Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Bye Bye 2017

2017 you were a long hard year, filled with death and destruction. Texas was the recipient of a hurricane which devasted a wide swath of the State and when the winds died down, the rain seemed never-ending. Then a few weeks later - a horrifying church shooting in Sutherland Springs.

Recovery from the hurricane continues, many are still in tents and RVs, many are living in gutted homes, I am sure there are a huge # of FEMA trailers along Harvey's path as well. The people of Sutherland Springs continue to recover. Please continue to pray for them as well as Harvey victims. 

I noticed out of town news reporters were astounded by the love demonstrated during Harvey as ordinary citizens rescued people who needed rescue. We had little looting compared to other locations ravaged by hurricanes. People were kind and loving, taking strangers into their homes for the night, for a week, for 3 months. 

Generous Facebook friends sent money, Walmart gift cards, and coats to be distributed among the underserved in my area whose homes flooded. Recently people have asked what do people in your area still need. My answer:

Coats/Jackets/Sweater
Gift Cards to Lowes/Home Depot/Walmart/Target/Kroger
Blankets
Pillows
Sheets
Towels

If you want to send any of these items or checks (with flood relief on the memo line)
please send to: 

Living Stones Church
503-D Houston Street
Rosenberg, TX 77471

Father Frankie Rodriquez and Friends of North Rosenberg will see donations are delivered to families in need immediately.

As hard as 2017 was, it was also beautiful. Love conquered evil, grief, and tragedy. We lived out the Gospel. The words of Matthew 25 were a big part of life down here.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
As we say goodbye 2017, I am filled with joy and hope. I pray we continue to live out the Gospel in 2018, more and more each day, seeing people the way the Lord sees us, speaking words the Lord would speak - words of love and grace not words of hate and judgment. I pray we always remember the least of these.






Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve 2017

Beautiful crisp morning, fire in the fireplace, Bible in one hand, coffee in the other.

As I settled in to read the last few chapters of Deut. I totally lost focus and began to think about what needs cleaning and the flowers I want to plant this afternoon. And now I am blogging...

Come Holy Spirit, settle my mind, help me focus, show me what I need to ponder and keep as I read Scripture today.

To all of you:

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.  And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Perfectionism

Every once in a while I feel perfectionism trying to rear its ugly head in my life. I think it developed a firm place in my life when I was a ballet dancer, after all, I was striving for perfection. There was always someone better than me and always someone coming up behind me who had the potential to surpass me.

In my late 20's it finally dawned on me, perfectionism should not be a part of my life especially after I re-established my relationship and walk with God.

Something about decorating and planning a meal for a few family members seems to give the thing license to attempt to make an appearance. Christmas Cards sitting unaddressed on the kitchen table. Maybe next year. (I've let go of something!) Finally got the outdoor lights up and working yesterday.

When I focus on getting everything just right, perfect wrapping, perfectly baked cookies and treats, my house so clean you could eat off the floor, every ornament placed perfectly on the tree...where is Jesus in all this?

Why do I celebrate Christmas? Is it to admire my Christmas Tree with the perfectly placed ornaments? If it is...I have a problem bigger than perfectionism!

Ladies, take time to ponder the birth of our Savior, take time to read the Nativity passages in the Bible, take time to worship Him.

Worse case scenario, you buy cookies at the store, you skip the Christmas Cards this year, you serve a frozen pizza. Your friends and family won't care. They want to spend time with a relaxed you and so does Jesus.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Friday, December 15, 2017

Salvation Army

Today the Salvation Army is coming to pick up part of our surplus to requirement as my English godson likes to say. I did not finish going through my books, I will schedule another pickup in January. How have we accumulated so much stuff!?!?!? I am donating fake plants, Christmas ornaments, and decorations, slipcovers, throws, comforter sets, throw pillows, curtains, Christmas lights, fall decor, paintings, and 15-20 books. I donated clothes earlier in the year...getting rid of the excess seems to be a process with me instead of a singular event. Oh well, as long as it completed soon.

I said all that not to attract attention to my "good" deed but to say many of us have so much excess in our physical lives - too many possessions we no longer use/see, we walk right by them as well as the excess in our spiritual lives because we have not taken it to the Lord for 1 reason or another and left it at the foot of the Cross.

When we ignore sin, stuff it down, or decide in our case God understands and there is no reason to confess it to Him and repent, we open the door wide for our lives to fall apart physically, mentally, and or spiritually.

I had a friend I'll call Mary, she decided she would not forgive a wrong, over time she twisted Scripture to uphold her position, our pastor counseled with her, her doctor sent her to a psychiatrist to no avail. Over the course of 3 to 4 years, I watched this vibrant woman become frail, tremble all her waking moments, and end up in a wheelchair. It was horrendous for her family and friends. Her decision not to forgive the offense devastated her spiritual life, her mental capacity, and her physical well being. Is this an extreme example? I don't think so.

What caused her to decide not to forgive? Pride? Self-righteousness? Hurt/Anger? I do not know.

The Bible is clear about the matter of forgiveness.

Matthew 6:13-15

And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 18:21-30

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.  Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.  The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’  Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’  So his fellow servant fell down at his feet[a] and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.  So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.  Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.  Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’  And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.  “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”











Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Christmas Tree

When I was young, we bought our Christmas tree the day school was dismissed for the Christmas holidays. No matter the weather, that was the day my mother and I tromped around the tree lot. It smelled so good! We never bought flocked trees to my chagrin. Every year I asked for a second tree, flocked in either black or hot pink, I wanted to decorate with silver ornaments and silver garland. Again my parents said no.

When dad returned home from work he put the tree in the stand and put the lights on the tree. Mom and I would hang the ornaments and carefully place the icicles on the tree. I did fight the urge to throw a big glob of icicles on the tree at times.  Did anyone else decorate with them? I kind of miss them.

Finally, when I was 12 or so, my mother bought a little artificial tree for my bedroom and a strand of lights. She then handed me ribbons, sequins, beads, and construction paper and said make your decorations. I spent a lot of time making the decorations and enjoyed doing it.

The holidays were simpler back then, more relaxed even though there were choir concerts, caroling parties, Christmas pageants, and family gatherings. Somehow there was also time to relax in front of the tree and play board games or listen to music. Do Christmas carolers exist these days?

This time of year depresses many people, there is no delight, no joy, no hope. Try to remember them in your prayers. For some, this is the 1st Christmas without a spouse or child or parent. Their sense of normalcy is gone, for others, their homes were destroyed by Harvey, Irma, or a fire. All that was familiar to them is gone.

Pray for them, be a friend who listens, be the hands and feet of Christ.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Friday, December 8, 2017

Snow in Southeast Texas!

The weather forecast last night was a low of 40, a little sleet, and a few snow flurries. Imagine everyone's surprise to awake this morning to a couple inches of snow on the ground and a temperature of 28F! What a nice surprise! I can report many people were outside in PJs taking pictures at 5:30 a.m. and back out at 6:30 a.m. and so on to capture as many pictures as possible before the snow began to melt. 

Everything looks new, fresh, and clean. When we make Christ our Lord and Savior, we may still like our old self on the outside, not so new, not so fresh, and relatively clean, but on the inside where it counts, we are new, fresh, and clean. 

II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says it all: 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

We must always remember it is about our heart not our looks, I Samuel 16:7 is one of my favorites:

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

And last but not least, I frequently ask the Lord for a new heart when I am struggling with cruel and or judgmental thoughts, I pray Ezekiel 36:26 for myself: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

I hope this holiday season from Advent to Epiphany is a time of blessing for you, a time you draw closer to the Lord. 

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Crepe

The word crepe used to bring these things to mind:

Paper as in let's buy crepe paper to decorate for the birthday party.

Food as in Chicken Florentine Crepes for dinner and Crepe Suzette for dessert. (If either of these foods made an appearance at my dinner table, my husband would discern there was an imposter in my place.)

Fabric for a dress, suit, pants. 

Now the word crepe applies to my eyelids because they are wrinkled and look like crepe paper. Growing up, no one told me the word crepe would take on a negative connotation. (Just kidding.)

I've used a shallow thing to illustrate how quickly the negative can pop into our thought life. Crepe - ugh my eyelids instead of let's celebrate someone's big day, have a gourmet meal, or buy a suit. What else brings negative thoughts to our minds? If we are not careful, our mind will be filled with negative thoughts and lies about ourselves and others. We must guard against it.

Being spiritually minded brings life and peace, focus on the things that matter, what treasure are we seeking? 

Romans 8:5-6: 

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Philippians 4:6-8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Matthew 6:18-20

Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Meanwhile, as I keep my eyes on the Lord I will apply some type of "miracle" cream to my eyelids and get to work. 







Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Autumn???

I am expectantly waiting for Autumn to arrive, Summer has lessened her grip, the highs are now in the 80's which is much appreciated as Harvey cleanup continues.

As the cleanup from Harvey ( as well as Irma and Maria) continues; the media reports have shifted focus to the fires in CA. and other situations in our nation and around the world, as they should. It is a news broadcast, not a history lesson.

My focus on prayer and Scripture has been spotty at best lately. I don't know what I've read some mornings and my mind wanders as I pray. Maybe it is all the mold spores in the air...I don't think it is mold spores, but they are off the charts along with pollen. Perhaps it is fatigue.

As I wait for Summer to leave and Autumn to arrive, I am reminded so should I wait expectantly for our Lord to return. No matter what else is happening in my life, your life, and around the USA and the world, we need to be mindful - Jesus is coming for His bride.

Let us remain focused and give thanks to our Lord:

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

Friday, October 6, 2017

Awake

It begins today. Millions praying for our nation on the Washington Mall and in homes around the world. The Feast of Tabernacle, 50 states 50 tents.

The devastation of homicide, corporate greed, abusing people, addiction, neglect, selfishness,  the devastation caused by Harvey, Irma, Maria, the Vegas Shooting, may we turn to You and never look back but look to the future with You and living out the Gospel. Lord heal our land. Lord heal our hearts, turn us back to you. Let revival begin. Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer my life, but His that lives within me.

Monday, September 18, 2017

But 1st, Coffee

I don't particularly like it, but I drink 2 cups of black coffee every morning. (I do like it with cream and sugar in it, but that is more like dessert than a beverage to jolt my body into an awakened state.)

I drink coffee, read the Bible, drink coffee and pray. This week has been tough, post-Hurricane Harvey fatigue has set in, work is slow for those of us back at work, bodies are tired from the ongoing cleanup, emotions are tired from the suffering around a large portion of Texas and LA and now there is Irma threatening islands and the USA.

We must pray. We must be the watchman on the wall. We can't quit now.

My motto and life should be: But 1st, Pray.

How should we pray? Jesus tells us how:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

He also adds this caveat: 

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,  but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I pray we truly seek Him 1st. 

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Texas Strong or Texas Love?

Texans have a reputation for loving our State and perhaps bragging a bit. When I first entered the world of Facebook, I mentioned I cut out gingerbread cookies with my Texas cookie cutter and the smell of gingerbread permeated the house. A friend from another state said you have a cookie cutter shaped like Texas? I thought well of course I do, then it dawned on me, maybe cookie cutters, jewelry, swimming pools in the shape of a state is more prevalent in Texas than other states.

As we enter week 2 of post-Harvey recovery, many people are still not allowed to enter their neighborhoods due to high water. Trash and debris are piled high, neighbors are helping each other, people have truly been color blind. Very little looting across the swath Harvey damaged.

People are wearing shirts saying Houston Strong or Texas Strong. I understand the sentiment. I understand the hashtags. I wish the shirts mentioned love instead of strength. The love demonstrated is eye opening. Some members of the media have commented on the love they have witnessed.

My prayer is we don't come back stronger in Texas pride but we come back stronger in Christ, that His love radiates from us in every direction and Revival comes from this disaster and spreads over the Earth. I pray the love demonstrated the last 2 weeks becomes a habit. I pray we are no longer known for our big pride but our big love for the Lord and His people.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Eclipse on Monday, Category 4 Hurricane on Friday

Luke 21:25-26

And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.



Is the Son of Man coming again? Yes! Tomorrow? I don’t know. But in my spirit, I feel a total eclipse visible across America and a devastating storm in the same week means something. As in tick tock, do you know what time it is? Birth pangs seem to be more intense and closer together. If Harvey does not get our attention and point us back to God, what will?

Is there anything out of whack in your life? There is in mine. Is there anything you want to straighten out with God if you have 5 minutes to live? I have a few. Is this the time to pull the covers over our head or binge watch a popular TV series? No!


Let’s keep our focus on Jesus and dive deeper into his Word! Pray for the lost, the deceived, the lukewarm like there is no tomorrow. 

Thursday, August 31, 2017

A Storm Named Harvey

I was never fond of the name Harvey, now I hate it. Human suffering across a swath of Texas and Louisiana. Homes and businesses destroyed by hurricane force winds, homes and businesses destroyed by 30-50 inches of rain, homes, and businesses destroyed by rivers, streams, and bayous. Today I wait for the Brazos River to crest in my town at 57 feet. My house is safe so far and I believe will make it through the river crest. 

Praying for people, praying for myself, everything is in constant motion. Devastation is all around, my heart aches for people and then a little hummingbird buzzes me. He is not majestic like a beautiful stallion or elk, but he is dynamic and he brought a smile to my face. I am thankful he buzzed me. 

So as mentioned recently in a previous blog, though everything around us changes, God never does. 

These 2 verses speak deeply to me today:

PS 118: 24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Romans 12: 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Keep praying for your brothers and sisters who have lost all but the clothes on their backs, keep praying for the 1st responders and civilians on day 7 rescuing people by boat and helicopter. Keep praying for those of us who have no income for now or the near future. Our recovery will not be a sprint, it is a marathon. 


Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Coasting Through Life

I've been avoiding the news, avoiding TV, (made a typo and wrote TB which I am avoiding too), coasting through the August heat, looking forward to Bible Study resuming in September, and possibly a break in the heat in September. Coasting would define my life this month. I am thankful for A/C and sunscreen, but I take no delight in summer!

Today, I had a "nagging" feeling I needed to watch the local weather. Glad I paid attention to the Holy Spirit and watched it. A minimal hurricane is set to hit well south of us. We will be on the wet side of the storm which means possible flooding. Tomorrow I will grocery shop, cash a check, fill up the gas tank just in case the storm moves in closer to us. Better to be prepared for the storm which applies to a literal storm or a stormy situation in our marriage, church, with family members and or friends.

Are we prepared for a hard situation or coasting through our spiritual lives? We need to ask ourselves this very question for time to time. Is our foundation built on sand or stone? Are we equipped with the armor supplied to us?

Matthew 7:25-27Amplified Bible (AMP)


Jesus said, And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand.  And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great and complete was its fall.”






Sunday, July 30, 2017

Vlogs, Podcasts, Facebook Live

People have moved from blogging to Facebook Live, Podcasts, and Vlogs. I like to read, so of course, I still love blogs - it is 1 of those things that prove I am almost old enough to be a fossil.

I have contemplated recording a message with my camera and posting it here and on my FB page, but with that comes...is there enough light, will the mic pick up my voice, when will the neighbor's dog bark, when will my dogs bark, who will knock on the door trying to sell me new windows? Technology changes, styles change, tastes change, but God does not! 

God is a constant in our life, He is unshakeable, His love reaches to the heavens, His mercy is new each day.  Let His Word strengthen you, comfort you, and bless you.

From the NET:

Psalm 104:5 He established the earth on its foundations; it will never be upended.

Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, is permanent. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.

Hebrews 1:7-9 And he says of the angels, “He makes his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire,”  but of the Son he says, Your throneO Godis forever and everand a righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdomYou have loved righteousness and hated lawlessnessSo Godyour Godhas anointed you over your companions with the oil of rejoicing.

Psalm 136: 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his loyal love endures!

Lamentations 3:20-23 he Lord’s loyal kindness (mercy) never ceases; his compassions never end. They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant!














Thursday, July 20, 2017

God is in the Details

One night this week, a loved one had a severe emotional meltdown due to Alzheimer's. For a moment, I thought I was going to be punched. There are no words to soothe a person who is in an emotional frenzy caused by this terrible disease. 

After the dust settled, my emotions were high,  I cried, thought sinful thoughts, prayed, more sinful thoughts, more prayer, watched a re-run of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and went to bed. I slept well but was tired the next morning. During prayer, I talked to God about my nasty thoughts. I want the mind of Christ, not nasty thoughts about anyone much less the people I love. One of the verses He gave me was Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.


I asked for Him to give me some Scripture to cling to during this diff
icult time. He did. Last night, I went to YouTube to watch a few videos, there in recommendations tucked between ballet videos, classical music, and home tip videos was a gem by Dr. Charles Stanley on controlling our thoughts.

Our Heavenly Father knew exactly what I needed to hear. What a blessing! I e-mailed a few of my closest friends about the situation and included the link. He knows what we need before we ask, but we need to ask anyway. 

My lifelong friend Sandy (met her when I was 3 or so) sent an encouraging letter to me which included the following Scriptures:



“How gracious He will be when you cry for help!  As soon as He hears, He will answer you (Annette).”  Isaiah 30:19

“God has said, “Never will I leave you.”   Hebrews 13:5

“Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary & burdened, & I will give you rest…I am gentle & humble in heart, & you will find rest for your souls.”  Matt. 11:28-30

“the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds you.”  Psalm 32:10

“Jesus is my hiding place, He will protect me.”  Pslam 32:7

“God is my help.”  Psalm 54:4

“I love you, O Lord my strength.”  Psalm 18:1

“The Lord will bless you.”  Psalm 116:12

“The Lord your God is with you.  He delights in you, He will quiet you with His love”  Zephaniah 3:17


“for you O Lord have helped me and comforted me.”  Psalm 86:17

Ladies, be encouraged, He knows our struggles, He is faithful, His love endures forever. This is just but a season I am in, this life is short, my real life will begin in heaven one day which is my real home.

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Lights, Camera, Action?

I bought a new point and shoot, Sony camera which films video as well. It arrived last night. I skimmed the instructions, inserted the battery and memory card. Took a few pictures using the zoom lens. I need to practice using the various settings to enhance photographs. I need more than practice filming video! The camera has a microphone, I saw it listed in the description, I have not located it on the camera. It would help if I read the instructions thoroughly instead of skimming them.

I think we can treat the Bible the same way. Maybe we are reading it and come to a familiar passage and skim over it with familiarity or perhaps we come to a passage which is a lengthy genealogy, dare I say it, at times I've skipped ahead and ignored the genealogy completely. Maybe we become so familiar with a version of the Bible we miss the nuances and details. The Bible deserves to be read not perused. We are to take it as a letter from home, the holy, living word of God. We are to live it out, not spout quotes from it in a self-righteous, legalistic way to others. The Bible's purpose is not to make us think we have all the answers or feel superior to others. It should transform the way we think, speak, and act. We should reflect Jesus and His love in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

For Bible Study, I tend to use the ESV and or the NIV. I love the Amplified version as well. For reading through the Bible in 90 days or a year, I rotate versions, this year for a 90-day reading early in the year (How is it July, already?!?!?!) I used the New English Translation. I will continue to use it for daily reading this year. You don't have to go out and buy multiple versions of the Bible, there are free versions for download on Kindles and other devices. BibleGateway.com   offers multiple versions online at no charge in numerous languages as well as reading plans.

So if you feel as if you are in a rut, change it up and select a new version of the Bible. Stay in the Word and remember Heaven is our real home.