Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:9-11
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Scripture Only Sunday
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thankful Thursday
“It’s way too easy for us to get so immersed in a flood of distractions that we miss how incredibly precious every day we have with one another really is.”
Matt Tullos, October Home Life Magazine
This quote struck a strong chord in me today. Being so distracted with new ventures and old routines the ordinary tasks of life seem bland instead of the incredibly precious gift they really are. Which makes counting the blessings the Lord bestows so important to me. The counting causes me to look at the life He has graced me with and be thankful for every moment. Father, thank you for the incredibly precious gift of every day and sharing it with one another. I am thankful for…
771. Schooling together…
772. Creating spaces together…
773. Beginning to learn a new skill…
775. A thunderstorm bringing much needed rain…
776. Scrapbooking in the restored craft area…
777. Enjoy the way the light changes outside my window. Fallen rust leaves and rust colored dog resting on silent sod…
778. A handmade album and scented candle to cheer a corner of my desk and bring a smile for moments recalled…
778. A handmade album and scented candle to cheer a corner of my desk and bring a smile for moments recalled… 
780. And chrysanthemums in many glorious shades… 
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Reflection
Watching the moon in the blue autumn sky
We drive down the highway and trees whiz by
A few simple lines play through my mind
Trust that the universe God’s capable hands bind
Just like the sun gives light to the moon
This soul by God’s grace will shine bright as noon 
day and night
I reveal His light
radiance on face
I burn with His grace
with unwavering gaze
I am set ablaze
telling His story
I reflect His glory
Monday, October 25, 2010
Get Up!
Jesus poses this question to one who has been disabled for 38 years. This broken one has sat by the pool year-after-year unable to get down to the healing water. No on waiting with him to help him into the water. Day-after-day, month-after-month stretched before him, forgotten and alone.
“Do you want to get well?”
What a question. Isn’t that why the man sat there? Is it? His response is rather apathetic for his situation. I would think a bold declaration of YES would be his answer. Beaten down over time, his only thought is “I have no one to help.”
Jesus becomes his help.
“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
The Word speaks and at once the man was cured. The broken becomes whole. I stop reading, close my eyes, and listen.
“Do you want to get well?”
Jesus, I’ve struggled so long with this lingering loneliness, rejection, feelings of inadequacy and failure…I have no one to help me.
“Get up!”
The Word speaks and at once…transformation.
Later Jesus found the man at the temple and said to him, See you are well again, stop sinning…
The Word of Life has spoken words of healing over my heart and I am well again. Let unbelief and doubt go – stop sinning…
Believe,
Walk by faith.
YES, LORD!
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Check out the Transformation link above. Linda’s analogy so blessed me.
This is part of a continuing series of thoughts as I read through the book of John.
Here are the previous posts if you are interested:
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Scripture Only Sunday
“…that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.” Colossians 3:5-8 (The Message)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thankful Thursday
“Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep.” Felix Frankfurter
Thoughtfully this soul approaches the weekly counting of blessings and I feel less and less able to articulate how good God has been. How gracious he continues to be daily. He is good through the days filled with sunshine and joy. He is good through the days filled with clouds and darkness. He gives his abundant presence in each of those places. For His bountiful blessings I continue to count and through tears whisper – Thank you Heavenly Father for…
761. Prayers and words of encouragement spoken by sisters in Christ. We take a bowl and towel and wash the feet of sisters who are weary.
762. Quilt and dust ruffle for grandson completed
763. A clear, crisp autumn day to enjoy classic motorcycles, fire engines, racing, and air show
764. Son entering adulthood – he turns 18
765. A day to ride with friends and check out location for ladies retreat
766. Understanding husband when my emotions get the better of me and all I can do is weep
767. Lunch after Sunday morning service with new friends
768. These two monkeys climbing trees (I like to climb them too)
769. Red, yellow, orange, and green leaves against clear blue sky
770. Makes me think of that song…and grateful to be God’s child
Red and yellow
Black and white
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children
Of the world.
Jesus Loves the Little Children, Words by C. Herbert Woolston, music by George F. Root
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Pentecost
The table is spread and we consider how the disciples would have been celebrating the Feast of Pentecost. Most likely the would have stayed awake all night discussing the Torah while they prayed and waited as Jesus had instructed. Tradition says the Jews read the book of Ruth this night. Did they see Jesus in the picture of Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer?
Historically, the main activity on the Feast of Pentecost was the presentation of a wave offering to the Lord, two loaves of baked bread with leaven (Lev. 23:15-21). Through the two loaves and again Ruth’s story did they see the bread of life – Jesus – given for the Jews and the Gentiles?
Thousands of Jews had journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. The followers of Jesus waiting in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit. Flaming tongues of fire settled upon the disciples and they then began to worship God in foreign languages that were spoken and understood by the Jewish pilgrims. The sound accompanying this experience attracted the attention of the Jewish visitors who went to see what the commotion was all about. Peter stood up and preached a bold sermon. About 3,000 responded to Peter's sermon by accepting Jesus as their Messiah and Lord.
We pray together. I invite the Holy Spirit to come and stir up a commotion in my life. Give me the boldness of Peter to point others to…
the only way,
the only truth,
the only life –
Jesus the Christ.
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On Wednesday’s I have been teaching a Beth Moore Bible Study – Stepping Up, The Psalms of Ascent. Through this study Beth has been teaching about the Feasts of the Lord. As a class we take a break and celebrate each of the great feasts. The links below will take you to some of my thoughts on the other Feasts of the Lord…
Monday, October 18, 2010
At His Word
Opening the word I read His words. Scripture comes to life and the scenes play before my minds eye. I soak them up and they become life to my soul. The words are profound and yet simple…
“The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4:50
The man was a royal official, a nobleman. His son was sick, close to death. He did not send a servant to bring Jesus. The situation was too urgent so he went himself. When he found Jesus he asked him to come before the child died. Jesus assures him to go home, his son will live.
“The man took Jesus at his word and departed.”
No skepticism on the nobleman’s part, no suggestions to Jesus that perhaps he should come and lay hands on the boy. Just faith that Jesus words were enough.
Jesus, I have this problem (overeating, finances, children, depression – you can fill in your own blank here – my life could go on).
“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27
It seems impossible in my eyes to overcome these issues. They have been with me so long. Yet, at Jesus words I believe there is deliverance, freedom, the ability to trust Him.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Jesus words are enough.
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This is part of a continuing series of thoughts as I read through the book of John.
Here are the previous posts if you are interested:
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Scripture Only Sunday
“Your old life is dead.
Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God.
He is your life.
When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you.
Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.” Colossians 3:3-4 (Message)
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thankful Thursday
long shadows fall
briefly feel tall
rolling fields call
envelope us all
meadow stretches wide
easily we hide
in quiet abide
glory is spied
setting of sun
our ventured fun
shared as one
day is done
Emotions runs high – a lot is happening – quickly. Seasons change and so do our lives. Desperately wanting to cling to a dream, I learn to live with open hands. Releasing those I hold dear into adulthood, into new circumstances. I kneel and thank God for His faithfulness. I lift my hands in worship and surrender, trusting His hands to guide, protect, and keep us all.
Making a list this week escapes me. Words fail as emotions flutter, rising and falling in my chest. But this I know and am endlessly thankful for…
God is big enough!
God is enough!
God is!
God!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Shaking and Quaking
Timidly I move out of my hermit cottage. She asks if I would be willing to help with the ladies ministry. With a quivering voice I stutter yes. We meet for brunch and her questions draw me out. They lead to questions of my own – desire to know and be known. My body and soul screams, Watch out, be careful, you’ve been disappointed here before. The Spirit of God within gently whispers, It’s worth the risk.
Months have passed and we have shared quite a few brunches and lunches together. During one of those times she boldly asks, How do you feel about leading the Wednesday night ladies Bible study. Holy Spirit leaps within and answers for me, Let’s try.
This introverted heart quakes as I prepare each week. Having Beth Moore do much of the teaching makes it much less intimidating. Jesus is carrying me through this journey of Stepping Up moving closer to His heart and who He has created me to be.
Tonight we will gather in that upstairs classroom. There is no Beth Moore video this week. Thankfully a dear sister will share about the Feast of Pentecost. Then, like the disciples in the upper room, we will pray together for one another.
My preparation for this week’s class – pray. What a joy Jesus has given me to lift each name before His Father’s throne.
Oh God, what word would you speak to each sisters heart to reveal your Spirit?
Monday, October 11, 2010
Nowhere
Some days I am so weary. It seems like all I try to accomplish is a waste of time and energy. Clean the house, wash the clothes, cook the meals, teach, go to bed and start all over again. I’m like a hamster on a wheel going nowhere.
“and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down beside the well.” John 4:6
These words bring comforting relief to my soul. Stepping off the wheel, I sit down and it’s okay to be tired. Breathe in and breathe out, listen to the birds chirp, and the wind rustle the leaves.
And yet, even as Jesus sat there resting his weary body he was still present in the moment. 
His ear always listening to the Father’s voice. He saw the need in a hurting woman’s heart and offered her what she needed most – His eternal presence.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
When I feel I am going nowhere, from Jesus example, I can learn to turn my nowhere into a now here moment. Now here, through a hug, a kind word, a listening ear, a prayer, I can offer His eternal presence even as I sit and rest my weary feet.
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Slowly I read through the book of John. Today I contemplate John 4:1-42.
Image by Simon Dewey found on Google.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Scripture Only Sunday
“So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.” Colossians 3:1-2 (The Message)
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Thankful Thursday
The last week has been a full one. For school we took a field trip to see a replica of Columbus’s Nina. In studying the Psalms of Ascent we learned about Passover. We celebrated the shadow – Passover – and the reality – Christ our Passover lamb. A local craft show was open for their fall showing. Gold-hearted mom and I continued a tradition I started, making a quilt for each one of the children – now the grandchild. Father, I soak up every moment and treasure them in my heart. I am so grateful for…
751. Living history lessons
(www.thenina.com)
752. Seeing Jesus in the Passover
(www.thenina.com)
753. Spending one-on-one time with my children
754. Discount nights at a local skating joint…$10 for 5 of us to skate
755. Peanut Butter
756.
Pumpkins and mums757. Our hands working together to quilt a blanket for little one arriving in December 
758. A conversation overheard, another stranger sharing her faith with a stranger. I totally admitted to eavesdropping and was kindly invited into the conversation that blessed.
759. Conversations with the Lord in the middle of the night
760. Afternoon naps
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Check out Ann’s inspiring blog to learn more about 1000 gifts and The Gratitude Community.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Surrounded by Jesus Light
Everywhere I turn this week I see His light. I have read Scriptures that testify that Jesus is the light of the world.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12
Light is in the fiction book I have just finished reading…
“Peniel was suddenly very tired. Mosheh whispered, “Yahweh has seen! Yahweh has heard! Yahweh of light and life and mercy HAS COME DOWN again to bring His people out of bondage.” …like a sigh carried on a breeze he whispered, “Yahweh speaks this truth to the heart of every man: “It is not who you are that will save you! It is Who I AM!…Only by seeing the True Light can you be healed and delivered from the blindness in your heart!”……Everything in the Word means something! ..look up…Look up!” First Light, Bodie & Brock Thoene
I check in with Ann’s blog today where she writes “How to See God: The Light of Brokenness”…
“…I finger one lantern hanging. It’s this: a delicate skeleton….It’s in the filigree of fracturing that I can see His flame. That I can see the light.”
Beth Moore’s Stepping Up study leads me to the book of Zechariah.
“…Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. And I myself will be a wall of fire around it’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.” Zechariah 2:4-5
Jesus, His glory, His light is shining all around. Opening my eyes and ears, I look up, I hear his voice floating through every word. Joining the words together like stones creates a pathway into His presence. Along this path I linger and cherish being surrounded by the light of His glory.
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Following with Ann as the Walk with Him Wednesday encourages to share How Are You seeing Jesus? Click the link below to read more…
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Come to the Light
I’ve walked in darkness. Created in God’s image and yet cursed because of sin. I’ve live in the land of the shadow of death. Until…
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2
“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, … whoever lives by the truth comes into the light…” John 3:19, 21
“The Feast of Tabernacles ended and the Jews who have traveled from great distances prepare to journey home. They are taking their booths (sukkots) apart and gathering their belongings. For seven days they have been scattered across this hills that surround Jerusalem. Living in booths with ceilings open enough to view the stars at night and oil lamps burning within.
Many gather before they leave, to hear Jesus speak one more time. With the image of hills blazing with booths lit from within Jesus speaks." (Thank you Beth Moore for bringing this part of Scripture to life through your Stepping Up Psalms of Ascent Study.)
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Centuries have passed since Jesus said these words. The words and images blaze through my soul and I step into the light. Jesus called me by name and I was born again. Born of water and His Spirit. Delivered from darkness and born into His kingdom of light and life.
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I have been reading through the Gospel of John. You can read the previous posts here, here, here, and here. I have also been studying the Feasts of the Lord. Today these two studies come together illuminating my journey more deeply. I love the way God weaves my life and His Word together.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Scripture Only Sunday
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Colossians 2:16-17
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God is so amazing! I read these verses this week to post today for my Sunday study through Colossians while I am studying the Feasts of the Lord. Jesus is the reality of the Feasts. Also it seems to me that the ring around the moon in this picture looks like a crown of thorns.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
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