It's Not Luck

We've all noticed the current trend for young people to marry later and later, deferring the day until various conditions are met. Education completed, career established, the field played sufficiently, etc. , as Mark Regnerus, author and sociology professor, noted recently in his Washington Post Article,

Convinced that there actually is a recipe for guaranteed marital success that goes something like this: Add a postgraduate education to a college degree, toss in a visible amount of career success and a healthy helping of wealth, let simmer in a pan of sexual variety for several years, allow to cool and settle, then serve. Presto: a marriage with math on its side.

Too bad real life isn't like that. Marriage actually works best as a formative institution, not an institution you enter once you think you're fully formed. We learn marriage, just as we learn language, and to the teachable, some lessons just come easier earlier in life. "Cursed be the social wants that sin against the strength of youth," added Tennyson to his lines about springtime and love.

I realize that marrying early means that you engage in a shorter search. In the age of online dating personality algorithms and matches, Americans have become well acquainted with the cultural (and commercial) notion that melding marriage with science will somehow assure a good fit. But what really matters for making marriage happen and then making it good are not matches, but mentalities: such things as persistent and honest communication, conflict-resolution skills, the ability to handle the cyclical nature of so much of marriage, and a bedrock commitment to the very unity of the thing. I've met 18-year-olds who can handle it and 45-year-olds who can't.

Today, there's an even more compelling argument against delayed marriage: the economic benefits of pooling resources. My wife and I married at 22 with nothing to our name but a pair of degrees and some dreams. We enjoy recounting those days of austerity, and we're still fiscal conservatives because of it, better poised to weather the current crisis than many, because marriage is an unbelievably efficient arrangement and the best wealth-creating institution there is. Married people earn more, save more and build more wealth compared with people who are single or cohabiting. (Say what you will about the benefits of cohabitation, it's a categorically less stable arrangement, far more prone to division than marriage.) We can combine incomes while reducing expenses such as food, child care, electricity, gas and water usage. Marriage may be bourgeois, but it's also the greenest of all social structures. Michigan State ecologists estimate that the extra households created by divorce cost the nation 73 billion kilowatt hours of electricity and more than 600 billion gallons of water in a year. That's a mighty big carbon footprint created in the name of solitude. Marriage may not make you rich -- that's not its purpose -- but a biblical proverb reveals this nifty side effect: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work."

So while many young Americans mark their days in the usual ways -- by hitting the clubs, incessantly checking Facebook, Twittering their latest love interest and obsessing about their poor job prospects or how to get into graduate school -- my applause goes out to those among them who've figured out that the proverb was right. One of those is Jennifer, a 23-year-old former student of mine. She's getting married this fall. It wasn't religion that made her do it. It wasn't fear of being alone. It was simply affection. She met Jake while still in college and decided that there was no point in barhopping through her 20s. Her friends balked. She stood firm. Now they're bridesmaids.

There is, unfortunately, quite a bit of negativity attached to an earlier marriage. Young people face both parental and peer pressure discouraging the idea, while extolling the supposed benefits of waiting. But, it seems the studies and surveys are once again confirming the wisdom of Scripture. The older we get, the more set in mind, opinions and our own ways of doing things. Compromise may prove more difficult. Getting started together at a younger age, working in tandem, and with the energy of youth, can help achieve that goal of unity. It takes commitment of course, and the decision to love. No luck involved here.

It's Not a Tulip Garden

I love my tulips. Somehow just couldn't resist. Actually I was being impatient in the supermarket line, stepped away from my cart and spotted these lovelies calling out to me. A good distraction and better than tabloid headlines, from my bad attitude.

I was journaling yesterday about unrighteous attitudes, and how we can think our reasons for them are justifiable. Attitudes being the thoughts and intents of the heart. Later, I'm often not even able to remember what those so-called reasons were, but unfortunately, the sad consequences of our poor disposition may follow after us into the future, despite whatever we do to change and correct it.

It brings to mind David's wife, Michal. From her point of view many factors would have justified her contempt and the harsh words spoken to her husband. She had loved him and helped him to escape the wrath of Saul, her father. He on the other hand, seems to have forgotten her, had married at least five other women, at the point years later - after she had been given by her father to another, and is now in an apparently happy marriage to a man devoted to her - when David brings her back for political, and or prideful reasons. She is also without children, a pitiful position in that culture. Is her bad attitude therefore okay?

After sympathizing with Michal, we might attempt to see things from God's perspective. Though, of course, we can't understand it all, we do know He is more interested in our heart attitudes than our temporary happiness. David was her rightful husband, whatever right or wrong decisions he may have later made with regard to other wives. Any children she might have borne could have been said to be of the line of Saul, and a possible cause of future contention or claim to the throne of Solomon, God's choice. Was Michal grateful for the good things she did have?

We are always in control of how we think and act, irregardless of circumstances and other people. I guess it's a cliche to say life is what we make of it, but still... Is life ever fair, ever without trial, ever a tulip garden all of the time?

Still Waiting

Mangosteen Tree

This is a Mangosteen tree we planted quite a few years ago, probably over 15. We are still waiting for some fruit. Hopeing. Any year now I'm expecting to see a bloom or two, harbingers of upcoming little mangosteens. Sometimes in our spiritual lives we seem to have a long wait for certain fruits or usefullness. But, we have to know that "He who began a good work in us will complete it."

My daily readings in Scripture have taken me to the controversial section in Ezekiel describing the yet-to-be built temple. Reading about all the gates and guard alcoves, which face inward, it occurred to me that trouble, in both families and governments, often comes from within. This may account for the use of the Greek word "naos", meaning a spiritual temple of God's people, rather than "hieron", a physical building of wood and stone, in 2 Thessalonians 2:4, where the "man of lawlessness" sets himself up. So, we might assume that the Antichrist will come out of the church, accompanied by signs and miracles. Aside from this point, I found my questions about animal sacrifices being reestablished and what the temple would look like were nicely and quite accurately answered from the book by Paul Jablonowski at his website. For the final answers, we'll just have to wait, though he seems to feel we're right at the end of this age.

Back to the subject of waiting on the Lord, (I'm still meditating on that) and thinking about Moses again. He was in a sort of semi-retirement (like me) his sons likely grown and doing a lot of the work he had once done. Was he now so used to the peace and quiet of country life, far from successful military campaigns, or the intrigue, rumors and energy of city living, of the royal court in Egypt, that he had even forgotten that vision of delivering his people? Perhaps, settled and comfortable, he also enjoyed the solitude and simple routines.

God needed to use a burning bush to get his attention. And, once he had it, to use miracles and a lot of convincing to get him going. Those of us who don't have a problem saying "no" may be so caught up in doing the comfortable routines, that we miss or avoid God's call. On the other hand, the opposite error is in being so busy, caught up in all kinds of volunteer work, groups, and clubs - often for that feeling of being needed -that real needs, priorities, assignments may go unheard or put aside for lack of time.

Waiters Wait

Sunny took this lovely picture. The turtle is waiting....resting, and doesn't appear to be stressed out about getting supper together, cleaning up his (or her) shell, achieving a life goal, etc. etc. There's something to be said for that ability. Of course, some people have it to excess, but for those of us with the opposite leaning, we can ponder the tortoise.

God is the one who sends out, who calls, who gives assignments, opens doors of opportunity, shuts others, and I need to be content to wait on him. At one time in my life I had a ladies' Bible Study and we called ourselves "Ladies in Waiting," with that idea, of developing the quality of being a servant, listening for the assignment, or a waiter/waitress waiting; not coming up with whatever independently, and running with our own idea. Of course, the next step, that of doing what we're told, once we get the order - serving - can be the subject of another post. Though, it's a hard one in practice, being content to wait can be more difficult than doing something, anything.

For those interested, there are many scriptures on the subject. One of my favorites is Isaiah 40:31.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Then, I always remind myself of Moses, out in the desert for 40 years, tending sheep, probably remembering his first 40 years as someone of importance in Egypt. He was most likely a serious contender to the throne, brought up to succeed Pharaoh. He was general of the Egyptian army, and successful in their conquest of Ethiopia, according to Josephus. Stephen also refers to him as "mighty in words and in deeds." Acts 7:22 He was known to the people as a royal personage, a military leader of distinction, recognized; then exiled, lost in obscurity and not doing anything great, or even close to it. He must have wondered if God had a purpose for him at all, or if he was forgotten or rejected by God. Certainly we know he developed humility, keeping faithful in the small things of his life. He was not thinking of glory any longer.

I think my conclusion is just to keep faithful while waiting, in the everyday, the mundane, small necessary things of life - and that is the key to moving on in what God has for me. (Matthew 25:23)Tending the sheep, busy at home (Titus 2:5), working to provide for ourselves and our families (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11) - so we can see the concept doesn't promote laziness. Hopefully, in the process I'll get more humility too.

There is Light

Smiling Pita

This pita should maybe go on ebay for big bucks. My daughter bakes bread, crackers, sometimes pita, for the Farmer's Market. Right now, her oven is behaving erratically and she is experiencing some terrific back pain. Please pray for Sunny.

This imperfect life is meant to cause us to seek our perfect Creator God;
the loss or unfaithfulness we experience, to trust his enduring love;
the ugliness we encounter, to desire his beauty.
When we are faced with lies, it makes us see how precious his truth is;
in hopelessness, he is our hope and salvation.
In a time of terrorism, he holds a perfect peace that passes understanding.
In a world marred by the effects of sin, we need our Creator's correcting, healing hand.
There will be an end to evil; all the prophecies will be fulfilled.

"Whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord." Ezekiel 12:28b

Enduring Love

She's the surrogate hen - gathering them under her wings

Kealani enjoys cuddling their new Silkie chicks. It reminded me of the scripture where Jesus, speaking of Israel (and us, by extension - Romans 9:24) says:

"how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." Matthew23:37

There are so many scriptures that encourage us about the love of God. Psalm 136, for example, repeats the phrase "His love endures forever" after every one of its 26 verses. We must need to hear it a lot. And, if we're going through grief, these are good:

"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me." Psalm 17:6
"Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.
For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." Lamentations 3:32-33

On top of all that, God enjoys those cute chickens as much as we do. After all, he created them - they're not some inbred hybrid, but an ancient line remarked upon by Marco Polo when visiting China. And, the hens are known to be especially good mothers.

The Hanging Gardens of...

Where are the hanging gardens??

I've been reading through Jeremiah and was struck by all the predictions regarding the demise of Babylon, now Iraq, and parts of Iran. Much his prophecy has come to pass, though there is yet a further devastation to come. We can count on it. Anyone who says otherwise is ignoring the evidence of their eyes, not to mention the Word of God. We get to see that wasteland frequently on TV. And, looking at shots of the country on nightly news, many of us are amazed anyone would live there.


Babylonia is indeed a desolated land today. It was not always, apparently. The city of Babylon was once known as the city beside many waters, famous for its hanging gardens.

"The Lord will carry out his purpose, his decree against the people of Babylon. You who live by many waters and are rich in treasures, your end has come, the time for you to be cut off." Jeremiah 51:13 "She will be the least of the nations - a wilderness, a dry land, a desert." Jeremiah 50:12- and many similar verses.

God's Word is true, all the time. But, what can I learn from this? What is the personal application here? For one thing, it is an encouragement to us all, that yes, the evil in the world will be righteously judged, and come to an end. I can trust what the Scriptures tell me. And, when it says,

"Flee from Babylon! Run for your lives! Do not be destroyed because of her sins."
Jeremiah 51:6a

I can take that to mean, in my own life, don't be tempted to blend in, adapt the standards, goals and criteria of the world. Don't be afraid to be different.

Things Not Clear

It's not always clear

Some mornings, reading my scriptures for the day, I get a real revelation, sometimes an encouragement or correction and some days, like today, a great big WHY?? Usually, well, at least a good percent of the time, I'll hear a teaching that explains the question, or the Lord will show me in another bit of his word, on another day, the meaning. Of course, if I'm not lazy, and dig in and search other scriptures out, it helps. So, I'm probably going to get an answer, at some point in time to this one:

"I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart." Jeremiah 24:7

The prophet had just been railing at the people for not obeying God, most of the previous 23 chapters. Why are there evil people if they could just be given a heart to know God in the first place? I know it is by grace we are saved, and not by anything we do ... still, if they are "the objects of his wrath - prepared for destruction..." Romans 9:22 Why castigate them?

Some things won't ever be very clear until we meet the Lord in the end, even though there are plenty of people who think they have it all figured out.

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a glass; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

Our weather, here in Hawaii is pretty unpredictable as well. I used to tell people, "we've never had a rainy Christmas that I can remember. It's usually clear and sunny." Well, it must be all that global warming causing the strange cold weather patterns on the mainland and the rain here the past few days.

Kids don't care about a little rain. In fact it represents an opportunity. I, on the other hand, am wearing a sweatshirt today and having hot tea and cookies while I blog. It's that cold. I remember talking to my daughter on the phone, during the first winter she was at college on the East coast, and telling her how cold it was here at home. That I had a sweater on or something and she told me, "Mom, you don't know what cold is!" Maybe not. But, do I want to?

No News Is...

Poinsettias in the sun

This morning I was reflecting on the saying, "No news is good news" and how much of what we hear every day is so bad I don't want to read it, hear it, or watch it on TV or the internet anymore. And, the few media sources that actually report the truth about what's going on are, if anything, more depressing. Even for my own blog posts I seem to focus too often on negative stuff. I have heard that it's possible to make my home page show good news only. Maybe that will help? So, as you may have gathered, I was feeling a bit down and discouraged just thinking about this situation.

Then I read Psalm 145. Man, what an incredible change of focus, from the world as it is to the goodness and greatness of God. He is the real good news. I thought about posting the entire Psalm, but you should just go read it for yourselves. Wow, is all I can say. We have a choice as far as focus goes. Without God, how does anyone handle the bad stuff?

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Idol of the Day

Only a garden gnome

I think it adds a whimsical touch. An Ira Ono creation, without any sort of power. Basically a mask on a stick, it does illustrate the utter uselessness of appealing to anything other than God for help. We hear so many injunctions and rebukes, in the Old Testament particularly, regarding idol worship, that in our so very "scientific" age, are easy to disregard; by thinking "that was then" and doesn't apply now. More sermons are needed on the subject of what constitutes an idol in our time.

"Why have they provoked me to anger with their images, with their worthless foreign idols?"
Jeremiah 8:19b

Is the Lord still being provoked to anger by idols? There is a scripture which says greed is idolatry. In the old days, that idol would have been Mammon, or similar gods, worshiped to insure wealth. I remember visiting temples in Japan and noticing the emptiness of spirit; then strolling by pachinko parlors (in the US we have Las Vegas), filled with intent players and an overwhelming spirit of greed. The face of the false god and place of worship has changed. Today, as ever, adultery, fornication and pornography are the pursuit of sex before God - what the Israelites knew as Ashtoreth, goddess of the Sidonians (among others and by different names.)

There is so much focus in Scripture on the subject of idolatry that it must be just as important for us - that they all be uncovered in our time - recognized for what they are. Today our idols are more concealed, often shrouded with psychological double-talk and labels - Satan has a game plan for every culture and age. Actually it's also a form of self-deception, not grasping the degree to which God is put in a secondary position.

The god "science" can even claim temples on the high places. Not that scientific research or study is wrong. What is wrong is when it, or anything else, replaces God as final authority in our lives or where we turn for help.

Denominational Dismemberment?

Parade shots - kids supporting Operation Christmas Child

One of the things I appreciate about the Operation Christmas Child Project, aside from the wonderful work of compassion and evangelism, is the unity it promotes, between those churches participating. I love the feeling of the "Body of Christ" coming together. I believe it also makes Jesus happy.

On the other hand, I am definitely not "Foursquare". We saw a promotional video Sunday that emphasized a spirit of Christian denominational, self-serving, disunity. For some reason it makes me very uncomfortable to hear folks repeating over and over, between life testimonies, "I am Foursquare" or Nazarene or whatever, for that matter. It brought to mind what Paul had to say in an appeal for unity among the believers, and I think on this very subject:

"What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Peter"; still another, "I follow Christ."Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?"
1 Corinthians 1:12-13

Dismemberment seems to be happening more than ever in our own age, of Baptist, Missionary, Assembly of God, Lutheran, Episcopal, Foursquare, Nazarene, Calvinist, Reformed and etc.; we are this and you are that, nah, nah, nah. One can only wonder what Jesus thinks of all this grouping off; each sub-heading of Christianity thinking they have the best and most correct answer for the world.

As for me,

"... my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me
in a robe of righteousness." Isaiah 61:10

And, here's another good one along these lines:

"You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow." Isaiah 62:2b

That name happens to be "Christian," correct me if I am wrong.

"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Acts 11:26:b

"However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." 1 Peter 4:16

What, we might ask, is in a name? And, are we now ashamed to be called Christians? We need to pray for more unity among our brothers and sisters in Christ, and be proud to bear his name.

Little Houses of Horrors

... into the depths of the sea

Thanksgiving, being a time to remember things we appreciate, I am so grateful for God's word - for the encouragement, correction, direction, glimpse of the future, but always the comfort that it is.

"Do not fear the reproach of men
or be terrified by their insults.
For the moth will eat them up like a garment;
the worm will devour them like wool.
...I, even I, am he who comforts you." Isaiah 51:7-8a & 12a

Family, on the other hand, can be a real house of horrors. I know I've had it easy, compared to some, still after the 7 page rant I got the other day from my sister, Barbara, who has managed to totally turn my parents against the rest of their family, feeding them an ongoing pack of lies and negative, fossilized, venomous reptile poop, day in and day out, it's difficult to know exactly how to handle the situation. What can you do? I just ask God for direction, one day at a time. The letter has been consigned to the burnable rubbish (some of us still do that out in the country) where it belongs. What a lot of anger, jealousy and resentment, hoarded up over the years, has been revealed. Whew! Sigh .... a part of me wants to answer every stupid remark and set her properly straight, but am restraining myself. Yes, I've done things in the past, not always the best or right even. But, let's all move on. Get over it.

All of this brought to mind the verse in Micah,

"You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the
depths of the sea." Micah 7:19

I just had to drive down to the cliffs and take a few shots of the ocean.

We're born into an earthly family and have no choice in the matter - that's one birth, the physical. Being born again gives us the pleasure and opportunity of an entirely new spiritual family, though again, no choice on who makes up membership (we do have a choice regarding who we hang out with). Spouse and children should, hopefully, be a part of this new family.

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24

This leaving has also the sense of growing up and getting past poor upbringing and any bad training or habits. As Christians we are supposedly maturing, renewed and reborn, putting aside the past as new creations in Christ.

Jesus had a few surprising things to say regarding family, and I am definitely going to take those words to heart:

"Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Matthew 12:48-50

"Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead." Matthew 8:21-22

"And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven." Matthew 23:9

On the other hand, those who lie and refuse the truth were told:

"You belong to your father, the devil..." John 8:44

We shouldn't be too surprised about this division along spiritual lines, as he warned us of it.
And, this morning I was reading in Isaiah, something that directs me to keep my mouth (and pen) shut, with regard to answering her lies and accusations:

"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

Jesus is always a good example. On a positive note, I am thankful for the true family I have, both blood and spirit relations, those who are following Jesus, being understanding and forgiving; not always perfect, but working on it and growing.

A Two-Edged Sword

Christmas cactus

No parable here really, it's just a pretty bloom in the garden. Those thorns are pretty sharp though.

I'm still on Psalm 119, such a fantastic meditation, and it keeps bringing me back to David's wonderful attitude toward God's Word, which has a lot to do with how he regards God himself, how big his God is, and how vital to his very life. If God is all powerful, loving, righteous and willing to intervene as we intercede with him in prayer - involved with his creation as a compassionate Creator - then he is more than able to ensure that we are still in full possession of his awesome word to us, just as David was, but with the added advantage of a finished written communication. It is just as accurate as he wants it to be, just as understandable as truth. He is not a God of confusion and gave us the Scriptures so that we might know the truth about him, his awesome promises, important warnings for our good, and the lessons of an accurate history.

"All your words are true; all your
righteous laws are eternal." Psalm 119:160

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death." Proverbs 13:14

It is a matter of life and death - so ultimately important; how we regard God and his word are intertwined with our salvation, which is eternal life. God's word is powerful.

This is not to say that all of the compilers, translators or even the inspired writers were perfect, or even always righteous men; but God was able to use them to accomplish his own ends, and his purposes cannot be thwarted. Yes, God was in control of assembling the "canon" of Scripture - not men.

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

How big is your God?

Where is that Blue Bird?

How elusive happiness is - so fleeting and ephemeral that it has been compared to a rare blue bird, The Blue Bird of happiness. When I was involved with Hilo Community Players, I wrote an adaptation of the old play for a Christmas production; but that is a digression we won't take at the moment. I'll just say that the main characters spent their whole time chasing after it.

We know it's not found in wealth. Jesus said, "how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom," which gives us a clue that they're not all that happy here either. Nor, in power as Solomon, a powerful man in his day, and noted for being wise, had this to say:

"To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness... " Ecclesiastes 2:26 And:

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:13

It looks as though pleasing God, doing good (not out of duty, but love) and working profitably might bring happiness. We also know from Scripture that "children are a reward from him." They can certainly be a joy. At least until they're teenagers. Love is a joy and source of happiness, that may not last either, since it is a choice, that often doesn't get made. So, we can go our whole lives chasing after happiness, looking everywhere - as in the play - but it might still elude us in the end, no matter what we do. The seeking factor was built in, what's been called a God-sized hole in our psyches. We were designed to seek after him. Searching for happiness is putting the cart before the horse.

"When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29:13

"In your presence is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11

There we have it; I think we've located the Blue Bird.

Gnarly Only Skin Deep

Not as ugly as some years.

My lemon tree is pretty and the lemon flowers smell sweet. Plus which, the fruit is very juicy and good. However these little lemons get regularly discriminated against. They're just not your lovely and unblemished, perfect yellow specimens of lemonitude. If you can believe it, in past years the fruit was even gnarlier. We've been using a mineral boost for the soil, which is poor in Hawaii. Still they're not going to look good in any store; but, mighty fine anyway.




This tree is amazing, cranking out fruit pretty much year round, and lots of it.
On the other hand, the lemon tree across the road produces picture-perfect, very large lemons - with thick skins and less juice than mine. And, not anywhere near the quantity either.

Something to do with all those nice lemons - salt them.

Salted Lemons

• Slice your lemons almost to the stem end in quarters.
• Stuff each with about 1 tablespoon of rock salt and put in jar(s). Add enough salt to surround the lemons.
  
• Minced chili peppers may be tossed in, perhaps some raw, sliced ginger.
• 4 lemons, juiced & the juice poured over all
  
• Then put your jar in a sunny place for 3-4 weeks. (After a few days the level will come down and you may add a few more lemons.)
  
• Let age for 6 months.

This is a nice condiment with curries, roasts, duck, etc. etc. and keeps indefinitely.

And, the parable is - of course - we shouldn't judge by the outward appearance alone, as many did in our recent election. Often the "news" isn't all that objective or fair either. In fact, I would say, most of the time; since "they" have their own agendas.

Churchgoers of a Feather

These guys just know they belong together.

What kind of church do we attend? Can a church be pictured as a person, with character and personality? One with godly traits, as well as flaws needing correction? I think so, at least from the way Jesus, in Revelation, addressed the seven churches of Asia. As, "to the angel of ..." and, "I know your deeds...." There would seem to be a unified spirit in some sense, at work in each. Of course, it could be argued that his remarks were meant for the churches of each given city, overall. But in our day with the wide range of choices available and many so different from one another, perhaps it would better apply to individual churches.

People gravitate to a place of worship compatible with the Spirit in them, or that they are being drawn towards. Though it may be difficult to find a church we agree with in everything, most of us will not sit for twenty years in a place where we are hearing preaching that consistently goes against what we believe. We do, just humanly speaking, like to have our convictions reinforced by others, especially those we respect, and dislike having them contradicted. As my mother used to lecture us regarding friends, "birds of a feather..." I think we can learn something, not everything, about a person, based upon where he or she regularly attends church. What sort of church is it?

Then there is the whole question of the angels who are being addressed by Jesus. Pastors and elders come and go, however it seems from this as well as similar passages in Daniel that angels are given long term spiritual oversight in countries, cities and churches, battling in the heavenly realm against the enemy who attacks the people of God. That is their job, which we don't have complete understanding of. Our job, which is always a better place to focus, if we discern a fault, in an otherwise sound church, is to pray earnestly and to be salt and light, speaking out where appropriate, volunteering where needed and to pray more.

Making Vinegar

You've heard the expression, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade?" Well, how about this one: "When life gives you junk wine, make vinegar?" This is my vinegar crock. I keep it in my pantry. You start by pouring in a bottle of apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered, with the "mother" - which is what they call the vinegar culture - not an exotic period in history) then dump in any wine you happen to have that doesn't meet your high standards of excellence. Keep a clean cloth over it so that the vinegar can breathe, but not with any bugs. From time to time (maybe once a week or so) add a glassful, or the rest of a bottle of wine. After a few months, lift off the thick layer of culture that will have formed on top, so it won't take over the entire production. By now you can probably open the spigot and fill up a small bottle. Maybe even attach a fancy label, which you've just designed and printed out. What I was doing today. Voila, add oil and you get dressing.

It's also a good parable for life, which often hands us junk. One of my first blog posts was on this very subject, but something we have to keep going back to. I do anyway. Every time there's a set-back, large or small, the temptation is to have a pity party, to whine, grumble, complain and blame. I need lots of reminders to look for the opportunity, the possibility or prayer in the situation. To keep remembering that God is good, and that he is doing a good work in me and,

"will carry it on to completion until the day of Messiah Jesus." Philippians 1:6

God is Not Bipolar

Unbelievers, as well as many Christians, often have trouble with the frequent horrific death, destruction and killing going on in the Bible, even terming some of it genocide. Most of this took place in the Old Testament, though Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) in the New Testament were also judged by God, through the Apostle Peter.

Henry Imler opens up discussion on his post, "An Evil Bipolar God" and presents 3 different options for interpreting Old Testament "genocide." An interesting bunch of comments follows.

The judgments of God for wickedness start with the Flood, which destroyed all of humankind, excepting only one family. That was the hand of God himself. Some of the time he used (uses) people and nations, as when "the iniquity of the Amorites" had reached it's full measure. He commanded Israel to go in and wipe them all out. Later, he had the Babylonians execute his righteous judgment on the Israelites, as he had used various Canaanite tribes to harass the backsliding Israelites during the time of the Judges.

Justifiable homicide by a just and righteous God. The humanists among us cringe at such an outrageous idea. And yet, those same liberal sweetcakes would scream if you denied them the "right" to murder their own babies. A case of calling white black (nothing ethnic intended) and wrong right. In all cases, however, God is the arbiter of righteousness and whatever he does, or causes to be done by his command, is right.

We cannot extrapolate and decide that it would be justifiable to go out and do likewise, taking death into our own hands, on our own initiative, even suicide. That, my friends, is called presumption and is a sin against God. On the order of Jim Jones and Hitler. And, in case some anti-war (aren't we all really?) liberal is reading, that does not include national military service.

So, God is not Bipolar. For,

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

This life is not the end all and be all. It is only an opportunity for us to get to know our loving Creator and to be with him in the life that is eternal.

As a postscript, what I actually had in mind with the photo was a scripture I'd read in Psalms:

"Though my father and mother forsake me,
The Lord will receive me." Psalm 27:10

Remembered when considering the plight of many without parents at all, or who have worthless ones. Perhaps a single mother only, doing her best. But, in spite of the hand we're dealt, and we all have a few dud cards in our decks, God is there - wanting to hear from his children, hoping we'll turn to him for the help we need.

When I Am Weak

Raisin, Kealani and Bindy

Have you ever noticed that as folks get weaker, with age or extreme illness, the spirit in them shows itself more. Defenses are down and the facade is is harder to maintain, so whatever has been in residence becomes apparent - and, more importantly, stronger. That nice smile that was fake all along disappears along with the pleasant disposition, and any pseudo charm. I'll bet plenty of nurses would attest to this. In the case of someone filled with the Holy Spirit, it's not a bad thing, at least in one sense. As the Lord spoke to Paul, after he had asked for healing three times:

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

I remember clearly the death from bone cancer of a friend of ours, Steve Coyle, who was so encouraging to his visitors, when they were obviously depressed at his illness, who was such a vibrant light in spite of what he was going through, that several nurses and his doctor as well, came to a saving relationship with Christ, because of Christ's Spirit shining in him.

On the other hand, those with unclean spirits, in a state of bondage to agents of Satan, full of fear, resentment, hatred, lies, etc., don't display such a noble picture. So, age or debility is not an excuse for giving in to fear or to despair. Or, for wrongly judging God as Job did, and many of us are tempted to do when tragedy strikes. We can be assured that God's loving kindness is unfailing.

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him, for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." Psalms 103:14

I'm reading through Job right now. Not my favorite book. But a lot can be learned from it. One lesson is that we can get totally wrong advice from friends, even believers, who judge based on appearances and mistaken assumptions.

Another lesson, that age is not necessarily an ingredient of wisdom. Job and his friends were all old (Job 32:6), but not all wise. Spiritual maturity and wisdom are not chronologically acquired. Though the younger friend's speech is harder to take (Job 32-37) and, only the Lord's interruption stops his 6 chapter rant. I have to confess I skimmed over it. The missing ingredient is "constant use" or continuing application of learned spiritual truths.

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:14

It is one thing to learn and another, as important, to apply habitually.

You've probably figured out some sort of connection with the photo by now. Kealani is weak, but the horse's power can be appropriately shown through her skill in riding. She's learning.

The Book of Miracles

A miracle of creation

The Bible is only a partial list of the miracles of God. But it's the only list we need.

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 9:10

And,

"Jesus did many other things as well, if every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." John 21:25

It always amazes me when the over-educated religious begin to question this or that miracle of the Bible, beginning with the six-day creation. How about the Resurrection? Hello??? It is a BOOK OF MIRACLES, from cover to cover. Either you believe God or you don't. Let's not nit pick about his Word to us. And, just how big is your God anyway? And, what is faith all about?

I you don't believe it, go find another book for your Life Manual. There's the Course In Miracles so-called, popular awhile back among some "New Agers" (now old agers), and a great influence on Oprah Winfrey. That book could stand some nit-picking. For instance, the bit claiming everything negative is an illusion (sound like Hinduism?) Tell that to victims of the Holocaust or to a raped 6 year old girl. But I don't want to do your job for you.

There are other manuals around. Go for it. I only mentioned this Course in Miracles because one of my sisters took it upon herself to pass a copy out to all the members of our family. And, I found it interesting in the above review link, that a former student of the course was involved in astral projection, as was my sister. Also, their recommended use of "Spirit Guides". I think one has presently taken over in her life. Some of us unenlightened folk refer to those as demonic spirits. And, yes, Margaret, they do exist.

Of course, the Bible uses poetic symbolism. God can be compared to a rock or a bird with protective wings, etc., but you don't need to be a Bible Scholar to figure out what that's all about. God wasn't intending to confuse, fool or hide his truth from anyone seriously seeking him. And, even without the Scriptures,

"God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made (not evolved by chance), so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20 And, his righteousness is "a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.'" Romans 1:17

So, it seems to me that the beautiful water lily here is saying, "Praise the Lord!"