October 31st ~ Whatever You Please (VAD)

Judges 17:6 "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

Judges 21:25 "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

The book of Judges has many examples of what happens to mankind when he does whatever he pleases:

Judges 2:10-16 "And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim:
12 And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to anger.
13 And they forsook the Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
14 And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
15 Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.
16 Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them."

November Challenge

I've done a Photo a Day Challenge and a Verse a Day Challenge.  It's November, so how about Thanks a Day Challenge?  I have so much to be thankful for, but I think following the Photo A Day Challenge list will make it a little more fun!

What will you do in November?  Photo a Day, Verse a Day, Thanks a Day, or some combination?  Take a challenge and have fun with it!

Here is the original list from FatMumSlim.com.

October 30th ~ Clothes (VAD)

Matthew 6:31-33  "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

I'm not one to stand in my closet full of clothes and say, "I have nothing to wear!"  I might say, "I don't know what to wear," but I've always had plenty of clothes.  My heavenly Father has taken care of my every need and I trust Him to keep on doing what He is fully capable of.

Verse a Day Catch-Up Time

With all that was going on with my Dad last week, I let my verse a day challenge slip.  Dad is now back at Pacifica Rehab and doing better.  Thank you, again, for your many prayers!

Let's catch-up,  shall we?

October 26th ~ Listening To

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

When a family is going through a stressful time, sometimes things get said that are hurtful.  I was the recipient of that last week.  Last night I thought of this verse and reminded myself that not everything I was listening to was true or honest. I'm doing my best to stop thinking of those things.

October 27th ~ Morning

Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

I've always run early in the morning.  I love the promise of a new day filled with God's mercy and compassion.

October 28th ~ Looking Back

Genesis 19:26 "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."

Luke 17:28-33 "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.  In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife.  Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it."

Philippians 3:13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Looking back and reviewing God's goodness and mercy is a good thing, but looking back with longing to the things God has delivered us from can only bring harm.  I'm pressing forward!

October 29th ~ Moon

Revelation 21:23 "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."

The moon is full and lighting up the sky tonight, but the light of the Lamb in that heavenly city is the one I'm looking forward to.

Update on My Dad

We girls (Kim, Krysten, Lauren, Barbara and I) just got back from visiting Dad in San Francisco.  He was greatly improved today.  The doctor was in and his heart is fine.  The diarrhea seems to be clearing up and they are slowly getting his body chemicals right again.   We had a great visit.  The problems with confusion are completely gone.  He will probably be going back to Pacifica rehab center tomorrow or Monday and he was really happy about that.

He has two followup appointments at UCSF on Thursday, 11/1, so that is the next item on the agenda.  One is regarding his back, the other is about the various infections he has been fighting off.

It was a long day, but ended on an upbeat note and we're very glad for that.  We were blessed on every turn by kind people.  Our waitress at Casa de Fruta was extremely kind.  When we told her where we had been, she was so sweet and said she'd be praying for Dad.  She said she meets so many people who are traveling due to an ill loved one that most of her days are spent praying for people she has met.

I'm so very thankful for the many prayers that have gone up on our behalf.  

Prayer Request ~ Update on My Dad

I talked to my Dad a little while ago and he was lucid, although he sounded weak.  I also spoke to a nurse earlier today.  It seems there is a domino effect in place.  Dad has had very bad diarrhea for several days.  This is causing his electrolytes to get out of balance, most importantly his potassium, which is affecting his heart.  He also has some fluid in his lungs and is having a little trouble breathing.  They are monitoring him very closely. 

I am going to Fresno tomorrow, then on to San Francisco with Kim and Lauren on Saturday.  Please keep us in your prayers.  Dad said to please keep the prayers coming, he really needs them.  Thank you to all of you who have prayed for him and my family.

October 25th ~ People (VAD)

The word people is mentioned in the Bible 1,924 times.  God cares about people!

John 3:16 doesn't contain the word "people" but "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  That's not talking about the planet there, but the inhabitants of this world - people of every nation, tongue and kindred.

The final verse containing the word people is Revelation 21:3  "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

I'm looking forward to that day.

October 24th ~ Weather (VAD)

Proverbs 25:20  "As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart."

I read quite a few versions of this verse, along with commentary.  I really liked this explanation:

Those that are in great sorrow are to be comforted by sympathizing with them, condoling with them, and concurring in their lamentation. We take a wrong course with them if we think to relieve them by being merry with them, and endeavouring to make them merry; for it adds to their grief to see their friends so little concerned for them.

The absurdities this is compared to are, taking away a garment from a man in cold weather, which makes him colder, and pouring vinegar upon nitre, which, like water upon lime, puts it into a ferment; so improper, so incongruous, is it to sing pleasant songs to one that is of a sorrowful spirit. Some read it in a contrary sense: As he that puts on a garment in cold weather warms the body, or as vinegar upon nitre dissolves it, so he that sings songs of comfort to a person in sorrow refreshes him and dispels his grief.

I think Paul puts it perfectly in Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

October 23rd ~ The View From Here (VAD)

Job 23:8-10 "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:  On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

There are just some times that the view from here isn't quite clear.  Sometimes it feels like God is hiding from us.  But when we cannot see, we can rest assured that He knows the way we take.

From Heaven's Point of View

Today I faced a mountain
That I have no strength to climb
And the struggle of this journey
Left me weak, both in body and in mind
Where I stand to the peak
Is a distance on my own I cannot reach
So this journey of a thousand steps
Begins right here on my knees

Soon I'll soar like an eagle
High on wings of grace
Far into the heavens
Where I can almost see God's face
Rising in his splendor
To heights I never knew
What once looked like a mountain
Is just a hill from heaven's point of view

I may face things tomorrow
I can't comprehend today
Circumstances so uncertain make it hard
To find the strength to pray
But I'm living in the promise
I'll never leave you
I'll always see you through
So what's this mountain
To an eagle flying high
From heaven's point of view

What once looked like a mountain
Is just a hill from heaven's point of view 

~ words and music by Carroll McGruder

Update on My Dad

The past few days have been unsettling for my family.  Dad has been at Pacifica Nursing and Rehab Center, but many times when my siblings or I have called he has seemed confused and disoriented.  We weren't sure if we had called and woken him up, or if something else was going on.  He was taken back to the hospital tonight due to this confusion.  At this time we don't know what it causing it.  He is currently stable, but in definite need of prayer tonight.

October 22nd ~ In Your Town (VAD)

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

The uttermost part of the earth includes my town.  That's where I can be a witness.  I may not reach Jerusalem or Judaea or Samaria, but I can and must witness in my town.  I'm thrilled to report that two more received the Holy Ghost at church yesterday!  That's what is happening in my town.

October 21st ~ Calm (VAD)

Mark 4:39 "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

The greatest calm to come my way was when Jesus spoke peace into my storm.

Cover Me

Peace of God, cover me
Cover me, cover me
Peace of God, cover me
Through the storm, cover me.

Only in You I am safe
Only in You I'm secure
Only in You I find peace
So cover me, cover me

Cover me when I am hurting
Cover me when I'm not strong
Cover me when I am going through the storm
Cover me when it all seems hopeless
Cover me when my faith is gone
Let the peace that passes all I understand

~words and music by Mark Condon

Yes, We Did Finish the Race!

Read all about it HERE!!

October 20th ~ 4 O'Clock (VAD)

I couldn't think of a verse that went with 4 o'clock!  Anybody know one?  Since 4 o'clock is a time, I'll share one of my favorite verses about time:

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.'

Must Read Blogs

Three posts in one day!  I guess I have a lot to say today.

In the past week I have read many blogs.  I enjoy reading about the lives of my friends, seeing pictures, reading encouraging words, etc.  Three have stood out to me and I want to share them with you.

The Drama of The Waiting Room - Bro. Ballestero's blog is always a wonderful read.  This post was exceptional. We've all been in the waiting room of life, many are there now. " 'According to this log,” she said, “not very many get discharged the same day they come. The good news that I see here, is that the Doctor has an amazing success rate. I am not really in love with the idea of waiting, but I don’t plan to leave here until my baby gets well.' "

Pure Worship - Echoes from the Elms is the blog of Sis. Linda Elms, the daughter of my first pastor, Bro. Murray Layne.  Her words about worship in the church are right on. "If there's a song that feels a little "strange" when we sing it, or something in our spirit doesn't feel right, maybe we shouldn't be singing it. If we're living close to God like we should be the Holy Ghost will lead us in what we should and shouldn't sing."

I Could Swing My Ponytail, Too - Kelley Highway is the home of Sis. Kelley Dibble, missionary to the Philippines.  This post is a must read for every lady.  "There is so much more to wrap around modesty than a ponytail holder."  Please also read the article that is linked there - When Women Draw Attention to Themselves.

What great blogs have you read this week?

Friday Foodie ~ Pumpkin Time

I wish I could say we're having lovely Fall weather here, but we're just having typical Fall weather.  Highs in the 90s, a slight Santa Ana condition, abundant sunshine.  But that doesn't stop me from loving all things pumpkin that are out right now!

Of course there's Pumpkin Pie:

Pumpkin Muffins:

Yoplait has pumpkin pie yogurt.  Toss in a few graham cracker crumbs for a special treat.
 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Or just make a drink of your own with pumpkin spice creamer

Pumpkin Spice Waffles by Eggo!  I spotted these in Target the other day.  Yummo!

 
Are you a pumpkin fan or would you rather just carve one or use them to decorate?

As you can see, I use them to decorate too!  Updated from flowers a few months ago.

October 19th ~ Letters

Daniel chapter 5 tells of a time when letters were used:

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
6 Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.

We learn was written that day...
23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.
25 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.
26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

October 18th ~ Made You Smile Today (VAD)

Acts 2:38-39 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

I'm sitting here thinking about the service we had last night.  Bro. David Abbott taught on the "Art of Altar Work."  His lesson was straight forward and simple, but something many people are afraid to practice.

At the conclusion of his lesson, Bro. Abbott opened the altars for anyone who needed the Holy Ghost. We had quite a few praying and three people got the Holy Ghost!!  On a Wednesday night Bible study.  Nathan was the youngest, he's eight years old.

I'm smiling today because the promise is still to you and your children.

October 17th ~ Fruit (VAD)

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Please notice, this verse does not says fruits (plural) of the Spirit, but fruit (singular).   Some people only want love, joy and peace but throw out longsuffering and temperance.

The Liebster Blog Award: Awarded by Nonny

Nonny from:

Has nominated me for the:

What is the Liebster Award?
The Liebster Award's origins are pretty much a mystery. Bloggers nominate other bloggers that have 200 or less followers. It's basically a "Hey, that's a sweet little blog you've got there. Here's an award!" You can't just accept the award. You have to play by the (ever changing) rules and pay it forward. Then you can put the award on your blog for all to see.

The Rules:
1. List 11 facts about yourself.
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.
3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.
4. Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate.
5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.
6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

Here are eleven facts about me:
1.  I'm the youngest of four, two girls and two boys.
2.  Mom and Dad both came from families of four, two girls and two boys.
3.  The four kids trend stopped with me and my siblings.  Between us we only have 3 kids (my contribution was zero.)
4.  The first time I flew I was 19 years old.
5.  My first flight took me to Puerto Rico and Haiti for my first missions trip!
6.  My second missions trip was a year later to Hong Kong and the Phillipines.
7.  My first post 9/11 flight was in October of that year.
8.  I was pretty nervous about that flight.
9.  Psalm 91 settled me down.
10.  I went to Europe for the first time last year.
11.  I want to go back!

Nonny's Questions:
1.  Where do you live?  Simi Valley, CA
2.  Your favorite radio talk show?  I rarely listen to talk radio, although the presidential and vice presidential debates have been very interesting!
3.  Your favorite color and why?  Purple.  I don't know why it's my favorite, it just always has been.
4.  Your favorite sport?  Running, running, running.  Anyone want to run a marathon with me??
5.  Your favorite bible story?  This is a tough one!  The Bible has so many great stories.  But it would have to be the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection is the greatest story ever told.
6.  Where was your first date?  I don't remember!!  It's been over 30 years.
7.  Who is your best friend?  Les, without question.
8.  If you could build a home anywhere, where would it be?  Ocean front, please.
9.  If you could drive any car, what would it be?  Let's see, we have a 1992 Saturn with over 300,000 miles and a 2006 Porsche Cayenne.  I'm happy driving either one as long as they keep running!
10.  Your favorite website?  Pandora radio.  I'm listening to Christmas music today!!
11.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years?  Still living for God, hopefully still running.  Or heaven! 

My Questions:
1.  Chocolate or non-chocolate for dessert?
2.  Mexican or Italian food?
3.  Soda, Coffee, Tea or Water?
4.  Winter or Summer?
5.  Spring or Fall?
6.  What is your favorite travel destination?
7.  What is your favorite rainy day activity?
8.  How often do you go barefoot?
9.  Do you know how to swim?
10.  Your favorite Bible verse?
11.  Your favorite book, other than the Bible?

And now, because I was slow and didn't get this posted before my other blogging friends, I have no nominees!  If you want to play along, please consider yourself nominated.  If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your answers as a comment.

October 16th ~ Something You Wrote (VAD)

Isaiah 49:16 " Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me."

The New Living Translation puts it this way, "See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.  Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins."

What I write isn't nearly as important as what God writes.  I'm glad my name is on the palm of His hands.   He also promises "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."  (John 10:27-28)  No better place to be than in His hands.

In His Hands

I've had disappointments and so have you
I remember times when times were bad
But I am so glad, for every moment
That I've spent in His hands,
In His hands

Chorus

In His hands there's only safety
Nothing there can touch you except Him
Bring your burdens and all your failures
Lay them down and rest here in His hands

I will have more problems and so will you
But through every one we all can stand
If we're in His hands, so are the trials
There is no cause for fear, In His hands

~ Words and music by Michael W. Smith and Gary Chapman

October 15th ~ Dinnertime (VAD)

Proverbs 15:17 "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."

I have been in fancy banquet halls, surrounded by co-workers, checking my watch wondering how quickly I could escape.  I've sat at the kitchen table, sharing a bowl of popcorn and great fellowship, never wanting it to end.  Food isn't what makes the feast, but every meal, shared in love, is a feast.

October 14th ~ Makes You Laugh (VAD)

Jonah 4:1-3 "But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live."

There are just some stories in the Bible that make me laugh or shake my head in amazement.  The final chapter of Jonah is one of those.  After running from God, spending some time in the belly of a whale, being spit up on a beach to do God's work, Jonah preaches and revival immediately hits the city!  People repent!  People fast and pray!  People are saved from destruction!

What does Jonah do?  He gets very angry!  "I'd rather be dead," he moans.  The entire city heard his preaching and he's mad that God didn't go ahead and destroy them.  Poor Jonah.  As his sits there pouting and waiting to see if God will go ahead and destroy the city, God causes a gourd to grow over him.  "Ah, shade."  Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd (vs 6.)

The next day God prepares a worm to destroy the gourd and Jonah is left out in the sun again.  "It is better for me to die than to live." (vs 8)  He's a bit emotional, wouldn't you say?

I don't laugh at Jonah because what he did is funny, but because he's so human just like me.  I don't know what I would do in a similar situation, but I know there are times God must look at me and say "she's a bit emotional, wouldn't you say?"

October 13th ~ Landscape (VAD)

Psalm 8:3-4 " When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"

God's landscaping is spectacular!  Snow capped mountains...

Half Dome and El Capitan in Yosemite...

The changing colors of Fall...

Sunsets over the beach...

And still, He is mindful of us!

October 12th ~ On the Table (VAD)

Proverbs 3:3 "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:"

My kitchen table has many things on it - magazines, salt, pepper, napkins,vitamins, and even food sometimes!  It can hold a feast or a snack.  The table of our heart is the same - it can hold many things - love, peace, and joy or anger, bitterness, and envy. 

What's on the table of your heart today?

October 11th ~ Something Close Up (VAD)

1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Have you noticed when you're close up to a problem it's hard to see what's really going on?  Sometimes it's months or years before we understand what was really going on.  Other times it just takes a minute to step back and take a deep breath.  Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

A picture is the best way to illustrate this.  Close up.  What is it?

A few steps back:

The second pumpkin from the right looks a lot better NOT so close up.

October 10th ~ Emotion (VAD)

Psalm 30:5 "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Psalm 30:11 "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;"

When I started working on this post, I had no idea that these two verses were in the same Psalm!

October 10, 1998.  We gathered in Mom's hospital room, listening to the doctor.  We had known for a few months that Mom was in the final stage of cancer.  That morning the doctor told her there was nothing more they could do to treat her.  He then asked what she wanted as far as life support.  Mom had an oxygen mask on, she slowly pulled it down and said one word, "Nothing."

My weeping began then.

A few hours later, Mom lifted her hands in worship, spoke in a heavenly language, peacefully put her hands back down, and stepped into eternity.

Her joy came immediately.   

My joy would take a little longer as I waded through every emotion that is associated with a loss of this magnitude.  I still miss her.  There are I times I just want to talk to her, she knew how to listen and encourage me when I was down.  I miss her hugs and her subtle humor.  I miss seeing her mix up something chocolate in the kitchen or send an "I Love You" sign my way.  I'm sad that she hasn't seen the many blessings that have come our way. Our family misses her when we gather, graduations, birthdays, weddings, holidays, they aren't the same without here.  But the joy of knowing she made it turns my mourning to dancing!

My Joy

Verse
Oh Lord, You have turned my morning into dancing
Over and over and over again
Oh Lord, You have turned my sorrow into joy
Over and over and over again

Chorus
You have been my shield
The lifter of my head
You are my Joy
You are my Joy
And I will always worship
I will always worship You for You
You are my Joy
And I will always worship
I will always worship you
For You, You are my joy
You are my Joy

Bridge 1
You turned my morning
Into dancing over and over
Over and over and over again 

~ words and music by Trent Cory

October 9th ~ Red

Isaiah 1:18 "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."

Nothing but the blood of Jesus can take our sins, red like crimson, and wash them white as snow.

Are You Washed In the Blood?

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
Oh, be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

~ words and music by Elisha Hoffman 

October 8th ~ Angle (VAD)

Today's verse was a little more challenging.  There are only two verses in the KJV that contain the word "angle."

Isaiah 19:8 "The fishers also shall mourn, and all they that cast angle into the brooks shall lament, and they that spread nets upon the waters shall languish."

After a little research, I learned that angle is a hook used by fishermen.  We are called to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19 and Mark 1:17.)  There are many "hooks" that have been tried through the years to catch souls.  The one that has always been the most effective still remains - love them.  We aren't trying to catch someone so we can fry them up.  Our goal is to gather them in and make them part of the family.

Habakkuk 1:15 says, "They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad."  When we use the angle of love, providing friendship and hope to the hurting, we will be glad as we see them gathered in.

Update on My Dad

Kim and I saw Dad in San Francisco yesterday. While we were there, we met 3 doctors who answered our many questions. We came home feeling much better about Dad's situation. He's got a ways to go, but he's on the right road.

The infection in his back is a staph infection. He also has an infection on the front right abdominal muscle. They are treating both of these with one form of antibiotic.

He also has a prostate infection. This has been the cause much stomach distress - he hasn't been able to keep much food down for the past 10 days or so. They are treating that with another form of antibiotic.

For now, they are working to get the infections under control and they will send him back to Pacifica. When the infections are completely cleared up they will deal with the hardware in his back (the screws from his surgery are loose.) They are continuing light therapy as his pain levels can tolerate it.

When the doctor came in he said, "You're looking better today." Dad said, "That's because my girls are here." Ah. We love our Dad!

I gave him the prayer cloth and showed him a picture of the Sunday school kids who are praying for him. I told him people all over the country are praying for him and he appreciates it very much. More than antibiotics, more than doctors or surgery, prayer is what he needs most.

October 7th ~ Light (VAD)

Genesis 1:3 "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."

Genesis chapter one is the most fundamental chapter to a believer.  We either believe God said, or we don't.  When we believe that God said and did everything contained in this chapter, believing the rest of the Bible comes naturally.  Many have questioned, written theories that are taught as fact, but I still believe that God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Anyone remember this old song? 

If Jesus said it I believe it, His Word cannot lie.
If it's written in Bible, I'll believe it till I die.
Though the mountains be removed, and cast into the sea.
God's Word will last forever, throughout eternity.

 

October 6th ~ I'm Thankful For (VAD)

I'll save everything for which I'm thankful for the month of November!

Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you"

I appreciate each and every one of you who visit my blog!  If you're a first time guest or a long time follower, I'm thankful for you!

October 5th ~ Shadow (VAD)

James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

I'm so glad for the many good and perfect gifts from my Father.  I thought I'd share a few different translations of this verse:

Amplified Bible:  Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].

God's Word Translation:  Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn’t change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon.

The Message:  The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. 

NIV:    Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

New Living Translation:  Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God. He is the One Who made all light. He does not change. No shadow is made by His turning. 

October 4th ~ What You Read (VAD)

What you read will change your life.

Acts 8: 27-31: "And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
²⁷ And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
²⁸ Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
²⁹ Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
³⁰ And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
³¹ And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

Bro. Ballestero blogged about this story recently.  Read "The Day Reading a Text While Driving, Saved a Life!"

October 3rd ~ This Happened Today (VAD)

October 3, 1958 - This happened today when Mom and Dad were married: 

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."  Genesis 2:24

October 2nd ~ Lunchtime (VAD)

Job 23:12 "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."

I truly enjoy eating.  I also enjoy cooking.  Food is good!  I have an entire page of this blog devoted to recipes.  I don't think I've ever turned down chocolate.  But His Word is what feeds my soul.

Matthew 4:4 "But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

October 1st ~ Where You Stood (VAD)

Here we go ~ Verse a Day using the Photo a Day Challenge list!

The story in Exodus chapter 32 is an example of how quickly we humans forget God's goodness.  Moses was on the mountain with God receiving the Ten Commandments.  Because he delayed the people became impatient.  They said to Aaron, "Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him."  And it continued downhill from there.  When Moses came down, "he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount."  After destroying the calf and giving Aaron a talking to, verse 26 tells us what happened next:

" Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him."

A line was drawn in the sand.  Who was going to stand on the side of righteousness?  Like the Levites, I want to stand on the Lord's side!  In a world that is continually doing evil, I want to be found standing on the side of righteousness and holiness.

The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that's the book for me.
I stand upon the word of God,
the B-I-B-L-E! 

 Where do you stand?