Eight Things Christians Can Do Each Day

Recently I mentioned that I try to remind myself to sing “Jesus Loves Me” each morning. The following was shared with me online recently, and I believe it’s another good everyday reminder.

8 Statements Christians Should Make Each Day

If you are a Christian, you can start each day by telling yourself these wonderful truths. You might want to memorize this list or run it off and keep it by your bed to read each morning!

1. I am God’s child.

John 1:12: To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

1 John 3:1: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

2. Although I deserved death, Jesus forgave my sins and promises me eternal life!

Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

3. Whatever happens today, I will not be alone.

Romans 8:38-39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor

any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

4. Not only is God ever-present, He is my Helper. 

Hebrews 13:5-6: God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

5. I can obey God’s commands today because He gives me His power.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

6. I can resist the devil today and he will flee from me.

James 4:7: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

7. God has purposes for me today and I long to fulfill them.

Ephesians 2:10: For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

8. As I walk with God, He will use even the worst things in my life for my good today and every day!

Romans 8:28: We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

https://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com/2018/02/8-statements-christians-should-make.html?m=1.   

Thank God for the Father of My Children

My husband Murray is a happy guy. Sadly, I’ve always been more on the sour side.

After almost thirty-two years, fortunately, he seems to be wearing off more on me than the other way around.

And hopefully on our children too. I’ve been told that my sons all smile a lot. They get that from their father.

Murray constantly tells jokes. Once a lady we knows said to him, “Murray, you amuse yourself.”

And he does, even if we don’t always laugh at his jokes, he does.

I’m trying to be more like Murray, smile more, laugh more, take things less seriously, make more jokes, sing more songs.

He is fascinated by people’s stories that he finds on podcasts, Facebook, people he meets in grocery stores. Like a child, he sees everything as new. Murray says, “Everyone has a great story.”

When I go a little crazy, he is stable. He sticks with me and helps me figure out what to do next once I calm down. The longer I know him, the more I love him.

He seeks to do nice things for me—making me a strawberry tinged water with a new fruit infuser cup we have; typing up the handouts I got from the writers’ retreat we went on; bringing me a cup of coffee; reminding me that he loves me.

A prayer I’ve heard Murray say many times is, “Help me be more like Jesus every day.” I see this in him.

My prayer for my husband and adult children is that they grow to learn and enjoy more every day the incredible and delightful people they all are.

Sweet Memories, what I could Learn From these Kids

October 29, 1996: The other night, we were praying before we went to bed, and Caleb was making up a prayer song, and we were all repeating after him. He said, (about God) "We always take care of Him." I felt like I had to correct this impression, so I said that well, we don't really take care of Him; He takes care of us. Rebecca said, "But it says that when we help someone else, we help Him." I had to admit that she was right, and let her straighten out my faulty theology.

October 30, 1996: I was reading some Bible stories to Sarah at lunch. I read to her about how Solomon was building a temple for God. She said, "Then he's going to come in and praise the Lord!"When I told her I was going to read the story about the three men in the furnace, she said, "But then there was four, and one of them was God!" Then when I read about Daniel being thrown into the lions' den, she said, "But Jesus shut their mouths!"

October 31, 1996: Sarah was talking today about how Ping-Hwei is speaking English better and better every day. She said, "He's doing weller and weller."

November 13, 1996: I was trying to explain to Rebecca today a little about genetics, how she got her nose and ears and hair from Mommy and Daddy. She asked, "So when you picked me up, did I get hands?"

November 16, 1996: We're having a wind-rain-thunder storm right now, so I was listening to the weather radio. The kids asked if the man and lady talking on the radio were real. I think sometimes they have the idea that the people are right inside our radio. So little as I know about radio waves and so-forth, I tried to explain it to them, how there are tiny waves in the air that we can't see, and our radio antenna picks them up, etc.  After I was finished explaining, Rebecca asked, "Are that man and lady married?" "Do they love Jesus?"Caleb wanted to know. I guess I wasn't explaining exactly what they were looking for.

December 2, 1996: Sarah and Murray left the orthopedic doctor, on Wichita Clinic's ground floor. Sarah said, "Aren't we going on the alligators?" pointing to 3 metal doors. "Oh, I mean elevators."

December 3, 1996: The other day Caleb asked Murray, "What would happen if you cut off your knees?"

December 5, 1996: We asked our friends John and Stacy to take the kids to the swimming party at the Y the other night, because Murray was afraid he might fall on his crutches around the pool. The kids were talking about that to Stacy, and she, teasing, said she thought it would be funny if Murray fell into the pool. The kids got indignant with her and rebuked her. Sarah said, "You have to understand, Daddy has a broken foot. It wouldn't be funny if he fell in the pool."

Grace. Rejoice!

In church this week we talked about Luke 10, where Jesus sent out seventy-two of his followers to heal and to teach about him. When they returned, they told him of their success, with joy.

Verses 17-20: The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Our pastor, Todd, reminded us that we should not count on joy from our daily lives, our relationships, our success at work or school. Because there will be days when those things will fail to give us joy. Instead, rejoice because our names are written in Heaven.

So often Christians do not appear joyful to the world. I’m talking about me. I have a frown on my face. I am discouraged.

God has given us grace. We should rejoice!

John 16: 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We can have joy even when we have trouble. Jesus has overcome all the filth of the world, and he invites us to stand with him.

Tod has said more than once that we should begin each day by singing “Jesus loves me.” I am working on practicing this. Sadly, I often wake up feeling depressed, disappointed in myself.

How can I show God’s love to others feeling that way? Instead, if I remind myself Jesus loves me, and teach my heart to believe that, then I will have joy to share with those around me.

We sang a song Sunday, too, which touched me, “True North.” Such a joyful piece.

This song reminds me that I do not need to let my failures bring a curse to me. I can stand solidly in God’s love, changed, redeemed. I have chosen not to be condemned by my sin. I have chosen God’s forgiveness and grace. My name is written in God’s book of life. I can choose to be delighted. I can rejoice!

Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Psalm 32:1: Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Psalm 37:4: Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Wagon West

Last week, my husband Murray got a reminder of what he’d posted on Facebook six years ago.

We drove with our daughter Rebecca for her summer internship, from Cleveland to Phoenix, Arizona. Along the way Murray shared our adventures with his Facebook friends.

We've started out for Arizona Territory. Pa said we'll provision up again at St. Joe, Missouri. Ma and Sister are in the wagon but Pa said I had to walk.

We had our first river crossing. The horses are the only ones who liked it. Pa shot some rabbits this morning. It will be great having meat in the stew tonight.

We met some indigenous persons this morning, and Pa swapped them some tobacco for deer hides, to make shoes. I wish I was indigenous so I'd get my own horse.

We reached the first settlement and laid over 3 days for repairs. Pa said I had to help Ma the first day, but then I got to help him. Lot of wagons going thru.

Outlaws! Real outlaws! They were getting after the wagon in front of us, and two of the settlers chased 'em off! I'm not worried - Pa said they won't bother us.

Made it to Illinois. The grass is beat down from wheels, it's an easy road. Ma made me work on reading for 2 hours tonight. She cuffed me when I complained.

In Missouri, headed for St. Joe, overland because Pa said the boat trip up the Missouri is too dear. Rafting the Mississippi was fun, but Ma and Sis cried out.

We made it some ways across Missouri. We're camping tonight near a country saloon. Ma didn't want to but Pa looked around and couldn't find any other water. Ma washed some of our pots tonight and that will help the taste. Hoping not to run across any of them angry indigenous persons tomorrow.

We got up before the sun. Pa said we're not going to St. Joe, we’re going to Springfield, Missouri to provision up. He said there are alarming tell of natural covering fires and outlaws along the Missouri, so we're headed south. Ma said she wasn't sure she wanted to meet southerners, and Pa quick looked around to see who might of heard, and asked her to hush.

We are stuffed full! Came across settlers driving some cows. One broke its leg, so they shot and cooked it. Twas more'n they could eat or cure, so they fed us!

Pa is irked at me! We met settlers headed for Oregon, and I told them Arizona is better. He said the best Arizona land's limited, and not to add folks after it

Made Springfield, took longer than I thought she ought. At the mercantile, my eyes near popped out when I saw the cash money Pa had. No wonder he feared outlaws.

Pa don't smoke, he don't gamble, he don't drink, he don't curse, he don't cheat - I always wondered how me and Sis was born.

Today got to Oklahoma Territory. Pa said the whole place is set aside for indigenous persons. That seems fair. He said they'll leave us be if we do the same.

It's hard to get our wagon across Oklahoma. Going around hills and going around the creeks and rivers as the trail do, it seems what we go 10 miles to get 5.

Poor pa. At a provision station, he came out yelling they's crooks, that we'd starve afore he paid their prices. Ma made him go back in and get us some stores.

We stopped to water the horses, and Sis fell in the creek, I expect this is a sin, but I sorta wish they hadn't a fished her out.

Mostly across Oklahoma, should make Texas in the morning. I'm hoping maybe Pa will let me join up with a cattle drive if we meet one. Always wanted to see Kansas.

This is the worst night of the trip by far. We're camped in a field with 8 or 10 other wagons full of settlers. And I do believe every adult is snoring. I'm sure the sound will draw dangerous critters.

I will never understand folk. Getting to leave this morning, I saw the Ma in another wagon, and she was a scared. Told this to a boy in the wagon and he got mad.

Texas! So far I seen a Ranger arresting a drunk cowboy, windmills, indigenous persons in a teepee, 2 cattle drives (Pa said NO!), a shootout, an a bat ball game

Got to Conway, Texas. 3 houses, a blacksmith, and a deputy. Pa aimed to barter for beans and fat. Ma said one day a singer should name hisself after the town.

Into New Mexico, last step before Arizona. Ma made me work on reading last night. I told her cowboys didn't need book learning, but she didn't mind, she just smiled.

Pa decided to make camp early tonight, in Gallup, New Mexico Territory before our push into Arizona Territory come morning. There are settlers and wagons everywhere, and too many townspeople to count. Seems like most are indigenous persons or Hispanic (non-white). We ate a meal that someone else cooked up! Pa said we have spent less on provisioning than he expected, so we could afford the occasion. On a scary note, we encountered but had no physical contact with a wagon where the folks had or were suspected that they had the typhus.

I asked Pa this morning how long we been traveling. He thought and said that, if we'd been on the trail just days, this'd be our 4th and last. Oh, so looking forward to seeing Arizona Territory, our new home.

Pa wanted to take a small jog in our trip, he heard tell of a bunch of logs that are as stone, we went there and it was true. Pa didn't know how it happened.

Pa said I have to cease my jottings now that we're arrived, so this will be my last. It was an exciting, tiring trip of many weeks, with just enough danger to make it worth my while. Pa said the hard part starts now. We have to build our cabin, improve our fields, and I heard him and Ma talking about school, but I'm hoping they forget that, once they see how much of a help I can be on the farm. I've been hearing a lot about Montana Territory. If they really take that school foolishness seriously, maybe I can slip on out one night and head on up thatchers a-way.

Psalm 119:81-88: Kaph

כ Kaph

My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.

My eyes fail, looking for your promise;

I say, “When will you comfort me?”

Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.

How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors?

The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law.

All your commands are trustworthy;

Help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.

They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.

In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

“Father God, thank you for this reminder that it is okay with you for me to cry out with pain and anger, even hopelessness. Thank you for the example your child gave of desiring a strong life so that he could live for you. Father, even in my times of weakness and pain, thank you that you help me reach for you.”

Who Says Sleepovers Are Just For Kids?

My friend Pam and I got together for three days of girl-alone time.

I love to tease Pam that she’s my oldest friend, even though she’s younger than I am. But we’ve known each other since first grade.

I was maid of honor for her wedding, and she would have been matron of honor in mine if Murray and I hadn’t eloped.

I left Missouri in 1989, and we haven’t seen each other much since then. In 1999 when we moved from Wichita, Kansas to New York state, we stayed one night in Columbia, Missouri with Pam and her family. In 2008, Pam came to my father’s funeral. That was the last time I’d seen her.

But we keep in touch with emails and occasional phone calls. Pam is great about sending birthday cards to everyone in the family, and just fun cards at any time. She is the one I contact when I need prayer for serious difficulties.

For a few years now, we’ve been talking about getting together. Pam said she would come to Cleveland to visit, and I suggested we stay in a hotel together, just the two of us. Why not have a sleepover for ladies in their 50s?

In January this year, Pam said, “let’s set a date.” We picked the second week of May.

Pam’s vacation started at the airport. She said this was only her second time to fly, and she had no idea where to go. But she asked people for help, and met a good handful of interesting new people to talk to. God bless her—she told people she met about my book that was just released.

We had a hotel suite. Hotel rooms are never easy for me to orient to. This had a bed, couch, bathroom, kitchenette, desk, and a big flat screen TV sticking out in the middle of the room. We got there on Tuesday afternoon. I told Pam, “You know, by Friday morning when we leave, I just might have figured out how to get around this room.”

I don’t watch TV, so it was fun sitting with Pam and watching Dr. Phil and Judge Judy. We watched CSI, and shows about building tiny houses and cooking shows where chefs and their mothers prepared a meal from shopping to cooking and presentation in one hour. And a show about alligator hunting. Maybe not what kids watch at their sleepovers, but it was a fun new kind of entertainment for me.

And oh yes, we talked. About our husbands and kids; about Pam’s grandchildren, (I’m still far too young to have grandchildren); about our families and work and old school memories from forty years ago; about our pets. We prayed and read the Bible together.

We brought lots of different kinds of snacks and ordered in food. And oh how we laughed. Long and hard.

I guess our sleepover wasn’t that much different from kids’ sleepovers, except that we have long-ago memories to share, which made them even sweeter and funnier. And so many stories to tell of things that happened during the years that passed when we weren’t together.

I heard Pam tell her sister over the phone, “We started talking like it was just five minutes since we were last together. That’s how close we are.”