A New Year is upon us ...

Happy New Year !

As I was reading this morning,  I came across this little sentence in the Book of Psalms …

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me …”  (Psalm 138:8 - ESV)

What a wonderful promise to memorize and think about as we begin a new year!
God knows all about you and me, and He knows what is ahead of us, and He will take care of all that concerns us.  WOW!

Have a joyous AD 2011 as you think often about this little sentence with a BIG promise!

I love reading God's Word!

God's Word refreshes my soul and brings me to worship the Lord God Almighty.  How absolutely accurate are these words of Scripture ... "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way." Psalm 119:103-104

This morning someone I follow on twitter posted a link to her blog. 
What Juana had to say about Isaiah 40:13 blessed me as I read. 
You can read it here. - The Mind of the Lord

After reading Juana's blog post, I decided to dive into Isaiah 40, a favorite chapter of mine.  I love the way the Lord speaks through Isaiah with "comfort my people"  and how He declares that "the word of our God will stand forever" (verse 8), and how God is described beginning with the question "To whom then will you liken God , or what likeness compare with Him?" (verse 18)  He concludes that section with "Have you not known? Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
(verses 20-31)

You can listen to Isaiah 40 here ... LISTEN  ... Close your eyes and let the words from God pour over you and refresh your soul.  No wonder Handel set many of these words to music!

Thank you, Lord God Almighty that You concern Yourself with me! 
Thank you for your promise of strength in my weariness.

Checking in at long last!

As I was thinking back over the first half of 2010, I reflected on the Scripture and comments in my blog entry on January 1st.  I quote here:

I am going to use the ESV Bible (English Standard Version) for my readings this year. I appreciate the clarity of this recent translation.

"Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O LORD, God of hosts."
~ Jeremiah 15:16 ~ (ESV)

So, ultimately, I guess I am aiming for the joy and delight found in God and in His Word. That will make for a wonderful 2010! :)  

Yes, it has been a continual joy and delight as I have been reading through His Word. ... God was/is always there in spite of the state of His people!

Reading through the history books of the Old Testament has been like reading the newspapers today.  How foolish mankind is to think that life can be lived apart from God.  Apart from Him, what a mess we make of things.

This little "nugget" I found in I Chronicles 22:12, David speaking to his son Solomon, sums up the overall truth that has impressed me.

"Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God. ..."

Wow! ... Having that as my goal will surely prioritize everything else!

At long last ...

I am back to my blog.

It has been my joy for the past few weeks to have the company of a good friend in my home.  We had good times together and good talks, but time for blogging had to take a back seat.

Over these weeks I read through Exodus and through Mark.  The truth that impressed me in both these sections of Scripture is the overALL, complete sovereignty of the Lord God.

Here are just two quotes ... one from Exodus in the Old Testament and one from Mark in the New Testament. ...

Exodus 9:13-17, 34   
(Pharaoh thought he was in charge.  Not so - it was God!)

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, let my people go that they may serve me.  For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.  For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth.  But, for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.  You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go." ... ... ... But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants.  So the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people of Israel go, just as the Lord had spoken through Moses.

Mark 14:49
(The Jews of that day wanted Jesus out of the way, and, ultimately, to take His life ... when they finally did lay their hands on Him, Jesus spoke of the true situation ... God's word was being fulfilled.)

And they laid hands on him and seized him. ... And Jesus said to them, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?  Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me, but let the Scriptures be fulfilled."

* * *  In these uncertain times in which we live,
in which the rulers of this world think they are in charge,
what a comfort it is to know that the Lord God is sovereign. 
He is working all things together for good ... and for His glory.

Writing while waiting ...

I'm waiting for a return phone call in answer to a question I had, so while I am waiting I will add to my blog.

Since writing my last blog post, I have continued with the Bible reading plan I chose to do this year.  Now that I am six days into it, it has been confirmed in its use that I made the right choice for my temperament.  I am really liking concentrating on one book of Scripture at a time.  The Bible I am using was new for my birthday back in November, so I approach my reading time with colored pencils in hand and mark the text with a color code system I devised years ago when I took a class in Bible study methods.

As I am reading along, and the Lord calls my attention to a verse or section of verses I either underline the verse or bracket the section with the pertinent color in my system.  (I find Crayola colored pencils work best.)

     orange -  God
     blue -     Jesus
     purple -  Holy Spirit
     red -      salvation
     green -   commands to obey, ways to grow in the Christian life
     yellow -  promises to claim, treasures in Christ
     brown -  sin/Satan

Doing this helps me to concentrate and to see connections between one portion of the text and another.
I also use a regular lead pencil if I want to mark a time line or circle key words/names or draw an arrow from one related section to another.  This also makes it easy to go back and find something that relates to something else I am reading at a later date or if I am in need of reviewing a certain passage that would apply to a particular problem, or need, I might have subsequent to my reading on any given day.

This system works well for me.  Give it a try some time - you may find it beneficial in your reading.

At this date I am still reading in Genesis. 

It struck me how Noah's salvation and keeping in the ark is such a picture of our salvation and keeping in Christ.  Noah was given the rainbow as the sign of his covenant with God.  (Genesis 9:11-17)  We are given the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1:13-14) ... "In Him [Christ] you also when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory." (ESV)

Two days of snow to begin the new year ...

I just came in from clearing my driveway.
I know I will have sore muscles tomorrow, but I feel invigorated.

This makes me think of the new Bible reading plan I am doing this year.  Bible Reading Plan (I chose the Book at a Time option.)
Digging into God's Word exercises my spiritual "muscles" ... what He shows me will invigorate my walk with Him. I look forward to all that He wants to show me in this year ... it may hurt as He chips away at rough edges, but it's exciting to think of growing into His image.

We have had a snow "marathon" since Friday evening, so, being more or less housebound, there has been a good amount of free time to read and ponder over His Word. That will become more of a discipline when I get back to the classroom tomorrow.

I have been reading in Genesis, and what struck me the most was when the serpent said to Eve ... "Did God actually say ...?" (chapter 3) ... Yes, God did actually say!

As I read day-by-day, He is going to say many things to me. My prayer is "Lord, help me not to fall into the same trap that Eve did. Help me to count on what You have said."

What are you aiming for in 2010?

Have you heard the saying, "Aim for nothing, and that's what you get."?
I don't know about you, but it sure helps me to see an outline of what I want/need to do.

I came across these Bible Reading Plans, and thought I would share them ... there are 3 different options to choose from - I am doing the "Book at a Time" option because I like to concentrate on a particular section of Scripture at a time, but there are two other options that may fit your personality/approach better.

Check out the three options here ... print out the one you like.
~ Bible Reading Plans ~

I am going to use the ESV Bible (English Standard Version) for my readings this year. I appreciate the clarity of this recent translation.

"Your words were found, and I ate them,
and your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by your name,
O LORD, God of hosts."
~ Jeremiah 15:16 ~ (ESV)

So, ultimately, I guess I am aiming for the joy and delight found in God and in His Word. That will make for a wonderful 2010! :)

God got my attention with a bumper sticker!

Today is a gloomy, rainy Saturday.
I am sick and on antibiotics, but I made myself go out to do some necessary errands. The news came on the radio, and, hearing the re-hash of all that is going on, made me feel worse than I did already! As I pulled out of the library parking lot I saw the red light at the intersection around the corner and applied my brakes. How thankful I am for that red light because having to stop enabled me to read the bumper sticker on the car in front of me. ...

It said ... "RELAX - God is in control."

As the light turned green I wished I could thank the driver of the car. Wow! - It was the shortest green light interval I ever remember at that intersection. That driver and I were stopped again. I put my car in park, got out and walked up to the driver's window and knocked. He looked at me quizzically, but rolled down his window. I said, "I want to thank you for the message on your bumper sticker. I needed that!" He smiled the biggest, happiest smile I have seen in a long time and said to me with a comforting Haitian accent, "You are very welcome!"

I walked back to my car thanking God for His message through that dear man.

Pray ... "For Our Children"

I have never had any children of my own, but having taught for over 40 years I have had the wonderful opportunity to love hundreds of children. Over those 40+ years, I have seen many changes in our culture, changes which create great concern for "my" children and the children of "my" children.

Scripture says, "... whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Everything contrary to what that Scripture verse says was present 2000 years ago when it was penned, but in today's culture with the media, the internet, facebook, etc. etc. the contrary is ever so much more readily accessible. All of this can be used for good, but the temptation for our children (and for us) is ever present for the contrary.

I am always challenged and/or encouraged by reading Amy Carmichael's books. She was an Irish missionary to India in the last century who worked to rescue children from temple prostitution. Today I came across this prayer/poem that she wrote. Lord, help me to be faithful to pray for "my" children.

FOR OUR CHILDREN

FATHER hear us, we are praying,
Hear the words our hearts are saying,
We are praying for our children.

Keep them from the powers of evil,
From the secret, hidden peril,
From the whirlpool that would suck them,
From the trecherous quicksand, pluck them.

From the worldling's hollow gladness,
From the sting of faithless sadness,
Holy Father, save our children.

Through life's troubled water's steer them,
Through life's bitter battle cheer them,
Father, Father, be Thou near them,
Read the language of our longing,
Read the wordless pleadings thronging,
Holy Father, for our children.

And wherever they may hide,
Lead them Home at eventide.

Holiness

“Mark well the great advantages you have for the attainment of holiness by seeking it in a right gospel order.You will have the advantage of the love God manifested towards you, in forgiving your sins, receiving you into favor, and giving you the spirit of adoption, and the hope of His glory freely through Christ, to persuade and constrain you by sweet allurements to love God again, who has so dearly loved you, and to love others for His sake, and to give up yourselves to the obedience of all His commands out of hearty love to Him.You will also enjoy the help of the Spirit of God to incline you powerfully to obedience, and to strengthen you for the performance of it against all your corruptions and the temptations of Satan, so that you will have both wind and tide to forward your voyage in the practice of holiness.”
— Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 1999), 97

Poor Darwin!

Few words ...

"Do not say a little in many words,
but a great deal in few." ~ Pythagoras

Sanctitiy of Life

Sermon by Al Mohler ... you can listen to it here ...
http://wordsofgrace.wordpress.com/recently-on-my-ipod/
(Scroll down til you get to Al Mohler on Abortion. There are other things you may also find interesting.)

Make 15 minutes for this film ...

I saw this posted on Randy Alcorn's blog ...
please watch ... very powerful!

"Volition" masterfully places its unnamed central character in the context of three of the greatest human rights violations in history: the holocaust, slavery, and abortion.

http://randyalcorn.blogspot.com/2008/12/volition-terrific-15-minute-film.html

25 little bits about me ...

A friend asked me to do this to post on facebook.
I thought it would be a good way to introduce myself here on my new blog.

1. Since this is most recent in my mind ... from today ... I do not enjoy having to give a big chunk of my weekend doing schoolwork. The weekend is for REST and other things! ... But, ahhhh, my mid-term reports are done. :) ... feels great!
2. I was born a month and two days before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and I remember air raid sirens and black-out curtains. I also remember ration stamps and squeezing the color into the margerine. (Great fun for kids!)
2. I started kindergarten at age four in September of 1945!
3. When I was 20 months old, my mother had twins, a boy and a girl. She was VERY busy and never sick, at least as far as I ever knew because I never heard her complain! ;)
4. My father was born in Sweden and came to this country in 1924 with his family, at the age of 14. He knew 2 words of English when he got off the boat at Ellis Island ... yes and no ... but became an avid reader in ENGLISH, and an excellent crossword puzzle worker in the same language. He also took his driving test in ENGLISH.
5. Can you tell I am not a fan of "English as a second language" in the schools? IMHO, it handicaps, rather than helps, those who want to live and prosper here ... rather than becoming independent citizens, they are "groomed" to be dependent.
6. When I was in first grade, my teacher, and everything I was learning, was all so wonderful that I decided I would be a first grade teacher when I grew up.
7. My parents did not, nor could not, give us the newest things out there. It was war-time (WWII, then the Korean War), and times were tough. My mother used to cut down old cast-off coats from various places to make us a new winter coat each year. When I got what I wanted for Christmas, I would often cry because I truly didn't think that it would be possible, but they scraped and saved to make it so, and I remember them with great appreciation, love, and respect.
8. My childhood prepared me for adult life when I still don't have everything I want, but a great appreciation and thankful heart for what I do have.
9. My mother nursed us with TLC when we were sick, but we were not allowed to whimper about minor things, another preparation for the chronic pain I now have. When I am tempted to have a pity party, I can hear her lovingly say, "You'll live!" ;)
10. We listened to the radio for entertainment ... Jack Benny, The Shadow, Fibber McGee, Amos and Andy, I Love a Mystery ... it was great fun to gather round the radio as a family.
11. TV wasn't common in the public arena til I was in elementary school. We didn't get one until I was in the 4th grade because my parents had to save the money for it for a lonnnnnng time. My favorite programs were "Howdy Doody" and "I Remember Mama".
12. Our bedtime when we were in elementary school was 7:30. I didn't like that when I was in 5th grade, and "I Love Lucy" was talked about at school. I only got to watch her when it was school vacation.
13. Bedtime advanced to 9:30 when we were in high school. If we didn't have our homework done, we had to set the alarm to get up early to finish it ... pretty hard when you are not a morning person.
14. When I was a senior in high school, I worked in a department store. During the Christmas season I worked every night 'til 9:30 because I was saving money to pay for my brother, sister, and me to go to the church youth group retreat. (You guessed it, I had to go to bed when I got home, and set the alarm to get up at 5:30 the next morning. I was surprised and ecstatic when I got all A's on my report card!)
15. Ooops ... I'll never get to #25 at this rate! ... So ... fast forward to this century!
16. I have diabetes and shoot insulin into my belly 4 x a day.
17. I took to the computer like a duck takes to water. It is a great work tool, as well as being a great way to keep in touch with friends near and far. Lots of things about it are just plain fun, too!
18. I used to have long, thick hair that I always wore in braids when I was a kid. When I developed hypothyroidism, my hair lost its glory and thickness, so I keep it very short!
19. The echoing sensation and the glaring lights in a mall affect me in a negative way, so I rarely go to one unless I know what I want and where to find it in the mall and can quickly pop in and out.
20. I do not like Scrabble, but I play it to make friends happy.
21. I LOVE the board game Sequence.
If you have never played it, you must ... it is so FUN!
22. I wish I could see my sister more often, but she lives 1200 miles away.
23. I love coffee! ... I guess that makes me a true "Svenska Flicka"! (It's a great combination with a good book ... I have always loved to read ever since I learned how.)
24. I love my church family and the faithful teaching from the Word of God by my pastor.
25. I am thankful for the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Without Him I would be lost and miserable!

Bev's Blog Beginnings ... Because ...

(1) I have some relatives, friends, acquaintances who blog, and I enjoy reading their blogs, one especially ...
http://kristin-onceuponatime.blogspot.com/
(2) I have a snow day off from teaching, and I was looking for something constructive to do with my time ... of course, it could be laundry!
(3) I was thinking of the old saying, "Opinions are like noses. Everybody has one, and, some are bigger than others." Yes, I have opinions, but I hope I am not opinionated ... except maybe when it comes to the many and varied uses of peanut butter.
(4) I have been on this earth for 67 years, and almost 3 months as of this writing, and thought some of my life's lessons and thoughts might be of interest, perhaps benefit, to some of my readers ... or, at least provide a laugh along the way.