Journey into Forever

" For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."                                                                 - I Corinthians 13:12                                                       I have to be honest here.  Sometimes I could really give Doubting Thomas a run for his money.  I think, like my dad could do, I tend to over-analyze everything.  If someone is in a bad mood, I decide they are mad at me for something.  I've done something wrong....or maybe they've found out what I'm REALLY like.  I constantly look for reasons for things, explanations for things, analyzing the 'hows', 'whys', and especially the 'ifs'.   If something doesn't seem logical, then I just can't support it.  Although I do tend to take people at face value until they prove me wrong again and again, when presented with information I can't expla

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."                                                  -Colossians 2:2-3 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."                                                  -Romans 15:13 Well, another Thanksgiving is in the books, and the Christmas season is upon us.  A friend posted on Facebook to remind us that not everyone has a happy holiday surrounded by family, love, and joy.  Good to remember that.  My Thanksgiving was very different than usual this year.  For the first time in 63 years, my mom wasn't there to take care of almost everything.  We missed her.  Between my sister and I  we managed to ge

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."                         Ephesians 1:3 Long time no see.  That is what my grama used to say to people who had been gone for a long time.  This blog has been gone a long time.  No excuses, really.  Just a long, dry spiritual place.  Plenty of reasons for that, but none I can really say are valid.  Basically, a lack of fervency on my part.  I moved, He didn't.  Anyway, after much prayer for passion, I think I might be back on track.  Ever happen to you?  I suspect it might have.  So much in the news lately.  This morning on the news I listened to them talk about all of the positions the President-elect is trying to fill for his administration.  A ton of them.  How ironic (not really) that those stories fit right in with what God had begun dealing with me about this next  post. I love how He does that!  I have been SLOWLY study

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."                                    - Romans 5:3-5         Romans 5:3-5 is a verse I have been working with a lot lately.  It was the focal point for a study I just finished entitled "Looking for Lovely" by Annie F. Downs.  If you have not read anything she has written, I recommend you try her.        Suffering.  I don't know about you, but it seems to me there is a tremendous amount of this going on.  Parents with sick children.  Spouses losing their partner to illness and death.  A pretty bleak picture of crime, anger, and violence in our world.  We are bombarded with it every day.       Faced with devastating suffering, what do people typically do?  The "bit

I'm not a good crisis person.  When the stress level is highest, I'm usually at my lowest.  Although I would love to be the "glass is half full" kinda girl, I'm really just the opposite.  If something's bad, it will likely get worse.  I just really struggle with maintaining a positive attitude. it's not that I don't believe God's in control...I know He is.  It's just my nature. I am doing a study at church by Annie F. Downs entitled "Looking for Lovely", a study to help us look for the good things in every situation. ( something this "downer" girl needs).  It's a really good one.... You should check it out.  There was one lesson that took my scattered brain in a whole new direction.  It was about the mustard seed parable.  We've all heard it, but I had never really explored it very much. The parable occurs in Matthew 13 and17, and also in Mark and Luke.  There is so much in this one lesson from Jesus I could tak

"Religion  that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."                                                  - James 1:27   "Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves."                                                - Romans 12:10 I just threw a bouquet away.  I didn't want to, but it was dead.  It was the most beautiful bouquet I think I have ever seen.  All white....lilies, daisies, roses, lily of the valley......breathtaking.  It had a white bow with a ribbon attached to it that said "friend".  It was sent upon the death of my mom by someone who inspired this post.      My mom lived to be 92.  We were blessed to have her that long- but losing someone is NEVER easy no matter when it is.  Thankfully, my God has been with me every step of the way.  This post isn't to write about her death, how

 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.                                   Ephesians 1:18      I think it might be becoming clear that I am affected and inspired by theatrical productions.  Not a big surprise....I've been pretty "theatrical" in my life.  But sometimes, I think an experience through the arts gets the thought processes moving more freely than they normally do on a day to day basis.      Yesterday,our son's family went with us to see "Moses" at Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson, Mo.  It was a depiction of the life of this man who was used so dramatically by God.  You guys all know the story....his birth, his adoption by a princess, becoming a murderer, outcast, then finally being chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery.  A remarkable story, brought to life by an amazing cast and crew.     Made m

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.  Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court.  And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."                            - Matthew 5:21-22 Wow!  I didn't  realize it had been so long since I posted here...misplaced priorities probably.  Well, that's a subject for another post. Today is the morning after I saw "Wicked" at JQH in Springfield.  Many of you reading this have seen or will see it.  It was truly a Broadway-like production.  I was amazed at the beautiful costumes, detailed and computerized props, and the talent I observed.  Had such a good time. Funny thing though.  The lesson I was chewing on from Sunday School that morning is chew