Tomorrow Stew

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:34 (MSG)

There's no reason for me to stew over what will happen in the future.  I have no control over what happens tomorrow.

I need to make the most of today with God's help and do the same tomorrow and tomorrow's tomorrow ad infinitum.

Photo Credit: Robb North on flickr 

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group

Found Things

When she has found it,

 she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying,

 ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!

Luke 15:9

I love flowers, especially wild ones.

They're beautiful and free and grow naturally...planted by God.

Bill found these on one of our walks and I came home and put them in an old Coke bottle Bill had discovered the day he cleaned out our shed. 

 We're simple people and enjoy the simple things of life and...

we're thankful for our found things.

Photo from personal files.

Led By Whom?

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 

 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, 

jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:19-24

The Holy Scriptures speak the truth. 

 Now, if only we would follow it.

I'm still a work in progress.

Photo Credit: 4thglryofgod on flickr

Faceoff

Two co-existing

Ok, Buddy, this is mine.

Go away and don't come back!


Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other,
 just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32


Isn't this just like us...co-existing to a point and then we back-bite each other when the other isn't looking.  We are no better than animals at times.
Maybe we need to look closely at this verse and try to emulate it.
Perhaps we need to act like Christ for a change?


Photos from personal files.

The Scroll

 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and

 the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll

of remembrance was written to record the names of those

who feared him and always thought about the honor of his

 name.

Malachi 3:16

I want to be written in this scroll.

I'm planning to honor the Lord today but I plan to do this everyday.  Sometimes I fail.  I need to be aware each day of the words I use to others.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 

Photo Credit: Leah Jones on Flickr

How Do We Hinder Them?

Jesus said,

 “Let the little children come to me,

 and do not hinder them,

 for the kingdom of heaven belongs

 to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

This is a picture of one of my granddaughters some seven years ago.  She's still just as sweet today as she is in this photo. What if she was never told about how much Jesus loves her?  What if she was never taken to church by her parents?  What if she was never allowed to read the Bible?  What if she was never around Christian friends?  What if she asked about Jesus and no one ever followed up?  Then she would probably not believe in and follow Christ and receive the eternal life promised her by Jesus.  Such a sweet life would be wasted.

However,

her parents did tell her, take her to church, allow her to read Bible stories, play and worship with Christian friends and follow up on her decision to follow Christ.  She's awaiting baptism now as her first step toward a rewarding Christian life 

and such a sweet life she is!

Photo from personal files.

Trying to Understand God

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel.

 Since the first day you began to pray for understanding

 and to humble yourself before your God,

 your request has been heard in heaven.

 I have come in answer to your prayer.”

Daniel 10:12

...and we wonder why we don't receive answers.

Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer

I Have Chosen

I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.

Psalm 119:30

Sometimes it is difficult to chose the right way.  There are too many other crossings in life and the way grows dim.  If you chose to be faithful because you are determined to obey, the path will have been there the whole time.  We just needed to put our foot on it and start walking.

Photo Credit: Matthias Ripp

Let Not Your Hands Be Weak

“Do not fear;
Zion, let not your hands be weak.

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:16-17

I'm leading a Grade 3-5 handbell choir for the Children's Music Camp Concert tonight (Bill has the 6-8 choir) and today, this is the Bible verse that just "happened" to show up in my readings.  It is also part of the slogan on our shirts.  Coincidence?  I don't think so.

I plan on reading it to all my classes today who will be performing tonight.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Photo from Schulmerich website

Sing To The Lord

Sing to the Lord 

a new song;
sing to the Lord,

 all the earth.

Sing to the Lord,

 praise his name;

Psalm 96:1-2a

Busy, busy week but rewarding...Children's Music Camp at Union University.  It's our third year of its six years and it is full to capacity.  It's good knowing there are some parents willing to foot the bill to teach their children music.  Unlike what most people think, music is work and these kids are learning that their work can be gratifying.  Hopefully we'll deliver that message through this camp.

Photo from 2014 Children's Music Camp Brochure

Oh, If We Had This Law

I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

For he is the living God

    and he endures forever;

his kingdom will not be destroyed,

    his dominion will never end.

He rescues and he saves;
    he performs signs and wonders
    in the heavens and on the earth.

Daniel 6:26-27a

Oh, that we had a similar law in this country.  I know, I know...land of the free...but many Christians have overlooked this privilege and have, therefore, taken to their own desires.  "Church" to them is a building not a relationship as the bride of Christ so they are not attending or giving to support the workings of Christ through the church.  Churches are falling down around us and congregations are growing old and dying.  So few young adults bring their children, attend, or join a church.  It seems we want a church of convenience only.  So few are really involved in Christ's work.  It's sad to think that these beautiful church buildings will lie in ruins in a few short years...so sad.

Photo Credit: Maurizio Sorvillo on Flickr

Caught In My Own Words

If you have been trapped by what you said,
    ensnared by the words of your mouth....

 free yourself,....
    Go—to the point of exhaustion—

    and give your neighbor no rest!

Allow no sleep to your eyes,
    no slumber to your eyelids.

Free yourself, ...
    like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

Proverbs 6:2-5

Have you found yourself in this position...caught by what you said and you can't get yourself out.  Usually the best way is to work yourself out.  It takes time and energy to renew a relationship or to make good on a promise.  If you can't fulfill what you say, don't say it.  It's so disappointing when one doesn't do what they said they were going to do...and that's lying.

Photo from my personal files.

Taking Refuge

...he shields all 
who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30


Hiding in the rock is the best place to be.  God, the protector, promised He'd be with us in every circumstance.  Remembering to turn to Him is my problem.


Photo of a necklace made of moss agate in which I "hid" a photo.

Grand Weekend

God has delivered me from going down to the pit,

 and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.

Job 33:28

This has not seemed like the Fourth of July weekend.  We've had 60s mornings and low 80s days.  We couldn't have asked for better.

On our walk yesterday we saw a bird like this crane...same color.  I don't know whether TN has Blue Heron or not but I do know seeing it was breathtaking.  Yes, it doesn't take much.

I hope you were able to enjoy many of life's lights this weekend, too.

Photo Credit: Gidzy on Flickr

True Freedom

 It is for freedom 

that Christ has set us free.

 Stand firm, then,

 and do not let yourselves

 be burdened again

 by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

We must be ever vigilant and not waver under pressure.

We must stand firm and not let the enemy, in whatever form, take control.  We've been a blessed nation and that is being compromised every day.

Let's celebrate our God-given freedom today

and protect it for tomorrow.

Photo Credit: woodleywonderworks on Flickr

Cleft of the Rock

I will put you in the cleft of the rock

 and cover you with my hand...
Exodus 33:22

These were, no doubt, comforting words given to Moses by God as Moses met Him on the mountain.

They remain a comfort to me as well, knowing that He cares for me and will protect me no matter what.

I made this necklace from a polished moss agate stone that I bought at a recent craft show in which Bill and I had a booth.  I purchased many hand-picked stones with the notion of making jewelry with them and this was my first.  I finished three others as well.  It amazes me how beautiful God's earth is...even rocks!

This can be found in my Etsy shop.

Original photo is from my personal files.
Thank you paperwhimsy.com for the use of your photo.