I GOT NOTHING

So, here I am on Monday, staring at my computer…

I got nothing.

That's what I'm thinking – I have no idea what to write about.

So, Lord – what do You want to say?

"I want to say that I love My children…more than they'll ever know."

Do you know that, my friends?

Deep in your soul, where no one else sees your sorrows, your hurts, your disappointments – deep in your soul, do you know that you are loved by The One?

My one-year Bible reading plan currently has me in the book of Job. Oh, how I have a love/hate relationship with the book of Job.

I love Job's honesty – I love that he questioned God – deeply and poignantly.

I hate that God didn't give Job any concrete answers – I hate that it all seems unfair.

And yet…

I love that God did something better!

Job ranted and railed at the heavens. He questioned and doubted and struggled. And yet – not once, not ever – did he deny the Lord.

And the Lord did something amazing.

He showed up.

No, he didn't answer Job's questions – but He did give Job The Answer.

In a sign of miraculous love, God did not send a lightning bolt and zap Job where he sat. He didn't let Job die.

Instead, He showed Job a tremendous courtesy by appearing in person.

The King stepped down to earth in a whirlwind –

He was stern with Job, but it was tough love. The Lord brought Job to repentance, but He did it to bring Job closer to Him, to bring him to a deeper faith.

"I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes." (Job 42:5)

God showed Job that knowing Him was better than knowing why.

This wasn't the last time that God stepped down to earth. And it wasn't the last time that the appearance was motivated by love.

A wooden cross still casts it shadow across humanity – across the human heart. On that day we came face to face with The Answer.

Yes, we will question, and doubt, and struggle. We might do some ranting and railing at the heavens (I've done some of that lately – have you heard me??)

But, at the end of the day, what I KNOW is this:

He loves His children –

And knowing that He loves me is more than enough to answer the cries of my heart.

Knowing God is better than knowing why…

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

ONE LITTLE WORD

Last week I posted the lyrics from the hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."

Powerful words.

And the words that seemed to resonate with people were these:

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

These words thrilled me too.

And I got to thinking – (thinking seems to happen to me from time to time).

I wonder what that *one little word* is that will fell our ancient enemy…

I could think of many phrases –

Get thee behind me.

Be still.

It is written.

Go take a hike…

All those phrases, and many more, would be effective to rebuke the devil – to resist and repel him.

But what would *fell* him?

First of all, I am not the one who will do the felling. There is only One mighty enough to do that. He is the coming King…

…Faithful and True.

So what might He say?

I think the *one little word* might be –

ENOUGH.

I read this wonderful Christian fiction book a few weeks ago (The Redeemer, by Linda Rios Brook). In it, she tells the whole life story of Jesus on this earth, as seen through the eyes of a "junior" demon.

It is vivid.

The scene that sticks out in my mind is right after Jesus has been flogged. Lucifer is also present at this moment. He has been desperately trying to get Jesus killed before He reaches the cross.

The soldiers lift Jesus to His feet, and then they let go of Him.

And He stands.

He looks up at Satan, through a bloody and swollen face. And He says this:

"Is that all you’ve got?"

(Just gives me goosebumps...)

It was the beginning of the end for our enemy. And he knew it. A few short hours later, our Lord uttered the fateful words, "It is finished."

And that was the moment when the enemy's "…doom was sure."

There is coming a day when Jesus arrives back on this earth. A day when He looks at the travesty of religion. A day when He observes the havoc that evil has wreaked. The day when He will end the ravages of sin – a day when every knee shall bow.

A day when He looks the enemy straight in the eye and says…

"Enough."

Satan knows he's on borrowed time. That’s why he's so busy.

Because he knows there's a day of reckoning coming. A day when his hated enemy, Jesus, will utter just one little word…

…and he will be gone in one fell swoop.

I know it, too – and so today I'm claiming Jesus' ultimate, indisputable victory.

Today I'm saying to all my worries, fears, temptations, angers, misgivings, doubts – all the distractions of living on the sin side of eternity…

ENOUGH.

(Linked today with Wendy at Faith's Firm Foundation for Mondays are G.R.E.A.T.)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - I'll Fight For You

"I'll fight for you."

In California, we have this TV commercial. It's an advertisement for a personal injury attorney. Now, if I needed someone to represent me – I'm not thinking I would go to this guy. He's a little "creepy" – just sayin'.

But I love his tagline –

"I'll fight for you."

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" landed me in Psalms 35. It's one of the imprecatory psalms. The word "imprecatory" means cursing.

These are psalms that call upon God to deal with enemies. To some ears, these psalms might sound extremely harsh.

But, let's be honest.

When we feel like we're being attacked, don't we want a little *harsh* to come to the rescue?

Psalms 35 was written by David – possibly when he was being hunted by Saul.

He is afraid, confused, frustrated.

After all, he was the anointed king – and now he's running for his life?

So where does he turn?

He appeals to God – who is always just:

"O LORD, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me. Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Let me hear you say, 'I will give you victory.'" (Psalms 35:1-3)

Are you in a season of life when you feel like you're running from the enemy? Do you feel like you're under attack?

Are you afraid, confused, frustrated?

Do like David did – turn to God.

He'll answer…

"I'll fight for you!"

Stand behind His victory…

…and you will stand firm!

I close with the words of Charles H. Spurgeon – his commentary on the beginning of Psalm 35:

"Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me. Plead against those who plead against me; strive with my strivers; contend with my contenders…beat them at their own weapons. Every saint of God shall have this privilege: the accuser of the brethren shall be met by the Advocate of the saints.

Fight against them that fight against me. If my advisers try force as well as fraud, be a match for them; oppose thy strength to their strength. Jesus does this for all his beloved -- for them he is both intercessor and champion; whatever aid they need they shall receive from him, and in whatever manner they are assaulted they shall be effectually defended. Let us not fail to leave our case into the Lord's hand. Vain is the help of man, but ever effectual is the interposition of heaven. What is here asked for as a boon, may be regarded as a promise to all the saints; in judgment they shall have a divine advocate, in warfare a divine protection."

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"God's way of working, therefore, is to get possession of the inside of a man, to take the control and management of his will, and to work it for him. Then obedience is easy and a delight, and service becomes perfect freedom...

It is wonderful what miracles God works in wills that are utterly surrendered to Him. He turns hard things into easy, and bitter things into sweet. It is not that He puts easy things in the place of the hard, but He actually changes the hard thing into an easy one, and makes us love to do the thing we before so hated.

While we rebel against the yoke, and try to avoid it, we find it hard and galling. But when we "take the yoke upon us" with a consenting will, we find it easy and comfortable...

The Lord is our burden-bearer, and upon Him we must lay off every care...

Then too, if the work is His, the responsibility is His, also, and we have no room left for worrying about results. Everything in reference to it is known to Him, and He can manage it all..."

(From "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith, c. 1888)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Nature

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: nature

What is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen in nature?

How do you think God speaks through nature?

Let me know what you think!!

'This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

I'm a skeptic.

I might have been born that way – but I doubt it (please tell me you got that pun…groan).

But I've just read something that has caused me to pause, to ponder…

I'm part of a neighborhood Book Club that meets once a month. This past month we read "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo. It's been the #1 New York Times Bestseller for 26 weeks.

It's the story about a young boy, Colton, who almost died from a burst appendix – and the story of his miraculous survival and recovery. But it's also the story of what happened in the months that followed – when Colton (not quite four years old) began to relate stories of his visit to Heaven.

I'm not inclined to believe such stories – but this one was compelling.

Upon finishing the book, I realized something.

It sorta didn't matter what I thought about the book – it's what it made me feel. Uplifted. Moved. Encouraged. Hopeful.

And the one thing that stuck out in my mind was the way that Colton described the eyes of Jesus –

"And his eyes," Colton had said. "Oh, Dad, his eyes are so pretty!"

It reminded me of my post on Monday, on what it would be like to actually look into the face of Jesus – into His eyes – right now.

I try to picture Jesus' eyes through the Scriptures. Sometimes His eyes were happy. Sometimes they were sad. Sometimes they were angry. Sometimes they were tired. Sometimes they were distant. Sometimes they were intense.

Can you even imagine – being able to look into the eyes of God?

I'm not sure what to make of this book…

…but it's made me think about Jesus.

And it's been an interesting thinking, if you know what I mean. Because it's been on my mind so much lately – if I could just see Jesus…

I can't explain it – but somehow in reading this book, and using my imagination – and I think through something that's happening in my spirit – I have a newer sense of Jesus being right here…in person.

It doesn't matter what He looks like so much – because in some way, I feel like I can actually see Him…

…and His eyes are focused on me.

I am the beauty in the eye of The Beholder.

How would you picture the eyes of our Savior?

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A MIGHTY FORTRESS

Sometimes I really miss the "old" hymns we used to sing in church.

So, today I'm sharing one of them...I love the inspiring words!

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever.

("A Mighty Fortress is Our God" by Martin Luther)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

CHERISH IS THE WORD

Cherished.

My friend and I were talking the other day…and talking…and talking. About all sorts of different things. We do that. But one of the things we talked about was what our deepest hearts desired.

There were lots of things that we spoke of – to be appreciated, to be desired, to be understood. But then we decided that the one thing underneath all those feelings was this – we really want to know that someone cherishes us.

Not just loves us – but cherishes us.

The dictionary defines the word cherish this way:

To love and care for somebody; to value something highly; to retain something in mind; to treasure; to value, prize, esteem; to take pleasure in; to attach importance to; to revere.

I'm hoping that all of you have someone who loves you – who really and truly loves you. But even at its best, it's still human love – and at some time or the other, because we're human, the ones who love us will disappoint us, hurt us, make us feel unappreciated, undesirable – they won't understand us.

But…

…there is Someone.

Someone who came to our rescue. Someone who gave His life for us. Someone who intercedes for us every day. Someone who's coming back to get us.

Someone who truly cherishes us.

He values us highly.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

He thinks about us all the time.

"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
 I can't even count them;
 they outnumber the grains of sand!" (Psalm 139:17-18)

He takes pleasure in us.

"...he rescued me because he delights in me." (Psalm 18:19)

He thinks we're very important.

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

He loves and cares for us, every moment…

"O Lord, you…know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me."

(Psalm 139:1-5)

…in this life and in the next.

"Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!" (John 17:24)

He cherishes us…

…is that just the BEST or what???!!!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

FACE TO FACE

Do you ever just need a hug?

A big, huge, warm, embracing hug?

I know I need that – and the one person I want a hug from the most is Jesus.

Sometimes I just really miss Him.

Sometimes I just really feel lonely without Him.

I know He lives – and I know He's with me all the time. I believe that with my whole heart. It's just that sometimes I wish He was still walking around - in person…

…so I could get a hug.

Do you ever feel like that?

I've got this big old tree in my backyard. And sometimes I look out at that tree and picture a little stone bench underneath it. And then I try to picture what it would be like to look out my window someday and see someone sitting there…

…to see HIM sitting there!

What would He look like?

He'd have dark hair, and brown eyes. Kind brown eyes. He'd be wearing a white tunic of some sort, and sandals of course (Birkenstocks, maybe??). He'd look pretty plain actually. Nothing impressive about Him. In fact, He'd look a lot like most traditional depictions of Him.

And He'd just be there waiting.

So, I'd open my patio door, and step out into the backyard. He'd look up and smile. He'd pat the bench, and motion for me to come over and sit down next to Him.

And then, after wanting to talk to Him face to face for my whole life, I'd find myself completely tongue-tied.

I'd look at my hands, folded in my lap, while tears streamed down my face.

And then, one scarred hand would reach out and cover my folded hands. The other scarred hand would wipe away my tears, and then lift up my chin.

And He'd have tears in His eyes, but He'd be smiling too.

"I hear you need a hug."

Oh boy.

I'd reach out to Him and He would hug me – a big, huge, warm, embracing hug.

And everything would pour out of my soul. My entire life would be cried out to Him, and He would hold on to every moment.

Finally, I'd find my voice.

"Jesus, I want to stay like this forever."

"You will."

And then, He'd disappear.

I'd feel lonely again, and I would start missing Him.

But then I'd look over to where He had been sitting on the bench. He had left something for me – a crude, handmade crown of thorns. And attached to the crown was a note, written in His hand:

Never for a moment doubt that I am with you.

And know that I never hugged you more than when I wore this crown.

Yes, I'd love to see Him today, face to face, and get my hug. But I know He's there. All I have to do is talk to Him.

And look out my window at the pepper tree…

…I can almost see Him.

(Linked today with Wendy from Faith's Firm Foundation for Mondays are G.R.E.A.T. - Glad Rejoicing Encouraged And Thankful)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK EMS - Accident Forgiveness

Weren't we all teenagers at some point in our lives?

Notice I'm not asking how long ago that was!

Did you ever do anything you felt REALLY bad about?

(OK, I better see every hand raised out there in Blog Land!!)

I can recall one incident so vividly, it’s like it happened last week.

My dad and uncle owned a business in Pasadena. And at some point in time, they decided that it was a good idea to lease two company cars – two brand-new 1970 Pontiac Firebirds. I'm pretty sure that this was my "hot shot" uncle's idea!

My dad's car was awesome!

One night, I needed to borrow a car to go to a church party. OK, I'm 16, the ink is barely dry on my driver's license, and my dad lets me use HIS car. He actually offered it to me!

I know!! Honestly, what was he thinking?!

After picking my jaw up off the floor, I graciously accepted…

"OK, Dad, if you insist."

I went to the party, and when it was over, a bunch of my friends and I thought it would be cool to drive over and see a boy that I had a secret crush on – because I was behind the wheel of a radically "hot" car.

We thought this was a great idea, because nothing screams "GOOD DECISION" like a car full of 16-year-old girls!

Anyway, we got to talking, got to flirting, and time ran away. When I finally headed home, my 11:00 PM curfew had disappeared in a teenage fog of…

Oh, he's so cute!

Do you think he likes me?

How's my hair look?

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.

OK, so now it’s like 1:00 in the morning, it's pouring rain, and I have to park the car in the garage. Our driveway was very steep, and Dad parked his car on the right-hand side of the garage, so you had to make kind of a sharp turn at the top of the driveway, just past a retaining wall.

You KNOW what's coming, don't you?

Yes, I made that turn, just a LITTLE early, and heard the most awful sound as "brand-new" Firebird met concrete block wall. Man, it still hurts today.

I tried backing up…SCRAPE.

I tried going forward…SCRAPE.

The car was sorta stuck on the wall.

In a panic, I finally just gunned the engine and the car leapt forward, almost piling into the corner of the garage. I got the car parked, and looked at it. There was a huge dent, and massive scratches right through the paint, all along the whole side of the car. OH MAN! I quietly entered the house so I wouldn’t disturb anyone's sleep…

OK, OK, yes…I was trying to sneak in! You guys are awful strict!

I was almost to my bedroom when I noticed my mom sitting alone in the dark, shivering with fever and chills, sicker than a dog with the flu, waiting up for me.

I didn't sleep much that night.

The next morning I got up early, bringing all $200 in my savings account, to confess to my dad what I had done to his car. He told me to keep my money – he would "take care of it." My dad didn't get mad, he didn't punish me – He forgave me.

Jesus told His disciples a similar principle about forgiveness, and it's found in today's "Bible Pick 'Ems":

"If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks for forgiveness, you must forgive." (Luke 17:3-4)

Jesus took forgiveness very seriously – it was His whole mission on earth.

Can we do any less?

"…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." (Matthew 6:12)

"'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?'

'No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!'"

(Matthew 18:21-22)

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"God gives us visions of spiritual beauty that we may turn them into realities in common life. All our heavenward aspirations we should bring down and work into acts. All our longings and desires we should make true in experiences.

Every day's Bible text taken into the heart should shine forth tomorrow in some new touch of spiritual beauty.

As the look of the face is caught in the camera and held there, so every time Christ looks in upon our souls, even for an instant, some impression of his features should become fixed there, and remain as part of our spiritual beauty.

So in all our life the words of Christ we hear, the lessons we are taught, and the holy influences that touch our souls, should enter into our very being and reappear in disposition, character, deeds."

(From "In Green Pastures" by J.R. Miller, c. 1840-1912)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Sovereignty

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: sovereignty

What does the word sovereignty mean to you?

Does the sovereignty of God console you or intimidate you?

Let me know what you think!!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SAY THAT AGAIN???

OK, it's been a while since I did something just for fun.

So, today's blog post will be fun…(at least that's my intention!)

I was inspired by a game I used to play with my brother and sister. It was called "Mad Libs."

Basically, one person had the "Mad Libs" booklet with pre-printed stories in it. Within the story, there were blanks that had to be filled in with words provided by the other players (players who were not aware of the story line). For instance, I might read, "The (noun) drove his car around the block, and (verb) it at the corner." Once the blanks were all filled in, one person would read the completed story, with the silly words inserted into it.

My brother, sister, and I used to have so much fun doing "Mad Libs."

Of course, the older we got, the more the game deteriorated into using every inappropriate word we could think of. We laughed so hard we thought we'd die. That is, until my mom would tell us to get rid of "those" stories. And we did – we hid them in a jar on the bookshelf so we could read them again when she wasn't listening!

(Bad, bad children…)

Actually, it was a clever way to teach the various parts of speech – noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc.

It was certainly better than my 9th grade English teacher trying to teach a roomful of 14-year-old hooligans grammar. He was a nice man, but we called him Mr. Dull if that's any clue.

Really, he gave boring a whole new meaning – unless of course, you mean boring as in drilling a painful hole right through my head…

I'm sorry, but he truly spoke like a cadaver. He didn't have a voice that could wake the dead – he had the capacity to turn adolescents into the walking dead…

"Now class, take out your pencils and get ready to diagram sentences."

OK, I've got a diagram for you – a diagram of the best way to escape this torture chamber and end this sentence of solitary tedium!

WOW! I digress (subject: I – a noun/predicate: digress – a verb)…

So, today I'm making up my own "Mad Libs" story using spam blocker words.

Once upon a time, Sam and Shelley fell in love and got married. One night, while they were still newlyweds, they got into a maratift (small marital tiff). Evidently, the brouhaha started after they had spent the day at the beach.

Sam asked Shelley what he thought was a simple questini (a small, inconsequential question).

"Shelley, what happened with your bathing suit straps today? You've got a weird tanscu (weird tan lines skewed out of position)."

Shelley, without a word, pulled a suitcase out of the closet, and began to packstac (piling in clothes with no attention to order or neatness).

"What are you doing?" Sam asked.

"Sam, you are such a creuseb (cretin, substitute person). Why can't you get a clewa (BIG clue)?"

Sam's face started to have a mictic (a facial spasm which closely resembles Mick Jagger's snarl). He tried really hard to come up with a good torth (retort that's worthy).

"Shelley, sweetheart, let me splin (a nervous lapsing into Desi Arnaz’s accent). It was just a jectoke (jesting joke).”

"I'm not laughing,” she said. And with anger in her voice, she took out a pair of sessers (serious scissors) and cut the straps off of her bathing suit top.

"What did you do that for?" Sam cried. Then he quickly recovered his senses. "Wait, sweetie. It's OK. I'm sorry. Can I get something to make you happy?"

"Yes, ilati (shorthand lingo for “I’d like a latte")."

"OK," said Sam. "Is there anything else?"

"Well," Shelley said as she tried to poider (exploitive pondering). "I really need some new clothes. I don't like a closet with ledesses (shorthand lingo for less dresses)."

Sam, a newlywed man, a smart newlywed man, quickly replied, "You got it. Let's go shopping!"

Shelley turned away from Sam and smirked. After all, a woman always gets herwei…(I think you got that one!)

So…

What's my spiritual lesson today? C'mon – you knew there'd have to be something to learn!

It's this – anyone can make up a story using gibberish words.

But, there is only…

One Story

Full of Absolute Truth

Written by The Author

The LORD God Almighty Himself

And in His Word

There is Salvation!!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HEY JUDE

Greetings from Jude!

I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.

May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.

You know, I was planning to write you about something else. But now I find that the Spirit has laid this heavy upon my heart.

I feel I must urge you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to His holy people.

I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches! They are saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives.

Their condemnation was recorded long ago, for they have denied our ONLY Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I know that you already know these things. But I want to remind you.

Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later He destroyed those who did not remain faithful.

And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them - but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.

And don't forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God's judgment.

In the same way, these people are like this. They claim authority from their dreams. They live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But these people scoff at what they do not understand.

Like animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them. They deceive people for money. They will perish in their rebellion.

You need to be aware.

These people are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you.

They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves.

They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving rain.

They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots.

They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds.

They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.

Even Enoch, who lived in the 7th generation after Adam, prophesied about these people!

They are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life.

In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love.

Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.

Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment.

Hey, thanks for listening.

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and who will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault.

All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!

AMEN!!

Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ.

(Taken from Jude - NLT)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SINNER OR SAINT

Are you a sinner or saint?

On Sunday, our pastor posed that rather interesting question.

I evidently left my halo at home – so of course, I had to claim the sinner hat.

As I'm sure everyone in the audience did.

And then, our pastor proceeded to tell us why we were wrong.

He's teaching from the book of Ephesians. And the book of Ephesians begins with Paul's enthusiastic list of all the things that belong to us as children of the King.

Yes, we who belong to Christ, are new creations, with new identities.

We are saints.

He gave this good example. When I got married, I became a wife. And when I had my children, I became a mother.

These were titles and positions – conferred on me because something foundational had changed.

Did I always behave like a wife? No, sometimes I still did "single-minded" things. Did I always behave like a mother? No, sometimes I still did "un-Mom" things.

But, no matter how I behaved, I was still a wife – I was still a mother.

In the same way, when I came to saving faith in Jesus, something foundational changed in me. I became a new creature – born again.

I am no longer a sinner trying to behave like a saint – I am now a saint letting go of sin.

There’s a subtle difference between the two.

One is all about my work – the other is all about what God has done, and continues to do.

If I view myself as a sinner, I am all too tempted to do one of two things.

One, I'll try to be better, to try to be good, to try to be good enough – I'll fall prey to the performance temptation of doing good works. I'll try to earn my sainthood, if you will.

Or, knowing that I fail miserably at any attempt to earn my sainthood, I'll live a life of shallow pretense. I'll be like one of those white-washed tombs – lovely on the outside, but hiding on the inside, dead and ineffective.

So…

How should we look at ourselves?

Well, we should recognize the truth of our salvation. That we now live IN Christ. And because of our changed identity, we are saints…

…not sinners trying to be saints, but saints...

Saints being sanctified in Christ.

It was a rousing sermon.

Eye-opening, enlightening, inspiring, and full of TRUTH!

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Grab your halo, my friends!

We belong to the King – and He is doing His good work in us.

WOO HOO!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BLOGGER GO BYE-BYE

Last Wednesday, Blogger had a hiccup.

And then, it had a meltdown.

Now, if you're an occasional blogger – it might not have affected you too much.

But if you're like me – a "One-A-Day" blogger (just like the vitamin) – well, it sorta put a crimp in my style.

At first, I thought it was just my blog that had gone down. Then, I quickly realized that it was a problem in Blog Land. I felt better not being alone with my withdrawal symptoms – but it was still quite unsettling.

I felt oddly alone – isolated…

"Helloooo, is anybody out there?"

I couldn't wait to get back online.

But in the lonely hours, I learned a few things. And you just knew that I'd blog about it, didn't you???

First of all, I realized how many friends I've made through blogging. True, real-life friends. I realized that you really can learn about a person through the words they write. I feel like I know you all – those little profile faces of yours represent your feelings, your family, your faith. I feel privileged to be included in your life.

And I learned how we couldn't be more united in our purposes and our hearts than if we all lived in the same town.

I realized that I love you guys out there!

Really and truly – and I appreciate each one of you. How you have encouraged and exhorted me, convicted and challenged me. You have been influential in my life in more ways than you know.

Second, I realized that all this is possible because of the unifying work of Jesus Christ. We are all part of His Body. There are no "random" meetings in God's Kingdom – and that includes those that happen in Blog Land. We were all brought together for a reason. And I am overjoyed to be walking alongside you. We have important work to do, and we must help each other do it.

Third, I realized that I have learned a certain amount of discipline through my blogging. The avenue of blogging has taught me how to write on a regular basis. That in itself is a blessing. But it's a blessing for another very important reason.

I realized that God has used this blog to have a dialogue with me.

We've been talking – He and I. Mostly, He's been talking, and I've been listening.

I blogged about that last week. (Thanks, Blogger – that one kinda got lost – but I reposted…gotcha!!) ☺

God has worked in my heart through blogging. He's been shaping and changing me, conforming me to His image. He's been sharing His heart with me. Oh, such precious joy that is!!

And finally, I realized that if Blogger completely *blew up* – and ceased to exist – then God would find another way to get His word out. And I would do everything in my power to find a way to be part of it.

Our God will not be stopped. He is working His purposes – and they will be fulfilled – NO MATTER WHAT!

My friends and I will speak the Word of the Lord, and with His blessings, we will keep on spreading His message…

Take that, Blogger.

"Blogger, me thinketh thou stinketh…"

But the Lord marches on.

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Road Trip Home

Ever been on a road trip?

Well, I have – several! But the one that sticks out in my mind is the one I took with my family in 2002.

It all started with a random remark from my banjo-playing youngest son – "Hey, wouldn't it be fun to visit Nashville?" Well, the rest was history. We planned a trip that took us 5,445 miles in 9 days – (I know, because we recorded every single mile on the odometer!)

We retraced Route 66 all the way to St. Louis, Missouri – and then we dropped down into Tennessee, and made our way west through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona – until we reached sunny California again.

I remember that last stretch home. We decided around 9:00 PM one night in Arizona that we were done…finished…kaput. My oldest son and I felt wide awake. So, we looked at each other and thought – why pay for a night in the hotel? Let's just get on the road and get home…

It was a very, very looooonnnggg overnight marathon!

I think we single-handedly cleaned out every Starbuck's Frappucino in every gas station along the way! Caffeine was our best friend. We arrived home early the next morning – none the worse for wear – though a bit bedraggled…

Life is like that, isn't it?

We travel a long journey, logging many miles on the experience odometer – enjoying the ride – but always heading to a final destination. We're all headed home.

Today's "Bible Pick ‘Ems" reminded me of this road trip.

"But Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape; it will be a holy place. And the people…will come back to claim their inheritance…Those who have been rescued will go up to Mount Zion in Jerusalem…And the LORD himself will be king." (Obadiah 17, 21)

Obadiah was bringing God's message of judgment to the land of Edom. But he was also talking about the restoration of the people of Israel. He acknowledged that the journey would be long, and bumpy, and fraught with suffering and trials. But, he also assured them that they were heading to a final destination.

They were headed home.

We are, too.

Things aren't much different than they were in Obadiah's day. We wonder how much longer evil will continue. We long to be released from the effects of sin. We want to arrive at our final destination – where we can rest in the eternal blessings of our heavenly home.

We'll get there, my friends.

God has promised that.

He has promised a destination – a home with Him forever.

He has promised a refuge for those of us who will escape eternal judgment. A holy place – a place set apart, a place prepared. A place where we will claim our inheritance bought by Jesus on the cross.

We who have been rescued, are making our way to Jerusalem.

And once we get there, we will reach the feet of the LORD – we will be home.

"And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven…I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." (Revelation 21:2-4)

Yes, I'm a bit exhausted from the long haul home! And these last miles, toward the tail end of my journey, are the hardest at times. But I have my eyes fixed on my destination.

I'm headed home.

And what a glorious home it is!

A home with the Lord…forever.

Are you making your way to Jerusalem?

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"As we go through life we learn more and more to doubt our own wishing and choosing, as we see how little really comes from our own ways and plans. We learn not to choose at all ourselves, but to let God choose for us.

No doubt we miss heavenly blessings many a time, because we have not faith to take them in their disguise of pain or grief, preferring our own way to our Father's. Then God sometimes lets us have what in our wilfulness we persist in choosing, just to teach us that our own way is not the best.

We learn at last to plead, 'Bless me, my Father', not daring to indicate in what manner the blessing shall come, but preferring that it shall be as God wills."

(From "In Green Pastures" by J.R. Miller, c. 1840-1912)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Peace

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: peace

What does the word peace mean to you?

How is God's peace different than the peace of the world?

What brings you peace?

Let me know what you think!!

**NOTE: Evidently, Blogger wiped out yesterday's post - "What's A Girl Got To Do?" It is now re-posted if you'd like to read it. Thanks!**

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WHAT'S A GIRL GOT TO DO?

I recently had a birthday.

More like UH OH than WOO HOO at my age…

And, because I'm just an aging bovine – I ruminated.

What have I accomplished in my life?

So, I started rattling off all the wonderful things I've done, all the stupid things I've done – all the times I hit the mark, all the times I was woefully off target – the words I've written, the things I've said –

And because I am who I am – I thought about all the things I haven't done.

And there is no other area where I think about this more than in my faith journey.

I have a pressing, compelling desire to do something for the Lord. And every time a birthday rolls around, I get a little panicky. I look at the sand in that old hourglass and wonder – just how much time do I have left? What if I don’t do what the Lord wants me to do? What if I don't finish His work?

I've got dreams – speaking, writing, publishing dreams. Big ones and small ones. A laundry list of things I want to do.

Yes, I want to do these things for the Lord.

But sometimes it just doesn't seem like any of it is going to happen.

And I am terrified to not find my purpose, fulfill my mission, use my gifts before time runs out.

What if I end up disappointing God?

What if I enter the gates of Heaven and I don't hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?

I don't want to meet Him face to face with a smudged robe, a half-empty life, a woefully inadequate resume –

I want Him to be proud of me.

And I'd like Him to proud of me now, too.

I want to do something for Him…

So I cry out – "LORD! What do You want me to do for You???"

I wait.

There's no burning bush, no thunder in the sky – not even a talking donkey.

"Sharon…"

Yes, the still, small voice – the Voice that means business.

I'm expecting Him to reveal to me what it is that He wants me to do. (You know what I'm talking about – that *IT* – The Life Purpose in capital letters).

"Sharon, it's not what I want you to do FOR Me…"

It's not?

"No, it's what I want to do IN you through the doing."

Hmmm…God let me ponder that one the rest of the day.

It really stopped me in my tracks. I'm always thinking about my DOING – and God's always thinking about my BEING. I'm concerned with accomplishment – He's concerned about character. I care about goals – He cares about transformation. I want to be useful – He wants me to be holy. I'm all about the end result – He's all about the means…

This was a profound thought to me – and a profoundly freeing one at that.

I got to thinking about my blog, for instance. About all the things I set out to do. All the things I wanted to accomplish. All the things I'd written. How I'd judged what I wrote, evaluated it, dissected it – deciding whether it was effective or not.

But I looked again – from God's perspective.

I looked at what He has done IN me through the process of writing this blog. He is transforming my thinking, changing my character, conforming me to His image. And yes, He's working some holiness in there, too!

In the doing, He is making things happen in my heart.

He is revealing Himself to me.

Could I ask for anything more?

It really is what we were all made for – to know Him and glorify His Name forever.

That is *IT* – The Life Purpose – The End To All Means – the thing I want more than anything else.

To look like Him when I see Him face to face…

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."

(Romans 12:1)

"What can we bring to the LORD?...the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:6, 8)

"You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand…I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart." (Psalm 40:6, 8)

"I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6)

"Is it really just Me?"

"Yes, Lord – it really is."

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

For this is what the Sovereign LORD says:

I Myself will search and find My sheep.

I will be like a Shepherd looking for His scattered flock.

I will find My sheep and rescue them from all the places where they are scattered.

I will bring them back home.

I will feed them on the mountains and by the rivers.

Yes, I will give them good pastureland.

There they will lie down in pleasant places.

I myself will tend My sheep.

I will give them a place to lie down in peace.

I will search for My lost ones who strayed away.

I will bring them safely home again.

I will rescue My flock.

They will no longer be abused.

I will end their captivity.

I will have mercy on them.

I will leave none of My sheep behind.

I will never turn My face from them.

I will give them all they need.

I will renew their strength.

I will guide them along right paths.

I will be close beside them in the darkest valleys.

I will pour out overflowing blessings.

I will pursue them with My goodness and unfailing love.

I will lead them, and walk ahead of them.

I will be with them always.

I know My own sheep.

I call them by name.

They listen to My voice.

And they know Me.

They will live with Me forever.

"All of us, like sheep, have strayed away...Yet the LORD laid on [Jesus] the sins of us all...He was led like a lamb to the slaughter...he was struck down for the rebellion of [the] people...And because of his experience, [Jesus made] it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear their sins."

(From Ezekiel 34 and 39, Psalm 23, John 10, and Isaiah 53)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

TAKIN' IT TO THE CROSS

I've been thinking about burdens lately.

About all that stuff we carry around – the worries and fears, the hopes and dreams, the million and a half things we do, thoughts and feelings, guilt about the past, concerns about the future, the people we care about, money and health…

Sorry, I got carried away!

But you know what I'm talking about. The list that could go on and on.

It's a heavy load.

And I know that I'm supposed to take it to the Lord.

Got to thinking about that, too.

What exactly does that mean?

I asked the Lord to give me some insight. And He did (He's like that, you know!). And I realized that there are stages to "taking it to the cross."

1. You've got to be in Jerusalem.

What do I mean by that? Well, you've got to be in the Lord's presence. It isn't enough to attend that weekly Bible Study. It isn't enough to go to hear that weekly sermon. It isn't enough to do all those "churchly" activities that we do. Those things are all so important, yes. But they're not enough when it comes to burdens. To be in Jerusalem, you have to spend time in the Word. You need to enter the city of Scripture, and you need to do it as a discipline – every day.

"Good enough, Lord. Right?"

"No, not quite…"

2. You've got to come to the cross.

OK, you're having a quiet time in the Word every day. Wonderful! That’s a tremendous start! But, there's more. We have to take those burdens to the cross. We have to talk to God about them. This is the step of prayer. I'm not talking about all those pretty, nice, all "tied up in a bow" prayers. I'm talking about "David" prayers. The kind I read in Psalms. The gut-wrenching, nitty-gritty, appallingly honest prayers. The ones that come from the soul. The ones when we pour out our hearts. We don't pull punches. We tell God everything.

"OK, Lord. This is what you want, right?"

"You're getting warmer…"

3. You've got to kneel.

So, we're at the cross, holding on to all those burdens and cares. But in our hearts, we're still standing. We've got to kneel down. We must acknowledge the Sovereignty of our Lord. We have to believe that He alone knows what is best for us and those we love. We must not lean on our own understanding - we must believe that He is all-knowing and wise. We have to humble ourselves. We have to let go of pride, and realize that He is Almighty.

"Oh, Lord – this was tough. But I'm on my knees. Now I've got it, right?"

"You’re getting it right – but there's more…"

4. You've got to lay your burdens down.

It isn't enough if I pray about things – and never really understand that I don't have control over them. I must go beyond having God just be my "listening ear" – I have to let him be God. God in control – not my will, but Thine be done. Here's where many of us struggle. Letting go. Realizing how we're really just little *control freaks* in disguise. Going through all the motions, and yet, never really turning over all those burdens to the Lord. Releasing them into His care. Relinquishing, surrendering. Turning them over to Him in faith.

"Lord, you see my tears. I've laid these things at Your cross. What more do You want??"

"Dear child, just one more thing…"

5. You've got to walk away.

This is the hardest step of all. We can have our daily time in the Word, we can pray to the Lord about all our stuff. We can kneel in His presence, and give Him our burdens. But then, He asks us to walk away. To not just give them to Him – but to leave them with Him. How often are we tempted to go and just "straighten" a few of those things out? How often do we sneak some of them back into our arms? How often do we tire of waiting for Him to act? How often are we tempted to just scoop the whole mess up and stomp off in frustration? I've done all of those things. But God asks me to trust Him – completely. He asks me to bring my burdens to the cross, lay them down, and walk away.

"Lord, it's so hard to walk away from these things. So very hard to walk away."

"Don't worry, I'm walking away with you…"

Dear friends, what are you doing with your burdens?

Can you hear God calling you to take the next step?

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7 – Amplified Bible)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BETRAYED

7th grade.

I was just starting Junior High.

I was a dork.

Yes, it's true. Don't argue with me – I have the pictures to prove it!

But, I had a great best friend. And she was popular!

And, we had all seven of our classes together – YAY! So I wasn't quite as nervous about going to a big school with older kids. My friend was right by my side…

…until one day, she wasn't.

All of a sudden, one day she started to completely ignore me. She refused to look at me or talk to me. It was weird – and extremely painful.

But things got worse.

Remember I told you she was popular? Yeah, well, that meant that everyone else rallied to her side.

I became a social leper.

As if that wasn't bad enough, this "friend" started taunting me. And she got others to do the same thing. They would whisper and point and giggle. They would sing songs about me – making fun of the way I looked. They would call me names.

(Do you have your hankies out yet? Sniff, sniff…)

This went on for weeks.

Of course, I told my mother about it. And finally, she decided it was time to confront the problem. We set up a meeting with "friend's" mother.

I can so vividly remember that meeting.

My mom and I sat on one side of the living room, talking to the mother on the other side of the room. Of course, she denied it all.

"My daughter would never do that. She's a very nice girl. She's friendly to everyone…Blah, blah, blah."

And, the whole time that she was talking, my "friend" kept appearing in the hallway behind her, sticking her tongue out at me and my mom – persistent in her silent jeering.

The hazing didn't let up.

I wanted to move. I wanted to die.

Finally, one day, "friend" walked up to me and said, "Sorry. I guess I was in a bad mood."

OK…

Frankly, I was so relieved that the whole ordeal was over, I didn't say anything except, "Oh, that's OK."

And everything was OK again.

But this incident stuck with me until – well, it's stuck with me my whole life, if I'm honest.

It was terribly damaging.

It's only been in my adult life that I've been able to see all the spiritual lessons in this situation.

How Jesus was ignored, and taunted, and betrayed. How He totally understood what I was feeling. How He cried over my tears. How His heart felt sad…

If I was Him, I'd wonder –

"Seriously, Father – are these the people I came to die for? They're terrible. They're mean and petty and small-minded. They hurt each other. They have a deep capacity for cruelty, and such an ingrained heart of selfishness."

If I was Him, I'd probably give up on us.

But I'm not Him – (aren’t you glad??? I know I am!)

What did He say?

He said the simply impossible, and the impossibly simple thing.

Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

It makes no sense, it doesn't come naturally, we can't do it in our own power. But that is the heart of God's Kingdom – the upside down reversal of all that we normally think and feel and do.

His foolishness = absolute Wisdom.

I forgave my friend in my heart – eventually. And one of the reasons why? Because at other times in my life, if I'm honest, I've been her. I've hurt others, I've ignored them, I've been cruel…

I've been the one undeserving of forgiveness and love.

But…I was loved.

"Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

(Romans 5:6-8)

Oh, Lord – thank you for the awesome gift of Your Grace…

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - A Proverbs Tribute to My Mom

Who can find a virtuous and capable [mother]?

I can.

She's my mom.

She is more precious than rubies.

I think my mom is priceless.

[I] can trust her, and she will greatly enrich [my] life.

She is my confidante, my listening ear and shoulder to cry on. She's my best friend. I can't imagine my life without her.

She brings good, not harm – all the days of her life.

My mom has made my life's journey so much easier, so much better. She always thinks of my best interests.

She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.

My mom always made sure that I had nice, clean clothes to wear.

She [brings] her food from afar.

I can't count the miles she has walked in the grocery store. She still sneaks food to me!

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household…

I couldn't begin to count the meals my mom prepared – the sack lunches she packed. All that food was her way of saying, "I love you."

…and plan the day's work.

My mom planned her days – always working to maintain our household, while at the same time creating a home.

She goes to inspect a field and buys it.

My mom was wise with money – she knew when to save it, and she knew when to give it away.

She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

Yes, even now when her steps have slowed, my mom continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of our family. And she is never too tired for me.

Her lamp burns late into the night.

How many times did my mom stay up late at night, waiting for me to come home safely? Or how many times did she lose sleep, just to talk with me? She still does.

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

My mom is the most generous woman I know. She unselfishly shares her money, her time, her heart – with family, yes – but also with strangers.

She is clothed with strength and dignity.

My mother is poised and charming, modest and honorable. She has never dealt with anyone harshly. She possesses a quiet strength that I try to copy.

She laughs without fear of the future.

My mom knows to whom she belongs – both now and forever. She has total faith and hope in the Lord who holds her securely.

When she speaks, her words are wise.

I still turn to my mom for counsel and advice. She speaks from experience. She speaks from a lifetime of following the Lord. She talks, and I listen.

She gives instructions with kindness.

My mom has never made me feel stupid, or inconvenient, or bothersome, or tiring. Her discipline was always given with love. She has always held my heart with kindness.

Her children stand and bless her.

I bless her!

She is a treasure beyond measure. She carefully watches all of her children, and her grandchildren. They are never far from her thoughts or her prayers.

There are many virtuous and capable women in the world – but you surpass them all!

Oh Mom, you're the absolute best!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

My mother's face shines with the graceful glow of the Holy Spirit. I love her for herself – and I love her for leading me to the feet of Jesus.

Reward her for all she has done.

Mom, these words express just a small portion of the love and gratitude I have in my heart. For words will never begin to tell you what I owe you. Thank you for being such a great mother, such a caring friend, and such a kindred spirit. Thank you for bringing Jesus to me, and for helping me along as I seek to follow Him. I'm so glad you're still a part of my life - and that I'll always be your little girl.

I can't wait to spend eternity with you!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, Mom – love you forever!

****A very Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!!****

(Thoughts based on Proverbs 31)

"When in doubt, search God out!"