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Rather by Love - 6/27/2006 8:00:32 PM
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Hisjoy
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From: The Golden State in the USA
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When Columbus had not long set foot on the island which he named San Salvador, he recorded in his log as he observed the people, "So that they might be well-disposed towards us, for I knew that they were a people to be delivered and converted to our holy faith rather by love than by force, I gave to some red caps and to others glass beads...."
"Rather by love" stayed with me as I read and through the days since. It seemed so obvious to me that love is the only way. Yet I find it's still too easy to be moved by fear, frustration, or whatever, and not by love. How wretched, says Paul, but he found grace! By the grace of God, through Christ, in my daily life I am still learning more about His love and how to walk in it. I want to learn every day more about the things of God. Come walk with me in this hall of learning. I'll just share thoughts, experiences, happenings, prayers, whatever, and we'll see where God takes it. 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 2 Thess. 4:28
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_____________________________
http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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RE: Rather by Love - 6/30/2006 2:00:45 AM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
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From: The Golden State in the USA
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Yesterday morning, God reminded me again, "I'm your Father." It's been seven months now since His loving voice said to me, "And haven't I been caring for you like that all these years?" "Yes, You have!" I said, "Now I understand!" After 37 years of being His child, at last the realization dawned, "He is my Father! And now I know what a 'real father' is like!"
I just hadn't been able to understand a father's love for me because I had my own image of a father. I believe our stepfather wanted to relate to my sister and me. We had good times, but everything good was swept away by words. "Little girls should be seen and not heard." "Go, take a long walk off a short pier." His fearful words hit my ears and my heart every day.
And so I grew up, knowing that no one wanted to hear me or respond to me positively and being myself was not good enough. I'd fight through life on my own. At age 13, I found out that somewhere I had a "real father." I began to rebel heavily against my stepfather. The fight was on in earnest.
One day at age 17 (not yet a Christian) I sensed God was telling me to forgive my stepfather, and to tell him I regretted my rebellion, yet I couldn't find the courage to tell him this. "I'll do it tomorrow!" was the easy way out. But he didn't have a tomorrow. I said goodbye and left. When I came home the next day, he was dead.
I was somewhat sad, and this was about the only time in my life I'd been allowed to cry. Nevertheless, this 17-year-old was hardhearted, and had trained herself to be tough. I quickly pulled myself together. I had fought my way through life and and there was no turning back.
At 21 I met some precious friends, a couple who patiently taught me about Christ for two years. One night at two in the morning Bob said said it was time I asked Jesus into my life and Mary agreed. I heard myself saying, "I want to do it." And I did.
A year later my sister found our father. I wrote him a letter. He wrote an emotional letter back. The correspondence continued for about six months. Wow, I saw myself! He was just like me! Then he was gone again. Disappeared just like that. Letters returned.
So that's how my composite of a father evolved. Strict. Do fun stuff. Doesn't want to hear me. Doesn't even want me around? And then he dies. Letters of love that I longed to be true. And then he disappears forever...a family deserted a second time. It was a jigsaw puzzle I couldn't put together. God, my Father? I said the words, "Our Father...." but they were empty words to me.
And yet God showed me His love. I just hadn't understood it as a Father's love and was almost impervious to it...until I came on forums almost 37 years later! I noticed Vagrant talking about her father an awful lot. My, she was a grown woman and she still talked about the things her father did for her! I really liked reading those posts, but I couldn't understand it.
In one of her posts I read of how her kitten was run over and injured. She took the kitten to the vet. For some reason she added the words, "My dad drove me." "My goodness,” I thought, “what kind of treatment is that? Her dad driving her and her kitten to the vet? What kind of father would he have to be to do that? Wow!"
I imagined this little girl with her father, but it was not so. She was in college! It baffled me even more! “You have to do things for yourself,” my thoughts ran. “I'd have had to wrap the kitten up and walk there with it. I wouldn't have needed or even had a dad to go with me, let alone take me! God, I don't get it." And that's when God said, "Haven't I been caring for you like that all these years?" I saw it at last and I said, "Yes, You have! Now I understand! You’re my Father!" And every time I forget or struggle, He reminds me of this story.
So yesterday He reminded me again, "I am your Father." And as I was reading in Romans 8, His words gently caressed my heart. "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" (v.15)
It's so good know the Father's love and to live and walk in it!
_____________________________
http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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RE: Rather by Love - 7/3/2006 1:14:04 AM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
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From: The Golden State in the USA
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This morning we went to church in the mountains. As we drove up the mountain, tall grasses lining the narrow road soon gave way to pine trees. We enjoyed being together in this beautiful scenery, happy and looking forward to meeting everyone. Down a winding road on the mountain, a white country church appeared in a clearing.
We’ve been there only 8-10 times in the past 10-15 years and were all like old friends.
I always enjoy their service, even though it’s very traditional. The pianist has a special touch that brings a swing to the music and turns those slow, old hymns into joyous melodies. The song leader carried the whole service with the same energy. Leonard gave the morning message and by last-minute special request included his testimony, which he fit into context. He amazes people with his ability to incorporate things so quickly. Afterward we went into the bright and airy church hall for fellowship and refreshments.
The mission committee took us out to lunch. Now this is a great experience which no one should miss. I mean it. The last time we came they were kind of embarrassed to take us there, but we loved it! This time they were anxious to get there!
We drove back to the mountain highway and follow them along the road, turning down another road lined with grasses and trees. Suddenly it appears…a little restaurant in the middle of nowhere. And I mean nowhere. How anyone knows it’s there I have no idea and yet it’s been in business since 1925. It’s made of wood and hasn’t got a lick of paint on it. You go in on the worn linoleum floor and sit at old tables and chairs. The walls are just plain, old wood. Looks like it’s dried out over the years.
You don’t need a menu and they don’t have one. It’s a sandwich, hamburger or hot dog. Soda, coffee or iced tea. The folk we came with asked for the sandwich. The kitchen will decide what’s in it unless you request something in particular. I took the 'whatever' sandwich, too. Leonard, ever the traditionalist, took a hamburger. I just about got my mouth around the sandwich with all the meats, cheese, salad and what ever else in it. I was hungry and it was delicious! I had eaten almost the whole thing before I realized the others were taking half of theirs home. Oh well, I finished it all; after all, I’d be taking it home too, right?
We had a fun time with them. They are great people! The food was good! It was a cool place! We came back down the mountain, again enjoying the quiet and the beautiful scenery once again.
You know, the simple things in life make it sooooo rich.
_____________________________
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RE: Rather by Love - 7/4/2006 2:36:52 PM
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Hisjoy
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From: The Golden State in the USA
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In this fast-paced, run-run world, I'm so thankful that we still know how to simply sit together in quiet contentment.
Looking back on church gatherings over the years, memories of picnics and other activities remind me of this wonderful fellowship. Yes, there would be sports, kids' games, whatever. It was all a part of the whole as we played and sat together. At our summer Wednesday nights, where we gather in the backyards of church folk, the same thing happens still. These warm little pockets of togetherness are a balm, a building up, and an absolute pleasure!
Last night, I was 'baptized by immersion' in a great ocean of togetherness. There were six of us in our little row among the hundreds who sat haphazardly on the football field, while others had neatly arranged themselves in the bleachers.
It was July 3 and we were celebrating July 4! We arrived there at 7:00 p.m., set our chairs up on the field, and went to look around. The band played, booths were busy, food was served, as the majority of the crowd…family, friends, neighbors…just sat. By 7:30 we were back in our chairs among the hundreds who were all sitting there waiting for the fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
An unusual quiet over the orderly, relaxed crowd, was not disturbed by the gentle hum of voices and rhythmical flow of music. Our little row of six did not say much and neither did anyone else. We all absorbed the togetherness and the understanding of why we were there.
And so without any prompting, the hundreds present stood proudly in unison as the band began to play “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” A heavier sense of pride was evident during the national anthem. The lights went out and the first rocket went up. We all calmly sat down again.
The loud bang of fireworks was rivaled only by the crowd's reverent cheer as our illustrious flag, made up of glowing, flaming fireworks, blazed amid sparkling sprays of red, white and blue.
The stadium lights came on. We took up our chairs and walked out with the massive crowd, that quiet contentment and understanding, that hushed togetherness, moving us, hundreds of us, out into the night....
"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." - Adlai Stevenson
_____________________________
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The Dance of Life - 7/8/2006 2:38:42 AM
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Hisjoy
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Yesterday, I was compiling an article, trying to make the words dance. My thoughts went back to two weeks ago. At that time I was looking back even further--to the time when I loved to dance.
Saturday nights were for dancing and, oh my, I could do The Twist down to the ground and back up again. Not many of us could do that. Why ever would I think of trying it now after all these years? I will look kind of crazy if I try it.
Aha! No problem! What a great time to think of it! I’m the only person in the house. No one ever comes in the backyard or can see through our kitchen window. No one will see me!
Uh oh, not true, Someone just told me. He can see me.
Well, God, yes, it was before you came into my life...all right, and a little bit after that as well, till I learned that You had better things for me to do. But for now, it's just a little exercise. I'm not listening to Chubby Checker or the Beatles. And I'm not hoping some handsome young men will come in and break up the group of 'Twisting' girls into couples, am I? It's just me, and You can watch me if You want.
I didn't hear an answer.
And so I did it. I twisted down to the ground and came back up again in one sleek move. See, God, I can still do it. I’m still strong and healthy and agile. I can still do The Twist!
Silence.
Well, God, it’s You Who’s kept me strong and healthy all these years. Let me put it this way, I can still move down to the ground and back up in one sleek move. Isn’t that cool?
Keep on talkin’, kid.
Oh. Well, yes. This is soooo embarrassing. You don’t seem to care. Oh, I feel like I couldn’t even look at You if it were possible. What do you want me to do? Sit in a rocking chair? No, thank You.
Dance for Me.
But I just did!
Dance for Me.
But I just…. Oh, I get it! I danced for me, didn’t I? It was selfish, wasn’t it?
I’ve given you a new dance, remember? I've given you a new life!
O, God, not even a minute outside your Kingdom and I’m in trouble. Sorry. Forgive me?
Of course I forgive you. Didn’t I tell you? If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And remember this: If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things are passed away. All things are new. No going back again, OK?
No more golden oldies for me, God. I like your dance and I want to dance it forever.
Come here, kid. Let’s dance!
_____________________________
http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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Happy Birthday to my Hon! - 7/8/2006 2:50:15 PM
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Hisjoy
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From: The Golden State in the USA
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History of July 8
July 8, 1994 Space shuttle STS-65 (Columbia 17), launches
July 8, 1990 12:34:56 on 7/8/90 (1234567890)
July 8, 1986 Farthest thrown object-an "Aerobie" flying ring, 383 m (1,257')
July 8, 1981 Senate confirms Sandra Day O'Conner to Supreme Court (99-0)
July 8, 1980 All star MVP: Ken Griffey (Cin Reds)
July 8, 1979 Voyager 2 takes 1st ever photo of Jupiter's satellite Adrastea (J14)
July 8, 1973 New York Mets are 12 games back in NL, and go on to win pennant
July 8, 1950 33.4 cm rain fall at York, Nebraska (state record)
July 8, 1950 Gen Douglas MacArthur named commander-in-chief, United Nations forces in Korea
July 8, 1950 Leroy Deans awarded 1st Order of Purple Heart in Korea
July 8, 1949 Monte Irvin and Hank Thompson are 1st blacks to play for New York Giants
July 8, 1947 Demolition begins for United Nations HQ in New York City
July 8, 1946 Baseball grants $5,000 minimum salary
July 8, 1944 Leonard Shannon born in Brooklyn, NY
July 8, 1932 Depression low point of Dow Jones Industrial Average, 41.22
July 8, 1909 1st pro baseball game, minor league, played under lights
July 8, 1891 61 degrees F, highest temp for July 1891, in Baltimore and Phila
July 8, 1891 Future president Harding marries Florence K DeWolfe in Marion Ohio
July 8, 1889 John L. Sullivan KOs Jake Kilrain in 75 rounds (last bare-knuckle bout)
July 8, 1889 Wall Street Journal begins publishing
July 8, 1870 Congress authorizes registration of trademarks
July 8, 1862 Odore R Timby patents revolving gun turret
July 8, 1835 Liberty Bell cracks, again
July 8, 1800 Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse gives 1st cowpox vaccination to his son to prevent smallpox
July 8, 1796 U.S. State Department issues 1st American passport
July 8, 1778 George Washington headquarters at West Point for his Continental Army
July 8, 1777 Vermont becomes 1st state abolishing slavery, adopts male suffrage
July 8, 1776 Col John Nixon gave 1st public reading of Dec of Independence (Phila)
July 8, 1693 New York City authorizes 1st police uniforms in American colonies
July 8, 1654 1st Jewish colonist arrive in U.S. (Jacob Barsimson in Manhattan)
July 8, 1497 Vasco da Gama departs for trip to India
July 8, 951 Paris is founded
_____________________________
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http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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Dance of Life (2) - 7/10/2006 6:17:10 PM
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Hisjoy
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But I digress. Now, how did I start out? Oh, yes, making words dance. (Post #5)
Like I said, I was composing an article--putting it together.
You see, I didn't write it. Someone whom I haven't seen in a couple years, in a place I've never been to and a culture I've never experienced, wrote three different letters about some people I've never met, who live in place I've never been to, in a culture I've never experienced and speak a language I do not speak. Get it?
Well, I had to get it! Because it was my place to put all three letters together as one. And the words had to dance--dance into the heart of the ultimate readers. Somehow I've got to learn the dance.
I'd already read the letters three or four times, Tuesday, Wednesday and now again Thursday. Well, it had been sitting there in my head and God and I had been talking. Time to continue the conversation.
"Lord, how am I going to do this?"
"It's my dance."
"Oh. Excuse me. Lord, how are You going to do this?"
'I'm going to dance through you to the people's hearts, and then the dance will go on. My dance never stops."
"Thank You. You know, God, I read this yesterday, the day before and the day before that. Here, please take it, while I read this copy for about the fifth time. ...."
"You know, I already know it off by heart, but you go right ahead."
"OK, here goes. ...."
"Good. You've read it again!"
"Yes, I have. I've absorbed it and I don't have the dance. It's just not going right. I don't know how to get it all together. I'm getting up and I'm going to walk around for a few minutes. Maybe have some refreshment."
"All right. I'll come with you!"
"Hey, I'd like that."
Goes to kitchen. Drinks water. Makes tea. Drinks tea. Chats to colleague. Returns.
"Aha, now that's better. Excuse my drinking tea like that in front of You. I just didn't have anything to offer You."
"That's fine. I just like being with you."
"You know God, You're so nice. I love being with You, too. And this thing has been sitting there in my head a few days, and I think something is happening."
"Yes. You've got the words. Now I'm making them dance!"
Sits down. Starts writing. It's coming together! Wow! It's dancing!
"Father, thank You."
"You're welcome."
_____________________________
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http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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Picture the Music - 7/16/2006 1:00:01 AM
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Hisjoy
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From: The Golden State in the USA
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The unexpected is to be found in little country churches...so my recent experiences dictate.
Last Sunday, the pianist and a flautist played a beautiful rendition of a hymn. As the flautist carefully lay her flute back in the case, the pianist unexpectedly hammered out a Golden Oldie, "Take Five." I was wild about Dave Brubeck's version way back when and didn't expect to hear it as the prelude to a church service. There was a quiet rumble of laughter and a few dared to offer a short-lived applause.
At the service I didn't get any 'pictures'. They finally arrived that evening.
I saw Jesus on the hill. Watching the disciples battle the stormy waters in the darkness. Coming down to walk on the water to them. Getting in the boat. Sleeping in the boat amid the storm. Awaking to His disciples' cries. His stilling of the waters in great authority.
These pictures looked real. I heard the tune rolling in the background along with the raging waters.
Now, if I could hear some words to go with it....
_____________________________
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http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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God's Irony - 7/21/2006 2:41:52 AM
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Hisjoy
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It was not until after I'd written the last entry that that it 'clicked' in my mind with a post somewhere above it.
"No more golden oldies for me," I'd agreed with God. Then, ironically, He drops "Take Five" into my lap...in church!
Did I get the wrong message about the golden oldies? I don't think so. Then, why did He send "Take Five"? And why did I hanker for some lyrics?
"Take Five," as far as I know, didn't have any words. It was merely a lively tune in its heyday. I'd never heard it in dance halls. You just didn't dance to "Take Five." For that matter, you couldn't sing to it either! It was there for the senses.
I didn't understand why it came to church that Sunday, except that I saw pictures in it. Pictures of Jesus calming the storm.
God was telling me something and I wasn't listening. I was searching for an answer instead. I've got to know!
Then, listen and know! How often He has to tell me that. Be still and know that I am God!
Here was an evidence that vestiges of my personal storm--my forceful journey through life--still remained. And so He took away my passionate feelings, my enthusiasm, my motivation, and my searching, seeking heart for a season. I merely walked through the last two weeks. I worked...read...prayed...none of it in earnest. Things were accomplished...I learned...received answer to prayer...all of it from Him.
Be still and know that I am God! Drink Him in, hear from Him, be used of Him! First, be still. Then listen!
"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord.
That clinches it. Thank You, Father. I've got it...at last.
_____________________________
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http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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RE: Take Five...Books this Time! - 7/27/2006 3:18:44 AM
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Hisjoy
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My friend asked me, "What are your five favorite books?"
That inspired me to try to remember books I've read right back to being a toddler! Well that far back, of course, I just took in the pictures and probably put my grubby little hands all over the pages.
Our children definitely treated books in this way. Just in time for our children to learn appreciation of books, I read, "Let your child touch, smell, hug, teethe on...whatever...his books." That is to say, don't make books untouchable. Let your children learn to appreciate them. Then, when they grow up, they will read. Our daughter and son did touch, smell, hug, and almost whatever their books. Thankfully they didn't try to teethe on them.
They did, however, love for my husband or I to read to them. I was not so educated as to know that I should read to a newborn when Jen was born, so she didn't get the benefit till about 6 months. But by the time Michael came, he was getting a full dose of books every day from the start, along with Jen.
Jen loved books. She had other worthy interests and talents, but reading was her favorite of all things to do. From a toddler when she would say, "Will you read me a book," and after an affirmative answer would produce three from behind her back, to the woes and throes of puberty when she would comfort herself in her room with books, Jen was an avid reader. Now as a mother, she has reading as one of her favorite relaxing pastimes.
Michael's is a different story. As a little boy, he would get one of his truck or other boy books if we offered to read to him. Later, if we could get him to read a book, it was a grand achievement. He was a sportsman, a Boy Scout, a singer and more...but not a reader. So far as I know he reads very little now.
My story is different again. I remember some preschool books, during which time my granddad was the one who read to me. After we moved from my grandparents' house when I was 6, I didn't read very often. By the time I was a teenager, I read just about only what I was expected to read at school.
When I became a Christian I read two missionary biographies, and a few more more mission-related books during my time in missionary school.
It wasn't until I started reading to our children that I really got hooked on reading for myself! From their toddler books I gravitated to grown up books. I actually bought some! Then I joined the library with the children. When we moved to our present city, books took pre-eminence in the long, hot summers.
Now, I go overboard with books summer and winter, and have got to pull back. There are scores of books in our house, I have five on the go, and I just got four from the library today. Of course, I have to finish the five before I can start the latter. Then I'll renew the library books and read them one at a time!
From the books I'm reading now and looking back over the years, it's interesting to see just what I was reading at what stage of my life. I'm still working on the analysis and it's extremely eye opening. In a way, it's gratifying--I'm not yet sure why but I'm soon to find out. And I've just about weeded out my favorite five.
_____________________________
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RE: My First Bible - 8/4/2006 1:03:14 AM
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Hisjoy
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From: The Golden State in the USA
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When Selahgirl asked the question, “Would you like to tell me about the first Bible that you remember owning/reading?” I was the next poster who was therefore privileged to answer that question in “The ‘Would you…?’ Game.” I wrote and rewrote an answer and removed a few sections. The final version is seriously truncated due to the nature of the thread. So here is the near-original-as-possible version with extras besides.
My First Bible
It was given to me by my aunt and uncle on my ninth birthday, a small, hardback KJV Bible. My aunt had put it in a cardboard box and pasted a cutout of a daffodil on the lid. I liked the simplicity of that box and kept the Bible in it in the top drawer of my dresser.
When I opened the drawer, the box would always be there in the front, reminding me of its treasure. Sometimes I'd open the box and a page of the Bible at random. Then I’d scan a few verses, conscious that there was something sacred there, yet not understanding most of it.
I did understand two statements. A teacher (we read the Bible in school back then) highlighted Stephen’s words, “Lay not this sin to their charge.”* At seven years old, I was enthralled by the words as I pondered the thought that while the people mercilessly stoned Stephen, he prayed words of forgiveness.
The second quote, which I came upon at about 13 years of age, was Jesus’ expression of forgiveness spoken as He bled and suffered, dying, while carrying our sins on the cross. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”**
I was still carrying the wonder of Stephen’s words and now Jesus’ words settled along with them inextricably in my heart. I saw their poignant beauty creating wonder and a sense of stillness even during my painful teenage years. And so the precious words took me from a seven-year-old with a childlike love for God, through my teenage rebellion against Him.
By that time I had used the cardboard box for something else. But I kept the lid because my aunt had placed the daffodil on it and because I felt the Bible should be set apart from the other things in the drawer. I turned the lid upside down like a tray and placed the Bible in it. Now, every time I opened the drawer, there was the Bible staring at me.
Because the Bible so often came in view, my frequent cursory readings continued. Those little snippets of time with God lasted only while the drawer was open. Each time I closed the Bible and the drawer, I went right back to my own rebellious world.
There came a time when I stopped opening the drawer. I left home at 21 without the Bible, but not without my two special portions still in my heart and nudging me to gentle remembrance on occasion. In addition, God in His faithfulness sent some wonderful Christian friends into my life…with a tract that had Scriptures! I kept it in my wallet and sometimes would read the verse on the back. Every time I visited my friends, they would reason with me in the Scriptures. So while I didn’t have my Bible, God kept His Word coming to me and now I was beginning to understand some of it. At the same time I was struggling through life and covering my sorrows with so-called good times.
After I had rampaged through one and a half more self-pleasing, God-defying years (inwardly God-seeking and learning in the privacy of my friends’ home), my friends led me to Christ. When they asked me, “Do you have a Bible?” I told them where it was; they told me in their kindly, no nonsense way that I should go get it! I gladly boarded the bus and went back to the house where my Bible had been reposing for the past eighteen months. It was still there in the drawer!
I carefully removed the little Bible, took it back to my lodgings and started to read the book of John as my friends had advised. God was speaking to me, even without my friends being there to help me understand! I was grateful, though, that they still spent time with me in the Word, teaching me almost daily. My little KJV was soon set aside as I bought a Bible that had easier-to-read print.
I’ve collected more Bibles over the years, which I use for reference and daily readings. Nevertheless, today that little Bible has a special place in the bookcase. On rare occasions I’ll look at it briefly, just as I did in the past--except that when I close it up the words stay with me. The paper sleeve is ragged, the cover torn from its spine. Inside, it still bears message that will never change. But in the years since my aunt and uncle gave me that little Bible, Oh, how I have changed, thanks be to God.
*Acts 7:60 **Luke 23:34
_____________________________
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Eureka! - 8/22/2006 10:45:56 AM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
Joined: 5/22/2005
From: The Golden State in the USA
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Someone asked me on forums if I had "recovered" from the four days' vacation in Eureka. My answer: no, I don't ever want to.
When you go to a wonderful place where there is beauty and grandeur, history and spirit, that is excellent--and it was. But when you have known someone online, think you know her well and she knows you, and then when you meet you are like birds of a feather, well then, I don't think there's a word for it.
Dena and I and Leonard stayed close for four days. From early morning to late evening we were together. We ate together, laughed, almost cried, shared hearts, opened our lives to each other.
We might have been walking at the zoo or on the beach, exercising, strolling among the redwoods, in our motel room, at her parents' home, in a museum, at the fort, sharing the memories of Dena’s childhood places, at church, wherever. We were together and there was a bond like I've not known with a friend. She was more than a sister even, and we really were one in Christ. We had mentioned in our writings to one another that we were "kindred spirits" or "soul sisters" and it's true!
When we said goodbye, I cried. And I can't walk away from this thinking there's nothing more. This is a work of God. Leonard says to wait on the Lord for His timing. Dena says we can look forward to what the Lord has for us in future. We are all three waiting to see what He will do.
[This article, including quotes from and allusions to Dena and Leonard, published with their permission.]
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http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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Justa Thinkin' - 8/30/2006 1:49:25 AM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
Joined: 5/22/2005
From: The Golden State in the USA
Status: offline
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My mind is blank. Yet I feel a writing mode coming on.
Here's what has been on my mind today. I had no idea what I was going to write about till I wrote that sentence. Let's hope I can get it back (what's been on my mind--not my mind, I've got that!).
Love. The kind of love that ignores faults, does not judge, is genuinely interested in people, is compassionate, gives and cares. The kind of love that draws people to Jesus where they can sort it all out with Him. I want it all the time--let me live that kind of love.
How is he doing today? Our son is sick and we couldn't get in touch on his phone today. We are praying, and the best help he can get is from God.
My granddaughter on the phone yesterday...she sounded so grown up for her age, 7. Talked so sweetly with me, tactfully told me her friend was there after we had talked a little while. Daddy was busy (he really was), mommy and her bro & sis were out. I loved that little chat with her and the thought of her going back to play with her friend. My s-i-l was on his day off, working on their home. Our daughter is in good health and expecting her fourth and she was out with her friend and her two younger children. I love it.
People I know who are sick, some seriously. Praying for them. Thinking through the healing process. Thinking how some do not get healed and yet that is not an excuse for not trusting God. Yet all who came to Jesus were healed (read that in the NT). God is faithful and trustworthy, no matter what.
People who are going through changes in their lives. Feeling like I'm walking with them in it, feeling it with them. Praying. Knowing God will hug them through it regardless of what I feel, because in these changes or despite them He is doing His work in their lives.
Motives for prayer. James says we should not pray with selfish motives. Some things that might seem to be good prayers turn out to be selfish because they are for my comfort alone. Like praying for someone's healing, for instance, and then finding out it was for my own comfort! Ugh! I just feel terrible when it dawns on me what I've done! I want to pray for God out of genuine concern for the other. I want for God to be made known through His answer, not only known to me but to whomever else He wants to hear what He's saying and doing. Someone else might say, "to glorify God." If you understand that better, then that's probably what I mean.
My sleep schedule. It's out of kilter. So my days are dazed. I have to try harder to get back on schedule.
The wonderful time we had up north. We met my special online friend for the first time, and now she's my special face-to-face friend and my husband enjoyed her friendship too. It was amazing how we had sensed a kindred spirit online and then when we met it was so, and also the three of us belonged together. It was (is) a Jesus thing, that I think about and thank Him for it. We visited some grand places and I think of them as well, and of her family members whom we met, and of her family home.
The book I'm reading. I am reading a book with just two chapters to go and it's making me think about Christianity vs Christian spirituality as the author states. The demands and expectations that make up the author's definition of "Christianity" are different from the walk with Jesus that is his (the author's) definition of "Christian spirituality". I know what he's saying and I like it. "Christian spirituality" has the kind of love that I mentioned earlier. I think-pray about that kind of love, and he got me think-praying on it again today.
He's doing much better. Yay, our son just called and he's doing much better! Thank You, Jesus!
Going to God about everything. That's what the characters did in the book of the Bible I'm reading. They just left it with Him and got on with their lives and God took care of everything. I tend to go to Him for everyday and big stuff, but I often have a hard time letting go. Why, when God is so great, powerful and able? Back to the Bible people--everywhere they moved they started out with God. They built an altar and worshiped God. We travel a lot more now. I won't be building an altar, but can I at least remember to thank Him and honor Him each time we get to where we're going, when we get there, knowing He brought us there? And as soon as something comes up, why do I sometimes wait? I should go to Him right away! Those Bible people had their faults but they had a lot to teach this also far from faultless one.
There's been more on my mind, I know, but that's enough for now. Besides, I'm still thinkin'. What have you been thinkin' about today?
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http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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RE: Justa Bein' - 9/14/2006 1:22:03 AM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
Joined: 5/22/2005
From: The Golden State in the USA
Status: offline
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"God has not called you to this place to reinvent yourselves. He knows what you've been through, knows your gifts, knows where you are now. Minister out of your brokenness, without looking at the past."
The message to the co-pastors being installed at a church last Sunday was hinged on that statement. God wants as as we are. He made us and has brought us to this place we are at. We--the who-we-are-right-now people in Him--are the ones He wants to use.
People are entering new situations all the time, in their homes, work, social life....
I often think I have to change into something else at the door, depending on what the situation demands--to be what 'they' expect (which is a very unfair attitude to 'them'), to be a great conversationalist, an expert listener, to display confidence, to look right, to understand swiftly, to write with a flourish, to adapt quickly, to be what I'm not...the list goes on. Reinventing myself in theory is one of my talents habits and it never works.
Who am I going to be when I approach the next new situation?
Perhaps I should just be the me that God has made up to that point, brokenness and all.
< Message edited by HisJoy -- 9/14/2006 10:34:17 AM >
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http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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I Remember God - 9/20/2006 11:50:53 PM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
Joined: 5/22/2005
From: The Golden State in the USA
Status: offline
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I remember God...
...that distant, unknown person up in the sky.
Sometimes I felt He was near.
At 3 years old I was very proud of the tiny naevus on my right hand, showing it to grown-ups but not to other children. I'd say, "Do you see that? Do you know where it came from?" They'd tell me they saw it and didn't know where it came from, and I would say with great passion (because I was very, very sure of it), "God put it there to make my hand look pretty."
When the Bible was still taught in school, I took to heart Stephen's saying, "Lay not this sin to their charge." It was wonderful to a 7-year-old that he would be so forgiving, and I told God so, sure that He heard me. Later, a 13-year-old would be captured by Jesus' words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
I had entered my rebellious teen years. A friend invited me to church on Easter and, to my own surprise, I went! I really enjoyed the service and the hymns. My heart was lifted. I wanted to go back another time. On arriving home, the question was immediately thrown at me, "Well, did you enjoy it?" My answer (because I had to be tough) was, "No." And I held to it--never went back.
A few months later, I walked up the stairs to my math class. A children's hymn came to my mind. One line in particular stood out, "O, light the flame within my heart." I was saying it to God even though I didn't know Him. And right there on the stairs I got a wonderful feeling--my heart felt like it burned with warmth. I was sure God had heard me.
God reached out to me when I was 15. Another friend invited me to her youth group. One of the new breed of musical groups was bringing guitars and singing new songs. It was a fun night. After the concert they invited people to come up front to ask Jesus into their hearts. Oh, how I wanted to do it! Even so, I didn't understand Who He was, or what would happen to me, so I played safe and didn't go forward.
I remember night after night in my late teen years, calling out to God, "If You are real, show Yourself to me." At the same time I was telling people that He didn't exist. This happened for at least two years and then...
...at 20, I went to a church service for the first time in several years, invited by another friend. The preacher presented the attributes of Jesus. Suddenly feeling physically weak, I appealed to God as thoughts of past injustices to my friends bombarded me and the goodness of Jesus appealed to me! "O, God, I'm not like that," said I as he described the Lord, "I want to be like Jesus." 'Something' enveloped me from head to toe with a 'fwoomp', and I felt clean--as clean as clean can be. I'd been speaking out against God and now I wanted to know all about Him. I really wanted to change. It didn't last. After a few days, the good feeling left and I went back to being my rebellious self.
All these experiences with God, and probably more, and I knew nothing about salvation or why Jesus came to die on the cross, or why He rose again.
Yet looking back on those hollow, fearful times, I remember God.
He 'touched' me, a child and a young woman, a few isolated times and a lot of times I just knew He was there. Most of the time He seemed like that distant being up in the sky. The only 'path' I 'saw' to Him was a figment of my imagination: a black, streaky path specked with stars shooting down from a black, starry sky. I felt so empty and everything seemed so dark and frightening when I thought of Him.
Only God Himself can change a heart like that. And He did.
I remember God. I remember what He did for me, how He brought life and love and comfort and peace into my life through Jesus.
Maybe, even today, there are people who think of God as I once did. Maybe God will send me and others also, to listen to their hearts. Maybe God will turn their hearts to Him. Maybe they will one day say, "I remember God....".
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http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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The Artistry of God - 9/24/2006 11:52:54 AM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
Joined: 5/22/2005
From: The Golden State in the USA
Status: offline
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God's fine artwork brought the sweetness of Jesus and His love as a friend and I exchanged what He had given us last Friday. God reminded me that He, our Creator, is an artist, as He arranges the music in the lives of His children.
I’d thought about sending my friend two Bible quotes that I love, in my next PM--“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” from Hebrews 13:5 and 2 Peter 1:3 (God gives us all things pertaining to life and Godliness).
God didn’t let me send the verses, but He did let me pray them for her. The first thing I saw on forums as I went there before going to work: my friend had sent me a PM. She mentioned a line of a song, “Unchangeable,” by Zoe Girl that was meaningful to her and now to me that day. The music had begun.
One of the Bible quotes, “I will never leave you….” was there in her quote from the song! God had already given it to her! And it blessed me as well.
The verse and the song quote were appropriate reinforcements as later at work things weren’t going so well. I went to forums for a break time and there was a PM for me. It was again from my friend and she had sent me the whole song!
I ate it up hungrily. It was exactly what I needed, sweet and calming; I felt the sweetness of Jesus and His love surrounding me. His music is life!
A line of the song spoke about God having given us all we need to live for Him. He had given her that verse from 2 Peter and a whole lot more besides, all in that song! I needed all of it, too.
Oh, the artistry of God! He had arranged the music that morning! I sent a PM to my friend. Now I could tell her about the verses so she could see the whole score. Then I printed out the song and propped it up so I could see it as I worked.
God gave me some verses and my friend a song! We each needed them and God sent them to us in His own special way. As we exchanged what God had given us, He kept the music flowing in sweet harmony.
Yes, God reminded me that He is an artist. He writes the sweet music of life itself and arranges it in His love. Sometimes He uses His children to play it to one another.
_____________________________
http://www.myspace.com/euphraino
http://www.shoutlife.com/simcha
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On the Bottom Rung - 10/22/2006 3:05:47 AM
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Hisjoy
Posts: 5866
Joined: 5/22/2005
From: The Golden State in the USA
Status: offline
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It had been a while, I knew.
And it was just as I expected. "Rather by Love" was on the back page. It took a little searching, but I found it. On the bottom rung!
It doesn't happen so much these days, but sometimes I feel like I'm on the bottom rung.
You know that feeling. You do the best you can, but it's not good enough. You pull your weight like the rest of them but who cares. You're not satisfied with what you're doing, or with what you've got. You don't have enough to do. You have too much to do. Out of sight. Out of mind. Down near the ground. Near the dust and dirt. Can't even see where the rest are going. I'll never see the top. That top rung gets all the glory, and sometimes it doesn't even have to bear any weight at all. Ole t | | | |
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