Hope-Peace-Joy-Love

White as Snow

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.


“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” I John 2:1

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”John 14:27

A Snowman built to create joy from the wonder and awe flakes of ❄️❄️❄️❄️ snow gives as it falls gently upon the earth. It brings with it various benefits to the earth as well as joy to the heart when created for building and making scenes in our yards. I didn’t even mention the joy of making and eating snow comes.

Snow brings life to the soul when used as a story to shine light on the greatest story every told. The Christmas Story of Baby Jesus born in a barn and giving a light to guide the Magi to gift this child that would and is The Light that guides us to Truth!

”For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!“
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.9.6-7.NLT

Peace Peace Peace

“Because of the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in
the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 (NRSV)

John writes, “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you‘” (Jn. 20:19)

About the Music: “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

In Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah, he says:l

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

The Prince of Peace, our Redeemer!

Tools in your Toolbox

God the Father chose you [yes YOU] because of what he knew beforehand. He chose you through the Holy Spirit’s work of making you holy and because of the faithful obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. May God’s grace and peace be multiplied to you.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭CEB‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/37/1pe.1.2.CEB

“The art of being human is in uniting fruitful activity with a contemplative stance—not one or the other, but always both at the same time.” COC, Rohr

Barbecue Delight

I am often invited to share in fellowship with others and often as their guest. I feel so honored and blessed each time I’m invited to share in fellowship.

I’m often in awe with the teachings of Jesus. (See below his teaching from Luke) And, never more so than being a guest of others. Just recently I was a luncheon guest in a garage with this hugh delicious barbecue sandwich! One of my favorite meals.

I met and greeted a number of people of various ages, cultures, races, status in society. The conversations I was priviledge to be a part of just might have been found in our study scripture below.

Shawn’s Barbecue Warrenton Va

“Then he (Jesus) turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.14.12-13.NLT

I thought of this teaching of Jesus and begin to meditate on the beauty of the Words given by Jesus whenever He spoke.

I must say when I’m invited as a guest more often than not I’m the one that blesses the host with their grand reward.

Why one might ask, not rich! Not a “Harvard” graduate! Not a rich political person! Not a movie star! Not Not!

Much like Jesus the least among you. Read the full chapter of Luke 14 and meditate on Jesus’ words and actions.

And, focus a few moments on this truth. “

“Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.14.10-11.NLT

Don’t be offended when ones that call you family or friend have no place at their social table for you!

Jesus welcomes you today to sit with Him! You are loved! You are highly honored! You are greatly blessed! Invite Him to fellowship with you. He stands ready! Rev 3:20

Two Gates

Wide or Narrow

The Narrow and Wide Gates Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 NLV

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

The Narrow Way 7:13-14 NKJ

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Being a Granma for me has opened my mind to think, really think just how to think?

Each day awakens the reality of realistic thoughts, prayers and conversations to making sure as much as possible within my God Given ability to remind myself of these words, “You can enter…WOW! Share with others including my little one, You can enter God’s Kingdom…and just try and imagine the daily joys we will find there when we look for them!

A closed locked mind is like a closed locked gate!

See All The People…

A little church in Eastern NC from a local artist’s eye and pen, E Nunes

James 1:22-25 KJV

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

As a child did you learn a little story hand/finger exercise that went like this, “here is the church, here is the steeple, open the door and see all the people!

When I ride by little churches in the beautiful countryside I notice many not used except for historical interest and I often wonder, where are all the people?

Do you ever question your thoughts, actions and motives in the light of deceiving yourself by not doing what you heard from the Word of God, called the Bible? (James 1 vs 22)

And, hopefully you passed the test and then stood boldly with hands outreached to receive your blessings for deeds done! (James 1 vs 25)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smtucwvzuCc

What’s wrong with this photo?

Let’s Play

What’s wrong with this set-up? I’ve played checkers for many years just not recently. Well, not for a few years. I have the board and all the pieces. I’ve set them up and ready to play with my granddaughter! Well, not really! What have I forgotten?

Christians often use the term, “you must be born again.” (John 3:1-21) This scripture communication between Jesus and a man name Nicodemus seem to say the first birth is not enough. We not only have to be born, but also remade. The remaking of the soul, refreshing of the eye, ear tuning and mind renewing is the return to simplicity. Maybe the learning once again of a childhood game?

He (Jesus) called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:2-5

Isn’t relearning and refreshing sweetness to the soul? What’s wrong with my photo? Help?

A story I heard

I heard a story today about an 82 year old man going through a Drive through for his lunch. A young lady in car behind him thought old man was slow and starting beeping horn and mouthing what he thought to be not very nice words!

He thought I will pay forward for her meal and he did. As he waited his turn second window to pick up his meal she approached first window and learned about the kindness she had been shown by a free meal. He saw her mouthing, thank you, thank you.

He approached the second window and handed the guy 2 receipts and received both orders. He drove away.

He thought girl best way to learn patience go back through busy line, pay for your lunch and be kind to an older person.