Wow! Already it's been a week since starting Wintertide Tractations! Here is: Plant.
Start.
When I came to this word, I was stumped. "Planting" is not something I typically think of at Christmastime. Sure, my dad's greens that he planted for the autumn season are thriving, especially after the abundant rain the Lord sent us recently. But greens aren't what automatically come to mind when I think of Christmas, and admittedly, Christmas is primarily on my mind these days.
Especially since my last final of this semester was today, Christmas break and celebrating the beauty of the season with my family and friends is at the top of my mental list. But there's another type of planting that should never go out-of-season in my mind. That is, planting seeds of the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, God's Son, became a Man, grew up, suffered a human existence without any sin, invested His whole life into undeserving people. Then, our dear Savior died on a brutal cross, experiencing God's wrath that I, and every other sinner deserves. Three days after His death, Jesus brought Himself back to life through His Divine power. This is the reason that Christmas means so much to me; it's not just about a little baby in a stable, but about the Son of God Who came out of love for mankind!
Recently, the Lord has been giving me the opportunity to talk to some people about Him. Before I pulled out of my driveway this morning heading to school, I asked my parents if they would pray that I would have opportunities to talk to my classmates and that I would recognize the opportunities that the Lord was giving me.
As I left the classroom, one of my classmates was leaving, too, and we naturally started up a conversation. We chatted about Christmas traditions and I laughed about the fact that a week into Christmas my family didn't have our decorations up because they had sweetly waited on me to get done with my classes so I could help. Suddenly as we walked together, I realized: this is the opportunity I had asked my family to pray about! All semester long I hadn't had the opportunity to talk to this classmate by herself like I had wanted and the Lord opened up the door for me to do so! It came so natural, without any effort on my part.
I would like the Lord to use me, to bring souls to Himself, to plant seeds in the hearts of those around me and somehow use me as He does it. At the end of my days on this earth, may I be able, like Paul to say, "I have planted, [others] watered; but God gave the increase." (1 Corinthians 3:6.) As the Lord gives me life and mercy, may I also have a humble heart to say, "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." (v.7) Maybe Christmas is more about planting than I'd ever really thought.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Utmost
For this Wintertide Tractation, the word is Utmost.
Start.
When I hear or see the word "Utmost", I typically think of the title to Oswald Chambers' well-known volume, My Utmost for His Highest. While I've never read the book, the title alone causes me to pause and self-reflect.
What would it mean if I gave "my utmost" to Almighty God?
As a believer, it would stand to reason that I already should be doing that. Oftentimes, though, as awful as it is to admit, I hold back from the Lord what is rightfully His.
Our dear pastor at Victory Rd., Bro. Earl, preached Sunday night on the topic of submission from Ephesians 5. Never before had submission looked so beautiful as he verbally took us step-by-step through what it means to be submissive to each other. Not only is it not weakness, it is true strength as we consider our abilities and apply them to serving others unselfishly for the sake of our Lord's Name!
So what would "my utmost" given to my Savior look like?
More responsible living. Considering what requirements are upon me and not procrastinating. Not sifting through Pinterest when three chapters of test material are waiting to be reviewed for tomorrow's final. Considering what my family's needs are and putting aside lesser activities to assist them in some way. Considering what would benefit my physical self so I might further Christ's Kingdom. {Such as, making an intentional effort to exercise on a regular basis and avoiding the unhealthy foods that seem to abound this time of year (or maybe just year-round).} Considering what would benefit my soul so I might further Christ's Kingdom. Spending more time memorizing Scripture and reflecting on it as I do.
What else? Deeper prayerfulness. Praying for that long-forgotten neighbor who randomly pops into my head. Or asking the Lord to guide our political leaders. Or sitting in silence and just considering Who my Savior is and how amazing it is that He saved me! As Andrew Murray in his book, Waiting on God, said, "Wait on God till you know you have met Him; prayer will then become so different" (25). How I hope to experience that difference for myself.
All these things and more. But Christianity isn't meant to be legalistic. It's a lifestyle based on a relationship with the Creator of the Universe! It's radical and it changes the person who I once was into a productive member of society in the present... and with regard to the Eternal Kingdom that is coming in the future!
I want more of Christ! As I surrender to the prompting of His Holy Spirit Who lives inside me, I change in ways that are positive; sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes quiet, sometimes noticeable, but definitely in ways that exalt the Lord of Glory Who has the right to control all I do, and say, and think.
That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. Maybe, in these last few days before the dawn of 2017, this should be my "sprint goal", my "race to the finish line", my driving force: What would it look like to live the remainder of 2016 (and the remainder of my minutes on this earth!) as wholly dedicated to the Lord? My Utmost for My King.
Start.
When I hear or see the word "Utmost", I typically think of the title to Oswald Chambers' well-known volume, My Utmost for His Highest. While I've never read the book, the title alone causes me to pause and self-reflect.
What would it mean if I gave "my utmost" to Almighty God?
As a believer, it would stand to reason that I already should be doing that. Oftentimes, though, as awful as it is to admit, I hold back from the Lord what is rightfully His.
Our dear pastor at Victory Rd., Bro. Earl, preached Sunday night on the topic of submission from Ephesians 5. Never before had submission looked so beautiful as he verbally took us step-by-step through what it means to be submissive to each other. Not only is it not weakness, it is true strength as we consider our abilities and apply them to serving others unselfishly for the sake of our Lord's Name!
So what would "my utmost" given to my Savior look like?
More responsible living. Considering what requirements are upon me and not procrastinating. Not sifting through Pinterest when three chapters of test material are waiting to be reviewed for tomorrow's final. Considering what my family's needs are and putting aside lesser activities to assist them in some way. Considering what would benefit my physical self so I might further Christ's Kingdom. {Such as, making an intentional effort to exercise on a regular basis and avoiding the unhealthy foods that seem to abound this time of year (or maybe just year-round).} Considering what would benefit my soul so I might further Christ's Kingdom. Spending more time memorizing Scripture and reflecting on it as I do.
What else? Deeper prayerfulness. Praying for that long-forgotten neighbor who randomly pops into my head. Or asking the Lord to guide our political leaders. Or sitting in silence and just considering Who my Savior is and how amazing it is that He saved me! As Andrew Murray in his book, Waiting on God, said, "Wait on God till you know you have met Him; prayer will then become so different" (25). How I hope to experience that difference for myself.
All these things and more. But Christianity isn't meant to be legalistic. It's a lifestyle based on a relationship with the Creator of the Universe! It's radical and it changes the person who I once was into a productive member of society in the present... and with regard to the Eternal Kingdom that is coming in the future!
I want more of Christ! As I surrender to the prompting of His Holy Spirit Who lives inside me, I change in ways that are positive; sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes quiet, sometimes noticeable, but definitely in ways that exalt the Lord of Glory Who has the right to control all I do, and say, and think.
That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. Maybe, in these last few days before the dawn of 2017, this should be my "sprint goal", my "race to the finish line", my driving force: What would it look like to live the remainder of 2016 (and the remainder of my minutes on this earth!) as wholly dedicated to the Lord? My Utmost for My King.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: My
Today is the fifth of my Wintertide Tractations; thanks for stopping by!
(If you're curious about the backstory of the word Tractations, you can follow this link.)
I haven't gotten far into the month, but this is the most thought-provoking and unexpected of Kyrie's words so far, today's is: My
Start.
As I listened to the words of one of my new favorite Christmas songs, ("I Am" from the CD Everlasting Savior by Sarah Mikowski, Anna, & Faith Hainline), I couldn't help but be swept away. The soaring music, beautiful sister-harmony, and the words of the song reminds me again what a blessed Daughter of the King of kings that I am!
The Lord gave me the opportunity to talk with one of my classmates from Spanish class the other day. A few weeks ago, I overheard her talking with some others in the class about some of her decisions and wondered what she would consider her spiritual health to be. We got to have a little conversation before class began and, based on what she said, I'm not sure whether she believes in Christ Jesus for herself or not. She seemed to be relying on the fact that she's "always been a Christian" based on her foster parents' religious doings. The conversation brought to my mind anew how that what my ancestors decided concerning Christ doesn't automatically pass on to me; it is not hereditary. I get to make the choice for my own self. Yet, because of His unfathomable mercy, He gave me simple faith to believe that what He says through His Word is true: that I am a sinner in a hopeless condition without Him and that He is a gracious Savior, ready and waiting to forgive me of all my evil doings.
Now I can refer to Christ with words that reflect my personal relationship with Christ! I do not vaguely base my understanding of Who He is through my parents' or grandparents' love for Him, or because of the church I attend or the friends I associate with.
I can say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer liveth!" (Job 19:25.)
With Thomas, I believe in Jesus' ability to bring Himself to life again and I echo that faltering disciple as I exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:24-29.)
With David I confess that the Lord is my Shepherd Who supplies my every need perfectly--with Himself! (Psalm 23:1.)
With Moses my heart sings, "The Lord is my strength and my song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him." (Exodus 15:2.)
The Scripture is full of verses that show saints who claimed a personal attachment to the Lord of hosts...and because of His mercy, I have the same privilege of addressing Him so! He is my Master, my Savior, the Healer of my heart and the constant Guide for my feet. How can I keep quiet when such a God is mine?!
(If you're curious about the backstory of the word Tractations, you can follow this link.)
I haven't gotten far into the month, but this is the most thought-provoking and unexpected of Kyrie's words so far, today's is: My
Start.
As I listened to the words of one of my new favorite Christmas songs, ("I Am" from the CD Everlasting Savior by Sarah Mikowski, Anna, & Faith Hainline), I couldn't help but be swept away. The soaring music, beautiful sister-harmony, and the words of the song reminds me again what a blessed Daughter of the King of kings that I am!
The Lord gave me the opportunity to talk with one of my classmates from Spanish class the other day. A few weeks ago, I overheard her talking with some others in the class about some of her decisions and wondered what she would consider her spiritual health to be. We got to have a little conversation before class began and, based on what she said, I'm not sure whether she believes in Christ Jesus for herself or not. She seemed to be relying on the fact that she's "always been a Christian" based on her foster parents' religious doings. The conversation brought to my mind anew how that what my ancestors decided concerning Christ doesn't automatically pass on to me; it is not hereditary. I get to make the choice for my own self. Yet, because of His unfathomable mercy, He gave me simple faith to believe that what He says through His Word is true: that I am a sinner in a hopeless condition without Him and that He is a gracious Savior, ready and waiting to forgive me of all my evil doings.
Now I can refer to Christ with words that reflect my personal relationship with Christ! I do not vaguely base my understanding of Who He is through my parents' or grandparents' love for Him, or because of the church I attend or the friends I associate with.
I can say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer liveth!" (Job 19:25.)
With Thomas, I believe in Jesus' ability to bring Himself to life again and I echo that faltering disciple as I exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:24-29.)
With David I confess that the Lord is my Shepherd Who supplies my every need perfectly--with Himself! (Psalm 23:1.)
With Moses my heart sings, "The Lord is my strength and my song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him." (Exodus 15:2.)
The Scripture is full of verses that show saints who claimed a personal attachment to the Lord of hosts...and because of His mercy, I have the same privilege of addressing Him so! He is my Master, my Savior, the Healer of my heart and the constant Guide for my feet. How can I keep quiet when such a God is mine?!
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Way
Good evening, the word for this fourth Wintertide Tractation is Way.
Start.
I had hoped that my father and I could visit a new friend of ours this evening following church. The man is a security guard at a local rest stop and we became acquainted with him back about July when my family and I were on an outing. After awhile, Dad and I hit on a routine that we try to visit the man, (I'll call him Mr. Justice), every two or three weeks.
Mr. Justice is a gentlemanly gentleman, but he has a very serious problem. He has never been able to come to terms with the loss of his wife at the age of fifty. Now in his mid-eighties his bitterness at God has made him blind to what the Lord is doing in his life.
I understand loss that is painful and permanent, but I also have been blessed to have the presence of my loving Heavenly Father on Whom I can lean even through times that are hard and heart-wrenching. Mr. Justice's case is not singular. I have known of many dear people who have had loved loves near to them to be taken from them suddenly. One instance is a couple whose baby was born with them knowing they only had a few months with her. My grandparents had two of their sons to die. Aunts, cousins, and friends of mine have lost unborn children. A young friend in his early twenties was killed in a car wreck. In these instances, the families, while shaken, were not destroyed by the hardships; they were strengthened by drawing strength from the Lord Who works all things out for our ultimate good. (Romans 8:28.) But Mr. Justice cannot see this because he is spiritually blind to it. He does not know that all things work together for good because he does not love God; he has not been awakened to the fact that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived and died and came back to life for his redemption and for his healing.
How I wish for Mr. Justice to see that Jesus is the Only Way to be at peace, to come to terms with life! (John 14:6.) Jesus is the only Truth we can bank our lives on. He is the Life that brings light to our souls.
Without knowing Jesus, there is no real foundation to one's life. It is as Jesus said to His disciples,
"...whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:24-27.)
Friend, I would love to encourage you, let hardships draw you to Jesus Christ, not drive a wedge between you and Him. What He allows He intends to use for His glory. See what love it took for Him to come to this vile world and give up His life so that you and I could go free! He sacrificed so much for us (sinners!); won't you surrender to Him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
If this has meant something to you, or you have questions, feel free to leave a comment.
Start.
I had hoped that my father and I could visit a new friend of ours this evening following church. The man is a security guard at a local rest stop and we became acquainted with him back about July when my family and I were on an outing. After awhile, Dad and I hit on a routine that we try to visit the man, (I'll call him Mr. Justice), every two or three weeks.
Mr. Justice is a gentlemanly gentleman, but he has a very serious problem. He has never been able to come to terms with the loss of his wife at the age of fifty. Now in his mid-eighties his bitterness at God has made him blind to what the Lord is doing in his life.
I understand loss that is painful and permanent, but I also have been blessed to have the presence of my loving Heavenly Father on Whom I can lean even through times that are hard and heart-wrenching. Mr. Justice's case is not singular. I have known of many dear people who have had loved loves near to them to be taken from them suddenly. One instance is a couple whose baby was born with them knowing they only had a few months with her. My grandparents had two of their sons to die. Aunts, cousins, and friends of mine have lost unborn children. A young friend in his early twenties was killed in a car wreck. In these instances, the families, while shaken, were not destroyed by the hardships; they were strengthened by drawing strength from the Lord Who works all things out for our ultimate good. (Romans 8:28.) But Mr. Justice cannot see this because he is spiritually blind to it. He does not know that all things work together for good because he does not love God; he has not been awakened to the fact that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived and died and came back to life for his redemption and for his healing.
How I wish for Mr. Justice to see that Jesus is the Only Way to be at peace, to come to terms with life! (John 14:6.) Jesus is the only Truth we can bank our lives on. He is the Life that brings light to our souls.
Without knowing Jesus, there is no real foundation to one's life. It is as Jesus said to His disciples,
"...whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:24-27.)
Friend, I would love to encourage you, let hardships draw you to Jesus Christ, not drive a wedge between you and Him. What He allows He intends to use for His glory. See what love it took for Him to come to this vile world and give up His life so that you and I could go free! He sacrificed so much for us (sinners!); won't you surrender to Him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
If this has meant something to you, or you have questions, feel free to leave a comment.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Middle
Hello! Third day of Wintertide Tractations. The word is Middle.
Start.
Today Kyrie and I participated with our church's outreach, handing out gift bags to the children in a nearby neighborhood. Our youth pastor and his wife led the delivery and three of their children joined in the group that went. Their daughter, Spice, is the middle child, being sandwiched between two boys older than her and two younger. Spice is merry, like pumpkin spice, full of delight and wonderfulness. Across her cheeks is a sprinkle of freckles, like nutmeg spice on the top of a creamy goblet of eggnog. Her light brown eyes glow and study the world with curiosity and a measure of analysis that makes me feel like she knows far more than we adults imagine. At seven, she's smart, mischievous, and wiggled her way into my heart a few weeks after her family arrived back in April. For some reason, Spice attached herself to me and I loved having her catch up to me time after time and sleep her little hand into mine. She wanted me to sit on the same seat of the bus with her and periodically would lean her head on my arm (she doesn't reach my shoulder yet, of course), or give me spontaneous hugs.
Being the middle child can be tricky, just as any position in a person's sibling line-up. My mother knows what it's like to be the middle daughter in her family. For some middle children, there is a tendency to "fall through the cracks", not being a "big kid" and not being a baby, or at least not considering oneself one of the "littles".
Spice has needs and one of those is that I pray for her and her parents and brothers. She may never know whether I do or not, but as her friend, the best thing I can do for her is to pray for her precious life that she would grow up to love and honor our Savior and for me to live my life as close to Jesus Christ as I can as an example for her.
If, as the Proverb says, "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." (20:11) then surely an adult's doings are evident. I must be very careful, with the Lord's help, to live in such a way that this little soul, as she watches me, will not be led astray by anything I say or do. It's too big a job for me, but the Lord Who cares can help me and this precious middle child and friend, Spice.
Start.
Today Kyrie and I participated with our church's outreach, handing out gift bags to the children in a nearby neighborhood. Our youth pastor and his wife led the delivery and three of their children joined in the group that went. Their daughter, Spice, is the middle child, being sandwiched between two boys older than her and two younger. Spice is merry, like pumpkin spice, full of delight and wonderfulness. Across her cheeks is a sprinkle of freckles, like nutmeg spice on the top of a creamy goblet of eggnog. Her light brown eyes glow and study the world with curiosity and a measure of analysis that makes me feel like she knows far more than we adults imagine. At seven, she's smart, mischievous, and wiggled her way into my heart a few weeks after her family arrived back in April. For some reason, Spice attached herself to me and I loved having her catch up to me time after time and sleep her little hand into mine. She wanted me to sit on the same seat of the bus with her and periodically would lean her head on my arm (she doesn't reach my shoulder yet, of course), or give me spontaneous hugs.
Being the middle child can be tricky, just as any position in a person's sibling line-up. My mother knows what it's like to be the middle daughter in her family. For some middle children, there is a tendency to "fall through the cracks", not being a "big kid" and not being a baby, or at least not considering oneself one of the "littles".
Spice has needs and one of those is that I pray for her and her parents and brothers. She may never know whether I do or not, but as her friend, the best thing I can do for her is to pray for her precious life that she would grow up to love and honor our Savior and for me to live my life as close to Jesus Christ as I can as an example for her.
If, as the Proverb says, "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." (20:11) then surely an adult's doings are evident. I must be very careful, with the Lord's help, to live in such a way that this little soul, as she watches me, will not be led astray by anything I say or do. It's too big a job for me, but the Lord Who cares can help me and this precious middle child and friend, Spice.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Shine
Hello, folks! Second day of Wintertide Tractations! Today's word is Shine!
Start.
As I still mull over the happenings of this past weekend (my family's trip to Arkansas), I got to meet one of my mother's friends for the first time. She, (whom I'll call Delia), and my Mother have not had contact in about 27 years. Although I had heard her name mentioned a few times, I didn't know much about her and wasn't expecting to see her at our friends' house and anniversary celebration. Wow, was I in for a bundle of blessings! Throughout our one-and-a-half days together, I found myself going back for more conversation with her time and again. This lady loves the Lord in such a deep way that I was prompted to consider my own relationship with Christ.
Delia shone with a glow that was deep and soaked-in. A gentleness and a beauty that could only come from time spent with the Lord day after day exuded from her. Small of stature and quiet of voice, Delia is attractive, but more than that, she beautiful in mannerisms and, most importantly, of heart. The beauty of Christ shone out of her and I found myself wanting that. Like a moth to a flame, or a thirsty horse to a stream of water, the work that Christ is doing in Delia drew me in as I long for an echo of His likeness in my own life. I want to be a truly godly woman, too.
The wisdom that she (either intentionally or unintentionally) shared encouraged and sharpened me as Proverbs says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (27:17.) I realize that the virtue that she exuded has developed over years of quietly getting away to spend time with her Lord. Arriving at such a level myself will happen as the Lord molds and works on me and as I surrender myself to Him and spend time reading His Word and communicating with Him through prayer. I don't want to be resistant to His work within and through me.
By the grace of God, I have been forgiven for my sins and am journeying with Christ and becoming like Him, but I want so much more of Him. What a blessing that He puts people like my new-found sister in Christ, Delia, to encourage me into a closer relationship with Him!
Start.
As I still mull over the happenings of this past weekend (my family's trip to Arkansas), I got to meet one of my mother's friends for the first time. She, (whom I'll call Delia), and my Mother have not had contact in about 27 years. Although I had heard her name mentioned a few times, I didn't know much about her and wasn't expecting to see her at our friends' house and anniversary celebration. Wow, was I in for a bundle of blessings! Throughout our one-and-a-half days together, I found myself going back for more conversation with her time and again. This lady loves the Lord in such a deep way that I was prompted to consider my own relationship with Christ.
Delia shone with a glow that was deep and soaked-in. A gentleness and a beauty that could only come from time spent with the Lord day after day exuded from her. Small of stature and quiet of voice, Delia is attractive, but more than that, she beautiful in mannerisms and, most importantly, of heart. The beauty of Christ shone out of her and I found myself wanting that. Like a moth to a flame, or a thirsty horse to a stream of water, the work that Christ is doing in Delia drew me in as I long for an echo of His likeness in my own life. I want to be a truly godly woman, too.
The wisdom that she (either intentionally or unintentionally) shared encouraged and sharpened me as Proverbs says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (27:17.) I realize that the virtue that she exuded has developed over years of quietly getting away to spend time with her Lord. Arriving at such a level myself will happen as the Lord molds and works on me and as I surrender myself to Him and spend time reading His Word and communicating with Him through prayer. I don't want to be resistant to His work within and through me.
By the grace of God, I have been forgiven for my sins and am journeying with Christ and becoming like Him, but I want so much more of Him. What a blessing that He puts people like my new-found sister in Christ, Delia, to encourage me into a closer relationship with Him!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Wintertide Tractations: Collect
Hello, folks! I have discovered a new word: Tractate. If I understand correctly, it's a synonym for the word treatise or discussion and is currently out of use. But perhaps this blog will change that. *wink*
Since I missed getting to participate in the Write 31 month-long blogging party introduced to me by Kate Motaung, I determined that I would try my own version in December. However, before I came up with that idea, when I was still thinking I could do Write 31, I asked my in-house word-crafter, Kyrie, supply me with 31 words which I plan to draw out at random and write about. {And I have not fished through them to see what she came up with...} I don't know whether I'll stick to the five minute time limit as I thought I would; we'll just have to see.
Therefore without further ado, here is.... Collect!
Start.
When I look at the word Collect hand-written on a tiny sliver of paper in Kyrie's signature scrawl, I link it to the most recent occurrence in my life: our family's trip to Arkansas. Friends of ours extended the invitation to us to join with them as they celebrate twenty-five God-given years of married life.
I was delighted when my parents began making plans to attend. It had been about seven years since I had been in "my old stomping ground" in that lovely state, so, besides the privilege of seeing and rejoicing with the happy couple, I looked forward to the fun of traveling, seeing the countryside between my current and former residences, and getting to again be with many beloved friends who would attend the anniversary reception.
So how does this relate to the word Collect? Only this, that over the years, the Lord has richly blessed my life with precious friends whom I have collected, until my family not only includes those who share similar genes with me, but also "family members" who are connected to me through the Blood of Christ.
Perhaps it sounds strange to talk about blood. But Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for me and I cannot keep from telling about what His kindness did for me. He, although Righteous, bled and gave up His life, so that I, who was guilty, through believing in Him, could be made clean and pleasing before God.
As my mother and I read recently in our Bible reading together, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." (1 Peter 1:18-21.)
These whom I have been blessed to collect into my family are likewise ones who have put their faith in Christ's work on the cross and His raising Himself from the grave. These are dear people to me and having them "in my collection" has brought me riches beyond estimation.
Since I missed getting to participate in the Write 31 month-long blogging party introduced to me by Kate Motaung, I determined that I would try my own version in December. However, before I came up with that idea, when I was still thinking I could do Write 31, I asked my in-house word-crafter, Kyrie, supply me with 31 words which I plan to draw out at random and write about. {And I have not fished through them to see what she came up with...} I don't know whether I'll stick to the five minute time limit as I thought I would; we'll just have to see.
Therefore without further ado, here is.... Collect!
Start.
When I look at the word Collect hand-written on a tiny sliver of paper in Kyrie's signature scrawl, I link it to the most recent occurrence in my life: our family's trip to Arkansas. Friends of ours extended the invitation to us to join with them as they celebrate twenty-five God-given years of married life.
I was delighted when my parents began making plans to attend. It had been about seven years since I had been in "my old stomping ground" in that lovely state, so, besides the privilege of seeing and rejoicing with the happy couple, I looked forward to the fun of traveling, seeing the countryside between my current and former residences, and getting to again be with many beloved friends who would attend the anniversary reception.
So how does this relate to the word Collect? Only this, that over the years, the Lord has richly blessed my life with precious friends whom I have collected, until my family not only includes those who share similar genes with me, but also "family members" who are connected to me through the Blood of Christ.
Perhaps it sounds strange to talk about blood. But Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for me and I cannot keep from telling about what His kindness did for me. He, although Righteous, bled and gave up His life, so that I, who was guilty, through believing in Him, could be made clean and pleasing before God.
As my mother and I read recently in our Bible reading together, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." (1 Peter 1:18-21.)
These whom I have been blessed to collect into my family are likewise ones who have put their faith in Christ's work on the cross and His raising Himself from the grave. These are dear people to me and having them "in my collection" has brought me riches beyond estimation.
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