HOW THEN SHALL WE PRAY?

I SIT STILL PONDERING WHAT JESUS WOULD PRAY IN THE SITUATIONS THAT WE WOULD DEAL WITH AS INDIVIDUALS IN OUR DAILY LIVES. LETS RETURN TO THE BOAT TOSSING AND TURNING ON THE GALILEE, AND HOW FRIGHTENING IT WAS FOR THE DISCIPLES. THEY RAN TO THE MASTER WHO WAS ASLEEP, AND SAID MASTER SAVE US , THE BOAT IS TOSSING AND TURNING , THERE IS A STORM. (MY TRANSLATION) JESUS STOOD UP, JUST RAISED HIS HANDS, AND BY THE MERE WORDS "PEACE BE STILL," THE STORM CALMED, AND THE BOAT QUIT TOSSING AND TURNING.

I RETURN TO THE OLD TESTAMENT WHERE GOD ASKS US TO PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM. THIS LITTLE COUNTRY IN THE MIDDLE EAST, ISRAEL, HAS FACED MORE CHAOS IN HISTORY THAN PERHAPS ANYONE. ONE DAY GOD WILL RAISE HIS ARMS AND BRING A PERFECT PEACE WHEN HE RETURNS TO SAVE US ALL.

THE TWO THINGS THAT I HAVE NOTICED THOUGH IN THESE SITUATIONS IS FOR US TO HAVE PERFECT PEACE, WE WILL BE FACING HARD TIMES AS WE GO THROUGH THIS LIFE. AND FOR US TO HAVE PERFECT PEACE, WE MUST ASK THE FATHER TO BRING US THROUGH THE TRIBULATIONS AND TRIALS OF LIFE , AND HE WILL RAISE HIS HANDS AND BRING A PEACE THAT PASSES THE WORLDS UNDERSTANDING.

OR EVEN OUR UNDERSTANDING.

WITH KEVIN, THE PEACE CAME ON THOSE LONGS RIDES TO MILWAUKEE, WHEN I DROVE MYSELF, BUT I WAS NOT REALLY ALONE. GOD WAS SO PRESENT AND I WOULD NOT TRADE THOSE MOMENTS FOR ANYTHING THE WORLD HAS TO GIVE.

I AM LEARNING TO SEEK PEACE IN THIS SITUATION WITH MY SISTER AND HER CANCER DIAGNOSIS. PEACE FOR OUR WHOLE FAMILY. PEACE IN OUR HEARTS, PEACE SURROUNDING US, PEACE FOR THE LITTLE CHURCH WHO RAISED US. EVEN PEACE FOR THE MEDICAL PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN HER CARE. WE ALL SEEK YOUR PEACE LORD, I THANK YOU THAT YOU CAN BE TRUSTED IN EVERY SITUATION IN OUR LIVES.

"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"

ONLY BECAUSE OF JESUS......

WHAT THEN SHALL WE PRAY?

In a time that the whole world seems to be in chaos, I pray for joy. Not joy as the world thinks of joy, but that a joy that springs up like an underground spring and rises up into the air for all to see.

I know some may think that this is impossible, but I pray for joy to surround my family. I pray for joy to surround all my friends, even those acquaintances that I have been so fortunate to meet. I pray that we all may have joy through all the difficulties that arise. I also pray that those around us may see that our Joy indeed comes from the Lord.

What brings joy to me? Music, Music, and more Music. Ask my piano teacher and all those who have endured my picking out songs on the piano. Kathy was probably one of the first to show me what joy could come from music. Even at a younger age, I was taught joy by a group that we used to watch on a program called "Jubilee" with The Happy Goodmans. These folks still held onto and shared that joy till the day they passed, and I still get to share that joy when I listen to their tapes.

There are people who have told me over the years that they know when I am around because I am singing. (Mind you, not because I have such a great voice) but because most of the time I have a song in my heart.

I also get great joy from watching little children, and the great treasure God has placed in their parents lives, and their souls. I keep telling parents, children are the encouragement that the world can still become a better place. I also get great joy from the elderly. It is because of their wisdom and their knowledge and the great heart that they share when they talk with me.

I get awesome joy from nature. I go outside on a starry night and it is like I can see Gods handwriting to us, so beautiful.

May we all take time and think on those things that give us joy, not just happiness.

God please surround my family and all of those around us with a spirit of joy......even in the hard places. May you carry us all through, and bind us together with "joy unspeakable and full of glory"


"I got the joy, joy, joy, joy. Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay"

Amen

PRAYER IS THE KEY

I HAVE BEEN THINKING SINCE THE SERMON ON SUNDAY ABOUT THE PHRASE "THEN HOW SHALL WE PRAY" THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT I COULD WISH FOR SELFISHLY, BUT GOD IS MORE TO ME THAN JUST A PERSON I CAN GO TO WITH A WISH LIST AND HE WOULD FULFILL IT.

THIS HAS ALL BECOME MORE RELEVANT AS MY SISTER HAS BEGUN HER CANCER TREATMENT. IT BECOMES MORE RELEVANT AS I HAVE A DEAR SOUL THAT IS A FRIEND WITH ACUTE RENAL FAILURE.

HOW THEN SHALL WE PRAY? I WOULD PERSONALLY IN MY MINDS EYE LIKE TO FALL ON MY KNEES BEGGING GOD FOR PERFECT HEALING IN BOTH CASES. ACTUALLY IN ALL CASES THAT I SEE PEOPLE STRUGGLING PHYSICALLY. BUT THESE TWO IN PARTICULAR. BECAUSE THESE PEOPLE ARE IMPORTANT TO ME.

I WISH MY PARENTS DIDN'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH SUCH A SCARE WITH MY SISTERS CANCER DIAGNOSIS. I PRAY FOR GOD TO TAKE THE FEAR AWAY AND REPLACE IT WITH PEACE. EVEN FOR ME.. ITS KIND OF LIKE I TOLD MY DAD THIS MORNING, WE HAVE TO LITERALLY LET GOD BE THE ONE IN CONTROL, AND WE HAVE TO TRUST THAT HE WILL WORK THE PURPOSES OUT IN THE LIVES OF THE TWO DEAR PEOPLE WE LOVE.

I DON'T WANT TO PRAY "GIVE ME' ALL THE TIME, SO I REVERT BACK TO THE LORDS PRAYER. "OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD, AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS, AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL, FOR THINE IS THE POWER AND GLORY FOREVER AND FOREVER AND FOREVER.

I ALSO THINK OF THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. AND I PRAY TODAY, THAT IN BOTH SITUATIONS, MY SISTER AND MY FRIEND, WILL HAVE GOD'S LOVE SURROUND THEM IN WAYS THEY NEVER KNEW BEFORE. HELP THEM BOTH TO KNOW GODS LOVE AS A WARM BLANKET AROUND THEM.

I PRAY THE SAME FOR MY FAMILY, AND THEIR EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS. MAY GOD BE GLORIED, WHETHER WE WIN THIS FIGHT OR WHETHER WE LOSE THIS FIGHT. WE OWE HIM EVERYTHING BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN SO GOOD TO US.

TREASURES ON THIS EARTH

I've been thinking about the things that really matter. I've been thinking a LOT about the things that matter.

When I listen to the news and all of the goings on in this world, I find myself enjoying just shutting all of that out and focusing on the many blessings that exist in my little corner of the world.

For instance, family.

Two parents for over fifty years that are two of the smartest, wisest people I have ever met. Mom can make anything edible, and has more determination about accomplishing goals than just about anyone I know. She has become "mom" to more kids in the town we grew up in, and has always held open arms to all.

Dad, my goodness, the one person that can make me laugh no matter what. He is wise, he has a soft emotional side, and loves to work with his hands.

They both relish in the fact that God has built a family out of all of us kids, and they lead with a great humility every day of their lives. We have been surely blessed.

My brother.....my baby brother..... Not so much a baby anymore, but a strong man, whom God has blessed with a wisdom that I don't even know if he realizes at this point in time. I so appreciate the ability that Mark has to have great discussions, and to be the man that his wife April needs.

My sister......my baby sister....(although I am sure she wouldn't want to be called that). A very smart, driven young lady, who I think could run the world if she chose to..... She brought two very precious daughters into the world, and they in turn have brought 3 very precious grandchildren to my sister's life. All I know is my sister is very wise, and has a great spirit of love that she carries with her daily.

As many know, she is to start the fight of her life this next week. I think if I were cancer, I would be very afraid, because she is an amazing fighter, and will walk through this with the strength that I know that she has.

The most important thing that I know, and our greatest treasure of all-the God that binds us all together. I keep thinking of that song "Bind us together, Lord. Bind us together."

We shall trust and walk daily with God to hold our family together through this next few years. I know He is faithful to hold on to us all.

What a great treasure.

WALKING IN THE OLD CITY

Probably one of the most important trips I have ever taken in my life is to the little giant of a country named Israel. Coming from a relatively small town, at the time I never believed it could ever be possible, but somehow God helped me be disciplined enough at that time to get the money together to travel into Ben Gurion airport and to the City of Jerusalem, God's holy city.

It was such a blessing for me to be able to travel to Israel. For me, there were so many times that I could sense there was an actual God moment where Jesus actually walked, and yet there were other times I could tell there was a bit of the tourist industry at hand. My first picture of Israel was as we drove up over a hill overlooking the city and immediately my eyes welled up as I recalled when Jesus stood and wept over the city wishing He could take them in as a mother hen does her chicks. I could actually imagine being there when He was there.

We went into Jerusalem that first night and settled in, with a little bit of jet lag and a lot of excitement. The hotel room was sufficient enough, we spent some time in the Word and woke up the next morning ready for a new adventure. Touring the city of Jerusalem.

I think perhaps the most interesting places were those things that I wasn't used to. Those markets for instance with skinned food was hanging in the windows as patrons passed by or went in to get their food. I loved the Western Wall.

That was when the Bible started to come alive for me. At that time, we had a little angel named Lydia that was fighting to get a liver transplant, and I was able to go the wall, and put little Lydias picture in between a couple of the stones as I prayed for her and her family. As I look back at that I can hardly wrap my mind around it. Seems impossible, but God has proven to me time and time again that all things are possible with Him.

We were able to walk through the gates of the Old City. There is so much I can tell you of my impressions at that time. Our tour guide was Schlomo, and there are times even now I wonder if he is still alive. But my inner tour guide, my Jesus, placed the picture in my mind that one of these days.....one of these days folks.....I would be walking on streets of gold in the New Jerusalem. I tried to picture in my mind how beautiful those scriptural references to the New Jerusalem are, and my heart just leapt for joy.

Another place that I loved was Gethsemane and the Eastern Gate. Gethsemane is such a beautiful peaceful place and I can imagine at the time that it possible was even a larger garden than it is now. I could see why Jesus would want to be there to speak to the Father. There is a church (I believe (the Church of the Nations) that has carbondated a large block of rock that is believed to have some from that time period when Jesus was in the Garden.

The Eastern Gate- well the Eastern gate is so important for so many reasons, but at that time, and even now it reminds me of the Easter joy of the resurrection and the joy my father has every time he wakes me up singing "Up From The Grave He Arose"

Jerusalem.....ah Jerusalem.....How I would love to take you under my wing.....

Please pray for the peace of this City of God. It is an amazing place, and it is the City of God.


Blessings to you all...

Shalom

brenda

OUT ON THE SEA OF GALILEE

So when I was in Israel, we rode on this boat where the captain stated that one of the fascinations about the Sea of Gaililee is that there are storms that come up out of nowhere. Today, this moment in time, I feel as if I am in one of those storms. I rest in the fact that the God of Glory neither slumbers, nor sleeps, and He is always aware of those things that trouble us most. He knows of my concern of those who are dear friends who are ill, and He knows that I pray He would hold all of us as a mama dove holds onto her little ones in the midst of a great storm. May this storm help us to rely on You God for You alone are entirely Worthy of all that we have and all that we are.

Till next time......

Your Gaililean traveler.....

Things that do not change

I am intrigued by the topic of a sermon by the Reverend Billy Graham that I heard coming to work this evening. Essentially, it was things that don't change. He spoke of how radically different this world has become, in that we have made all of these things to save time, and ironically we do not seem to have the time for anything.

Which got me to thinking. What things in my life do not change, have not changed in my life. The amazing family that I have, and the fact that it has increased since I first got married with the addition of little Zuri, Ariana, and Aidan. Some super fantastic in laws. I have some of the most incredibly loyal long term friendships that just blow me away. The fact that when I get to see a mama deer with her babies it still makes me smile. The fact that horses racing in a field can get my heart racing. I love the wisdom of the elderly and the life in the little ones in this world.

The fact that I still look with utmost respect on uniformed officers, whatever branch they may be, local emt's, police or military. I still love to write. I still love nature. I still love music, although I must say that my taste has changed on that one. Let me explain, I have become a big praise music fan, and honestly that has been a pleasant surprise. But I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. Because the music is about the same God as the God of gospel music.

The face that the ten commandments still apply today, even in a world that would like to add to or take away from them. The fact that God still is the one who designed marriage, even though the world would like to change that. The Bible still has not changed no matter how much society would like to add or take away from that. The most important thing to me that has not changed is that there is a God that still rules what goes on in this world, and that even though He has the whole world in His hands, He still finds the time to love one such as I. How awesome is this truth.

May we all find something to hold onto that has not changed. Life begins at the Cross.

Until then,

Longing for Home