Mixed Emotion May. . .

5/12/09 4;47AM (When I started this draft to post)

So far May has been filled with mixed emotions and some events – also upcoming events for next month. For the most part my thoughts are happy ones that’s been intertwined with some sad.

For instance earlier this month I was reminded of when I was younger and going to church with my grandparents, while singing that old hymn - “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” mostly these days we sing current/contemporary songs but I do enjoy singing old hymns once in awhile.

I realize some might not care for it but they sometimes make me teary eyed – happy/sad.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry, ev'rything to God in Prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry, ev'rything to God in Prayer.

And, it’s not just this hymn it’s any that rockets be back to the Church of Christ. I have so many fond memories of when my brother and I attended; with no surprise to me that I feel as I do when I hear the old hymns. All the songs were sung 'A capella' (without instruments) it was beautiful, my grandpa sure loved to sing; and sang everywhere! Then at church I started thinking of a little black pocket Bible.

I haven’t thought of it in quite some time maybe it was that my birthday was coming up – and you might ask what did that have to do with anything. I’ll explain why. This little pocket Bible I believed belonged to my grandpa Baker. I don’t know how I came to acquired it, I had it for many years and I’m sad to say I know longer have it with me. I sure remember it though; it was a New Testament Bible, black and I think possibly leather bond with a small emblem of silver or gold on the bottom right corner. The most important part to me and where my birthday comes (and I should add my brothers also – since we were born on the same day 4 years apart) into play is at the back of the book was a page with a prayer of commitment. You could fill in the blanks as you prayed. Giving his life to the Lord on May 10, 1958 and signed at the bottom of the page was Lawrence David Baker, my grandpa – and on my first birthday. Not knowing it then but what an awesome gift to me(us) and to be able to see him again one day is an added bonus.

It's something how one memory can lead to so many more, whether it may be happy or sad. Like in the song we might be holding on to sad things in our lives. For interest:

The old hymn was written in 1855 by Joseph Scriven (b.1820-d.1886) and was orig­in­al­ly published anonymously; Scriv­en did not re­ceive full cred­it for writing it for nearly 30 years. It was said that Scriv­en wrote it as a poem to provide com­fort to his mo­ther in her time of special sorrow and hardship; not intending anyone else should see it. The world has surly been blessed with its comforting words, I know I've been blessed by it. I also read that the author was too, as he had times of sorrow and grief in his life as well.

Our family has faced many sad events in our time and of most recent was having to say good-bye (for now) to a deeply loved family member. My husband's (Jim) step-father (his name is also Jim) died earlier this month; he had been fighting cancer for quite awhile. He was the one who raised my husband his role model for life, and the one whom he had always referred to has his Dad. We'll miss him dearly, we didn't want him to go, but knowing how much he loved the Lord, we know where he is. 

Last week I saw a book in a Christian book store about death and how it’s not the end of one's life, as so many want to believe. I know a number of people that believe this way -- that when they die they are "just no more," they cease to exist. Jim said that "it's what they're hoping for, because they don't want to face the reality of heaven or hell."

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the assurance that when your time comes you know you will be in a much better - a most wonderful - place called heaven? To be able to be reunited with those you miss and love again. You might be thinking that it's not so - - but how do you know? What if there truly is such a place, you surely wouldn't what to miss it. Would you?

I don't have a little New Testament to give you with a fill in the blank page. You really don't need it anyway.

Jesus say's "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Rev 3:20

This verse reminds me of another memory. When my eldest son was around 3 years old we were setting on our living room, I was watching some minister on TV and he read this verse never saying what it was about. My son said to me, “Mommy, Jesus is knocking at my door.” I replied, “He is.” Then asked him where his door was and he replied pointing to his chest, “In My heart!”

Jesus doesn't ask, nor expect, you to put on any special clothes, or to bring out the best china and silver for dinner. He doesn't even ask what's for dinner, he just wants to sit down and break bread with you, just as you are. Why? Because He loves you just as you are, He wants to be your friend; why not open the door and dine with Him?

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry, ev'rything to God in Prayer.

Sometimes I do hold on to things that I shouldn’t as I’m sure you do, and it eats at you. Then I’m reminded I do have someone to take things to. He is Faithful. He has blessed me this month so far more than you know and in the most wonderful ways. We aren’t even through this month.

Next month we’ll be celebrating our son getting married. We won’t have family there just us and his brothers - it’s too far and I’m sure it’s costly. But, I’ll be breaking out the tissue and recording another memory for my thoughts to hold dear and to share.

My birthday was on Mother’s Day this year - I have three blessing I always hold dear.

~

Fast forward to today this morning 17 years later I am finishing this draft I believe just might have ben meant for today. 

Same sentiment and holiday / birthday combined. You could say still a mixed emotion May, with good memories and blessing mixed with sad. Somethings didn't work out as we hoped over the years - but isn't that how it is sometimes. God brought me/us through it all and will continue. We have suffered losses, and loved ones over the years, we've also been blessed living through good times and bad - let's be honest. But God by his grace has blessed this family - I do believe what Paul wrote years ago "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." 

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry, ev'rything to God in Prayer.

How true this is why would you want to make things harder on yourself than what you may experience in this temporary life? Let go.  .  .  I love how my pastor shares and one phrase I shared myself recently, "the things we should remember we forget and the things we should forget we remember."  

I glad I saw this drafted that need posting - wow 17 years gone by, the memory of my mom's dad and his little black pocket Bible. I'm also holding on to this verse:

"Sir, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Acts 16:30-31 

I hope all mom's everywhere had a blessed mom's day, believing for you and your family, God's grace is everything it's sufficient - trust Him for the out whatever you might have on your plate today - and if He's knocking at your door, my at the time 3 year old said where that door is at. ♡

I wished I had one of my grandpa's recording of him singing - I still hear him in my memories and I'll hear him again. Amen ~

Looking At What's Important ~

Oh where does time go?

Oh I don't know, I don't know.

It is here and then it's gone

As if it wasn't here at all.

We get up and start to move,

Turn around - the day is gone!

Oh the should of's and could of's

That never get done.

We hurry here, we hurry there,

Quick as fast as you can!

Still time disappears ~

A worry to man.

A wise man once said,

Spend time in the WORD

And, He will multiply your time ~

Tucked away in his Bible, 

was a piece of torn envelope;

To which was written, 

Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:13-14 ESV

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Proverbs 3:1-2 ESV.  

JMB

So, what is time we so need?

Accept that which we ran out of.

What is so important about it,

That we should spend it wisely ~

For we are but a vapor,

a mist that is here then gone.

Is there such as, "time well spent?"

The older I am I so wish to number my days wisely ~ 

As it's been said, 

What does man gain by all the toil

 at which he toils under the sun? (Ecc. !:3)

As a hopefully wise person has said.  .  .  

Maybe, just the mood I'm in or fighting with allergies this time of the year. But looking at what's important in life and what we all seem to take for granted. Since we do miss loved ones, think on spending valued time wisely recognizing what truly is important, while we are here.

 VB 

Looking ahead ~

Hebrews 11:10

The Argument ~

1.3.2026

Prior to 'celebrating' the New Year, I watched a Chuck Missler's teaching, The Christmas Story (in two parts). I enjoyed the study and learned some things I didn't know and a few I hadn't thought of in sometime. In part two he shared a poem he wrote, My King, he titled it for this lesson, My Coming King, I will post a link below you can check it out for yourself, here I'll share a short bit of the poem. 

My King

He is the King of the Jews

  He is the King of Israel

But He’s also

  King of all the Ages;

  King of Heaven;

  King of Glory;

  King of Kings;

    …and Lord of Lords.

When I watched and listened to him read his poem he added this right where I stopped. . .

                             Do you know Him?

                                                           Do you really?

Those two questions caught my attention - it should cause everyone to think of where they are in their walk (relationship) with God.  Over the years I've had people say to me about another's faith, saying, "they aren't Christian," believing they are this way or another (I told them I can't say that). It is entirely possible they did ask the Lord into their lives and somewhere something happened to cause them to go backwards or not forwards. I know some who were instantly changed and some who hadn't for whatever reason. I know children who gave their lives to the Lord, some went onward strong others not. But they still accepted the Lords gift.

For some their faith seems weak or is it? .  .  . Maybe they are battling things only known to them, or  war-faring on their own to break what holds them not realizing or understanding we have someone strong on our side. .     And, maybe they haven't truly excepted Gods free gift that is possible; for I know some found out later they hadn't and believed they had. 

What do you believe about your faith and walk - if you do have a relationship with Him? Is it possible that a person is afraid to fully give their lives to Him thinking they will not have their own control over their lives? Is it possible the thought of yielding to God means you are losing yourself per-se? 

I believe you will always still be you in personally and even characteristics, but become a better version of yourself as He saw you in the beginning, even before you were born. What are you trusting Him for today?

We either need to give our life to Him, trusting in Him or we already have and still need to yield to Him to live free from bondage we might be living under. Keeping in mind here, there is someone in control in your life letting you believe you are. Possibly lying and causing you to believe wrong. We do have free will that God allows giving us a freedom of choice. - Is He waiting on you to yield? If you are afraid it's not what you think.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV

I believe we might have a time or two in all our lives when we've prayed and felt as God isn't listening or doesn't care. THAT COULN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. 

You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, .  .  . Colossians 2:20 NLT

Is it fair to blame God for something we aren't 'ready' (by choice) or willing to trust Him for? So as Chuck Missler had asked the questions:

                              Do you know Him?

                                                             Do you really?

Maybe it would be better to ask where are you in this relationship and are you really trusting Him today? I know in my own life it is sometimes easier to trust Him for others and have some doubt in mine. It doesn't have to remain this way. In fact I trust Him for the validity of scripture, His word stands true. Though my husband and I both did everything we knew to and prayed over and over for a healing, I wanted him to be here with me. He still died prematurely; Yet I still believe what the word says about healing, believing He still heals today. I trust and not just for the the couple reasons listed. When looking back at my life He has ALWAYS been there and I see what He has carried me through and continues.

Oh ~ The Argument  - is the one that you have with your thoughts, arguing with yourself, a battle, between the truth of God's word that which His Holy Spirit is confirming and the lies that Satan would have you believe. Just a thought. 

As we head into a brand New Year, people for the most part if they haven't already begun making resolutions, some make it towards their goals, others only break them with disappointed, and to be truthful some make them knowing they break them. :)  I don't know if you are one of them, which ever. I would encourage you if you do make one grab a Bible verse that you can grow daily with or make a point to seek the Lord more, go to a Bible study or start one, there are any number of things you can do that would grow your relationship with Him. I don't make them myself but for several years I've chosen this verse.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, (and sisters), I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  .  . Philippians 3:13-14 ESV

Know that God isn't looking so much for perfection as much as He's looking for progress. It's a thought and one a pastor in Ohio shared. I like it!

.  .  .  Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:15 ESV

This is just my thoughts here to share with those who are reading and following this blog. It has always been my intent to encourage others, not exasperate, yes it is a strong word, however to many today fill pressure from life, most from choices made trying to change their situation on their own thinking it is all they have to rely on.  If anything shifting our thoughts towards the truth of God's word and know that He is as close as a call, whether you asked Him already into your heart and still relying on what you can do for you (the argument) or will ask Him in today.  Do let this year go by as the last with disappoints let's start today by exercising that measure of faith He has given us all of us to grow.

 

Chuck Missler The Christmas Story Part 1

Chuck Missler The Christmas Story Part 2. Both YouTube

Another good lesson from an old radio broadcast with Derek Prince on Right Resolutions you can find here. 

Twelve Steps To A Good Year part 1 by Derek Prince  Youtube

Twelve Steps To A Good Year /all by Derek Prince Website 

Both Prince links are easy to locate and each 10-13 minutes. He also has a mobile app. 

Prayers always for those who happen by. V

December ~

Winter is coming.

Rest is due.

Fall is winding down.

Generating the last bit of fall.

For the long winters rest,

Looking towards a new season.

Leaves are dropping,

Bird are prepping and

for those that hang back 

Hopeful ~    12.9.25 VLB

"Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them." Isaiah 42:9 ESV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

As another Fall season comes to close new is on the horizon.  Just as the deep sleep of Winter - a refreshing will come in the Spring. The old passing away with new things to come.

Let old things go, drop all that hinders you like the leaves dropping off the once full trees. The Lord's mercies are new every morning and great is His constant grace and faithfulness to all of us who believe,

Amen ~

VLB 12.11.25

Ahhh Moisture ~

I had been longing for moisture (a good rain) since July 16, 2016. In fact,I attempted to write a post then (and on 10.18 with finally after it rained and now since almost a month later!) it just got way from me .  .  side tracked again! For the past two years prior, almost to the day, I could barely stand it! We only seemed to be teased with nothing to write home about as my gram would say. - Yes, I was longing for beautiful moisture. 

I could talk a lot about living in a desert - hot and dry, with this year I used the term dehydrating frequently!  Everything was aching for moisture, I think especially me. I also was sharing; how bad is it when you see possible cumulus clouds and any rain in them you would only see evaporate before hitting the ground or bringing tears to my eyes only to see it pass by. 

Then, finally ~

My recent long awaited pics ~  Afternoon shot the start ~ 1:15  10.12. 2025

Morning 6:30 next day ~

5:33 PM

We had two days of beautiful rain! Keep in mind many in AZ have had to much and are still cleaning up; some lost property, pets, and suffered other damage. Yet for years we have been in the shadows of rain, having none that actually makes an impact with what we need keeping draught at bay. The last rain I logged was September 16, 24 Anticipating - the last rain like in shots above, September 15, 2014.

But what is it about moisture most long for - I long for? 

Maybe it is more of a spiritual longing for refreshing or maybe both ~

Being truthful here -- I love rain!

When sharing in my recent post "Anticipated Time" everything from heat - dry and lack of rain doesn't seem to help this time of the year and all the beauty one may expect. And, just as nature is preparing for Winter's rest and renewal in the Spring - we also long for that renewal - "refreshing" from moisture as well.

Do you long for a refreshing? Your strength renewed?

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 NIV

This is what I love about Autumn/Fall (harvest time) Moisture ~  We should always take time for rest, like we sometimes feel at this time of the year, a quiet peace, now when you add rain to that - you feel refreshed from a dry dehydrating draught feeling - a breather :) And, in particular I really needed a breather over the past 3 summers helping my dad and this year my dad had hip surgery at 92 it was a long eight months. I am so thankful he is doing so much better.

That's how I feel with moisture and Autumn. Rested -Refreshed - Renewed.  Thankful ~

Jeremiah 31:25

Acts 3:19

Psalm 68:9

Psalm 23:1 (I lack nothing)NIV

                

Amen

I Don't Always Need A Title ~

I have so many started posts I haven't been able to finish. These now "drafts" have been in my try to finish mode. But when you get sidetracked, you seem to loose what you were originally thinking in the first place and where it was going, now not even sounding close to the same. This has happened to me several times over the years. Though, there are times when it turns out just right and maybe what the intent was to be all along. But for today .  .  . now tomorrow .  .  .

.  .  .  putting that aside - I'm now on to this newer post, the others will need to wait. :)   

So without a show of hands, how many of you have the USPS Informed delivery app.?  When I was away - physically, I noticed this app my daughter n law was using and decided I would give it a go.  When you are away  - or for whatever reason - it's nice to know what mail will be delivered, whether it's envelope or package. I found it to be very useful whether you live in a good, bad or out in the middle of no where kind of neighborhood.  :)

This 'app' is of course on my cell where I check it mostly. I also receive informed delivery in my email daily (occasionally).  So, recently as of the past several days, I haven't been able to log in. Over the past three day's I tried coming up with a new password. :/ Four in fact!!!   

I received this email from USPS:

This email is being sent to inform you that someone has tried multiple times to access your account on line. Each access attempt has failed and for your protection, your account will be locked or made unavailable for the next 24 hours.

Instead of waiting the 24 hours to have the account unlocked, you are welcome to use the Forgot your Password function found at _  You will need to provide your user name and answer to your secret question (s) before a new temporary password will be provided. 

And, what was my response? 

Yes.....IT HAS BEEN ME!!!!

I did try their suggestions it didn't work. In fact, It would respond with someone already has that user name! Then I wasn't even being recognized at all. I  ended up "creating" a new long in - different email - and after SEVERAL attempts with a new password one was finally acceptable.  I like my old login but I guess if I like the use of the app. I'll be ok with it all, but what a time suck!

I surely hope you don't have to deal with the same. 

Which now brings me to a quick word on "PASSWORDS."  There are so many passwords being used that you have to be so creative and if you don't log it - it's truly hard to remember. I have so many, I dislike logging into any of the internet sites I use. But unfortunately it is so much - 'to' to much apart of our lives. I truly admire those that are free from it but when I was gone I came to rely on the internet for research, bills, a lot other needed things other than 'media.'

Okay a recent, as of yesterday, note here, As shared I am no longer using my original login for USPS, as stated they no longer recognize it. Hence - my new login acct. I am now receiving emails to my old acct. and my new ~

I guess some things you just need to laugh off or be irritated. 

This morning, as my sibs and I try to text Good Morning, I sent this out.

The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. Ecclesiastes !:5 ESV    (I tell my sister all days seem to run together like reliving the same day, ARGH!)

I will add another wise verse from the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.  

What has been is what will be, and what has been done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 ESV

And, if there is a moral here to be learned and I'm sure you who might be reading can think of one that could apply to something  you are dealing with, let it be the importance of letting go, maybe with a little much needed laughter resting your mind of daily non-essential things that just seem to clutter our lives.  - a big reminder to myself. 

And, just because -

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whoever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me_ practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV.                          Just another good reminder to me ~

No Title - Just A Day ~

 I had a lot of things

I wanted to say 

today,

but they slipped

my mind as

the day got 

away ~

VLB 7.25.25

Some times you 

feel creative~

And, only

time will tell.

Whether or not

others will see

a creative side,

of me ~

VLB 7.25.25

I've been missing, 

ME ~

Ever busy,

always on the run!

It seems to

happen this way.

Moving in and out,

throughout my

day.

VLB 7.25.25

When having a

conversation,

you just might find out;

while talking to 

the other person,

You were 

really talking

to 

yourself.

VLB 7.25.25

It happens ~

While thinking 

of something else

to say,

it occurred to me 

the day is just about spent!

So moving right along

not to forget or

leave out a 

Psalm ~

VLB 7.25.25

But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 ESV

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night. Psalm 92:1-2 ESV 

Ok two.

In the first scripture, the word distress is sometimes written as trouble or adversity like difficulties depending on the version you read. My time has been taken in a sense by stepping in again to help care for someone I care about who has been trying to heal after surgery. It surely has been a challenge for me and has left me somewhere in a place I find difficult to be in. It isn't that I can't it's that the person is demanding at times and there hasn't been any room for me. 

I'm so thankful God is my refuge and His word hidden in my heart ~  I also had the best beautiful blessing to start my day a part of a favorite song sung and sent by audio text - Way Maker.  He is certainly that and more. So with all the happenings that are not so pleasant, I know He makes a way when their doesn't seem to be one or when some of my thoughts come out like above. :)

The Boy.

Father God

Where is that 

happy boy of

so many years ago?

With so many smiles

And, a joyful heart.

With twists and turns

choices made,

With and enemy's

laughing words

with lies of  deception.

Only You, Only You.

Can turn the clock

to restore the soul 

and save

the boy.

VLB 3.17.2025

Years can pass so quickly; we all remember times when young people much like in our own homes and how life was; maybe how we remember it to have been. You wonder what happened to so many who once were riding bikes with tons of laugher, sharing dreams and ideas with siblings and friends. Making grown-up plans while heading to school.  

It really doesn't seem to matter if your children are in a good home, school or church they still can be affected by things that wish to do them harm.  My children are all now grown and from a parents perceptive we did the best, we believed, raising them. My husband would have said, with God's help.  Boy, it had to be with God's help, I can speak only for myself saying there were mistakes made and plenty! My husband would have said the same as well.

I remember when I was younger living around plenty of cousins, we spent a lot of time together planning and playing.  I also made friends from around the neighborhood I'd visit with and we'd walk to school together. We all got along for the most part without to many issues though as most kids I did have a few bullies. Like my boys I had plans and dreams, some came to be and others were squashed or damaged by wrong and bad choices I made looking in the wrong direction. 

Over the years I've thought long and hard over decisions made, as from when I was younger and as a parent. I don't talk much about my stupid choices as a teen other than I really was naive - in a sense - more so, I grew without specific guidance needed, only becoming rebellious as a lot of kids in middle school and towards the end of my high school years. Middle - High School was a nightmare, I hated about 90% of my time at school (I'll leave for a later post).  I needed a true friend and someone that I could talk to. Specifically, things were so different from when I was younger as when I played with cousins and walked to school with friends. I was totally out of place. I didn't need a parent to be a friend though I needed a parent to hear my problems and be honest - even if what was being said wasn't what was liked. (Saying this, I can't place fault. I most absurdity knew right from wrong.) I was unhappy with my life and looked for something to fill that void. 

As I look at these things I experienced and at kids today - looking back through my timeline of life I was deceived by lies that held me in a bad place. Some of those lies are what you may tell yourself. When our adult children make choices it's different from when they were younger. When they were younger you as a parented need to step in with guidance even be willing to hear what isn't liked, but when they are the age of accountability - they're responsible for their choices. Just as I was/am.

The Girl ~

Who was that girl 

so long ago? 

That raced her 

bike with cousins,  

on old dirt roads.

Who looked at the 

world with wonder

walking through the woods.

Who believed God as I AM.

With twists and turns

choices made,

unhappy came a void.

Only You, Only You.

Turned the clock

restoring the girl,

Your daughter,

that became the wife,

the mom, the widow.

Your daughter.

VLB 4.3.25

God will always bring to pass that which He started. If you are concerned for your small children or adult children place them in His very capable hands. However, it is up to us to share with them what God has for those who are His and the Holy Spirit will be your guide. Trust Him in all things as He works through and in every detail of their lives. And, wait - this is the hard one to do, but what has the very best outcome. As you wait there is also something for you to do, be His daughter or son (who ever is reading this). Be purposeful with your time when you spend it with Him, there is where your peace and strength comes as you wait. Next anticipate what He is doing and pray.

I wanted to pick one verse that would apply to the last paragraph and liked them all.

Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 1:11, Isaiah 46:4  (He will finish what He started in us)

Psalm 138:8, John 10:28, John 6:37 (He is capable and will finish). <<<

Psalm 48:14, Isaiah 58:11, Psalm 32:8, John 16:13 (He will guide)

Psalm 62:8, Proverbs 3:5, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 2:13, Jeremiah 49:11 (Trust Him)

Isaiah 40:31, Romans 8:24,25,26, Galatians 5:5, James 5:7 (Wait/Patient)

Ephesians 5:15-16, Colossians4:5, Ecclesiastes 3 Psalm 90:12

Psalm 119:148, Galatians 5:5, Philippians 1:20 (Anticipate/Eagerly)

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (Pray)       

I had been dubbed Rambling Vik some time ago and this could be one of those times. I would like to say, we live in a world that is full of things that prick - evils if you will that want nothing better than to deceive us all, we see it every day and don't see the deception that causes so much pain, does so much harm.  Believe me I'm not focusing on a negative but am anticipating and eagerly waiting God's outcome.

We question so much as why and where is God in situations and circumstances we might be in. Truthfully I can look back and see all that He has carried me through whether I was walking as I should have been or not, He was there I am His and He finishing what He stated. Sometimes you need a cleanse for the body to heal and be in tune ~

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20 NIV.    [If you haven't read about Joseph - check it out], and in a nut shell - What an enemy meant for evil - God will turn for the good. 

Prayers for you today for all the above. Shalom 

Love and Kindness

As I sit here I am having a difficult time putting down what has been going through my mind and what I'd like to share (adding, with what can be an in-depth subject). I also want to keep it simple hoping it relevant to what is being shared. The chosen title could probably include "getting along," as people seem to struggle in this department as we've witnessed over the past decade or so. People every where, even in families are lacking the ability to get along or "agree to disagree" with love and kindness. Maybe it's just me ~

People use the word kindness as part of their profiles, descriptive intros on Instagram and Facebook, as well as, when using other media - all the while pointing out faults of others. On the flip - you could say that love and kindness which a person shares daily is much like living out "Christianity." And, not to make light of it but it is indeed a lifestyle not simply a religion that people have use to hide behind as they continue pointing out the faults of others. To be honest here, I would like to believe that they are possibly ignorant of what they're doing. As one professing to be Christian, over the years I have always put forth the effort to not practiced this behavior, however, we all have faults, yes? - as it is clearly stated in Romans 3:10,12 ESV

"None is righteous, no, not one; .  .  .  no one does good not even one."

The verses I shared in part speak volumes. I'm not saying you have to be a Christian to live a loving and kind lifestyle, but it does depict or should a believers life who has a relationship with Jesus. 

"as it is written:  

"None is righteous, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Romans 3:10-12 

It clearly states what shape the heart of man is in. No one is perfect, we have faults, we make mistakes, we can be prideful and self-centered, worldly, loveless and unkind - even living a life not seeing we are in the state we are in.  My gram would say, "a sad state of affairs we find ourselves," ergo this is why we need a Savior. :)

Everyone can have issues and bad days - we can even strive to do better and be good, all the while trying to figure out why things are the way they are.  Why others do as they do and wishing things were different. While in turn not truly making a difference or helping things to improve.  Just wanting others to be more loving and kind. 

"Bad behavior from others should not define who we are." 

The older I get I still recognize and share frequently, our responses can be a true test of where we are and how others might be viewing us. How much time we invest in our relationship with the Lord can be shown through our day by how we interact with others. It can tell us quickly where we're at and whether we need change within ourselves. (always).

We've all experienced in conversations, if we have an honest one, how unpleasant it can be when there are disagreements - pick any subject it doesn't matter - when fingers are pointing out as it literally goes in that direction even before a conversation starts, there is no love or kindness with an already negative formed opinion - or ever getting along. In families reconciliations sometimes never happen, people give up stating 'so and so' will never change, this is how they are and have always been .  .  .  I've made this mistake myself and when it comes to mind - recognize it for what it is and seek forgiveness. I'm not talking here about outside influences as with - "show me who your friends are and I'll show you who you are." But if truth be told even if that were so, either way we can do better in our responses. I do understand that we are expecting others to do the same - which isn't always the case. Some live lonely lives not wanting to have any conversations since they themselves limit what they will talk about based on what others may believe. (That's a topic in and of itself :/) 

Love and kindness should start with us when responding to others, how we communicate - yes, not always easy; mostly we could look at re-wording instead of flying off the top of our heads, to many times we quickly react instead of thinking before speaking. Stepping in with love and that "kindness"makes a difference even if you don't see eye to eye.  How about - putting any and all pride aside, maybe a that competitive side of having to be heard, it happens. God hears us, He can and will definitely work out all the details. (We need to be willing to let Him help, it work out so much better that way). My husband used to say don't send that first draft. That is so wise. How many  misunderstandings and mis-interpretations would be avoided if only when trying to have in-depth conversation with what was meant for sound bites was used better. Sometimes it's better left unsaid and left for another time.

All that I shared are bits and pieces of things I've been thinking from current conversations. As I have been reading old blog posts about love and Valentines, confirmed by viewing scripture verses I wrote down several years ago about how much God loves us - giving us instructions on how to share love and kindness to others.  ~ Simply getting along ~  I have included a bit below.

Love

Who is a God like thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possessions? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. Micah 7:18 NASB (He's love is unchanging, I'm thankful - Amen)

Looking in one of my old little notebooks that had the corner chewed - I had Romans 14:1-23 listed - I'll share in part, I will say that it isn't necessarily about what I'm posting about today, it has valid points to consider when "getting along" with others. Much like today the Christians of the day were disgruntled when Paul wrote Romans. Paul was conveying how they/we should get along. What they deemed  concerned over were secondary matters much like today. Sadly when we squabble over little things it can set the tone for important ones.

Romans 14, is also about principles of conscience and self denial on behalf of others - I love little topical references in my old Bible. I hope you take the time to read the chapter for yourself. 

The verses I chose to share fit well with my title.  I'm using different translations in hopes that everyone can take away something useful while being encouraged.

(1) Now accept the one (other believers NIV) who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgement on his opinions. NASB  [without quarreling over disputable matters. NIV] 

Remember this chapter speaks of the disagreements that was happening over food and days recognized. Again, Paul wrote instructions that can be applied to other matters for us today. 

(13) Therefore let us not judge (criticize AMP, stop passing judgement NIV) one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. NASB

(17) for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness (living a life of goodness NLT)  and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. NASB

(18) For he who is this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved (favorable opinion of) by men. NASB.    Serving the Anointed One by walking in these kingdom realities pleases God and earns the respect of others. TPT - Simply Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! Proverbs 15:23 Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body Pr 16:24 NLT   A little leaven (yeast) leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:9 ESV (leaven can be a good example of kindness or criticism).    (18) If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God and others will approve of you, too. NLT

Lastly, Chapter 14 and into 15 are wonderful verses to think on. I can certainly speak for myself when I say and by what I observe, Yes, we all can do better, I know I can for today.  

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; that with one accord you may voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 15:4-6 NASB 

Amen