Sliced Diced and Mashed/Not All Girls

Not All Girls!

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God.

But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord.

                                                                                                           

                                 …Leviticus 26:44-45

         While watching a Garfield movie with our grandsons, seven year old Jordan watching with anticipation and the museum owner moved down the highly decorated family photos expressing once again the importance of family, “Don’t forget, these sire, your ancestors of over 400 years!”

            Jordan pops up with, “There were boys too!—There weren’t just girls in those pictures!”  We looked at him as if to say “what?” Jordan then repeated back to us what he understood the butler to say. He thought him to say, “These are your Aunt-sisters of over 400 years.” This actually shows what a thinker and observer he is.  Even he knew, to have a family tree, there must be a man and a woman involved, not just aunts and sisters. Now I can’t say much for his hearing.

            Jordan actually understood a basic truth that many adults don’t get.  How do we think we have ancestors?  Maybe not all we are proud of, but all had to have a mother and father, or male and female to be here today.  How can we expect God’s blessing on us as a nation, when we have turned to our own ways.  We are doing just as Israel had done so many times …did that which was right in their own eyes.

            Jordan misunderstood what was said in the Garfield movie, but Scripture is very clear in what God expects from our behavior.  If we carry the name of Christ to the next generation, then we will have something to write home about, when we look down the halls of our ancestors.  Remember it is not aunt-sisters, or uncle-brothers, it is honor thy Father and thy Mother, to have the correct ancestors.  Of course, you ancestors may not be from the prestigious Garfield line or feline!

Sliced, Diced, and Mashed/Camel Spider

Camel Spider

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a  storm against the wall. 

                                                                                                        …Isaiah 25:4

            War is inevitable.  Desert Storm took our men to the desert.  This was much different than most of our young men were used too, with the sand and blistering heat beating on them daily.  One interesting creature some of our soldiers came upon was the Camel or Sun Spider known to this particular region of the world.  Solpugids are not actual spiders, but named, because appear and jump as spiders.  Uniquely camouflaged the Sun Spider blends in with his surroundings making it harder to be seen by his predators.  Most of the numerous species are non-venomous, but can make you ill when dehydration is an already possible factor.

            When the camouflaged spider becomes too warm in the sun, it runs or tries to jump in the shadow of anything or anyone passing by.  The spider begins to chase after you trying to cool in your very shadow.  I would be running for sure if I saw this huge spider chasing me.  It can be a frightening occasion if not expecting this normal occurrence in the desert.  I would be chasing your shadow too, if I were in the blistering heat needing to find comfort. 

            Isaiah talks about running to the shadow of the Almighty.  In this verse he is praising God for His faithfulness.  Lord you have been a strength, a refuge,… and a shadow from the heat. When the weight of the world hits you full force, and the blistering heat of trouble takes your strength away, run to the shadow of the Almighty.  There awaits you renewed strength, complete restoration in the safety and comfort of Almighty God.  Run for the shadows! Run for a renewed commitment!  Up till now, it has been the Holy Spirit wooing you to His care.  You heard it, now it depends on you to obey and run to his open arms.  Christ is waiting.  Don’t be drawn and satisfied with little patches of shade when you can be completely in the Shadow of the Almighty.

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.…Psalm 36:7

           

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/To each His Own

To Each His Own

For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.

                                                                                                     ...I Kings 11:4

            An alabaster sphinx found in the ancient city of Memphis, dated 1240 B.C. was incorrectly named by the Greeks, during the reign of Ramses II.  The Greeks referred to the sphinx as demons while the Egyptians looked upon them as powerful and majestic in nature.  A real sphinx formed the head of a Pharaoh and a body of a lion, a symbol of their sun god.  Wherever the sphinxes were placed, you could almost be guaranteed to see a temple near by, considered to be a landmark. 

            The beauty and awe of the sphinxes also influenced other countries.  The head of the Pharaoh was certainly a reminder of power over the commoner.  The Egyptians originated with the form, the head of Pharaoh and body of a lion.  The Greeks imitated even making miniature sphinxes, while the Assyrians did the same, adding wings portraying them as demons.  Assyrians went even a bit further not depicting nobility, but replacing facial expressions with frightening, evil shaped eyes and mouth.  Even the ancient Maya people of South America had a representation of a monster like sphinx in their history.

            The gods of the neighboring countries were always influencing the Israelites.  Egypt we know had a big influence on them.  When God asked them to destroy existing idols, His instructions were ignored. Years and years of turmoil for not clearing out the land of false idols followed the children of Israel. 

 From Genesis to Revelation we can read about other gods.  Old Testament tells how idols were varied from the goddess of the Zidonians, Ashtoreth (goddess of sex), which Solomon went after, Chemosh, and Molech, as well as others.  Solomon did not abandon God, but included other gods in his "worship." The older he became, the further he drew from God, because of wives and horses (I Kings 10 and Deut. 17). 

All paganism is different in shape, form or statue, but all just the same, false gods. Today the name of the sex god has changed, but without a doubt, obviously holds the reigns of many in our world today.  Yes Christian, it can for you too!  Thou shalt not have any other gods before me...

Don't try to play the Solomon game, let's mix in a little here and a little there.

From sphinxes to Nascar, football to a job or career all are idols, if they hold your attention more than God does.  Does God have your attention?  If He doesn't, you might want to clear the way before He has to.  The path is cluttered.  Begin now to put order in your life.  What ever happened to the God first, family and somewhere down the way, job.  Is your job earning first place in your life? 

Is your heart the temple of God?  Then, why are there sphinxes at the door of the temple?  God needs no help; He alone is sufficient.

           

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Say That Again!?

Say that again?

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.       

 ...Romans 10:13

            Learning another language was certainly an experience.  We struggled the first few months with Portuguese while our 4 ½ year old daughter April, was quietly storing her vocabulary away.  One day she decided to come out of her shell, but did she have to show us up?

Why were we so concerned about her adapting, when she rolled off Portuguese so naturally?  It made us sick and envious of an almost five year old.  I know it wasn't right, and I confessed my envy to the Lord, but she kept on and on, while I tripped and stumbled like an idiot.  We fooled her, when we finally caught up a few years later.

Caught her once though!  I knew something she didn't.   I was expecting her baby brother Robert, "Bobby" and April had heard I would soon dar a' luz, or give birth.  April was in church and heard preacher say Jesus was going to dar luz.  "Jesus is going to have a baby?"  Her eyes opened wide in astonishment still asking, "Is Jesus really going to have a baby?"

I gained the upper ground now!  I had her!  In English I explained to April that Jesus da' luz ao mundo, He gives light to the world, not gives birth.  These two expressions were so close in nature it confused her. I wouldn't admit it threw me off for a minute also.   I know kid, it's not easy is it, understanding this foreign jibber-jabber?  We came to a truce that day 26½ year old with a 4½ year old.  She promised not to show me up and I promised to feed her as I tickled her fiercely

Bobby turned around and did the same thing.  Born in Brazil, he too spoke fluently.  I know April whispered in his ear "Come on, you gotta help me here.  We've gotta stick together--make em' look bad."  The Portuguese finally came, but what a trip!

Later, our children did understand about a birth, the birth of Christ, and the reason for His coming.  Portuguese or English, it is still the same message.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  ...Romans 10:13

Jesus is the light of the world. 

From book Sliced, Diced, and Mashed/A Library Visit

A Library Visit

In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

                                                                                                                        ...I Titus 1:2

            Our son Robert sat behind me as he, April, his older sister and I were heading across town.  Robert was quiet in the back seat most of the way up Glenstone Ave. when pensively he asked, "When are you going to take me to the library like you promised?

Upon looking through the rearview mirror, five-year-old Robert was pointing to the cemetery while asking the question.

            April looked at him weird as most sisters do their little brothers.  I do remember Robert finding it interesting, the fact there were so many white tombstones.  I tried the best I could to explain that it was not a library, but the Springfield National Cemetery.  This cemetery is the home of soldiers who died in past wars for us to have freedom.  His little mind could only take in so much history, and my mind could only give him so much history.  His dad should have been in the car at that time-the history buff he is. 

            Needless to say we straightened out the difference between libraries and cemeteries that day.  What all was going through his little mind I don't know, but for a long time we teased him about going to the library. 

            Actually Robert was not that far off.  Visiting the cemetery is like visiting a library.   One can find facts about people, history, study family genealogies and how beloved the person was to those left behind.  Another fact, revealed on some tombstones, is whether a person had that blessed hope of eternal life and proclaimed it even in death.   Many don't have a habit of visiting the library too often, but be sure of it, we will all pass through the cemetery unless, Christian, the Lord returns in our lifetime and we are caught up into the heavens with Him.  Aren't you glad God has given us hope, the kind we can count on, and not the maybe or we hope so?  Christian, when we die, we are not dead; we are freed-from sin.

Do you want to see proof we don't live on this earth forever?   Then visit the library or cemetery either one!

Robert, you were right after all!

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Journeyman

Journeyman

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

                                                                                                             …Mark 13:34

               Mix up quick and bake it soon. 

            Then you have cornbread complete.

            The best of all---

            Cornbread to eat.

           

            2 c. Indian

            1 c. sour milk

            2 good eggs, that well you beat

            2 T. of butter new

            Salt & soda, each a spoon

            1 c. of wheat

            1 c. sweet(sugar?)

               This recipe rhyme was found slipped between the pages of my old cookbook from many years ago.  I am not sure the origin, as the recipe was taken out and placed among the favorites in my recipe box.  Yellowed by the passing of years, I find it once again in hand, this time to try.  A description of how “Johnny Cake came about was written on the recipe. The “Indian” referred to is cornmeal and the “wheat” is white flour.  This is dated an early recipe for cornbread.

            The old favorite was kept in the box, mainly because of how interestingly it was put in poetic form.  In early America this was called journey cake—the recipe continues to explain.

            Most of us know this as Cornbread, while many are familiar with a mixture known as Johnny Cake.  The Johnny Cake I know of can be spooned out of the pan.  Interesting though how it was referred to as journey cake at one time, probably because it was easy travel food that would keep for a longer journey.  Years ago people knew how to travel for their long journey.  No drive through for horse and buggy back then.

            This journey referred to in our verse, is the journey the Son of man is preparing for at this moment.  He tells a parable of a man leaving his house, (earth) taking a far journey (to heaven), but leaves servants to keep watch over his place.  I noticed here, Christ doesn’t refer to it as His home, but knows heaven is home.  Verse 35-37 He commands them to watch for Him for they know not what hour He will return.  Be ready morning, noon, or night for ye know not when that time will be.

            Prepare your Journey cake, making a quick check to see if your house is in order for His return. Especially, do you know Christ as your Savior? If you do, you too can just call this place your house, because your real home is heaven. Notice house is a temporary, earthly dwelling place, where home is eternal and permanent; the true home to our Father.  This eternal dwelling place is offered to us when we accept His Son Jesus, as the only way to journey with Him, for eternity.

             Are you ready to go? Actually, no Journey cake needed for this trip. The trip will be quick, in a twinkling of an eye.

Sliced, Diced and Mashed/Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

Here in is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love; perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

                                                                                                …I John 4:17-18

            A commercial caught my attention one day, but to tell you exactly what the commercial was for, I can’t say.  It did have something to do about a car and the tranquil feeling the father had as he placed the seat belt around his 6-7 year old daughter.  The little girl jabbered so much the father had a hard time trying to get back to the wheel.  He listened intently as he had finally closed the door while she continued, not missing a beat.

            I was so tickled over the determination of this little character to finish her story while her father drove nodding his head and grinning at her enthusiasm.  But mostly, I noticed what she was wearing.  It is a female thing I am sure, but nevertheless, I noticed her outfit thinking, she must have a mind of her own, because no mother in her right mind would have dressed her child that way. It did look like she dressed herself and had fun doing it.  Nothing matched, all the way from plaids to an array of colors.  It was humorous to say the least.

            I saw myself in this little girl as she kept going in her own direction, in her own little world and it would not have bothered her one bit if her daddy had not heard a word she said.  She had something to say and said it.

            Her unmatched outfit reminded me of this verse in I John 4:4 where John writes, perfect love casts out fear.  What does that have to do with this outfit? Some things in our lives don’t match.  We are to live for Christ, and be bold.  We should not fear as Christians about standing before the Lord with what we have done for Him in this life time.  If we fear because of shame, apprehension of God’s assessment of our life in Him, then we don’t have peace and do not have a mature or complete love. We are saved if we have asked Jesus to cleanse our hearts from sin and accept Him as Savior.  We then have the promise of eternal life in Him, but we live in fear, guilt and shame of not being or living the way He wants us too in the here and now.  We become not at all anxious about His return.  In other words, we don’t match up! 

            We are fearful when we should be at peace.  Our love for Him no matter how great came about because He first loved us.  Perfect love casts out fear of standing before Him.  If you think your love doesn’t and can’t match up to His, you are wrong.  Christ lives in us and we are to be like Christ. 

            Does your life feel mix-matched like this little girl’s lovely array?  Do you say one thing, live and talk another. Do you jabber on and on but are not prone to listen carefully to find out why you have those apprehensions about meeting your Savior?  Un-confessed sin is one thing that will hinder that joy.  Confess, and live for Him in little ways everyday.  That love you show to others will take that apprehension away.  In-fact it is a promise-- that complete love, will cast away fear.