Lent Photo A Day 23: "Seeds"

Malachi 2:15 - And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

This passage of Scripture is a beautiful picture of what marriage and family is all about.  Too bad it's been used to perpetuate the erroneous notion that all women are put on earth to simply breed.

This is the latest picture of Auntie's babies.  They've grown up a lot since our last Auntie's Day Out, haven't they?  They are the closest thing I have to "seed."  What is my spiritual legacy with them, if any?  Will they grow up knowing God's love, or only Auntie's love?  Is that even my place?

Sigh:  These just aren't taking me where I thought they would.  I think I'll let it go.

Lent Photo A Day 19: "Home"

Mark 5:19 - Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

 

I am most at home when I am around children.  My favorite thing is reading to kids.  Telling good stories that hold a baby's attention is a joy.  Jesus told the man who'd just been delivered to go home and tell his friends the wonderful things God had done for him.  What a thrill!

Lent Photo A Day 18: "Burden"

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

Burdens weigh you down.  They make you feel like you can't lift your head.  Some burdens seem as though they will remain forever.  Some burdens are so heavy that they could kill you.  Jesus said that His burden was light.  His burden gives life, instead of taking it.  His burden isn't meant for torture, it is meant to train you to help others with their burdens.

 

Galatians 6:2 - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Lent Photo A Day 17 : "Mystery"

Mark 4:11 - "And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables." (KJV)

I like that the King James Version of the Bible uses the word mystery.  Other translations use the word secret.  A secret sounds like it's something you don't want someone else to know.  A mystery is something hidden that the originator of the mystery gives clues so that anyone who seeks the answer can find it. 

God is that way.  He doesn't want the hidden things of the kingdom to stay cloaked.  However, he wants us to make the effort to put the clues together and find the answer, with Him helping all along the way.  If the mystery stays hidden, it is because the seeker either gave up or wants to remain blind to the answer.  Either way, God never stops giving clues and never stops cheering us on to find the answers.

Unlike Spam, God wants us to know what His kingdom contains.

John 15:7 (KJV) - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Lent Photo A Day 16: "Retreat"

Mark 6:31 - And he (Jesus) said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

In the wars of worldly nations, the word retreat has a negative connotation.  A soldier who retreats is giving up and giving in to the enemy.  However, a soldier of Christ is called to retreat--to rest, to feed on the Word, and to commune with the Almighty.  Some retreats need to be solo, while others need to be times of growing together in Christ.  These types of retreats make us stronger to fight the enemy and win.

On the way home from running an errand, I passed by one of my favorite pretty places off Saks Road in Weaver and snapped this picture.  This peaceful piece of beauty on an otherwise hectic road intrigues me.  I have no idea who owns it, but it's gorgeous no matter what time of year it is.  If I could get permission, I would go to this spot, set up a folding chair and a tray table, or at least a blanket and have a mini retreat once in a while.  For now, I'll enjoy the photograph.  I hope you will too.

Lent Photo A Day 15: "Wrestle"

Ephesians 6:12 -  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 

 

In my quest for health, I've realized that the struggle really isn't against a cookie or a soft couch, but against the spiritual aspects of poor health.  Using food to replace what God should be, laziness, and gluttony are all things I need to bring into subjection to the Word and Spirit of God.

 

I saw a video on that very thing ages ago.  I need to see if I can find it again.

Lent Photo A Day 14: "Freedom"

II Corinthians 3:17 - Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Swimming is so freeing: the silkiness of the water passing through my fingers, floating on the surface, skimming through the ripples like a hot knife through butter.  Lying on my back feeling free to relax is heavenly. 

Lent Photo A Day 13: "Prayer"

Luke 5:16 - And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Sunday I took a solo ride to this spot:  what we who use the Ladiga Trail call the Turtle pond.  As I sat there, I thought this could be the perfect prayer spot.  Across from the pond is a bench.  It's a peaceful spot.  I would have brought my Bible and stayed longer but it was drizzling.   So, this spring, this may be a holy spot to commune with my Lord.

Faith Like Yarn: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Gallop on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge link-up!

February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. It lands on the calendar one day after National Do Something for a Grouch Day (February 16) which somehow feels related. Perhaps the 16th inspired the 17th?  Tell about a time you performed a random act of kindness or were the recipient of one. Will you make an effort to perform a random act of kindness on the 17th? Share details if you're so inclined, and if you have something specific in mind.

My coworkers and I do little things for each other all the time. 

What's the most uplifting or encouraging thing you see happening in the world right now? You may have to dig deep for this one.

Two things.  First, more people are taking more of a proactive stance on their health than ever before.  Second, those who may have been hurt by people in the church or lost interest in Godly things are starting to return and to love the church again.

Black olives, black currants, black grapes, black beans, blackberries, Oreos...your favorite food the color of night? Your least favorite on the list?

Out of all of these, black olives are definitely my favorite and Oreos my least favorite.  Don't get me wrong, I like cookies, but Oreos aren't my favorite.

 

A while back I read (here) a list of twelve things you should do before you turn 50. They were-travel when you have the chance, take care of your skin, learn a foreign language, make exercise a habit, leave a toxic situation, stop caring what others think about you, stop worrying, volunteer, spend time with your grandparents, pledge to work less, learn to cook an amazing dish, and seize an opportunity as it arises.  What do you think of the list? What would you add or remove and why? If you're over 50, have you done all 12? If you're not yet 50, have you done any at all? What's on the list that you haven't done, but would like to do?

Some of these I already do, some I want to do, and some I can't do.  I'm not 50 yet, so I've got time.

Besides the classic Christmas flicks, what's your favorite film where winter plays a part in the setting?  

Aw poo!  You took out Christmas movies!  Hmm.  Let's see...I'll have to get back to you on that one.  Wait!  What about...no that's a Christmas movie...

When did you last feel helpless, and what did you do about it?

I always feel helpless when I'm at the mercy of an uncooperative computer to get anything done.  If I'm working on a project and the computer/program/internet craps the bed, I'm stuck until it clears itself or I employ the ultra technical "turn it off and turn it back on" technique. 

Share a favorite proverb.

"When in doubt, don't."

Insert your own random thought here.

Lent Photo A Day 09:  Faith - 

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV) 

 

Faith is like this yarn.  I have it, but I don't know what it's going to be until choose a pattern.  God's Word is the pattern for my life.  My following the pattern is exercising my faith.  The finished product is my faith coming to fruition. Just like the finished project, I get to enjoy the results of my faith in God.

 

John 16:24 - Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (KJV)

Lent Photo A Day 06: "Silence"

Zechariah 2:13 - Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

Yes, my precious canvas, be silent, and let me paint the beauty of my perfect will onto your life.  Let the smooth sound of the brush of my sacrifice of love and the paint of my perfect Word create the beautiful masterpiece that is you.  I am jealous for you, the apple of my eye.  Be silent and let me love you.  When you see the results of my handiwork, you don't have to remain silent any longer.  You can shout it from the rooftops!

Psalm 30:12 - To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Lent Photo A Day 05: "Gratitude"

 

Romans 13:7 - Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

 

I Thessalonians 1:2 - We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.

 

 

Today, I'd like to share pictures of three people I am grateful for today.  These three are my "triad:"  I came to them when I was at my lowest and trusted them with my heart.  They were there guiding me, praying for me, and loving me unconditionally.  I'm not where I want to be, but hallelujah, I'm not where I was.  God continues to use them in my life and my gratitude overflows for them.  Sorry if these pictures are blurry, but as you can see, these people never stand still...not even on Valentine's Day   :)

 

Ginny, my Life Groups teacher

 

My Music Pastor, Bob, and his wife, Angie

 

My Pastor, Derek

Thanks, y'all.



Lent Photo A Day 04: "Empty"

This plate is empty.  Earlier it was full to bursting with all kinds of good things.  Now, it is devoid of nourishing substance.  It is waiting to be cleaned and filled again.  This plate is like my heart.  It's is filled with all the good things of God, but "eaters" come with their forks and take pieces of what once filled my heart.  As I seek the Lord, He refills my heart with all that will totally nourish me.  Only when I try to nourish myself with that which does not satisfy do I feel as empty as this plate.

I come broken to be mended.

I come wounded to be healed.

I come desperate to be rescued.

I come empty to be filled.



My prayer for today:  Father God, you promised in your Word that you would satisfy out mouths with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:5).  Thank you for offering that which satisfies the total man.  Thank you that your mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). 

Lent Photo A Day 03: "Examination"

I'm reading through the Bible this year.  Currently, I'm ploughing through the book of Leviticus.  Though I'm glad that I don't have to keep up with all these regulations, I do appreciate the details of examining for various skin diseases, mold, and other such uncleanliness.  God isn't just interested in a clean physical environment, but He's most interested in clean hearts.  The painstaking process required the priests parallels what the Holy Spirit does in our spirits.

 

Next Sunday (02/21), we are scheduled to partake of the Lord's Supper/Communion/Holy Eucharist.  I Corinthians 11:27-28 comes to mind:

 

Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

 

Let this Lenten season be a time of self examination, renewal, and revival.

Lent Photo A Day 02: "Journey"

Taken in October 2015 on Chimney Peak Tower Road in Jacksonville, Alabama

I used to hate the word "Journey." No, not because of Steve Perry (my fellow children of the 80's will get that one).  Anyway.  I didn't like the word because it sounded like such a cliché born in exclusivity.  I would go to meetings where we were encouraged to share our hearts, and one lady would always answer the same way, "I'm just continuing on my journey."  That was her way of not having to open up to maintain her air of superiority.  I'm still not comfortable with it, but I do know that in order to move forward, I must keep stepping forward.  Even when I am pushed back or chose to step back, I ultimately must keep going if I'm going to get to where God wants me.

Psalm 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

 

Lovey-Dovey: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Gallop on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge link-up!

Create an acrostic using the word LOVE. If you're unsure what an acrostic is click here.

Let

Others

Validate

Ewe  (Okay, so I cheated a little.  What are you going to do, tell my mama? ) 

Now, what this means (for me, anyway) is that I don't allow people to speak positively to me.  If you dog cussed me right now and told me how much you think I suck (please don't), as much as it would hurt, I would total absorb it, yet waste a great amount of time working to disprove it.  Say something positive and I blow it off quickly--even if it's just in my mind.  I know it sounds crazy, but positive words hurt.  Yes, as much as I've longed for someone to say good things to me and about me, it hurts to hear. I always wonder what's behind it or I'm waiting for the barb behind it.  For example, if someone says that I'm beautiful (trust me, it doesn't happen very often), I'm waiting for the phrase "inside and out" to be blurted out.  Like I've said before, no one can truly tell a big girl she's beautiful and mean it; they have to add "inside and out."  So, I've got to learn to accept true compliments for what they are.

Does love really conquer all? Why or why not?

God's love?  Absolutely.  His love is perfect; not selfish.  He said in His word that "Love never fails" (I Corinthians 13:8).

Tell us about a time recently, where you really put your heart into something.

I've got new responsibilities on my job.  I'm working to put my heart into it and not do anything half-baked.  Some thing with playing in our church's worship band.  Last year, I wasn't doing well physically or mentally which made playing with any kind of power of passion difficult.  Now, I'm getting better and want to stay fired up about worshiping the Lord with my whole heart.

What's your favorite fictional love story?

The story in Lori Wick's book Sophie's Heart.  Set in the 90's:  Sophie is an immigrant from Czechoslovakia who comes to America to work for Alec, a new widower and his three children.  At first Alec sees Sophie as simply the housekeeper, but as he learns more about who she really is, he falls deeply in love. He tries to reconcile his new feelings while still mourning the death of his wife.  It's a wonderful book and I reread it every couple of years.

Do you generally wear your heart on your sleeve, or keep your cards close to the vest?

I used to wear my heart on my sleeve, but was berated for it, so I retreated into distrust and held everything in.  Now, if I find someone trustworthy, I will share my heart with them.

What food says love to you? Why? 

Food says love to me too much.  That's part of my problem.  My goal is to be able to enjoy food as nourishment rather than an emotional crutch or an antidepressant.

When were you last 'tickled pink' over something? Explain.

We laugh every day at work.  Even when it seems like everything has gone wrong, we find ways to crack each other up.

Insert your own random thought here.

Today is the first day of Lent.  Although I'm not Catholic, I still want to commemorate the total celebration of the Easter season.  I'm not sure exactly how I'll go about it, however, I have found an online devotional to study.  I also found this:

I can't guarantee that I'll get to it every day, but I'll do my best.  I don't plan on setting rigid rules.  I want this to be a time of growing closer to God, not worrying about whether I'm doing it "right."

Here's today's.

Human:  Hands make us human.  Human touch is necessary for mental healthy.  We have a Savior who knows what it is to be fully human, yet fully divine. 

Hebrews 4:15 - For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.