Beyond Our Comprehension

I shouldn't be surprised when the loving-kindness of our Lord outshines the dark places in the world.

Because it happens all the time.

Just when we think a particular situation is bleak, God sends a ray of light, revealing once again how His divine and loving purpose ultimately prevails.

Always!

NO POWER, NO WEAPON, NO ERROR, NO SIN, will be able to overshadow or overcome the loving purpose of our God.

This brings courage, does it not?

Even if it does take us by surprise, because we forgot about how it always happens -- God's faithfulness brings hope...hope to carry on.

This week our family received a fresh understanding of the power of prayer and the enduring power of His love. And He reminded me of a simple truth of his creation: love does not divide, it multiplies. 

A love beyond our comprehension. 

~Becky

The {Easy} Blue Letter Bible

Life is NOT easy. 

Anyone old enough to read the first line knows this.

Things break 

Plans go awry 

Predators destroy 

Treasures fall apart

Houses burn

Cars crash

Crops fail
Beloved people breathe their last; 

In the end, we all breathe our last.

None of this is easy.

Not alone.

Not without the help of our creator.

Not without his instructions for life.

I've discovered a tool for studying God's Word that is simply amazing! 

It is called the Blue Letter Bible because you can search the entire Word of God, any word, phrase, concept or verse in a dozen of versions and find commentary and explanation and links in mere seconds. The search tools are virtually endless.  In one click,a student can cite in MLA, APA, and Chicago format. Links can be drawn to anything you've found there. You can also instantly share to Facebook, Twitter or easily email something you found to a friend.

In addition, there are Bible reading plans and devotional resources, both audio and visual.

I typed in the word easy. Here is a screenshot:

And then I clicked on the commentary tab. I could easily spend a week, listening to or reading commentaries, about this one verse in scripture! 

No, life is NOT easy, but the Blue Letter Bible is.

You can see for yourself.  Click on any of these "blue letter links below." 

Commentaries for Mat 11:30

Audio/Video (English) Chuck Smith Matthew 10-11 (1982-85 Audio) Jon Courson Matthew 11 Bob Hoekstra A Covenant of Better Promises Part 2 The Lord as Counselor Part 2 Chuck Missler Not Peace, but a Sword Dr. J. Vernon McGee Matthew 11:28-30 Bob Davis Matthew 11:20 David Hocking Come Unto Me Damian Kyle Matthew 11 Elisabeth Elliot How to Find Rest Joe Focht Matthew 11 What about Rest Rest of Soul Audio/Video (Español) Dr. J. Vernon McGee Mat 11.28-13.32 Xavier Ries San Mateo Cap. 11-12 Study Tools Harmony of the Gospels

Text Commentaries Chuck Smith Study Guide for Matthew C2000 Series on Matthew 10-11 C2000 Series on Matthew 12 C2000 Series on Matthew 17 Sermon Notes for Matthew 5:5 Study Guide for Jeremiah C2000 Series on Jeremiah 23-25 C2000 Series on Ezekiel 36-39 C2000 Series on Ezekiel 40-48 David Guzik Study Guide for Matthew 11 Study Guide for Matthew 23 Study Guide for Isaiah 43 Study Guide for Colossians 3 Study Guide for 1 John 5 Ray Stedman The Message of Matthew: Behold Your King! C. H. Spurgeon The Meek and Lowly One Rest, Rest Martin Luther Galatians Six Matthew Henry Commentary on Matthew 11 Introduction to Matthew Commentary on Lamentations 1 Commentary on Malachi 1 Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on Matthew 11 Introduction to Matthew Commentary on Isaiah 43 Commentary on Zephaniah 3 Commentary on 2 Corinthians 4 F.E. Marsh 65. Christ in Isaiah LII. and LIII

About 31 days of EASY: 

So many things in life are hard.  And some of those hard things are necessary. But why make things harder than they need to be?  For 31 days, I'll be writing about ways to bring ease. I would be honored if you came along on my journey. Pack light. 

If you want to know more about the 31 Day Blog Challenge, click here:
Nesting Place: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

or here: Why 31 days?

Many Blessings to you.

{Easy} Electronic Blessings

Sometimes I long for the days of "yesteryear," when it seemed that everything was simpler; when you walked to the mailbox -- and once you arrived you would often collect an envelope with familiar handwriting just waiting for you to open.

Though I miss those days, I embrace our new opportunities too. Have you ever sent an e-card?

Today I sent electronic blessings to several people who have been on my heart and in my prayers. Sure, I would rather send handwritten cards with beautifully written notes inside, but I wanted them to arrive TODAY.

It was easy. 

DaySpring is my favorite online blessing sender. They offer a variety of free cards for all occasions that you can personalize and deliver at an appointed time to an email address, or to a list of email addresses. You can also post them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and many other places where people "live" electronically.

Click here: DaySpring E-Cards, to see a card I'm sending to you. Then click to play.

And if you choose not to click on the link, please accept the blessing below:

About 31 days of EASY: 

So many things in life are hard.  And some of those hard things are necessary. But why make things harder than they need to be?  For 31 days, I'll be writing about ways to bring ease.  I would be honored if you came along on my journey.  Pack light. 

If you want to know more about the 31 Day Blog Challenge, click here:
Nesting Place: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
or here: Why 31 days?

Many Blessings to you.

Happy Mother's Day? .............. You betcha!

Once upon a time there lived four little girls who grew to be charming and beautiful women; girls who loved each other as friends, but closer; young women, who loved as sisters, but dearer. Each looked out for the other, and so did the men they chose as friends and husbands. Oh, they were loveliness! They were fun and they were brave; they were godly, but real. They were honorable, honest, good and kind. They were my own flesh, but different. They were my daughters. And how I loved them.

My Little Women

What Happens When I Pray?

Shared with author permission 
Meet Me in the Meadow

*****Wondrous Love *****

 The babe born in the stable grew up and said:

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:16-17

And how does a child receive love?

Easily
Playfully
Hopefully
Gleefully
Trustingly
Greedily
Immediately
Unreservedly

Land That I Love

"God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home."
~Irving Berlin

The Object of My Boast

The title for my blog...I know...it is puzzlingly long and odd to some; to others, it may appear a boast. 

~

My birth father was a public figure. He appeared on TV and Radio, daily; he narrated films that I would watch in school; he authored a book. Everyone in town knew his name, his face, and his voice.

When I was 10, he walked out on my mom, two sons and two daughters.  I only saw him in person three times after that.  But still, whenever I was introduced to someone for the first time, they would hear my name, they would look at me and ask:

 “Is so-and-so your father?”  What do you say to that?  What would YOU say? I even looked like him.

I said yes, always wondering if they were going to ask me about him...things I couldn't answer.

I didn't know him.  Sure, he could be seen on the TV and heard on the radio every day!  But I didn't know him.

Looking back, I can see the void he left in my life.

When I was 30, I met the King of Heaven and was adopted into his family. A few years later, while driving my car -- just a regular kind of day -- He spoke to my heart, saying,

 "Do you know that you trust those strangers coming at you in those cars, more than you trust me?"   

I didn't know it then, but He was about to teach me to trust Him in a way I would never have chosen. My prince would be out of work for one long year. The cupboards would be bare, and then filled full and overflowing. The house would be almost lost, then saved at a reduced payment. The mail would bring perfectly timed gifts. Oh, I could tell stories of that year!

Like my real father, my adoptive Father is a public figure -- almost everybody knows who He is. Everyone on earth has viewed His gallery of artwork. Some know His voice. He authored 66 books. But, unlike my earthly father, He has promised never to leave me, never to leave a void.  All I have to do is Trust and Obey Him. And He has shown himself to be trustworthy.

When asked, I can tell LOTS and LOTS about my adoptive Father! And the older I get, the more I trust him; and the more I trust, the more I follow his instructions; and the more I follow his lead, the more I look like Him and the less I look like my other dad. 

Does the title make sense now?

I admit -- it IS a boast! (I could never boast about the other dad.  He wasn't worthy of my boast.) My adoptive father wants me to boast about His deeds, His love, His faithfulness! He is boastworthy! ( new word!)

“...but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24

On this first day of the month of Thanks-Giving, I give thanks to God for the Grace he has shown me, the Faithfulness he has proven, the Love he bestows. 

Thank you, Father!

You Are Loved

God loves the human race

He loved us then

He loves us now...

but...we only have one lifespan

to love each other.

Should this be my last day

....my last opportunity...

I want you to know you are loved.

Linking up today with: Five Minute Friday

These Three Words

At the conclusion of yoga practice today, my teacher left us with these three words: IT IS OKAY. She knew everyone in the class had some sort of problem or situation making them unsteady. For some of us those problems are manageable; others might be facing something that threatens their balance enough to knock them down.

Do you remember when you were a child and you fell and scraped your knee and ran home to Mom?  

I do.  

The closer I came to the side door, the closer my tears would come to the surface, becoming a complete wail as soon as I saw her. Mom's calming embrace, some salve and a band-aid would bring reassurance that it would be okay, mostly because I knew someone bigger and smarter was in charge. 

Eventually, we learn to cope with the tumbles and scrapes of life.

Mostly.

But sometimes we can't cope. Then what? As adults facing situations beyond ourselves where do we run for consolation? In my case, sometimes it is still Mom. She's always got 30 years of wisdom greater than my own. But she no longer has band-aids and salve for all of life's bruises.  

The big problems send me sprinting to God.

It is not his job to prevent illness or injury, though he often does. It isn't his job to fix every problem, though he can.  He is there to give reassurance that in the end, all is well. 

He is bigger than our problems.

Back in the 1870's the writer of a famous hymn had suffered the loss of his only son to scarlet fever at age four. Not long after this, his vast investments burned to the ground in the Great Chicago fire. He planned to take his family to England, but last minute, he was detained. His wife and his four daughters went without him, and were shipwrecked. All the girls perished. On his voyage to meet his bereaved wife in England, the captain told him that they were at the location of the wreck. He returned to his cabin and wrote this hymn:

"When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

  When sorrows like sea billows roll;

   Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

     It is well, it is well, with my soul."

God did not spare Horatio G. Spafford from sorrow and pain. But when this Chicago lawyer sought God, he received assurance and hope from the One who knew his pain. And when he did so, Heratio brought consolation to many people through his song.

When you face difficulties beyond your ability to cope, it doesn't matter where you live or what your trouble is; run up the stairs to the side door, and into his arms.

Day 9

WELCOME

The door will be opened.

I receive and accept you with pleasure.

You will not cross my threshold unnoticed.

Your presence is something I cherish.

Your face is a welcome sight; 

your voice a welcome sound.

I welcome your advice.

You are welcome to the blessings each day brings.

You are welcome to my love.

Forgiveness.

...to our gratitude.

... Liberty.

Feel welcome to grow here.

And to just be you!

Linking up today with: 

Five Minute Friday

Where writers spin words right from the heart for five minutes flat.  

and The Nesting Place

Where bloggers are writing on a topic for 31 days.

and Dandelion House

Where people write about topics relating to home and garden.
and Katie's French Language Cafe
C'est la vie

Day 4

Worth Your Weight

 31 days / Seeking Inspiration 

Day three
My Friends are worth far more than they know.

A Wife of Noble Character who can find? 1840 Farm
She is worth far more than rubies. A Minnesota Homestead
Her husband has full confidence in her Timber Creek Farm  and lacks nothing of value. Step into Our Garden
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Abundance Farms
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Anderson Family "Farm Project"
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. Better Hens and Gardens
She gets up while it is still dark; Sunshine Sisters Farms she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. Black Fox Homestead
She considers a field and buys it; The Radishgirl Thymes  out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. A Suburban Farmer
She sets about her work vigorously; Old Brodbeck Farm  her arms are strong for her tasks. From a Montana Front Porch
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.  Keep Your Memories in Your Shoes
In her hand she hold the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.  Farmgirls Blog
She opens her arms to the poor and extents her hands to the needy.  Farmhouse 38
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. Farmhouse Wife
She makes coverings for her bed: she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Fresh Eggs Daily
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. Fresh From Home
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. Green Circle Grove
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Handsome Homesteader
She speaks with wisdom, Everything Home with Carol and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Hope Farms
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Backyard Farming Connection
Her children arise and call her blessed;  The Egg Basket  her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Lally Broch Farm
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;The (mis) Adventures of a Born Again Farmgirl but a woman who fears the Lord Maple Grove is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, Our Little Coop  and let her works bring her praise  at the city gate. The Urban Farmgirl

To My FCCC friends :)
-According to Proverbs 31 ...all worth their weight in rubies!

/

Linking up with A Rural Journal
and Our Little Coop; Coop Hop

I'm Old / I'm New To This

 31 Days of Inspiration / Day Two

When my youngest child was about 3, I used to look at her and say: 

"You are so cute! If I could bottle your cuteness, I'd be rich!" 

(Some day, she may wish I had figured out the secret.) Ever since the beginning of time, people have looked for a way to preserve themselves. 

Did you know that your skin renews every 30 days?

Yep.

Every 30 days, the world sees a whole new you.

...but the way you look changes over time.

We age.

...and it doesn't go on forever...

On day two of my quest for a month inspiration, I was a part of an interesting discussion about age. The women in the discussion ranged from 21- 62. Some young women said they were old souls; some older women said they were young on the inside. What great perspectives! But the truth is...

the truth is...

We are all aging. And in the process we are all contributing our uniqueness to the people around us. Every day you and I are offered the opportunity to use the stuff of life to grow, to offer our lives to the living.

This is love: the surrender of self for others.

Now about the Pickled People. My very artistic sister made the person pictured above. She crafted her from a stocking, some fluff, two beady eyes, some blush -- and put her into a baby food jar. Yesterday, I opened the jar to clean and dry it out, because some moisture had made its way inside. My older self pondered the note that was folded in there for over 30 years:

What a great promise!

But the truth is...

...the truth is this old gal in a jar has absolutely NOTHING to say.  For all the years she's been in that jar, she has only been cute; she's only stayed cute.

I'm not always sure what to do with this new/old skin; I'm still getting to know this new/old person in the mirror.  But one thing I do know...

I have something to say. I can listen to the people I encounter and I can share my thoughts with them. I can pray about their sorrows and offer solutions to their problems. Why? Because as this skin has been renewing and aging every 30 days, I have been learning about life and living.

So the inspiration I received on day two is simply this:

Emily at 3 ish.

When is it time to realize that life is short, precious and fleeting?  

Now.

When is it time to stop growing, learning, sharing, loving?

Never.

Emily and my prince, now.

Linking up with dearabbyleigh
and The Nesting Place / 31 Days