Some Things We Can't Do Ourselves

Wash and make yourselves clean.
    Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
    stop doing wrong.

Learn to do right; seek justice.
    Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
    plead the case of the widow.

Isaiah 1:16-17

The Lord was speaking  through Isaiah to the Israelites (we can just put our names here.)  God knew it was impossible for mankind to justify himself.  Man needs God, a Savior, an internal Adjuster.

                                             

Wash and make yourselves clean...  We say: wash me, and I will               be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7)

Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong...We say:  take away all my sins (Psalm 25:18)

Learn to do right...Jesus said: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me (Matthew 11:29)

seek justice... Solomon said:...for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,  doing what is right and just and fair (Proverbs 1:1,3)

defend the oppressed...God said to his two leaders: I will help you speak and will teach you what to do (Exodus 4:15)

take up the case of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow...Moses tried to tell them:  He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow (Deuteronomy 10:18)

We just can't do it ourselves.  We need his help.

Photo credit: Rachel Kramer on Flickr

Walking With God

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

I couldn't resist this shot as "the boys" came in from a cold swinging session.  It's one of the first things 22 month old Micah says when he enters the door.  "Pawpaw, swing?"

We're so blessed to have grandchildren living so close...just a 4 min. drive.  We feel so honored to be able to see them, play with them, help them and with number 4 coming for that family "help" will come in handy SOON.

I also thought it was appropriate, after reading the Bible verse for the day, that the passage was from Micah...since these were Micah's shoes and I shot this two days ago because it was so cute.

We're walking humbly today.

Just Enough

...I know what it is to have plenty.

 I have learned the secret of being content

 in any and every situation...

Philippians 4:12

Yes, I am taking this scripture out of context but this applies to the tiny bit of snow we received yesterday. While the great North got inches, we got tenths of an inch.  It was still beautiful and filled the woods behind our house just enough to be able to see into it. And...

we didn't have to shovel it.

We're thankful.

All Things New

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

 the new creation has come: 

The old has gone, 

the new is here! 

2 Corinthians 5:17

These are pictures of two of our 14 grandchildren helping me make Chai for grandpa.  My granddaughter is wearing my grandmother's apron and she loved wearing it.  It's in great shape because my grandmother was fastidious about her clothing and I've kept it in pretty good shape as well.  Here it is, probably over 60 years later, and put to use again.

Here I am, over 60 years, and still being put to use.  How great is that?  I'm still looking for ways to be used by God and still seeking Him in His Word.  I'm always delighted in the different avenues of service He presents...new ways with an old servant.

Making All Things New

Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah:18-19

I'm game.  How about you?

Photo Credit: Gabriel Amadeus

We Don't Have It That Bad

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

 She wrapped him in cloths 

and placed him in a manger, 

because there was no guest room available for them.

Luke 2:6-7

My daughter and I were talking the other day about the delivery of her first child.  The hospital was so crowded that they sent her home to wait out her intense labor.  When she couldn't stand it anymore, they went back to the hospital, waited in the waiting room a long while and then in the hall and finally in a partitioned room with about three others...all in labor.  Everything worked well, praise the Lord, and she delivered a beautiful little girl.

When I think of those circumstances as compared with the birth of Christ, I realized that she really didn't have it "that" bad.

  I'll can never begin to understand the emotions that must have swept over Mary at her first child's birth...not at all what she had dreamed...not at all what the picture above depicts.  Yet, in that humble and very dirty cattle stall, she delivered 

The Mighty King.

Hallelujah!

Antique Christmas card from personal files

Finding the Peace

As the deer pants for streams of water, 

so my soul pants for you, my God.

Psalm 47:1

In all the bustle of the Christmas season, I get way too busy...yet that still, small voice continues to call me to find rest in Him.  When I take the time, I'm quenched.  He remains faithful to his Word.  It's me that is the problem.  I hope you find that rest as well.

Photo Credit: Rachel Kramer

The Lights of Christmas

Christmas Lights:

The lights in the eyes of a sweet granddaughter just turned seven;

the first Christmas lights seen by a six month old, the baby of a dear friend;

the lights and delights of remembering loved ones who now live with the Lord.

Christmas carries many joys...and sorrows...

 but it's still Christmas, 

the birth of God's only Son, Jesus.

On With The Celebration!

Photos from the personal files of Jennie Hughes and Jennifer Ragan.

How Majestic!

Picture by Moyan Brenn on Flickr
earthincolors free pictures

Lord, our Lord, 

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

What is mankind that you are mindful of them,

    human beings that you care for them?

Psalm 8:1,4


In scouring Flickr for photos of winter...a most glorious season...I found this one that I think is outstanding.  Lo and behold, it is taken in Norway...the country of my roots.  Yes, the photographer is amazing but God is Majestic.  Without Him he wouldn't have this photograph.  Enjoy the beauty around you, friends, for we have a creator who loves us.Read the sermon by Ben Mandrell from whom my idea for this post came here.

Feeling Insignificant?

Bethlehem today

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.

Micah 5:2

Never underestimate the Lord.  The smallest may become the greatest.  The least of all may become the most.  Just when you think you have nothing to give, God gives you abundant blessings.  When you have been spent, He renews your strength.  When you have lost all hope, He gives you a purpose.  When you feel your prayers are hitting the ceiling and going no further, God amazes you with himself...

just like Bethlehem. 

Who would have thought?

Photo Credit: James Emery

Where Is Integrity?

God is very forthright when He speaks about honesty and integrity.  It's very difficult to find a person as described by the Psalmist in the passage below.

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
    Who may live on your holy mountain?

The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;

whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;

who despises a vile person
    but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;

who lends money to the poor without interest;

    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things

    will never be shaken.

Psalm 15

I was reading a sermon about Ananias and Sapphira and how they tried to trick the disciples into believing they did what they had promised.  It's found in Acts 5:1-11.  God does not take lying lightly.

You can read the sermon here.

Family Fun...or Is It?

I will commit myself to you forever; 

I will commit myself to you 

in righteousness and justice, 

in steadfast love and 

tender compassion.

Hosea 2:19

I love Christmas. This is a photo taken about 5 years ago. Boy, have things changed. We've added two more and another is on the way.  

Just being with family members is so much fun.  We play, tell stories about our lives, eat, share presents and laugh until our cheeks hurt.  We get along well but no one is perfect.  Sometimes there are misunderstandings, struggling over toys, feeling sorry to lose a game or even some resentment.  We try to remember that love should be "steadfast"...never failing...the love that comes from Christ.  It's the glue that keeps our family together...that common bond.  It takes commitment and compassion to be a loving family...and sometimes sacrifice...but it's worth it.

We're looking forward to being with all of these lovely people some time during the Christmas season.  I can't wait to see each one.  

Photo from my personal files.

Ice

The tempest comes out from its chamber,
    the cold from the driving winds.

The breath of God produces ice....

Job 37 8-9

This is actually a picture of an ice storm we had last year on the path we walk behind our house.  So far we've escaped the worst of the tempest.  Another is to come tonight after a predicted cold but sunny day.

I'm thankful for winter.  It's time.  God has it all arranged so I'm all in.

Photo from my personal files.

Fading Leaves

You will be like an oak with fading leaves,

like a garden without water.

Isaiah 1:30

The leaves are almost gone.  Summer has past into Autumn and Autumn into Winter. 

It is supposed to be 70 here today and then we'll have a cold blast with all the vestiges of Winter. 

 Things don't last long so I'll enjoy each as it comes.  I'll praise the Lord as He has given me breath to do so. 

Photo is from my personal files.

Meeting the Neighbors

 Love your neighbor as yourself.

 I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:18

We've invited our neighborhood to our house tonight to meet them and share Luke 2 together.  Of course, I'll have food. 

 I've really stepped up lately with hospitality (a weakness of mine in the past) and because I haven't been crafting as much as usual, I've been able to keep my house in pretty good shape...neat-wise.

We've lived here a year this month and have only met a few of our neighbors.  Everyone seems to be cloistered and not too friendly.  I guess they've heard about us Northerners invading their neighborhood...or that my husband is a minister.  Whatever the reason, we're reaching out.  May the Lord be honored.

Photo Credit: Nityair