Sunday Scripture

 

Image from Love God Greatly

Again this Sunday, I'm sharing from the Made for Community reading plan from Love God Greatly that I worked on back in 2015.  With this study, as I have often done, I used the SOAP method of Bible study.  Just a quick reminder that the S is for Scripture, O is for Observation, A is for Application and P is for Prayer.  The third section is Made for Community with Family.  So here we go with the Scripture for the third day of that section. 

S= "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)

O= Chapters 23 and 24 of the book of Joshua contain Joshua's final message to the children of Israel.  In chapter 24, verses 1 through 13, he reviews Israel's history, going all the way back to Abraham.  He reviews all that God has done for them.  Therefore, with all this in view, Joshua challenges the people to fear the Lord, to serve Him in sincerity and truth -- to put away their pagan gods and serve the LORD.  

In verse 15 he challenges the people to make a choice.  Will it be the LORD (v. 14) or will it be the gods of their ancestors or the pagan gods of the land they now dwell in?  

As for Joshua and his family, they would serve the LORD.

Several cross-references are given for "as for me and my house":

GENESIS 18:19, where God says of Abraham: "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of justice; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him."

PSALM 101:2 -- "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."

It's very important to note here, as C.I. Scofield does, that this word "perfect" implies "wholeheartedness for God, singlemindedness, sincerity -- not sinless perfection."

1 TIMOTHY 3:4-5 -- speaking of qualifications for elders and deacons, Paul writes: "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?"

A= It's important for husbands, as the heads of the home, to lead their families in the right direction, as Abraham, Joshua, and the New Testament church leaders as specified by Paul, purposed to do.  I think, also, that it's very important to walk within one's house (as the psalmist put it) with a sincere heart to honor God.  Our families need to see us choosing God's ways at every opportunity, especially in our interactions with them.  I once heard a speaker say,

"What you are at home is what you are."

And that is certainly very true.  Do my words, my actions and reactions, even my tone of voice, reflect a heart to follow God?

P= "Lord, I thank You once again for the practicality of Your Word and how it carries through common themes in both Old and New Testaments.  It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to study your Word and to see how it applies to my life.  I am in awe of how this particular study, and especially this week's Scriptures, is relevant to my life.  Help me to live out my love for You at home, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen."

There is this week's simple but profoundly meaningful study.  I hope it's been a blessing to someone today.

A few photos from a tranquil spot up north

 

 Earlier this week we spent two days at our friend Charlotte's cabin up in Pittsburg.  I took a few photos of her gardens and grounds and thought I would share the peace and tranquility with readers.

A corner of the pond.

 

The pond is so tranquil.  

 Daisies at the edge of the pond.

 

 Love the red birdhouse and the red bee balm.  So pretty!

  

Hollyhocks at the left front.  I love hollyhocks.  They are such an old-fashioned flower.  My mother always had them. 

Below is another corner of the same garden.

 

Hope you've enjoyed this look at a quiet and peaceful spot.  It is always a blessing to spend time there with our dear friend.

Hodgepodge to the 5th power

 

Wednesday again and I am sneaking in late to the Hodgepodge.  Recall, this is the linkup where Joyce, at  From This Side of the Pond, asks the questions and bloggers provide the answers on their own blogs.  This week's questions are all about the number 5.  Here goes!

1. According to author Gary Chapman there are five love languages-words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. Which one is yours? 

I'm going to say quality time. One thing I am loving about having a little cottage next door to one daughter and her family is getting to see her, her hubby, and four grands more often.  They intentionally make time to come through the woods or down the dirt road to see us, and it's wonderful.  Photo is from 2020.  Both boys and camp look much different now.

2. What are five foods you eat every day? 

Wow, I'm not sure if there are five specific foods that I eat every day.  Possibly bread in some form -- a wrap or bagel maybe -- but not always, I don't think.  Coffee, for sure, and water -- but those are beverages, not foods.  I don't eat meat or eggs every day.  Maybe cheese?  Some type of fruit or veggies, yes, but I can't name specific ones that I eat every day.

3. Five places you'd love to visit?

Scotland.
The Canadian Rockies.
Alaska.
The Oregon coast.
Any number of national parks.

4. Something you've done recently that deserved a 'high five'?

 Hmmm ... gone for walks even when I didn't feel like it.  Humidity is not my friend and neither is the sun these days.  Doesn't the iced tea below look so refreshing?

5.  Give us five 5-letter words that describe your July. 

Resisting the urge to cheat and write "hot" or "sweltering" five times, I'll say:

Humid
Sweet
Sunny
Wordy
Music

A little explanation is in order for several of these, I know. "Sweet" refers to the frequent visits to seasonal ice cream places.  "Wordy" points to the fact that I am doing a writing challenge and also posting daily for Christmas in July at my Christmas blog.  I used "Music" although "musical" would sound better, because I need to stick with five-letter words.  We've been to several events this July where granddaughter Julia was playing music, and it's been so much fun.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Vintage ads were the best.   The ones below just say "summertime"!

 

And that wraps up the Hodgepodge for this week!  Why not head on over to From This Side of the Pond and snag the questions to answer on your own blog? 

Sunday Scripture

 

 Again this Sunday, I'm sharing from the Made for Community reading plan from Love God Greatly that I worked on back in 2015.  With this study, as I have often done, I used the SOAP method of Bible study.  Just a quick reminder that the S is for Scripture, O is for Observation, A is for Application and P is for Prayer.  The third section is Made for Community with Family.  So here we go with the Scripture for the second day of that section. 

S=  "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help fit for him."  (Genesis 2:18)

O= After creating Adam, the LORD God made the statement recorded here.  He said it was not good that the man He had created should be alone,  and therefore, He would make a help fit for the man. 

Only one cross-reference was given for this verse in my Scofield Bible, the one I most often use for my quiet time.  It is for the word "help" and is found in 1 Corinthians 11:8-9 -- "For the man is not of the woman, but the woman of the man.  Neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man."

As we read on in Genesis 2, we see how God created a woman using one of Adam's ribs, and brought her to Adam.  God's plan, as seen in verse 24, is for a man to leave his father and mother, and cleave unto his wife.

Psalm 68:6, also in today's reading, emphasizes that God sets the solitary in families.  I love that!

"God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth forth those who are bound with chains ..." Psalm 68:6

A=  Marriage is God's idea!  And He intends marriage to be between one man and one woman.  The woman was created specifically to help the man and so that he would not be alone.

One of my ongoing prayer requests for myself is to be a help to my husband.  This verse reminds me also of the need for companionship in marriage.  My husband and I are good friends.  This reminds me of something that I heard at a couples' retreat.  Dana Schmidt (wife to Cary Schmidt) said (and I may be paraphrasing slightly), "Be his shoulder-to-shoulder friend.  You were taken from his side -- so be by his side."  Great advice!

P= "Lord, I thank You for that privilege of being a helper and companion to my husband.  I praise You for the wonderful relationship and friendship that we enjoy, and how it has become even more precious and more meaningful over time.  I pray that You will help me to be more sensitive to my husband's needs, and to pay close attention to meeting them as You would have me to.  He is my highest earthly priority, so I pray that You will help me to live that out each day.  I thank You for all You will do, in Jesus' name, Amen."

There's the Sunday Scripture for this week!  It was a good reminder for me.

Travelin' On with the Hodgepodge

 

Once again, I'm writing a Hodgepodge post and linking up with Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.   Recall, this is the linkup where Joyce asks the questions and bloggers provide the answers on their own blogs.  This week's questions are all about travel.  Here goes!

 1. Last time you drove more than 100 miles from your home? Where did you go? 

Oh, let me think!   It's been awhile.  It may have been March, when we traveled to a church just over the Massachusetts border for a TWNE event.

I made these play mats for our grandkids years ago.  The two look alike, but there are subtle differences.

2. Something that drives you batty? 

Waiting at a red light and when the light turns green, the line doesn't move because the first driver in line is still looking at, or typing on, their phone.

And if I had it to do over, I would not use hot glue.  They looked so nice, but the glue didn't hold up well.

3. Do you feel like you're 'on track'? For what? 

In many ways I don't feel on "on track", but one thing I am staying on track with is  The 100-for-100 Writing Challenge I'm taking part in with two of my granddaughters, Emily and Julia.

4. Your favorite car snack(s)? 

It's not a real road trip without Dunkin' Donuts.  That said, it's been awhile since we purchased any. 

5. Something you've done recently 'on the fly'? 

Housework, laundry, computer tasks, or anything at home. We are staying at our little camp a lot where it's peaceful and cooler, but there's no internet or running water so tasks involving those must of necessity be done at home.  On the fly between one place and another.  Kind of like being suspended in midair on the tramway.

Cannon Mountain tramway, 1980s or 1990s

Cannon Mountain Tramway 1940s

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Where, oh where, has July gone?  The month is 2/3 over already!  We recently learned that our Nevada family plans to visit in early September.  LOTS to do between now and then!  This photo of NH's Cog Railway reminds me of this: all uphill, and I'd better put on the steam.

Sunday Scripture

 

Again this Sunday, I'm sharing from the Made for Community reading plan from Love God Greatly that I worked on back in 2015.  With this study, as I have often done, I used the SOAP method of Bible study.  Just a quick reminder that the S is for Scripture, O is for Observation, A is for Application and P is for Prayer.  The third section is Made for Community with Family.  So here we go with the Scripture for the first day of that section. 

S= "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."  (1 Timothy 5:8)

O=  1 Timothy is a letter written by Paul to the young pastor Timothy.  C.I. Scofield explains that "As the first-century churches increased in number, questions of church order, soundness in the church, and discipline arose."  Teaching about faith and order for the future guidance of the churches became necessary, and the Pastoral Epistles of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus were written to answer that need.

Here in chapter 5 of 1 Timothy, Paul is giving instruction as to how the church should care for widows.  Society in that day had no organized means of caring for widows.  Family care from the widow's relatives was ideal, of course, but when that was not possible, the church would help.  What Paul is addressing here in verse 8 is when relatives are unwilling to help their loved ones.   Paul states that if they refuse to help, they have denied the faith and are worse than infidels -- unbelievers!

A= Even though I have no widows in my immediate family (and those in my extended family have children of their own who can, and do, care for them), I do need to extend love and care to the widows in my life.  I do pray for the widows of my acquaintance, many of them here in blogland, several times a week.   

At the time I did this study, both my mother-in-law and my dad were still living.  Concerning this, I wrote: And then there is my widowed mother-in-law, who has several other children to assist her -- and most particularly, my elderly and somewhat helpless widowed father.  The responsibility to care for him, especially as his only surviving child, is very real and very heavy.  I am so thankful for my wonderful husband who is such a huge help with this responsibility.

P=  "Lord, I pray that You will help me to be faithful in extending love and care to the widows in my life.  I praise You for the added strength You gave me in caring for my dad until his passing.  I'm very thankful that my mother-in-law had a number of local children and even some grandchildren who helped with her care until she died in May.  I thank You for my wonderful husband, who was such a great help to both my dad and his mother.  I praise You for the wisdom, guidance, and discernment You gave to both of us over the years of helping to care for our widowed parents.  I thank You in Jesus' name, Amen."

There is the simple study for this Sunday!

A simply beachy Hodgepodge

 

 Again this week, I'm once again writing a Hodgepodge post and linking up with Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.   Recall, this is the linkup where Joyce asks the questions and bloggers provide the answers on their own blogs.  Here goes ...

1. Do you like the beach? How far do you have to drive to get to the nearest beach? Your least favorite thing about the beach? Last beach trip you took? 

First, a little clarification: In our circles, when we say "the beach" we are talking about a lake beach most usually.  To get to the nearest lake beach ( a wonderful state park) is about 20 minutes, and it's a place we love.  My least favorite thing about the beach in general is that it's often crowded, but this beach in particular has pine tree roots everywhere -- not on the lakeshore so much, but on the paths to rest rooms, picnic tables and parking lots, making it easy to get tripped up.  Last beach trip I took was about ten days ago with my daughter and several grands.

We do enjoy ocean beaches too, but mostly in the off-season when they are not crowded.  For that we need to drive more like an hour and a half to get to a good one.  Least favorite thing; crowds.  Last time we took a trip to an ocean beach was in March or April (I forget which) 2021.

2. Are you known for making waves or are you more of a 'go along to get along' kind of person? Explain.

I prefer not to make waves.  My philosophy is always "least said, soonest mended."  That said, there are times when one simply has to speak up.

3. A favorite song that in some way references the beach? A favorite book and/or movie with a beach-y setting? 

I considered several seashore-related songs, but I'm going with this one.  I've referenced it before:

It's the Gospel song "The Lighthouse" by Ronnie Hinson.  Here are the lyrics:

 There's a Lighthouse on the hillside
that overlooks life's sea.
When I'm tossed it sends out a light
that I might see.
And the light that shines in the darkness,
now will safely lead us o'er.
If it wasn't for the lighthouse
that ship would be no more.

Everybody that lives around me says,
tear that lighthouse down,
The big ships don't sail this way anymore,
there's no use of it standing 'round.
Then my mind goes back to that stormy night,
when just in time I saw the light,
Yes, the light from that old lighthouse,
that stands up there on the hill.

And I thank God for the Lighthouse,
I owe my life to Him,
For Jesus is the Lighthouse,
and from the rocks of sin
He has shone a light around me
that I can clearly see,
If it wasn't for the Lighthouse
where would this ship be?

I love this song and it reminds me of the decision I made to trust Jesus as my personal Savior at a very stormy, dark time in my life -- the most important decision I have ever made or ever will make.  

 As far as my favorite book/movie with a beachy setting -- I am going with the Anne of Green Gables series.  Being set on Prince Edward Island, the sea figures prominently all through the series.

4. Tuesday is National Simplicity Day...what's a simple pleasure you've enjoyed this week? What's something you could eliminate from your life to make things simpler? 

Last night, at our little camp, sleeping with the window above our bed wide open to catch the lovely breeze.   That's a simple pleasure we adore,  but the temperatures are seldom conducive to it.  The somewhat older photo below shows the sleeping nook, but the season is wrong.

Something I could eliminate from my life to make things simpler?  Let me see.  In the past few months I eliminated drying my hair and just let it dry naturally.  It's working out fine and does save considerable time.  Now I need to just figure out a few more things to eliminate.

5. What's something you love to do? Do you do it often? Why or why not? 

I love to do needlework, especially sewing, counted cross stitch and embroidery.   The projects below are all older.  I don't do needlework often because I don't have a lot of free time.   I am determined to somehow factor time for it back into my life.

Coasters I sewed.  Love this fabric combination.

Pillowcases.  I added the cross-stitched roses using waste canvas.

An embroidered dish towel with a scalloped fabric edge sewed on.

An apron I sewed from dish towels.

A cross-stitched tea time trivet.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

If you haven't visited my Christmas blog, Mrs. T's Christmas Kitchen, do head on over for Christmas in July.   Check out my Etsy shop, too.  l'm currently running a 30% off sale on all listings from the Vintage Christmas category.

And that wraps up the Hodgepodge for this week!  Why not head on over to From This Side of the Pond and snag the questions to answer on your own blog? 

Sunday Scripture

 

Lovely graphic from Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

Again this Sunday, I'm sharing from the Made for Community reading plan from Love God Greatly that I worked on back in 2015.  With this study, as I have often done, I used the SOAP method of Bible study.  Just a quick reminder that the S is for Scripture, O is for Observation, A is for Application and P is for Prayer.  The second section is Made for Community with People.  So here we go with the Scripture for the fifth day of that section. 

S= "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward will be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest; for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil."  (Luke 6:35)

O= This verse is part of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Plateau.  Here He seems to be specifically addressing His disciples, and this verse seems to be part of the Beatitudes.

In verse 31 Jesus has said, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them."  In verses 32-34, He points out that:
1) Even sinners love those who love them.
2) Even sinners do good to those who do good to them.
3) Even sinners will lend to those whom they expect will repay them.
But here in verse 35 He explains how His people are to be different.  They are to love their enemies and do good to them; they are to lend, hoping for nothing in return.  They will find great reward in doing things God's way, and will be showing themselves true children of Him who is kind to the evil and the unthankful.

A cross-reference for "love" in this verse is Romans 13:10 -- "Love worketh no ill to its neighbor: therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law."

A cross-reference for "do good" is Hebrews 13:16 -- "But to do good and to share forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

A cross-reference from Leviticus 25 for "lend" speaks of not exacting interest or expecting repayment from an impoverished brother one is helping.

For "reward", several cross-references are given.  Luke 19:17 -- "And he said unto him, Well done, thoug good servant; because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over two cities."              1 Corinthians 3:14 -- 'If any man's work abide which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward."

C.I. Scofield notes, "For the faithful service of the saved, [God] offers rewards."

A=  I would have said this was a familiar verse,  if anyone had asked me.  But it has impacted me today as never before.  In general, I would say that I understand the truth of this verse and I seek to obey it.  But there is someone to whom I could be showing more love and doing more good -- something I had pulled back from because of the person's attitude toward me.  Prayerfully, I plan for that to change!

P= "Lord, once again I thank You for Your Word and for its convicting, transforming power.  This is a verse I needed to study, but would not have noticed it on my own.  I thank and praise You for directing my attention to this particular study at this time, and showing me this important verse today.  Help me to put it into practice, in Jesus' name, Amen."

And that is the simple study for this week.  Hope you were blessed by it!

Hodgepodge for July 6

 

 This week, I'm once again writing a Hodgepodge post and linking up with Joyce at From This Side of the Pond.   Recall, this is the linkup where Joyce asks the questions and bloggers provide the answers on their own blogs.  Here goes ...

1. July 6th is National Fried Chicken Day...are you a fan? Do you make your own or have a favorite place to buy from? Do you own chickens? If not chicken what's your favorite fried food?

I'm not a big fan of fried chicken.  We don't own chickens but our daughter and family do.   My favorite fried food would be haddock, scallops or shrimp from a local seafood place.

2.  What's something you're too chicken to try?

Many things.  To pick one, let's say city driving. 

3. When did you last find yourself running around like a 'chicken with its head cut off'?

Last Friday, getting ready to leave for a beach day with my daughter and her kids.   The photo below is from years ago, but it's the same beach although the kids are much older now.

4. Something you've done recently that makes you think 'I'm no spring chicken'? 

Strawberry picking.  I'm not as agile as I once was.  We picked in the field below.

Ari placing a handful of strawberries in the flat

5. 'Winner winner chicken dinner'...tell us about something good that's happened in your life lately. 

See #s 3 and 4 above.  Fun with the grands.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We had a great day on the 4th of July.   My hubby took part in a parade in the morning, then we had friends over at our little camp for lunch.  In the evening, a traditional annual picnic with church family and friends.  I borrowed the photos below from my daughter's Instagram.

Softball is always a favorite.  Granddaughter Julia is at bat above.

Some of the crowd at the picnic

Our friends always outdo themselves with fireworks!

That wraps up the Hodgepodge for this week!  Why not head on over to From This Side of the Pond and snag the questions to answer on your own blog?