Simple Pleasures

Hmmmm....The smell of morning air in the spring. One of my favourite smells. I thank God for it, it is so wonderful!
Such a simple pleasure that we often take for granted...The sights, sounds, and smells around us, ever present...
Count your blessings, one by one...Today, I am reminded of this saying and I pause to really appreciate all that surrounds me. God is good and I can't help but think that if these moments...these simple pleasures are but a gift from Him, how much more being in His presence will be that much more wonderful!

Enjoy this Psalm today...Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.
~Selah
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob.
~Selah
Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

"Simple Pleasure" by Scott Milo www.scottmilo.com

Questions with Hidden Answers...

Questions I sometimes wonder:

• What will it be like to be in the presence of Holiness?
• Will I be able to fly in eternity?
• When the bible says we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses", does that mean there are souls that surround me...always, whenever and whereever?
• How does a world without death and decay exist?
• What would happen if we used all of our brain power, not just 10%?
• How can scientists claim our far ancestors were primitive (of lesser intelligence) when they were more genetically pure? (and their legacy still stands, for example - machu picchu)
• Why is water so mesmerizing?
• Did angels and humans intermingle on earth?
• Why is there a hexagon on Saturn's pole?
• Because Eve was taken from Adam's rib, would that suggest that "soul-mates" do exist?
• Why do we talk and not sing conversations?

Any thoughts or questions of your own?

Weary

Sometimes I wonder why I even bother. I wonder if Jesus ever had thoughts like that? I would hazard to guess that they did cross His mind, if only briefly. He carried on though, regardless.

As we look on to the outcome, we know that by Jesus' example, perseverance pays.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.~

Galatians 6:9

"Weary" by Kenny A. Chaffin

Passing On...

Every day is another day closer to passing on into the next world. With that, we need to be ever so mindful of how we live in the present. Not overly concerned to the point of distraction, but focused on living out the love and truth of Jesus Christ in all that we say or do. It can be difficult, for sure, and throughout the day we can forget, but as we establish our hearts and minds in the Word of God, we become more consistent in our daily attempt.

 On Christ, the solid rock I stand.

 Seconds and minutes are passing us by...Are we living out all that God has for us in the moment?  This is a soul searching question that we need to revisit regularly. Moment by moment in communication with God. It seems overwhelming, but it is not, really. Paul calls us to "...pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."Ephesians 6:18 As we steep ourselves in God's Word and get in the habit of deliberately sharing our heart with God on even the little things, and as we learn to be silent and listen to God - how His Word speaks to our hearts and what the Holy Spirit is saying in guidance - we learn to converse with God moment to moment. We then put God's Word into action more consistently and we begin to fulfill His Calling upon our lives.


Don't let this opportunity pass you by, our God is longing for you to know Him more and more, He is willing to work in you and though you even in the darkest of moments. He loves you and has a plan to bless you more than you could have imagined in this time...in this world, to His Glory...and this is a great thing! But, you need to communicate with Him, moment to moment...listening, sharing, requesting, giving thanks, blessing...obeying...moment to moment.

It Is The Little Things That Matter...

This sentence was a bit of a revelation for me this morning as I sat in prayer with Abba. I tend to be a big thinker - and yet, I notice tiny, often obscure, details. I am not sure what that says about me, but this morning in prayer, God brought this saying to my attention...for a reason.  I have many a great plan to do this or that, but when I anxiously laid it all before God in seeking His guidance, the plans all faded away.  "It is the little things that matter." When I let this settle in my heart, I realized that this is a wonderful burden to bear. I did not have to worry about the "bigger" picture, I am called to deal with the "little" things, those things that some may consider mundane and perhaps, any other time, I might have considered them mundane as well. But not today. 

In my walk with God this season, I am finding myself reconnecting with things I used to love doing that I had stopped doing...as I put them aside for more "important" projects. Now, it is these little things that I am called to focus on...and not just focus on, but joyfully embrace. The odd thing is that my energy and passion for these things are resufacing so easily and naturally! It is truly a joy to be engaging in them.  The drive that had escaped me years ago is returning and it is a beautiful thing! God is at work in me and through me.

Have you laid your plans before God lately? What is He saying to you?

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."~Matthew 11:30

Today's Challenge - 1

Today, as you go about your day, consider this verse, memorize it, and live it out deliberately.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ~Colossians 3:12

Sometimes Words are Not the Priority

Sometimes, words are not the priority. Sometimes it is enough just to be present. Sometimes, it is better to stay out of sight...Sometimes...

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."

When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." ~John 11:1-7

  The Church Of Saint Lazarus 02 by ~Glooman 

There are times when we think that we need to speak into a situation right away; however, there are those times when God is calling us to simply be present or he delays our presence and our words. It doesn't make sense to us and we desperately want to do things our way, but God has other plans...He has plans to make the most of the situation, to His Glory.

Trust God, seek out His instruction feverently, and be obedient. He will manifest great and mighty works...you'll see...

Free!

Free...Word of the season. I am free. I like this. Unbound. Free. It is an interesting concept that has more and more value to me as I mature. Not imprisoned or enslaved; not controlled by obligation or the will of another...What a glorious concept!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Let Israel say: "His love endures forever."

Let the house of Aaron say: "His love endures forever."

Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever."

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!

The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"

I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.

The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.

Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.

This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter.

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.

The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

~Psalm 118

Live Passionately

There is a blog that I follow called "Live Passionately" - The author, Christine, shares words of wisdom and encouragement to her readers. While I was reading her blog this morning, I was drawn to one of her sidebar items. It said:

LAUGH LOUDLY

PRAY OFTEN

FEEL DEEPLY

EXPRESS FEARLESSLY

PLAY HARD

WORK JOYOUSLY

COMMIT TOTALLY

TOUCH TENDERLY

 LIVE CONSCIOUSLY

 

This struck a cord with me this morning and I wanted to share it with my readers. Can you imagine what your day would be like if you did this? I challenge you to follow these words of encouragement and live like this today (and everyday)...and feel free to let me know how it affected your day.

Smiles and Blessings to each of you!

What Do You See?

Getting to the spot where you let God work and trust that He will make something new and wonderful is a great spot to be...if you get there. So often we struggle and resist against God working in our situation because we can't see the big picture as God sees it.

This is like what we see...

Do you know what it is?

Photo from: MaZM

...God sees this too, but He also sees this:

And this:

And this:

We attempt to understand our situation and find solutions to our problems, but our thinking is so finite. And though God may allow us to come up with solutions on our own, a lot of the time He wants us to work with Him, trusting Him with what we don't see or understand.

You have heard it said:

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."~Isaiah 55:9


And yet, God invites us to partner with Him. But partnering with God requires faith and trust - It requires studying the Bible, meditating in prayer, and obedience - It requires all of ourselves given over to Him. And mercifully, even when we fail in doing our part, He still works in us and through us. His plans for our well-being continue to be fulfilled, unthwarted by whatever obstacle that may present itself. He is God afterall, and with God, nothing is impossible!


If you have a situation where you are stuck, ask God to help you to partner with Him and trust Him to work all things together...ask Him to let you see the situation through His eyes, and if nothing else (and above all else for that matter), keep your eyes focused on Him.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.~Matthew 6:33

BTW- In case you missed it, that first pic is a microscopic view of the centre of a snowflake and broken snowflakes around it.

Do You Believe In Miracles?

Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."

Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. ~Mark 3:1-6

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow...Though you may not need a physical healing, what you do need, God is able to provide. Believe and receive all that He has for you with a grateful heart.

What Will We Do In Heaven?

I was watching a Nova program last night. The series is exploring the telescope past and present (and future), and being fascinated by the heavens, I was greatly awed at the images and the vastness of the universe being shown. It was pointed out that we have only seen 5% of the universe (not sure how that number was determined, given that the universe could be infinite). Using that number and factoring in the reality that we only use 10% of our brain...there are a lot of unknowns yet to be discovered! What we are truly capable of is yet to be determined.

This realization comes at a time when I am wondering what we all will be doing in heaven. I mean, I do not believe for an instant that we will be strumming harps and singing hallelujah 24/7...so what will we be doing? And won't it be boring if there is no challenge? Think about that. If heaven is perfect, where are the challenges? Will we not require stimulation, just exist in a state of contentment? What will we do in heaven?

It is not a topic that you hear much of, perhaps it is because there is not much said in the Bible accounting details of our existence at that point. Some have postulated that we will carry on in a modified version of what we are doing now. So, if you are an engineer, you will continue to do engineering type work. I think that suggestion falls far from the mark when you consider those who never worked, those who are doctors (who are they going to stitch up?), and what about funeral directors?! 

Personally, I believe that what we will do for eternity has something to do with the other 90% of our brain power and the vast universe that remains a mystery to us at this point. We are explorers, we are inventors, we are keepers, we are God's children...He will provide and He will not disappoint!

Back to the present. Because there is little said about the afterlife and much said about getting there, I would have to resign myself to the idea that Abba wants our focus to be on the now with hope in the life to come. Without that focus, many would not experience the wonders of the life to come and we know that Abba wishes that none would perish, but all have eternal life with Him...We need to spread the Word! So, as much as I am in awe of the vastness of the universe, the wonders yet unknown, the potential of our being, I must remember our primary calling at this point: Matt 28:19-20
We are called to share the Love and Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ - in what we do and in what we say. In doing so, others will come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour and they too will share in the wonders of eternal life with God.

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
~Phillippians 3:12-21(The Message)

What is a Friend For?

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Could It Be?

I slept well last night, I think it was because I cried myself to sleep. I remember resting against Yael and this morning, I awoke to quite a commotion in the house! Apparently Yeshua is alive! The adults are convinced of it...most of them anyhow...Miriam saw him...she hasn't stopped crying and praising YHWH since she returned from the grave!


Could it be...Yeshua alive? He was dead...I saw it...I know what I saw, he was dead. And now, three days later, he's alive...could it be? I remember...he said he would return...He told me himself. Yeshua has never lied to me or anyone...I know what he said was true, that he would return...but now? Could it be? Then, the adults...

While they were still talking about this, Yeshua himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."


It was too good to be true! He is alive! Yeshua hamashiach is alive! He's alive! We celebrated into the next day and many, many days to come...Alive! Yeshua is alive!



Let God Arise~Paul Wilbur

Sabbath

It is Sabbath...a day of rest. It is a good thing, for we are all tired...and numb. Yeshua is dead. To help encourage each other, Yael would sing - she sings almost all the time, her songs are full of praise to YHWH and she even made up new songs that honour Yeshua's life...and Jochanan, he was always checking on Miriam, though she is the one encouraging us the most with her quiet confidence and peace...it is odd that the mother of Yeshua would be so calm...there is a deep sadness, but a peace about her. It is all so surreal...The images of yesterday still are fresh in my mind...Yeshua is gone...

Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." ~Luke 6:5

I Must Be Brave

The heart of a child who has lost her best friend, broken and overcome with grief.
The tears of a child sting as they fall, remembering his final words.
The child...asleep on the grass, exhausted from crying, not caring, just wrought by this loss.

I must be brave.

~~~

Yeshua. He was a friend to me, I mean, no one else wanted anything to do with me. I am just an orphan, a dirty street urchin. I sleep hidden in whatever spot I can find. He saw me early one morning before the sun rose. He didn't yell at me and call me names, he called me to himself. It was the first time that I was not cursed upon sight. He invited me to walk with him and he even shared some bread and drink with me. We talked about many things...we talked...no one ever wants to talk to me, no one cares to hear what I have to say, but he did and he did not call me stupid or tell me to shut up...he listened...he cared. After a while, he did something I had never seen done before, I mean, not the way others did it. He prayed. He invited me to stay and He prayed to God like he knew him personally...and I listened...I cared. I wanted to know this God who he so obviously loved. I wanted to pray like him, not like the others who rhymed off scripture and boasted of their good deeds so that God would hear them. Yeshua prayed with confidence, like he knew his prayers were heard...and he prayed for others! Oh, the concern for others...he even prayed for that horrid blacksmith and his family!
...And he prayed for me...no one had ever prayed for me before. And then he did something unthinkable! He asked me if I would like to pray! I mean, me, pray?! I wanted to, I really did, but I didn't know what to say...He smiled at me and placed his hand upon my head and suddenly I was warm all over and I began to speak! I don't remember what I had said, but I do remember Yeshua smiling at me and lifting his arms towards heaven...and at one point, I was sure he was going to laugh at me, but he began to sing instead. He was so happy...and I was happy! Oh, I didn't want it to end! We sang together songs that praised God, we danced, and we laughed. It must have been quite a sight, but I didn't care. I was warm and happy and...and loved! I just knew I was loved!
That is how my friendship with Yeshua began. And now...I am cold. I am sad. I am tired...but I remember what he said...He will return. I don't know how, and I don't care! I believe him, with all of my heart, I believe him! He told me to be brave, not to be afraid and to trust him. I do trust him! He will be back...he said so! It still hurts though...and I am cold, and tired...but I will be brave...I will be brave...
Yeshua...I love you! So much...I love you! Please come back soon...

 Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. ~John 19:18