Thirty years' lace

3:25 p.m. Today's project was to welcome our friends Kenny and DeAnna here so that she could stitch a lace flower from my wedding gown onto the train of Heidi's gown. It's a family tradition for the "something old" which began with our daughter Heather's gown three years ago. And who knows if a third generation's bride might use a piece of her mother's gown!

This morning as I read my portion of scripture, Numbers Chapter 2, I noticed that God commanded an exact count of each of the twelve tribes of Israel, especially the men ages 20 and above (fighting men), and that each family, clan and tribe were to stay together in a specific area in relationship to the Tabernacle. The NLT charts it out very well: Judah, Issachar and Zebulun on the east side, first to lead when the Israelites moved forward; next, Reuben, Simeon and Gad to the south; then came the Levites carrying the Tabernacle and all its furnishings; then Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin on the west; bringing up the rear were Dan, Asher and Napthali on the north side.

If we hadn't believed it until this point, we can see that God is a God of exacting order and cares deeply about details! He wants His people to be safe, well-positioned for war, and His glorious Presence over the ark of the covenant guarded above all by His chosen servants the Levites.

God tells us in His word that He cares about the small details of our lives, whether as part of a family event, our daily walk with Him, even our thoughts, because as Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT) says,

For the word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.

As I watched Deanna sew on the flower piece with excruciating attention to each minute stitch, I was inspired to do my utmost in my endeavors in family life, Bible teaching, business and caring for our home. God sees and knows all about you and me, so why not please Him by doing things His way, "as unto the Lord." (Colossians 3:23)

Today is the day

4:36 p.m. Today's project was to teach I Samuel Chapter 15 to our weekly ladies' Bible study. This amazing chapter has one of the most blatant examples of direct disobedience recorded in scripture, as well as one of the most famous rebukes.

Through the prophet Samuel, God told King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites, down to the infants and animals. Why such a tremendous judgment?

God had declared in Deuteronomy 25: 17-19, concerning Amalek,

Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. Therefore it shall be, when the LORD your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.

Now that Israel was an established kingdom, it was time for the king to act on God's behalf. "Vengeance is Mine," says the Lord. "I will repay." (Romans 12:19) Only a holy, righteous God has the right to exact punishment on the evil. Human rulers are then tasked to act in His behalf, upon His established laws.

Saul exhibited God's mercy by warning the Kenites to leave Amalekite territory, for they had shown kindness to the Israelites (Judges 1:16), just as He spared Lot from the destruction of Sodom, just as He warns the remnant of believers to flee Babylon prior to its destruction (Revelation 18:4). Then the slaughter took place--or did it?

In verse 9 of I Samuel 15, we find that Saul did not destroy all of Amalek. He and his men kept all of the best of the animals and even spared King Agag! (You'll recall that Haman, the arch-enemy of the Jews in the Book of Esther, was called an Agagite, so obviously, some Amalekites had survivied in the Babylonian empire). And it was not until 250 years later that we are told in I Chronicles 4:43, that King Hezekiah, the 14th king from Saul, finally wiped them out of the land)!

Saul's longtime mentor and friend, the prophet Samuel, had to deliver one of the sharpest rebukes in the Bible to his protege:

Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.

Exact, unhesitating obedience to God's commands is a problem for us today as well, isn't it? God tells us to make that difficult phone call, honor our marriage vows, apologize, share Christ with a friend--do we leap up to obey, drag ourselves to do it, do only some of the task, or pretend we didn't hear the Spirit's voice?

Or do tempting valuables, like the cattle Saul and his men saved, keep us from obeying?

Hebrews 3:7-8; 12-13 say,

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness..."

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Today, not tomorrow, is the day to begin obeying God with your whole being--body, heart, mind and soul!

Free is good

6:34 p.m. Today's project was to pick up our free "Pinkerton" avocado tree from Parkview Nursery. I had missed their closing time last night so after my Mary Kay glamour makeover appointments, I changed into "sensible shoes," unloaded the cosmetics from the bac of the Jeep, lined it with newspaper, and drove with Steve to the nursery.

Each year, the City of Riverside Public Utilities offers homeowners a free shade tree, but you must bring in your March utility bill with the offer printed on the other side. The offers expires June 30. We rarely miss a year, and as the trees grow, the shade they offer cuts our electric bill. I like the fact that a property shaded and almost hidden by trees benefits from God's gracious gift of "expiration," where green plants give off oxygen while "inspiration" removes carbon dioxide from the air! And when God's ideas are adopted by human governments for the good of the citizens, it's a win all around.

Three scriptures from Genesis came to my mind as we placed our tree in the garden for later planting. Genesis 1:11-13:

Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, who seed is in itself, on the earth;" and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day.

Genesis 2:8-9, 15:

The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food...then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.

Until the man and woman disobeyed God and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, all went smoothly. Must have been like living in Hawaii! But the curse upon Adam regarding the earth's land soon came down from God:

"Cursed is the ground for your sake;

In toil you shall eat of it

All the days of your life.

Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,

and you shall eat the herb of the field.

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread

Till you return to the ground.

For out of it you were taken;

For dust you are,

And to dust you shall return."

So here we find ourselves today, dependent upon plants for our very oxygen, food, and food for the animals we consume, while we gardeners pay a physical price with our bodies for the shoveling, weeding, watering and harvesting of our land's produce. Since in our civilization we pay others to run machinery to harvest vast tracts of our land, we pay hard-earned money for the food we can't grow ourselves.

Yet God is still good, providing life in all its forms for our food! As Psalm 118:2-4 says, and I concur,

Let Israel now say,

"His mercy endures forever."

Let the house of Aaron now say,

"His mercy endures forever."

Let those who fear the Lord say,

"His mercy endures forever."

Unparalleled beauty

11:59 a.m. Today's project was to take the best pictures I could, with limited talent and equipment, of the gorgeous amaryllis bloom in my front yard. Not having an orderly, well-tended flower garden that is a monument to beauty, this vegetable gardener is thrilled to have raised even a few bulbs that are slowly producing irises, lilies and amaryllis!

I am always stunned to see what to me is a real treasure, row upon row, bordered walkways, trellises and planters that make up a formal garden. Seems that I need advice on plant food, sun or shade requirements, proper soil, and laying out a plan!

As I crouched down on my front lawn, peering at the stamens and pistils, the petals with their vibrant color, I couldn't help but think of Jesus' words in Luke 12:27 regarding God's decorating scheme:

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Do lilies worry as to the right soil mix, hours of sunlight or shade, how much water and plant food they should have? Yet, much as we all admired the gorgeous historical costumes of the attendants and the bride's stunning gown at the recent royal wedding, can any human being make themselves as purely, perfectly beautiful as a flower? Of course not. (Though with every passing year, we ladies keep trying harder, don't we)?

There is a greater context to this passage of scripture, one which concerns so many of us now in tough times. Let's go on to the rest of our Lord's words, v. 28-31:

If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into an oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, or be of an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

I admit, as would you, that it's easy to forget that we will one day rule and reign with Christ! We habitually become anxious, and rarely stay calm in a trial, when finances are small and bills are huge! Yet when our focus remains fixed, from the first thing in the morning in devotions, Bible study and prayer, throughout the day, lifting each issue and need to the Lord in trust, and ending the day writing praises to my God, I can know, on a rough day or a great one, that God is with me from my first to my last day! Psalm 16:5-8 says,

O LORD, you are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.

The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance. (Remember the kingdom?)

I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons.

I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Take your stand now, refuse to be moved, and stand with Jesus Christ forever, for eternity! Remember it is He who said (Hebrews 13:5):

I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.

A promise to God

6:26 p.m. Today's project was to fulfill a promise I made to a police officer, myself, and ultimately to God, which was to get my Jeep smogged. After being let go with a verbal warning for outdated tags on Friday on my way to women's retreat, I had pulled together the cash to cover the cost at Moreno Valley Smog, $49 with a coupon.

My hopes were high for some income, but I haven't received it yet. I'll get paid for some product in the next couple of days. But this was just another "trust test" from the Lord to see if I would follow through on my promise!

Steve and I got up at 5:30, because I was determined to arrive at the smog test center before 8 a.m., to be first in line. I had an appointment with our wedding florist for a facial, clear across town, for 10 a.m. Having no idea how the facial would go, I also took along the shoes I just bought for my daughter's wedding, for a refund to be applied back to my debit card if necessary. So much up in the air and it was only Monday morning! I was feeling Proverbs 27:1b (KJV):

Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

I am so glad my loving Heavenly Father knows!!

We arrived at the smog place at 7:45, and were second in line. Steve stood at the door and began a conversation with the older gentleman who was there ahead of us. The shop opened on time, and the man's car was driven back. Mine was driven back also, once the Jeep's alarm quit blaring... good thing it's all industrial out there on Elsworth! My key has gotten way too sensitive, so it's time to switch it with the other one we keep in a desk drawer.

As time ticked away, and I showed Steve how to find Waldo in a large children's book in the waiting room, the other customer told us, "Mine will probably take a long time. Acuras take a long time." Sigh. It was about 9:00 by then. But, answer to prayer, his car was finished and mine was driven back! It passed smog easily, and by 9:20, we were on our way back home, where we loaded up the Jeep with my products and facial demo items, and I arrived at the client's home speedily. Her morning hadn't been the best, and the dogs had to be put up, but after facialling her and her daughter, I had a nice-sized check in my hand and left behind two very happy, lovely-looking ladies. I'm still awaiting word from the Lord about returning the shoes--I'll wait and trust!

My business wrapped up with an upcoming reorder from an established customer, and a booking scheduled with another! Additionally, I got some good ideas from my Sales Director during a quick sit-down; then I got Steve's glasses repaired. In response to a call, I was blessed and humbled to exercise ministry leadership in a sensitive matter, and later counsel a young woman by phone. Psalm 62:5-8, and 11-12 remind me (NLT):

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken.

My victory and honor come from God

alone.

He is my refuge, a rock where no

enemy can reach me.

O my people, trust in Him at all times.

Pour out your heart to Him,

for God is our refuge.

God has spoken plainly,

and I have heard it many times:

Power, O God, belongs to you;

unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.

Surely you repay all people

according to what they have done.

Through God's eyes

3:02 p.m. Today's project is to differentiate between the truth of God's holy character and the general atmosphere of lies that we are surrounded by in this world. Our pastor, in his sermon on Exodus 20:16--You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor--enumerated many shades and nuances of lying that, if we are not careful, even Christians can begin to take for granted!

For the last few days, I have been pondering the lies we tell ourselves about ourselves that do not match up with God's opinions of us at all. Our all-knowing God sees us as complete, righteous and holy, through His Son, Jesus Christ! Hard to take in, isn't it? But it is true! The headliner of this blog states as its purpose:

Daily life, dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ, who works in my life as Lord of all of me--accepting me as His, loving me just as I am today, but seeing me as so much better than I can ever imagine, as I grow in His grace!

Above is a picture of a gift I designed for my daughter Heidi, an acronym made from the letters of her future married name that reflect the lovely qualities God sees in her. She may or may not believe all that I wrote, but that's okay. It's what God sees that counts!

The beliefs we have about ourselves come from a number of sources: parents, teachers, coaches, circumstances, the odd comment, official documents, the house you live in, even the mirror! Think about how these beliefs have only a temporary bit of truth in them at best!

"You're a failure" is a lie once you succeed.

"You're fat" is a lie once you lose weight.

"You're lazy" is a lie once you make an effort.

"You're crazy" is a lie once the Lord brings healing.

"You're poor" is a lie once the Lord shows you how to earn a living.

Even kindly people can have us believing we are doomed when in Christ there is always hope, in this life and the next! "Tragic," "so unfair," and "you poor thing" are comments very loving people have said to me about Steve's Alzheimer's and its effect on me as his wife. From our human point of view, those words could well describe a once-brilliant mechanical guy who could not remember how to thread a belt through the loops on his jeans this morning, and the extra effort it takes for me to keep him on track. But does God see him as a pathetic, hopeless creature, or as His beloved child with much yet to contribute, who is going through a dark passage on his way to glory? Does God see Steve as a burden on his family and community, or as a fount of blessing to those who have been called to come alongside our family?

Here's what the Bible says:

I Samuel 16:7b:

For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.

Isaiah 55:9:

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Psalm 139:13-14a:

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Jeremiah 1:5:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.

Jeremiah 31:3:

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Mark 10:21a:

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him...

John 3:16:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

From rebellious nations to misguided, doubting, anxious, questioning , disappointed and clueless individuals like we can all be at times, God loves and sees a brilliant future for those He has called His!

Let's agree with our Heavenly Father today!

Prevailing prayer

6:00 p.m. Today's project was to pack up my clothes and personal items and place them in the Jeep because I had to leave the Calvary Chapel Women's Retreat at the Twin Peaks conference center a day early. At 6:30 a.m., I had already exited our room and gone to the center's lounge for a cup of coffee with my devotions, an invigorating walk in the brisk air. I was looking forward to eating breakfast with my daughter and her friends, and hoping to participate in at least some of the morning's General Session before leaving at 10:00.

Friday was the first time since Steve has needed more consistent supervision for his Alzheimer's that I've been gone overnight. I decided that one night would be a good start, so my daughter Heather and her husband Nick stayed with him. Heather reported no incidents and that her dad did well, completing all of his chores without reminders. Seems like a change-of-pace was just the right thing for Steve. I was able to enjoy fellowship as well as minister to women, the Lord's calling for my life in the Body of Christ!! As one of my favorite verses, Psalm 133:1 says, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Sistren, too!

Friday afternoon provided a scare to our three cars that were caravaning up the mountain with me bringing up the rear. We were all flagged over by a patrol car, and then told to move over to a wider turnout. What on earth? we all wondered. On a winding mountain road within a mile of our destination, we couldn't have been going more than 30 mph. Linda got out of the first car to ask the officer what was the matter, explained that we were on our way to a women's retreat, and he pointed to my car. Yikes! I rolled down my window and was told that my tags had expired. True, I explained, but I'd paid the registration fee and neglected to get it smogged. I'd even checked out a couple of places and then just forgot to follow up. I was sincerely sorry, because I know that was my responsibility. The young officer took my ID and insurance, and while he checked me out, I texted the girls in both cars to pray, and pray they did.

After deciding I was legit, he asked, "I'm giving you a verbal warning, ma'am. When are you going to take care of that?" "MONDAY," I called out with relief. And I know the Lord will hold me to that! How humiliating! The "lot" fell on my head, like Aichan who stole the heathen goods in Joshua 7. God doesn't allow His people to be scofflaws, even by accident!

As we all parked at the conference center, my friends told me that they prayed there would be no ticket, because I couldn't afford it, that the officer would be nice, and they prayed for him!

Now that's prevailing prayer!

God hears and answers prayer in His great mercy, but He also holds us accountable to be righteous citizens and good examples to others, "that the word of God not be blaspemed," Titus 2:5.

Believers, pray for one another, as Ephesians 6:18 says,

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with perseverance and supplication for all the saints..."