tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71298015179683342822024-03-05T21:55:05.609-05:00Shirley BrosiusAny Age, Any Stage: Celebrating LifeShirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-64646109008354566392023-09-23T08:15:00.002-04:002023-09-23T08:15:40.206-04:00PUT ON KINDNESS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_SXKfyOrTrevI9J5FZOa3oIVFQhcbv2G5QX7R1K3shfZUpfbLe9UOiLCc2mQ_XAM8bhU0mDVrKcApITPOq657MkpR3OBt3SUa6B7W6Jp-BQRvYbUlLb3cHul3-6ST0rwe5iJjFuc6eCBwJPLdAWYosfvfdmI0imgOZG2FWEeWc4GEf2CYCuHkB94E5E/s640/Ruth%20Solberg%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_SXKfyOrTrevI9J5FZOa3oIVFQhcbv2G5QX7R1K3shfZUpfbLe9UOiLCc2mQ_XAM8bhU0mDVrKcApITPOq657MkpR3OBt3SUa6B7W6Jp-BQRvYbUlLb3cHul3-6ST0rwe5iJjFuc6eCBwJPLdAWYosfvfdmI0imgOZG2FWEeWc4GEf2CYCuHkB94E5E/s320/Ruth%20Solberg%20photo.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For several weeks, I drank a high protein drink
to gain weight but had no results, and I didn’t feel well after I drank it. I
tried drinking it more slowly; that helped. But one day I drank it with my
lunch and felt so bad that I could scarcely eat dinner that evening. I went to
bed at 8 p.m.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Just then my friend Ruth called, and I told her
how I felt. She researched the protein drink and found it was a suggested drink
for those hoping to LOSE weight. No wonder I had failed to get the desired
results. Perhaps feeling unwell was God’s way of telling me this wasn’t working
for me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Since my husband is encouraged to consume more
protein because of a health condition, I assumed it would be good for me as
well. But no. I’ve got to find another way to put on the pounds. You may wish you had my problem.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I tell you this to say that I so much
appreciated the kindness of my friend in researching my protein drink. I had
not asked her nor expected her to do that. But she is a model of kindness and
regularly reaches out to those who struggle. If someone needs encouragement,
she invites them to dinner or takes a meal to them. She is a friend who doesn’t
just hear what you say with her ears but she listens with her heart. Then she
acts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit: “Love, joy,
peace, patience, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”
(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV 1984, emphasis mine).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I am blessed to have several friends like Ruth.
They fit the description of the Proverbs 31 woman: “She speaks with wisdom, and
faithful instruction is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26 NIV).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Scripture suggests that kind people hold no
grudges: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just
as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Life offers hard challenges. Divorce is one that
breaks relationships and often makes family gatherings uncomfortable. But I have
divorced friends who get together at their children’s events without showing
animosity toward each other. In fact, they chat amicably with each other. That
blesses their families and friends.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Luke reminds us that God
is kind even to the wicked:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="hgkelc"><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">But
love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your
reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to
the ungrateful and the evil.”</span></span><span class="kx21rb"><span style="background: white; color: #70757a; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Luke 6:35</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">So we should be kind
even to those who offend us. I’ve found that always—always</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">—when I do a kindness for someone who has hurt me, I am the one
who ends up blessed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">And Paul reminds us “love is kind”
(1 Corinthians 13:4). There are five apartments, including ours, on the fourth floor
of our building, and deliveries for us are placed by our first-floor mailboxes.
Yet I often find a package or a newspaper right outside my apartment door. I
have no idea which of my neighbors delivered it to me, but I appreciate their
kindness. And I return the favor when I find packages for them downstairs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It doesn’t cost much to
send a card with a few words of encouragement. That’s being kind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It doesn’t cost anything
to speak words of encouragement to someone. That’s being kind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Maybe a store clerk is
tired and needs a friendly greeting. Or someone waiting in</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">line is in a hurry and you can let them go
ahead of you. That’s being kind.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">We’re kind if we surprise
someone with a gift. Or remember a special date, maybe a date someone passed, and
express sympathy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As we pick the fruit of
the Spirit, we gather all varieties. And kindness is one to share with others
that not only tastes sweet but nourishes the soul of the giver and the
receiver.</span></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-64613556690873485292023-08-10T09:56:00.003-04:002023-08-10T09:56:30.024-04:00BOOK REVIEW: Letter to the American Church<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLZZ4nGgRRV2n-omEKgU4FD3hwzrpzL57VbFpftyRaw01c_sgEsL3c3UmnH1VwUICBTZUmvclxnjcKP6AtN2bdjbUCB8QcSQy15YGXYro4xZkgHJ6qY20Ubi45UTOgh4X9j87oKFv7dDn4K6BD45XmVXTN4FGqYLVmzOoK8D-MJflB5FY8WaVcmutCng/s640/Letter%20to%20the%20American%20Church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLZZ4nGgRRV2n-omEKgU4FD3hwzrpzL57VbFpftyRaw01c_sgEsL3c3UmnH1VwUICBTZUmvclxnjcKP6AtN2bdjbUCB8QcSQy15YGXYro4xZkgHJ6qY20Ubi45UTOgh4X9j87oKFv7dDn4K6BD45XmVXTN4FGqYLVmzOoK8D-MJflB5FY8WaVcmutCng/w169-h226/Letter%20to%20the%20American%20Church.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">When
culture conflicts with scripture, speak out. Author Eric Metaxas maintains
what’s happening in American is similar to what happened in Germany during the
1930s when the church was silent in the face of Hitler’s atrocities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In
the book’s introduction, Metaxas writes: “Critical Race Theory—which is
atheistic and Marxist—and radical transgender and pro-abortion ideologies are
all inescapably anti-God and anti-human.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dietrich
Bonhoeffer, a German pastor, challenged the church to stand up against forces that
oppose God and family. So he and others drew up the “Barman Declaration,”
stating that the German state must not govern the Church. But only a sixth of
the pastors signed it. Bonhoeffer paid for his opposition with his life. But
his insight lives on, as pointed out by Metaxas throughout the book.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Since
Romans 13 states believers are to bow to government, many Germans felt they
could not disagree with their Fuhrer. I especially appreciated Metaxas’ comments
on the parable of the talents. He likens those who fail to speak out because
they might be wrong to those who buried their talent in the sand—just to be
“safe.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Metaxas
is a cultural commentator whose work has appeared in the </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">New York Times </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">and </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Wall
Street Journal. </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">He has written a biography on Bonhoeffer</span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">. </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Endorsements from people such as Anne
Graham Lotz and Erwin Lutzer speak to the respectability of Metaxas’ message.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Published
in 2022 by Salem Books, the book is easy, understandable reading with short
chapters. Thought-provoking and inspirational.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-65932795053741118352023-06-08T10:41:00.007-04:002023-06-08T10:41:49.745-04:00Book Review: STAY SALT<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS4Q4eqx4GRYPG-Au0jSE1G2NCPAlZAig9QrcFPxZ-mMZ8b69mj30lXYe5JzUZKv_K3Gof9dR9EjYC1PsQoUJfZ6pCVruVBhLm4IILAdOEcmI0ml5mV16YQNGUWrKVWXFEYAhUb5Wndalg2c4qYAQxy_St2td6kFEJOijNp3jVRwjEuJ8iaRcP8tg/s400/Stay%20Salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="400" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbS4Q4eqx4GRYPG-Au0jSE1G2NCPAlZAig9QrcFPxZ-mMZ8b69mj30lXYe5JzUZKv_K3Gof9dR9EjYC1PsQoUJfZ6pCVruVBhLm4IILAdOEcmI0ml5mV16YQNGUWrKVWXFEYAhUb5Wndalg2c4qYAQxy_St2td6kFEJOijNp3jVRwjEuJ8iaRcP8tg/w200-h196/Stay%20Salt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
a young Christian, Pippert’s book OUT OF THE SALTSHAKER challenged me to reach
my generation for Christ. STAY SALT: THE WORLD HAS CHANGED, OUR MESSAGE MUST
NOT updates that book for a new generation facing a culture much less
Christianity-friendly than my generation had been. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pippert
helps us recognize our excuses for sharing our faith and challenges us to rely
on God rather than our own competence. She offers an overview of creation and
the fall to help us answer people’s questions about why things are as they are
in today’s world. I especially appreciated learning the questions she asks to
help people question their own skepticism about faith.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Along
the way, Pippert offers books to provide further insight. I loved the stories of
her personal experiences of casually engaging people in conversations about
faith. The need to reach others is urgent. She quoted Nigerian pastors telling
her: “We beg you, do not compromise your faith, when we in Africa are dying for
ours.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In
this book Pippert shares how we can present the good news of Jesus through what
she’s gained through two decades of church ministry across American, an
international ministry around the world and seven years of ministry in Europe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The
book ends with guidelines for leaders interested in training Christians to
share their faith. I recommend it for all Christians who want to invite people into
God’s fold—and isn’t that all of us?</span></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-29559882115569516142023-05-26T15:02:00.000-04:002023-05-26T15:02:15.674-04:00Book Review: From Ignorance to Bliss<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8y-srYNlmJndaToQCcsj3yiP_sZuHOr49mApxRDNAfg8t-BpxyO9AxYIc46QL-7LArBQmshlsFgK_CUS7FFdy_g1Im_YLKpm6W5zIbLpcqewUkwwF_jwY4dgfA98HZB5Uoa_Vv4c5H1pAwa3MteznjI6gkV_GEiq1vh8onKTGcc7ebKNjXgIIg1B/s666/Annie%20Yorty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="441" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8y-srYNlmJndaToQCcsj3yiP_sZuHOr49mApxRDNAfg8t-BpxyO9AxYIc46QL-7LArBQmshlsFgK_CUS7FFdy_g1Im_YLKpm6W5zIbLpcqewUkwwF_jwY4dgfA98HZB5Uoa_Vv4c5H1pAwa3MteznjI6gkV_GEiq1vh8onKTGcc7ebKNjXgIIg1B/w133-h200/Annie%20Yorty.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13.999999999999998pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome by Annie Yorty</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a sobering yet delightful glimpse into the feelings of a mother raising a child born with Down Syndrome. The book concludes with a chapter written by Alyssa herself, now in her thirties but still a child at heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Annie Yorty doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges she’s faced. But she also shares the joy that comes from helping Alyssa develop and grow to her full potential. She has learned to read and write and loves to share her love of Jesus with others. Alyssa even accompanied her mother and participated in ministering on a mission trip to Siberia.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I enjoyed the format of the book, which is written as a series of short essays with titles such as “Collision Course,” “Dream Big,” “Un-Expectations” and “Believing is Seeing.” Endorsers include author Josh D. McDowell and director of digital content at FocusontheFamily.com, Dr. Craig von Buseck.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The book opened my eyes to blessings that can be found in life’s toughest challenges. Annie Yorty is transparent in sharing the heart of a mother accepting a child different from the one she expected. Her faith has supported her and enabled her to move from ignorance of the Down Syndrome condition to the bliss of seeing God’s hand in life’s challenges. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Annie’s experiences offer insight to anyone dealing with challenges. A good read that I highly recommend.</span></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-72020473939374036312023-05-16T10:37:00.000-04:002023-05-16T10:37:10.475-04:00Book Review: Once Upon a Wardrobe<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM20MWjildnoloDcYSAwtkhwrRaRr0__Hs9_oCq2V3ahpoBB0uf3XeP8MDRdu1L7jp7zfjzJwUItD7eEDLVfAedac1nFMdJxajDnxlph9jH9B0FvDdXu2mdZE2ybF7Z3wTDSW2cTfkrOvxY_K0rG3LbIJvRCSMpx5_GTmk1eOZ-HQpJqVTZ9AU8r-/s500/Once%20Upon%20a%20Wardrobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM20MWjildnoloDcYSAwtkhwrRaRr0__Hs9_oCq2V3ahpoBB0uf3XeP8MDRdu1L7jp7zfjzJwUItD7eEDLVfAedac1nFMdJxajDnxlph9jH9B0FvDdXu2mdZE2ybF7Z3wTDSW2cTfkrOvxY_K0rG3LbIJvRCSMpx5_GTmk1eOZ-HQpJqVTZ9AU8r-/w131-h200/Once%20Upon%20a%20Wardrobe.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I had a hard time putting this book
down. I loved Patti Callahan’s storytelling writing style. She weaves a story
about British writer and scholar C. S. Lewis within a story about a young woman
called Meg and her little brother George. The boy, an invalid, read Lewis’ book
titled THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, and begged Meg, a student at
Oxford where Lewis taught, to find out where Narnia came from.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A fan of C. S. Lewis’s writings, I
found Callahan’s imagination and skill with writing to be fascinating. Although
it’s a novel, this book offers a glimpse into the British lifestyle of an
earlier day and portrays Lewis as a warm personable tutor and friend.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m looking forward to reading another
of Callahan’s books about a divorced woman who came to know Lewis through
letter writing and eventually married him: BECOMING MRS. LEWIS. Callahan’s
writing style is unique and entertaining and pulls you right along with the
story. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-88315785308688146232023-05-16T10:33:00.002-04:002023-05-16T10:33:26.696-04:00Book Review: God of All Things: Rediscovering the Sacred in an Everyday World<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINMpLrHwbcX2PnKAXxFIAjD_fc4vpmHGgK5u6IKOFRwYghEVPzxmmipl_49TbKkoEOt5NOxbfEtrXx5DcVC-VeMWdayoVaTf04D9XwVi3UhkshcRHtJvMPr6dm2GtLImukqRCa25bZk4GtGqKqOaGerVEFMVjWv8fI5ThfAitVojtQIZgXP5Ip3Ri/s648/god-of-all-things-andrew-wilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="426" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINMpLrHwbcX2PnKAXxFIAjD_fc4vpmHGgK5u6IKOFRwYghEVPzxmmipl_49TbKkoEOt5NOxbfEtrXx5DcVC-VeMWdayoVaTf04D9XwVi3UhkshcRHtJvMPr6dm2GtLImukqRCa25bZk4GtGqKqOaGerVEFMVjWv8fI5ThfAitVojtQIZgXP5Ip3Ri/w131-h200/god-of-all-things-andrew-wilson.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span> </span><span> </span>We don’t usually think of God when we pick up a dust
cloth or a saltshaker. But after reading fun facts and tie-ins to the divine in
ordinary objects and in occurrences such as earthquakes and rainbows, we may
see them differently. Andrew Wilson does a masterful job of helping us
appreciate traces of God in the mundane.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pigs, tools,
horns, stones, donkeys and the sun are just some of the topics in which Wilson
finds interesting tie-ins to spiritual matters. He helps us discern and notice
God in our universe while going about our daily duties.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
book is an easy read with short chapters and notes in the back matter. I read
this as a library book but plan to buy it for future reference. The back cover
describes Wilson as a pastor and author who finds in created things “illustrations
of the character and gospel of God.” Definitely, a good read.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-54489505540405031382023-05-16T09:52:00.003-04:002023-05-16T09:52:18.713-04:00<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"> </p></blockquote><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIEJciaUVjIrmSHRITCVrzmKbH5RsodNt2bRly6-pw9ZR86qQWU9hwn35GhnSspov5DJwUduD5yCv8vKEr8CUaQeZwbhd0ITl-v-AoKENVm7HHElqHlr9eC7csWJXx4_I0eMATX1x5OeXfZx-n1GruJoGNDMSXFlnjYIM4Y8x_fCu07mGbo8KmkpS/s640/Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIEJciaUVjIrmSHRITCVrzmKbH5RsodNt2bRly6-pw9ZR86qQWU9hwn35GhnSspov5DJwUduD5yCv8vKEr8CUaQeZwbhd0ITl-v-AoKENVm7HHElqHlr9eC7csWJXx4_I0eMATX1x5OeXfZx-n1GruJoGNDMSXFlnjYIM4Y8x_fCu07mGbo8KmkpS/w150-h200/Bear.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">THE DEBATE CONTINUES</p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">On
June 6, 2022, the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade, a ruling made by that
court in 1973 that gave women a constitutional right to abortion. With the more
recent ruling, the decision to allow abortion to be legal or to restrict
abortion reverts to the states.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/user/Documents/Writing/Articles/The%20Debate%20Continues.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">[1]</span></span></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Some argue that this decision belongs
to pregnant women alone since women should be able to exercise control over
their own bodies. They also say women who face decisions about delivering
babies with severe congenital abnormalities should have the right to decide the
fate of such babies. After all, who would want a baby to suffer what might be a
painful life? Others, however, argue that life is sacred, both before and after
birth, and must be protected.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> So the debate continues. Is it a
woman’s right to choose or is it a baby’s right to live? Does life begin at
conception or does life begin at birth? Should abortion be allowed until a
fetal heartbeat can be detected or should it not be allowed at all? Those are
just some of the questions with which we wrestle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I’m a woman, and I want control over
my own body. But I’m also a mother, and I know the indescribable feeling that
comes as you cradle a newborn child in your arms. I also experienced empty
arms, the death of a baby girl whose lungs were not fully developed. I know the
anguish and long-term grief that comes after such a loss. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">While I realize that even among Christians
there are differing views on the topic of abortion, here is how I, as a
Christian woman, interpret scripture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> God created life from the get-go: “For
you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm
139:13 NIV). This embryo that is knit together is a tiny little person in the
making. This is a Logan or a Leah or an Emmy or an Eli. This is a Mark or a
McKenna or an Amelia or an Elijah. This is the start of a living, breathing
human being.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> God has a purpose for this life.
Babies are blessings in the making. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew
you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5). God said that of the
prophet Jeremiah, and He says no less of each of us. Babies become maintenance
workers and teachers, nurse and doctors. They grow up to be electricians and
truck drivers, mathematicians and store clerks. They become moms and dads and
beloved children. Each individual has a role and a calling. And each individual,
no matter their capability, contributes to our society.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> God makes all things beautiful. “He
has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). But, some may
say, what of those babies who arrive with congenital abnormalities or those who
will only live a few hours anyway? Well, God makes not just “some things” but
“all things” beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I have read testimonies of how
children, not considered “perfect” by the world, have blessed parents to no end.
Is God not able to use even imperfections for good? To help us develop patience
and tolerance? To help us appreciate and celebrate life? Yes, He is able.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Tim Tebow’s mother was advised to have
an abortion after she suffered an illness from contaminated water and was told
the medication she took might cause severe disabilities. She refused to abort,
and her son became an outstanding football player known for expressing his
faith.<a href="file:///C:/Users/user/Documents/Writing/Articles/The%20Debate%20Continues.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> But some may say, what if I can’t
afford another mouth to feed? What if I’m a student, in no position to care for
a child? What if I was raped or abused or in some way forced to conceive?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Those are difficult situations, to be
sure. But if a woman needs help, others stand ready to assist. Women can seek
help from pregnancy centers that support babies and families. They can search
out a compassionate church, a trustworthy friend or a women’s shelter. God has
many ways to see women through such
experiences. If a mother feels she cannot care for a child, she might
consider placing her baby for adoption. There are countless couples who dream
of having a baby to hold and love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Although some might agree that all life is
sacred and should be valued, they raise another important question: What if a
woman’s life is in danger? That question and all these questions related to
abortion may best be answered through prayer and consultation with spiritual
advisors and doctors, conversations with husbands and families.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> I don’t have all the answers. Many
would certainly offer rebuttals to the points I’ve made. But as God reigns in
our hearts and lives, He surely guides and directs. May we all experience His
peace as we make decisions that affect our lives and the lives of our
children—both born and unborn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
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<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/user/Documents/Writing/Articles/The%20Debate%20Continues.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
https://www.npr.org/2022/06/24/1102305878/supreme-court-abortion-roe-v-wade-decision-overturn<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/user/Documents/Writing/Articles/The%20Debate%20Continues.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span></span></a>
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Tebow </p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-52051451561144254762022-12-05T14:50:00.008-05:002022-12-05T14:50:43.087-05:00When God is Silent<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwvOANolmswPzQJ-zt8i2qGcUYm2UeX884C_0Pyu5RjzPxMhGST2E2TtJ0ZtyAD3wzsz-xkbPi3orvABMcVZm80NJhPJ6cylBlakUceOa1-rc6nUDTuclRUGbwpCU53P6rlStsmwVn9ib4krGzbT7GrM0ij8rXFeGGw674vGqXcktcjAKK3BJVJuD/s320/Kim%20and%20Janine2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwvOANolmswPzQJ-zt8i2qGcUYm2UeX884C_0Pyu5RjzPxMhGST2E2TtJ0ZtyAD3wzsz-xkbPi3orvABMcVZm80NJhPJ6cylBlakUceOa1-rc6nUDTuclRUGbwpCU53P6rlStsmwVn9ib4krGzbT7GrM0ij8rXFeGGw674vGqXcktcjAKK3BJVJuD/w185-h139/Kim%20and%20Janine2.JPG" width="185" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I believe in the sun even when it is not shining, I believe in
love even when I cannot feel it, I believe in God even when he is silent.” That
note, written on a wall during the Holocaust, was quoted by a writer in </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">The
Upper Room</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> (November 18).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> A</o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">s I thank God that I’m warm and well fed, safe and secure, I
often think of those who aren’t. Those in refugee camps, in areas experiencing
famine, in war-torn territories. Yet, God is silent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As I watch television commercials showing children with cancer and
cleft lips and hunger, I could cry. I know I can’t solve the immense problems
of the world, much as I want to. Yet God is silent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Then there’s the mystery of God’s silence when I pray. Many of my
prayers have not been answered. Others, far less important, have been
answered–right away!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Recently, I misplaced the key to a neighbor’s house. Since we’re
going to be moving, I wanted to return it. I’m sure I shot up prayers now and
then over the last couple weeks as I’ve searched for that key. But as I
finished cleaning out my desk, I was desperate. I bowed my head and prayed for
help. And there was the key. In a nook beneath my desk calendar holder, right
in front of me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sometimes, God speaks through others, but we tune them out. This
week Kim and Janine visited their youth group members to drop off candy and
invitations to church events for them and their parents. Through Kim and
Janine, God was speaking to people, some who may have little interest in
church. Did they hear Him?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If we understood everything, we would be God. That’s why I walk by
faith even when–especially when–God is silent. I trust the God who created the
universe and keeps everything running on a daily basis. I trust this God
whether the news is good or bad. Tsunamis, hurricanes, shootings. Not good. But
the station on which I watch the nightly news always ends on a high note, a
story of someone doing something kind, something exceptional. Is that God I
hear?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines,
through the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep
are cut off from the fold and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the
Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation” (Habbakuk 3:17 NIV).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Yes, let’s rejoice in God as we celebrate the birth of His Son
Jesus. Let’s rejoice in the God who came to earth as a tiny babe, showed us how
to live and died so that someday we may live with Him forever. Let’s hear the
messages He speaks through the carols and the cards. And through friends who
invite us to church.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God may at times be silent but he’s never absent. He’s always
working to draw us to Himself so that together with Him we can bless others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Have a Blessed Christmas!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><br />
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<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-76883651988587931372022-10-10T14:47:00.000-04:002022-10-10T14:47:09.124-04:00BOOK REVIEW: Merton's Palace of Nowhere<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMdUMtDiQU1yk3h0pmYOtFPBgU-L_vywpNkYu2_X58DWFhiqJR_-UZfUkReddqTSchfpdtihXP83MapL5bylrLGatuY-TfWn-lP80Mplxixf6kEkDG_DdQPfdHcXedoptp6B3wZU0hfI0IaeRppk5huu_3dlhPa9Q1Oq_WQTIo4JzL9WxcYZ_uOcx/s350/Mertons%20Palace%20of%20Nowhere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="226" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMdUMtDiQU1yk3h0pmYOtFPBgU-L_vywpNkYu2_X58DWFhiqJR_-UZfUkReddqTSchfpdtihXP83MapL5bylrLGatuY-TfWn-lP80Mplxixf6kEkDG_DdQPfdHcXedoptp6B3wZU0hfI0IaeRppk5huu_3dlhPa9Q1Oq_WQTIo4JzL9WxcYZ_uOcx/w147-h227/Mertons%20Palace%20of%20Nowhere.jpg" width="147" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Merton’s Palace of Nowhere: A Search for God through
Awareness of the True Self by James Finley<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>This book explores spirituality, especially contemplative
prayer, as understood by Thomas Merton, an American theologian and mystic.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Merton viewed life from the perspective of a false self
and a true self. Basically, the false self is man prior to redemption, whereas
the true self is the redeemed man. He describes the false self as “someone that
I was never intended to be and therefore a denial of what I am supposed to be.”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We find our true selves in faith through service and
communion with God in wordless prayer. Merton likens this experience to the
ripening of an apple on a tree: It takes place in God’s time.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Author James Finley writes “The purpose of our prayer is
to help us find God, so that we consciously and gratefully live this life, and
through our presence invite others to live it as well.”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>I appreciated the many quotes from Merton sprinkled
throughout the book that offer insight into the mind and soul of a soulful man.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>This book opened my eyes to the beauty of spending a
concentrated time of prayer simply sitting before God, listening, rather than
telling Him what to do. It’s a great read for anyone seeking a deeper
spirituality.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><o:p> </o:p> <br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-40262251733021067582022-10-01T14:22:00.005-04:002022-10-01T14:22:35.152-04:00Let Us Pray . . . In a Different Way - Part 2<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_pqN7qjGTyihj_vrmHorMFWD1h8tOqf04kfN_tGBFmqI9QpQ7aT5SKIU0NPEx7xD0LH4MYenLZCMxXqfwc3mSnsHCRA-Uu5SDw4R54OyLt8IpWb_zoilS_CZQJG6m5QXahWYjwEODgAy6-KqcsOZRRGD8dSZePiKvv6sc7Thc6coqHZLSw-f8IcF/s320/Praying%20Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="320" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_pqN7qjGTyihj_vrmHorMFWD1h8tOqf04kfN_tGBFmqI9QpQ7aT5SKIU0NPEx7xD0LH4MYenLZCMxXqfwc3mSnsHCRA-Uu5SDw4R54OyLt8IpWb_zoilS_CZQJG6m5QXahWYjwEODgAy6-KqcsOZRRGD8dSZePiKvv6sc7Thc6coqHZLSw-f8IcF/w185-h157/Praying%20Hands.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few months ago I wrote of three different ways to pray and
promised to share more ways with you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">First, I will describe my personal daily prayer time pattern. For
many years now, I’ve adapted a prayer journal (PRAYERS OF MY HEART by Debbie
Taylor Williams) that lists the days of the week in rows down the side of a
double-page spread and leaves space for nine column headings across the top. I
use one spread per month and fill rows for only Monday through Friday. Weekends
I pray spontaneously about whatever is on my heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My column headings are Family, Friends of the Heart (my speaking
ministry team), Friends, Personal, Missions, Needs and Country. Even though
listed on various days, I pray for all but Friends and Missions on a daily
basis. I use this “listing” method because if I did not, I’d forget some of those
for whom I want to pray as time goes by. Yet there are just too many
friends and missionaries to pray for all on a daily basis.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">My prayer time always starts by praising God for giving me
everything I need through His creation, praising Jesus for my salvation and
praising the Holy Spirit for His inspiration. Then I confess my sins before
going on to the columns. I finish with general thanksgiving and praise and sing
a song or two from a hymnal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">That’s my general pattern. When I’m ill, I may simply picture
myself curled in the lap of God, drawing comfort from Him. When I have early
appointments and miss my prayer time, I simply connect with God on the run.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Second, I refresh my prayer time any day of the week by using the
centering, scripture or lament styles I previously shared or one of the
following patterns, all of which Adele Ahlberg Calhoun describes in SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Welcoming Prayer: This is my favorite. In this prayer, you simply
welcome God into the events and relationships that you’re praying about.
Instead of telling God what you want, you release your sense of control and
invite Jesus into the situation. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Calhoun suggests we notice when a person or event triggers
something within us and simply pray “Welcome, Jesus, welcome.” She suggests we
anticipate the events of the day and invite Jesus into them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Conversational Prayer: In this style, we talk naturally to God as
we pray WITH others. We might do this when a friend expresses a need either in
person, by phone (or even in email). Just ask, “May I pray with you about
that?” and then talk to God about their need. You might suggest that the two of
you take turns praying. And you can pray conversationally with others in a
Bible study group (as I do with Friends of the Heart) or with a family member. My
husband and I take turns praying before meals and at bedtime.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It may be hard to get over self-consciousness (at least it was for
me) about praying out loud, but try it a time or two and the blessing outweighs
the initial discomfort. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Breath Prayer: This form of contemplative prayer is linked to the
in-and-out pattern of breathing. Calhoun suggests breathing in with a name of
God (Jesus, Father, Abba, Precious Lord) and breathing out with a brief
description of a need. I think of it simply as calling out to God throughout
the day with needs or with praises.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Now having said all that, I want to stress that prayer is simply
seeking God. There is no formula. We usually seek communion with God through
communication. But communion might also be realized wordlessly–sitting beneath
a tree, feeling a breeze, watching a flower. We simply need to be alone, be
quiet and be determined to draw closer to God. And He will draw closer to us.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Incorporate one of these ways of praying this week and you’ll be
blessed. No matter how or how frequently we pray, God hears our prayers. So let
us pray . . . one way or another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-10080193660245710552022-08-27T10:34:00.000-04:002022-08-27T10:34:07.661-04:00Speeding Through the 80's<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8Db1gVXrSanws7gLMzTQvN6S0AIaDnaXHBxbgtcZ-2n8Q2P8M6RkoG5bkFcO6Wj22mFsLKS8SpDw8AkAwVH_Jwm-iRTo2UF4b2RLWIxAn4isjRl0zFA7l6KDlpicJjHdyMwUC23mLIefSoCAjQywo5buQRSkmmEVGHdLwKeM7d-OkJRCXmLVjaQr/s398/Cars.jpg.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="398" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8Db1gVXrSanws7gLMzTQvN6S0AIaDnaXHBxbgtcZ-2n8Q2P8M6RkoG5bkFcO6Wj22mFsLKS8SpDw8AkAwVH_Jwm-iRTo2UF4b2RLWIxAn4isjRl0zFA7l6KDlpicJjHdyMwUC23mLIefSoCAjQywo5buQRSkmmEVGHdLwKeM7d-OkJRCXmLVjaQr/w254-h254/Cars.jpg.PNG" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I’m worried. I recently got lost in
a department store. After wandering from exit to exit trying to find my way to a
parking lot, a kind clerk pointed me in the right direction. Then this morning
I lost a Google document. I know. My friend tells me it’s impossible to lose a
Google Doc. Well, I lost one. At least it’s lost to me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Such is life in the 80’s. The
decade, that is, not the speed zone. In case you’ve forgotten your age, you know
you’re in the 80’s when:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">--You no longer iron shirts. Touch up
the collar and front and they’re good to go. They’re hidden under jackets
anyway.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">--And the same goes for pillow cases.
Oh, that wrinkle-free fabric could use a touch up, but by the time you slip it
over a pillow, most wrinkles disappear. Besides, you’ll never see them while
you sleep.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">--You’re no longer duped by
television commercials. That woman jumping rope because she’s taking xyz
medication? Have you ever listened to the possible side effects? Who wants to
jump rope anyway?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> --</span>You see
more of your doctor and your physical therapist (and they see more of you) than
you do your old friends (most of whom have now graduated to heaven). And you
now have a doctor for each body part. To be honest, a doctor’s visit turns out
to be a nice diversion from puttering around the house.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> --</span>You no
longer run to answer the phone. It’s in your pocket—if you can remember you put
it there. Nine out of ten calls are either scams or automated voices telling
you your prescription is ready, so no need to hurry. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> --</span>Visits to
the grocery store become welcome social events. You enjoy chatting along
the aisles. But you do wish someone would train that young cashier, the one who
puts three two-quart cartons in one bag, to look at you. Do you look like you
could lift that bag into and out of your trunk? And where’s your senior
discount? Look at me, you young whippersnapper.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> --</span>You prefer
to watch birds over watching television. Any sex scenes are on the fly. Oh you
may still watch a game show or two, but other than those, it’s more fun to read
or work jigsaw or Sudoku puzzles. Good for that aging brain too!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Such is
life in the 80’s express lane. And as my husband’s dialysis doctor reminds him,
no matter what the challenges, it’s better to be upright than horizontal. Better
to see over the steering wheel too. So enjoy the journey, no matter the speed
bumps.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-45746947548051198102022-08-05T08:01:00.002-04:002022-08-05T08:04:39.948-04:00Passing the Baton<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjft8_1ax3qK8DlJbhRP2jAt5crreH35jY5IXu19lV-TAF30LfEoFkS2DpFehzPnrlvgyPmz2yDjAw3onV3d8ATQWFNC4G8kms3xa1Oe43jjo-2wTSsjEWybGK7Ol1sqeTzIoX5vQhKvgPQrR2AiHebXjkD3PIUeabj95uTNugJFGwgEZB-zElSRWAf/s1024/Brooke-Solberg-1024x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjft8_1ax3qK8DlJbhRP2jAt5crreH35jY5IXu19lV-TAF30LfEoFkS2DpFehzPnrlvgyPmz2yDjAw3onV3d8ATQWFNC4G8kms3xa1Oe43jjo-2wTSsjEWybGK7Ol1sqeTzIoX5vQhKvgPQrR2AiHebXjkD3PIUeabj95uTNugJFGwgEZB-zElSRWAf/w245-h245/Brooke-Solberg-1024x1024.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">HE PASSES THE
BATON<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Through preaching and practice, Brooke
Solberg passes the baton of Christian ministry to the next generation. He’s my
former pastor, mentor and friend, a city boy who preached at a little country
church. By the time he left, 31 people, myself included, had committed ourselves
to Christian service. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> A “Festschrift” compiled by the congregation
in Brooke’s honor includes the writings of people influenced by Dr. W. Richard "Brooke" Solberg, during his 21 years serving what is now David’s Community Church in Millersburg,
Pennsylvania. In his written tribute, a seminary dean recognized Brooke as a
young Timothy and wrote, “But you, man of God . . . pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” I Timothy 6:11. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> And Brooke, who grew up in Brooklyn,
had taken that scriptural admonition seriously from the get go. We watched him
and his wife Ruth raise four children. In everyday life, they showed our
congregation the spiritual maturity the apostle Paul wrote about and inspired
us to grow in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Brooke also inspired us to serve beyond
church doors. If someone shared with him a burden they had for ministry, he
told them to run with it and supported them in prayer. He helped them use
secular skills in ministry within and far beyond the church. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">One man offered a sign language class; some
of us taught after-school Bible clubs and released time classes. One woman
developed a Good Samaritan ministry to offer transportation, meals and support
in various ways. In time people left our flock to serve as pastors,
missionaries and church planters throughout the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Brooke’s faith in Christ as “the way, the truth,
and the life” (John 14:6) showed up throughout our region. He served as a
chaplain in the 193<sup>rd</sup> PA Air National Guard, Middletown, and he
combined Harrisburg Hospital visits with playing basketball at the YMCA. Fellow
Guard members and basketball players sometimes visited our church, where Brooke
preached from scripture, often verse-by-verse.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">He became known for saying “watch my hands”
as he gestured to illustrate sermon points. Many times he made fun of himself
in ways that made us laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> When we asked Brooke about puzzling Bible
passages, he always said, “Let’s look at it in context,” and off we went to solve
the puzzle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Brooke and Ruth saw potential in me and
others that we didn’t see in ourselves. I felt challenged when they asked me to
organize and lead a Christian education committee. I was, at the time, a public
school teacher, and while I was comfortable speaking to high school students, I
was terrified in front of adults. The Solbergs led me from small speaking
venues to larger settings and helped me overcome that fear.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">During the Solbergs’ ministry with us, my
husband and I experienced the greatest crisis of our lives, the death of our
only daughter a few hours after her birth. The congregation had prayed for us.
How could this happen?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> But Brooke counseled, “We ask; we
don’t demand.” He and Ruth offered tissues, shoulders to cry on and a faith
that did not waver. Their prayers calmed and soothed our souls—and the souls of
many in our congregation and in the wider community who suffered losses and
sorrows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">In time, Brooke suggested I fill the void left
in my life by our baby’s death by taking Christian education courses at a
seminary. I was in my late thirties and nervous about returning to the
classroom. But with his encouragement, I eventually earned a master’s degree in
that field and served on that church staff.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> As a staff member, Brooke respected
my input, shared his ideas with me and encouraged me to develop programs. He
and Ruth served as close, trusted and experienced counselors. I am grateful my
children grew up with their children and enjoyed the Solbergs’ teaching,
friendship and leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> After he left our congregation,
Brooke served for 12 years at a city church, where many more entered Christian
service. Throughout his ministry, he has often served as a guest speaker and
retreat leader for other churches and denominations. After retirement he served
as an interim pastor for his denomination and later served an inner city
church, counseling many who came to Christ after overcoming addictions and
other struggles. Now 86, he was named pastor emeritus at Faith Evangelical Free
Church, Allentown, and serves part-time as pastor of the older generation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> More than 100 people wrote tributes
to Brooke in the Festschrift. Like Timothy, Brooke’s life attests to a faithful
and fruitful ministry as a disciple of Christ. May those of us he discipled continue
to pass on the baton of faith and ministry.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">(If Brooke's ministry has touched your life, leave a comment below and I'll be sure he sees it. If you receive this post by email, go to shirleybrosius.blogspot.com to leave a comment.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-63338569577623346762022-08-03T14:39:00.000-04:002022-08-03T14:39:02.635-04:00Book Review: Resilience<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qOPRQjcZBvUFpfynx3PTm0rP5dp3hVhjcUIcHfwxRzkidZDPQOYq1-yKmMgJpgzsbsVjbgM9EJ3KtjLbN6M63mSRS_iTtBQHZqPGZXcmPjDmiMeVTWQRCExqMrXiL7W-rs3R6qRpPYvri8IRnTqNTs6COAwgRm0it2TrSD4S_OpvAlVqqKSBdCYB/s320/Resilience.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qOPRQjcZBvUFpfynx3PTm0rP5dp3hVhjcUIcHfwxRzkidZDPQOYq1-yKmMgJpgzsbsVjbgM9EJ3KtjLbN6M63mSRS_iTtBQHZqPGZXcmPjDmiMeVTWQRCExqMrXiL7W-rs3R6qRpPYvri8IRnTqNTs6COAwgRm0it2TrSD4S_OpvAlVqqKSBdCYB/w150-h200/Resilience.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent
Times by John Eldredge<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Times are tough, but according to John Eldredge “The story
of God has been, is now and always will be the story of the world.” To respond
to the turmoil of today’s news, we need resilience.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We need God’s strength to face hardships and challenges.
In a world in turmoil with pandemics and politics, it’s more important than
ever to concentrate on the fact that God is good and He is with us.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Eldredge included some ideas I had not thought of in that
light. For instance, he compared the Old Testament temple filled with God’s glory
to us as Christians filled with that temple glory.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>In the chapter that most challenged me, Eldredge
addresses our “unconverted places,” the times when we cave in to pressures or
lose our cool. But, he says, maturity is no longer optional.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>I liked the end-of-chapter “Skill” sections that
suggested ways to help us grow. I also liked the way Eldredge introduced each
chapter with a short story about someone.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>He concludes the book by helping us write a personal prescription to help ourselves respond to the challenges of today.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Published by Nelson Books in 2022, this book can surely
help each reader draw closer to God in one way or another.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-25661437048105319622022-07-21T10:43:00.001-04:002022-07-21T10:43:54.740-04:00Book Review: The Deeply Formed Life <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvq5IGTrSsH58_o3J1UZWptGYuMV6WUVVvKOXuwa_ZlsWN6THzW989hSyfbeNNgRiwxHCsdiRxQOWpB9gZm_gjZ0y3D-NU3NiH8T5FMOgBj6NWQv8CAsBIhHjKc5XXkyZ7XUBtVl9_5zsHfTlU1TwcCU6Y-0W-Fay2HEvfVvuC9P9CzD9kMJUPUhbG/s500/9780525654407-us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvq5IGTrSsH58_o3J1UZWptGYuMV6WUVVvKOXuwa_ZlsWN6THzW989hSyfbeNNgRiwxHCsdiRxQOWpB9gZm_gjZ0y3D-NU3NiH8T5FMOgBj6NWQv8CAsBIhHjKc5XXkyZ7XUBtVl9_5zsHfTlU1TwcCU6Y-0W-Fay2HEvfVvuC9P9CzD9kMJUPUhbG/w133-h200/9780525654407-us.jpg" width="133" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus</p><p>This book offers fresh takes on practices you’ve already
established, such as prayer and Bible reading, but also approaches topics you
may not associate with spiritual maturity, such as sexuality and racial
reconciliation. “Instead of being deeply formed we settle for being shallowly
shaped,” writes author Rich Villodas.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">He calls for self examination and reflection on hopes and
dreams or fears and anxieties so that we don’t seal off parts of our lives. He guides
readers on looking inward to see what patterns they may have developed from
their families of origin.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">In discussing racial reconciliation, Villodas quotes Dr.
Brenda Salter McNeil, a pastor and author: “Reconciliation is an ongoing spiritual
process involving forgiveness, repentance and justice that restores broken
relationships and systems to reflect God’s original intention for all creation
to flourish.”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Villodas is the pastor of a church in Queens with more than 75 countries represented. Published by Waterbrook in 2020, <i>The Deeply Formed Life</i>
is easily read and understood. I like the quotes Villodas included from experts
in various fields and also the Afterword with challenging questions such as “What
practices is this season (of life) calling me to engage in?”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-73365832530199298642022-07-08T13:44:00.000-04:002022-07-08T13:44:52.723-04:00Let's Tout the Hoot!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xiwKLdnId3-ztX-sQdCXag6EIA_NZMPuF4Y9Eu-MXTaP72Wb0uKwAnA5Qu5CDhImfP-DmmY-wahqKC9zW9qX5H7JYktRqrzidFmiqT0UBlBeuhC4pOuKW5rau1CrMaTRmB4pY9QvJEibrc5ffvS8HSzOIMMuaQu3xisRneOR1nQ39R4tQjtcfQU3/s320/Flowerbed4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xiwKLdnId3-ztX-sQdCXag6EIA_NZMPuF4Y9Eu-MXTaP72Wb0uKwAnA5Qu5CDhImfP-DmmY-wahqKC9zW9qX5H7JYktRqrzidFmiqT0UBlBeuhC4pOuKW5rau1CrMaTRmB4pY9QvJEibrc5ffvS8HSzOIMMuaQu3xisRneOR1nQ39R4tQjtcfQU3/w222-h166/Flowerbed4.JPG" width="222" /></a></div><br /> The early morning hoot of an owl blessed my heart. In my
mind’s eye, I saw him perched high in a tree, awakening the dawn. On occasion
I’ve spotted an owl in the daytime, his fuller body and wider head differing
from a hawk. I rarely hear owls, so this hoot was a special treat.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That same
morning I saw the first bluebird of the season checking out our birdhouse. And
daffodils poked up green fingers at the edge of our yard. To God be the glory for
the good gifts of nature.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Five Reasons to
Thank God for Nature:<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></b><u>Nature reminds us of the
greatness of God.</u> In Job 39, God reminds Job of who He is and the power He
has. He laid the earth’s foundation, fixed limits for the sea, and created creatures
great and small, wild, and tame: owls, donkeys, eagles, and puppies, to name
just a few.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Only God
knows the path of a thunderstorm and how mountain goats give birth. Only He
governs the instincts of animals from the ostrich that doesn’t have the sense
to nurture her young to the horse that charges into battle.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><u>Nature
gives us something to explore and talk about with children and grandchildren. </u>At
a hunting camp, we walk down trails, dictionary in hand, identifying
wildflowers. At home, we consult “the bird book” to identify visitors to our
feeder. The rare indigo bunting or yellow-breasted sapsucker have been special
treats.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
grandson Scott was three-years-old, I held him on my lap, pointing out
squirrels leaping from branch to branch, high in the trees. I asked him if he
would like to do that. With all seriousness he replied, “Mommy said ‘no.’” I
treasure such memories.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><u>Nature
offers us opportunities to care for the earth, as God commanded in Genesis 1.</u>
We tend our lawn, recycle plastics, paper, and books. Under fluorescent bulbs,
my husband, Bill, grows flower plants from seed. He then plants and tends a
flowerbed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><u>Nature
offers opportunities to exercise.</u> Gardening, caring for yards, and raising
crops all keep us in shape physically. Taking walks, canoeing, kayaking, or
playing outdoor games all offer exercise.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Along the
Susquehanna River in our capitol city, beds of flowers spread between spaces
with equipment to do push-ups, chin-ups, and other sorts of exercise.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><u>Nature
entertains us in our senior years.</u> As Bill and I eat breakfast we watch the
birds at the feeder. We once spotted an eagle soaring above our home. We enjoy seeing
deer running through our yard and nibbling our flowers. Well, maybe not so much
the latter. But we only chase them when they chomp on one of our tomato plants.
We decorate our porch and deck with hanging baskets and planters. All this
brings peace to our souls when we look out our windows or sit on our front
porch rocking chairs. To God be the glory!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Ask the animals, and they will
teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the
earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of
all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is
the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:7-10 NIV).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whether we
live in an apartment with houseplants, in a house with flowerbeds in our yards,
or on a farm with fields of golden grain, let’s thank God for nature and enjoy
the treasures He has created. To God be the glory!<o:p></o:p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-32454763345176438702022-06-24T15:44:00.000-04:002022-06-24T15:44:19.276-04:00Book Review: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP-gi7D1BoJKQIsWP4SqIXuQpV0gn6rGMtkKWCZMXM-vc2C2zJhi4leTuRO3nFnIhzPyZkFvnU8Uf2nmkaGa2ymunaUaieG9OF65Rd6ZFu2ToH9HGYMU5vkLSwXij-auSG3OZ1cqkQyrGFqa3OkF0FC_nep9BDxKkuDcOa43LyVLvxhkYkDleybE9/s320/Dark%20Clouds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP-gi7D1BoJKQIsWP4SqIXuQpV0gn6rGMtkKWCZMXM-vc2C2zJhi4leTuRO3nFnIhzPyZkFvnU8Uf2nmkaGa2ymunaUaieG9OF65Rd6ZFu2ToH9HGYMU5vkLSwXij-auSG3OZ1cqkQyrGFqa3OkF0FC_nep9BDxKkuDcOa43LyVLvxhkYkDleybE9/w142-h189/Dark%20Clouds.JPG" width="142" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of
Lament by Mark Vroegop</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This book will enrich your life and equip you to pray about
personal and national issues with a fresh approach. Part 1 breaks down the
basic structure of psalms that express grief or sorrow (at least a third of the
psalms); Part 2 examines the book of Lamentations; and Part 3 suggests how you
can use such biblical expressions to pray for yourself and your community.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Author Mark Vroegop is no stranger to lament. As he and his wife
suffered through the loss of a stillborn daughter and several miscarriages, he
sought and found strength in God’s Word. In Psalms, Vroegop discovered a
four-part pattern of laments that lead from anguish and hopelessness to renewed
hope. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah grieves the
destruction of Jerusalem and its temple by the invading Babylonians. As we
grieve over today’s world conflicts, we can relate to such feelings of despair. But both
the psalms of lament and the book of Lamentations offer a roadway to grace and
remind us God is on His throne.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The book contains helpful appendixes including one that
categorizes the psalms and another that offers a “Learning-to-Lament”
worksheet. There’s also a bibliography, a general index and a scripture index.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t be put off by the heavy tone of the title. This book offers
Christians a valuable and workable guide to express feelings of depression and
despair. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-38571838317534509622022-06-17T15:35:00.002-04:002022-06-17T15:35:55.528-04:00Let Us Pray . . . In a Different Way<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMidmVIKAOA0BFEg3UN-0cq_Fh_V-5XlPOiDh9gHn1mcrgfUT8XDdDbLyJdYiBZkef3tvXCDenNdDP2NGrjjmXPkjIHRauOAXajCFF0hqyJIrCBynsShRMDO_AhtM9FZf0nkbnc1SPb2zC7jiWtebG19K7cNR4NeO-g9M1kjdi-hkI3CWpmQ6sKVQr/s320/Praying%20Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="320" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMidmVIKAOA0BFEg3UN-0cq_Fh_V-5XlPOiDh9gHn1mcrgfUT8XDdDbLyJdYiBZkef3tvXCDenNdDP2NGrjjmXPkjIHRauOAXajCFF0hqyJIrCBynsShRMDO_AhtM9FZf0nkbnc1SPb2zC7jiWtebG19K7cNR4NeO-g9M1kjdi-hkI3CWpmQ6sKVQr/w214-h181/Praying%20Hands.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A Morning Watch opened my eyes in more ways than one. Several
months ago our pastor invited us to join him for prayer at 6 a.m. on Thursday
mornings, either in his office or via Zoom. I’m a “morning person,” so the time
is fine, except at that hour I’m usually in my jammies with a bedhead.
Nevertheless, I Zoomed in. And I’m glad I did.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> E</o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">ach week Pastor Peter shares devotional thoughts, including
different ways of praying. Since then, I’ve also read up on prayer. Here’s how
three patterns of prayer have blessed my heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">CENTERING PRAYER: Read slowly and out loud a verse or a paragraph of
scripture. Repeat three times. Then choose a word or phrase from that passage.
Set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes, then close your eyes and meditate on
the word or phrase you chose. You’re not praying “for” something. You’re
listening to hear what God says to your heart about that word or phrase.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">One morning I focused on “living in love” from Ephesians 5:2. As I
meditated, I realized if I can just live in an awareness of God’s love at all
times and in all places, it will not matter what happens to me. Well, it’s not
that it won’t matter, but I will be more aware that God is with me, loves me
and comforts me. And furthermore, I can pass on that love to others. Of course
it’s easier said than done, but I want to work on “living in love.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">SCRIPTURAL PRAYER: Pattern your prayer after one of the prayers
found in scripture. For starters, there are the prayers of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:
11 and 2:1-10), Daniel (Daniel 9:4-16), Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:2-3), Mary (Luke
1:38 and 46-55) and Paul (Ephesians 1:15-23; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians
1:9-14). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’ve prayed Daniel’s pattern of prayer for America and Paul’s
pattern for family and friends. Paul reminds me to pray for spiritual growth
for others, not just for what makes them happy. Many other passages of
scripture might prompt prayers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">PRAYERS OF LAMENT: These prayers spell out your feelings:
complaints, anger, sufferings, frustrations and heartaches. Rather than stifle
your pain, you tell God exactly how you feel. God knows what’s in your heart
anyway, so you let it all out. You pound the table and weep!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I prayed this prayer before I ever knew it was called a prayer
of lament. After the death of our infant daughter, I discovered my heart echoed
the cries of the psalmist in Psalm 42. I sought to know God in a deeper way (v.
1 - my soul pants for you), yet I cried at unexpected times during the day and
as soon as I put my head on the pillow at night (v. 3 - my tears have been my
food day and night). </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I asked, how a baby could die at birth in the 20th century? I felt
depressed (v. 5 - my soul, why are you downcast). Yet I remembered how God had
been with me in the past and clung to the hope that He would see me through the
present (v. 11 - I will yet praise him).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">That psalm, that prayer of lament, was a lifeline that I clung to
during the weeks, months and really years of grief. Grief doesn’t “go away.”
You learn to cope with it and move on with life. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Many psalms can help you heal as you echo the psalmist’s “lament.”</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Pick one of these styles of prayer and give it a try. God enjoys
your company. He longs to talk WITH you rather than just listen TO you. You
will feel blessed. And I’d love to hear about your experience.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-71135438350169131642022-05-28T06:33:00.000-04:002022-05-28T06:33:24.493-04:00He Calls YOUR Name<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmRVerBv2187VB63Nmz3Jdyz3ezGaW2IxBgpGZdqD2dyslmYc9KJItiLb_8T2RQi6U9TkMuIyVqzzWh1s_3pcXkv7EQFgqfDWXwNf5CJqj2jkEw4qctXV3CuqVoH-LjoJtEXsKbOxwnO2EIvuVUDTOPeEn1qK3vTRld5CFAyuA0aM3JoKOKgaWjK8/s320/Name.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmRVerBv2187VB63Nmz3Jdyz3ezGaW2IxBgpGZdqD2dyslmYc9KJItiLb_8T2RQi6U9TkMuIyVqzzWh1s_3pcXkv7EQFgqfDWXwNf5CJqj2jkEw4qctXV3CuqVoH-LjoJtEXsKbOxwnO2EIvuVUDTOPeEn1qK3vTRld5CFAyuA0aM3JoKOKgaWjK8/w243-h182/Name.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whether I’m
called Shirley, Mrs. Brosius, Ms. Brosius or even Miss Shirley, I feel good
when I hear that name. Well, not if someone’s yelling. But if I’m sitting in a
waiting room, it means someone knows I’m there. If I’m teaching in a classroom,
it means someone needs me. If I’m mulling in a crowd, it means someone
recognizes me and wants to talk to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>I once narrated a
church cantata that opened with a verse that makes me feel safe, secure, and
significant: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name,
you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1, ESV).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>Isaiah penned
that verse while writing about the derelict state of Israel. The people had
sinned, ignored God’s laws and experienced God’s discipline. Yet God called
them by name and called them His own.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>And He also calls
us by name. Every. Single. One. Of. Us. “To me, you are very dear and I love
you” (Isaiah 43:4, CEV). God said that to Israel, and He says that to each of
us. We are precious in His sight. He invites us to walk the journey of life
with Him because He enjoys our company. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>If we are in a
waiting room where we’re questioning if God really cares, He whispers, “Come to
My side so I can care for you in this situation.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>If we’re going
through rough times and God seems far away, He whispers, “I haven’t moved. Just
close your eyes and rest in My presence. I will guide you through this. Trust
me.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>If we are
searching for significance, God says, “My child, serve others and you serve Me.
I have no hands and feet on this earth but yours.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>We may not
recognize His voice. But if we have a nudge to “do something” for someone–send
a card, say a prayer, serve a blessing–He’s calling us by name.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>Recently in a
room full of people wearing masks, I heard my name. I couldn’t tell who called
me until the person pulled down her mask. Then I recognized her. So we may not recognize
that God was near us until years later when we find a blessing blossomed from a
problem.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>We may not feel
worthy to be called. Perhaps we’ve messed up, and we want to hide in a corner.
No matter. Jesus knows all about our messes, and still loves us and calls us by
name. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>When dark clouds
hover, God calls us to trust Him. When life is full of sunshine, God calls us
to praise Him. So listen for Your name today. Does God want to teach you? To
care for you? To equip you? Whatever your need, God is there for you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>He calls us by
name. We are His. Answer His call and you’ll find He loves you and walks with
you over mountains and through deep valleys on a life-long journey of faith,
hope and love.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
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<!--[endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-72001830994309978122022-04-29T15:38:00.000-04:002022-04-29T15:38:10.823-04:00Our Prayers; God's Answers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3dX4HTwzV6WKnRBSiEi2c45mbEiNKVzxXRMUdf3H5XHrxlGCeTdu4yCBsi9xwqVeYUceV8QXrd3IQPlXXK5IIRNZPt0CWZyEu2_nBqCRems1LBAQ08XFI9E0PVRE-40PNfWx4yopncfYjGSw1yoBDVisATFhP9anhcqkY5nm-tYRZauhJ2QmbrZG/s320/Coat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3dX4HTwzV6WKnRBSiEi2c45mbEiNKVzxXRMUdf3H5XHrxlGCeTdu4yCBsi9xwqVeYUceV8QXrd3IQPlXXK5IIRNZPt0CWZyEu2_nBqCRems1LBAQ08XFI9E0PVRE-40PNfWx4yopncfYjGSw1yoBDVisATFhP9anhcqkY5nm-tYRZauhJ2QmbrZG/w125-h167/Coat.JPG" width="125" /></a></div><br /> I was delighted to find a $100 gift card for Macy’s when I
looked in a drawer for something else. My husband, Bill, gave me that card for
Christmas a couple years ago. Then Covid struck, and I never spent it. So off
we went on a shopping spree, and I found a spring coat for $130. I handed the
checkout clerk my gift card and credit card, and she said I owed $120 on my
credit card.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>“Oh,” I said. “The gift card is for $100.” She looked at her
register again and informed me the gift card had only $10 left on it. Then I
remembered. I bought shoes with that card and forgot to mark the remaining balance on
the card’s envelope.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>It gets better. The little square envelope containing the
gift card also held a Macy’s credit card. I had searched and searched for that
card. I finally considered it lost and got a new one.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I then bought a pair of slacks and walked to the exit. Bill
had stayed in the car. Only problem was, I couldn’t find the exit that led to
that parking lot. I asked a clerk, and she led me to doors that led to steps. I
had not come in doors with steps. She continued to lead me around this maze of
a store, and I finally got out and happily dropped into our car. According to my
watch, I had walked .8 of a mile that morning. And I’m sure .79 was at Macy’s.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Life can be complicated. And that’s just a silly example.
How about the complications that come from facing inoperable cancer or
recovering from major injuries or fleeing from bombs with nowhere to go?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I’ve been reading David’s psalms. Can you imagine growing up
a shepherd boy and then being anointed to be king? Can you imagine killing a
giant and then being appointed to play a lyre to sooth King Saul’s anxiety
attacks? Can you imagine how, after all that, you would feel when the king
turned on you and threatened your life?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Of the 73 psalms attributed to David, 13 can be linked to
incidents in his life. For four years, this anointed shepherd boy, this
anointed king, was on the run from a jealous King Saul. And David waited 15
years to become king of Judah and seven more to reign over all of Israel. Talk
about a journey in faithfulness.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>In the psalms, David denounced his enemies and prayed for
their demise. But even though God did not immediately answer, David praised
God. During those long, challenging years, David praised God for His creation,
for His protection and for His provision. He celebrated a God who was there for
Him.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Psalm 22 begins with David asking why God dumped him miles
from nowhere. He laments the “herds of bulls” that come at him, “horns lowered,
nostrils flaring.” But he then praises God, not for what He does but for who He
is:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>“Shout Hallelejah, you God worshipers; give glory, you sons
of Jacob; adore him, you daughters of Israel. He has never let you down, never
looked the other way when you were being kicked around . . . . He has been
right there, listening” (Psalm 22:23-24 The Message).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>And that same God is listening to us. Just as I could not
find my way out of Macy’s, we may not find our way out of the maze of life as
quickly as we want. But whether God answers now or then, here or there, He
is with us, and that is enough. We praise Him not for what He does but for who
He is as Lord of the universe.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-37177696356371242712022-04-14T15:54:00.000-04:002022-04-14T15:54:46.105-04:00Book Review: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuEz75Y6r_glQyqQ7-WRKDuleDqX8Bp1oft3dTtIRg6I4E6o_1g4lawwXqz8T0eyZr9A5xAJ6Lr9wpCSVbYALO9bPdLilga53mBUTFXwVaZ30FNWXUYgOblBi0icEV6UZgoBytRL0veQPsT_o3M3lPG-3V1FO6HnvhNCFWcqjtjj9kbomTb1CAxwX/s320/Book2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuEz75Y6r_glQyqQ7-WRKDuleDqX8Bp1oft3dTtIRg6I4E6o_1g4lawwXqz8T0eyZr9A5xAJ6Lr9wpCSVbYALO9bPdLilga53mBUTFXwVaZ30FNWXUYgOblBi0icEV6UZgoBytRL0veQPsT_o3M3lPG-3V1FO6HnvhNCFWcqjtjj9kbomTb1CAxwX/w151-h202/Book2.JPG" width="151" /></a></div><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>If you feel your spiritual life lacks luster, this book
is for you. In <i>Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us </i>Author Adele Ahlberg Calhoun offers dozens of ways to enhance
how we open ourselves to God.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>Six parts with 12 topics each help you vary your routine of
relating to God. And each topic includes a chart giving an overview of the
practice, a one-page description of the practice, reflection questions,
spiritual exercises and resources.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>For instance, the prayer section includes the subjects of breath prayer,
centering prayer, contemplative prayer, conversational prayer and many more. A
section on hearing God’s Word includes the topics of Bible study, devotional
reading, meditation and memorization.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>When I bought the book, I thought I would use it as a resource
rather than read through it. But I found the suggestions so good, I am reading
through it and incorporating ideas as I go. I would really like to take a week
and explore each topic. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>Calhoun writes in a conversational, readable manner. The book
opens with Contents, a Preface to the Revised Edition and a listing of The
Spiritual Disciplines and Desires. The introduction subhead is titled
“Discovering Your Desire.” Ten appendixes include a spiritual growth planner, a
series on spiritual disciplines for the congregation and using the handbook
with small groups (sounds like a great idea to me). A glossary and bibliography
conclude the book.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>If you’re serious about growing spiritually, you will appreciate this
book.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-47302922718750520772022-03-31T15:05:00.002-04:002022-03-31T15:05:36.114-04:00Enjoy the Ride<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBizqcZdnZ37fdemi8fAlNM9-Sh7BIChgWC0hoRWeeejBWYy3ZbZSlqKtlE27o7LNRwY5SQCHyt1ZmmO4Z_DupcJ25JeRh2LdnwEF2ixpqjqetGnmUinb-W9727WnnMx8qT34DOsz7uqtxPgpvIHP9xhjAFaLaVD2cdh7BzwUY25hK45oH8Z9m07Hc/s320/Car.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBizqcZdnZ37fdemi8fAlNM9-Sh7BIChgWC0hoRWeeejBWYy3ZbZSlqKtlE27o7LNRwY5SQCHyt1ZmmO4Z_DupcJ25JeRh2LdnwEF2ixpqjqetGnmUinb-W9727WnnMx8qT34DOsz7uqtxPgpvIHP9xhjAFaLaVD2cdh7BzwUY25hK45oH8Z9m07Hc/w232-h174/Car.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br /> Since my husband, Bill, drove, I put my head back and closed
my eyes. I felt tired. A day after doctors' appointments and errands, we left
for yet another doctor’s appointment.<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> I dozed. But every now and then I opened my eyes to enjoy
the fields and trees zipping by. Basking in the warmth of the morning sun, I felt
no responsibility. After all, Bill was behind the wheel. He steered and braked
and stayed alert to other motorists. He certainly wanted to provide a safe ride
for us. And a feeling of deep peace swept over me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>As I enjoyed this unusual feeling of tranquility, I thought about
my life. I am no more in charge of life than I am in charge of driving when I’m
not behind the wheel. (Oh, sure, I “help” Bill drive from time to time, but he is an
excellent driver. I trust him.)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I then realized I should feel such peace about life in
general. Yes, I am responsible to do what I can to contribute to a healthy,
safe ride through the years. I can’t walk in front of trains and expect angels
to protect me. But after I’ve taken care of myself, I can leave my trip, the
rest of my days, in God’s hands and be at peace.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>If trouble jumps into my way, God has permitted it and will
help me deal with it. I am not immune to accidents. I come in contact with
germs, and I will suffer the vagaries of aging. In scripture, Solomon alerts us
to what lies ahead: “Your limbs will tremble with age, and your strong legs
will grow weak. Your teeth will be too few to do their work . . . ” (Ecclesiastes
12:3 NIV).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>While I don’t like to think about hands that shake and
dentures, it’s true. No matter our ages now, we assume we’ve boarded a long
trip. Unless we die young, we’re going to grow old. But while we are
responsible to eat healthfully and to exercise, we can leave our journey in
God’s hands. Psalm 139 reminds us God knows everything about us and plans our
trip, down to the rest stops. His hand holds the steering wheel, and His
strength supports us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>“Every day of my life
was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had
passed” (Psalm 139:16).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>God shares responsibility with us about earthly matters, so
we need not lose sleep worrying. We are not going to live forever. And neither
are our loved ones. While we cooperate with God in making wise choices, our
temporal future is also influenced by actions far beyond our control.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>As we ponder the day behind and look forward to the day
ahead, we can feel as tranquil as I felt that morning as we drove through the
countryside. God is behind the wheel.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Something to think about: Are you trying to take the wheel
of your life from God? What kind of bumps have you hit in the road? Are you in
need of a rest stop? Are you enjoying the journey? Does your tank need
spiritual fuel?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>(The photo shows Bill behind the wheel back in the day. We
drove many happy, carefree miles in that 1957 Ford.)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-15556981999544913862022-03-04T13:58:00.000-05:002022-03-04T13:58:15.014-05:00When Life Puzzles Us<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdXKrhVTTEA05CmQJYS9GXc2igTgt6sCmXRcO-cqbDVnPL85VpvhlvH57jUL5SXcF7oiYVuE2mbEbFDj40X-j6e-fFOU_t95QR8ZvbUldcHqQUhAwMoKoY4Dc8S02U0eDRQzPqNygnBPNpkrInC6S7VwmcVBsEuaHH442joWdvCwXV05AhYeCcvrdv=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdXKrhVTTEA05CmQJYS9GXc2igTgt6sCmXRcO-cqbDVnPL85VpvhlvH57jUL5SXcF7oiYVuE2mbEbFDj40X-j6e-fFOU_t95QR8ZvbUldcHqQUhAwMoKoY4Dc8S02U0eDRQzPqNygnBPNpkrInC6S7VwmcVBsEuaHH442joWdvCwXV05AhYeCcvrdv=w89-h119" width="89" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgObNISAX1DEOD2QqMK8VpdCA2fX6hQNaERJIlvcEqZXWeo8iy3g0IGGX44L66yEvJ_2lnGR7VoNHDsXsKcbp11oJaUu8Cil6Wg_bDq_OBYb69zVMIi7OAvxDHEcLwVOorKPGk-XtN7IGZT6dZ8gKlGmEVCivQMFrzsJVtwOzVLwv1gt9MUvYUBfYn=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgObNISAX1DEOD2QqMK8VpdCA2fX6hQNaERJIlvcEqZXWeo8iy3g0IGGX44L66yEvJ_2lnGR7VoNHDsXsKcbp11oJaUu8Cil6Wg_bDq_OBYb69zVMIi7OAvxDHEcLwVOorKPGk-XtN7IGZT6dZ8gKlGmEVCivQMFrzsJVtwOzVLwv1gt9MUvYUBfYn=w144-h144" width="144" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There were only a few
slots left in this jigsaw puzzle (first photo) where the last few pieces might fit. But
they didn't! It was puzzling. And frustrating. This happened once before with
another jigsaw puzzle, and it turned out two identically shaped pieces were in the
wrong slots. Hmmmm.</span><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I feel as though life
right now is like this puzzle. I feel unsettled. I worry about this and
that–health, aging, the world situation. Yet, hey, I’m a Christian and I should
not feel this way. Right? Christians know God is on His throne, so all is well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Well, today I’m
unsettled, so I consider how to approach my problem.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I will ask my two
Friends of the Heart to pray for me</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. My problems seem miniscule compared to the problems in the
world. There are thousands upon thousands of people trying to leave Ukraine
because of war, and they’re stuck in lines or shelters, on foot or in cars.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Here I am. A dot in the
grand scheme of things. One little person. But author Sarah Young in MORNINGS
WITH JESUS reminds me God cares–even about little dots. Jesus invites us to
bring Him our problems and consider them an opportunity to trust Him more. So I
will ask my friends to pray for me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your request to God” (Philippians 1:4 NIV).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I will focus on today,
rather than worry about tomorrow.</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Life is so surprising. When I think back over the things I’ve
worried about, I realize how useless worry is. It does not change a thing. And
most things never happened. Yet I do need to be concerned enough to deal with
some things. God has helped me in the past when puzzling things happened, so I
must distinguish between problems to deal with and those to leave in God’s
Hands.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“And we know that in all
things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I will read God’s Word.</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> I sometimes find it hard to find a personal
message in Old Testament passages about laws and rituals and wars. But I keep
looking, and there’s always something there to apply to my life. So I will keep
reading.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">“How sweet are your
words . . . sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And I will keep on
praying.</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Prayer usually settles
my heart. As I bring my needs and the needs of others before the Lord, I can
see that my needs are small. I know God will be faithful one way or another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> "</o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">If My people, who are
called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn
from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their
sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> J</o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">ust this morning as Kim
and I wound up a conversation about the world situation, she said, “We will
keep our noses in the scripture, our prayers going up, and we’ll keep on
walkin’.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Amen to that. I feel
better already. And as you can see, the puzzle pieces finally fell into place–
although one final piece is nowhere to be found. I will keep on lookin’.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-7284587222444810902022-02-11T13:40:00.001-05:002022-02-11T13:40:41.221-05:00When the Cookie Crumbles<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNfK--dBDTrTfdAGopnIM5i7yxtrnpD7HHXWMNsBy8kVNm0HioyWetA0s3iiFAePq7P3jWI74ZDc363ixUTb6x2RsrcmjWccUmyCWjrdRaYhpnPtlWWaLWMPHRAD_UJltsBh_EFtDq0LiLUGe4qUlVYsVZhR-HpHr7XPUfrv_ot2bl-6l-XDy0AaM3=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNfK--dBDTrTfdAGopnIM5i7yxtrnpD7HHXWMNsBy8kVNm0HioyWetA0s3iiFAePq7P3jWI74ZDc363ixUTb6x2RsrcmjWccUmyCWjrdRaYhpnPtlWWaLWMPHRAD_UJltsBh_EFtDq0LiLUGe4qUlVYsVZhR-HpHr7XPUfrv_ot2bl-6l-XDy0AaM3=w235-h176" width="235" /></a></div><br /> When the Cookie Crumbles<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Last week, my husband, who barely knows how to fry an egg,
asked me to teach him to <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">bake</span>
cookies. So we lined up ingredients, and he rolled out a tasty batch of Cream
cheese sugar cookies. This week, Bill wanted to make his grandmother’s sugar
cookies.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We cut the recipe to five instead of 10 cups of flour
(thank goodness). After measuring, mixing, rolling and baking, several dozen
decent-looking sugar cookies line the counter. So we sit back to enjoy a warm
cookie. Ahhhh. No! Arrgh! Something tasted off!</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Might it have been the two-years-out-of-date dry
buttermilk I gave him to use? They only put those dates on products so you buy
more. Right? Buttermilk is nothing more than sour milk, so what can go wrong
with a can nestled in my refrigerator for several years?</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>As I scooped them into the wastebasket, Bill said, “At
least save a few to eat with coffee. That might help the taste.”</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We are now in our 61<sup>st</sup> year of marriage. For
Valentine’s Day, I’d like to share some ideas with you young ‘uns about what
has kept our love light burning through the centuries . . . in spite of sour
buttermilk.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We learned to rely on each other. We both graduated
college at the same time, and we had married a year earlier. The first place we
interviewed for teaching jobs said because we might have differences and
students might sense tension, they wouldn’t hire us.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the superintendent of
schools from Alexandria, Virginia, came to Bloomsburg State College to
interview. He said our marriage would be no problem. We wouldn’t see each
other. I taught at a high school, and Bill taught in a trailer outside an
eighth grade school with 800 students.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Immediately after we graduated,
we loaded our car with those wonderful wedding gifts and off we went, three
hours from home, to teach summer school. So those first years of marriage we
couldn’t go running home to mama when we had a spat. We, who grew up in a rural
area, were alone in a big city with one car. You bet, we learned to rely on
each other.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We learned to allow separate interests and find similar ones.
Bill likes hunting, sports and woodworking. I like to read and write. But we
sit side-by-side to solve jigsaw and Sudoku puzzles.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We learned to give each other space and grace. When we’re
pursuing our separate interests, we like to be alone. But if Bill “visits” my
office when I’m writing, that’s fine too. And vice versa, if I interrupt his
woodworking.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We learned to help each other out. I help him find things
in the refrigerator. He finds everything I lose, even the back of an earring in
a cardboard newspaper box in the garage—months after I lost it.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We learned to rub our feet and walk on when we stepped on
each other’s toes.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We learned not to criticize each other for mistakes (see
opening story).</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>I learned I am not always right (see opening story).</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>I treasure the pendant Bill gave me for my last birthday.
The engraving on the back reads: Shirley, I loved you then, I love you still. I
always have, I always will. William.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>We’ve learned to treasure each day the Lord gives us.
Life becomes more fragile as you age, and suddenly heaven awaits. But you want
to see grandchildren marry and cuddle great-grandchildren. You want to write
another book, build another birdhouse. There’s always something that makes you
want to live on. And that’s good. But we know life’s going to end.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>So we do our best to leave a legacy of grace and faith,
and we wish the same for you.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>Happy Valentine’s Day!</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-30395798354550306742022-01-21T20:41:00.000-05:002022-01-21T20:41:45.531-05:00Are You Stalled Because of Overload?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5SQ65ZEhnu3tSugZThWOVvwMbkzr0oou33tpWY67DyqhkDpz8d9Ci03GvmxpnHIiMgQMjoF4ZFGBhJXdrCgZ9tx_3jNCGg29w3ziDPjzqdtRceupiWvl_UA1YnQULgu1gUmMp-qLkffGHjO_vxKRED-xOIr38b4bevxEPARpD-24WVBwM1qoEhIXj=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5SQ65ZEhnu3tSugZThWOVvwMbkzr0oou33tpWY67DyqhkDpz8d9Ci03GvmxpnHIiMgQMjoF4ZFGBhJXdrCgZ9tx_3jNCGg29w3ziDPjzqdtRceupiWvl_UA1YnQULgu1gUmMp-qLkffGHjO_vxKRED-xOIr38b4bevxEPARpD-24WVBwM1qoEhIXj=w204-h271" width="204" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do
you ever feel overwhelmed? I do. And I suspect you do too. Especially if you’re
a young mother and picking up after kids never ends. Especially if you work
outside the home and caught between raising kids and caring for parents.
Especially if you are older and can no longer care for yourself, your spouse
and your home.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
of the things that overwhelms me is the diet my husband’s health requires. There
are too many details to remember. He may eat graham crackers . . . and
doughnuts. But he may not have pumpkin pie. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">He may have canned peaches but not fresh
peaches. Besides that, my husband has no appetite. Except for pumpkin pie and
fresh peaches. Well, not really. But pretty close. This all overwhelms me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Both
my husband and I have health conditions that limit the amount of work we can do;
therefore, cleaning defeats me. I cannot vacuum the bedroom, kitchen, dining
room, living room and sunporch in one session. So I don’t vacuum at all. I
cannot wipe down the kitchen cabinets in one session, so I don’t wipe them down
at all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
demands of Christianity sometimes defeat me. I read a devotion on being kind, hear
a Sunday school lesson on prayer and listen to a sermon on watching your tongue.
I can’t possibly remember to do all three, so I just forget about them all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">How
can we do better?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">First,
we may need to change our attitudes. Just because we can’t do it all, doesn’t
mean we can’t do any of it. Lowly pansies are as pretty as big showy zinnias.
And accomplishing one small task feels as good as accomplishing one large one.
And in time, the small tasks add up to a large one. With a little planning and God’s
help, we can accomplish our goals.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
may also seek and accept help. A dietician is available for consultation
regarding my husband’s diet. I can ask why it is that along with unsalted
pretzels and graham crackers, my husband may eat doughnuts. And may he eat all
kinds of doughnuts—cream filled, raised, glazed or his favorite—iced with
coconut and a cherry on top? If we need help to clean the house, we can train
children (and husbands) to pitch in. Or we may utilize a cleaning service.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
can take charge of our schedules, instead of letting the hours and days and
weeks slip by. In my case, I need to plan small tasks in manageable time periods.
This morning I will vacuum the living room and sun porch. Period. With my
husband’s input, I will plan one day or even one meal around the diet plan rather
than try to plan forever-after.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And
finally, we can pick and choose. Of the spiritual input I receive, there are
always some areas of my life that need more attention than others. I can ask
God where my focus needs to be. God never expects us to do life without Him. That’s
why He sent His Holy Spirit to be with us. And in all these areas, God will
help and direct me: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength”
(Philippians 4:13 NIV).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">So
let’s say our prayers and go to bed with a clear conscience. We may not have
done all we would, but we have done all we could. And that is all God asks of
us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7129801517968334282.post-40918163897775569002021-12-17T10:31:00.000-05:002021-12-17T10:31:14.088-05:00Be Careful Little Eyes How You Read<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgftlpF9hN0uRQ3itGrzlZ9bYgrxos8jQLmY6dhhYZXMlRLa1a8Lg1jEhHYirehbCp5amLAtc-SQ3ydCio2qapuyNr_hmKRG-nKFI768FV6jmoLD77jHIanUdbPSzpcCTiZBeahxvbL6FGaKvWkTM9EAU_L4XJbJey03z-JwrgzBfxSirMyMQHDega6=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgftlpF9hN0uRQ3itGrzlZ9bYgrxos8jQLmY6dhhYZXMlRLa1a8Lg1jEhHYirehbCp5amLAtc-SQ3ydCio2qapuyNr_hmKRG-nKFI768FV6jmoLD77jHIanUdbPSzpcCTiZBeahxvbL6FGaKvWkTM9EAU_L4XJbJey03z-JwrgzBfxSirMyMQHDega6=w116-h155" width="116" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv0ATXr-UEimnSzpJP3zrW8qXUGJ7f7m6Rn_5d1wc_LD8ERlesbk5xZpDTaTG6YVxwJ3Z6eoeZtSzjx68QBqPjwYcc_uyun5k9uNJm4TCtCtGs5ohN74bxrtX3GUb8StbJfaWW0J0eKJRyUenm15qVxfY-msuHyTU5ujIrwiCK-tUFWbTJXOuYrtck=s320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhv0ATXr-UEimnSzpJP3zrW8qXUGJ7f7m6Rn_5d1wc_LD8ERlesbk5xZpDTaTG6YVxwJ3Z6eoeZtSzjx68QBqPjwYcc_uyun5k9uNJm4TCtCtGs5ohN74bxrtX3GUb8StbJfaWW0J0eKJRyUenm15qVxfY-msuHyTU5ujIrwiCK-tUFWbTJXOuYrtck=w109-h144" width="109" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Because
of my husband’s illness, we bought an oximeter, a gadget you snap onto your
finger to read your oxygen level. My husband’s level read 90. I then clipped the
oximeter onto my own finger and looked down. It showed 86. (Read the top number in first photo and bottom number in the second.)</span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> T</o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">hat alarmed me. I had heard anything below 89 was cause to head to the emergency
room. But I felt fine, so I decided just to keep tabs on it. An hour later, I
had the same oxygen level. But that afternoon when I checked it, instead of
looking down at the back of my open hand to read the device, I turned my hand
over and folded my fingers back toward me. And my level was 98.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What
I was reading as 86 was actually 98. I had been reading the oximeter upside
down.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">And
we may misread scripture as well. We live in the 21</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> century,
reading Scripture written almost two millenniums earlier in a very different
culture. And we read with finite minds, while God, the Author, is an Infinite
Being.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="text"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“For my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares
the </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">” (Isaiah
55:8).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some
common misconceptions about interpreting Scripture exist. But we can compare
Scripture to Scripture, consult online commentaries and discuss our questions
with pastors, Sunday school teachers and mature Christians.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
one thing, we may interpret having the abundant life Jesus spoke of as being healthy,
wealthy and smart. But we must always look at the whole of Scripture. Jesus also
said that in this life we will have trouble. But even then we experience the
abundant life because He has overcome the world (John 16:33) and He walks with
us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Early
Christians suffered persecution, yet they rejoiced they had been “counted
worthy of suffering disgrace for the name” (Acts 5:41). God uses struggles to
build character, and we encourage others as we share how God helped us through our
personal struggles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many
men and women have given their very lives for the cause of the gospel. Stephen
was stoned to death. Paul and others were imprisoned and many, if not all, of
the disciples became martyrs. Hardly living the “healthy, wealthy and smart” life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The
blood of the martyr is the seed of the church” is attributed to Tertullian, an
early Christian author. Rather than put an end to the spread of the gospel, the
death of martyrs inspired others to take their places, and the church grew. God
uses even evil for good.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Another
way we misread Scripture is to think that because “slaves” are mentioned, God approves
of slavery. But in those days, “slaves” were well treated and cared for, almost
as members of the household. Not so with slavery as we know it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then
there’s the issue of women. You might say Old Testament women were considered “second-class
citizens.” Men could divorce wives for most anything that displeased them.
Traditional Jewish rabbis started their day praying, “Blessed are you, Lord,
our God, ruler of the universe who has not created me a woman.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
New Testament times, Jesus respected and elevated the status of women by
including them in His ministry. He allowed Mary to sit at His feet for
teaching, and women traveled with Him. After His resurrection, He appeared
first to a woman.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">However,
since Paul said women should be “submissive” (1 Corinthians 16:16), some assume
women must accept ill treatment without refute. But Paul may have been using
sarcasm to correct a problem of the Corinthian church where women distracted
from sermons by calling out questions.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> These examples show that j</o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">ust
like my incorrect reading of my oximeter, I may misread Scripture as well. </span><span class="text" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background: white;">From the comfort of my
easy chair, I may think the gospel is about me inviting God into my world so
that I can enjoy the good life. But the more I read, it’s really about God
inviting me to get out of my easy chair to join Him in His work. But first, I
must properly understand His Word.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
need the whole of scripture to inform our faith instead of picking and choosing
verses that suit our purposes. When we all get to heaven, we may be surprised
at the many ways we drew wrong conclusions here on earth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p></p>Shirley Brosiushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13367249810380595631noreply@blogger.com1