Journey into Forever

"Everything is permissible for me but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered by anything."       - 1 Corinthians 6:12 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble whether Jews Greeks or the church of God----- even as I try to please everybody in every way for I am not thinking my own good but the good of many so that they may be saved."     -  1 Corinthians 10:31-33       We are getting a new baby next month.  I can hardly wait.  I love everything about watching them grow.  From the first smile to the teen attitude, every stage is wonderful to watch.  The youngest years are the most fun I think.  Watching a child learn to walk, talk, and develop her individual personality is great.  And everyone loves the baby.  Even the siblings don't tease or mistreat her. It is especia...

"Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience , which leads to righteousness?"                  - Romans 6:16      Have you ever read the story of Joshua and Jerico?  Not just singing the song, which many of us have sung through the years:            Joshua fit the battle of Jerico, Jerico, Jerico            Joshua fit the battle of Jerico            And the walls came tumblin' down. When you really think about that story, it's another incredible example of what God can do when He is obeyed.  Just imagine being told by God to walk around a city for 6 consecutive days, then on the 7...

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea."      - Mark 9:42    Shortly after I had grandchildren, I learned an important lesson.  I don't know why I hadn't learned this with my own kids.  I think I was just too busy to notice.  Anyway, I learned the concept of "monkey see, monkey do" is really true.    Down to the smallest thing.  Children copy what they see others do.  It's the only way they learn how to do things, by watching how others interact in the world.  It's why it is so important that we try to be sure that everything they see and hear is appropriate, something they can learn positive things from.  As a child, teen, and young adult, I participated in many things I should not have.  Probably one of the most damaging things...

    "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart."                         - Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)        I lose things.  Lots of things.  It's true.  Ask anyone who knows me.....I'm notorious for it.  Even more notorious for this than I am for my lack of a sense of direction.  My good friend Caren says I could get lost in a paper bag.  My husband is even more convinced.  More experience I guess.  Don't ask me how to get anywhere.  I may give you directions, but they won't be right.  Yeah, probably should stop giving directions.  Anyway, back to losing things.  I lose things constantly.  Once I lost a very expensive, special ring my husband got me.  Lost it for almost 2 years.  I found it in a desk drawer.  It had been scooped off one day when I was working on a paper. ...

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."                        -Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)   "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."                        - Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)      I think technology is affecting my patience.....probably in a negative way.  I am so used to having information fast, now, at any time, that I am irritated when it is not.  I want my phone, ipad, and computer to immediately get me where I want to be.  NOW!      Life was not...

    "In my Father's house are many mansions.  If it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you."                  -John 14:2       S o, I continue to think about life today.   I'm still sitting with my mom as she struggles to regain her strength, trying to figure out how this crisis will end. A good friend lost her dad yesterday. And a friend I knew in school died last night.  I guess when you get to this age you are bound to have more and more of these situations. You just don't know the difference one day can make in your life. You can go from zero to 100, or even 100 to zero in an instant.  An instant.  The time it takes to snap your fingers, or fall over a clump of grass, or take your last breath. Just like that!      I have spent my life as many of you have.......

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord.  "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future".               -Jeremiah 29:11      Sitting in the hospital can be any of a number of different experiences.....some good, some not so good.  When it is quiet, the patient is sleeping, and no one is around, it can be a time of introspection. I guess that's where I am today.   Introspecting......is that a word?  The point is, hospitals make you think about life.  What it is, what it should be, what it could be, and how it all turns out.  Deep, huh?      Again, since I am so into coincidence, (not), I was also "coincidentally" exposed to two teachings/writings about what one does with this life.  So, even though I was not planning to write a Journey post right now, Someone Else apparently had other ideas. ...