Every Word of God

 

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. ~Proverbs 30:5

I've always been a word lover.  Those of you who have followed my blog for any length of time know that I'm hooked on Jumble puzzle books and, more recently, 5 Across, a free game on Fox News that is much like Wordle.  I engage in these activities not only because they're entertaining, but also because I need to exercise my mind, especially in light of my family's history with Alzheimer's.

So naturally, when My Word Club makes its unsolicited appearance in my inbox one day, my interest is peaked.  I have to give it a try!

Just as the screen above displays, each session provides the player with three words, in this case, providential, nonchalance and botheration.  It offers a definition, too, which I must admit, I have to check from time to time unless I'm absolutely sure what the word means.

The next step is to use the word in the correct context.

What would your choice be?

Now it's time for the similes.  I only choose two for the purpose of taking a photo; once the third simile is chosen, the screen immediately changes.  I'm sure you can tell what word should be third.

The next part of the game asks you once again to use the word correctly in a phrase.

Is it A or B?

The last challenge for each word is to use the first letter provided to spell out a simile that fits the word.  This is sometimes the point where I have to use the hint button if the correct word doesn't come quickly to mind.  I don't need a hint on this particular one.  Can you guess what the word is?

The game continues in the same manner using the two remaining words.  If you don't miss a single one or opt for the hint button, your total score is 24.  You lose points, of course, each time you make an incorrect choice or request help.

What's even more fun is that My Word Club will invite you to engage with another challenge should you so choose.  I often take them up on it if I don't have a lot on my to-do list that particular day.

Yes, words have always played an integral part in my life.  But there is nothing more important than immersing myself daily in God's Word.  The Bible is my spiritual nourishment, the daily bread for my soul.  I've made reading it a priority, and no matter how many times I do, even the verses and stories I think I know by heart take on fresh meaning and insights I never thought of before.

Is the same true for you?

Amen!

Forty Days, Forty Nights

 

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to a desert.  There he was tempted by the devil.  Jesus went without food for forty days and forty nights. ~Matthew 4:12

Tomorrow, we begin the holy journey of Lent as we travel the contemplative road to Easter.  This church season is known as a time for penitence, prayer and reflection.  A time to pause and take honest stock of where we are on our spiritual walk with the Lord.

Many Christians choose to abstain from a favorite food or pastime during Lent.  Others may adopt a new discipline or practice.  But whatever route you decide to take, it should be one that brings you alongside Jesus in a more meaningful and intimate way.

For this Lenten season, I am once again employing a marvelous book by friend and fellow blogger, Jean Wise, entitled 40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional.  Here is a perfect description of this book found at Amazon:

If you knew you were dying soon, would you see the people around you differently?  Jesus knew in his last week before the resurrection that the end of his human life neared.  He knew exactly how events would unfold.  He knew what the voices of the people and places around him would say.  40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional captures the words and settings surrounding Jesus that final week, so we hear them with new insights.  Their stories and experiences hold wisdom for us today, and show us the transformational power of the cross.  Jesus' presence in their story predicts his proximity within our story.  Lent offers us a time to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to hear God in new ways . . . Listen to the voices on the way to Calvary and draw closer to Christ.

If you have yet to decide upon a discipline for this Lenten season, I highly recommend Jean' book as your illuminating guide.  I guarantee here thoughts and prayers will enhance and enrich your journey.

Amen!

About the author:

Jean Wise is a writer, speaker and spiritual director.  She serves her local parish as a Deacon, facilitating worship and adult spiritual formation.  Her passion is to help others deepen their walk with Christ.  Jean is also the author of several books in addition to 40 Voices including Spiritual Retreats, Sacred Surroundings, Christmas Crossroads, and Whispers - Being with God in Breath Prayer.  These titles are all available on Amazon.

A Walk in the Park

 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33

I used to imagine our retirement years as a leisurely time.  No demands from outside commitments.  No rushing frantically from one activity or obligation to the next.  Simply taking with ease each day as it comes.  And perhaps, good Lord willing, traveling to visit with family or encounter new sights and adventures.

While the imagination is indisputably worthy of being entertained, those dreams and preconceptions can be mercilessly dashed before we even know what hit us.  Reality is a ruthless taskmaster.  It has no issue with smacking us up one side of the face and not having the courtesy to wait to slap the other cheek before we've had the chance to offer it.

I'm discovering daily every aspect and nuance that aging brings.  While I feel young on the inside, my body tells me a different story.  There are simply things I can't, or shouldn't, do at this point in my life.  Are there plenty of activities in which I can still engage?  Sure!  And for those, I'm truly grateful.

But last week stretches both Danny and me to our limits.  Between the two of us, we have four medical checks/follow-ups that consume our afternoons.  Wednesday, the one day that is open, a run to Costco and Aldi's is in order.  At least on Friday, Danny's visit to the doctor is solely to have some blood drawn to check his thyroid levels (that's a story in and of itself).  The weather has warmed considerably from our deep freeze plunge, so we decide that a brisk walk in our nearby park will do us a world of good.

It does!  The exercise and the sunshine lift our spirits immensely.  Still, I find myself thinking how much an undemanding day when an afternoon nap is a possibility would be the cat's meow.  Oh, going outdoors after said nap is glorious, too.  I'm simply weary of the endless to-dos that continue to plague us.

But that, my friends, is life in this fallen world.

Jesus understands.  Fully.  Completely.  He knows we will have troubles, sorrows, and hurdles that seem insurmountable this side of heaven.  Yet we are immeasurably comforted when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has overcome the world.  In light of that, there is no trial we cannot overcome when we invite Him to walk with us on all of life's journeys.

Even if it's as simple and routine as the walk we take in the park, ask Jesus to join you.  You'll be glad you did.

Amen!

A Reminder:  Please take a moment to visit The Christian Lounge hosted by friend and fellow writer, Victor Moubarak.  You'll be glad you did that, too!

White as Snow

 

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord.  "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool." ~Isaiah 1:18

Just a mere week apart, another winter blast hits all the way from Georgia up through the Carolinas.  Even Florida is looking at record breaking frigid temperatures.  I can imagine all the snowbirds who fly south for the winter asking themselves why in the world did they leave their northern climes in the first place?

Although parts of North Georgia get three to four inches, we in Kennesaw receive only a dusting as featured in the header photo.  I'm not complaining as this is what our driveway looks like after a real snow storm.

Can you even see the drive at all?  If I didn't live here, I know I couldn't.  The downside is our temperatures are brutally cold, so much so, that our pastor decides to call off in person worship for yet another Sunday.  With a predicted low of 15*, I'm so glad Danny doesn't have to tote his guitar outside for any reason whatsoever.

I'm absolutely thrilled, however, for our three grand-girls who live in North Carolina.  Here are two photos taken a week ago Saturday.

And this past Saturday?  Well, you can see for yourself!

I'm so glad they have the chance to experience a real snow, something they haven't see since 2022.

Sadly, after getting out in the cold and wet yesterday, both Virginia and Savannah are feeling under the weather.  I'm sure they're disappointed that they can only marvel at the snowfall from their windows.

What I love the most about the snowfall is the way it blankets the dull, drab winter landscape with a pristine layer of white.  The irregularities and blemishes of yards and forest floors are smoothed and purified, reminding us that when the Lord covers our sins, He transforms us into His likeness in Jesus, His beloved Son.

And just as the earth surrenders to the new-fallen snow, may we, in obedience, surrender to Jesus and His will for us.  If we do, He is sure to make our crimson sins as white as snow.

Amen!