AFFIRMATION 2022: Pentecost 2022

After two weeks of hourly pecking at my windows, my little dude cardinals are only visiting first thing in the morning and last thing at night.  Oh, they are around.  I see them often sitting at the feeders or in the wisteria on the pergola over the patio.  But mostly, they have grown up, even their daddy is flying solo again.

I love looking for them throughout the day.  Little Dude has almost all his red feathers, and the brown ones kind of look like cow licks sticking out as they get ready to fall. His crest only sticks up occasionally, and I usually end up laughing as he shakes his head a little when it happens. The black defining his eyes is also starting to appear. Little Dude 2’s feathers have been a little slower in changing, but it seems like he is catching up daily. However, both of them are so fast, I haven’t been able to catch them in picture form since last week. 

“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
And the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you;
And the fish of the sea will explain to you.
Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the Lord has done this…”

Job 12:7-9

The Hand of YAH has smoothed over many things this past week and His affirmations keep popping up in the WORD, through the people that He has placed in my sphere, and even through the weather. Pollen down.  Temps back to summer tolerable. Slight winds circling. So after I get done sitting outside reading devotions or just swinging on the patio, I’ve been able to accomplish things outside.  Lawn got mowed.  Mulch got spread.  Best yet – “squirrel planted” trees and grape vines got dug out their weird places. (I still haven’t figured out how to get the one out of the rose bush though.)  The arthritic body doesn’t like it a lot, but I figure if Paul could deal with a thorn in his side, I can deal with a little soreness.

“Then they returned to Jerusalem…These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

Acts 1:12-14

Pentecost has fascinated me for a long time.  A few days prior to the 4th Jewish feast, the disciples watched their friend, their beloved rabbi, who had already stunned them by returning after His crucifixion, teaching, praying, eating and performing other miracles. 40 days with them as He taught them one last lesson and then ascended to His Father before their eyes.

I can’t remember how many times I’ve read this passage trying to imagine what that must have been like. Then I would go through the next verses and wonder at the changes that were already taking place in this world. Men and women – waiting – worshiping – praying – in the same room – with each other! Once again – as in the garden – side by side!

Growing up I had no idea that Pentecost was just the Greek word for the Jewish feast, Shavuot – the Feast of Weeks.  Shavuot is the 4^th Feast that is always celebrated 50 [7 weeks after Passover Sabbath +1 ] days after Passover.  It celebrates the “Giving of the Torah” to the Jewish people and the offering of those new crops that were just starting to emerge from the darkness of the ground. Sometimes it is also called the “First Fruit” feast. 

YAH’s affirmations always prove His WORD true in all ways.

As I looked at the history embedded in this Jewish feast – the giving of the Torah/Law – the offering of first fruits – I am stunned at how Our Father’s plan affirms historically, spiritually, and physically, so meticulously to the smallest detail to increase the faith of those who choose to believe in Him. Did you know that 3000 died after the worship of Baal when Moses brought back the Torah? Did you know that 3000 were saved as the Holy Spirit was given on Pentecost? Is it any wonder that Yeshua Ha’Mashiach ascended to His Father within a few days of Pentecost?  Is it any wonder that, as the Father had given the Torah in the past on this day, that Jesus, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, would choose this day to send “the Helper” – the Holy Spirit, Ruach Ha’Kodesh?

“…Encouragement is “the affirmations people communicate to others, typically through the use of language, to enhance motivation within the context of realizing a potential or addressing a challenging situation.” Dr. Joel Wong

When affirmation was given to me as my devotional word of 2022, I couldn’t imagine what new wisdom He would teach me about this word.  But as always, I soon figure out that even as my 71^st year draws to a close, I still have wayyyyyy tooooo much to learn in this world and the next.  Best yet – I can’t wait to see where He will lead me next. 

#timessuchasthese  #latterdays #rapture

El Greco painting

2020 Vision: Who Am I?

“Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?”v.1

It was a beautiful day. Windows open. Radio on. Harmonizing to a song I know pretty well. Stretches that really help the knees keep bending. Time in the water at the gym. A great conversation with a fellow Durham school librarian. An old book I’m re-discovering and I wonder why now? A new book that I can’t wait to uncover and wonder why now? A short time to enjoy the patio swing before getting busy wasting time.
I am blessed.

“…what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?”Ps 8:4b

This verse has been on my mind all weekend. Not sure why – except – that Our Father’s breath has been blowing many new things into my path this weekend. Like usual, I never know what to do with a lot of the information He sends, so I jot information. I write in my journal, my prayer devotional book, and note cards. Some verses leap off the page at me, so I write them down as well. Thoughts pop in my head and beg my attendance upon them, and then – I wonder – wait – while away the time – as it all tumbles around in my head.

I know eventually – He will tell me what to do with it all – but for now I hold them close and ponder them.

“I am a flower quickly fading:
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still You hear me when I’m calling.
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling.
And You’ve told me who I am.
I am Yours, I am Yours.” ~v.2

On my way to the gym, this song came on. Casting Crowns. One of my favorite Christian groups. “Who Am I?” One of my favorite songs, lately. Since Psalm 8:4 had been already wandering around in my mind, I took notice. God winks are hard to miss when your eyes are focused on Him.

Since I had been looking up information, reading, listening to choral music, knitting, and watching some of my favorite Christian movies, the thoughts began to sort themselves out. I still can’t see the clear pattern yet, or where it is all leading, but there is something. Something I am about to discover about “who I am”.

So tonight, I am still waiting and watching. I have to admit, I tend to love it when Our Father starts downloading something, and His Hope takes over everything that I do. My eyes continually look up. My lamp overflows with new oil.

“When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— “ Ps 8:4a

As I sat on the patio swing, I do wonder why He cares so much about each of us. I betray His trust and love over and over – and yet – He is mindful of me. Even as a quickly fading flower or a mere vapor on the wind in the scheme of eternity, He continues to find time for me…and the butterflies that are all over the lantana bush… or the hummingbirds filling up for their trip South…or the two aging choc lab girls who sleep in the shade of a wisteria covered portico. There is much more to come out of this thoughtful weekend, but it is a start.

I reflect back that Job probably said it best, “What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him.” Job 7:7

He trusts us with His heart…His Son…His Grace……..

Since the very beginning, so who am I not to trust Him with mine? 

RATIONS 100 DAYS #4 2019

“When He giveth quietness…”

 

The quietness of tonight – the moon rising between the trees around our driveway – the soft lights of the patio – made for the perfect evening. The clouds had finally cleared a way for me to see the moon and enjoy it for a short time – at least until the mosquitoes got a little too nippy.

 

It was a busy day. Best of all – I think I’m in love with my new computer. It is smaller. The key action seems perfect for aging fingers. The transition was relatively easy. Bad thing?

I still can’t access my files.

 

The I’ve been in the midst of re-writing some blog posts from a couple years ago that cover a 1942 prayer journey called “Rations 100 Days”. The messages appear timeless, and just like the first time I spent 100 days in prayer over this booklet, the “rations” seem to speak to my life in 2019.

 

God winks and gratitude fills my eyes with happy tears.

 

“When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?”~Job 34:29

 

These tiny “rations”, tailored made to ride in a military pocket, were written when a new war was tearing apart the world once again. A war that killed more than we want to remember. There are many numbers in this life that we choose to ignore – those killed driving a car or killed mining for lithium or killed in abortion or killed in natural disasters. It is a world filled with selfishness, division, danger and strife. But today’s “ration” reminds its reader that all of it – all the narcissism, fear, hatred and tribulation – is external when we know the Father. And when we turn the chaos over to Him on a daily basis we find His peace – even though we might need to do this on a minute-to-minute basis.

 

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him.”~Is 26:3

 

Carbonite is still running in the background. 8 hours of downloading and sitting at only 15%. Dang – I have a lot of stuff stored on my computers and even when it is done, I will probably have to call to have them help me access it all easily. I’m fairly tech oriented but not at all savy. Especially will miss my files again when I go to attach a picture or two to this post. Then again, it is just an external annoyance as the “ration” author pointed out so many years ago.

 

That gift of inner peace – well it has been with me all day as I got a hug from one of my GCA students – laughed with a friend in a phone conversation – “talked” with several OH friends who wanted to remind me how loved I am – and had a Father who pulled aside the clouds for the Lab girls and me to watch the “almost” full moon rise in the East.

 

Rations for 100 Days may have been written almost 80 years ago, but just like the “Book of Life”, its message still circles me and enriches my life beyond measure.

 

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”~Jn 14:27

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CLAPPING TREES

“If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking? Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?”~ Job 4:2-6

 

There has been only quiet and emptiness. The sky thunderously dark and empty of light mocked the brightness of previous days, and the night withheld its dim beauty. Job knew this period of life well. Many of us know this period of life.

 

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.”~1 Chron 4:10

 

When I get full of myself, I have this crazy tendency to pray this simple prayer by a man only mentioned one time in the Bible. A man that had his prayer answered. I always think, “Ok, I’ve grown a lot in the past few years, right, Father? Expanding my territory will mean that it will be much easier than the last time I prayed this prayer, right?”

 

“Right?”

 

It never is. In fact, it is always a little more challenging. It is why I have only prayed this prayer 3 times. Right now – I don’t know if I will ever be brave enough to pray it again – but then again – I have said this before.

 

It is a prayer that – for me – tears off the veils that I have used to cover all those weak areas in my life that are buried so deeply that most of the time I can pretend they don’t exist.

Physical.

Emotional.

Spiritual.

And even – those states that exist so far beyond my logical understanding that I have no words for them. The good news?God knows them – knows of their existence – even if I don’t, and He strips the veils away to expand my territory in Him.

 

In January I prayed. God answered…as He always does. Territory expanded and…as always…a blessed period of rest begins. A tiny flower of clarity. A deep breath that I had been holding for almost six months. And a whole bunch of Grace shining so brightly that I almost feel ready to stand up and begin my journey again.

 

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”~Is 55:12

 

Four weeks ago, just before my scheduled trip to NYC with the daughters, I was still struggling. This test had been longer and more intense than the other two times, and I was tired – – – very tired. It was then He woke me up in the middle of the night and gave this verse in Isaiah. The darkness was pushed back to reveal the stars that had been there all along.

 

It was time to step out in joy and let Him lead me forth in peace. The mountains continue to sing as the trees clap their hands and I am looking forward to starting a new adventure. I get to be a librarian again. It looks like I will end my working career the way I started it long ago when I was a page in the Loudonville library. I also get to work in a new Christian school that is just starting in NC.

K-3.

A small room.

A few shelves of books.

A chance to help build a room in Our Father’s house – – – “…on earth as it is in heaven.”~Matt 6:10b

 

There are mountainous songs circling and trees clapping.

Can you hear them?

 

Grace Christian Academy – can’t wait to see what Our Father is about to do. 

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Because of Christmas #2: His Face

There is a an rabbinical adage that says that a person should always carry two pieces of paper with them. It should be written on one of them: “You are as dust and ashes.” (Job 30:19). On the other should be written: “For you the universe was created.” (Gen 1).

I’ve been thinking about this saying for a couple of days now. I like the dichotomy between these two perspectives. I like picturing myself with two pieces of paper – one in each hand. My one hand has a red sticky note that says Elohim made us out of some of the smallest ugliest parts under our feet. On my other hand is a blue sticky note that says we are the center of His universe.

I understand the wisdom of this saying. There are times we are really ugly and make awful decisions. However – there are also times when when our decisions help us soar beyond our wildest dreams – as if the universe lay at our feet. If we can keep our two hands within our sight, we will see the whole of who we are instead of being blinded by one hand or the other.

I kept thinking of that Rabbinical saying today as I read chapter 2 in “Because of Bethlehem”. I don’t know when this adage came into Jewish tradition. Perhaps Rabbi Yeshua repeated it to is own disciples – sans the sticky notes of my visualization. What I do know is that in one timeless moment Elohim reached in among the dusty ashes once more and gave shape to His own face, body and being.

“For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”~Is 9:6-7

Max Lucado summed it up pretty well in one sentence: “He took on your face in the hope that you would see His.” (p20). The more I thought about these two things, the more I saw myself – sitting in my childhood church. My hands folded in prayer – sitting between my mother and father. Heads bowed – hands together. The sticky notes of who I am – no longer color separated but white beyond description.

That’s what Grace does when we see who we are through His eyes – His child for whom the universe was created. [google image]

The Gate-keeper

We beat the gate-keeper to the lake this morning. I knew I wouldn’t have a lot of time to let the girls (our labs =) ) swim and walk this morning (since I had appointments to keep), so I wanted to make sure to take advantage of every minute. It was worth it. 73 degrees, a slight breeze and happy, barking dogs – life doesn’t get much better and I was glad the gate-keeper was on time.

“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee..” Job 22:28a

But as I watched all the beauty around me, I kept thinking about the 3 teenagers killed in Israel. 18 days missing and buried today. Earlier today I read and shared a post by an Israeli woman. She talked about how the number 18 in Hebrew is equivalent to the word “chai” which means “life”. Needless to say, that one little sentence has been revisiting my thought process throughout the day. A dat spent reading a new book, waiting for the doctors to say I am a perfectly healthy 63 year old – enjoying the freedom to drive around and purchase things I “needed”.

Just – Life.

I think I have a pretty great one, and I am more and more thankful for it everyday. As I stood by the water watching the girls fetch their sticks, two pure white birds flew low over us. They were not the typical sea gulls that are often swirling over the lake, but they were also bigger than the white doves we occasionally see. I don’t know what they were, but they were beautiful. Even the dogs looked up as they were swimming, sticks in mouths, towards me. It’s one of those times I wish I was more like mom. She would have had a camera ready and snapped it. As they disappeared into the shelter of the woods, Israel and America popped into my mind.

Two countries founded upon a faith in one God. Three boys: Two Israelis and 1 American. Two countries tied together by faith. Three boys of different countries tied together by friendship and faith.

The older I get, the less I’m inclined to believe in “quinky-dinks” as my dad and mom used to say. Jewish wisdom looks at every “jot and tittle” as they study the WORD. They believe that nothing – not a dot – not a word – not a repetitive story – in the WORD is just a coincidence. They give God so much more credit than we -people of the new covenant – have done. In fact, we pretty much ignore the OT except for a few stories that we find relevant. We tend to forget that Jesus was totally Jewish and knew the WORD down to every “jot and tittle”. He often repeated the wisdom of the OT in His teachings.

“”Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matt 18:18

I guess with all these thoughts roaming through my busy day, I wasn’t surprised when this last verse popped up in my devotions tonight. Did you notice the reference? 18:18. Did you notice that Jesus repeated a verse in Job? Life. Prayer. Faith. The gate-keeper is standing by the gate.

A Caliphate is proclaimed.

Three boys are buried.

I don’t know thy these things continued to claim my attention today or why I feel so compelled to write about all of it. I only know I am called to circle these thing in prayer, be faithful to what He calls me to do, and offer thanks for all the promises that He faithfully keeps each and every day. I am blessed…and watching for the gate-keeper to open the gates.

http://www.jewishgiftplace.com/Meaning-of-Hebrew-Chai.html