Hope in a New Week

It's always nice to be at the very beginning of a new week--you feel full of optimism and promise...and hope for better days ahead...and hopefully this week will be better than the last two have been. We visited Mom and Dad in Chicago. Mom made it through her second surgery where they fused her vertebrae and put pins and such in her neck. She is in an amazing amount of pain and will have a long recovery period. Dad is trying to stay upbeat, but stress and fatigue are wearing him down a bit, of course. The kids were a bright spot to them, and we're so thankful we could be with them for a few days. Car accidents happen so quickly. Life can be snuffed out so fast. "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14) Mom never knew a piece of metal would come whirling at her through the windshield and hit her in neck. There was nothing Dad could do...no where to swerve out of his lane--it all happened so quickly. Cars on both sides of them were unscratched. They were the ones to experience the trauma of it all. But...praise the Lord they are both alive! Mom missed her life being cut short by mere millimeters. Praise the Lord for good doctors, medicine, and medical technology! Praise Him that it was close enough to home so that we can be with them as much as possible! Praise the Lord for insurance! It's hard to understand why things happen sometimes, but we are praising the Lord and thanking Him (yes, even Mom is) for his mercy and strength in this. Perhaps some day we will understand His purpose in all of this, but today we just rest in His strength and trust Him. "For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Consequences

I've been reading lately in the Old Testament...specifically in II Chronicles and have been amazed at the instances where a king of Judah may have done right all his life, but at the end of his life he got mixed in with the wrong people (like the king of Israel) or decided to do some wrong things (like worship an idol instead of God) and how the next king of Judah--his son--interestingly ended up being an unrighteous king doing all sorts of things he shouldn't. This son would then have many difficulties or have a short life, and his actions and attitude affected a whole group of people.
Consequences.
Of course, anyone who reads the experiences of the Jews in the Old Testament knows that if they did right and served God--things went well...amazingly well. If they fell into disobedience and sin--things didn't go well. How the people acted influenced the whole nation.
Consequences.
My husband and I found out this past weekend some seriously sad and disturbing news about a lady we know very well. She has done many things over many years that are very, very wrong...and she doesn't feel badly at all! No repentance for her actions (though I truly hope and pray that this will ultimately come despite the damage that has already been done). It's amazing how we were deceived for years thinking one thing about her and now realizing she was living a very different life. But, now that we know the truth about her...ahhh...things are making sense to us. Like some of the things her family has been through. Like, the lives of her children today, and their rejection of God. You can't fool children, and they grew up knowing things that we all didn't and saw the hypocrisy and deception. No wonder they don't want to serve God. Mom pretended to the world and lived a different life behind closed doors. What a fake! Her actions have not only influenced her family, but us, her entire family, and many, many others.
Consequences.
If nothing else, this all has been teaching me how important it is to be careful of what I do and what I say. We all have more influence on more people than we realize. One sin or sinful act that I do today could affect my family, extended family, and the lives of my children permanently for their entire lives. This is scary! Such responsibility! The consequences could ripple on for years! People only think of themselves and the situation at hand not about the lives that will be affected....and not to mention responsibility to God in the end--the ultimate consequential revelation and payment (Hebrews 9:27 "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment...").

Royalty

I was once told by a New Zealander that as an American I could never really understand royalty and a subject's relationship to a king/queen. At the time he was talking about the Christian's relationship with the King of kings. His statement is true since royalty is not a part of American culture. Perhaps that is why some of us (me included!) are in such awe of the actions of royalty across the world. Understanding it all can be difficult.
I so enjoyed looking at all the pictures (the ones above are complements of www.jewelry.com--a favorite website of mine--you can see more pictures of other royals at the wedding HERE) of the wedding this past weekend of Swedish Crown Princess Victoria...all of the pomp...all of the formality...all of the beauty...all of those gorgeous gems! Her sister and mother looked stunning as well. It amazes me that people have opportunity to look like this and wear such beautiful, historical things. I guess I cannot truly understand royalty. It all IS fun to observe, however, and, though Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, someday I will truly understand my position as a subject under His kingly reign.

So, Who Really is in Control?

"He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke." (Psalm 104:32) I can't help but think of this verse with the recent volcano explosion in Iceland...and, yes, even the earthquakes that have recently taken place. It's interesting that we the people who reside on this earth can think that we are in control of and must control everything and think very little of God in the process--like manipulating the clouds for rain, reducing the number of cows because of their "emissions", etc. Now, I'm not saying that we should abuse the earth--we should take care of it, of course! However, one little "look" and/or "touch" from God can remind us mighty quickly of who is really in control. We cannot just go on with our lives with disregard of who and what God is. What God can do and allow--and what He has chosen NOT to do or allow--has much more impact that anything we can ever imagine. Recent events are a reminder to us all to honor and serve and fear the One who is ultimately at the helm.

So, Who IS the real St. Patrick?

This may come as a surprise...but Patrick has nothing to do with drinking green beer, finding leprechauns, or chasing snakes out of Ireland! He was an actual person who lived between 389-465 AD (though the year of his death is debatable). It is believed that he died on March 17, 465--that is where March 17 comes in. He was originally from Scotland (Roman Briton as it was known as) and when he was around 16 was kidnapped by the Irish Druids to become a slave in Ireland...he is quoted as saying, "...our deservings; for we had gone away from God and had not kept his commandments, and were not obedient to our pastors, who admonished us to our salvation." He was converted to Christ (not to a church) while a slave for six years then escaped to return to his home in Briton where he studied the Bible (there is no record of formal ecclesiastical training). Much against his family's wishes, he returned to Ireland around the age of 43 to be a missionary. Like Paul of the Bible, he did not marry. He established "monastaries" to train others to serve Christ. Over his 30 years of ministry thousands were converted to Christ (note again...not to a church--to salvation in Christ), and he wrote The Confession (a "confessor" in Patrick's day was one who had risked his life by openly following the Lord Jesus Christ). The beautiful country of Ireland was evangelized, and he is credited with starting over 300 local churches. After his death and during the 6th and 7th centuries, Ireland came to be called the "Island of Saints." The Catholic church has "sainted" him as one of their own, but Patrick made no mention of the Catholic church during his writings, he is buried in what is now the church yard of a Protestant cathedral in Downpatrick, Ireland, and Catholicism was actually introduced to Ireland over 100 years after Patrick and was not firmly established in Ireland until around 1172. Patrick wrote that he had "...a care and a great anxiety for the salvation of others..." and referred to himself as a "fisher of men." His writings are interwoven with quotations from Scripture. Mmmm, the life of the real Patrick is quite different from the thoughts of most people today. He sounds like he was quite a servant for the Lord, and I'm thankful to know about him.

Globe Beads

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
I can't help but think of this verse when I see these beads. Perhaps this is how big the world is to God...yet He is concerned about each one of us.
The darker one was given to me as a gift, and the two lighter ones I found this past week while visiting a new...yes, a NEW, bead shop. I have no idea what I'll do with them. They just "spoke to me", and I bought them. I guess they appeal to me because they look like the real thing only in miniature, and the different stones used as the inlaid continents are pretty. Anyway, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to TWO bead shops this past week, and one of them was this new shop close to Milwaukee. Talk about inspiration overload! I'll be posting soon about a recent creation from a beautiful new bead I bought this past week. Stay tuned!

Are People Glad to Have Known You?

Sometimes I ponder this question. There have been people I think about from my past who, quite frankly, I wish I had never known. I think of a lady I used to work with years ago. She was very negative, caused me to doubt people (even tried with my own husband), and stressed me out. While I may have learned lessons from her (like what NOT to be like), I can't look back with a positive memory of her. Then, there are people that I can think of that I'm just so glad...so privileged...to have known! People that have impacted my life, and, yes, the lives of others, I'm sure, in a good way...in a strong way. A lady, Shirley, that my family has only known since last spring passed away last night. Though we only knew her for a short time, I'm glad we knew her. I look back on our chats and smiles and am thankful for the time that we had to get acquainted. She was an older lady that was feisty, vibrant, and full of life who went in for hernia surgery...and just didn't make it. Who would have known? Was she worried? Worried? Why should she be worried? She assured her family before the surgery that she had no worries about the surgery...and besides, if something DID happen to her she had accepted the Lord Jesus as her personal Saviour and was totally sure that she would spend eternity in heaven. She was comforting her family with this (to some who perhaps were not saved and did not have this assurance). One just never knows what tomorrow will bring (see very bottom of this bog if you want this assurance!)...I'm so thankful to have known of Shirley's strength and assurance and comfort and testimony. I'm just so glad to have known Shirley.

The Invisible Woman

Have you seen this YouTube clip--The Invisible Woman? Do you ever feel "invisible"...sort of unimportant? This was an inspiration and a good reminder to me about what is important. I know it will be a blessing to you and a worth-watch. It was to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0

For the New Year....Remember Joseph

There are several "stories"--real, true accounts--in the Bible that I love reading. I may have read them many times, but they still send chills up my back and make me think. One is the story of Ruth. Talk about romantic! Dedication, honor, respect, love *sigh*...once I start the book of Ruth it's hard to put it down until its all read (at least it's a short book). The story of Joseph is another. I was reading it this morning. Jealousy, danger, lies, falsehood, character, forgiveness...The part where Joseph reveals himself to his brothers..."I am Joseph," in chapter 45 is so compelling! Talk about goosebumps! There are two lessons that I'm reminded of when I read about Joseph. The first thing is to stay true to God no matter what. Let's face it, Joseph would have had a pretty good excuse to blame God for how his brothers ganged up on him and sold him and he had to live his life as a slave in Egypt away from his family...not to mention that he was lied about and ended up in jail. However, through it all he was faithful and true and trusted God even when he could have easily done wrong (and no one would have known or cared!). What a good example of character! The second thing is that from the very beginning when his brothers were moved to jealousy all the way to going before Pharaoh to give God's interpretation of the dreams, the Lord's hand was in his life. God knew the future and prepared him all along the way--he ended up in Egypt (had to learn the language); the captain of the guard happened to buy him; he ended up in jail where he met the butler; he saved thousands of people from hunger.
The account of Joseph is a good one to think on as we ring in the new year. When times get rough, God's hand is in it for a reason even though things at the moment may seem unjust, unfair, or overly difficult. God knows the future and is shaping and preparing us for things we don't yet know about. Also, no matter what, have character and be faithful to God no matter what the circumstances and whether anyone knows or not. It will always be worth it in the end.

God's Word (the Bible) is....

....1) As cleansing to our minds like water--- "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." (Psalm 119:9)
....2) More valuable than the greatest treasures---"I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches." (Psalm 119:14)
....3) Uplifting like a song---"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage." (Psalm 119:54)
....4) As comforting and calming as a counselor---"This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. " (Psalm 119:50)
....5) As sweet as honey---"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! " (Psalm 119:103)
....6) A helpful light to us to shine our way in life--"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. " (Psalm 119:105)

This was the message I heard this morning in church. These were excellent points, I thought, from the psalmist of Psalm 119 who wrote the entire passage continually referring to God's Word. I hope these points and especially the corresponding scripture will be a blessing and encouragement to you--as they have been to me--to not forget to read the Bible.

Honesty and Character

I've received 100's of spam e-mails this past week. I don't keep a spam filter on our email account because when we did this last we ended up not getting several very important emails. So, I methodically hit that delete button cleaning up all the clutter and junk (it's amazing the word "delete" hasn't rubbed off the button yet). Obviously people have had a great deal of fun selling and reselling our email address...to try to catch us off guard...to get us to buy whatever junk we don't want or need...or worse yet to try to get information from us that they can use to their benefit and our detriment. Sometimes you wonder, "Is there ANYONE honest out there?"

Well, I found out that, yes, indeed, there are a few honest people with character still in the world. I had to go to the doctor's office for a rather stressful appointment, and inadvertently I left my wallet sitting there in the waiting room--the busy clinic's waiting room. Home I came...through the door...to a ringing telephone. It was the receptionist at the clinic saying that my wallet was there. Someone had turned it in. Immediately my mind raced to the debit cards, credit card, drivers' license, bead shop punch card (okay, not really THAT card) that someone could have taken, copied, etc. Well, the receptionist said a lady saw it and turned it in. They didn't know/remember who she was because I asked hoping at the very least to thank her properly. Everything was there. No cards stolen. No problems with empty bank accounts (not that anyone would have gotten much). No headaches with trying to clear up my name on credit reports. I am so thankful--grateful beyond words--that in this world of scams and dishonesty, there was someone with character and honesty who did the right thing. I wish I could have thanked her--given her a little gift perhaps. I've prayed that in my stead the Lord will bless her with extra special blessings because He knows the entire situation and who was involved, and I know and trust that He will answer my prayer.

Singing Some Praises...

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow: Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. A-men"

This is otherwise known as Doxology--written by Thomas Ken to the tune by Louis Bourgeois and quite often sung today rather ritualistically--unfortunately. It's a simple song really, but the message is clear and precise...and today, I'm just bursting with praise...this song is truly in my heart. Can't help it! After months of some not-very-positive news and situations, this week and today have brought blessings.

We had a flat tire last weekend upon coming out of the grocery store--which was a blessing in disguise because they were all really bad (like bald, rippled, and little chunks out of the rubber). Thankfully my husband was there too, so he changed it. Then, the Lord provided the money from an unexpected source to pay for the tires. We didn't have to put the new ones on the credit card...AND I wasn't stranded on the Interstate somewhere with the kids trying to fix the tire myself!

My sister-in-law got a VERY last minute spot due to a cancellation as a vendor for her Starwhiz tools in the Quilt Expo in Madison (connected with Nancy Zieman productions-- http://wiquiltexpo.com) held this weekend. I'm just amazed and thrilled for her to be able to get in (and in the first 20 minutes she sold two!), and I hope she does really, really well. She volunteered to display some of my jewelry out on one of her walls which is sooo nice of her.

Then my father-in-law who has been a builder for over 40 years and who has been out of good, solid work other than little jobs here and there for a few years now, just found out today that he got a big job to last him many months--through the winter. This is a definite answer to many months of prayer. It's just great to know that their needs will be met.

I'm just so thrilled with our blessings and the many blessings of others (the encouragement is definitely contagious)--needs have been met and things have come together in truly miraculous ways. It can only be God. "Praise Him, from whom all blessings fall..."

What Do We Leave Behind?

Dave, a friend of my husband's and mine passed away last week. He was young--only 49--and died of viral encephalitis. We have known him for years, and one thing about him is that he was always willing to help a person out. He was great at working on computers and working on cars, and really helped us (who are somewhat challenged in these areas) numerous times. His willing heart and knowledgeable hands were such a blessing to us. These are such good, positive memories.

It got me thinking about Dorcas in the Bible. This lady had died (and was later raised from the dead by Peter through the power of Jesus Christ), and it says "...this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did....and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them."(Acts 9:36 and 39) What a legacy this lady had! I hope that I do enough good works (no, not to earn my way to heaven which is impossible by the way) but simply so that people remember those things when it is my time to pass on and be with the Lord. It is a reminder to me to not live for myself but for others--to always be willing to help others out. Just like we remember our friend, Dave, for these things.

Also, Dorcas's life is perhaps why I appreciate handmade things. Each thing that is handmade is a little legacy left behind by that person whether they are coats or quilts or brooches or bears. I hope people remember me also by the things I've made for them...and this encourages me to do my best job when I do create and be willing to give often.

God Really Does Answer Prayer

You know a lot of people think it's nuts to pray, but many do pray. Oh, yes, there are those who don't pray to the God of the Bible. Many don't realize that if they don't have a personal relationship with God or if their relationship with Him is not right...He won't hear them (The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29) Some people just repeat the same words when they pray. That's like saying the same thing, over and over again, to my husband every time I see him. What must God think of that? Anyway, some people make a mental ascent to God when they pray but don't pray with their heart, and their thoughts are on dinner or the ball game or whatever. Some people pray because they're at their whits end but don't have the faith to believe that God will really answer those prayers. The God of the Bible actually LIKES it when His children pray to him (... but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Proverbs 15:8)

For those who doubt whether the God of the Bible (the One to whom I pray) answers prayer, I for one KNOW that He does. Now, God doesn't always do it my way and when I want it and sometimes He even clearly answers "No"...which usually, buy the way, I can look back on at a future date and see WHY He didn't answer my prayer they way I wished.

One event recently is that we didn't have the money for our schoolbooks for the upcoming year for homeschooling. We had no way of getting the all the money we needed in the time we needed it. So...we PRAYED...and prayed...and you know what? Someone came to us and said totally unexpectedly and surprisingly..."We want to give you a certain amount of money...what may we put it toward?" To make a long story short, all of the school books have been paid for and delivered to us. This was a NEED of ours, and through faith and via prayer we claimed God's promise in Philippians 4:19--But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus., and God answered prayer and supplied our need. God is awesome and prayer DOES work!

What profit is it?

The recent passing of a certain pop star lately has brought a particular Bible verse to mind. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"(Mark 8:36) We've read about this man's recent great net worth--what is it? 263 million dollars? I can't begin to imagine that sort of money--and all that he had and all that he did. But how SAD it would be to amass a huge fortune, pass away relatively young (hey, 50 is not really that old), and if he never accepted Christ as his personal Saviour to spend eternity in a place opposite heaven. This pop star gained in his 50 years of life everything and anything he could possibly want--"the whole world" so to speak--but what good was it all if he never got things right before God and lost his soul for eternity?

Amazing Bible facts...

...that one usually doesn't think about. It is a collection of 66 books of many different genres--history, poetry, prophesy, wisdom, literature, letters, laws, numerical statistics, etc. The 66 books were written by 40 different authors coming from very different backgrounds--shepherds, kings, fishermen, prophets, a doctor, etc. Most of these authors never knew each other personally. The 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years further proving that these authors didn't collaborate. The 66 books were written in three different languages--Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic--and were written on three different continents--Africa, Asia, and Europe. Also, amazingly, the 66 books share 1) a common storyline, the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; 2) a common theme, God’s universal love for all of humanity; and 3) a common message, salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Oh, and in addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. One could not go to any library in the world and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, and written on 3 different continents that share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message with no historical errors or contradictions. These facts only prove that a divine God designed, inspired, and preserved His Word, the Bible.

Fireproof--the Movie

Have you seen it? Hubby and I wanted to "sit and veg" last night after such a busy two weeks with my parents here and all the running around...then the cleaning and laundry and picking up afterwards. We just wanted to watch a good movie and not do a thing more. I found Fireproof at Family Video, and, wow, what a great message about marriage! The lady who worked at the video store said how good it was...that it was definitely for couples...that she and her husband just had to sit down and watch it together after she saw the preview...how much she recommends it. I agree with her totally. Now, there are very few movies that I would recommend to people. You know, like I would recommend Sense and Sensibility or the old Pride and Prejudice--those very tame movies that don't leave you feeling weird or disturbed or your mind full of garbage when you take that disc out of the DVD player. If you haven't seen Fireproof....get it, pop some popcorn, put the kids to bed, and watch it with your hubby. It will be well worth your time. We buy very few movies, but this one I think we will actually buy. I'd love to hear what you think.

"Pleasant words..."

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24) Who would ever think that a few pleasant words given to someone could have such impact! There have been times when someone has said or written something unpleasant to me that affected me for days afterward. It bothers me terribly when someone is unkind as I'm sure it does many people. Some can shrug things off easier than others, and I wish I were more that way. It also makes me think of how I have been, am, and should be towards others. Sometimes burdens in life can get a person down a bit--sickness comes, bills arrive that are twice what you thought, the car breaks down, someone close gets cancer, etc.--you know how it is. There are many people out there with many burdens. There are studies that prove that increased stress and difficulties negatively affects one's health. I know what a blessing it has been the many times people, some I barely know, offered me a pleasant word. Those little kindnesses were indeed "sweet" to me and put a smile on my face and a ray of sunshine in my heart. Some of those people are you, dear blog readers, who have left a kind and encouraging comment on one of my posts. Thank you so very, very much. You have been the inspiration for this post. You have given a bit of sweetness and perhaps a healthier day to me, have given me inspiration to seek the verse above, and encouraged me to remember the verse and try to offer pleasant words to others each day.

Not Just a New Year but a New DAY!

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. (Psalm 68:19). A year is one day shy of being past, and a fresh new one is on the horizon. If I wanted to, I could really whine about all of the difficulties and disappointments of the past year--we all could do that. Difficulties and struggles are part of life. I had them last year...and they will most definitely come this year, as they will to everyone. But, as the Bible verse above says, we are LOADED with benefits every DAY from the Lord. Yes, some especially difficult days I might have to sit and consciously think about what those benefits and blessings are; however, shame on me if I dwell on the negatives and not on the blessings given daily by the Lord. Besides, there have been many difficulties that, once were past, I could look back on and see what I learned from them and how they made me a stronger person (yes, another "benefit"!). I'm thankful this verse doesn't say "yearly" in place of "daily". That might mean there could possibly be many, many days within each year without any blessings or benefits! As our minds focus on the new year ahead, let's not forget to break our year down into days and being thankful for each fresh new day full of blessings.

Supplying our Needs

I know times are tight for many people, and they are for us as well. The fall and early winter always seem especially tight for us, and this year is no exception. Property taxes are due, more fuel is being used, things that we must purchase end up costing much more than expected, etc. You know how it is. We do not receive year-end bonuses. Not everyone does, you know. Those of you who do receive one or whose spouse receives one, please remember to be especially thankful for this. I am reminded of this Bible verse and quote it's promise in prayer when things are especially tight--But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19). How thankful I am to serve a God who certainly DOES take care of us! Lately we have gone without many wants, but God has always supplied our needs. It amazes me sometimes just how He does this---i.e. a bill gets paid for in a unique way or a little money from an unexpected source comes in. You know, some of those wants we really could live without anyway....and when a "want" does come our way? Well, we feel soooo wealthy! It is truly comforting and gives me great peace to know that I serve a Lord who loves me AND takes care of my family and me. To God be the glory!