Stand II

Continuing on my July 4th theme of standing- I ran across a beautiful video and song on YouTube that was put together by a student in memory of a class mate who passed away from a malignant brain tumor. It touched me so much I wanted to share it with you.


It reminded me of how important it is to take the time, which is so fleeting, to appreciate the significance of loving and standing by our friends, families, and neighbors in their time of need. Jesus stood in the gap for all mankind, so that we can be in right standing again with God, and enjoy eternity with him. 


Our little momentary sufferings and sacrifices will never come close to what Christ gave for us. He gave EVERYTHING. Sadly, many will walk away from this free gift, by refusing to just believe and accept.  Yes, how very sad for those who say no to Christ. They will never know how much they missed. EVERYTHING.


This video reminds me too of how life on this earth is so short. The Bible says in James 4:14- "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.


So true, evidence by the passing of a young person before their time.... or was it?

Stand

Today is July 4th and all over this great country we are celebrating with road races, parades, watermelon eating contests, family cookouts, and then closing the day with spectacular fireworks displays.

I wonder how many Americans celebrating really think about the meaning of this day and the significance of living free as an American. I know I am guilty of what I am speaking to, and it bothers me.

Yesterday at church I noticed how few people placed their hand over their heart as the flag was brought out and the soldiers marched by, as our national anthem played.

Now don't get me wrong, this is a church of wonderful, giving people. It just seemed sad to know that they either were ignorant to this tradition of honor given to our flag, or we have lost something that once was so special and sacred.

My husband, a veteran, immediately placed his hand over his heart, and I know within that auditorium there were many soldiers, veterans, and citizens doing the same.
So today I write to remind us of this honor given to our flag, our symbol of this great country and the freedom it represents and the many sacrifices our countrymen gave to keep her flying.

Remember the veteran of war, and how that nonchalant attitude would make them feel- or the parent, spouse, or child who grieves when they look at the empty chair at their dinner table today. Show compassion. Think, what if that were your loved one?

I know this country is not perfect. Neither are we. Only God. Sadly, in my opinion, as God is being erased from our government foundations, so creeps in our insidious complacency.

Love of country, love of God becomes a slogan that will continue to fade from the hearts and minds of Americans, if we let this continue.

Teach your children today the story of why we celebrate the birthday of our country. Tell them of the great sacrifice wrought by brave men and women that stood up for something-- for love of country and love of God.

It has been said that to fail to stand for something is to fall for anything. Stand proud today, with deliberate purpose, hand on heart and show others that you care.

The Promises of Christ are True

I must be more than wise in the word of God. I must be embued with the revelation of God. Jesus came to reveal God to mankind, and the red letter words of my Bible are my focus this month for meditation and memorization. I live in peace and joy when the words of Jesus come alive in spirit during this quiet time.

A Mother's Day Poem

To Mom who resides in heaven divine
I'm waiting patiently for that moment in time-

Hugs and kisses, smiles and tears;
the touch I remember year after year.
I wait for a mother's love; that only you can give.

Until that day I visit your grave,
tend to the flowers and call out your name.
I pray and listen and remember..
My daughter beside me, the blue sky above,
reminds me of the expanse of God's true love

I go there not to grieve for those days are past,
instead I find peace and joy; my spirit rejoices-
for I know you are in the arms of your Savior ,
eagerly awaiting too-

That day in time only God knows for sure.
The day revealed, when the Savior calls-
The day all heaven and earth rejoice.

Then in a moment's time you will see,
 your greatest work on earth come home.

The day we see God's greatest work on earth come home-
Your family, your loved ones, the children of God.




  

What Are You Looking For?

Jesus the Bread of Life/ John 6

 ²⁵ When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

 ²⁶ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. ²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

 ²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

 ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

 ³⁰ So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’^[c]”

 ³² Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

 ³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

 ³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ³⁶ But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

 ³⁷ All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 

³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. ⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

The Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa (Latin for Way of Grief or Way of Suffering) is a street, in two parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion. 

My Favorite Place To Worship