Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

As a rule, I don't read the obituaries in the daily paper. Having pastored in East Texas many years -even before I knew him - my husband takes a moment each day to check them, hoping to not see a familiar name. But occasionally he learns of the death of an old friend that way.

However, one day recently, I was perusing the paper and a picture of a beautiful young girl caught my eye as the page turned. Her appearance radiated kindness, youth, energy, and love. I was drawn to read her obituary, hoping this was an old, old picture of a mature person who had lived a full life. That wish was not answered.

She was twenty-one years old when she died of a sudden illness. She was full of life, loved by everyone who met her, and always had a smile for everyone. She truly was what her picture portayed her to be. The article went on to say she was a dancer. Her life revolved around music and dancing. In my mind's eye I could see this lovely person dancing . . . her long blonde hair floating on the air currents, and I realized I was crying.

For whom? For her? Surely not. She is dancing with the Lord. What a beautiful sight that must be.

Then my eyes strayed to the picture next to her. It was an old woman. Eighty-eight years old. I've never met, nor seen, an eighty-eight year old woman whose beauty could compare to that of a twenty-one year old girl. At least not outwardly.

The old lady's family extolled her prowess in the kitchen. She could make the best rolls and the best desserts ever to touch your lips. She was a fun-loving wife, mother, and grandmother. And she would be missed very much.

My mind conjured up a picture of the beautiful young girl and the nice old lady approaching the gates of Heaven together. A tall willowy blonde standing beside a short, curly-headed, gray-haired granny. The blonde was twirling on her toes and smiling. The old lady shuffled along carrying a tray of cookies. Who was the most beautiful as they stood before the Lord?

Then I had an "I couldn't had a V-8!" moment.

It's a no-brainer. They both have new bodies. They're both filled with the Holy Spirit. As they stand before the Lord, His beauty is revealed in both of them. Two amazingly beautiful spirits have been added to the citizenry of Glory.

And it dawned on me, it doesn't matter how old, how fat, or how ugly we get . To Jesus, Who sees our hearts and not our earthly bodies . . . WE ARE BEAUTIFUL. 

Grateful for God's Gift of Great Grandchildren

What's cuter than a 4-year old curly-headed youngster? Nothing!

My great-grandson, Coleman, (now five) had trouble pronoucing his "c's." They always came out sounding like "t's. I was trying to help him one evening. Their mother had left Coleman and his big sister, Hannah, with me when she went to work, and left some dinner for them . . . part of which was corn on the cob.

One of Coleman's favorite things in the whole world is cowboy movies. Or towboy movies, as he pronounced it.

"Say Cowboy, Coleman."

"Towboy."

"No, baby. Cowboy!"

"Towboy."

"C . . . C . . . C . . . Cowboy," I said.

"C . . . C . . . C . . .Towboy." He said.

Finally after many tries, Coleman said, "C . . .C . . . C. . . Cowboy."

I was estatic. "Yay! You've got it now. Say it again!"

"Cowboy."

"Oh, that's great, Coleman, you can say cowboy."

He grinned his beautiful dimpled grin. "Grandma, can I have my Torn on the Tob now?"

Conflicting Resolutions!

If you read my post on New Year's resolutions, you know I've already broken one! Oh me.

I resolved to stay current with this blog.

And I resolved to be more cognizant of the third commandment. (No worky on the Sabbath) Conflicting resolutions!

So when last Sunday rolled around and I sat down to my computer to post in my blog, I realized I was getting ready to embark on WORK. Now some folks may not consider writing a blog work . . . but when you are a writer by profession, what else could you call it? It doesn't matter how much you enjoy it. It's still work.

So here I am, (a little late) on Wednesday morning. And I'm going to add to my resolution post . . . something that may get some reaction.(I certainly hope so. It's like pulling teeth to get any comments from you sweet folks. Do you agree with everything I say?)

The third commandment says:  Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. It goes on to say: . . . you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant . . .

HOLD IT!

I made the statement in my last post I wasn't guilty of causing any others to do work on the Sabbath. I've since realized that's not really true. My male or female servant? Few of us have servants these days. But we all enjoy the labors of  "servers" from time to time. Is not a server in a restaurant your servant for the length of your stay?

Quite a few years ago I was convicted of this and stopped eating out after church on Sunday. But only on the grounds I was keeping the employees out of church. In time I was able to justify that by reasoning they could go to either early church or late church. I never made any connection with the ten commandments, which tell me clearly "THOU SHALL NOT" cause another to work on the Sabbath. 

But, you say, they will work on Sundays whether I go out to eat or not. Probably so. But would the restaurants do enough business to stay open on Sunday if every Christian observed the third commandment? It's the church crowd that makes Sunday a lucrative business day.

I think we should either have Sunday dinner prepared at home, or eat sandwiches. And if it's fellowship you're after, invite folks over . . . or have a pot luck every Sunday at the church. 

I'm aware that many, if not most, churches have a large group who go out to eat after the morning service. Quite often the pastor is a prominent member of this group. So I'm stepping on a lot of toes, here. 

But this is my conviction, and I'm sticking to it. Anybody care to join me?

Is Going to Church enough?

I've belonged to the Lutheran church (my mother's preference), the Presbyterian church (my high school friends' church), the Baptist church (where I got saved), and, last but not least . . . the independent Charasmatic movement. I mention this to point out that I have beautiful, spiritual memories from every one of these churches.

Oh, I forgot to mention I was born in a Catholic hospital and almost died at birth. So I was baptised into the Catholic Church as well. But I don't remember much about it! :-)

Jesus moves in any congregation that lifts Him up, declares Him Lord and Savior, Creator, Son of God born of a virgin, King of kings, Lord or lords. But if you want to move forward in the Lord, you need to be in a place where you'll learn. The Scriptures state in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge."

I worked with a woman years ago - a nice, decent, upstanding lady - who attended church on a very regular basis. She was in the choir and served on numerous committees over the years.

Yet, one day she sat at her desk (next to mine) and grumbled about Jews. She had begun with one particular Jewish person whom she felt had crossed her and escalated to include the entire race. "Every one of them," she said, "is out to get what they can and it doesn't matter who they step on in the process."

I interrupted her little tirade as gently as possible, asking, "How can you talk about Jews like that? After all, our Jesus was a Jew."

Her next words floored me.

She looked at me, wide-eyed with amazement and exclaimed . . . "He was?"

This church she'd been attending most of her life had done many good things over their period of existance. Helping the poor. Benefit drives. Lots of fellowship dinners. But I had to wonder . . . did they ever read the Bible? How could you have read the Bible to any extent, and not know Jesus was a Jew?

Good works are to be commended. But they will always be second to knowing God (and that includes Jesus and the Holy Spirit), sharing Him, and worshipping Him. If you aren't learning about our Savior in your church . . . don't find another church. Help the one you're in to bring knowledge of Him to the forefront. He wants to have an intimate relationship with His people.

It's that intimacy with God that changes lives!

New Year's Resolutions

Share with me some of your New Year's resolutions! Anything unusual?

As for me . . . I'm going with the old standbys . . . lose the five pounds I gained during the holidays, spend more time with the grand-children, finish the quilt I started early in 2012, keep my blog current, get more organized, and spend more time in the Word.

But I'm also going to deviate a little from the old standbys. In 2013, and every year thereafter, I resolve to do a better job of keeping the Ten Commandments.

Quite frankly, until recently, I thought I was doing a fine job of keeping them . . . now, anyway . . . I haven't always.

But several Sundays ago, while I was pounding away on my keyboard, I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit. A reminder, if you will, that it was Sunday. The day our church celebrates the Sabbath. And I was working. As I had the Sunday before that, and the one before that, and the one before . . . well, you get the picture.

I'd gotten in the habit of Sunday afternoons being my "make up" time. The time I gathered the little tidbits undone during the previous week (and the week before) and attempted to get caught up. (Never quite reaching that lofty goal, I might add.) I didn't consider it "real work." I mean, it was only catch-up, right?

But a trip to my Bible to double-check revealed the third commandment to be pretty clear about things: Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God, in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.

Well, I plead not guilty regarding making others work . . . but I consistantly (for the last 20 or 30 years) have used the excuse provided by the Lord, Himself. "My ox is in the ditch." Truth be told, my ox stays in the ditch. It's way past time to shoot the poor creature and put it out of it's misery.

I find it hard to relax. In fact, I feel guilty if I take the time to relax. But clearly, the Lord knew what He was doing when He commanded us to relax one day a week. The human body is not designed for unceasing labor (even if it's only sitting at a desk.) Good health demands we have a time of rest.  And isn't it weird that a commandment that requires us to do nothing should be so hard for some to follow?

This is even more weird. In the few short weeks I've been consciously aware of this commandment, I seem to have gotten almost caught up. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. And my list of things to do is getting shorter, instead of longer.

God does indeed work in mysterious ways!

Amazing Grace

I've believed in a Higher Power for as long as I can remember. Although I didn't begin enjoying a relationship with that Power until middle age.

I've believed every word I've read in the Bible since I owned my first one.

But never in a thousand years did I think I'd be here to see Bible prophesy happening right before our eyes. Because until a few years ago, I wasn't able to see the dark side. There was the world, and there was God. I didn't know the spots of darkness I detected in the world from time to time were actually growing. Like a fungus.

We did "naughty" things in high school. Skipped a class. Stayed out past curfew. Perhaps experimented with a bad word or two. But I, for one, suffered tremendous guilt afterward anytime I broke a rule.

A mere two generations ago . . . 

As a young woman I heard in church that Christians were the light in a dark world. It all sounded rather righteous and unnecessary. The world wasn't all that bad. Then.

But look around us now. The world is that bad. Naughty has grown up. And been replaced by evil. And many people in positions of great influence - add fuel to the flame for the sake of wealth and fame. Greed trumps decency.

Doris Day has been replaced by . . . well, I was going to name a name, but I think I'll pass. It doesn't take too much imagination to insert a name. Innocent love stories as portrayed by Doris Day, June Allison, and other actresses of that era have evolved into sordid tales of sex and sin. Except they're presented as "the norm."

You can't go to a movie, or watch a TV show that doesn't give equal time to "alternate life-styles." The world has grown weary of laboring and, one-by-one, is succumbing to the evil one's desires.

Phillippians 2:15 says " . . .  that you may prove yourselves to be blamesless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst  of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world."

I can turn on the TV, walk down the street, or overhear a conversation . . . and realize I AM in the midst of a perverse generation. We've been told it would be like this. Why are we surprised?  Jesus said we'd be hated because we love Him.  Just never thought I'd see the day when Christian were hated. It's kind of sneaked up on us, hasn't it?

Satan is alive and well, and growing stronger. It's up to us to shine a bright light on his deeds. (2 Corinthians 2:11 "in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his scemes.")

The town where I attended high school . . . innocent and safe . . . is now a hotbed of crime and drugs. But for the grace of God, I would be a part of this perverse generation. But as His children, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.

When you were in high school, wouldn't it have thrilled you out of your gourd if the captain of the football team (or cheerleading team) told you he/she liked you?" Well, try this on for size . . . The God of all creation, King of kings, Lord or lords, the Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace loves you!

Safe in the Arms of God

The events of recent weeks have been enough to send a sensitive person off the deep end. It's only by the grace of God I'm able to position my fingers over the keyboard and let thoughts pour forth.

I have in mind a couple of subjects I'd like to broach. But not today. Not while the memory of Friday is still so fresh in my mind. Today, I think I'd like to pay tribute to the fallen students and teachers, by recognizing them by name. As I recorded these, I read each name and let it register in my mind, that this is a real person, mourned by a real family . . . not just some gruesome headline.

The childred,all six or seven years old, were:
Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Olivia Engel, Josephine Gay, Anna Marquez-Greene, Dylan Hockly, Madeleine Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Jesse Lewis, James Mattioli, Grace McDonald, Emilie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previdi, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Benjamin Wheeler, and Allison Wyatt.

The adults were:
Rachel Davino - 29, Dawn Hochsprung - 47, Anne Marie Murphy - 52, Lauren Rousseau - 30, Mary Sherlock - 56, and Victoria Soto - 27.

I won't belabor it any longer. Lord knows the press has kept it ever on our minds. Perhaps that's good. Perhaps we need to have it drummed into us that Satan does not love any of us. Not even the innocent children.

My grandchildren (five and seven) asked me about it. They didn't seem too traumatized by it, so I simply told them the slain children and teachers were happy in the arms of God. But we needed to pray for their families. Because they were going to miss their loved ones very much.

Faith will pull us all through. For some it will take longer than others.

Do something kind for someone . . . today. And every day.

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.