Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Monday, January 2, 2017
January 2017
Last night I went to the jail as I do on some Sundays. I work with Pilot Outreach, a jail ministry in the Sherburne County Jail.
It's always a blessing for me. The inmates that come to our meeting are seekers, sweet, and lovable. Many are in jail as illegal immigrants, many on drug charges. Some we simply don't know, and we never ask.
There is so much pain there. Weeping is normal.
Loss, loneliness, sorrow, regret, fear, anxiety, and sometimes little hope plague these women. They express their gratefulness when we show up---something different in their mundane lives.
They are truly a "captive" audience. Out of about 80 female inmates around 20 show up each week.
We sing several songs. We pray. We share. I read Bible stories.
It's pretty simple stuff, but how it affects all of us!
It was New Year's Day yesterday, so we talked about resolutions. We talked about good habits. We talked about living, and how to live. Two of us prepared something to share, and per usual, unplanned, we dove-tailed in the subject. God always does this!
We both talked about servant hood and our purpose in living. It struck a chord, as they nodded-- and "Yes!" was exclaimed over and over.
It's a message for me today.
I am called as a servant. Servants are all about their masters.
My master is Yashua HaMaschiach, and He commands me to serve EVERYONE. It's not about me, it's about everyone else.
This is hard for me. I am learning. I fail. I tend to be self-oriented.
But the LORD knows my struggles, and He patiently teaches me this lesson over and over.
I'm starting the new year with this book again. I took a hiatus from "Discovering the Bible" but I am excited to begin it again for 2017. It was written by a friend, Gordon L. Addington, who just happens to be the dad of two very important women in my life. They are the sisters that God gave me----not biologically, but spiritually.
We meet for coffee once a month, and catch up on EVERYTHING.
But we major on the things that God is doing in our lives, and I can tell you it's exciting!
All three of us are not immune to troubles. We have loads of them. But we all can attest to the power of God in getting us through unbelievable circumstances! Really.
I am beyond blessed to have these sisters.
I was reading in the fourth chapter of Genesis this morning, and I wanted to share this side note about the names of the first genealogy from Adam to Noah. I've shared this before, but it is worth repeating over and over:
ADAM MAN
SETH APPOINTED
ENOSH MORTAL
KENANA SORROW
MAHALAHLEL THE BLESSED GOD
JARED SHALL COME DOWN
ENOCH TEACHING
METHUSELAH HIS DEATH SHALL BRING
LAMECH THE DESPAIRING
NOAH REST
(I got this from Chuck Missler at www.khouse.org)
Now read the meanings of the names as a sentence.
So beautiful. The message of the Gospel in the first chapters of the Bible!
Nothing is by chance. God is lovingly drawing you unto Himself.
As I start working two jobs tomorrow---subbing and working in the local delicatessen (come and see me!) I am encouraged by the BIG picture.
Our cancers, our poverty, our disappointments------they are all a part of God's beautiful plan to give us eternal hope and rest.
Believe it.
It's always a blessing for me. The inmates that come to our meeting are seekers, sweet, and lovable. Many are in jail as illegal immigrants, many on drug charges. Some we simply don't know, and we never ask.
There is so much pain there. Weeping is normal.
Loss, loneliness, sorrow, regret, fear, anxiety, and sometimes little hope plague these women. They express their gratefulness when we show up---something different in their mundane lives.
They are truly a "captive" audience. Out of about 80 female inmates around 20 show up each week.
We sing several songs. We pray. We share. I read Bible stories.
It's pretty simple stuff, but how it affects all of us!
It was New Year's Day yesterday, so we talked about resolutions. We talked about good habits. We talked about living, and how to live. Two of us prepared something to share, and per usual, unplanned, we dove-tailed in the subject. God always does this!
We both talked about servant hood and our purpose in living. It struck a chord, as they nodded-- and "Yes!" was exclaimed over and over.
It's a message for me today.
I am called as a servant. Servants are all about their masters.
My master is Yashua HaMaschiach, and He commands me to serve EVERYONE. It's not about me, it's about everyone else.
This is hard for me. I am learning. I fail. I tend to be self-oriented.
But the LORD knows my struggles, and He patiently teaches me this lesson over and over.
I'm starting the new year with this book again. I took a hiatus from "Discovering the Bible" but I am excited to begin it again for 2017. It was written by a friend, Gordon L. Addington, who just happens to be the dad of two very important women in my life. They are the sisters that God gave me----not biologically, but spiritually.
We meet for coffee once a month, and catch up on EVERYTHING.
But we major on the things that God is doing in our lives, and I can tell you it's exciting!
All three of us are not immune to troubles. We have loads of them. But we all can attest to the power of God in getting us through unbelievable circumstances! Really.
I am beyond blessed to have these sisters.
 |
| Gordon Addington's Discovering the Bible |
I was reading in the fourth chapter of Genesis this morning, and I wanted to share this side note about the names of the first genealogy from Adam to Noah. I've shared this before, but it is worth repeating over and over:
ADAM MAN
SETH APPOINTED
ENOSH MORTAL
KENANA SORROW
MAHALAHLEL THE BLESSED GOD
JARED SHALL COME DOWN
ENOCH TEACHING
METHUSELAH HIS DEATH SHALL BRING
LAMECH THE DESPAIRING
NOAH REST
(I got this from Chuck Missler at www.khouse.org)
Now read the meanings of the names as a sentence.
So beautiful. The message of the Gospel in the first chapters of the Bible!
Nothing is by chance. God is lovingly drawing you unto Himself.
As I start working two jobs tomorrow---subbing and working in the local delicatessen (come and see me!) I am encouraged by the BIG picture.
Our cancers, our poverty, our disappointments------they are all a part of God's beautiful plan to give us eternal hope and rest.
Believe it.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Poetry
I was amazed at many friends sharing poetry last evening.
I guess New Year's Eve inspires the poet in each of us.
I attended my cousin's funeral. He was not old. Death came unexpectedly and unanticipated.
Death brings out the philosopher in each of us. We all die.
"Ten out of ten," said the preacher at the funeral.
I just happened to bring home a collection of books by Agnes Sligh Turnbull last week. I really like one of her novels, and I wanted to see some of her other work.
She wrote historical fiction mostly.
One of her things was a booklet about the death of a soldier. Written in 1943 the Second World War was in full operation. This book poetically compared the death of a young brave man to the death of Pheidippedis, the runner that inspired marathons. He died young and at the greatest moment of his life.
So died this young WWII soldier. I'd say small comfort, yet patriotism and love of country are truly worthy of sacrifice.
But only if eternal destinations are sure.
Hell is a place I'd want no one to go.
Death is a surety (unless the Rapture!) and hell is to be avoided at all costs. How do we avoid hell?
Simply believe and repent. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and let God transform your life by His grace.
You can't earn it. You are offered a gift. Accept that truth and you will be different.
God has His gentle and infinite ways.
But you must "play" by His rules.
So, please, for 2017, change. Repent. Come to the One who takes away all fear of death.
Death is beaten, conquered.
O Death, where is thy sting?
O Grave, where is thy victory?
Death is swallowed up in victory.
Happy thought. Happy 2017.
I guess New Year's Eve inspires the poet in each of us.
I attended my cousin's funeral. He was not old. Death came unexpectedly and unanticipated.
Death brings out the philosopher in each of us. We all die.
"Ten out of ten," said the preacher at the funeral.
I just happened to bring home a collection of books by Agnes Sligh Turnbull last week. I really like one of her novels, and I wanted to see some of her other work.
She wrote historical fiction mostly.
One of her things was a booklet about the death of a soldier. Written in 1943 the Second World War was in full operation. This book poetically compared the death of a young brave man to the death of Pheidippedis, the runner that inspired marathons. He died young and at the greatest moment of his life.
So died this young WWII soldier. I'd say small comfort, yet patriotism and love of country are truly worthy of sacrifice.
But only if eternal destinations are sure.
Hell is a place I'd want no one to go.
Death is a surety (unless the Rapture!) and hell is to be avoided at all costs. How do we avoid hell?
Simply believe and repent. Be filled with the Holy Spirit and let God transform your life by His grace.
You can't earn it. You are offered a gift. Accept that truth and you will be different.
God has His gentle and infinite ways.
But you must "play" by His rules.
So, please, for 2017, change. Repent. Come to the One who takes away all fear of death.
Death is beaten, conquered.
O Death, where is thy sting?
O Grave, where is thy victory?
Death is swallowed up in victory.
Happy thought. Happy 2017.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Happy New Year
How quickly life can change!
Today I have two new jobs, substitute teaching and working at the local deli!
I'm still a home-school mom and a housewife, the mother of five and grandmother of one! Daughter, aunt, sister---in-law!
I'm still a flautist, pianist, organist, guitarist, and singer---artist and writer.
We just needed a bit more income to handle this new life with a new home and a son with cancer.
So this will be quite a new year.
I hope I can handle it, but we'll see. Life changes can be good, inspiring, helpful. We can get into ruts, we can struggle with bad habits! Sometimes a big shake-up can be just the trigger for new and improved routines!
I'm also a cousin, and one of mine passed away on Christmas day. So sad. We were never close, but it is remarkable how much we shared. Life is so fleeting, so unexpected. Treasure each day, and be sure you have your eternity completely SURE.
My cousin did. He was a believer in Jesus Christ. He called Him LORD.
The Christmas stuff is put away for next year. I reflect on this past week with sweetness.
We really had wonderful fellowship with friends and family. Blessings.
I wish you, dear friend, a very blessed 2017. I hope it is the year our LORD comes back to get us!
Maranatha! Maranatha!
We have everything to hope for, look forward to, expect. God is so good.
Today I have two new jobs, substitute teaching and working at the local deli!
I'm still a home-school mom and a housewife, the mother of five and grandmother of one! Daughter, aunt, sister---in-law!
I'm still a flautist, pianist, organist, guitarist, and singer---artist and writer.
We just needed a bit more income to handle this new life with a new home and a son with cancer.
So this will be quite a new year.
I hope I can handle it, but we'll see. Life changes can be good, inspiring, helpful. We can get into ruts, we can struggle with bad habits! Sometimes a big shake-up can be just the trigger for new and improved routines!
I'm also a cousin, and one of mine passed away on Christmas day. So sad. We were never close, but it is remarkable how much we shared. Life is so fleeting, so unexpected. Treasure each day, and be sure you have your eternity completely SURE.
My cousin did. He was a believer in Jesus Christ. He called Him LORD.
The Christmas stuff is put away for next year. I reflect on this past week with sweetness.
We really had wonderful fellowship with friends and family. Blessings.
I wish you, dear friend, a very blessed 2017. I hope it is the year our LORD comes back to get us!
Maranatha! Maranatha!
We have everything to hope for, look forward to, expect. God is so good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)