Woman Chat

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2006-12-22T07:26:00.000-08:00

I am back on vacation until after the first of the year. Be blessed during these holidays and the coming year. May it be the best year yet. Lady Eve

Babies, Children, and Christmas...Odd Thoughts

2006-12-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! It's been a long, long time, but my finger was broken (well, and my toe too)...and it still hurts, especially at night...I still use a splint on it from time to time.

Yesterday, I dropped by my church to run an errand, and a friend showed me a photo of her four-month old grandbaby. Talking about cute...that baby is so precious! Proud grandmother...she has a right to be...and what a wonderful gift for the holidays.

Christians around the world are celebrating Jesus' birth and the wonderful gift of eternal and abundant life He brought with Him, but this new and precious grandbaby made me wonder about Mary. What kind of baby was she? Did she show extraordinary faith at an early age? Was she always so enthusiastically obedient? When did she begin to know that God was her truest love? Who encouraged her in her faith and her gifts? Who prayed for her? Who taught her to pray?

My friend's precious grandbaby has lots of people to encourage and pray for her as she grows and develops her gifts, including my friend. I wonder when they will begin to notice her bent in life or see her anointing and begin to encourage it. I know there is much anticipation as this little life reaches out and learns about her world. I, too, pray that she knows God's love and that His anointing lead and guide her in the way He has prepared for her...just like Mary. Thank you God, for Jesus, Mary, and this little, precious gift.

But, there is a God in heaven.

2006-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hmmm...I've been reading in Daniel and have been so inspired but this man in his youth. Listen to what he says in verse 28 of chapter 2. But, there is a God in heaven...just those seven words inspire me so much. To every situation, the answer is "but there is a God in heaven...no matter how pressing. Believe!

Help us, Lord

2006-11-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

Daniel 1:21 (New International Version)
21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that we want changed, and if we're westerners, we want to be released from that situation right away. But, sometimes, God places us in situations so that we may be changed in our hearts or perhaps so that we can change the place.

Though I find myself in a difficult situation that is not changing and may never change (and God is not moving me to a different place), I trust Him to help me be the change I want to see in this place.

Daniel never left Babylon. He remained there his entire life. But Babylon was all the better because of him. The same holds true for Joseph.

God, help me to be the change I want to see. Make me a woman of integrity who glorifies you even in this place. Amen

Celebrating

2006-11-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I am officially 55 years young! I say that because there is some dispute as to when my actual birthday is...so I celebrate both days!

God has been so good to me. First, my hairdresser blessed me by giving me my hair appointment for free. What a wonderful surprise! I was able to share the first day of my birthday with a family whom I love at the Native American Pow Wow here in town. Afterwards we had dinner and cake at my friend's mother's house. And then, Sunday, my brother, his wife, and I went out to dinner and I actually had a relaxing day. For me that's a rarity.

But God has blessed me so much more than with celebrations...just getting up this morning and being able to move and breathe and drive to a job that He has blessed me with...waking up in a home for which I was able to pay the mortgage one more month...clean water...I could go on and on and on. God is my blessing...not the things He does for me, and I am truly grateful.

Wonder

2006-11-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I attended the Native American Pow Wow held here in Central Texas each year. More than 100 years ago, my grandfather's father trod up and down Texas and who know where else ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ to the native people. He even obtained a wife from one of the tribes. Saturday, I saw trailers and booths with "Jesus is Lorc" on them, and I wondered if any of the people I saw were saved because my great grandfather had ministered to them.

We never know what fruit we will bear and how long the fruit will keep blossoming.

From the rising of the sun

2006-10-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

From the rising of the sun, 'till the going down of the same, my God's name is to be praised.

As I watched the sun rise several mornings ago, I thought of that verse and song. It occurred to me that the sun always is rising and setting somewhere around the world. God's name is to be praised at all times, in every situation ... and it's just right to do so. Y

Psalm 27

2006-09-29T05:53:00.000-07:00

And so, God has blessed us with His Word to help us through every situation. Psalm 27 blessed me last night...and I prayed it because it so fit my situation at work.

v. 1-2
The Lord is my Light and Salvation, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the Strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

I shall not fear but shall trust in Him to get me through this day despite what's going on.

v.13-14
What would become of me if I didn't believe I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, wait, I say, on the Lord.

I will. The situation may not be resolved the way I want it to, but God is still on the throne, and I will keep my trust in Him.

Who knew?

2006-09-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Who knew a smile could be such a blessing to someone else? I walked into the adjunct offices last night still bummed about the lies that a coworker was telling and continues to tell about me...but then what else is new on that front...when another faculty member said that when I walked in the whole atmosphere brightened...that it was palpable. He observed that I was always smiling. I didn't know that about me, but I guess it's true. Even though I go through rough times with this coworker...God always carries me through. I had just been thinking and praying about the situation when I walked into those offices and could still smile thought the situation is dire. Bless God...and thank you God for blessing me with a smile that blesses others.

That quote from Akeelah and the Bee

2006-09-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask outselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other opeople won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is withini us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

This quote is erroneously attributed to Nelson Mandela. It comes from the book Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson. We don't have the right to give up or give in when we are discouraged. Let us put our trust instead in Him.

Lillie

2006-09-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

I didn't know she was ill or whether she had been ill. I read it in the newspaper yesterday morning. Sweet Lillie Holmes had died. She was only 56 years old...just a few years older than I. Sweet Lillie was our encouragement. I NEVER heard her say a bad word about any one. We had lost touch, but when I did have occasion to visit my dad's old church, she was there...sitting in her same seat...smiling and encouraging.

We went to an integrated school in the capital city of Texas. As black students we faced hard times, but Lillie was always there to encourage us to keep on striving. Now, I wonder, who encouraged her? We took her for granted...she was such a blessing. But I know God didn't forget her. That's where she got her encouragement...and now she is with Him.

Sweet Lillie...

Follow the light

2006-09-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I was driving to work before dawn as has been my custom since I contracted iritis. I avoid a lot of traffic, and that makes it much easier on my eyes. Today there seemed to be an unusual number of cars and trucks traveling in the direction I was headed in, and it got confusing and painful for my eyes.

However, there seemed to be this one truck that stood out from the rest...and I decided to follow its tail lights. I made it to work in one piece...a little shaken...a lot relieved. And, I decided that the best route in life is to ignore that other lights that might flicker on and off, may hurt you, may lead you astray...and follow the one true light ... Jesus!

Thinkin'

2006-09-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

Usually I only get asked to sing at funerals. It's something that's happened in the past ten or so years for some reason. I don't sing at my church. Since I joined the church I currently belong to I have not sung solos...although once I belonged to the choir. My voice is extremely rusty, but it can rise to the occasion for funerals and that's because I pray hard...not only for me, but I pray that the songs I sing to be not just filler in a program but to really minister to people and glorify the Lord.

My dad was a psalmist with a beautiful voice. He sang at too many weddings to count, funerals, special services, in the choir...well, you name it...he was lifting up the name of Jesus...his true friend. My dad stayed on his knees in prayer, and I can just imagine that his prayers included the people he sang for. He didn't just sing because he had a beautiful voice; he sang to minister God's love.

I can only pray that every time I sing that I lift up the name of our dear Lord.

Recognizing our Blessings

2006-09-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

I opened the garage door this morning and was surprised to see water standing in the driveway. Had I left the sprinklers on all night? Wait, I hadn't turned the sprinklers on! The street was wet too. What was going on? And, then I thought...it's rain! I hadn't seen it in so long that I didn't recognize it. What a blessing! And, then I thought...how many other blessings have come my way, and I didn't recognize them right away...or ever? Forgive me, God, and thank you for the many blessings you've given me.

School Starts Tomorrow!

2006-08-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

I should be panicking. School starts tomorrow. My second gig is as a community college teacher. I am extremely thankful for my job; I love it. Yet, I am very unconcerned. I haven't even picked up my parking sticker for the year.

Usually I am frought with nerves, but not this year. And, I wonder whether I'm too unconcerned now. But, still...

Here's to a great year. I pray to be a blessing to the students in my class and that I learn what I can from them. I pray for God to be present in every class and for His will to be done.

In Him is our HOPE

2006-08-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

For those whose lives, like mine, have been touched by tragedy and sin, what is our hope in Christ Jesus? Just that! HE is our hope. The Word says that we should not put our trust in man. If you've ever been disappointed, you KNOW that! If we put our hope in Christ Jesus, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! I talked with a woman today who remarried her ex-husband, and it's better than the first time around.

Rappin' Ron says HOPE is Having Only Positive Expectancy. You can't have hope without Him.

It's Time to Get Off the Bench

2006-08-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night. For some people, it's unusual for them to remember their dreams, but I almost always do.

In the dream I was in a place that seemed so familiar yet looked so barren, almost like a desert. As I walked around, I would notice places that reminded me of home but they were so changed. Finally, as I stood on a corner in my dream, I saw a rather large building covered with sand, broken down, falling apart, but still almost habitable. Someone passed by and said to me, "it used to be a gym." Then another passed by and said, "before that it was a church." And then, I realized, it was my church. I made my way across the street. It was difficult because people seemed to be milling around but going no where. Somehow I managed to get in the building and in the building there were some ladies sitting on a bench. There were no men; they had long since departed. The women were dressed extremely well, but they looked frightened. Others came in from off the street...some just to rest but others wanted to find out what was in the building now. I tried to squeeze in among the well dressed ladies on the bench, but it was difficult. Then a voice behind me (in the dream) spoke and said, "that's what's wrong, too many people were sitting comfortably and the enemy came in and destroyed even the church." It was time to get off the bench and reach out to the world beyond, and at that very moment, the bench was tilted upwards and the women were thrown from their seat. "Go!" the voice said. Not one of them moved, but the people who had come in and I left. I woke up, and I knew it was time not just for me but for every Christian to get off the bench and be about our Father's business. The consequences for our church, our community, and the world are dire if we don't.

Yipes! School Starts Soon

2006-08-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

Uh oh. With so much going on, somehow I had pushed to the back of my mind that school begins soon. I just checked my schedule on line and I already had 17 students registered for my class so whether my healing manifests by then or not, I'm teaching. I'm not so bothered by it...how jazzy will I look teaching in my leopard print sunglasses! Whatever the outcome, God WILL provide strength and creativity...He's already provided for my healing. I believe...Lord, help whatever unbelief I may have. Here's to another exciting school year.

God's answers

2006-08-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

As I drove to work this morning (for those of you in the Central Texas area, don't worry, I don't drive at peak hours, and I can see well enough to drive ... with my prescription sunglasses on), I really got the sense that the reason I had been through so much and that I have the personality that I have is to help others who have and are suffering from the same things. And that scriptural!

My compassion is particularly toward women who have suffered and are struggling and toward all who may have low self-esteem. The answer is always God. To any question, any challenge, the answer is always not just with Him but it is Him. Abandonment, divorce, financial worries, getting a job or jobs, relational issues, family pressures, sickness, death...whatever it is, the answer is surely God. I don't know how anyone can do without Him.

Father

2006-08-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Yes it's been a while. There has been no progress with my eyes. My workplace has made reasonable accommodations though. I work with the shades drawn and some of the bulbs unscrewed. I've adjusted my computer screen, and I wear sunglasses as I work. I COULD start a trend, but nah.

There are so many representations of God as father in the bible. The other night a movie about the life of Joseph came on television. I love this version with Martin Landau as his father. My father scene is when they see each other for the first time after a long, long while. Jacob (Martin Landau's character) raises his staff as if to reach for Joseph who is still so far away. Joseph responds in kind by raising his arms. It's as if they were touching and embracing from miles away. When they finally reach each other, instead of grasping each other they tenderly embrace and weep. Their joy is complete as they reunite.

I love this vision of our heavenly father. Unlike the prodigal son, Joseph did not waste his life. Others did that for him by selling him as a slave. The very people he trusted and loved, his own brothers, treated him so very badly.

But, what they meant for evil...God used for good. I want to remember that. There are so many situations in my life where people intentionally have done things meant solely for evil. Yet, God! Oh, I am so blessed by knowing God as my heavenly father. Knowing that He cares for me and loves me and has good plans for me means the world to me.

I want the kind of relationship with God that the movie portrayed between Joseph and his father. The kind that even when we're far apart, we can still embrace and hold each other in our thoughts and hearts. I love Him. May His blessings be on you today.

Silent

2006-07-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

I've been particularly silent for weeks even months...not blogging, not doing much of anything. I think some people would say I'm depressed, but I'm not...I'm just being quiet so that I can hear from God. In some ways, I'm thinking I don't want to hear from Him, but I know that I need to listen...and, after all, He ALWAYS listens to me.

So, I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5...and I wait...silently...quietly.

Peace

2006-07-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

And so, it's been eight weeks. My eyes are not quite well yet. The doctors said usually six to eight weeks. It's not happening. I was a little afraid. Then I was a whole lot afraid when I finally understood that the damage could be permanent. Now, not so much. Not just because I'm slowly getting better, but because I've asked everyone I know of who prays to pray for me. As a result, God has given me peace of mind.

I don't want to succumb to a victim mentality. I want to be a victor. And, isn't that what Christ told us...that we are more than conquerors?

Pray for the USA

2006-07-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

You'd think I'd have a lot more to say since I returned home from Scotland, but I don't. I am so challenged by the authentic humility of the people and love of Christ that my life cannot be the same.

I fit into the typically ugly American role, and I am ashamed. We strive for much, but we forget the God that enabled to obtain it all. But, God gave me America as a birthplace for a reason, and my prayer is that I fulfill that in Him.

I am also praying for my country and its leaders, yet, we must all remember, that we are still a young nation...not yet 300 years old. Goodness! The house our group vacationed in in Scotland was older than the United States. We are bound to make a few missteps, but I pray that they are few.

Wonder

2006-06-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

While on on of our excursions in Scotland, our van abruptly stopped. Sheep were everywhere in the road, happily running this way and that until the modern day shepherd on his four wheeler, with help from his trusty black and white sheep dog, directed them on down the road.

Wonder how many times we...as mindless sheep...are happily in harm's way when our heavenly Shepherd moves us on along?

Who Did HE say that He was?

2006-06-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

In Matthew, Jesus asked Peter, "who do you say that I am?" Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15-16)

But who did Christ say that He was?
I am the bread of life (John 6:35)
I am the light of the world (John 6:12)
I am the gate for the sheep (John 10:7)
I am the good shepherd (John 10:11)
I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:4)
I am the true vine (John 15:1)

Right from (as we say in the South) the horse's mouth. There it is.

Challenged

2006-06-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

It's been eons since I've posted anything. I've been in Scotland with C.O.P.E. (Coalition of Prison Evangelists). We met many wonderful people while there, but I was most impressed by the hummility of the Christian Scots I met. So loving, so giving. Their every thought was of God and serving Him by serving others.

I was so challenged by them and their walk as Christians. My prayer is to walk out this life for Jesus in humbleness and service as they do.

Different? You bet!

2006-06-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

I was listening to two gentlemen on a radio talk show this morning. I didn't get their names, but they were talking about God making Adam and Eve. Their question? Why didn't God just make everyone alike...little clones...sort of like Adam 1, Adam 2, Adam 3, Adam 4?

I remember reading a book a long time ago entitled, The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula LeGuin. The main character dreams and his dreams affect reality. At one point, an evil scientist starts planting suggestions in his mind before he goes to sleep (does this sound familiar? I think I may have written about this book before). One time, the scientist plants the suggestion that everyone is the same color...and when our hero awakens...everyone is gray (an ugly gray at that!). Of course, that's not what the scientist meant. He wanted the malevolence between races to end. But then, of course, he wasn't God...and all went awry.

It was for more than procreation that God made men and women different...yet...as these talk show hosts discussed...everything we do is to eliminate those differences rather than celebrate them.

Those who are put off by God use the scriptures to assure people that God created women as "less than." There is no place in the scriptures that even intimates that. Yet, man has used scriptures to beat women down.

Our job? To find out exactly why God created us. Each of us is unique and blessed with different talents. Perhaps my talent is to be a helper...I'm not sure...but the only place I'll find out is in God. I pray that each of us finds our purpose in Him.

Deep Fog

2006-06-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's going on with me, but it's as if the enemy has been attacking me on every front...physically, relationally, financially. I have a trip coming up next week to Scotland, and because so many things are happening, I believe the miraculous will happen when we 30 Texans hit the bonnie banks of Loch Lommand and other locations. Pray for us to be willing vessels in God's hands as we go to prisons and hospitals and relax a bit.

Long time

2006-05-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've posted anything. The reason? Who knows? Maybe I know. I'm just sort of there. Ever felt like that?

I was reading in Daniel this morning and realized that he and he companions were mere children or youths when they were taken to Babylon to be trained for government service in Nebuchadnezzar's palace. Wow! Makes you think. In today's world, we don't know what future our children may have. It's so important to tell them about Christ now. They may have to make a stand for their faith sooner than they think. It may be on the playground. It may be on the battleground.

God grant wisdom to mothers and dads on how to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to their babies. Y

Golf in Heaven?!

2006-05-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way out of town again (for work) and was remembering a conversation a group of us had last week on the way to make presentations at another workshop. One stated that a relative was dying and as he was making the transition got an extremely happy look on his face remarking just as he crossed over..."I didn't know there was golf in heaven!"

You think?

Second-hand God

2006-05-15T09:53:00.000-07:00

I was remembering the place in the word where the children of Israel asked Moses to speak to God and receive messages from Him. They had a real opportunity to have a one-on-one relationship with God, but passed it up for a second-hand relationship to God. We have a tendency to have other people talk to God for us. I know I want people to pray for me, and I'm certainly not against inviting to pray for any situation I face. But, it's always, "pray for me" instead of pray with me. How sad.

In Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, he says that we are saving ourselves from the need to change when we have others pray for us, for to be in the presence of God is to change. That's so true. I find that there are times that I am reticent to approach God's throne because I don't want to deal with a situation or I am ashamed or any of a number of reasons. At the same time, I need to remind myself that His throne always is a throne of mercy, and I don't need to have someone else intercede for me. I can approach Him myself knowing that His mercy endures forever. There is no need to make Him a second-hand God in my life. He's number one with me!

Blessed

2006-05-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a long, long while since I've posted anything to my blog; I've been traveling and winding up the end of school. Last night in my hotel room I had such an intimate time with the Lord. It just confirmed what I was positive of, that the Lord is wherever you are, watching over us, covering us. I am blessed.

Just Tryin' To Matter

2006-04-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

Ever since I heard Reese Witherspoon's academy award acceptance speech in which she quoted June Carter Cash's words, "I'm just trying to matter, " I've been trying to figure out what that means in my life.

This morning I was reading in 2 Kings 11. It's the story of Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah and daughter of King Jeroram, who saw that Athaliah was so determined to rule that Athaliah had all the princes killed...that is all except one. That one was the one Jehosheba stole away and hid in the temple for six years until he could be crowned king.

My bible says there weren't many good kings after David and Solomon, but King Joash was one of the good ones. He did what was right in the sight of the lord, but this fine young man would not have been king if one brave woman hadn't taken a risk and done the right thing. I figure she was just trying to matter for the Lord.

My prayer today is that I matter for Him. Who knows what simple act any of us can do that will matter for eternity.

Be blessed today.

Rereads

2006-04-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm rereading Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster. My group at the church I attend read it last year. My friends and acquaintances tease and ridicule me about rereading books. I'm revisiting the book because it was so rich that I couldn't fully digest all of the wonderful tidbits in it the first time. I want to squeeze every drop out of it (if you haven't read this book and are a Christian, please do!).

I had a conversation with one of my uncles (by marriage) some years back. I was going back through the bible (again) and was talking about the rich points I was picking up that I haven't picked up in prevous reads. He (who incidentally was NOT in the conversation) turned to me and said, "I read it once. I don't need to read it again."

Hey! Life happens. Experiences happen, and they change how you interact with the Word. Psalm 23 was just a collection of pretty words written long ago to me for many, many, many years. Certainly I appreciated them, but not the same way I appreciated them after I was diagnosed with lupus. "Walking through the valley of death" takes on a whole new meaning when you're fighting just to walk and breathe. Having God with me through it all is not just comfort and peace, it's a necessity.

I will continue to reread books. It's who I am. It helps me--Most especially rereading the Word.

Fear

2006-04-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

In the middle of tonight's violent storms, as hail crashed down on my home, I was so afraid...until I remembered that in the middle of another storm, Jesus walked on water to get to his disciples...to calm their fears and the storms...and I was all right.

Wondering

2006-04-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

I had a professional development session this morning on marketing. The workshop took place only a short jaunt from my workplace--about four miles. As I drove back to my job I saw a man standing on a corner with a sign--begging. In our area, that's not so unusal. You see someone on almost every street corner with a sign. Sometimes you see them change out corners with each other or put fake casts on their legs or arms. Fewer and fewer people stop to help nowadays. They are mostly scams. People make a serious living at begging on street corners here. This time, something was different: I think I knew the man.

Years ago when I was in the sixth grade, a very forward young man grabbed my ponytail and gave me a kiss. I was shocked; I wanted my very first kiss with a boy to be special. This young man stole what I had no intention to give.

We went to different junior high schools (that's what they were called then) and high schools. When I was in college I heard that this same, very bright and talented young man had lain across some railroad tracks with the intent to commit suicide. Fortunately, a passerby dragged him off the rails just in time. His life had descended into a world of drugs and who knows what else, but no one wanted to get involved.

I believe this is the same man I just saw. Same head shape, but the eyes were so sad. The stance was defiant and yet so defeated. And, I asked myself, do I try to make it around the block to get to the right side of the street to help him? There was no unction to do anything and by that time I was nearing the driveway of my work place. Now I am wondering. Do I go back? What could I honestly do to help him?

This man, now older, but no wiser, had a bright future ahead of him. He was one of the "smart" kids, making straight A's. I can't help but wonder who turned him on to drugs, and why was he so willing to go there. I wonder if he thinks about everything he could have been, all the promise that he could have had. I wonder if he thinks that he has no hope for anything better.

I think I'll get back in my car and drive down that way to see if he's still there. I have a verse for him: Jeremiah 29:11 -- God says..."For I KNOW the plans I have for you, plans for good and not evil, to give you a hope and a future." God never gives up on us. No matter how old we are. I think this time I have something better to give him than a kiss.

Pray for me to find him. Y

The Sunflower

2006-04-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal: If you have not read this book, do! This book is a must read and should be required of every person still breathing.

The first part is a narrative of a prisoner in a concerntration camp who is confronted by his own thoughts of religion, politics, and humanity as a dying SS officer, a Nazi soldier, asks him for forgiveness. The last part includes 53 responses from men and women to Simon Wiesenthal's question -- "What would you do? "

As you read, examine your thoughts on genocide, abortion, euthanasia, etc. -- they all play in how we would respond. And, what about God? What does He have to do with forgiveness, and where was He during the Holocaust? Where is He now when so many awful things are happening in the world?

I plan to use this book in one of the classes I teach this fall, if I can. I'll have students debate whether the soldier should have been forgiven and why. I suspect we'll have to debate whether forgiveness is a religious concept or a universal concept.

If anyone has read it, I'd be interested in your thoughts.

Shame

2006-04-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Friday evening, I attended a fish fry with several of my friends at a large Catholic church in town. That is a huge tradition with many Catholic churches in our area during lent, and many nonCathlics, like me, enjoy the fellowship and food with our friends who are Catholic.

Large numbers of people were enjoying the simple yet yummy feast of fried catfish, beans, coleslaw, hush puppies (my favorite), and fries. Dedicated auxiliary women sold desserts at tables to the side, each woman filled with pride in being able to offer her specialty.

Midway through the laughter and food, I became aware of the many people in the large auditorium: older people, disabled people, and poor people...it sort of shocked me, and then I realized why.

I attend a large nondenominational church with a young pastorial team and congregation. In fact, a great number of the people are very young. At 54, I would be considered one of the older people there. Although I am not affluent, I do all right, but the congregation on the whole is fairly affluent. We just don't see older people or very poor people there...even the location of the church doesn't lend itself to a congregation that is more diverse. It sits right in the middle of a very middle class suburb that continues to grow. I've noticed only two disabled people in the years I've attended the church. Of course, that doesn't mean there weren't and aren't more, but they are an anomaly at our church...as far as I know. There certainly aren't the large numbers of older, disabled, and poor people that I saw at the Catholic church on Friday. Now that I think about it, our church doesn't have buses to reach out to the inner city and bring people in. There is no real effort to bring them in as far as I know. In fact, it seems, most of our efforts are on attracting people to our location...not reaching out.

Oh for sure, we have some programs that reach out. I participate in prison ministry and am passionate about it. I'm sure there are other outreach programs, but these programs don't reach out to the extent I remember in other churches I've belonged to in the past...and not with the desperation of bringing the message of salvation to the lost.

Now I know that every church has a niche, and ours is what it is, but I just started thinking about it, and the more I thought about it, the more ashamed I became.

I remembered a comment from a missionary from Costa Rica last fall..."what is this brand of Christianity Americans practice?" We are so invested in God giving us everything we want or need here and now, that we rarely hear people preach about heaven or hell or some of the woes that the rest of the world suffers. We purchase larger and larger homes instead of investing more in the kingdom. We fail to preach the truth from the pulpits and instead preach concisely timed messages that leave the audience with a "feel good" at the end. (I am by no means saying this is what happens at my church, but you see it on television.) What happened to flowing in the spirit? What happened to praying until you get a breakthrough. What happened to congregations being personally invested in the lives of the people who attend churches?

It is no wonder that we find people sitting in the pews next to us who cohabitate or practice other "safe" sins. We don't preach against it. We take what we want of the word of God and leave the rest like a distasteful meal of leftovers on our dinner plate.

I was so ashamed when I left the building and have thought about it for many days since. What can I do? How do I do it? How do I reach out to people whose basic needs haven't been met? I don't know. Our world seems so much smaller now with telecommunications making every war, every event up close and personal in our living rooms. How do we reach out to people who don't know Jesus...and who don't know where their next meal will come from?

I will continue to reach out through prison ministry, but let's face it, when was the last time I picked up some needy person and brought him or her to church with me, and invited them home for a satisfying meal. Perhaps I'm just working through some personal issues and enjoy ranting and raving, but...

Help, Lord. I await your answer.

Watching

2006-04-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

I had a dear friend in high school who was one grade behind me. She was in an extremely difficult situation. Her dad worked long hours as a judge and couldn't pick her up from school until well after 7:30 p.m. each night. We knew each other from band, but to this day I can't tell you what was going on with her mother...why her mother didn't pick her up...or why no one ever really talked about her mother. I sort of got the feeling that she was "ill."

We couldn't have come from more divergent backgrounds. My friend was Jewish and extremely affluent, and I was an African American teenager who had accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior. I definitely was not affluent. My parents were hard working people who provided for my brother and me through the grace of God abundantly each day. Their trust in God enabled them to provide the very best for us even though they were far from wealthy.

One day, my friend's dad telephoned my mother and asked her if my friend could come home with me from school every day until he got off from work. He was desperate. He didn't know how he could work things out for his precious daughter. My mother agreed and told my friend's dad that my friend could come home with us, eat dinner (we always ate promptly at a quarter to 6 p.m.), and do her homework until he could come to get her. My mom also told him that while she would do her best to accommodate my friend's dietary needs, there were some menus my dad liked and she wouldn't change them. He agreed. And so began a year of my friend being in my home five days a week, seeing how we lived and living as we lived for those few hours each of those days.

I often wonder how her dad knew my parents were the kind of people he could entrust his daughter to...and for that matter that I was okay for his daughter to hang out with. If it had been my parents, they would have visited with my friends' parents in their home and talked with them a great deal first. The difference in parenting was really evident to me even then.

Years later, as I related this story to another friend, I realized that people are observing you all the time...when you're picking your children up from school, when you're at band concerts, how you interact withyour children, how you treat them...that's how the judge knew my parents were trustworthy even before he called.

People are watching us as Christians...not just in the good times, but they are watching us when we're challenged too...to see if what we have is real. What my parents had was real enough for a Jewish judge to entrust his only daughter to. I want what I have to be real too. Y

Dedicating our hearts

2006-03-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

We have been working very hard to prepare for the official dedication of our new work place. The building is beautiful, and preparations involve making signs, securing refreshments, and details too numerous to report. Because it reminded me of Solomon's prayer of dedication, I wanted to share that with you today. There is something about the heart of this prayer that touches me so. Enjoy!

Solomon's Prayer of Dedication (New International Version) from I Kings:
22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven 23 and said: "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.
25 "Now LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons are careful in all they do to walk before me as you have done.' 26 And now, O God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David my father come true.
27 "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.
31 "When a man wrongs his neighbor and is required to take an oath and he comes and swears the oath before your altar in this temple, 32 then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, condemning the guilty and bringing down on his own head what he has done. Declare the innocent not guilty, and so establish his innocence.
33 "When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and confess your name, praying and making supplication to you in this temple, 34 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to their fathers.
35 "When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and confess your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, 36 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.
37 "When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when an enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, 38 and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of the afflictions of his own heart, and spreading out his hands toward this temple- 39 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men), 40 so that they will fear you all the time they live in the land you gave our fathers.
41 "As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name- 42 for men will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, 43 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.
44 "When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to the LORD toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, 45 then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.
46 "When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land, far away or near; 47 and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their conquerors and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly'; 48 and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; 49 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. 50 And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy; 51 for they are your people and your inheritance, whom you brought out of Egypt, out of that iron-smelting furnace.
52 "May your eyes be open to your servant's plea and to the plea of your people Israel, and may you listen to them whenever they cry out to you. 53 For you singled them out from all the nations of the world to be your own inheritance, just as you declared through your servant Moses when you, O Sovereign LORD, brought our fathers out of Egypt."

Now that's a dedication!

David vs. Goliath

2006-03-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

What hasn't been written about David and Goliath? As I was reading the passage early this morning I thought about the church being like David...fighting and battling the world on so many fronts. It seems as if we're at a terrible disavantage, but like David, we have the Lord of hosts on our side.

Sammy and the Kings

2006-03-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

I was reading about the prophet Samuel anointing Saul as king this morning when I remembered that God wasn't very happy with Israel wanting a king. It wasn't so much the wanting that was wrong, but the people of Israel wanted to be like other nations after God had called them out to be unlike the other nations and separate!

So He gave them a king. But you have to know that God knew Saul wasn't going to work out from the get go (the begining). That nasty business about the sacrifice was Saul's official undoing, but long before that Saul's heart was not right toward God.

Because He loved His people so much, God prepared a backup plan. You see, watching over his father's flocks every day was a young man named David who sang and praised the Lord joyfully as he went about the work nobody else was willing to do. Wouldn't you just know it? Someone God could trust and who was willing to serve Him with his whole heart was on the backside of the mountain smelling like sheep with no inkling he would be the next king of Israel.

I can't help but giggle at the thought of a shepherd boy becoming a king! From what I hear, folks didn't think too highly of shepherds. Yet Samuel anointed David as king years before he actually took the throne and before Saul was dead. God groomed him to be not only a king but someone whose heart was perfect toward Him.

Two kings; two different outcomes. Their hearts were so different. One loved God but couldn't wait on Him, the other loved God and couldn't wait to serve Him. And Samuel anointed them both.

When I think of the word that describes those in Christ as royalty, a holy priesthood, I think about both kings, and I ask myself...what kind of royalty am I?

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.

2006-03-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Little Samuel was so small, but so brave. As the lamp of the Lord flickered near his room, Samuel must have been a little lonely. Who knows if he cried himself to sleep some nights. After all, his mother had dedicated him to God when he was but a toddler. His family was so far away, and he had to live with the priests! I wonder if Samuel was able to play with other little boys. Did he have down time just to hang with the other little boys? Maybe. But, God knew his heart. Samuel was not only brave, but he was willing to do whatever God asked him to do, to go wherever God asked him to go, and to say whatever God asked him to say.

I believe that the voice Samuel heard in his small chamber just outside of the Holy Place of the tabernacle was very familiar to him. Why else would he have gone to Eli, the priest? But the voice he heard was not Eli's, it was God's. Little Samuel had to be taught to know God's voice, to listen to it, and to obey it. Eli told Samuel the third time after God called him that the next time he heard the voice to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." And so this brave little fellow did as he was told and answered God's call, and God made him the last and most effective of Israel's judges.

Jesus said that we should come to him as children, like this precious little one whose name was Samuel, which means "heard of God." You see, not only did Samuel hear God, but God heard him. As Samuel grew, their relationship grew, and the Lord was with him.

To know holy God's voice, to listen to it, and to obey it is so important to our Christian walk. Yet, I know there are times, I neglect to do so. My days don't go well when that happens. My prayer tonight is that God place the desire in our hearts to know Him, hear Him, and obey Him.

I Samuel 3 (NIV) and Matthew 18:3-4

Long Life

2006-03-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, my friends and I used to look at our palms to try to predict who would live the longest by looking at the lines. My hand has a particularly long line stretching all the way from the base of my hand to my middle finger. It is crossed by many other shorter lines. My friends used to say those were major events in my life, such as marriage, divorce, and the death of loved ones.

As I slathered lotion on my hands today, I had to laugh as I remembered our folly. We were foolish, so very foolish, and I'm ashamed that we played in this manner. But God spoke this verse into my heart: Psalm 91:16 (New International Version) . "With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation," and I was assured that no matter how many years I have on this earth and no matter I go through, that those years would be fulfilled in Him.

It's not really about the length of your life, it's about how you live it. If you live it in Christ, then your life is complete...no need to seek palm readers, soothsayers, or others.

Still

2006-03-14T04:57:00.000-08:00

Years ago, Lionel Richie wrote a song entitled, "Still." As I read about Samson this morning, I felt God's heart whisper to mine "still." "I still love you." God still loved Samson even though he had sinned and the Philistines had overcome him and humiliated him. When Samson prayed for strength one last time to destroy the Philistines, I'm sure God whispered into his heart, "still." "I still love you."

Moses, David, the woman at the well, Paul (Saul) still experienced God's love, even though they, like I did, messed up. Goodness, I still mess up. But, God's love is with me, still.

It's an every day thing

2006-03-07T04:21:00.000-08:00

Joshua 24:15a But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...

This is what Joshua told the children of Israel before he died. I used to think that the choice I made so long ago was the end of it...that my decision for the Lord had been made and as far as both He and I were concerned that settled everything. That's not so. Every day I meet so many new challenges and I must choose anew whom I will serve. Shamefully, I have not always chosen to serve the Lord. But in His goodness and graciousness, He forgives me still and continues to bless me and I live for another day ... to choose.

This morning, I choose to serve Him. It seems so easy when you awaken. You haven't faced any challenges yet. That's when our choices really matter. I pray to continue to choose this day to serve the Lord...even when challenges come.

Sunshine of my life

2006-02-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful day here. The sun is shining; I think it's about 70 degrees. Outside of my window the grass is even green. I have some time for myself at lunch today. It's really the first time in a long, long while, and I have to admit I'm quite enjoying it.

Today, I read about Rahab...always referred to as Rahab the Harlot...as if "the Harlot" was her last name. I wonder what made her go into her...uh...particular line of business. She had a family whom she obviously cared a great deal for and whose safety she ensured with the spies Joshua sent. We don't have a lot of details, except we KNOW for sure that she was an ancestor of David and an ancestor of Jesus.

Whatever her past was, it was of no consequence whatsoever because of her saving faith in God. Her actions spoke louder than any words she spoke as she hid the spies and their whereabouts. Anythng she had ever done was erased, and she stepped from the darkness of her old life to the light of her new life. Just like the sunshine I see now, everything was now brighter, more wondrous, and glorious because she finally found God.

It's that way when we come to relationship with God, too. Old things are passed away...all things are new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) There's nothing like it. Y

Waking up

2006-02-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning and this morning I woke up wanting to reread the passage in Exodus 33 where Moses tells God that He wants to see His glory. God grants him that desire by putting Moses in the cleft of the mountain and covering him with His hand until He passes by. As God passes by, Moses gets a glimpse of Him from the back and then God says His name...the Lord...so that Moses knows it is He.

It gives me chills every time I read or think about this passage. By just saying God's name, we are as close to Him as our own skin. No, He never leaves us or forsakes us; He's always present with us, but there's just something about His name that calls Him to our memory...that brings Him close. It's as if I were in love all over again. The air I breathe contains Him, and I breathe in His love. The sky I see when I drive to work is Him...it's all made by God in His love... because He is Love. The Name...the Name...how precious and lovely is His Name.

The One Behind The Name

2006-02-17T06:01:00.000-08:00

There were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who were attempting to cast out evil spirits in the name of Jesus whom, they said, Paul preached. Acts 19:16 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" NIV And the man in whom the evil spirit dwelt jumped on all of the sons, beat them severely, and sent them out of the house naked and wounded. He kicked their bottoms.

No wonder! What these sons were trying to do was operate in the power of God without knowing Jesus. Without knowing the one behind the name, we're likely to get our bottoms kicked in life. Knowing Him, not knowing OF Him, is the key to living a victorious life. Without that, we're defeated.

Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah

2006-02-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

Psalm 48:14 For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death. NIV

Lately I've been thinking about time; it seems to be getting so short to me. There are so many things I still want to do with my life, but I don't know if I'll ever get to do them. I'm getting older, and so is everyone else. We don't know when we'll die or where or even how. There is one thing we do know, and that's that our Lord and Savior will love us and guide us to the very end. In that, I am comforted.

If I dedicate each day to Him, do my very best to live a holy life, love Him, obey Him, and serve Him, then I have nothing whatsoever to worry about. What gets done, gets done. What doesn't doesn't. I'm in His hands. I'll follow His leading. He's very precious to me, but more importantly I know I'm precious to Him.

The elders in the church I grew up in used to start off every Sunday service with the song, "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah." At some points it seemed as if they were almost moaning because they so wanted God to guide the service and their lives. My heart sings this song this morning.

Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah
Lead me through this barren land
I am weak, but Thou art mighty
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven,
Feed me 'till I want no more
Bread of heaven,
Feed me 'till I want no more.

I am in your hands God, today and every day.

Lead me and guide me,

Your servant, Y

Oy!

2006-02-17T05:38:00.000-08:00

Oy! I had more medical tests yesterday, and they didn't go smoothly. On the way out of the lab, I asked for one of those kiddie stickers that read, "Hero. I was very brave today; I deserve a hug." Pretty harmless, you'd think! But, when I left the lab and returned to work there were so many situations more grave than mine that I felt ashamed. One coworker's sister just found out she has cancer of the tonsils; another's wife had a bacterial infection that left her with some brain damage. With each, only time will tell.

Although I thought I was encouraging myself, actually, it was part of a little pity party that didn't need to take place and certainly didn't need guests. But, God is so gracious in that He gently opened my eyes, and that even in this hour, I can still pray for and encourage others. Join me in praying for these two individuals today. May God strengthen and keep them, bring them peace, and, of course, His healing, wrought on the cross for them so many, many years ago.

Levicitus?

2006-02-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

I'm reading in Leviticus now, and every year I start reading Leviticus I get so uninspired. I hate to say it, but it's the truth. I'm determined to get something out of Leviticus. This morning I wondered, why was God so specific when He told Moses how to set up the tabernacle and prepare all the furnishings for it? Why didn't He just tell Moses to build a tent for people to worship in while they were on their journey?

Each piece, each curtain and rings, each plank, even the kind of wood the plank is made of has a meaning to us and to God; they foreshadow the coming Christ and His perfect sacrifice. Even then the people of Israel knew of the coming Messiah and looked for Him at each generation. Although it would be generations before Jesus was actually born, God gave them...and us...hope even in the very construction of the tabernacle.

Talk to the hand 'cuz my ears aren't listening

2006-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who live in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

I used to belong to a church where one of the pastors tried to make me feel guilty about a past sin I had committed. She would bring it up every chance she could. I felt terrible even though I had confessed my sin to God and asked for forgiveness. Finally, I realized that it was under the blood and that when God forgives you STAY forgiven. Now, whenever I see her, and she wants to (I mean she was always itching to) bring it up, I say, "it's under the blood. Talk to the nail-scarred hand of Jesus."

Touching base

2006-02-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

I was watching T.D. Jakes program this morning as I prepared myself for work. The men were talking about fathers, absent and present in their lives. My dad was one of those who was very present in my life. Even though he sometimes worked three jobs to put food on the table and make sure we had the kinds of things that other children did, he would spend time with my brother and me. Oftentimes he would come home well after midnight and wake us up in the middle of the night to have a snack and a talk. He just wanted to touch base with his babies. (I think that's why I don't have trouble falling back to sleep if awakened in the middle of the night.)

God, too, wants to touch base with us, his babies, even if for a moment. Sometimes it's in the middle of the night or early in the morning. Sometimes it's when you least expect it, but He's calling to us just the same.

Praising Him

2006-02-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

I loved my Uncle Van. He was always so full of joy. When he walked into a room, he would announce, "the party can now begin."

I think of that when I preparing to go to church. I shouldn't wait for praise and worship to arouse my spirit. My spirit should be aroused and full of joy and anticipation before I get to church so that it may join with others in lifting up praise to our Lord.

We are not animals!

2006-01-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

He said it again, "Human beings as animals..." I HAD to interrupt. "I am NOT an animal," I said. Again he repeated, "you know, humans are animals..." and he continued to make his point. Again, I interrupted. I am NOT an animal. His comment, "whatever!"

Whatever indeed. When we start thinking of humans as animals instead of the unique beings God created, we place ourselves in danger of sliding down a very slippery slope of false assumptions and logic. From there, we could easily justify acting like animals, devaluing life at all stages including those in the womb and those who are elderly. We could justify rape, murder, and taking from each other what we wanted just because we wanted to. Oh no, I am not an animal because God blessed me with a spirit to know and love Him and be loved back. Unlike an animal I, like all humans, can make those higher level connections. Oh no, I am not an animal and neither are you.

Restless

2006-01-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those times in your life where you don't know which way to turn? Maybe you feel restless or like something is happening but you're not exactly sure what? I'm having one of those days right now. I don't know what to do or what direction my life should take. I'm a little concerned. It's not like I'm not praying. I trust that God will lead me, but I think sometimes I drift from His plan for my life, and that's not what I want for sure.

Maybe this feeling I have is dissatisfaction with the way things are going for me right now. Perhaps God is teaching me patience. Again. I guess if you don't get it right the first time...

Well, for the rest of this day I'll focus on just trusting in Him. Just minute by minute, second by second...trusting in Him.

Work

2006-01-22T07:53:00.000-08:00

Matthew 22:5 But they paid no attention and went off -- one to his field, another to his business. NIV

Jesus told this parable of a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. inviting folks to come and they refused. In verse 5 it talks about those invited who went to work instead. I wonder if they were workaholics? I can be that way sometimes, and I have to remind myself to steal away some time with my lord and king. It isn't always easy. Today is Sunday. I went to church last night. Today I go in to work. We've moved and our first day of work in our new building is tomorrow. I must go in to help prepare.

But, as I try to start each morning reading from the New Testament, Old Testament, and either a psalm or proverb, today's new testament reading was from Matthew 22. There it was...these workaholics who wouldn't (not couldn't) steal away some time to celebrate with their king.

I don't want to make that mistake! I can't live without Him no matter how busy I get.

Moving

2006-01-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

Workers at my job are packing up to move to a new location. It's hard work, but it's worth it. I think of that day when we'll all move...absent from the body, present with the Lord...and I rejoice. No packing, no sad goodbyes, no regrets...just joy at finally being in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Choice

2006-01-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

As a Christian woman I feel have choice...the choice whether to have sex in the first place. Sometimes that's a difficult choice, but the arguments for or against Roe v. Wade would indeed be moot if we all were in tune with God's plan for our bodies.

Stinky

2006-01-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

My great niece turned two a couple of weeks ago. Several months before she turned two she started potty training herself! She would untab her diapers, take them off and tell mommy or daddy, "potty!" It was hilarious, until she told me. That's when I promptly called her mommy.

I wonder if it's that way for us, too. If sometimes our lives stink so badly that we tell God, "enough!" I don't want to live this way anymore. I want your way. I know I do...almost daily.

Seek Ye First

2006-01-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a billboard today
Reading the word in the morning: The Breakfast of Champions!

God's Word

2006-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Psalm 12:6 And the word of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay purified seven times. NIV

So when God speaks, we ought to listen!

It's never too late to birth your dream

2006-01-09T04:55:00.001-08:00

Genesis 17:17 Abraham fell face down; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a 100 years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of 90?" NIV

Long past the age when their desire for a child was humanly possible, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their dream, a child. This was not just any child, but this child was the child through whom all would be blessed, the beginning of Abraham's line through whom Christ would come. Isaac was the proof of God's promise.

Why so long? Why did it take so long? We don't know. Abraham and Sarah were seriously old! Both were well past the age for child bearing. Maybe God was helping Abraham to see that this was something that would come from God, something that only God could do, something that Abraham couldn't do in his own strength.

I have dreams long buried that I don't even mention any more. For one reason or another I haven't pursued them...some because of circumstance (like caring for my little daddy), some from lack of funds, whom knows? But I love what the Lord said to Abraham in Genesis 18:14. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" No, there is nothing too hard for God. In Him, I put my trust and my faith. I look forward to birthing my dreams in Him. It's never too late!

It's never too late to birth your dream

2006-01-09T04:55:00.000-08:00

First Things First

2006-01-06T04:40:00.000-08:00

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? NIV

You wouldn't think so. In our society it's all about what you wear, how big your house is, and how much money you make. Missionaries from other countries who come to America are amazed and appalled at what we Americans do and how we PRIZE and use money above all else. I met one missionary who drives a decades old car so that she can use the wealth God has given her to minister to women in other countires.

There are so many ministries, especially in America, built on getting all the wealth you can. It's not that God doesn't condone wealth; He blesses so many with wealth. But first things first, and the first thing is God.

Further down in erse 33 in the above chapter, Jesus says (it's in red), "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Love Your Enemies?

2006-01-05T04:23:00.000-08:00

It goes against every inclincation in my heart and body, but I KNOW it's the best way. I also know I can't love in my own strength. I have to lean on God to help me through the bitterness and anger. As I reach out to Him, God graciously fills me with what I need to love.

When I harbour hate and bitterness in my heart, it only hurts me. My enemy has moved on with his or her life and that bitterness eats away at only me. And so, for the sake of the cross, for my own sake, I forgive my enemy so that I can move on. It feels good. It feels right. It IS right because it is God and HE IS.

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. NIV

Life

2006-01-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

What is life without God?

Cain, Abel, and Me

2006-01-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

You can probably tell I'm back reading in Genesis. It's the beginning of the year, and I'm reading through the bible again, this time for more in-depth insight.

For years I've tried to figure out the difference between Cain and Abel's offerings to God. What angered God so much about Cain's offering? The bible really doesn't saym but I've gotten a different piece of this puzzle every time I've read the scripture. This time, my puzzle piece clearly spoke to me that it wasn't that Cain's offering was produce while Abel's was the animal sacrifice. It's that Abel's offering was the first fruit of his work...not just the first in terms of number, but the best of what he had!

When I tithe, when I volunteer, when I donate...am I giving the very best I can? Am I simply writing a check out of habit? Am I putting my whole heart and soul into my giving? What does it mean for me to give?

Those are questions I will ask myself every time I put my name on a check, every time I bring another load to a donation facility. What am I giving? And, am I giving to the Lord?

Valued

2006-01-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

I sometimes struggle with feeling valued, but in those times I need to remember that God chose to create me, and I am valuable in His eyes.

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. NIV

The New Year Ahead

2005-12-31T05:36:00.000-08:00

Read Philippians 3 and 4 to get you off to a good start for the new year. Be blessed.

Proverbs 31 Woman

2005-12-31T05:31:00.000-08:00

What is she? What makes her different?

She fears God above all things. She is strong in the Lord and the power of His might. She is trustworthy. She is wise and kind. She's industrious; she works hard. She provides for her household. She invests wisely and looks for open doors of opportunity. She gives charitably. She is prepared for times of adversity because she plans well. She pays attention to the way she looks and exercises and eats well to keep healthy. She lets her work be her praise. May I be such a woman!

Watching over you

2005-12-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

Luke 12:6 (New International Version)
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

I remember when I first heard the song. I was a "pretending I was all that" young college student when Ethel Waters sang it on a telecast of a Billie Graham Crusade. It touched me in a way that no song had before. I knew Jesus; I had given my life to him at age 13, but that night He seemed more real than ever. Somehow I hadn't made the connection that Jesus was a very personal savior. Oh yes, I believed that He was God and that He had gone to the cross for my sins, but I didn't know that my everyday life was important to Him...other than trying to live a holy life. Since then, I've grown to depend on Him more and more. I love Him so! He carefully and lovingly watches over me daily. No matter what you are going through, He is always there, watching over you...caring and lovingly.

Stolen! Restored!

2005-12-29T08:55:00.000-08:00

In my prayer time about a week and a half ago, I poured my heart out to God about all those things that had been stolen from me ... my voice, my song, my confidence, and even my joy! I let so many things slip by the wayside...and I wanted them back, every single talent and gift that God had given me, to give to Him to minister.

Tuesday, I sang at my uncle's funeral. It was the first time I had sung a solo in years and years. If you don't use your voice, it gets rusty, and mine should have been the rustiest! I prayed for God's anointing and for the song to minister God's comfort to family and friends, and God provided mightily. I had forgotten what my voice sounded like it had been so long. As a lyric soprano I knew it would be hard to hit those high notes after not using my voice for so long, and breathing...well...I knew that to minister in song, it would have to be God. But, my aunt insisted, and I relented although I was uncomfortable. This is where I brag on God: As I sang my voice was so clear and pure, as if God had been saving up that song just to show me what He could do.

I bless His name and give Him the glory. I'm looking forward to what else God has for me. I will no longer let my voice or my song remain dormant. I will use them both for His glory and to minister for Him.

The Name of Jesus

2005-12-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

That name--so precious, so sweet. It soothes all my anxious thoughts and brings peace to my mind. So many beautiful songs have been written about that name. There is no one like Him.

I hate it when people use Jesus as a swear word; that rips my soul to its very core. I pray that one day those who abuse His name will know the person behind the name and all He did for us.

Philippians 2: 9-11
For this reason also, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Christ is born!

2005-12-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 60:1[ The Glory of Zion ] "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. NIV

God has come to His people in flesh; Christ the king, the long awaited promise, was born about 2000 years ago. The world has never been the same.

A Child is Born

2005-12-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing it and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Worried about what will happen to our nation? No need. For Christ is on the throne, and as far as I or anyone else knows, He hasn't stepped down.

Joy to the world.

The Details

2005-12-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

People say, "the devil is in the details," but it's really God who is in the details.

At lunch I decided to take some change to the bank to be deposited. I'm saving for next summer's ministry trip and every little bit will help.

All change must be counted and converted before it is deposited at my bank. There is a convenient machine by the bank's front door for anyone who has change to be converted.

The sign on the change machine read, "$5 charge on amounts over $100." I didn't know how much change I had; I thought that I might have $50 or so. Depite the fact that the sign should have read on amounts more than $100 (sometimes you just can't get away from that English degree), I went ahead and poured my money in the huge traylike slot. The machine churned and stopped at $97; however, there was money in the reject slot. The machine would not accept the reject money because it had completed its count. I printed the receipt, and then I placed the rest of the money back in the machine. There was another $4.04 credited to my account for a grand total of $101.04, but I didn't have to pay the $5 fee because God rejected just the right amount (to be reinput). You've just got to love Him!

Oops

2005-12-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

I rushed to help a coworker into our workplace this morning. Her hands were full, and in my zeal to help, I knocked her over. Oy! It made me wonder, if sometimes I am so enthusiastic and passionate about things that I bowl people over instead of being helpful. Hmmm.

Hope

2005-12-22T03:56:00.000-08:00

Proverb 23: 17b-18 ...but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Our hope is in the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Without Him, there is no hope.

Love

2005-12-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV
Never

The Desires of Our Hearts

2005-12-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

My dear mentors asked if I would like to go to Scotland with them next year to a COPE (Coalition of Prison Evangelists) conference. Of course! I've always wanted to go to Scotland. I've started making plans to go.

Today, my friends sent more information about the conference. Part of the conference is 8 to 10 hours of ministry per day in prisons and hospitals. I told my boss, "that sounds like I'm going on a missionary trip." The moment I said it, I remembered what I had whispered to God when I was still a tiny little girl, "I want to be a missionary to tell people about Jesus." And now, at 54, I finally get to go on a "missionary" trip.

Does God hear? Yes. Does He remember? Absolutely. And He gives us the desires of our hearts...in His perfect timing.

My Redeemer Lives! Amen!

2005-12-19T04:33:00.000-08:00

Job 19:25-27 (New International Version)
25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Job was going through a tough time, and his three friends were NOT helping any. But I love it when Job says the above words to his friend Bildad. He knows that his Redeemer lives. He absolutely, positively KNOWS this and because of that one very thing, he will get through his suffering.

Do you KNOW Him?

Gifts that Keep on Giving

2005-12-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

Last year I gave a small gift to the grandmother of a coworker who has been ill for some time...just to remember her. I don't know her; I've never met her. The gift was a coffee mug with some goodies. It was a small gift, but heartfelt.

I sent another small gift this year...and the message I got back blessed me so. My coworker's grandmother makes coffee for herself every morning and then sits at the breakfast table drinking her coffee from the mug I gave her and praying for people in her life. She includes me: a person she's never met. Wow! I am so blessed and humbled. Who knew that a small gift would reap such blessings? Who knows what other blessings I am reaping without knowing it?

There is Love

2005-12-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Even if I lose my way...there is love...Someone's watching over me, and I feel comforted and secure.

All Hail Our Conquering King

2005-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

My friend and I were just discussing the movie "Chronicles of Riddick." In the movie, the inhabitants of a planet watch the skies in horror as a fierce ruler approaches their planet. For days before he arrives, they can see his spaceship, and fear is in everyone's heart because there is no real defense. When this ruler arrives as conqueror and self-appointed king, he forces the inhabitants of the planet to bow on their knees to him, to submit to him...or else.

Although this isn't by any means a Christian movie, there are so many things in it that make scripture come to life for me. You see, Jesus is returning, and when He comes this time, He will return as a warrior, a conqueror, and Lord of all. Yes, every knee will bow...some out of humbleness and love for their master. But for those who haven't known Him or don't know Him and for those who have denied Him, their knees WILL bow out of the realization of Who He is and out of domination. Fear will strike their hearts as they realize who He is. As a warlord conquers people, so will our King conquer those of every nation and tribe, and it won't be pretty!

There is no way anyone will miss our King's arrival because the very heavens will open, and He will judge the people and WAGE WAR (Revelation 16:11). Although He is love, we're not talking about some namby pamby twerpy little guy tripping through some fields and picking flowers. He's no self-appointed king; He earned His kingship and He's coming back for His own and waging war on unrighteousness. We'll know Him. Make no mistake. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written...King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

What makes Him more than a conqueror is this: He's prepared a place for those who've followed Him and in that place there is no more war, no more suffering, no more dying, and no more tears. He's prepared a place of love and wholeness. Hallelujah!

Trusting in the Lord

2005-12-14T03:29:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning remembering my sweet and precious little daddy. He dedicated his beautiful tenor voice to the Lord early in life, turning down professional singing contracts time after time to sing for the Lord. He would sing this chorus all the time:

I will trust in the Lord
I will trust in the Lord
I will trust in the Lord
Until I die..

I will stay on bended knees
I will stay on bended knees
I will stay on bended knees
Until I die..

My little daddy was not perfect, but his love toward our heavenly Father was. Out family never wanted for anything. God supplied to the full our every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We weren't rich, but our family did amazing things off my dad's salary, including all kinds of private lessons.You see, my dad put his trust in the Lord, and the Lord always provided. Always.

That is an important lesson for me. I tend to have a sort of panicky personality and have to remind myself that God has always taken great care of me...that He watches over me with love and concern daily. I can trust Him when I can trust no one else, including myself.

Thank you, God, for watching over me today and every day.

Gifts from God

2005-12-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

Malachi 4: 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. NIV

There is hope for our future. That most precious gift from God comes in so many ways. Healing is only one of the many gifts God provides for us. And those of us who know Him can look forward to hope in our God with joy...like calves released from the stall.

Miss Georgia W.

2005-12-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

When I was a small child, there was a wonderfully kind lady in our church named Miss Georgia W. Miss Georgia's early life had been awful. Her parents hadn't wanted her; my dad told me her mother tried to burn her in a fire when she was a baby. She had no husband and no children. She did day work in wealthy people's homes. All she had was Jesus and her church family. But that was enough.

As a youngster, I never could understand how and why she got so happy in the spirit at church, especially at Christmastime when the choir sang Silent Night. Don't get me wrong. It's a nice song and all, but it's not usually one that moves people to large shows of emotion. But not Miss Georgia W. You see, when nobody else wanted her, Jesus did. When nobody else could be her comfort, Jesus was. When no one else would be her family, Jesus was. He was her everything, the one who loved her so completely. So it just seemed right to be emotional about the wonderful night that He was born!

She'd get to crying and clucking and pretty soon she couldn't contain it any more. She'd have to let out a shout. Now most people in our church had left shouting in the spirit behind long years before that. They were too "sophisticated." But not Miss Georgia. She just couldn't help it. Jesus. Just the very name would bring her to tears of joy. He truly loved her. She knew it, and you know, everyone else knew it too.

I think about her often at this time of year. Miss Georgia went to be with Jesus some time ago. There she knows true love and true happiness. She doesn't want for anything, most especially love. The love that was denied her in this life she knows to the full in the next. And now when I hear Silent Night, I too get a glimpse of what she felt because I know that God loves me.

May the Word Transform Our Lives

2005-12-07T04:02:00.000-08:00

There was a time in Jewish history where a man named Ezra, a priest and a scribe, stood before the people and simply read the word of the Lord. Day after day, the people gathered to hear the word. Many were moved to tears as they heard the precious word because as Ezra read, the word changed their lives.

Would that it were so now! Some while back, I was watching television and saw an evangelist preaching to the multitudes in Africa. As he read the word, people stood and rejoiced loudly. I thought of the times I had sat in church and when the word was read people got busy doing other things: talking to their neighbor, disciplining kids. We had let the word become commonplace to us.

It is not so! May we weep and rejoice and respond to the word each day as if we were hearing it for the first time. Let us welcome it and let it change our lives to conform to that of our Lord daily.

Praying for Those in Authority over You

2005-12-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

It's not popular to be a leader. There is always someone who wants to take a potshot at you and especially at your reputation. I'm not really sure what the viciousness is reallly all about, but I try to remember that Jesus was ridiculed, betrayed, beaten, and killed by those whom He loved.

Nehemiah wasn't that popular either. Many of the nobles were working against him even though he was doing what God told him to do. (Nehemiah 6)

Prayer for those in authority is a must. God has given us leaders, right or wrong, good or bad, and we must pray for them for our own welfare.

I know that I covet the prayers of those around me. There is no way I could do the jobs I do without the prayers of the saints and favor of God.

Today, pray for those in authority over you, not just in your church or mission, but at your jobs.

The Word

2005-12-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

One of the pleasures I love is reading my bible every morning. For years I've followed a plan that takes me through the bible. Every day there is an old testament reading, a new testament reading, and a psalm or proverb. The thing I really enjoy is that it takes you through the bible in chronological order so you may jump from Ezra to Esther and back to Ezra again. I get a better sense of what's happened why and when.

Whatever way you read the word, I encourage you to do so daily. I don't just miss the experience when I don't read the word, I notice a big difference in the way my days play out. They don't go as well as I think they could have if I miss the word.

Psalm 119: 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. NIV

Be blessed in the word today.

Eternal Praise

2005-12-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

Revelation 5:13-14 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth, and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying,
To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever. And the four living creatures kept saying Amen, and the elders fell down and worshipped. NIV

I can just imagine it, at the end of time as we know it, when we are welcomed into the presence of our precious God. It all will be much too wonderful. No one will be able to stand in His magnificent presence. As we drop to our knees even the quietest will shout amen and glory and weep for joy! Nothing will surpass the excitement we will share because we will be in the very presence of our awesome and mighty God, defender of all, lover of all, ruler of all, protector of all, comforter of all. He who is beauteous and holy, mighty and worthy, will meet us face to face. My heart is stirred even now when I think of Him. Hallelujah!

Learning a Lesson from Haman

2005-11-30T04:26:00.000-08:00

Haman did everything he could to bring Esther's people down. You see, he had a root of bitterness that permeated down to his very soul and he wouldn't let it go.

I feel for Haman. When people do things to hurt us, it doesn't feel very good and sometimes our own roots of bitterness set up in our hearts. I find myself in danger of that right now. There are people who make up things about me and do things just to set others against me. I don't understand it, I hate it, and sometimes I think I want to hate them.

But I know God's way is different. He calls us to love others. If we don't, that root of bitterness will ensare us and we will fall to our own destruction.

I find in the Word of God that I am called to love and forgive others, even when they don't love me. I pray to God for the strength to do that today and every day.

1John 4:20 says For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. NIV

For Such a Time as This

2005-11-29T04:45:00.000-08:00

Esther 4:14b And who knows that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? NIV

Sometimes situations seem bad and you don't seem to be able to escape them. Maybe it's your job or volunteer work or family or even living in a certain city. That's certainly happened to me. What if instead of trying to escape them, we begin to see that God has a purpose for us being there? Perhaps we are the very people He has chosen to bring truth and light to a situation. Instead of complaining and whining to God that folks are mistreating us, what about thanking Him for giving us this open door to be ambassadors for Him?

As sons and daughters of Christ, we are a royal priesthood, holy unto Him to serve...for such a time as this.

Daddy God

2005-11-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday would have been my little daddy's 88th birthday had he lived. I loved him so much and miss him so. He was a wonderfully funny dad who loved the Lord with all his heart. I was so blessed to have him in my life.

Many of us identify with God as our heavenly Father, receiving all the love He has provided through our Lord Jesus Christ. But that is difficult for many of the people with whom I volunteer because their own earthly fathers were and are ... well ... less than wonderful. Many have suffered abuse, physical and mental, at the hands of the very person whom they thought would love them and support them the most. Many were just neglected. I wonder if that is part of the reason that they are in prison. I don't know.

I know this one thing: Not one of our earthly fathers' love can never match that of our heavenly father...not even the love of my own precious daddy could match the love that God has given me!

Our heavenly Father loves us so. There is no one who loves us as God does. He longs to have an intimate relationship with us and to be called Daddy (Abba).

As I near the end of this year and think about my future and the upcoming year, I resolve to further develop my relationship with God. My prayer is that it deepen daily.

Still Thankful

2005-11-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving holiday I got a chance to visit with family and friends. Because of my schedule, I don't get a chance to spend quality time with either it seems, but Thanksgiving provided the perfect opportunity to do so.

We don't all think alike; in fact, this Thanksgiving my family got into a huge argument. But, we love one another, and we learn from one another.

God gave us families and friends for a reason. We were not created to go through this life alone. Think about Adam. He had everything, but God created a helpmete for him...someone to love, someone to love him.

This Thanksgiving season and on, be thankful for those God has put into our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

It is Thanksgiving Day. I have so much to be thankful for and I'm sure you do too. Let's not forget to take time amid all the turkey and dressing and pies to thank the Lord for all He's done. I'm not just talking about material blessings, although we should thank God for what He's done in that area too. I'm talking about starting with Jesus giving His life for us so that we may have life and life more abundantly. I'm talking about our eternal homes in heaven, the people He's put into our lives here on earth, health...and I could go on and on and on. Be blessed this Thanksgiving holiday and bless the Lord.

So many wonderful things

2005-11-23T04:08:00.000-08:00

John 21:25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. NIV

And so, John ends his gospel. But it really doesn't end there, does it? Jesus continues to do so many wonderful things in our lives. Eternity isn't enough time to thank Him. But on this day before Thanksgiving, we ought to give it a try. In fact, we ought to make thanksgiving to our Lord something we offer much more than once a year, once a month, even daily. Thanksgiving ought to be in our hearts at all times.

In the cave

2005-11-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path. Psalm 142: 3a NIV

Yes, there are times I let myself get upset over situations, especially when I can't figure out what's going on and where God is in that situation. But then, I remember, that God knows what's going on. He knows His plans for my life, and I no longer need to be afraid.

He is with me and loves me. He has good things planned for me (Jeremiah 29: 11), and I can most certainly trust Him in any situation.

I comfort myself with that knowledge and can move on. It's only when I get my eyes off the path, off of Him, that my fears return.

I am thankful that God cares so much for me.