Undecided

No, this is not another political entry. 

Okay, I thought I knew what I was going to write about tonight. But the more I researched it, the more I realized that I didn't have enough information to go there. 

Then I thought I'd write on another pretty quick and easy topic. But that just seemed empty. 

I guess I could write about the World Series. I wish the Giants were there but I'm glad two "hungry" teams are getting a chance at the trophy.  That's about all I've got on that. 

Or I could present some commentary on the fact that on the second day of November we can now listen to Christmas music on the radio 24/7. 

So how about a little survey? Let me set it up. 

Bill and I had a conversation today about going to Pigeon Forge -- we always go to the Dixie Stampede in December. (I guess the Christmas music affected us more than I realized.) That's a pretty solid show but I wonder if we should do something different this year for a change. So here's the survey question:

What is your favorite show in Pigeon Forge and why?

I look forward to your responses. Can you persuade us to do something besides the horses?

In the Throws of Nastiness

I sat down tonight and watched a little television. I hope I don't have to do that again until after Nov 8! The political ads are so -- political! The whole election makes me tired. 

On the one hand, I just wish it (the nastiness) were all over. 

On the other hand, I'm afraid that once it's over, it will have only just begun. 

So how are you going to vote for the presidential race?

   Democratic? 

   Republican?

   Libertarian?

   Green?

   Independent?

What if you don't particularly care for any of the candidates?

I'd say you wouldn't be alone. 

Does that mean you shouldn't vote at all?

No. 

If you are an American, it is your right and privilege to vote. In my opinion (and this is my blog so this whole thing is my opinion), we must all vote.  

If you're disgusted with Clinton and Trump, does that mean you should vote for Johnson?

I don't think so. 

I understand the rationale behind a vote for Johnson -- Clinton and Trump are terrible options. But, really and truly, Johnson doesn't have a chance to win. So a vote for him will be wasted at best. 

No. I don't think voting against Clinton and Trump by voting for Johnson is a good idea. 

So what should we do?

Well, I think the first thing we need to do is to check out Psalm 46:10. 

“Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 GW)

Then I think we need to read Romans 13:1.  

“Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God.”  (Romans‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭HCSB‬‬)

Then I think we need to ask Him to show us how to vote. In my particular case, I won't be voting FOR someone as much as I will be voting AGAINST someone. But I really must have the personal satisfaction of knowing that my vote will count -- to try to keep that person out of the Oval Office. 

With that being said, consider this. 

“Your Majesty, you are king of kings. The God of heaven has given you sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. Wherever people live — or wild animals, or birds of the air — He has handed them over to you and made you ruler over them all. You are the head of gold.”  ‭‭(Daniel‬ ‭2:37-38‬ ‭HCSB‬‬)

When it's all over and the smoke clears, God will still be God. He will still be in control. And we will still be His. Nothing will ever change that. 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

 

Our next door neighbors did things up right this year. They had all the neighborhood children (and then some) over to eat chili, play games, and run around in the back yard. At one point I counted 14 masked marvels. They all came by our house after the party for trick-or-treating which means we had about 14 more kids this year than last year!

 

 

Some people really love Halloween. They decorate to the hilt and dress up and all that jazz. I thought about putting on some face paint tonight but the only thing I could think of doing was a clown face -- and I thought that might not be a very good idea this year!

This is about as festive as we get for the fall. And if you turn the pumpkins around, they spell U K. 🎃 (I know you're not surprised!)

 

Unfortunately there is a more sinister side to Halloween, but I chose not to dwell on it a whole lot. I'd rather laugh with the children, enjoy their costumes, and eat leftover candy. I'd rather focus on the light instead of the darkness in our world. And when tomorrow comes -- guess what -- it'll be November!

“I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

1 Peter 5:7

I cast all my cares upon you. 

I lay all of my burdens down at your feet. 

And anytime I don't know what to do

I will cast all my cares upon you. 

Well, I guess I'll have that song stuck in my head for a day or two! 😊 

I remember singing this with the boys when they were small. It seems so incredibly easy, doesn't it. Just throw down your worries. Hm. 

Did you know there are several references to this in the Bible? It seems that humanity has dealt with anxiety and worry for a very long time. Perhaps throwing them down is a little more difficult than it sounds. 

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22 

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Mt 6:25

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. Mt 10:29

As I studied the Scripture today in our Bible Study, I realized something I had not considered before. "Casting my cares" on the Lord depends totally on my humility. I first have to acknowledge that I am powerless over my concerns before God can do anything with them. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.‭‭ 1 Peter‬ ‭5:6-7‬ ‭

I find it amazing when the Holy Spirit shows me new things in a passage I've known for so long. May He continue to teach. May I continue to hear. 

What Big Teeth You Have!

Have you ever been face-to-face with a real-live lion?

 

Fifteen years ago when Will was 14, he and I went on an associational mission trip to Botswana, Africa. Before coming home, we visited a game reserve where we encountered some breathtaking animals. 

This old boy is John, one of the Over brothers. I took this picture of him while I was perched in an open air, all-terrain vehicle about 30 feet away. 

Don't you know he could do some major damage with those teeth?!

Later that night as we were in our thatched- roof hut, we could hear John and his brother, Steve, outside our encampment. Their roars let us know they were there -- circling. 

As I read my ALIVE Sunday School lesson this week, I thought about these magnificent creatures. 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” ‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬

Now if Will and I had heard these lions the first night we had been there, I dare say neither of us would have gotten much sleep. As it turned out, we had seen first hand that as long as we followed the rules, we were safe from any harm. We both drifted off into peaceful sleep in the midst of God's active creation -- safe and secure.

Isn't that what this Scripture verse is talking about? We must be aware of our surroundings and think clearly about following God's directions. If we stray from His protective care, we can expect the opportunistic predator to seize us. As it is, even though we know Satan is "out there" circling, we can rest peacefully knowing we are safe and secure in the Master's hands. 

Yes, this Scripture delivers fair warning. But it also offers protection and security to those who believe. 

What a Difference an "E" Makes

Lizzie passed a milestone today on her way to becoming a nurse. She received notification that she is now certified as an SRNA (a nursing aide).

mile·stone

 (mīl′stōn′) n.

1. A stone marker set up on a roadside to indicate the distance in miles from a given point.

2. An important event, as in a child's development, the history of a nation, or the advancement of knowledge in a field; a turning point.

Interestingly, the prospect of reaching this "milestone" proved to be quite a "millstone" around her neck. She studied and stewed and took her test and stewed and paced and stewed some more.  Of course, the stewing didn't make the time go by faster or give her a better grade on her test or in any way make the situation better. 

Mill•stone (mĭl′stōn′) n.

1. One of a pair of cylindrical stones used in a mill for grinding grain.

2. a. A source of worry or distress: a responsibility that became a millstone.

b. An obstacle to success. 

See Synonyms at burden. 

I can't be too critical of my daughter, though, because I think that it is just human nature to worry. The thing is, don't you think, that God wants us to have His INhuman nature -- His godliness. We seem to want to hang on to what we can control -- in this case, stewing.  Consider the following.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John‬ ‭14:27‬ 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”‭‭ Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”‭‭ Matthew‬ ‭6:34‬

Lord, help us to chose the successes in life and not the burdens. Help us to depend totally on you for peace in our lives. 

.  

Hope's Wings

Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program

 

Did you know Richmond has a top quality domestic violence center? We do. Tonight Bill and I participated in a community celebration in honor of those in our community who don't abuse others and in memory of those in Kentucky who have been victims. It was a previous event. 

These t-shirts represent some of the 33 people in Kentucky who died this past year because of domestic violence. The display is a sobering reminder of how terrible the problem is. 

 

Please be in prayer for the board, the staff, and the clients at Hope's Wings. Spread the word that they are here. It's a wonderful program. 

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Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program envisions a world where every person lives in a safe environment, free from violence and fear. Our programs and services are diverse and range from emergency shelter to counseling. Our mission is to empower victims of domestic violence to make safe permanent changes for themselves and their children by providing comprehensive and cohesive services through support, understanding, education, and awareness. We wish to support the path of all survivors as they work to be self sufficient and free from violence. Explore our site, learn about Hope’s Wings and domestic violence. Join us in our efforts to promote strong, healthy relationships by contacting us at 859.623.4095

 

http://hopeswings.com/