A Tender Shoot

"Out of the stump of David's family will grow a Shoot - yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root." (Isaiah 11:1)



Last year, we lost a large oak tree along the riverbank to oak dieback disease. But look what I discovered yesterday:

A tender, new shoot growing from the old root.

~

God, through the Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, foretold the coming of a Shoot from the lineage of King David. The prophesied Shoot was fulfilled by the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, but the passage that follows revealed Christ's position as King and Judge at the time of His second coming and His future kingdom of unprecedented peace on earth among mankind and animals as well.

Got hope and faith dieback, beloved?  Let your roots grow deep down into Jesus, and let your life be built on Him. Then a new shoot of faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness (Col. 2:7) to the up-and-coming King Jesus! 

"Out of the stump of David's family will grow a Shoot-

yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.

And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him-

the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and might,

the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

He will delight in obeying the LORD.

He will not judge by appearance

nor make a decision based on hearsay.

He will give justice to the poor

and make fair decisions for the exploited.

The earth will shake at the force of His word,

and one breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked.

He will wear righteousness like a belt

and truth like an undergarment.

In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;

the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.

The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,

and a little child shall lead them all.

The cow will graze near the bear.

The cub and the calf will lie down together.

The lion will eat hay like a cow.

The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.

Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of

deadly snakes without harm.

Nothing will hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain,

for as the waters fill the sea,

so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord!"

(Isaiah 11:1-9)

Hallelujah!!!

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Mr. Generosity

Grandboy and giveaways

"As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once." (Phil. 4:15-16)

A common prayer in our family is: "Lord, please bless us with more than we need to be a blessing to others." At Christmastime, my superman, Mr. Generosity, gave the older grands "money on mission" and encouraged them to find someone to help. They did! Those sweet young 'uns bought formula and diapers for friends fostering a newborn and a three-year-old.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reported that God had supplied his needs through the generosity of the Philippian church. He in turn encouraged them, "And this same God who takes care of me will supply your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen!"

Got a little more than you need, beloved? Put that money on mission and bless another today.

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One Another

Our Bible study girls
Back row L-R: Paige, Lauren, Gracie, Nicole, Elizabeth, Nicole
Front row L-R: Audrey, Brooke, Marissa
(not pictures: Lori, Emily, Serra)

"Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from the heart." (1 Peter 1:22)

At last night's final small group meeting for the spring, our thoughtful and precious Bible study girls gave the leaders pretty, miniature, cactus rock gardens as a thank you for helping them grow.

Like an oreo cookie, sandwiched in-between two delicious commands of God [Older women train the younger women (Titus 2:4) and don't neglect meeting together (Heb. 10:25)] sits the delectable, mouthwatering creamy middle of intertwined hearts, souls, and spirits: Christian fellowship.

The Greeks called it "koinonia," a fellowship and sweet communion beautifully painted across the canvas of the New Testament's "one another" passages:

"Be devoted to one another in love" (Romans 12:10).

"Live in harmony with one another" (Romans 12:16).

"Serve one another in love" (Gal. 5:13).

"Be kind and compassionate to one another" (Eph. 4:32).

"Encourage one another" (1 Thess 5:11). 

"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Heb. 10:24).

"Fervently love one another" (1 Peter 1:22).

To the 14 beautiful ladies (the 12 young'uns and 2 dear "older" friends) that gathered around my kitchen table over the past twelve weeks -

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

May your roots grow down deep into Jesus and your lives be built on Him. 

May your faith grow strong in the truth you were taught, and may you overflow with thankfulness.

May you be filled with the Holy Spirit and complete your God-assigned work for His glory.

May you love the Lord, obey His voice, and hold fast to Him all the days of your dear lives.

And may the Lord watch between thee and me, while we are absent one from another.

I fervently love you all from my heart,

Jill 

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Beach Challenge

Our family, 2015
(2 more grandboys added since)

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7)

A family challenge was issued at Christmastime: 

For anyone needing/wanting to lose weight, 

a reward for every pound lost, 

OR 

for anyone needing/wanting to get in shape, 

a reward for every week of at least three-workouts,

by June beach trip. 

Now that vacation time is drawing nigh, slackers are changing to fierce competitors.

Tonight, our Revelation Bible study closes with Chapter 22 where Jesus issues this challenge: "Look, I am coming soon, bringing My reward with Me to repay all people according to their deeds."

Paul described the reward ceremony in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15:

 

(The foundation of a believer's life is Jesus Christ, and the believer's works are the building materials on the foundation. Gold, silver, and precious jewels represent reward-worthy works; whereas, wood, hay, or straw represent futile, pointless works.) 

On that judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, the builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved but will enter those pearly gates empty handed and smellin' like smoke!

How's your gold-silver-and-precious jewel work coming along, beloved?  Remember Jesus' warning: "Keep watch! For you don't know the day or the hour of My return." (Matt. 25:13)

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Law of Percentages

Our Dan, Mandy, and 100% grandboy

"Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He had spoken came true." (Joshua 21:45)

According to the weather man, Birmingham had a 20% chance of rain over the weekend. But God said, "Rain!" And when we got home from Indiana, we found 1 1/2" of water in our rain gauge.

When our fourth grandboy was conceived, the doctors said the tiny embryo had a 10% chance of survival. But God said, "Life!" And a running, rock-throwing, playing-in-the-dirt, 100% boy came into our family.

In the book of Genesis, God promised childless-at-the-time Abram (later Abraham) that his family would become a great nation and inherit a Promise Land. A son came and a nation grew, but, seemingly counterintuitive to God's promise, the nation of Israel fell into 400 years of slavery in Egypt. God delivered His people through Moses, but, due to unbelief, the Israelites wandered in a dry and thirsty wilderness for 40 years. Joshua and God's people finally entered the land of milk and honey but would defeat 31 kings in battle after battle after battle before taking possession of the Promise Land (about 700 years after God's promise to Abraham).

God's law of percentages: if God says it, chances are 100% - no matter how long it takes. If God does not, it's 0%, my friend. And that's the 100% truth of every matter.

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To and Fro

Our getting-really-tall grandboy

"The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him..." (2 Chron. 16:9a)

We're running up to Indiana this weekend to watch our grandboy run to and fro across a soccer field.

This "eyes of the LORD running to and fro" passage in 2 Chronicles 16:a, read out of the context of surrounding Scriptures, sound as though God is reassuring a loyal servant.

Not.

Nope.

Non.

No way, Hosea. (Sounds more biblical than Jose. ha!)

In context, the nation of Israel had divided into two kingdoms - Israel to the north and Judah to the south. In the 36th year of King Asa's reign in Judah, King Baasha of Israel invaded Judah and fortified Ramah.

When Asa looked to King Ben-hadad of Aram for help, Hanani the seer came to King Asa and said, "Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the LORD your God, you missed your chance to destroy Aram. The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth to strengthen the hearts of those fully committed to Him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war."

In a jam, beloved? Squeezed between a rock and a hard place? Look to the LORD your God for help! His eyes are running to and fro across the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of someone loyal to Him!

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Mouth-watering Good

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)



This morning, ingredients for a mint, triple chocolate, sour cream birthday cake sprawled across my kitchen counter (our ten-year-old grandgirl found a recipe on Pinterest), and I was reminded of a sermon on Romans 8:28 heard years ago.

A mouth chock-full of baking soda or raw eggs tastes bitter and nasty, but work them all together with sugar, chocolate chips, flour, and butter and place it in the oven for about 30 minutes, and tada! - you have something mouth-watering good. 

Likewise, Almighty God takes the bitter and sweet of life, works them together, puts them in a purifying fire, and tada! makes His child into someone really, really good: conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus.

In a bitter, hot oven, beloved? Be still. Trust God. Praise the One shaping you into someone mouth-watering good!

"For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." (Romans 8:29)

Tada!

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A Living Song

Esther Song (white T-shirt on right)
with World Race Missions Team in San Salvador

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way of worship." (Romans. 12:1)




Esther Song was in my Bible study a couple of semesters ago before embarking on the World Race - a journey to 11 countries in 11 months to serve "the least of these." Esther along with teams of World Racers are living and holy sacrifices through which God is changing lives in nations all over the world. Esther Song is truly living a song of worship to Jesus.

~

After the church was born on the streets of Jerusalem at Pentecost, believers rapidly multiplied, but rumbles of disapproval escalated just as fast. Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, was arrested for false accusations and brought before the high counsel. 

Beginning with the story of Abraham, Stephen testified that Jesus was the Righteous One predicted by the prophets - the Messiah they had betrayed and murdered. In rage, his accusers dragged him out of the city, laid their robes at the feet of young Saul, and then stoned Stephen to death.

A great wave of persecution began that day and swept over the church of Jerusalem. Believers scattered and preached the Good News of Jesus wherever they went.

Young Saul joined the rampage against the church. He uttered threats and sought to kill them. On his mission to Damascus to arrest followers of the Way, a light suddenly burst from heaven, and Saul fell to the ground. 

A Voice boomed, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?"

"Who are you?" Saul asked.

The Voice answered, "I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting! Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as My servant and witness." (Acts 9 and Acts 26)

Saul believed. Jesus saved and transformed. Saul, later called Paul, wrote 13 books of the New Testament and became a great missionary for Christ - a living song of worship to God.

To the Romans, Paul wrote, "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way of worship."

Paul's plea still resounds today, beloved. Present your body as a living sacrifice to God and become a living song of worship to Jesus!

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All Things New

Our oldest grandboy
2010

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth disappeared. And the sea was also gone." (Rev. 21:1)

When the oldest grandboy was five, he discovered a new way to play the trumpet - with his nose! (Wish you could watch the video.)

This evening, as we rapidly approach the end of spring small groups at Church of the Highlands, our group is diving into Revelation chapter 21. The glorious vision of "things to come" closes with the apostle John watching the new Jerusalem come down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her groom. 

A loud shout announces, "Look, God's home is now among His people. He will live with them and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever!"

And the One sitting on the throne says, "Look, I am making all things new!"

Wipe your tear-stained cheeks, beloved. One glad day, all your sorrows and pain will be gone forever. Trust Jesus! He's making all things new.

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The 47 Days After Resurrection

Babygrand's first Easter egg hunt

"During the 40 days after He suffered and died, Jesus appeared to the apostles from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3)

After his daddy scattered 48 eggs across the backyard of the river cabin, babygrand picked up 3. Then he was done and off to play.

Scattered across New Testament Scripture are puzzle pieces that put together tell the detailed story of the 47 days (correct me if I'm wrong) following the resurrection of Christ.

Scriptural puzzle pieces:

1. The last supper took place on Thursday night, the first day of Passover. (Matt. 26:17)

2. Jesus was crucified at 9 a.m. the following Friday morning. (Mark 15:25)

3. Jesus was buried on Friday evening. (Matt. 27:57)

4. Believers rested the next day, Saturday the Sabbath. (Luke 23:56)

5. Jesus arose from the dead on Sunday, the first day of the week.  - three days after the last supper. (Matt. 28:1)

6. Jesus presented Himself alive to the apostles and five hundred witnesses over a period of 40 days. (Acts 1:3, 1 Cor. 15:6)

7. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus commanded the disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4)

8. Seven days later* on the day of Pentecost (the 50th day after the last supper or first day of Passover), all the believers were together. Suddenly, a sound from heaven roared like a mighty wind and filled the house where they were sitting. What looked like flames of fire settled on them, and everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised. (Acts 2:1-4)

9. At 9 a.m. that very morning, the disciples went out into the streets and Peter preached to crowds of Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, Cyrene, and Rome - both Jews and converts to Judaism. Three thousand believed in Jesus that day and were baptized. (Acts 2:7-41) 

10. On that Day of Pentecost, the Church, the Bride of Christ, was born! (Acts 2:42-47)

O church arise, and put your armor on;

Hear the call of Christ our Captain.

For now the weak can say that they are strong

In the strength that God has given...

Arise, shine for your light has come

Arise, shine for the Risen Son

Lift your eyes, we are His radiant bride

Arise, O church arise!

So Spirit, come, put strength in every stride;

Give grace for every hurdle.

That we may run with faith to win the prize

Of a servant good and faithful...1

*Calculations: 3 days from Passover to Resurrection day + 40 days Jesus walked the earth alive till His ascension = 43 days. 50th day (Pentecost) - 43 days = 7 days

1 O CHURCH ARISE. Keith Getty, Stuart Townsend.

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He is Risen

He is risen!!!

He is risen indeed!!!

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The 6 Greatest Hours in History

Painting of Jesus from Iraq when Dan served as a US Marine

"But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

It's 10:06 a.m. I'm sitting on the back porch of the cabin. The Coosa River is as calm as a sleeping baby. The sun is shining. Birds are twittering. In the distance, a dove has been cooing continuously for about 15 minutes. Two thousand plus years ago, my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, had now hung on the cross 1 hour and 8 minutes...

Very early that morning, the leading priests, elders, and teachers of the law had met to discuss Jesus. They bound Him and took Him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

Pilate soon realized that these Jewish leaders had arrested this Man out of envy. Jesus was innocent, so he offered to release this "King of the Jews". But the priests had stirred up the crowd against Him, and they shouted angrily, "Crucify Him!"

Barabbas was released in His stead, and Jesus was brutally beaten.

The soldiers then dragged Him to the Praetorium, dressed Him in a purple robe, and shoved a crown of thorns on His head. They struck Him and spit in the face of God.

The gospel of Mark records that Jesus was nailed to a cross at nine o'clock that morning. At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock in the afternoon. Then Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed His last. After 6 grueling hours on the cross, His work on earth was finished.

At that moment, the curtain guarding the Holy of Holies in the Jews' Temple was in torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs were opened. The centurion standing near the cross of Jesus said, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!" (from the gospels of Matthew and Mark)

Jesus was buried.

End of story?

Oh, no, beloved. Not by a long shot!

Now I make known to you the gospel: Jesus died for all people. He was buried. He was raised from the dead on the third day and appeared to Peter and to the twelve and to more than five hundred amazed witnesses. And whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life!

Up from 
the grave 
He arose;
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes'
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saint to reign.
He arose!
He arose!
Hallelujah!
Christ arose! 1

1 UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE. Robert Lowry, 1826-1899.

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Keep Watch and Pray, Pray, Pray

"Let us pray"
(our grandboy cousins, 2017)

"Keep watch and pray, so that you do not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt. 26:41)

Before Glassco family meals we sing:

"The Lord is good to me.

And so I thank the Lord

For giving me 

The things I need,

The sun and the rain and the appleseed.

The Lord is good to me.

Amen!!!"

Then the wee grands clap their little hands, and we all cheer "YEA!" for Jesus.

After the last supper on the night before His crucifixion, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives into a garden called Gethsemane. Jesus said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray," but He took  His three closest friends with Him.

In anguish and distress, He told Peter, James, and John, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me."

Jesus went on a little farther and bowed His face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine."

When He returned to Peter, James, and John, Jesus found them sleeping  and said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with Me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you do not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Beloved, are you watching and praying? Or are you sleeping through the battle between good and evil, truth and lies, everlasting life and eternal death, God's kingdom of Light and Satan's kingdom of darkness?

Wake up!

Keep watch!

Pray!

Pray!

Pray!

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Do as I Did

My daddy and my Ben
1990ish

Jesus said, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13:15)

If you've followed this blog for awhile, you've heard our family's screen door story. When our Ben was about eight years old, he karate kicked a hole in his pawpaw's screen door. My daddy calmly but very firmly said, "Come on, boy, you and I are going to fix a screen door."

Before His last Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father in heaven. He had loved His disciples during His ministry and would love them to the end. 

After their last supper together, Jesus got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin, and began to wash His twelve disciples' feet.

"You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will," Jesus said. "You call Me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right. And since I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them." (from John 13:1-17)

Today, beloved, follow your Savior and Lord's example. Find someone to serve in love.

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Shout, Children

Our grandboys, granddog, and son, Dan
(last Saturday at the Coosa River farm)

"They asked Jesus, 'Do you hear what these children are saying?'" (Matt. 21:16)

A painting of the last supper that Dan sent me from the sands of Iraq hangs in our playroom over the verse he tattooed on his arm as a U.S. Marine.

Ask any one of the grands who is in that picture and, without hesitation or doubt, they shout, "Jesus!"

After Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a palm-paved road, He entered the Temple, drove out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice, and then healed the blind and the lame. The leading priests and teachers of religious law saw His wondrous miracles and heard children shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David!"

In anger, the leaders asked Jesus, "Do you hear what these children are saying?" 

"Yes," Jesus replied. "Haven't you heard the Scriptures: 'You have taught children and infants to give You praise.'" (Psalm 8:2)

Earlier He said, "If they keep silent, the rocks will cry out!" (Luke 19:40)

Shout with joy to the LORD, O children of God!

Worship Him with gladness.

Come before Him, singing with joy.

Acknowledge that the LORD [Jesus] is God!

He made us, and we are His.

We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving;

Go into His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the LORD is good

His unfailing love continues forever,

and His faithfulness continues to each generation!

(Psalm 100)

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Who's Beside You?

Our three not-so-wee grands
Palm Sunday, 2017

"They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you." (Luke 19:44)

Friday, while standing in line at Subway, I met a young man that had recently moved to Alabama. "Have you found a church home?" I asked.

"No!" he answered emphatically. "I don't want no church!"

"Do you believe in Jesus?"

"No, I do not believe in Jesus," he said.

"So where will you go when you die?" I asked.

"I believe in reincarnation," he answered.

"Well, Jesus loves you this I know, and I'll be praying that you believe in Him," I said. 

On the bony back of a donkey two thousand plus years ago, Jesus rode toward Jerusalem. Crowds of believers paved His way with garments and palm leaves and shouted, "Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!"

But when Jesus came closer to the beloved city of David, He began to weep, "How I wish today that you people of Jerusalem would understand the way of peace. But now it is too late. Soon your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and close in on your from every side. They will crush you because you did not recognize it when God visited you."(Luke 19:36-44) 

Oh, young man in Subway open your eyes and recognize truth! Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that He died in your place and God raised Him from the dead. Call on His name before it is too late and be saved from the eternal, hell-bound consequences of your sin!

Speak up in Jesus name, beloved! The person in line beside you  today may be walking blindly into hell. 

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I'm Not Enough

The Whole Silly Glassco Gang
June 2016

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." (2 Cor. 9:8)



This week, that ol' devil weaseled his way into my thoughts. "You're not enough, Jill. You don't pray enough. You don't love enough. You don't wield the sword of God's word enough. You're not talented enough. You don't witness enough. Just face it, you're simply not enough."

He's right, you know. I'm not enough. But the nasty scoundrel omitted a very important piece of information: God is more than enough! Hallelujah!

When I can't - when I don't - Almighty God can and does. He intercedes with groaning that cannot be expressed with words. His never-ending mercies are new every morning. Greater is He than anybody or anything. I am weak, however, Jesus is forever strong.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "God's power works best in my weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the  power of Christ can work through me. I actually take pleasure in my weaknesses, in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am dynamite-strong in Him. His all-sufficient grace is all  I need!" (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Forget your I can'ts,  beloved, and focus on the God cans!

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Listen to Daddy

My daddy and me
Easter Sunday and my 2nd birthday
April 6, 1958







"...And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me..." (Habakkuk 2:1)

I thought my daddy hung the moon. (I was almost right; my heavenly Daddy did.) As kids, when Daddy spoke, we listened, believed, and obeyed.

Pastor Jentezen Franklin spoke at Church of the Highlands last night. A stand-out from his message was listen to God's voice and believe what Father says over what you see. Amen!

From prison, the Apostle Paul wrote young Timothy, "I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return." (2 Tim. 1:12)

Never give up, beloved. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long in comparison to the glory yet to come that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on Jesus and the things that cannot be seen. We open our ears to our Father's powerful and true voice and believe Him. For the things we see now see will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Cor. 4:16-18). Therefore, we will walk by faith in Jesus, dear one, and not by sight! (2 Cor. 5:7)

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Never

L-R Gabe and Bell
Coosa River Farm last Saturday

"Peter declared, 'Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you!" (Matt. 26:33)

Never.

Nope.

Don't wanna a dog.

We'll never get another dog.

Until...

two springs ago, God dropped a beautiful black lab on our river cabin back porch.

Our Bell.

Never thought I'd see the day that I'd buy a birthday present for a dog! Happy 3rd birthday, Bell. You're a good 'ne. A sweet gift from God.

On the way to the Mt. of Olives in the gospel of Matthew chapter 26, Jesus told His disciples, "You'll all desert Me this very night. For the Scriptures say, 'God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'" 

But reckless Peter boasted, "Not me! No way, Jose! I'll never abandon You, Lord!"

Jesus replied, "Peter, My boy, the truth be told, you'll run like a rabbit with a coyote hot on its trail before the rooster crows three times."  (AJT - a Jill translation)

And he did.

Only our omniscient, all-knowing God can say never and it stand true forever. Today Jesus says, "Beloved, I tell you the truth. I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." So we can say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper, so I will not fear." (Heb. 13:5-6)

. 

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Superman

My superman in his U. of Tennessee Chattanooga football days
1974





"My beloved is mine and I am his..." (Song of Solomon 2:16)

Happy 62nd birthday, superman!!!

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love...

1. the way you love God.
2. the way you love me.
3. the way you love our children.
4. the way you love our grandchildren.
5. the way you protect me.
6. the way you take care of me.
7. the way you provide for me.
8. the way you provide for our family.
9. the way you pray for me.
10. the way you pray for our family.
11. the way you pray for extended family and friends.
12. the way you encourage me and others.
13. the way you support my children's book journey.
14. your contentment.
15. your great faith in Jesus.
16. the way you lead our family.
17. the way you sacrifice your wants for ours.
18. your extreme generosity.
19. the way you love our doggies: Bell, Gabe, and Lucy.
20. the way you make life fun.
21. the way you cared for your mother as a widow.
22. the way you cared for my mother as a widow.
23. the way you cared for me in 2014 sickness.
24. the way you loved and guided our teenagers.
25. your love of Christ's church.
26. your love for God's word.
27. your obedience to God.
28. your ability to memorize chapters of Scripture.
29. your love for your job.
30. your dedication to RMS.
31. your intelligence.
32. your wisdom.
33. your kindness.
34. your faithfulness to God.
35. your faithfulness to me.
36. your "hairbrained" ideas (most of the time).
37. your amazing programming and computer skills.
38. kissing you.
39. our romantic get-aways.
40. reading together.
41. holding your big ol' tan hands.
42. our adventures together. (Today, I found pictures of our first snow skiing trip to Jackson Hole in 1979.)
43. your strength.
44. your powerful, good-looking legs. :)
45. your love of farming.
46. worshipping together.
47. working together.
48. playing together.
49. walking through life with you.
50. watching you water ski.
51. your love for the river and farm.
52. that we met two weeks after you asked God to show you the girl you would marry.
53. that your mother dedicated you to God while you were in her womb.
54. your ability to fix things.
55. that you think outside the box.
56. still dreaming with you.
57. tandem biking with you.
58. hiking with you.
59. walking the woods trails at the farm with you.
60. going to new places with you.
61. being Mrs. Phillip Glassco for almost 40 years.
62. you, superman!

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