I knew without planning it that the account was going to be finished on this day. That's not just serendipity, it's the architecture of fate. Rather than the dead burying the dead--part of why we have historical amnesia in this country--I, the living, am burying my part of Jeane. Why she picked me to assist her I believe is complicated. For one, I know she didn't want me pissing in the tent and preferred me pissing outwards. You could say she wanted to keep me on ice during the proceedings, most certainly a good possibility there. That means I was definitely onto something, maybe many fundamental somethings about her case. The problem was, not a lot of that was exculpatory. Such is life. Her suffering is over, ours continues until we meet our own endings, like a story. Anything ending tends to choke the best of us up, it's got a sadness to it that's part of the human condition. And so it goes. I'll probably even lay out a meal for her, and all of the people who I and my family have lost--who everyone has lost, because that's what All Soul's Day is about, remembering, honoring, and continuing on.
Rabu, 31 Oktober 2012
all soul's day
Keeping Oaths
"You have heard that it was said to our people long ago,
'Don't break your promises,
but keep the promises you make to the Lord.'
But I tell you, never swear an oath.
Don't swear an oath using the name of heaven,
because heaven is God's throne.
Don't swear an oath using the name of the earth,
because the earth belongs to God.
Don't swear an oath using the name of Jerusalem,
because that is the city of the great King.
Matthew 5:33-35
KEEPING OATHS
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
"This is what we will do to them: We will let them live, so that wrath will not fall on us for breaking the oath we swore to them." Joshua 9:20
Joshua and the people of Israel were in the Promised Land. They were winning battles and were feeling good about their progress. One day a band of Gibeonites came by dressed as travelers in order to fool Joshua. They wanted to make Joshua believe they were merely travelers instead of enemies. The Gibeonites asked Joshua to make a peace treaty with them. Since Joshua chose to believe their story, he did just that. That was a mistake on Joshua's part. The Bible says Joshua did not inquire of the Lord about the Gibeonites. This forced Joshua to uphold the peace treaty with the Gibeonites, even though it was made under false pretenses.
Keeping our oaths before the Lord is a serious matter. One might think that Joshua had every right to consider the agreement with the Gibeonites null and void since it was done on false pretense. However, Joshua knew how God viewed oaths. He knew that a man's word, once it was given, should be good as done. There was no reversing it. He also knew that if he did not keep his oath, he was subject to God's disfavor, which meant his ways would not be blessed.
Whenever we become a child of God, we represent Him. When His children follow unrighteousness, He takes this personally. Unrighteousness opens us up to satan's attack. God's protection shield is removed. So Joshua knew that if he did not honor his oath, he would be subject to God's judgment.
Is there any unfulfilled oath you have made to anyone? Ask God this morning if you have not fulfilled a commitment to anyone. Then, if there is, go and fulfill. Otherwise, you will be subject to God's judgment for your unrighteousness.
Today's Prayer
Thank you Father for having a purpose for my life and for telling me what your expectations are through the Bible. I know you must be disappointed with me many times, when I fail to meet your expectations of me. I can identify with that from a human standpoint. When I expect a family member to be responsible and to do something that they do not do, or when they make wrong choices in life, I am very disappointed. Sometimes I feel frustrated or angry and other times heartbroken. Help me to be kind-hearted and long-suffering with them, like you are with me. Guide me to handle those disappointments with integrity; to remain quiet when I should and to speak up when I should. Please give me the thoughts, words, and actions you want me to have. And God, please forgive me for disappointing you. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.
Psalm 132
In Praise of the Temple
A song for going up to worship.
1 Lord, remember David
and all his suffering.
2 He made an oath to the Lord,
a promise to the Mighty God of Jacob.
3 He said, "I will not go home to my house,
or lie down on my bed,
4 or close my eyes,
or let myself sleep
5 until I find a place for the Lord.
I want to provide a home for the Mighty God of Jacob."
6 We heard about the Ark in Bethlehem.
We found it at Kiriath Jearim.
7 Let's go to the Lord's house.
Let's worship at his footstool.
8 Rise, Lord, and come to your resting place;
come with the Ark that shows your strength.
9 May your priests do what is right.
May your people sing for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
do not reject your appointed king.
11 The Lord made a promise to David,
a sure promise that he will not take back.
He promised, "I will make one of your descendants
rule as king after you.
12 If your sons keep my agreement
and the rules that I teach them,
then their sons after them will rule
on your throne forever and ever."
13 The Lord has chosen Jerusalem;
he wants it for his home.
14 He says, "This is my resting place forever.
Here is where I want to stay.
15 I will bless her with plenty;
I will fill her poor with food.
16 I will cover her priests with salvation,
and those who worship me will really sing for joy.
17 "I will make a king come from the family of David.
I will provide my appointed one descendants to rule after him.
18 I will cover his enemies with shame,
but his crown will shine."
Pumpkin Regatta!
THE CHEW: PUMPKIN REGATTA!
THE CHEW: HOMEMADE HALLOWEEN
P. ALLEN SMITH: PUMPKIN VASE FALL FLOWERS
Selasa, 30 Oktober 2012
What's Your Cooking Style?
Food Network: Cooking Differences
KABOOSE
Food Quiz: What's Your Cooking Style?
Are you a gourmet foodie, comfort-food lover, or an impromptu cook? Find out what your cooking style is by taking this fun quiz!
Fear Not!
Fear Not!
TGIF Today God is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear. Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.
The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.
David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God. When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidations, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were merely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.
Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come.
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you and thank you for who you are. Please guide me and help me when I face conflict and disagreement with others. Help me to follow biblical principles. Sometimes I'm just "hard-headed" and do not want to give in to compromise, even when either view, decision, desire is biblical. Help me to carefully consider the other person's perspective and situation. And if someone has wronged me, give me courage to confront them in a spirit of love and reconciliation. If they will not hear me, show me who should go with me to talk with the person. When necessary, help me to continue on and take steps based on Your Word. I want to do what is right, and as much as possible, to live peaceably with all people. Please forgive me where I have failed, and give me the grace and wisdom to do better; to do what is right. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.
Why Do I Need To Confess My Sins
Pastor Robert Morris
Senin, 29 Oktober 2012
Decorating with house plants
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growing strong.
As expressive as paintings and as appealing as antiques, houseplants bring life to every room. They're also Martha's secret to decorating her Bedford, NY, home with a flourish.
P. Allen Smith Air Purification
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Pumpkins and Apple Pie
Fall is finally in the air and last weekend we welcomed the season with a little jaunt up into the mountains for some pumpkin picking, hay riding, cider making, and apple pie eating!! This is one of my favorite traditions that my husband and I started together. We "officially" started dating in September 2003, we were juniors in college, and occasionally we would go on what we called, "all-day-dates." We may or may not have ditched class a few times for these all day dates! One of the first all day dates was to Julian! Thinking back now, its almost impossible to remember what it was like just the two of us! And at that time, we were only dreaming about one day having kids to bring up there to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, the antiquity of the little town, and of course, the apple pie! Flash forward almost 10 years...and here we are; a family of five and still loving our all day dates. This year we were lucky enough to head up on a nice cold day. {Today, on the other hand, it is 95 degrees- not so conducive to fall activities}. We almost didn't go last weekend because it was raining a little, but I'm so glad we did!
It ended up being perfect weather for the Pumpkin Patch!
This is our favorite Pumpkin Patch in Julian! So much to do and it was pretty empty the day we were there- thanks to the rain! It was great! We walked around for a little bit and then went up to the Cider House for the apple cider demonstration.
They use an old-fashioned apple press and let the kids (and adults) help put the apples in! Then they let everyone have a little cup full of the fresh-pressed cider!
After the Cider House we went to see the animals! They take the pressed apples and feed them to the goats! Jack and Claire were not super excited about the goats being right in their faces. I can understand..I'd be nervous too if an animal my size was coming right at me!
After we fed the animals, we went on a the hay ride! Jack got to sit on the tractor, which he thought was awesome!
Then it was time to head down to the pumpkin patch!
 |
| Mama was sad her shoes got muddy :-( |
This little girl is a bit camera shy these days! She doesn't like to sit still for very long, so I have to catch her on the move! It was chilly and she was pretty tired too so that didn't help! But she sure looked cute all bundled up!
This guy on the other hand is finally coming around will stop and smile at me for a picture! I'm pretty sure he's going to conquer the world someday!
These two are sweet little friends (most of the time). Jack grabbed her hand and said, "C'mon Claire Bear! C'mon"
When we were done at the patch we got a little early dinner at the little local pizza shop called Wynola Pizza! And of course we ended the day with a slice of Julian Apple pie!
Sweet memories!
There's No Goodbye Only Love
Willa Cather
"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible,
but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."
Vincent Van Gogh
The Perfect Storm:
There's No Goodbye Only Love
Music Composed and Conducted By
"After every storm the sun will smile;
for every problem there is a solution,
and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer. "
William R. Alger
"After a storm comes a calm."
Mathew Henry
Moving in Presumption
"If Your presence does not go with us,
do not send us up from here"
(Exodus 33:15)
Moving in Presumption
TGIF Today God is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
"Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord's covenant moved from the camp." Numbers 14:44
The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. This land was not handed over to them freely; it required the removing of God's enemies through battle. It required a partnership between God and the people. As long as the people remained true to God, they were victorious.
The people were camped at Kadesh Barnea, near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important crossing. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only scouts who proclaimed faith in God to take them into the land and conquer their enemies. The other spies saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. The people of the camp shrank in fear because of their report. They decided not to enter in.
God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on their behalf. Once they realized what they had done, it was too late. But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong. They presumed this was all that was necessary.
Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God's favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle.
It is important for us to know whether we have God's hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God's favor leads to success. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors.
..."If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15).
Today's Prayer
You have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know the commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification" (1 Thess. 4:1-3).
Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for giving me your Word as a light unto my path and a lamp unto my feet. Please forgive me when I am "hard-headed" and do not follow your commandments. I want to do your will, which I understand is based on your Word. Sometimes it is difficult to live under the authority of certain people. Human nature makes me want to rebel, but your Word instructs me to obey those in authority, as long as that obedience is not in direct conflict to your Word. Please give me the strength to obey and do what is right. Please bless me when I do this and walk in a way that is pleasing to you. Thank you in the name of Jesus, Amen
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.
Thy Word - Avalon
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