God is So Good

I was listing blessings today, and I find that I am overwhelmed.

The old hymn, "Count Your Blessings," is a truth sayer. When you take the time to think of every blessing, little or big, you are bound to be surprised at the huge number of things GOOD in your life. God gets the credit, and you are happily joyful at His provision.

There was an interview for a job today, for my husband. It went well, but that is no promise of something materializing in the form of an offer, as we all know by now!

So thankful that the interviewing corporation has little to do with the decision to hire him. Really. I'm thankful that my Loving Father in Heaven makes that choice. In the meantime I am resting. I am thankful for each lovely day.

The sun's corona this evening was absolutely stunning, and that was listed as one of the numerous blessings! Why not?

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

I have that plaque hanging on my wall, and it has been such a comfort to me during hard times. Joy comes in the morning.

Another dear old saint who I counted a huge influence on my life passed into heaven this morning. She is rejoicing. I chatted with her a few weeks ago, such a sharp lady, and so in tune with everything! Praise the Lord she is with Him.

Thankful tonight. So many people praying for us, and I am SO grateful! God bless all of you !!

Just in Case You Missed This-----

180

Read this post, and watch the film!

Theological Red Shift

Last night I attended a "fellowship group" where the topic returned to Calvinism for the umpteenth time. Amazingly I kept my mouth shut, (which is no small feat) but I will spout a bit here.

Calvinism is the red shift distortion of true faith into Rationalism.

For us the mind-bending facets of Scripture are just too much. People meet Christ, study the Word and begin to grasp the character of God. The First Love of faith is so heady and wonderful, but Scripture indicates that many lose it, and chides us for it! It is easier to slip back to the limits of human rationale, and use the "if_____then_____" logical form to define our Creator.

The problem is that He really isn't definable in human terms!

God lets us know enough of His character in Scripture to know Him. He stretches us with things we can't understand (believe me, minds greater than ours couldn't) and forces us to accept Who He is-----Someone lovingly willing that no one should perish but graciously electing souls to follow Him. And you won't be able to explain this, but I challenge you to step out of your definitive "ISMS" to know God, personally, undefined.

Sadly, theological "isms" give birth to unbalanced worldviews, and that is the tragedy of tipping the scales into human terms.

Thank the Lord, the Creator of the Universe, the Holy Triune God, that He is so beyond our comprehension! We are mercifully allowed to understand His love for us, to see and believe His salvation, and to serve Him out of grateful love. He touches us and cares for us, his children,  in sweetest loving sacrifice.

Here is a link that is helpful in understanding this issue
And another.

Be careful not to idolize the "sovereignty" of God over God Himself. 

Shasta

Do you know the character Shasta, in the Chronicles of Narnia? He is the main person in "The Horse and His Boy." For whatever reason this book was always my favorite in the Chronicles. Romance? Talking horses? A black cat?

The other night I was awake, (probably around 3 am) and ruminating about our lives, our current situation of Not Knowing, of plans to be made for cutting back. I tend to fight fear during these mid-darkness thinking sessions, even though I know better.

In my wakefulness my black cat landed softly on the bed, padded his way up to my back and curled up against me.

And I was reminded of Shasta.

In Shasta's night of terror, among the tombs outside Tashban, a black cat came to him. It curled up against his back and its warmth spread to his whole body. It purred and communed with him, offering comfort only a beast can give, but something more. Reassurance.

Those who have read the books know Who that cat was, the God of Narnia in a lowly disguise. Aslan, the great Lion, had come to comfort Shasta in a way that reassured him instead of terrifying him!

And I am reassured that God uses old favorite tales to remind me that He has everything worked out just fine.

elise: My grandma Nita just sent this photo of my aunt, ...

elise:
My grandma Nita just sent this photo of my aunt, ... My grandma Nita just sent this photo of my aunt, uncle, brother, and me circa 1986. Really makes me smile.

Felt I had to share this blog post from my niece. I remember the fun days when my brother (the motorcycle driver) and his new bride lived in an apartment in our family home. My mom is a great photographer---(her genes have come through on at least a few of her grandchildren!) and she routinely brings out old photos to show us. It does make you smile!

How are We Feeling?

What a crazy time. My mother is recovering from her close call last week. I am very thankful that the procedure (ablation) had successful results in correcting her fibrillation.

I am looking upwards. It seems that the Lord has many, many people praying for us, and I can sense the Presence of His Spirit in comforting and helping us to see beyond our circumstances and trusting God to work a mighty thing.

Don't ask me what it is! I can't wait to find out either.

I can only report that God is good. We hear His voice in so many ways: Scripture, teaching, a simple phrase brought to mind.

"Fear not, for I am with you!"

I see Him working in the lives of those around me and I simply rejoice. It befits me to do so, to glory in God, to be reminded that God gets the glory!

God bless you, abundantly!

Digital Dead Sea Scrolls

Digital Dead Sea Scrolls

This is exciting to see such a complete version online!