tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72987863487668720342024-03-13T02:30:15.883-07:00mom is a verbUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger999125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-40080291430012471472014-03-05T05:54:00.001-08:002014-03-05T05:55:54.850-08:00Gold, Onyx and Bdellium<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Genesis
chapter two<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Thus the heavens and the
earth were completed, and all their hosts. <sup>2 </sup>By the seventh day
God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from
all His work which He had done. <sup>3 </sup>Then God blessed the seventh
day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had
created and made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they
were created, in the day that the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God made earth and heaven. <sup>5 </sup>Now no shrub of the field was yet
in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God had not sent rain upon the
earth, and there was no man to cultivate
the ground. <sup>6 </sup>But a <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-37d" title="See footnote d"><span style="color: blue;">d</span></a>]</sup>mist used to
rise from the earth and water the whole <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-37e" title="See footnote e"><span style="color: blue;">e</span></a>]</sup>surface of
the ground. <sup>7 </sup>Then the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became a living <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-38f" title="See footnote f"><span style="color: blue;">f</span></a>]</sup>being. <sup>8 </sup>The
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God planted a garden toward
the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. <sup>9 </sup>Out
of the ground the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God caused
to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of
life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now a river <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-41g" title="See footnote g"><span style="color: blue;">g</span></a>]</sup>flowed out
of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-41h" title="See footnote h"><span style="color: blue;">h</span></a>]</sup>rivers. <sup>11 </sup>The
name of the first is Pishon; it <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-42i" title="See footnote i"><span style="color: blue;">i</span></a>]</sup>flows around
the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. <sup>12 </sup>The gold of
that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there. <sup>13 </sup>The
name of the second river is Gihon; it <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-44j" title="See footnote j"><span style="color: blue;">j</span></a>]</sup>flows around
the whole land of Cush. <sup>14 </sup>The name of the third river is <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-45k" title="See footnote k"><span style="color: blue;">k</span></a>]</sup>Tigris; it <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-45l" title="See footnote l"><span style="color: blue;">l</span></a>]</sup>flows east
of Assyria. And the fourth river is the <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-45m" title="See footnote m"><span style="color: blue;">m</span></a>]</sup>Euphrates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep
it. <sup>16 </sup>The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely;
<sup>17 </sup>but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you
shall not <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-48n" title="See footnote n"><span style="color: blue;">n</span></a>]</sup>eat, for in
the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-49o" title="See footnote o"><span style="color: blue;">o</span></a>]</sup>suitable for
him.” <sup>19 </sup>Out of the ground the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-50p" title="See footnote p"><span style="color: blue;">p</span></a>]</sup>sky, and
brought <i>them</i> to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the
man called a living creature, that was its name. <sup>20 </sup>The man
gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-51q" title="See footnote q"><span style="color: blue;">q</span></a>]</sup>sky, and to
every beast of the field, but for <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-51r" title="See footnote r"><span style="color: blue;">r</span></a>]</sup>Adam there
was not found a helper <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-51s" title="See footnote s"><span style="color: blue;">s</span></a>]</sup>suitable for
him. <sup>21 </sup>So the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of
his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. <sup>22 </sup>The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> God <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-53t" title="See footnote t"><span style="color: blue;">t</span></a>]</sup>fashioned
into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the
man. <sup>23 </sup>The man said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is now bone of my bones,<br />
And flesh of my flesh;<br />
<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-54u" title="See footnote u"><span style="color: blue;">u</span></a>]</sup>She shall be
called <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-54v" title="See footnote v"><span style="color: blue;">v</span></a>]</sup>Woman,<br />
Because <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-54w" title="See footnote w"><span style="color: blue;">w</span></a>]</sup>she was
taken out of <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NASB#fen-NASB-54x" title="See footnote x"><span style="color: blue;">x</span></a>]</sup>Man.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother,
and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. <sup>25 </sup>And
the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Gold, onyx and bdellium<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Why are these three things in
this story? God is going to put the first man in a Garden to keep it, and for what
does he need gold, onyx and bdellium?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">We look back and think primitive,
camping, eked out sweat-of-the brow living once they are fallen and cast out of
the Garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would they do with
gold, onyx and bdellium?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">For beauty? For pretty? Did Eve
need babbles? Being way too practical, she needs help, a babysitter. What good
is gold to a mom? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Three things. Three elements.
When you google gold, you can watch docudramas of how our planet did not come
with nor form gold on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gold was
sprinkled on the earth from space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
eons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Veins of it tend to collect in
riverbeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scattered over the planet.
And when you google onyx—is it a coincidence that it comes in flesh
colors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black, and brown, caramel, tan
and white? A stone born in lava. Volcanoes. Used in Egypt as bowls, jewelry, a
hard-quartz family stone. And google bdellium—a resin, from a scrubby, thorny
bush found in India, Saudia Arabia, Turkey? An aromatic resin used in incense,
smoke, prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Three things: gold, onyx,
bdellium<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">God the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">G for gold, O for onyx, bd—Gob or
God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">What is God foreshadowing? King,
rock, resin from a thorny bush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
someday our king would come to this rock and take our place and be impaled with
a thorn of crowns in our place? It is finished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">The one continent of Genesis
would split and the plates push apart, and while we can still spot the Tigris
and Euphrates, the places of onyx and bdellium ride on and under the crust that
becomes India, Turkey, Saudia Arabia and the other two rivers? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">What is God telling us in chapter
2? Before the fall, before the first marriage, before the first test, a
beautiful place was prepared and set in motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Restored as the stage for this play and all eyes are on this place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God used to come there each evening and walk
with Adam and Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not told how
long. We are not told if it was for weeks, months, years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did they talk about? What did God teach
them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was WITH them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the cool of the evening, the Bible
says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A perfect world, perfect garden,
perfect creation with all they needed: air, perfect temperature, weather, time—day
and night, work and rest, food and trees for beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Gold and onyx and bdellium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us pause there and wonder. Let us not
rush. The fall is coming. Before the fall, marriage---for this reason, we leave
and cleave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before parents, before
mothers in law, and fathers in law, before meddling aunts, uncles, God declares
marriage sacred. Special. An institution. Man created in the image of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-13407365638165503872014-02-10T09:35:00.000-08:002014-02-10T09:35:05.686-08:00A little glimpse of heaven or Have you ever?
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">February 10, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever been shut in with icy weather, the cupboards
getting more and more bare?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you
ever looked again at the want list and thought, is it worth getting on icy
roads for more envelopes? And your desire to not wreck your car outweighs your
desire to get everything on your grocery list? (And your Mother is coming to
stay overnight if weather permits?) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever enjoyed a new author and felt so blessed that
God is answering questions you have had with these books?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever wanted to buy a dozen more and
share them with your pastor, close friends and relatives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever marveled how God used your love of Veggie
Tales to make you curious about Phil Vischer to listen to his podcasts, read
his book, and meet other fascinating authors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And have you ever needed to get to a very special wedding
shower for your youngest son’s bride where you are nervous about being a
mother-in-law, let alone meeting new people, and wondering who all will show
up, and yet getting to see relatives you have not seen in years…promising to
come if weather permits, and you don’t know what to wear or what present to
take, and the shower is like a family reunion, a glimpse of heaven, where we
get to eat good food, sit around and chat and catch up on everyone’s news---see
pictures of grandbabies, and watch the Bride open presents???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And your own Mother steals the show
presenting a blanket it took her a year to knit, and you are so happy for her,
and everyone claps, and you wish you had a picture of her smiling---because she
is not even a widow for a year now…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then, have you ever finished the books, and know you
need to re-read them because you were in a hurry the first time, and want to
put into practice…and you sing in your car repenting the ways you have lived
above/under/for/from God instead of WITH God, and you notice at Sunday School,
when your husband is teaching the story of Peter saying “where are You, Jesus
going?” and how he would die for Jesus, and Jesus says the rooster is going to
crow (and you go to Red Robin for lunch which looks like a rooster) and you
wonder if Peter’s problem is living FOR God instead of WITH God…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And with your new glasses of seeing how different Bible
characters were guilty of above/under/for/from God instead of WITH God, you
remember John 1:1---(‘cause your husband is teaching that book in Sunday
School, so it is still fresh in your mind) but where else does it say “with God”
in the Bible, so you do a word search in Biblegateway dot com, but forget to
put the quote marks and discover there are 797 instances of the words with and
God appearing in the same verses---but not always linked, but you look down the
list and Genesis 1:11 God said let the earth sprout vegetation…fruit trees…with
seed (is the concept for the first use) and Genesis 4:5 Adam had relations WITH
his wife again…God has appointed…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so you remember to put the quote marks in so that the
word search grabs only verses where “with God” appears and you are astounded
that only 32 results start looking like the heroes list of Hebrews 12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you get goosebumps, and read down through
the list: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Genesis 5:22,24<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enoch
(uh-oh…should I warn Skye Jethani? You think, and resist the urge to go onto
facebook and talk to Phil and Skye because you are suppose to be doing a
personal Bible Study in the early morning and learning what it means to be WITH
GOD not with Phil and Skye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to our list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Genesis 5:22, 24<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Enoch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Genesis 6:9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Noah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Genesis 32:28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Exodus 24:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the
wilderness, the people affirm their covenant with God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Numbers 23:27 Balak says to Balaam: perhaps it will be
agreeable with God that you curse them from here. (and we know how that story
goes!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I Samuel 14:45<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
people are protesting Saul:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>must
Jonathan die …as the Lord lives…for he has worked with God this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Samuel 23:5 in David’s last song: my house so with God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Chronicles 32:21 Neco king of Egypt tells Josiah to stop interfering
with God…and it says, Neco spoke words from the mouth of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yikes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ezra 10:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>reconciliation
with God—confess marrying foreign wives and put away… while Ezra is praying and
weeping<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Job 13:3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I would
speak to the Almighty and I desire to argue with God. (Job is speaking to his
friends, and I think friends needs quotation marks) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Job 16:21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>O that a
man might plead with God as a man with his neighbor! (the chapter where Job
says friends are sorry comforters)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Job 25:4 How then can a man be just with God or how can he
be clean who is born of woman? (Bildad)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Job 34:9 (Elihu is speaking—best read the whole chapter
yourself to get the jest)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 7:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my shield
is with God who saves the upright in heart<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hosea 12:3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
womb he took his brother by the heel and in his maturity he contended with God.
(so Jacob gets a double mention)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matthew 19:26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
said to them, looking at them, with people this is impossible but with God all
things are possible<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark 10:27 ditto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luke 1:30<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gabriel
said to Mary for you have found favor with God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luke 1:37<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For nothing
will be impossible with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luke 2:52<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus kept
increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luke 18:27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ditto of
Matthew and Mark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John 1:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Word was
with God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John 1:2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in
the beginning with God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John 5:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>making
Himself equal with God (is why they murdered Him)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And you can’t wait to share them with your husband, your
best friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And post this on your blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And tell Suzanne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And Laura K---as you remember a question she had about some
verses that Skye Jethani answers…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And Dear Heavenly Father,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tremble---as I
write this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have been so patient and
gracious to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for the books,
thank you for answering my recent questions, and thank you for answers to some
problem verses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have wasted so much of
my life in fear and anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
listening to me sing in the car, and cry, and as I sit here now--- You have
given me a life of luxury, a warm house, a computer to type upon, a faithful husband
who goes to work and is so generous with his money, his time, his person, to
pray with me, and love me, and help me in so many intimate and personal ways,
thank you for my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
my Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please give her wisdom,
insight, courage to do the next thing You would have her do in Your perfect
timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help her grieve, and help
us know what to say, how to help without being mean or irritating or
condescending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We overwhelm her with too
much advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are too many of us with
big mouths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for all you are
giving her with these new stories and victories—like buying her car. Wow. Thank
You for going ahead of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank You. Thank
You. Thank You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And thank you for Ben
installing the new light fixture in the bathroom and outing me for not being
very careful with the checklist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
thank you for the upcoming wedding---please help us all behave and not ruin it
for Tiffany with our big mouths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray
that it all goes smoothly so that they will be blessed with a good memory to
look back on their whole married lives… Thank you for all the Mrs. Williamsons
that came to the shower, and cousins, and Ozzie, and Suzanne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please heal the grandbabies of their ear
infections, coughs, fevers, and Andy’s leg, and Amber’s cough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please help me live WITH You, not above/under/for/from nor
mad at You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus Name. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not so fast, remember I am journaling selfishly here to help jog my
memory, and look back to see the answered prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an ulterior motive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And It is not living with God to write about
it and list stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please go read Skye
Jethani’s books:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WITH<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and FUTUREVILLE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you ever?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
are the odds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is so Good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-64922483929489026482014-02-03T09:16:00.001-08:002014-02-03T09:38:54.771-08:00Adventures with our new ToyotaWarning: this will be boring. I write here selfishly, for me. I have this desire to get it out of my head. Write it down. Type it up. whatever. and online journaling is one avenue. I am afraid to reveal too much. But, I have a desire to vomit it up somewhere. Husband is busy at work. He doesn't want to hear it. He has no time. <br />
<br />
But, to help me remember. <br />
<br />
Fun with numbers. odometer numbers. If only the odometer also recorded whereall we went to help jog my memory. I find it sad when I can't remember what we did last year for Ground Hog's Day, or Valentine's Day, for example. And having just visited with the toddler grandsons, the grands, I want to remember the sweet moments with them. Conversations with a three year old. No time for buttons with an almost two year old. <br />
<br />
But, lets back up to December. We saw a need. Our middle son was needing a second car. And I could tell that Bob wanted to help them find a good, reliable car. And the thought occurred to me, that our 2007 Toyota minivan, with 90,000 was a good, reliable used car. The dealerships would insult us with an offer for what it was/is truly worth. We might have kept it forever, but the seatbelts stabbed me. It was so painful on long trips. I had been going round and round with the dealership about this issue, but was brushed off. <br />
<br />
But, buy a new car? oh. my. so expensive. And Bob liked the idea. And Bob has limited time, but he worked so hard making spreadsheets, putting me in all kinds of cars to see what fit. (not commie cars, however. not a cadillac, as caddies are GM, hence, commie cars---that government bailout thing) Even as Bob's Dad would never buy or consider a Toyota---that WW2/Japan war---we have our standards. <br />
<br />
I do have a bucket list---nothing big. I'd like to sit in a limo, and a hummer. And if not in this life, I can wait until heaven home. Not that we will need hummers nor limos in heaven... but that is another story.<br />
<br />
Bob found such a deal. He likes to shop online. Less drama. Salesmen on showroom floors are so pushy, shady, snake oil salesmen. I want to forget the huge, threatening, arrogant a-hole that blocked our path onto a showroom floor. he bragged that they were the best. yeah, well, I used to bring our 2007 there for service, but I am gonna think twice, nay three times before doing that again...just because of one guy. It was a rainy day... who did we want to see, he asked. sorry. we are here to see cars, not form relationships.<br />
<br />
I can think of a thousand witty comebacks AFTER. I so wish I had handled sassy salesmen with humor. Life is too short. <br />
<br />
Bob researched cars, dealerships, warranties, maintenance, financing, you, name it, he had it charted out. <br />
One Saturday, he had sent out invitations for bids, and oh. my. the phone started ringing off the wall. The salesmen were DESPERATE to get us IN their showrooms. They kept calling and calling. Bob only dwelt with the ones that ANSWERED his questions online. He called a few for clarification, but once you do that, they have your number, and will call and call and call. Game over. (they are still calling)<br />
<br />
We gifted the 2007 at Christmas time because it was a convenient time for us and them. We depended on our not-so-dependable 1997 plymouth. This workhorse needed retiring, but it was still running. It somehow passed inspection---and leaked fluids, so every few days, sometimes once or twice a week, fluids must be added. checked. in cold. in sleet. in dark of night... and we laughed as we wondered if this was the day the car would die. Was this the day the transmission would fall out? or a major belt break?? Sometimes it would lurch---a reminder not to stray too far. Hard for me to drive, as I no longer fit in it. Shocks are gone, and windows need resealed...so driving around, you think a window is open. But, it gets Bob to the train station. Worth only $1000.00 because it runs, but worth it to us because it is a second car. But, now I doubt I should leave Bob alone with it. What if he was stranded at the train station? What if I was gone overnight, and that was the night he had to take a cab to work or home?? We had a plan. If the car died, we planned on renting until we found the best deal. Call me worst case scenerio mom. I refused to be stranded at the chiropractor or store. So, I stayed home. Bob offered to let me drive him to the station...but only if I were desperate. I did not invision anything I needed that bad. Most things can be shopped online. Hello, Tazo tea people?? Some things are "in-store" only but, Bob would help me shop in the evening. <br />
<br />
We made it almost a month on our one iffy car. I wanted to be ready to walk out of dealerships. Bob got some downright insulting bids, mixed messages---we wondered if the dealership managers were trying to be purposely mean to their salesman? were some salesmen promising the moon just to try and get the deal? When one said it would be easy to fix the front seat belt---I got hopes up, and wondered why this same dealership had been so difficult for six years with me?? Why couldn't they trade out or shorten the seatbelt receptacle on our old 2007?? <br />
<br />
We did not need fancy. We specifically looked for one without a center console. Salesmen kept stuffing us into fancy, high end, cars with consoles. But, we noticed some fleet ready vans without consoles on our own. We were not allowed to sit in those. Those were already sold. Already promised. But, we knew they existed.<br />
<br />
Bob found two 2013s---from last year's line, but stripped down. We wondered about their history. The bisque only had 13 miles on it. tempting. If we ever have trouble with the one we got, we can say, we should have gotten "the bisque". But, we chose the white one with a light gray interior. Only 57 miles on it. my age! 81 when we got home. round trip to the chiro is 49 miles. <br />
<br />
I was so nervous picking up a brand new car. Like a new slate. Like a new canvas. No dings or nicks. <br />
<br />
The drive home---the first time I drove it, was in the DARK, and scary enough, but there was a truck ahead of me that lost a couch or mattress from a futon or something...if I had been 30 seconds faster....yikes. Bob was ahead of me, swerved to miss it...and I was singing---praying aloud, please, Lord, drive with me. <br />
<br />
The wind could catch the door on the 2007 and wack whatever it was parked next to...and I need lots of room to get in and out, because I am fat. obese. huge. yes. I. am. fat. gross. And I am picky about where I park so I don't ding doors. or poles when gassing the car. or rocks, curbs. It drives me nuts when Bob parks too close to another car when there are empty spots farther away. I need the exercise. Let us park out by ourselves so that we do not inconvenience anyone with my slowness. <br />
<br />
Now we have put the first thousand miles on it. Our youngest grandson was in the hospital for 3 days, and we drove over to visit him, now on the mend, home. safe. and back to playing and driving his mother nuts. <br />
<br />
We have tried many routes the six hour distance to the grands. Our son prefers the freeway route, and while it does have more eating establishment choices, and gets you there quicker, the last 40 miles require a two lane through the forest, in the dark. no shoulders. no room for error. I HATE that stretch. I would rather go out of my way and stay on a better road. We came home a more southern route to avoid the ice and snow front coming down from the northwest. I really like 190. wowo. good shoulders. THREE Walmarts. So, anything you needs, there is a Walmart. We were in a hurry to get home ahead of the storm, and we made it fine. Only saw one pickup spun out. Should have come home 360 not 820. 820 in Fort Worth was just a little too far into the stormfront. <br />
<br />
A Walmart on a route is more comforting to me than a Seven-Eleven. We stopped at Bucky's. I don't get it. crowded. small stalls. yucky. Good food at Texas Burger. We made it home in time for the halftime of the Superbowl. Had to turn off the lyrics---why are we celebrating hurting women? Give it up? I don't think so. <br />
<br />
It was hard to find the superbowl on the radio...but we knew the Seattle Seahawks were winning. Wasn't it 22 to zero at halftime? 43-8 by the end, right? <br />
<br />
the superbowl ads were released a little ahead now. So, i had seen some of them. <br />
<br />
Went to take a bath, and low and behold, our electrician son had installed a fancy new light fixture in the bathroom. He likes to surprise us. I kept wondering if he had been by, as I saw a few things out of place. thought maybe I was losing my mind---did not remember leaving a dishrag there...and what was that on the floor?? a piece of metal?? like a acorn hat? I cleaned the potty before I left---did I strip the screw heads off when I cleaned the potty?? that is when I lifted my head and noticed the new light fixture. oh. my. <br />
<br />
we called to thank our son, and he said they were leaving the rodeo---so new worry---they were where the icy overpasses...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-82823867767264816312013-08-13T09:14:00.000-07:002013-08-13T11:06:40.831-07:00Women keep silent?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First Corinthians 14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated,
the first one must keep silent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:31-33 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all
may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the
churches of the saints.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they
are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also
says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their
own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth?
Or has it come to you only? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:37,38 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let
him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment,
but if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy,
and do not forbid to speak in tongues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">14:40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly
manner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(chapter 15 goes on to define the gospel: Christ died for
our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and He was raised on the
third day according to the Scriptures…how He appeared to five hundred at one
time..some of whom were still alive when Paul wrote this)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Context is important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was dismayed to see 14:34 pulled out by itself recently on the
internet. It is a verse that angry Christian men and women like to throw back
up in our faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one even the
non-believers bother to memorize for the same purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a hard verse. Yet, I have to believe, I
have to trust that God the Holy Spirit allowed it for a reason. Preachers like
to hop, skip and jump over it, and since it is couched in a chapter about
spiritual gifts that most think have “ceased”, it is rare to find a preacher to
wade into these shark infested verses. (sharks being the women’s “liberation”
movement and hypersensitivity of our own arrogance as women. Even God warned
Eve: your desire will be to rule over your husband.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, remember that the whole chapter deals with keeping order
and peace in our church assemblies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul
wanted Christians to remember that we are to be a draw, pleasing, always alert
to the needs of the unsaved who are invited or who venture into our midst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not to be stumbling blocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not to use our freedom to trip another
believer or unbeliever. We are not to be a distraction from the Gospel:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ came as He promised in God’s
perfect time and plan, and died for our sins on the cross, and was buried, but
rose again three days later just like He promised He would. Jesus appeared to
the women first, then His disciples, and then over 500 people at one time for
forty days…before He ascended into heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus gave us clear, concise directions and purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to spread this Gospel, this Good
News, to ever corner of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
to the Jews and the Greeks, and the Gentiles…That God loved them so much that
He sent His uniquely born Son, born of a virgin for this very purpose: to die
on the cross in our place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, He did
not stay dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is alive now, seated
at the right Hand of God the Father, praying for us, and waiting for the day
God the Father has planned for Him to come back, rule and reign, just as He
promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angels repeated this as He
ascended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God preserved His Word, His
Book, the Bible, down through the ages in order to offer each one this free
gift of eternal salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We believe
what He promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those in the Old
Testament looked for the Promised One, and those of us this side of the cross
look back and see God’s perfect plan, the fulfilled promises, and more promises
yet to be fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not force
Himself on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus did all the work of
salvation so that we can believe and put our trust in His work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot save ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the work of God the Father who planned
it, God the Son who created the world and was willing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to come down and live among us for 33 years
and go to the cross, and the Holy Spirit who empowers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus while on earth as our example, and now
endwells us so that we can do His work to spread this Gospel, this good news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, I’d like to ponder the hard words Paul writes in
first Corinthians 14:34.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the
purpose of this blog post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For myself,
selfishly, and to order my thoughts in preparation for the instructions of
verse 35, to ask my husband at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thankful, I have a husband to ask, and that God empowers him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is for the women who do not have a
Godly husband to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please do not be
bitter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever I have a question, God answers in a
sermon within just weeks or months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tremble when I then hear it, as I know God is answering me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God cares about our questions, and knows our
prickly frame…how we are easily insulted, and beset with pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never forget studying a passage, even
writing a little song, about the woman with the alabaster jar of expensive
perfume oil who anointed Jesus’ feet—how bold, how amazingly brave she
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I studied it from every angle, and
then God sent a preacher from England to our little church and he preached on
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I about jumped out of my seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of the most awesome sermons, like the one Jesus gave on
the road to Emaus, are not recorded. In my opinion, this is because God wants
us to dig it out ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week in
John, my husband who is also our Sunday School teacher taught the passage where
Jesus stands up and preaches in the Temple in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John dwells on how the Temple religious crowd
plot to kill Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ brothers and
the disciples are more amazed that Jesus came to this feast of Tabernacles,
because He had told them to go ahead. And Jesus slips in an out of the crowd in
a miraculous way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, did not one take
notes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What did Jesus preach?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God the Son is standing in the Temple in
Jerusalem preaching---and no one thought to record it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was Jesus quoting Scriptures they already
knew and thus, did not seem strange to their ears??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People often say, if only God would audibly
speak aloud---then, I would listen?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Himself spoke from the
Temple in Jerusalem on the Feast of Tabernacles (a picture of His future
kingdom) and no one recorded what He said!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to First Corinthians---Remember, Paul is writing to a
church in Corinth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been
doing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The folks in Corinth have been doing church
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul is correcting their
behavior, and instructing them in how to worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assembling together as a family, as an
assembly is commanded, but it does not come naturally, and we are all at
different stages of maturity, from baby believers, and literal babies to the
old gray haired sages and feeble, and then there is the sin problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us women do not like to hear “shut up”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sit down and be quiet”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
pride gets in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work in the nursery, help out with the
children’s ministry, visit the sick, feed the hungry, but don’t use your
brain?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that what Paul is
saying?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what is this “JUST AS THE
LAW ALSO SAYS”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul is indicating that the behavior of women
in the church, in the Body of Christ, in the new Church Age is still under THE
LAW that Jesus gave Moses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is an opportunity to go back---go back to the Old
Testament, given for our instruction, and look again at any passage dealing
with women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God invented man and God
invented women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created man first,
from the dust of the ground, God fashioned a body for that first man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look again at Genesis chapters 1 and 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, we are on a quest for what God says
about women and women’s roles and God’s purpose for women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are on a quest to see without the baggage
of our pride, our pre-conceived ideas, the lies spoken even there in the Garden
by the enemy using the voice of a snake… </span><br />
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Genesis 1:1- In the beginning God<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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I believe God existed and planned His creation, and was doing
just fine without us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not need
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created the most marvelous universe and
set it in motion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created angels
first, and recorded their story---the part we need to know, later in the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, first, there was God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God the Father, the planner, and God the Son,
the Creator, and God the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three
Persons, One God sharing attributes and character in perfect harmony and
happiness and we call it The Trinity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God invented time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is
eternal, outside, before, and beyond time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God speaks the universe into existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it was the big bang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in
a tantalizingly, fun way, God recorded all the clues we needed in
words---again, God’s creation, how it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Billions of years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
created the heavens and the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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I believe there is a huge gap between verses one and
two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at 2:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus the heavens and the earth were
completed, and all their hosts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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Chapter 2 goes into more detail, telescoping down on a
restoration of the earth in seven days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why did the earth need restored?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Go back to Genesis 1: 1 and 2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the
surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the
(frozen) waters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did God create the earth formless and void and locked in
ice?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The earth is a little blue marble set in the
universe just so…in perfect position, unique among the planets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rocks tell us of upheavels, layers,
shifts, and continents and oceans moved about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even in the genealogies here in Genesis, (Gen 10:25) mentions a time
when the earth was divided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earthquakes?
Continent shifts? Peleg lives after the tower of Babel. (Gen. 11:18) <o:p></o:p></div>
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The sun and moon are not positioned until Day 4, yet the
Holy Spirit moves, warms, unlocks the earth and prepares it for man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Restoration in 6 days just makes more
sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Human history, going back to Adam
is only 6,000 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(5773 to be exact)
but the earth and universe proclaim themselves to be much older, or to be made
to look old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take your pick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes sense to me, that God created the
heavens and earth, angels---and that those angels had their history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They saw an earth of dinosaurs, a swampy earth
created and packed down for billions of years to make that rich oil and gas
that we now mine beneath the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Angels saw a rebellion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan
convinced a third of them to follow him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God judged Satan, cast him out of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe cast him out and onto the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a trial, and Satan appealed with “how
can a loving God cast His own creatures into Hell?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, God locked the earth in ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Restored it in six days, and we are the
answer to that appeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We demonstrate
how a loving God can create, save, and then make it possible for the puny
humans without wings to rule over angels someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God sets in motion from the dust of the
ground, puny creatures---fragile in angel’s eyes, yet those first men lived a
thousand years on the restored earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not until after the flood, not until Noah did the age of man start to
decrease to the eighty or so years people live today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the flood, diet was different. Vegetarian.
Climate and maybe ultraviolet did not age them so quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created His best in man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam lived over a thousand years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first ten generations to Noah, did not
father children until they were hundreds of years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we have recorded in the Bible, every
possible type of government, farm, travel, as history is played out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wickedness started early, but God had a
plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even though satan would seek
to defeat each generation, kill the promised one, thwart and deceive mankind,
God’s theme, God’s promise---from Adam and Even in the Garden, to Noah, to
Abraham to Moses---God kept His promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God was at work to seek and save those who desired to know their
Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever a spark of wonder was
found, God revealed Himself to that person no matter what no matter
where---rich or poor, on an island or in a city…God has been faithfully
working, protecting, revealing His perfect plan in the war that is the angelic
conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we, the believers…from
Adam and Eve to now, maybe we replace those third satan pulled to his
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in the future, satan and his
third will be thrown in the lake of fire for final judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible says it is a day coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So, in the beginning, God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God created the heavens and the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(the angels were created, lived their history, and satan and one-third
rebelled. God sentenced them to the Lake of fire.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The earth was formless and void. Locked in
ice for a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dinosaurs died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oil and gas reserved were formed for our
future use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between creation, the swampy
time of the dinosaurs, it could have been millions of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long does it take for swamps to make
oil?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long does it take for gas
pockets to form beneath the rocks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
satan and the fallen angels play and party here for a time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much evidence of theirs is left if they
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They battle even today between heaven and
earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unseen to us, unless silly folks
play with the Halloween variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
demon possession was problem back in Jesus’ days on the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus threw out demons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus freed people enslaved by demons who had
taken over their bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The demons gave
them strength, but they also did stupid stuff like cut themselves---even as the
demon possessed do in our time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
time you turn on the tv or look at movies in the theaters, there is no escaping
the nightmares that are demon possession.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything evil and mean and base and scary and terrible is from the
dark side of satan and his demons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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God created the heavens and the earth, and restored our
planet to sustain human life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With just
the right mix of oxygen, with marvelously exsquisit cells, blood, eyes, OH, we
are so SO blessed with marvelous bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A little lower than the angels indeed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We do not have wings to fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
we are fragile, we break, we get sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, God created out of the elements here---out of the dust of the
ground, Adam, and breathed into him life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Physical life, spiritual, mental, emotional---it is so amazing how that
first perfect man was made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
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Genesis 1: 26-31 “God said: Let us (three members of the
trinity. Plural) Let us make man in Our Image, according to Our likeness, and
let them---mankind, rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the
sky, and over the cattle and over all the earth and over every creeping thing
that creeps on the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created
man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He
created them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God blessed them; and God
said to them: Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it and
rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every
living thing that moves on the earth. …then God said: Behold, I have given you
every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of the earth and every tree
which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you….”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
We are there, ladies! Female. God thought of us, planned us,
created us when He created that first man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, Adam was first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because God
desired to show Adam his need for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Man is not to take the woman for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created and instituted something so
special---free will, and the ability to choose, and learn, and hear, observe
and see—God created that first man with a full vocabulary, brain, mind, spirit,
the ability to see and hear and talk with God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God created man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gave him breath
and lungs to breath the air here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beautiful planet, but we
telescope down now to a special Garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A special stage where God will reveal to the man the animals---creeping
things and birds, but how they are different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They do not have a soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
given instincts to reproduce, eat, etc., but they are different from man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This parade of zoo animals is brought to Adam
to name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know if they took
days, weeks, months, even years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
lets Adam figure it out:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genesis 2:19-20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“…..but for Adam there was not found a helper
suitable for him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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A HELPER SUITABLE<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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Go back to Genesis 2:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(after the commandment to cultivate and keep the Garden, vs 15,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and after the commandment in verse 16 and 17
to eat freely EXCEPT from the one tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, and the warning---“the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After these verses, verse 18 says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the Lord God said, “it is not good for
the man to be alone, I will make him a helper suitable for him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
God says He is going to make someone very special for
Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A helper suitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, first , God forms out of the ground,
animals and parades them before Adam for him to observe and name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God says He is going to make something
special for Adam, but first does something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you just love God’s sense of
humor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That same theme---creating the
heaven and the earth, and letting angelic history take its course, all the
while, He had us in mind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the while,
He knew ahead of time that satan would be created the most beautiful, but fall.
And take a third with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a
surprise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was not caught off
guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same theme…God sees, and
proclaims, not good for man to be alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Adam, man, like our husband---created with a need for us to complete and
help and complement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when God puts
Adam to sleep---Genesis 2:21 and took one of Adam’s ribs and fashioned<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
woman the rib…from Adam’s side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forever
Adam is missing a part…and in the marvelously complex parts we don’t even know
yet---how a woman, that first woman, was formed from a rib sharing the same
blood type? Yet made so beautiful, so exquisite, the Adam proclaims loudly:
(when he first sees her)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genesis
2:23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bone<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of my bones, and flesh of my flesh, she shall
be called Woman because she was taken out of Man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Verse 24 continues with the curious:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this reason a man shall leave his father
and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Before there were fathers and mothers, before families---God
is declaring the sacred, God’s invention, of free will, the individual, then
the couple---of ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN leaving and joining together to make
something so powerful, so sacred, Marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leave and cleave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, this is
rich, as I am an old grannie now, and see how important it is to leave and
cleave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose wisely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of
my sons have picked their mates, gotten married, started their own families…an
this verse warns the mother-in-law in me to back off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Respect them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My sons will always be my babies…but they are one with their wives
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One man and one woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marriage is under attack today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the enemy seeks to undo God’s perfect
design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marriage came BEFORE the
fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God instituted marriage, families, nations…to
keep civilization going despite the unseen forces that would seek to destroy us
because the enemy has heard God make promises…promises that God cannot fulfill
if there are no humans to come back to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Satan went after the promised one throughout the Old Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What makes you think he has changed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan and his enemy forces seek to destroy
mankind from within or without.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
at war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are in a war whether we like
it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have entered the stage
that is history in the final acts of this play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Best to find out what went on in Acts one and two…so God graciously
preserved them in the Bible for us to read and know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If each dispensation is an act in the play of
history, I believe we are in the Church Age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus comes back and after the tribulation period of seven years
establishes His Kingdom in a millinial reign of one thousand years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that, the Bible says one more
rebellion, then new heavens and new earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will live with God forever and ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time, these acts in the play of history are but a drop in the
bucket of eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
So, as women, we need to understand our place in
history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our place in God’s design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our role as helper suitable, and mother to
sons who grow up to be husbands and fathers themselves someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
One flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helper
suitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do they mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Created, invented before the fall---and we
must understand the fall and how it changed everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, God preserved His design, of marriage
and family and then nation respecting other nations, so that civilization could
continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When nations or people groups
set aside God’s design and ignore God’s plan, the consequences are sin, death,
evil, slavery, and there is no excuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God established laws and had Moses write them down, and gave them to a
stubborn and stiff necked people, and showed us down through the ages what
happens when His laws are obeyed, and when His laws are ignored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have no excuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As women, we are responsible to know the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know the Laws that protected nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And know that each of us as individuals are
responsible for teaching our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each generation stands on its own, and each individual will give an account
to God for what we were given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gives
us a family to be born into, and God keeps us alive to hear the Gospel, and
make a decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we reject Him, it is
often a hard life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full of sorrow and
sin and fear and violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we trust
Him, sin is still a daily problem that we need Him to help us battle within
ourselves, and within our children, and within our cities and nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, He has promised to be with us, to help
us, to guide and He gives us a purpose a mission…<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Remember---you were created in God’s image!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not an accident nor are you descended
from monkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evolution and abortion are
attacks on the individual and marriage institutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See them as they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand the fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves you and wants the best for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-70554390213079213792013-07-19T08:34:00.000-07:002013-07-19T08:34:35.662-07:00Tell your sons a story to help them understand recent events when they ask
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once upon a time, a young man grew tall. His Daddy was six
foot four, and he could not wait to be taller than his Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At six
foot, two, and 17 years old, some called him, “Slim”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nickname.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Slim loved sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could play
football or basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wore glasses,
but they broke, and besides, some silly girl and his friends were calling him
four-eyes, and one cute girl said he looked better without them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why bug his stepmom? Dad was busy driving
trucks, and while it was hard to see the whiteboard/blackboard, Dad’s
girlfriend was not going to take him to get his eyes checked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night in February, it was raining, but
Slim got the munchies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He heard that
mixing skittles with Arizona tea and cough syrup made a sipping opiate, but
drugs are bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marijuana gave him the
munchies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slim enjoyed chatting on the
phone with his friend from his old school, in his old neighborhood, Rachel.
Rachel did not do marijuana, but she did not judge his twice a week
smokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes they’d chat all day on
the phone about school, family drama, birthday parties and stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, there was no way he was going to ask Dad’s
girlfriend to take him to the mall for glasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He did not want to hear the lecture about being careful. Eyeglasses
break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he called his Dad and asked
to go to the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only he had his
own car, his own wheels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, a car, car
insurance, gas all cost money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad already
forked it over for the new white track shoes, and his Mom said it was a race keeping
him in jeans as he was growing so fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Slim cut through a neighborhood and noticed this dude in a truck
watching him. Creepy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Slim couldn’t
see clearly at long distances, he hid and waited for the dude to get
closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The creepy guy got out of his
truck and came towards Slim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still
chatting with Rachel, she wondered if the creepy guy was a rapist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Rachel dared him to punch the guy in the
nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slim didn’t want this creepy guy
to follow him home because he was home alone with his Dad’s girlfriend’s
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he waited until the creepy guy
got closer and jumped him. Slim knocked the creepy guy down, and started
punching him and the creepy guy started yelling!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“help!” And when his shirt slid up, Slim saw
the gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the creepy guy shot up
through Slim’s chest and Slim said, “you got me” and fell back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The creepy dude was able to roll free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to find out, the creepy guy had called
police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The creepy guy was Mr. Z, who thought
Slim might be a robber, as Slim was wearing a black hoodie, and slinking around
the houses where some burglaries had occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Z cooperated with police, and was handcuffed and taken in for
questioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And his head wounds, and
broken nose photographed, and treated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next day, Mr. Z did a walk through with police and a cameraman and
explained what he saw and experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. Z was a crime watch captain for his neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not on duty that night, but on his way
to Target he noticed Slim in the black hoodie and called it in to police as he
had been trained to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was waiting
for the police to arrive, and checking for a street name and address house
number, when Slim jumped him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slim
punched him in the nose, and sat on his chest and repeatedly banged his head
into the sidewalk and Mr. Z thought Slim was going to kill him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did not know Slim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had never seen him before that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if he blacked out and Slim found the gun
in his holster? Where was that phone in his jacket pocket?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, the police would be here soon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When his shirt and jacket slid up as he tried
to get out from under and away from Slim, Mr. Z was afraid Slim had seen the
gun, and so he grabbed it first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Z
did not realize he had fired it until Slim fell back and rolled off him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Z got up and hollered some more for help.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That dark, rainy night in February, it took hours for the
police to take notes, for the coriner to come, and the witnesses to give their
accounts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flashing lights and police
tape and reports were taken until 2am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rachel found out two days later that when the phone call ended at
7:17pm, that her friend had died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slim’s
Dad did not miss Slim as he assumed Slim was at a friend’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>J<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tell our sons that story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For want of eyeglasses…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did you notice that in telling the story, not once did I
mention anyone’s race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was dark,
light rain, and the neighborhood robberies and home invasions had been
committed by black “youths” and Mr. Z was concerned that the black-hooded tall
person he saw might be one of the perps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, he merely observed and reported, as neighborhood watch persons are
trained to do all over the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call
in suspicious people, try to get a description, direction which way they are
headed, but stay in your vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slim was
tall, in a black hoodie, walking in the dark in the rain, through a
neighborhood which had been recently burglarized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make the story you tell your sons about the eyeglasses, and
how neglect happens sometimes in broken homes, the need of compassion, help…of
even a pencil or food if a fellow student comes from a home of high drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make it about what a child CAN do:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>never make fun of someone who needs glasses,
food, or help with homework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring an
extra pencil to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lift up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone is being a bully, tell an
adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Encourage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And use this opportunity to give your sons
permission to defend himself and his sisters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a speech on March 22, 1964, MLK said: “We must learn to
live as brothers or perish together as fools.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His niece, Alveda King wrote 7-18-13:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Every human being is part of the one single human race. We are one
blood. One race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are created with a
dream inside, and when we are allowed to be born and to live out our God
ordained lives, we have a chance to be great.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-12038287511226777922013-07-15T06:17:00.000-07:002013-07-17T12:23:21.980-07:00JournalingFirst, this most unusual weather. To have a low sit upon us from the northeast in July giving us rain, gentle, soft, sweet rain ALL day and night and Day again...a miracle. In July. In Texas--where most summers we see no rain until Sept./Oct. Wow. Windows open. I walked around during and after my birthday saying, "wow". Again yesterday. and today. "wow." You have my attention, God. Wow! Blessing rain. no wind. no thunder nor lightning. Just gentle, sweet rain. I want to sit out in it.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Lord. We neither earn nor deserve it. You know we need it. And I hope it helps dampen the anger and protests.<br />
<br />
Now, the political. I am a news junkie. I poke and prod the internets looking for conservative news: the truth. I think we have been played. The mainstream media stirred up the emotions and anger and are partly to blame for the rioting. And skittles and Arizona tea and robitusson makes a sipping opiate. It was not just a young boy buying candy. Trayvon Martin was a druggie. a thug. a punk. He towered six foot two inches. He was in shape, but it was just a matter of time, as the drugs made him angry and he slunk around burglarizing houses. He was kicked out of school because of a third violation with stolen property, jewelry missing from local houses, in his backpack. His parents received a huge settlement suing the housing association. Supposidly, his mother is a church going, Bible verse quoting, praying lady. Surely, she knows her son. She had to endure weeks of listening to the shots, the pictures, the stories, testimonies...she even testified. She mourns for her baby. Did she pay for his cell phone? minutes? Did he ever steal from her? Pawn her jewelry? <br />
<br />
Would one relative, one honest person please come forward and say the truth? Trayvon was punk. He was going to hurt someone. It was just a matter of time. he texted and facebook chatted and spoke with friends about getting a gun. He was a ticking time bomb. But, no. <br />
<br />
As parents we are cowards. Our baby. Our reputation. Our family story. We are too afraid to admit that our children are SINNERS. we are all capable of murder. And we all desire self-defense. <br />
<br />
What of George Zimmerman? He co-operated with police! He had a judge for a father. He knew the rules. He tried to comply. He tried to be a law abiding citizen. he tried to be a man protecting his neighborhood from robberies. His life was taken from him 17 months ago when after the night he defended himself, after trayvon tried to pound his head into the concrete, after the gun went off in his hands and after George was able to roll Trayvon off of his chest, he helped the police. He answered all their questions. He had his hands cuffed. he was CLEARED. He even did re-enactment walk throughs with cameras recording. (should have been filmed at NIGHT, however, to be correct, as in daylight, things look different.) all those videos and interviews were used against him during the trial. the trial that the media and liberal progressive politically "correct" mob insisted upon. And they were not going to be satisfied with manslaughter, either. the threats on the family, the jurors...<br />
<br />
Imagine being in your fifties, minding your own business, not bothering with news or newspapers. Busy taking care of your own families, work, grandchildren, pets... hearing about some "young boy" being shot...but not bothering to research it. Well, you get called onto a jury. six women. peers. They get to sit through the trial. Listen to all the evidence. See the grieving parents, and family, and hostile witnesses. Lawyers rant and rave and act and do their performance. And these six ladies had to sit there and take it. They had to become familiar with the new lingo, the legal terms, the strict times, sequestered...not allowed to talk about the case until it is dumped in their laps. And the whole world waits for their verdict.<br />
<br />
the whole world...except for my own children...too busy to pay attention as they have children, road trips, relatives to visit, sites to see... and yet they want the guns for self-defense...you'd think they'd be curious how this case went down. But, no. and I am still in shock. As the country melted down with riots, where were my children??? wearing black hoodies in one of the cities. that night. I. kid. you. not. I guess I should be glad they were not wearing sheets to a kkk rally. But, seriously? black hoodies in a downtown where stores were being looted, windows smashed?? <br />
<br />
Saturday night...we are watching the Texas Ranger game on TV. we are only allowed to WATCH the baseball game on Friday nights on channel 21 or 27. but, for some odd reason, getting ready for the all-stars break, Fox 4 generously showed the game. on a Saturday night. we marveled at the Detroit crowd---NO black people in the stands in any of the games...neither Friday night nor Saturday. I have heard bad stuff about Detroit. How come only white people attend the games in a stadium downtown Detroit?? Don't the black people and muslim people of Detroit like baseball? And they refused to show our black manager. They kept showing Mattox, not Wash. strange. prejudice cameramen??? WTF?<br />
<br />
So, I check twitter after the game, and the jury said, NOT GUILTY. I find the live lawyers blathering and patting themselves on the back. They should have shut up. The Florida prosecutor that blocked evidence and fired whistleblowers was blathering on and on...someone should have cut her mike. yikes. now is not the time for celebration. was she out of her mind? or just loving her fifteen minutes of fame?<br />
<br />
George Zimmerman's brother, Robert junior, spoke eloquently. Revealed how their family had been homeless, on the run. persecuted, silenced. Unable to respond and were on their own. Their brother tried to defend himself, and their lives were forever changed that night in February. the 26th of Feb.<br />
<br />
Did you know George has been on a curfew for 17 months? wearing an ankle monitor? hated by the press, and all who believed the lies? Yikes. His mother was born in Peru. <br />
<br />
Irony---a Zimmerman is buried at Arlington. <br />
<br />
Is George Zimmerman safe? Will his marriage survive? Where can he live and breathe free? What can he do? Write a book? The Department of Justice is threatening to come after him. Angry black mobs have sworn to murder him. He desired to become a policeman someday. He feels betrayed by a country, a media, a government, and has been unable to defend himself except through paid lawyers. His father has had to hire lawyers. The other side outspent them by how much?? I'd like to know. If your son defends himself and shoots a person...no matter what color, should we get an insurance policy just for this? So that we can afford the lawyers, the hotels, the life put on hold?<br />
<br />
On the spiritual side: did Trayvon's church going momma take him to church? did he hear the gospel? will we meet him in heaven? and Martin L. King's daughter---she is all for nonviolence, but she just wants a boy like trayvon to be able to go about his business...buy his candy and walk home on a rainy February night in a neighborhood that has been suffering break=ins.... <br />
<br />
When are we going to talk about the black on black murders in Chicago?? When are we going to talk about the black abortions?? broken homes? <br />
<br />
apathy. ignore the news, and you get to be on a jury. stay current, and your children will wear black hoodies in a downtown city where riots are breaking out. what a country.<br />
<br />
Wednesday, July 17 More thoughts on the trial. verdict. <br />
<br />
Again, what I'd like to ask Trayvon: did your momma take you to church? any of your step moms? Did you hear the gospel? Let us assume you did. Knew your need of a Savior, and are now in heaven. What would you like to warn your friends? future boys your age?<br />
<br />
1. eyeglasses. I saw you wearing them during a formal occasion---one of your Dad's weddings? But, other pictures do not show them. Did you have lasik? contacts? or did your glasses get broken playing sports or rough housing around? Were you too embarrassed to admit it? Boys are rough on glasses. And being sent to three or four stepmoms/girlfriends houses, did any of them notice your need? Is that why you acted up in school? any reading problems? Counselors and teachers need to be alert and aware of students who for want of eyeglasses... But, in this looks-is-everything culture, all it took was some stupid girl making fun of your or your friends calling your four-eyes for you to be too embarrasses to wear them? <br />
<br />
2. drugs? Did you take drugs? autopsy showed brain damage and liver damage. Who paid for the drugs, cell phone, minutes chatting all day with your friends? <br />
<br />
3. Did no one warn you that slinking around in the dark in a dark hoodie was dangerous? Sure, we'd all like to roam about, but in a neighborhood plagued with robberies, was that such a good idea?<br />
<br />
4. Were you a ticking time bomb? Talking guns and drugs and immoral behavior with your friends? What were your plans? What kind of music, video games, movies did you enjoy? <br />
<br />
5. We don't get a do over. But, I sure wish parents, teachers, pastors would use your life to redeem others. Too, too many are murdering each other in Chicago. Innocents are being caught in the crossfire. I heard Rachel J. say she "doesn't do def" but someday, we will all die. What is our legacy? <br />
<br />
6. since you were six foot two inches...why not basketball? did you enjoy football? back to the eyeglasses question. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-6588702721327364962013-07-08T11:25:00.000-07:002013-07-08T13:13:04.640-07:00Can we substitute "earthly father" for "husband" ?My earthly father may have abandoned me.<br />
My heavenly Father adopts me (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Romans+8%3A15/" target="_blank">Rom. 8:15</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may see me as a situation to manage.<br />
My heavenly Father sees me as his daughter to redeem (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Isaiah+43%3A1/" target="_blank">Isa. 43:1</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may lie.<br />
My heavenly Father speaks the truth (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Isaiah+45%3A19/" target="_blank">Isa. 45:19</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may be deceptive and dark.<br />
My heavenly Father is light (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/1+John+1%3A5/" target="_blank">1 John 1:5</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may believe he’s perfect.<br />
My heavenly Father <em>is </em>perfect (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/2+Samuel+22%3A31/" target="_blank">2 Sam. 22:31</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may demand perfection from me.<br />
My heavenly Father gifts Jesus’ perfection to me (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/2+Corinthians+5%3A21/" target="_blank">2 Cor. 5:21</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may be selfish.<br />
My heavenly Father selflessly gives me his Son (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Romans+6%3A23/" target="_blank">Rom. 6:23</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may want glory for himself.<br />
My heavenly Father deserves all glory (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Revelation+5%3A13/" target="_blank">Rev. 5:13</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may judge me.<br />
My heavenly Father is the only judge (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Isaiah+33%3A22/" target="_blank">Isa. 33:22</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may want to be king.<br />
My heavenly Father is the King of kings (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Revelation+19%3A16/" target="_blank">Rev. 19:16</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may want me to pay for my sin.<br />
My heavenly Father provides Jesus as payment for my sin (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/1+John+4%3A10/" target="_blank">1 John 4:10</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may accept separation.<br />
My heavenly Father brings me near (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ephesians+2%3A13/" target="_blank">Eph. 2:13</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may place a burden on me.<br />
My heavenly Father put my burden on Jesus (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Colossians+2%3A14/" target="_blank">Col. 2:14</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may ignore me.<br />
My heavenly Father hears me (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+10%3A17/" target="_blank">Ps. 10:17</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may not truly know me.<br />
My heavenly Father not only knows me, but he designed me (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+139%3A13-16/" target="_blank">Ps. 139:13–16</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may have mistreated or abused me.<br />
My heavenly Father is my refuge (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+18%3A2/" target="_blank">Ps. 18:2</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may scare me.<br />
My heavenly Father’s love casts out fear (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/1+John+4%3A18/" target="_blank">1 John 4:18</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may be unpredictable.<br />
My heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Hebrews+13%3A8/" target="_blank">Heb. 13:8</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father’s love may be based on my performance.<br />
My heavenly Father loves me despite my performance (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ephesians+2%3A4-5%3BEphesians+2%3A8/" target="_blank">Eph. 2:4–5, 8</a>).<br />
<br />
My earthly father may not value me.<br />
My heavenly father sees me clothed in the image of Jesus (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Romans+8%3A29/" target="_blank">Rom. 8:29</a>).<br />
<br />
You are the loved daughter of the perfect Father, and nothing will ever change that. So then, it is safe to look the wounds from your earthly father in the face. <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+30%3A2/" target="_blank">Psalm 30:2</a> declares, “O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” Tell him your hurts, your fears, your pain. Though he already knows them, there is healing in bringing to light those deep places of your heart (<a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ephesians+5.11-14/" target="_blank">Eph. 5:11–14</a>).<br />
<br />
There is this dangerous hour or two---before church, when your husband is putting the final edits to his Sunday school lesson (or for the preacher's wife---his sermon) and the enemy is extra busy. Snark happens, and while he may regret what he said when/if the HS convicts him, you are laid low. sad. Having to hear and be humbled, but to the point of suicide or divorce? Instead, handle it with humor and realize that as you lean on Jesus to be like Jesus to submit and be subject to, He never heard His Heavenly Father say what your husband just threw at you. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
My earthly father died in March. And guess what. He was an earthly father. He was not perfect. But, now he is. And while I can do this list for/with my Dad, I read somewhere that we marry a guy like our Dad in some/many ways. I arrogantly think I rejected my first three boyfriends because they reminded me of negative things about my Dad. <br />
<br />
My Dad never enjoyed the phyco-babble and to dredge up stuff to him meant I had not forgiven. We kinda held each other at arms length in the final years. But, I was so thankful to be there the week he died. It was an awesome experience. I never want to forget how he saw something we could not see. He wanted to get up and go there! <br />
<br />
(I need to credit the list to another site. I need to go find her name. I would not want you to think I came up with the list. ha)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-19371831940298576502013-07-05T12:26:00.000-07:002013-07-05T12:26:00.893-07:00gifts are not my love languageOkay, I confess, gifts are not my love language.<br />
<br />
My dear sister once sent us alligator heads for our boys for Christmas. They had glass marble eyes. I sent them back.<br />
<br />
My son and daughter-in-law tried to give me the new special Whataburger ketchup for my birthday. But, I gave it back to them. I have plenty of Hunts. And little packets of Whataburger. And the Heintz is unpatriotic.<br />
<br />
Nope. I do not receive gifts well. I either re-gift them, or give them to them that might use or want them. <br />
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My husband gave up trying to buy me clothes. I took a sweater back---don't remember if it was the wrong size/color or what. Just did not want to see it go to waste. <br />
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Getting to play with all the grands---that is the best gift. Getting to see my sons, and daughters-in-law and future daughter-in-law. That is better than jewels or trips or dust collectors. <br />
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I'd rather have bottles of Tazo tea than a cake. Cakes do not keep. Bottles of Tazo tea will be fun for days and days. I'd rather have a fun meal out than cake. Salmon at BJs, or ribs at Angelos or lasagna at Olive Garden, lemon veal piccatta at Carrabbas, limas and lemon chicken at C. Barrel, catfish at Babes...<br />
<br />
no, fat ladies do not need cake. Oat meal cookies---perfecting a recipe with a dollop of sour cream, and olive oil and butter...much better than cake and roses. roses fade. But, the memory of little guys playing lasts a long, long time. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-74784977681712424412013-07-04T08:44:00.001-07:002013-07-04T08:44:38.173-07:00My "wow" birthday 2013 Journaling the memories here---for next year. I am walking around the house, doing dishes, picking up, as Bob vacuums and sorts toys...saying "wow" over and over. God gives THE best birthdays. wow<br />
<br />
Last Sunday, at church, I thought my birthday would be sorta quiet. I thought Bob would go to work, as he had been in Alabama the week before and needed to catch up. I thought we might see James and Amber on the 4th. just for an hour, as they needed to get west. But, mostly, I thought we'd be staying cool. indoors. poking around on facebook and twitter. maybe see a movie. ha.<br />
<br />
After church, We met Ben and Tiffany and Tiffany's grannie and her friend Ashley at BJs for lunch. They serve the best salmon I have ever tasted. impressive. <br />
<br />
And Monday I talked to Suzanne on the phone, and mailed some packages. And we rode the roller coaster of James contemplating a deployment---which by Monday afternoon he found out the door on that slammed "violently" shut. yay. But, it is like we were put on notice, tested, for some reason. And with things unsettled in Syria, Jordan, Egypt... But, thankful the cloud was lifted for their vacation. <br />
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Tuesday, Andy called and said they were headed up...and so I started cleaning, shopping. They attended a college buddy's wedding right across the street from my Mother's house, and had been staying with her, visiting Lauren's folks and grandparents and friends. I was glad they decided to come here for my birthday before heading back to Florida. It was a wonderful chance to see Abby and David... and we still thought we'd see James and Amber on the 4th...<br />
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Ben and Tiffany came over Tuesday night after Andy and Lauren got here about 5:30pm. Abby is getting so tall, and she is so patient with her little brother. David talks amazingly, and if you set the timer for each hour, potty trained! <br />
<br />
On Wednesday, my actual birthday (even though I had been celebrating all week) James found out at 2pm that they had been released early, so they were headed our way by 2:30pm. wow. They got here by 9pm?? And Ben and Tiffany came back even though they were in the middle of painting Tiffany's kitchen cupboards. I got to sit and watch all my grands play. And Abby got to experience what it would be like to have three little brothers. Sometimes they ganged up on her, and tried to tickle or tackle. And there was lots of spontaneous hugging. Baby James and Baby David are about the same height. It was so cute to see them hugging each other. eye-to-eye. sometimes gently, sometimes in a take down tackle. amazing. And little Matthew, who turned one in March, who is walking and climbing just gets right in there, too. Gets a toy, shares a toy, has a toy snatched from his hands...but he does not seem to mind. Rolls with it. And smiles so big. <br />
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What more could I have wanted for my birthday? I got to babysit my grands, play, watch them, delight in their interaction, and see my sons and my daughters-in-law and my future daughter-in-law. Eat ice cream. What more is there? I do not need gifts that collect dust. We are trying to give away those things to good homes. simplify. Someday, we will move the bed from the middle bedroom to the little house and make it another spare room for when both families are here---on those very rare, once every two years or so occurances/miracles. <br />
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This morning, the 4th, I made coffee, careful not to wake sleeping babies. And I got to watch them eat breakfast sitting on our breakfast stools. More hugging, foot fights, fork waving...as their daddies packed the cars. Now one has pulled away to the east, and one to the west coast. Florida and California. with their little dvd players and juice bottles, and books and toys...<br />
<br />
What a fun, fun 4th! They ran in the back yard. conquered the hill. talked to the neighbor dogs as long as GrandDad was near. And gave us lots of hugs and kisses. so fun. I bet they all take naps on the trip. <br />
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Thanks again to my sons and their families. I wonder if we won't all be together here again until next March when Ben and Tiffany get married?? what fun. wow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-73194735316152811762013-06-29T09:37:00.000-07:002013-06-29T09:43:58.414-07:00ColossiansI wanted to title this "Commands of Colossians" but I was afraid that might be off-putting. I love the commands of the New Testament. I love it when Jesus says do what I said, and makes us responsible for what He has commanded, then empowers us to do them. But, in this culture, people don't like being told what to do. That is sad. They think authority is evil, but God's authority is for our protection.<br />
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Colossians 1:17 He (Christ Jesus) is before all things and in Him all things hold together. <br />
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So when we lean on Christ, when we draw near, hold fast, (more of my favorite phrases) we are completing the circuit or plugging into it? ((electrical analogy---seeing as how my husband is an electrical engineer, and my youngest is an electrician))<br />
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Colossians 2:2 "...KNIT together in love." (sorry, but I am a knitter---so I jump on those verses)<br />
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Commands of Colossians:<br />
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1:10 Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work. (it is not a suggestion) <br />
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Walk...bearing fruit...good work <br />
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1:12 Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. (what/who are "saints in Light?")<br />
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1:23 if you continue in the faith firmly established. (continue is the command to me)<br />
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2:6 ...as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in Him,<br />
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2:8 See to it that no one take you captive through philosophy and empty deception, <br />
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2:18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize<br />
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2:19 (taking the liberty of rewording the command here from the negative) Hold fast to the Head Christ (the whole Body of Christ) grows with a growth which is from God.<br />
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3:1,2 "...keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. vs. 3 For you have died and our life is hidden with Christ in God.<br />
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3:5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. <br />
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(idolatry is immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed. where/how am I immoral? impure? passionate as in crusader arrogance, where do I have evil desires? where am I greedy? I curse and say bad words when I am angry, frustrated, impatient.)<br />
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Col. 3:5-11 Put aside: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech from your mouth, do not lie to one another, put on the new self... where there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, BUT CHRIST IS ALL AND IN ALL<br />
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vs 12-17 You are chosen of God! Holy and Beloved. <br />
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Chosen of God, Holy, Beloved, Christ is all and in all...in you. Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving each other, forgive just as Christ forgave you. <br />
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Put on Love which is the perfect bond of unity, let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body and Be Thankful. Let the word of Christ rightly dwell in you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. <br />
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How do we admonish one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs? I think it points to a corporate worship. singing together---which means we need to assemble together, and maybe too, as responsibility and knowing the psalms we sing! <br />
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(keep all the previous verses in mind---in context---are you sitting down??)<br />
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Colossians 3:18 WIVES BE SUBJECT TO YOUR HUSBANDS, AS IT IS FITTING IN THE LORD. <br />
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(still with me? do you find this offensive? irritating? mean? don't miss the blessing. hang on. repent and stay with me here)<br />
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Don't lift it out of context and beat your wife or daughter or daughter-in-law with it. Keep it in context. Go back and re-read Colossians so far, if you need to. "Fitting" means right, good, proper. <br />
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fun aside: I see Mammy, in the movie, Gone With The Wind, saying: "It ain't fittn'...it just ain't fittin' " for something Scarlet is planning on doing. <br />
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"Subject" to your husbands is important for unity and peace and "in the Lord" reveals by the Lord's power and done as UNTO the Lord plus not as in a crime and/or being an accomplice. <br />
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Only You, Lord, can empower, motivate, show me how to be subject to my husband without sinning in my heart, without eye rolling, without respect. quietly. lovingly, just as Christ is subject to His own Heavenly Father: serving, praying earnestly to, communicating, beseeching, (see Gethsemine) but when it is time to move, time to act, time to go to the cross, do so with honor, love, willingness, without fear, doing your job, your duty, giving your loyalty, devotion, giving all without reservation on that cross JUST AS CHRIST. Just as Christ: obedience, endured, was spat on, beaten, despised, misunderstood, meek, praying for His enemies. When your husband asks you to do something hard, something you'd rather not, something painful, even to the point of death, remember Christ our example. Jesus asks us to submit. Be subject to our husband even as Jesus is/was subject and submitted to the Father. And as our example--we don't do it blindly, but LIKE Christ, we tremble, sweat blood, pray for this cup to pass from us, yet we TRUST, go, serve, do, even if...<br />
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Even if ...<br />
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Hard times are coming when marriage is under attack, ridiculed. I think this privilege---this opportunity is not being taught to women. Our Christian daughters and dear daughters-in-law need to know that soon the world will revile, despise them for being subject and submitting to their husbands. But it is a GIFT, on this earth, now. in time. not in heaven. We can only do it now. We are going to be given the daily, hourly, private or maybe public opportunity to demonstrate Jesus Christ, our example, as a wife. To submit, to be subject to our husband. I tremble, Lord. For me, for my daughter-in-law, for the friends and women at my church, and the women in the Body of Christ: Help us not miss this unique opportunity to stand up for marriage. Marriage is Biblical, created by God!! God's design. God's purpose. God's objective and mission. Give us Your supernatural strength in our hour of need, Lord. When persecution comes, when teaching our sons and daughters, at church, in public, for we desire to hear: "Good and faithful servant" when we get to heaven. <br />
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The enemy, in the disguise of the equal rights women's movement has been attacking and depriving women of this for years. Men are told to Love their wives just as Christ: even being willing to lay down their lives for her. provide. protect. And it is easy when respect, love, trust is there. But, computers can be hacked, reputations ruined, silly laws broken, or immoral laws--stood against costing a man his livelihood and family security. When a husband has to stand for what is right, he answers to God and often it costs him his life, his job, his ability to provide for his family. Please give my daughters-in-law and granddaughters the knowledge of why You set it up this way and a clear understanding of the privilege to be Christlike in subjection and submission--but only to our own husband and only as unto God. We are not told to be subject to other women's husbands.<br />
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This opportunity, this test, this obedience, posture, needs to be done in the Filling of the Holy Spirit, hourly, daily, in the household tasks, in the watchcare over the children, teaching of the children, as well as in deference to the husband in household decisions, plans, upkeep, as well as decorum at church, in public, with friends, encouraging your friends to be so also with their own husband...for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health... Watching your husband's back, serving, sensitive, respectful, loving and gentle. I tremble. I am afraid because the tests often blindside us and I am guilty of being unkind, frustrated, impatient, sarcastic, mean, selfish, picky, unforgiving, moody. <br />
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When we get to heaven and we see the stack of crowns of missed opportunities, it will be too late. And I have been married 35 years...lots of wasted opportunities. <br />
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When those who shack up, live with---before marriage, they miss these opportunities to be like Christ. To love just as Christ. To forgive just as Christ, to serve, wash feet, endure persecution, endure beatings, being spit on, slapped by the world, by the cruel religious, dirty, mean, immoral crowd, who see you as a threat. They are the truly intolerant. Please get us ready, Lord. Gird up our loins. help us strap on the full armor of God, know our scripture, and how to use it, help us know when to speak, when to fight, when to stand, when to wait, when to run, when to endure. In Jesus name. Help us remember that Jesus is the example for the husband as well as for the wife. Only here can we do this. Only here on earth, in time, before we die or are raptured, can we honor Your Son, Jesus, in suffering, in service, in persecution, in sharing the Gospel, in boldness. Keep us with our priorities in proper perspective. Help us avoid crusader arrogance, fear, phoniness, idolatry, greed, gluttony, escaping into books, movies...bring EVERY thought into captivity for Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.<br />
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Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men...it is the Lord whom you serve.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-90409232815512009032013-06-26T06:58:00.001-07:002013-06-26T06:58:28.920-07:00Mrs. Clara Martin WilliamsonToday is my husband's Mother's Birthday---she would be 93. Born in 1920, but forever 33 as she is in heaven. Can't wait to meet her. She died just after Bob left home for the Army. He has told me the story of what a struggle it was for her to attend his commissioning. He has told me of stories of growing up with seven brothers and sisters, so I know she was a saint in more ways than one. <br />
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I love the stories about how Bob's Mom was a Sunday School teacher, and how as a little boy, he was fascinated by these giggling girls. She also played the piano, and kept the books for her husband's construction business. I cannot imagine being the Mom of eight---and when the triplets were babies, Bart was also still in diapers. <br />
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I wish she could see what wonderful women the triplets have become. And what would she say to hear so many are pastors, Sunday School teachers, soldiers...among her sons, nephews, and greats. <br />
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Happy Birthday, Mrs. Clara Martin Williamson. She was a daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, wife, Mom, Grandmother---what a legacy. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-75797841493744223762013-06-26T06:04:00.000-07:002013-06-26T06:04:50.539-07:00Fun With Twitter<br />
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10,555 tweets<br />
1,464 following<br />
783 followers<br />
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Numbers that can disappear tomorrow! Computers crash. Internet is fragile. Pictures and files are lost. or you can be thrown into twitter gulag. Isn't that special? <br />
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But, with twitter---news is instant. You can chuckle with your funny and/or satire tweets, cry at the news of a fallen soldier, murdered baby. <br />
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News from around the world--because my sons could be deployed again, so what is going on over there? And what is the president up to? Reducing the military, cutting library programs for kids, turning off the AC in commissaries and yet expecting troops to go over there where they HATE us and bring peace?! That. <br />
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Twitter is a place to encourage other believers, stand up and be heard. Get alerts to sermons, and be amazed at the pithy words of the master satirists. Poke fun at each other, keep a sense of humor. Yes, twitter is fun. Mostly, to retweet what others say, as in, "wow, I like that!" or "wow, I like how you worded that." I agree. Amen, I believe it. I agree.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-33132394310176708502013-06-07T15:04:00.002-07:002013-06-07T15:04:22.620-07:00Light Blogging lately. conquering twitter.I am still alive. Enjoying the challenge that is twitter. Still need to find a book for dummies on the subject. <br />
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I stayed home with the grandbabies Memorial Day Sunday, and was so sad to hear that our church has given up on a nod. they mixed up Memorial Day and Veteran's Day for years, but sad to hear they gave it no mention at all. I got to thinking, if I were a pastor---and that'll NEVER happen, as our church do not believe women's role is pastor/teacher above men. But, if I were pastor, and were tasked writing or composing or delivering a Memorial Day message, which book in the Bible would I turn? Chronicles. First Chronicles. My o My, the gems there. All those lists---valiant men, men of honor, trained, ready, provisioned, prepared, wow. Names upon names...to let us know what happened to the rest of the story. <br />
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For example, in Genesis, we leave Hagar and her son with an angel visit, and a promise. Sure enough, the promises come true. Ishmael has lots of sons, and his descendants are listed. Esau, Keturah's sons...listed and accounted for. The book seems to hone in on David, as if it was written in his time. Details only he would know, and a cleaned up version of certain events...maybe his son, the wisest, Solomon wrote it. or at least started the writing of it. One translation says it is one of the last books written chronologically...first and second Chronicles together. one book. <br />
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If you were needing a Father's Day message---"heads of households" and "heads of their father's households" would preach. The phrase appears over and over. <br />
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So, between searching Chronicles, and figuring out twitter, and listening to the Blazecast---Scott Baker's interactive show online, and Stu and Pat--and a little of Glenn, I keep busy. Refilling the birdfeeder, watching the grass grow, and talking to the white cat in the back yard who has adopted us. Fathered by the old white tom we used to call Phantom for his face markings....this white guy has similar stains on his head---more in the shape of a v. He loves to sit in the windowsill and watch the birds swoop in to the feeder, see him, and fly off. <br />
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Saw my Mother Memorial Day weekend, too. She stayed with my brother in Grapevine, but we motored up to see her Saturday and Sunday. Helped our son, James with da babies as his wife was on a women's retreat. The babies were so cute. Baby Matthew is walking full time now. Amber's folks have driven out from California. So glad they are finally getting to see them in almost a year. <br />
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Rain yesterday brought cooler weather. So nice to be able to open the windows. Had to get a new AC the Friday before Memorial Day, and the new Freon or motor or something gives a faint burnt smell. I hope it fades. Or, maybe the new carbon filters I ordered will help. <br />
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Bob teaches Sunday School each week, so Saturday he is busy composing a lesson. They are good lessons, so I am grateful. (why don't we spell it greatful?). <br />
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an update on my menopause---absurd name if ever there was one. I had the heaviest, blot clot filled months of December, January, February, March, April and then half way through May--it stopped. wow. a break. I had bought a case of the heavy-duty purple overnight pads. I hated to go anywhere because I need to sit on a towel for leakage. We will see. <br />
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Years ago, I went to doctors and just wanted them to explain that it would get messy, heavy, but eventually stop. Instead they advised hysterectomies, surgery---ridiculous at my weight, and with sleep apnea and allergies...no thank you. Stuff (supplements) different ones---chiropractor, friends, relatives suggested had bad side effects. I noticed I was getting sensitive to the sun! And sun is good for mental health in reasonable doses...and in chasing babies. So, I stopped all supplements. <br />
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Life is good. Twitter is fun. I have a few "followers". what a hoot! It is a way to encourage, teach, reach out, learn, keep up on the LATEST news...receive links to live tornado storms, etc. Watched the El Reno one blow up online from a small cloud to the biggest recorded one ever. I still can't believe the weathermen were so scared from the week before's storm that they advised people to get in their cars and out run it south. It was way too late to clog the roads. 18 or 19 died. Even three storm chasers. amazing.<br />
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More later from Momisaverb.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-16407564155872902902013-04-07T05:56:00.002-07:002013-04-07T05:56:48.284-07:00Hey Jude, what a pertinent and fascinating Book of the Bible you are. I am so spoiled as Bob knows more about computers and can help me out of my
wrong turns into malware. I clicked on the wrong thing on Friday, being
impatient---and it took HOURS to remove that malware. yikes.
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<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
I am also thankful that God has provided me Bob as Sunday School teacher.
Sometimes it is hard to be quiet...and let him study on Saturday. (and Sunday
morning...like right now) 'cause I have been reading the book of Jude this week,
dissecting the verbs, lists of bad boys, and pondering certain phrases...and
can't wait to ask Bob about them. It is amazing to me how when we have
questions about the Bible, God answers within days or weeks with a radio
preacher's sermon, or sermon at church, or even a special speaker. I about had
a religious experience one time when I had a question about the anointing feet
with perfume stories, and this speaker from England came to our church and
preached the VERY passage I was going over and over on my own. God is
good.</div>
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<div>
</div>
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<div>
We need to be ready to combat the culture. Marriage is being questioned,
and the homosexual agenda is evil. Like is says in Jude, the license for evil
among our own who want to use grace to justify their immoral behavior! yikes.
And I like the Net Bible translation better---they are not "hidden reefs at your
love feasts", they are rocks along the shore as in a shipwreck analogy---pillars
in our churches, false teachers spouting--- </div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div _yuid="yui_3_1_1_4_136533808500388">
I can't wait to ask Bob about our
command to "contend for the faith" versus was the worst Michael could say to
satan over the body of Moses: "the Lord rebuke you!" (also in Jude). And I
love how Jude highlights stories from Sunday School---and makes us responsible
for them in the church age. Balaam was a story that looks tame but fun for
little kids because the donkey talks! But, you have to dig around deeper to find
out that Balaam was guilty of encouraging the infiltration of Israel through the
women of Midian: sexual immorality!! yikes. It would be like North Korea
unable to get their nukes to work, so he sends north Korean prostitutes to
undermine our government and nation. or it would be like radical islam, unable
to knock down the new Freedom Tower, sending the Muslim Brotherhood to rewrite
our textbooks, and military training materials...and Balaam sitting there
protesting, but I did not send the prostitutes, nor the Muslim Brotherhood, I
just ADVISED them that that is how you take down the USA. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-33593877875041263622013-03-30T07:48:00.001-07:002013-03-30T07:48:09.858-07:00Legacy
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What if a grandfather wanted to tell his grandchildren,
great-grandchildren even great-greats that he loved them, and thought of them,
and prayed for them..?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, that
grandfather would tell his children and grands, by living to be almost 100 and telling
them every day in word, and deed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
would write letters to those far away, and postcards they could keep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would record things in diaries, and write
funny things about trips they might enjoy reading and sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he would try to set up his will such that
the great-greats knew someday that they came from a farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A farm he desired to keep together and keep
in the family to provide a place to raise food though the world go to hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once upon a time, our God rescued and set apart a people He
loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To help them remember where they
came from He directed them to celebrate once a year with a special feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that family feast, were all the elements
to teach the children what happened and repeat the promises that no matter how
hard things get, God is coming back to rescue them and rule and set everything
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just a small people, on a small plot of land. Set apart, and
rescued down through the ages, though dictators have tried to exterminate them,
God preserves a remnant, and gives them the task of keeping His Commandments
written in the Torah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have changed
some celebrations, even Jesus came and pointed out where they had strayed from
the letter of the Law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the elements
pointed to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ is our
Passover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of the world hates the Jews because they are a tiny
flame, a light to the world that God keeps His promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will come a time in the future when the
enemy tries to wipe them out and when unsuccessful again, turn and try to kill
all who follow Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Revelation, it
says the enemy will be drunk on the blood of the saints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Align yourself with the Jews, and Jesus, and
persevere until the end. Some may be called upon to defend themselves, some
will be taken captive. Again. Do no despair. God is in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wins in the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-41599640357543886492013-03-08T15:27:00.001-08:002013-03-08T15:30:33.946-08:00Saints in ChristAs Christians, we are saints in Christ. It does not mean we are perfect this side of heaven, but because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we are positionally in Him. His. <br />
<br />
I don't want to turn my Dad into an idol. Neither do I want to dwell on the past because we all make mistakes. We all sin. Jesus died for the sins of the entire world. <br />
<br />
If I could have---no regrets---but, because I blubber easily, I'd like to list a few things I'd like to tell Dad thank you:<br />
<br />
Thank you, Dad, for giving me a love of learning about God, the Bible, taking me to visit the pastor's wife, Mrs. Algrim, who explained the gospel to me at 10 years old. Your conversion and mine are linked by that week in October 1963. <br />
<br />
Thank you for taking us to church faithfully after that...to learn more about the gift of salvation Jesus paid so dearly for us. Thank you for showing us by example how important it is to go to church, learn God's Word, pray with, sing with and encourage others.<br />
<br />
Thank you for giving me a love of music, especially, singing. I am sorry I was never a good enough pianist to accompany you, as you longed for me to be. Thank you for giving me voice lessons---from you, from professionals, from teachers. From early age---what was I, five or six?? when you taught me the "Where is Love" song from Oliver. You taught me to love musicals. <br />
<br />
Thank you for giving me a love of books, of reading, and learning. Thank you for being such young parents with energy, a love of people, parading, inviting people into our home. <br />
<br />
Thank you for taking me to school, picking me up, making me responsible, accountable, <br />
<br />
Thank you for teaching me to drive...and insisting on excellence because a huge automobile can do serious damage if you do not pay attention. (even though I resisted, knowing I could never drive as safely as you)<br />
<br />
Thank you for moving us to Texas my sophomore year in high school where we could attend church and study the Bible every night and where I met my future husband, and learned to socialize.<br />
<br />
Thank you for trying to impress on me the importance of staying in shape, eating right, taking vitamins. <br />
<br />
Your boldness in sharing the gospel was amazing. Your boldness as a salesman was impressive--sorry I did not turn out to be the salewoman with NFIB you desired me to be.<br />
<br />
Thank you for giving me away to my husband 35 years ago, even giving up your wedding ring to help move the ceremony along. Thank you for providing for me growing up--I never went hungry. I knew you loved me. And I knew you and Mother enjoyed the grandsons.<br />
<br />
Thank you for the phone calls, the wisdom, the modelling of good behavior, paying off debts, gracious hospitality, opening your home to all, and most of all--<br />
<br />
How do I thank you for your Voice? God gave you a tremendous talent, but you worked at it, took lessons, cultivated an opera Voice and yet you chose us. You could have been famous. You could have gone to New York or Hollywood, but you decided family was more important and you saw the dangers lurking in fame. You chose us. Your children and grandchildren and now four great-grandchildren will never know what all you sacrificed for us. But, we thank you, and we thank God for you---and while it was hard to watch you struggle physically these past few years, you modelled perseverance. Grace. You were given the tests of blindness, liver failure, and challenges from your bi-pass intestine operation (30+) years ago. Yet you used your voice to bless others in solos, leading the singing, entertaining, plays (in Illinois), and around the house--we were blessed. <br />
<br />
Even your last days here, you sang out, "It is Well" in the chorus of that famous hymn.<br />
<br />
Forgive me for talking you into wearing cowboy boots with your tux for a solo before wearing cowboy boots with a tux was cool. <br />
<br />
Forgive me for being judgemental, a bad speller, fat. In heaven, my faults will be gone, too. I can't wait. Love you, Dad. I know you are having a wonderful reunion with Kenny, Skoneee, Dick Duke, your parents, grandparents, Abby's great grandmother, (Abby said, now you can be friends with her again! wise little six year old). <br />
<br />
Maybe God has a plan for your Voice as Jesus comes back and sets everything right. Shout to the Lord. Sing out a new song. Praise His Name. <br />
<br />
yes, this is what I'd like to tell my Dad. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-72937851424309819922013-03-08T14:49:00.002-08:002013-03-08T14:53:35.881-08:00<a href="http://marshill.com/media/who-do-you-think-you-are/i-am-afflicted">http://marshill.com/media/who-do-you-think-you-are/i-am-afflicted</a><br />
<br />
Good sermon from Pastor Mark at Mars Hill. <br />
<br />
It was hard watching my Dad die, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I never wanted it, I would have never chosen it, and I don't want anyone else to go through it, but I wouldn't trade those ten days because I learned so much about Jesus. So, I cherish it. Hopefully, God will use this to help someone else. It is okay to grieve, but don't lose heart. Ephesians 3:1-3. Fight. Fight for your marriage, your kids, your joy. God doesn't always answer our "why?'s but promises His Presence. Just be there, comfort one another. Talk about it. just like the Apostle Paul did.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-14731686436125595322013-03-08T14:33:00.000-08:002013-03-08T14:56:28.560-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Notes from Dad’s
Death compiled by Joyce Williamson, oldest daughter of Max M. Howe (May 27,
1935 – March 5, 2013)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Bob and I drove
down Monday, Feb 25, 2013. (Arlington, Texas to Kingwood, TX)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob took a week of vacation time to help
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I packed to stay longer if needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">On Thursday,
February 28<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, my Dad seemed different..sleeping more, no appetite,
etc. so Mother called for an extra nurse visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Hospice Nurse, Mary, said to watch him overnight, but also start the
smallest dose of morphine as the strees/pain indicated in the eybrow, brow, and
clinched fists were pain indicators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
she said he might be in or starting “transition”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She warned that anything ingested –water or
food—the danger of going straight to the lungs, so we were instructed to wet
his lips with the small sponges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad
showed no aversion to the bitterness of the morphine which indicated his sense
of taste is diminished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He slept well
until midnight and was a little restless---arms and hands to face to wipe eyes
and nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother and I observed his
breathing all night, but did not see any other indicators like rapid
respiration, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 4am I stood next to
his bed and he said, so sweetly, so gently and softly three times:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love you. I love you. I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">And “I love all of
you” and “thank you” whenever we gave him a sponge of water to sip or put water
on his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Friday, March 1, 2013<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The aide gave him
a bath, and washed his hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Output is
down and no blowouts (bowel movements) since yesterday morning—had to change
the sheets with that last one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Breathing
easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleeping and coughing and clearing
throat seldom compared to spitting yesterday. (he always was a phlegmy
person).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wet, combed hair gives him
a much more normal appearance to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>More noble compared to the wild-professor look of the bed-hair
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I sent out an
email to everyone saying that I am so thankful all have visited that
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And please pray for strength for
my Mother as the next stage indicators to watch for, and being up and down with
Dad all night can physically wear her out….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We so covet your prayers thus far, as we see God working so smoothly, seamlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">We’d ask him if he
was in pain, and he’d say, no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played
music on the laptop, sermons on the radio KHCB.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Saturday, March 2,
2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">4:30 am<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a poem coming on as I sat in a chair
beside Dad’s bed so Mother could sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, I got up and wrote my thoughts down in a rough draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, it documented Dad’s illness for me
to help with the chronology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mother said
Dad had not felt good in years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(two
hospital stays, one in January, and one in February… Jay and Mother brought him
home to die under Hospice care Feb. 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our sons visited the next weekend of Feb. 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>,
to say goodbye and help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tina came and
stayed 10 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jay came back on
weekends. Bill the weekend of Feb 23<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup>.) We witnessed Dad rally for
visits from church members visits:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vance
King, Pastor Larry, and members brought jokes that made Dad smile, stories, and
food for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Larry shaved
Dad a couple of times, and helped lift Dad for clean up jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">5:30am I asked Dad
how do you feel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He replied, “Terrific”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The loogies make
me gag at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hocking loogies,
spitting at 6:30am Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(but, then,
he was always a spitter)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helped to
sing this to the Count your Blessings song:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hocking Loogies get them off your tongue…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Sunday, March 3,
2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Bill called on his
way to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put the phone to Dad’s
ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Don Huber called
and Dad said, “Don!” as I believe Dad recognized his voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">“JIM ! JIM ! JIM!”
when we put the phone to his ear when his brother called from Illinois.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Bob prepared to
leave Sunday, and then we sang some hymns for Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had read some Psalms aloud that morning, as
Mother requested a few by number, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our first hymn, “It is Well” ---Dad belted out the mens’ part in the
chorus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Be Still My Soul” (Bob’s fav)
and “Overshadowed” p. 263 in the Making Melody hymnal Mother found for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad sang it as a solo at Berachah years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Claire posted on facebook that
Grant in Sunday School had learned that Jesus healed the blonde man.) My Dad
has been practically blind since catarak surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A genetic problem was discovered after which
he emailed everyone about at Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, Jesus truly did heal the Blind man in our story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Bob left for
Arlington at 1pm and called us at 4:44pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">3-5pm deep restful
sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally. 7 breaths per minute. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">5pm awake, asleep,
awake, asleep. Snoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">6:40pm told him
who I was and asked if he wanted water? “I love you” was his answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">7pm turned on his
left side all by himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We re-arranged
covers to match, but he only stayed there 10 minutes or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">8pm legs up,
uncovers himself. Is he bothered by itching? (when we asked later, Tomeka
suggested it might be a morphine side effect.) We put sweat pants on him
because he just would not keep covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mother administered secretion medication and morphine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Monday, March 4,
2013<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">7am sleeping<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">8am visit from old
neighbor. Sleeping good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">9am Tomeka, the
wonderful aide that came by M-F to give him a bath, came and positioned him
with his head high up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He usually slept
after a bath because it seemed to wear him out, but his nap stretched 2 hours,
then 4, and the Hospice nurse, Mary could not rouse him patting his feet,
putting water on his lips, poking him in the chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His arms and legs stayed where Tomeka had
positioned him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I continued to watch him
from the foot of Mother’s bed with Dad’s laptop perched atop some hymnals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 7pm, I noticed his breaths had increased
from the usual 7 or 8 a minute to 12 to 13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">We were amazed how
long he was sleeping—from 9am Monday until 1am Tuesday…no moving, hands and
legs in same position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a contrast
to Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
I want to remember how when we went to bed, knowing how Dad was, peaceful, not moving, wondering, was this the night? Would he get to go to heaven tonight?<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Tuesday, March 5,
2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">1am<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad coughed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first sound we had heard him make in 16
hours, and it had been 18 hours since last morphine dose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">2am<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we cleared phlegm, used drops, rinsed his
mouth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">3am breathing 26
breaths per minute<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">3:15am morphine
dose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only slight eyebrow movements.
More phlegm clearing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">4:20am another
morphine dose after Mother called the Hospice nurse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">4:40-5am<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>set a Tommy Nelson sermon from Denton Bible
Church going to give us something to listen to while Dad breathed rapidly---as
high as 30 breaths per minute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://dbcmedia.org/sermons/2-samuel-1/">http://dbcmedia.org/sermons/2-samuel-1/</a> (link to the sermon)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">5:25 to 5:27
(Dad’s birthday is 5-27-35) I noticed that Dad’s breath was finally softer,
slower, with spaces, and I touched Mother’s shoulder to say, I think he is
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I thought the
clock said 5:35am when we saw him breathe his last few breaths, but, we sat and
watched him a while to be sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Felt his
hand, chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a peaceful end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A peaceful face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eyes closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I called Bob, and then Mother called Mary, the Hospice nurse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">6:44am Mary
started taking vitals, and declared him at 6:46am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the time that will appear on his
death certificate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we know when he
died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if he started to leave us
earlier, as he had always moved his arms, hands, legs and feet until 9am
Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was his brain stem just
breathing for him from 9am until 5:25am the next day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he have a stroke?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does not matter now, but because Mary had
told Mother that she would see her Wednesday, Mother seemed to think the nurse
did not think he would die until after Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mary and Mother washed his body, crushed and
destroyed all pills and medication, and in another hour, the first of the two
funeral home men arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Funeral home men
came to pick up the body with a gurney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Carrying his body out covered in a red velvet blanket. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then the hospital rental company picked up the
bed, oxygen equipment, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Jay arrived before
noon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helped Mother re-arrange, vacuum,
took us out to lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">(Later, one of the
men came back to answer questions, and pick up the pictures for the video at
the Memorial Service.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started making
phone calls, going through Dad’s cell phone, wait on calls about the church
time availability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5pm Memorial Service,
with 4pm family visit time at Kingwood Bible Church around the corner Saturday,
March 9th. (Pastor Larry and my folks attend a church that meets at the Y, but
Dad lead the singing at KBC for many years.) Mother tasked Dick Mills to lead
the singing of hymns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only Pastor Larry
is to preach. Mother had to answer a hundred questions from the life/science
people on whatall Dad had been given, vitamins and prescriptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the body is cremated, ashes will be
taken to Illinois to where his headstone waits in the spring—better weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Memorials (no
flowers) go to:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack Young Benefit fund
for Emily Young at any Wells Fargo 4080.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Memorial Service to be held at: Kingwood Bible Church,3610 West Lake
Houston,Kingwood, TX 77345<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Here is Pastor Tommy Nelson's comment from my email telling him about the last sermon Dad heard: </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;">Joyce, </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;">There can be no greater honor for a
pastor than to be the last words from earth before a saint enters into the
presence. He went victorious into a glorious reception... we have a mansion in
the heavenlies.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;">Press On,</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 11pt;">Tommy</span></i><span style="color: #365f91; font-size: 11pt;"><br />++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><span style="color: #365f91; font-size: 11pt;">Tommy Nelson<br />Senior Pastor<br />Denton
Bible Church<br />Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Ministry<br />2300 E.
University Drive<br />Denton, TX 76209<br />940.297.6700<br /><a href="http://www.dentonbible.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #365f91;">www.dentonbible.org</span></a></span><span style="color: #365f91; font-size: 11pt;"><br />++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><span style="color: #365f91; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong></strong><br /><b>Subject:</b>
your sermon last Sunday was the last one Dad heard</span></div>
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Dear Pastor Tommy Nelson,</div>
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My husband and I enjoy listening to your sermons
online. I spent a week near Houston with my parents last week as my Dad was
dying of liver failure. He has been a strong Christian for 40 years. I was
helping my Mother at his deathbed, and yours was the last sermon he heard this
side of heaven! Your sermon of Sunday, 3-3-13, which is jam packed with so
much---I have had to listen to it four times, and I don't think I have it all.
wow. My Dad was breathing rapidly about 4am, and I set your sermon going on his
laptop and at the end, the online audio cuts off before you say, Amen, but I
noticed my Dad's breathing was getting shallower, softer and spaced out. I told
my Mother, I think he is going...and we watched him take his last breaths.
wow. so peaceful. an answer to prayer! Dad just slipped away to heaven home
when you were finished speaking. How polite! My Dad's name is Max Howe. He
would turn 78 in May.</div>
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I
just thought you'd like to know. Thank you for your faithfulness. Your sermon
was such a comfort! Love, Joyce Williamson</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-70164881373930648282012-12-03T14:18:00.001-08:002012-12-05T10:00:29.253-08:00EphesiansPaul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself according to the kind intention of His will to the praise of the glory of His grace which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. <br />
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In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.<br />
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In Him, you also after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you wer sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.<br />
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For this reson I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.<br />
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I pray that the eyes o your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every anme that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.<br />
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And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in thesons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. <br />
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But God, being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His wormanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcision" by the so-called "circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands--remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of Promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both grougps into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. <br />
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AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace which was given to me for you; that by the revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are for your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and ot know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. <br />
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Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.<br />
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Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according tot he measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He wo descended is Himself also He who ascended far above allt he heavens, so that He might fill all things.) And He gave somea s apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the boyd of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together byw hat every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. So this I say, and affirm together witht he Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they having become callous, have given themselves over to the sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance witht he lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put ont he new self, which in the likesness of God ahs been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his won hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrathof God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate int he unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that beomces visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be fillled witht he Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns ans spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to god , even the Father; an be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, be subject to your won husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He HImself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to to love their own wives as their own bodies. he who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AN THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear adn trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that bother their Master and yours in in heaven, and ther is no partiality with Him. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take u the full amor of God, so that you will be able to resist int he evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish allt he flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,a nd pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me int he opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus,t he beloved brother and faithful minister int he Lord, will make everything known to you. I ahve sent him to your for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hears. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those wo love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-20010301838186742292012-12-03T08:37:00.002-08:002012-12-03T08:37:35.142-08:00Heat wave in December 2012Breaking record high temps for the last few days. Had to turn on the AC. whew.<br />
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In my personal Bible Study--and as an old lady, I have the luxury of sipping coffee and reading and re-reading chapters of the Bible--a luxury busy moms of small children do not have. But, I have been amazed at how God has drawn me to certain chapters, reading and re-reading and pondering and taking notes in the Genesis story again. But, then, after a certain amazing sermon--given me the tantalizing strength to tackle Ephesians. a book I usually avoid like the plague as Paul can be a bit technical, arguementative and hard-- but broken down into its parts, with a couple of running starts, I still wonder if it is a book to be read aloud in one sitting? Why don't we do that then? Or, was it to be studied? Piece by piece. I have known preachers who take YEARS to get through it verse by verse, word by word. And then when lifted out---certain passages scrape and grate against me. <br />
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And I ply my husband at home with questions. Like i should. But, oh, to see the forrest and not just the trees that is Ephesians. i noticed again this morning, that Paul seems to hint of an earlier book that explains the Mystery of Christ and the Church? Now I shall ask which book is that? For he seems to direct us back there. <br />
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And Ephesians seems to remind me that we can't just sit home alone, for God designed something much bigger--we are part of Christ's Body. Designed to work in the group God calls and knits together. This is good to remember when I desire to jump ship. It is so discouraging to hear our own Pastor badmouth another pastor, and to hear our own pastor badmouth David Barton. It is tempting to put the house up for sale, move to Denton and attend Denton Bible Church. There is nothing to hold us here. Where would God have us serve? Sometimes the messages and Bible Studies at our local church are good. But, God seems to be holding the numbers down, seats empty, leadership thin and a woeful lack of mature teachers for the kids, teens. The bulletin is mostly social. And may I say I am not a fan of plays and crappy praise songs? Hey, this is my online journal. This is where I dump. <br />
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Let us return to Ephesians. Ephesians shouts unity, tolerance, being a part---because even as marriage is a power the enemy cannot stand, the church, the local body of believers, growing, struggling, working, serving each other and the community---is something the enemy hates even more. How dare I critisize. How dare we eat each other. <br />
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But part of me was almost glad that we were called away to a more wild and hands on service last night. Instead of the Lord's Supper---which our local church does wrong and only twice a year at best, we were called to a hospital room and a little guy wanting sloppy joes. God works in mysterious ways. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-60132452274378935872012-11-28T09:33:00.003-08:002012-11-28T09:41:39.616-08:00<span class="userContent">What if the Covenant of Marriage is a picture of the Gospel of Christ? What if the next generation will have trouble seeing the Gospel because they only know broken marriages, divorce, bitterness, and perversion? What if God set in motion 5,773 years ago the powerful team that is marriage to both protect frail, weaker man from the enemy and to declare God's love and God's image, God's order and God's better way.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">As a teenager, I was taught that God's institutions included personal volition, marriage, the family, and the nation. I was taught that God guided and protected these down through the ages. When any or all are attacked, civilized society falls. fails. But, what if God set these up to reflect Himself, and the future?</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[189].[1][2][1]{comment221875621277514_836454}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[189].[1][2][1]{comment221875621277514_836454}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[189].[1][2][1]{comment221875621277514_836454}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]">I have listened to it again today--amazed how now I have even more questions about covenants, good and bad marriages in the Bible, etc. And the timing---drawn to the Genesis accounts that then echo in Ephesisans. And I need all the help I can get with Ephesisan!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">is the Genesis 2:24 Leave, Be joined, Become one flesh applicable to the Gospel of Christ: Repent, Trust, Walk/Abide? and is "help meet suitable" in Genesis the same word for administration suitable in Eph 1:10?</span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">A friend in Italy--an Air Force wife, posted a Denton Bible Church sermon from 2008 in a word search she did on "manhood" and I have now listened to that sermon and watched the video four times. It is so rich. It explains so much. </span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">I have not always been the best wife. I was guilty of the roman novel fantasizing the professor talks about. I have also been guilty of badmouthing my husband. Especially early on, as I was used to telling my parents everything as a child---what happened at school, etc. And I was guilty of badmouthing my husband with friends, falling into the trap of the evil feminist movement. No excuse. As a Christian, badmouthing anyone is sin, especially your husband. </span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">And I have wondered about those verses in Genesis---what was God saying we are made in the likeness of God? How Day 6 was a VERY busy day. Was it six days of creation or restoration? Where did water come from? And the characters that pop up in the story---when were they "created"? the talking serpent. the cherubim, the seraphim. </span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">The clues are all there. And as I read over the chapters in my morning personal Bible story, I am left with more questions. Adam lived almost a thousand years, but his last recorded words---"...and I did eat." Lovely. Eve gets to wax on about her son---with the help of the Lord. Did God literally assist at the birth? Did God answer her questions when her belly swelled and her firstborn murdered Abel? She knew. She declares Seth a replacement for Abel. "because Cain murdered Abel." </span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">What of Lamech in the naming of Noah? What prophecy? When "men called on the name of the Lord" did God prophecy that one would come to break the curse? </span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">After hearing the Denton Bible Church sermon, I want to study marriages in the Bible, the good and the bad. God established marriage as a covenant relationship. God puts in little girls the desire to be married. God gives us the tools, the power, the instructions on how to be a good wife, and a good mate. And ladies, we are told to submit ONLY to our own husband. no other man. Leave father and mother. Leave and cleave. How do you talk to your Mother about your husband? Do I pray for my husband more than just God smack him upside the head? Do I simmer and resent time at church because women are to keep silent and ask their husbands questions at home?? Or do I marvel at the power in submitting--how it pisses satan off. </span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">How enobling that we are given marriage as power, as protection, as a glimpse of God. God invented marriage. satan attacks it. God lets satan rail, roam, roar, even try to devour. But, the head of the serpent has been crushed. Satan bit Jesus bruised His heel, and now Jesus sits at the Right Hand of God, King of kings and Lord of lords. Above all. And we share everything Christ has because He did the cross in our place, and desire that we Walk with Him. ABide in Him. Christ is the Head of the Church even as the husband is the head of our marriage. </span></span><br />
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And Lord, please keep me from crusader arrogance because protecting marriage to protect the Gospel could confuse. Instead, help me impress on the younger women how important marriage is--and to keep it holy. pure. It does not say obey when you feel like it. It does not say when your husband loves as Christ loves. It does not say obey to the point of sin or crime, nor endure abuse. Love just like Christ loves in order to be a good witness and testimony to your children, the next generation and the world. God set out good Christian marriages as a becon on a hill. Expect attack. Look to God for the energy, the motivation, the forgiveness, the daily removal of anger and bitterness that you are going to need to Love the gift God gave you: your dear husband, and truly be his helpmate suitable.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-21008929310236917242012-11-21T17:24:00.001-08:002012-11-21T17:24:24.294-08:00Found some old posts in the drafts folderpoking around, I found some old posts in the drafts folder. decided to publish them so as to save them. <br />
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I think the full bloom of blogging is gone. I use it for an online journal. But, if you just stumbled across my blog. enjoy. <br />
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And if someone knows how to save their favorites list off their internet explorerer...please let me know. If/when a computer crashes, I grieve the loss of favorites sites bookmarked. It takes a while to build them back up again. <br />
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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I have been celebrating all week. ha. Mashed potatoes with cream cheese---whoop. I'd add garlic, but not everyone in this house loves garlic as much as moi.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-23689294963729207632012-11-21T17:15:00.000-08:002012-11-21T17:15:56.160-08:00Re-arranging Chairs on the Titanic May 9, 2011That is what housework feels like sometimes. I changed the sheets on the guest bed, and while Ben, our youngest, will use it on the weekends when he comes home from college... Andy will be here next weekend with his animals. So, I was getting that spare room ready, too. Bedspread all washed, and lap quilts all done and folded on the toddler bed---which won't get used for another month, but I want to get ready.
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Our house is so quiet now, and I got so sweaty trying to remove the dust from nooks and cranies... and trying to see the rooms through little eyes. Are we baby proof? Time to find the electrical plug covers. Seven month, David will be eight months when he comes here, so we need to re-think the cords and dangling things.
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Bob helped me clean out the hall closet. It is now a cat haven. Complete with cat door. Kitty litter, and food and water bowls... Wish we had a cat perch to put in there. In cleaning out the closet, I was able to donate some old suits to Mission Arlington. Those folks are so friendly about taking anything. Even an old surge protector. And I got the magazines mailed to my Mother with the Filipino recipe I think she will remember from when exchange students visited our house when I was a kid. I know it seems silly to mail magazines to my Mom, but she knows I can get rather too creative with recipes---best to let her read it herself so that she knows I did not forget something or tweek it already. ha. I tried to help her over the phone with facebook today, but, she just wants to see recently added photos, and finds facebook not easy to navagate around.
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Now for some Mother's Day observations: I want to remember celebrating early with Ben and his classmate from college. We went to Carrabbas on Friday when they were not busy. It was fun. A silly expense, but the food was good. So, on Sunday, Bob gave his Sunday School lesson, and then because Ben and his friend were all packed and ready to head back to collge, we just went to Whataburger for lunch. The onion rings were good. I thought Bob liked going there for the burgers, but he ordered a chicken sandwich. He was not impressed. How silly. Why order chicken at a burger place? I don't understand. When we got home, there was a pro-flowers box leaning up next to the car, and the phone was ringing---James from Afghanistan!!! YAY So good to hear his voice. We also got to talk to his wife, Amber on the phone, too, and we could hear Baby James.
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I was nodding off at the computer on Sunday afternoon, so we took naps. Then we got to talk on the phone with the firstborn and his family in Alaska 6pm our time, which is 3pm and almost naptime for them.
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So--for Mother's Day--I got to hug the youngest son, hear the other two on the phone, arrange two dozen roses in vases. (could not fit them all into the one that came with) and eat chocolate. And take a nap. Our pastor taught from Hosea for Mother's Day !!! What a brave man. And a lady that has been attending our church since she was a teenager told her motherhood story---barren until age 40, then twin girls. Those girls are now graduated from college, and one is married, the other to be married soon. And all without a word about her ex. That is what made it amazing to me. Since one of our sons tracked with the twins through junior high and high school, we know the story--and just let me say, that woman has a right to bitterness, but she chose not to go there. She chose to only discuss the positive. That was amazing.
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All that is left is purchasing some art materials for our 4 year old granddaughter to use when she gets here in a month, and keep an eye out for pink sheets for the bed in case the Disney "Cars" theme on the toddler bed is just too small for her now. I went through the toys, and noticed that the blocks are marked 18 months, so no use getting them out of the wrappers unless our daughter-in-law approve. I culled through the Chevron car collection, and took off the small choking hazards, and pulled the pink and purple cars to the front. Our granddaughter may play with them like dolls as they have eyes and mouths, and their own claymation commercials, but the beanie babies will probably see more air time. And the Toy Story puppets. And the dinosaur egg. Maybe I can get someone to put new batteries in the elephant. I do need to move the books to a lower shelf, and de-clutter the shelf with the dvds.
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I don't know if our granddaughter will get to stay and play here a month or more---we can hope. But, I know our daughter-in-law wants to find a house for rent close to her folks and grandparents in Houston. We just want to make them feel welcome as they move down from Alaska, and wait for Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-9525518107486590862012-11-21T17:14:00.001-08:002012-11-21T17:14:38.080-08:00Baby James??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHmfLB5GT_bWo_wm9H_BS1HdpkCCspszzzwbx2V6e1KSY2GgwW46D-MUqs7JCJ3U6_CZyjNT4yZ47SCeCVNqxur2l7K3dqM3S1EbDDxHlvFkCVKx8tglDIFGl_rou-WdZTkud2tfQ1I7_/s1600/DSC01744.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565767666333636994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHmfLB5GT_bWo_wm9H_BS1HdpkCCspszzzwbx2V6e1KSY2GgwW46D-MUqs7JCJ3U6_CZyjNT4yZ47SCeCVNqxur2l7K3dqM3S1EbDDxHlvFkCVKx8tglDIFGl_rou-WdZTkud2tfQ1I7_/s320/DSC01744.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7298786348766872034.post-50833641141198663692012-11-21T17:12:00.000-08:002012-11-21T17:12:50.051-08:00The Two Hour Tribute, and Six Hour Reception Feb 15, 2010It was a once in a lifetime event, and I am thinking that we won't see some of these dear folks until heaven home, as Bob's cousins are scattered across the country. And even though I have tried over the years to explain connections and relatives to our sons, Ben still came up to me after and proclaimed, I did not know I had another blonde girl cousin with our last name. Girl cousins are kinda rare to him. (He has two more girl cousins I bet he would not recognize a room full of relatives.)
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And how come the very same child who has not listened to your explanations of relations obviously did not listen to the good sermon about being gentle and kind, either? During the reception, he decides to "kid" one of the cousins wives, and all over a chair. Shesh. We had been sitting for two hours during the wonderful tribute where every sibling, and every grandchild spoke. Why did Ben decide to be a pill with Lisa? I had to take a snowball out of his hands. And Bob was oblivious. I try not to yell at my husband unless it is an emergency, and Ben needed a man to sit on him. gently. If he had not driven with us, I would have been tempted to ask him to leave. I wanted him to meet his relatives, and know he is part of a big family that gets along. What got into him? Someone made a crack about his long hair, but he gave the his oft repeated "it would make my Dad too happy to cut my hair". Seriously? Yet, he gets along with his Dad and shows Bob stuff he has built or done at his solar power constrution job. Gotta keep praying.
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Gary Horton came and spoke yesterday at our church. It was so good to be reminded to keep praying...especially for the hard to love, the pierced, the tattooed, the difficult, insecure, rebellious. I look at them as carrying a lot of baggage, but they are precious to God, and need God to change their lives and give them purpose. We need to pray that God open doors and get Gary into school to give the Gospel. That is what our future generation needs.
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One story stands out in my mind from the day. Bob's uncle had the same name and signature as his own father. When Bob's uncle was overseas in the Battle of the Bulge, and sending his $22 a month paycheck back home, it was either put in a joint account or the bank messed up, because when Bob's granddad wrote checks, he used up all Bob's uncle's money. When Bob's uncle and dad came home from WWII, they came home to no money, and all their possessions had been sold by a second wife. All their precious books, and things, gone. And Bob's uncle was not bitter about it. He never complained nor spoke of it, but went on and got a job and got married, and raised a wonderful family, and made a conscious decision to be a better father and husband than he had had. a daily, conscious decision...to start his day reading his Bible, praying, looking into the Word for what to do, how to act, and then he lived it. He was respected all his life in his town, and seen to be strong and gentle. Reflected in the stories from the sons and daughter, was this theme of a true gentleman.
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Bob's oldest brother, both a preacher and a prof at a Bible college, did okay in the sermon portion. Everyone else loved it, and thought it great, but to me it was just okay. I wanted more about passing the baton. I wanted more about admonishing the next generation as this looked like the last opportunity for that. But, God the Holy Spirit directed Joel to preach other things. Like, be careful what God you serve. A god of your own making, or the One True God.
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Maybe they ran out of room on the bulletin, but the myriad of nieces and nephews, grands and greats were left off. And Bob's uncle's influence of the El Paso Williamsons was not mentioned here either as it had with Aunt Mary's funeral. At Aunt Mary's funeral, we were all directed to sit shoulder to shoulder, and the orphaned El Paso Williamsons got to say thanks. This time, we had wandered in early, and sat apart. I was so glad James and Amber were there to hear the stories. And I hope Ben appreciates them some day. But, I wish Andy and Lauren could have heard them, too. As these stories from Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, and El Paso are part of their rich heretage, too.
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Bob's uncle's daughter shared some of the near death experiences which sound more like a gift and something to ponder, as she was amazed they happened while all three of them were there. Usually, her brothers took turns flying into town to see their Dad, and at the end, the lucid times seemed to be rare as they knew he was ready to go, and yet lingered for a few weeks in hospice. At one point, he seemed to be talking to another place when he bold demanded of some unseen entity: "who are you? come here, who are you?" and then proclaimed, "I am William R. Williamson, junior, and I am a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ..." as if in some part of the angelic conflict, his spirit was still lucid and alive and awake. A man of prayer to the end, a prayer warrior all his life, doing spiritual battle to the end, too. All three of his children witnessed it and were so thankful for this and other glimpses into that unseen realm. They could tell a difference in when he was halucinating or confused, and when he was clearly declaring or conversing with the next world. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0