved, that would be oh so very sad, but those in heaven would not be aware of it. That is why, while there is still time, those of us who know the Lord - have accepted His offering of salvation - must actively show others the way to the cross. We can't just sit on our duff and hope someone else takes care of it.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Friday the 13th
Friday, the 13th. It brings negative thoughts to mind I bet. It shouldn't. I was born on Friday, the 13th. A friend also. Many born, many die. Surgeries, tests, job starts and endings. Life goes on.
I especially thought of writing because of individuals requesting prayer. I thought of names and thought I would list them here and perhaps you too would pray for them.
I especially thought of writing because of individuals requesting prayer. I thought of names and thought I would list them here and perhaps you too would pray for them.
- There is my husband Jim, who is scheduled to have his fifth MRI tomorrow morning. MRIs are costly tests - $2500 for each and this is no. 5 just this year. Of course our deductible has been met. And of course, so far with each successive MRI, the swannoma tumor the doctors are looking for cannot be found. There is one somewhere, because that is what is felt is causing his pain. So I pray the results will be positive.
- A friend, Jan, is having eye surgery tomorrow. She and her family operate a funeral home. She has been told she has to lay flat on her stomach for seven days.
- Jan's husband Short has recently been diagnosed with acute leukemia.
- An elderly neighbor of friends George and Jani has also been diagnosed with leukemia
- Molly McCoy, wife of Steve McCoy (http://www.stevekmccoy.com), whose blog I just happened across, was recently diagnosed with chiari malformation, which affects her brain functions. She is scheduled for surgery tomorrow.
As the Lord leads, His will be done. Amen.
Greed
Luke 12: 15, 21: "...Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own. Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
Don't live for the moment. This is your income that the Lord has enabled you to make. If the Lord has also prompted you to follow through on something, He will show you how to make it happen.
Money is a necessary component for many things to happen, but it is not the most important component. Our relationship with Jesus is foremost.
All the wealth in the world can not buy true happiness ... joy.
Don't live for the moment. This is your income that the Lord has enabled you to make. If the Lord has also prompted you to follow through on something, He will show you how to make it happen.
Money is a necessary component for many things to happen, but it is not the most important component. Our relationship with Jesus is foremost.
All the wealth in the world can not buy true happiness ... joy.
My Anna
My friend
a special one
I've adopted
as my mommy
A relationship
started
nourished
bloomed
She walks
with the Lord
She cares
for the sick
and disabled
She talks
of her childhood
of her years
married to Ray
Of present pain
of past hurts
of a future time
with her Lord
She is my friend
my very special friend
my adopted mommy
Anna
a special one
I've adopted
as my mommy
A relationship
started
nourished
bloomed
She walks
with the Lord
She cares
for the sick
and disabled
She talks
of her childhood
of her years
married to Ray
Of present pain
of past hurts
of a future time
with her Lord
She is my friend
my very special friend
my adopted mommy
Anna
Cathy Orrick Luders
6.12.2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The proof
In John 10, the Jewish leaders said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
Jesus said, "The proof is what I do in the name of my Father."
The Jews considered Jesus to be a blasphemer because of his claims of kinship with God, even though they saw (were witnesses to) or heard about the miracles performed in God's name. None of his works mattered to them because they saw Jesus only as a man, son of Joseph and Mary. They did not remember the miracle birth. They had forgotten all the prophecies foretold in Isaiah.
Jesus said, "The proof is what I do in the name of my Father."
The Jews considered Jesus to be a blasphemer because of his claims of kinship with God, even though they saw (were witnesses to) or heard about the miracles performed in God's name. None of his works mattered to them because they saw Jesus only as a man, son of Joseph and Mary. They did not remember the miracle birth. They had forgotten all the prophecies foretold in Isaiah.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Intervention
Do you ever watch the television show "Intervention?" It's about individuals who are caught up in drugs and other bad life choices and are given a second chance at turning their life around.
We all desire second chances.
I thought of all that after hearing yesterday's sermon message "Divine Intervention." Pastor Dan's text was from Acts 9: 1-9. He made four points:
We all desire second chances.
I thought of all that after hearing yesterday's sermon message "Divine Intervention." Pastor Dan's text was from Acts 9: 1-9. He made four points:
- Jesus can intervene
- How you are treating believers is how you are treating Jesus
- An encounter with God is costly
- If you wonder if it's God, use Scripture as your guide
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Anna's squirrel
A little thing
bushy tailed
Obstreperous ... into everything
... her flowers
climbing the tree
Causing havoc
and providing endless entertainment
for two years
until one day
not long ago
a few weeks
he met his master
out on the roadway
... hit by a car
Good-bye Mr. Squirrel
bushy tailed
Obstreperous ... into everything
... her flowers
climbing the tree
Causing havoc
and providing endless entertainment
for two years
until one day
not long ago
a few weeks
he met his master
out on the roadway
... hit by a car
Good-bye Mr. Squirrel
Cathy Orrick Luders
7.7.2007
Suicide
People give in
give up
Quit
There are some
who do that
Why?
What have they achieved?!
nothing.
Tired of fighting
of repeated attempts
of trying
Give in
give up
Don't do that.
We were given life
You, me
Everyone of us.
It is not for us
to take it away
Only God.
We must persevere
Persist
Endure
... to make life worth living.
give up
Quit
There are some
who do that
Why?
What have they achieved?!
nothing.
Tired of fighting
of repeated attempts
of trying
Give in
give up
Don't do that.
We were given life
You, me
Everyone of us.
It is not for us
to take it away
Only God.
We must persevere
Persist
Endure
... to make life worth living.
Cathy Orrick Luders
7.7.2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Death
Death comes
like a thief
in the night
silently
tiptoeing
ever so quietly
We hardly know
it has come
Except
in the aftermath
Our loved ones
family, friends
gone.
Only our memories
will keep them
alive
within us.
like a thief
in the night
silently
tiptoeing
ever so quietly
We hardly know
it has come
Except
in the aftermath
Our loved ones
family, friends
gone.
Only our memories
will keep them
alive
within us.
Cathy Orrick Luders
7.4.2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Struggles
On Monday, when my husband came home for lunch, he commented the alternator light came on in the car and we needed to take the car to the shop. I thought that interesting, considering just a few hours earlier after reading the day's devotional, I had written about struggles. Of course, in my writings, I had neglected to mention our vehicles and the struggles we have with them. Following is what I wrote:
Struggles
Always
Never ending
No matter who we are
What we hope to accomplish
God's will
or our own
Struggles
Small or big
All important
to us
individually
Life's challenges
where we work
the place
the type
the accomplishments
the process
the ending
the beginning again
where we live
how we live
the friends we have
the people beyond ... that we meet
at work
our neighbors
at church
at businesses we frequent
Everywhere.
the foods we choose to eat
the words we read
the choices
Struggles
never ending
morning to night
over and over
and over again
Aging
not just in years
But our bodies
wear down, wear out
We can get
new knees, new hips
new legs, new arms,
new teeth, new eyes
new heart, new kidney,
new, new, new
Only a replacement.
Struggles
God waits
He is ever present
He will carry our burdens ... IF we ask
He will show us the way ... IF we seek
He will fill us, renew us again and again ... IF we accept, IF we believe, IF we obey
Struggles can be overcome.
Our God, my God is an awesome God. He is with me always.
But,
unless I actively seek Him,
obey Him,
follow Him,
He waits ...
Struggles
Always
Never ending
No matter who we are
What we hope to accomplish
God's will
or our own
Struggles
Small or big
All important
to us
individually
Life's challenges
where we work
the place
the type
the accomplishments
the process
the ending
the beginning again
where we live
how we live
the friends we have
the people beyond ... that we meet
at work
our neighbors
at church
at businesses we frequent
Everywhere.
the foods we choose to eat
the words we read
the choices
Struggles
never ending
morning to night
over and over
and over again
Aging
not just in years
But our bodies
wear down, wear out
We can get
new knees, new hips
new legs, new arms,
new teeth, new eyes
new heart, new kidney,
new, new, new
Only a replacement.
Struggles
God waits
He is ever present
He will carry our burdens ... IF we ask
He will show us the way ... IF we seek
He will fill us, renew us again and again ... IF we accept, IF we believe, IF we obey
Struggles can be overcome.
Our God, my God is an awesome God. He is with me always.
But,
unless I actively seek Him,
obey Him,
follow Him,
He waits ...
Cathy Orrick Luders
7.2.2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
And .... its sold!
The 1957 Chickering has been sold.
Moving on .....
A new life
Another chapter
It's good-bye.......
Moving on .....
A new life
Another chapter
It's good-bye.......
Monday, June 18, 2007
And ....
And what now?
What to do.
What to think.
Does anyone think, does anyone care?
Where are we?
Where are we going, heading, anywhere?
What is the end?
Where, when, why.
So many questions.
Do you know ...
Do I know.
Who knows?
Who cares?
God.
What to do.
What to think.
Does anyone think, does anyone care?
Where are we?
Where are we going, heading, anywhere?
What is the end?
Where, when, why.
So many questions.
Do you know ...
Do I know.
Who knows?
Who cares?
God.
Cathy Orrick Luders
6.18.2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Do I learn?
Do I learn from the Lord's discipline?
He says Don't
He says No
He says Wait
He says In My Time
He says Not Now
And what do I say?
What do I do?
Am I learning?
Am I even listening?
Am I paying attention?
Do I care?
Well, ...... do I? Am I?
Something to think about isn't it.
Life.
It's not just day to day existence.
It's living in obedience
to God,
His rules.
After all, its His world and we are His people.
He says Don't
He says No
He says Wait
He says In My Time
He says Not Now
And what do I say?
What do I do?
Am I learning?
Am I even listening?
Am I paying attention?
Do I care?
Well, ...... do I? Am I?
Something to think about isn't it.
Life.
It's not just day to day existence.
It's living in obedience
to God,
His rules.
After all, its His world and we are His people.
6.14.2007
Cathy Orrick Luders
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Piano for sale
I have now gained posession of the family piano - a Chickering console. It was built in 1957, so this year it is 50 years old. It is in good condition and is played occasionally, although it does need tuning. Asking price $1500. Please call if you are seriously interested. (319) 378-0830 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
God's creation
It's the first time
The very first time
Mother Robin
made her nest
and laid in it
Didn't move away
but stayed nearby
Keeping her precious eggs warm
Until one day
The eggs hatched
Two little baby robins ....
God's creation.
The wonder of it all.
His love
His glory
The very first time
Mother Robin
made her nest
and laid in it
Didn't move away
but stayed nearby
Keeping her precious eggs warm
Until one day
The eggs hatched
Two little baby robins ....
God's creation.
The wonder of it all.
His love
His glory
Cathy Orrick Luders
6.5.2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
The Truth
The Truth ... according to Scripture
The Truth ... about Jesus' death
The Truth ... do you know it? Do you have it? Are you truly free?
Can you fill in the blanks to the following and do you believe what it says?
Luke 23: 46 = Jesus literally ________ on the cross .
John 1: 29 = Jesus came to take away the _____ _____ _____ ______.
John 3: 16 = Jesus is God's ____ and ____ Son.
Romans 8: 23 = God sent Jesus to accomplish His plan of ____________.
1 John 5: 10-11 = Jesus __________ so we could have eternal ________.
The Truth ... about Jesus' death
The Truth ... do you know it? Do you have it? Are you truly free?
Can you fill in the blanks to the following and do you believe what it says?
Luke 23: 46 = Jesus literally ________ on the cross .
John 1: 29 = Jesus came to take away the _____ _____ _____ ______.
John 3: 16 = Jesus is God's ____ and ____ Son.
Romans 8: 23 = God sent Jesus to accomplish His plan of ____________.
1 John 5: 10-11 = Jesus __________ so we could have eternal ________.
A place in heaven
"When everything is ready I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am." John 14:3
Jesus will come for me, I will be with Jesus forever. When everything is ready, when it is time, Jesus will come. I will go with him, home, my eternal home, to heaven. What a glorious day that will be.
Jesus will come for me, I will be with Jesus forever. When everything is ready, when it is time, Jesus will come. I will go with him, home, my eternal home, to heaven. What a glorious day that will be.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Why?
Why oh why would anyone want to beat up one of God's creatures? Whether human or animal, all are God created. All deserve life.
Hope Eternal
Hope Eternal
I have it
Yes. I have it.
I know.
God showed me the way
Through others
My heart was open
Ready to receive
Walking, running, skipping
joyously, excitedly
Through the Scriptures
Wondering what the Lord
would say
To me
Something new
every time.
How to live
Trust and obey
His will
Not mine
I have it
Yes. I have it.
I know.
God showed me the way
Through others
My heart was open
Ready to receive
Walking, running, skipping
joyously, excitedly
Through the Scriptures
Wondering what the Lord
would say
To me
Something new
every time.
How to live
Trust and obey
His will
Not mine
Cathy Orrick Luders
6.3.2007
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