Musings on Deuteronomy

The other morning as I read Deut. 26-29, I cringed when I thought about all the things Moses warned would happen if the people turned away from God. Yet, we know they did, and they suffered just what Moses told them God said would happen. It’s easy to think - oh, how could they have turned from God when Moses was giving them God’s word personally. But….we too have God’s Word given to us personally, and how many times do we turn away. Deut 29:18, 19 really hit me: “Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit, one who, when he hears the words of this sworn statement blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart.’ This will lead to the sweeping away of the moist and dry alike.”

How many times have I walked in the stubbornness of my heart thinking I will be OK. But the rest tells me that my own actions do not affect just me, they affect others as well. That made me stop and ponder this section.

Verse 29 made so much more sense to me now. I don’t know if I ever really understood it before…. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
Granted, we are not “under” the Law, but we are to obey Christ’s commands. We are to teach them to our children, to share them with others. We may not understand why certain things happen in our lives - those are secret, only God knows - but He has revealed to us many other things. Are we using them? Teaching them? Sharing them? Living them?
This was my “aha” moment a few days ago.

Blessed by an Award

I was so blessed today to receive a "good neighbor" award from Lori. Please go to her blog to read all about Mr. Rogers and the award. As I read, it brought back good memories of when I used to watch it with my son when he was little.

To all who have been faithful in reading my blog, if you have not yet received the "Good Neighbor" award, I pass it on to YOU with many thanks for supporting me in my new blogging endeavor.

Great Things He Has Done

God has done great things for us. Stop for a moment and think...... what has He done for you? Of course as we approach Resurrection Sunday, I think of the Cross. Jesus died on a cross in my place. All my sin was put onto Him there.

To be honest, I have always had a difficult time reading about the events that took place and that happened to Him after He was arrested. I never could bring myself to really read it and dwell on it. Sadly, I would skim over it. How can I read what He endured in order that I might be set free? When I saw "The Passion of The Christ", I had to look away many times. How could I watch what my sin cost Him? Although seeing, hearing, knowing is difficult, it can not come close to what He went through for me. Why did He do it?

LOVE. Love for me and love for you. Though it is still hard for me to read and hear those words of that crucifixion day, I know why they are necessary. And joyously, I know that the story doesn't end there. As "The Passion of the Christ" ended, it made me feel so sad and dejected. Although the film did portray the empty tomb, I felt like more of the story needed to be told. I wanted to jump up and shout, "That's not the end! The best part wasn't told. Jesus isn't dead! He's Alive! He lives!"

So as we approach this wonderful Resurrection Sunday, I am reminded of the great things God has done for me.
He has given me the greatest gift of all - salvation - through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
He has given me the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
He has given me His Word, and not only one Bible, but many!
He has given me a husband, a son and a daughter-in-law, and a "daughter by love" & her husband.
He has given me a home and extended family.
He has given me the ability to teach, even when I have doubts.
He gives me strength for each day.
He has given me His love.
He has given me many opportunities to serve Him.
He has given me my senses that I am able to enjoy His creation.
Great things God has promised. Great things God has done. There is no way I can list them all, but my heart overflows, knowing that He loves me and is with me all the time. For that I am forever thankful.

And so, I ask again.... what has God done for you? Rejoice and be glad!
Blessings to you on this special weekend as we celebrate God's love for us.

Tagged!!

Lori tagged me! Want to know more? Check out my other blog. This is more like a scavenger hunt!

Spring Countdown

photo taken March 2, 2008

Now, does this look like a Palm Sunday should look? Perhaps that is why I can't believe that it is today, and that Resurrection Sunday is only a week away! Tonight, we are having an Easter Cantada at my church. Regardless of the weather, we can rejoice that we have a Risen Savior!

When I posted a photo of our house a few months ago, I thought we had a lot of snow. It has steadily increased, making me very happy to have a snowy winter, but I must admit, I am ready for spring. Signs of spring are in the air - birds singing, snow slowly melting, water puddles in the potholes, and slightly warmer weather.

The other day, my mom and I passed the car in the photo below. It had more snow around it then and didn't look quite so dirty; a bit more of it is showing today. I thought it was so funny to see just the front end of a car sticking out from a snowbank. It's a wonder that the snowplow never clipped it. There is a sidewalk between the street and the car, but still ....
Anyway, I thought I would share the signs of spring here in the Northeast with you.



Wishing you a wonderful day.

Life is short - what's on your list?

Something must happen around the age of 50. First of all, I find it hard to believe that I am in my 50's. When did that happen? There have been various instances in the past couple years that have made me think about the things I hope to accomplish, the books I want to read, the places I want to go, etc. Today as I was looking at Deby's Apples of Gold blog, I found a link to Chatty Housewife's blog which led me to another link!

I was quite inspired by some of the ideas. 101 things to do in 1001 days, Identify 100 things that make you happy, Reduce your worldly possessions to 100 items - whoa, that's scary. I don't know how I'd do if I tried that. I have too many sentimental items.

I am looking forward to having some time for myself again soon. I finish one long term substituting stint in 2 days. The next one begins in late April. I will have some time to reflect on these lists and see what I can come up with.

Have you ever read the book, Jacob's List? I found it inspirational, along with the songs, "Live Like You were Dying" and "When the Sand Runs Out", both of which are on the cd "Three Wooden Crosses." All of these have made me think of making a list of what I want to do.

How about you? Have you ever made a list of things you want to accomplish? Tell me about it.

Dear to my Heart

As Valentine's Day approaches, I want to share with you a ministry that is special to me. It is His Hands For Haiti .

In 2000 and 2001, I went to Haiti on mission trips. It was a life changing experience. We worked in Pignon which is in north-central Haiti. Since my first trip, I felt like I left a bit of my heart there. It's hard to explain. I haven't been able to go back again, but I am willing should the Lord open the door for me to go. Since my trips to Haiti, I learned about this ministry right here in Maine that seeks sponsors for children to help provide an education and one meal a day. Sometimes, that is the only meal a child receives. If you have seen or read news stories recently, you may know that there is a terrible food shortage in Haiti right now and food distribution is very difficult. We have so much that we take for granted....

This little boy is one of the 3 students that I sponsor. Can you believe only $80 a year provides schooling for them? I urge you to go take a look at the site. Pray for these children. I know, they are just a few of the thousands who are needy all over the world. Perhaps you are looking for a special love gift to give on Valentine's Day. What better gift to give someone, or in memory of a loved one, than the gift of education to a child who has nothing.