Pentecost

https://youtu.be/Y44h0bdOaos

Pentecost is June 12

https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/2015-2016

Joys

It's gorgeous here. The trees are in full bloom, the lilacs are cresting. The second round of tulips are open.

The grass is on its second mowing and the dandelions are practically knee high.

Sandhill Cranes are trumpeting by each morning and the farmer got the field cleared of the winter's crop of field stones.

He quickly planted it with corn, and I won't have much of a view come July.

Such is rural life.

The birds are almost annoying in their repetitive calls of bliss. I said "almost."

The Robins have nested on an outdoor light. What messy builders, and certainly not "code."

We're going to be very careful to avoid using that light for the time being.

My computer is badly performing, and I dislike blogging on my phone, but I wanted to write today.
 

Why do I write?

God can answer that. I write because I always have written. Journals and novels and poetry, ---letters, notes, lists.

I can't help myself.

I write.

I see that the world needs Jesus in a desperate way, and I say that in my writing. Or I try to.

I tell people how important it is to know Christ as the Savior of the world. It's the ONLY path to spiritual freedom and life.

The Devil is a canny deceiver. He has fooled the majority of mankind into believing something other than the Bible and its exclusive message.

The Holy Spirit opens eyes to see the truth of God's overarching purpose for this existence.

We are responsible for our own response.

Last night I gave a short talk about the history of the Bible at the jail.

There were 20 women there, and they hadn't heard anything about this subject before.  They were fascinated, just as I was, when I learned about it!

I think all of us should know the history of the Bible, since it is the ultimate authority for faith in The Creator.

It is so important to stand on a solid source for your purpose in life.

The Devil has been at War against God's Word from creation. We all must ask ourselves if we have been deceived --- in little or big ways.

I know that I have been deceived by him. I'm always thankful when I can look back and see where God has led me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yes, He has.

I pray that you find those paths, too. For your sake, as well.

It may mean risk and change for you, but it's worth it!

Micah 6:8King James Version (KJV)

⁸ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Find your God in His word today.

Spring Things

It has been a year since we bought this new house. We've had a steady stream of friends and family visit us.

I haven't even sent out address change cards yet.

It's on the list.

We've celebrated a year of holidays, bridal showers, new babies, reunions and plain old Fellowship.

I've mowed and raked and gathered the branches that our oaks have shed.

 I spent today with the leaf blower. The south beds that make up a terraced rock garden needed to be freed.

There are ferns, bleeding heart, hosta and peonies thrusting through the tangle. I found some blue flowers that I can only describe as bluebells in full glory. There are a couple of tulips that don't belong, but I am letting them stay for now.

Spring gardening is so satisfying.

I've sorted, unpacked, discarded and pondered what fits in the new---different--- space.

Things that matter came into focus.

What a year.

God is good, and I think Jesus is coming soon.

Yes, LORD.  Come Lord Jesus.

MARANATHA

The Fat Girl Sings

It was 1975 and I was a chubby preteen. Healthy, active, and thick.

My athletic older brother brought a lovely young lady home to meet our parents one weekend, from college.

She was tall, blond, beautiful, and thin.

Everything I was not. Everything I thought I should be.

It has taken decades for me to accept this, rejecting my own appearance, comparing myself to the incomparable.

Now I'm middle-aged, fraught with thyroid disfunction, the effects of seven pregnancies,  and genetic determination.

I've been dieting my whole life, always resorting to banning sugar.  It doesn't work as well as it used to.

Girls get hungry. Languish or eat.

I have found that the male members of my extended family really get a kick out of fat jokes. (Not my husband.  He's too smart for that.)

It started with being called "Minnesota Fats." (How convenient!)

Words hurt. Words curse.

A young girl with the genes that dictated brown hair, short stature, and round shoulders tried hard to run and swim, exercise, and work that hideous form into something attractive.

A life's pursuit, and how vapid.

Our culture has ruled us insignificant.  We don't fit the picture---at least in this part of the country.

I'm old now. I still hate the way I look, but I'm beginning to see that God had his own plan for me, including the way I look.

"Trim Healthy Mama" is amazing. For once we girls can eat without gaining five pounds.

I'm thankful for Serene and Pearl. They understand! They wrote the book, and found this incredible plan that seems to nourish without packing on the weight.

It's amazing.  So many fat girls are finding hope for the first time ever.  I am included.

So, this fat girl Sings.

And I do.

It's over.

The struggle is over.  I think I can keep this weight (and not gain) for life.

And guys, we short, thick girls are God's creation too.

Change your mind about beauty. It's not just skinny blondes that God finds beautiful. Maybe you are missing something. He made us, too.

I'll keep shrugging off the bitterness when you laugh at me. That's my problem.

Yours is to readjust your own outlook about beauty, and realize that words matter.

Exposure:

https://youtu.be/eeWFMxxSxEc

Prophecy Watch

https://prophecywatchers.com/videos/aaron-judkins-michael-mcdaniel-ufo-agenda/