Thoughts Along the Journey

May the year to come be filled with innumberable blessings, and God's grace and peace!

"Good news! Rejoice! What God's angels (and The Angels' Candle ) proclaim is not some distant birth that matters little to us. No, this is up close and personal: 'Unto YOU,' the angel says. That angelic announcement continues to be proclaimed: 'Good news! This is for you...for now...for here...for everyone...forever!' Rejoice!" ~Arden Mead, copyright 2007 Creative Communications The beauty of Christmas is that Christ came for them...for their children...for their children's children...for us , our children, and our children's children...for all of us. "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoptions as sons." (Galatians 4:4, 5 NKJV) Rejoice, my friends! For unto us is born a Savior!

Throughout the time of Advent, I have had this continual desire to have times of peaceful reflection and waiting on God. Just to prepare my heart for Christmas, and meditate on the return of Christ. But that was not to be. Every time I turned around, there was something else added to my schedule. My kids had another project for school. There was another item added to my agenda. Another memo written on the calendar. Something always came up that needed my attention. It has frustrated me so much! But in the middle of all this, God spoke something to me so clearly today. That's the point of it all. The world didn't come to a standstill when Christ was born. Yes, there was the angelic announcement and the shepherd's visit. Later, the star led the wisemen to Christ. But those few people are the only ones whose lives paused for His coming. The rest of the world went on with their daily schedules, totally oblivious to the incredible event that had occured in the st...

" 'Behold!' the Christmas angel said. The shepherds heard, 'Behold!' And they did as they were told, for the shepherds had a lot to see. And so do we. The message The Shepherds' Candle proclaims to us is to keep our eyes open. In the midst of all that's going on these bright and busy days, don't miss the miracle. God's glory is near!" ~by Arden Mead Copyright 2007 Creative Communications There are so many wonders to ponder at Christmas. The story of Christ's birth is a series of miracles: An angel appears to Zechariah. Elizabeth conceives a son in her old age (she who was called "barren"). An angel appears to a virgin and declares that she will give birth. An angel appears to her husband-to-be, and assures him that Mary's pregnancy is of the Holy Spirit--he should continue with his plans to marry her. A warm birthplace is found in the midst of a crowded city. The Savior of all mankind would come to earth, and...

My Jesus, how often I feel very small and inadequate before great tasks and responsibilities. What can I do but bring all that I have, even though it isn't much, and place all this in Your hands, wait for Your blessing, breaking, thanking, and receive back again with amazing power to reach all who depend on me, fill them with goodness and still have more than what I started with. May I never hold back my gifts from You. May I believe that Your blessing multiplies my smallest gifts to maximum powers. May I rejoice that You return the task to me and I have the personal thrill of seeing many satisfied by my ministrations. I adore Your wisdom, Your power, Your sharing. Amen. ~Fr. Gerald Keefe

"If the Prophecy Candle urges us to listen, the message of the Bethlehem Candle is: 'Prepare! Open your eyes; be aware of what's really going on.' What's really going on? The Lord is coming, that's what! Just as surely as Jesus once came to bustling Bethlehem (which was not fully prepared), so surely He is coming again!" ~Arden Mead, Copyright 2007, Creative Communications The focus of Advent, week 2, is the prophecy of John the Baptist in the wilderness. John knew the time for the Messiah was at hand. He was in their midst. John's message was: "Prepare! Get your hearts ready, for the One you have been looking for is about to make Himself known." Preparation means drawing closer to God. We cannot do that without taking time to allow the Holy Spirit to examine us. And as He reveals our true "selves" to us, we are drawn to repentance. A heart full of self and sin does not have room for Christ. It is true, too, that ...

"The first candle of the Advent wreath is called The Prophecy Candle. It urges us to listen. God has a lot to say to us. In fact, what God has to communicate is so important that finally God has to say it in person. 'The Word became flesh'--a human being, the One whose birth we anticipate in Advent and celebrate at Christmas." ~by Arden Mead, copyright 2007 Creative Communications, www.creativecommunications.com In the Church calendar, we have begun the season of Advent. Each night at supper, we have our youngest child light the first purple candle in the Advent wreath. We have special scripture readings in church. We sing, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". But what does it all mean? The word "advent" means "coming". During this season, we prepare our hearts in a special way as we anticipate the coming of Christmas: Christ's first coming as a babe in a manger, born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. Just as the prophets foretold so long ag...

I know I haven't been blogging much the past couple of weeks. I hope to be back in the frame of mind for blogging soon. In the meantime, just keep me in your prayers.

Some of you may remember my post from Memorial Day , in which I mentioned Luke Emch. Luke was a native of our area, who lost his life in Iraq. My sons and I were privileged to hold a flag in his honor as the funeral procession carried his body to the cemetery. I was recently contacted by a woman who puts together condolence books for the families of our fallen heroes. Below is my account of the day we held the flag, as well as the e-mail post from this kind woman--who is also the mom/mother-in-law of military personnel. I have posted this with her permission. I feel humbled and quite honored! ________________________ March 12, 2007 The funeral for Navy Hospitalman Luke Emch, of Tallmadge (Ohio) was held this morning at 10 a.m. He was 21, and was killed in Iraq on March 2nd. The funeral procession was to go past our town, on its way to the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, though a specific time was not given in the paper. The boys and I walked to the overpass a little before 1 p....

This will most likely be my last post before Thanksgiving. Things are a bit hectic around here, as I'm sure they are in your corner of the world. (Except my Canadian friends, who celebrated Thanksgiving last month!) Things I am thankful for: --my wonderful husband of 18 years...the man of my dreams...and even more incredible, the man of my real life! I am such a fortunate woman! --my two growing boys. Yes, there are days of frustration, but there are more times of laughter and joy. They bless me in so many ways. --our families (parents, siblings, in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and, of course, our great nephew!) We are surrounded by so much love, even though miles separate us. --our church home. I am amazed at how at home I feel there after such a short time. I thank God for bringing us there, and the new friendships and relationships we are building. --my wonderful friends from all over this country, and in other countries. Whether I know them face-to-face, or on...

I thought this really summarized the essence of my previous post. Have a great weekend! ~Joni "Beauty when unadorned is adorned the most." -- St. Jerome .

The following essay was written by my cousin's 14 year old daughter. I am posting this on both my blogs, simply because some of you read one blog; others, the other blog...and this is too good for anyone to miss. (The author's name has been withheld by request.) * * * * * Letter About Beauty I hate it when the girls show off their bodies. They show off all of their legs, as in, if their shorts went any shorter they’d be wearing underwear. I guess they think they’d be accepted if they wear basically nothing. It bothers me that their shirts are like bras; it shows all of their stomach and a lot of their chest. What’s with this? It drives me insane! Why can’t they be modest for once? Why do their parents even let them wear this stuff anyway? Why do they even make those clothes in the first place? Who came up with that? Why does everyone strive to be “beautiful”? Why do we all want to be skinny? Yeah, everyone does think about being beautif...

The Bible is clear that there will be a day of judgment. It will be the day when our deeds will come under the microscope, and judged for what they truly are: gold...or straw (see I Corinthians 3:5-17). "...Each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is." v. 13). We will be held accountable for our actions. God will "test by fire" how we built our own lives, and how we are helping build others' lives. (See also Romans 2:1-16) Yet while this is true, I see another aspect of judgment in the Bible. It is an ongoing, daily "judgment". It is what David wrote about in Psalm 139: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting." (vs. 23-24) If we are truly continuing on the journey with Christ, we need to have Him examine u...

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (I Corinthians 9:24-27) Recently, there was a big story in the world of track and field. A runner admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs. She gave news conferences, and spoke words of remorse amidst shedding of tears. She later returned her Olympic medals. She will forever be seen as the "really good runner who cheated to win". A very sad story, to be sure. However, in the Christian journey, or "race," if you will, there is no way to win if we "cheat". We must follow the rules set up by the Sponsor of the race. To do any less is to be d...

"Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in Him, 'If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.' " John 8:31, 32 Yesterday, I saw my husband reading his "Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture" and asked what he was studying. He said this passage was one that had puzzled him for some time. He was wondering what the Early Church writers had to say about it. After I read some of it, I said, "I feel a blog post coming on!" :o) He kindly loaned me his book. And here comes the post! "Beloved, our condition needs much endurance, and endurance is best produced when doctrines are deeply rooted. For just as there is no wind that is able to tear up an oak tree by its assaults because it sends down its root deep into the earth, so too the soul that is nailed by the fear of God--not just rooted but nailed--will not be able to be overturned...Our Lord wanted to test the ...

Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me. ~ Saint Patrick More information on All Saints' Day .

"I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You. I love You, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally....My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath." - Saint John Vianney

Today, my quote comes from a saint who is more familiar to most of us: Saint Paul. "Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." I Corinthians 16:13, 14 RSV Be watchful : be vigilant, and aware of the devil's schemes. Be alert! Stand firm in your faith : don't be easily swayed by the tides of change in the world. Be courageous : don't let Satan or his forces bully you into a corner, cowering in fear. Be strong : know that you have the mightiest Warrior of all on your side! Let all that you do be done in love : what are your motives? * * * * * * * * * * "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord." Psalm 31:24 .

It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey. ~ Saint Ignatius

God has been very good to me, for I never dwell upon anything wrong which a person has done, so as to remember it afterwards. If I do remember it, I always see some other virtue in that person. ~ Saint Teresa of Avila .

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching. ~St. Francis of Assisi

I received an e-mail today, telling of a recipe book a friend is putting together for people in Greensburg. If you would like to contribute, send recipes to jdrunner@gbta.net . Please note that she would like to have this ready before Christmas, so needs recipes ASAP. THANKS!

Yes, another school shooting. And not too far from where we live. It was all there was on TV yesterday afternoon. (I was sick, so the TV was my babysitter!) Well, the school shooting in Cleveland and the train wreck up in Painesville. Then of course, today all the national media had all the child psychologists in, to ask "why is this happening"? Sin, my friend. The fall in the garden. A world looking for answers in all the wrong places. Broken families. Broken kids. Sin. It saddens my heart.

A friend recently said she likes to pray through the Psalms. I haven't done that in quite a long time. I do like to read a Psalm, or a portion of one, every day, though. They are really ministering to my spirit. Today I read this one: "I will lift up my eyes to the hill--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore." Psalm 121 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * This Psalm is incredibly comforting to me today. I can rest peacefully at night, knowing ...

"Happy are those who act with justice And always do what is right!" Psalm 106:3

St. John of the Cross ... "One act of thanksgiving made when things go wrong is worth a thousand when things go right."

As most of my readers know, I was able to attend our niece's wedding about a month ago. I didn't give every detail, obviously. But there was one thing that happened that I've been waiting to share with you. It was precious, special, and so...well...you'll see... At one point in the ceremony, a group of three people came forward to give prophetic words over the couple. I grew up in a Pentecostal church, and have been involved in many Charismatic services. Still, I have to admit, I am often skeptical of such things. Too often, the "words" are just generic, nice things. Which isn't really wrong , but also isn't prophetic. As one "word" was given over them, I got this spiritual sense of God saying something so powerful , though. I can't remember the exact words, but the essence of it was that they were to be a Kingdom couple. A couple to show God's Kingdom to the world, and to spread His Kingdom. Even as the words were being spoken, I lo...

Let me explain the situation, then I'll tell you what's stuck in my "ponderer" today... Hubby was sick a couple of weeks ago. After a couple of days of waiting it out, he asked me to call the doctor and make an appointment. Turns out our dr. isn't in the office past noon on Fridays. And he was going to be gone all week the next week. We called a local "quick clinic", and got him in there. He was examined, given a strep test, and handed a couple of prescriptions to have filled. Later, when we were discussing it, he told me how much they charged him at the clinic, and handed me the receipt. When I went to record it in our checkbook, I mentioned that the receipt was for $20 less than what he had said he was charged. He found the printout he was given, and the amount on there was the higher amount, too. I called today to straighten it out. Between our original phone call, the message she left on the machine, and another return call, the gal at the clinic tha...

It's pretty easy to create a new tradition at our house. Well, when it comes to simple, every day matters. For instance, one time when I made stew, in addition to the crackers, I thought it would be nice if we each had a slice of cheese (mild cheddar or Monterrey jack!) and a few slices of apple. Ever since then, that is the way our soup must be served each and every time! I recently served chicken noodle soup (good for what ails you), and I put peaches on the side instead of apples. All my guys noticed it and mentioned that we were "making a change" this time. Isn't it funny how we are creatures of habit? What's sad is that we do this to God, too. Don't get me wrong. I know that He is the unchanging God of the universe. He will never stop being all-loving, all-merciful, all-powerful, all-knowing, etc. And He has set ways that He wants us to do things, too. But I think we get the idea that God has to answer every prayer the same every time. Or work ...

Sorry no new posts for a few days. We're all trying to recuperate from illness at our house. (see more at my other blog ) I'll be back soon! (Hopefully!)

Lest you all think I had forgotten to post about my trip to the wedding...it is here at last! I was having computer issues with the pictures, so had to wait until I could use a library computer. Their high-speed connection works much better than my antiquated dial-up! ________________________________ I began my journey early on Friday, Sept. 7. My flight left Ohio at 6:30 a.m. Yes, that's a.m. I'm not a morning person, so 4:30 came a bit too soon for me! The flight was fairly uneventful, other than some serious turbulence over Illinois. (My seatmate had me a bit scared. She was looking quite green!) I arrived at my final destination around 10 a.m. Mountain Time. The best part of the flight? From Denver on, as we flew over the beautiful Rocky Mountains. When I arrived at the airport, I had a great surprise. Not only was my sister there, with my niece and favorite great nephew--my parents, one of my other sisters, two more nieces, and my nephew were there, too! Baby Isaiah had a ...

This song has been going through my head all day. I dedicate this post to my husband...and to all who are facing tough situations today. ________________ "I Surrender All" I have wrestled in the darkness of this lonely pilgrim land Raising strong and mighty fortresses that I alone command But these castles I've constructed by the strength of my own hand Are just temporary kingdoms on foundations made of sand In the middle of the battle I believe I've finally found I'll never know the thrill of victory 'til I'm willing to lay down All my weapons of defense and earthly strategies of war So I'm laying down my arms and running helplessly to Yours I surrender all my silent hopes and dreams Though the price to follow costs me everything I surrender all my human soul desires If sacrifice requires That all my kingdoms fall I surrender all If the source of my ambitions is the treasure I obtain If I measure my successes on a scale of earthly gain If the focus of...

I really am planning to do a wonderfully informative post on my trip to Colorado. But right now, this blogger is battling the affects of allergies. My brain is a bit too foggy for lengthy posts. Thanks for your understanding!

Yes, I'm home safe and sound from the adventure to our niece's wedding. More details will follow in the coming days. Thanks to all who prayed for me!

Do you remember that children's song, "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands"? Hold that thought. A few years ago, my brother-in-law preached a sermon entitled, "God Is Bigger". I can't tell you how many times I have replayed the words of that message in my mind. The basic gist of the message was this: It doesn't matter what you are facing or going through. God is bigger! If it seems small in your eyes, God is bigger. If it seems insurmountably big in your eyes, God is still bigger. Whatever it is, God is bigger! I have seen two camps of people. One group thinks that God is only concerned about the big things in our lives: disasters, cancers, hurricanes, tornadoes, wars, etc. Large-scale stuff. Then there's the other side that thinks God is concerned with those things, yes, but is even more concerned with every tiny, minute detail of their lives. These are the people that pray for parking spots, ask God if they should really buy th...

I thought this was an appropriate verse, as we prepare ourselves for worship this weekend. Getting ourselves re-focused after the craziness and busyness of our week... "...Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8 (RSV) .

My friend Paula passed along an award to me. Paula received the award, because she is such an encouraging and inspiring person, and her blog fits this description: "This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award." Thank you for passing on the award to me, Paula! I feel very honored. These are the seven people I'm awarding: Cheryl Christina Mrs. Darling Laurie Pat Patty Laura A special thanks to each of these ladies for the ways they share their love of God and family, and for being great blogging friends!

This post is sort of a piggy-back off an earlier post, " A Journey Pondering ." I'm thinking today about what an awesome responsibility it is to have "Christ in me." How do I live out that reality? Yesterday, our parish priest spoke of not leaving Christ there (at the church) every week, but taking Him with you...out into the world. He exhorted us to take the life of Christ with us and share it with all around us. How do we flesh that out? How do we diffuse the fragrance of Christ to those around us? I look forward to your thoughts on this...

It is now officially the new school year. We have two days of school "under our belts". Whew. The first day was a little emotional (mostly for me!). The boys were excited and nervous. It was a hot, humid day. By the time they came home, they were worn out from the heat, and happy to have made it through their first day. However, that night, #1 son was not happy about having to return again the next day. After five years of being home schooled, that seemed like an awfully long time to be away from home! Much talking and much prayer, and he was back to bed. Yesterday seems to have gone well for them, for which I am truly grateful. #1 son hasn't mentioned anything more about not returning. I'm doing pretty well, all things considered. The first day was pretty rough. Second day was a little easier. It's definitely nice to have them home for the weekend! Thank you, dear readers, for your prayers and encouraging thoughts. We'll make it through, one day at a time!...

Yes, today is the big day for us. The boys started school. After having home schooled for five years, this is a big adjustment. (Probably more for me than for them!) Keep us all in your prayers!

I don't know if you're aware of it, but there is a phenomenon sweeping the world of Christiandom. It can be called many things, but I'll call it "seeking the whoopee!" The members of this movement are not always easy to identify at first. They arrive at a church as a newcomer, usually. Sometimes as a "mature Christian just looking for a place to worship". (Their words, not mine!) Sometimes they settle in slowly, and just blend in with everyone else. Sometimes they immediately want to sing/teach/lead. (I've found this to be the case more often than not.) Usually they want to be really chummy with the pastor/priest or anyone else they deem to be in leadership or positions of importance in the particular worshipping community. They may even become regular "givers". (Most don't like the word "tithe".) But then it begins. If they don't gain quick access to a "position" of some type, they grumble: I was always asked...

A friend sent me this link this week. I definitely needed it! I hope it blesses you, too.

Have I mentioned that I hate change? Okay. Well, I do! We're in the midst of many! Hubby started his new job this week. But he's also still finishing up at his old job. So this means? Days at new job. Nights at old job. Tired hubby. Trying to learn the new job. Trying to rest. Anxiously awaiting August 25th--last day at old job. What a week he's having! I'm trying to get the kiddos all set to start school next week. Label each and every little thing with their names. Check the school supply list umpteen times to make sure we didn't miss anything. Check the dates another umpteen times to make sure we don't miss an important event. Label more stuff. Hair cuts. Are we ready for school yet? Only one more week! In the midst of it all, new things starting at church. Preparing my mind for going on a trip in about three weeks. (Flying alone?!) Much in need of God's peace....... "Saranac Lake, Morning," by Homer Dodge Martin, 1857

A few years ago, there was a big debate in the world of Christian scholars. Someone had written a book about Jesus being Savior, but not Lord. Then there were more books written about Jesus being Lord, but with less emphasis on Him as Savior. As humans, we really don't like the term "Lord," since it means Someone has authority over us. Americans especially don't like the idea of bowing to anyone. We are individualists, living in our free nation, and we want to be our own "lords." But then again, we don't like to see ourselves as weak, in need of Someone to save us. We're self-sufficient in this country! We don't really need anyone! As long as we're pretty good overall, don't murder, lie, cheat, or steal, then we've got it all under control. Well, it's a theory, anyway. Actually, I find great freedom in calling Him both Lord and Savior. As my Lord, He looks out for my best interests: what He knows is the very bes...