January 07, 2016

Fear Not: a Conversation for Every Day of the Year

January 07, 2016/ jan

It's never too late to enter into this conversation. Hear your Lord speak to your heart: My child...

Fear not...you are never alone for I am with you!

Fear not...you are never left out for you are one with Me !

Fear not...you are never condemned, but always accepted! I not only love you...I like you!

Fear not...you are always adequate with My adequacy...no matter how helpless and inadequate you feel!

Fear not...you are alive with my everlasting, indestructible life, no matter how dead you feel inside! I am your Life!

I AM in your "right here, right now," whether it be suffering in a hospital room or struggling over a wardrobe choice in your closet...and everything in between...I am with you!

Lord, I believe, help my unbelief...

You are my Courage, when I am afraid!

You are my Adequacy, when I am helpless and afraid of failing!

You are my Comfort Zone, and nothing You send me is outside of YOU, my Comfort Zone Christ!

You are my words, the Word, when my words fail me!

I invite you, O my King, my indwelling Lord...

into my fears...one by one...moment by moment...day by day...

into my mind and harassing thoughts...

into my nervous system and blood pressure that tends to be like the wind and waves being tossed to and fro...

into each and every thing I face today and for as many days as we walk together on this earth...

I chose YOU afresh this year... this day, my God. Amen.

The Lord is ever present with us.Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.

Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy...and the God of peace will walk with you. Philippians 4:5b-9 VOICE

January 04, 2016

The Wise Men...gifts of Essential Oils?

January 04, 2016/ jan

Magi, Wise men, Three Kings...those figures way at the end of the Nativity scene (I suppose because they were still traveling from afar)... In recent years, this trio (if it was a trio) have become my heroes. Think about it! People probably thought they were crazy following a star to God knows where. THEY probably thought they were crazy after a time. What courage! What perseverance! What joy in the finding!

Listen to my paraphrase of the verses recorded in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 2:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”… they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. [literally, they rejoiced vehemently with MEGA-gladness!]

But not only courage, perseverance and joy...WISDOM! Yes, wise men, remember?

So this year I have come to a new appreciation for the wisdom in the gifts they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. I had always heard these symbolic explanations for the gifts:

gold for a King frankincense for a Priest myrrh for anointing, embalming for His Sacrificial Death

But I think our Father God had practical reasons also for moving the three from afar to bring those treasures. And I came to conclude that because of my experience with the essential oil, frankincense.

One day shortly before Christmas, I stopped by my daughter-in-law's house to drop something off there. I had a splitting headache that morning, and I had been suffering with headaches in the back of my head for several days. I asked Cortney (our family oils expert) if she had any essential oil for headaches. After she asked me a few questions, she said I could try frankincense and proceeded to tell me how to use it.

As I drove away, my headache surprisingly started to fade and a deep relaxation started to come over me. Cortney hadn't said anything about relief of stress, relaxation or anything along that line. But when I called her, elated with the results, she assured me that I was experiencing the effects of "frank."

As the days past, I reflected on how smart God was in giving His Son just what He and His human family would need on this earth.

So today, why not learn a bit about the essential oils, frankincense and myrrh, through the words of our family expert, my dear DIL, Cortney Loyd. And then take a look at a couple of her links if you would like to explore further.

You may become a "believer" like me and many others of all ages.

Historical Background:

Essential oils have been used for over 5,000 years. Many ancient texts including the Ebers Papyrus and the Bible have documented the use of essential oils. The Ebers Papyrus is one of the oldest known medical documents in history. It is an Egyptian medical papyrus of herbal knowledge dating to 1550 BC and has over 700 formulas and remedies. The Bible has over 600 references to essential oils and/or aromatic plants from which the oils are extracted. Myrrh and Frankincense are the most frequently referenced essential oils in the Bible. According to the Center For Aromatherapy Research and Education, Myrrh is referenced (directly and indirectly) 156 times and Frankincense is referenced (directely and indirectly) 81 times.

Frankincense is known as the “King of Essential Oils”. In ancient times (as early as 3000 years before Christ), it was one of the most valuable commodities, more valuable than gold. It was in such great demand from Pharaohs and Caesars, that the Frankincense Trail was created. This trade route supplied thousands of tons of frankincense from Southern coast of Oman to the Holy Lands, following the coast of the Red Sea. It was approximately 2,400 miles long and caravans up to 6,000 camels would travel this route.

Historical uses of Frankincense include burning of incense in religious ceremonies, to support normal digestion, to aid in gum health, beautification facial masks, cosmetics (the heavy kohl eyeliner Egyptian women famously wore), insect repellent, perfume, salves for wounds. Frankincense is also a key ingredient in the ancient embalming process.

Myrrh is known as the “Queen of Essential Oils.” Myrrh appears with more frequency than any other plant substance in the writings of the Greek physician Hippocrates. Most Egyptian medicinal formulas included Myrrh. Egyptian women wore “crowns” of wax infused with Myrrh. As the wax would heat in the sun, it would cover their bodies with myrrh oil.

Historical uses of Myrrh include incense in religious ceremonies, perfume, health aid, facial treatments, a frequently used spice, an “air freshener", to purify the dead and is also a key ingredient in the ancient embalming process.

Modern Uses:

Frankincense and myrrh essential oils have many modern day uses, actually too many for this blog post but I will highlight the major ones. Frankincense promotes calmness and relaxation. It is great for skin care. It reduces the appearance of skin imperfections and also helps with healing nearly everything related to skin issues such as sores, burns and cuts. Frankincense exhibits many potential health benefits relating to joint and muscle pain, stomach problems, allergies, asthma, cough, headaches, diarrhea, mild depression among others. It’s properties are believed to support the immune system. More studies need to be made, but many believe that frankincense may have anti-cancer benefits.

Myrrh has properties that are believed to heal dental infections. It also has properties that are believed to treat and heal wounds, prevent infections, help soothe chapped skin, prevent skin aging, promote relaxation, relieves congestion, fights viral infections that cause coughs and colds, stimulates blood circulation and provides relief from inflammation of tissues caused by infections.

Present Debate:

Modern medical use of essential oils is a highly debatable topic. You can get on any social media and do a quick search and see how fierce the debate is. Although the debates are sometimes ugly, essential oils are substantially growing in popularity once again. A general trend to move away from synthetic chemicals back to more natural health products have brought essential oils to the forefront. Many are turning to holistic and alternative practices over concerns about safety of synthetics used in modern medicine.

It is important to do your own research and educate yourself before using essential oils. Too much of a good thing can still harm your body, natural or not. Essential oil purity and therapeutic value is vital to essential oil safety and efficacy. There is a range of quality between essential oil manufacturers. High quality essential oil manufacturers will be able to provide, upon request, the purity of their products, country of origin, testing results, sustainability initiatives, and how they grow and harvest the plants. Aim to purchase “therapeutic grade” essential oils that have the scientific botanical name, extraction method, and chemical components.

Want more information?

Click on the links below:

Which oil company do I believe in?

Have questions on how to get started with essential oils?

simple drop co

Already an essential oil user? I offer creative products to help you share your essential oils. Check it out here.

Connect with me on Facebook.

December 28, 2015

Post Christmas Comfort: Fear Not! Emmanuel, One of Us (Part 2)

December 28, 2015/ jan

As near as God has always been to His people, when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, pierced through and entered our human history, everything changed.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman... Galatians 4:4

God came closer still... He became one of us and so He took on our fears, the greatest of which is our separation from Himself. Even though God was nearby, there was separation...until Jesus!

Why were we separated from God? Our sin, rebellion, independence...yes, of our first parents, but we confirm that choice time after time with our own. And this one of us Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became closely associated with us as the God-Man who died to pay for that independent way of ours. But not only that, He lived our life...the life we couldn't live.

December 19, 2015

4th Week of Advent: I Wonder as I Wander

December 19, 2015/ jan

My friend Penny is a walker (a very serious, fast walker, by the way). But Penny doesn't just walk for exercise, she also "walks" closely with the Lord. So when Penny shares, I listen. And when she shared about a favorite Christmas carol, it made me take notice. Why? Because while walking, Penny has been doing what this song describes.

The song? Here are the lyrics:

I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus the Savior did come for to die. For poor on'ry people like you and like I... I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall, With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall, And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing, Or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing, He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King.

So as we get close to the end of our time of preparation, why not "wonder as YOU wander" -- whether down nature paths or even through shopping malls? And as you walk, meditate on all the glory of the Incarnation of our God into this world!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvADhdoQ8n0[/youtube]

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Readings for the 4th Week of Advent

Sunday -- Luke 2:1-20 Monday -- Matthew 2:1-11 Tuesday -- Isaiah 9:2-7 Wednesday -- John 1:1-18

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And the Winners Are...

December 19, 2015/ jan

Thank you all for your God-honoring comments. It was such a joy to read each one and praise our "Ever With Us God"! I so wish I could give each of you a copy!*

And now the fun part...the winners are...{drum roll please!}

Deanie

Marianne

Janet

Congratulations, ladies!

To read the praise of these and others, click here to go back to my previous blog. Join in worship as we remember the God who

...offers us a relationship that encompasses every dimension, every direction, every angle, every aspect, every nuance, every everything, and every everyplace...His loving Presence totally cocooning us in His Son by faith.

Have a blessed Christmas as we celebrate our Emmanuel, God with us!

*Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and WestBow Press. The ebook version is very inexpensive. If you are in the Dayton Area, please com to My Book Launch Open House on January 14, 2016 (7-9pm) at BellHOP Cafe in Bellbrook, OH. A number of books will be for sale there, profits going to the community ministry of BellHOP...also author signed. ;)

December 14, 2015

Book Give-Away in honor of our Emmanuel!

December 14, 2015/ jan

Dear friends, new & continuing (did you notice I didn't say "old"?), Please join in to praise our Emmanuel-Jesus and at the same time, enter to win a copy of The With-ness of our God: Relationship in Every Dimension.

This is the perfect time of the year to begin reading this devotional/Bible study book because the key truth is how God is with us on every possible level. To read more about it, click on the title of the book above and/or also the link to a page on my blog: The With-ness of our God.

So the give-away is simple:

Just leave a comment below sharing one way the Lord showed you that He is with you. It could be in a particular circumstance where He showed Himself to you.

It could be in a verse or passage that you cling to that promises He is with you.

It could be in a song, a sermon, a sign, or even a license plate (thank you, Kitty!). The sky is the limit...please don't make it hard.

Then I will put everyone's names in the proverbial hat and have an impartial person (a friend or grandson) pick out 3 names. Yes, 3 give-aways! I'll contact each of you via your email, sign your book (per your instructions), and mail it out asap.

DEADLINE: Friday, December 18th (so I can send them out, and you can receive them by Christmas -- potential gift?)

Then let us praise our Jesus as we read what others have shared.

In the meantime, while you are reflecting on how the Lord has been with you, enjoy the song below that I just heard for the first time this year. I know, it's been out for several, but the Lord let me hear it the very Christmas when my book was published...isn't that just like HIM! Evidnce to me that He is with me and cares. So now your turn...come on and join in. We will praise Jesus with you, sisters & brothers!

With love & joy in our Jesus, Jan

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2e4nIIMN1I']

The skies don’t seem to be as dark as usual The stars seem brighter then they’ve been before Deep within I feel my soul a stirring As though my hope has been restored

The shepherds say they’ve heard the voice of angels Confirming rumors spread across the land That a child protected well from Herod’s anger Is our Father’s Son, and the Son of man

Love is raining down on the world tonight There’s a presence here I can tell God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel He’s a Savior we have been praying for In our humble hearts He will dwell God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel

I feel compelled to tell all who will listen That peace on earth is not so out of reach If we can find grace and mercy and forgiveness He has come to save, He is all of these

You’re the Savior we have been praying for In our humble hearts You will dwell You are in us, You are for us, You are with us, Emmanuel

December 09, 2015

The unfolding Way...the unfolding Day...the unfolding Life

December 09, 2015/ jan

These were my thoughts as I awoke early today. And it became a conversation with my Lord. Maybe this is for you too...

Let it happen... Let life unfold... Step into each day, each moment, and let it unfold before you...the moment...the day

But Lord, what about the preparing for what I know are my responsibilities? I don't want to be stressed, but how does that fit into my unfolding day?

I will unfold even the preparing before you, "This is the time...the way... for this preparing, for this scheduling, for this looking ahead... walk in it NOW!"

Yes, Lord! Is that how being "Ready for Anything" can be true? "Be it done unto me according to your word"...this way...this moment...this day...this life!

The skies don't seem to be as dark as usual The stars seem brighter then they've been before Deep within I feel my soul a stirring As though my hope has been restored

The shepherds say they've heard the voice of angels Confirming rumors spread across the land That a child protected well from Herod's anger Is our Father's Son, and the Son of man

Love is raining down on the world tonight There's a presence here I can tell God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel He's a Savior we have been praying for In our humble hearts He will dwell God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel

I feel compelled to tell all who will listen That peace on earth is not so out of reach If we can find grace and mercy and forgiveness He has come to save, He is all of these

You're the Savior we have been praying for In our humble hearts You will dwell You are in us, You are for us, You are with us, Emmanuel

November 28, 2015

1st Week of Advent: O Come, Emmanuel!

November 28, 2015/ jan

When I was a child, I always loved Advent. There was a melancholia, a longing...but mixed at the same time with anticipation and hope. How did I get all that as a child? I'm sure I didn't, except to say that maybe all the sights and sounds and smells...all the scriptures and songs and prayers and stories of the "liturgical celebration" weren't entirely lost on me, nor on many of you. The reality of our God-Man Jesus has grown in me over the years as I've walked and talked with my Savior.

But whether you have had that sort of background as a child or not, why not journey with us these next weeks. Take it all in as if for the first time...all the sights, sounds, and smells...all the scriptures and songs and prayers and stories.

Below are Scripture readings for every day this week. Let the Word of God wash over you day by day. I've linked the passages to biblegateway.com so you can change the version as you wish.

But first, enjoy this Christmas Carol to start off your Advent devotions. It's one of my childhood favorites: O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

I love the intense longing expressed in this song...a longing for the presence of God Himself into our frail humanity...a presence that is our Present Reality in Christ.

Who would have ever imagined it? God in the flesh! C.S. Lewis was right when he called the Incarnation (God made Man, God with Us), The Grand Miracle.

Sing it with us, and let the emotion and wonder of it all bathe over you!

O Come O Come Emmanuel Selah

O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o'er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height, In ancient times did'st give the Law, In cloud, and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q6iesplJRM[/youtube]

For an interesting story behind the song, click here.

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Readings for the First Week of Advent:

Sunday -- Luke 4:16-21

Monday -- John 1:1-18

Tuesday -- Hebrews 1:1-14

Wednesday -- Philippians 2:1-11

Thursday -- Luke 2:41-52

Friday -- Matthew 3:1-17

Saturday -- Matthew 4:12-25

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The Reading Plan I'm using this year is found in The Voice, a new translation of the New Testament published by Thomas Nelson. For a free download and short video clips, follow this link:

http://www.nelsonfree.com/voicent

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Advent artwork courtesy of my cousin-in-law Marilyn Parente. Of these beautiful creations, Marilyn says, "I created them using images of panels of glass I shot in Disney with a bit of clipart and some Photoshop thrown in for good measure." Thank you so much for sharing, dear sister in the Lord!

December 2012, Today in the Word

November 27, 2015

Advent Devotions: Celebrating God WITH Us!

November 27, 2015/ jan

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday. Advent prepares us to celebrate what C.S. Lewis calls the Grand Miracle...the Incarnation!

The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation...God became Man. Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this....it was the central event in the history of the Earth--the very thing the whole story has been about. Miracles, "The Grand Miracle," C.S. Lewis

Join us for the next four weeks in celebrating, through Scripture readings, songs, and devotional thoughts, the greatest miracle of all...God With Us, our Immanuel!

November 23, 2015

From John: "Yep, the Best Yet, #44"

November 23, 2015/ jan

Dearest Jan, Today we have been having some fun listening to a song that you and everyone else at Kroger were humming this afternoon, The Longest Time by Billy Joel. Some of the words of that song speak to me about our relationship over the years.

If you said goodbye to me tonightThere would still be music left to writeWhat else could I doI'm so inspired by you

(That hasn't happened for the longest time) ... Yes, there were times when neither one of us was inspired by other, probably even the opposite in some instances. But I have learned so much from you about our relationship with Christ that I am inspired by you to search and experience more.

And the greatest miracle of allIs how I need youAnd how you needed me too

(That hasn't happened for the longest time) ... Yes, there were times when we were quite distant emotionally from each other. But over the years we have drawn strength and support from one another during the hard times and now we are reaping the benefit in working together rather than against each other.

Now I know the woman that you are

(That hasn't happened for the longest time) ... And probably never will, for what man can truly say he understands the depths of his bride. But I have lately come to truly appreciate who you are more than I could/should have in the years past.

In The Longest Time, there is some question as to the eventual outcome of the relationship. However, you and I have a favorite song that speaks to an enduring and endearing relationship, which I am looking forward to sharing with you in whatever years we have left. In fact, you may have blogged about this song on previous anniversaries, Holding Hands by Steve Green.

I think you ought to know thatI intend to hold you for the longest time, John

November 22, 2015

Almost a Flash mob..the longest time!

November 22, 2015/ jan

I was at Kroger today...along with everyone else in the Dayton area. The atmosphere was pleasant even though crowded this weekend before Thanksgiving...music playing, clerks being helpful, customers focused though polite to each other. Then a song, a long one by "elevator music" standards, acapella... I had to hum and enter into the beat... And so did everyone else. Every aisle I went down, there was a customer, a clerk, a stock person, and then another customer...all of us humming or singing the same tune...a potential flash mob!

I had to laugh...and write it down (senior moment, people! Give me grace).

So here it is...just for fun:

November 21, 2015

Through the 44 years...the best of all!

November 21, 2015/ jan

Through the years...ups & downs...round & rounds...coming close, then staying away...forgiving and being forgiven. All of that and more...but now in our 44th year of marriage, an ok-ness, and acceptance, a mutual supportiveness once an elusive dream. So yes! the 44th has been the best of all!

Maybe Robert Browning's saying really is true,

Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be.

So this is for you, my darling husband, John Charles Loyd. Thank you for it all!

Our wedding get-away car...one of many VW's

Remembering to not Forget

November 16, 2015/ jan

Mom's graduation into glory has settled deep in my soul. I'm writing so that I don't forget. In fact, that's why I started writing years ago...so I don't forget. So today I'm writing down the memorial, the remembrances in scripture, song, and prayer. Listen in..enter in if you would like...

Remembering the Lord as He lived through one humble little lady, my mom, Jeanette Agnes Galuszka Renner.

Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things Enter into the joy of your Lord! Matthew 25:21 NKJV

Prayer

Response: “We give thanks, O Lord.”

For the eternal life Jeanette received through her faith in Jesus Christ…
For the example of her consistency of love and devotion to Christ…
For the love Jeanette unselfishly poured out on us her loved ones…
For the mercy of God in allowing Jeanette to live long enough to see even her great grand-children…
For the blessed hope of being reunited one day in the Kingdom of God…

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace...And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,14 NLT

God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Romans 5:4-11 NIV

Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” John 11:21-27 NASB

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1-6 ESV

An excellent wife [mom, Babci, big Babci, sister, friend, neighbor…], who can find?For her worth is far above jewels…She opens her mouth in wisdom,And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.She looks well to the ways of her householdAnd does not eat the bread of idleness.Her children rise up and bless her…“Many (daughters) moms have done noblyBut you excel them all.”Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.Give her the product of hands,And let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:26-31

Conrad's Letter / Eulogy

TO MOM WITH LOVE AND THANKS WHILE ALL MOTHERS ARE SPECIAL, YOU MOM, (BABCI/BIG BABCI) ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST! WE KNOW YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR IMPACT ON OUR LIVES, HOW MUCH YOU'VE MEANT TO US BUT YOU'RE HEARING IT NOW.

WORDS CANT DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'VE MEANT TO ALL US. THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, THE SACRIFICES, THE SELFLESSNESS, THE ACTS OF KINDNESS THE HARD WORK, WHILE NEVER COMPLAINING, MAKE YOU TRULY A GIFT FROM GOD TO US. WE THANK GOD FOR HAVING YOU AS OUR MOTHER. ACTUALLY THE ONLY TIME I CAN REMEMBER YOU COMPLAINING WAS WHEN YOUR FATHER BLAMED YOU FOR NOT PREVENTING THE BAD THINGS YOUR YOUNGER SISTER DID AS A TEENAGER. YOU KEPT THE FAMILY TOGETHER DURING DIFFICULT TIMES.

THROUGH DAD'SSEVERAL HEART ATTACKS, THROUGH MOVES OUT WEST AND BACK, THROUGH FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS, THROUGH ALL OF OUR TEENAGE YEARS AND ALL THAT CAME WITH THAT..AND WITH 7 CHILDREN A LOT CAME WITH THAT! THANK YOU MOM! YOU'VE ALWAYS SUPPORTED EACH OF US TO THE POINT WE ALL THOUGHT WE WERE THE FAVORITES. SEVEN FAVORITESI THANK YOU MOM!

YOU LEARNED NEW SKILLS AND TOOK A FULL TIME JOB WHILE CARING FOR 7 PLUS 1, DAD. AND THEN YOU GOT YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE IN YOUR FORTIES SO YOU COULD CART US AROUND, GO TO WORK AND ATTEND OUR GAMES WHILE DAD WORKED. THANKS MOM!

YOU SURVIVED AND FLOURISHED FOR 30 YEARS AFTER THE BRAIN ANEURYSM, FINALLY LETTING SOME STRAIGHT FORWARD FEELINGS COME OUT. BUT YOUR LOVE AND KINDNESS STILL CAME THROUGH.

YOU NEVER LOOKED FOR CREDIT ONLY GAVE IT, NEVER ASKED FOR ANYTHING FOR YOURSELF ONLY GAVE TO OTHERS, NEVER SPOKE BADLY ABOUT ANYONE, ONLY NICE WORDS. YOU WERE NEVER HURTFUL ONLY KIND TO EVERYONE.

WE DO BELIEVE YOU ARE A SAINT SENT FROM GOD. YOUR FAITH IS UNDENIABLE AND ALMOST GOT ALL OF US TO BE NUNS AND PRIESTS. (WELL YOU GOT ONE FOR A TIME ANYWAY.)

YOUR ACTIONS ARE WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM ALL OTHER MOTHERS. YOU "WALKED THE TALK"AND LOOKED FOR NOTHING IN RETURN. YOU TAUGHT US THE RIGHT WAY TO LIVE, TREAT EACH OTHER AND LOVE THE LORD JESUS. THESE ARE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, MOM. I DON'T THINK WE HAVE USED THAT TERM WITH YOU, BUT THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE TO US, A LOVING, FAITHFUL LEADER OF THIS PACK GIVEN TO US FROM GOD THE ALMIGHTY FATHER.

YOU HUNG IN THERE WITH US OVER THESE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, IN PAIN AT TIMES, I THINK TO PREPARE US FOR THIS DAY. THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!

SO NOW HE'S CALLED YOU HOME. WE KNOW YOU'RE RENEWED NOW WITH HIM. WE WILL BE HAPPY FOR YOU! WE THANK YOU, MOTH,' FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR US AND OUR FAMILIES. DON'T WORRY, WE WON'T FIGHT. LET SNICKERS, PJ AND JUNKIE REST ON YOUR LAP. GIVE DAD AND BABCI A BIG KISS FOR US. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND WILL MISS YOU!

November 16, 2015

Remembering to not Forget

November 16, 2015/ jan

Remembering the Lord as He lived through one humble little lady, my mom, Jeanette Agnes Galuszka Renner.

Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things Enter into the joy of your Lord! Matthew 25:21 NKJV

Prayer

Response: “We give thanks, O Lord.”

For the eternal life Jeanette received through her faith in Jesus Christ…
For the example of her consistency of love and devotion to Christ…
For the love Jeanette unselfishly poured out on us her loved ones…
For the mercy of God in allowing Jeanette to live long enough to see even her great grand-children…
For the blessed hope of being reunited one day in the Kingdom of God…

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AmFu58Tk2Y']

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace... And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,14 NLT

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs']

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0QVWzCv9k']

Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” John 11:21-27 NASB

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrLafWZxczI']

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRFNg-Eyt_0']

An excellent wife [mom, Babci, big Babci, sister, friend, neighbor…], who can find? For her worth is far above jewels… She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her… “Many (daughters) moms have done nobly But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the product of hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:26-31

Conrad's Letter / Eulogy

THROUGH DAD'S SEVERAL HEART ATTACKS, THROUGH MOVES OUT WEST AND BACK, THROUGH FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS, THROUGH ALL OF OUR TEENAGE YEARS AND ALL THAT CAME WITH THAT..AND WITH 7 CHILDREN A LOT CAME WITH THAT! THANK YOU MOM! YOU'VE ALWAYS SUPPORTED EACH OF US TO THE POINT WE ALL THOUGHT WE WERE THE FAVORITES. SEVEN FAVORITESI THANK YOU MOM!

YOU SURVIVED AND FLOURISHED FOR 30 YEARS AFTER THE BRAIN ANEURYSM, FINALLY LETTING SOME STRAIGHT FORWARD FEELINGS COME OUT. BUT YOUR LOVE AND KINDNESS STILL CAME THROUGH.

YOU NEVER LOOKED FOR CREDIT ONLY GAVE IT, NEVER ASKED FOR ANYTHING FOR YOURSELF ONLY GAVE TO OTHERS, NEVER SPOKE BADLY ABOUT ANYONE, ONLY NICE WORDS. YOU WERE NEVER HURTFUL ONLY KIND TO EVERYONE.

WE DO BELIEVE YOU ARE A SAINT SENT FROM GOD. YOUR FAITH IS UNDENIABLE AND ALMOST GOT ALL OF US TO BE NUNS AND PRIESTS. (WELL YOU GOT ONE FOR A TIME ANYWAY.)

YOU HUNG IN THERE WITH US OVER THESE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, IN PAIN AT TIMES, I THINK TO PREPARE US FOR THIS DAY. THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!

November 14, 2015

Running my Unique Lap in the Race of Faith (Part 2)

November 14, 2015/ jan

Well, friends, we have come to the end of our class called "Running the Race of Faith" at Patterson Park Church this fall. Some of you have joined us and followed along. Since we have taken some detours along the way at "A Branch in the Vine," click here for Part 1.

Now enjoy the remainder...and keep on running!

4. My success in running depends on my focus.

...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb 12: 2-3

See Lessons from a Family Vacation: We become like what we focus on. Glory and grace when we focus on HIM!

5. Submission to my “Coach’s” training program is key.

--His process is "discipline" (complete child training):

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;

--His motive is love:

For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,

--His method is ruthless, but fatherly:

And He scourges every son whom He receives.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but...

See The Father's Pruning

--His goal is holiness; family resemblance:

He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

--His result is fruitfulness--righteousness, peace:

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

See Return to the Vineyard: Reflections on Growth

--His exhortation is "cooperate":

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Heb 12: 4-13

See Love's Abiding Harvest

6. I must be a “team participant”.

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. Hebrews 12: 14-17

It's so easy to get bitter over life's hardships and the "irregular people" in our lives...even "irregular Christian people." Yes, there are fellow teammates who just don't get it...actually we may be one of those at times, huh?

I love this quote by Henri Nouwen entitled, "Stepping Over Our Wounds."

Sometimes we have to "step over" our anger, our jealousy, or our feelings of rejection and move on [a.k.a. run on]. The temptation is to get stuck in our negative emotions, poking around in them as if we belong there. Then we become the "offended one," "the forgotten one," or "the discarded one." Yes, we can get attached to these negative identities and even take morbid pleasure in them. It might be good to have a look at these dark feelings and explore where they come from, but there comes a moment to step over them, leave them behind and travel on [a.k.a. run on]. Bread for the Journey, Henri Nouwen.

Conclusion

Do you see what all this means -- all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running -- never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed -- that exhilarating finish in and with God -- he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that will shoot adrenline into your souls. Hebrews 12: 1 - 3 (The Message)

November 14, 2015

Running my Unique Lap in the Race of Faith (Part 2)

November 14, 2015/ Jeremy Loyd

Now enjoy the remainder...and keep on running!

4. My success in running depends on my focus.

...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb 12: 2-3

See Lessons from a Family Vacation: We become like what we focus on. Glory and grace when we focus on HIM!

5. Submission to my “Coach’s” training program is key.

--His process is "discipline" (complete child training):

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;

--His motive is love:

For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,

--His method is ruthless, but fatherly:

And He scourges every son whom He receives.” It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but...

See The Father's Pruning

--His goal is holiness; family resemblance:

He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

--His result is fruitfulness--righteousness, peace:

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

See Return to the Vineyard: Reflections on Growth

--His exhortation is "cooperate":

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Heb 12: 4-13

See Love's Abiding Harvest

6. I must be a “team participant”.

I love this quote by Henri Nouwen entitled, "Stepping Over Our Wounds."

Sometimes we have to "step over" our anger, our jealousy, or our feelings of rejection and move on [a.k.a. run on]. The temptation is to get stuck in our negative emotions, poking around in them as if we belong there. Then we become the "offended one," "the forgotten one," or "the discarded one." Yes, we can get attached to these negative identities and even take morbid pleasure in them. It might be good to have a look at these dark feelings and explore where they come from, but there comes a moment to step over them, leave them behind and travel on [a.k.a. run on]. Bread for the Journey, Henri Nouwen.

Conclusion

November 11, 2015

Shepherd Me, O God...Remembering my Mom

November 11, 2015/ jan

My brothers and sisters and I were orphaned this past week. Our darling "mommy" went home to Jesus. We knew it had to be coming one day...she was 91. But no one is ever ready. As we said our good-byes and laid her sweet, humble, precious little body to rest, we cried, sobbed, remembered, prayed, sang, ate together, hugged and were hugged. It was hard, but full of love!

There's a song and refrain from her service...one that we had chosen... that has settled deep in my soul. In fact, My sister Nancy said yesterday, "Janet, you keep humming that song!" And I was...and I am.

I would love to share this song with you...I'll never forget it!

Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathwaysof righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.

3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.

4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my pow’r to hold.

5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.

To read about the precious life of this precious lady, click here: http://www.abranchinthevine.com/my-mother-my-hero-2/

For the story behind the hymn go to http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-shepherd-me-o-god

November 11, 2015

Shepherd Me, O God...Remembering my Mom

November 11, 2015/ jan

I would love to share this song with you...I'll never forget it!

Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.

1. God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want, I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love, I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

2. Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul, you lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth, my spirit shall sing the music of your Name.

3. Though I should wander the valley of death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff, my comfort and my hope.

4. You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred, crowning me with love beyond my pow’r to hold.

5. Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of my God forevermore.

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs']

To read about the precious life of this precious lady, click here: http://www.abranchinthevine.com/my-mother-my-hero-2/

For the story behind the hymn go to http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-shepherd-me-o-god

November 04, 2015

Two Truths to Count on in Trials

November 04, 2015/ jan

Surely goodness and steadfast love shall follow me all the days of my life... Psalm 23:8

PAIN!

Bloody! Cutting! Unrelenting! and Soul-numbing...or is it?

For me, pain has a way of sifting through the non-essentials of life!

And I find my soul awakened abruptly from its numbing slumber to longing, loss, grief, confusion, perspective...

...but most importantly, the presence of GOD.

November 04, 2015

Two Truths to Count on in Trials

November 04, 2015/ Jeremy Loyd

Surely goodness and steadfast love shall follow me all the days of my life... Psalm 23:8PAIN!

Bloody! Cutting! Unrelenting! and Soul-numbing...or is it?

For me, pain has a way of sifting through the non-essentials of life!

And I find my soul awakened abruptly from its numbing slumber to longing, loss, grief, confusion, perspective...

...but most importantly, the presence of GOD.

God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. C.S. Lewis

In pain as in joy, I'm learning to hold onto two truths that are my unchangeables:

GOD IS GOODThe LORD is good...

I AM LOVED...and His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

And it seems the enemy of our souls always assails at those two points with hislies. It happened in the Garden, and it happens every day in my life and in yours. We are just dull to recognize it.

But I'm hear to affirm by faith...

God is GOOD!

God's character is often bought into question when we face the "hard things" in life, like sickness, death, broken relationships, financial reversals, and so on.

When our son and daughter went through serious health problems (cancer and what turned out to be benign tumors) within months of each other, it threw me into incredible pain and confusion:

"How could this be happening to my children!? What kind of toxic waste dump have we been living in!?"

And I struggled on...for a long time! Finally, it was Jesus' words to His disciples, the night before He died, that stabilized me:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

But why all the suffering? God's Word tells us that because of the Fall, everything and everyone has been suffering:

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:21-23

God's plan hasn't been stymied because of man's fall into rebellion. God is weaving all things in our lives into His eternal plan in Christ.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29

As Bible teacher Kay Arthur says,

Everything in our lives is filtered through fingers of Love!

And that brings me to my second "Unchangeable"...

I am LOVED and you are too!

We all are seeking perfect love...loving and being loved in a real and deep way. This is God-given. But I get myself into trouble when I expect perfect love from another person, or I try to live up to others' expectations simply so that they will love and accept me.

The realization that I am loved with an everlasting love by the Lover of my Soul, the Lord Jesus Christ, enables me to let others off the hook. It also frees me to admit and repent of my failures to love...and then forgive myself.

Maybe this is part of what we each must go through in adulthood in coming to grips with our "parent issues."

In a perfect world, all of us would have been parented by perfect parents who met all our needs. But in reality, none of us has...though some of us have had some pretty darn good ones!

But in finally coming to grips with our grief and loss, we can forgive others for not loving us as only God can.

It's at that moment that you and I can fully embrace God's incredible, perfect love for us...and embrace our life, choosing to love with the love with which we have been loved by God.

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing,... None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing— nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable —absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:35-39 MSG

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1 ESV

A Branch in the Vine

Prayer

Conrad's Letter / Eulogy

A Branch In the Vine