Sunday Scripture

 

It's time for another Sunday Scripture!  As I've mentioned, back in 2018 I did a simple study from Rachel Wojo called Everything Beautiful.  You can read about it here: Everything Beautiful Bible reading plan. My answers and input on this series are a combination of what I learned back then, and what I found in looking over the Scriptures now, six years later.  I'm going to attempt to SOAP the passages too, though some of them are longer. The passage for this week is James 1:11-17.  Here we go!

S=  "For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and its flower falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth; so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man;
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
"Do not err, my beloved brethren.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."  (James 1:11-17)

O=  Warren Wiersbe says, "The epistle of James is a practical book that discusses living the faith.  It contains echoes of the Sermon on the Mount and the book of Proverbs, both of which are practical."

I love what C.I. Scofield wrote about the book of James:  "With its stress upon practical Christian living, the Epistle of James reflects, in its style and in its frequent references to the Sermon on the Mount, the mind and teaching of its writer's divine Brother." 

Yes, as most of us know, James, who wrote this epistle, was the half-brother of Jesus, being the son of Mary and Joseph.  It's striking that James doesn't mention that fact, but instead introduces himself as "the bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" in verse 1.  Many years ago when teaching either Sunday School or Vacation Bible School, I was using curriculum which erroneously identified the writer of the book of James as a different James -- the son of Zebedee, brother of John.  Ever since then, I've made sure that when I teach from the book of James I mention who the writer really was, realizing I can't make assumptions that people have understood this correctly.

Now for my observations on these verses 11-17:

Verse 11 begins our passage with a word picture: No sooner has the sun risen than its burning heat:
🌿 withers the grass
🌿 causes the flowers to fall
🌿 causes the beautiful appearance of the grass and flowers to perish.  

The rich man's pursuits will fade away in a similar fashion.

The man who endures temptation (v.12) will be blessed, for he will  one day receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

Verses 13-16 deal with the facts about temptation to do evil, and how important it is not to deceive ourselves about that.  

🔍 When we are tempted, don't claim we are tempted by God.  That's impossible!
🔍 God cannot be tempted by evil.
🔍 God does not tempt anyone.

We are tempted when:

🔍 We are drawn away and enticed by our own lust.
🔍 Lust conceives and brings forth sin.
🔍 Sin, in the end, brings forth death.

Every good and perfect gift, though, is from above.  These gifts come down from God, the Father of lights, with whom:

1) There is no variableness;
2) There is not even a shadow of turning.

Cross-references for "endureth" (v.12) -- "For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."  (Hebrews 10:36)

"Behold, we count them happy who endure.  Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy."  (James 5:11)

Cross-references for "crown of life" (v.12) -- "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Peter 5:4)

"And they that be wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever."  (Daniel 12:3)

Scofield comments: "God, in the New Testament Scriptures, offers to the lost, salvation, and for the faithful service of the saved, He offers rewards."

Cross-reference for "life" (v.12) -- "Narrow is the gate, and hard is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."  (Matthew 7:14)

It is eternal life that's being spoken of here.

Concerning "tempted" (v.14), Scofield writes: "The concept of testing or temptation is expressed [in the Bible] not only by the words translated 'test' or 'tempt' but also by the words rendered 'provoke', 'entice', 'snare', etc.  The primary meaning is usually that of proving by testing, or testing under trial.  Less frequently the sense is that of enticement or solicitation to evil [as here]."

Cross-reference for "conceived' (v.15) -- "Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood."  (Psalm 7:14)

Note concerning "sin" (v.15) -- "Sin may be summarized as threefold: 1) an act, the violation of or want of obedience to, the revealed will of God; 2) a state, absence of righteousness; and 3) a nature, enmity toward God." -- C.I. Scofield

Cross-references for "death" (v. 15) -- "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life.  And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Revelation 20:12)

"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."  (Genesis 2:17)

It is spiritual death being referred to in James 1:15: "Spiritual death is the state of the natural or unregenerate man as still in his sins, alienated from the life of God, and destitute of the Spirit.  Prolonged beyond the death of the body, spiritual death is a state of eternal separation from God in conscious suffering." -- Scofield

Note concerning "gift" (v.17) -- Scofield explains that "Two words are used in the Greek for "gift"; the first in v. 17 is dosis, denoting the act of giving; the second, dorema, meaning the thing given, the gift."

Variableness (v.17) = "variation."

Regarding "Father of lights" (v. 17) -- "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (John 1:5)

Believer's Bible Commentary notes, "In the Bible the word Father sometimes has the meaning of Creator or Source.  [Job 38:28 is given as an example of this: "Hath the rain a father?  or who hath begotten the drops of dew?"]  Therefore God is the Creator or Source of lights.  But what is meant by lights?  Certainly it includes the heavenly bodies -- the sun, moon, and stars.  But God is also the Source of all spiritual light as well.  So we should think of Him as the Source of every form of light in the universe."

A = Warren Wiersbe explains in With the Word: "When you realize how good God is to you, you will have no interest in the temptations the enemy puts before you.  When you are tempted, count your blessings, and you will soon have strength to say no."

For this Scripture, there were a number of ways to apply it as prompted in the journal.  

"This world is temporary but His promises are forever." -- Rachel Wojo

The question was asked: What one thought can I surrender to create room for seeing moments of grace?

My response in 2018:The thought that somehow I deserve what has happened to me, that God has punished me for something.  I'm not dwelling on this, but it's at the back of my mind and not helpful.

Answering this same question in 2024:

  I had a hard time thinking of an answer this time.  One thought was that things are going downhill fast in our country and they just don't look good for us.  But God is not bound by how things look and feel and is able to give moments of grace even in the darkest times.

This prompt was given, along with a list: Today I will keep my eyes open for God's beauty in one or more of these places.

These are the places I circled: The words I read; the people I encounter; the food I eat; the air I breathe; the weather I experience; the rest I receive.

In 2024 I can note that for the people I encounter, two people were baptized recently.  They were glowing at having taken this step of obedience to God.

For the food I eat, I noticed how pretty green peppers and butternut squash cubes are roasted together.

A journaling prompt was this: Everything God made is beautiful.  Where have I noticed God's beauty in the last 24 hours?

My response in 2018: In the colors of a salad -- spring greens, cucumber, and grape tomatoes.  In the falling (and newly fallen) snow.  In the cross-stitch scene I'm working on.  In the brilliant colors of a crochet project.  In the loving, prayerful concern of blog friends.

For my response in 2024, I added: In a gorgeous pink and red sunrise one morning.  In the kindness of those who planned a simple time of encouragement for our pastor after prayer meeting.  In colorful goldfinches and purple finches (which are actually red) at our bird feeder and in our trees.

P= "Lord, I praise You that this world is temporary and Your promises are forever, and that You have promised a crown of life to those who love You.  

"Help me to remember that Your promises are much more true and real than any of my thoughts and emotions, and that Your loving care of me is a reality every day.   I thank and praise You for these things in Jesus' name , Amen."

And there is the Sunday Scripture for this week!  I'd love some more input on this series so far.  I hope more of you will share your thoughts with me!  

Hadn't planned on the Hodgepodge ...

 

 ... but I can't resist this week's main topic and simply have to join Joyce and the gang for the Wednesday Hodgepodge at From This Side of the Pond.   Planning is the key to me accomplishing anything in life these days.  So here we go ...

1. When did you last have cancelled plans? Were you happy about that or disappointed? 

Last Thursday we had planned to attend a potluck supper and a movie being sponsored by a local group.  Then on Friday we had planned to go out to breakfast with our friend Terry.  Both plans got cancelled because my hubby was entertaining a stomach bug.  We were disappointed on both counts but there was absolutely no way around cancelling.

2. On a scale of 1-10 how much of a planner are you? 

Since you didn't ask how well I do with carrying out my plans, I can say I'm probably an 8 or 9.  I have a number of plans going right now.  A menu plan of course, goes without saying.  I'm also planning menus and groceries for an upcoming event -- cooking for  a small group of volunteers at The Wilds of New England.  I'm planning a devotional for our church ladies' meeting in May.  Essentially very little happens in our house without a plan -- getaways, vacations, work trips, special events, projects at our cottage ... you get the idea.  A lot of my planning happens simply with pen and paper, though I have some other planning tools as well, that I have made.

 3. Do you have a menu plan for the week? If so tell us one or two things that are on it. If not, what's your plan for not having a plan lol? 

I've been planning menus my entire married life.  If you would like to know how and why I menu plan you can check this link.  I have an entire category of menu planning in the label cloud at right, so you may wish to check that out as well.  (ETA: I just remembered I was supposed to tell about a couple menu items on this list.  Well, tonight we're having spaghetti squash stuffed with feta and cherry tomatoes -- a super easy meal I've made a half dozen or so times since seeing it on Instagram.  So good.  Another item on my list is a Greek Pasta Salad which I'll be taking to a birthday party for two of my teen grands on Saturday evening.  It's a huge favorite of theirs.

4. The Hodgepodge lands on National Bucket List Day. Do you have a bucket list? Is it written down or just in your head? What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have a list, what is one thing you'd add to a list if you did? Yes I'm going to make you think about it. 

I don't have a written bucket list. The Grand Canyon and Zion were on my mental list, and we did get there.  Another thing is an Amtrak vacation to some national park or other out west.  It's just deciding where and when.

5. Rain buckets, a drop in the bucket, couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, sweat buckets, cry buckets...which 'bucket' idiom applies to your life in some way currently? 

I'll take the easiest way out and say rain buckets.  We've had a lot of rain this spring and it is raining as I write this. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

We are working on cleaning out my craft closet and the project is 3/4 completed.  We've generated three large bags full of trash, passed a few things on to grandchildren who enjoy crafting, and are working on our fourth thrift store donation box. I really have no idea how many things have left the house, but it's probably in the hundreds.

 
And there is the Hodgepodge for this week!  Even unplanned, it was still fun.

Sunday Scripture

 

 Here's another in our ongoing series for Sunday Scripture!  As you may recall, back in 2018, I did a simple study from Rachel Wojo called Everything Beautiful.  You can read about it here: Everything Beautiful Bible reading plan. My answers and input on this series are a combination of what I learned back then, and what I found in looking over the Scriptures now, six years later.  I'm going to attempt to SOAP the passages too, though some of them are longer. [Quick reminder that S stands for Scripture; O stands for observation; A stands for application, and P stands for prayer.]  The passage for this week is Hosea 14:1-9.

S= "O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God, for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.
"Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips.
"Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods; for in Thee the fatherless find mercy.
"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for Mine anger is turned away from him.
"I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow like the lily, and cast forth his roots like Lebanon.
"His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon.
"They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive like the grain, and grow like the vine; the scent of it shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
"Ephraim shall say What have I to do any more with idols?  I have heard him, and observed him; I am like a green fir tree.  From Me is thy fruit found.
"Who is wise, and he shall understand these things?  Prudent, and he shall know them?  For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them; but the transgressors shall fall in them."  (Hosea 14:1-9)

O= This last chapter of the book of Hosea is titled by Scofield: "Israel's future blessing, when God's anger is turned away."

Hosea is entreating Israel to return to the Lord.  They have fallen by their own iniquity.  Hosea encourages them to turn to the Lord with words of repentance:

🍃 Take away all iniquity
🍃 Receive us graciously
🍃 We will offer the sacrifices of our lips
🍃 Assyria will not save us
🍃 We will not make idols and worship them;
🍃 In You, the fatherless find mercy.

If they would do this, God said he would:

🍃 heal their backsliding
🍃 love them freely
🍃 turn away His anger.

God would be like the dew to Israel:

🍃 Israel would grow like the lily
🍃 his roots would lengthen
🍃 his branches would spread
🍃 his beauty would resemble an olive tree
🍃 he would be fragrant like Lebanon
🍃 Those who dwelt in the shelter of this tree would return, be revived, and grow like a vine.

God would observe Ephraim and hear them say: "What have I to do anymore with idols?"  Their fruit would now be found in Him.

There's a conclusion in verse 9:

Who is wise, and shall understand these things?
Who is prudent, and shall know these things?
The ways of the LORD are right.
The just shall walk in the ways of the LORD,
but transgressors will fall therein.

Cross-references for "return" (v.1) -- "Therefore turn thou to thy God; keep mercy and justice; and wait on thy God continually."  (Hosea 12:6)

"Therefore also, now, saith the LORD, turn even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning;
"And tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God; for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil."  (Joel 2:12-13)

"Calves of our lips" (v.2) means "praise of our lips."

Cross-references for this phrase: "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.  This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs."  (Psalm 69:30-31)

"By Him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually; that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."  (Hebrews 13:15)

Warren Wiersbe explains, "God does not want our material sacrifices so much as the 'sacrifices of our lips'.  He wants to hear words from our hearts that are honest and sincere, and He wants to see faith that depends on His mercy alone."

Cross-references for "not save us" (v.3) -- "Ephraim is like a silly dove without heart; they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria."  (Hosea 7:11)

"Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity, ye have eaten the fruit of lies; because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men."  (Hosea 10:13)

"Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind; he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians; and oil is carried into Egypt."  (Hosea 12:1)

Cross-reference for "backsliding" (v.4): "O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do it for Thy name's sake, for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against Thee."  (Jeremiah 14:7)

Cross-reference for "love them freely" (v.4) -- "To the praise of the glory of His grace, through which He has made us accepted in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:6)

Note from Scofield concerning verses 4-8 -- "Hosea closes his book with the heartening word of forgiveness.  When Israel responds to the LORD's loving plea to return to Him (v.1-3), then will follow the gracious healing of their backsliding, the free bestowal of His love, the turning away of His anger, the future blessing of His restoration, and their final repudiation of idolatry (v.4-8)."

Cross-references for "dew" (v.5) -- "My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay at night upon my branch."  (Job 29:19)

"The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew upon the grass."  (Proverbs 19:12)

Cross-reference for "beauty shall be like the olive tree" -- "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever."  (Psalm 52:8)

Cross-reference for "from Me is thy fruit found" (v.8) -- "Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me."  (John 15:4)

A = Warren Wiersbe comments in With the Word: "We can always heed God's loving call to repentance.  If we return to Him, He will receive us (14:2-3), restore us (14:4) and revive us (14:5-9).  The desert will become a beautiful garden where the roots go deep.  Instead of ugliness, there will be beauty; instead of a stench, there will be fragrance.  What a difference it makes when we obey Him!"

For this Scripture, there were a number of ways to apply it as prompted in the journal.  

"Abiding in the Lord is the way to live beautifully." -- Rachel Wojo

The question was asked: What season or circumstance in life challenges me to see God's gifts of beauty?

My response in 2018: I'm finding that physical pain, and issues with the everyday functions of physical life, really challenge me to see God's gifts of beauty.

Answering this same question in 2024

I added:  Mud season in New Hampshire is always a challenge for me.

This prompt was given, along with a list: Today I will keep my eyes open for God's beauty in one or more of these places.

These are the places I circled: The words I read; the places I go; the music I hear; the air I breathe; the weather I experience; the rest I receive.

In 2024 I can note that I've enjoyed reading some beautiful verses of poetry this week, all pointing to the beauty of God's creation.

For the places I go, I noted what a blessing it is to serve at The Wilds of New England.  Such a beautiful place!

This photo is from last spring at TWNE.

 For the music I hear,  and the people I see, I noted that I was listening to You Are God Alone by Mac Lynch.  A most encouraging recording.

For the weather I experience, I noted: We had two gorgeous sunny days this week!  One of them was in the 70s!!

That pink square closest to the bottom right of my temperature blanket in progress -- represents that one day it was 72º.

And for the rest I receive, I noted that we always sleep so well at our little camp.  And we're so grateful.

A journaling prompt was this: List one or more ideas to remind myself to intentionally look for God's beauty throughout the day.

My response in 2018:  Look out the window.  A big snowstorm is expected today, which will beautifully showcase God's power in creation, as well as illustrating salvation.  Go out and walk on the porch if possible, breathing deeply.  Enjoy the color and form of fruits and vegetables.

My response in 2024: Appreciate the colors and texture of yarn in a project I'm crocheting (that would be the temperature blanket above).  Take time (as we did) to view the recent solar eclipse.

P= "Lord, I pray that You will help me today to see Your beauty all around me.  I know that it is here all the time.  I'm so easily distracted by physical pain (and, in 2024, by perceived failures of the past)!  I pray that You will help me to see beyond these things and to appreciate your beauty and goodness instead.

I thank and praise You that Your grace is more than sufficient for every difficulty I face, as well as for every moment of my life that I may perceive as a failure. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

And there is the Sunday Scripture for this week!  I'd love some input on this series so far.  I hope more of you will share your thoughts with me!  

Italian Sweet Bread

 

I used to make this recipe a lot back in the day.  For most of my life I've liked to bake some type of yeast bread or quick bread (like biscuits or cornbread) to accompany soups.  For the past couple of years and trying to eat more low carb, I've gotten away from that.  

A couple of weeks ago, though, I was preparing a birthday meal for my daughter -- lasagna and salad, and wanted a homemade bread to accompany it.  I just wasn't in the mood to make focaccia bread, which might be my usual go-to.  But then I remembered this Italian Sweet Bread -- which isn't actually very sweet, as it contains only 1/4 cup of sugar.  I remembered it as being quite easy, and it makes two loaves, which is a definite plus when one is feeding teen grandchildren with hearty appetites!

The only problem was that this recipe uses a bread machine to make the dough, and I no longer own one.  So I decided to tweak it and see if I could make it work with a more traditional method.  Here's what I did, and thankfully it worked.

ITALIAN SWEET BREAD

3/4 cup warm water
1 Tblsp. active dry yeast
1 Tblsp. sugar
2 Tblsp. butter, softened
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 Tblsp. sugar
1/4 cup cream
1 tsp. salt
3 cups flour

 In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 Tblsp. sugar.  Stir well and let stand 5 minutes until bubbly.  Stir in the butter.

In a large bowl, beat the egg.  Stir in the 3 Tblsp. sugar, the cream, and salt.  When well blended stir in the yeast mixture.  Stir well and then add the flour.  You may need a little more flour to make it less sticky.  Turn dough out on a floured surface.  Let rest while you clean the bowl and grease it. Knead the dough a few times and form into a ball.  Place in the greased bowl, turning to grease the top of the dough ball, then cover with plastic wrap.  Let rise until doubled in bulk, about 50 to 60 minutes.

Then punch down the dough and return to the floured surface.  Cut the ball of dough in half and shape each half into a ball.  Flatten slightly and place each half into a greased 8-inch or 9-inch round pan.  Cover pans with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.  

Recipe calls for brushing an egg wash (1 beaten egg/1 Tblsp. water) on top of the loaves before sprinkling on some Italian seasoning and baking.  I didn't want to go to that trouble, so I brushed on some cream instead.   Then I sprinkled lightly with Italian seasoning.

Bake the loaves at 350º for 20-25 minutes or until loaves are golden brown.  Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.  Makes 2 loaves, 3/4 pound each.  Photo shows the loaf cut in slices, but we chose to cut ours in wedges.  

This bread went over big at the birthday dinner!

Answering just two

 

Vintage Thinking of You card sold in my Etsy shop

 No time for a long post today, and some of the Hodgepodge questions would have taken much more thought than I am capable of at the moment.  So I picked just two of the questions that I could answer quickly and easily.  Here goes:

2. Do you have a special place or organizational system for gift wrapping? Do you still buy 'real' cards to send for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well, etc? 

I keep most gift wrap, ribbon, tags, etc.  in two under-the-bed storage totes.  Everyday gift wrap for birthdays and such is in one tote. and Christmas gift wrap in the other, larger one.  I also have some smaller gift bags in each tote -- and the one with the Christmas wrappings also contains some packaging for kitchen gifts -- food-safe tissue paper, foldable cookie boxes, cookie bags, and the like.

Oh, and yes, I do still buy "real" greeting cards to send for birthdays and other occasions.  Often birthdays sneak up on me so I will resort to an e-card, but I try to keep get-well and thinking-of-you cards on hand at all times.  I will either buy them at the dollar store (where they are only 50¢!) , at Christianbook.com or sometimes at our local thrift store.  I also like to keep blank note cards on hand for writing notes of encouragement to folks.

3. It's National Banana Day...are you a fan? What's your favorite thing to make with bananas or, if you're not a cook, your favorite thing to eat that contains banana? 

I do like bananas but they need to be fairly green.  I've eaten very few bananas in the past 18 months or so, since I try to watch carbs quite carefully.  Probably my favorite way to eat bananas would be in a banana split.  

As for baking, I like to make banana coffeecakes or muffins more than banana bread.  I'll link to a couple of favorite recipes for you.

 This Banana Split Coffee Cake is from Jocelyn at Inside BruCrew Life.  I've never been disappointed in one of Jocelyn's recipes.  I leave the glaze off this one as it's sweet enough without it.

And this Banana Crunch Cake found in an old cookbook is really tasty too!

It's a gorgeous spring day here though just a little cool still.  Have a wonderful Wednesday, all!

Sunday Scripture

 

It's time for another Sunday Scripture!  Back in 2018, I did a simple study from Rachel Wojo called Everything Beautiful.  You can read about it here: Everything Beautiful Bible reading plan. My answers and input on this series are a combination of what I learned back then, and what I found in looking over the Scriptures now, six years later.  I'm going to attempt to SOAP the passages too, though some of them are longer. The passage for this week is Psalm 111:1-10.

S= "Praise ye the LORD.  I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
"The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them who have pleasure therein.
"His work is honorable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth forever.
"He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
"He hath given food unto those who fear Him; He will be ever mindful of His covenant. 
"He hath shown His people the power of His works, that He may give them the heritage of the nations.
"The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His commandments are sure.
"They stand fast forever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
"He sent redemption unto His people; He hath commanded His covenant forever; holy and reverend is His name.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  A good understanding have all they that do His commandments; His praise endureth forever."  (Psalm 111:1-10)

O= This psalm is titled by Scofield as "Praise for God's wonderful works."

The psalmist directs, "Praise ye the LORD" (v.1).  He states that he will praise the LORD:

🌿 with his whole heart
🌿 in the assembly of the upright
🌿 in the congregation (v.1)

He goes on to discuss God's wonderful works and workings: 

• The works of the LORD are great (v.2)
• God's work is honorable and glorious
• God's righteousness endures forever (v.3)
• God has made His wonderful works to be remembered
• God is gracious and full of compassion (v.4)
• God has provided food to those who fear Him
• God will always be mindful of His covenant (v.5)
• God has shown His people the power of His works
• In doing this, God has given His people the heritage of the nations (v.6)
• The works of God's hands are verity and justice
• All of God's commandments are sure (v.7)
• God's works stand fast forever and ever
• God's commandments are done in truth and uprightness (v.8)
• God has sent redemption unto His people
• God has commanded His covenant forever
• God's name is holy and reverend (v.9)

The psalmist concludes:

• The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
• All who do God's commandments have a good understanding.
• God's praise endures forever.

For the phrases "fear Him" (v.5) and "fear of the LORD" (v.10), there is a note: " 'The fear of the LORD' is an OT expression meaning reverential trust, including the hatred of evil."

For "redemption" (v.9) a note says: "1) Redemption is wholly from God (John 3:16); 2) Redemption is through a Person (John 3:16-17); 3) Redemption is by blood (1 Peter 1:18-19); and 4) Redemption is by power (Romans 8:2).  The blood of Christ redeems the believer from the guilt and penalty of sin (1 Peter 1:18-19) and the Holy Spirit delivers from sin on the basis of Calvary (Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:16)."

A cross-reference for "beginning of wisdom" (v.10) is Proverbs 1:7 -- "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

A= In his book With the Word, Warren Wiersbe explains that Psalm 111 "explains how to be a student who pleases the Lord and grows in understanding of truth."  Wiersbe notes that a student of God's Word should:

1) Start with worship (v.1);
2) See God in His works (v.2-6);
3) See God in His Word (v.7-9);
4) Obey what God teaches you (v.10)

Concerning God's works and Word, Wiersbe notes, "Whether it is science or history, you are examining God's works in this world.  His works are great and glorious, revealing His power and wisdom ... The Word of God and the book of nature do not contradict each other, for the same Author wrote them."

There were a number of ways to apply this Scripture as prompted in the journal.  

"I know it is God's work when it makes me stand back in awe." -- Rachel Wojo

The question was asked: How can I realign the eyes of my heart to see the Father's present of everyday elegance ?

My response in 2018: I tend to notice this as a rule.  When walking with a friend, I found I often noticed things that she did not.  But right now, in a season of physical pain and being mostly indoors, it's challenging.  Yet God's work is always evident if I keep my eyes open.

Answering this same question in 2024

My response:  I do try to keep the eyes of my heart aligned to see the Father's present of everyday elegance.  I think it has become pretty much of a habit by now, and am so thankful.  And, interestingly, my walking friend now notices many more details than she used to.

This prompt was given, along with a list: Today I will keep my eyes open for God's beauty in one or more of these places.

Between both 2018 and 2024, these are the places I circled: The words I read; the music I hear; the air I breathe; the people I encounter; the weather I experience; the rest I receive.

In 2024 I can note the following:

 For the words I read and  the music I hear,  a beautiful violin solo of "How Deep the Father's Love for Us".  The words, which I am fairly familiar with, were on the screen for all to read as the gifted young teenager played.

For the weather I experience, I noted: More snow!  (Only a foot this time.)

For the air I breathe, still and quiet at sunrise.  Filled with birdsong these days.

And for the rest I receive, I'm always so thankful when we sleep well.

A journaling prompt was this: Everything God made is beautiful.  Where have I noticed God's beauty in the last 24 hours?

My response in 2018: In the beauty of the snow.  In the hands of my husband, massaging arnica oil into my injured back.  In fresh air to breathe deeply.  In seeing juncos hopping and flying about in the new snow.  In photos of my grandchildren.

My response in 2024: In seeing a brilliant red cardinal at the bird feeder.  In appreciating a meaningful Easter church service and scrumptious fellowship breakfast.  In sharing a beautifully set Easter table and celebratory meal at our daughter's home.

P= "Lord, there are so many times I have stood back in awe as I have watched You work.   I know that You are always at work, whether or not I can see it in a particular situation.  I need to continually keep the eyes of my heart focused on You, Lord, and I pray that You will help that to be my focus.  Today's reading reminds me that You have made Your wonderful works to be remembered.  Help me to do just that today and every day, in Jesus' name, Amen."

And there is the Sunday Scripture for this week!  I appreciate those of you who've shared your thoughts with me concerning this series, and I continue to welcome your input.

A snippet of a poem

 

 I found this snippet of poetry on a vintage stationery box.  The stationery (by Brownie, apparently a design called "Sweet Clover")  is long gone and the box is in poor shape.  But this bit of verse is too lovely not to share:

I know a place where the sun is like gold,
And the cherry blooms burst with snow,
And way underneath is the loveliest spot
Where the four leaf clovers grow.

Beautiful, don't you agree?

"Where the sun is like gold" gives a fairly recognizable picture.  "Cherry blooms burst with snow" is a little bit more difficult, but when you realize that cherry trees in bloom often have a snowy look it makes more sense.  Just a pretty, pretty bit of verse that paints a sweet picture for the reader.

Stationery, like so many other things, was so much more meaningful and lovely back in the day. 

Sunday Scripture

 

We're back to our ongoing series for Sunday Scripture!  Back in 2018, I did a simple study from Rachel Wojo called Everything Beautiful.  You can read about it here: Everything Beautiful Bible reading plan. My answers and input on this series are a combination of what I learned back then, and what I found in looking over the Scriptures now, six years later.  I'm going to attempt to SOAP the passages too, though some of them are longer. The passage for this week is Psalm 19:1-6.

S= "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.
"Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
"There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
"Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.  In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun,
"Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
"His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the end of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof."  (Psalm 19:1-6)

O= This psalm is titled by C.I. Scofield in the Scofield Reference Bible: "The works and Word of God".  Very appropriate, since verses 1-6 have to do with God's work in creation and how it speaks to mankind, and verses 7-14 deal specifically with His Word.

This is a psalm of David, and one can't help but think of how often David must have observed the night sky, as well as the rising and setting sun, during his time as a shepherd.

David says: * The heavens declare the glory of God
* The firmament shows God's handiwork.
* Day unto day utters speech.
* Night unto night shows knowledge
* There is no speech or language where the declaration of the heavens cannot be heard.
* Their line (or sound) has gone out through all the earth.
* Their words have gone out to the end of the world.
* God has set a tabernacle for the sun in the heavens.
* The sun is compared to a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.
* The sun rejoices like a strong man about to run a race.
* The circuit of the sun goes forth from the end of the heaven to the ends of the heaven.
* Nothing is hidden from the heat of the sun.

Cross-reference for "declare" -- (v.1) "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shown it unto them.  For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse."  (Romans 1:19-20)

Scofield comments that the universe "is a revelation of the power and Deity of God."

Cross-reference for "firmament" (v.1) -- "And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.  And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.  And God called the firmament Heaven."  (Genesis 1:6-8a)

"Firmament" in Hebrew literally means "expanse". 

In the ESV verse 2 reads: "Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."

For "their line" (v.4) although the ESV reads "their voice", it also notes that it could be "their measuring line".  Other texts read "their sound".  The ESV references Romans 10:18 where Paul quotes this verse:

"But I say, Have they not heard?  Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the end of the world."

For "which comes out" (v.5 -- referring to the sun) -- a cross-reference is Judges 5:31 -- "So let all Thine enemies perish, O LORD; but let them who love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might."

For verse 6 we are referred to Ecclesiastes 1:5-6 -- "The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it arises.  The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns."  (ESV)

A = For this Scripture, there were a number of ways to apply it as prompted in the journal.  

"Glancing upward always reveals the beauty of God." -- Rachel Wojo

The question was asked: Which of my own words have blocked the beauty of God's Word?

My response in 2018: Maybe words like "I am so tired of this", when I should be thinking on the fact that God's grace is sufficient for me, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness. 

Answering this same question in 2024

My response:  "I can't" -- when God's Word clearly tells me I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

"It's too hard" when God's Word clearly states that there is nothing too hard for Him.

"I feel as if my body (not to mention our world) is falling apart" when God's Word makes it clear that He is holding all things together.

"I'm afraid" -- when God's Word tells me explicitly, numerous times, to fear not, and that fear is not from Him.

When I fail to take God at His Word, I am failing to trust Him. 

This prompt was given, along with a list: Today I will keep my eyes open for God's beauty in one or more of these places.

These are the places I circled: The words I read; the places I go; the music I hear; the air I breathe; the people I encounter; the weather I experience; the rest I receive.

In 2024 I can note that the words I read in Psalm 19 are very beautiful indeed as they describe the heavens so magnificently and make it so clear that God intends the skies to proclaim His glory.

For the places I go, I included an interesting downtown, a river bridge, the sight of a robin hopping about on a side street, and the aromas of Thai and Greek food as we strolled past the backs of buildings. 

 For the music I hear,  and the people I see, I noted this: Our church teens did the entire service on Palm Sunday.  The beautiful music and their servant spirits -- doing all to God's glory -- made it even more of a blessing.

For the weather I experience, I noted: Over 20 inches of snow!  Although we thought spring was on the way, our winter has been extended.  We might as well enjoy it!

For the air I breathe, still and quiet in the early morning.  It feels so fresh.

And for the rest I receive, I noted that we're making a serious effort to get to bed earlier.  It's really helping.

A journaling prompt was this: List one or more ideas to remind myself to intentionally look for God's beauty throughout the day.

My response in 2018:  Look out the window and notice the wintry beauty.  Soak up any sun that may come my way.  Walk on the porch if possible, breathing deeply and listening for birdsong.

My response in 2024: Take a walk downtown.  Enjoy the spring sunshine.  Appreciate the beauty of 20-plus inches of new snow.

P= "Lord, I need to glance upward throughout this day.  I'm realizing that I often block the beauty of Your Word with my own inaccurate words.  I pray that You will forgive me for this and continue to deepen my trust in You.

Remind me that there is nothing too hard for You and that Christ will strengthen me to do all things through Him. I know that You are in full control, even though things may appear otherwise, and that You are holding all things together.  So many times in Your Word You tell people that they need not fear in the midst of difficult circumstances.  I know that fear is not from You.  Help me to cling tightly to all that I know about You.

I need to remember that Your grace is sufficient for me and that Your strength will be perfected in my weakness  I pray that You will help me to continually look to You and not my circumstances  ...  and I praise You for all You have done and are doing, in Jesus' name, Amen."

And there is the Sunday Scripture for this week!  I'd love some input on this series so far.  I hope some of you will share your thoughts with me!  

Random thoughts on a Saturday

 

Beautiful graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

 Just a few minutes to blog today so I will just share a few random things.  

🌿  I wanted to share the carrot recipe I used on Easter.  I changed it a lot and can't now remember where I found it, but will share it as I made it.

ORANGE-MAPLE GLAZED CARROTS

1 1/3 cup orange juice (I purchased a small bottle of the fresh squeezed juice from the supermarket), divided use
2 pounds baby carrots
1/3 cup maple syrup
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup butter
2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Place 1/3 cup of the orange juice in a small bowl or custard cup and set aside.

Pour remaining 1 cup of orange juice into a medium saucepan and heat to boiling.  Add the carrots and stir to coat with juice.  Cover and cook for 15 minutes or so.  Stir in the maple syrup, freshly grated nutmeg to taste (recipe called for 1 teaspoon, but I wasn't sure how the kids would go for it, so I used probably 1/2 teaspoon or a little less), and the butter.  Stir until butter melts; cook, uncovered for another 10 minutes or so, or until nearly tender.  

Mix the cornstarch into the reserved orange juice; mix well and stir into the carrot mixture.  Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens somewhat.  If you think you'd like it thicker, mix up some more cornstarch in a little water or juice and add that.  (The cornstarch was my addition as I didn't think the carrots could be described as "glazed" at all.  Just carrots cooked in orange juice.)

Makes about 6 to 8 servings.  We thought they had a very nice flavor and made a good side for Easter dinner.

 🌿  Just looked at a writing prompt for today.  One was to list 5 things blooming in their garden.  Sadly, my garden is under inches of snow.  Possibly some shoots are up, like bloodroot or maybe even daffodils.  But they are not visible.

🌿  I'm getting back into making kombucha.  So far, so good!  

🌿 Cleaning the attic is proceeding apace!  We try to do a little bit every week and think we are a little over half done.   We are doing this by bringing boxes down a section at a time, and going through them in the living room where it's warmer and more roomy.  The stuff we save! I believe my hubby said that almost everything left up there still to go through is in plastic totes, so that will be a lot easier.  The cardboard boxes we've been going through have been such a mess.  Mice have really had their way up there for years.

Several of the local grands had been planning to help us with this project (and they may yet get in on it, or on the garage attic when we do that) but I am really just as glad they were quite busy with other things the past few weeks.  Dealing with mouse nests and food caches is just messy.

🌿  I finally finished the study Stand Firm, the Daily Grace Co. study on the armor of God.  What a blessing!  I think I will start their study on the book of Habakkuk next.

🌿 For those who are thinking something looks a little different with my blog, apparently The Cutest Blog on the Block, where I had obtained the blog background I'd had for years, is no more.  I can't tell you how shocked I was, at the end of a volunteer work day on Tuesday, to find the backgrounds missing from both of my blogs, and The Cutest Blog on the Block domain name apparently available for the taking.  

What to do?  I liked those backgrounds a whole lot!  The next day I did a little looking around and I am moderately pleased with what I found for my Christmas blog, but I'm not really crazy about the one for my Kitchen Table.  It will do for now, however.

All right, back to the kitchen!  Our local daughter had a birthday yesterday, and we are celebrating with supper this evening. 

Quote for the day

 

Image by Pixabay

 Inspired by my devotional study of Charles Swindoll's Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, I've begun the daunting task of cleaning and organizing my computer desk.  If that sounds like an odd inspiration, I'lll quickly explain.  Today's devotional reading in this book was all about orderliness and how important it is. Verses from Proverbs were cited as well as Paul's words to the Corinthians and Colossians.  

Some probing questions were asked including if the reader could easily find important documents, or if one's desk remained permanently cluttered.  My hubby and I have struggled for years with trying to get our paper clutter under control -- so that question is one we will be addressing yet again.

The desk question also struck a nerve.   Although I can frequently clear my little crafting desk in our bedroom (and it always fills up again), my computer desk is another story.  It has a bookshelf as part of it  and I had done lots of decluttering of those books.  But on the small shelf above that, oh, what a mess.  I had many very dusty CDs that I will never use again, a desk lamp that I literally never use, and so on.  So I dived in.

In the cleaning and sorting that ensued, a yellow post-it note surfaced.  

 There is no indication where I heard or found the quote, or who said it, but it certainly is wise advice:

"At the fork in every road, choose the road that brings you closer to God."

I need to take this to heart.  There are so many choices, so many forks in the road even in a day, never mind a lifetime.   May I always choose the road that brings me nearer to my heavenly Father.

Some goals for April

 

Delightful graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

Amazingly, it's April!  

Yes, once again, it's a new month -- so I need to set some goals.

* Keep up with Flylady's homemaking zones of the week
* Get back to working through the "Make Room Challenge" from Make Room for What You Love
* Spend time with our friends who are younger believers
* Enjoy our church ladies' gathering
* Post in this blog as often as possible
* Post in my Christmas blog as often as possible
* Continue planning for family birthday gifts and crafting any handmade ones
* Celebrate April birthdays
* Use Charles Swindoll's devotional Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life for my quiet time daily
* Continue studying and preparing for my Sunday School lessons
* Finish up Stand Firm, a Bible study on the armor of God
* Continue stocking my Etsy shop and continue selling vintage items
* Write at least 4 encouraging notes to friends and family
* Spend extended time at our volunteer jobs
* Help and encourage my local daughter as I'm able
* Plan meals with a greater emphasis on healthy eating
* Continue to work on memorizing the book of James
* Continue to help a widowed friend with the challenges of life in general
* Get to bed by 8:30 each night we are at home
* Drink enough water each day
* Walk and/or exercise at least 4 times each week

HEALTHY HABITS FOR APRIL:  Drink more water/get more sleep/get more exercise/intermittent fasting/limit carbs

WORD FOR 2024: Continue