Taking a Look Back

Ten years ago this week Les and I traveled to Hawaii to start a new adventure.  He joined Decision Research Corporation on January 21, 2013.  I re-read some of the posts from that time and it's interesting to see what we got right and what was not at all what we expected!  I'm going to re-share some of those posts here and add my thoughts from 10 years later (those thoughts will be in purple.)

The first post I want to talk about was posted in December 2012, "The Curse and the Scarlett Thread."  The focus of this post was worry and let me tell you, I was so wrapped up in worry at the time!  I didn't blog about everything that was going on in our life at the time, but I was a mess.  My dad was in the hospital at the time, our house had been broken into, and Les had been unemployed for about two months.  

 

The things that were plaguing my mind were REAL, not imagined, but I still needed to take all my thoughts captive.  It would be some time before the answers to my "what if?" questions would arrive, but I was able to change my worrying to praying with faith.

 

This lesson has been invaluable to me for the past ten years.  Sis. White asked me to speak at Ladies Prayer on March 10, 2020 and I chose this topic.  Little did I know how much fear and worry would be taking hold of our world in the weeks ahead.

Les started a new series in our adult Sunday school class last week - The Scarlet Thread.  This is the line through the Bible, from start to finish that teaches us that the life is in the blood.  Blood has always been necessary for redemption and eternal life. Yesterday's lesson was excellent as always.  Les taught about Adam and Eve and the curse that came upon the world because of their disobedience.

Most aspects of the curse were familiar to me.  I'm so thankful that Jesus bruised Satan's head.  Les pointed out something in verse 16 that I had never heard before:

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

The first use of the word "sorrow" is not the same as the second usage.  The second word "sorrow" in the Hebrew is as we would expect - "pain," but the first "sorrow" is actually "worrisomeness."

Worrisomeness in the Hebrew means:  worry, pain, anger, displease, grieve, hurt, be sorry, vex. Webster's dictionary doesn't contain the word "worrisomeness" but is does give the definition for worrisome: causing distress or worry, inclined to worry or fret. 

Les didn't spend much time on this, but I've been chewing on it since his lesson.  Any ladies reading this today know the feeling of worrisomeness?  Are there days when you just feel overwhelmed with it all and sit fretting about things over which you have no control?  Then you tell your sweet husband all about it and his response is, "What's the big deal?"  Men just don't worry as much.  I know they feel stress, but that is not part of the curse that was put upon man, we ladies got that privilege!

Eve had never experienced worry before the fall.  The Bible doesn't tell us how long they were in the garden before Adam and Eve partook of the fruit.  It may have been weeks, months, or even years.   She lived in a perfect world with nothing to worry about it.  Until the fall, then the curse.

Does that mean we ladies should just resign ourselves to worry?  Should we spend our days as Chicken Little:  "There's no way to avoid it, I'm cursed with worry, the sky is falling, the sky is falling!!"  I don't believe so.  I believe we will be attacked with worry, but we must take those thoughts captive.

Jesus said in Matthew chapter 6:

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Repeatedly Jesus says "take no thought."  One commentator said this:

It is the repeated command of the Lord Jesus to his disciples, that they should not divide and pull in pieces their own minds with care about the world. The thought here forbidden is, 1. A disquieting, tormenting thought, which hurries the mind hither and thither, and hangs it in suspense; which disturbs our joy in God, and is a damp upon our hope in him; which breaks the sleep, and hinders our enjoyment of ourselves, of our friends, and of what God has given us. 2. A distrustful, unbelieving thought. God has promised to provide for those that are his all things needful for life.

I needed this so much!  We've had a lot of stress in our life lately and I have watched Les confidently going on, believing that God is going to take care of us.  I believe that, until worry takes hold.  I wasted precious time on Saturday taking thought instead of trusting.  (This was the understatement of the day!)

The answer to overcoming our thoughts is the blood.  The scarlet thread that was started in the garden when God slew the first sacrifice to clothe Adam and Eve with skins, is still the answer today.  The blood of Jesus does more than save us, Isaiah 53 tells us:

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Our grief, our sorrow, our worry, our future, He carried it all.  Because He did, we can take no thought and know that our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need.  Several weeks ago, Les taught about God's purpose.  He said, "Since aspects of God are identical past, present and future… God’s future plans are as if they had already been fulfilled."  I have to wonder, what am I worried about?  God has it all in His very capable hands!

Quote Me + This is Your Life

I decided to combine two writing prompts today:

 

January 4 - Do you have a favorite quote that you return to again and again? What is it, and why does it move you?

 

January 11 - If you could read a book containing all that has happened and will ever happen in your life, would you? If you choose to read it, you must read it cover to cover.

 

First, I'm choosing a quote that is not a Bible verse. I have so many verses that I go back to, I don't know if I could choose a top five. Second, I've got two favorite quotes:

Comparison is the thief of joy

~ Theodore  Roosevelt

I can see to the corner, but God sees around the corner... don't worry.
~ Mom's Bible

Let's talk about comparison and how it steals joy.  There are many ways we compare.  We compare ourselves to others.  They have more money, they're smarter, they run faster, they sing better, they... fill in the blank.  So much time and energy is wasted when we compare.  When we compare to others, we overlook what we do have.  Especially as Americans, even in this crazy time with all the upheaval, we are so greatly blessed.  Food, water, shelter.  Things we take for granted would bring great joy to so many around the world.

We can also lose our joy when we compare ourselves to ourselves.  Now, I admit that seeing a recent picture of me that told the true story of weight gain, comparing to my thinner self is actually a motivating tool.  I also know that I have to put in the work (like I did in my 40s) if I want to make a change.  It may be slower and even harder, so I must not compare today's journey to any of the past.  It's today that matters.  That is true about every aspect of life.  It's today's journey that matters - learn from the past, both good and bad, but don't let it steal your joy.

Now on to that second prompt...

If you could read a book containing all that has happened and will ever happen in your life, would you? If you choose to read it, you must read it cover to cover. 

As soon as I read this one, I knew my answer - No, thank you!  Knowing what I know now, if I could have seen all that the past 30 years would hold, my 27 year old self would have freaked out!  30 years ago, I was blissfully engaged and ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.  I don't have a single regret about that decision, but 30 years is a lot of living.  30 years of joy and sorrow, losses and heartache, adventures and good times.  30 years that have included promotions and job losses, blessings and belt tightening.

If I had known that I would lose Rod when I was 30 and Mom was I was 34, my heart would not have been able to take it.  At the same time, if I could have known how God was going to bless me, I probably would have been less careful and possibly filled with pride.

I just want to see to the corner.  That's all I need to know.  If I could see around every corner, I would have no reason to trust God.  But He's been around every corner in my life and with each turn I have found Him to be more than enough.

I can see to the corner, but God sees around the corner... don't worry.
~ Mom's Bible

Miscellaneous Monday Matters

Welcome to week three of Stay Home, Stay Safe.  I hope you're all doing your part and staying healthy without going crazy!  The best thing any of us can do is read more of the Good News and less of the rest of the news!  If you're spending three hours a day reading the latest COVID-19 updates and three minutes a day reading from God's word, you're going to lose the battle of the mind.  There is a lot of unknown and misinformation.

Les sent me this quote and I think it's excellent:

People should remember that they're as healthy as they feel, and shouldn't go around feeling as unhealthy as they fear.

I'm not saying that COVID-19 isn't a real threat to our health, but I am saying:  Don't Let Fear Win.
 
I thought about saving this picture for another Wordless Wednesday, but we need smiles on Monday, too!   This picture has so many things going on that make me smile.  I'm pretty sure this was Easter 1971, I was in first grade.  I was about to turn 7, Rod had just turned 8, Rick was 10, and Kim was almost 12 (our birthdays happen January through April.)  It should come as no surprise that I've always loved wearing bright colors!  But the real treasure in this picture is everything I am holding - my white purse, an Easter basked AND a huge Easter egg.  By the look on my face (which makes me giggle right along with my almost 7 year old self) I'm guessing I may have had a bit of chocolate for breakfast.  The only thing I don't know is if one or both knees were skinned...

Are you wearing a mask now?  Up to this point I have not worn one.  I'm probably going to start wearing one in the grocery store - that seems to be the only place where I'm in close contact with people I don't know.   I may end up feeling silly, it will probably really annoy me to wear one, but better safe than sorry, right?  If you're looking to buy one, Active Faith Sports is selling masks that say, "Faith Over Fear."  These are not N95 masks, but they're a cool reminder.

In an effort to stay active, I signed up for the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k virtual race. The goodie bag includes a jacket, race medal and chocolate.  The race organizer, RAM racing, chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation as their official charity.  I love what Make-A-Wish does, granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.  You can sign up for the race, 5k or 15k, HERE.  You can walk or run the race anytime between April 30th and May 31st. If you'd like to donate to Make-A-Wish, you can do that on my fundraising page HERE.

I tried something different on Friday.  We wanted pizza from our local pizza place for dinner.  They do not deliver but are still open for carry out only.  I wanted to avoid the dinner time rush, so I placed my order mid afternoon and asked them if they could bake it only half way.  They were happy to do that.  I picked the pizza up at 3:00, took it home and put in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.  I finished baking it at 425 degrees for 7-10 minutes (I just kept an eye on it.)  It was perfect!

Finally, here are two little gems from Mom's Bible to get this week started on the right foot:

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow,
it only saps today of its strength.

I can see to the corner,
but God sees around the corner,
Don't worry!

Tell me some good news!  

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Fear Not

My Bible reading today came from Proverbs chapter 1, Matthew chapter 10, and Genesis chapter 25.  These passages all talk about fear.  The devotional was about unhealthy fear.  The Greek word commonly used in the New Testament is phobos - from which we get the word phobia.  This is unhealthy fear.  They called it False Evidence Appearing Real.  Unhealthy fears can paralyze us in life. 

I wrote in December 2012 about the curse that came upon mankind as a result of sin.  In Genesis 3:16 the first use of the word "sorrow" is not the same as the second usage.  The second word "sorrow" in the Hebrew is as we would expect - "pain," but the first "sorrow" is actually "worrisomeness."  The curse was twofold - both physical and mental.  I believe as long as we are in this life, we will have to fight this battle of the mind.

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus says repeatedly "take no thought."  Matthew Henry's commentary says this, "It is the repeated command of the Lord Jesus to his disciples, that they should not divide and pull in pieces their own minds with care about the world. The thought here forbidden is, 1. A disquieting, tormenting thought, which hurries the mind hither and thither, and hangs it in suspense; which disturbs our joy in God, and is a damp upon our hope in him; which breaks the sleep, and hinders our enjoyment of ourselves, of our friends, and of what God has given us. 2. A distrustful, unbelieving thought. God has promised to provide for those that are his all things needful for life."

Isaiah chapter 43:1-7 says:

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

We will all battle fear, but that is the key - battle!  Don't let fear win.  We have a Redeemer Who is with us.  We are precious in His sight and are greatly loved by Him.  Fear Not!

Today's Load

This is on my Daily Thought Wheel for today, I thought it was very appropriate after Monday's post:

Your ship is equal to the load of today;
But when you are carrying yesterday's worry and tomorrow's anxiety,
Lighten up or you will sink.

I'll have a couple of recipes up later today, but just wanted to share this thought.  Next time someone tells you to lighten up, remember this thought!

The Curse and The Scarlet Thread

Les started a new series in our adult Sunday school class last week - The Scarlet Thread.  This is the line through the Bible, from start to finish that teaches us that the life is in the blood.  Blood has always been necessary for redemption and eternal life. Yesterday's lesson was excellent as always.  Les taught about Adam and Eve and the curse that came upon the world because of their disobedience.

Most aspects of the curse were familiar to me.  I'm so thankful that Jesus bruised Satan's head.  Les pointed out something in verse 16 that I had never heard before:

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

The first use of the word "sorrow" is not the same as the second usage.  The second word "sorrow" in the Hebrew is as we would expect - "pain," but the first "sorrow" is actually "worrisomeness."

Worrisomeness in the Hebrew means:  worry, pain, anger, displease, grieve, hurt, be sorry, vex. Webster's dictionary doesn't contain the word "worrisomeness" but is does give the definition for worrisome: causing distress or worry, inclined to worry or fret. 

Les didn't spend much time on this, but I've been chewing on it since his lesson.  Any ladies reading this today know the feeling of worrisomeness?  Are there days when you just feel overwhelmed with it all and sit fretting about things over which you have no control?  Then you tell your sweet husband all about it and his response is, "What's the big deal?"  Men just don't worry as much.  I know they feel stress, but that is not part of the curse that was put upon man, we ladies got that privilege!

Eve had never experienced worry before the fall.  The Bible doesn't tell us how long they were in the garden before Adam and Eve partook of the fruit.  It may have been weeks, months, or even years.   She lived in a perfect world with nothing to worry about it.  Until the fall, then the curse.

Does that mean we ladies should just resign ourselves to worry?  Should we spend our days as Chicken Little:  "There's no way to avoid it, I'm cursed with worry, the sky is falling, the sky is falling!!"  I don't believe so.  I believe we will be attacked with worry, but we must take those thoughts captive.

Jesus said in Matthew chapter 6:

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Repeatedly Jesus says "take no thought."  One commentator said this:

It is the repeated command of the Lord Jesus to his disciples, that they should not divide and pull in pieces their own minds with care about the world. The thought here forbidden is, 1. A disquieting, tormenting thought, which hurries the mind hither and thither, and hangs it in suspense; which disturbs our joy in God, and is a damp upon our hope in him; which breaks the sleep, and hinders our enjoyment of ourselves, of our friends, and of what God has given us. 2. A distrustful, unbelieving thought. God has promised to provide for those that are his all things needful for life.

I needed this so much!  We've had a lot of stress in our life lately and I have watched Les confidently going on, believing that God is going to take care of us.  I believe that, until worry takes hold.  I wasted precious time on Saturday taking thought instead of trusting. 

The answer to overcoming our thoughts is the blood.  The scarlet thread that was started in the garden when God slew the first sacrifice to clothe Adam and Eve with skins, is still the answer today.  The blood of Jesus does more than save us, Isaiah 53 tells us:

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Our grief, our sorrow, our worry, our future, He carried it all.  Because He did, we can take no thought and know that our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need.  Several weeks ago, Les taught about God's purpose.  He said, "Since aspects of God are identical past, present and future… God’s future plans are as if they had already been fulfilled."  I have to wonder, what am I worried about?  God has it all in His very capable hands!