tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54961457770164699072024-03-13T03:44:08.378-07:00SEEING SIMPLE TRUTHJust think of it! Being presented with the opportunity to ask God for anything . . . absolutely anything at all . . . Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-29814816042909723422018-08-29T06:40:00.002-07:002018-08-29T06:40:50.824-07:00GRATEFULNESS JUST MUST SPILL OUT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Dear Father,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">May my life exude a living thankfulness to You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">May others be able to see You <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">through my spirit of gratefulness. . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"> not just for a few moments here and there. . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"> but always. .
.always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">There was that time last evening, though. . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"> You know it could
have set a good example of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"> “always
showing gratefulness”, Father,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">such as when my heart burst with delight <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">on my first glimpse of the brilliant moon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Its intensity seemed to be making an effort <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">to outshine the streetlamp!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Wait! That’s exactly what it was doing,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">wasn’t it Father?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">On the fourth day of creation, You said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">“It is good,” when You fashioned<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">the two lights, the greater to rule the day,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">and the lesser to rule the night . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">and the stars . . . Oh! And the stars, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><u>each</u> <u>of</u> <u>which</u> <u>YOU</u> <u>have</u> <u>named</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">I have always loved thinking,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><i>how very special THAT
is</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Thank You for what that tells <u>me</u> about <u>YOU</u>, Father.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">How many stars are there, anyway, Father?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">I can count the two great lights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">It has always been a comfort to me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">that no matter where in this great<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">big world of Your creation I may be,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Your two great lights are there as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Your creation throughout is not only amazing, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">its constancy is comforting as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Thank You, my God, my Lord, my Father!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">How can my love and great gratitude<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">not radiate until all around me sense and see You?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">M Sue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">8-19-2018</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-1499031176718325712017-12-16T19:09:00.000-08:002017-12-16T19:09:28.737-08:00ARE YOU A BEARER OF FRUIT?<div class="MsoNormal">
As I had opportunity to visit with a friend a
few days ago, she was excited to tell me how she wished I’d been able to be a
part of the past fall’s weekly Ladies’ Bible Classes. In hearing her
descriptions about the abilities of the teacher, I was reminded of the few
times I’d been able to hear this one in particular and agreed she has a unique
manner that leaves an unforgettable trail of thought, not only in my mind, but obviously
also in the memories of most who have been in her classes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That brought the
even bigger image into my mind of the gifts God generously lavishes on each of us.
In her telling me about the classes, my friend was sharing her own special
abilities, though until I pointed it out, she’d not thought of it that way. She
was showing her individual enthusiasm that another, using identical words, would
not have come across in the same way, Further, though her approach was right on
my wave length (so to speak) that shows that in my hearing, while another’s
manner of telling might have reached into my heart, it might not have brought
about the same wishful response her presentation did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We immediately
discussed how God uses each one of us to touch the hearts of people through our
particular qualities. The person whose heart she touches may have an aversion
to listening to me for some reason, although I cannot imagine why! =-) Perhaps
she has a quieter, less “running for office” style than I. I simply love visiting
with anyone and everyone in sight, generally immediately upon sight, including many
strangers in stores. When I come home and tell my husband, we refer to it as, “I
picked up another friend today.” (And I do have some lengthy friendships from
such.) On the other hand, my assumption is that her style more likely would be
a quiet, “Hi,” with a soft smile, if that, in a grocery line greeting. Yet, not
only can God use whatever each personality we have, He created us, and, just as
we are as well as those who will respond to the approaches we employ! <o:p></o:p></div>
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How great is that!
To know that our Father God has created us in such a manner that not only are
we the very ones to catch the attention, but also to help reach the hearts of
certain people because God made us so! (This is not to say only one person per
person; it’s simply to explain that different personalities appeal where others
are less likely to get through, to be allowed “in”, to be “heard”.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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In verse 5 from John
15:1-17, Jesus has said “<span style="color: red;">I am the vine, you are the
branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from
Me you can do nothing.</span>” Though we can (and must) continue to learn from our
own study of God’s Word and in being participants in classes such as the one
mentioned at the beginning of this message, most of us do not have the identical
abilities of those teachers we admire so
very much (i.e. the sturdiest of branches). With prayer, study, and
determination, God willing, some of us can become similar to the branches we much
admire, because our teaching can develop and grow. I have not checked, but I
suspect, rather like snowflakes, there are no two grapes exactly alike. Just
so, we are not alike; therefore whether we are teaching as the teacher so many
admire or as one who stands in a grocery store aisle with a quiet “Hi” and/or a
smile that says, “I see you as a human being,” we are teaching. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank God for the
opportunity to be His child as you remember the gifts HE has placed within YOU,
and smile as you look forward to bearing more fruit.</div>
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M SUE MOORE</div>
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12-16-2017</div>
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Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-80358997027022642682017-05-19T16:02:00.002-07:002017-05-19T16:02:40.552-07:00DISCIPLINE IS PAINFUL ON BOTH ENDS<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mWdYoW9688/WR9vxRZ7n0I/AAAAAAAABow/xzMYrbeLjDYJZBu3kMzP2AeboVnG7M0vQCLcB/s1600/18618128_10212600170584504_223880629_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mWdYoW9688/WR9vxRZ7n0I/AAAAAAAABow/xzMYrbeLjDYJZBu3kMzP2AeboVnG7M0vQCLcB/s400/18618128_10212600170584504_223880629_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A young friend
posted pictures of the young ones of her family. I had to compliment and
compliment and compliment again (I think that comes from some poem?). As I
looked and commented, a fact came to mind that I decided to share. I spoke of
how delightful each of these three children, five and under are, how
attractive, and how not only were the parents teaching them, but also that the
children were teaching the parents. To be sure the recipient didn’t think it
was a mistake on my part, I repeated by stating, “Yes, I said they are teaching
you. You thought it was the other way around, didn’t you?” Let’s see how I meant that.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A scripture that I
have grown to appreciate so much is Hebrews 12:11 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)</div>
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"We don’t enjoy discipline when we get it. It is painful.
But later, after we have learned our lesson from it, we will enjoy the peace
that comes from doing what is right."<o:p></o:p></div>
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As parents we
discipline our children for some infringement, and then almost before we turn
around, guess what? Oh, you know, don’t you? Tell me, did you pray for
patience? No? Well, neither do I recommend that you do so, unless you feel up to facing
a whole lot stronger temptation than most humans seem to, because for sure you
will have opportunity to gain patience whether or not you request it. Just look
back over your shoulder at the earlier mentioned little incident . .
.uh-h-h…no, make that two incidents, with the third in the making as we speak.
Did we mention parents thought <i><u>they</u></i>
were the ones doing the teaching (and they are) but every single time, they,
too, are being taught.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Okay, so here is
the perfect scenario: mom/dad, patience is required to handle each little
persistent person. (Do you wonder how God may be looking at you, <u>His</u> <u>child</u>,
while He is helping you work on your patience through this time?) Yes, please
remember this is an individual with individual needs. If this is your first
child, you have not yet had the same opportunity to have learned that quite as
well as once you have had a second or a third “family unit”! A friend of ours
once told a class in which my husband and I were members, that had he and his
wife had only the first two children, he could have written a book on “<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">How Easy It Is To Raise Children</span>”, but then they
added Child Three and Child Four! Was he
saying families should have no more than two children? Was he saying only two
children guarantee an easy task in raising them? Unh-unh, definitely no! Look
around and see: I can immediately think of one in quite recent years, highly-publicized,
single child jailed male who should be incarcerated for the murder of four
people and may eventually be. One child, or several, is no guarantee in the
ease of child-rearing. There are families in whom the older ones tend to help
nurture the younger with much of what they have learned from listening to
and/or observing their parents. There are children in those families who often
love being cared for by the older ones in such ways and there are others who
rebel against being told how to live and what to do by their siblings. No
guarantees! <o:p></o:p></div>
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You’re likely
thinking (and rightly so), “Yes, but not every child ends up like that incarcerated
one!” So when and where does the difference enter? “He’s just little. He doesn’t
understand.”) Really? (Remember, making excuses is how Eve and Adam started
out!) Okay, make eye contact with a new, and I seriously mean, a new infant. Do
you see how studiously he/she is intent on watching you for moments before
looking away? During those few moments, stick out the tip of your tongue a
noticeable, distance, pull it back in, then repeat, all the while maintaining
eye contact. Can you guess what’s going to happen to this one who is “just
little” and “doesn’t understand”? I’ve tried it and the infant mimics my
actions! Done enough times, I’d think it to become an expected “game”. Since I
learned about such, I’ve not had an infant in my care long enough to try it
repeatedly; however, I have observed infants with parents who persistently talk,
coo, giggle, and smile repetitively at their babies, who have babies who just
as persistently talk, coo, giggle, and smile repetitively right back, sometimes
even introducing the “conversations!
“Too little”? “Too young”? I don’t think so! What a pleasant life-start
to interaction between parents and little ones that eventually becomes a
natural expectation of communication times of learning about one another. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, the conclusion of the whole matter is
this: while mom and dad have started out with pleasant lessons of
communication, a time is coming when both parent and child must face growing
beyond the bonds of infancy to lessons of discipline. As earlier stated, parents
are also learning the same lessons in discipline as they are teaching, but
having started with pleasant communication, they readied themselves and their
child. They took particular time with their child and now, setting time aside
is again necessary. Is it pleasant?
Hebrews says, not while it’s being taught. Having been on both ends, I’m going
to say it’s not pleasant to have to be either the teacher <i><u>or</u></i> the recipient! However, the end result yields what?
Hebrews says, ”Peace comes from doing what is right.” What does “right”
involve? God has set up a pattern: I Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to
understand this: The head of every man is Christ. And the head of a woman is
the man. And the head of Christ is God.” (Another lesson, if you want more than
the simple truth of that statement.) Again, in a family circumstance, does
peace come only to those who have been disciplined? Move ahead ten years from
three children five and under, to three children fifteen and under. Have you observed
teens in real life, read, or heard stories about them - really great youth, and
troubled, too? Which grouping do you see as more truly happy? Children who have
been taught, not only discipline, but also self-discipline (aka: a form of love
of self) or children who have never been taught anything about care/concern for
self or others?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Discipline is a gift
we have been given towards learning obedience, but not simply for peace in our
day-to-day living, although it is certainly a great side effect! Ultimately, discipline is a training ground
for obedience to God, both for ourselves, and thereafter, for our children. How
can we teach them if we ourselves have not learned discipline? We can keep
learning, practicing daily the lessons we have learned that we teach by living,
and striving daily to be more like Jesus. With Jesus, it didn’t just happen
because He lived on earth as the Son of God. Hebrews 5:8 (ERV) tells us, “Jesus
was the Son of God, but he still suffered, and through his sufferings he
learned to obey whatever God says.” Should we not, through pleasure and/or
pain, in the teaching and the learning, “Go, and do likewise”? <o:p></o:p></div>
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© M Sue </div>
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With an extra special 'THANK YOU!" to Rebekah and Andrew Blakeman & Family for sharing this photo (by Rebekah) of their beautiful children that was on the FaceBook post where the idea for this article originated.</div>
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5-19-2017<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-18122428827020353922017-05-14T04:50:00.001-07:002017-05-14T04:50:08.046-07:00DO WE LOOK LIKE JESUS TO ONE ANOTHER?<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
Having had struggles in both directions, in this morning’s
search for inspirational inserts to add to my homemade cards, each of these
quotes caught my heartstrings:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Proverbs 4:23New
International Version (NIV) <o:p></o:p></div>
23 Above all else,
guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. <br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Proverbs 4:23Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control
your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The broken opinions
people seem to have of me: is it simply my very good imagination or is it true
that every time this one looks at me I come up wanting as a Christian in his/her
eyes? Do I not look like Jesus to him/her? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since I’ve seen
others post similar questions, I know I’m not the only one to have similar wonderings.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s the rub:
Jesus has taught, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For with the
way you judge, you will be judged, and by your standard of measure, it will be
measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not
notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:1-3nasb) This section of
scripture, along with those regarding forgiving as I forgive others has helped
keep me better in line than I would be otherwise in my walk as God’s child. As I
read it this particular morning, impressed into my heart also came Luke
2:1-4(nasb):“And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the
treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He
said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for
all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of
her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.’”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you see what I see? I don’t want to look up
to see that hurt look on the face of my Lord because <i>in my own eyes</i>, I have found myself giving better gifts (a “more
Christian life”, if you will) to Him,
than my lowly sister, nor do I want to be that looked-down-upon lowly sister. What
position would that put my brother or sister in if my imagination about his/her
attitude were correct? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Herein, lies more
of the struggle: am I judging?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since this is not
an open, hostile action – simply one of questioning in the mind at this point –
the ideal of going to the person(s) directly to settle a conflict would be great.
Matthew 5:23-24(nasb):”Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there
remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before
the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come
and offer your gift.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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The real issue
here, being it may be I am imagining the whole thing, if handled by my going and
asking, “Have I done something to offend you?” could possibly come from outer
space as far as the recipient is aware, and an easy and honest, “No!” would
escape. (I would generally call first, so any get-together would not be a
surprise.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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However, just as with not only the way
someone looks at us, there are feelings that emanate between us as well. It may
be the way the person holds his/her body, given opportunity, almost never
appears to wish to have interaction, seems unwilling to share a friendly
smile when just about everyone else you meet does (but we must remember it
could be his/her nature to hold back), but, in keeping with trying to find why
the seeming conflict, should we catch such a someone unawares with such a
question as, “Have I done something to offend you?”, we might cause him/her embarrassment,
thus it’d be better to prepare with a phone or text message that, “I have something
I’d like to discuss with you sometime soon if you could have some time with me.”
Then, pray about your method of explaining and the way the hearer will be able
to receive your explanation. Be gentle. Ask. Do not accuse. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, while I still
question, “Is it judging?”, whether it is or not,(I tend to lean towards it
is), it seems best soon gone like any other evil thoughts, reminding us of the
saying:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">“You may not be able to stop a bird from
landing in your hair,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">but you can keep it from building a nest there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We started this
message with the teaching to be careful what we think, because our thoughts
control our lives. (Proverbs 4:23erv) I also found this quote that is
applicable:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">“Always pray to have eyes that see the best in
people,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">a heart that forgives the worst,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">a mind that forgets the bad,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">and a soul that never loses faith in God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Treat as you would
want to be treated, remembering that whatever we do to others is the same as if
we did it directly to Jesus in person.
These are the ways we look like Jesus to others because these are the
ways He taught us to choose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With these thoughts
in mind, the question due each one of us daily,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Do we look like Jesus to one another?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
© M Sue<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-27818389650607801912017-04-16T23:24:00.001-07:002017-04-16T23:24:29.919-07:00MARY JEAN'S MISSING COWS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCdEYDARIPU/WPRU4LRPwXI/AAAAAAAABeE/OEHBopDD3_g2bL9CwjiDmR0h2mHo7UYQQCLcB/s1600/17966870_10203006035428566_4739586955678947308_o%2BMARY%2BJEAN%2BOWENS%2BWANDERING%2BCOWS%2BCROPPED%2Be-size%2Bwords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCdEYDARIPU/WPRU4LRPwXI/AAAAAAAABeE/OEHBopDD3_g2bL9CwjiDmR0h2mHo7UYQQCLcB/s400/17966870_10203006035428566_4739586955678947308_o%2BMARY%2BJEAN%2BOWENS%2BWANDERING%2BCOWS%2BCROPPED%2Be-size%2Bwords.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><i>As I read the 4-15-17 FB post and saw the photos, by Mary Jean Owens, a rancher in Eden, Texas, I began to view a spiritual side.At my request, Mary Jean has graciously given me permission to re-post her writing and photo (plus one) so I can share my view. You will very much appreciate Mary Jean's review of "just one of those mornings" and I hope you will read and consider the follow-on message.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Here, with a special THANK YOU is Mary Jean's Message:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Knew it would be a strange day for some reason this morning
- maybe because I got up a tad bit late (about 10 minutes), maybe because the
outside dogs were too quiet - or maybe just some other reason - was mostly a
feeling. The young cows in the small pasture in front of the house (the House
Trap) didn’t come in as early as usual, so off I went hunting - expecting to
find them just out of sight in the trap - but I didn’t. Decided they had to be
on the east side of our road - until I got to the main road, glanced down
toward the county road - and KNEW we had problems. Seems that somehow in the
night something happened to the gate fastener - and the gate was WIDE open.
GULP!!! Down to the county road I went as fast as the mule would “boogie”. A
quick glance up and down and I spied all the evidence I needed to know the cows
(3 cows, 2 baby calves, and the young yearling bull) were MISSING -- a “cow
pie” in the road told me that. Back to the house I went, and into the pickup
and off down the road. Of course I chose the wrong way to go for I didn’t spy
any more sign for 2 miles. Drove on to the mail box because I just may have
missed a sign in the ditch - but no sighting of those missing cows was had.
Grab the mail, turn around and dash back up the road 3 miles to start hunting
west from the gate. Wasn’t long before I knew I was on the right track this
time - started seeing cow tracks on the edge of the county road. Starting
hoping they had turned into a lane between our place and the neighbors place on
the west. Got there, looked up that lane and spied a black cow!!! Had found 1 -
the rest were not in sight but I had high hopes that 1 cow would not be all by
herself (they do not like that). Where were the others??? Soon I discovered the
others - in some tall grass, up next to the fence laying down. YEA!!! Up to the
end of the lane in order to turn around, back down (a mile,</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
let Brooke gal out
and get those lazy, very full, missing cows started for home. Fleck was along
for the ride, but this was work for the experienced, not the novice. Down the
lane, followed by a “Brooke - RIGHT” and those cows were turned to the east and
headed home. Do not know who was rejoicing more - me for getting them back
home, or the cows for getting back to their pasture - and able to go get a good
drink of water! Could have been a bad thing if those cows had wondered on west
- or even gone to the end of the lane for that lane led to a huge (many
hundreds acre) pasture and no telling if I would have ever found them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
THE SPIRITUAL VIEW </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
OF MARY JEAN’S MISSING COWS<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I see a spiritual
lesson in this missing cows saga. Jesus told of how one would leave the 99 to
search for the missing one. In both stories I think we have immediately (and
rightly so) latched on to the emotional stresses of the human in the loss and
search of the lost. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, in
Mary Jean’s story, the day started with her senses telling her something more
than her sleeping late seemed off: first, perhaps it was the quiet of the
outside dogs, but upon looking, the usual appearance of the young cows in the
small pasture in front of the house showed they didn’t come in as early as
usual. Are you feeling how the human must have felt concern? An immediate
search, as fast as the mule would go, with the discovery of a wide open gate
and no cows proved something had happened during the night to the gate
fastener. Now, are YOU on the edge of the driver’s seat, tightened muscles and
all? Are YOU there, going for the truck, with a feeling of satisfaction once
able to go faster, as you travel one country road after another, searching
roadside and all around, breathing a sigh of relief at finally seeing that one
cow? Whew! BUT, there’s still the others
. . . Oh, FINALLY! There they
are! Let Brooke out to give them the commands they need to guide them home to
their much-needed water and security. Are YOU feeling relief? But, wait...
there’s more!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about the
cows?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m looking at
this from the spiritual side of the cows! Generally those cows are protected in
ways they don’t know to appreciate. They are given everything they need that
any human can give them: food, water, shelter, rest, medications/medical care,
protection in every possible way, but not absolute freedom. They are kept in a
secured area.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then came the night
when something happened to the gate fastener and the gate that greeted the
young cows that time was wide open. Was
it the influence of “the dark of night”, because “the grass must have looked
greener”, a sort of “follow-the-leader” syndrome, or just the absolute freedom
that encouraged them to leave? Whatever it was, they took advantage of their
few hours of “freedom”, away from water, shelter, medications/medical care, and
protection, but they had plenty of food for the time being and then, except for
one, they lay down to rest. Somehow that one got left behind the others. How
must she have felt to have started on what was to have been a fun time to now
find herself alone, plus away from the peace and security of home with no idea
of how to get back there? So, she wandered until, WAIT! She heard familiar
barking! Brooke was bringing the rest of the wayward crew and she was so
relieved when Brooke came toward her. Brooke didn’t even have to nip at her
heels to get her to run toward the others! She was happy to run to them because
she knew Brooke would guide them back to where they would have water. She was
so thirsty. She needed that water more than she had ever realized before she
had walked away from it so easily. She didn’t think she liked being kept in a
sheltered life, but now she knew given a choice, she would choose the food,
water, shelter, rest, medications/medical care, protection in every possible
way that she had in her secure home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We humans are so
like those cows: we can have security in Christ, the Living Water, if we make
the commitment to live forever sheltered in Him. Humans tend to wander away, yet He has given
His life, not just the usual plans for a few hours of a morning, in search for
us. Will we realize the wisdom in not even having to have “our heels nipped” to
join the fellow wanderers in heading back Home?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously, there are more similes to be found. These are a few of the simple truths I saw as spiritual messages from the runaway cows ~how about you, will you share a few more that you see?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue</div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p>Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-47098914861392534472017-04-04T07:49:00.002-07:002017-04-04T07:49:39.566-07:00A MESSAGE TO MY DEAR LITTLE SISTER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Little Sister ~<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wish we could
sit side by side or face to face to have a discussion regarding your questions
as to how to find time for personal Bible Study. How I long to show-and-tell
you that yes, God wants you to put Him first in your life. Absolutely! As a wife and mother who is not only a
fulltime homemaker, but also a fulltime outside-the-home worker, how do you do
that? Exactly by doing what you are trying to find time to do! Yet, you say finding time is only one of the issues.
Setting aside your study time at the end of the day is not working. You keep
falling asleep. From the time I was a high school junior, I battled sleepiness
during midday study halls. Reading has always been relaxing for me, so though I
agree that being tired does have its effect, perhaps timing is not so all
important as what we have allowed ourselves to think! After all these years
that I have been reading the Bible, and it’s only recently with the use of the
iPad, the You Bible, and the Easy to Read Version, that I have found more
simple pleasures from “the Old Story.” I still have to choose my times or I am
prone to falling asleep, but my interest is kept more alive by the easier
understanding. I don’t think I am the only one to find it so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the response
you received, I noticed someone recommended you use a Children’s Bible and
include your children. The idea of making use of the Easy Reader Version is
similar, though different in that as an adult only, you’d likely have less
interruption. However, the kinds of interruption brought about by children can
be excellent. Their minds work on a different level than that of an adult, and
the word pictures and questions they produce can give even the best-educated
Bible scholar pause for thought!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other recommendations I noticed were for certain apps. It’s
likely they are similar to a little booklet seemingly designed for people to
use each morning, that John and I use each night, called <u><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Power For Today</span></u>.
It is $11.95 a year, a quarterly subscription delivered through the mail. Each
daily reading starts with a scripture recommendation followed by a single
pertinent scripture. Men and women from all over the US and beyond, present brief
messages of encouragement related to the verses of the day, adding a recommended
hymn, ending with a prayer. There are pages contained in these that I find I
MUST tear out to save for future reference and /or to share immediately. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Added to the suggestion of listening to the recorded Bible, etc.,
as you go to and from work, I think you may have read recommendations from the
book, <u><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Muscle
And A Shovel</span></u>, along with other publications, to copy scriptures on
index cards, to keep where they are easily within reach for when you have those
unexpected spare moments such as time spent waiting in line either in your car
or waiting to check groceries through, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s that one scripture in particular, that came to mind
as I was considering your question: Philippians 4: 6-8 (ERV) 6 Don’t worry
about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving
thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace
will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far
better than our human minds. 8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about
what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and
right and pure and beautiful and respected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contained in those few verses are so many lessons, showing
that it’s not the number of verses that’s important, but the content you glean.
This is not to say, it’s not needful to read longer passages of scripture; if
we don’t read lengthy passages, how are we going to get “the rest of the story”?
The ERV is truly like reading a story, and for beginners is as its title
implies, an “<i>easy-to-read-version</i>”. In
reading through the Bible this year, I have found it delightful. The advantage
we have by using the You Bible (as I know you do) is that we can easily switch
back and forth between versions if there is a familiar verse that seems “off”
to us in the ERV or whatever version we are currently reading. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand people have aversions to different
interpretations of the Bible. The thing we need to remember is this: few of us
have access to the original manuscripts, and if we did, even fewer have the ability
to interpret, so to argue over the interpretations, seems to me a waste of time
that could be better spent by simply comparing the version(s) with which you
are comfortable, while praying for wisdom to come to the conclusion God would
have you to understand. Is that not doing exactly what the above quoted verses
tell us to do? Remember: Simple faith. God does not ask us to do the impossible,
but as the good Father that He is, He does give us responsibility to do our
part while He continues to do His. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A brief STUDY GUIDE to taking these few verses apart to see
what they say to me (i.e. the individual):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Philippians 4:6-8 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) 6 Don’t worry
about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving
thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace
will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far
better than our human minds. 8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about
what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and
right and pure and beautiful and respected.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who wrote these verses? (You could do a follow-on study by
learning more about the author.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To whom are the verses written? (You could do a follow-on
study by learning more about these people.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Take verse 6 apart, section by
section; what does each section say to you personally? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Is verse 7 meant for every person
who reads it? Why or why not?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Verse 8 is a continuation as to
whom the section is written; is it important to consider the verses in context
(i.e. the verses that come before and after)? Why or why not?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
In preparing this response for you, my Dear Little Sister, the one who asked the original question, my hope has been and is, to
encourage you and many to draw closer in simple faith and obedience to THE ONE WHO
wants to be GOD AND FATHER to us all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
In His love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-9996442884542751222017-03-14T23:55:00.000-07:002017-03-14T23:55:31.271-07:00TRAIN UP A CHILD ~ HOW?<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is
old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (nasb)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even
when they are old, they will not leave the right path.” Proverbs 22:6 (erv)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With experience, and as time goes by, I’ve come to look more
agreeably on the application of the Easy Read Version. Following are some
thoughts as to how I’ve gleaned such a conclusion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As with our first, when our second child was born, we
offered him a pacifier, which he willingly took. However, he also chose to add
his two middle fingers of one hand. His persistence was such that I finally
decided it was a losing battle, that he was going to end up with a misshapen
mouth, and eventually we would deal with the fingers out of the mouth as we
would have had to the pacifier. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was one example of individuality shown by a child from
the first moments in the crib. How do we parents teach and treat these gifts
from the Lord that He expects us to help train and give back to Him? The early
part of the verse does say to “Train up a child” so let’s not let that get lost
in the effort to make so much of the “in the way He should go” part.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What do you understand “Train up a child” to mean? For years
I have absolutely “loved” the word pictures presented in Deuteronomy. It seems
to me these verses help us understand what it means to “train up a child”. I’ve
used Easy Read Version here because it is more as we speak every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deuteronomy 11:2-5 (erv): 2 Remember today all the great
things the Lord your God has done to teach you. It was you, not your children,
who saw those things happen and lived through them. You saw how great he is.
You saw how strong he is, and you saw the powerful things he does. 3 You, not
your children, saw the miracles he did in Egypt. You saw what he did to
Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and to his whole country. 4 You, not your children,
saw what he did to the Egyptian army—to their horses and chariots. They were
chasing you, but you saw him cover them with the water from the Red Sea. You
saw how the Lord completely destroyed them. 5 It was you, not your children,
who saw everything he did for you in the desert until you came to this place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here, we have a reminder that regardless of the personality
type of each child, as parents we must remember <b><u>we</u></b>
have experiences to share <i>that will be
new to each of our children</i>, that <b><u>we</u></b>
<i>are to use those experiences to teach</i> our children about God
and His ways. Following are verses that remind us that <b><u>we</u></b> are to take advantage of every moment and style <i>to teach</i> our children, remembering that
what is of strong interest to one child may hold little interest to another. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (erv): <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with
all your soul, and with all your strength. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>> How can we set the example if we don’t practice
what we are told we must do ourselves?<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 Always remember these commands that I give you today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>Again, we must set the example; if we don’t
remember, how can we teach?<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>FOLLOWING is the HOW TO MANUAL of the TRAIN UP A
CHILD<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7 Be sure to teach them to your children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>Here are some suggestions:<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Talk about these commands when you sit in your house and
when you walk on the road.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>We had a Bible scene that was of particular
interest to one of our children. There is so much available through technology
for visual aids, although on occasion, just a quiet time of thinking and using
vivid imagination is a really great idea.<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>One of our children and I used to quote one
particular Bible verse as we looked out over the vast morning field while we
waited for the school bus to come.<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>One of my favorite songs has become, “This Is My
Father’s World” and sometimes I picture Maltbie Babcock as he walked about picking
the words he chose so very well to honor our Father, while never knowing his
words became a hymn.<<< <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Talk about them when you lie down and when you get up.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>Make use of every possible way you can think of
to talk, talk, talk of God’s commands, teaching of His desire for always the
best for us, therefore the reason for His firmness in demanding obedience.
There’s the story about the 4-y-o who knew his mother was not well and they
needed bread. He told her he could ride his tricycle to the store down on the
corner, that he would be careful when he had to cross the street, that he would
use the walk light. Like we ask God if we can do something, he had every good
intention, but like God, his mom said “No.” As adults, we can see the
reasoning. As adults, we must take time to explain to children, as best we are
able, that God’s thinking is different than ours is sometimes.<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“ 8 Tie them on your hands and wear them on your foreheads
to help you remember my teachings.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>Make bracelets, headbands, with Bible verses written
on them. Even if they are not worn, the act of creating them will help imprint
the verses on their minds.<<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your
gates.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>Verses on Sticky Notes placed on over the house
works! <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><<<<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are just a few suggestions I’ve made with the verses.
I am sure you’ll have plenty of your own ideas to match your own family’s
individuality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Deuteronomy 6:5-9 are
basically repeated in Deuteronomy 11:18-25.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, it’s important that we see our children as
individuals; however, in seeing that, we must still be alert to applying the
instruction of God as primary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our task is to figure out how to apply the instruction first
in our own life, then our example sets the tone. However, there are occasions
when neither the example or word is seen or heard because there is a built-in
closed door of the mind or the child simply chooses to not see. One example in
our home was the arrival home from Kindergarten with the very exciting news
that, “Teacher said that vegetables are good for us! Carrots help our eyes see
better!” (“Oh, really? I’ve only been telling you that for how many years now,
and today is the first time you heard it?”)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And even though we studied God’s Word together in our home,
ended up with a collection of notes written by the children for the Bible
lessons they presented, etc., I’m sad to have come to the realization that somewhere, somehow, the same
thing is true in that the teaching of the scripture was missed in much the same
way as that of the vegetables. How? Why? And I thought I was doing such a good
job, too! :-( <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I read a quote about failure. It says: “Failure is an event,
not an identity.” Having chosen as my identity to be a wife and mother through
a prayer at age 8 or 9, and having become a Christian at 17, married at 18, become a mother at 19, 21, and 24, and not having
fulfilled the greatest goal for which I strove , I cannot agree that failure is
not an identity. That, in part, is why I am writing this, to warn others, to
say, I am more convinced than ever, that as parents, we must be alert to “the
way he/she should go”, <u>each</u> <u>individual</u> <u>child</u>. I missed some things along the
way; however, I read something a couple of days ago that gave me the most hope
I’ve had in weeks. The person who wrote the little article spoke of the great
failure of Peter recorded Matthew 26:33-35 (nasb) 33 But Peter said to Him,
“Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” 34
Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster
crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to
die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>I’m sure Peter believed it when he said it, but
. . . <<< 59 After about an hour had passed, another man began to
insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean
too.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately,
while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at
Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before
a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept
bitterly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
>>>But then, following Jesus’ resurrection, before
He ascended to Heaven <<< John
21:15-17 (nasb) 15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon
Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him,
“Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He said
to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to
Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My
sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And
he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said
to him, “Tend My sheep."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such a lesson- this that Jesus did for Peter! It is pure
hope that He is doing likewise for me; not only that He is forgiving me for missing
the places in the lives of my children that I missed in their growing-up years,
but also that He is using me and the lessons I learned along the way to feed His
sheep by helping others to train up their children in the way THEY should go! May
it be so ~<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© M Sue Libby Moore
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-74435848761467181192017-02-27T00:11:00.002-08:002017-02-27T20:08:55.637-08:00JUST AS THE LORD COMMANDED<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3Cs_K2hhDc/WLPeGJMz3BI/AAAAAAAABLE/clFMwzZnv_sBQEcNTwJsvuB4ZI7k2YB0gCLcB/s1600/1897%2BFAMILY%2BBIBLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3Cs_K2hhDc/WLPeGJMz3BI/AAAAAAAABLE/clFMwzZnv_sBQEcNTwJsvuB4ZI7k2YB0gCLcB/s400/1897%2BFAMILY%2BBIBLE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Isn’t it interesting that this morning’s Bible message from
the pulpit dove-tailed with a particular matter that has held my interest over
the past few weeks of my own Bible Study? I like to think of such things as
God’s doing such especially for me! Oh, I know others benefit by it as well,
but an occasion such as this just reinforces my faith in His very individual
care for me.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">With the decision to do a chronological read-through of the
Bible this year, I’d not gone very far before choosing to use the Easy Read
Version for a change. Since I was already using the YOU BIBLE on my iPad, I
knew it would be easy to switch back and forth between versions should I
question anything that sounded different than my recall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Having read a few chapters, I decided to start marking each
verse that said or indicated that this particular person “did just as the Lord
commanded.” I’d always been impressed with the verse stating, “Noah did
according to all that the Lord commanded him.” (Genesis 7:5) This, of course,
was in regard to his obedience in the building of the ark, as well as the
follow-through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As I continued to read through some of the additional OT
books, the number of nearly identical scriptures, with more identifying
character’s named, was astounding. This afternoon, I counted the scriptures I’d
saved so far, a few of which are not in regard to this matter, but of the 178,
most in the ERV are. The primary reason
for this standing out with such importance to me was based on how reminiscent
it was to what Jesus plainly stated, “If you love Me, keep My commands.” (John
14:15) Once I kept coming across first one, and then another of those Old
Testament verses stating, “And ___ (name) did all that the Lord commanded,”
each one was a personal reminder of that New Testament verse from Jesus,
too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">With the thoughts in mind of doing all that the Lord
commands from both the Old and New Testaments, let’s go back to the beginning
paragraph’s thoughts regarding this morning’s message. (THANK YOU, PAUL SHERO.) Particular focus was placed on consideration
of the word “MUST” as it is found in regard to the selection of elders and
deacons in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.Though those are scriptures with which I am
quite familiar, today it was time to consider them with the word MUST in
context in depth. MUST isn’t just another word here. It’s meaning includes:
ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, UNCONDITIONAL, NOT JUST A SUGGESTION, BROOKS NO ARGUMENT,
NO QUESTION, NO WIGGLE-ROOM, COMPELLLED. Sounds positively definite, don’t you
think? Let’s look at a few of the verses with MUST added where the commas
originally left the words out:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I Timothy 3:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the
office of overseer (i.e.elder), it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An
overseer (i.e.elder), then, MUST be above reproach, MUST be the husband of one
wife, MUST be temperate, MUST be prudent, MUST be respectable, MUST be hospitable,
MUST be able to teach, 3 MUST not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but MUST be gentle,
MUST be peaceable, MUST be free from the love of money. 4 He MUST be one who
manages his own household well, MUST be keeping his children under control with
all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how
will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and MUST not be a new convert, so
that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by
the devil. 7 And he MUST have a good reputation with those outside the church,
so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">To sum this up, remembering back, the Old Testament leaders
“did all that the Lord commanded”, the elders are to be the leaders in the
church today with Christ as the Head, and Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My
commands.” When we look at what is past and what is ahead, we sometimes have a
tendency to say, “But that’s impossible today.” Simple faith says, really look
at the past. Consume those verses from the leaders of the Old Testament along
with the commands and promises in the New, because Jesus promised to be with us
always, (Matthew 28:20) and through Paul’s teaching we have learned that ,”I
can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Remember those who
led you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who spoke the word of
God to you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and considering the
result of their conduct,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">imitate their faith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hebrews 13: 7 NASB)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
© M Sue 2-26-2017<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-50696178012092806132017-02-23T09:07:00.002-08:002017-02-23T09:07:53.113-08:00JESUS CHOSE - I CAN CHOOSE, TOO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQyB5f93_Fs/WK8Vv63ZIEI/AAAAAAAABKI/4cjoOOffDesL5qK9BqWSawRKE2HSTNgcgCLcB/s1600/LET%2BYOUR%2BLIGHT%2BSHINE%2BLANDSCAPE%2B2%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQyB5f93_Fs/WK8Vv63ZIEI/AAAAAAAABKI/4cjoOOffDesL5qK9BqWSawRKE2HSTNgcgCLcB/s400/LET%2BYOUR%2BLIGHT%2BSHINE%2BLANDSCAPE%2B2%2BC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When the thought </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">JESUS
CHOSE</i><span style="font-size: large;"> comes to mind, along with the many facets of His life choices, I am
reminded of how giving He was.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Of the many choices Jesus made, His outstanding selfless
deed to leave heaven to come to live on earth with His full knowledge of what lay
ahead, truly boggles my human mind! It seems to me that once in heaven, were it
even possible, I, (and likely not one of you!) would ever want to return to
earth! I am so very thankful for the life He lived in this world, for the true stories
of how He handled so many of life’s situations, of how He must have looked
people directly in the eye as He dealt with them, maybe with a hand resting
upon a strong shoulder during a conversation, sometimes with an arm around a
frail body, giving strength as He spoke Truth, because His very being exuded
Truth, Truth in a simple human body. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When He gave the admonition to “Do unto others as you would
have them to do unto you,” (Matthew 7:12) He showed He’d already done so by His
life. But, when someone is unkind to me, the temptation is to <i>pay them back</i> when I know I <i>should</i> rather have a Jesus attitude,
both because it would mean my obedience to Him <i>and</i> because that is truly how I’d prefer to be treated! “But it’s
so hard, Lord.” Can you imagine me looking my Lord in the eye and saying <u>that</u>
to him, the One Who hung on that cross for hours so my picky little sins as
well as my tremendous blunders could be forgiven? In one sense, neither can I*,
but if I believe the Bible (and I do) Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) says, “He was tempted
in all ways just as we are.” THAT was the human Jesus. (And because of that, I
could and I can talk to Him about anything*!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">First of all, it should be obvious if I choose to treat
others as I want to be treated, then I’m going to be thoughtful, kind, and
compassionate. Yet, when someone is unkind to me and my first thoughts are far
from kind and compassionate, how opposite of the way of Jesus is that? So how
did He handle such?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I Peter 2:23 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">“and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while
suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges
righteously;” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ah, do you see the secret there? Instead of responding in
kind, He turned it over to His Father God! We read in other passages where He
went aside to pray, often to be alone, sometimes early in the morning,
sometimes all night. (Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:23; Mark1:35) Yes, the
human Jesus left Himself totally in His Father’s care. How did He do that? I’m
going to suggest it was through His practice of making a choice. Yes, He had
made THE CHOICE to follow His Father (“Don’t you know I must be about My
Father’s business?” Luke 2:49) but He, like we, had to keep on making the
decision to follow that choice. Part of that choice was keeping in close
contact with His Father, God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, my! What a long way I have yet to go! I am so thankful
for the compassionate kindness Jesus has chosen to show me. How can I help but
want to be more like Him? In my thankfulness for the life He lived on the earth
and for the example He chose to set for me, I know Jesus chose, therefore, I can
choose, too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
© M Sue<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-66731631890884564582017-02-22T04:27:00.000-08:002017-02-22T04:27:06.823-08:00JESUS CHOSE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Hp4vwr-b0/WK2BFRWQjXI/AAAAAAAABIM/a8YXzkASfPEUouJZG8HeFKBSA1GN7gB2gCLcB/s1600/101_7170%2BDRINK%2B6-7-12%2BPORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4Hp4vwr-b0/WK2BFRWQjXI/AAAAAAAABIM/a8YXzkASfPEUouJZG8HeFKBSA1GN7gB2gCLcB/s400/101_7170%2BDRINK%2B6-7-12%2BPORTRAIT.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">How often do I think, and share with others, the memory, <i>JESUS CHOSE</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As I consider those two words, so many thoughts come
tumbling one on top of another, I can scarcely keep up with them in my own
mind, let alone put them down on a page to share! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">First off comes, “Take up your cross daily.” (Luke 9:23)
Okay, from the moment I decided I wanted to be a follower of Jesus, I had made
THE CHOICE; therefore, with that decision (i.e. choice) having been made, what
else is there to consider? It’s simple, right? Two ways to turn, right or left,
one being His Way, one being the way of the world; I’ve already made my
decision, haven’t I? Then, “Take up your cross daily,” should be my life,” not
just a verse to remind me that this was a choice I made so many years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was such a baby in Him at that time, I was not fully aware
that the new life in Him (Romans 6:4) meant not only were my past sins washed
away, but also as long as I kept on choosing to faithfully walk with Him, my
sins would continue to be washed away! (I John 1:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">How does all this fit together, this choosing as Jesus chose,
when I remember He was without sin (I Peter 2:22) and I know that even though I
make the effort to remember to make the right choices, I sometimes react rather
than act? Therefore, in my sin, I am not like Jesus. This is where I can choose
to follow His example of humility and confess to Him I have sinned. Because He is waiting and watching in love, I can choose to return to taking
up my cross and following Him His way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">JESUS CHOSE; I CAN,
TOO.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">© M Sue</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-51150984280989974362017-01-16T22:36:00.000-08:002017-01-16T22:36:47.495-08:00DREAMS DO COME TRUE<div class="MsoNormal">
The recommended
reading upon which this evening’s daily article was based was I Kings 3:5-15.It
speaks of how Solomon loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of his father,
David. In remembering additional scripture that points out that David was a man
after God’s own heart, we know more about Solomon based on these few comments. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, we
read of how the Lord came to Solomon in a dream one night and asked him, “What
shall I give you?” Oh, what a dream! What would you say in answer to such a
question? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Solomon had a ready
response. He started off by praising God for His great and steadfast love, then
proceeded to humble himself by acknowledging his inadequacies to govern such a
huge number of people. He asked for an understanding mind that he might be able
to discern between good and evil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The passage we have quoted states that God was so pleased
that Solomon asked for this that He was not only granting it, but far more as
well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s consider the simplicity of Solomon’s request and God’s
being pleased:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SOLOMON DID NOT REQUEST:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LONG LIFE </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
RICHES </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
LIFE OF HIS ENEMIES</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SOLOMON DID REQUEST:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
UNDERSTANDING TO DISCERN WHAT IS RIGHT</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since God was
pleased with this request from Solomon, doesn’t it seem to follow that He would
be pleased with the same/similar request from each one of us? Not that we are
going to be in the exact position of a Solomon, but we are always going to be
in the position of needing wisdom to discern between right and wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just think of it!
Being presented with the opportunity to ask God for anything . . . absolutely anything
at all . . . and all Solomon asked for was wisdom. That was it. That was all.
And that was AFTER he had praised God! We have the same such opportunity as
well! Didn’t think about it like that? Are we thinking, “But God doesn’t come
to us in a dream like He did to Solomon”? Right. God doesn’t come to us in a
dream with such an offer, nor does He have the exact plan for us that He did
for Solomon; however, do not question but what God does have an answer for our
requests and He does have plans for us as surely as He did for Solomon. Simple
faith shows us that the answers and the plans differ because we differ; however,
just as surely as He did for Solomon, God has particular plans for us . . . and
just as surely as Solomon’s dream came
true, so, too, can ours! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“And all things you
ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew
21:22 (NASB) <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
© M Sue Moore 1-17-17<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-28949603200633921972016-10-21T04:07:00.000-07:002016-10-21T04:07:00.252-07:00CHOICE - MY MOTHER ALSO MADE A CHOICE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR1w8t4-oyQ/WAnzpAiWXjI/AAAAAAAABAA/AYHwd9dbzl4HEvrHP7dOTX3HqkxNiS0-ACLcB/s1600/SUE%2BMARILYN%2BBIRTH%2BANNOUNCEMENT%2BA%2BNUMBER%2B5-29-12%2Bps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR1w8t4-oyQ/WAnzpAiWXjI/AAAAAAAABAA/AYHwd9dbzl4HEvrHP7dOTX3HqkxNiS0-ACLcB/s400/SUE%2BMARILYN%2BBIRTH%2BANNOUNCEMENT%2BA%2BNUMBER%2B5-29-12%2Bps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am unsure how many of you are aware that MY MOTHER ALSO
MADE A CHOICE. Therefore I am here today, God's having blessed me with a good
life of well past "threescore and ten years." Though she had been
told HAVING ME COULD KILL HER, to my mother, my daddy, and the rest of the
family, THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS CHOICE. The choice was already made. With a
plan for not only my life, but also for the lives I'd be part of in the future,
I was implanted in my mother’s womb by the hand of God . Once they realized I
was enjoying the water bed provided, my mother chose to lay ten weeks in early
pregnancy in order to carry me, my dad moving her each morning from the
upstairs bed to the downstairs couch, the reverse order each night, my aunt
coming in to stay because help was necessary with my brother who was 3-and-1/2
years when I was born. The older brothers, 13 and 15, had school, sports, and
each had jobs as golf caddies, scrapers of barnacles from boats, whatever they
could find for odd jobs. I was a family project, and my being born in September
of 1939, the same month and year of the actual start of WW2, life in our
household was very soon to change with more drama than just what was going on
on that island off the coast of Maine. Within two years those two teens were
forced to grow up awfully fast, one being called to serve even before his
junior year in high school was completed. Change was in the air for my daddy as
well. He was able to move the family from his work as a truck garden farmer
(yes, I am a farmer's daughter) inland to a small village where my first
memories are mostly happy one and where he added his machinist talents to the
war effort by making airplane parts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout my life, I
never knew a healthy mother. The advice she never should have had her third
child was one thing, but you see I was the fourth, and as it turn out, the only
girl . . . with curly hair besides! As I grew into womanhood, I knew I was
special, and though my mother said they didn’t spoil me, I always say, “Ask
John!” (my husband). . . As to the being
spoiled, in some ways, I am sure I was, but can we blame my mother’s health
issues (weary and giving in rather than battling one more time some days, perhaps?)
but “when push came to shove”, there was no compromise . . .rules were definitely
NOT made to be broken. There is no question but that I was taught obedience and
for that I have always been truly thankful.
While my daddy and my three older brothers, my grandparents, my aunts
and uncles all had influence on my life, I have to say I am exceptionally
thankful for the tremendous love given when my mother chose to literally lay
down her life to give me a chance to live. To lay there ten whole weeks and
have neighborly visitors offer such helpful comments as, “Why don’t you just take a bicycle ride and
get rid of that problem?” while my mother looked across the room to see my toddler
brother, “Busy,” as another neighbor described, “as a spider!” must have
presented sour and sweet moments somewhat akin to those of Job. My mother didn’t need to read or to see today’s
available images of the horrors of abortion to understand such was anathema to
our Creator. She only knew she and He were partners together in this marvelous act
of creation; all she had to do was look across the room - she had proof in that
gorgeous dark-eyed, deep-dimpled busy boy. Lifting her eyes, she could look
outside and see her two teens, one a blondish-tempted to have a touch of red in
his hair, blue-eyed, slight-built boy, who spent a lot of time following his big
brother lots of places, yet was his own person, too. Also in her vision, she
could see her firstborn, the other dark-haired, dark-eyed, almost an older twin
figure to the little one also growing up too fast. And so she lay there knowing that ten weeks
was not long, not long at all in comparison to the life she was seeing all
around and the life she had opportunity to nurture within. Thank You, God, for
the choice my mamma made. She’s not here today for me to tell her, “Thank you,”
but throughout hr life, I believe my life was thank you enough because though I often
heard her say “I have three sons,” by my being her
only daughter, I could smile because I knew I was the exception, the one and
only, the only girl . . . and the girl with the curly hair, too! She and Daddy couldn’t have made a better choice - a wiser way to complete their family!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue Moore<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
10-21-2016<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-67040969167093229032016-09-09T10:25:00.000-07:002016-09-09T10:25:08.943-07:00THE BARGAIN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g0E9ZKHZl8/V9LwBisNBzI/AAAAAAAAA7k/oSEedBkS2Y44BnX8GTByh22BLhp-14o1gCLcB/s1600/HOARDED%2BHEART%2B1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g0E9ZKHZl8/V9LwBisNBzI/AAAAAAAAA7k/oSEedBkS2Y44BnX8GTByh22BLhp-14o1gCLcB/s320/HOARDED%2BHEART%2B1b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bargains ~ I’m so
often searching for bargains that, although he has yet to either accuse or
verbalize it, my husband may be convinced I am a (dare I even say of for fear
I’ll be repeated?) a “hoarder”? Goodwill has become my place of relaxation and
if (I hope, I hope) I happen upon a bargain (or two or three, or even four),
well then, I can think of dozens of ways I can use it (them), but frequently
not just for me. Therefore there’s good justification in that it’s not selfish
at all! Yesterday was just such a day, and while I must admit, THIS was quite
selfish, THE BARGAIN was still not purely selfish and has turned out to be
something even I had not bargained for! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, I
carefully perused the shelves, but this time, I went out of my usual order.
Instead of heading directly to the inspirational books, I looked in the office
supplies. Careful to choose and place in my cart a couple of the smaller-size
99-cent notebooks (that had I gone to one of the larger chain stores I could have
purchased for $2.49 each - I know because I had recently priced them), I went
on with a smile on my face, to the area where I generally find the better
supply of books to my liking. Indeed I did find one that had a previous
bookstore sticker on the back “$20.00” but at Goodwill, because it was a
paperback, it was 50-cents, a beautiful, informative coffee table worthy book
titled, “YOUR JEWISH HERITAGE”. Being happy with my so-far successful trip, I
pressed on to another books sales area, studied the shelved books row upon row,
bending this way and that to be sure I didn’t miss any titles, I might want,
pulled out my cell phone to compare pictures with a book I picked out but
realized I already had, put it back, pressed on, and THERE! THERE IT WAS- a huge
book, laying face down on a bottom shelf. When I turned it over, I may have
gasped aloud as I saw, <u>JOHN-90 Days With The
Beloved Disciple</u> by Beth Moore! Ever
since I’d had <u>DAVID-90 Days With A Heart Like
His</u> written by her, I’d secretly wanted to have this book about JOHN,
secret even to myself I realized as I held it in my hands this day! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book appeared
in mint condition so I never thought to look inside and this has become the
absolute best part! Not just is Beth Moore’s presentation all that I had
envisioned it would be, but there, on the first few pages, is some very precise
handwriting in response to the questions posed by the author to enrich personal
interaction. Oh, my! Do I read these? Never a question in my mind; however,
questions galore filled my mind now! For all intents and purposes, the book was
“trashed.” Why, and by whom? The answers show such devotion and intent on
following the Lord and His Way. Filled in faithfully for a few weeks by, I
assume a young college girl, who got busy with an active daily life, and then,
as has happened by so many, myself top of the list, good intentions went awry
and the rest of the book is as clean as when it was brand new. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book contains
a date of the past decade, allowing me to figure the approximate age of this
now young woman, and do some imagining of what her life may have become. Did
she, unlike her penning answers to the questions in the book, finish college?
It appears obvious she was a relatively new Christian at the time of her writing;
did she remain faithful or was she caught up in the drug culture? Did she
become a successful career woman and /or a homemaker, happy with a husband and
family? As I sat there with her book in my lap, I prayed for her. I determined
that not only was I given the gift of such a book, but also in the bargain, I
had received a precious new gift, someone for whom to pray that I will likely
never know, <u>but God does</u>! She is in His
keeping, always has been, but now she is also on my radar and my SIMPLE FAITH
says God is hearing my pleas on her behalf. How great is that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe I will
hoard this one in my heart!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue 9-9-16</div>
<o:p></o:p>Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-851704816181984542016-08-23T12:48:00.000-07:002016-08-23T12:48:31.068-07:00IS "WHAT, ME WORRY?" YOUR STYLE OR, ARE YOU "ON ALERT"?<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwUxPu0iGT0/V7yno3w7dBI/AAAAAAAAA38/glpAnefpA-A-T6yJwIx9ZzCTCYsLSHVagCLcB/s400/SCENE%2BFROM%2BOUR%2BBACK%2BYARD.jpg" width="400" /></div>
Today’s thoughts come from Mark, chapter 13, starting with
verse 33 through the end of the chapter, where Jesus is not only teaching, but
also warning, that we stay alert, since we do not know when “the Master will
return.” He has left each one of us in care of the most precious thing(s) ever
created, our souls, and what is the attitude with which we have accepted that
trust? Are we alert, ever-watchful, eager for “THAT DAY”, or have we become
like those who waited for the Messiah, tired of waiting to the point we are
“Ho-Hum, it’s not likely to be today anyway, so I have plenty of time to say,
“I’m sorry,” or “I can wait a little while longer to say, ‘Yes,’ to God.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been told He will return as “you have seen Him
go”,(Acts 1:11) that the timing will be as “in a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye.”(I Corinthians 15:51ff) So how we
are living our lives? Packed and ready to go? Oh, right! No need to pack! We’ll
meet Him in the air if we are still earthlings, BUT are we ready for that, or
are we like those who were waiting, waiting, waiting for the Messiah? It HAS
been a LONG time since Jesus walked this earth and the promise was made that
THE DAY would be coming. In the meantime, have we become complacent figuring,
“but not likely in my lifetime”? Jesus
said even HE didn’t know when (Mark 13:32) so who do we think we are to make up
our minds to such determinations? Oh, I know we don’t mean to do so, but even
the scriptures point out if we knew when the thief were going to break in, we’d
be prepared to keep him out, so if we KNEW exactly WHEN, how would we be
preparing? Would there be a difference? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you observed a farmer? He plants seeds. He waits for
what he knows will be the forthcoming crops, but he also knows the timing will
be approximately, not exactly. That means he does not plan a vacation during
the time the corn’s top ripe picking quality is expected. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pretty much likewise with the baker; into the same oven goes
the same cake recipe in the same pans as previously used on myriad occasions,
but today, for some reason, those cake layers take a little less or a little
more time. And one can require still an additional few minutes compared to the
other! What’s the difference and does it matter? It may be the room temperature
of the eggs and milk used; it may be the humidity in the air; it may be a dozen
things you and I don’t have the foggiest notion to explain, but God knows every
answer, even about the timing of that cake baking! And, yes, it does matter. If
the baker is not alert, all the work of putting the ingredients together can be
for naught. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, and what about flowers? Want to explain the timing of
the bud opening to full flower? God knows, and it’s fun to try to figure out
when the best time is going to be to get the most beautiful of all possible
photos of that particular open flower.
In each of these scenarios, to get the best outcome, the person involved
must choose to stay alert or live with the consequences.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as God plans
for the right time for the seeds the farmer plants, the cakes the baker
prepares, and the opening of the flowers from the buds, He has formulated the
right time for the coming of Christ. Because He is not willing for any to
perish, (2 Peter 3:9), He has given us time to not only be alert ourselves, but
also to be an encouragement to others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are we EAGER and READY to see Jesus in those clouds? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do we WANT to be ready, or are we too attached and
comfortable in this life? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Facing “The Unknown” is somewhat scary . . . all the more
reason to spend more time studying about God and learning how much He loves us.
The better acquainted we are with God, the more welcome and wanted is going to
be the appearance of our Savior when we see Him coming in these clouds. .
. and He IS coming just as surely as He
lived and died on this earth as The Promised One. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just look up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is the SIMPLE
TRUTH.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue 8-23-2016<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-16386578797448507542016-08-17T00:05:00.002-07:002016-08-17T00:05:37.206-07:00NOT ONE OF US IS JUST LIKE THE OTHER<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByZtSdTWnBM/V7QJOavhY9I/AAAAAAAAA1w/aX8LmMvQPdgsHu0lsrm49E6g7Qs_VCgWQCLcB/s1600/102_8977%2BWHICH%2BOF%2BTHESE%2BIS%2BEXACTLY%2BLIKE%2BTHE%2BOTHER%2BPS%2BSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ByZtSdTWnBM/V7QJOavhY9I/AAAAAAAAA1w/aX8LmMvQPdgsHu0lsrm49E6g7Qs_VCgWQCLcB/s320/102_8977%2BWHICH%2BOF%2BTHESE%2BIS%2BEXACTLY%2BLIKE%2BTHE%2BOTHER%2BPS%2BSM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beginning of a new study of the Book of Romans was
introduced to our adult Bible Class this past Sunday am. As part of the lesson,
in talking about the apostle Paul, the teacher pointed out God’s very own words
from Acts 9:15 to Ananias about him: But the Lord said to him, “Go, for <b>he</b> (emphasis mine-<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;">msm</span>) is a chosen instrument of
Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel…”
Paul had persecuted and killed the Lord’s people and was on his way to Damascus
to do yet more . . .but . . .God had a surprise, a very different plan for him.
Couldn’t anybody have done whatever God had planned? THAT was God’s decision,
BUT from the many people available at that time and in that place, God chose
Paul, a particular individual, not just like all the others. Even today as we read
and study the New Testament, we find that Paul was, in part, the answer to
Jesus’ prayer in John 17: 20-21, “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, <i>but for those also who believe in Me through
their word</i>; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and
I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You
sent Me.” Paul came to believe because faithful men were available to do and to
teach God’s will by deed and by word.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible is God’s LOVE LETTER to each individual. Please note:
The Simple Truth is that you and I were and are included in that prayer also. God
has a plan for each of us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But wait! There’s more!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeremiah 1:4-5 says, “4 Now the word of the Lord came to me
saying, 5 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born
I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.’” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s pretty plain, isn’t it? As best you are able, put
yourself in Jeremiah’s sandals and think how it must have felt to have the
Creator of the whole world (and way beyond!) telling YOU He had this specific plan
for you from before He Himself had fashioned your unique body inside that of
your mother, and now you were about to live the life He had planned for <u>you</u>.
Are you going to say, “Uh, no, I don’t think so. Sounds too complicated. I’d
rather stay away from Your plan for me and do my own thing, God.” Some of us do
exactly that, in deed, if not in word. Next time you’re tempted to go your own
way, remember the words GOD spoke to Jeremiah; actually, try remembering and
taking to heart most personally, God’s words TO Jeremiah BEFORE being tempted
to go your own way. . . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And more . . .<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. . . “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
for good works, which God prepared <i>beforehand</i>
<u>so</u> <u>that</u> <u>we</u> <u>would</u> <u>walk</u> <u>in</u> <u>them</u>.”
Ephesians
2:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are we going to remember the SIMPLE TRUTH that God, the
Creator of the whole world and lover of our souls, designed and created us
individually, desired and developed personal plans just as He did and had for
Paul, Jeremiah, and others we know by name and character from our Bible studies
? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Oh-oh, I just heard “<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Little Voice</span>”: “<i><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">But they were special people with
particular purposes</span></i>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
THE SIMPLE TRUTH IS:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SO ARE YOU!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
SO AM I!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And until you and I <i>listen</i>
to God by studying His Word and hearing what He has to tell us personally, we
won’t know what it is He wants each one of us to do. Let’s each decide to
personally be the answer to Jesus’ prayer, remembering: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGMkfYY5nhY/V7QL0OiTgwI/AAAAAAAAA2A/QXKYSaHtN2IX-gm_SHyw4fWl8y9dJgPRQCLcB/s1600/102_8991%2BINDIAN%2BPAINTBRUSH%2BAND%2BBUDS%2BBOUQUET%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGMkfYY5nhY/V7QL0OiTgwI/AAAAAAAAA2A/QXKYSaHtN2IX-gm_SHyw4fWl8y9dJgPRQCLcB/s200/102_8991%2BINDIAN%2BPAINTBRUSH%2BAND%2BBUDS%2BBOUQUET%2B6.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IF69yyFbi3g/V7QL4g5OX6I/AAAAAAAAA2E/gEv3Ts3i3As8nOQaNyhIhgMDAvF613IuQCLcB/s1600/102_8991%2BINDIAN%2BPAINTBRUSH%2BAND%2BBUDS%2BBOUQUET%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IF69yyFbi3g/V7QL4g5OX6I/AAAAAAAAA2E/gEv3Ts3i3As8nOQaNyhIhgMDAvF613IuQCLcB/s200/102_8991%2BINDIAN%2BPAINTBRUSH%2BAND%2BBUDS%2BBOUQUET%2B1.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">there’s not one of us that’s just like the
other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">God has a special plan and place for each one
of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I do not ask on
behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word;
21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that
they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17: 20-21<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue 8-17-16</div>
<o:p></o:p>Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-28118700452138377532016-08-12T11:31:00.001-07:002016-08-12T11:31:14.745-07:00WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WWkuP1w4uM/V64VIHZQdXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/jSyIBK79naY56s4gjMOMNxQW2ue7CY6DgCLcB/s1600/103_2412%2BPRESCHOOLER%2527S%2BAPPLE%2B8-12-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WWkuP1w4uM/V64VIHZQdXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/jSyIBK79naY56s4gjMOMNxQW2ue7CY6DgCLcB/s320/103_2412%2BPRESCHOOLER%2527S%2BAPPLE%2B8-12-16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seeing her preschool daughter hugging two shiny red apples
close to her tiny body, the mom sweetly asked, “Could I have one of your
apples?” Little girl quickly took a bite from each apple . . . the rest of the
story later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are <b><u>YOU</u></b>
thinking? The Simple Truth in Matthew 7:2 tells us, “With what judgment you
judge, you will be judged.” Have you
ever caught yourself making judgment calls on others only to suddenly realize
exactly what you have just done, to quickly and humbly repent as a promise God and
to yourself of your intention that you will try to not do it again? If we are
not careful we do the opposite: we allow our consciences to be seared as we
repeatedly ignore the pleading reminders of the Holy Spirit to follow God’s Way
as we build up scar tissue upon scar tissue of immoveable sin. Is that how we
want our hearts? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or, do we want our hearts like that of the little girl whose
response in passing one apple to her mom was, “Here. I tasted the apples
because I wanted you to have the sweetest one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue 8-12-16</div>
<o:p></o:p>Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-91167853105849208292016-08-05T06:06:00.001-07:002016-08-05T06:06:25.059-07:00ARE YOU A LISTENER OR A HEARER?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCUgBZkdUwM/V6SN0dTHx_I/AAAAAAAAA0k/5FQuutbtuSQrGB9GL6b3FZxI760YEPDogCLcB/s1600/8-4-16%2BKODAK%2B103_2370%2BCAITLIN%2BBUNNY%2BVEST%2B1990%2BMSM-E-MAIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCUgBZkdUwM/V6SN0dTHx_I/AAAAAAAAA0k/5FQuutbtuSQrGB9GL6b3FZxI760YEPDogCLcB/s320/8-4-16%2BKODAK%2B103_2370%2BCAITLIN%2BBUNNY%2BVEST%2B1990%2BMSM-E-MAIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
Psalm 139:14 (NLV)</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you caught the change in the action wording in the
questions presented. There is a difference in communication between hearing and
listening, but what is it? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hearing, as a form of communication skill, is passive. Think about the Peanuts® cartoons you have watched. When it comes time for any one of the less important characters to make a statement or two, a wind instrument makes a “Wah-wah; wah-wah-wah!” and it is left to the audience to determine what is/was being said. On the other hand, listening requires activity on your part. A good listener pays attention with the idea of understanding what is being said. Realizing that communications is a two-way street, a mature listener refrains from interrupting and from showing signs of the greater importance that he/she be elsewhere, repeatedly looking at his/her watch being one such message. We all understand there can be exceptions, but here we are trying to encourage</div>
the development of good listening skills.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, let’s apply these hearing and good listener comments to our original questions regarding self-talk and God’s Word. Have you been hearing more or listening more to those self-condemnation comments or hearing or listening more from The One Who wants you to feel as confident, secure, and significant in your own view as you are in His. Intentionally or otherwise, sometimes subtly, we train ourselves through our self-talk, most of which seems to be down-putting. Unless we are seeking God’s constant companionship in making even stronger efforts to break those bad habits, it seem we’ve been better hearers than listeners. This is NOT God’s desire for us. He wants us to overcome the sinful habits of feeling inferior, insignificant, and insecure. (Come to think of it, each of those words begins with “in” leading to me-me-me . . .another day another message!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who are we, really, that God should care so much for us? We are some of the lost that “God sent His Son to seek and to save ...” God <u>sent </u>and Jesus <u>left</u> … <u>heaven</u>! Even never having been there, once I am there, I am sure I am not going to want to return to this earth! Jesus <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">left heaven </span>for <u><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">ME</span></u>! Are we <u>listening</u>? Until we started listening, we didn’t even care about Jesus, about God, or about anything more than our day-to-day getting through life. The SIMPLE TRUTH is, existing is all we are doing unless we have God in our lives. Strange as it sounds, <i>our living comes through Jesus dying</i>. He said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b) I’m listening to Him,, but sometimes instead of absorbing the SIMPLE TRUTH He KEEPS telling me, I revert to hearing (rather like those sounds from the unknown Peanuts® character) Not only was Jesus willing to leave Heaven, but He was also willing to live on this earth with no place to lay His head. (“The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Matthew 8:20) He was ready to lay down His earthly life as soon as God required. (“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.” John 10:17)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In listening, do we hear how much each one of these verses teaches us of His <u>personal</u> care to individual me? (Oh, yes, I also heard the little voice that said, “BUT . . . you are not the only one for whom He did it . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little Voice, LISTEN to Me! <u>THAT</u> is <u>NOT</u> the point! However, if I were the only one, He still would have done what He did, because even with all my missteps, He loves me that much. I chose to follow Him, and as long as I continue to choose to walk with Him, His blood cleanses me and helps guide my footsteps back on the proper path. (I John 1:7 “…if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since our Creator did all of this FOR YOU and FOR ME, don’t you think we should and could take time to truly LISTEN?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a great place to start:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More from Psalm 139 (NLV):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 O Lord, You have examined my and know everything about me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
24 Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank You, Father.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue 8-5-2016 </div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-55814450445060271892016-07-23T09:56:00.002-07:002016-07-23T09:56:25.224-07:00I CAN DO ALL THINGS<div class="MsoNormal">
How I long to share what’s on my heart, but you know what?
In our first blog message I tried to sum up my desires to help others absorb
the SIMPLE TRUTH of GOD’S GREAT LOVE for each individual. Yet, in writing the post
that followed and as I start this one, I, too, feel the inferiority,
insignificance, and insecurity that comes from <u>mentally</u> <i>seeing</i> and <i>hearing</i> those looking down on my life, questioning why I waste my
time, etc,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1<sup>st</sup>) because I don’t live “a good enough”
life to be called a Christian<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2<sup>nd</sup>)
because I’ve shown my “human side”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3<sup>rd</sup>) because the attitude comes across, “Why waste
your time? Who’s going to bother to read what you write anyway?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, enough to tell each of you, I also have these same feelings
from time to time, and as I sat here thinking of the difference between 7<sup>th</sup>
Grade and a lifetime of learning, I wanted to let you know it’s always a struggle for me,
but the SIMPLE TRUTH is there is HOPE, even after all these years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, the devil knows my great love for God. He also
knows my weaknesses, so he is trying to take away this method in which I feel
well-qualified to use my abilities. Do you think he has forgotten my gift of
persistence? Likely not, but one of the additional gifts is a comment from my
daughter telling me that God will make sure that whoever needs to see what is
contained in these posts will see them. With that in mind, let’s press on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbC6ygHtzMI/V5Oe6iEh4aI/AAAAAAAAAz4/s__pikU6Dy0XO0XBcenrzQNV2lYLk9QiACLcB/s1600/2f00e33599bd210067c511c266a9e7cb%2B%2BWEEBLES%2BWOBBLE%2BBUT%2BTHEY%2BDONT%2BFALL%2BDOWN%2B1973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbC6ygHtzMI/V5Oe6iEh4aI/AAAAAAAAAz4/s__pikU6Dy0XO0XBcenrzQNV2lYLk9QiACLcB/s320/2f00e33599bd210067c511c266a9e7cb%2B%2BWEEBLES%2BWOBBLE%2BBUT%2BTHEY%2BDONT%2BFALL%2BDOWN%2B1973.jpg" width="213" /></a>I stated I am mentally seeing and hearing these attitudes
and comments. No, I’ve not gone off the deep end. Once again, the devil is
trying his best to hold me down, but with God’s help, I’m rather like the <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">Weebles-Wobbles-But-They-Don’t-Fall-Down</span>®
doll from the mid-1900’s. The doll was filled with air and made of a soft thick
plastic. It had a sand-filled bottom so one could punch it down and it’d pop
back up no matter how many times it was knocked it over! It’s my own giving in to the temptations from
the devil and allowing judgmental thoughts that can punch a slow leak or a fast
rip in my WEEBLES-WOBBLES-BUT-THEY-DON’T-FALL-DOWN® doll, if I don’t turn my
thoughts back in obedience to God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s consider how we handle our self-thinking. We spend
time allowing ourselves to develop feelings of insecurity, insignificance, and inferiority.
Not one of us deserves any one of those titles, but with the frequency of our
self-talk, we are some of the best salespeople on earth. (Have we missed our
calling? Should we be selling real estate or cars? <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> ) Rather than hearing what God says<b>*</b>, the SIMPLE TRUTH is we spend more
time listening to our own self-talk, of which we generally have little proof.
AND, isn’t our self-talk more often made up of judgmental attributes that we
are <i>imagining</i> from other people? <i>(<b>*</b>from <a href="http://seeingsimpletruth.blogspot.com/2016/07/simple-truth-explained.html">http://seeingsimpletruth.blogspot.com/2016/07/simple-truth-explained.html</a> In Galatians 4:4b and 5b I read
that I am His adopted child. “…God sent forth His son…that we might receive the
adoption as sons.” John 3:16 says He sent His only Son to rescue me. “For God
so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” The above scriptures say I
must be very special: Made in God’s image! His adopted child! Loved ME SO MUCH
He sent His Only Son to DIE IN MY PLACE!)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of my life, in regard to judging, the fastest way I’ve
been brought back to who God wants me to be is through the words of Jesus in
Matthew 7:2, “For in the way you judge, you will be judged, and by your
standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” How much more simply could that
truth have been presented? I understand myself well enough to know I am a
perfectionist at heart, so if I sound like I’m hard on others, please
understand, I’m hundreds – thousands- millions – times more exacting of myself!
Unfortunately, in most instances, from
the time of my very first childhood experiences with crayons on a new coloring book page until crayons applied
on a fresh picture now, and other things of far greater importance, my perfection
plans just don’t come out with the aimed-for perfection!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The SIMPLE TRUTH is I KNOW what God wants and perfection is
my aim, but there is balance, and I CAN ONLY BE PERFECT IN HIM. PERFECT equals MATURE.
Oh, my! I’ve a long way yet to go to become perfect according to earthly
standards, but THROUGH CHRIST IN GOD, I HAVE BECOME PERFECT! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I am human, the world and I <i><u>may</u></i> or <i><u>may</u> <u>not</u></i>
see <i>I don’t live “a good enough” life to
be called a Christian,</i> <i>I’ve shown my
“human side”,</i> <i>the attitude comes
across, “Why waste your time? Who’s going to bother to read what you write
anyway?” </i>Please pray with me that
each of us will be “<i>taking our <u>every</u>
<u>thought</u></i><u> </u><i>captive to the
obedience of Christ.</i>” 2 Corinthians 10:5b<i> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The SIMPLE TRUTH is “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens
me.” Philippians 4:13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
YOU can, too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
M Sue 7-23-2016</div>
<o:p></o:p>Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-11525777974368883212016-07-19T02:42:00.001-07:002016-07-19T03:45:08.995-07:00BEFORE THE BEGINNING<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If not all, I know at least almost all reading
these words have also read “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the
earth,” from Genesis 1:1, the first verse in the Bible. I want to go back before that. Are you
saying, “Now, wait just a minute. Who do you think you<b> </b>are? How can you go back before the beginning?” Come for a little
walk with God and me, and let’s let Him show us more of His wondrous works,
more of the SIMPLE TRUTH of His love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We’ll begin with Ephesians 1:4-5 from the Living
Bible: “Long ago, even before He made the world, God chose us to be His very
own through what Christ would do for us; He decided then to make us holy in His
eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before Him covered with his
love. His unchanging plan has always
been to adopt us into His own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. And
He did this because he wanted to!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To my mind, His creating the world leaves me
with a whole lot to contemplate. But even before all of creation, He generated
these Master plans for you and for me! In following along with our first-post thoughts
of overcoming feelings of insignificance, inferiority and insecurity, rather
than just pass this scripture on by with one quick read, let’s take these
verses apart just a little bit to let God’s Word show you what He was thinking.
As you read these phrases, why not write what each one means to you personally?
(This is for you to keep to yourself unless you wish to discuss.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He planned ahead: “Before He
made the world” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">”God chose us to be His very
own”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He planned “through what Christ
would do for us”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He decided then to make us
without a single fault<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His unchanging plan has always
been to adopt us into His own family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">6)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His plan has always been to
send Jesus Christ to die for us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">7)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He did this because he wanted
to!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">a.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Should we
stop our walk so we can sit down a while to think about what God is saying
here? He will sit with us as long as we need, because He, THE ONE TO WHOM IS
DUE ALL HONOR AND GLORY FOREVER AND EVER, has done all of this for each one of
us. Why? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The SIMPLE TRUTH is He did this because he
wanted to long ago, even before He made the world!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">M Sue Moore
7-19-16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5496145777016469907.post-20645498833711838962016-07-12T10:52:00.002-07:002016-07-12T17:35:20.090-07:00SIMPLE TRUTH EXPLAINED<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I continue to hear more of my Christian Sisters (young
married women to ‘empty-nesters” and more), discussing their feelings of
insignificance, inferiority, and insecurity, I have longed to try to help them absorb
the <i>SIMPLE TRUTH</i> of how very much God
loves them. Some may be shocked that I use the term “<i>SIMPLE TRUTH</i>”, but I am concerned that we confuse holding God in ultimate
authority with allowing ourselves to reach out to accept the closeness He wants
from the parent-child relationship. We tend to say things like, “I can’t bother
God with something so little.” Oh, really? When was the last time you took a
close-up look at a bird feather? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few years ago I found a tiny feather that measured 7/8”
long and was ¼” wide. The colors were
deep gray-brown at the tip and lighter shades of gray-brown at the base. I used Scotch tape to stick the little
feather in my Bible to remind me of how special I must be to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Jesus’ own words He states: “Look at the birds of the
air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet
your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you
not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:26 NASB)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If God cares for the little birds as much as the scripture
says He does, <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">and I believe His Word is
true</span>, how much more does He care for me?
Genesis 1:26 tells me I am made in His image. “Then God said, ‘Let us
make man in Our image, according to our likeness…’”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Galatians 4:4b and 5b I read that I am His adopted child.
“…God sent forth His son…that we might receive the adoption as sons.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John 3:16 says He sent His only Son to rescue me. “For God
so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
The above scriptures say I must be <u>very</u>
<u>special</u>: <i>Made in God’s image! His
adopted child! Loves ME SO MUCH He sent
His Only Son to DIE IN MY PLACE!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The feather I found is so small that it makes it fully
obvious that little things are of worth to God.
Just to look at each individual barb is impossible for me to do; yet God
made each one and knows how many barbs there are on each feather just as he
knows how many hairs are on my head. I
cannot even begin to figure how many feathers it takes to cover a bird, let
alone try to count those tiny, individual barbs! Does this mean that things, big or little, in
my life are of concern to Him? What do <u>you</u>
think?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Adding Matthew 10:29-31 to my reading about these matters, I
find: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of
them will fall to the ground apart from your father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Therefore, do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus used “<i>SIMPLE
TRUTH</i>” to help His listeners to not only better understand, but also to relate
to the very personal love and caring concern the Father has for ALL of His
creation. <o:p></o:p></div>
And you know what? That includes YOU and ME!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Suesmusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10517800791941739878noreply@blogger.com6