The Trials of Life and Living.

 The Trials of Life and Living.

 

Can’t think of too many things that Christ dealt with that were much worse than the lies the Jewish leaders concocted against Him. Well, yes, they put Him to death, but that death was foretold many years before He was ever born. It seems so many of the things that happened to Him were just as the scriptures said that they would be. He was not accepted by the people with whom He grew up. Think about that. Today we are so easily hurt by our parents and even friends who don’t accept us. No, I don’t understand much about the folks who have decided that they are cats or other animals, but we could probably accept that those ideas are somewhat aberrations. All Christ said was that He was the son of God. Sure enough, it would not surprise me to hear someone today make the same claim. After all, we know that the great deceiver will do something along those lines. Still, it makes me realize when reading the Bible that the man who was Jesus knew what it was like to be rejected—by His family and by those with whom He was most familiar. Today, not that anyone cares about my opinion, rejecting how people think of themselves is just unnecessary. Whatever people are is beside the point. When dealing with people, it is not how they look, how they dress, how they talk or any of the outward ways we might consider others. The outside or the persona that people present is not nearly as important as the character of a person. We have a job: to love others as God loves us. Let us pray that we will approach our job with the right attitude.

 

Ok, many little and big things on my mind today. My neighbor’s son has strep throat, a very dangerous infection. This old woman has heart damage due to that mess from childhood, so we can be assured that it is no small thing to get it under control quickly before it can damage internal organs. Let us pray for AJ. And meanwhile, let us pray for Shona to be able to care for him as well as her family. It is so difficult to lose sleep and worry about little ones.

 

My friend Mark Ogle’s twin sister is on Hospice today. She is in a coma and is not expected to live much longer. He came by today and talked about her and their brother they lost a few years ago—Bud. Bud’s wife is in a nursing home, and Mark is taking care of their four donkeys and pets. Let us remember Jane Ogle’s family in our prayers.

 

Roger Thonton came to “help” me today and carted off the pieces of this new little cart to put it together for me. It is lovely and will work like a charm. Have to love friends like Roger and his sweet wife Susan. Had to show him the furniture that Sterling has made for me and the pantry that he made. Sterling said he did not want anyone to admire that pantry too much because he certainly did not plan on making another one. So far, he has given away about 80 children’s rockers and has already made about 20 rockers for old women like me—well, and old men. Each time he goes to the lumber yard, someone else asks for one. He has also made bunches of benches and tables for himself and others He wants to make some children’s furniture next—little chairs, tables, and benches for them. He likes kids for some reason. He and Marion only had four children and several grands and too many to count great-grands! Guess they could keep him busy for a few years.

 

Having read some of the news today, the old woman feels as if depression could easily set in with just the violence and hatred floating around all over this world. But that is just what Satan wants—depression or anger and fear! Let’s stand up in the armor of God and refuse to be affected as much as possible! We KNOW what the world will suffer soon before the end comes. May God give us the spirit of reassurance that we need: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” (Isa. 41:10) “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

 

When we hear lies and hatred spewing forth, we know its origin. We can “fact check” until the cows come home and still be baffled, but we CAN be assured that God is in control. HE is the channel where we should “tune in.”

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.