I had just finished brushing my hair into place after my shampoo and drying routine. I looked at the soft bristles of my new brush and noticed with resignation the several strands of hair glistening in the bright bathroom light. I suppose it's to be expected that hair would thin at my age, but that doesn't make it any easier to accept, especially since I'd grown up with and had exceptionally thick hair most of my adult life.
Stylists used to like to thin my hair a little, but they haven't done that in a long time. I've read that it's normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day, and I didn't count that many in my brush; but if it's only a cycle, I'm ready for that cycle to stop! Thank goodness for hair products that volumize and thicken, and hairsprays that add body!
The Bible says a woman's hair is her glory, so surely God understands our feeling about our hair! We are even told that the hairs of our head are numbered!
"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows," Matthew 10:29-31.
That seems hard to understand, but today's science has taught us that each single strand of hair is coded (numbered?) with a genetic code! If an unidentified body of a person falls to the ground and is found, God has seen to it that it can be known by its DNA, located in hair or any of the millions of cells in the body.
As if hair fall is not distressing enough, especially to the feminine psyche, it is accompanied by that other dreaded harbinger of age--graying! Most women do not go gentle into that phase, fighting it tooth and nail with hair color products. Alas that they never achieve the results of the ads, which picture cascading, shimmering hair reminiscent of the locks of Solomon's dearest. He clumsily describes the beautiful sight of flocks of goats descending from the mountain, their shiny coats no doubt reflecting the sunlight in undulating waves.
"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold thou art fair; thou hast doves eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead," Song of Solomon 4:1.
Gray or white hair, among men or women, is spoken of as a mark of honor in the Old Testament. May we who have lived long enough to be in this category learn to say with the psalmist in Psalm 71:17-18, "O God, thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength to this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come." That is our responsibility!
Friday, March 20, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Lifesaver
March 18. Always in my memory as my brother Bob's birthday. I kidded him that now we are almost the same age, as he is 74 to my 75 (which will change soon!) Growing up, I often heard our mother tell that when Bobby was a baby, he couldn't tolerate milk. He was Mama's 7th child, and as far as I know, she had successfully nursed all her infants into fat and healthy babies. Nursing did not work for my little brother, though, and despite following the doctor's instructions with different formulas, this baby was not thriving.
Until someone suggested they try him on goat's milk. My parents didn't have a goat, but they bought one for Bobby. The milk agreed with him, and soon he was a rosy, happy baby and the picture of contentment. I can still see a picture that used to be in Mama's box of photographs of a toddler in a little dress that baby boys wore then, reaching up to touch the nose of the nanny. It was captioned in our mother's dear familiar script, "Bobby and his little goat."
As an adult, I have had lots of allergies, one of them being milk, as I was once told by an allergist. We were living in Mississippi, and she told us of a place that sold fresh goat milk. We found the country store in an out-lying area and would go there once a week for a gallon of the delicious, cold milk. When we moved away after hurricane Katrina, I forgot about buying buying goat milk. Until recently. Now I regularly get a quart at the grocery store, which seems to agree with my digestion.
In Old Testament times, lambs and goats were sacrificed by the priest in Jewish religious rituals. "And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness." Leviticus 16:9-10.
This was before Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His life to take away our sin. The scapegoat, running free in the wilderness, symbolized the carrying, or taking away of sins. Unlike the priests of that day who needed their sins forgiven, Jesus is our High Priest who knew no sin.
By accepting Jesus's sacrifice for our sins, we are like the scapegoat, having been spared from punishment and our lives saved by the death of Jesus. Our mother always said that that long-ago goat saved her baby's life. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, our lives are saved for all eternity. As the song says, "There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine." We have a brand-new birthday for which a party is held in heaven!
"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance...Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," Luke 15:7, 10.
Until someone suggested they try him on goat's milk. My parents didn't have a goat, but they bought one for Bobby. The milk agreed with him, and soon he was a rosy, happy baby and the picture of contentment. I can still see a picture that used to be in Mama's box of photographs of a toddler in a little dress that baby boys wore then, reaching up to touch the nose of the nanny. It was captioned in our mother's dear familiar script, "Bobby and his little goat."
As an adult, I have had lots of allergies, one of them being milk, as I was once told by an allergist. We were living in Mississippi, and she told us of a place that sold fresh goat milk. We found the country store in an out-lying area and would go there once a week for a gallon of the delicious, cold milk. When we moved away after hurricane Katrina, I forgot about buying buying goat milk. Until recently. Now I regularly get a quart at the grocery store, which seems to agree with my digestion.
In Old Testament times, lambs and goats were sacrificed by the priest in Jewish religious rituals. "And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness." Leviticus 16:9-10.
This was before Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His life to take away our sin. The scapegoat, running free in the wilderness, symbolized the carrying, or taking away of sins. Unlike the priests of that day who needed their sins forgiven, Jesus is our High Priest who knew no sin.
By accepting Jesus's sacrifice for our sins, we are like the scapegoat, having been spared from punishment and our lives saved by the death of Jesus. Our mother always said that that long-ago goat saved her baby's life. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, our lives are saved for all eternity. As the song says, "There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine." We have a brand-new birthday for which a party is held in heaven!
"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance...Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," Luke 15:7, 10.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Taking Note
"Would you like to get something to eat?" our friends called as we started to the car after prayer meeting last night." Well, sure, we hadn't had supper so it sounded good. Saying we would meet the two other couples at the ice cream store, we followed them out the long church driveway. We had hardly got started, though, when flashing red-and blue-lights pulled us over!
What could be wrong? Howard got out his ID and had it ready as the officer approached. "Nothing major," the genial cop assured us, "but you've got a headlight out." What? We hadn't known that, as it seemed to be giving light. He checked the driver's license and asked for proof of insurance. Ah, that, I knew we had, because my dutiful husband always stressed to me to keep it handy in the car. But he was fumbling with his wallets (he has two), and rifling through the glove compartment, finally pulling out papers from the visor. That was an expired copy, though.
"I'll just run it on the computer," the policeman said, but Howard assured him he could find it. Finally, the man checked the computer and came back with the news that all was in order. (Howard had found it by that time.) A warning ticket and no fine sent us on our way. We were met with quizzical looks and laughter on our explanation of the delay, with stories swapped with the others about like experiences.
Earlier that afternoon, when the temperature was near 80, my husband switched on the car AC and got nothing! What next? Why did it choose today to go out? He pulled out some kind of schematic of fuse locations and said he would work on it tomorrow. Help us, Lord! Well, He did, because cool air blasted us after church!
I got to thinking about the striking parallels of these events with spiritual scenarios. Suppose we were trying to get into heaven, and the angel could not find our names written in the Book of Life? No proof of insurance with Jesus as the underwriter? Thank God, our names our recorded there. And any record of wrongs has been cleared by a divine "delete" button on God's computer.
Jesus told a story of the ten virgins on the way to a wedding feast, when the lights of five had gone out. They were not admitted to the wedding supper. Their oil had "expired." We must keep our light burning bright, with an up-to-date testimony. Such things may not be possible, but will our friends and loved ones be looking for us and wondering what happened, as our friends did who waited at the ice cream shop?
The Bible teaches that we are to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, James 1:27. A difficult thing to do with all the contaminants and pollution of today's society. A few days ago, Howard was spray-painting some of our porch furniture, and I guess I got a little too close, for soon I had an irritated throat, which seems to have evolved into a bronchitis. We were outside, but the breeze was blowing, and I remember getting a whiff of the paint fumes and hoping I wouldn't be affected. I was.
Like our working AC in the car, the pure, cooling breezes of the Holy Spirit can only refresh, renewing us from the heat of the day and strengthening us against the enemy, whose destination plans for us are anything but cool!
Revelation 19:7-9 tells of the marriage supper of the lamb, and the saints' white robes of righteousness, the wedding garment. Fellowship and food among friends here is good, but that is a feast I do not want to miss!
What could be wrong? Howard got out his ID and had it ready as the officer approached. "Nothing major," the genial cop assured us, "but you've got a headlight out." What? We hadn't known that, as it seemed to be giving light. He checked the driver's license and asked for proof of insurance. Ah, that, I knew we had, because my dutiful husband always stressed to me to keep it handy in the car. But he was fumbling with his wallets (he has two), and rifling through the glove compartment, finally pulling out papers from the visor. That was an expired copy, though.
"I'll just run it on the computer," the policeman said, but Howard assured him he could find it. Finally, the man checked the computer and came back with the news that all was in order. (Howard had found it by that time.) A warning ticket and no fine sent us on our way. We were met with quizzical looks and laughter on our explanation of the delay, with stories swapped with the others about like experiences.
Earlier that afternoon, when the temperature was near 80, my husband switched on the car AC and got nothing! What next? Why did it choose today to go out? He pulled out some kind of schematic of fuse locations and said he would work on it tomorrow. Help us, Lord! Well, He did, because cool air blasted us after church!
I got to thinking about the striking parallels of these events with spiritual scenarios. Suppose we were trying to get into heaven, and the angel could not find our names written in the Book of Life? No proof of insurance with Jesus as the underwriter? Thank God, our names our recorded there. And any record of wrongs has been cleared by a divine "delete" button on God's computer.
Jesus told a story of the ten virgins on the way to a wedding feast, when the lights of five had gone out. They were not admitted to the wedding supper. Their oil had "expired." We must keep our light burning bright, with an up-to-date testimony. Such things may not be possible, but will our friends and loved ones be looking for us and wondering what happened, as our friends did who waited at the ice cream shop?
The Bible teaches that we are to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, James 1:27. A difficult thing to do with all the contaminants and pollution of today's society. A few days ago, Howard was spray-painting some of our porch furniture, and I guess I got a little too close, for soon I had an irritated throat, which seems to have evolved into a bronchitis. We were outside, but the breeze was blowing, and I remember getting a whiff of the paint fumes and hoping I wouldn't be affected. I was.
Like our working AC in the car, the pure, cooling breezes of the Holy Spirit can only refresh, renewing us from the heat of the day and strengthening us against the enemy, whose destination plans for us are anything but cool!
Revelation 19:7-9 tells of the marriage supper of the lamb, and the saints' white robes of righteousness, the wedding garment. Fellowship and food among friends here is good, but that is a feast I do not want to miss!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Preparation
Most people get to leave their environment and go to work, but housewives work in their environment! Sometimes I jump right in to my housework while still in my pajamas and house shoes. I did that today, determined to get something done early. Pretty soon, though, I was tiring, so I decided to put on my shoes. What a difference! I had a new boost of energy with the support for my feet.
I slipped on some jeans, but didn't bother with the belt. That was not comfortable, either, but a belt cinched in seemed to give me more resolve! I dusted, straightened, picked up and used my robot-duster on the bare floors. (My helpful husband had vacuumed before he left.)
The words from Ephesians 6 came to mind as I thought about Paul's teaching on putting on the whole armor of God. Verse 15 says we are to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Before that, we read, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness," Ephesians 6:14.
I don my apron, putting on my shield of faith that I can persevere over these chores! I will quench all these fiery darts of distraction that sway me from my goal of a clean house! I turn on the Christian radio station and hear spiritual songs which lift my spirit, and a word from a preacher--the Word of God!
Putting away magazines and throwing out newspapers, I resist the urge to dwell on the latest headlines, the principalities, powers and rulers of darkness of this world. I gather the various Bibles left open into some kind of organization, thanking God for His Word which fills my mind--the sword of the Spirit.
Some say that all this preparation of putting on the armor of God is to get ready for the real battle in verse 18, the battle of prayer: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
After this work-out, I was refreshed by a shower and my view of chores. My husband came into a clean house with a tasty lunch I had prepared, creating an atmosphere conducive to harmony in the home, even as Paul concludes the book of Ephesians with words of peace, love, faith and grace. The real goal of housekeeping!
I slipped on some jeans, but didn't bother with the belt. That was not comfortable, either, but a belt cinched in seemed to give me more resolve! I dusted, straightened, picked up and used my robot-duster on the bare floors. (My helpful husband had vacuumed before he left.)
The words from Ephesians 6 came to mind as I thought about Paul's teaching on putting on the whole armor of God. Verse 15 says we are to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Before that, we read, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness," Ephesians 6:14.
I don my apron, putting on my shield of faith that I can persevere over these chores! I will quench all these fiery darts of distraction that sway me from my goal of a clean house! I turn on the Christian radio station and hear spiritual songs which lift my spirit, and a word from a preacher--the Word of God!
Putting away magazines and throwing out newspapers, I resist the urge to dwell on the latest headlines, the principalities, powers and rulers of darkness of this world. I gather the various Bibles left open into some kind of organization, thanking God for His Word which fills my mind--the sword of the Spirit.
Some say that all this preparation of putting on the armor of God is to get ready for the real battle in verse 18, the battle of prayer: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
After this work-out, I was refreshed by a shower and my view of chores. My husband came into a clean house with a tasty lunch I had prepared, creating an atmosphere conducive to harmony in the home, even as Paul concludes the book of Ephesians with words of peace, love, faith and grace. The real goal of housekeeping!
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Porch Season
First thing in the morning after my husband left, I took a beautiful red apple from a bowl, put some chicken tenders on to simmer, and chopped the apple and celery for a chicken salad lunch. Howard called about 11:45 to say he was on his way home. I started to set the table, then a thought occurred to me: Why not eat on the porch? It was a beautiful day, if not too cool, but when I went to check, it was perfect!
Quickly I unfolded a small, slatted table and chairs and brushed them off. I grabbed some paper plates, then remembered the new dishcloths that would work as table mats. We could use our rustic, country jar mugs bought recently. So casual that I left the chicken salad in the mixing bowl. When we had begun to eat, I said, "I should take a picture of this! But I need a prettier bowl!" Putting the remaining salad into a smaller bowl, I told Howard to wait while I took the pic. He enjoyed getting all the "likes" on his photo!
Now that spring is almost here, we are anticipating more times of relaxation on our front porch. The winter seemed to go on forever, making us appreciate the recently-warm days even more. I was thinking of a time a porch was mentioned in the Bible, only this time it was not spring. "And it was at Jerusalem, the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked the temple in Solomon's porch," John 10:22-23.
I could just see Jesus wrapping his robe more tightly about Him in the winter chill as He strode along. Jesus knew his time was short. He had just come through a season of popularity. His miracles, his teachings, and the belief that he was a deliverer of the people had even made them parade him as a king, making a cloak-strewn path for him to trod. What a joyous time of good will He had experienced. But now He was in a time of winter. The populace had turned against him. Crucifixion loomed on the horizon.
Even though it is becoming spring, it seems as if we as Christians are in a time of winter. Every day new condemnation comes to us in media, government, and much public opinion. Our freedoms are being threatened if not taken away. We are barely allowed to speak of our beliefs. It is not popular to be a Christian; some even say we are not a Christian nation.
The porch Jesus used in the Bible was called a portico. A portico is an entrance to a building, often a long hallway with columns. This is what Jesus walked that day. Jesus knew that at the end of his earthly walk, He would enter the portico of Heaven. But first, He would arise from the dead in a joyous Easter spring!
Winter is past, and in just a few weeks we will celebrate Easter. But it will be nothing like the glorious sunrise of the day we enter the portals of heaven, the dark, chilling gloom of troubled times behind us. We are about to step onto the porch!
Quickly I unfolded a small, slatted table and chairs and brushed them off. I grabbed some paper plates, then remembered the new dishcloths that would work as table mats. We could use our rustic, country jar mugs bought recently. So casual that I left the chicken salad in the mixing bowl. When we had begun to eat, I said, "I should take a picture of this! But I need a prettier bowl!" Putting the remaining salad into a smaller bowl, I told Howard to wait while I took the pic. He enjoyed getting all the "likes" on his photo!
Now that spring is almost here, we are anticipating more times of relaxation on our front porch. The winter seemed to go on forever, making us appreciate the recently-warm days even more. I was thinking of a time a porch was mentioned in the Bible, only this time it was not spring. "And it was at Jerusalem, the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked the temple in Solomon's porch," John 10:22-23.
I could just see Jesus wrapping his robe more tightly about Him in the winter chill as He strode along. Jesus knew his time was short. He had just come through a season of popularity. His miracles, his teachings, and the belief that he was a deliverer of the people had even made them parade him as a king, making a cloak-strewn path for him to trod. What a joyous time of good will He had experienced. But now He was in a time of winter. The populace had turned against him. Crucifixion loomed on the horizon.
Even though it is becoming spring, it seems as if we as Christians are in a time of winter. Every day new condemnation comes to us in media, government, and much public opinion. Our freedoms are being threatened if not taken away. We are barely allowed to speak of our beliefs. It is not popular to be a Christian; some even say we are not a Christian nation.
The porch Jesus used in the Bible was called a portico. A portico is an entrance to a building, often a long hallway with columns. This is what Jesus walked that day. Jesus knew that at the end of his earthly walk, He would enter the portico of Heaven. But first, He would arise from the dead in a joyous Easter spring!
Winter is past, and in just a few weeks we will celebrate Easter. But it will be nothing like the glorious sunrise of the day we enter the portals of heaven, the dark, chilling gloom of troubled times behind us. We are about to step onto the porch!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Tidings of Spring
"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." Song of Solomon 2:11-12.
What a wonderful day to be in the country! I had taken up my husband's invitation to go watch him paint the fence on our son's farm. After a few "you missed a spot" comments, the bright blue sky, the floating white clouds and the fresh breeze pulled me away for a stroll down toward the stream. Gazing down into the ravine at the ledge of rocks, the green of cedar and the sculptured, yet bare trees, I went back for my camera phone.
How exhilarating! My quest for picturesque photo ops led me further until I was on a virtual hike! The dried reeds I pushed aside didn't bother me as I traipsed through the thatch of matted grass down the valley and up the slope, past weathered sheds and out-buildings perched above shelves of rock. The lake rested just out of sight above the levee, and I just had to see it!
It was a little steep, but there were a couple of worn trails curving up to the top, courtesy of thirsty cows, and I was glad I negotiated one of them when I saw the beautiful expanse of water mirroring the blue of the sky. The lake lay calm and serene, minus the ducks and geese that had glided its surface only a few weeks before. I looked for the resident blue heron, a huge bird whose flutters startle when its grey shadow erupts from nowhere into flight.
The beautiful weather made me forget about yesterday's cold, grey rain. Now the land was only refreshed and renewed by it. At home, I saw my first robin the other morning, perched beside a yellow, lily-like shoot blooming solitary in the grass. From my kitchen window, I see that the buds on the flowering quince are pink and fat, some unfurling fragile petals. They will soon become a cloud of color for my viewing pleasure, as I stand at the sink at my tasks.
Just as we tire of winter and dismal days, our outlook can be clouded by the grey rain of bad news and world conditions. Just as we long for and welcome our earthly Spring, we long for and expectantly wait for the words from our Lord, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away," Solomon 2:10.
"Behold, he standeth behind our wall, He looketh forth at the windows, Shewing himself through the lattice." Solomon 2:9.
What a beautiful picture!
What a wonderful day to be in the country! I had taken up my husband's invitation to go watch him paint the fence on our son's farm. After a few "you missed a spot" comments, the bright blue sky, the floating white clouds and the fresh breeze pulled me away for a stroll down toward the stream. Gazing down into the ravine at the ledge of rocks, the green of cedar and the sculptured, yet bare trees, I went back for my camera phone.
How exhilarating! My quest for picturesque photo ops led me further until I was on a virtual hike! The dried reeds I pushed aside didn't bother me as I traipsed through the thatch of matted grass down the valley and up the slope, past weathered sheds and out-buildings perched above shelves of rock. The lake rested just out of sight above the levee, and I just had to see it!
It was a little steep, but there were a couple of worn trails curving up to the top, courtesy of thirsty cows, and I was glad I negotiated one of them when I saw the beautiful expanse of water mirroring the blue of the sky. The lake lay calm and serene, minus the ducks and geese that had glided its surface only a few weeks before. I looked for the resident blue heron, a huge bird whose flutters startle when its grey shadow erupts from nowhere into flight.
The beautiful weather made me forget about yesterday's cold, grey rain. Now the land was only refreshed and renewed by it. At home, I saw my first robin the other morning, perched beside a yellow, lily-like shoot blooming solitary in the grass. From my kitchen window, I see that the buds on the flowering quince are pink and fat, some unfurling fragile petals. They will soon become a cloud of color for my viewing pleasure, as I stand at the sink at my tasks.
Just as we tire of winter and dismal days, our outlook can be clouded by the grey rain of bad news and world conditions. Just as we long for and welcome our earthly Spring, we long for and expectantly wait for the words from our Lord, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away," Solomon 2:10.
"Behold, he standeth behind our wall, He looketh forth at the windows, Shewing himself through the lattice." Solomon 2:9.
What a beautiful picture!
Monday, March 9, 2015
Daybreak
I looked at the time when I awoke after a fitful night's sleep. We had gone to bed early enough, but late by the Daylight Savings Time that had gone into effect yesterday. Now it was 7:48, almost eight o'clock, and I wanted to attend a Ladies' Bible Study at the church at 9:00. Since I like to eat breakfast, I made oatmeal, sliced some strawberries and banana and grabbed a few blueberries. My husband had arisen earlier and made his breakfast; now he was sound asleep.
Stepping over throw pillows and dislodged bedding, I located shoes and clothes and headed for the shower. Our only bathroom is small, and when I laid my towel on a bench holding my favorite soap dish (not your regular soap dish, but a 12-inch, graceful, ceramic bathtub), I heard a crash. My soap dish! In a dozen pieces! What a start to the morning!
Then Howard rushed me out of the bathroom, so my hair and makeup were done in stages, but I finally grabbed purse, keys and phone and got out of the house. I saw a roadside clock on the way showing straight-up nine. Well, it was little more than a 10-minute drive, so I wouldn't be too late.
Hm, that's strange, I thought. This time change must have gotten to a lot of people, for only a couple of cars were parked at the church. No one was in the meeting room, but I saw a light and thought I heard voices at the end of the corridor. I called hello, and a woman came out of the kitchen. "We're getting the coffee ready," she said. When I wondered where everyone was, she said, "It doesn't start till 9:30." 9:30! The bulletin had said nine, but turned out that was a printing error!
The study was on I and II Thessalonians, Children of the DAY, a video series by Beth Moore. What a treat that was! And really only the introduction of the first of 9 sessions! Her animated, rapid-fire enthusiasm and skillful delving into word meanings, let alone the art of bringing Bible personalities to life and sharing personal examples from her own life, resulted in renewed appetite for the scriptures in her listeners.
But one of the best parts was meeting many ladies I didn't know and who didn't know me. Some didn't even know I went there, since the church is large and it's hard to meet people on the other side of the church at greeting time. I had brushed shoulders with some at other activities, but this was a chance to get to know them better. I enjoyed showing pictures of grandchildren on my phone, and admiring theirs. Prayer needs were shared and prayed over, giving insight and understanding of the concerns of our neighbors.
The lesson dealt with the famous parting of the ways of Paul and Barnabas, and how God used that to spread the gospel in different areas. Beth Moore introduced the possibility that sometimes change is necessary to accomplish God's will and to open new doors of opportunity that might never have surfaced otherwise. Perhaps that will happen for me. We have been in a season of change recently and are open to what God might have for us! I can't wait until next week, when all the wrinkles will have been ironed out and I will be there at the right time!
Stepping over throw pillows and dislodged bedding, I located shoes and clothes and headed for the shower. Our only bathroom is small, and when I laid my towel on a bench holding my favorite soap dish (not your regular soap dish, but a 12-inch, graceful, ceramic bathtub), I heard a crash. My soap dish! In a dozen pieces! What a start to the morning!
Then Howard rushed me out of the bathroom, so my hair and makeup were done in stages, but I finally grabbed purse, keys and phone and got out of the house. I saw a roadside clock on the way showing straight-up nine. Well, it was little more than a 10-minute drive, so I wouldn't be too late.
Hm, that's strange, I thought. This time change must have gotten to a lot of people, for only a couple of cars were parked at the church. No one was in the meeting room, but I saw a light and thought I heard voices at the end of the corridor. I called hello, and a woman came out of the kitchen. "We're getting the coffee ready," she said. When I wondered where everyone was, she said, "It doesn't start till 9:30." 9:30! The bulletin had said nine, but turned out that was a printing error!
The study was on I and II Thessalonians, Children of the DAY, a video series by Beth Moore. What a treat that was! And really only the introduction of the first of 9 sessions! Her animated, rapid-fire enthusiasm and skillful delving into word meanings, let alone the art of bringing Bible personalities to life and sharing personal examples from her own life, resulted in renewed appetite for the scriptures in her listeners.
But one of the best parts was meeting many ladies I didn't know and who didn't know me. Some didn't even know I went there, since the church is large and it's hard to meet people on the other side of the church at greeting time. I had brushed shoulders with some at other activities, but this was a chance to get to know them better. I enjoyed showing pictures of grandchildren on my phone, and admiring theirs. Prayer needs were shared and prayed over, giving insight and understanding of the concerns of our neighbors.
The lesson dealt with the famous parting of the ways of Paul and Barnabas, and how God used that to spread the gospel in different areas. Beth Moore introduced the possibility that sometimes change is necessary to accomplish God's will and to open new doors of opportunity that might never have surfaced otherwise. Perhaps that will happen for me. We have been in a season of change recently and are open to what God might have for us! I can't wait until next week, when all the wrinkles will have been ironed out and I will be there at the right time!
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