Memories

Blessings from God – 100 Followers (Plus 3?)

/ Bill Jones / 6 Comments
They seem to be watching for something.

They seem to be watching for something.

I thank the Lord and all of you out there who follow this blog. We reached a milestone of 100 followers last week. It is humbling to think there are that many people who went through the time and effort to sign up – and many who regularly read the posts, view the photos, and “like” or comment.

I’ve been extra busy with work these days so I haven’t posted much. I am trying to take some photos for future use, and it will soon be time to start the gardening stuff. Perhaps the Lord will bless it like He did last year.

Like several of you, I hope to self publish a book in the next few months. Most of it will be stories I’ve written over the last 5 or 6 years. I’ve posted some on the blog, but most haven’t been on here.

Like the sparrows above, it seems we’re all watching for something. I pray that whatever we see, it will be to the glory of God.

Making Sense of Christmas

/ Bill Jones / 12 Comments
Birth of Jesus Matthew 2:1

Birth of Jesus Matthew 2:1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

(This post is part of the ChristianWriters.com blog chain for December – The theme is Christmas sense(s))

I struggle at times making sense of Christmas. Why did the God of Creation leave Heaven and come to earth – especially as a baby?

Then, at some time in the season, God blesses me with a glimpse of clarity. Last year, as it has often been in past years, it was our church’s Christmas Cantata. The theme was “Peace” – the peace from God, peace with God, the peace of God. It was a beautiful, focused hour of worship, with Scripture, meditations, and songs celebrating the birth of Jesus. The Son of God became a man and dwelt among us – and His life, death, and resurrection redeemed us and brought us peace.

The songs spoke of that redemption and that peace: “Bring the hour that banished sadness, brought redemption down to earth” (Stars of Glory). “Hail, thou ever blessed morn. Hail, redemption’s happy dawn (See Amid the Winter Snow). “The Prince of Peace has come, rejoice and sing Noel!” (Watchman).

The reading of Isaiah 53:5 reminded us that our peace came at a high price. “But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” ESV

The sorrow came later in His life on earth, but, on that first Christmas night long ago, there was rejoicing because the promised and long awaited Messiah had come. And, on the night of our cantata, the voice of a child reading the story brought tears to my eyes as the truth was revealed once more:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  Luke 2:8-14 KJV

Peace, as man defines it, will not occur – no matter how hard we try. However, peace, as defined by God, has been accomplished through that baby born in Bethlehem – and He is Jesus the Christ. I still can’t make sense of it all – but I do greatly rejoice in it!

“Infant holy, Infant lowly…Christ the Babe is Lord of All.” (Infant Holy, Infant Lowly)

Heirlooms – Inherited Estates Aren’t Always Good, but can be Wonderful

/ Bill Jones / 30 Comments
Son of God, Son of Man

Son of God, Son of Man (Photo credit: pmarkham)

I was sidetracked from my “heirloom” blog this week. On Tuesday, I went to the ER with chest pains and by the end of the day had a heart cath performed and a stent put in. The Lord had put me in the right place at the right time – 2 blocks from the hospital – and has been with me, and sent me home yesterday. So grateful for His care!

I did have some time to think about the blog, though – As others have written, an heirloom is “A valued possession passed down in a family through succeeding generations. Or, an article of personal property included in an inherited estate.”

My father died from a heart attack when he was 63 (I’m 60), so some of my problem most likely was passed down through generations. It certainly isn’t a “valued possession”, and not technically property, but you can say it was included in an “inherited estate”.

I have another ancestor who gave me an inherited estate – Adam. His sin has passed down through all human generations. I was born a sinner, and am still a sinner.

But, praise God, I’m a sinner saved by grace – because my inherited estate (heirloom) is now as a child of God.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:14-17 NKJV

Please check out the other “heirloom” blogs from the ChristianWriters.com blog chain, on the appropriate dates in the list on the right.

Blessings from God – Memories and Hope

/ Bill Jones / 6 Comments

Garden Shot

It wasn’t that many months ago – and, it doesn’t look like this now. But, it was a wonderful blessing while it lasted and now I can look forward to next year. That’s the way our God is – we can look forward to blessings because He has provided in the past – and will continue.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalms 90:1-2