*SPLASH* wake up!!

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Autumn Leaves for Aunt Cindy

I had wanted to dip leaves in wax and overnight them to my dear Aunt who's battling breast cancer...but between getting sick and rainy days...well...this is what I could create! Add some crunchy sounds and smells...and a lot of prayer!

Raising Cain?

I'd never really considered this before...but I have set judgements against certain Bible characters.  Negative judgements.  I've dealt with some of these...aka. Eve.

It's all about being honest about myself.  It's about realizing my sin is just as bad as his and hers and theirs....we are all sinners.

In my favorite Bible Study we are studying Genesis...and I've dissected the story of Cain in ways I never have before.  I'll admit that I don't have much sympathy for Cain...he is a BAD guy after all...the first murderer.  He's notorious....nobody wants to be like him.

But I was so touched by how God dealt with him.  Not at all how I think I might parent such a child.  So, I took note...because He is the Perfect Parent.

When Cain brought the wrong offering...God doesn't excuse his wrong behavior...but He does give him another chance.  The rules were clear, obedience was expected!  He tells Cain that if he does what is right he will be accepted.  He gently and firmly warns him that sin is just waiting for him....waiting to eat him up...encouraging him to rule over the sin before it dominates him!

But...if you've heard this story...Cain just gets madder...and in his anger towards God, he goes out into the field and kills his brother Abel.

Now, here's where I'm just amazed by God's patience.  When God questions Cain, He already knows what he's done, and Cain acts like a smart alec!  Ooooo...talk about cruisin for a bruisin!

And when that punishment does come crashing down...cuz God is the Perfect Judge after all...The rules were clear and the consequences sure!  Then Cain WHINES about it!  Oh, I just hate whining!  But God responds with a certain measure of mercy!  Can you believe it!?  WOW...he protects him from death by marking him.

But...like I said...when I really look at myself...

How often do I go whining to God?...dissatisfied, discontent, ungrateful?...but every time...EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. that I come to God, He receives me!  He isn't sick of me!

There are consequences for sin...but I have no reason to ever question my God's love!

Confession of sin and repentance of sin are necessary for forgiveness of sin!  Don't leave it for later. Get rid of the YUCK now!

Oh Dear Lord, 

Oh, how I want everything I do to be eternally focused and completely in Your plan for me!  I know that all that stuff I do that's independent of You has no eternal value.  I was created for obedience...help me to obey immediately, completely, sweetly...whatever I do let it be for Your glory!  

Amen.

On the mend...

After a harrowing experience with a lovely Autumn cold...we seem to all be on the mend.  For those of you who've noticed my hiatus from the blogosphere (gill)...thanks for your concern and prayers. 

Yes, as is so often the case, MomE was hit the hardest...I have pneumonia and a BIG sinus infection.  There is definitely a life lesson in here somewhere...

...if you keep hearing God say, "SLOW DOWN"...don't keep rationalizing that all the things you are doing are good things for God...yeah....it's just better to SLOW DOWN and listen to God! 

Eph. 2:8-10, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

The buck usually stops with realizing that I'm working to please PEOPLE a whole lot more than I'm trying to focus on what pleases GOD.  There are LOTS of good things that I could be doing...and I'm quite capable when I'm not flat on my back sick....but God should control the timing and extent of all of these good things.  I'd like to say I've learned my lesson once and for all...but...for TODAY I do get the point.  SLOW DOWN!

Psalm 46:10, “Cease striving and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us;  The God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Lubbyville...or...BoxBoyopolis?