An end of the year lesson and "Happy New year"

Good afternoon beautiful people!!!         I hope and pray that you had a most lovely Merry Christmas and that you remembered the main reason for the festive time.         and that is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.        He alone, deserves all of our praise and worship.        

a sweet friend shared this and I wanted to pass it on as a reminder to us at just how easy it is get sucked into our own ways and losing sight of Jesus, His birth and the Cross.         these are the only things that matter in our lives.        they truly are.         sometimes I have a tendency to forget that, so I'm sharing this here, as much for a reminder for me as anything.        but I pray that this is something that will help us all think about what we do, why we do what we do, and if we need to make some adjustments, let's do it now.          I pray that everyone that reads my blog are christians, but I also pray that if anyone isn't, that they'll silence the thoughts in their head that they are good enough as is and they don't need Jesus.        that is a lie straight from the pits of hell.        we are not good enough and can not EVER be good enough and we do need Jesus!!!

I don't know who the writer of this is, but it's pretty much spot on in truth.          please read and share it with others.

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Satan is not opposed to good morals.

He’s opposed to Jesus Christ.

Read that again because most Christians miss this completely.

Satan doesn’t care if you’re a “good person.” He doesn’t care if you volunteer at the food bank, recycle your trash, and help old ladies cross the street. He doesn’t care if you’re kind, generous, and well-liked by everyone in your community.

He cares that you don’t bow the knee to Jesus.

Here’s the deception that’s damning millions:   Satan has convinced people that morality equals spirituality. That being a “good person” is the same as being a Christian. That if you just live right, treat people well, and avoid the “big sins,” you’re acceptable to God.

This is a lie straight from the pit of hell.

The Pharisees had impeccable morals. They followed the law meticulously. They were respected, disciplined, and religiously devoted.

Jesus called them children of the devil.

Why? Not because their morals were bad. Because their morals replaced Christ.

Satan’s greatest trick isn’t making bad people worse. It’s making good people think they don’t need a Savior.

Think about it:

The atheist who feeds the homeless thinks he’s good enough without God.

The Buddhist who meditates and practices compassion thinks she’s enlightened without Christ.

The Muslim who prays five times daily thinks he’s righteous without Jesus.

The moral Christian who goes to church, pays his tithe, and avoids scandal thinks he’s saved without surrender.

All of them are headed to the same place: eternal separation from God.

Because morality doesn’t save. Jesus saves.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Satan loves moral people who reject Jesus. They’re his best advertisement for the lie that you can earn your way to heaven.

They’re living proof that you can:

•Be kind without Christ

•Be generous without God

•Be disciplined without the Holy Spirit

•Be respected without redemption

And still be lost.

The most dangerous people in hell won’t be the murderers and rapists. They’ll be the moral, upstanding citizens who thought their goodness was good enough.

Their morals became their idol. Their goodness became their god.

And Satan smiled because he’d accomplished his goal: Keep them from Jesus.

Here’s what most Christians don’t understand:

Satan doesn’t need to make you do bad things. He just needs to keep you from doing the ONE thing that matters: surrendering to Christ.

If he can get you to:

•Trust your morals instead of Christ’s sacrifice

•Rely on your goodness instead of God’s grace

•Believe in your works instead of Jesus’ finished work

He’s won.

You can live a moral life and still die lost. You can be a good person and still face judgment. You can avoid all the “big sins” and still end up separated from God forever.

Because the only sin that damns you eternally is rejecting Jesus Christ.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36

Not the murderer who repents and believes in Christ is damned.

 
Not the thief who turns to Jesus on the cross is damned.

 
Not the prostitute who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears is damned.

The moral, religious person who rejects Christ is damned.

That’s why Satan loves morality without Jesus. It sends people to hell with a smile on their face, convinced they were good enough.

Stop trusting your morals. Start trusting Jesus.

Your goodness won’t save you. Your works won’t redeem you. Your morality won’t justify you.

Only the blood of Jesus Christ can wash away your sin and make you acceptable to a holy God.

Everything else is just Satan’s distraction from the one thing that actually matters.

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well, this is certainly something that we can carry on into 2026 with us and stay aware that trusting Jesus is our only hope.       we can't trust our own morals for anything!!!!       we can't trust ourselves for anything, but we can trust Jesus with everything.

it will probably 2026 before I'm back here again.        so let me say "Happy New Year" to everyone and I pray that we all go into 2026 with a renewed sense of need, that only Jesus can meet, through His Mercy and Grace.        remember that His birth is directly related to His death on the Cross and that's the only way for us to salvation, is thru the shed blood of Jesus.        if we can remember this and stay focused on Jesus, we can all have a wonderful 2026.

blessings of love, joy and peace be ours continually, in 2026.        love to all, patty

Merry Christmas and "The Little Things"

good evening my friends, I wanted to pop in here while it's on my mind and just say that I hope and pray that everyone that reads this will have a very Merry Christmas.      I pray that we all remember what the day is all about.      it's about the birth of our Savior.     we've made it far too commercialized and a lot of people have forgotten what it's all about.     may we remember that there had to a birth in order  for there to be salvation for any of us.     that salvation came thru the cross.     so, as we remember, let us remember that the birth of Lord and Savior is not to be taken lightly.       is Dec 25th the day Jesus was actually born?    no, it's not, but that is the day that has been set aside, traditionally, to celebrate His birth.      for me, I just try to remember that every day the Lord gives me to live this life is to be celebrated as joyously as  we celebrate the traditional day of His birth.     so let's celebrate every day, let's love others every day!!!

I also wanted to share something that I wrote recently and it's got a little bit of celebration in it.      I hope you enjoy it and I hope it blesses you.

The Little Things

sometimes it's just the little things that I remember.     sometimes it's just the little things that help me to remember that God was, is and will always be in every season of my life. "little things", you may ask. what little things?

we don't pay as much attention to everyday life as we should, or maybe I should say that I don't pay as much attention to everyday life as I should.

 
we can see God at work in the bigger things in life.     maybe we can see Him daily in our marriage. maybe we can see Him when we're out on the road and know that He protected us with travel safety. maybe we can see Him in the midst of a sickness and know that His hand is in or will be in the healing. we can see the hand of God in our daily provisions.     you get the gist of what I'm saying.

 
but, how aware are we of the little things that God puts in front of us on a daily basis?     me, not so much, until I stumble upon something that makes me think and know that "if I know that I know that I know" that God is in the big things, then He's in the little things too.

 
a few years ago I started noticing some of the little things that God allowed me to see and be a part of. seeing lightening bugs, a tiny flower here, a heart shaped leaf there, seeing the stars in the sky and knowing that God created them, frozen frost in the air making everything look like diamonds, seeing hundreds upon hundreds of tiny yellow and blue butterflies no larger than my thumbnail.

 
getting to see a child catch a crawfish over at the greenway.     seeing my little green frog buddies every year in my garden.     they will scare me for a minute, but then I'm so thankful for them.     when I see them, they make me smile.     put there for that purpose by God.     getting the little flower head of a weed, from the yard, stuck in the toe of my garden shoes and seeing that until I take it out.

recently, passing by a local 2 story house and seeing their dog up on top of the house watching the traffic go by. that tickles me pink to see it, and I'm thankful to God I got to see that little thing.

I'm thankful and grateful for some  of the  memories that I have. the memory of my Grandmothers laugh.     I'm thankful for the memory of a screen door slamming when you go in or out.     you knew someone was doing something.     I'm thankful for the quiet moments, when I was growing up, of my Mom in the kitchen humming to herself while preparing a meal for her little army.     I guess that's why being in my kitchen brings me such joy although it's just my husband and myself.     just some of the random little things.

homemade biscuits and home churned butter, eating the first blackberry of the summer, seeing a turtle cross  the road  and praying  he makes it  to the other side, hearing the birds sing and the owls hoot. these are some more of the little things that can bring such joy.

some little things in scripture that helps me realize that God is in it all and He wants us to be aware. David used a single little stone; one little boys lunch fed 5,000 people; the size of little mustard seed; little sparrows; the hairs of your head; the jawbone of a donkey. this is just a few of some of the seemingly little things that God used in scripture.

what about the little star that shone brightly, that the wisemen and shepherds seen on that night?     what about the little donkey that carried a special person?     what about the little inn that was filled up?    what about the little hay trough that became a baby crib?     what about the little hands and the little feet? what about the little cries and whimpers of our King, born in the form of a most precious "little thing"?

God will show us little things for us to enjoy.     God will provide little things for us to use for His glory and purpose.     sometimes we may think that things like prayer and love are little things, but they are beautiful, quiet things that really matter.

 
if we are faithful in the little things; faithful in the beautiful quiet things; faithful to remember; faithful to be thankful; faithful to share when we can; faithful to talk to the One who created all things, big things and little things; faithful in our everyday walk of little things to notice that God is in all we see, hear and do; then when the big stuff comes along we'll already be used to talking to Him and thanking Him for it all.

thank Him, in and for, all the little things.     all the little things we notice and ask Him to help us notice even more of the little things.     look for and enjoy all the little things that He puts before us during this season, then, let's thank Him for everything, even and especially the little things.

remember all the little things that God has used in a mighty big way.

God is in all "The Little Things".     Blessings!!!!      hugs and love to you all, patty    (pjg;2025)

Merry Christmas!!!!!

"The Little Things"

good morning friends, it's been a minute since I posted, but I wanted to get at least one more message out this year.     may the God of love, mercy and grace bless everyone who reads this.  

The Little Things

sometimes it's just the little things that I remember. sometimes it just the little things that help me to remember that God was, is and will always be in every season of my life.    "little things", you may ask. what little things?

we don't pay as much attention to everyday life as we should, or maybe I should that I don't pay as much attention to everyday life as I should.

 
we can see God at work in the bigger things in life.    maybe we can see Him daily in our marriage.  maybe we can see Him when we're out on the road and know that He protected us with travel safety. maybe we can see Him in the midst of a sickness and know that His hand is in or will be in the healing. we can see the hand of God in our daily provisions.    you get the gist of what I'm saying.

 
but, how aware are we of the little things that God puts in front of us on a daily basis?    me, not so much, until I stumble upon something that makes me think and know that "if I know that I know that I know" God is in the big things, then He's in the little things too.

 
a few years ago I started noticing some of the little things that God allowed me to see and be a part of. seeing lightening bugs, a tiny flower here, a heart shaped leaf there, seeing the stars in the sky and knowing that God created them, frozen frost in the air making everything look like diamonds, seeing hundreds upon hundreds of tiny yellow and blue butterflies no larger than my thumbnail.

 
getting to see a child catch a crawfish over at the greenway. seeing my little green frog buddies every year in my garden.    they will scare me for a minute, but then I'm so thankful for them.   when I see them, they make me smile. put there for that purpose by God.    getting the little flower head of a weed, from the yard, stuck in the toe of my garden shoes and seeing that until I take it out.

 
recently, passing by a local 2 story house and seeing their dog up on top of the house watching the traffic go by.     that tickles me pink to see it, and I'm thankful to God I got to see that little thing.

 
I'm thankful and grateful for some of the memories that I have.    the memory of my Grandmothers laugh.    I'm thankful for the memory of a screen door slamming when you go in or out. you knew someone was doing something.     I'm thankful for the quiet memories of my Mom in the kitchen humming to herself while preparing a meal for her little army.     I guess that's why being in my kitchen brings me such joy although it's just my husband and myself. just some of the random little things.

homemade biscuits and home churned butter, eating the first blackberry of the summer, seeing a turtle cross the road and praying he makes it to the other side, hearing the bird sing and the owls hoot. these are some more of the little things that can bring such joy.

some little things in scripture that helps me realize that God is in it all and He wants us to be aware. David used a single little stone; one little boys lunch fed 5,000 people; the size of little mustard seed; little sparrows; the hairs of your head; the jawbone of a donkey. this is just a few of some of the seemingly little things that God used in scripture.

 
what about the little star that shone brightly, that the wisemen and shepherds seen it that night?    what about the little donkey that carried a special person?    what about the little inn that was filled up?    what about the little hay trough that became a baby crib?     what about the little hands and the little feet?  what about the little cries and whimpers of our King, born in the form of a most precious "little thing"?
God will show us little things for us to enjoy.     God will provide little things for us to use for His glory and purpose.    sometimes we may think that things like prayer and love are little things, but they are quiet things that really matter.

 
if we are faithful in the little, quiet things; faithful to remember; faithful to be thankful; faithful to share when we can; faithful to talk to the One who created all things, big things and little things; faithful in our everyday walk of little things to notice that God is in all we see, hear and do; then when the big stuff comes along we'll already be used to talking to Him and thanking Him for it all.

 
thank Him, in and for, all the little things.    all the little things we notice and ask Him to help us notice even more of the little things.    look for and enjoy all the little things that He puts before us, then, let's thank Him for everything, even and especially the little things.

 
remember all the little things that God has used in a mighty big way.

God is in all "The Little Things". Blessings!!!!   hugs and love, patty (pjg;2025)

Young in Christ at any age

Good afternoon lovely friends. I hope and pray that you have had a most spectacular day thus far. it's pretty chilly in my neck of the woods. it's actually 50 degrees outside right now, but it just feels colder than that. it was 25 degrees when we got up this morning, and we have a lot more cold and colder days ahead of us. can I just say that winter hasn't even started yet, and I'm over it. hahaha I'm ready for spring!!!!

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If you're in the United States, I hope you had a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving. my husband and I did. a lot of people are still celebrating today and others will be celebrating tomorrow.

I'm always thankful to remember what Christ has done for me in my life and I've got some prayer requests right now going up to Him to heal, protect and keep safe, someone I love. please join me in that prayer, God knows who I'm praying for and He'll know that you're praying for this person. thank you!!

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This is something that I wanted to share. we can be young in Christ when we are young and we can also be young in Christ when we're in our twilight years. we should always be trying to grow in our knowledge and wisdom of Christ and one place to we should be doing that is in sunday school.

I was a Sunday School teacher for many years. one of the last classes I taught was for one of the older ladies classes in my church. these ladies, 25 to 30 of them, was all over 70 years of age, but come to find out, they were young in Christ. some of them said they had been in church all their lives.

when the Lord started leading me in the direction of taking on this class, I was doubting myself. how could I ever teach anything to these ladies that knew the bible frontward and backward and every other way? well, after week one, I seen what I had not seen before. they was not used to having sunday school class, they was used to having a gab session. they had done very little bible reading at all. I told them the second sunday, that we will start the lesson at the proper time and we'll be on point with the bible. after a month of teaching these ladies, they all came in with bible, sunday school book, and a notepad and ink pen to take notes!!!

one by one, at different times, they would come up to me at church, hang out in the class room after sunday school was over, or call me at home and tell me that they had already learned more about the bible in the last month than they had ever learned in the previous years they had been on planet earth.

I shed many tears over that. I taught the bible. I didn't teach what I thought about anything. I taught what God thinks about everything, every word of mine was from His Word. when sunday school teachers or preachers or anyone in any kind of position in church makes it about them, their position, or don't teach and preach the Word of God, then church becomes another distraction in our lives. and that's what it was in their lives, a social club.

every week, I took one word, maybe 2, and done an in-depth word study and presented it to the class. just words that we hear from scripture, but maybe haven't stopped to think about that word or two and what they actually mean for us. they loved it and I did too. the pastor came to me and asked me what all I was doing in that class, because he was hearing a lot of good compliments about my teaching.

I just told him that it wasn't me, I was allowing God to use me as He seen fit. sad to say, but every one of those ladies have gone on to be with the Lord now, but I have wonderful memories of seeing their faces light up, when they learned something new.

I'm so thankful for that experience. I'm thankful that God taught me that it's His Word that changes lives and we have to be faithful in presenting His word. it made such a difference in my life too. when we get away from God's Word, that's when false teaching comes in and makes itself at home. it truly is hard to find a good bible believing church. that's why it's so important for us as individuals to know the truth for ourselves. we have to stay in the Word ourselves.

if we don't know the truth, then we'll believe anything. people get mad when they hear the truth. the truth actually stirs the devil up. I'm getting old now myself, much fewer days ahead of me than what's behind me and it's scary to think about what takes place in the name of "going to church".

I commend anyone for not walking away from Christ. but I don't blame anyone for walking away from the church. if the Word of God isn't in being taught or preached, then it's just another social club and we don't need the distraction. what's taking place in churches today is not the fault of Jesus Christ. it's the fault of the leaders that let the outside filth come into the sanctuary of God. each one of us who are Christians has the Holy Spirit within us and His desire is to help us on this journey and to help us grow closer to God thru learning more about His Son, Jesus Christ. we can't hear the world and the Holy Spirit at the same time. what we feed is what grows. we can't be neutral and straddle the line. we're either for Jesus or against Jesus, there is no gray area. the devil owns the gray area, the devil owns the line that we want to straddle. so, we're either for Christ or against Christ.

just make sure what you're putting into your own head and heart or the heads and hearts of other people is 100% God's word and not yours or some other individuals words. those words mean nothing, but God's word and what we do with it will determine our eternal destiny.

well, this is what I wanted to share with y'all and I hope it makes a difference in all our lives.

blessings of love, peace, joy and thankfulness as we go into the holiday season. love y'all, patty

"What Are You Sure Of?"

good afternoon my friends.        where have y'all been?        ooops, I mean where have I been?      hahaha        I took some time away, as you can see.       it's been several months since I've posted anything.       I was journaling my bible study and I may get back to that at some in time, right now, I really don't know.       

some of the lessons  started  hitting hard and seeing  the world we  live in today and  knowing that there's nothing I can do help anyone.       knowing  that in  order  to help  anyone, they  have to want want help.       and most people really don't want help, they want to sin, and keep on sinning and not be held accountable for their actions.       

so, while I want to help people, I finally realized that there's nothing I can do to help anyone, because most don't want help.      and I'll not ever be the person to tell you that what ever you're doing is ok, because if it's sin, God has already called it that and if I call it anything different to what He's called it, then that's me sinning right there.       I'm not gonna do it.     

but what I will do is ask you a question.      what are you sure of?       

personally, I'm not  sure of a lot of things.        we  live in a day  and age  of what I'll call "floating truth".        it depends on who you ask, on what day of the week, what hour, what minute and what second  you ask some individuals as to what truth is.       some people will say, "I walk in my own truth".       to that I say, then you are walking in your own lies.       

the only truth that can be said of me and everyone else that I know, have ever met, ever seen, that is on this planet right now, or that has ever been on this planet, other than Jesus Christ, is that there is no truth in any of us apart from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.        

if anyone tells you otherwise, they just proved there is no truth in them, because guess what, they just lied.        we have a lot of people that encourage others to sin by just believing in themselves.        it scares me to think about trusting me about anything, apart from Christ in my life.       Jesus Christ is the only thing in me that's good in any way.       of that, I'm sure!!!

what are you sure of?        is your own truth trustworthy?        I don't think so.        is your own truth going to get you to heaven?        absolutely not.  

what we believe matters so much so, that what we believe will determine our eternal destination.         if you believe in Jesus Christ, then your eternal destination is secure in Him.       if you haven't accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, then eternal destination is secure with the devil and his demons.        of this,  I'm sure.    

make sure that you are sure of your salvation!!!       what are you sure of?      blessings of "sure"ness in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.      hugs and love, patty

No Bible Study, but a look at "weak minds"

good morning righteous ones!!!         I pray that we all can have that word used over our lives by the way we try to walk in the light of Gods word.         it's a big word, but God has called His own to live righteous lives and we CAN NOT do that without Him guiding us.         we have to be familiar with His word, we have to have Christ as our Lord and Savior and we have to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit.         we CAN NOT listen to the culture of the day to define what it good.          only God has that power.          scripture tells us that in the last days, what God has called good will be called wicked and evil and what God has called abominable will be called good.       this is exactly what we are seeing today.           there are a lot of weak minds in places of leadership in government and they should not be there.         the church is full of weak minds and we know it.         we just don't want to admit it, because maybe, just maybe, we are one of those with a weak mind.          the church looks just like any other social club and that's NOT right.          if you're in the church and your marriage looks just like your non Christian friends marriage that's not in church, or worse, then something is wrong.          if you're a church member and your life looks no different than your non Christian friends life, or worse, then something is wrong.          it just is and we don't want to hear it, we don't want to read it, we don't anyone to point it out to us, that our lives should be a whole lot different and look a lot different, simply because  we  believe  and trust  God.          do we or don't we?          if we don't, then let's stop pretending.         let's just call  a spade a spade  and deal with it.         we either change  or we walk  away from the  word of God.          we can't play games with God and we shouldn't play games with each other.         there are some things that should just flat out, make us mad, not to the point of sinning, but mad enough to call a spade a spade and that's what I'm doing.        we tip toe around not saying what we know is sin, because we are so worried about numbers in church when we should be worried about the souls in church.         why do you go to church?         do they have a good coffee bar?   do they have good activities?          do they have music that sounds like a rock concert?          do they tickle you ears by saying that we welcome and affirm you in all your sin?        does the preacher preach the word of God, the whole word of God and nothing but the word of God?????          if he doesn't, then he's just a high paid emcee.           do you ever hear the words "sin", "repent", "hell", "the devil",  "mercy", "the blood of Jesus that covers all your sin".          are any of these and so many more,  do you ever hear in church these days?         not much, for sure.         if any of this resembles anything that you may be dealing with, then you need to find a godly person right away that can help you and point you in the right direction.         culture will take you right straight to hell with them all the while thinking that you are living right.         when you are living directly opposed to the word of God, that's a slippery slope to be on.         where is all this coming from?          I read something on facebook and it made my blood boil and  I just  wondered  how  many  people, even  people right here reading my blog that thinks it's ok.          let me tell you, it's not ok.         and if anyone here reading my blog thinks it's ok, then maybe you're in the wrong place reading the wrong stuff.        or maybe, just maybe, you are in the right place!!!         maybe too, you just need to go back to the beginning of the bible and start from day one and reread what you've already read.         but just understand the fact that you'll never read in God's word where living like animals and and men claiming to be women and vice versa is ok.        you WILL NEVER find that in God's word.        you may have a twisted version of the bible, with perversion added, but God has pronounced homosexuality and all the variants thereof as abominable behavior.        I never want that word used against me by God for any reason.        but if you have a weak mind and support others that have weak minds, then you'll support all the abominable behavior that you see.        this is the world we live in, sadly.

something else that weak minds support is abortions.           weak minded people think it's ok to kill babies.           these weak minded people want to have sex with anything and then murder the results of their actions.         if you can't control your urges, get fixed.        we spay or neuter animals every day and if you want to live like an animal, then go to the vet and get fixed.        I'm not a hard hearted person at all, but I hate seeing women that should have the heart beat of a mother standing up and saying that having an abortion is part of a woman's health care.          NO IT'S NOT!!!!!!!         it's all about covering up, removing and hiding sin in their life.        that's what 99.99% of all abortions is about.        when you stand before God some day, what will you say?          I'm trying not to be judgmental, but the word also says that Christians are to hold each other accountable.         so if you claim to be a Christian and you support women getting abortions, shame on you.        life starts at the point of conception and that is a sacred life regardless of how it started.         weak minded people support this behavior.        weak minded people think it's ok to kill off millions and millions of innocent babies who had absolutely nothing to do with the situation.          weak minded people don't see this at all.          weak minded people see me as being hard, harsh and judgmental.           that's ok.        I pray that real Christians will take a look at what they believe.           trust me when I say this.      "what you believe matters!!!!"          it matters so much that what you believe will determine your eternal destiny!!          that's why it's so important.         if you have a weak mind, then you will be swayed by every thought and idea that floats by that sounds like the latest and greatest way to thumb our noses at God.         weak minds blow off what scripture says about sin.         are you weak minded?         only you can answer that, but answer it to yourself truthfully.          if you are weak minded, what will you do about it?

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I just seen a post of facebook that says "the weakest men compete with girls and the weakest minds accept it".           no truer words have ever been spoken.           we live in a day and age where grown men claim to identify as female, 2 feet taller and 100 + lbs heavier than their women counterpart can compete in any sport, much less a sport requiring strength, then this is one of the most abominable disgraces that has ever graced the face of the planet and the earth is crying out because of it.       and this is just exactly the world we live in!!!!!          how in the world could this EVER be seen as right in any way, form shape or fashion???         well, if you have to think about whether it's right or not, just know this, you are part of the problem and you need a Jesus awakening.         the people in  this world is about as  evil and  demented  as they can get.         when we want nothing to do with Jesus, this is what we get.           weak men and weak minds.          scripture tells us that iron sharpens iron and real men want to compete with real men to sharpen each other.        we have weak minds in every area of society to think for even a split second that this is ok.        I don't know how anyone's mind would become so weak to think this wickedness is ok.          but it takes a weak mind to think this garbage up in the first place and then other weak minds go along with it.          a mind that doesn't know Jesus.          a life that isn't led by the Holy Spirit.        a life that doesn't believe in our omnipresent and sovereign God.         when we come to know Christ as our Savior and Lord, and have the Holy Spirit as our guiding force, and acknowledge God as creator of all, we don't have weak minds!!!!!         period!!!!!!!!        so trans, gay, lesbians, homosexuals and any other perverted words they want to be called to say they are Christians, there is no possible way they can be.        I don't care who it is and what they say.         I know that scripture says that this behavior is abominable in God's eyes; God's words, not mine.         so if you are weak minded enough to believe that this is ok, just know that I pray for you to come to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and become strong enough in mind to repent of your sin and to renounce this sin and call it what it is and live a life that is based on the word of God and what He commands from us.         we've been studying a lot about judgement and how God judges and how even during the judgement, He offers the hope of repentance and restoration.      folks, this is where the rubber meets the road.        we need to really think about what we believe, why we believe it and if it lines up with God's word in scripture.         if something in your life, in your beliefs and in your lifestyle doesn't line up with God's word, someone is wrong, and it ain't God!!!         but He always offers hope to those who come to Him in sincerity.         cling to hope and get rid of the weak mind that believes all kinds of ungodly filth.         reach for righteousness instead of weakness!!!!

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well, there you have it.         this is what was running rampant in my head and I needed to get it out.      if it comes off as harsh, then maybe we need to think about it and see what we need to do to correct a few things in our lives.        we've just been studying this whole year so far about how He judges and disciplines, not just for punishment, but for correcting and helping us to turn to Him or to turn back to Him.        but if we are weak minded, this will only make us mad and we can't see what we need to see because we are weak minded and only see what the culture wants us to see.         if it's something that the culture of the day supports, we need to look  at thru the filter of what God wants us to see.       God wants us to live righteous lives.         we can't do that with weak minds.       blessings of strength and strong minds be ours today and ever day forward.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study, Yay!!!

good morning my beautiful friends.           as you can see, I didn't get to it yesterday, but I did today so I'm tickled.           it just doesn't do well for me take a break, it's hard for me to get back at it, but it was good for me to take a quick break and then, get back to it.          I hope everyone is having good weather and getting gardens started and looking forward to watching what God's gonna do with what we're trying to do.        I always say that I plant and pray, and leave the rest of it to Him.         He's the first and only original gardener, so I think He knows what He's doing.          thank You God for always blessing my efforts.     

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giggle for the day:

Q - How do you keep a bull from charging?

A - Take away its credit card!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

of course!!!  hahahaha

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picking up with Obadiah Chapter 1,         in this short book we see the judgement and the terrible consequences of sin and pride.           but thru it all there is a promise of hope and restoration.          do you have areas in your life where pride has taken root and separated you from God, if so, let go of pride and humble yourself before God.          we just have to do this if we want to stay in right relationship with God.         do we can within our power to bring unity to our community as a whole, supporting each other instead of dividing each other.         but always stand on the word of God.          don't just go along to get along.          stand up for the right things.          God is the ultimate judge in all things and He will always be just and His timing is perfect.         hang on to the hope of restoration and deliverance that God promises to us, even in the midst of trials.          pray for strength to hold on to the promises of God even in the hard times, especially in the hard times.

Jonah Chapter 1,          have you ever tried to run away form God?          Jonah did too.         he wasn't successful, because he couldn't run away from God, neither can we.        rebellion leads to chaos and we see a lot of chaos in the world today.          submission to the will of God in our lives can lead to peace, even for the most reluctant hearts.          even when we try to run and hide, God is still and is always in control.         others are always watching the call of God in the lives others.          make no mistake, other people see us when we try to run from the will of God in our lives.        do we want the world to see us running away or stepping into the plan that God has for us?        ask for a heart of obedience and willingness to walk into the plan that God has for us.       God continues to try to draw us to Himself, He doesn't give up on us.          His plan and desire for us it to walk in faith and obedience.          may we continue to seek after the heart of God in all things.

Chapter 2,            even in the belly of a whale, there is no situation to difficult for God.         repentance and and holding on to faith in dire situations is of most importance.         faith in God is all we have to hang on to.         absolutely no one is beyond the saving power and reach of God, where ever you are, what ever whales belly you find yourself in, God will hear your prayers!!!!        thank You Father for hearing our prayers!!!!          thank God for His mercy to hear our prayers.

Chapter 3,              Gods mercy is unlimited and offered to anyone and everyone who sincerely repents and Jonah sincerely repented.           Jonah's obedience brought a whole city to repentance.         we need to recognize the opportunities that God gives us to correct the course of our lives, and be thankful for the opportunity to fulfill His purposes.         share the truth of God's word with others, knowing and believing that the word of God has the power to change lives.        we have to know that it was the same word of God that transformed our own lives.          just as God gives us mercy and compassion, we need to  show  that  same  mercy  and compassion to those around us, especially those who need to know God.           thank God for second chances!!!!           pray for courage to accept God's call even though it may be difficult.          have a heart that's quick to repent and seek God's forgiveness.

next time we pick up with Jonah Chapter 4.

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I don't have much more for today, so I guess I'll call it a day.         I pray that we all have a great day today and that we keep seeking after the heart of God in all we do.          serve the Lord where ever you are and what ever you're doing.         blessings of strength and courage be ours today.

hugs and love, patty

I may not get a Bible Study up today

good wet morning to you all.          as the title says, I may not get a bible study up today, if I do, it'll be right here and I'll even change the title.        just not up to par this morning.          when I do start back, we'll be in Obadiah Chapter 1.         

I hope  everyone is  doing well and  I hope and  pray that we have a new perspective on the Holy Week that we just celebrated that culminated with the wonderful Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.        no one else could have made a way for us to be in right relationship with the Father, but Jesus Christ.        that's how much God loves us and wants for all of us to be in right relationship with Him.      

I have a couple of friends who are dealing with  some hard  issues right now.         they are heavy on my mind and heart this morning.         I pray that you'll join me in prayer for these friends.          one of the most awesome things we to do for each is to pray for one another.        and I know these ladies cherishes any and all prayers.

may we remember what Christ has done for us as we get about our day.          blessings of salvation that comes only from Christ be ours, eternally!!

hugs and love, patty

The Tomb is Empty!!!!!!! It's Resurrection Sunday!!!!!!

good Resurrection Sunday!!!!          may our day be blessed with sweet remembrance of our dear Lord and Savior. 

it's early Sunday morning and the followers of Christ are still grieving and heart broken.          I can imagine that they are still shedding a few tears.        Peter was still probably heart broken over the fact that he had denied knowing Jesus, not only once, but 3 times.         the other disciples were probably walking the floor and trying to make sense of all the treasures that Jesus was sharing with them before He was crucified.         there had been centurions stationed at the entrance of the tomb so His followers wouldn't break in and steal His body.        it was early and the women who loved Jesus just couldn't stand it any longer so they went to the tomb and the found the stone rolled away.         this was just the beginning of all the glorious events that happened on Resurrection Sunday!!!!!!!           the grave couldn't keep Him.          death was not a thing that could hold our Lord and Savior down.         He, alone, has  the  power to overcome death!!!!!        I can just imagine that sun shone brighter that morning.          the birds had a new, sweeter song to sing.         the flowers  was just  a lot more beautiful that morning, simply  because  the earth  was glorious and had the footprints of our Lord and Savior upon it once again.        when Christ rose from the tomb, it was the very thing that we as humanity needed.          His resurrection assures me and you of an eternal resurrection someday when Jesus comes back to claim His own.          

I don't know a lot, but I do know enough to know that if there had not been  the crucifixion of my Lord and Savior, there would not have been a Resurrection!!!        The resurrection is what gives life to my hopes and dreams of being with my Savior some day.         So, of all the days that I am thankful for, Resurrection Day is the day that matters most to me.        He had to be born for all of this to take place, but He also had to be crucified for my salvation.      When the  stone was rolled away, and the tomb was found empty, the cloth that had been on Jesus' face was neatly folded, that was the sign that Jesus would come back to claim His own.          a folded napkin always meant that if someone had left the table and he folded his napkin, he would be back.        he had not finished eating and the servants knew to leave the place setting just as he had left it.      His work on the cross was finished, He said so himself, when He said "It is finished".        But, the folded napkin meant He would be back!!!       how much weight do we give to a folded napkin today?         not much!!        but make no mistake, this folded napkin  said  it  all!!!!         Folks, He is coming back!!!!      Praises and Hallelujah!!         Are you and I ready?          I pray we are!!!

this probably isn't much of a way to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, but I wanted to share what I've always thought about on this day.        I'm so thankful that God loved me enough to provide a way for me to be in right relationship with Him through the events that took place during this Holy Week all those years ago.         were it not for this, we would all be doomed and lost and bound for a devils hell.      

this is a beautiful song sung on this day, may we sing it today with all our heart and commit to love Him even more than we do right now. 

Up From the Grave He Arose

Low in the grave He lay—

  Jesus my Savior!

Waiting the coming day—

  Jesus my Lord!

 

Up from the grave He arose,

With a mighty triumph o’er His foes

He arose a Victor from the dark domain,

And He lives forever with His saints to reign.

He arose! He arose!

  Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed—

  Jesus, my Savior!

Vainly they seal the dead—

  Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep his prey—

  Jesus, my Savior!

He tore the bars away—

  Jesus my Lord!

we have a song to sing, let's sing it with praise and adoration.

blessings of love and adoration for the One who loved us this much!!!

hugs and love, patty

No Bible Study today or tomorrow; ...and Saturday, while He was in the Tomb

good morning on this somber Saturday, while our Lord and Savior was in the tomb.         I have cancelled bible study for today and tomorrow, but will try to remember to pick back up with it on monday.       it's kinda gloomy here this morning, the sun is trying to shine, but don't know if it will really make it or not.       I went to my garden shed yesterday and got some soil ready to up-pot my hyrdo unit tomatoes sometime today.        I hope I get them done.         the weather is calling for nice warm night time temps for the next 10 days at least.       so I'm hopeful that our night time temps are on the rise so I can leave my starts in the greenhouse on the deck overnight.       I need to go to aldi if I keep feeling up to it.       

we're also  getting  ready to  start the process of replacing the 34 year old deck on the back of the house.        we'll be talking with a gentleman on wednesday.        I just pray that it's something we can afford.         it won't be cheap and I dread it, but it's got to be done.       we're going to have a ramp put on it so it's easier for me and my husband to go up and down when we're not at our best.       plus, I'm having a knee issue and I'm probably looking at surgery sometime in the future.         if and when that happens, I need a way of getting in and out of the house.         as it stands now, if I have surgery it will be horrible trying to get up and down the steps.        I done it way back in 2015 when I had an acchiles tendon injury, but that was 10 years ago and a lot can change in 10 years and I wouldn't want to risk life and limb trying to get up and down the steps now.         I also wouldn't want to risk injuring my husband while he is trying to help me.        so, we'll see.       I just keep praying that God will intervene and make it affordable for us.         thank you Lord for what You are doing for us.      

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giggle for the day:

Q - How do you get a squirrel to like you?

A - Act like a nut!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

now, that's not hard for most of us.    hahahahaha

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As we think of spring and all the newness that comes with it, at some point in time our mind goes to Resurrection Sunday.          I think of Good Friday as the day the earth changed.          There was a moment in time on that day when Our Father could not look upon His Son, because He, Jesus had taken upon Himself, the sins of the world.          The land grew dark, because the sun in the heavens could not even cast light on such a dark and gruesome scene.         Our Savior died in the dark for my sins.        Jesus said, "It is finished!"          How in the world could such a day be called Good Friday?          Because He died for my sins!!!!!!          He died for your sins.        

He was in the tomb, resting on Saturday.        I wonder what He was thinking about?          He was probably wanting to console His disciples.          He may have even thought of His precious Momma and how she was heart broken.        He was probably even thinking about those in the crowd who said "crucify Him, crucify Him".        we really don't know what took place while He was in the tomb on Saturday, but I'm sure it was a very solemn  and painful day for those who knew Him.     

I would also think that those who killed Jesus thought it was done and done and He was no longer to be dealt with, little did they know, Resurrection Sunday is coming.        Barabbas was probably walking around like a hero, and you know the pharisees and the church leaders was feeling pretty proud of themselves too.        they had gotten rid of their major thorn in their side.        Jesus so irritated the devil in the church leaders that it was intolerable to them.       

The disciples were probably afraid at this point.        we probably couldn't even understand the fear that they may have had.        they were probably wearing tear stained faces and was still in shock over what had happened.        although Jesus had tried to explain to them what was going to happen, they still had in mind an earthly army and earthly mission, so to speak.       they couldn't understand the kingdom that Jesus was actually building.        but Jesus was speaking of eternity and heaven and spiritual  things and they couldn't warp their head around it.        I totally understand it, because it's hard for me to wrap my head around it too.    

I  think of  the  women  that followed Jesus, not just His mother, but the others that loved Jesus too.         Mary of Magdala had anointed His head with some expensive perfume and had dried His feet with her hair.        she was scolded by one of the disciples for doing such a thing with the expensive perfume.         Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and I'm sure he and his sisters were feeling the pain of such a great loss of such a great friend and person.       I'm sure Nicodemus was also feeling some kind of way, after He had come to Jesus in the night to ask Him, "what must I do to be saved?".       Zacchaeus was probably feeling really heart broken too.        I can probably think that the blind man whom Jesus restored sight too, couldn't believe his eyes at having seen and witnessed the death of his healer.          the crippled man was probably somewhere in the crowd and thinking that the Man that healed him was gone.         Joseph of Arimathea was may have even be looking for another place for his own burial when that time came.        all the children that Jesus had loved was now without the One who had made a way for them to come to Him in all their innocence.        Jesus actually said at one point that for someone  to mistreat one of the least of the kingdom it would be better for them  to  have a millstone tied  around  their  neck and  cast into the sea.        (my rendering of that story)         Jesus had told His disciples that the religious folk would kill Him, but He would be back in 3 days.        (again my rendering of that story)         they couldn't wrap their heads around it.       they had witnessed the raising of Lazarus, but still, they couldn't understand yet.       

But wait, it is not the end of the story!         Why?       Because He burst forth from the borrowed tomb early on Sunday morning.          The  cold  slab of stone was no place for our Savior to lay His head.         The grave could not keep Him.         The burial clothes had to come off Him.        The stone had to roll away.           I just know in my heart that the sun was more than happy to shine on Resurrection morning!!          I would believe that the birds sang even sweeter than before.            I too would believe that the earth was very happy to have our Risen Lord and Savior, once again,  walking  upon  the earth and  trying  hard to  remember ever footprint that He made.          I pray that as the weekend approaches, that we will remember it for what it is.         It is the weekend that changed all of humanity forever.         It is the weekend that gave us hope!!!          It is the weekend that has assured me of my salvation through my risen Savior and Lord, Messiah.        No matter how dark the world may seem where ever you are, there is joy in knowing the risen Savior.      My prayer is that you know that joy first hand, personally.          Psalm 30:5b Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.          Joy  comes  from  knowing  the  long night of tears is past and daybreak is fresh and new.         I hope and pray that every day brings joy, peace and hope to you.      And also a steadfast understanding that Christ is alive and well and will be coming back to claim His own one day soon!         Hallelujah!!!!!

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I hope and pray we all have a beautiful saturday and keeping in mind that Resurrection Sunday is coming.        try to think about some of the real life people that was there on that friday and saturday, His followers and  His haters, those who wanted Him gone.         in reality, Jesus fulfilled His mission as designed by His Father, for our sake.         it's easy to be angry at the religious folk of the day, but we have to remember that it had to happen.        if we was to have anything to do with the kingdom that He was building, it just had to happen.         so, as we think about these things today, I'm so thankful that God loved even me enough to provide a way for me to be in right relationship with Him, thru the shed blood of Jesus Christ.       so as we think about what may have been in the hearts of minds of His followers and His haters, let's praise God for the coming Resurrection Sunday!!!         blessings of mercy, grace, and peace be ours today.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and Good Friday

good morning y'all!!!         I hope and pray that wherever y'all are that you are praising God for the day and that you get to be a part of it.        this particular week has been a week of thought for me.      thinking about Jesus and what He went thru for us.        where would I have been, had I been in the crowd?         I would love to think that I would have loved Jesus as deeply as the other women who followed Him.        I would love to think that I would have served Him as eagerly as the other women did.         but to be honest, I don't know where I would have been in the crowd.        I could have shouting "crucify Him, crucify Him!!"      the thoughts of that absolutely turns my stomach, but I don't know where I would have been.        all I can do is know where I am now and I love Jesus and I always want to take a stand for the things that matter to Him.        I want to serve Him where ever I am and what ever I'm doing.       that's what I've tried to do with my blog, is serve Him while I share about the things that matter to me.          anyway, I hope and pray that we all focus on Jesus today and realize that it truly was a good day for believers.       and Jesus done it because He loves us.        do we serve Him because we love Him?          I sure hope so.         have a great day y'all.   

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My hope is in Jesus Christ!!!    My hope is the One that loved me enough to die for me!!!!    My hope is in the Resurrection!!!    My hope is in the Lamb of God!!!!    My hope is in the empty tomb!!!!     My hope rests in seeing The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords coming again in the clouds, just like He promised He would!!!!   I am so ready for that day.    It can't happen soon enough to stop the madness of this upside down world we live in!!!   Come Lord Jesus, come!!!!

Philippians 4:8 

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.   King James Version (KJV)

When my mind starts racing and I feel like my head is about to explode, the above scripture is my "go to" scripture for a little bit of sanity.   Scripture is the only place that we sink our mind into and come out all the better for having placed ourselves in it.    I find myself spending more time in the Word.  If you find yourself perplexed about the days in which we live, maybe more time spent in Bible study would be a good place for you also.     

When I read the above scripture and think about what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, any virtue and praise worthy, the only thing that comes to mind is JESUS CHRIST, my Lord and Savior!!!!    I pray that you feel the same way.    Trust in the Lord!!!

CRUCIFY HIM!!!!       CRUCIFY HIM!!!!!!!          these are the words that resonated loud and clear and they still echo loudly in our ears today.         the religious leaders of the day was so terrified of Jesus, they knew there was something different about Him.         He was teaching them when He was 12 years old.         How could He know what He knew at 12 years of age?         He was God in flesh!!!!         that's how He knew what He knew.         they was afraid of Him and rightfully so.        they had done turned His fathers House into a den of thieves and He cleared the temple out of the money changers.         they were incensed and ready to kill Him.        and they did!!!!        but that's not the end of the story.       

Today is Good Friday.    What is that?    What is so good about today?    Well, today is the day, by some interpreters, that Christ was crucified.    There is some argument that it may have been a different day.   I don't know enough about the calendar of the day to say yay or nay.  

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giggle for the day:

Q - What do frogs order at fast-food restaurants?

A - French flies!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

oh ick, yuck, that's gross!!!!!     hahahaha

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picking up with Amos Chapter 6,         humility, justice and compassion are supposed to be character traits of believers.       a lot of times we see complacency, pride and an indifference to what's going on around us.           keeping our focus on God will help us keep our hearts in the right place.        when we settle in to our comfort, wealth and security, it exposes our pride and self indulgences.         we need to look at our spiritual lives and see where we are and then recognize that any and all blessings come from God.         God has a heart for justice and if we are seeking after the heart of God, we too have a heart for justice.         we will all stand before God some day and give an account of the way we lived our lives.         pray for a spirit of humility and a deeper understanding of God.

Chapter 7,          God's justice is real and so is His compassion.         despite opposition we are called to stand firm in our faith and proclaim God's truth!!        we need to be prayer warriors for our nation and other countries around the world.         also for our friends and neighbors, right where we live.        does our actions and attitudes line up with the righteousness of God?         if not, why?          sin is serious and it requires repentance.         do we see sin as serious?        most don't, but God does.        we need to seek God's mercy and forgiveness for our own personal sins and for the sins of our nation.    

Chapter 8,           it's important for God's people to maintain their spiritual integrity and deal with people fairly in our every day lives.        we have to read the word of God daily to avoid a spiritual famine in our lives.        the only way to know the word of God is to read it daily.       repentance and obedience to God's commands is very important and we need realize that.       even when we can't feel the presence of God in lives, stand firm and stay the course.         God is still in control and you just may be in a season where God is quiet for a reason, stay the course.        thank God for His word and pray for a deep hunger and yearning for scripture to avoid a spiritual famine.

Chapter 9,         God is a righteous judge and a merciful restorer.          I think every one can attest to that personally.         I know I can.      His mercy, grace, restoration and blessings is abundant for His believers.       sin has consequences but we can have hope in God only He can give.        God always has restoration and blessings for His people.          we should strive to live Him knowing that nothing is ever hidden from Him.        we need to strive to be a part of the faithful remnant that God preserves, living a life that mirrors His truth and values.     may we be reminded of the seriousness of sin and that it has to be dealt with.         But God is always offering hope of restoration and blessings.

next time we pick up with Obadiah Chapter 1.

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today is Good Friday, the day our Lord was crucified.         doesn't sound much like a good day does it?  but we know the story doesn't end here.        if it did, we'd all be doomed.         but praise God, Ressurection Sunday is coming!!!!        so just hang on, sunday's coming.        may we keep sunday about the resurrection and not about easter candy and the easter bunny.        let's keep the focus of Christ and what He done for us.       blessings of restoration and healing be ours.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and Maundy Thursday

good morning from my neck of the woods.          it's sunshiny right now and it's kinda deceptive too, because it's a little chilly.        hahaha           it was 36 degrees this morning when I got up.         but it will warm up one of these days and I will then be moaning about that.         hahahaha         yup, I know me all too well.          I'll bet some of y'all do the same thing too.          hahahaha           well, I don't know what I'll get into today, there's a lot I need to do, but not a lot I wanna do.            so we'll see if need or  wanna  wins  today.        one  things for sure, if I don't get it done, it will still be there tomorrow.         well, it will.       don't do like I do, do as I say,  if it needs to be done, just do it.         I hope everyone has a beautiful day today.         in the mean time, I gotta get busy.     

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I have always wondered what Maundy Thursday actually meant.          I started looking to find out.         in the past, when I've asked people that should have known, (just like I should have known before now) I never got an answer that even remotely felt right.         so let's see what we can come up with.

Thursday was the day that Jesus celebrated His final Passover with His disciples.         it was at this Passover meal that Jesus washed the disciples feet.          if you've ever had your feet washed by another person in commemorating what Jesus done for His disciples, it's very humbling.         and we have to realize that Jesus humbled Himself to do this, by becoming a servant to His disciples.       Jesus then commanded His disciples to do the same for each other.        so, where does Manudy come in and what does it mean?            to love Jesus means to serve others.

Christ's "mandate" is commemorated on Maundy Thursday---"maundy" being a shortened form of mandatum (Latin), which means "command."         It was on the Thursday of Christ's final week before being crucified and resurrected that He said this commandment to His disciples.         Jesus and his disciples had just shared what was known as the Last Supper and he was washing their feet when he stated:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34).

Jesus raised the bar by setting a new standard of love.           love people even if they don't love you.      love people even if they have nothing to give you.         love people by doing something for them that most people would not dream of doing.        love people.        love all people.        love people.        love people by being a servant to them.         if you want to be a great leader, be a great servant.        Jesus was the example of being a great servant.          I don't have the power to forgive and cleanse like Jesus does, but through His love for me, I can love you.         Jesus gave us the greatest gift of all time, eternal salvation.         I wouldn't have known that gift, if people before me had not loved people enough to share love with them, Jesus' love.          Jesus loved sacrificially.           He gave His life for me, you and everyone who choose to accept His gift of salvation.         while you and I can't give someone salvation, we can certainly share about the One who can.         that's love.        meet people right where they are, at the greatest point of their need.         love them.       

Jesus knew what lay ahead for Him.           after breaking the bread with the disciples, one went to to betray Christ and the others went to the Garden of Gethsemane and Jesus prayed to His Father.        He knew what lay ahead.        but Jesus never forgot to love.           He wanted this cup of death to pass from Him, but He also know this was His destiny.          shortly after His prayer to His Father, He was betrayed by one of His disciples and then arrested, unjustly.   

So, this probably wasn't the best description of Maundy Thursday, but maybe you can put together some more info to go along with this start and see that Maundy Thursday is actually a command from Jesus to love each another as He has loved us.        let's think about the love that Jesus had and has even now for us.         no greater love has this world known, than the  love of Jesus Christ.

while we think about the foot washing ceremony and the breaking of bread, let's keep the main thing in focus.         sometimes we can get lost and carried away with rituals.        keep the meaning of the action first and foremost in our minds.        be very aware of what we do and why we do it.        and while doing so, love others as Christ has loved us.

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giggle for the day:

Q - What do you call an alligator who solves mysteries?

A - An invest-igator!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

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picking up with Amos Chapter 2,            we see more of God's judgement.           but we also see that His judgement is meant to bring His people back to Him.          it's not meant for destruction, but it's meant for restoring His people back to righteousness.         when we abandon God's commands and engage in sinful behavior, we can expect discipline from God.         how can we be people who brings change for the good in our community or church?        we can NOT be swayed by cultural or societal practices that go against the word of God.          we have to stand firm on God's word.         keep a heart of gratitude that remembers all the blessing from God and also remembers where we were before God intervened in our lives.          pray for strength to turn away from sin.         pray for wisdom and courage to live a life based on the standards in God's word.

Chapter 3,          since we are chosen by God we have a responsibility to live our lives based on His word.        God is, always has been and always will be committed to His justice and righteousness.       as God's own people we have an accountability that comes with responsibility and there are consequences when we don't live up those responsibilities.           are we living in a way that honors the calling that God has over our lives?           make sure that our lives are aligned with God in all we do.          continue to seek after the heart of God.    

Chapter 4,            there are consequences to every choice we make, good or bad and we have to be ready to repent when necessary.         lay aside the rituals and seek real transformation.          are there areas in our lives where we have become desensitized to the seriousness of sin, if so, repent.         is God using areas in our lives to draw us back to Him?         probably so.          God has control over all creation so we can trust His plans for our lives.        work on developing a heart that is ready to meet with Him and seek forgiveness from God when we've strayed.          

Chapter 5,             God's mercy continues to shine through and He calls for a sincere repentance.         lay aside the rituals and lifeless traditions and seek God.          God's call is for repentance and righteousness.            God is tired of empty rituals, He wants genuine worship.         is my worship a genuine reflection of my love for God?         I need to make it a daily practice to study Gods' word, pray and strive to do God's will in my life.           ask God to help us worship Him in spirit and truth and ask for a renewed heart that seeks Him daily.         

next time we pick up with Chapter 6.

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I guess we will wrap it up and get on into our day.         I hope and pray that we will all have a great day and keep God first place in our day.            seek to do His will in all we do.        focus on the coming Sunday.          Resurrection Sunday!!!!!!         praise God for what He has done for us!!          blessings of truth and strength be ours.

hugs and love, patty 

Bible Study and "There's More"

good morning loved ones of God.         I pray that we had a great day yesterday and a wonderful night of rest and that we're all ready to face this day with great expectation.         let's make it a good day and see how we can worship and praise God in the midst of living our lives.        tell someone today that There's More!!          and then share some more with them.          share hope and love with people who need it and be an encourager to those around you.        I'm hoping I can get some seed starts up-potted in some solo cups this afternoon.        don't know if it that will happen, but hopefully it will.        then maybe in a week or so I can get some of my plants permanently in their forever homes.         I need to get some sourdough bread started sometime today.       anyway, we'll see what I get done today.       

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this is something I wrote back in 2017 and thought I would share it again.

"There's More".    What is the first thought that you have when you hear those 2 words?     I forget where I heard those words in conjunction with I am gonna share today.    A lot of times, I will hear something that stirs me and when that happens, I have to get away so I can let God show me what He wants me to see instead of someone else's view.     So, when I heard, "There's More", I turned the television off and met with God.

So, let me share with you what God has shared with me, in His word.    One thing is this, makes no difference how the situation looks, "There's More".     Makes no difference what the diagnosis is, "There's More".    Makes no difference where you are in life, "There's More".     You know what, sometimes the "There's More"  is suffering.     Sometimes, the "There's More" is coming with the diagnosis.     Sometimes, the place you are in life is not good and "There's More".     The not so good stuff is there for each one of us, and it seems like when it starts raining, "There's More".

When it seems like the "There's More" is always nothing but painful and hurtful, just remember, you are not in this alone.    If you know Christ as your Savior, you are not alone, "There's More".     He is the Author and Finisher of "There's More"!     Look at all the lives in the Bible that He changed for the good.    And the "There's More" that He gives is good.    He says, "Yes this situation looks difficult, but "There's More"!     He says, "Yes, that diagnosis may be terminal, but "There's More"!     He says, "Yes, the place you are at right now is not good, but "There's More"!    

Romans 8:37 speaks of us being more than conquerors.

Psalm 68:35 speaks of God being more awesome than His holy places.

Psalm 71:14 speaks of David saying he hopes continually and will praise You (God) more and more.

Matthew 6:25 Jesus speaks of life being more than food and the body being more than clothing.

Acts 20:35 Paul quotes Jesus as saying "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Hebrews 10:17 says "their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more".

James 4:6 says "but He gives more grace".

1 Peter 1:7 says that our genuine faith is more precious than gold that perishes.

2 Peter 1:10 says to be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. (call and election is referring to one's own salvation experience)

Revelation 21:4 says there will be no more death, nor sorrow, no crying and no more pain.

Revelation 22:3 says there shall be no more curse.

I think at the end of all these "There's More's", I can say, "But wait, There's More"!!!    I think the "more" that most of are waiting for is the "more" that is an eternity in the presence of our Lord, Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ.    From all the descriptions of what heaven is gonna be like, I dare say that someone will be showing us through the streets of gold and saying, "but wait, There's More!"    At every turn, there will be "more".     It seems like every time we turn the news on, there's more and more garbage, pain and evil.   That's what the news media wants to report and they have plenty to report.     Some day and some day soon, that will change!     Jesus is coming and "There's More"!!!  I do look forward to "There's More", how about you?

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giggle for the day:

Q - What kind of socks do grizzlies wear?

A -  None, they have bear feet!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

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picking up at Hosea Chapter 13,           we see there is severe consequences for walking away from God for the fleeting pleasures of the day.         that's what Israel had done and that's what we do today.      even thru judgement, God wants us to return to Him.          it's so easy to get focused on the wrong things and stray from God.         it's detrimental to us and many churches have done the exact thing and many churches have fallen away and they don't even know it.       rituals and fake worship.       do you see it, do you recognize it?         what has taken God's place in your life?        focus on the ways that God has provided for you in difficult times.         let this give you a heart of gratitude and continue to remember.           ultimate power is God's.         don't place your trust in human leadership, trust God above all.       ask God for more faith to trust Him more.         let's  keep seeking after the heart of God in all we do.     

Chapter 14,         God is always ready to forgive and restore!!!!         Praise Him for that!!!        we are reminded in this chapter that the ways of the Lord are right and just and the righteous will walk in His ways.        are you walking in His ways?          am I?        serious questions for sure.       God offers restoration, we just have to repent.         God offers us unconditional love, we just have to receive it and let it transform our lives.      lets ask God to heal the brokenness in our lives and restore our relationship with Him.      prayer, study and worship can deepen our relationship with God.        let's do this, so we can be where we need to be.         encourage others by sharing what God has done for us.         Thank You Father God for loving us and providing a way for us to be in right relationship with You!!!!

Joel Chapter 1,            Joel shares a scene of devastation that reminds us that God hears our cries, even in the face of doom.        God is our only source of salvation and restoration.        this chapter encourages us to seek the mercy and grace of God.        sometimes our judgement will come in the form or a plague of devastating locusts which requires repentance.         I'm reminded of the scripture, 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."       (God was calling His people, not the pagan world, but His people to humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways.     that's who God is calling today, His people.    why would the world want to turn to Christ when our lives, Christians, our lives look just as terrible and sometimes worse than the pagans lives do.)     again, we see "seeking God's face", are we seeking after God with our whole being?         if so, God will heal us and our land.        pray for a heart of humility and repentance.       seek God's mercy and forgiveness, healing and restoration.        those will only happen thru repentance.      

Chapter 2,         this chapter shows that God truly is in charge.        we see judgement, repentance, restoration and blessing.         God is in charge!!!        He is merciful and faithful!!!        He is quick to forgive!!!        sincere repentance leads to full restoration.         hold on to the promises of restoration and blessing knowing that God can heal our brokenness!!!         have you let Him into your brokenness yet?   we can be assured that nothing in our lives will ever shock God, so, don't hesitate to share your brokenness with the One that can restore you!!!       pray for the Holy Spirit in your life.       He's there, we just have to ask for God's help, to help us recognize the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Chapter 3,           we can't have God's love without having His justice and judgement.        Christ died on the cross for me and that's where my justification comes in at.        with His sacrifice and me accepting the gift of salvation, I've been made just as if I'd never sinned.        that's God's love!!!!        God will deliver and restore anyone who will seeks after Him and will trust Him.        God will bring justice to all nations, we need to always remember that.        our hope is in God's promise of restoring and blessing His people.      pray for a heart that desires to seek and serve God in all our ways.        

Amos Chapter 1,            God does not overlook and ignore sin, He is impartial in judgement.       we need to live righteous lives because God's mercy is with those who live righteously and do good.       it makes no difference who we are, nation or individual, God's impartial judgement will happen.        God is no respecter of persons or nations.        we, as believers are called to live just and righteous lives right where we live, standing up against wrong doing and oppression.        God is in control.         ask God for strength and faith to trust His plan even in the face of danger.        sin is serious and we need to live lives that reflect God's mercy and grace.

next time we pick up at Amos Chapter 2.      

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I guess this is where we'll call it a wrap.          I hope you have a magnificent day today and that we all will continue to seek after the heart of God in all we do.         we can certainly see the importance of doing so.         I don't know what all is on our agenda today, but we'll see what the day brings.       if it's something fun, I'll certainly tell y'all about it.        

but wait, "There's More"!!!!!       this is Resurrection Sunday week, starting with Palm Sunday, last Sunday.         one thing that I think about during this time is Palm Sunday, the people was laying the palm branches down and shouting "Hosannah" which means "save now".       I wonder how many of those same people were in the crowd later  on  in  the  week, shouting "crucify  Him"?          that's  something that's always resonated with me.         I also wonder if I had lived during that time, would I have been a Christ follower?          would I have been one of the women at the foot of the cross, weeping over my Lord and Savior, or would I have been one of the nameless faces in the crowd shouting "crucify Him!!"?           I'll never know, but I do know I love my Lord and Savior and it makes me cry just to think about this scenario and wondering where I would have stood.    

lots  to think about as we await Resurrection Sunday.         this certainly gives us a lot think about.      and as we study the bible, we see everything that we have studied to this point is bringing us to Resurrection Sunday.         salvation and restoration and healing brokenness if for anyone who wants to receive it.         a free gift from our Lord and Savior who paid the ultimate price for us.       blessings of mercy and healing be ours.

hugs and love, patty