Where Have All The Years Gone?

My, where have all the years gone?? Today is my darling eldest daughter, Sonia's 36th birthday! I remember the five hour labour, her little red face on my tummy staring at me in awe with a "where am I?" look on her tiny face! I remember them taking her to get washed and weighed and how I ached to hold her longer!

Was it 36 years ago that I unwrapped the tiny dolly for the first time and checked out her little fingers and toes? -and marveled at the beauty of the gift God had given me whilst watching her little banana top curl pulsate over her fontanel? Such beauty and perfection in a neat little 18" long x 5lbs 15oz package!

Was it 32 years ago that I made a cubby house for her with an old blanket tied to the rails of my back porch steps? I can still see her setting up her dollies and teapots and making me a cup of tea! And hear her cries as her brother played Superman and jumped on top of her!

Surely it hasn't been 30 years since I took her to school that first day where she cried and I crouched under the classroom window waiting for her to stop before I could go home in peace-and not rush in and cry with her and rush her home with me!

It hasn't been 20 years since I watched her make her debut and curtsy gracefully in her grandmother's beautiful lace and satin wedding dress! Surely not- it was only yesterday- my heart says it was yesterday- my head says not! For I see her in her own two children now- and I ask myself again, where have all the years gone?

And as I kissed her for her birthday, I found a lump had formed in my throat- I am getting old. And she is starting to ask for the first time that age old question- where have all the years gone?

Blessings,

A Happy Ending

You may remember a previous post about a neglected little boy who miraculously was given to his father to bring up. I recently had afternoon tea with my friend who told me some wonderful news. Her nephew has become a father! Not so amazing! you say? But it is...

Five years ago, D her nephew, underwent surgery to remove testicular cancer. He had follow up chemotherapy, but first some of his semen was frozen because the chemo can kill off the sperm and D was only 21 years old. In the fullness of time, he probably would like to become a father.

A couple of years ago, D met and moved in with a girl who my friend really likes and she recently has given birth to a baby girl. D didn't even need medical help: God granted him the ability to produce sperm with just the one testical.

My friend reports that D is very in love with his partner and his baby girl and is in remission with his cancer!

I praise God for ordaining such a happy ending to this post. An ending for our post, but a new beginning for D! Thank You, Lord!

Blessings,



I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son...Therefore Sarah laughed within herself saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure...And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh...Is anything too hard for the Lord? Genesis 18:10-14

Confessions Of A Tired Housewife

As you probably know from my previous post, I am trying to cope with heart problems, fibromyalgia and back problems. That should be enough to cope with, but added to that, we have moved house this last week. I am totally exhausted!

Furthermore, as I packed stuff and cleaned the house we were vacating, I was appalled at how dirty our home had become! In fact, I cried! I would be totally ashamed to sit at my kitchen table to share a cuppa with you with the state it has gotten in. As I scrubbed my stove top and cleaned my oven, it occurred to me that I had no right writing posts about homemaking when my home was so dirty! This realisation coupled with fatigue sent me in a downward spiral which the Evil One was only too happy to escort me to. Feeling a hypocrite, I deleted this blog yet again!

Seeking to refresh my lagging spirits, I listened to the Word on CD as I cleaned and I cried out to the LORD. Literally cried. Although I felt no physical refreshment, the Word ministered to my spirit. I felt amazingly and unconditionally loved and I can't say I heard the LORD, but I did receive a definite feeling of understanding and compassion in my spirit. This came as 'self-talk' but it was not from my self. You just know when God has spoken to your spirit. He always encourages you even when chastising, and even in chastisement, there is always a way out and a hope! This never comes from the Evil One!

I felt that I was being too hard on myself, given the circumstances of my ill health. I questioned if what I write is true, and it is. It is something that I aspire to, try to achieve and totally believe. The fact that I cannot achieve this at the moment is irrelevant. My heart and spirit are in the exhortations that I write. Therefore, I am not a hypocrite. You have got to believe me when I say that this ministered to me so much, that I felt a desire to restore my blog.

I am battling so many things right now. Including fear of the future, death, financial worries and pain. This move is to be with family. Hopefully sharing a home with them will help in a lot of areas I have shared with you. I do so desire you to uphold me in your prayers and not to think too badly of me as I confess these shortcomings to you.... if ever I am going to delete my blog, I give you my word that I will post a goodbye post to you before.

I am sorry that I have disappointed some of you with this confession and with deleting this blog without saying farewell..... sometimes things get on top of me! Thank you to those of you who are praying for me. Perhaps it was these prayers that have led me back here....


Blessings,



But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Hebrews 12:8

I Arose A Mother In Israel

Deborah

And [Deborah] sent and called Barak…and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. And she said, I will surely go with thee…Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel…I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel…The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel… Judges 4:6-9, 5:1-3,7

THE STORY IN THE PAINTING

In this painting, the prophetess, Deborah stops for a moment during her preparations to accompany the Israelite captain, Barak, and his troops to battle. Deborah knew that the Lord was ready to deliver the Israelites from the "mighty oppression" (see Judges 4:3) they had experienced because of the Canaanites. She shares the Lord’s promise with Barak that the Lord would "deliver [Sisera] into thine hand" (Judges 4:7).

This faithful "mother in Israel" shows her great faith by her willingness to rely on the word of the Lord, to put her faith into action by encouraging Barak to do as the Lord desires, and by praising the Lord in song after the Israelites achieve victory. She is an example of the kind of courage exemplified by many mothers who are willing, pioneer-like, to step into the wilderness of difficulty in order to guide those they love out from spiritual darkness by holding fast to the word of the Lord.

SYMBOLISM IN THE PAINTING

Deborah is not holding the sword because she is going to fight, but, instead, to symbolize the word of God. The Apostle Paul teaches, "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…" (Hebrews 4:12). She represents all who, in faith, use the word of the Lord and His promise of deliverance as the means of victory in the spiritual battles of life.

The mountains behind her are symbolic of both the challenges the Israelites face from their oppression as well as the tender mercies of our loving Father in Heaven. Isaiah declares, "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace by removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee" (Isaiah 54:10). As a covenant mother in Israel, Deborah is relying on the Lord’s promises that despite mortality’s rocky terrain of trials and thorns and thistles, He will never leave us comfortless (John 14:18).

Deborah’s clothing is loosely based on the costume seen in a figurine from about the time that the Israelites conquered Canaan. The artifact shows a woman with a simple head wrap and long, flowing fabrics from neck to foot (see Time Life,79). Deborah’s richly ornate and detailed costume also reminds the viewer of Isaiah’s invitation to Israel to, "Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments..." (Isaiah 52:1). Deborah’s choice to "arise" as a mother and judge in Israel, clothed her in the beauty of faith, courage, and devotion. I Arose A Mother In Israel by Elspeth Young

Blessings,

A Few Thoughts On Anger

I think anger is an inevitable emotion we all feel when faced with certain situations in our lives. It is sometimes a good springboard for learning what pushes our personal buttons and can be a useful tool in disciplining or harnessing an angry or aggressive personality. If we can teach ourselves to question why we are feeling angry then we can usually see that it is something that has sparked the selfishness in our human nature.

It can be vanity too that makes us angry. Once we have acknowledged the anger and worked out the root cause of it, we can often learn to dissipate it by turning to prayer. Often we need to forgive others or seek forgiveness. If we know that anger is not motivated by selfishness or vanity, we can then act on it by working out an answer by approaching the person or situation, and by being proactive instead of reactive.

Taming anger and recognising its root cause is going to take a lot of patience and self-control. A lot of prayer and forgiveness too. And a lot of soul-searching. But in my experience, it sure beats high blood pressure, churning stomach and acidity and arthritis, and other health problems caused through constant anger- repressed or acted out. It makes life more enjoyable too.

I honestly feel from my own life experiences that generally no-one MAKES you angry- you make yourself angry! And in the times when someone truly angers you and you can't help but react, I feel the only way to work through this is to turn to God and pray through it. Anger is worth working out- the results of not doing that is death to health, peace and relationships.

Blessings,



[He that is] slow to anger [is] better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than hethat taketh a city. Proverbs 16:32

The Twelve Days Of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: salvation full and free.

On the second day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the third day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fourth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: love for all men, Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fifth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the sixth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me; power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the seventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eighth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the ninth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the tenth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: eternity to praise, a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free. by - Carroll Roberson


Blessings,

A Letter To Divorcees Remarrying...

As most of you already know, I am a re-married woman after a divorce from a violence-filled 25 year marriage. In my new marriage we have 6 adult children and 12 grandchildren between us. This can make for lots of misunderstandings when a new marriage takes place.

This discussion is not to debate the theological issues or fault-finding. It is to encourage you in making a truly fresh start as you seek to blend not only your lives, but that of any children of previous marriages. So here a few thoughts that come to mind.

Try not to fall into the trap of comparing former spouses or marriages. I think it is detrimental to the forming of a new family bond to liken your new marriage with your past one or to compare habits, lifestyle etc. Woe be to the spouse who voices an unfavourable comparison to his/her spouse- that is a powder keg of gunpowder in a new marriage!

Make a pact before the marriage where there are his and her children to treat them all equitably and restrain from making comparisons between yours and theirs.

It is critical to the new marriage and family that past issues have been discussed and sorted out if possible. Never in the heat of an argument should it be said that "you sound just like he/she did!" This is a whole new ball game!

Resolve to keep the priorities of a Christian home as they should be:

God
Husband
Wife
Children
Home
Church

Do not enlist your children as back up should an argument arise! They are no longer part of the former marriage but should be included into the new marriage as children of that marriage and not used as ammunition or cover.

Keep unkind comments about the other spouse's children, ex-spouse and family to yourself- it is counter-productive to the peace of your new marriage to drag that up.

Concentrate on fostering a peaceful home for the nurturing of children who are undergoing the test of a life-time and try to see the situation through their eyes. They probably are grieving over the loss of their dream of Mum and Dad getting back together. Be understanding and compassionate.

Even if you cannot in all honesty say you love them as your own, show your step-children Christ-like love and compassion and guide them towards acceptance of this new situation.

Remember that some things will trigger a flash back for you or your spouse from the previous marriage and try to be forgiving and understanding of them or yourself.

Above all, make Christ the Head of your home and marriage and commit this marriage into His keeping. Remember the reasons for the first marriage's demise and try to learn from it so as not to repeat any mistakes of the past.

Ask forgiveness from the LORD for any fault of your own and then move on to a new life of faith and forgiveness, resolving to make this marriage and new family solid on the firm foundation of Christ and His peace and love, and particularly, of His forgiveness and grace.


Blessings,



Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

The Trial Of Faith

Ruth and Orpah

…verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence...and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20

THE STORY IN THE PAINTING

This painting depicts Naomi's widowed daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, as they prepare to depart Moab after the death of their respective husbands. Though both girls initially decide to follow Naomi to the land of Judah, Orpah heeds Naomi's persistent entrities that the two return to the land of their nativity. Orpah's descision to turn back cuts her off from the precious opportunities afforded Ruth, who endures the trial of her faith, refusing to leave Naomi in her time of need. Ruth is "steadfastly minded to go with [Naomi]" (Ruth 1:18) and completes the journey to Beth-lehem, willingly accepting the suffering and privations of Naomi's life of poverty. Because of Ruth's faithfulness and virtue "full reward [is] given [her] of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings [she had] come to trust" (Ruth 2:12) and she was privileged to be among the ancestors of the Savior of the world.

Note: Some may wonder at the youth of the girls depicted in the painting, but the scriptural narrative refers to Ruth as a "damsel" (Ruth 2:6) and a "young woman" (Ruth 4:12). Both words are derived from the Hebrew word "naarah," denoting a girl between infancy and adolescence (Strong 79).

SYMBOLISM OR SIGNIFICANT ELEMENTS IN THE PAINTING

RUTH (pictured right)

The viewer sees the artist's interpretation of the differences between the two girls' decisions: Ruth's steadfastness to the God of Israel allows her to completely divorce herself from her previous, familiar circumstances and way of life and, instead, "come unto a people which [she] knewest not" (Ruth 2:11). She leaves her previous religious beliefs and culture behind and trusts in the Lord whom she has come to trust. That willingness to accept the trial of her faith and step into the uncertainty of her future life with Naomi is represented in this image through the visual darkness which surrounds the figure. Indeed, Ruth seems more distant from the viewer than Orpah, as though she is already separating herself from Orpah's decision to turn homeward.

Ruth's willingness to "lose" her life for the Lord's sake (see Luke 9:24) allows the Lord to endow her with eternal blessings. This principle is represented in the image by the enveloping golden robe she wears, simple compared to Orpah's finery, but more rich in the material itself and not outwardly showy, symbolic of the "robe of righteousness". Her jewelry reminds the viewer of the Lord's words to Malachi, that those that fear Him “shall be [the Lord's] in that day when [He makes] up [His] jewels” (Malachi 3:17). Ruth's future abundant blessings from the hand of the Lord are represented by the large bunch of grains lying before her. Included among the grains are barley, the grain Ruth is willing to glean from Boaz' fields, and millet, a grain also grown anciently (Woods 42).

ORPAH (pictured left)

Orpah, on the other hand, is not firm in her decision to follow after Naomi and is content to go "back to her people, and unto her gods" (Ruth 1:15). Like Lot's wife, Orpah "looked back" (see Genesis 19:26) to her familiar past and shut herself out from the rich blessings made possible for all those who "trust in the Lord will all [their] heart; and lean not unto [their] own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Therfore, the artist depicts her surrounded with the culture of her past, decked in her dowry (the gold coins encircling her forehead) and ornately embellished clothing, clinging to Ruth's hand instead of distancing herself, like Ruth, from her past using faith to give her courage to face the future. Unlike Ruth's abundant sheath of grains, Orpah is separated from this abundance by an empty vessel which symbolizes the principle taught by the Savior Himself, that "whomsoever will save his life shall lose it" (Luke 9;24) and that "whomsoever receiveth, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance; but whomsoever continueth not to receive, from him shall be taken away even that he hath" (Matthew 13:12 JST added). The Trial Of Faith by Elspeth Young

Blessings,

Have A Merry Christmas!

!

Twas
the month
before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.* *See the PC Police had
Taken away,* The reason for Christmas - no one
could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.* *It
might hurt people's feelings, the teachers say* December 25th is
just a ' Holiday '.* Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks
and credit* Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!* *CDs from
Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod* Something was changing, something
quite odd!* Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa* In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.* As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*At Lowe'sthe word Christmas - was no where to be found.* *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.* Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*Are words that were used to intimidate me.* *Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen* *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !**At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter* To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.* And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace* The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded* he reason for the season, stopped before it started. * So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'* Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.* *Choose your words carefully, choose what you say* *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS , not Happy Holiday ! Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet
during the holidays a
*
*
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason
for the Christ-mas
Season!

Blessings,

Some Ways We Live Frugally

We are living on a very meager income. By working out our expenses very carefully and following a strict budget, we find we are living reasonably well. We use the Money 2000 program by Microsoft Works Suite and follow that to the letter. By working together on the program we find we can manage quite well. It all comes down to cutting our cloth accordingly and being united in our financial goals. Chris as the head of the home has the final say in these matters but we always work in mutual consultation because he values my frugality

We usually use the lay-by (or lay-away) plan to buy things such as clothes and occasionally I buy dresses at thrift stores. For Christmas, Easter and birthday presents, we shop at the $2 stores and limit the gift spending to $10 a person. We usually buy the gifts in advance when we see a special and have usually been able to get a present for $10 that looks like it cost a lot more. (I do so love a bargain!)

Food shopping is done once a fortnight and I try to buy just what is on my list. I cook from scratch most nights. We limit our purchases on credit cards to the ones where you pay back all the balance before 55 days without incurring any interest. If we go out, we try to cram in as much shopping or visiting that we can to save on fuel. And I always look at the catalogues for food specials and get them. We have found that with careful planning and spending, we can live a 'rich' life on very little and we are content. So our advice would be plan, plan and plan ahead.


Blessings,

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Proverbs 30:8

And He Shall Direct Your Paths

Lois

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice... 2 Timothy 1:5

…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

THE STORY IN THE PAINTING

Paul praises Lois in his epistle to her grandson, Timothy, as one in whom dwells "unfeigned faith" (see 2 Timothy 1:5). Unfeigned means true or genuine, and it is this kind of constant, abiding faith which the painting seeks to inspire. Lois' faith influenced not only her own life, but the lives of her posterity. Paul indicates that the faith which Timothy possessed "dwelt first" in his mother and grandmother, from which we may understand that they inspired a legacy of faith. Lois' faith endures in the lives of those within her sphere of influence.

SYMBOLISM IN THE PAINTING

True faith is trust in the Lord and His commandments; trust in His "straight and narrow path" for each of us. Such faith embraces the word of the Lord as revealed through the Holy scriptures.

The stairway behind the figure signifies this path of faith. In Proverbs we read that those who trust in the Lord and rely fully on His wisdom, and not their own understanding, will be directed in all their paths. The path of faith, referred to in scripture as a "straight and narrow path" (Matthew 7:14) always leads upward to higher ground. Likewise, within this image, the staircase beyond the figure beckons the viewer's attention upward. But this path is not always perfectly clear to us at the outset of our journey, nor even during that journey.

There are times of trial and testing; times when we must put our hand in the Lord's and trust to His guiding influence. Hence, the path beyond Lois is distinct and well-lit at some portions, but not at others. However, notwithstanding the darkness surrounding her, she is completely in the light. Within this piece, the light is symbolic of the Savior who is the Light of the World. Here, that light enlivens the countenance of Lois.

Though not every stair tread is visible, the destination above the stairway symbolizes the way of faith. Lois' gaze is content and serene, indicating her trust in the Lord and His promises. Like Sarah and Abraham, she "judged him faithful who had promised" (Hebrews 11:11) and was willing to put her "hand into the hand of God" knowing that it would be "better than a light and safer than a known way" (In "The Gate of the Year," The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, 2nd ed. (1953), 239.) And He Shall Direct Thy Paths by Elspeth Young

Blessings,

Clinging To Jesus And Asking For Prayer

I have posted this before and then deleted it because it seems that I am always ill and/or asking for prayer. But the sad fact is, it is true! As you know, I battle with ongoing heart problems as well as other health issues. Recently coming from my heart surgeon is the news that all is not well with my heart and I may *possibly* be facing open heart bypass surgery in the New Year. The prospect frightens me as I loathe hospitals and fear more surgeries.... in fact, I am in two minds as to whether I will have the surgery if required..however, that is another matter to dwell and pray on....

My life style doesn't change much whether in extremis or not, but here is the plan for my coping with this. I plan to:-

* Cling to Jesus

* Ask for prayer

* Avoid as much stress as possible

* Use Sylvias' Lists to keep my home in order

* Put my house in order- literally

* Keep up this blog

* Try to keep my sugars down and lose weight

If I don't get around to answering all your precious comments, please don't be offended! Computer time is limited due to excessive swelling of my feet and hands. I still read and appreciate every comment!

I was told that the diabetes has played havoc with my heart and that I now have the heart of a 75 year old. I am 56!

If you feel so inclined, please pray for and with me. Please pray specifically that I don't have early congestive heart failure or anything else that requires surgical intervention or even another angiogram. Thanks so much, my friends..

Blessings,




Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34

Let's Hear It For Housework!

"What really does work to increase the feeling of having a home and its comforts is housekeeping. Housekeeping creates cleanliness, order, regularity, beauty, the conditions for health and safety, and a good place to do and feel all the things you wish and need to do and feel in your home.

Whether you live alone or with a spouse, parents, and ten children, it is your housekeeping that makes your home alive, that turns it into a small society in its own right, a vital place with its own ways and rhythms, the place where you can be more yourself than you can be anywhere else." Cheryl Mendelson, Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House

Blessings,




She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness

I have a vivid imagination and I love looking at artwork. Sometimes the works just speak to my soul, as is the case with the above artwork called The Invitation by Danny Hahlbolm .

The beauty of the table at the Marriage Supper Of The Bride Of Christ spoke to me. The beautiful china, glasses and cutlery, the immaculate table cloth, the perfectly set table thrilled my soul and tantalised my imagination....

As I gazed at the picture, I wondered how we would have reacted if the table hadn't been set properly- you know, like we sometimes do at home? Would a spotted and wrinkled table cloth have the power to draw us into thoughts of heaven and our marriage supper with Christ? How about spots on the glasses and coffee stains in the cups? Honestly, I think it would be a turn off! I think a less than perfect table and setting would be dishonouring to God.... for like it or not, housekeeping does reflect on the home keeper, for better or worse.

There is an old proverb that says that cleanliness is next to godliness...and I think to a certain extent that that is true.... We should endeavour to have our homes clean and comfortable for they not only reflect on ourselves, but also they point to our heart and faith....

A bit extreme! you say? I don't think so. If we are honest with ourselves, don't we silently think less of a woman who lives in filth or dirt? And when that woman is a Christian, don't we wonder about her relationship with Christ if she cannot fulfill her obligations as a homemaker? I know this to be true, because just such a woman once hosted a Bible Class morning with her home almost making us retch as we sat amongst her doggy smelling carpet and armchairs full of dog fur. Not to mention the kitty litter tray wafting its reek from the nearby laundry.

Offering to help her was not an option as this woman had been helped repeatedly by Sisters in her cell group, but never kept up the good work that the Sisters did. She was too busy reading books- Christian books at that. I believe that this showed a lack of discipline and also a rebellion in doing something she did not want to do: in this case, her housework. My poor Sisters were left feeling slightly used and annoyed. They had cleaned the house a week ago and it should still have been reasonably clean.....

Cleanliness is something we all take for granted....and it is something that isn't noticed until we neglect it. But because cleanliness is symptomatic of our heart attitude and efforts, it also reflects on our walk with the LORD. Cleanliness is next to godliness and reflects on God and us. Let's try to keep our homes and ourselves clean enough to not bring shame on us and dishonour to God!

Blessings,



Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. Isaiah 52:11

The Protector

Shiphrah

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. Exodus 1:17

THE STORY IN THE PAINTING

Shiphrah and Puah were midwives among the Hebrews during the time of Moses. Pharaoh commanded these women to slay at birth the male children born to the Hebrews. Shiphrah and Puah, as recounted in Exodus 1, secretly refused to carry out the edict. In this painting, Shiphrah is a solitary figure surrounded not only by darkness, but by the loneliness in which an act of courage cloaks an individual. She holds a newborn babe, protecting the child from fear, darkness, and death. Her quiet caress enfolds the babe in love and hope, despite the void in which she and the child appear.

The scriptural account tells us that Shiphrah made the decision to defy Pharaoh because she feared God. Proverbs 14:26 tells us that "fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have place of refuge." It is this confidence, borne of faith, that gives Shiphrah the courage to defy Pharaoh. Her righteousness in this moment, which surely tested her character and faithfulness, results in the Lord blessing she and Puah with "houses" (Exodus 1:21). Just as the Savior promises that He will "prepare a place" for His disciples (see John 14:2), a "place" was provided for these noble women because of their courage.

SYMBOLISM IN THE PAINTING

Light in the image does not come from anything the viewer can see. Consequently, as far as the viewer is concerned, the light could emanate from a candle or a lamp, or perhaps from a protective Providence. For just as Shiphrah holds the infant safe in the midst of peril, so it is Providence that stands in the void to light such unseen acts of quiet courage.

The almost minimalist treatment of Shiphrah's costume and adornment lends to the emphasis on her act of courage, rather than herself. The viewer's eye is drawn directly to the child and Shiphrah's tender expression, rather than to her appearance. Both midwife and child are bathed in a warm, ochre light, rather than a pale or silvery light, symbolizing the watchful eye of the Lord and the rewards he had in store for these righteous women.

Blessings,