This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.
1 John 4:10

And On Top of THAT!

When we were teenagers, panty hose were the newest thing! They got runs in them so easily they were saved for special occasions. My little sister's friend was describing her new clothes that she had worn to a party. When she finished telling every detail of her outfit, she suddenly remembered, "Oh, and on top of THAT, I was wearing panty hose!"

I get these funny mental pictures when I am reading the Bible, but I think God uses that to drive home a point and help me remember it! I remembered that incident when I read this passage:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.... 

It seemed God was saying to me: "And on top of THAT..."

And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3:12-14 Message

Therefore I Have Hope

Jeremiah was persecuted by the king and the religious leaders for prophesying the fall of Jerusalem. Because of the nation's rebellion against God's Word, the Jews were taken into exile in Babylon. Even though Jeremiah was spared, he witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem.

It is thought that Jeremiah wrote these verses soon after Jerusalem's defeat. Even in a time of judgment and shaking, he could say:

This I recall to my mind,

Therefore I have hope.

The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:21-23

Speaking God's Word

A Hebrew word for meditate, Hagaw, literally means to speak the Word of God out loud: to not only contemplate what God is saying, but to confess it consistently so that it gets down into my spirit and builds up my faith.

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
Joshua 1:8 NASB

Glory Will Cover the Earth

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

to sing praises to your name, O Most High;

to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

and your faithfulness by night. 

Psalm 92:1-2

Good Morning

We have had some beautiful mornings recently and I am finding several nice places to walk. There is a park nearby with plenty of shade and park benches along the trail if I need a rest.

One more week until school is out for the grandkids. Hope we can have some picnics and play croquet and pitch horseshoes. My son Cameron is coming to visit in June! I have so much to be thankful for.

I was thinking of this scripture this morning:
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 
Philippians 4:8

Look Up!

My friends took a trip to Chicago and walked out on the Skydeck to have their picture made (1,353 feet up).

I asked them, "Weren't you afraid?"
"Sure," they said, "So we just never looked down!"

I remember flying over the Atlantic and the queasy feeling I had seeing nothing but ocean in every direction. I thought about how scared Noah might have been in the great flood. After months of being cooped up in the ark, Noah stood at the window, watching for some sign of hope that it would soon be over. I have heard that the only windows in the ark were at the top - so the only view was UP.

Is God big enough to handle our fears today?

Jesus told His followers:

And when these things begin to come to pass, 
then look up, 
and lift up your heads; 
for your redemption draweth nigh.

Luke 21:28

A Nice Weekend!

Kaedyn is practicing for Kindergarten graduation next week. Her Bible verse is Joshua 1:9.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Chilly and windy weekend, but I am enjoying the fragrant wildflowers as I walk: wild pink roses and honeysuckle.

WISDOM

Your own ears will hear him. 

Right behind you a voice will say,

 "This is the way you should go," 

whether to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30:21 NLT

 If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.  But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.

James 1:5-8NLT

Two of my children are facing major job changes in the next few weeks. I am praying along with them for God's guidance.

Looking back at my life, I can see that some of the scariest transitions brought blessings I could never have imagined.

The Lord Our Righteousness

‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. 

In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she will be called: the Lord is our righteousness.’ For thus says the Lord, ‘David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel'
Jeremiah 33:14-17a

Honoring Mother

Mother and I were sitting together in her sunny den one morning listening to a CD of hymns. Mother, who had advanced dementia, perked up when she heard, "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer."

She sang along in her beautiful soprano voice. She was in the choir when she young, and knew so many hymns, even though for forty years, her vision had been too poor to read.

As I get older, I think of her amazing courage and determination in spite of many challenges.

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Happy Mother's Day

STILL

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.     

Psalm 62:1-2

STILL

 Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

Reuben Morgan

Sunday Afternoon Drive

Here are some photos I took this afternoon before heavy thunderstorms return!
Daddy used to take our family for a Sunday afternoon drive. We sometimes stopped at an old fashioned drug store soda fountain for a banana split.