Category: Ecclesiastes

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Time Away

We just returned home after being gone for 5 days. What a good trip!

The last couple of days we were back on the mountain. For two years we had been camp hosts at Rainbow Campground on Big Lake in the Arizona White Mountains. This year we made a tough decision and were not able to return.

We miss the serenity of mountain life and the dear friends we have there. Everything we do is dependent upon God’s times and seasons.

“Everything on earth
has its own time
    and its own season.
2 There is a time
for birth and death,
    planting and reaping,
3 for killing and healing,
    destroying and building,
4 for crying and laughing,
    weeping and dancing,
5 for throwing stones
and gathering stones,
    embracing and parting.
6 There is a time
for finding and losing,
    keeping and giving,
7 for tearing and sewing,
    listening and speaking.
8 There is also a time
for love and hate,
    for war and peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 CEV

The embracing and parting are hard. We spent time with some friends we have known for many years and also with some who we only been acquainted with for a few years. It was a time of refreshing and catching up. There were tears and laughter, promises to meet again and always – always – an expression of gratitude for the Lord bringing our lives together.

What a joy it is to know that the Lord cares about our associations and friendships.

“Jonathan liked David so much that they promised to always be loyal friends.” I Samuel 18:3 CEV

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives. 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

Last night after we returned home Dave and I began to call out names of so many who have been a part of our lives and we know how truly rich we are in the area of relationships.

I am truly grateful for each of you who read this blog. I feel the Lord has blessed me in such a tremendous way, being able to share with you my walk with the Lord and to encourage you in your walk with Him as well.

Thank you for being faithful readers and precious friends, some we know and some we have yet to meet.

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Camping Fun

You’ve probably wondered where I have been the last couple of days. I, and I don’t know how many thousands of others, have been without the service of our Verizon carrier. From what we’ve been told, a guilty party or parties vandalized the fiber optic lines and we were without service from 3:30 pm on Saturday until almost 3:30 pm on Monday.

But, I’m back!

In my last blog, I shared with you about keeping clean spiritually.

Saturday morning our youngest daughter, her husband, youngest grandchild and I went for a long walk through the campground. Dave was tasked with watching our almost 5 year-old granddaughter and her almost 7 year-old brother. When we returned from our walk and entered our campsite this is what we saw.

Two youngsters playing in the dirt – covered from head to toe in black mountain dust. I had to stop and literally laugh out loud! It was a site of pure fun for the kids and that’s what camping is all about.

Making memories. Our oldest daughter and her husband had been with Dave, watching them as they played and her comment was “what happens in the campsite, stays in the campsite”.

I think I heard God laughing too.

“And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!

15 So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 NLT

Moments of real joy should fill our lives, after all, our lives in heaven will be filled with singing and there will be no sorrow or tears.

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “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. 4 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.” Revelation 21:3-4 NLT

Maybe we should all be a little more innocent and childlike in looking for joyful moments, especially when we must face unexpected frustrations and set backs.

“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7 NLT

Our Father takes pleasure in bringing us joy. He wants us to experience hearts filled with joy!

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Working Together

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, “I love my RV home”!

Each week we are feeling more settled. It does take time to adjust, though. When we first moved in the biggest adjustment for me was the kitchen space.

You all know that I love to cook, bake, and create in my kitchen. I’ve learned to place everything at my fingertips and have become quite comfortable with the limited counter space. When we first saw a video on this model, the man doing the walk-through called this an “OBK”, or one bottom kitchen.

He was right.

I was preparing sour cream enchiladas for lunch yesterday and Dave was going to make his fresh pico de gallo. It’s so yummy! He had to wait until I cleaned up the counters and had the enchiladas in the oven. We couldn’t both fit in the space. We make a good team – working together.

He finished with the pico and guacamole just about the time the enchiladas were done. Perfect timing.

“Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done. 10 If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help. But those who are alone when they fall have no one to help them.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ERV

Working side-by-side in harmony is a blessing from the Lord. There is someone to share the load and the joy.

As I read through the New Testament writings of Paul, in particular, I take note of the number of times he mentions those who have helped him in ministry. He calls them by name and asks the readers of his letters to pray for them and to encourage them.

Paul also tells us that we should work together as members of one body, the body of Christ. When one hurts, we should all come to assist; when one rejoices, we should participate in the joy.

“Christ gave these gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. 13 This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God. Our goal is to become like a full-grown man—to look just like Christ and have all his perfection… we will speak the truth with love. We will grow to be like Christ in every way. He is the head, 16 and the whole body depends on him. All the parts of the body are joined and held together, with each part doing its own work. This causes the whole body to grow and to be stronger in love.” Ephesians 4:12-16 ERV

If we see someone who is isolated and hurting, try to help. Don’t become offended if help is refused. It could be they are too wounded to let anyone come close but don’t quit trying. Keep reaching out in love.

Working together, each of us doing our part, makes us grow strong in Christ.

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Looking for Perfect

The last few days Dave and I have spent a lot of time talking about how much we enjoy being here in the mountains, not just any mountains, these mountains and this place, this place called Big Lake.

When we started planning our summer, months back, the first place we put on our list was this campground. It holds special memories for both of us. My folks came here over 50 years ago. It was one of Dad’s favorite places to come and although the high altitude was hard on Mom she loved coming here too.

After Dave and I were married, Dad brought Dave up here for some special days when just the two of them would fish together. The love of fishing is something the two of them shared. It was their bond.

And then as our family grew, Mom and Dad brought our oldest daughter and son here as well. They weren’t much more than toddlers. Out of diapers and able to climb over the boulders they spent time at this mountain lake. Our hearts are rooted here and we love it.

Each week we have many of the campers tell us their stories of coming here, some for more than 40 years. They are similar to ours – brought here as chidren by their parents and what a great time it was and now they are bringing their children and grandchildren to enjoy this place. What a blessing!

We spent most of the afternoon visiting with a new friend and fellow camp host yesterday. Her experiences in this area are very similar as well. The more we talked, we agreed that the Lord had brought us to this place and His ways are perfect.

“ God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all he has done, and he puts questions in our minds about the past and the future. 12 I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, 13 because God’s gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do.” Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 CEV

Many people look for perfect. The perfect job, home, mate…and end up disappointed. If we were only looking at external factors we would miss the perfect that God has placed before us. Others have a newer, bigger, better RV than ours but when we look at where the Lord has called us we find perfection and He never disappoints.

“In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault. 5 And before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it. 6 And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves. 7 In Christ we are made free by his blood sacrifice. We have forgiveness of sins because of God’s rich grace.” Ephesians 1:4-7 ERV

He has placed a calling, a destiny, within each one of us. His plan is for our good.

When we look for perfect we will always find it in Jesus! We are loved and chosen by Almighty God and there is nothing more perfect than that!

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Know When to Be Silent

Do you ever stop to think where you would be without God’s amazing, unconditional love?

On our best days, when we’re kind and gracious to those around us, we still don’t measure up to the love that He shows us on a moment by moment, 24/7 basis. He has forgiven us of all we’ve done!

All of my sins have been forgiven and even, according to Hebrews, forgotten, never to be remembered again – that is just so overwhelming – so, well the only word for it, awesome!

If God, who is perfect, can forgive and love not just me but everyone who is living and has ever lived with all of their sins, their failures, screw ups and out and out vulgar living than I should be able to love and forgive those who live in my house, work on my job and who are acquainted with me on a daily basis.

The Father isn’t just asking us to do this; He’s telling us we need to be an example of Him. He never asks us to do anything that we are unable to do. That would be unfair and our Father is just. We have His strength and His character living in us so we can accomplish all He instructs.

“God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:12-17 ERV

Since we are a part of the body of Christ, we should work together to be a display of His love to the world around us. I love verse 17. WHATEVER you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord. If we are going to say or do something that won’t represent the Lord, then we should remain silent!

I know some days my world is really quiet because I’m holding my tongue until I can say something that would be representative of what Jesus would say if He were speaking through me.

Yes, very quiet indeed!

I asked you at the beginning to stop and think where you would be without God’s amazing love. It’s imperative that we let His love and forgiveness flow through us since we are His representatives.

“There is a time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; a time to be quiet, and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:7 NLV

Father, help me to know when to keep silent!

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Wisdom for Each Day

I don’t spend a lot of time in the book of Ecclesiastes, I should probably do a study of the book someday. It was written by King Solomon and he recorded his search for the meaning of life. Now Solomon was blessed with God-given wisdom. People came from all over the world to hear his teachings. Yet, this book can leave the reader perplexed and undone unless you read all the way to the end.

“Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly…13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” Ecclesiastes 12:9-13 NLT

His conclusion to the whole books was to “Fear God and obey his commands”. Fear doesn’t mean to be afraid but it does mean to reference, respect, and hold in high esteem. When we have that kind of respect for the Lord we will depend on His Word for guidance and instruction. We will trust His insights and follow His commands.

It would be foolish to seek the advise of an expert and then ignore it and attempt to handle things on our own. That is an exercise in futility. There are many “so-called experts” expounding their ideas and conclusions and yet we are without answers. God’s Word is the only place that we will find the answers we are seeking.

Two things are going through my heart this morning – many are dealing with weariness – so much has been going on in our lives recently and we are weary. Look up!

The second thing is this. In our weariness cry out to God. We need the Father’s direction and deliverance. King David knew weariness. He was running from his son, Absalom, who was trying to kill him.

“But you, Lord, protect me. You bring me honor; you give me hope. 4 I will pray to the Lord,
and he will answer me from his holy mountain. Selah 5 I can lie down to rest and know that I will wake up, because the Lord covers and protects me. 6 So I will not be afraid of my enemies, even if thousands of them surround me. 7 Lord, get up! My God, come rescue me!
If you hit my enemies on the cheek, you will break all their teeth. 8 Lord, the victory is yours!
You are so good to your people. Selah” Psalm 3:3-8 ERV

King David knew he could find help and rest in God. All his life his focus has been on honoring God and His word. At one point he said that God’s word had made him wiser than all his teachers (the experts).

If you’re weary, look up. Trust God to direct and get involved, obey His Word. He is the expert on life.

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A Good Nap Is Valuable

This was a busy weekend. Thursday we drove to the Phoenix area to visit with our daughters and their families. Our last visit up there was Christmas. We had such a good time.

Thursday when we arrived we got some shopping done while they were working. Dave and I had almost forgotten what the Phoenix heat was like. When we came out of one store it was 107*. The truck thermometer said it was 113*. This was just a friendly reminder of why we have chosen not to live in the metro area.

But the heat didn’t deter us from having a good time. We spent a good portion of the day on Friday checking out a campground for Fall camping trip. It was tucked away on a creek and only a few hours drive from Mesa. Yes! Trip planned and on the calendar.

Saturday we had a bar-b-que and pool party with both girls, their husbands and our three youngest grandkids. The giggles, the squeals, the jumping and splashing were as refreshing as the water. Nothing could top the hugs, the kisses, the smiles and the “I love you’s” that everyone exchanged. Such a sweet time!

As you’re reading all of this I can hear you asking “but what’s the point of this morning’s blog?”. Are you ready for it? It’s very profound – our heavenly Father wants us to enjoy life. He wants us to spend time with those we love and He wants us to immerse ourselves in His presence and His love.

“I have seen what is best for people to do on earth: They should eat, drink, and enjoy the work they have during their short time here. God has given them these few days, and that is all they have. 19 If God gives some people wealth, property, and the power to enjoy those things, they should enjoy them. They should accept the things they have and enjoy their work—that is a gift from God.” Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 ERV

The things we have are blessings from the Lord and we should enjoy what He has given us. Our heavenly Father doesn’t want us to spend all of our time striving to make a living. In fact, He tells us to trust Him to help in that and to rest and enjoy our families.

“If it is not the Lord who builds a house, the builders are wasting their time. If it is not the Lord who watches over the city, the guards are wasting their time. 2 It is a waste of time to get up early and stay up late, trying to make a living. The Lord provides for those he loves, even while they are sleeping. 3 Children are a gift from the Lord, a reward from a mother’s womb.” Psalm 127:1-3 ERV

I am so thankful for the weekend the Lord gave us and I am also thankful for the nice long nap I was able to take once we got home yesterday afternoon. Please understand God wants us to see His love and provision in everything; safety, jobs, family, health, recreation, and even naps. The Lord wants us to rest, rest in knowing that He is in control.

Put the words of the Apostle Paul into practice today. “Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:17 ERV

Give thanks in everything – even in a good nap!

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Need Help?

Have you ever called Customer Service for help? Perhaps you have used an on-line chat or even clicked on the “Help” tab at the top right of your computer screen. Did you get the help you were looking for?

Yesterday morning I was reading in Ecclesiastes again.

“Two people are better than one because together they have a good reward for their hard work. 10 If one falls, the other can help his friend get up. But how tragic it is for the one who is all alone when he falls. There is no one to help him get up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 GW

Now that’s what I call a help line!

The image above is a poster that hangs in our oldest daughter’s bathroom. I asked her to send me a picture of it after I read these verses so I could use it in this morning’s blog.

When Kim and Koy were little they were given a real tool kit for Christmas. It had a small hammer, hand saw, level, tape measure and a screw driver. They used that saw and hammer to build this frame for their poster.

We told them that as they worked and played together they could accomplish more than if they were alone. Having a friend to help lightens the burden and adds joy to the journey.

And so it does in all our lives.

Asking for help can be hard to do because it means we need to admit that we are weak in someway and that makes us vulnerable. However, a true friend will never point out our inability to accomplish the task, instead they are glad to be part of the process.

Jesus was talking with his disciples a short time before He was crucified. He called them friends. He knew what was ahead and I believe He was stating how much he needed them and also He knew how much they would need each other.

“You are my friends if you obey my commandments. 15 I don’t call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. But I’ve called you friends because I’ve made known to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you. I have appointed you to go, to produce fruit that will last, and to ask the Father in my name to give you whatever you ask for. 17 Love each other. This is what I’m commanding you to do.” John 15:14-17 GW

Shortly after Jesus said this He led his disciples, his friends, to the garden to pray. He asked them to pray with Him. Jesus was stressed over what was ahead. He had never sinned and now He was going to take on the sins of the whole world. He would be the sacrifice. He became sin so that we could be forgiven and have a new life, new relationship, with God the Father.

Jesus needs our help now to show the world what God is like. Our commandment from Him is to love each other. This is the greatest commandment.

When we do this for His honor and glory, Jesus tells us that we can ask the Father for whatever we need and He will be there for us.

WOW! We won’t get help like that from any other friend. He is there to help in each and every circumstance. Jesus is the friend that never leaves us or abandons us.

“Don’t love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you.” Hebrews 13:5 GW

Since we have Jesus promise to never leave us we don’t need to put  trust in our wealth or make money our god. We can trust Him to provide all that we need and more. We are His friends and He provides.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.

“ My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13 & 19 ERV

It’s great to have friends who walk with us through life; faithful, loyal, honest friends. I thank God for each and every one. They are examples of Jesus to me.

And then there’s that one friend, the One others can’t see but He is always there. He is the One who walks with me each step of the way and carries me when I fall.

What a friend we have in Jesus!

 

 

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Changing Seasons

It seems silly to be talking about changing seasons when we live in the desert but here I am doing it anyway.

Our mornings and evenings are turning cooler and the daytime temperatures aren’t quite as high. Yesterday morning I heard the local news anchor claim that it was almost time to break out the parkas because the weather person predicted that all this week temps would be below 100.

Yep, that’s the way it is in the Great Southwest.

But across the country some areas have already had their first dustings of snow. Leaves are turning, harvest is underway, animals are preparing for winter – Fall is in the air.

For everything there is a season. Sounds like a song that Pete Seeger wrote for The Byrds. Turn, Turn, Turn. However, King Solomon wrote it long before Pete Seeger was ever born.

“There is a special time for everything. There is a time for everything that happens under heaven. 2 There is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pick what is planted. 3 There is a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up. 4 There is a time to cry, and a time to laugh; a time to have sorrow, and a time to dance. 5 There is a time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to kiss, and a time to turn from kissing. 6 There is a time to try to find, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away. 7 There is a time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; a time to be quiet, and a time to speak. 8 There is a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 NLV

Many times we try to fight change, we don’t want things to be different. Instead we should be welcoming what God wants to do in our lives; He wants to move us from season to season as we grow in Him.

I was reading in Colossians this morning and these verses jumped off the page.

“As you have put your trust in Christ Jesus the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. 7 Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLV

Let the Lord lead us in every step.  Through every season the Lord is wanting to direct our lives so that we can continue to grow in Him; gaining strength and developing grateful hearts.

During Autumn and Winter most trees drop their leaves and stop growing upward. There is growth that we do not see; the roots are going deeper into the earth, seeking out water, providing a stable foundation that will sustain it through the cold.

Welcome the change of seasons. As we prepare for the cooler temperatures that are coming,  let’s also take time to prepare our hearts. We should never quit growing. Let our roots go deep and continue to strengthen us with the amazing love of God.

“Let the wonderful kindness and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 CEV

To everything there is a season…

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Let the Planting Begin

Now that the ground in our garden is prepared, it’s ready to receive seeds. We will be planting a variety of seeds and our garden with have a bountiful harvest.

I have a number of packets of seeds that I have found in Scripture and there may be others that you think of that I have overlooked. Remember it’s your garden and you choose what you would like to harvest. Here’s a few of the seeds that I would like you to consider; gentleness, peace, joy, love, self-control, faith, grace, humility, and discipline. Sounds like a pretty good variety to me.

This morning let’s start with gentleness or kindness.

Gentle, kind people are like Jesus – listening, reaching out, touching, being moved with compassion. They are willing to lay down their interest and well-being for that of those around them. Truly gentle people are willing to let you have the last piece of pie and not remind you of it later. They are content to sit and listen as a child or elderly person go on and on about their day without thinking of what else needs to be done. Truly kind people, like the boy scouts, help little old ladies across the street and rescue kittens out of trees.

O Lord, how I need this packet of seeds to be planted in my garden and to tend it carefully so it grows and matures. There are times I am truly kind and lay aside my own agenda, without forethought, for others but I have to honestly confess that many times, it is an act of will – knowing this is the right thing and not a natural reaction of God’s character flowing through me.

“A kind and gentle woman gains respect, but violent men gain only wealth. 17 People who are kind will be rewarded for their kindness, but cruel people will be rewarded with trouble.” Proverbs 11:16-17 ERV

“As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. 3 Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 CEV

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. 13 Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 ERV

“A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow.” Proverbs 15:1 ERV

“Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem.” Proverbs 25:15 CEV

“Don’t quit your job simply because the boss is angry with you. If you remain calm and helpful, you can correct even great mistakes.” Ecclesiastes 10:4 ERV

“Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:29 ERV

Now make sure that all those seeds are planted well in the soil of your heart. Water them, make sure they get plenty of “Son shine” and you’ll be bringing in a harvest in no time.

Be a gentle giant today – I’m praying for you!!

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