Eyewitness

2 Peter 1: 12-21

12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body,

14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.

21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

I do believe that the Bible is written by men inspired totally by God and am thankful that those words were transcribed and continue to be transcribed into Bibles that we can understand today. I've mentioned before that I really like the King James Version as literature but have to admit when I don't understand a passage, I turn to NIV or other translations. I think that is what we should do.

Last Sunday our pastor mentioned having a copy of the Wyclif Bible. He didn't mean an original copy. Looking up some facts, it looks like only about 250 original copies of that translation survive for us to see today.

It is amazing to me how much our own English language has changed and continues to change each year. Why just going from one side of the state of Georgia to the other, I find some words have different meanings so it boggles my mind when I think about what a huge task it must have been to take the different writings and translate them into the word of the day. That task continues even today. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have the original papers of the entire Bible to translate from?

Look at this from the Wyclif Bible John 3:16 - "For God louede so the world that he yaf his oon bigetun sone, that ech man that beliueth in him perische not, but haue euerlastynge lijf." Well, at least I can make out a bit of what the words mean. I admire and am thankful for those that study the languages of ancient Palestine which the Bible was originally written in, Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, and have the ability to translate those words into languages we can understand.

Today will be a busy day for me as I have several projects to finish up. Hope your day is a good one and you feel the blessings of God with each step you take.

The wellness tip for today comes from Realage.com

"Three foods your arteries can't get enough of: onions, celery, and parsley.

Whether you add them to soups, relish dishes, sandwiches, or salads, improving the health of your arteries may be as simple as munching on these flavor boosters. People who eat more flavonoid-rich veggies like these cut their risk of hardening of the arteries -- especially in the legs -- in half. "

His Divine Power

2 Peter 1:3-11

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;

6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,

11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Yes! We have everything we need in Jesus Christ. I remember a class I was in asked us to start listing down the promises that God has given to all of us. It seemed to me every time I opened my Bible a promise popped up waving it's words with delight. That was a good exercise and one that I think I might do again. Oh, I know you can buy books with the promises already listed, but it's not the same as finding them yourself.

I'm praising God this morning for His word and His promises. I'm thankful that I hear His voice in that sweet inner place in my heart and soul.



I'm also thankful today that I can again show you something from my house that I treasure as part of my heritage. This is my Blue Bubble Depression glass passed down from various members of my family and added to as I find them. I'm looking forward to doing a luncheon soon with these... now on to the recipes. :)

Abundant grace and peace

2 Peter 1

1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

These are short verses from Second Peter this morning but so important I wanted to stop and think on these today. It's comforting to know that we have grace and peace in abundance through the knowledge we have about God and Jesus who is our Lord. That's why it's important for us to continue to study. It's in the constant seeking that we become more and more what God would have us be.

Just like our relationships here on this earth are dependent on nurture, so is our relationship with God. As a Baptist, I believe that once you are saved, you are always SAVED. Some say that this belief gives Baptists license to sin without consequences. Not true. What I believe is that if you are truly saved you will not want to sin and you will not want to be or go anywhere else except walk with Jesus.

As Christians we are not exempt from sin, but when we do sin, we have that tug at our hearts that compels us to ask for forgiveness. Those that are not truly saved don't have this tug. That's what I believe. Another thing to understand is that Jesus, as our Shepherd, is always taking care of us and if we stray, is always calling and looking for us. That's another way we know we are His. Once you are saved you always hear His voice. Sometimes some might try to ignore His voice, but He will always call. That's the once saved always saved call, or you could put it another way and say once His always His.

A kiss of love

1 Peter 5: 12-14

12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Here in America I don't often see people greeting each other physically with a kiss of love, but in many cultures they do. Still, even if we don't physically greet each other with a kiss, we can in our hearts. What it all means is if our hearts are right, then everything else will fall in place too. It really is true.

It's said that little children can melt even the most hardened hearts. We see examples of this all the time with little children turning grumpy old men and women into happy, smiling beings just by being around.

Another thing that is said all the time in our culture is "If mama is happy, everyone is happy." That's true because so much of the time it is the woman of the household that sets the tone. Of course, this is true of daddies too, but the meaning of the saying is true.

Today I'm going to be thinking and praying about the greeting I send out each time I meet someone. I may not have any difficulty with this on the surface, but digging deeper, I know there is much to work on.



Carley Ann and friend Grace

To Him be the power

1 Peter 5: 5-11
5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Oh what glorious words this morning. To Him be the power forever and ever says it all. No matter what happens to us He is with us, He cares for us, and in the end He will win it all for us. That's how much He loves us!

Again I see we are reminded to keep a watchful eye for the devil. It's funny to me that Peter would talk about the devil being like a lion. Just the other day I was watching a National Geographic program about lions and how really tricky they are. First of all, the lions send out the females to hunt and bring back food, they just walk around roaring and keeping their pride in check. That's about what the devil does too. Most of the time he really doesn't have to do anything. We do it for him. It's just his presence that keeps us doing what he wants us to do. That is why it is so important to keep our eyes, hearts and minds on Jesus Christ. It's true, what you dwell on is what you become.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Sweet Potato fries without frying

Spray or oil a sheet pan. Preheat oven to 400.

Microwave 3 large sweet potatoes for about 4 minutes. They should be just starting to soften but not soft. Let them cool in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Peal them and slice into fries. Put 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour in a flat dish. Add salt and pepper to taste. Dredge the fries in the flour and shake off all excess flour in a net strainer or colander. Place fries on baking dish. Spray with non-stick olive oil or canola oil spray. Bake about half done, turnover fries and re-spray. When they are almost toasty brown, spray them one more time. Serve hot.

I've eaten sweet potato fries all my life. I can remember walking down to Mrs. Jackson's house and she would make me fries to eat with cane syrup. It's good to have memories that anchor you to your heritage.

Crown of Glory

1 Peter 5: 1-4

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;

3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

As mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, wives, husbands, co-workers, friends and all those other relationship we have on this earth, we are charged by God as caretakers of those relationships. It's a big responsibilty, but God tells us that if we take good care of those He has entrusted to us, we will have the reward of a crown of glory. I'd like to think about this today and turn it over in my heart. I know the only way to really be a good caretaker is to be the kind of person God would have me be. These are awesome words from God today.

Hope you enjoy your day!


Come visit with me and walk around my yard. Mind you, I haven't been working in my yard for the past two years and the weeds and shrubs that birds plant have grown up in the azalea beds. But, even they are beautiful. I've so enjoyed being able to get out and do a few things this spring. My leg, hip and tail bone seem to like it, and only grumble a bit. Thank God for Allison too, who helps me in the yard.

Suffering for being a Christian

1 Peter 4: 12-19

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

18 And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"

19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

In today's world there are many who claim to be Christians. I am one of them. It's really hard to claim the name Christian when the world sees Christians in so many different lights. I suppose they are right because I too see many that are calling themselves Christians that don't believe as I do and I wonder if they realize the difference.

What does it mean to be a Christian? First of all, and most important, you have to be a follower of Jesus Christ and believe He died on the cross to pay for all our sins, in full. I suppose that's it in a nutshell.

On the internet, TV, radio and even in some churches, we are being spoon feed what seems like a type of religion, but in fact is just another wave of new age thinking. They leave out the most important thing. They are all about doing good, giving away material things, and seeking a "higher power". Baloney! You know what baloney is... it's a mixture of all kinds of throw away stuff. Something you wouldn't eat if you knew what it was really made of.

I worry about my granddaughters and how they will cope with the dangers of the world as it continues down the path of what appears to me as destruction. Just in my lifetime I have seen so many changes that it boggles my mind. There is no telling what will happen in the next twenty years if God sees fit to let our world continue.

Anyway, on this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful that I serve a living God, that my family is safe and secure, that my grandchildren have Christian parents and thankful for the beauty in my backyard that blesses my heart each time I walk outside.

Enjoy your day on God’s earth.



I had fun today taking photos of my yard. I don't think Cocoa Puff liked getting photographed. :) Or, maybe she just wasn't ready for her close-up.

Living for God

1 Peter 4: 1-11

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.

Amen.

Yesterday was a frazzled day. It all started with an upset stomach, which took up entirely too much time. I didn't have time to be sick. Who knows why my stomach was upset, it just was, but all is better now. By the time my stomach was better it was already daylight and I had to get moving with the things planned for the day. I missed my morning devotion and for the rest of the day I didn't feel quiet right.

It was late in the day before I settled back into my home. During the day I had taken care of car maintenance and got new tires. 5 Star Tire & Auto has a nice comfortable waiting room so I took advantage of that and pulled out my book to read. The author was talking about snow and how the snow covers the ground with a blanket of white making everything look so clean. He went on to say that this is the same thing that Jesus Christ did and does for us, His love covers our sins. We don't have much snow here in west central Georgia, but when it does snow, it's beautiful. As I continued to think about snow and about God's grace my mind jumped to singing "Jesus paid it all". When I woke this morning I was still thinking about that song so I went to You Tube and found a clip. Enjoy. I did. :)

Harmony

1 Peter 3: 8-22

8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

10 For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.

11 He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."

15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison

20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,

21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

My heart is heavy this morning with lots of earthly concerns. God, through his Word, speaks to me and tells me he has all of us in his hands. My prayer for today is directly from this passage. At prayer breakfast this morning I jokingly asked that everyone pray for my car. Still, I know that God cares even about needs like what to do about sick cars when the caretaker of that car knows nothing about them and has just in the past few years learn how to pump gas!

My routine is off today and I feel a bit frazzled. Still, deep in my heart I know everything is well for I am proud to be called one of his sheep and am glad to find comfort and everything I need with my Shepard.



Today I wanted to show you what greets me each time I walk into my side door entry to my house. It's a welcome plaque that has moved with me from house to house since I first began housekeeping. The roses in the blue and white pitcher remind me of those that my grandmother grew outside her house. I love reminders like this and do treasure each memory that comes from keeping them close.

Wives and Husbands

1 Peter 3: 1-7

1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives,

2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.

4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands,

6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

There is nothing better on this earth for a wife and husband to love each other. When you fall in love with someone your every move and thought is all about pleasing them and wanting them to return that love. They truly become the master of your heart. Some people take exception to the word submit, but stop and think. The word means nothing more than what your heart does willingly when your love becomes it's master.

The Overseer of your souls

1 Peter 2:13-25

13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,

14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 "He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

The idea that we would suffer for doing good is foreign to me. How would one do that? I can understand the suffering one might experience by living a Christian life in a society that doesn't accept Christianity, but just ordinary, everyday, doing good? How could one suffer for doing that? The more I thought about suffering for doing good and trying to think of examples in my own life, the more examples I found. Yes, you can suffer for doing good. I've been on both sides of this equation.

When I worked in the corporate world I had a co-worker who was always cheerful but really, really, REALLY, cheerful each morning when she came in the back door to our building which lead her right by my office. I always arrived early to work so I could settle in and get organized for the day, so I was always the first recipient of her cheer. I've always valued and protected my morning rituals as my special time, not to be interrupted by unimportant things and other annoyances. I like to ease into my morning and not be jerked into any action. This cheerful person had become an annoyance to me. She interrupted my quiet ritual and demanded I pay attention to her song each and every morning and there was no getting around it. She had her routine and I had mine. She was doing “good” but I didn't appreciate the thought. One morning, in my desperation, I lashed out and asked her if she could be just a little quite when she came in. She was crushed. She thought she was bring cheer to what she perceived as an office that was much too serious and sadly quiet. I still think about this from time to time and am disappointed in myself for lashing out to such a sweet spirit of a girl. I apologized but still, there was no undoing my action.

This morning I am thankful to the small blessings of life and for the not so small sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for all of us. I am thankful that even when we stray, He is there seeking and waiting for us. I am thankful that He is the overseer of our souls and we have His example to follow in all things.

Enjoy your day.

The goal of your faith

1 Peter 2: 3-12

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,

5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

7 These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,

11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

This morning’s devotion time was cut short by the cries of Anna Claire who spent the night last night. Oh that precious child and how loving she is. She is at the age where she demands attention and I am happy to give it. On the days that she is here my schedule takes a vacation. I am all hers until I fall on the couch in exhaustion and patiently wait for her mother to come get her.

The house is quiet now. No little screams of delight with each new toy found, pulled out and left on the floor, no pounding of little feet running up and down the hall with sticky fingers tapping the wall all the way, no little head peeking around the corner saying peek-a-boo. What pleasure silence is. :) I already miss her.

Reading the verses over for this morning and getting a second chance at devotion time is also a pleasure and one I miss when it gets interrupted. Some how my day just doesn't feel complete without time alone with God. Words of comfort again from Peter feel good. I don't think there has ever been a time in my life when I didn't have faith in Jesus Christ but can well imagine how hard it might be for some. After all, we are asked to believe in something we can not see.

Maybe about 20 years ago I took a class called Experiencing God. One of the exercises asked us to set aside an entire afternoon to pray. I thought it was going to be an impossible task for me as I had no idea what I would pray about for longer than 30 minutes much less an entire afternoon. When the day came I went upstairs to my room with Bible in hand and spent my afternoon in prayer. I will never forget that afternoon as long as I live. I only wish I had words to describe how close to God I felt and how much I want that same experience for everyone even as angels long to look into these things.

Enjoy your day.

Chicken Pitas
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup matchstick-cut carrots
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
4 (6-inch) whole wheat pitas, each cut in half
8 Romaine lettuce leaves

Preparation
Combine first 11 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well. Line each pita half with 1 lettuce leaf; fill each half with 1/3 cup chicken mixture.
Yield
4 servings (serving size: 2 stuffed pita halves)

Nutritional Information
CALORIES 471(30% from fat); FAT 15.5g (sat 2.5g,mono 5.4g,poly 6.2g); PROTEIN 36.8g; CHOLESTEROL 82mg; CALCIUM 98mg; SODIUM 776mg; FIBER 7.2g; IRON 3.9mg; CARBOHYDRATE 48.8g


Michele Powers , Cooking Light, MAY 2007 Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Melanie J. Clarke

Spiritual milk

1 Peter 2: 1-3
1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

These are powerful words this morning from Peter. I admire those that have the gift of condensing what they want to say down to just a few words forcing thoughts into our heads that linger all day. This is what Peter does here with the beginning words of this chapter. Today we call this a writer’s hook.

In my own life there have been times when I did have malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander thriving within me. Even today I know I am capable of these sins and guard against them. Still, I'm not always successful. The older I get the more grateful I am for the power of Jesus Christ, His love and His sacrifice. God is good and His mercy endures forever, thank God.



Travel virtually with me today to a place I hope to visit one day, the Cotswolds. I was first introduced to the Cotswolds through a special devotion book, Meeting God in Quite Places, by F. LaGard Smith. Reading Smith's book about his time in the Cotswolds makes me know already that visiting a few days will not be enough. Still, if I could steal a few days away, this is a place I want to go. Enjoy.

From the heart

1 Peter: 13-25
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

24For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,

25 but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.

Carley Ann spent the night with me last night. When we crawled into bed I asked her if she wanted to say her prayers and she said no but she would hear mine. So, I prayed out loud and then Carley added her prayer to mine. You see, this just proves that sometimes we need a jump start to get us going. We all need each other, learn, grow and depend on each other to keep us going.

I'm thankful today that God never gives up on us and keeps us going. I’m thankful He is always there ready to listen to us and help us live our lives here on earth. I am thankful for His word that stands forever.

For some reason Anna Claire and Carley Ann have become fascinated with ants. I think last night was the first time I've ever prayed for or rather about ants. I am thankful for the wonder of little children. The last thing Carley Ann said to me before she went to sleep was "Memama, I love you in my heart." Today I am thankful for all the love in our hearts.