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The Wonder of Being

Finally

Together with the others who meet here, I remain deeply moved by the stories of Steve, Matt, Nyekis,  and all who can identify with the God who is with us through our break downs.

Caught this picture a couple of days ago after thinking that winter was never going to show up. Around the 10th of January we were still seeing no snow, balmy temperatures, and blue skies. The bulbs planted for Spring even started waking up.

Today the weather report is for rain, sleet, and snow.

Reminded by looking out the window, that even when it seems like nature’s calendar has broken down, the seasons do change. And in the middle of it all find myself overwhelmed once again simply by the wonder of being— anytime, anywhere, at all.

Amazing isn’t it, that sometimes when we are hurting, and afraid to face the day… we want out of here… only to be terrified by the thought of losing our chance to experience and finish the journey of walking by faith, to experience the grace, that reflects the greater wonder of the One who is with us– all of the time, and everywhere…on a calendar that he alone understands.

 


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48 Responses to “The Wonder of Being”

  1. SFDBWV says:

    Speaking of calendars, we always buy several from RBC and give them away to friends as Christmas gifts. Like Marts beautiful snow picture this morning, it is filled with such natural beauty and a very nice addition to the walls of our home.

    Not a commercial, just sharing a little more of our life with you all.

    Steve

  2. remarutho says:

    Good Morning Mart & Friends –

    Mart, you wrote:
    “…the journey of walking by faith, to experience the grace, that reflects the greater wonder of the One who is with us – all of the time, and everywhere…on a calendar that he alone understands.”

    My morning Scriptures include this gem:
    5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
    6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
    they make it a place of springs;
    the early rain also covers it with pools.
    7 They go from strength to strength;
    each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:5-7

    I am amazed — “Valley of Baca” being a valley of weeping in Hebrew — how does a place of tears become a place of springs!? What is it about this journey in Christ that changes the very character of the terrain? He walks in us – with us – guiding us – and as you say the great wonder of his presence makes his season prevail. We have always the water of life (John 7:38) as we travel day by day.

    Blessings,
    Maru

  3. SFDBWV says:

    Maru your comment this morning reminded me of Matthew 6: 24-34 whereby Jesus is telling us not to worry about the matters of life, that God is aware of every little detail and we are of value to Him.

    I say this because I like many of you have been in that valley of weeping, but have experienced a valley of springs in the midst of it as given in Psalms 23. All because when Christ appears even a funeral march can turn into a festival of life.

    Steve

  4. oneg2dblu says:

    Good morning all, hearing the telling of our lives shared by this ever common Valley of Baca and the Glorious Mountain of Faith we find in Christ, knowing God is “always there” giving us something to remain in Him, something that the rest of the world does not confess they have.
    His Spirit should collapse us all, just to know that all others go through that same valley of despair, but they do not see the same Mountain awaiting them. In Christ we have a Saviour, a helper, a friend, an ever constant living awareness of His Presence that compels us to Follow Him. He is the Only One who can bring us all from the same kneeling path of collapse and then raise us up even beyond ourselves, and onto His ever waiting Mountain. As Habakkuk’s prayer words ring within my soul, Habakkuk 3:19, “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” To Him who reigns in our hearts today, go All Glory, Honor, and Praise!

  5. remarutho says:

    Luther’s awesome hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (1529), comes to mind, the last verses especially:

    Tho’ devils all the world should fill,
    all eager to devour us,
    We tremble not, we fear no ill,
    They shall not over pow’r us.
    This world’s prince may still
    Scowl fierce as he will,
    He can harm us none,
    He’s judged; the deed is done;
    One little word can fell him.

    The Word they still shall let remain
    Nor any thanks have for it;
    He’s by our side upon the plain
    With His good gifts and Spirit.
    And take they our life,
    Goods, fame, child and wife,
    Let these all be gone,
    They yet have nothing won;
    The Kingdom ours remaineth. Amen.

    Almost 600 years old, Luther’s unshaken faith and hope still come through in A Mighty Fortress. Perhaps it is a grim song, but it increases my faith as I go out the door in the morning. Joy in the Lord is a force in the world. People are not the enemy. Even the darkness of death is defeated by resurrection life. (Eph 6:12)

    Maru

  6. narrowpathseeker says:

    Good Morning All…I am so thankful to God for Directing me to this site. May our Almighty Loving God Bless each and every one of you abundantly. I feel very strongly that God is going to Move soon in an exceptionally miraculous way for those of you with very heavy loads. I probably won’t return here until Thursday morning, but I wanted to thank all of you for sharing.

  7. remarutho says:

    Dear Mart & Friends —

    Wow, Oneg2dblu! Your transformation is like two persons! Thank-you for your Spirit-led post, truly.

    Blessings,
    Maru

  8. florida7sun says:

    “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18

    Many times I have found myself alone and at wit’s end; then the Spirit quickens me to sing praises to our Lord and Savior. Although He has never left my side, the prince of this world can smog our line of sight. Praise always clears the air around me. I am no longer held hostage by weariness or fear but come alive in His very presence.

    The Lord truly inhabits the praises of His people, as BTA contributors have testified.

    May the Lord richly bless you all, Ray

  9. poohpity says:

    Day 17—Genesis 16-18

    Isn’t it wonderful that God gave us all of the wonder and beauty of nature to enjoy and to see Him in and through it all. Gosh He must love us so much more than anything we can ever imagine.

  10. Rocky says:

    Greetings,

    It’s funny you mentioned that your weather has not been corresponding with the calendar, it’s been like that here in California as well, and today I woke up to 28F. Praise God!

    Many of you have heard me say that the worst thing that has ever happened to me was having my father die when I was 13y/o, and by the same token I can honestly say that the greatest thing that has ever happened to me was having my father die when I was 13y/o.

    I found my valley of springs within the valley of my weeping, Praise God! I believe that it not only has made a better man out of me, but it has allowed me to have an awesome relationship with my heavenly father that I might not have had otherwise, allowing me to share His love in a unique way with whom ever crosses my path.

    Rocky

  11. bubbles says:

    Yes, and like Rocky said above, God works ALL things together for good to them that love God and to them who are the called according to his purpose.

    God can take tragedy in our lives and help us see with compassionate eyes those who have had similar experiences. He can use us to care at a level others who have not experienced something cannot understand as deeply.

    I am also thankful that when we “want out of here”, God does not give us what we want at that particular time. He is so far beyond patient with us and He understands and knows us better than our own selves. I am thankful for his MERCY and forgiveness that I do not deserve.

  12. bubbles says:

    Oops. It’s been oddly and unseasonably warm here also. We had a heavy rain shower 2 hours ago that is similar to a summertime storm. The earth even smells like spring.

  13. yooperjack says:

    Mart: Maybe some are more terrified that Jesus is not the way, Satan is confusing many today. The letter below will go to the LTE in the news paper.

    We are made up of spirit, soul and body. My philosophy is: “It’s not how long I live it’s the quality of life while I am alive.” I have been given charge over my life by my Creator God. So when it’s my time to pass on to eternal life; let me do it with dignity.

    I think in today’s world very few people are able to die with dignity; that is naturally. When I was a kid people were born at home, died at home and their funeral was at home; with the smell of coffee brewing on the wood kitchen stove and the smell of sweet rolls in the oven.

    The reason I say die with dignity was you didn’t need good health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Money had nothing to do with it. There were no nursing homes. It breaks my heart to go to a nursing home and see some of those sick elderly folks. In those days family would take care of you till your time came then they would gather around and you could pass on with dignity.

    While I’m on the subject, how come so many Christians sing: “When we all get to Heaven, What day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.” Then they hang on to this life as if it’s an end all? You know what I think? Many Christians although they say: “When we all get to Heaven;” they may be like John the Baptist when he was in prison, he had doubt in his heart and asked Jesus through his friends, “Are you really the Messiah or should we look for another?” Read in the Bible what Jesus answer was to John the Baptist.

    When my quality of life is gone, I will stop all my heart medicines, no tubes, no magic machines that can keep my organs going, while I rot away. Just keep me comfortable, if I’m in pain give me those happy pills; that’s it.

    Keeping all these elderly people alive by artificial means when there is no hope for any kind of quality of life; is costing a fortune. And it’s not love and compassion but selfishness and greed that are the driving force behind it. We treat our animals with more respect. May God, forgive us.

  14. yooperjack says:

    Mart: See what I mean, Whooops!!!. I should have written: “Terrified that Jesus (may not) be the way.”

  15. Regina says:

    Good Evening All,
    Hope all is well with you. Wow!! Talk about the Wonder of Being! I’m thinking about the Wonder of Creation. That first picture (wintry day) is *BeAuTiFuL*, Mart! Like the 2nd picture too (both are very thought-provoking). Thanks for sharing.

    Cool temps in Texas today (61 high/40’s low).

    Love to all…

  16. poohpity says:

    Is it possible to enjoy this moment, this hour, this day for just what it is? Whether it is raining, snowing, cloudy or sunny to embrace it just for what it is right in the here and now.

    I think sometimes we want anything other than what we are experiencing in the present. I think that will eventually effect how we respond to others and I think we get really, really grumpy and short tempered. I’m wondering, as Paul said to do in Phil 4:8 NLT, if that would cause us to have a joy and peace that would be beyond measure. Or we could be like Phil 2:14 NLT and I bet no one would like to be around us.

    The wonder of being in the here and now would show God how grateful we are just to be in His presence and the awesome gift we have been given of a relationship with God.

  17. SFDBWV says:

    In an earlier time, I think, most people were too busy surviving to wonder too much about the philosophy of life. It was reserved for the older folks who no longer could get up every day and eke out a living sometimes working from sun up to sundown and getting a well deserved good nights sleep.

    Those who survived and passed along children were those who figured out a way to survive and worked themselves into an early grave. Seeing a better life in a heavenly realm where the brutal efforts of simply surviving were no longer an issue.

    The wonderful old hymn “Wayfaring Stranger” tells a tale of going to that bright place where there is no toil nor danger.

    We have tried to bring heaven to earth in making all of our lives easier and more enjoyed, but why aren’t we *happy*? Why do we look for more and more pleasure and more inventive ways to find it?

    We have gotten to a point as a society that we are now teaching our children to escape into imaginary worlds where there is no consequence for their actions, they can always have more *lives*. Sitting at a computer or some other device for hours while real life passes them by.

    It doesn’t take much thinking to realize that in a cataclysmic disaster people will have no way of knowing how to survive beyond their last can of soup or the last flashlight battery or last pint of gasoline.

    With the great advances of technology we live in a bubble that gets more fragile every day, and have given ourselves a longer life but without quality, because too often our lives are centered on us in an endless effort to be happy, yet never being satisfied.

    Snow this morning and back to winter once again, 25 degrees.

    Steve

  18. Rocky says:

    Bubbles, you took the words right out of my mouth exactly and thank you.

    yooperjack, you’re a funny man, but years ago I saw this movie on TV where the patient was on a life support system and was begging the Dr. to simply to disconnect the system because she was just in so much pain.

    The Dr. disconnected the machine & the rest of the movie was a court trial to determine if it was murder or mercy killing. At the end of the movie they found the Dr. not guilty of any wrongdoing.

    I cheered so loud, only to catch myself thinking what’s the difference between what this Dr. did and what Dr. Kevorkian was doing? That night I went to bed and I had this dream that the Lord was talking to me He was angry and saying:

    “You Hypocrites! How can they say, How can you take God into your own hands and remove the life support system, when those very people take God into their own hands and put the life support system on?”

    I have never questioned that again.

    Good morning have a great day

    Rocky

  19. yooperjack says:

    Steve: You are a thinking man for sure. You and I can remember when things were much simpler; we don’t like what is happening to our country and our world but thank God we can still get a little grumpy and write about it or speak out. Most young people don’t listen to the old timmers, we did the same when we were young.

    We have 11 degrees and 3 inches of snow.

  20. yooperjack says:

    Rocky: Most people want to die natureally but society and many times famly won’t let them go.

  21. yooperjack says:

    Rocky: I like your dream that statement is were the rubber hits the road. I’ll use that idea in my LTE, it is so true. “WOW”

  22. Bob in Cornwall England says:

    Just a note about the weather,
    2011, second mildest on record in the UK.
    Jauary 2012 already the mildest on record.
    Only two nights of frost so far this winter, one being last November and the other one last night.
    Warm again today at +11C (+52F) with nightime prediction of +9C
    Yet last winter was one of the coldest in the UK for years with three months of icey weather and snow.
    Very strange that the USA & Europe are both experiencing warm winters at the same time?

    Gary,
    Bless you my friend, God is so good in every way!

    Bob

  23. oneg2dblu says:

    Bob in corwall… back at you from across the Pond. :)
    Have a Blessed Day!

  24. mtman says:

    Decided to revisit this site after being away for a few years. I read Mart’s post – what I got from it is that the season’s change but are not always subject to our timetable. That it is a blessing from God to be alive each day and see the grand things that God has created for us to enjoy. Also how some people and their stories inspire his as they do me also. This says to me that life is not always fair but it is how we deal with it that counts.
    I also see how his excellent posts get taken out of context and move into quality of life issues and the calendar. Not much has changed since I stopped participating in this blog several years ago.
    I see the topic as a reminder to look on life new each day and rejoice in the fact you are alive and can still be in awe and wonder over what God has created.

  25. oneg2dblu says:

    Rocky… I once met a couple who said, “Nothing worse than having to cross that “Rocky Path!” Of course, they were not talking about running into you! LOL
    I met them on the Appellation Trail quite near the Northern Terminus as they were almost finished with their Honeymoon, which was hiking the entire trail. I and asked them what was the hardest point, the man immediately said, “It was crossing those rocky riverbeds in Pennsylvania, where he twisted his ankle, never seeming to get a good footing again.”
    She said, “It was the clouds of mosquitoes down South that drove them almost completely insane, and caused them to run for their lives, for what seemed miles.”
    I guess they were really blessed not to have come across that Rocky Path and the mosquitoes at the same time!
    Meeting me was not their high point however, that was in Steve’s neck of the woods, where around Mid-day they heard the sound of music, not the song, but the sound.
    Actually, it was their favorite Beethoven piece playing, as they continued around a bend in the trail they encountered a small picnic setting with a black & white checkered cloth, a bottle of Champagne on Ice and two glasses, and not a soul in sight!
    I believe if they had first run into Rocky’s Path, they would have definitely been thanking Our Loving God at that point… We all know that Love set that table for them that day. Who knows Love better, than He, who is Love itself?
    The Wonder of Being, as being in Love with Christ, definitely out runs all other possiblities, no matter what trail God has you currently on.

  26. poohpity says:

    Hey mtman it has been a while. Glad to see you are still “kicking around”. :-)

  27. poohpity says:

    Day 18–Genesis 19-21

    There seems to always be a silver lining when we clean our glasses and look for God’s mighty hand at work in the wonder of it all.

  28. oneg2dblu says:

    Appalachian Trail is what I wanted to type, but my phonetic fingers slip in. I’m still trying to control them, but on this rocky road I’m on right now, it sometimes is to no avail. :(

  29. remarutho says:

    Good Afternoon Mart & Friends –

    Mart, you wrote:

    “And in the middle of it all find myself overwhelmed once again simply by the wonder of being– anytime, anywhere, at all.”

    As I move to the shoulder of the road today to reflect and listen for the voice of the Lord, I read again the ending of Douglas Steere’s *Dimensions of Prayer*:

    “The Love of Jesus is both avid and generous. All that He is and all that He has, He gives. All that we are and all that we have, He takes.”
    –Jan Van Ruysbroeck

    Blessings,
    Maru

  30. poohpity says:

    Wouldn’t be nice if that read instead of “He takes” He receives with mercy and grace to make it turn to a precious gem.

  31. yooperjack says:

    There are just two types of people born in this world, those that come out of the mother kicking and screaming and the ones that need a slap on the butt to wake them up. One is born a pessimist and the others are optimist.

    The optimist spend their whole lives wearing rose color glasses and see everything wonderful and just lovely; then criticize anyone that try’s to correct them.

    The pessimist spends their whole life spanking the optimist to wake them up to the real world; they see through very clear glasses. The world is going to Hell in a hand basket yet some people pretend everything is just honky dory.

    There are good things going on but there are an awful lot of bad things going on. If you have the stomach for it, watch the news on TV or internet.

    I just hate to be the party spoiler but then that’s a pessimist for you.

    Am I on topic?

  32. oneg2dblu says:

    Topic and context are great guidlines for an outline, composition, treatsie, or sermon. But, aren’t we just a gathered family sitting at the common table of the life as a believer, sharing in our own daily experience, and discussing our issues?
    I love Mart’s gifted leading, God knows we need direction.
    I also love the freedom to express our needs, concerns, faith, and gifts freely with others here.
    We are more than conquerers, and more than topic and context, we are His.
    His offering to each other, His gift to each other, His pain and suffering to each other, and for each other and we all are living in the Wonder of Being His!

  33. poohpity says:

    No!! or maybe yes!! It depends if you are looking at your circumstance from your eyes or through the eyes and power of God. If one trusts God in lieu of circumstances and whether He changes them or not but can celebrate just the wonders of God because of who He is then it is no longer optimism or pessimism but faithimism. ;-) I know that isn’t a word but it would be nice if it was, lol.

  34. poohpity says:

    Gary that is what seems hard for you to understand there are guidelines that are in place to direct the discussions to prevent problems.

    “Please stay on topic. The purpose of this blog is to encourage discussion and community. The following will not be posted:
    Simple kudos for blog authors or content.
    Any comments not related to the blog topic. If you have something that you would like to comment on that is not related to the material in the blog, please contact us.
    Please be courteous in your comments, especially if you disagree with the blog author or other commentators.
    The following will not be posted:
    Obscene, threatening, abusive, hateful, racist or sexually explicit language.
    Personal attacks on the blog author or anyone else. Any negative reference to other people or organizations.
    Political statements.
    Advertisements or solicitations.
    Links to other websites.
    Your own or someone else’s personal information, such as e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, etc.
    Please be brief and to the point.
    Please do not post the same comment more than one time.”

    We are shown so much grace from the blog censors but that does not mean it is alright to not follow the guidelines they were given to prevent people from getting hurt and causing disrespect. You are so big on following the rules and laws in the bible but seem to thumb your nose at these. Very confusing.

  35. yooperjack says:

    I hate rules and regulations. The one: Any negative reference to organizations. I must have blacked that out in my mind, why did you wait so long pooh to tell me that one. I can’t be silent about corrupt organizations “Christian” or not. That would be way out of character for me.

    It’s been nice but I’m out of here.

  36. poohpity says:

    Jackie those are not my guidelines I just copied and pasted from this site in response to Gary’s post. This is the reason why there are guidelines so people will not leave due to what another writes. It has been a joy to meet you and hope to hear from you again.

  37. refump says:

    I am an avid reader of this blog & don’t comment very often because I have more questions than answers, usually. Also, most of you comment what I am thinking but are able to communicate it far better than I could. Sometimes the comments make me want to hug you & sometimes the comments make me want to “smack” you (lol), but have gotten to know the regulars over the years & appreciate what each of you bring to the table with the gifts God has given you. It does make me cringe sometimes, however, when one thinks they need to correct another so it satisfies them & not for the benefit of the ” body”. If something is said that raises the hair on the back of your neck it would be wise step away from the blog for time to cool down before a retort is made that usually does more damage than good.
    Mart’s last statement above made me think of many of Psalms written by David as he seemed to be under fire a lot in the early part of his life & wanted God so desperately to take care of those that were pusueing him so he could have peace in his life. Most of us have gone through difficulties or are going through difficulties that lead us to say ” God take me home or at least out of this situation”. As it it isnhard to watch your children suffer how much harder it must be for God to watch us suffer knowing He loves us with a love far greater than we could love even our own children. Knowing this is such an encouragement to me & helps me accept these times as God demonstrating His love for me as He wants me to “KNOW HIM” more intimately.

  38. davids says:

    I come here for inspiration, but sometimes I just come away weary.

  39. Bob in Cornwall England says:

    Deb/Pooh
    I can’t see anything wrong in what Gary said
    3:33pm. with regard to topic content.
    As he said, we all have a lot to offer as we share a common humanity, problems and relationship with God.
    However!
    I do see a problem when you take it on yourself to police this blog when Mart himself has the authority and is well able to intervene when things get out of hand, but he is gracious enough to give us the freedom to share our thoughts and “life events” as we feel led which benefits the whole body of people who both read and contrbute to this wonderful forum.

    Bob

  40. poohpity says:

    Bob I wasn’t policing nor did I say there was anything wrong with what Gary said. I just was saying that there are reasons for keeping things in context and staying on topic but of course I am in the wrong again as usual. Gosh my shoulders are just not as big as some think to continue accepting this when nothing I said was said in anger or frustration just conversation and I am tired and my heart can just not take getting slammed from you guys anymore. I just have always loved talking with everyone so much and discussing the topics that we talk about because they are filled with so much to consider that there really isn’t a reason to talk about other topics at each persons whim. OK from the consensus I quit because obviously I am causing more harm than good for that I am truly saddened and sorrow filled. I am a very loyal person and truly try to stand up for what is right and respectful to Mart and always have, even when I screw up.

  41. mtman says:

    You are not alone Poopity. I left this blog site 2+ years ago for two reasons. Previously I have participated on a regular basis for at least a couple years. 1. People then did not stay on topic. Mart posted his topic and while there was always latitude, after the first few comments it was a free for all. I figured it was Mart’s blog and if that was what he wanted, I had other places I could go, which is exactly what I did. 2. People were disrespectful to each other and if someone didn’t agree they would attack, try to humiliate or demean. I figured if non Christians visited the site and that was their only example of what ‘real’ Christians were like they wouldn’t want any part of being Christian. I did not want to be part of that environment. It was ebb and flow with nastiness. I moved on to other sites that actually had people who were encouraging, reinforcing, and not with a ‘chip on their shoulder’, nor were they contentious. I revisited this site today for the first time in over two years and observe it has not changed one bit and appears to have gotten worse.
    I don’t see why Mart researches topics and posts them when after he does it becomes a free for all and people are still attacked like yourself. So here I go again, and probably won’t return as this is not representative of the Christians I interact with. I admire you for hanging in as long as you have. We used to get off topic when someone had a crisis like when your mother died, for good reason to minister to a fellow believer. Now it does not appear the posted topic has any merit but for allowing people to choose their own topic. I think if they want to spout their concerns, start their own blog, but what I have seen today is disrespectful to the blog author – Mart. Just my opinion. Bye..

  42. bill34sl says:

    After the biggest flood of all time receded, God declared: “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Gen. 8:22). Sure we know when exactly each season starts and ends. Thanks to modern meteorology. People in the northern and southern hemisphere experienced rain in springtime, heat in the summer, mild coolness in fall and of course snow in the winter. It has been like that until probably the close of the 20th century, or even earlier, when weather patterns all around the globe started running their courses in disturbing ways. Reason why winter seemed never going to show up here in most part of North America. Why does the global climate behave differently? Scientists agree that increased greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and land use change, lead to a warming in climate. It is very likely that these greenhouse gases are the dominant cause of the global warming that has been taking place over the last 50 years. Probably you guys know about this already. This could be the price humankind is paying in exchange for modern living. When God created man He wanted him to take care of the earth and practice good stewardship. But since the first man fell from grace, the knowledge to be a good steward eluded him. As time progresses, almost to the end, this has become more and more evident. Of course, to God this is a small thing to fix. But we have to reap what we sow. That is a law in motion. But someday, God will have to intervene and set everything in proper order. We look forward to that great Day of Restoration.

  43. Rocky says:

    oneg2dblu, thanks for the lovely story I liked it.

    As far as Appellation Trail or Appalachian Trail In my best Cheech & Chong voice “it’s all the same thing” LoL

    Yooperjacck, I don’t see you as a pessimist, but do you remember the cartoon of years past, The Adventures of Gulliver? They had a character that was a pessimist, I can still here him slur out the words, “it’ll never work, we’re doomed, we’re gonna die” LoL somehow I don’t hear those words coming out of your mouth.

    Rocky

  44. foreverblessed says:

    Yesterday was a day of fasting for those who felt to do this, as narrowpathseeker had asked for in the former topic for unanswered prayer.
    Gary said, we could ask, while fasting, God if God to show what was in our hearts that needs repenting.
    While fasting what happens to this blog? Does it show the irritation that is underneath, can we deal with it with Godly grace?
    Please Pooh, do not go, just as Gary was asked not to leave because his posts were unsettling people too. He is changing, trying to be more positive, And so are you, you always say sorry, and are in this way a good example that many should follow if being too hard on each other.
    I think mtman is too negative, he gets irritated when people go of topic, but Mart doesn’t, I think he even gets inspiration by the interaction between us. We are here showing on this blog that we are christians but not perfect, we show how we could interact, and by falling and standing up we learn to grow to be more and more full of grace. I agree the progress is slow, very slow. God’s Grace can have much more room.
    Mart is the policeman, and he does not intervene when we chat, and get (a bit) of topic, nor when the posts are long, as is this one.
    So get rid of irritation and enjoy the fellowship.
    I suggest a lot more of us start to fast. As it is humbling, and makes you realise that a lot of things don’t matter that much, like getting of topic, and other matters are of great importance: God’s overwhelming presence, His care for us, and we should care for each other likewise.

    I woke up in the morning while my fast had started the night before. and I was overwhelmed by God’s presence, Jesus, the Word made everything, all matter, He is the Upholder of all things, when He draws back the word of His power. then all matter collapses, it is no more. He puts all stars in place, but on the nanoscale, also the electrons around the nucleus of the atomn. and they circle around it with such speed. And Who made that, it is the One who takes care of us everyday, Today too.
    And the next thing indeed was God showing me something in my habits that should change, just one thing (like Gary asked): to be on time.
    I pray that we be more like little children, trusting God to lead us, to care for us, even when things are rough.
    Like Nyekis life, he wrote about that in the former topic, WHat if we collapse, January 17, 5.50 am
    Did you all read it, it was stunning, and I was very glad I could read that, just before the fast, as he was in my prayer, as were many of you too.
    We need to encourage each other here, that we stay in the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

  45. oneg2dblu says:

    “This too shall pass!” We all grow at different rates as new borns in Christ. I found that same growth cycle within this blog. When I first came here, I got upset about people doing something as innocent as sharing the weather. It didn’t satisfy my selfish needs either. Talking about God stuff only was what I thought we were all about. But, “the voices”…even though some I liked and some I loathed, all became a family to me. Only an Almighty Loving God could make that change in me, for my natural feelings, and family do not even trump that position, where some will take their chosen silence to their grave. Personalities can not be left at the door and forgotten, as they follow us in our very thoughts. Quick wit, or shallow verse, who judges who?
    Strong words or dripping with sweetness both came from the Master’s voice as well. In that light, I say be upset, be your own fast if needed. “Been there done that!”
    But above all, while you’re here be family and allow other persons here to have their personality, for we can not help ourselves, as we all need a Saviour. Praise God we have one, when we Ask, Seek. Knock, He alone opens the door to the heart that is still growing in Him.
    People may come and go here, but in this family of the contributors, God will Always Remain the underlying topic and context, with no rules being broken for Him! Gary

  46. phpatato says:

    The Wonder of Being

    I am reminded of this hymn with the 3rd verse being highlighted.

    This is My Father’s World

    3. This is my Father’s world.
    O let me ne’er forget
    that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
    God is the ruler yet.
    This is my Father’s world:
    why should my heart be sad?
    The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
    God reigns; let the earth be glad!

    Winters of late in Ottawa Canada are not what they used to be. We too have experienced a mild winter; one that has only just started to show it’s face. Gone are the days of walking in snow thigh high, which is probably a good thing because I’m getting far too old to even think of doing that now. :-) The longest outdoor skating rink in the world has just nicely opened, and that only in one small section. (Rideau Canal) The calendar indeed seems to be changing but I am so thankful that our Creator is the same yesterday, today and forever!!

  47. mtman says:

    Thank you foreverblessed for clearly making my point by judging my comment as ‘negative’ therefore dismissing my comments as irrelevant. It was meant to reflect my continued disappointment, not be negative. I am not opposed to straying from the topic but what I viewed was there was no connection to the topic and much was self centered, augmentative, bias, and disrespectful. It was a total free for all and the topic was wasted.
    On my personal blog I have on average 430 world wide viewers a week, and of those only a handful will comment. If roughly the same ratio applies to this blog and there are searchers who come to this blog to meet and interact with Christians, then what do they see? As you judge and criticize each other, how do you perceive a new Christian, a lost Christian or a seeking Christian will view those comments? It does not appear that you even care.
    Some of the posted comments are self serving, self centered, authoritative and demeaning. Such as the comment that you are born either a pessimist or optimist. Like no one could help being what they are and couldn’t change. I thought that was what Jesus was all about – changing people. I guess not and to not like rules would say to a non Christian those are the 10 suggestions do what you want. Prison’s are over crowded with people who hate rules. I’m sure a non Christian would see those comments as justification to become a Buddhist, Muslim, or atheist, and rightfully so.
    I came back to visit hoping that maybe things had improved or changed and contributors were no longer arguing and attacking each other but I see that is not the case.
    I came back again to see what was said subsequently, but found my comments instead of being taken introspectively were termed irrelevant. I will not come back again and I feel sorry for the lot of you in your little private group.
    I saw a long time contributor with good comments dissed. I am sorry I bothered to take the time to come back a second time. Go ahead and disrespect the blog author, each other and me but I don’t intend to be part of that process. I would pray that you would look at your comments as if you were not a little private group and view them as an outsider would. Let the feeding frenzy continue. And Foreverblessed, this is not negative, it is pure disappointment. Adios.

  48. foreverblessed says:

    Mtman, sorry for saying it is negative, I should have said: your comment gives me negative feelings.
    And I feel sad for your disappointment too.
    And I do care very much about the lost, and that we should be a light. Being a light in answering your very disappointment about this blog, well I pray that you will be blessed in your own blog, that you will be encouraged by your participants.
    But I do object that we disrespect the blog author, as he often says we should go on discussing, he even wants us to tell about the weather and things happening in our area, as we are from all over the world. But I hope in this blog the love will grow and the respect, and the encouragement to above all have more and more of Christ in us. Be foreverblessed.

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