June 10th ~ Park (Photo a Day)

We made it safely home from Las Vegas last night.  We were very happy to put that city in our rear view mirror!  I did get up and run both Monday and Tuesday mornings.  I found Sunset Park just a few miles from the noise and enjoyed a peaceful run.

Although it was a little warm at 6:00 am!

June 9th ~ Grill It (Photo a Day)

My choice for lunch.

I posted this from my iPhone, then we stopped at another grill on our way home!  It was a grill it kind of day.

June 8th ~ Lounge (Photo a Day)

We are in Las Vegas for a few days. Les has a work conference and decided to drive so I tagged along. It's not difficult to find a lounge in this city. What is difficult is trying to walk or drive anywhere while your eyes and ears are assaulted.

Like many in this city, this guy lost his head. 

I left the hotel at 5:30 this morning to go for a run and people were already gambling!

The view from our room on the 32nd floor. 

Woman of the Week ~ Samson's Mother

Verses:  Judges 13:1-25, Judges 14:1-9

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

What is she most known for?

Victories? Defeats?

How can I be like her?

How can I avoid being like her?

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

June 7th ~ Playlist (Photo a Day)

Here are two playlists for your Sunday morning!

June 6th ~ Friends (Photo a Day)

I took this picture on Wednesday night.  Les and Brianna, or "Baby B" as he calls her.  She turned one on Thursday.  I love her little hand on his!

Lot's Wife ~ Woman of the Week

There is very little said in the Bible about Lot's wife, but what is said is something we need to pay attention to.  While there is a lot unknown, I found much to think about.

Verses: Genesis 13:7-13, Genesis 14:12-16, Genesis 19:1-26, Luke 17:32

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings
We only know the name of her husband - Lot.  She had at least two daughters that escaped Sodom.  Some commentaries said there were other daughters who were married, while other said the sons in law mentioned in Genesis 19:14 were espoused to the two daughters who escaped.

Dr. Henry Morris in the Genesis Record said this: "Lot then went out again to find his daughters and their husbands, to carry them the warning. (Evidently the men outside his door had either departed or were still too confused to recognize him.) However, he had long since lost any influence with them, and they simply ridiculed him, completely refusing to take his warning seriously. So far as the record goes, he didn’t even bother to warn his own sons, presumably because they were so deeply involved in the Sodomite wickedness by this time that he knew it would be useless. This is a deeply sobering example of the deadly results that a father’s compromise with the world system may have on his own children."

Another thing that is unknown is when Lot married her.  Dr. Morris said, "It is possible that Lot had met and married her in Sodom, it seems more likely that she had been with him while he was still with Abraham twenty years before. They had had at least six children, two of whom we know were married."  John Gill said, "according to the Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem, she was a native of Sodom."

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?  
There are no recorded words of Lot's wife.  We don't know if she argued with Lot or the angels about leaving or if she hurried her family along and walked behind to make sure her daughters made it to safety.  All we know is this:

"But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26)  Jesus said in Luke 17:32, "Remember Lot's wife."

From the Genesis Record:  "The implication is that Lot’s wife was seeking to hang on to her life in Sodom, and that, consequently, she lost her life in its destruction. The word “looked back” has the connotation of “looking intently.” It might possibly be rendered “lagged back,” or maybe even “returned back.” In any case, she was not with her husband and daughters, so that only she perished. Whether Lot’s wife was a true believer or not, Scripture does not say.  In any case, she was thoroughly imbued with the attitudes of Sodom, and was so unhappy at having to leave (even after seeing the unspeakable behavior of its inhabitants the previous evening, which had almost resulted in the death of her husband and probably her two unmarried daughters) that she remained far enough behind to be trapped and to die in the catastrophe that overwhelmed the doomed city."

"The sin of Lot's wife: She looked back from behind him. This seemed a small thing, but we are sure, by the punishment of it, that it was a great sin, and exceedingly sinful. 1. She disobeyed an express command, and so sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, which ruined us all. 2. Unbelief was at the bottom of it; she questioned whether Sodom would be destroyed, and thought she might still have been safe in it. 3. She looked back upon her neighbors whom she had left behind with more concern than was fit, now that their day of grace was over, and divine justice was glorifying itself in their ruin. Probably she hankered after her house and goods in Sodom, and was loth to leave them. Christ intimates this to be her sin; she too much regarded her stuff. 5. Her looking back evinced an inclination to go back; and therefore our Savior uses it as a warning against apostasy from our Christian profession." (Matthew Henry)

One thing I had not considered in the past - if Lot's wife was a native of Sodom, she had more than just her grown children there.  She may have had parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces and nephews.  Lot and his family all heard the noise as the destruction fell, maybe she looked back in disbelief.  I really don't know her motive, but I think it may have been more than just her "stuff" that she was concerned with.  Unfortunately, her disobedience cost her her life.

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset? If so, did she? For good or evil?
Her decision to look back dealt a blow to their entire family.  While she remained as a pillar of salt where she had looked back, Lot and his daughters fled to Zoar, then fled further to a cave.  Without their mother's influence, the daughters made a decision, "And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father." (Genesis 19:31-32)  That decision birthed two nations - the Moabites and the Ammonites.

"The Moabites and the Ammonites were frequently at war with Israel in later years. They lived mostly in the mountainous regions east of the Dead Sea. Although they were generally idolaters, not all of them were evil. Ruth, for example, was a Moabite woman and, as the wife of Boaz, became one of the ancestors of Jesus. Naamah, an Ammonite woman, was one of Solomon’s wives and the mother of King Rehoboam, who also was in the ancestral line leading to Jesus."  (The Genesis Record)

And finally a sobering commentary on the life of Lot, "Lastly, Observe that, after this, we never read any more of Lot, nor what became of him: no doubt he repented of his sin, and was pardoned; but from the silence of the scripture concerning him henceforward we may learn that drunkenness, as it makes men forgetful, so it makes them forgotten; and many a name, which otherwise might have been remembered with respect, is buried by it in contempt and oblivion." (Matthew Henry)

June 5th ~ Game (Photo a Day)

I'm not a big game person.  I don't like the competition aspect and usually end up with frustrated teammates!  Solitaire and Sudoku are more my speed.  What about you?

Change Your Clothes

A few months ago I spotted a really cute skirt online. I bookmarked it, but didn't buy it.

When we were in Hawaii in April I spotted this cute top at Macy's.  I did buy it.  {April/May is typically my one time of the year that I do a little frivolous shopping - I have birthday money burning a hole in my pocket!}

Last week, I found that bookmark and thought the combo would be really cute.  I ordered the skirt, but when it arrived it was just a little too short.  It fell to the bottom of my knees (barely) but it's quite full so I knew it would have a lot of movement when I walked.  After my success last year with changing my clothes, I felt sure I could make this skirt the right length with a little work.

A trip to Jo-Ann Fabric, $3.50 for a half yard of fabric later, and I was ready to go.  As I posted yesterday, my adventure began, but it did not go smoothly.  My sewing machine belonged to Mom.  When I was a child, she sewed most of my clothes on the machine she received as a teenager.  I believe she got this machine in the late 70s or early 80s.  It became mine when she passed away in 1998.

I spent some time trying to adjust it on my own, but quickly got frustrated.  I sewed one seam (trying to attach two pieces together) and that was it for yesterday.  Google to the rescue!  The machine was manufactured by White Consolidated Industries, founded in 1858.  It is now under the ownership of SVP Worldwide, which includes the Singer brand.  I was able to find the manual for my sewing machine at Singerco.com.  I got up this morning determined to get things going.  I opened the manual on my iPad and in less than 15 minutes adjusted all the dials for the proper tension, stitch type and stitch length.

My skirt has a lining, which made my project so much easier!  I marked a line on the lining, then pinned my additional fabric to it.  With my machine humming along, I was able to sew my addition to the liner.  I then turned the hem, machine basted, then hand sewed it.

And voila!  I changed  my clothes!

I can also dress it up a little with a white jacket.

Don't be afraid to change your clothes.  If  you're not a seamstress or don't have a sewing machine, find a friend who can help you.  It doesn't take much time or money, but you may need a little extra patience!

One more little item that showed up in yesterday's post.  This pin cushion:

I think this little pin cushion is about 40 years old!  Mom and Grandma Luella made a bunch of these way back when.  I'm sure they used old scraps of fabric and trim because I remember a variety of colors and patterns.  The spools of thread were held on by elastic.  (I found a tutorial here.)  The elastic on mine finally deteriorated, so I just put some ribbon through it.  I really should take the whole thing apart, wash it, and give it a fresh piece of elastic, but it continues to serve me well!

June 4th ~ Again (Photo a Day)

This photo is a bit blurry.  What you're looking at is a duck that was in our pool again today!  There were two and I have been chasing them out on a daily basis lately.  I don't care for the gifts they leave.

June 3rd ~ Adventure (Photo a Day)

Happy National Running Day! I thought about posting a picture of my run, but it wasn't very adventurous today.  I ran 8.1 miles on the trail and didn't even see a bunny!  It was very mellow on the trail.

Adventure can mean many things to different people.  One definition of adventure is: a bold, usually risky undertaking; hazardous action of uncertain outcome.

Here is my adventure for the day:

I've got a sewing project and it has been an adventure - an action with an uncertain outcome because my machine does not want to work today!  I have sewn one seam and it is a mess. I'll reveal what I'm working on when my project is complete...

The adventure continues! 

June 2nd ~ Toys (Photo a Day)

It might look like there's only one toy in this picture, but there are two!  The obvious one is my beloved Myka mountain bike.  Wrapped around the handle bar is my Suunto Ambit2 watch.

Myka will be five years old this month.  We've traveled over 3,500 miles together!  My Suunto tracks my running, walking and cycling.  So far this year I have 767.90 miles.  My goal is 2,000.  The first three months of the year were a little off, but I upped the miles in April (175.71) and had my first 200 mile month in May.  I'll start training for marathon number 4 in July, so June will see lots of riding.

Photo A Day Challenge

It's been a long time since I've done a photo a day challenge!  I thought this month would be a good one.  I finally found a list that sounded like fun from Middle Places.  Lots of fun ideas for summertime!  Here it is if you're interesting in playing along:

And today's photo - our thirsty backyard that is dealing with water restrictions due to the California drought.

Woman of the Week ~ Lot's Wife

Verses: Genesis 13:7-13, Genesis 14:12-16, Genesis 19:1-26, Luke 17:32

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

What is she most known for?

Victories? Defeats?

How can I be like her?

How can I avoid being like her?

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

Miriam ~ Woman of the Week

Miriam is one of the women of the Bible who we read about as a young girl and follow her all the way to her death.  From standing at the river watching over baby Moses, to dancing triumphantly after cross the Red Sea, speaking against her brother, being struck with leprosy, then being fully restored ~ what a life!

Verses: Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 15:20-21, Numbers 12:1-16, Numbers 20:1, Numbers 26:59, Deuteronomy 24:9, Micah 6:4

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings
Miriam was the older sister of Moses.  They had one other brother - Aaron, who was also older than Moses.  Their parents were Amram and Jochebed.  There is no mention in the Bible that she ever married or had children of her own.

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?
When I think of Miriam, I first picture a sister watching over her baby brother.  Most commentaries agreed that she was ten to twelve years old, but could have been as young as seven.  Still a child herself, but old enough to be trusted to look out for Moses.  She was "at some distance from the place where the ark was, that she might not be observed and be thought to belong to it, and yet so near as to observe what became of it, which was the intent of her standing there." (John Gill)  It doesn't say how long she watched and waited but she was there when Pharaoh's daughter pulled Moses out of the water.  God used Miriam in a way He couldn't have used their mother.  She appeared and was able to get their own mother to nurse him.

The rest of chapter 2 and chapters 3 through 5 of Exodus tell of Moses, his journey to the backside of the desert, his call and return to Egypt.  Where was Miriam during this time?  She was in bondage, a slave of Egypt. Exodus 7:7 says, "And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh."  Which means Miriam was also in her 80s or possibly in her 90s. The story continues with plagues, the first passover, escape from Egypt, the pillar of cloud by day, the pillar of cloud by night, and finally crossing the Red Sea.

Chapter 15 opens with rejoicing!  "Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD!"  Verse 20 says, "And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand."  "Miriam was a prophetess, having a gift of teaching and instructing, and even of foretelling things to come; for the Lord spoke by her as well as by Moses and Aaron, and she, with them, were the leaders of the people of Israel, sent to them of the Lord." (John Gill)  "She is called the sister of Aaron, most probably to indicate her special position as coordinate, not with Moses the leader of the nation, but with his chief aid and instrument." (Albert Barnes)

Not only did Miriam take a timbrel in her hand, but she led the women of Israel.  I do wonder if she was among the oldest women who left Egypt.  She was at least one who had suffered many years under the cruel hand of the Egyptians.  Free at last she sang of the Lord's great triumph!

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?
Numbers chapter 12 records Miriam in need of a serious reset.  As far as I can tell, the children of Israel had been in the wilderness for a year or two when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses.  This happened before the twelve spies were sent and before the forty years of wandering.

Albert Barnes explained it this way, "Miriam, as a prophetess no less than as the sister of Moses and Aaron, took the first rank among the women of Israel; and Aaron may be regarded as the ecclesiastical head of the whole nation. But instead of being grateful for these high dignities they challenged the special vocation of Moses and the exclusive authority which God had assigned to him. Miriam was the instigator, from the fact that her name stands conspicuously first, and that the punishment fell on her alone. She probably considered herself as supplanted, and that too by a foreigner."

It was not Moses who rebuked Miriam, but God Himself.  He called the three of them together.  God does not mention Moses' wife, the supposed reason for their complaining.  God tells them who His chosen prophet is.  Verse 9 says, "And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed."  Miriam and Aaron were not given an opportunity to complain or explain.  God had His say and there was nothing for them to say.

Judgment was swift as "Miriam became leprous, white as snow." "The cloud departed, and Miriam became leprous. When God goes, evil comes: expect no good when God departs. Her foul tongue, was justly punished with a foul face."  (Matthew Henry)

Aaron said to Moses, "Let her not be as one dead." "Leprosy was nothing short of a living death, a poisoning of the springs, a corrupting of all the humors, of life; a dissolution little by little of the whole body, so that one limb after another actually decayed and fell away." (Albert Barnes)  God does not take it lightly when we talk against His man.  This was serious business.  Moses prayed for her healing, and God allowed it, but not until she was shut outside the camp for seven days.  I believe that Miriam was repentant before God and Moses that day or she would not have been healed and restored.

The next time we read of Miriam is in Numbers chapter 20.  Decades have passed.  Matthew Henry said it was the thirty eighth year of marching, John Gill said it was in the fortieth.  She would not see the promise land.  "Miriam the prophetess dies; this character of testimony is closed. Israel grows old, so to speak, in the wilderness; and the voice which sang songs of triumph in coming up from the depths of the Red Sea is silent in the tomb." (John Nelson Darby)

"She was a prophetess, and had been an instrument of much good to Israel. When Moses and Aaron with their rod went before them, to work wonders for them, Miriam with her timbrel went before them in praising God for these wondrous works, and therein did them real service; yet she had once been a murmurer, and must not enter Canaan." (Matthew Henry)

I searched for Miriam's age at the time of her death.  Several places said she was 127, just seven years older than Moses.  The Bible doesn't record it, so I'm not really sure, but in my searching I found a beautiful summary: 

"Water, the symbol of life, had played quite a large part in Miriam's life. She saved her brother from the water; she led the song of victory after the parting of the Red Sea; she died in a waterless place. Immediately after her death, God gave abundant water to the people, in the form of a spring."  (Elizabeth Fletcher)

One final mention of Miriam is found in Micah 6:4, "For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."  "God sent Moses to give the best laws; Aaron to pray for the people; Miriam as an example to the women of Israel." (A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown)  And what an example she was!  Even after her murmuring, she didn't become bitter but humbled herself and continued on the journey.

The Disney Marketing Machine and People Watching

Disneyland is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.  I remember when Disneyland celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1985.  Dad, Mom, Rod and I went for a day.  We had such a blast!  Rod and I were old enough to do our own thing, but we also were mature enough to enjoy spending time with our parents.  Highlight of the day was getting them on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Mom and Dad were not roller coaster people.  We said, "It's just a train ride," while they kept asking about the warning signs while we were in line!  They survived, but I don't think they trusted us again to choose rides!!

I told Les I felt a little out of place at the park on Monday.  It seemed everywhere we looked people were wearing mouse ears, Mickey shirts, Goofy hats, and Disneyland sweatshirts.  Plus lots of little girls dressed as princesses.  I'm not talking just a few people, I think about half the people there were wearing some kind of Disney apparel.

Then there were the Disney pins.  This was something I hadn't seen before.  We asked some teenage girls in line about them.  Most people buy a starter kit, then start adding to them.  You can exchange pins with other people.  We saw lots of people wearing them around their necks.  The strangest sight to me was one demographic - grown men!  Teenage girls and small children?  Sure.  But grown men?  It just seemed kind of strange to me.  I decided next time I go I'll just wear my marathon finishers medals around my neck...

Of course no visit to an amusement park is complete without some people watching.  After lunch, we made our way to the Ghirardelli store.  Les had an ice cream sundae and I got a brownie with coffee.  We then found a table outside and for about 45 minutes had the funnest part of our day - people watching with our own commentary!   I really do wonder if some people own mirrors... and that's all I'm gonna say about that!!

The Adventure Continues!

I wrote my anniversary post on Saturday.  At that point we were undecided on what we would actually do on our anniversary.  We tossed around several ideas and finally decided on Disney's California Adventure.  Seems appropriate, doesn't it?

This park opened in 2001 and we went for the first time in 2002 or 2003.  We hadn't been back since so there were lots of new and exciting things to experience!  One of our favorite Disney features - live music!  The Five and Dime group:

The Hollywood Tower of Terror wasn't even built back when we went.  It was really fun!

I love having a park dedicated to California landmarks.  I'll always be a California girl at heart!  Lots of photo spots.  Hollywood:

Route 66:

We were getting ready to be spun or flung or twirled or dipped...

The Ferris Wheel is always fun!

We got a bit wet on the Grizzly River Run:

The Grizzly!

On our way out of the park, we caught a parade:

It was a fun day.  We were only there about eight hours - that was plenty!  The weather was perfect, a little overcast so not too warm.  Crowds, for a holiday, seemed really light.  And the best part?  I spent it with my lifetime partner in adventure!

When is the last time you were at an amusement park?

A Lifetime Adventure

A few weeks ago we attended a college graduation.  The speaker addressed the graduates, telling them that now they were headed on The Path, the journey their life would take.  I chuckled to myself and wondered how many of those graduates would stick with the path they had chosen as teenagers and young adults.  Life is really like this:

Today is our 24th wedding anniversary.  What an adventure we have had!  We honeymooned on Oahu and Kauai.  We promised that we would come back every fifth anniversary.  Little did we know that we would live there for a year and that Hawaii would feel like our second home!

We've had sickness and health.  We've had job losses and promotions.  We've had sorrows and joys.  It hasn't been exactly as we imagined or dreamed - it's been so much better!  When we said "I Do," we meant it.  And we'll keep enjoying this adventure of a lifetime!

Happy anniversary to my one and only!  I love you!

Woman of the Week ~ Miriam

I'm posting this a day early because I have a special post for tomorrow!

Verses: Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 15:20-21, Numbers 12:1-16, Numbers 20:1, Numbers 26:59, Deuteronomy 24:9, Micah 6:4

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

What is she most known for?

Victories? Defeats?

How can I be like her?

How can I avoid being like her?

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

Hannah ~ Woman of the Week

I feel like the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:11 "Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you."  This is a long post, so grab some water, tea or coffee...

Studying Hannah was a great reminder to me.  When I thought of Hannah, I thought of a woman who prayed and God answered.  This happened, but there were many years of sorrow before her broken prayer and God's beautiful answer.  There was so much in just two chapters.

Verses: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, 18-21

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings
Hannah was married to Elkanah.  Matthew Henry said, "It is probable that Elkanah married Hannah first, and, because he had not children by her so soon as he hoped, he married Peninnah, who bore him children indeed, but was in other things a vexation to him. Thus are men often beaten with rods of their own making." 

Hannah did eventually have children, first Samuel whom she gave back to God, and then three more sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21) 

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?

This is the third polygamous marriage that I have studied this year (Abraham and Sarah/Hagar and Jacob and Rachel/Leah.)  There was not harmony in any of these homes.  All three times it was because of the husband's greater love toward one who was barren and the fruitfulness of the other.  "The conduct of Peninnah was most unbecoming. But domestic broils in the houses of polygamists are of frequent occurrence, and the most fruitful cause of them has always been jealousy of the husband’s superior affection, as in this case of Hannah."  (A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown)

We don't know how many children there were, but John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible said, "how many Peninnah had is not said, perhaps ten; see 1Samuel 1:8."  1 Samuel 1:6-7 says, "And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat."  If Peninnah really did have ten children, then her provoking, and Hannah's barrenness, went on for a decade or more!  This was not a simple, light teasing.  "Some render it, "because she thundered" against her; that is, Peninnah was exceeding loud and clamorous with her reproaches and scoffs, which were grievously provoking to Hannah." (John Gill)

It's so easy to think this happened quickly because it's all in one chapter, but Hannah's suffering went on for many years.  She finally reached a breaking point.  She wept and could not eat.  "Hannah wept at the insults, reproaches, and scoffs, cast at her by her antagonist; insomuch that she could not eat of the peace offerings, though her husband always gave her the best part and portion of them; but her grief took away her stomach and appetite, that she could not eat."  (John Gill)

[Funny side note:  I have never been so upset that I could not eat!  There are times when I get busy and don't eat when I need to, but my body quickly lets me know.  I tend to have low blood sugar and I can go from happy to hangry (hungry with a side of angry) in a matter of seconds!  Les knows when I say, "I have a food headache," that it's time to get this girl some food.]

In the middle of a time of celebration, Hannah made her way to the house of God.  I don't believe this is the first time that Hannah prayed, but she did pray with great intensity.  "Her prayer was with strong crying and tears; it was very fervent and affectionate; she prayed most vehemently, and wept bitterly." (John Gill)

During this time of prayer, two things happened.  Hannah vowed a vow and Eli the priest took note of her.

Hannah vowed, "O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head." (I Samuel 1:11)

I find this commentary very interesting: "Samuel, as a descendent of Levi, was the Lord's property, from twenty-five years of age till fifty; but the vow here implies that he should be consecrated to the Lord from his infancy to his death, and that he should not only act as a Levite, but as a Nazarite." (Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge by Canne, Browne, Blayney, Scott, and others about 1880, with introduction by R. A. Torrey. TSK)  So Samuel would have spent time in the temple, but Hannah dedicated him to a greater degree than called.

The next thing that happened is really interesting to me.  I Samuel 1:12 says, "And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth."  I've always imagined Eli hitting Hannah's mouth, but John Gill said he "observed the motion of her lips, and no doubt her distorted countenance, and uplifted eyes and hands, but chiefly the former; not knowing what the woman was at, and what could be the meaning of such motions."  The Hebrew word there is "shâmar" which means to "beware, be circumspect, take heed, keep, mark, look narrowly, observe."

There's a lot to be said about Eli (I'm working on a separate post because this one is too long already!) but he did stop Hannah in the midst of her prayers, thinking she was drunk.  "The suspicion of the aged priest seems to indicate that the vice of intemperance was neither uncommon nor confined to one sex in those times of disorder." (JFB)

"Hannah did not retort the charge, and upbraid Eli with the wicked conduct of his own sons. When we are at any time unjustly censured, we have need to set a double watch before the door of our lips, that we do not return censure for censure. Hannah thought it enough to clear herself, and so must we. Eli was willing to acknowledge his mistake. Hannah went away with satisfaction of mind. She had herself by prayer committed her case to God, and Eli had prayed for her. Prayer is heart's ease to a gracious soul. Prayer will smooth the countenance; it should do so."  (Matthew Henry)

Eli said, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him."  "He found he was mistaken in her, and that her discourse was not only sober and rational, but religious and spiritual; and therefore dismisses her in peace.  The God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him; which may be considered either as a prayer for her, he joining with her in a request to the Lord, that what she had asked might be granted; or as a prophecy that so it would be, it being revealed to him by the Holy Ghost, as the high priest of the Lord; or impressed by an impulse upon his spirit that the favour asked would be given; and therefore she might go home in peace, and with satisfaction of mind." (John Gill)

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?
It was after Hannah's time of prayer that she was able to reset.   She said to Eli, "Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight." Then she went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.  Hannah's faith was so strong that before Samuel was even conceived her countenance changed.  "A beautiful example of the composing influence of prayer. Hannah had cast her burden upon the Lord, and so her own spirit was relieved of its load. She now returned to the family feast, and ate her portion with a cheerful heart." (Albert Barnes)

We know that Samuel was conceived not long after Hannah's prayer.  She then stayed home from the yearly trip to the tabernacle until Samuel was weaned.  John Gill gave a very thorough explanation of what it meant to be weaned: "there was a three fold weaning of children in old times; the first from their mother's milk, when three years old; the second from their tender age, and care of a dry nurse, when seven years old; the third from childish manners, when at twelve years of age; and that it is this last and metaphorical weaning which is here meant, when Samuel was twelve years of age, and fit to serve in the temple."  

The Hebrew word for "young" used in 1 Samuel 1:24 is "nah'-ar" meaning "a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication a servant."  This makes sense to me.  I don't think Samuel was still a toddler when Hannah handed him off to Eli, but he was a young child.

1 Samuel chapter 2 opens with Hannah singing!  What a difference answered prayer made in her life!  Ten verses she sang and rejoiced. "My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.  There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.  The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.  The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.   The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.  The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed."

Matthew Henry's commentary: "Hannah's heart rejoiced, not in Samuel, but in the Lord. She looks beyond the gift, and praises the Giver. She rejoiced in the salvation of the Lord, and in expectation of His coming, who is the whole salvation of his people. The strong are soon weakened, and the weak are soon strengthened, when God pleases. Are we poor? God made us poor, which is a good reason why we should be content, and make up our minds to our condition. Are we rich? God made us rich, which is a good reason why we should be thankful, and serve him cheerfully, and do good with the abundance he gives us. He respects not man's wisdom or fancied excellences, but chooses those whom the world accounts foolish, teaching them to feel their guilt, and to value his free and precious salvation. This prophecy looks to the kingdom of Christ, that kingdom of grace, of which Hannah speaks, after having spoken largely of the kingdom of providence. And here is the first time that we meet with the name MESSIAH, or his Anointed. The subjects of Christ's kingdom will be safe, and the enemies of it will be ruined; for the Anointed, the Lord Christ, is able to save, and to destroy."

Hannah is mentioned just a couple more times in this chapter, then she is never named in the Bible again.  Chapter 2 verse 19 says, "Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice."  Hannah left him in Eli's hands, but continued to take care of him when she saw him each year.  "This was an outer coat to wear over others, and this also was such an one as the priests wore; it is the same word that is used for the priest's robe, (Exodus 28:4,) and this, it is very likely, was altogether of her own spinning, and weaving, and making up; which were works women did in those times: and this Hannah did partly out of her great love to her son Samuel, and partly to lessen the expense that Eli, or the congregation, were at in the maintenance of him." (John Gill)  "She undertook to find him with clothes during his apprenticeship at the tabernacle, and took care he should be well provided, that he might appear the more decent and sightly in his ministration, and to encourage him in his towardly beginnings."  (Matthew Henry)

And finally, "And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.  And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters."  She prayed for a single child and God gave her five more!  "What is lent to the Lord will certainly be repaid with interest, to our unspeakable advantage, and oftentimes in kind. Hannah resigns one child to God, and is recompensed with five."  (Matthew Henry)

This is just a beautiful story!  We know that Samuel was an amazing man of God and he was greatly influenced by this godly mother.

Expectations

On my way to church yesterday morning I was listening to Sirius radio.  I bounced between Kirk Franklin's Praise (black gospel) and The Message (Contemporary Christian.)  The DJ on Praise was talking about forgiveness and resentment.  He really caught my attention when he said this:

So many scenarios went through my mind!  Times that my expectations have not been met, but they were expectations that I had never spoken.  The first rule of expectations:  People are NOT mind readers!  I'm well aware that people may not live up to your expectations even when they are spoken.  Your son's bed will not be made every morning, no matter how many times you tell him.  The dog's water bowl will be empty, the trash might start to smell... you get the idea!  But there are some things we can do...

When I was closing in on my final weeks of training for the Honolulu Marathon, I started thinking about the finish line.  I knew I would receive a medal, but I really thought it would be cool if Les was there with a lei.  I thought about it several times and finally reminded myself, "he is not a mind reader."  So I told him what I wanted!  He, of course, did not disappoint!  And he added an appointment for a wonderful massage... going beyond expectations!

We don't buy lots of gifts for birthdays, our anniversary, Valentine's Day or Christmas.  It's fine.  Spending time together is what really matters.  One year from now we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary - hard to believe!  We are already talking about what we want to do, where we want to go.  Les and Lance have been talking for years about riding their bikes across America.  It's on their bucket list.  Lance had floated the idea of doing it in 2016.  Les said, no can do - big anniversary that year.  We talked about it and I said something like, "You know, I could probably say go ahead and do it, but I would end up with my feelings really hurt."  Les had no plans of actually doing it next year, so maybe they'll do that bike ride in 2017.

Les was telling me about a trend for business lunches.  When a group goes out, the first person to look at their cell phone picks up the bill.  I love this idea!  If you invite me out to lunch, I expect that you want to talk to me, not check your phone every 15 seconds.  If you are expecting an important call, please say so and I'll understand.  I think this would be a great idea any group going out - focus on the ones you are with, not those who couldn't make it.

Just sayin'...

Delayed Answers

I'm having a bit of writer's block with my Hannah post.  I'm still trying to process some of my thoughts.  Since this is my Bible study and my blog, I'm giving it another week.  I do want to talk about one part of the story...

Last Sunday morning Les taught a great lesson about divine healing.  There is no magic formula for receiving healing.  It there was, we'd never need to have faith.  There is also no reason to believe that when a person is sick it is because of sin.  In John chapter 19, Jesus saw a man who was blind from birth.  His disciples asked, "Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"  Jesus' answer is one we can cling to, "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."

So back to Hannah.  We don't know how long she prayed for a child.  Peninnah, the second wife, is said to have "sons and daughters."  Meaning she probably had as least four children, possibly more.  This means Hannah's prayers went on for many years. 1 Samuel 1:6 says, "the LORD had shut up her womb." Was she less spiritual or desperate in the early years? 

Here's something to consider:  God's plan involved more than just Hannah and Elkanah and their desire for a child.  God knew that the sons of Eli the priest were evil sons of Belial.  Their sins were great.  A man of God came to Eli and prophesied destruction to his family.  God knew all that.  God was prepared to raise up a prophet in the land, that prophet would be Samuel.  But it was God's timing, not Hannah's. 

I believe God heard every time that Hannah prayed for a child.  He didn't turn away.  But His plan was for much more than just a child.  He planned for a child who would be dedicated to His kingdom, who would grow into a great man who would anoint the first two kings of Israel.  Samuel was born in God's time "that the works of God should be made manifest in him."

I've heard many times that God's answer to our prayers is "yes," "no," or "wait a while."  It's those "wait a while" prayers that really test our faith.  God is too big for our human minds to fully understand.  I just know that prayers are answered, in His time and His will.  Keep praying!

Giving 100%

I've been doing some much needed Spring cleaning in our office/music room.  I'm scanning and recycling songs, sermons, and lessons that have been taking up lots of space in binders.  I stumbled upon something from a music conference from many years ago and just had to share it!

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint it goes like this:  

What Equals 100%?

What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?  

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?  

We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%.  

How about achieving 103%?  

What makes up 100% in life? 

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:  

If:   

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

is represented as: 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Then: 
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K is
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%    

and  

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E is

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96% 

But, 

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E   is
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% 

 

Now,  look how far the love of God will take you:

LO-V-E-O-F-G-O-D is 
12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101% 

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that: 

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Woman of the Week ~ Hannah

I hope all you moms had a wonderful Mother's Day!  Bro. and Sis. Tom Johnson from Colorado Springs were with us and she spoke yesterday morning.  She said Moms are the first book their children ever read - it was outstanding! I think Hannah is a beautiful example of a godly mother.

Verses: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, 18-21

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

What is she most known for?

Victories? Defeats?

How can I be like her?

How can I avoid being like her?

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

Dismissed to Play Catch Up

I was dismissed from jury duty yesterday, now I'm trying to play catch up!  We landed at LAX at 11:00 p.m. Friday and got home shortly after midnight after being in Hawaii for three weeks.  We attended a graduation on Saturday night, which I'll be blogging about soon.  We had church Sunday morning and Sunday night, with a nap sandwiched between.  I drove one hour each way to jury duty Monday and Tuesday, which I'll be blogging about soon.

Can you guess what my house looks like?  Today is a much needed domestic recovery day!  Cleaning and piles of laundry await.  I'm going to skip doing a Woman of the Week this week, I really want to study Hannah next and she deserves more than I can give in the next couple of days.

How's your first week of May going?

Woman of the Week Delayed

I am reporting for jury duty this morning.  I don't know how long I will be tied up so I'm going to wait to choose my woman of the week.

Jael ~ Woman of the Week

There are two women who play a prominent role in this story.  Deborah, the prophetess, and Jael, the Kenite.  The children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord and He sent an evil king to oppress them.  It was Deborah who prophesied to Barak that the Lord would deliver them out of the hand of Sisera, the captain of the army.  Barak would not go unless Deborah went with him.  Deborah responded, "I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman."

Verses:  Judges 4:17-24, Judges 5:6, 24-31

Background – parents, husband, children, siblings

Jael was married to Heber the Kenite.  The Kenites were a nomadic people, dwelling in tents.  At this time, they were at peace with Jabin the king who had oppressed the children of Israel for 20 years. 

What is she most known for? Victories? Defeats? How can I be like her? How can I avoid being like her?

The commentaries about Jael were very interesting.  Many wrote that her acts of kindness, were just that, not part of a plan to get Sisera to sleep and then kill him.  "According to the usages of nomadic people, the duty of receiving the stranger in the sheik’s absence devolves on his wife, and the moment the stranger is admitted into his tent, his claim to be defended or concealed from his pursuers is established." (A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments by Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown)   "Sisera preferred the woman’s tent because of secrecy; for, according to the etiquette of the eastern countries, no person ever intrudes into the apartments of the women. And in every dwelling the women have a separate apartment." (Adam Clarke)

She covered him with a blanket and gave him milk to drink when he asked for water - "She gave more than he requested; and her friendship increased his confidence and security." (Adam Clarke)  "In order to be quite sure, Sisera entreated his hostess to stand before the door and turn any one away who might come to her to seek for one of the fugitives." (Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament)

Did she reach a place when she needed to reset?  If so, did she?  For good or evil?

When Sisera was asleep, Jael changed from a kind hostess to an avenger.  More than one commentary said she should not have murdered him. "Escape was almost impossible for Sisera. But the taking of his life by the hand of Jael was murder. It was a direct violation of all the notions of honor and friendship that are usually held sacred among pastoral people, and for which it is impossible to conceive a woman in Jael’s circumstances to have had any motive, except that of gaining favor with the victors." (JFB)

Others agreed that she was used by God.  "Whether she designed this or no when she invited him into her tent does not appear; probably the thought was darted into her mind when she saw him lie so conveniently to receive such a fatal blow; and, doubtless, the thought brought with it evidence sufficient that it came not from Satan as a murderer and destroyer, but from God as a righteous judge and avenger, so much of brightness and heavenly light did she perceive in the inducements to it that offered themselves, the honor of God and the deliverance of Israel, and nothing of the blackness of malice, hatred, or personal revenge." (Matthew Henry)  "If we can overlook the treachery and violence which belonged to the morals of the age and country, and bear in mind Jael’s ardent sympathies with the oppressed people of God, her faith in the right of Israel to possess the land in which they were now slaves, her zeal for the glory of Yahweh as against the gods of Canaan, and the heroic courage and firmness with which she executed her deadly purpose, we shall be ready to yield to her the praise which is her due." (Albert Barnes)

I've thought about this a lot this week.  Was Jael in the wrong for putting Sisera to death?  Was it because she was a woman and not a male warrior?  The last verse of Judges chapter 4 says, "And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan."  War and destruction was (and still is) part of life in this sin filled world.  God allowed men to conquer their enemies, including killing them (i.e. David killed Goliath and Samuel "hewed to pieces" King Agag.)  So I don't think Jael was wrong in killing Sisera.  The Bible does not condemn her, only the writings of men do. I also had to ask myself, what would Barak have done if he had caught Sisera?  Surely he would have put him to death.

Matthew Henry said Deborah's song concluded, "With the praises of Jael, her sister-heroine, whose valiant act had completed and crowned the victory. She had mentioned her before as one that would have served her country if it had been in her power; now she applauds her as one that did serve it admirably well when it was in her power.  How honourably does she speak of Jael, who preferred her peace with the God of Israel before her peace with the king of Canaan, and though not a native of Israel (for aught that appears) yet heartily espoused the cause of Israel in this critical conjuncture, jeoparded her life as truly as if she had been in the high places of the field, and bravely fought for those whom she saw God fought for!"

What I know for sure:  Deborah's prophecy "the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman" was fulfilled and in Deborah's song in Judges chapter 5, it says Jael would be "Blessed above women."