Thursday, November 16, 2017

summer memories

Three hundred eighty one miles (in today's miles).  Before interstates, over winding mountain roads, endless hours in the car, three kids in the backseat, no air conditioning. How oh how did we survive?

We spent two weeks every summer at my Granddaddy's and Grandmother's home in Tennessee. There were ten of us cousins. I loved seeing them!

Adventures! There were adventures! Playing with salamanders in the spring and wading in the creek and capturing crawdads and collecting cool rocks and walking to the store and hanging out at the wooden bridge. There was a family reunion each summer.  I don't remember any of the extended kin, I do remember the food!

Us cousins slept upstairs.  The boys on the right and the girls to the left. I enjoyed laying in bed each night and listening to nature outside the windows. I loved going there each summer. We made some sweet memories. And then we all grew up, got married, and spread our wings. Many, many years have passed, and still today, something will remind me of those two week visits and make me smile.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

the tender heart of a six-year-old (reprise)

A Facebook friend posted the following and I would like to share it with you:

I know this is bragging but our six year old granddaughter deserves it and this is why. Tonight before her Awana class at their church she face timed Nana and Pop. She quoted 13 bible verses and quoted the New Testament. I couldn't believe it. This is how they raise money for some of the missionaries the church supports.

Her blessing at dinner tonight was thanking God for dying for our sins so we don't have to go to Hell. Mother said she tried not to look shocked at the word Hell coming out of her mouth.

At bedtime her prayer was that her brother would grow up to be a good Christian.
I believe God has very special plans for this precious child of His.

God has blessed all of us with this beautiful little girl and her sweet spirit. The world is a better place because of her.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

sin

When once asked, ‘What is the definition of sin?’ Billy Graham gave the following answer:
 'A sin is any thought or action that falls short of God’s will. God is perfect, and anything we do that falls short of His perfection is sin.'

He gave an accurate answer.  Straight from the pages of the Bible. I have thoughts that are sins.  I have actions that are sins. I fall short. I'm not perfect. I'm a sinner. But I do have the promise of God's forgiveness. I found several Bible verses that clearly teach about sin and confession and forgiveness and faithfulness and mercy and grace.

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 NLT

But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT

He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7 NLT
Redemption is not perfection. The redeemed must realize their imperfections. John Piper
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/john_piper

Redemption is not perfection. The redeemed must realize their imperfections. John Piper
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/john_piper
Redemption is not perfection. The redeemed must realize their imperfections. John Piper
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnpiper530160.html
What is sin?
It is the glory of God not honored.
The holiness of God not reverenced.
The greatness of God not admired.
The power of God not praised.
The truth of God not sought.
The wisdom of God not esteemed.
The beauty of God not treasured.
The goodness of God not savored.
The faithfulness of God not trusted.
The commandments of God not obeyed.
The justice of God not respected.
The wrath of God not feared.
The grace of God not cherished.
The presence of God not prized.
The person of God not loved.
That is sin.

John Piper

Redemption is not perfection. The redeemed must realize their imperfections. John Piper
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnpiper530160.html
Redemption is not perfection. The redeemed must realize their imperfections. John Piper
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnpiper530160.html