GOD'S MERCY

Some days are a stay in one's jammies all day kind od day. 

Two days ago was such a day for me. Was that a "bad" thing for me to do? I certainly berated myself for each nap I needed.

Even though I was beyond being physically pooped, I certainly wore the guilt robe throughout the day!

But God in his love and mercy has us reading from the Allen Bible Church reading plan each night.

That night, April 30, had us reading from 1 Samuel 16!

When we got to verse 7, I knew I had been exonerated. Staying in one's "PJs" is not a crime. In spiritual terms, I could forgive myself because God does not look at one's outward appearance but at one's heart.

Hallelujah!

HARVESTTIME

Fall harvest is here---from the Pacific Northwest to the mountains of North Carolina. New varieties seem to appear every year. Growing up in Kentucky I don't remember having such choices. At our "2211" kitchen table were the elongated shape Red Delicious for snacking (too mealy, but who knew) and Rome for pies. Occasionally there would be a Granny Smith (TART) or a Winesap.

In the past I've "found" an abundance of Galas, Fuji, Honeycrisp, as well as "new to me"--Jazz, Pink Lady & Braeburn.

For me it's about choice. Tasty and Crisp! NOT mushy!

Front-Sugar Bee, Autumn Glory, Lucy Rose (whole & cut to show insides)

Back--Pacific Rose and Honey Crisp. All new to me except the Honey Crisp)

Why so much "to-do" over an apple---other than the fact that it's the fruit that got mankind kicked out  of paradise? BANISHMENT! Think Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3: 23-24)

I've learned, apples, as with people, look one way on the outside, but the inside is a different story. (1 Samuel 16:7)......I will have to finish that "story" when I finish my tasting.
Note to self---Lucy is a fave, chosen because of the name and intrigued by the inside.

MEASURE OF A MAN

How does one define a man?

As one of our male grands once put it after reading a movie marquee...how will I know when I am an adult?

Age might determine adulthood on a ticket price. 

But....how does one define a man?

Does age always define a man? 

Age of maturity?

Does 21 sound about right?

I've known several 21 year olds who fall short of that definition.

How does one "measure" a man?
There are many varied aspects of maturity which one can use to measure a man's maturity. 

From a philosopher, an author and a former Sooner quarterback/politician to civil rights  activist and a 17 C English clergyman----many folks have stated their opinions on the "measure of a man."

• The measure of a man is what he does with power. (Plato)
• If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals. (J. K. Rowling)
• The measure of a man is not how great his faith is, but how great his love is. We must not let government programs disconnect our souls from each other. (J. C. Watts) 
• The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. (Martin Luther King, Jr ) 
• If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives. (Robert South)   

A better question might be, "How does God measure a man?"

“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Identi-TEA : a cuppa choice

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12, NIV)

Identity is important in our nation. Safety continues to be a big concern. Identification is crucial in both air space and cyberspace. Though terrorists and hackers seem to understand how to "skirt" that issue, those on the "right side of the law" appreciate diligence.

Privacy is also a concern. We might not want people to know all about us.
Even without an official ID or driver's license, there are many indicators, along with our "outward" actions, that tell others about us.

The delivery man wearing brown, we assume, works for UPS. 
Uniforms with stripes or neon orange jumpsuits on roadsides have us thinking unsavory thoughts about the "wearers", even though we've probably never met any of those folks picking up the trash.
At the gym, colored balls signify aging and even the color of one's hand weights SHOUTS to all in sight of one's fitness level, or lack there of. 
On an airplane, I find comfort when my seat is across from one wearing a cleric color.

Identity is more than our name or initials. It's even more than our "job" uniforms or badges. It's even more than our likes and dislikes, by which others often define us.....for me, that would be berries on bushes, books, pockets in jammies, tea and the Lord. But, does having Bibles sitting around and a cross around one's neck tell the true identity. 

One's ID is not just worn or collected, it's lived out! Anyone can slip a cross around their neck and yet their actions belie this symbol.

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

True identity is found in the One who gave us the right to be called children of God. Aren't we glad He knows our identity!
Actually, He's the one Who served us our very own cuppa identi-TEA.

Message from the Heart

7/15/11 The report spread out on my bed is gibberish to me but the scrawled info at the bottom of the page indicates no cause for concern with my heart. Meds seem to be working. (Except I think they make me feel loopy.) But things are not always as they seem, especially in matters of the heart. Just a few months ago I looked the same on the outside but on the inside my heart/brain connections (via the carotid) were a little off kilter.
We can't always tell one's inward condition by outward appearance. But God....."God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Tomorrow I hope the heart of the Lord will show through me as I venture, somewhat fearfully, out of my comfort zone. I hope His love and mercy will be read loud and clear as I stumble in an unfamiliar realm with little ability and strength. I'm counting on Him.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

UNMASKED on MONDAY

2/15/10 Yesterday, sitting in the very intimate Hattiloo Theater in Memphis, and getting drawn into the plot, 

I forgot that these were actors just dressed up. Playing parts. Taking on new personas to entertain the audience. These characters were not really who they seemed to be.

Just like actors, we are not who we appear to be. Most of us try to create an acceptable illusion. We hide reality of our lives behind masks.
When the curtain drops on our day or when the “show” closes forever, we will find ourselves confronted with our own actions. What will we say when the Lord says, “Show me your deeds?”

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13)

Our world/life can become a theatrical performance. We can wear ourselves out trying to be who we think others want us to be. We live under pretense so that others won’t know our shame or our wretchedness.

……..The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

Unmask before Him today. He already knows the heart. Play the role He gives. He is your audience of one. The only One who counts.