Beulahland!

I definitely "over-extended" myself for the month of November. There were simply not enough hours and days to go around. I'll try to do better in December.

Years ago, my husband and son and I used to sing trios in church and at sing-ins. What a great time that was. But time passes. And life takes twists and turns. My son moved too far away, and my voice kinda gave up the ghost. I was never a lead singer . . . not in my wildest imagination. But I could carry a tune to sing back-up. Now my range has narrowed so much, I'd almost have to sing the same note (in my key) throughout. (Isn't there a song called "Johnny One-Note?") That's me.

The song we sang that I loved the best was "Beulahland." I'm kind of homesick for a country, to which I've never been before . . . "

I've always assumed I had Gyspy blood surging through my veins, because I simply love moving from one place to another. New city, new state, just a new location in the same old city. It's exciting to me. Our son claims Dee and I only have "a five-year shelf life." But actually, it's worse than that considering we've lived in (and mostly built) eleven homes in the thirty-three years we've been married. Why that's - on average - a three-year shelf life.

Even when we consider ourselves perfectly content where we are, we can't stop looking at lovely country settings, and saying things like "Ooh, wouldn't that be the perfect place for a country cottage?" And if there happens to be a "for sale" sign on the place . . . we'd better put the pedal to the metal, or we may be putting out signatures on the dotted line!

I've also said for years that "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through."

Reading Hebrews 11 the other night, I finally realized what's wrong with us. We love the beauty of God's handiwork in the woods and fields. Each place looks like it will be better than the last. And each one is - in it's own way - but we'll never find the perfect place. Not until we move out of this world. Because this world is not our home. We're just passing through. What we long for is that country to which we've never been. And, yes, I am homesick for it.

Hebrews 11:13-16 says: "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

"For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.

"But they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them."

Amen and Amen!

The Apple of God's Eye

I can't believe it's been twelve days since I posted.

I apologize. I've been in mourning, folks. The last post I made was the day before election day. I was "high" in the belief Mr. Romney would win, and we'd soon be on the road to recovery.

That didn't happen.

In my heart of hearts, I can't believe more than half of the citizens of our blessed-of-God country want to continue on the path we're on. They say numbers don't lie. I'm not sure I believe that any more.

There I go again. Mulligrubbing. The reason I haven't posted isn't because I haven't tried. I've begun four or five times to write something, anything, to fill the page. But everything came out negative, and I was trying so hard to be positive. Why, I even went so far as to publish one post, only to come back minutes later and delete it.

It's the old saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." come back to haunt me after all these years.

Well, today, I'm going to say something nice. It took several tries before it took, but I've been making a stab at looking for a silver lining. And here's the result:

God is still on His throne. And I answer to God. God alone. I will rejoice in the knowledge that He is our soon coming King. And He loves me.

I've turned my passion to Israel. Not that I haven't been passionate about her all along, but she needs our passion and compassion now, more than ever. Are you familiar with the Scripture Zechariah 2:8-9? "8. For thus says the Lord of hosts 'After glory, He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you {Israel} touches the apple of My eye. 9. For behold, I will wave My hand over them so that they will be plunder for their slaves.'"

I wouldn't want to be among those who wish evil on Israel.

On the other side of the coin, I think we can read "he who touches Israel touches the apple of my eye." another way. If we touch Israel with kindness, pray for her, support her, and love the Jewish people, we are touching the apple of God's eye with kindness.

I've done so many things in my lifetime that I know were displeasing to God.  He's forgiven me for it all. So the thought of doing something kind to Him sends warm shivers down my spine.

Isn't it time we started treating Him kindly? (Seems like He's always on the giving end.) Let's start by loving His chosen people as much as we love ourselves. Join CUFI (Christians United for Israel) or another Christian organization that supports and uplifts the Jewish nation and find out how you can reach out to His people.

You'll make God happy. Whoa! Chew on that for a while.

Jehovah Shalom

God is peace.

Jehovah Shalom.

He can speak to a heart that's in turmoil, but He doesn't live in a heart that's full of turmoil.

I turned on the TV this morning to be greeted by a clip of "the opponent." I've been so steeped in politics these last few weeks that I immediately went into "fight mode." But the Scriptures tell me the battle is His. I've done everything I can to support my side, which those who know me know is the conservative, pro-life, pro-God side. I want to see unborn babies saved, school prayer restored, and America turning back to God.

However, the election is upon us. And the time has come to keep my mouth shut and my spirit in prayer. I've joined a group who has pledged to pray and fast until at least Tuesday evening. And I'm determined to not let anything even relatively negative to get in the way of my prayers. God is in control.

Acts 17:30 tells us . . . "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent."

Ignorance? Does that include us, the believers? What do we have to repent of?

For starters, we let the enemy trample on our core beliefs and take away some of our most precious liberties while we were busy doing something else and not paying attention. That's apathy. And that's our greatest sin where America is concerned. True we're getting the picture now . . . but we should have never let the enemy get his toe in the door.

But God is willing to OVERLOOK our times of ignorance. What a mighty God we serve!

Things of the world will try to keep you too busy to pray during this all-important time. And self-pride will tell you that you have absolutely nothing to repent of.

These are Satan's offerings. Don't accept them. The battle is real.