Occupied

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I have been rather lax this week with writing – why?  
Occupied I suppose — I am anticipating more occupation mid-week next week too.
But that does not mean you all are not on my mind — I have a blanket request for you all in my daily prayer journal. 

I read 2 Thessalonians 2 today and made many notes in my notebook. I also had questions. Imagine that, huh? 

I am not prepared to share it all, but I am inclined to share a comforting thought. 

The people of Thessalonica were alarmed; some folks had told them YESHUA had already returned. 
We’d be alarmed too, would we not at such a message? 
So Paul set about to set their minds at ease.

I don’t have all the answers and I have more questions.
There are matters of eschatology that are beyond my learning at this time and that had been concerning me. 
But today, coupled with a prayer a dear sister prayed with me this week, I have this direction: 

Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be afraid to think outside of that traditional box; don’t be afraid to explore for the TRUTH.
And as you do: Trust Father to protect.
Trust Holy Spirit to teach. 
Trust JESUS to return. 

And in the meantime occupy! 
Let us occupy ourselves with listening, obeying, loving, and going about our lives doing good. 

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 

Amen and amen – make it so of us too, Father. 

Memorial Day 2017

I’m not wishing us a Happy Memorial Day. I’m not wishing us a sad Memorial Day. I’m suggesting a grateful, remembering, honoring day. However, I think a day without laughter, without sharing good food and the company of good friends and family just might be a non-honoring to them day.

Prayer and remembering, let that be high on our list but would those men and women who died to preserve American Freedoms be honored if we grieved as those who have no hope? Would refusing to enjoy the freedoms they died to give us bring them back? Moreover, would not our refusing to rejoice actually shroud their deaths with shame and dishonor? Does not overwhelming, debilitating grief; refusing to embrace life today dishonor them in the worst way?

I been praying something new for a day or so (and now that I’ve prayed it though I think, it’s not one I need to keep praying. I’m not being morbid, just realistic. And no, I have not received any medical diagnosis. As far as I know I am as healthy as a young horse! 🙂 ) I’ve been praying for my daughters that when the time comes they will grieve my home-going well. That their missing me will not over shadow their love for me. That their love for me with God’s help will enable them to embrace the life He continues to give them with joy, with gusto, with a determination to make every day count for His glory and for the good of family and friends remaining with them. That they will resist and refuse any guilt that would shame them for laughing, for taking delight in holidays and day-to-day life. That they would embrace the truth that for them to cease to live a full and godly life is no honor to me but actually a dishonor and one that were I aware of it would make me so very sad and burdened. It’s a matter of trust; for them and for me. Okay. Moving on!

Abba, thank You for allowing us the privilege of being Americans; I pray we will honor You with our American patriotism and above this I pray we will honor You for the life, death and resurrection of Your Very Own Son to give us the ultimate, eternal life and freedom that we so do not deserve. Thank You for every American soul who has given their life to preserve American Freedoms and I pray their families will receive Your comfort and strength and peace especially today. I pray You will grant grace and strength for America to continue not so much as She has but better; better in all the graces YOU have ordained for us; to embrace You and Your will for this Nation; the Nation You birthed for the spread of Your Gospel to the World. We have not done our commission well for a long time now; forgive us and grant us grace to repent I pray. Amen and amen in the Mighty and Holy Name of Jesus-Yeshua.

Kadosh Adonai Eloheynu ~
( the LORD our GOD is holy)
Kathie

Let it play!

May I tell you this morning listening to Gospel Music is important?!

When those songs are in your soul the Holy Spirit of God can bring them to mind when you need them. To yank you back from sin or just to comfort your hurting heart.   Or both!

Like when you have worked hard and the scale moved in the wrong direction and you are well on the brink of sinning hard and long – then these lyrics bring you to happy tears and repentance!

No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless   (source)

Here – let it play for you too.

Kathie