Anniversary Reflection

Today is my 27th Wedding Anniversary. And since yearly events like birthdays, anniversaries, new years, etc seem to be times of reflection, I was doing just that.

First of all, when I married, I thought it would be forever. Then after about 5 years, I thought it might be over. But the Lord had other plans, obviously, even though I never dreamed then that would be the case. My life is very different now from 27 years ago. The biggest difference is spiritually, of course. But if I look at a picture of my wedding party, besides both of our sisters, we do not talk to any of them. We still exchange Christmas cards with a couple of them, but the rest we have no idea where they are. Lives changes, people move on.

I could not even imagined then that my 2 kids would be all grown up, in college, with one married. And all the struggles and blessings it took to get them there. What will life be like in another 27 years if the Lord tarries? Now it's just hubby & me, and while we are still very much in love, it is a very mature love. One that we know will not go away because of our commitment to God and to each other. That's the way God created it to be. But what will we do with our lives, our time, our comings & goings?

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1Timothy 6:9-12, 17-19 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

hmmm..... store up treasures in heaven.... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.... instruct others to fix their hope on God.... do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.... take hold of that which is life indeed - eternal life! AMEN!!

Fence Transformation

2 Corinthians 3:18 (New American Standard Bible)
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17
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,

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

These verses came to mind when I saw the progress as my back fence was being replaced. The first day, the old fence was torn down and the wood piled up to be burned. John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.
Seeing the piles of wood reminded me of how my old deeds, ways of thinking and doing, decaying outer things are being stripped off and burned. And day by day I am being renewed from the inside out.

On the second day, I saw the new posts set - the foundation if you will - and a string plumb line hung - to ensure the fence would be straight. We have our foundation on the Rock - the Messiah Jesus to guide our way. As we trust in Him, He will set our paths straight as in Proverbs 3:5 - on course to the finish line.
2Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

On the third day, I saw that sections of the fence were completed. As the Lord works on us, it isn't an intant transformation. We have to submit ourselves to Him and release our will, so that His will may be completed in us. Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

On the fourth day, the entire fence was complete and looking brand new. God already sees us that way, but of course, we will be totally complete when the Lord brings us home. Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

And on the fifth day, the gates were replaced and everything was cleaned up. The gates remind me of protection. Keeping the good in and the bad out. Philippians 4:6-8 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

So as we dwell on these things, we guard our heart against worldly desires and allow God to transform us into His image by renewing our mind giving us His desires. I'll never look at my fence the same way again !!

Long time - no write

OK - I promise to keep up on this - I have so many thoughts, but no particular organization to them. And I am one that needs to keep reworking my words until I get them perfect. Or maybe I don't think I have anything profound to say, so I just don't say it. At any rate, that's pride talking and we know how God feels about pride! So here goes:

Since I last wrote - my daughter graduated from high school and started going to community college, my son got married in September, my grandmother in Florida went home to be with the Lord in October, I went to a Messianic Jewish conference in California in February, flew to a Miller family reunion in Chicago in May, and my last couple months have just flown by. I have been busy - some with ministry to others and doing the Lord's work, some with my own keeping up with household and life issues, some rest, and some planning ahead for near and longer term futures.

It seems like we just finished 2 weeks of street evangelism with Jews for Jesus for the Portland Rose Festival in June and now the next project is upon us! The Messianic Congregation we attend - Rehoboth Messianic - is hosting a Yovel Jubilee Outreach at Esther Short Park in Vancouver on August 5, 2007 (check out http://www.rehoboth-messianic.org/ and click on Events). I am in charge of publicity, as well as part of the dance team presentations, and helping hubby with a Jews for Jesus information booth and book table. So you can imagine there is alot to do to get ready.

In the middle of all this, we just bought a new truck - a Ford Ranger. And we are trying to sell the van, keeping up with a vegetable garden, having a fence replaced (by someone else-yeah!!), and helping our daughter get ready to move out (and dealing with the ensuing emotions, but that's a whole other post), as well as a myriad of other things! I need a vacation! Oh yeah - and trying to fit in some time off here and there so we don't go bonkers!!

Luckily my work isn't too stressful even though it is year-end processing and our big financial system is being replaced as we speak (or type as the case may be). So far, no overtime required - just a canceling (once again) of the November trip to Jews for Jesus Ingathering Conference in Northern California because that is the "go-live" date for the financial system.

Ok - so enough whining :) - I really do love my life and would not give up any of it. I am so blessed by God with a wonderful family, work, and ministry that I am overwhelmed with joy at times. I give Y'shua Jesus all the credit for giving my life such meaning for now and for eternity. To Him be the glory now and forever - amen!