Only a Baby?

Only a baby? Who would have thought that one so small
Could matter to this world?
Who else would have planned the least detail;
The perfect answer to the dying human race?
Who would care so much and give and give?
Who would dare so much that we might live?
Who would, who would?

Only a baby? Who could bring wise men to their knees?
Who else could have offered sin's antidote;
The solution to the sin-sick soul?
Who would be willing to come in such humble state,
Endure the shame, the pain, the hate?

Who could bridge the chasm over yawning death,
Be the way, the vine, the Shepherd too?
Who was born a King, yet had no throne?
Who could be the broken bread, the offered Lamb?
Who could defeat the enemy by His blood alone?
Who could? Who could?

Long ago before the world was formed,
The Father asked His Son to go to earth
To become an infant, only a baby,
To enter flesh, to experience human birth,
And He did all of this because He wanted to!

Fulfilling prophecies of the suffering servant,
The baby grew up and was crucified.
But, don't forget the rest of the story,
More prophecies are yet to come true
He's coming again, this time in glory.
I am excited, how about you?
Maranatha! Doma 12/2009

Advent Awakening

People are decidedly testy this year. Other Christmases the spirit of generosity and kindness came out in the way folks behaved in long lines at the stores. Not so this year!
Short tempers, rudeness, and a general spirit of "Get this Christmas over already!" That is what I have sensed in the people around me.

Could it be that we are tired of buying gifts no one really needs. Or do we feel compelled to buy something expensive for people because they expect it? Or could it be we are stressed from spending too much on things that are the latest and greatest fad, but we know will just sit around after January and be unused? Are there too many people on the list and not enough money to buy things that will satisfy them? Or so we think.

I guess I am getting a little crabby too. I now recognize that the great grandkids are old enough to want a present under the tree too. There are seven of them, and twelve grandkids, three with spouses and of course there are three sons, three daughters-in law, and a husband who has everything and needs nothing. What do my people really want and need? I can start with giving them my thoughts and attention.

To give them my earnest attention, I have decided to change what I have been doing. I am praying about what I will be giving this year. It is going to be very simple, and not cheap, but of reasonable price. I am making things, thinking carefully and praying, as I said. I must remember this is the birthday of the King, Jesus Christ. I believe I will start with Him and how to honor His birthday and go from there. Does that help you? It does help me. I will bake a Jesus' birthday cake, give lots of hugs and kisses to the ones I love. I will also eat, laugh and pray.I am investing time and thought. No price can be put on that. Want to join me in this rebellion? Doma

Snowflake Message

Snowflakes swirl like mini-tornadoes,
Spin, grow dizzy, then fall down.
Wind whistles softly like a wanderer,
Then it wails as one longing to be found.
Layer upon layer, whitest white,
Snow drifts form, declaring winter’s might.
_____________________
Snug and warm I watch and wonder
About each flake and how it’s shaped
Each one different, yet containing
Six pointed figures delicate as lace
_______________________
If I grab one it will be gone;
A momentary work of art.
Why would God take time to make it?
It’s a gift straight from His heart.
Beauty tells of God’s great glory,
But the message may be lost.
Life that’s written in His writing,
Tells of beauty and great cost.
___________________
Snow is falling like a curtain,
Blurring all the things we see
God is calling in each snow flake
“You are precious, made for me.” Doma

The Timing of Answers to Prayer

In past posts, I have examined prayer. I try to stay close to scripture when it comes to knowing how to pray, but there are patterns of God's response I cannot deny. For example, I have found that God's answer comes when that answer will bless the most people.

For 18 years I prayed for a loved one to recover from an addiction. Daily struggles we experienced were like being in a deep, dark valley with no way out. During the intervening years between the prayers and the answer, I did not give up, even though I was challenged on the right and left to just walk away. Now, I know my Irish stubbornness was not the main reason I was able to persist. God gave His precious gift of faith and I studied the scriptures. I read how we are encouraged to persevere in prayer. I also listened to Bible teachers and one of them said, "As long as there is life, there's hope." How true that is!

On the day my prayer was answered, it took me by surprise. All those years! All those prayers! Here I was, open-mouthed in awe, totally surprised by God's amazing answer. The timing was perfect. My dear one was healed, our family was blessed, extended family and friends were touched. We felt like a showcase of God's grace because we were and still are.

So, I am saying to you to trust in God's timing to answer your prayers. I like the scripture from Hosea 2:15b that says, "...(I) will make the valley of 'trouble' a door of hope." That hope in times of trouble is Christ and trust in His love. Never stop believing He is able and willing to answer your prayers. Please remember with me that you and I bear a deep responsibility when we pray. We must be sure to check our motives, make sure we are being obedient to Him and are dealing with any sin in our lives.

You've maybe heard there are three possible answers to prayer: Yes, no, and wait awhile. Every answer is perfect for you and timed impeccably. God will do no less. Doma

Being Sequestered

A phrase came to my mind the other day as I was praying. It was the idea of being "sequestered" like a jury who is taken to a place where they are able to focus on coming to a verdict. They are sheltered from the outside world, from its distractions and influences.

Here is how I found the reality of the concept of being sequestered in Christ: I am presently recovering from what was to be a very minor surgery. Turns out it sapped my strength and the drugs used had a very draining effect on my energy levels. This situation, coupled with a low potassium level, left me exhausted and miserable. Both the surgeon and my primary care doctor had given me the choice of waiting until December 22 or going ahead with the November date. Anyone who knows me, knows I do not like to postpone something my mind is made up about. Perhaps I should have waited . . .

Now, however, I am finding delight in taking my time conversing with my LORD all day long, spending much more time than ever before. I have no outside obligations and I can pray, meditate and study His Word as I want. Of course, there's laundry, resting, cleaning, cooking and did I mention - resting.

Being sequestered in the Father's love and in His Presence is a calming and refreshing experience. Instead of being bored, I am grateful for this change of pace. I prefer being as active as possible with lots of projects to challenge and inspire me to service, but this quiet, peaceful time has turned out differently than I had thought it would.

So, if you get slowed down by illness, or a delay, you can think of it as an invitation from Our Father to stop and be sheltered for a bit, if only to hear His heart speak of His love for you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Doma

Those Important Little Words

I always like teaching prepositions. I sometimes use a desk and have a student be in the desk, on the desk, over the desk, by the desk, with the desk, etc. Those little prepositions or connecting words make so much difference. Example: You are not in the desk when you are by the desk. Sometimes these parts of speech in the English language are words that explain position or location.

I do not know any of the biblical languages, but I know how painstakingly they were translated, and I have studied many versions of the Bible. I am inclined to believe that Oswald Chambers' favored translation of Galatians 2:20 is the accurate one. He uses the phrase of Christ, instead of in Christ when he is describing the faith we have received and by which we are able to live the Christian life.

Here is the verse: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Look at those little italicized words! Note our positions - We are crucified with Christ. Christ lives in me. I live by faith - that is, His faith. He actually gives us faith which becomes our means to trust in Him and be saved. As it says in Ephesians 2:8, "By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast" It is not some faith I generated because of some experience I had. Oh no! This faith is a gift of God so nobody can brag about their great faith acquired by diligent study or spiritual experiences. This faith is His and He has blessed us with it. He authored it and He finishes its work in us.

I get upset when someone implies a person whose prayer was not answered or who was not healed just "didn't have enough faith". The truth is it's Christ's faith, totally adequate, wonderfully effective and paid for by His blood. This is the faith given to the believer.

Yes, people like me don't avail themselves of the full benefit of this wonderful God-given faith. In fact, I know some people who equate faith with their denomination. There is no way you can get that interpretation from these verses. The scripture says what it says, in my view, and I am so glad He has gifted us with faith. How about you? Thank Him today! Doma

Captive Thoughts

Captives are often pictured as being dragged away, violently kicking and screaming, resisting with all their might. This is the picture I have in my mind when I think of the verse that says "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

The King James version, which I memorized, says it like this, "Casting down imagination, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every though to the obedience of Christ."

Here's how I see it. I am dragging my thoughts before the throne of Christ. They are sinful thoughts, they are useless imaginings, they are going to capture me if I don't deal with them.
Before I knew Christ Jesus, when I did not have something to do to actively occupy my mind, my thought life was a wasteland full of soap operas and romance novels.

We need to submit our thought life to God. Those imaginations or speculations are the "What ifs" the "If Onlys" and the other useless things we spend time thinking about. Sometimes we may have thoughts that reason away God and His truth. They seem so "intellectual" and culturally logical. But, they are false and empty. They will lead to sin.

We are responsible before God for our every thought. Jesus even said certain ways of thinking are equivalent to actual sin. Remember His conversation that a man who looks at a woman and lusts after her is guilty of sin? Just as if he had really done it, just as if he were an adulterer, because he is, in his mind. The same is true of a woman, she has become unfaithful in her mind, so she is!

When are you going to realize the battle is raging around you and in your mind as well? You have already surrendered if you are not taking your thoughts captive before Christ.

So how do you do that? You ask Christ to be the LORD of your conscious and unconscious mind. You purposefully input only good things into your mind. One thing to put in your mind is scripture. It is not as hard as you think. It is actually a joyful and peaceful practice. Do you not see that you are what you think!

Are you going to be a captive, or are you going to take your thoughts captive before they lead you into sin? This is the challenge of this verse. Are you up to it? Doma

Where are you . . .

Good advice from Col.Potter of M*A*S*H: "If you're not where you are, you're nowhere!" For the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, Christmas was approaching, the war was dragging on, and everybody just wanted to be home, or anywhere else.

The reason this little piece of advice resonates with me is this; it says be content where you are. For this moment, I cannot change my situation, but I can look around and be blessed by the good things, the wonderful people who surround me. For me, this saying of the Colonel's goes right along with the scripture verse, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."

By setting our sights on things above and yet being grateful for what we have, that is the path to true contentment. More money and more stuff will just encumber you, while the simple things of life, those most basic blessings, they are what bring peace and joy.

Not convinced yet? Are you always waiting for the next big break or the next big raise? Are you looking ahead with anxiety and thinking sometime soon I will have all I need to be content? I guarantee it won't happen if you have not learned to be content right now. You may be like the billionaire who when asked how much money it would take to make him happy said, "Just a little bit more."

So, make up your mind that today and right here you are content. Live in the moment with the grace of God holding you. Live a full and peaceful life with God's help. Doma

The View From the Pew

I don't know about you, but the view from the pew, or in our case, the folding chair, looks pretty encouraging. The church has new babies, little children, preteens and teens, parents, grandparents and even some great grandparents. This is a place they come to for soul support. How much they receive depends on how hungry and open to the good news of the gospel they are. Here for them is the scripture preached in a straight forward manner. Here also is fellowship offered and available. What is taken away depends on the attitude of the folks who come.
I don't see much to criticize, because we are not up to our eyeballs in the social gospel, but rather steeped in the living words of the Bible. This truth does not change. It is a worthy meal ready to be ingested any time, particularly available to enjoy on Sundays because of faithful preachers who adhere to the Truth. How very blessed we are! May God help our pastors and bless their obedient faithfulness. Doma

The Pledge Examined

"One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." These words are in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Every aspect of this phrase bears close scrutiny.

One nation . . .I remember the idea termed the melting pot. That idea, we were taught, was that people coming to America would put this country first and their native country second. We would all be Americans. We were really proud of that idea. It was not perceived negatively until years later.

Some people come to this country and preserve their native heritage uppermost and consider themselves Americans second. They enjoy the benefits of America but don't consider themselves Americans. There is nothing wrong about one's native heritage, but we are not "One nation" as long as there are little cultural communities speaking their native tongue almost exclusively and isolating themselves from mainstream America.

"Under God" is the phrase most under assault in the Pledge. Whose God? Or should God even be mentioned? Well, His name is inscribed all over public monuments in Washington D.C. and throughout the country. His name was invoked in the writings and speeches of the most of the Founding Fathers. This was once a nation considered to be Christian because the majority of its citizens were Christians.

"Indivisible" seems to imply that the nation cannot be divided, but recent rhetoric and media bias does nothing to unite this nation and everything to be divisive. I have not seen any positive result to this negativity.

"Liberty and justice for all" . . .well, it depends on which part of the ALL you happen to be. With the media stressing negative cultural values and educational trends geared to taking the place of parents, the liberties of many people are being compromised. As for justice, you get what you can afford to pay for should you end up in court in this fine country.

It seems the wording could say "One nation, fragmented by dissension, with no moral compass and no absolute values for all." Please pray for our nation to be brought to its corporate knees and acknowledge the One who brought us to this beautiful land. Doma

The Dangers of Falling Short...

Let's more closely examine the verse Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Well, I know for sure I am in the category of ALL, because that word doesn't exempt anyone. As far as the wording "...have sinned...", if it just said "all sin", then it would be more accurate to me. Currently, not a day goes by without some "falling short" or missing God's mark of holiness on my part. How about you?

Since I am not a scholar of Bible linguistics, I cannot truly examine the nuances of each word, but I have a passion to understand the ideas suggested behind the words. And, the concept of falling short, means to me, failing to properly estimate God; Who He is and the power and awe, the respect and love He alone deserves.

What are the consequences of not giving God the glory or estimation He should have? Futility, for one. How many things in our lives can we control-really? How much of a mess do we have to make on our own without realizing we need Someone to help us. It really gets tiresome being your own god, doesn't it? This Someone has the power to change our lives and if we accept Him as our LORD, He can give us godly contentment in any situation.

Our opinion of God is reflected in every decision we make, whether to go our own way, or to ask for His help. To underestimate God, fail to give Him glory, is to go it alone in this cruel world and continue being snared and tripped up by old habits and sins. Don't do it. Seek Him while He can be found, ask for His help, knock on heaven's door. In finding Him and His love and forgiveness, receiving answers, and opening your heart to Jesus Christ, you will be fully satisfied and begin to know the glory; the true estimate of Our Priceless Savior. You have everything to gain. Doma

The Tragic Underestimation

If you read my last blog entry, you know I like Kay Arthur's definition of "glory" which she found and put into her book, LORD, I Want To Know You. Glory is defined as having a correct estimate or opinion (of someone). So then, nature, by virtue of its amazing content is glorious, speaking volumes about the estimation of a masterful Creator and His workmanship. And the night sky rivets our attention causing us to respond in awe at its great expanse and the precision of the movements of the heavenly bodies. Our opinion of our God soars beyond what our mere words can express as we observe all He has placed before us.

Therefore, considering all of creation and all of mankind, doesn't it seem to you that people still underestimate God; don't give Him the glory or hold Him in the highest esteem He deserves. In fact, I would suggest that the verse in Romans 3:23 that says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God", is really saying "All have underestimated and have an erroneous opinion of our great God"!

Don't we think we can handle life ourselves? Haven't you caught yourself thinking, "God is too busy for my petty problems." Or, "God can't possibly do anything about me and my situation; it's too far gone." Haven't people turned their backs on God believing He does not hear their cries? They do not know how great and wonderful and loving He really is. They don't realize how He loves to give and give. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its Savior." John 3:16 & 17 Now that's a God who deserves glory upon glory; a God who loves and gives beyond what we can estimate, a glorious God! Doma

Glory - What is it?

Glory: To give the correct estimate or opinion of (someone or something)

With this definition in mind, scripture all makes so much more sense. Looking at nature the quote from Isaiah, "The whole earth is full of His glory" makes amazing sense. Nature in all its splendor, power and variety gives the correct estimate of the Creator God, Elohim, just by its existence and content. Likewise the heavens "declare the glory of God" with its myriad of stars, planets, galaxies, and phenomenal complexities. Anyone who has looked through a microscope at those things which exist unseen with the naked eye surely knows something of the glory of God.


From the microscopic world to the telescopic view, the seen and the unseen, all of creation states clearly the glory or correct opinion of God by existing and functioning in its proscribed manner. But what about man? Author Kay Arthur says "...you are to live in such a way as to give all creation a correct opinion or estimate of who God is." (LORD, I Want to Know You, pg. 23) For this we were created; for God's glory.

So how are we doing as Christians in making clear through our thoughts, words, actions and attitudes a correct estimate of the God we serve? Time for a heart check? Me too! Doma

The Back Side of the Fence

"Isn't painting the back side of the fence just as important as painting the front? Same paint, same job."

This is the question that came into my mind just before I woke up one morning. I had been dreaming about many people who were busy painting a long white picket fence. I didn't recognize anyone, but I was the only one painting the back side, the side that doesn't face the road, the side that few would see or notice. I remember I was taking my time, making sure every area was painted thoroughly. Getting this job done was a passion for me, in my dream.

Thinking about my dream helped me realize God approves, understands, and in fact, it is His idea for me to get involved with "back side of the fence" issues, those things other people may not even notice. The woman with the worried look cradling her sick baby in the clinic waiting room, the teenager who walks the streets alone at odd hours of the day or night, the newly widowed woman who goes to the neighborhood grocery five or six times a day because she is so lonely, all of these people need a smile and some encouragement. Doing these simple actions won't make headlines or be noticed, but they are every bit as important as ministering on a world-wide scale with media attention.

I need to remember that. Maybe you do too. Let's keep on paintin'.

Dear Father, help us to have a servant's heart and the ability to see the needs others may miss, knowing that nothing done in Your service is trivial or unimportant. Amen Doma

Loser's Lament

Feel like a factory recall?
Struggle with a basic flaw?
Never quite making the cut.
Stuck in a loser's rut.

Never the winner,
But honorable mention.
No total loser,
And still in contention.

Second place,
Second best,
Second fiddle,
There's no rest.

Ever better,
But never best.
The grade is passing,
But there's a new test.

If this is how you feel
You're in good company
So tired of striving
Never really arriving.

How about the unthinkable -
Surrender and yield!
Place your life in God's hands;
Release frantic efforts
At so called perfection.
Opt out for God's love
And His strength and protection. Doma

Details

Details, details, details, often so important yet sometimes overlooked. Our God does not overlook details. When the tabernacle was being built, every single detail was carefully orchestrated by the LORD. The colors, materials, skills needed and sizes and shapes of all the appointments in the tent of meeting were described and clearly made known to the workmen who were building it.

Now wouldn't a God who was meticulous down to the exact composition and design of a water pitcher be concerned with His current dwelling place - you? If God's Spirit dwells within you through Jesus Christ, then you are the tabernacle of the Living God. The implications of His residence within the believer are startling.

Wouldn't a God who detailed his earthly physical dwelling be infinitely more interested in the details of His temple inside each of us. He says to us, as He said to Israel, "I will be your God and you will be my people." It is He who calls us, supplies us, sustains us down to the least detail.

So does the God of heaven care about you and your needs? The answer is a resounding, "Yes!"
From an aching tooth to rent money, God does care. He is Jehovah Shammah, the God who is there. Take heart and recall His words that He "...never leaves you nor will He forsake you, even to the end of the age." Believe it, Christian! Doma

The Truth

I do not understand how truth can be relative. When someone makes this statement, I sense right away I am likely going to hear an opinion and not actual, factual truth.

I have been saddened by the struggle some have distinguishing between fact and opinion. Often other comprehension skills are not well developed either. False conclusions are drawn, either because of a failure to concentrate and read carefully or not taking the time to do so. Another problem is understanding inferences or implied meanings. Sometimes just decoding the basic meaning of the words on a page impairs comprehension.

Why mention all of this? It's because the flippant phrase that "truth is relative" is sometimes coming from someone who has not read or researched a truth, any truth, yet he or she wants so much for there to be a secure foothold to use to get through life. But what if the truth is knowable? What if the truth is not some nebulous something, but a Someone? What about a Living Truth millions believe in and hundreds saw after His resurrection?

To whom am I referring? In the scriptures, specifically in John's Gospel, Jesus is speaking, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father but by Me." Now that is easy to understand. Accepting it takes faith and faith to believe in the Truth is a gift God loves to give. Doma

Nothing like the right word

Mark Twain said the difference between the right word and any old word is "the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."

The power of a well-chosen and timely word cannot be underestimated. Since we will be called to account by Almighty God for our words, let's be very cautious and try to think before we speak. Language has great power to create moods, attitudes and inspire actions. Verbal abuse wounds last long after the speaker is dead. A kind word takes on a life of its own, nurturing and encouraging in dark and troubling times. Your tongue has power to hurt and to heal, to lift up and to tear down. You can choose purposefully to speak with precious, anointing words and phrases. Blessing and cursing both come out of our mouths. I say, "Choose to bless."

I know it's difficult to stop and think about your word choices, but remember the time someone said something encouraging or wise to you and you were impressed by it - still are, right?

Why not be the one who gives careful thought and chooses intentionally to build someone up today? It costs you nothing, yet it can really mean something to someone. Now, I am not talking about flattering words, but real, specific words that express valid affirmation.

"Nice hair" is one thing, but, "I really like the way you are wearing your hair now. The color brings out your eyes." I'd say she's going to remember that and you! Or to him, "Good job!" How about, "I really appreciate the way you pitched in and helped me get that done. I respect the fact that I can count on you to care enough to give me a hand." Specific, pointed, real words that qualify as communication. Let's try it - OK? Doma

Too Old to Matter

Here is what is on my mind today. Upon listening to commentators concerned with the direction the health care debate is going. I, once again, got caught up with the implications and the "what ifs" of our future as a nation.

It seems, from their comments, that eventually this country will be in civil war of sorts. The healthy, young, productive people versus the older, ailing, less productive retired people. The conversation included remarks by one of the President's health advisers, a doctor himself and a brother of one of the President's main advisers. He is purported as saying "...doctors are taking their oath too seriously." (You know that oath that says they will "...do no harm.") That statement is bone-chilling! This statement reminded me of Tom Daschle's remarks about older people "learning to live with " their ailments. The implication was that older people use too much Medicare money.

Next, the conversation turned to a gentleman who sought help from his state for drugs to recover from an illness. A reference was made to a law which is actually on the books in two of our states. Ailing and older people will be supplied with drugs to commit suicide. The man in their conversation, was offered drugs for assisted suicide, but not drugs to prolong his life or heal his illness.The age of this man - 53 years old.

The logic: Older people are just in the way and should gladly give up on life so the more necessary people can live and be in good health. If you are young, this may seem a bit reasonable, but I hope not. If you are older than 40, than you may want to watch your back. If you are over 60, you need to pray none of this becomes law!

Am I steamed! You bet! But-I have to calm down and consider all of this in light of the fact that God is still in control. The Almighty Creator of the universe has the final word, not some smug doctor, politician or pseudo-intellectual futurist with negative, godless views. God reigns still and ever! That is how I keep my balance, by resting in the truth of God's sovereignty. So can you. Doma

Celebrate the Ordinary Day

Ho hum! Another ordinary, normal day here on planet Earth. Not much is happening, not much is changing right now and things are bordering on boring. Well, great! This is a good thing.

Don't we all know people who seem to go from crisis to crisis. The drama queens, the sensationalists, make every day a trial or a stress packed event. Living unintentionally and having life catch them off guard, not contemplating consequences, these folks are the stress laced, adrenaline junkies who seem constantly on the ragged edge. Or, they are the victimized, low energy, depressed ones dragging their egos behind them through dark, endless days.

Surely there has to be a balance for these people, an ordinary, "catch your breath" kind of day once in a while? I thank God for plain, common days, and for the ability to live intentionally considering the consequences of my words and actions daily. It has not always been this way for me. I have been both a person with a victim-mentality and a drama queen. I am here to say that without Godly balance I could not even come close to enjoying a quiet, common day.

There is peace in laying out your day before God early. Seeking Him intentionally as the source and organizer of each new day is the best way to start. Whether the events of the day are predictable and boring or full of opportunities and new obligations, bring all before the throne of grace right away. There is strength and power in giving the day back to the Provider, Jehovah Jireh. He will partner with you to make it a good one, no matter what! Doma

Trust, The Precious Commodity

Listening to the radio today, I heard a man say we trust people we think we really know. Yet I remembered another quote from years ago, "No one can accurately predict or guarantee the behavior of another person." So, considering these quotes plus years of experience with human nature while raising a family and working, I have to make my own statements about trust.

To trust anyone totally is a huge risk. No matter who they are or claim to be. We really must trust God first. We go to Him and ask Him to help the person we are wanting to trust to be a trustworthy person. But, if we have not come to a relationship with the living, loving God, we can't really let go and trust Him to do that!

Start out with making yourself available to God by praying, communicating with Him. Read the scripture and see what Jesus is like. He said, "... when you have seen me, you have seen the Father". I am trusting Jesus Christ and leaving my doubts, fears and anxieties at the cross. He has proven to be completely trustworthy at all times.

At the cross and most of all at the empty tomb, there is proof of God's trustworthiness. He kept His word, sent the Messiah, and has prepared a place for those who trust in Him. I believe Calvary is a great place to start trusting God. Doma

Alligator's View

It's time to lighten up. Please imagine with me a reason that an alligator might pass up a meal. (Just humor me!)

An alligator with a toothy grin
Saw a portly redhead in leopard skin.
The sight of her he found incredible.
He thought her bad taste quite inedible.
Doma

Life Unraveling

What happens when everything in life begins to quickly unravel like a favorite old sweater caught on a nail? All you were certain of and trusting in is suddenly in jeopardy. For some Americans, this is happening right now. Their jobs are being eliminated, their investments have decreased in value, their bills are unpaid and stress is affecting their health. Marriages flounder and the future looks bleak. Depression, fear and anxiety haunt many,many people.

If you happen to know someone who is struggling and you are one of the people who is not, then you have a sacred obligation. You are being blessed to be a blessing. Your "good fortune" is not just a coincidence and not just for you. Your brothers and sisters need you. They not only need a friend to listen and to pray for them, but may need more from you. Your heart must be tender before God, for He may ask you to share your blessings with others.

To share only material blessings is not enough, however. For long-term recovery, strugglers need faith. They need soul support. Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest." It is in introducing battered, hurting people to the Savior that you are giving eternal blessing to those tired, troubled ones. Reluctance to share the blessings of faith in Christ has eternal consequences. Isn't the Savior's "Well done, good and faithful servant" more important to you than what some critical person may say about your witnessing to others?

Help people put life's puzzle together again with Jesus as the missing piece. His love is the one certainty we can rely on forever. Take Him at His word! Doma

Trust Rests

Jeremiah 6:16, Isaiah 30:15 "In rest and returning shall you be saved." Returning to God, putting your trust back in Him and not in your own efforts, you can rest. The burden is no longer on you alone.

Job, of all people understood the need to trust God. He had lost everything, and for no obvious reason, through no fault of his own. His three friends who came to console him actually made hurtful accusations instead of giving comfort. He might have given up, feeling His God could no longer be trusted. But, Job did not surrender to doubt or unbelief.

He called on the only one who could vindicate or justify him. He said, "I know my Redeemer lives." (Job 19:25) Since the only One who could be trusted was God, Job knew that the accusations against him had only one answer, the answer only a perfect God could give.

Only the Savior can answer our accusers and the "Accuser of the brethren", the devil. So if you are being accused without cause, by others, by your own false guilt, check out Job's story. If you have so many things going against you today, call on the One who can be trusted. In Him you will find the rest and peace, the justification and vindication only He can provide. Just ask! Doma

Put Your Armor On

In Ephesians 6:10 - 18, the Apostle Paul gives a direct order - twice. He gives a clear reason for the order. Let's review what it says. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." "...put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Paul takes the time to explain that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against the forces of hell. We know from experience that the schemes of the evil one enter our mind, enter our world, enter our field of vision with tailor-made temptations and attacks aimed exactly at our weaknesses. We would be powerless without our God. He has made special provision for our defense; we must use it!

The majority of the spiritual weapons we are to put on are defensive. Only one is offensive. We are to actually arm ourselves with these pieces of armor so we can "stand our ground when the evil day comes." You'd have to have been in a coma not to recognize that the day of evil is here.

The word "stand" is used three times to emphasize the idea of remaining strong and in "battle mode". So stand in prayer and put the armor on piece by piece every day. The entire armor represents Christ Himself. So we are obeying the command to put on Christ when we put this armor on.

The first item we put on is the belt of truth. We remember Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one can come to the Father but by me." The truth holds our Christian life together. The belt of truth encircles out waist and the waist is the middle of our body, therefore the truth we know of God holds our lives together.

The next article we dress in is the breast plate of righteousness. The book of Romans explains how we are made righteous (right with God) through Jesus Christ. So we have righteousness covering our vital organs and especially our hearts. We know in our minds and hearts that we are in right standing with God because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.

We have foot wear too, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the readiness to take the good news of the victory we have over sin and death through Christ. Wherever our feet take us, we take along the wonderful message that sets captives free. It's like running to tell fellow slaves that Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and our lives will have a brand new future. Only this news is everlastingly and eternally better because death has lost its power and cowers in defeat and sin has lost it stranglehold upon us through God's great grace.

Next we must take up the shield of faith. With this weapon we can "extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one". Made to attack our areas of vulnerability, the fiery darts are aimed strategically. Without the shield of faith, we are going to be pierced and give in to temptation. This shield is mentioned throughout scripture. "...the life that I live, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loves me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. The translation I used said "by the faith of the Son of God" and others say "by faith in the Son of God". Don't let that bother you because anyway you look at it, the faith we have is a gift of God and not acquired by works, so nobody can boast about it. Since God is the author and finisher of our faith, He has given us the right amount for where we are right now. Don't let anyone tell you don't have enough faith, it is your shield!

Now for your head gear, you put on the helmet of salvation. This piece of the armor protects your mind because it is the knowledge of the completed work of Christ and all that means. Your doubts and fears about life and death can be put to rest since your destiny is securely held by the nail-pierced hands of the risen Savior. You can know whose you are and why you are here. You have access to the very throne of grace. Jesus Himself is praying for you. You are truly saved for life forever and conversely, saved from everlasting death.

The defensive weapon is put on last. It is the sword of the Spirit, the mighty word of God. As Dr. David Jeremiah says, "it is the Rhema in the Logos of God." It is the "sayings of God" in the book of God, "like an individual sword in an armory". These words are the individual memorized scriptures with which you can meet the trials and temptations of your daily life. The Holy Spirit aids us in memorizing; He brings these sayings to mind at just the right time, but we have to input them before they will be brought to our minds. That is why we need to memorize scripture, so we will be able to disarm and defeat the enemy with the mighty two edged sword that can cut so deeply it ". . .divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) God's word can free us from the strongholds of sin, pry lose the tentacles of bad habits, and free us from paralyzing fears and anxieties.

Having put on all this armor, we are told to pray and how to pray. We are advised to be alert. Good soldiers are always armed and alert, ready for battle because it will come. "But be of good cheer" Jesus has overcome the world. We are not fighting alone or left as orphans, we have the Holy Spirit to help us. But that's another subject. PUT ON YOUR ARMOR DAILY! Doma

Remembering My Daddy

I have specific smells, sounds and sights that make me recall my Dad. The odor of gasoline and oil in a automotive repair shop, the wail of steel guitar in a country song, and the sight of a long, low Lincoln from the late 50's all bring my Daddy to mind.

Other smells that don't carry such great memories are whiskey and stale cigarette smoke . I am intentionally going to try to concentrate on the good things I recall about him, however.

He loved to sing and made up little ditties putting in my name or Mom's name. He would sing long and loud, just to irritate my Mother; "I don't care what Mama don't allow, I'm gonna drink that whiskey anyhow." He called me his sweetheart when I was little. He took me with him sometimes. Often I spent hours in the car waiting for him to come out of wherever he was.
Since there were no rest areas, if we needed to go, we had to pull over to the side of the gravel road to "drain our radiators". He would always have a pint of whiskey under the front seat and a fifth of Jim Beam in the trunk whenever we went some place.

It is so hard to tell you about him without mentioning the drug that ruled his every waking moment and our lives. But we did do some normal things together. We camped out, we fished, we water skied, and we took trips to Iowa and the Black Hills. It was always the same, however, he would take us to wherever we were going and then leave us for awhile. He had to get more alcohol, find the good time.

I believe my Dad had a good sense of humor, a sense of honor, a conscience, (however seared and numbed),and a compassion for the down and out. He also carried a deep hurt. He did not have the best family life growing up. His family were "yellers" and the whole town knew it. He suffered from the delusion that no matter what, he could never be good enough for his family, for himself or for God even. He gave up even trying and became self-absorbed and self-centered, deciding to please himself in any way he desired.

He was a generous man, to a fault. I guess he thought he might buy friends or buy respect. He was moody and unpredictable, melancholy and depressed. He had suffered many losses before he even reached 21. He had been back from WWII only two years, had established a business and then tragedy struck. Losing his wife in a one car roll-over accident was too much to bear. He never really recovered.

I am choosing right now to remember the pranks, the happy songs, and those times he called me his sweetheart. I am honoring, respecting and forgiving him. He was, after all, human and heir to all that involves. The only regret I have is not being able to share Christ with him.

I became a Christian five years after he died. Will I see him again? Only my Heavenly Father knows that for certain. So, Father God, I want to thank You for being my Abba, my Daddy, now. Doma

Seeds And Seedlings

While working with plants and flowers, growing some from seed and buying some of them, I have made some observations about life. Maybe I can compare the plants grown from seed to those purchased and grown as seedlings. And to compare them even further, I will use these plants as metaphors for the Christian life.

People who are fortunate enough to be grown with the seeds of the Gospel sown into their lives early are so blessed. Perhaps they have never known what it is like to be on "the search", the quest for meaning in their lives. I have no idea how it would be to come to the blessed knowledge of Christ and come into a relationship with Him at an early age. For me, the Christian life, as I first understood it, was nothing but hard work and striving toward unattainable perfection.

I guess I was one of the older seedlings brought into my Father's garden. When I was first planted into the soil of the Gospel, I was already 30 years old. I know how difficult the search for direction and meaning in life can be. I never realized meaning and purpose could be in the person of Christ and a relationship with Him. I thought working hard at doing good works would give my life meaning. I hoped at best to be useful to God, and at least to earn a little favor in His sight. That was the best I could hope for. My motives were far from perfect, they were actually an attempt to manipulate the Most High!

Burnout was soon on the horizon for my new found Christian life. I actually got the whole concept backwards. I really could bring nothing to God, I had nothing to give but my own self.
Here is the way it is, God gave His Son so that whosoever (that would be me) could have eternal life through faith in Him. Even the very faith I profess isn't mine, but it is the gift of God, so I cannot boast about it at all.

Can a seed tell itself to grow? Can a small tree tell itself to become taller? Of course not! So it really depends on who the gardener is in the garden as to how much you, as a seed or plant, actually grow. You just have to yield, cooperate. The proof of your relationship with Christ will be the fruit. The work you do will come from your connection to the living LORD. It will be an outpouring of your love, a response to Him, not a means to manipulate or earn His love. You already have that!

So here we are growing, I hope. Thriving and being nourished by the Divine Gardener, we bear fruit that shows we are rooted deeply in the truth of the Gospel. Doma

A Call To Surrender

Personal note: When a person receives encouragement from someone who is dear, it means so much. For this reason-because of your affirmation, I will keep writing blog entries.

Life is so full of contradictions. We hold tightly to things we need to release and don't always appreciate those dependable, ever present things. Dare I substitute the word people for the word things?

I will never forget the day I had to surrender my three boys to the Lord. I knew I was hanging on too tightly to them. They needed to move on and become the men God intended. They were actually 7, 9 and 10 when I committed them to God's care. I recall the moment clearly.I was making a bed with clean smelling sheets fresh from the clothes line when a question formed in my mind. "Will you give your sons to Me?"I did struggle and cry at the loss of control a true prayer of relinquishment might impose. However, in return, I just knew they would be safe in His charge. Believe me, I reminded the Lord many times of His promise to keep them close to His heart.

There was a night when the wicked one painted an image in my mind that was so horribly clear. In my mind I saw an overturned, out of control motorcycle. I saw some blood, a ditch and fear clutched at my throat. I just knew my son was involved. Turns out he was not the one who got hurt, he was the one who was able to help the injured boy. God was faithful. And He still is!

Early on, I found it very hard to let the little guys go beyond the yard. Next they went to school, and that was very hard, all three times. I so wanted to control their world and keep them from every harm; solve every problem. This anxiety drove me to my knees many times.

I still pray for the LORD to keep His covenant with me and also keep close their spouses and children. I just know He will. That's the kind of God we have! Doma

Purpose for This

Is anybody reading, enjoying, learning, or laughing in response to anything I write?

I rely on the comments section for feed back. No one will contact you. No one will be offended if you disagree with anything I write. Someone will be very appreciative if you write a comment - me. I even removed the Followers icon on the blog. I don't want followers, just readers!

My purpose in writing today is to ask for a response to this blog's content and for encouragement to keep writing here.

I guess I write most often just to examine how I feel about certain issues and to sort out those feelings. I also use this posting site to sort out my beliefs. It has been good for me, but I really wanted it to be helpful to someone else.

I am considering just going back to pen and paper journaling. I still do some of that anyway. Can anyone give me any reason to continue to post to this blog? Doma

What Is Beauty?

What does it take to be beautiful? According to our culture, it takes just losing a few more pounds or another surgery, if you are talking about superficial beauty that is. And, that is how most people judge others. Aren't there many kinds of beauty?

A prime example is someone like Susan Doyle whose beauty is in her voice, her attitude and confidence. Did you all see the video clip of how she was first received when she came on stage? That was a case of classic vindication by the Almighty. As she approached the stage, she was the butt of jokes and verbal abuse. People rolled their eyes and looked askance at Susan for having the audacity to even come up on the stage. But, when she sang, oh, when she sang, people who seconds before were so very critical and self-righteous in their opinion, were brought to their feet. There were tears and clapping. It was wonderful! It was right. They were wrong about her and her beauty. It was beneath the surface.

To the eyes of the poorest of India's poor, one of the most beautiful faces they ever saw was that of Mother Theresa. Her wrinkled, kindly face and gentle touch were beautiful to them. Her beauty was in her spirit and shown through her loving service.

How fleeting is the beauty of this present age. This kind of pulchritude can be bought and paid for. It can be coaxed and sculpted. It can be achieved by being tweezed, waxed, massaged and toned, but such beauty fades away.

There is another beauty to come that will never fade away. When we see the Beautiful One face to face, "...we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." Then, and only then will we be truly beautiful - forever. Doma

The Eternal Perspective

It seems after every rant of mine, I have to get my thoughts together and pray. Turning to the Source of strength and stability, my Savior, Jesus Christ, I know that if the world spins dizzily into a muddle of economic chaos, it won't affect eternity. Reclaiming the eternal perspective is the sanest way to approach all that is happening around us.

Wars, economic fluctuations, poverty and disease have always been part of the human condition. Certainly none of this is a surprise. Resting on the certainty of a Sovereign God's control brings peace and blessed assurance to those who believe. Focusing on God's character and promises, His covenant with believers and His Word, brings us to a good place - dependent on the only One who can actually do anything effective and long lasting about any of these problems. And, if He chooses not to act by removing or correcting any of the trials and tribulations we experience, then so be it! He does have the last word and He has provided the eternal remedy for our failures; the sacrifice of Christ Jesus that puts us in right standing with the Almighty. Heaven is our ultimate goal. If we had heaven on earth, we would have nothing to hope for or desire.

So we can know our ultimate future. We can even enjoy the Presence of the LORD right now, and we can rest in His care. Therefore brothers and sisters, fret not. Trust in the LORD and don't depend on an analysis by a news commentator or your own meager understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, recognize His promises and provision. He will make your path straight. Doma

Thoreau Had A Point

I cannot help but think about Henry David Thoreau's essay called "Civil Disobedience" as I hear the latest news. Especially pertinent is the quote of Thomas Jefferson which Thoreau included and has become famous. "That government which governs best, governs least." Thoreau saw government as a sometimes necessary evil. He exercised his conscience and refused to pay a tax in protest of the government's involvement in a war. For that he was put into jail. While there, he was amazed that "this is the best use it (government) can make of me." He also mused that although his physical body was locked up, his mind was free to think as he wanted.

How does all of this apply to the present day and the situations in which we find ourselves? Well, government involvement in nearly every aspect of our lives is rampant. Not only that, it is becoming domestic policy to see federal monies used to "bail out" company after company and now, perhaps a state too. Government control always seems to follow the money it gives. Oh, and about that money, where is it coming from? It's the ultimate in paying it forward, only instead of getting it back, our grandchildren will be paying it back long after we are gone. Hopefully the history books will explain why this all happened and be truthful.

Some government is very necessary for safety, national defense and stabilization of national currency and commerce. But, the direction government interference and control is heading may make captives of us all. We may end up wondering if the menial make-work government supplied job is the best we can hope for, or when the bubbles of the Social Security System and Medicare will burst. With fewer people working and paying their Social Security tax, with the withholding taxes being reduced for those who are working, no wonder the foundation of Social Security is shaky and commentators say its demise is inevitable. By the way, does anyone remember that Social Security was a trust? It was borrowed from with abandon and little regard for its initial purpose.

I have to agree with Jefferson and Thoreau. Less government not more is best. Panic is promoted by the media so we now have a runaway situation and are being taken advantage of by the present administration. We need to vote our way back into sanity before things go too far. This is my opinion and I am very grateful to have the right to air it without reprisal - a right still protected by our Constitution. Doma

Born Hoping

Psalm 22:9 "But You are He that took me out of the womb; You made me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts."


We are born hoping. Did you know that? We start out as very hopeful beings. Then, life happens to us and with it sometimes loss of hope.

Have you encountered some hope killers lately? People who make promises, who let you down, or they lean on you too much or treat you with disrespect. Some folks live to take the air out of others' balloons or squash their dreams. They say they are just being practical and it's for your own good. The truth is they envy your hope.

Need a hope transplant today? I know a Great Physician who specializes in hope. He said "I know the plans I have for you . . . plans for a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
Ask, seek, knock, He loves to lavish hope on His people. Read scriptures on hope in the Bible. They are a sure prescription for deep sadness and disappointment, and it is free for the asking! Doma

Crazy English Language

Man, am I ever glad I can speak and write the English language fluently because it really takes determination to learn it and use it properly. I have studied French, German and Latin. I am not, and never was a fluent communicator in any of those wonderful languages. I am considered fluent in English just because it is my native tongue. I did, however, major in English and teach it also, so I ought to have fluency.

What makes the language so complicated is the fact the origins and sources of American English are so varied. Latin, French, Spanish, Greek, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Native American, African American, and many other languages influence the English language. Spelling rules are weird because of word origins. Grammar rules are different in English from most other languages. In addition, English is always changing and adding words. Meanings of words are constantly changing too. Keeping up with it all can be daunting.

Here are some examples of confusion:
mice - mouse, but not spice - spouse, give - gave, but not live - lave. And, those wonderful words that never fail to confuse like sight, site, cite, your, you're, there, their, they're.

Mix in a little regional accent and you call your grandmother Grammar in Boston. Down South she might be called Grammaw. The word for a policeman and a bottom feeding fish sound exactly alike in New York City (cop/carp). You drive a cah (r) in New Jersey, but it is a carrr in the Midwest where people use rrrr a lot at the end of words that actually end in R. Of course there is the infamous wash which is warsh up north. The R is added and subtracted at will in many regions for no reason other than popular usage.

You can memorize all the rules, get a degree in English, teach English and be a published author and still only be scratching the surface of the complexity of this amazing amalgam of languages we call American English.

So, yes, I am so glad I know English and can read and write it. Thank God if you are an English speaker from birth. It would be so frustrating to have to learn it all over again. My hat is off to those who are learning and diligently seeking to become fluent in American English. Doma

Sink or Grab the Lifeline

GET A LIFE!
Old saying, often used as an insult-right? The implication is you're a loser in life. But you can't get a life until you know the Lifegiver. He throws you a Lifeline. So are you drowning in trouble and self-pity? Will you take His lifeline-or leave it. Your choice!

Enjoying God

I have really been enjoying God lately. Sitting quietly in His Presence in my kitchen or out on the deck listening to the birds and watching the sunrise; I am enjoying God so much. So is it because I have time to do the listening, time to sit on the deck? Was He there all along and I was just too busy? Yes, that's it. He was and is here all along. I was the too busy one.

To think I have missed this great pleasure for years. To realize all I needed was a few minutes to quiet my heart and mind and be still makes me sad.

When I contemplate the blessed assurance of my eternal future, and yet consider the certainty of problems to come, I know God is both with me and for me. He is on my side. The scriptures are very clear about all of this.

And why and how can I have such peace and assurance and enjoyment in the middle of tensions and trouble on this earth? It has to do with God's character. So much about our relationship is up to Him. He initiated my search for Himself. He led me through multiple dark and treacherous valleys and never left me alone. He has been unfailingly faithful, He reveals truth, gives love, peace and wisdom. Understanding God through the scripture gives insight into life. I can live without having all the answers of why things happen. Through studying the Bible, I am learning how to rest in God and enjoy Him.

I really cannot quite express what happens, but when I come to Him in prayer-I genuinely do enjoy Him. I know you can too. Take a deep breath, sit down and "Be still, and know that I am God." Knowing we are not God is plain to see and understand! Acknowledging who God is and His control over everything that comes our way gives great peace. So, get your Bible, put your feet up, and get to know the soon and coming King.
Prayer: Father, please reveal Yourself through your Son, Jesus Christ, by the power of Your Holy Spirit as we pray and read scripture today. Let us come and adore You, enjoy You, O LORD. Doma

The Watchman On The Wall

From Psalm 130 "...My soul wait for the LORD more than watchmen wait for the dawn."

It must have been very frightening being a watchman on the city wall at night. People depend on you to stay alert and you get tired as the long night wears on. If enemies are going to strike, they are probably out there in the dark right now waiting to sneak over the walls. Every sound is magnified and must be analyzed. You certainly are eagerly watching for the first faint signs of the new day. With the dawn, your watch is over, relief and rest are yours. Your job completed, you go home and all is well with the city.

We need to be alert and watch also. Sin can sneak up on us. By apathy, bad habits, cultivation of excuses for not doing the good we know we should do, and sheer spiritual laziness we can be ambushed by sin. We need the LORD. We don't have to wait long, just ask for his help now. Don't wait until everything seems dark and you are on edge, anxious and fearful. Don't consider prayer a last resort. Come to Jesus, for only He brings light and real rest. His Spirit fortifies and guards your life. Trust His watch care. Doma

Seek Me and You Will Find Me

If you are seeking God, guess who instigated your search!

Upside Down World

Should we be worried and fearful about what we hear on the news? Is our culture going amok?What can we do about it? Will your worrying change even one thing?

I am amazed at how fickle and gullible people are concerning things that scripture declares as being blatantly wrong. Our parents and grandparents would be in total shock if they were all alive and saw and heard the nonsense that is being said and acted out in our country, under the protection of the law. None of this is a surprise to Almighty God. Scripture does speak of a time when good will be called evil and evil will be called good. It seems this may be that time.
I have heard that people who are against abortion, for marriage between a man and and a woman, and go to church, are actually considered dangerous. Welcome to Upside down World.

Well, we need to be dangerous in one respect only and that is in the great love and compassion we have for others. Nothing can resist the pure love of God that casts out fear, the love only He can give us to share with others. We do need to recognize it is futile to expect folks who do not hold to our same beliefs to act, think, and speak as we do. Instead of condemning them, we must pray for them, live uprightly before them, and faithfully show them Jesus in our relationships.

We need the LORD and His Word to keep us on the right course. Right now, living in this country is like being in an airplane that has lost it's bearings and is flying upside down in a cloud bank. We just have to pray for God's help and mercy on our country and upon all those we hold dear. Doma

A Traveler's Lament

This poem came out of an experience of mine. I and a plane filled with passengers were told the captain who would pilot our aircraft was late. We were in a small plane on the baking tarmac at the Phoenix airport. Sky Harbor is what the facility is called. The only thing to remotely suggest a harbor was the waves of heat rising around us. As we sat there perspiring, I wrote this short traveler's lament.

The captain is late,
Well, isn't that great!
He's holding us up,
I guess that's our fate.
It's past time to go.
I'm certain he'll show,
But as we wait, the time goes slow.

How very annoying.
It's getting quite old,
As we roast on the tarmac,
Our lives on hold.

Here he comes with a MacDonald's sack.
We can see he's eating a big Mac,
We all want to just give him a whack.
He's all relaxed, but we're about to crack.

We talk of getting even, of paying him back.
We'll sing 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall,
Followed by verses of Kumbaya,
All the way to Omaha.
That will serve him right for making us wait,
Just maybe then he'll learn not to be late!
Doma

Noah and Adam

"Noah's Lament"
Noah, was racking his brain,
For he had never seen rain.
But God said, "Make a boat,
Make it strong, make it float"

So slowly the floating zoo took shape,
With two of everything - zebra to ape.
Then the lightning it flashed,
And the rains quickly splashed.

By the way, did God say
Where you park an ark? D.B.

"Caught"
Adam, when God came to call
Was hiding, he knew he had sinned.
He was all leafed and vined,
But he couldn't find
A pocket to hide the apple core in. D.B.

We Were There

How fickle the crowd
Who only yesterday
Praised Him loudly
With words of honor,
Highest praise.
Today they crucify,
A bloody cross they raise.

Did I say "they"?
But I was there,
And so were you.
Only yesterday I praised,
Swore to obey,
And not turn back.
Today, I betrayed Him,
My palm branch lies crumpled,
In the trash. Doma

Go With The Victor

Easter is the whole point of Jesus' life on earth. He conquered sin and death when He took our punishment on the cross, died a cruel death and then was buried in a tomb. By rising again, He is the clear eternal Victor. I don't know about you, but I am going to trust and follow the ultimate winner - Jesus Christ the Risen Lord!
Happy Easter, from Doma

Religion versus Relationship

One of the most misunderstood terms, in my opinion, is the word Christian. Many people say they are Christian, yet their actions and beliefs are all different. Possibly the only point of agreement is their belief in Christ and who He is, although there is disagreement about Jesus' identity even among those who claim to be Christians.

Why do you suppose there are so many opinions about Jesus Christ and what it means to be a Christian? Probably because we depend on our ideas and not on the scripture. So we have as many ideas as there are people, each having varied experiences and each under the influence of some religious teaching. If religion is seen as humans' efforts to reach God, by doing various activities or works to please Him and get His attention, then, yes, there are a variety of religions and explanations of what Christianity is. So what is it really?

Suppose we could agree on one idea of who Jesus Christ is and what it means to "be a Christian". I want to suggest that Christianity should be a statement of relationship, not a religious term, but a covenant relationship with Christ. You see, Christ made a great exchange, a covenant with us that made such a relationship possible. He exchanged His robe of righteousness, left His heavenly domain and all that was His for our humanity and all it entails. He offered us His own life for ours. And, His offer still stands.

Why would God allow His Son to do such a thing and how do I know this happened? The scriptures tell us. Jesus came to make the way to His Father possible through His sacrifice on the cross. He was not murdered, as some say, rather He gave up His life. If you are curious at all about this exchange and the relationship Jesus wants to have with you, quit listening to other peoples' version of who Jesus is and read it for yourself in the Bible. You will need to put on "spiritual glasses" to understand these things. To get a clear view of this truth, pray that God's Holy Spirit will show you what you long to understand. Your very longing is a precious gift and a sign of an honest seeker. So come, meet Christ, the way the Father has made to heaven. Right now is a great time to do that. Doma

The Great Exchange

Jonathan, son of King Saul, heir apparent to the throne of Israel. David, a shepherd, the youngest son of Jesse. God bound them together at the heart with a deep loving friendship. They were moved to make a covenant between themselves by exchanging robes, belts, armor and weapons. All that represented the one was given to the other. They identified fully with each other, committed to be one in heart, defending, protecting even to the point of being willing to give their lives for each other.



Jesus, Son of the Living God. Mankind, sinful, weak and needing deliverance. God the Father gave His promise to "Save with an outstretched arm" those with whom He made a covenant. Jesus exchanged His divinity for our humanity, putting on the robe of flesh, leaving His heavenly kingdom behind to become like us, identifying fully with us. In exchange, we receive His salvation and the robe of righteousness. Christ identified fully to the point of giving His life for us.

Have you made the Great Exchange with Christ Jesus? Your old life for the new life of eternal hope and peace He offers. Today is a good day to do that. Doma

The Lesson of the Chicken Egg

Our family was struggling financially back in the 1980s. We spend time together on various projects, but the one that taught us the most involved five eggs and a little yellow incubator.

Faithfully we turned the eggs and kept the water level and light just right. We put an X on one side of the shell and an O on the other to make sure we were turning them properly. We watched and waited for the eggs to hatch. By putting an ear close to the incubator, you could hear a slight scratching or pecking. Finally, cracks would develop and the chick's beak and then more and more of it would emerge. They were all hatching successfully, except one.

We decided to help that chicken along in the hatching process.Carefully, we removed pieces of shell. Worn out from the struggle, the chick seemed grateful to be free. But wait, it's dying! It just fell over and stopped breathing. What went wrong?

The newly hatched chicks are gathered around the light for warmth. They are active and appear strong and healthy. Do you suppose that epic struggle they went through to get out of the shell is what made them strong; able to survive in their world?

Could it be that struggles and adversity are designed to strengthen us too? I believe strength is forged in the bonds of suffering. The divine Blacksmith knows the precise amount of heat to apply to make a fine tool of you. So when pressure hammers away at you, or the cold waters of disappointment cover you, that is when you are being shaped into a person who will survive and thrive in this world. And, He never takes His eyes off the precious person He is forming - strong, resilient, capable, a tool reflecting His workmanship. Doma

Swearing Is Still Swearing

I want to express my dismay and disapproval about the use of the letters OMG which show up in conversations and text messaging lately. I even saw it used in a cartoon. One can mask the saying by using initials, but it is common knowledge that it means Oh my God. It is swearing and intended to be swearing no matter how it is spelled or abbreviated. I just wish people would be more creative in their word choices. It is not necessary to use God's name in everyday banter. To do so just indicates a woeful lack of knowledge of who God actually is and demonstrates failure to show Him the awe and respect He deserves. I just had to say it, and now I have. Doma

Psalm 2009

O Lord, You are sovereign and holy,
You are mighty and powerful,
You reign over all creation.
For You are God.

Yet surely You know me,
You understand what I do,
You see past my actions,
Into my very heart.

Knowing me the way You do,
You still love and forgive me,
For that I am eternally grateful.
Your grace is so precious.

O Lord, You are the Creator,
The stars feel Your fingers still,
And babies fresh from the womb
Bear Your breath.
The poppies flame with color,
Skies write your love in the clouds.

I must join with Exodus 15:11
And ask “Who is like unto Thee?”
Glorious in holiness,
Mighty in power,
Doing wonders,
You alone are Our God. Doma

Prairie Path

Overgrown with wild grasses and shimmering foxtails,
The path no longer winds.
Buried in the prairie now,
It exists only in my mind.

Now I must trod it from memory
Without even leaving my chair,
Briefly consider life’s brevity,
Cross the space to childhood’s naiveté.
Consider life’s sweet, simple things.

I catch the glint of a dewdrop rainbow,
Hear the lilt of yellow throat’s song,
Smell the earth in the mild morning breeze,
Truly seeing the path as it was.

I walk down the trail with my dog, Pete
He stays close, but not for long.
Some creatures do not enjoy the chase
But jackrabbit does and gives him a race.

Then dog and rabbit part company
And he comes loping back to me
He’s panting and weary, rests for awhile
Then looks up at me and wags his tail.

There in the grass something catches my eye
Blue bells nodding on slender stalks
A favorite flower of my mom
A nice bouquet to take back home.

My short sojourn back to the path
Was cut short by the phone
But I can go back anytime
To the prairie path and the peaceful times. Doma 03/23/09

More About Ear-Worms

Just a brief follow-up to my last post about "Pernicious Media". Part of my comments concerned ear-worms, those little ditties or phrases that show up in your conscious mind at odd times and for no reason. Well, I made the mistake of singing along with a song on the radio last Saturday, and now it comes up in my mind at weird times, much to my annoyance.

There is nothing like trying to have a quiet time to pray and meditate and have the words and tune to "...Elvira, Elvira, my heart's on fire for Elvira" , come to your mind. Or "Gitty up, bahoom boppa hoom boppa mow mow..." complete with a bass of epic proportions. Good grief! I should have known that what goes in does come back out. I WILL be more selective in what I take in from now on.

Don't laugh, I just know at times you are humming some commercial or the words to some nonsensical ditty too. Those rascally little ear-worms are in your mind also. In this instance, the result of being indiscriminate in my listening is simply annoying, but perhaps there are more insidious effects, like diverting my mind from more purposeful, productive thinking and even from praying. Just look, I have spent way too much time on this post just because of "Elvira"!

Well, excuse me, I am going to go listen to some Christian contemporary music and see if that can exorcise the Oak Ridge Boys so I don't have to think about their meeting Elvira "...at the Hungry House cafe". Do be careful what you take in! Doma

Pernicious Media

We do have to be careful what we take in visually and also what we hear! Do you know what an ear worm is? It is an insidious, repetitious series of phrases either put to music or repeated over and over in some context. This phrase or ditty then plays endlessly in your mind. You try to get it out of your head, but just when you think it's gone, there it is again. Often these "ear worms" are commercial jingles or sayings. They were purposefully repeated to do precisely what they are doing - ending up being replayed in the listeners mind. While they are usually just irritating, they are hard to shut off. Little children often repeat lines from movies or commercials, showing how this bombardment with auditory input is easily soaked up by impressionable little minds.

The effects of visual images on the human mind are often less obvious than the influence of auditory input. However, sometimes images just won't leave the mind and may even show up in the unconscious while one is sleeping. Frequent exposure to violent depictions of horrific proportions, such as we can see every night on television, can have several effects, from numbness and apathy to total revulsion. Children may act out what they have seen. Many children have nightmares just because of the indiscriminate viewing habits of their parents.

Sensual images have effects that are difficult to erase as well, as people who are addicted to pornography can tell you. When Job made a covenant with his eyes, he was one smart man. We would do well to do the same and be much more discriminating about what we choose to see and hear. I believe we will be accountable to God for all we take into our minds because it can influence our thought life. As scripture tells us, "As a man thinks, so is he." Doma

A March Reflection

Pull back those covers, Winter.
Wake up and hear Spring's call.
No use resisting longer,
Throw off your icy pall.

The hopes of man await you,
But will not wait for long.
Approaching solstice marches,
While birds rehearse their song.

Your blanket's served its purpose,
To moisture it dissolves,
You lose this battle every year
As Earth again revolves

Another trip around the sun
Another change is near,
You might as well give way to Spring,
So, Winter, disappear. Doma