Honoring our Vets

Day 220:  Today my son's class did a field trip to do the Honor Flight.  I think its extremely important that we honor those who fought for our freedom as a nation.  I was a little nervous at first at how the kids would react.  But once they greeted a couple of the veteran's they were just fabulous. They seemed to genuinely appreciate these heroes, gave them hugs, thanked them for their service.

Afterwards I asked them what they thought.  "Best field trip ever!"  "They deserve our thanks!" "They seemed to be glad we were there."  I am hoping this will be something they will never forget.  And hopefully maybe they will come to understand that freedom should never be taken for granted--it is not automatic.  Freedom is worth fighting for.

God bless our American Heroes! May we be blessed to have men and women of such bravery, integrity, and courage to defend this precious gift

Please, God, bless!

"…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Real Suffering

Day 219:  I'm running behind tonight, and I caught this devotional by Anne Graham Lotz in my email. I've often said we cannot possibly, ever comprehend the spiritual darkness and suffering Christ endured because of our sin.

From Anne's Joy of My Heart Devotion:

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV

"In our increasingly secularized society, spiritual suffering is often ignored. It seems to get categorized under all sorts of psychosomatic labels. We may try to drug it, drown it, or lock it up, but it doesn’t go away because it is very real. The spiritual suffering Jesus endured on the cross is not as easily recognizable as His physical and emotional suffering, but it was by far the worst suffering of all. We first glimpse it when Jesus was stripped of His robe and left to hang virtually naked before the world. The emotional shame and humiliation would have been acute for any dignified Jewish rabbi. Yet it wouldn’t even have warranted an honorable mention alongside the spiritual humiliation He endured as He was spiritually stripped of His robe of righteousness in God’s eyes. 

Christ didn’t just take our sins upon Himself, He became those sins for us. Imagine how dirty and vile and evil and guilty and ashamed Jesus must have felt as He hung there before a holy God with our sins exposed as though they were His! Would you thank Him for bearing your sin – so that you can wear His righteousness?"

              Copyright © 2015 AnGeL Ministries, All rights reserved

Please, God, bless!

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Unprepared

Day 218:  Some days I just seem to so unprepared.  I may leave the house and forget something, or be in a rush and not as ready for the days events as I would like to be.  Today was one of those days when I just felt so behind.  I don't like that feeling.  You see, I am more of a planner-I like to be prepared.  In my purse I carry a little pouch that has everything from a baby leatherman, lint remover, dental floss, mirror, motrin, to a little guy that sits on chopsticks for those who don't know how to use them--just in case...

When I don't make time for the Lord, I go about my day feeling VERY unprepared.  Committing to make the time may be hard sometimes, but it is necessary to be spiritually prepared for the curve balls the day has in store for me.

Please, God, bless!

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."  Proverbs 16:3 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Renewed Beauty

Day 217:  I was driving home today and as I was passing by some of the early spring trees, their flower petals blew in the wind and fell like rain.  It was sad, in a way because the trees blooming in their pastel colors look so lovely.  Yet, the green of the trees, while maybe not as fetching, remains where the flowers once were.  The leaves mature and produce a lovely canopy that lasts all Summer long.

How true, that beauty, while it lasts, is lovely. Yet as maturity sets in, there is a new beauty, one of strength, resilience, and renewal, a beauty that persists.

Please, God, bless!

 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Spring in the Neighborhood

Day 216:  Such a lovely day!  My neighborhood is truly beautiful in the spring.  We actually looked at our house in the spring, and decided it was the one for us partly because of the loveliness of the neighborhood.  The flower's sit up proudly, using their strength to break thru the soil barrier and blossom in their glory.  Only God could architect such lovliness!

Please, God, bless!

"I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." Song of Solomon 2:1 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Celebrating Friends

Day 215:  On a whim I tried an app that lets me sketch on my phone since I know when i get home I will immediately go to bed.  The sketch is of no one in particular, just experimenting with the app.

On a good note, we celebrated a "chosen" family member's birthday today and mourned the relocation of another's.    Thank God he gives us friends!

Please God, bless!

"I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts." Psalms 119:63 

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Partiality?

Day 214:  I read an interesting article the other day, "Speaking While Female".  It talked about how men and women are perceived and treated differently in meetings or discussions.  I found it interesting, of course, and I thought maybe there is some truth to it, but I would hope that it is not the norm.

Well, today I had a discussion where I felt like I was living that article.  Every time I said something, I received a negative response.  Using a silly example, I will try to replicate the tone of the conversation.

Me: I think we need more paper plates, this way....
Guy 1: No, we can't include anything else on the table.
Me: I understand about it looking overly crowded, however ....
Guy 1: We can't keep putting things on the table, we need to keep it simple.
Guy 2: Maybe we do need to include more plates. We do have a lot of people attending.
Guy 1: Hmmm, well I think we can make that adjustment.
Guy 3: Maybe we need to use bowls instead.
Me: Well, the last time we used bowls we had several complaints. The different dishes all start to combine, and...
Guy 1: Well, now your just getting in the weeds. This should be a simple thing.
Guy 3: Maybe we should scrap the bowls, mixing tuna casserole and pineapple bake is gross.
Guy 1: Good point.
Me:  *smh*

I think I will start conducting a little experiment and pay closer attention to these dynamics. I might even start keeping tallies.  Is this really the norm?  I hope not.

Please, God, bless!

"But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." James 2:9 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Oh to be a Frog!

Day 213:   I like kids' jokes.  They are silly and make me laugh.  I like this one because sometimes I would really like to be that frog!   I hope it gives you a giggle too!

Please, God, bless!

"Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult."  Prov 12:16 NIV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Equal Faith

Day 212:   I was reading 2 Peter this am and at the very onset, Peter refers to those who have obtained a faith of "equal standing".  I thought that was interesting.

Peter was a pillar of the early church, tried and refined for that role.  Yet, he says to his readers they have a faith of equal standing.  That tells me there is no heirarchy in faith.  Just because someone is  holy man, a leader in the church, or extremely pious doesn't make their faith higher in the faith food chain.

What is fascinating to me is that faith can be held in varying amounts.  But, as we know, Jesus said one can have the faith of a musard seed, and it is still very effective.  So, again, it seems to me that there is a lesson here.  Our faith , no matter how weak or strong is equally as precious and important to God.  So, when inferiority complexes kick in, remember that you are a work in progress, and that your faith stands equitably with the Lord.

"He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matt 17:20 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Bees

Day 211:  A co-worker of mine is a fabulous photographer.  Today he brought by one of his many photo books, this one of his floral photos.  I was completely struck by the intricacies of the bees he had captured! I love to watch the bees as they flit from flower to flower.  And need I say yum to the honey?

Please, God, bless!

"When he returned later to take her, he turned aside to look at the carcass of the lion; and behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the body of the lion." Judges 14:8

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

The Octopus

Day 210:  The hubster was watching some crazy show tonight that showed how strange and insanely complex the octopus is.  The octopus is mostly colorblind, but yet it can instantly adapt and mirror any environment, like an underwater chameleon.  It is thought they can sense the color.  Their suction cups are not just for touch, but also serve as their sense of smell.  They are extremely smart, and can figure out how to perform complex tasks on their own.  They have 3 hearts, over 500 million large neurons, and 100 million small ones.

I often talk about God's object lessons.  If an octopus can be so dramatically complicated, imagine the care he took to create man!

Please, God, bless!

"But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." Job 12 7-10

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Legend of the Dogwood

Day 209:  My dogwoods bloomed today.  So I thought I would share the legend of the dogwood.

Legend of the Dogwood

     At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.

     To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.

     "In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember." 

from "Sower's Seeds Aplenty: Fourth Planting," # 29, p. 22

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Apple of His Eye

Day 208:

 "Keep me as the apple of your eye;

    hide me in the shadow of your wings,"  Ps 17:8 ESV

Isn't it something? 

 God loves you so much that you are the apple of His eye.

When you run to Him he shelters you in His embrace.

He loves you so much, He can't take His eyes off of you.

Please, God, bless!

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Evident Faith

Day 207:  One of the Facebook pages I "like" reported that their Christian content is being censored. This isn't the first page to complain about it. Apparently, speaking about Christ is "hate speech". And that isn't all. Do a quick search and you will find multiple complaints of people critical of Islam, or speaking for traditional values having their pages censored as well. I even saw similar complaints by clean eating pages!
 
Unfortunately, this doesn't surprise me. Social media claims to be a place to express yourself and share, but it really isn't much different than Big Media. How many people can see 3 posts in a row on Facebook from actual friends before they get some ad or suggested page? Not me, that's for sure. I have a bunch of friends, and rarely see what's going on in their lives. But yet I'll see tons of videos advertised that say something like, "They thought she was crazy until she did this!"  or "You won't believe what this grandma did next." So, it isn't about sharing as much as it is about being sold something. And that includes a world view.

I am not ashamed to say I follow Jesus, even though the world is increasingly hostile. There will come a time when believers will need to stand for Christ amidst hate, unashamedly, unabashedly confident and strong in faith. That time seems to be coming quickly. May we not falter. May our faith be as evident as the nose on our face.

Please, God, bless!

"But whoever denies me before people I, too, will deny before my Father in heaven."  Mt 10:33

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Back in Style

Day 206:  Not sure what to doodle, so I just started sketching a cute haircut.  Then I saw this verse and thought of how styles come and go, and it seemed to fit.  What was cool once before, will be cool again someday. What was old becomes new again.  Just waiting for the parachute pants to come back!  Ha!

Please, God, bless!

"That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been;" Ecc 3:15a

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Honoring Sacrifice

Day 205:  Today I confirmed my son's class for a field trip to do an Honor Flight greeting. I have done it before, and its really amazing.  I'm looking forward to the kids having the experience.  One of the moms is going to do a short presentation for the kids before we leave, so they can better understand and hopefully appreciate the tremendous sacrifices these men and women have made.  Their sacrifice allowed the next generations of Americans to live as a free people.  We don't see that kind of selflessness very often these days.

I think there is a good object lesson here for the kids as well.  Christ died so that we can be saved. It is appropriate that we should be thankful, and continually convey our gratitude to the One who gave everything for us.

Please, God, bless!

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Cherry Blossoms

Day 204:  My son had mentioned the cherry blossoms yesterday, and I noticed as I drove into work this morning the green starting to invade the pink fluff of the blossoms.  Its kind of sad, because they are so pretty, but for such a short time.

That's the thing about beauty. Outward appearances may be a feast for the eyes, but they may not be reflective of the heart.

Please, God, bless!

"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  1 Sam 16:7

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Rainy Cat

Day 203:  I often joke that weathermen can't seem to pick their nose let alone the weather.  I'm not trying to be disparaging, because weather is not an exact science.  How many of us have checked the weather, ventured out expecting sun just to have it rain?  Or plan for snow when there was none? Fortunately, most people understand that weatherfolk are making educated forecasts based on a myriad of factors, so while they may often be right, they are never always right.

I read a Q&A tonight where the person asked about future telling.  I think weather forecasters are a perfect example of our inability to predict the future.  But there are others who claim to know the future.  They say they have a sense, or a gift, that its a calling.

Make no mistake, God says the ability to predict the future is His, and His alone!  The only people who were considered prophets were 100% right. If they were wrong once, they were not speaking on God's behalf.  Also note the prophets were VERY explicit in noting the details.  Most self-proclaimed seers are vague, ambiguous, and general, and if they do get the details right, it isn't every single time.

We have a fascination with the future.  Many claim they are modern day prophets. Be wary.  100% right, 100% of the time, 100% in line with what God's Word says--that is the criteria, and the test for a true prophet of God.  

Please, God, bless!

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.”  Isaiah 46:9-10 

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

TRAFFIC!

Day 202:  After a great weekend getaway, the drive home was pretty easy and kind of nice....until...we...hit .....TRAFFIC!  The worst is, there was no reason for it!  Just TRAFFIC!  It took us an extra hour to get home.

I suppose traffic is a good time to practice patience--which I seem to often lack.  I try to remind myself that handling the little things is an indication of how we handle bigger things.  So, I took the time to think, to pray, to chat with the family.  I wasn't exactly happy about it, but not fretting as much as I was on the inside seems to help.  I am ever hopeful that patience can be learned in increasing measure.

Please, God, bless!

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains." James 5:7 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Gnocchi

Day 201: One evening we had gone to a restaurant where my boy discovered gnocchi.  Ever since then he has been bugging me to go back for more--no other restaurant would do.  Well, we finally made it and he gobbled it all up.  Afterwards we went for a walk on the waterfront to enjoy the views, take some pictures.

God gave us food because we need it.  But isn't it amazing how food is so important for more social reasons?  A good meal can seal a covenant, share grief, celebrate special occasions, provide comfort, bring back memories, etc.  God himself enjoyed the savory aroma of sacrifices, Jesus shared meals with his disciples, and symbolized his sacrifice with communion--the bread and the wine.

I love a good meal, and it is appropriate that I continue to thank God for it.

Please, God, bless!

"Prepare my favorite dish, and bring it here for me to eat."  Gen 27:4a

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Flip Flop

Day 200:  I can't  believe I made it to day 200!  I celebrated with a strawberry marguerita and wearing flip flops, enjoying the warm weather.

Please, God, bless!

"The sea is His, for it was He who made it, And His hands formed the dry land." Psalms 95:5

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Turtle Party!

Day 199:  Today we were at a restaurant eating out on the patio and we saw two turtles climb up onto the grass out of a pond to sun themselves.  Over the course of our meal, more turtles crawled up.  Bigger turtles, baby turtles, and some in between.  We counted at least 15 turtles just hanging out having a turtle party!  When we finished out meal, we walked over to try and snap a pic of the turtle social, but they sensed us coming and starting flopping back into the water because it was safe.  Who says turtles are slow!!!


Over time the Jews have been returning to their homeland.  Every now and again some may flee looking for safety.  But, like with the turtles fleeing from a perceived threat from us,  there is no need to run.  God will protect His Beautiful Land, His people.

"He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." Isaiah 11:12 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Weighed and Found Wanting

Day 198:  My husband suggested today's doodle given that there seems to be a theme of judgement today.  The Boston Marathon bomber was found guilty today.  A kid in our neighborhood was arrested last night.  A friends son sits in jail tonight.  An officer is arrested for shooting an unarmed man.

Sometimes there is justice.  Other times it seems there is not.  Man is imperfect, thus we will have imperfect justice.

But make no mistake, God knows the truth In every situation.  God will judge according to his perfect justice,extravagant grace, and endless mercy.

Please, God, bless!

"Tekel, you have been weighed[a] in the balances and found wanting;"  Dan 5:27

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Meetings and Partings

Day 197:  "Life is made up of meetings and partings, that is the way of it." - Kermit the Frog

I think that is my favorite statement in the Muppet Christmas Carol, as Kermit speaks to his family after Tiny Tim's passing.  I suppose it is a rather practical way of looking at life and death. Still, it speaks to me.

This past week a friend I worked with passed away. I hadn't seen him in many years, as he had retired, but he was a great friend, and fun to work with. I learned a great deal from him. He was a good Christian man, a patriot, very smart, and most of all a friend.

I am sad to have parted ways with Warren Mercer.  I look forward to the day when we meet again in heaven.

My prayers go out to his family and friends.

Please, God, bless!

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

No Tears

Day 196:  147 students were killed 4 days ago at a University in Garissa, Kenya.  Students in a prayer meeting saw the barrel of a gun, then young woman leading the prayer lay dead.  Systematically, the Muslim terrorists went through the dorm, singling out the Christians, killing them with no mercy. Their killers mocked the dead lying in a sea of blood.  They laughed, pleased with their callous, disregard for life.

How sad that our country has had such minimal response!  How sad that many recent incidents similar in nature go unnoticed!  The kidnapped Christians in Syria!  The Christian girls kidnapped by Boko Harom.  How sad that we fail to acknowledge this cult of hate for what it is!  How sad that we continue our daily lives without tears for such acts!

Pray for the brethren.  Pray for those suffering for Christ.  Pray for the families of those killed because they believed.

Pray for our complacency, and that we never grow accustomed to such heinous acts of evil.

Please, God, bless!

“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Big Numbers!

Day 195:  "Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him."   Mark 16:5-6


Conservative estimates say that over 300 prophecies have been recorded in the Bible regarding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; he fulfilled all of them with complete accuracy.  This is staggering if you consider the odds of all them being fulfilled by one man--1 chance in 10 to the 157th power!  This is a HUGE number! How huge?  We cannot comprehend. Lets look at a more conservative example.  Winning the powerball lottery.  The odds are 1 in 175 million (or 1.75 x 10 to the 8th power).  Here is how one statistician,Ronald L Wasserstein describes this comparatively meager probability:

"Here is an example I have used in classrooms all over the country, and it is way more fun than thinking about being struck by lightning! Imagine 175 million freshly minted one-dollar bills are being delivered to my house near Washington, D.C. One of those dollar bills is specially marked as the "lucky dollar bill." You get to pick a dollar bill, and if you happen to pick the lucky dollar bill, you win all the dollar bills.

A straightforward mathematical calculation using the dimensions of a dollar bill reveals it will take two semi-trailers to deliver the 175,000,000 dollar bills to my house. Once these arrive, they will have to be unloaded, of course, so you will have a fair chance to pick the lucky dollar bill. So, we will lay them out end to end. How long will that line of dollar bills go?

If we start from my house, we'll have enough dollar bills to go all the way south to Disney World in Orlando. Then we'll still have enough to go clear across the country to Disneyland! But, even then, we are not out of dollar bills, so we can go north and make it all the way to Portland, Oregon. Still, we have dollar bills, enough to make it all the way east to Portland, Maine. And, fortunately, we'll have enough to make it back to my house near DC, completing the loop.

Do we have any dollars bills left? Yes! We would still have enough dollar bills to go all the way around the loop a second time!

Now imagine that you walk, bike or drive for as long as you want around the double loop, and when you decide to stop, you stoop over and pick up one dollar bill. Your chance of selecting the lucky dollar bill is one in 175 million, the same as your chance of winning the Powerball jackpot!"

So, how big is 10 to the 157th power?  Walid Shoebat describes it like this

Let us try to illustrate this number using electrons... Electrons are very small objects. They are smaller than atoms. It would take 2.5 times 10 to the 15th power of them, laid side by side, to make one inch. Even if we counted four electrons every second and counted day and night, it would still take us 19 million years just to count a line of electrons one-inch long.

How many electrons would there be if we were dealing with 10 to the 157th power of electrons?

Imagine building a solid ball of electrons that would extend in all directions from the earth of 6 billion light years. The distance in miles of just one light year is 6.4 trillion miles. That would be a big ball! But not big enough to measure 10 to the 157th power of electrons! In order to do that, you must take that big ball of electrons reaching the length of 6 billion light years long in all directions and multiply it by 6 x 10 to the 28th power! How big is that? It's the length of the space required to store trillions and trillions and trillions of the same gigantic balls and more. In fact the space required to store all of these balls combined together would just start to "scratch the surface" of the number of electrons we would need to really accurately speak about 10 to the 157th power!

Assuming you have some idea of the number of electrons we are talking about; imagine marking just one of those electrons in that huge number. Stirring them all up. Then appointing one person to travel in a rocket for as long as he wants, anywhere he wants to go. Now tell him to stop the rocket, segment a part of space, take a high-powered microscope, and find that one marked electron. What do you think his chances of being successful would be? It would be one in 10 to the 157th power. 

I believe my faith is reasonable.  I believe my Bible is True. I believe in the Risen Christ, who came, died, and rose again to save me!

Please, God, bless!

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Easter Puppy

Day 194:  It was an exciting day, as we welcomed a new puppy into our family.  Lucy is a 6 month old basset, and just as cute as can be.  She and big sister Dari get along great.  Both are worn out! She definitely injects new life into our little family.

This Easter I remember the One who gave me new life, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Happy Easter, from the our family and Easter pup!

Please, God, bless!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." 1 Peter 1:3

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

The Rooster's Crow

Day 193: It is so easy to be an "armchair expert", isn't it? Whenever the Olympics come around, everyone is an expert on gymnastics or ice skating.  "She really blew that landing...did you see that bobble?" Or during a football game, "How could he MISS that?"

It's easy to get into that mode when we read the about Peter, and how he vehemently told our Lord how he would never deny Him. Then the guards came, and Jesus willingly went with them. The disciples scattered. Peter went to the courtyard and was warming himself by the fire, and he did it. He denied Yeshua, not once, but 3 times. And the rooster crowed.

We shake our heads. What a shame....how could he deny our Lord?

But, are we any different? How many times do we keep quiet when the Lord asks us to speak?  How many times do we sin again, after begging for forgiveness? How often do we give our time to our personal entertainment, and leave the Lord alone in a chair, waiting to meet with his beloved child?

I am as guilty as Peter. The rooster's crow may be something different for each of us, but whatever it is, it should slap us back to reality The reality that nothing--no, NOTHING--is more important in this life than our devotion to the one who took our blame, our punishment for our sins, and bore the torture and spiritual fury as he was brutally beaten, desecrated, and nailed into a tree, to hang and die covered in blood which he shed for us.

"Then he began to invoke a divine curse and to swear with an oath, “I don’t know the man!” Just then a rooster crowed. Peter remembered the words of Jesus when he said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went outside and cried bitterly." Mt 26:74–75 ISV

Please, God, bless!

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

The Truth About Potatoes?

Day 192:  I tend to be a skeptic by nature.  I question everything, it seems.  I like to know the logic, the rationale, the business case for any argument or decision point.  I like to see evidence-real evidence! Not the "death by power-point" or "truth-by-soundbite" gobbledygook that is so prevalent in society today.  Yes...today,

• a time when the media is overtly biased, slave to many agendas and real news is filtered; 

•  a time when celebr-idiots tweet their "expert opinions" on politics, relationships, character, etc. and it is taken as gospel truth by followers; 

• a time when people believe whatever they see on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or other social media outlets;

• a time when people believe they can define "Truth" as it best suits them.

And so on.....  Deception is rampant.  It is hard to know what to believe. Truth is not relative, not subjective, and has no biases--it just is what it is.  Unfortunately, discovering Truth takes time, energy and effort.

Lets take nutrition as an example. Potatoes? Good for you or bad? It depends on which fad diet book you read. You can pick up 10 different such books, and half will site "scientific" studies that say potatoes are bad, while the other half will site "scientific" studies that say potatoes are good. The Truth is muddled in hypothesis, some isolated studies, and gimmicks and tricks that will sell the book. If you want to know the Truth about the health benefits/detractors of a potato, you will need to spend some time and do your own research to find out if a potato is good for you or bad for you. That may mean reading many diet books of opposing opinions, reviewing the "evidence", independent research, the context of sited studies, etc. 

As I read the headlines, watch world events, observe the decay of our country's moral compass, watch how pride, ignorance, and self are paraded as idols, the increase of evil and depravity in every facet of society, and a blatant revulsion for those not in alignment with politically correct or mainstream media thinking, it is very evident to me that the days are dark. Now is the time when we should be seeking Truth.

I have had conversations with many folks over the years about the Bible, and whether or not it is True.  I believe it is True, and I believe it can be proven.  The evidence is overwhelmingly there.

Many choose not to seek Biblical Truth.  Many don't like what the Bible says.  Many pull words or historical recordings of events from the Bible out of context.  Many read a book or article challenging the Bible and believe it.  And the list continues...  But after some time in discussion I find that most do not believe it simply because they do not want to; they want to be free to live life as they please.

Unfortunately our wants and desires do not sway Truth. Truth just is. Truth demands a choice-believe it, or don't.  There is no half-way. So, to mimic the Grail Knight in Raiders of the Lost Ark, "Choose wisely. For as the (Truth) will bring you life, the false (Truth) shall take it from you."

 Please, God, bless!

"So, as with the food you eat, have you really sought out the Truth as it relates to God?  If you haven't, I pray that you will. First of all you must understand this: In the last days mockers will come and, following their own desires, will ridicule us  by saying, “What happened to the Messiah’s promise to return? Ever since our ancestors died, everything continues as it did from the beginning of creation.”  ....Don’t forget this fact, dear friends: With the Lord a single day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to repent." 2 Pet 3:3-4, 8–9 ISV 

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.

Real Peace

Day 191: 

 Peace.  

Activists cry for it...  

Churches pray for it...  

Governments call for it...  

Soldiers fight for it. .. 

Musicians sing about it...  

People drink to it...  

Hippies greet with it. 

Children symbolize it... 

Evil capitalizes on it.

Peace--real peace--will never be a reality. 

There will always be someone whose pride will respond to the temptation of Power. Power does not like peace.  Power hungers, craving more control, more domination, more selfish pleasure.  

Only with Jesus can we know real Peace in this life.  Only when Jesus comes, will there be real Peace on earth.  

 Please, God, bless!

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 ESV

Inspired by "365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Every Day and Change Your Life!" I decided I should be more conscientious of my creative side. I chose to modify this one year challenge (9/23/14-9/24/15) to create something each day that would also force me to focus my perspective on a Godly world-view.