Walking and Talking

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.  And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. 

“’Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and  you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

’Then the righteous will answer Him saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You drink?  And when did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?  And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  And the King will answer and say to them, ‘ Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:31-40

“When that Word-became-flesh ascended, He left behind His actual Presence in the form of His Body, the Church.  Our goodness becomes, literally, God’s goodness.  Our suffering becomes, in Paul’s words, ‘the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings’.  Our actions become His actions.  What happens to us, happens to Him. 

“The two words, seen and unseen, merge in Christ; and w, as Paul kept insisting, are quite literally ‘in Christ’.  Embodiment is the end of all God’s work, the goal of all creation.”*

Those who do not know the Lord look around to see if they can find one person who embodies His love; for this example of “walking the talk, rather than talking the walk’ is the greatest evangelistic tool and healing tool for those wounded by the Church.  It is His plan after all!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Kimberly, a 17 year old who has run away because she’s lost her way & her parents who love her so much.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees).  Has surgery but no word yet on the outcome.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Opposite of Reductionism

“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not despairing; persecuted, not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.  For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are no seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18

“Granted, we have a limited vocabulary for this higher realm.  We speak to God as we would speak to another person; could anything be more commonplace, more ‘natural’?  Praying, proclai8ming the Gospel, meditating, fasting, offering a cup of cold water, visiting prisoners, observing the sacraments – these everyday acts, we are told, carry the “higher’ meaning.  They somehow express the unseen world.”*

Kim was a friend who had recovered from Cancer and was celebrating her life for all to be inspired by.  She had a wonderful husband and a sweet little one year old baby.  Then the Cancer came back and in only months literally consumed her body in ways I never imagined could happen.  As I visited with her regularly I kept thinking I would never have the grace she has at this time.  Her secret?  She loved the Lord and it was His grace through her to minister to others in her “darkest hour”.  So many were touched by her ability to live the opposite of reductionism!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Those facing the devastation in the Midwest of the USA with tornados!  Still no update on Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees).  Was admitted last week for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!  (Something has happened that is preventing me from accessing the WeakDay Devotions blog site to update it, in case you are missing the segments there.  It seems amazingly complicated to sort this out.)

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Not Reductionism!

“And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

“And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him.  And it came about that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. – And He said to them, ‘Why is it that you were looking for Me?  Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?’  And they did not understand the statement which He had made to them.” Luke 3:6-7, 45-49

“When we become Christians and thus establish contact with the unseen world, we are not mysteriously transported upward; we do not suddenly put on space bodies that remove us from the natural world.  Rather, our physical bodies reconnect with spiritual reality and we begin to listen to the code through which the unseen world transposes itself into this one. 

“One might say our task is the very opposite of reductionism.  We look for ways to re-enchant or ‘hallow’ the world:  to see in nature and engine of praise, to see in bread and wine a sacrament of grace, to see in human love a shadow of ideal Love.”*

Can you imagine the experiences of Jesus from the perspective of the Father?  Of course we cannot begin to fathom this mystery!  Enjoy your weekend and look up!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Those facing the devastation in the Midwest of the USA with tornados!  Still no update on Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees).  Was admitted last week for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!  (Something has happened that is preventing me from accessing the WeakDay Devotions blog site to update it, in case you are missing the segments there.  It seems amazingly complicated to sort this out.)

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Transposition - Again

“Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’  And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”  Genesis 1:26-27

“From below, we tend to think of miracle as an invasion, a breaking into the natural world with spectacular force, and we long for such signs.  But from above, from God’s point of view, the real miracle is one of transposition:  that human bodies can become vessels filled with Spirit, that ordinary human acts of charity and goodness, can become nothing less than the incarnations of God on Earth.”*

When I was a nine-year old entrepreneur, I sent for this set of dark blue, velvet-looking plaques, that someone had written on with glitter letters.  It was to start me on the way to making money of my own.  One of the plaques read:  “Never say anything you wouldn’t want to say if Jesus was here.  Never do anything you wouldn’t want to do if Jesus was here.  Do and say what you know Jesus would be pleased with.”  I still have the plaque!

The Bible says:  “And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognising that He had answered them well, asked Him, ‘What commandment is the foremost of all?’  Jesus Answered, ‘The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’  The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these.’” Mark 12:28-31

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Those facing the devastation in the Midwest of the USA with tornados!  Still no update on Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees).  Was admitted last week for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Identification

“And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME?’  And he said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’  And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,’” Acts 9:3-5

“’Let not your heart be troubled:  believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.’” John 14:1-3

“When that Word-became-flesh ascended, He left behind his actual Presence in the form of His Body, the Church.  Our goodness becomes, literally, God’s goodness.  Our suffering becomes, in Paul’s words, ‘the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.’  Our actions become His actions.  What happens to us, happens to Him.” 

“From below, we tend to think of miracle as an invasion, a breaking into the natural world with spectacular force, and we long for such signs.  But from above, from God’s point of view, the real miracle is one of transposition:  that human bodies can become vessels filled with Spirit, that ordinary human acts of charity and goodness, can become nothing less than the incarnations of God on Earth.”*

Remember the story of the angel, asking Jesus about His Grand Plan to save all the people?  “But Jesus, You MUST have a back-up plan besides just leaving ordinary men and women to spread Your love and truth and grace!?”

And Jesus said, “No, that’s the plan.”

And the Angel said, “But, Lord, what if they don’t care enough to do this?  What if they don’t have time to do this?  What if they don’t WANT to do this?  What if they don’t want to figure this out?”

And Jesus said, “They’ll understand for I’ll help them.  That’s why I saved them.”

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Those facing the devastation in the Midwest of the USA with tornados!  Still no update on Carlton (quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees).  Was admitted last week for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book! 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Embodiment

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  – And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. – For of His fullness we have all received and grace upon grace.”  John 1:1, 14, 16

“’He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.  And whoever in the name of a disciples gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward,’” Matthew 40-13

In a book called “God in Creation”, Jurgen Moltmann, the theologian wrote “’Embodiment is the end of all God’s works.’  Our goodness becomes, literally, God’s goodness.  Our suffering becomes His sufferings.  Our actions become His actions.  What happens to us, happens to Him.  The two worlds, seen and unseen, merge in Christ; and we, as Paul keeps insisting, are quite literally ‘IN Christ.’  Embodiment is the end of all God’s work, the GOAL of all creation.”*

Look for Jesus in the eyes, words and arms of those around you.  And when you can’t find it, BE His eyes, words and arms.  Embodiment is transforming.  Just consider your own life and how you can bless others with His transforming love!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Carlton, is a most remarkable quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees.  He was admitted Saturday for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  We have no news about his surgery yet.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Transposition - Part 3

“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.  Yes, Father, for thus it was well-pleasing in Thy sight.  All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; dor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.’” Matthew 11:25-27

“The God revealed in the Bible – seeks to bring the seen and unseen together.  His goal, one might say, is to rescue the ‘lower’ world, to restore the natural realm of fallen creation to its original state, where spirit and matter dwelt together in harmony.”*

I had looked at pictures of Niagara Falls many times.  Read about how vast it was, how powerful, how much water rushed over the falls each minute, saw videos of it, met people who had walked it and yet, until the day I stood beside it I never appreciated the personal experience of the Falls.  That is transposition, to join the “reputation” of the Falls with the “personal experience” of the Falls.  So like our loving Father to provide abundant opportunities to ensure His “reputation” is brought to our “personal experience” through our life journey.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Carlton, is a most remarkable quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees.  He was admitted Saturday for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  We have no news about his surgery yet.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Transposition - Part 2

“”’And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue; for I am in agony in this flame.’ 

“But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 

“And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able and that none may cross over from there to us.’ 

“And he said, ‘Then I beg you, Father, that you send him to my father’s house – for I have five brothers – that he may warn them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 

“But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’  But he said, ‘No, Father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent’.  But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”” Luke 16:24-31

“’Why doesn’t God intervene and make Himself obvious?  Why doesn’t He speak aloud so we can hear Him?  We yearn for a miracle, for the supernatural in its pure, unadulterated form.  “Unadulterated” because it betrays a sentiment that is central to this issue.  We moderns strive to separate natural from supernatural.  The natural world that we can touch and smell and see and hear seems self-evident; the supernatural world, however, is another matter.  There is nothing CERTAIN about it, no skin on it, and that bothers us.  We want proof.  We want the supernatural to enter the natural world in a way that retains the glow, that leaves scorch marks that rattles the ear drums.”*

There is so much “evidence” for God’s love in our life, so much we realise is new in our new life with Christ!  Yet...”some were doubtful.” (Matthew 28:17)

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Carlton, is a most remarkable quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees.  He was admitted Saturday for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  We have no news about his surgery yet.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Transposition - Part 1

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.  And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it, you shall surely die.’” Genesis 2:15-17

“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what IS man that Thou does take thought of him?  And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?  Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, and dost crown him with glory and majesty!  Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet,” Psalm 8:3-6a

“Transposition is a way of life.  All knowledge comes to us through a process of translating downward into code and then upward into meaning. – All communication, all knowledge, all sensory experience – all of life on this planet – relies on the process of transposition:  meaning travels ‘downward’ into codes which can later be reassembled.  We instructively trust that process, believing that the lower codes really do carry something of the original meaning.”* 

With my creative license, I see that in the Garden of Eden a death of innocence – before the Fall “transposition” was not “alive” because God walked and talked with His children, who had intimacy with their Father-Creator.  After however, the search for understanding and a return to intimacy with God continued till Christ made the way for us.  But our understanding will always need the “translation’ by transposition until we rest in His eternity.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Carlton, is a most remarkable quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees.  He was admitted Saturday for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  We have no news about his surgery yet.  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For those still struggling after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers working with them (in Japan, USA, New Zealand).  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.  Reg for his ministry and patience.  Have a new Internet provider.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Reductionism Living - Part 2

“And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will you hesitate between two opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’” I Kings 18:21

“And after eight days again His disciples were inside, and Thomas with them.  Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, ‘Peace be with you.’  Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.’  Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’  Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’” John 20:26-29

“C. S. Lewis recalled that as a child he had first learned to appreciate orchestral music by listening to the single, undifferentiated sound produced by a primitive gramophone.  He could hear the melody, but mot much else.  Later, when he went to live concerts he was disillusioned.  A multitude of sounds came from many instruments playing different notes!  He longed for the real thing,’ which to his untrained ear was the mongrel sound of the gramophone.  To Lewis, at that moment, the substitute seemed superior to the reality.”*

Sometimes, it’s just a matter of recalling your personal experience with the Father.  Think about how far you’ve come with Him -- how much love and wonder you have personally experienced and witnessed in your life and those around you.  This is more than enough to bring you back to the reality of Reality!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Carlton, is a most remarkable quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees.  He was admitted on Saturday for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  He had surgery yesterday (no news yet on this).  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For recovery from the devastating hurricanes: in New Zealand and the Southern states of the USA.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the many global disasters near and far.  For Elaine.  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.    Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Reductionism Living - Part 1

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘have you considered My servant Job?  For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God, and turning away from evil.’  Then Satan answered the Lord, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing?  Hast Thou not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side?  Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.  But put forth Thy hand no and touch all that he has; he will surely cures Thee to Thy face.’  Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him,’” Job 1:8-12a

“We must simply acknowledge the powerful force of reductionism.  That force offers both a blessing and a curse.  It blesses us with the ability to analyse earthquakes and thunderstorms and tornados and thus defend ourselves against them.  It has also brought a cures, we risk reducing life to nothing more than its constituent parts.  We will never again view the sunrise or moonrise with the same sense of awe and near-worship that our ‘primitive’ ancestors – or even the 16^th century poets – felt.  “And if we reduce behaviour to merely hormones and chemistry, we lose all human mystery and free-will and romance.”*

There is more mystery in our lives than we can ever fathom!  And because we are able to think that is also a blessing a curse.  As we look around us and new answers to long-standing wonders are unrolled in “simple detail” for all to see, we do lose a great deal.  Yet, I am convinced the Lord is using this right now for His purposes because NOTHING escapes His hand or eye!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  Carlton, is a most remarkable quadriplegic who has made his living raising honey bees.  He was admitted on Saturday for urgent medical care with an infected pressure sore.  He had surgery yesterday (no news yet on this).  If the Lord moves your heart would you please consider sending him a greeting card at:  OSU Medical Center East, Tower 5 Room 510, 1492 E Broad St., Columbus Ohio 43205.  It would really boost his spirits.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  For recovery from the devastating hurricanes: in New Zealand and the Southern states of the USA.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the many global disasters near and far.  For Elaine.  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.    Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Two Worlds - Reductionism

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth.  Who hast displayed Thy splendour above the heavens!  From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength, because of Thine adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou has ordained; what is man that Thou dist take thought of him?  And the son on man that Thou dost care for him?  Yet Thou has made him a little lower than God, and dost crown him with glory and majesty!

“Thou dost make him to ruse over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the seas.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth!”  Psalm 8

“Our century excels at “reductionism”, the process of “reducing” human behaviour down to neurotransmitters and enzymes, reduce butterflies to molecules of DNA, and reduce sunsets to particles of waves of light and energy.  In its more extreme form, reductionism sees religion as psychological projection, world history as evolutionary struggle and thought itself as only the opening and shutting of billions of I/O computer gates in the brain.”*

Thinking of the greatness of God and the immensity of His love for us is almost impossible to imagine.   His grace says “I love you so much, I would rather die than live without you and there is NOTHING you can do to make Me love you less, and there is NOTHING you can do to make Me love you more.  I just LOVE you!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For recovery from the devastating hurricanes: in New Zealand and the Southern states of the USA.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the many global disasters near and far.  For Elaine.  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.    Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Two Worlds - Transposition

“’Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.  And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom.   And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue; for I am in agony in this flame,’ 

“But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.  And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, in order that those who wish to come over from here to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.” Luke 16:22-26

“C. S. Lewis Theme of two worlds runs like a thread through most of his work – in an essay called “Transposition”, he defined the problem as being ‘that of the obvious continuity between things which are admittedly natural and things, which, it is claimed are spiritual; the reappearance in what professes to be our supernatural life of all the same old elements which make up our natural life.’”*

The only way to bridge the gap is with the body of Christ.  When you think about it, the only way across is actually to “trample” over this bridge with our sin-soiled feet.  To be that “bridge”, Christ had to lay down his life so we could have the only way across to eternal life!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For recovery from the devastating hurricanes: in New Zealand and the Southern states of the USA.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the many global disasters near and far.  For Elaine.  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.    Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey

Two Worlds - Part 2

“O Lord, I call upon Thee; hasten to me!  Give ear to my voice when I call to Thee!  May my prayer be counted as incense before Thee; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.   Set a guard, O Lord over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips, do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who do iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. 

“Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; it is oil upon my head; do not let my head refuse it.” Psalm 141:1-5

“For we all stumble in many ways.  If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” James 3:2

“I do not stop being a ‘natural’ person when I pray.  I get sleepy, lose concentration, and suffer the same frustrations and miscommunications while conversing with God that I do with other people.  When I write on ‘spiritual’ topics, I am not suddenly lifted heavenward by the muses; I still must sharpen pencils, cross out words, consult the dictionary, wad up and throw away countless false starts.” *

Every day we say things we wish we had not said; do things we regret; think things we know immediately are wrong.  Most of us determine to do better the next day.  We may pray about our “slips” and confess and ask for forgiveness to start the next day fresh.  Yet just knowing how easy it is to slip back also helps us be more grateful.  Knowing that when we do slip back in word or deed or even heart thought (that no one sees or hears), that Christ’s amazing and loving sacrifice stands guard over our lives once we accept His gift in grace!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For recovery from the devastating hurricanes: in New Zealand and the Southern states of the USA.  For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts.

For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for all who are believers to pray and help others have peace during this time.  What a time for believers!

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS:  For volunteers and those restoring their lives after the many global disasters near and far.  For Elaine.  For Paul N as he regroups.  Help for Cris.  Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  [For my Internet connection which continues to cause me untold problems.]

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  That Tim might find satisfying work.  Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia.  Galdor is still searching.  Need a new project to tackle for my work.  Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  My brother & his wife Barb are doing better.  They’ve adjusted David’s meds and he’s improving.    Reg for his ministry and patience.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches.  Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/)  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
 

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey