Are you prepared?


Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Matthew 20:17-19

The most dramatic event that would ever take place on the world’s stage is about to happen and who really knew? I don’t think the disciples had any clue about what was really going to happen. As I reflect on all those long ago events I get caught up in the drama myself, and yet life continues all around me, much as it did then. I can imagine how the disciples must have felt, their lives temporarily suspended in time as Jesus took them aside….no doubt dread and sadness filling their hearts as the gravity of the situation took hold.

Sometime later, Jesus and his disciples were at the home of Simon the leper and a woman came in with a jar of costly perfume and proceeded to pour it on Jesus head as he was reclining at the table. The disciples were indignant…..
“Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:10-13
A woman crashes into the world of men, and does something incredibly bold, and Jesus sees her heart, honors her act. Did she know what was going to happen?

So much drama in this week, against the backdrop of a world that largely goes on just as before….I wonder who really knew besides Jesus what was about to happen? At what point did Judas go from dipping into the treasury to fleeing out into the night to betray Jesus? When did Satan first start whispering darkness into his heart and when did he start to listen? How could he have listened day after day, seen the miracles, the love and still turned away?

His closest friends, the twelve, then eleven…..I feel for them. I can’t imagine the depth of their sadness, and yet today, on Palm Sunday I feel their joy!

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Reflections on Palm Sunday


Triumphal Entry #1
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to the Daughter of Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ “
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest!”
When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11
Triumphal Entry #2
“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.
“’I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelations 1:7

Crumbs under the table…..


Today on the way to work I was trying to pray but my brain was scrambled. I couldn’t seem to take one thought and hold it captive for even a moment. My mind felt like a superhighway…..it humbled me, I felt bad for not being able to clear my mind enough to talk to God. I thought of my petty worries. I thought of all the other people who are carrying unbelievable loads, of missionaries endangering their lives to share the Gospel. I felt unworthy to bring Him my pitiful load. I thought of the Greek woman who came to Jesus asking for healing for her daughter.

“Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” Mark 7:24-29

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”

Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”

Because of her tenacious faith He answered her prayer, even though she wasn’t one of the “chosen.” Though Jesus seems at first to be brushing her off, even admonishing her for her boldness, He really isn’t; and she ends up being rewarded for her bold move. He looked in her heart and saw humility. She knew she wasn’t worthy, but she knew that He had something she needed and she had faith enough to ask for it.

I was rewarded this morning too. He took my scrap offerings of faith and blessed them. God lifted the clouds from my mind and I was able to pray…..It started with honesty. To the One who knows all my weaknesses and blesses me anyway.

An Orderly Quietness


Prayer begins, not in asking, but in a silent self-preparation. We should not rush into the Presence; the church of private devotion should be entered through the vestibule in an orderly quietness. This comes best as a by-product of a mind focused on God. We say to ourselves, “His light fill the world. It fills this room.” Thus we meditate.

The next step is an act of faith, on which Jesus laid the constant stress: “All things, whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall recieve.” In this initial silence of prayer we say to ourselves that whatever we ask “in the nature of Christ” is ours, granted only our earnestness in prayer and life. Always prayer is prefaced by an act of faith. We take counsel with our certitudes, not with our doubts and fears. George A. Buttrick “Prayer”

As with any muscle faith has to be exercised. What am I believing God for today? Have peace, safety, security become my idols–things that have to some degree replaced God in my life? How much faith do I really need when I know exactly how much money will show up in my bank account every 2 weeks like clockwork? The early church depended on God and each other for their every need.

And yet, I have known times of stress and heartache when each day started on my knees in desperation. And God heard everytime…..When times are good, I thank Him, always keeping in my heart a remembrance of those other times when He got me though, will get me through again.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12

What can I give?


And looking upon them Jesus said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Shortly before Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem he is approached by a rich young ruler and is asked, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” Jesus always seems to upset the apple cart wherever he goes by turning traditional customs and beliefs upside down. In ancient Jewish culture, someone who is rich is considered blessed by God. So when Jesus replied with, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21; the disciples were perplexed and astonished.

Then Peter said, and I love him for this, he probably said what all of them were probably thinking……”We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Matthew 19:27 This was an honest question, they had sacrificed livelihoods and families to follow Jesus. In other words, “What’s in it for me?” You never had to wonder where you stood with Peter, he just came right out with it! I think Jesus loved him for it.

Jesus didn’t admonish him, he actually then told them what their reward would be. He also mercifully left out the part about everything they would suffer.

Maybe he wanted to give them a picture of hope, something tangible that they could grab onto, knowing all the events that were soon to follow in Jerusalem. He knew they really didn’t have a clue of the awful events ahead….I can imagine that this made His heart very tender toward them.

It makes me wonder, what would I give up for Him? There is much talk in church about what we “get” for our faith today and what God will do for us, what He will give us if we do “A” and “B” but not much talk about what we can give, what we can do for Him.

Lord, help me to ask not what I can get, but what can I give to You today. I can only do this with Your strength. Give me a heart of humility and a desire to serve You. I ask all this in Jesus name, Amen

Happy Birthday Mom!

What a great looking lady!

I said a Birthday prayer for you today Mom, I wish I could be with you in person to hug you and tell you again how much you mean to me! I know that you will be surrounded with well-wishers today and I pray that you will be able to enjoy a measure of peace and reflection in the midst of all your regular activity and know that I treasure you, and miss you, and thank God for your influence in my life everyday.

We would all be going in circles without you to give us our marching orders and be our motivation and positive reinforcement. You are my inspiration Mom, you always find strength to lift others up, even when your own strength is tapped to the limit. That is because you know where your real strength lies, in Him.

You always said that there was only one thing you wanted for me most of all, and that is for me to know and love the Lord. You built your life around that one goal, and for that I will be eternally grateful. After all, what could be more important than that?

I wonder if you remember this…..You gave her to me in 1995

I have her in my bathroom so I can see her when I get ready for work and I always think of you then and say a prayer for you, though it makes me a little sad because I miss you! Below here she is again from a distance, I love that the stars are gathered in her little dress.

You always said that you would give me the stars if you could, and the most wonderful thing about it is, I know you would…..

So thank you Mom, for everything. All those long talks through tears, prayers shared together, the heartache of letting me go out the door. All those shopping trips when I was 14 and so small I could find nothing to wear in the Jr section; I know you went without many years so that I could have something new. Do you remember me calling you panicked from the bathroom? “Mom, can you do the back of my hair? I’m late!”

All those prayers paid off Mom……and God and I talk about you all the time! I hope the flowers I send are half as beautiful as you….They come with love.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Grateful for a God who loves life….


I am counting my blessings today because whatever happens in the world, in Washington, in our lives….God is still on the throne! So today I celebrate life, and our God who loves life too.


Ever notice how perfect strangers will crowd around a newborn or new baby animal with Ooohhs and Ahhhs? All divisions are melted away when we gather around a life that is new, vulnerable, that needs protection….only the most disburbed and hardened soul could not soften a bit at images such as these…..

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10


“And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:24,25

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:11
I am thankful today for all things new and wonderful, as I continue counting I am focusing today on what is good: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true#248, whatever is noble#249, whatever is right#250, whatever is pure#251, whatever is lovely#252, whatever is admirable#253—if anything is excellent#254 or praiseworthy#255—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Also thankful for flowers in spring#256, newborn babies#257, all baby animals#258, the hope of a new day#259 and all the promise and wonder that comes with spring#260!

If you want a dose of extreme cuteness see this movie, it’s been out a long time but worth watching with your little ones, and yes there is a happy ending!

Continue counting with Ann, myself and others….
holy experience

Thy Kingdom Come…..


As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. Matthew 3:16

As I was meditating on the Lord’s prayer this morning, I was thinking about what it means to bring God’s kingdom to earth. When Jesus prayed in Matthew 6 verse 10 “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” what did he really mean? How can we bring heaven down to earth? What I came up with is love. We simply can’t love properly without the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew that. When he left he knew we would be hopelessly inadequate to do His work without help. Big help. God sized help.

I think about why it is so hard for us, even Christians, to love each other. We let our differences, our self, our past, old hurts, and everything else get in the way. But the Holy Spirit moves all that aside when we give Him room to work. He makes it possible for us to truly love each other, and not just put up a fake pretense of it, really love each other. That’s the kind the world needs to see. Real genuine love….the world sees enough of the other kind, and it doesn’t last. True love comes from God and has the power to change lives. Change eternity.

When we really start to love each another the way Jesus did, it can’t help but spill out into the world. Rend the Heavens and come down Holy Spirit! Give us cooperative hearts that let you work within us so we can see more of Heaven here on earth.

And….

Lord, let me have a prayerful heart in dealing with people so that I may love them with Your love. Amen

“This, then, is how you should pray:
” ‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15

in Just-spring


in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman

whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and
piracies and it’s
spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer
old balloonman whistles
far and wee
and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it’s
spring
and
the

goat-footed

balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee

eecummings

I have always loved this poem, I can absolutely see every image he painted with his words. I can see the park, the balloon man with his ungainly walk, the kids running and leaping in the puddles, exulting in the pure unbridled joy that only kids seem to have.

You know the kind of spring days that are so vibrant, so vivid that the whole world seems alive with the breath and glory of God. Days that are so beautiful you feel you could slice them up and serve them later. I guess that is what I am doing now.

I remember…..a special lavendar and yellow Easter dress, and yellow patent leather shoes….Finding my Easter basket one year in the washing machine, a day not so long ago, one of those mornings full of golden light, driving to church taking a guest, a young man and seeing a mother duck leading her babies in a line by the side of the road. He thought it was cool and I thought it was cool that he appreciated that.

I don’t know where he is now having moved away, but I hope he is well. He was missing his family and moved back home.

And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day. Genesis 1:11-13

Yes, it was and is very good!

Sheep watching


“Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

Every Spring in Arizona the shepherds bring their sheep down to graze the alfalfa fields here where it’s warm. I have missed them the past year or so, but I noticed that they have been back this year. I am a sheep watcher, always have been. To me there is something so peaceful about watching a green field full of sheep. I know many people drive by and never notice, but I always want to pull the car over and watch for awhile; especially when I see the little lambs. They seem so innocent and helpless to me, totally dependant on the shepherd. In fact, their very lives depend on him.

Jesus was a sheep watcher too. Sheep were part of his culture, his world. Besides that, he created them….and us! There is a reason He compared us to sheep. I am not offended by that, though they are notoriously stubborn and not the brightest bulbs in the animal kingdom, neither am I at times! God has to tell me something over and over before I really “get it.” But more than that, I know He loves me very much, and as He said, “I am the good Shepard, a good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

Here are some interesting things about sheep you may or may not know…..

Sheep are healthy and happy when their shepherd is gentle, kind, intelligent, brave
and selfless.

Sheep require endless attention and meticulous care.

Because of the competition for status, sheep cannot lie down and rest in
contentment. However, when the shepherd is present, the sheep forget their
rivalries and stop their fighting.

When sheep go through a gate to a fresh pasture, they will often leap with delight
at the prospect of fresh feed!

Sheep are creatures of habit and will follow the same trails until they become ruts
and graze on the same pasture until grass can no longer grow there. Shepherds
must carefully choose to move their flocks from one pasture to another.

Sheep loyally follow their Shepard, and sheep are known for recognizing only the voice of their master.

I think I will pull over and watch the sheep on the way home….