You Are Known By Your Fruit

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with hole s in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.

He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not
sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill
starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this
boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says,

'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.'

'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'

 

I received this in my email today and wanted to share it with you. I pray for a servant's heart to reach out as this elderly man did to this young man.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) ²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Thought Provoking Thursday - Groundhog Day 2012

So as tradition goes, a bunch of people stand around a hole and wait for a rodent (actually a member of the squirrel family) to come out. They then throw a big party and all is forgotten for another year.

The Groundhog Day tradition stems back many centuries but it wasn't until February 02 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania that the tradition matured and official records were kept.

On this day, with some prodding, Puxatawny Pete or Puxatawny Phil, (depends on which is alive), climbs out of his hole and predicts whether winter is over or not.

Groundhog day rules:

• If the rodent sees his shadow: 6 more weeks of winter.
• If the rodent doesn't see his shadow: spring is at hand.

Groundhog day is based on Candlemas Day, an ancient tradition of early Christians in Europe and the groundhog replaced the badger of German tradition.

 

Just for the record, in 1887 the varmint saw his shadow and 6 more weeks of winter were forecast. But don't be despaired, the squirrel has an accuracy record of under 40%.

But for me, my focus will be on the One who created the rodent. He is the one who decides how much longer or shorter winter will last. We are to look not to the stars, but to the One who created the stars. What about you? Do you take stock in the rodent's forecast? 

Happy Thursday. May God so shine in you today, This Day, that others see Him.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)  ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Monday Musings - Open Heart

A mechanic was removing a cylinder-head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known cardiologist in his shop.

The cardiologist was there waiting for the service manager to come and take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage.

"Hey, Doc, want to take a look at this?"

The cardiologist, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine. I open its' heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I make $39,675 a year and you get the really big bucks ($1,695,759) when you and I are doing basically the same work?"

The cardiologist paused, smiled and leaned over, then whispered to the mechanic.....

"Try doing it with the engine running."

I'm like that with God sometimes. I think I know the best way to do something. Or I take credit for a skill. I'm sure He laughs at me and shakes His head. It is my His mercy and grace that I am still breathing. What about you? Have you ever tried to help God? How did that work out for you? 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NKJV) As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Underestimating God

Because God is infinite, we always underestimate Him. Logically speaking, it's an unavoidable inevitability. The Lord has no boundaries or barriers, no limits or restrictions. He is endless in direction and duration, in space and time. His unfathomable attributes are bottomless seas without shores. Our minds can't grasp the depths of His presence, majesty, power, glory, and grace. There's no ceiling to His love, wrath, wealth, and intelligence. Our minds are astonished with God, and we can no more fit Him into our thoughts than we could fit the ocean into a thimble.

There is no way for us to comprehend the fullness of His infinity. So it would seem logical to say: Because God is inestimable, we always underestimate Him.

Nothing is a surprise to God, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sees the past, the present, and the future in one glance. Whatever our thoughts are about the return of Christ and our eternal home with Him, the reality will be even better. We'll say with the Queen of Sheba that the half was not told.

In the midst of the street is life's river, clear as crystal and pure to behold; But not half of that's city's bright glory to mortals has ever been told. Jonathan B. Atchinson 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Chronicles 9:6 (NKJV) However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - The Age of Miracles

Some people say we are past the age of miracles. Others say we are in the age of miracles. I say, both groups are incorrect. We have a God of miracles today, This Day! In the past 20 days, I have watched a miracle unfold right before my eyes. A miracle of healing. A miracle of strength. A miracle of compassion. A miracle of love. Stop by and see the progress, the miracle, of God's mercy that has happened in the last 20 days for Joanne, this child of the King.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Polar Bear Run 1/1/11

That's right. A polar bear run. On motorcycles. In 30 degree weather. While sleeting at times. Which just seems crazy. Yesterday it was in the 60s. There were severe thunderstorm warnings. Tornadoes nearby.Today is was cold.

God doesn't ask us to do the ordinary. He does the extraordinary while using ordinary people. That's how I felt today. The weather was extraordinary. Cold. Normally, I would not ride my Harley under such conditions. I'm a fair weather rider. I like it warm. But joining this group, wearing our Christian Motorcyclists Association colors let these people see that Christians are not sissys. We are tough. We enjoy the same things they enjoy. We just have a different motivation. A different set of standards we live by.

Today was the first of many days yet to come where God was brought glory and honor by the actions of the ordinary.

May others see the extraordinary of God in the ordinary of you today, This Day.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

TSMSS - The Grace of Jesus

It's been quite some time since I last participated in Then Sings My Soul Saturday with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders. I first learned about TSMSS from my sweet blog friend Debbie at Heart Choices. If you haven't met Debbie, be sure to hop over and give her a cheery "Hello."


Point of Grace is an outstanding trio whose heart towards God is reflected in their songs. This song is no different. I've listened to it a few times on the radio. It tugs at my heart each time. Because there absolutely is nothing greater than the grace of Jesus!



Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Whether you'd like to join in with your own TSMSS tune or discover other uplifting songs, please visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.



Peace and Joy,
Susan

John 1:16 (NIV) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

Desultory Deuce

My dear blog peep Linda has been hosting this meme for months. THANK YOU, LID! But the poor girl is Taaard. Who can blame her? Certainly not me. This will be the last regularly scheduled Random. I will be sad to see it go. Lid's questions have been fun and thought provoking. I've answered some seriously and some silly. The best part, I've gotten to know many of you so much better through your answers. I've also revealed things about myself I probably wouldn't have otherwise. Now I have to come up with my own post every Wednesday. *heavy sigh*.

Appropriate for this season and today, for The Random, that is--Robert Frost wrote:

Nature's first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

1. What scares you the most

A) Physically
B) Emotionally

I can scare myself emotionally with imagination. Seriously! Watching the news. Reading the newspaper. Allowing the mind to drift on "what if's." 

But being burglarized. Home invasion. That's one of my biggest physical fears.

Why does it scare you, and how do you cope? My hubby works for the prison system. Nuff said! I cope with it by believing that God protects His children. By praying for that protection daily. By believing in Him and Mr. Smith...and Mr. Wesson. lol

2. What comes to mind when you read the phrase, "Nothing gold can stay?" That this world is temporary and I should be laying up treasure in heaven not depending on the things of man.  


Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Please hop over to Lidna's at 2nd Cup of Coffee and visit the other "Dozenettes." Or join in the fun by posting your own responses and linking up.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

A Woman of Strength vs A Strong Woman

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...

A strong woman walks sure footedly...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face...
but a woman of strength wears grace...

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...- Marta S. Hardy

I want to be a woman of strength having that faith for the journey God has prepared for me.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)  ³¹ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;        they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Thankful Thursday - 06/10/10

This morning my little brain is darting around in so many directions I could not pick a single topic to write about. The pictures from my graduation and vacation to Charlotte are posted on my photo blog, Shutter Clicks. What is Shutter Clicks you ask? Well, last year I participated in Project 365 where I took a photo each and every day. It was a lot of fun and some work getting them posted every week. Even tho I took pictures every day, I was not always faithful in posting them. You know.....life happens.

For Project 365, I used this wonderful little camera. It takes great pictures. I love it cause it's small enough to just throw in your purse or slide into the back pocket of jeans.

Anywhoo, my wonderful hubby bought me this fabulous graduation gift:

I'm super uber excited about it. I just have to figure out how to use it. lol Oh, I've taken a few photos with it. It has auto everything like a point and shoot. But on my holy cow.....it does so much more. The few pictures that I did take are still in the camera. I want to figure out what editing features can be done in the camera before they are uploaded to the computer. Once I get the hang of my new camera, I'll be posting pictures on my photo blog, Shutter Clicks. Just click on the camera on my side bar to get there.

Many years ago, I used a regular 35mm camera. You know....the film kind. Yes. I'm old. lol. It was a fully manual camera so I had to learn everything about aperture and shutter speed. It's been years since I last used it. I forgot everything I learned about aperture and shutter speed. Ok. Maybe not everything. But it will take a while before I feel comfortable with all the features on this awesome gift.

So where does the thankful part come in? Oh, let me just tell you! Besides the actual gift, I'm thankful that I have eyes to see God's beautiful creation. I'm thankful for the ability to capture and share God's awesome creation. I'm thankful that this will be another venue to bring glory and honor to my God. I'm thankful that this will open another door to tell others about God.

I'm so thankful you stopped by today. What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment or better yet join me in linking up with Greg and Iris.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 84:3 (NIV)  ³ Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young — a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Eating Well

     It is hard at times to eat the right foods for our bodies when the wrong foods can taste so delicious. I am just glad then that when it comes to food for the soul the choices are a little easier to make. Imagine, for instance, that you had two types of food before you. The first one is great for you. It makes your heart healthier, your mind clearer, and your body more energetic. It makes you feel fantastic both inside and out. It also tastes delicious. You could eat it for a million years and never get tired of it. It just takes a bit of effort and a few minutes to cook each day. The second food is terrible for you. It is hard on your heart and destroys your health. It depresses your mind and steals your body’s vitality. It makes you feel miserable both inside and out. It also tastes terrible. You can eat it right away, though. It is instant and takes no effort to make. Which one would you choose?

     Sadly, more people than you would think make the second choice. The second choice is acting from fear. It is choosing to feed the soul hatred, violence, negativeness, misery, pain, meanness, and loneliness. It is easy to do even though it hurts you every time you do it. It slowly poisons your life and the lives of those around you if they let it. The first choice, however, is choosing love. It is feeding the soul joy, peace, positiveness, happiness, delight, goodness, and oneness with God. It takes a bit of effort, but it brings a lot of Heaven to Earth. It enriches your life and the lives of everyone you share it with.

     What you eat is up to you. Choose your foods wisely then. God wants you to eat well not just with your stomach but also with your heart, soul, mind, and life. Lay out a table full of all the love, joy, light, goodness, and oneness with God that you possibly can. Then pull up a chair and invite everyone to the feast.  Joseph J. Mazzella

 Eating healthier and being more active is very important to me, as it is to most people. But just as this story indicates, I sometimes make poor choices. God wants me to be nourished by His word. When I seek Him first,  I am more likely to make choices that strengthen me and bring glory and honor to Him. I am also better equipped to help others. Today, This Day, I am seeking Him first. Won't you join me?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Celebrating Christmas

Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

“Hark the herald angels sing” Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A sombre man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus “Hark the herald angels sing” was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of “Hark the herald angels sing” already written by Wesley.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:8 (NIV) Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.

Faithful Bloggers

What image do those words conjure up for you? Someone who posts daily on their site? Perhaps it means someone who consistently reads and comments on your blog. Would you think of someone who blogs about their faith?



Actually, Faithful Bloggers is a brand new Christian community. Their 'About' page states that they want to "help you use your blog for the glory of God." Courtney and Kelly are the founders and they are SAHMs who are also ....very tech savvy.

Courtney's first post was entitled "Have You Given Your Blog to the Lord?" and she gave me some things to consider.

Faithful Bloggers has a Blog Directory and you can sign up to be listed. You choose a category that best describes your blog. It's a great way to attract new readers and to find others. You can also choose badges to post on your blog. How cool is that? I'll be adding one to my sidebar.

I hope you'll visit Faithful Bloggers today, This Day, and check it out for yourself.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Colossians 1:28 (NIV) We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Wordless Wednesday - 8/26/09

Genesis 2:1 (NIV) Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

The Plan for You

Be obedient, no matter how much the Master's plan doesn't make sense to you.




Love your neighbor as yourself. Give to those less fortunate.



Be generous.


Take time to rest and enjoy the company of friends.













(I LOVE THIS ONE)



Value, honor and enjoy your family, no matter how strange they seem to you.



Help widows and orphans.


Don't watch too much TV.


Remember, you were divinely created with a purpose!


Others were too,
Even if they seem way different from you!


So ---- Have fun, and enjoy the abundant life. You will not pass this way again!




'A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.'

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NIV) ¹⁷But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." ¹⁸For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Thankful Thursday - 8/6/09

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! This is the day each week that I list five things for which I am thankful. They can be silly or serious, big or small because God honors them all.

1) I'm thankful for my wonderful husband. His warped sense of humor has, at times, laughed me to tears.

2) My dear friend, Patty. She is a true prayer warrior who can be called upon day or night (and I have). I can always count on her wisdom and reasoning when mine seems to have flown out the window.

3) I'm thankful for the sights and sounds of summer: flowers blooming, birds singing, crickets chirping, lightening bugs blinking, water splashing, and children laughing.

4) I'm thankful that God has so richly blessed us that we are able to help our children when they are in need.

5) I'm thankful each and every day that Jesus loves me.

What are you thankful for today, This Day? Please leave me a comment and tell me why you are thankful today, This Day. You can also hop on over to Sonya's Truth 4 the Journey our host and leave your comment there.

Peace and Joy,
Susan