Are You Catchin'?

For I have given you an example,

that ye should do as I have done to you.

John 13:15

It's been years and years...way back to childhood since I was asked, “Are you catchin'?”

I was in first grade when someone came from city hall to nail a brightly colored sign to the wall beside our front door. I remember that I saw a big word on it that I couldn't read or even sound out. When the man came, I was on the front porch. Before coming on the porch he asked me to come into the yard and stand by my swing set. From there, I saw him nail the sign for all to read: QUARANTEENED. He didn't speak to my Mother or anyone...he just did it and then left. (I'd like to see anyone get by with that now.) After he left I went up on the porch, about to go into the house to tell my Mother what had happened. She was coming out of the house just as I was going to go in. She stood looking at the sign but made no comment about it. 

I asked my Mother what that sign meant. She said that if anytime I saw a sign like that on the front of someones house, I wasn't to go up to that house because it meant that someone in that house was “catchin'.” I asked her if someone in our house was catchin' and she said that it was me...chicken pox. I knew I had been out of school that day because of some itchy bumps on my skin and now knew I would be out of school for a few more days. The doctor said I could play in the yard if I felt okay but couldn't have any friends near to play with. I can remember seeing friends coming home from school while I was in the yard. Before I could say anything to them, someone would say “Glendarae's catchin' and we can't play with her.” I remember crying a lot that week.

When I went back to school, Miss Irene my first grade teacher took one look at me and asked, “Are you still catchin'?” I had a note from my mom that said the doctor gave permission for me to go back to school. For a few days, various people asked me if I was still catchin' and hated every time I heard it. When anyone would get a bad cold, one always spoke of “catching a cold.” I used to wonder how in the world one caught a cold.

In that day, when you caught something, it was an indication that whatever you had caught was contagious and no one else wanted to catch what you had caught. Still to this day, I tend to speak of catching a cold or catching a bug of some kind.

All that to say... how contagious are you and I spiritually speaking. Are we so strong in our faith that someone could nail a quarantined sign on the front of our houses, cautioning others that if they got around us, they might catch more of Jesus than they ever have in their lives? I would hope for us that our desire would be to spread as many spiritual germs around as possible.

I have been so blessed to have some of the most wonderful, godly women in my life. With all the times we have moved, I have known dear ladies all over the place. They each one have been contagious in such a way as to encourage me more for the Lord than I've ever been. You know the type of ladies I'm talking about. They are ladies of genuine humility who will never know until Heaven the spiritual impact they have had on my life. They are ladies you can sit for long periods of time talking about what the Lord is doing in her/your life. You walk away refreshed and ready to charge a sinful world with more of the things of God.

So what are some ways we can be more spiritually contagious? Perhaps we'll have cause to remember how others have affected us without knowing it. There's nothing wrong with some spiritual peer pressure. For instance...

In our day, one thing that shocks me are the Christians who go to church without a Bible. I'll never understand a couple bringing one Bible to share. Bible's ought to be very personal things. If we attend a church where bringing a Bible isn't a regular thing, we too will get to where it doesn't bother us if we forget ours every now and then. When the large majority of church members bring Bibles to church and Sunday school, we feel more like doing the same.

Church attendance...even there some spiritual contagion can be good. There have been times to be honest when I just didn't feel like going to church or Sunday school. My mind at those times quickly went to those faithful ladies I was privileged to see or sit by whenever we were together at church. There was an accountability thing there for me.

I think of participation in church services. With usually singing in a church choir, I've been in a position to view the congregation. One gets to know where people sit most of the time. There are those who participate in the singing and are engaged in the sermon that is preached. I will sing more when sitting around singers. I will pay better attention to a sermon if I'm sitting by note takers or those who don't whisper or write notes during that time. Then there are those who look like they were forced at gun point to come to church that day. I've noticed when I'm seated in the congregation, I generally participate as much as those I am sitting with. It's a “catchin'” thing.

Some folks don't bow their heads for prayer, taking advantage of that time to look around. How do I know?.....I've been one of them. It's not just a closing eyes thing, its a sensing of the spirit in the moment.

If a lady friend is physically contagious, I probably won't want to be around her for a time other than dropping off a casserole at her house. However, if she is spiritually contagious, I will want to be around her when we can get together. I want those lady friends in my life who are strong in the Lord, encouragers and yes, contagious. Beyond that, it should be my desire to be one of those ladies. This desire cannot be for prideful reasons. There are already too many spiritual super stars in most churches that intimidates more than encourages. Our spiritual contagion must be a natural thing that comes from us because of a living and vital relationship with the Lord Jesus. We will become that sweet aroma, that spiritually refreshing woman that draws others into their own close relationship with Jesus. We are called to be contagious for Christ.

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Dear Jesus...Help me to be a very active germ, a spiritual contagion that can start an epidemic in folks around me who want to live more for You than ever before. May this epidemic spread into my community and go from there. Help me to be the kind of example You set for me. I love you...Amen.

The Beatitudes of Revelation

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive

glory and honor and power; for

thou hast created all things, and

for thy pleasure they are and

were created.

Revelation 4:11

There are books in our Bibles that are often ignored or misused for any number of reasons and the book of Revelation ranks probably close to the top of that list if not at the top. I've seen it used and abused by people who want to put their own spin on things. True, there is much of it that is very difficult to understand, but there's a great deal of it that is very beneficial.

John the apostle is the author of this book under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We know that John wrote the Gospel of John as well as I, II, and III John. This book entrusted to John's writing is totally different from the four other books he wrote in that it is clearly apocalyptic literature. It was written during days of dire persecution. Some feel it was written during the days of Nero but because of dates of the times, it is more likely that it was penned during the days of Domitian, a leader that was even more insane than Nero if that is possible. John had continued to be faithful in his preaching and had become a thorn in the side of Domitian so John was exiled to Patmos, a very rocky island area used more as a quarry than anything else. Without Domitian having to out and out kill John, his hope was to work John to death as John by now was in his older years. John turned out to be pretty tough and after his time was up on Patmos, lived out his remaining years in Ephesus.

We are very familiar with the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5. We have come to learn that the word “blessed” means “happy.” So we should read each beatitude as “Happy is ....” We would do the same with the seven beatitudes that are found in Revelation. Let's see what they tell us:

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3

Here, a command is given to read this book. I don't know up front any other book of Scripture where we are commanded to read a particular book. And yet, this is one of the least read books in the Bibles of most Christians. We are also to hear this book preached and taught as often as possible and then what we learn from it, we are to keep and to put into action in our lives.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

This should be a verse of comfort for all of us who claim the name of Christ. Notice that there is to be a happiness in death. It is then that we know complete rest from our labors on this earth. Labors spoken of here are not meaning specific jobs necessarily but just the labor of living life on this earth. There are things we take with us despite what we've been told. Our works for God will follow right with us.

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Revelation 16:15

This is a wonderful caution for us to stay alert as to Jesus' coming. As the bride of Christ, we are to be ever ready for his return or we could find ourselves embarrassed for lack of our expectancy. Notice that he will come as a thief. A thief certainly does not announce his intent to come at a specific time to rob our homes or steal our cars. He may have “cased the joint” and knows the best time to strike. Jesus, too, knows the time to come and expects to find us watching, spiritual garments in order, lives in order as well. Are we fully prepared should He decide to come today? Unsaved people are cautioned to get right with God and be ready for Christ's appearing. We Christians are to be ready as well.

“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Revelation 19:9

There have been a few times in my life when I didn't receive a wedding invitation to a wedding I really wanted to attend. In many of those cases, I know it was an error of some sort but it didn't feel good. As a part of the bride of Christ, however, I don't have to have the kind of invitation we know of here on this earth. For the marriage supper of the Lamb, I am a participant...a bride all over again. What a wonderful event for every Christian to look forward to. God gives His very word verifying my anticipated presence at that great event.

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

To be honest, I can't even imagine what the millennium is going to be like, that thousand year period of time when we return to the earth with Jesus to reign with him during those many years. We know this will take place after all of God's children are gathered home to Heaven to be with Him. This verse tells us that in this whole process, we will not only be happy but holy as well.

“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7

This beatitude doesn't really take much discernment to understand. The book of Revelation is full of prophecy but also full of instructions for our living on this earth right now. We will be happier people right now if we study this book and glean from it practical principles of life. By keeping the sayings of the prophecy, we are walking in obedience. Our Heavenly Father is happy about that and we are not only happier but walk in peace as well.

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14

Again there is a special blessing for obedience in following the commandments of God. We are expected to simply do as He asks us to do. I don't have to understand the why's and wherefore's of God's requests. I smile as I think about what I used to say to my children, “Simple obedience is all that is required.” Hadn't thought of that in years.

I trust we will not shy away from this book of Revelation. Preachers rarely preach from it for fear that people won't hang around long enough to hear the sermon series. However, this is a look into our future like no other book of Scripture. My interpretations of the above verses may be a bit off for some as I'm not an expert in this book, but am certainly working on understanding it. I usually read Scripture of this depth with an open ear to what sounds practical and as simple as possible.

We are going to have such a great time when we all gather together around God's throne in praise and adoration of Jesus. What a wonderful time that will be when we meet there with no more earthly concerns. Have a “blessed” day.

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Dear Jesus...I thank You for providing Your Word for anyone who wants to have a copy of it. May I take seriously the fact that You want me reading this precious Book, gleaning blessing and instruction from it. Thank You for the “Blessed” verses found in Matthew and in Revelation as well and for the encouragement each verse plants in my spirit. Help me, Holy Spirit to follow Your leading as you teach me from it

Keep Calm and Carry On

Lord, where do I put my hope?

My only hope is in you.

Psalm 39:7

As I write, the 2012 Summer Olympic Games have just come to an end. Visitors from various countries have found the five words that are the title of this writing in various places. in the United Kingdom.    “Keep Calm and Carry On” can be found imprinted on mugs, small souvenir items, and clothing as well. Until recent years, folks in England anywhere couldn’t explain the meaning or origin of the saying.

In 2000, there was some light shed on the mystery. An English couple who owned a small book publishing company can be credited with solving the mystery. The gentleman opened an old box, one day, that contained several old books. In the bottom of the box were some folded up posters. As he unfolded those posters, there he saw five familiar words: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” The posters were dated 1939, around the time England found itself in the beginning of World War II. The saying reminded one of the many things Winston Churchill spoke to the people in that time in the way of encouragement. He told the people of that day that they should never give up...never, never, never give up. I'm sure back then, many people felt that the military and government would save them and provide for them. However, you and I know how limited even the most powerful men are. We have come to know that if we are to keep calm and go about our daily routine even in the worst of times, that it will take a strong faith and hope in our Heavenly Father.

So the mystery is solved and the saying on mugs, key chains, souvenir plates and shirts can be purchased with the words making sense, at least from a historical perspective. But when I saw those mugs in their varying colors, lined up neatly on shelves, polished and ready to be sold to Olympic visitors, I thought how appropriate for the English considering all they endured during those days when bombs by the ton were dropped on their country, especially on London by Nazi Germany. People fled almost nightly to bomb shelters unable to take anything with them except family members. During those days, families sent their children to the countrysides of England where they could be safe during the bombings. Life was rough and uncertain so in those days “Keep Calm and Carry On” became a kind of motto for the English.

I believe “Keep Calm and Carry On” isn't just for the English or for the tough times of war. It's a saying that is wonderfully encouraging for anyone...it is more than appropriate for we Christians. We know what keeping calm means. There is SO much about life that throws us into a tail spin, panic follows and we find ourselves curled up in a ball of depression. I'm sure during those days, people lived in a state of panic. I can't imagine living with windows covered so that light couldn't be spotted in the darkness of night for enemy planes to see, or jumping when one heard the first blare of warning sirens announcing the arrival of enemy planes filled with bombs of destruction. Keeping calm I would think would have been extremely difficult even under the best of circumstances during that time.

“Carry on”, however, for me would have been an entirely different story. With that kind of adversity and stress, how was a person expected to simply go about life as usual, maintaining ones cool...going to work, washing clothes, attending church, cooking supper, reading the newspaper, etc. all in the middle of the greatest of destruction. I'm sure there were many who were paralyzed by fear, but that wasn't the hope or expectation for a people encouraged to remain strong.

What could that simple motto say to we Christians, for it is one that is appropriate for the saved as well as the unsaved.  How can “Keep Calm and Carry On” (KCCO) apply in our everyday life? This motto of sorts was meant to encourage in the tough times of life.

                           ...Bad doctor's report-- KCCO

                                                                                              ...Financial crisis-- KCCO

                                                        ...Loss of job-- KCCO

                                                                      ...Rebellious child-- KCCO

                                    ...Car accident-- KCCO

                                                                                       ...Spouse wants a divorce-- KCCO

                  ...Death of a loved one-- KCCO

Our list could go on and each of us could add to it. The older we are, the more we've come to understand the importance of remaining calm, while somehow forcing ourselves to move forward even if we don't feel like it. The longer we walk in relationship with the Lord, the more we recognize God's empowering in our lives during the most difficult of times. With that empowering, we've seen how we can carry on in His strength and not on our own.

Where are we at this very moment in life? Every person goes through times of great trial or we know people who are. The Holy Spirit in us wants to give us a spirit of calmness and serenity and yes of resolve. It's ours for the taking. With that serenity from Him, we can get through anything life has to throw at us...so, carry on, my friend.

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Thank You Holy Spirit for being so much a part of me and for ministering in my life in so many wonderful ways. I couldn't get through this life as I should without Your strengthening. May I be faithful in my love and service to You, dear Father. I pray these things in the precious name of Jesus...Amen.

Living With Regret

Holding faith, and a good conscience;

which some having put away concerning

faith have made shipwreck.

I Timothy 1:19

If there is an area in my life where Satan loves to beat me to death, it's in the area of regret that usually spills over into guilt. I've never gotten past taking a nickle out of my Mother's purse so I could buy a bag of cheesy popcorn at school...that was fifth grade. In fact, that incident probably did more than anything to awaken in me the sense of what sin was. I accepted Jesus as my Savior not long after that. From that time to the present, I must say that although I haven't stolen nickels from anyone's purse, I have done other things that I know have not pleased the Lord. Oh, I haven't robbed any banks, killed anyone (even though I thought about it at times). I haven't kicked any dogs nor pushed any senior saint in front of an oncoming car. I have had to deal with my own rotten attitudes, words and behaviors that have hurt people; and I've been self centered when I should have been looking out for others. Satan is also expert in putting me on guilt trips over things of the past and the sad thing is that I often allow him to do it.

David, the man after God's own heart had everything going for him. There were probably few men in our Old Testament who had a closer relationship with God. David was God's chosen one to be Israel's second king. Up to a certain point, it would seem that David had everything all together. He had trials with Saul but David seemed to come through them pretty well. David's problems,however, really came about because of personal issues. David's personal life was a mess. He had a lapse in leadership. He should have gone off to war like kings in that day did. He didn't. (REGRET LATER) Then he went into an adulterous affair. (REGRET) David ended up being the father of Bathsheba's son. (REGRET) David orchestrated the murder of Bathsheba's husband. (REGRET).

The thing about regret is that it comes on the heels AFTER a situation of sin,wrongdoing or even missed moments. Perhaps if regret were to come first, it would keep us from foolishness but it doesn't work that way. David was full of regret after his baby son died. He hated all of the sin that he had been a part of. Psalm 51 is one of the best portions of Scripture that deals with the aftermath of sin when the sinner has come to his or her spiritual senses. For instance, David's first step was in verse 3:

For I acknowledge my transgressions:

and my sin is ever before me.

Let me tell you, that's regret big time. It must be the first step in dealing with regret or guilt. We live in a day when no one wants to be accountable for wrongdoing. When sin isn't acknowledged, it will stick to the soul like fur on a cat's back.  

We also must recognize who has been offended in the process. Verse 4 says:

Against thee, thee only, have I

sinned, and done this evil

in thy sight...

Did you know that the only one you can sin against is God? Did David sin against Bathsheba or her husband...NO? He hurt them, he offended them and did them horrible damage but his sin was against God Himself. He broke God's commands and that's the best definition of sin you will find anywhere. David, king that he was, humbled himself before God and others and confessed his sin.

David confessed his need of God to step into his life with His mercy to do some real damage control. Look at verse 1:

Have mercy upon me, O God, according

to thy loving kindness: according unto

the multitude of thy tender mercies,

blot out my transgressions.

Some translators use the word “stain” in place of transgressions. Have you ever spilled something on a favorite article of clothing and knew that stain would probably never come out? I'm thinking of times when that's happened to me. The worse stains for me have been....mustard, blueberries, spaghetti sauce, ball point ink and you could add to this list. (Please don't send me any remedies.) The stains of sin are different. There's nothing that can remove our sin but one thing...blood...the blood of Jesus. David pleaded with God to wash him in and out and to cleanse him from all sin.

That's how David handled things and those steps should be the steps we take as well. We must be sorrowful for acknowledged sin and plead for God's forgiveness and cleansing. There are a few more things we need to do from that point on.

Rather than letting Satan beat us up over past sin, we should use that regret to teach us some life lessons in either what to do or what not to do in the future.

• We should keep our focus on God, the One who has forgiven us, and not on past sin.
• Determine to live lives that will please God...a life with a clear conscience. It means being determined to change our ways, making all necessary corrections.
• As impossible as the three above things appear to be, we must remember that we have a Source of strength and power in these personal skirmishes with the enemy of our souls and He stands ready to help. Prayer is a huge key in all of these struggles.
  

Pray for us: for we trust we

have a good conscience, in

all things willing to live honestly.

Hebrews 13:18

I'm so grateful that we love and serve the God of the second (and third, and fourth, and fifth, etc) chance. When forgiven by Him, there are no spots or stains left for us to deal with. They are covered...gone. With all of that in place, we can walk in spiritual freedom and victory.

Dear Father...Forgive me for my casual attitude toward sin. Keep me sensitive, Holy Spirit, when I do anything that displeases You. May I be quick to confess my sin and even quicker to change in my life those things that need changed. When thoughts of regret and guilt arise, may I quickly turn them over to You to calm my spirit. I love you. Amen.

What is Your Reputation?

Let this mind be in you, which

was also in Christ Jesus:

Who being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to b e

equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men.

Philippians 2:5-7

Because of our moving as much as we have, when joining a new church, I often find that as we get acquainted, church members seem to want to tell us about others in the church we may not have met yet.  Most of the time, those people will be kind and even complimentary.  However, there are those quick to let us know what to look for in certain others such as:

*  "She is very wealthy and will be quick to let you know about it."

*  "Be careful what you tell her because it'll be around the church by Sunday."

*  "She is very pushy."

*  "If she doesn't get her way, everyone will pay for it."

*  "Watch out if she's in a bad mood."

*  "She's attractive on the outside BUT..."

Believe it or not, I have heard all of those things said about fellow church members.  When one is new to the church though, it's hard to put the comment about someone with their face.  No matter who you are, you can't help but be affected by those comments.  However, I guess it's all too common for folks to clue in the new person on the block.

When it comes to reputation though, the sad thing is that when we hear the word, we tend to immediately think of negative things.  The kindest person in your church has come to be known for that quality and when "kindness" is attached to her name, that's a part of her reputation.  Some things that I have heard on the more positive side are:

*  "There's not a mean bone in her body."

*  "She has a heart as big as her body."

*  "She would give you the shirt off of her back."

*  "It there's a job to be done, folks call on her."

*  "Don't gossip around her...she'll walk away."

*  "She has a beautiful singing voice."

The list could go on and on with both lists.  A person's reputation are those personal qualities a person is known by.  For most people who know us, when our name is mentioned, a picture will emerge in the mind of the listener.  Sometimes, a person's reputation is deliberately smeared and damaged by people for their own reasons and it's just not fair. 

There are some things my husband is known for by anyone who has done business with him.  I don't know that I can recall in 43 years of marriage when he has been late in paying a bill.  He has a system where he carefully tracks what has been mailed and what is next to be mailed.  Our credit rating is about as high as any one's can be.  If you want to rile Brian up, refer to him as a dead-beat.  I feel bad for a company that bills Brian for something that he paid off three weeks ago.  This is just an area of Brian's life where he is squeaky clean. 

Anyone who has dealt with Brian in business knows by now that he is a person of integrity.

In most cases, we establish our own reputation whether positive or negative.  For most people, they may not care if they are viewed as being honest or dishonest, hard working or lazy, loving or spiteful, generous or stingy.  In the long run for we Christians, our testimony for Christ may rest upon the reputation we have established for ourselves.

I have also known people who work very hard at establishing their reputation so that people will think the very best of them.  Reputations usually are revealed in a very natural way, simply revealing who we are.  We rarely sit down and take inventory of who and what we are in the eyes of others.  Outsiders may try to damage one's good reputation.  We may damage our own reputations.  The only real help available for a damaged reputation is in the damage control that only god can provide.

Let's remember that Jesus came from Heaven, a baby to a godly couple to be raised in the dust, dirt and nitty-gritty of this old world.  As He grew to manhood, any number of times, He could have pulled rank..."Don't you know I'm the Son of God...I'm special so treat me different from other people."   He could have come off as some kind of spoiled brat, after all, His Father was/is  THE God of the universe, owning the cattle on a thousand hills."  No, He didn't come to be known as we think of popularity.  In fact in His ministry, He downplayed His miracles.  He, at times, didn't even want His name used very much.  He was very low key when it came to flaunting who He was.

Jesus according to our verses in the beginning, came not wanting to make some huge name for Himself.  Even He said of Himself that He came to seek and save those who were lost.  He came with the attitude of being a servant, not to be served but to serve.  He was a  people person, looking out for the needs of others.  However, Jesus' reputation was pretty much known depending on who you talked to.  There were those who raved about Jesus...those he taught, fed and healed.  There was though an element who didn't have a good think to say about Him.  The religious muckity-mucks accused him of false claims, such as not keeping the law.

So what do we do.  We live like Jesus did.  Jesus just went about the business of loving and helping people.  From what we can tell, almost on a daily basis, he was ministering in the lives of others.  He kept in close contact with His Father...a Man of prayer.  He was in and taught the Scriptures.  He made the right kind of close friends but didn't shy away from the sinful ones who needed His help.  You see, as long as Jesus was doing what was right, His reputation would take care of itself.  He wasn't out to gain a doting following of groupies.

With all of that, it would appear that Jesus' reputation was a sterling one.  No...even the Perfect One in some circles spoke ill of Him, accusing, pointing out what they saw to be His faults.  May I say that the same will happen to us.  Jesus said that if He was persecuted, what makes us think we, His followers won't be.  No matter how pristeenly you and I try to live, there will be the accusers ready to tear us down for their own recreation if nothing else.

Let's determine to not be out to make for ourselves some show off kind of reputation, so that people in general will feel we are something wonderful.  Let's dump the prideful attitudes and take on the mind of Christ and the role of servanthood as well.  Let's leave our reputation with Him with the caution that we live a clean, circumspect life that will please our Lord.

Dear Lord...I want to much to be more like You.  I know I can only do that in Your Holy Spirit power so please empower me to live my life for You and others.  Help me to be alert to protect the good reputations of others, never tearing down Christian brothers and sisters.  May I not be busy about building a hyped-up reputation for myself but to bring glory to You in all I do.  I love you.....Amen.

For Such a Time as This

...and who knoweth whether thou art

come to the kingdom for such a

time as this?

Esther 4:14

Esther had won the beauty contest, but she could never know what God had in store for her. One day she was going about her daily routine, a young woman who had been adopted by her older cousin Mordecai. Adoption was the usual thing for extended family members to do when the parents of a child died. Esther was ordered to appear at the palace where the king would later select a new queen from all the young woman of Babylon who had been brought to the palace. Esther must have had physical features much like other young Babylonian women because the king would not have knowingly chosen a Jewess as queen. Esther won the title as queen of the land. Mordecai made the trip to the palace and positioned himself near the main entrance to the palace where he could keep track of Esther.

Through a series of events, evil Haman, a close cohort of the king plotted and planned for the Jews of the land to be annihilated. To this point, Mordecai had instructed Esther to not make known that she was a Jew as he was fearful for her life. However, things changed and an appearance before the king by Esther was necessary here she announced who she really was. In the end, we know that the kind loved Esther so much that a way was made for the Jews to protect themselves, evil Haman was executed and Esther was exalted.

Esther's story is a very real one. It isn't a fairy tale but a true life experience of one young woman who never thought she would one day experience all she did. Your and my story is just as real as Esther’s story. Her true and inspiring story is found in Old Testament Scripture, but our stories are just as important as hers even though ours may not be quite as dramatic.

Do you, like me, ever wonder why you were born into the family you were born into or the hometown we lived in? What about historical time...I always wanted to be an indian princess, living in a tepee out on the prairie somewhere. That was going on during my junior high days. I read every western book our Central School library owned. Although a Christian then, I really didn't understand how God's providence worked in my life. In high school and college, I began to grasp the concept that God was working behind the scenes in my life and that His ways and means held great mystery and yes, often great surprises.

I must tell you that at this present day, I find myself in another “time as this.” We moved here to this wonderful, little mountain town in June 2011. It had been a dream of ours to make this move and felt a perfect peace in coming here. We had originally planned to move in September of 2011 but through a series of circumstances, the move was moved up to that June. My Sunday school class still marvels at this move. If we had come in September, I would not have been their Sunday school teacher or church pianist. All of those offices are filled in August so I would have missed out. They think that “fluke” was pretty cool, despite my trying to tell them that with God there are no flukes. However, little did I know that within a year, our pastor would retire which left a few things he had kindly done in the way of secretarial tasks that now needed someone else to step in to do...enter, stage right...Glendarae. When we made our move, there is no way I could have known the ways I would be called upon to serve the Lord here.

I have thought of historical people who themselves stepped into responsibilities that God had planned for them: George Washington, Corrie ten Boom, Jonathan Edwards, Oswald Chambers, Ronald Reagan and the list could go on and on. They stepped into their own time, just living life as they thought it should be lived with little fanfare. Perhaps some knew they held the destiny of their times in their hands but most were common people doing what they felt God wanted them to do in a very routine way.

No matter how common you and I are, God has you and me where we are “for such a time as this.” If you are presently raising children in your home, you have no idea how your children might one day change the events and times of where they live. That daughter may be the wife of a Billy Graham, or a teacher/missionary in a distant land. Right now, you wipe noses and clean up spilled cereal and wonder if this phase of life will ever end. Believe me, it will but God's will for that child will remain the same through every phase of growing up and you will be the main person in that child's life who loved, trained and yes prayed that child into his or her own “time as this.”

We may have a background responsibility at church that few know about but God knows and the small things we do are building blocks for something bigger in the life of our church. Our part may be small and unnoticed, but we are in place for “such a time as this.” This is one thing that's going to make Heaven so much fun. God will one day reveal the impact of the small and maybe bigger things we did here that counted big time in His plan. I am convinced that the lone church nursery worker who maybe rocks that one baby during a church service that she would love to attend, has no idea what her investment of time and love will mean down the road in the life of that now baby. Her reward in Heaven may be greater than that famous lady who travels, speaking to hundreds and thousands of ladies for it will rest in one's motive and dedication to their individual tasks.

I am convinced that there is a piece of Esther in all of us. We may not be queens in a palace. Perhaps we are housewives or that single lady in her apartment. We may not wear the very finest of expensive attire. Maybe I'm writing to a reader who has a very small wardrobe with no funds to do any better. We may not wear crowns on our heads or be attended by servants who bow before us. You see, all of that was well and good for Esther. God had her in place for the task that needed to be done.

If you and I think back, we can probably remember when God had us in a certain place and time to do a specific task. It may not have been a big or noticeable task but God knew of it's importance. Maybe someone else could have done the job better than you or me but He had us in place to do it for His own reasons. I am convinced as we plod through life day by day that we loose sight of God's purpose in each of our days. We look at others and see how their lives seem to be filled with excitement and achievement and want that for ourselves. However, there are probably folks looking at you and me wishing they could be doing what we are doing.

Esther was in place to save her people. When she first entered the king's palace to be evaluated, she had no idea the real reason as to why she was there, but God did. In those days, women were used for very little, had no rights. They were expected to just accomplish the usual womanly things. Who could have known how all of this would work out for her and her cousin, Mordecai. You see, when we determine to be God's women, it can affect everyone around us, especially loved ones. As you and I sit in our “castles”, may we be aware that God has put us where we are for these specific moments. We may not understand a lot about God's plan right now, but He does. God intends to accomplish His plan through those of us willing to be who we are, and where we are...”for such a time as this.”

Dear Father, I feel so unworthy yet so grateful that You have chosen me to be a part of Your grand plan. I'm not worthy of Your consideration but so grateful that You have placed me where You have for “such a time as this.” Keep me alert to those ways You want to use me and may I have a willing heart to accomplish all You intend even though it may appear to be very daily and perhaps at times even boring. May I find excitement in every day of life knowing You will direct my every step. I love you, Father. Amen.

The Blessings of Adoption

For ye have not received the spirit of

bondage again to fear; but ye have

received the spirit of adoption,

whereby we cry,

Abba, Father.

Romans 8:15

Jennie Elaina Lanoue was born Monday night, November 6, 1972 around 10:00 PM. Brian and I knew we were going to be adopting a baby and we didn't care if the baby was a girl or boy. This was a private adoption arranged through our pastor and all of the legalities handled by a well respected lawyer in our community. I got the call on the Tuesday morning that our baby girl had been born and that we would probably receive her sometime on Thursday of that week. We were as excited as we could possibly be.

Jennie was in our home for close to a month when our lawyer called and said that we would need to appear in court in Chicago, Illinois in order to get legal custody of Jennie. This had to be done to insure her legal safety until her adoption would be final in June of 1973. So in mid-December we prepared for our court date. I dressed her in her prettiest dress, wrapping her up in two or three blankets against the bitter Chicago winter weather. Upon arriving at the court house, our lawyer first led us to the County Sheriff's department where Jennie had to be served with a summons....yep, not us...Jennie. I was required to lay her on a tall counter and then Brian and I had to step back some measured distance away from her. The lawyer stood at the counter with Jennie. A lady with a summons in hand approached Jennie first wrapping her little right hand fingers around the summons. She then rubbed Jennie's head with the summons and then wrapped her little left hand fingers around the summons. Jennie was sleeping, oblivious to this ridiculous procedure.

We then went to the courtroom where sat the most grandfatherly judge I had ever seen. We stood before him with me holding Jennie, her little face nuzzled into my neck as she continued to sleep on my left shoulder. The judge chit-chatted with us for a brief time and then gave us our responsibilities as adoptive parents and I'll never forget those instructions.

He told us that the state had firm expectations of adoptive parents and Jennie had certain rights as our soon-to-be-daughter. Jennie had a right to expect to:

• bear our family name
• be loved unconditionally
• have all physical needs met
• be appropriately educated
• have all medical care provided
• be protected and safe from danger
• share in any inheritance of our estate
• have parents that would never give her back or give up on her.

Just as he finished giving us the list, he paused and looked at Jennie as she slept on my shoulder. He spoke to Jennie which was about as odd as having a summons rubbed on her head. He said, “Well Jennie, this looks like good folks who want you to be their little girl. What do you think about that?” It shocked us all that as he finished the question, she stirred and gave out one of those contented baby sighs that could be clearly heard by anyone even near to where the judge was sitting. He smiled and said, “That's good enough for me.”

We didn't have to go back to court in June as the lawyer just had to go to finalize things. A caseworker came from the state for a couple of home visits but for the most part, things went well.

Forgive if I have belabored this personal saga but every time I read Romans 8:15 I think of those days of an earthly adoption. I think of those instructions the judge gave us regarding our responsibilities as new parents of this precious baby girl.

Paul says that you and I have received the spirit of adoption. We're a part of God's family. He has chosen to be my Heavenly Father. I had more to do with this remarkable relationship than Jennie had to do with her adoption. She really didn't have any say but I wanted to be God's child. Because of being adopted into God's family through the sacrifice of Jesus that made my adoption possible, I have the right to call God “Abba Father.” Our children have had a lot of friends through the years, but let me tell you that there were only three children I knew who had the right to call Brian and me “Dad” and “Mom.” Jennie, our adopted baby had that right with all of the privileges that came with it. Our other two children had the same right because of their natural birth into our family.

I am reminded of those things the judge reminded us of regarding our parental responsibilities and how wonderful to see that my adoptive Heavenly Father has and continues to provide those very same things in my life such as:

• I have the privilege of bearing His name...Christian
• God, my Father has provided for my physical and medical needs
• He has protected me, shielding me from danger, rendering overall care
• He loves me unconditionally.
• He has educated me, not in the things of the world as much as in the things of His Word...those things needful in being His child
• Through Him I will have an inheritance I don't even know much about. I know I'll receive a new house in a new city, with rewards and the riches of God as He sees fit.
• God has never given me back to the world. He has kept me despite the ways I have disappointed Him. He's never given up on me. He's always held out high hope that I could really count for Him.
  
  I don't have adoption papers from God like we have had on Jennie. But He has sealed me with His Holy Spirit. Our relationship is a done deal, no giving up. I am His and He is mine...no turning back...no turning back.
  
  

P.S.: Love you Jennie from that first day you were handed to us to this very day. It's funny that we've never really used the word “adoption” around our house. It's never been an issue. There were times out in public when you and Beverly were much younger that people would comment on how much the two of you looked alike.  It got to where you two would look at each other  and smile a knowing smile.  We are so proud of you as you love and serve the Lord.

Thank you Father...for drawing me to Yourself. I'm grateful for the example You have set for all parents. Through You, we know who and what we are supposed to be as parents to the children You have blessed us with. Thank You for standing by during times of my joy and my every need. May I seek to please You in all I do. May I enjoy thoroughly this wonderful relationship I have with You. Thank You for Your Son Jesus and for Your Holy Spirit. I love You. Amen.

Love That Fruit!!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

For a time, our family lived in the same town as my Daddy's parents. I loved spending time with Grandma Benbrook. I was probably around 5 years of age when she passed away, and her death was a real loss to me. She always had fun things we could do together when I went to her house. We would pick veggies from the garden together and would also gather eggs from the hen house. Across the street in a vacant lot, there were raspberry bushes where we would pick berries for her to bake cobblers. There was also a cherry tree in her backyard and when in season, lots of cherries were used in pies and jellies. (In her 50's, Grandma climbed up into her cherry tree and fell to the ground breaking a hip. Two years ago I found myself up one of our trees trimming branches and thought of her and smiled.) All of these fruits are of course great to the taste and tummy along with other fruit favorites I could mention.

Scripture speaks of fruit also, one of the main places being Galatians 5:22-23. The fruits mentioned in these verses aren't fruits that can be made into pies, cobblers, fruit salads or juices. These fruits can't be picked off of bushes, from trees or off the ground. They can't be eaten and enjoyed physically. The blending of the various elements that make up spiritual fruit can be evidenced in the lives of born again believers. These elements are not even considered individual fruits because they are referred to as being the FRUIT minus an S on the end. This spiritual fruit is not fruit that can be purchased or picked. This fruit becomes a part of you and me through a relationship with Jesus Christ. There are no shortcuts, this fruit is never on sale. These are qualities that should be more and more evident in our lives as our relationship with the Lord grows.

These different virtues that make up the fruit of the Spirit can be narrowed down into three areas that might give us some perspective.

Christian virtues: love, joy, peace

These virtues are available to us upon salvation. We are told in Scripture that love is of God, and that we have joy unspeakable and full of glory. Jesus said He gives us peace and not the peace the world has to offer. These three elements of the fruit of the Spirit are foundational for all other spiritual assets God wants to grow in our lives.

Social virtues: longsuffering, gentleness, goodness

This will be obvious in our relationships with others. How patient am I with others and is there a tenderness or gentleness in my life as I relate with others. Do people in general see goodness in my life that can be viewed in my own good behavior or in how I treat others in a goodly manner.

Personal virtues: faith, meekness, temperance

In this area we find virtues that are very personal. Only I know what the faith level is in my own life. Only I know if there is true meekness in my life or if I am putting on a show before others. I have to live day by day knowing my level of personal self control. These elements may come through in one way or another to others but only I really know where I am in these three areas.

All of these virtues make up the Fruit of the (Holy) Spirit. Let's not forget where this fruit comes from. These are not viable spiritual virtues in the life of the unsaved. However, I hurry to say and to some shame that we may know unsaved people who seem to have some of these virtues in their lives more than do some Christians. However, the virtues of the unsaved may look good for a time, but are as phony as decorator fruit in a bowl on a dining room table. It is mostly for show.

These virtues that make up our Fruit of the Spirit should serve for you and me as a check list. At no time am I where I want to be in all of these areas of my spiritual walk. Where I am lacking, I need to make those things a matter of prayer to be strengthened so that I will be a greater witness and influence for Christ.

Let me digress and leave you with a wonderful fruit salad recipe that is so refreshing in these summer days. It is easy with several elements, but that makes up a:

FRUIT (no S) SALAD

Ingredients:

2 lg cans chunk pineapple

4 small cans mandarin oranges (drained)

1 jar maraschino cherries (drained & rinsed)

3 bananas

Instant vanilla pudding (1 lg or 2 small pkgs.)

Mix pudding in pineapple juice

Add all fruits and mix well

Slice bananas and add just before serving

You may add or subtract as much fruit as you like

depending on your personal likes.

Some people add 1 cup of whole pecans.

In these summer days may we enjoy the physical fruits of the season. At the same time, may we evaluate where we are in our relationship with the Holy Spirit as He desires to work in and through us. Remember that He will always point us to Jesus, who is the epitome of each virtue found in the Fruit of the Spirit.

Dear Father...Thank You for equipping me in my spiritual walk with You. Thank for Jesus dying for me and for You sending Your Holy Spirit after You returned to Heaven. I am so blessed but I know I am also responsible to You for living a fruitful life that is honoring to You. Strengthen me in my walk as I want to be authentic in my witness for You. I love You. Amen

Evil vs Righteousness

Be not overcome of evil,

but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12: 21

When in grade school and somewhat during my junior high days, owning a stack of comic books was a hobby many friends and I shared. We traded comic books almost on a weekly basis. Comic books usually sold for 5 cents where I lived but the thicker Classic comic books sold for a dime. I could trade a comic book that was in good shape evenly for one in the same condition from a friend. If the cover had come off of any comic books, you only got one comic book in good shape for two that were torn up. One of my friends loved all of the romance comic books so my mom wouldn't let me trade with her.

I loved the cowboy comic books as well as some of the super hero ones. May I tell you that in everyone of those comic books I read as a young girl, all carried the same theme....right always triumphed over wrong. You always knew who the good guys were and not just because they wore a white hat. For pity sake, even Mighty Mouse knew the importance of doing what was right, of telling the truth and of being a good citizen. Even in comic books, children were taught good manners, strong ethics and genuine concern for others.

Pick up a comic book today and you will find that the covers are enough to strike panic in anyone. Characters are grotesque in appearance, have little in the way of good character traits and turn young people to the dark side.

Where did it all begin? The most horrible sin of all time is found in Genesis 3. That's where evil really began on the earth. Eve looked, listened and yielded at the very suggestions of the devil in serpent form. She and Adam set everyone else up for a life of sin and all involved with it. Evil has steam rolled itself down through the years to where we are at this moment.

We live in a day where evil seems to run free. Unfortunately, we often find evil in places that surprise us. As a former social worker with foster children, I never got used to their stories of hurt and abuse. Of all places, these things happened to these children, it happened a lot in their own homes, where a child should feel loved and safe. Their abuse occurred during family reunions, when visiting a relatives home or worse yet on the part of a parent. Their stories would stand your hair on end. Where once the home was the epitome of love and safety, that very often isn't the case anymore.

In our day we see evil reigning supreme in our government. Many leaders are liars and they don't even attempt to cover up their lying. Many look straight into a TV monitor and on nationwide news will look into a camera and lie through their teeth. I'm not talking about any particular branch of government as it's a problem in all areas. Are there some good guys in government...of course there are. There are Christians in Congress who meet weekly in engaging Bible study sessions. We live in a day though where right is compromised and explained away. The guys in the black hats seem to have everything going for them even though they often sound like senseless idiots. They are lifted up as being brilliant, honest people to be respected.

Evil often runs rampant in a church. I've seen all the bumper stickers that reflect on hypocrites in churches. It's true...churches are full of hypocrites. No church is perfect. If I were to find a perfect church and join it, I would mess it up. We all bring our baggage into the church we attend. That's where we can be rid of our old baggage and start out fresh. However, there are folks in churches who don't recognize their own manipulating ways. Those folks tend to be those who are in church purely for the social experience. They will step on any Christian to get to the next rung on the ladder of leadership or popularity. They have to have their way and will do any unscrupulous thing to get to the top. They will gossip, push and shove people into getting their own way and will even lie and cheat to get where they want to be. Don't ask them to attend Sunday school or any evening services. Give them room to do their thing and they are happy. You will rarely see them with a Bible in hand. It's frustrating for those trying to do right, trying to live as would please the Lord. So it appears at times that evil is the winner.

SOOOOO....

You and I have these times. As Christians, we love Jesus, the very personification of goodness and perfection. I am jealous for Him Who gave so much. Jesus holds the upper hand whether it looks like it in our day or not. Whatever the evil we see, wherever it is, what can you and I do about it...what is to be our response?

First of all, we are not called to lay down and play dead. I've heard Christians suggest that to speak up against the evil around us is not our job. I will add to that statement that one of the reasons our country is in the shape it is in is because of the silence of Christians who refuse to take a stand against the evil of our day. For some Christians, that would be a hard thing to do anyway because so much of Christianity in our country has been assimilated into the culture of the present. You and I must have a deep sense of what is righteous so that we recognize evil by contrast the minute we are in the presence of it. As citizens, we are to vote. A non-voter has no right to complain about anything the government does or doesn't do. We are also called to pray for our leaders. We are to stand for right as God presents those opportunities to us. That stand may be just one on one with another person. A stand we take will rarely take place on the capitol steps.

Secondly, be strong spiritually. I know I seem to belabor these things but we are not going to be strong in the Lord if we are never in His Word or in prayer. We are further strengthened as we meet to worship with other Christians and actively serve the Lord as He leads. Be alert spiritually to the wiles of the devil. We cannot have the attitude that we are untouchable by Satan. Just as we speak in a prideful way of sins we would never commit, we set ourselves up as a target. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8

Next, you and I ought to walk in righteousness. We should be careful about casting stones at other people we might disagree with. If someone we respect lies about something, what right do we have to criticize her if we have spent the day lying whether it is about how we're feeling or if we like what she is wearing. Righteousness should begin at home, with us as individuals. We never want to be justifiably tagged as one of those hypocrites. When speaking of righteousness, we are talking about simply doing what is right.

Last but certainly not least, we have to have control of our own thinking. When presented with evil people or circumstances, we must get control of our own thought life. We choose what we think about and this is an area where Satan wants to get victory over us as well.

Philippians 4:8 tells us: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” We're not given a choice here. We are told to think on certain things. Scripture would never command us to do something that is impossible to do.

Satan knows our negative thinking can pull us down to the point that we lose hope. Psalm 39:7 says: “Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” You see, we quickly find out in the down times where we've placed our hope. So often we hope in the things and relationships of the world whether we're aware of it or not. Each day I can visit God's Word and have my hope renewed and reinforced. His Word never fails or wavers. This helps me refocus...taking my eyes and thoughts off of the undeserving and looking to the Love of my life. After all, we know the end of the story. We know who wins in the end and that's where we pin our hope. Let's keep looking up...not around and about.

Dear Jesus, never let me forget that You are the Victor. I want Your power in my life to combat any evil I am confronted with. Help me to be salt and light in a world where You have placed me. May I always seek to do what is right. Thank You for all of Your goodness in my life. I love You. Amen

Selah

Trust in him at all times;

ye people, pour out your heart

before him: God is a refuge

for us. Selah

Psalm 62:8

Growing up, I think in a friendlier day and in friendlier neighborhoods, people often had some odd ways of greeting each other. It was a day where houses had porches...porches that people actually sat on. There was usually a porch swing on most porches along with varied chairs. Of course, with no air conditioning, folks made good use of their porches to sit on to enjoy any breeze that might blow their way. People on their porches would often call out to a passing acquaintance to “come on up and sit a spell.” If someone did approach one's porch, they might be told to “sit down and rest your bones” or “sit and take a load off your feet”. In reality, no matter the saying, the invitation was the same.

Through the years, as much as I have loved the book of Psalms, I must admit that I have found the word “Selah” to be a little aggravating because it seemed to be a distraction with no real purpose. In more recent years, having taught this book in a ladies Bible study, I have been drawn to that word so frequently found in the book of Psalms. There has never been a distinguishable pattern as far as the placement of the word itself. It just seems to pop up whenever and wherever. The more we mature in the Word of God, however, we know that every word has purpose and is meant to be where it is.

There have been opinions offered through the years as to what this word “Selah” means. It is a word that is difficult to translate. It's often been viewed as a musical word of instruction something like a rest would be in written music. It has thought to indicate an interlude, or perhaps a signal of some sort regarding musical instruments. Some have thought “Selah” may have the same impact as someone saying “Amen” to something agreeable. In real Hebrew meaning, it comes from the root word “salah” that means “to hang” referring to measurement methods. Otherwise, “Selah” can cause us to weigh in our minds what we have just read.

The word itself must be of some importance as it is found 71 times in 39 of the Psalms and is found three times in the book of Habakkuk chapter 3. In every instance, it would seem that the reader is called on to reflect upon what has just been read. Through various translations and languages of others, this word has taken on many meanings other than in musical terms. Some languages view the word “Selah” as meaning “to exalt” or “to lift up.” For some, “Selah” is to just express “Amen” which means “so be it.” No matter how people want to define the word, I like how the Amplified Bible interprets the word...”pause, and think of that.” “Pause” is in the end how the Greek translation of Scripture defines this word that we have most often just chosen to skip over and ignore. It's a word that calls us to “pull up a chair and sit a spell”...to take in what has just been read.

About five years ago, I was going through a very difficult time spiritually. Without going into any detail, it was just a difficult time for our church and found myself in a spot I never wanted to be in. About that time, our music minister chose a song for our choir to work on and then present in a worship service. The name of the song is “Thou O Lord.” The words of the song are taken right out of Psalm 3 and from the King James Version of the Scriptures. I looked it up, read it and there in my reading I found “Selah” three times in that chapter and this Psalm only has 8 verses, mostly short ones at that. It was during this time, the Lord taught me more about the word “Selah” than I ever knew in years prior to that time. In that time and since, I have come to love that word. It calls me to pause, and rest, take in fully what has just been said to me in verses I am reading. Considering my circumstances at the time (and the choir special as well) let me share three of those verses from that chapter as an example:

2. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

        I knew there were people who viewed me as one having no hope.  Selah caused me to

        pause and consider the faithfulness and goodness of God in my life.

4.  I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill.  Selah.
        Again, Selah urged me to remember all of God's faithfulness to hear and answer
        my prayers.  All I have to do is look at God's track record in my life.

8.  Salvation belongeth unto the LORD:  thy blessing is upon thy people.  Selah. 

          I am one of His people, one of His very blessed people.  I am one of His children 

         who is most blessed.  Despite the naysayers, I know I am His child walking around

         with His blessing on my life.

Let me suggest some Psalms that have that precious little word at the end of certain verses. You might want to read them after you pull up a chair and rest your bones: (4:4; 9:20; 57:6; 62:8; 89:3-4) These verses may urge you to remember, praise, exalt, ponder, rest, pause or a combination of those things. No matter what we decide to do with “Selah,” overall, we are called to thoughtful reflection on the Word of God. It takes time and determination. The hardest part of this just might be our deciding to “pull up a chair and sit a spell” during these busy days and take time to “Selah” as we take in the things of God from His Word.

Amen and amen....Selah!

Dear Father, how grateful I am that you are a God of little things as well as big. You chose to put a little word like “selah” in Scripture to get my attention and I'm so grateful for the blessings that little word has brought into my life. I pray I will be more contemplative as I read and study Your word. May I have more of a “selah” spirit no matter where I am reading in Scripture. Amen