Sorry, I didn’t make the Tuesday post. Between “company” and trying to get this site working, with several emails back and forth with my site host, I’ve gotten far enough to say…Hi!
I’m still working on what the future of this site will be. It depends on whether it will do what I’m asking. Meanwhile, I’ll pop in when I can, remind you how much God loves you, and try to get back on a schedule. – Vicki
Have you ever felt like time was getting away from you? I am sitting at my desk, looking at the calendar above my monitor. It is still reads March.
I missed some posts with you, and I’m hoping I can return to a routine. I continued having trouble sitting at the desk and finally broke down and got a new office chair. One with lumber support, thick cushions, the ability to slightly rock if I desire, and a high back so my still sore shoulder feels more support. It is comfortable. I talked myself out of the one that had heat and massage capabilities. The tightwad inside of me screamed NO! when I saw the cost.
I’m unsure what will happen with the blog, whether it will remain as is or undergo some reformatting. I did get a better plan to give me more flexibility, so I’ll problem spend some time experimenting.
The plan is to get serious about my writing again. I keep thinking about writing a devotional, but something like that has got to have clear direction from the Lord, and so far, I haven’t gotten that.
Meanwhile, the novel I was working on is still on the workboard, so that might get finished first before I start something new.
No matter what I write, faith in God will always be a part of it. Maybe I’ll take that simple life theme a little deeper and have fun with photos of my domineering cat and whatever other pictures I take. That old 35mm might have to come out of the closet.
The computer screen bounces up and down like I’m playing an old video game, so I will make this a short post. Be blessed, my friends, and I’ll be back with you soon. – Vicki
Have you ever considered how confusing that last week before Christ’s crucifixion was? The disciples were sure that the new kingdom was about to happen. The crowds cried Hosanna, “Please Save us!”. We can almost visualize excitement like the coming home of a Super Bowl winner. It was going to happen. Jesus would soon rule. They would be free.
And then He was taken. And he didn’t try to stop it. He didn’t argue his innocence. He even healed the ear of someone who had come to take him away. What was going on? Their hopes, their dreams, were being shredded before them.
Most stayed far enough back they couldn’t be associated with Jesus as it all played out. If you think about what was done to Him it seems more than barbaric. More than hideous.
And then it was over. The promises were not fulfilled. Their leader, their Messiah was dead.
Isn’t it interesting when chaos so warps the mind that things are forgotten. Things like Jesus telling them exactly what would happen. Like assuring them the promises were real. That someday they would understand. Jesus knew. He chose to continue. The depth of that courage, that love, is beyond my mortal thinking. I just accept it as truth. His Truth. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Light. (John 14:6) Those weren’t mere words. Those were promises with the power of God behind them.
The fear overcame those left behind. They hid. They nervously watched for trouble.
And then it really happened.
This song is special to me, first of all because of the emotion and power in it, but because it was first song I ever played as a member of a worship team all those many years ago. Because Jesus lives, I was given a gift of public worship that lasted many years.
Not so public now, unless the neighbors hear me, but the joy of praising Jesus will continue into eternity.
Celebrate the Resurrection. If you don’t know, or fully understand salvation and all Jesus accomplished for us, talk with someone. Attend a service that teaches the Bible. You can have eternity with Him. God bless you. – Vicki
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18
I was thinking about the rough week I’d had when I read a Facebook post about not just a rough week but a scary couple of weeks someone else had to deal with. It settled some of my disquiet. God doesn’t want us to compare ourselves to other people, but I have to believe he does want us to be aware of the differences in the battles and the blessings. Not to mourn or gloat but to be mindful of what this life is all about.
It was perfect before the fall. It will be perfect again for believers who have submitted to Jesus, accepted his sacrifice, and recognized that on resurrection day, everything changed.
No one said it would be easy, and, believe me, I have days I wish it were a lot easier than it is. Days when I say out loud, “even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.” But now, we can get through the battling, chaos, and pain by trusting in Him, in His Love.
On this late March day, still in the 30s, but at least with the sun shining, I was given the gift of watching birds hopping across my little yard, searching through the grass. Simple pleasures where joy can be found.
God knows what we need. Time with Him. Time in His Word. Time to experience the beauty of His creation.
You are not alone, my friends. You are loved.
Vicki E. Whitlock - Blog posts 