The Mustard Seed

Year 2023 is ending today, but a new year will usher in to tomorrow. What better way to end and start a new year than with a bit of Mustard--Seed faith for the last and the first days! In fact, we are told by the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End to have a bit of mustard-seed faith.

My Mustard-Seed

I have only a tiny seed.

I hope it will grow something good; 

Not just a bitter weed.

A tiny mustard-seed I hold in my hand,  

But I am about to toss it into this tilled-up land.

I’m resolute,

It’ll take root;

Grow fruit.

It only takes a bit of faith and belief 

To see growth of a tiny leaf

Created by the Commander-In-Chief.

It only takes a bit of faith to blossom

Into something awesome;

It only takes a bit of water from tender tears,

Intermixed with prayers

For a tiny mustard-seed to take root,

And bear fruit.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/31/2023 

 

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17: 20 NIV. (v21 KJV “Howbeith this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.) 

 

Focus Motto

With 3 more days left in 2023, I don’t want to waste a minute preparing for a new beginning. What better time than today to get started! 

     The motto I will strive to live by is Focus On Jesus. If I can stay on tract I expect to achieve: 

 

F ear less

O vercome problems

C ease worrying

U sher in love (because God is Love)

S in less

Lord, I confess I have ignored you. I want to do better and keep my focus on You.

He Comes!

Once again, the year is about to end and a new one will appear. One day there will be a final coming, and He will come riding on the clouds and all will see Him. 

 He Comes

He comes with the clouds.

All within the crowds will see the King.

Heaven’s bells will ring!

All will see the Beginning and the End;

The Alpha and Omega.

He comes!

The First and The Last!

The trumpet will give a mighty blast.

The Almighty will appear!

Those found faithful will cheer.

All will bow! 

All will cry before the King on high.

He comes riding on the clouds;

All will see within the crowds,

A shining Knight, adorned in white.

He Comes!

The Lamb that was slain.

He comes to break the chains; 

He comes to reign!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/26/2023 

 

“He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” 

Revelations 21:6a

 

 

 

Gift of Christmas

I am excited? It is Christmas Eve, the night we open gifts. I know that any gift I get from family and friends or give to family and friends will be appreciated and used, but they will not last forever. 

     However, Jesus’s gift of His spirit coming into my heart is the gift that will last forever.  It is the gift to be excited about year round. 

     “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. Galatians 4:4-6 

Good Tidings

 Good Tidings I wish for all this Christmas Season! 

Jesus is the Reason.

I pray that our divisions will cease; 

That our joy will increase,

And all will walk with Jesus, the King of Peace. 

"Mary" Christmas

Since my name is Mary, I found the article by Judy Wallace in the Baptist Trumpet interesting. It was titled, A “Mary” Christmas. She talked about three Marys who had their lives turned around because of Jesus’ birth. The following all comes from Judy Wallace’s article briefly summarized: 

 

“Mary, the mother of Jesus found herself pregnant while she was engaged to be married. Subject to Old Testament law, she should have been stoned. Then there was her fiancée whose trust she had shattered. However, Mary believed in God’s promise, His power, and His purpose, and she lived faithfully.

     Mary Magdalene was a woman who had 7 demons and was totally bound, chained, and tormented by these evil oppressors. Jesus saved her, forgave her, and released her. Mary never forgot what she had been and what Jesus had done for her. She lived faithfully. She was with Christ as He ministered to others. She was with Christ when He suffered on the cross. She was with Christ when it came time to anoint His body. She was the first to be with Christ after His glorious resurrection. Her life was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

     Mary, the sister of Martha had intentional discipline and dedication. Mary was more concerned about how her heart looked than about the cleanliness of her house. Mary had a molded mind, an anointing spirit, a humble attitude, and a responsive heart. She was totally attuned to Jesus and drawn to His teachings. When she is seen in Scripture, she is sitting at the feet of Jesus.” 

 

Because of Jesus’ birth, I (Mary) have had my life turned around and changed. I am looking forward to having a “Mary” Christmas with Jesus as the center of it all. The greatest gift I could give back is to follow the example of the Marys in Scripture who worshiped and followed Him with faithful and devoted hearts. 

Maps

I was just thinking about maps. I remember a time when I had to pull over to the side of the road and study the map to find my way when I had gotten lost and taken the wrong turn. Maps have mostly gone by the wayside. Do they even make them anymore? 

     With GPS, maps are no longer needed. Although the GPS will sometimes take me the long way around, it will usually get me to my destination if I don’t argue with it which I have done quite a few times. 

    I am actually pretty good at disagreeing with the GPS and just as good at disagreeing with the roadmap of life. My travels would be so much easier if I pulled over to the side of the road more often, studied, and actually followed God’s directions without arguing and taking wrong turns. I would get to my desired destination so much quicker with less stress. His map is always the best map! 

The Gift of Christmas

There are many presents under my tree, but I am sure some will not really be wanted or bring joy to the recipient. In my defense, I had to get something!  Some of the gifts were purchased in haste and will end up really be a waste of my cash or an increase of my charges on credit. But, as most would say, it is the thought that counts.  When I think about it, it is really the Good News that I should give. This is one that will be treasured and kept forever. 

The Gift of Christmas 

 

This Christmas, I expect a gift

Paid for with credit or cash;

Simply bought in hurry and dash

And soon to be tossed in the trash.

Whatever!

It may be worn a time or two

When it is new,

Or it may get broken in a bit;

It may be an original or counterfeit;

Certainly not really made to last.

The gift will be tossed as in the past.

So?

What I want is the gift of Good News;

That’s what I choose.

I want One of value and worth;

The Good News brought to earth.

I want One that will not fade;

One not man-made.

I want One not paid for with silver or gold;

One I can forever hold.

I want the spotless Lamb

Who saved my soul.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  12/21/2023

 

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors , but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1: 18-19

 

 

 

No Planes, Trains, or Automobiles

I love to write about Christmas and Jesus. His birth is the wonder of the Season! I like to say there is magic in Christmas; however, the birth of Jesus was not magic; it was planned for you and I. 

No Planes, Trains, or Automobiles

 

There were no planes, trains, or automobiles

with wheels;

No easy way to travel

Across paved roads or gravel.

There were only donkeys or camels;

Rough riding mammals

For Mary, a 9-month pregnant woman.

It would seem almost inhuman

To travel such a distance,

In such a way, today.  

But Mary was persistent. 

She journeyed, on a donkey, to Bethlehem city; 

The trip long, dusty, and gritty.

Luxury motels did not exist.

She had no shelter from the nighty mist.

There was found only an ill-built barn, holding no charm,

But she was soon to hold a babe in her arm.

There was no crib for this new-born child,

But I imagine she smiled

When she spied an animal feeding trough,

Which, by today’s standards, we’d scoff. 

But Mary needed a bed

In which to lay her baby’s head. 

There were no blankets or quilts;

They were ill-equipped, 

But there was hay.

“No way!” people today would say.

I bet Mary didn’t have a physician,

But she was fulfilling God’s mission.

I bet she didn’t have a pain-killer

Or a pillow,

And she was about to deliver.

A King was to be born

That early Christmas morn,

And the angels blew their horn.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  12/18/2023 

 

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 KJV

Stewardship

Our service today was about stewardship taken from Luke 16 entitled, “Faithful To The Right Master.” It appears there was a servant to whom his master was asking for an account of his stewardship before it was taken away. At one point our pastor brought up how Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Is that what I am doing when I am not faithful to the right Master? Is that what I am doing when I am not responsible with the gifts God has given me? . 

     I thought, what are my priorities? Am I being a Judas- selling Jesus? I decided I needed to compose a theme statement to develop my stewardship of planning and responsibility.

     My next thought was how do I serve? Immediately, the 4 “Ws” crossed my mind. “Who! What! When! Where!

     My who to serve is the Lord and others, not me.

     My what to serve is love for God and others.

     My when is daily.

     My where is wherever I am

 

With that said, my stewardship theme or motto sentence is: 

 

Who, Lord, should I serve but You and others, and what I serve up, let it be a heartful of love when I rise in the morning and where I am found.    

    

     

Christ in Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It is about the Christ child! For that reason, I strive never to shorten the spelling with "Xmas". 

     During our recent Sunday School Christmas get-together, one of the ladies accidently knocked over a small figurine of the manager scene,  When the broken parts of the manger scene were retrieved from the floor, Baby Jesus was missing. This reminded me of how we get so busy with gifts, etc. that we leave Jesus out of Christmas. We all know that without Baby Jesus, Christmas has no meaning. So once again, I renew my pledge never to spell Christmas with the short version of "Xmas".  It holds no meaning for the Season in which we celebrate. 

     Jesus is the center, the wonder, the reason, and the gift of Christmas. Lord, I pray to never leave Christ out and always remember, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Daily Dress

Seldom do I sleep late and by late I mean seven, for I am usually awake by six. That does not mean that I get up right away. I like to enjoy coffee and my time with God cuddled beneath my blankets for a while.  This morning I was reading about God's armor, and it got me to thinking about my daily dress and what I kept in my closet. 

What To Wear! 

 

I slept in this morning,

But time is burning.

I must get dressed for the day.

I hope my closet doesn’t leave me in dismay.

Let’s see!

What is here and what to wear?

I still have what was given me in my youth;

I see the belt of truth.

 I wear that with my body armor.

It wasn’t meant to make me a model or a charmer.

It was provided to protect,

But my dress is for me to select.

I still have shoes given to wear;

They are simple-nothing fancy or with flare;

They’re made for daily walking and running-

Nothing stunning!

But there’s comfort in these shoes-

A peace from Good News!

My closet holds several of my choice-

I just have to listen to the right voice.

I still have my shield-

A shield of faith to keep me strong and never yield.

I see where it’s at.

Maybe I’ll carry that.

It’ll deflect arrows sent my way,

For I am Satan’s target every day.

I think I need a hat or something like that. 

Maybe my helmet-

My salvation given, when Jesus we met. 

He's my hope

When I’m at the end of my rope.

Somewhere, I have a sword-God’s Word!

It needs to be sharpened a bit

To make it the right fit.

I must remember that daily dress is to give me rest. 

But these aren’t all the garments from the Lord.

A must is daily prayer

To complete what I must wear.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson -  12/9/2023 

 

“Therefore put on the full armor of God…Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit…” Ephesians 13a,14-18a

 

 

 

The Yoke

How often do we misunderstand and argue with God? I can hear Him now, in frustration, as He makes His plea with my stubbornness. Too often, this is how our conversation might go: 

 

Jesus spoke, “Take my yoke.”

 

I thought in my head and said, “But won’t that will make, heavy, my tread.”

 

Jesus: “No my child, it will lighten your load upon the road. I will carry the weight and make your steps straight.”

 

Me: “But, when you enter my space it will slow my pace.”

 

Jesus: “Sometimes, too fast is your stride. I’ll be your guide. Easy is my yoke, not like one made of oak. 

Me: "If I slow, things might not go my way or get done today. 

Jesus: Trust me! Your burden will become light, easing your plight. Take my yoke and wear my cloak."

I love how patient God is with me, His wayward child! His Words are always true: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 NIV 

 

 

 

 

Spread the Rumor/Truth

The Bible teaches not to gossip and spread rumors. The following is written in the form of a rumor, but it has been verified by Scripture and the testimony of people. The information is true, so please pass it on. It will help the unbeliever. It will heal and cleanse rather than injure.

 The Man Of Galilee

 I’m not gossiping, but have you heard?

Now don’t tell another soul;

It came from someone else’s word.

There once was a man in Galilee.

Now this didn’t come from me.

But…

He healed the sick.

Maybe it was just a trick!

I also heard he made the lame to walk.

Or at least that’s someone’s talk.

You know…

They say He healed a cripple,

And He walked on water without it leaving a ripple.

Now this didn’t come from me-

Just what others say;

Sin He cast away,

Along with helping people through their tears

And their fears.

This all may be hearsay,

And someone’s take-away,

But…

I heard He’s the Son of God.

He came from Heaven on this earth to trod;

He came to die,

But…

I don’t know why.

It may be a rumor,

But…

I’m told

He died for you and I. 

I heard that He arose

And the Christian knows.

He opened their eyes from being blind

So they wouldn’t be left behind.

Now, this didn’t come from me,

But…

His gift of grace is free;

He lives, and He forgives. 

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/6/2023 

 

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” Matthew 3:13 

 

 

Food

Certain diets and fasts can be good. However, I have also heard, “Food is good for the soul” So, I have to conclude that proper food is good, as well. Scripture shows us that Jesus sat often at the table with friends. He was even hungry at times and was ready for a meal.

     So what can food represent? 

 

F- eeding the hungry (delving together into the Word)

O- pening time with what is good (praying together)

O- vercoming hunger (sharing relationships in love)

D- eliving fillness  (Providing nourishment to body and soul with Jesus’s love)

 

 

Patience and Kindness

One of my devotionals this morning was on knowing God's voice. The other one was on how God teaches us patience. One way, the author wrote, was to place me in a long line at the Department of Motor Vehicles or at a delayed doctor appointment. I laughed at that because I have certainly been there. 
     God has also taught me kindness as happened to me just this week. I was out of town, had just gone under a green light, and about to turn into a Walmart  parking lot when I looked behind me only to see flashing blue lights. I promptly found an empty parking space and rolled down the window to ask the police office what I had done because I was sure the light I had gone under was green and not red but was already doubting myself. Let me just note right here that I was asking kindly. It turned out I had a tail light out or should I say my husband had a tail light out since I was the driver of his truck. 

     I may have been a bit kinder to the officer than to my husband when I found out the problem. The whole process was friendly. We visited with the officer about people he knew in a town near ours, and we thanked the officer for his service when he handed me the warning ticket which I promptly passed on to my detailed husband, with confidence  he would immediately take care of the problem. 

     Kindness goes a long way in making situations pleasant and in being considerate of what is required for others in performing their job requirements.  

Strong Foundation

I enjoy looking at floor-plans, not that I ever want to be involved in building another house, yet I remember how the foundation of my house was set. It reminded me of the scripture in Luke “…they dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” 
     At the time I was not much interested in the foundation or the main structure; like insulation and such. It was my husband’s job to take care of that. I was waiting for the interior part – the one where I could start putting things inside. I was thinking about stuff to make it pretty not what would really make it a home. The things unseen but felt should really have been on my mind, first and foremost, in order to create a home with a solid,  unshakable foundation. Things like: 

            Love for family and others  

    Forgiveness toward all  

    Consideration of other's feelings and opinions

    Humility and Humbleness to wipe away the dust of pride 

    Prayer at all times daily

   As I was thinking about what to add to the above I remembered the Fruit of the Spirit. Those all should be in the home:

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

     These are the things that make a strong foundation, not just in the home but in my life. If I apply the Fruit Of The Spirit, I become stronger; my foundation becomes stronger, and I am better able to stand should my foundation becomes shaky.

                             

  

 

 

 

With Me, In Me, For Me

It can be a wonderful day if I wake up to the following scripture promises.

"For God is working in you..."  
"...I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you..."
"I will not leave you or forsake you." 

I think God for being with me, in me, and for me. 

The Race of Endurance

“Let us (me) run with endurance the race that is set before us (me)…so that you (I) will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

     I have to remind myself daily to run with endurance and not lose heart. I believe we all depend on someone which means someone is depending upon me, as well. Those who teach have children and co-workers who depend upon them. Pastors have a congregation that depends upon him. Those in other professions have co-workers and bosses who depend upon them. I am retired, yet I have others who depend upon me in some way or other. It may just be a Sunday School teacher who needs a good attendance member, missions that need my offering, an elderly person who needs a way to travel, and maybe a child, grandchild, or friend who needs a listening ear.   

     The marathon I choose to run takes endurance because my path is not always clearly marked and, often, I veer off course. However, when I do reach the finish line I hope to receive the reward of “Well done!” 

     To endure and keep on running with endurance, I need God’s Word and His instruction. 

     “Therefore we (I) do not lose heart. (Never give up.)…Inwardly we (I) are being renewed day by day.”  My renewal can only come through God and His Word. 

 

 

Leftovers

I was blessed to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family. We had, as usual, a table filled with all kinds of delicious food. In fact, there was so much food many piled plates full of left-overs to carry home. 

     I can honestly say that I like left-overs, but I don’t believe God does. He tells me in Nehemiah 10, “We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the Lord each year the first fruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.”  Then in Proverbs 3, I read, “Honour the Lord with thine substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase.” 

     I do not believe God loves me less when He gets my leftovers. I believe He loves me just the same, although, I do believe He provides more blessings to those who choose to give Him their first-fruits. Luke 6:38 reinforces this idea, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  

     I am so glad I am counted as righteous and given salvation because of my faith not because of my works or my giving, but I do want to please God. God loves a "cheerful giver!"

 

Bearing Gifts

My devotional this morning was titled, “Every Sunday is a Little Easter,” which shared that “Each time we die to self and live for Christ, we experience anew the gift of the resurrection.” 

     This got me to thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially when I read John 12:23-24.“And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” 

     What better gift could I give at Christmas than the gift of bearing fruit. 

My gifts to celebrate and thank Jesus should be: 

The gift of forgiveness

The gift of prayer for others

The gift of sharing 

The gift of releasing pride

The gift of letting go of my selfish ways

The gift of love

The gift of embracing God and His Word

I pray that every day will find me bearing gifts in celebration of what Jesus did on the cross for me. 

 

The Present

Today is what I am given. Yesterday is in the past never to return, and tomorrow is not promised. I must live in the present although making wise plans for the future if it should be provided. Below are some actions I would like in my life today as I attempt to live my best in the present: 

 

P repare

R elax 

E ncourage 

S upport 

E mbrace

T hank

Praise Him!

Psalm 150:1 tells me, “Praise the Lord? Praise God in His sanctuary, Praise Him in His mighty expanse." When I read this I thought of how I praise God sitting on my back porch and walking in the yard – “in His mighty wondrous expanse.” 

     I do not know which version the above scripture was taken from, so I decided to read the NIV version, “Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary, praise him in His mighty heavens.” Then I read it in the KJV, “Praise ye the Lord, Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.”

     I then praised God for His power both here on earth and in Heaven. I praised Him for sitting on Heaven’s throne and also for His presence here by my side. 

     God, Your presence is everywhere, and I praise Your Holiness, Your Kingship, Your power, Your love, and Your open arms. 

Dust Yourself Off-Try Again

When I was growing up, I was often told, “If you fall, get back up, dust yourself off, and try it again.”  I was also told, “Can’t never could do anything.”  I believe my parents were teaching determination as well as courage and defeat of fear.   

     Proverbs 24:16 supports the idea of getting back up. “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…”   The GNT version states it as, “No matter how often honest people fall, they always get up again.” 

     Although I do not like failure, it is a teaching experience. There are many good quotes on getting back up after failure in order to achieve success, but below are just a few encouraging ones I found: 

 

“If you fall off a horse, get back in the saddle.” 

“The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried.”

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”

“One who fears failure limits his activities.”

“Giving up is the only sure way to fail.”

“Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.”

Finally, Here are my thoughts on  "getting back up to try again."

The Fall 

I had a great fall and wanted to bawl

But I stood instead of taking a crawl.

This was no defeat.

Success was just down the street,

And it would be sweet.

I’d try again.

The effort wouldn’t be in vain.

I had too much to gain.

The fall was just small;

I had determination to scale that wall.

This was a temporary setback 

To staying on track.

Different but the Same

 Different Morning! Different Day! Same God!

He's never too busy and  never too tired. 

He's here! He listens! He Hears! He Watches! He Protects! He loves!

I praise His name.

The Inheritance

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” It is hard to imagine having a friend who would do this for me. That is certainly going “above and beyond.” Yet, it happened! Not only did Jesus lay down his life for me, but He took every sin I ever committed upon Himself. He made them all disappear, and then He left me an inheritance in His will. 

     Doesn’t everyone desire to be left in someone’s will? I have often dreamed about that “surprise inheritance”; the one that would make me rich, often forgetting that I am already rich in God’s will. In Galatians His will is read and my riches are revealed. “And since you are His child, God has made you His heir.”  

Many Faces

It doesn’t take the reflection of a mirror to let me know I have many different faces. There is: 

The indecisive face

The perfectionist face

The clinging face 

The loving face

The unloving face

The confident face

The woeful, sad face

The happy, joyful face 

The tearful face

The wrinkled face

The glowing face

The successful face

The face of failure

I have an imperfect face, but my favorite face is the hopeful face, because I have hope in Jesus and eternal life. 

Discouraged

We all get discouraged. I often do, but there are certain scriptures which I need to remember when this happens. These are only excerpts:

 

D - “I ask you not to be discouraged.”

I –  “In the world you will have trouble but take heart.”

S – “Fix our eyes on what is unseen. What is seen is temporary. 

C – “Consider it all joy when you encounter trials.” 

O – “Our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory.” 

U – “Come to me, all you who are weary.” 

R – “In due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”

A – “Do not be anxious, but in everything by prayer and petition.”

G – “All things work for good to those who love God.”

E – “Let endurance have its perfect result.” 

 

The Mirror

It is hard getting old. Some would say the option is not desirable. As for me, I can't wait to see my Lord, but I am here on earth until God desires to call me home. For that reason I am like everyone else. I do not  like the signs of aging-thinning hair, weight problems, health issues, aches and pains - and I could go on and on. I look in the mirror and no longer see youth. I desire that the mirror reflect more, like: my heart, kindness, and love - not the thinning gray hair, wrinkles, and droopy jaws. 

The Mirror

Mirror! Mirror!

You couldn’t reflect me clearer.

This aging lady, I hardly recognize. 

Where are the brows above my eyes? 

Where did my lashes go?

They have forgotten to grow.

Mirror! Mirror!

You reflect it as it is-

All my flaws and frizz.

My hair is getting thin.

There are creases around my grin.

And what’s that hair growing on my chin?

Mirror, I hate to nag,

But you show my jaws ae beginning to sag.

Mirror! Mirror!

You leave me in dismay,

As you reflect my hair of gray.

Looking back at you

I stew on what to do.

Mirror! Mirror!

You couldn’t reflect me clearer.

Aging is no happy breeze.

Show me better, please!

I pray the world not judge the appearance of this old fart

But looks upon the heart.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 11/9/2023

 

“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” Proverbs 20:29 NIV

 

 

 

Preparing For Christmas

I have been preparing for Thanksgiving with my Thankfulness and will strive to continue being thankful daily. Yet, I am like everyone else at this time of the year. I am beginning to think a lot about Christmas. Some are already putting up their Christmas trees. I strive to be more traditional and save that until after Thanksgiving, but this morning I found myself decorating my own tree with thoughts of  "Love." 

Love 

Love is not
about song
but more of
doing no wrong.
It’s not about talk
but about the walk.
Love makes things right
with no smite or backbite.
When it comes from the heart,
it’s an easy path to row and show.
Give
Love
 

 

Trust vs Fear

Life can be overwhelming, but is it too overwhelming to have faith in God, as well? I have to ask myself, “Do I want to be like Thomas, who said, ‘Unless I see in His hand the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe?’”

     Over and over we are told in scripture, “Do not fear.” God does not want us to fear which leads to worry. He wants us to release our cares to Him with complete trust. He wants us to let Him do the job so we can live a truly carefree life in our walk with Him.  I admit that "seeing is believing", but I want to believe without seeing first.

    

The Simpleness of Thankfulness

Being thankful should occur daily. It never comes to completion whether is it just a smile from a stranger or even one who stands and holds open a door for you, as happened to me today. We just have to look for it. My goal is to be that one person who does the simple things to make someone else thankful also.

November 4 Thankfulness

November 1...Thankful for Church support group and helpful friendly neighbors.

November 2...Thankful I am never alone. I have with me at all times the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

November 3...Thankful for warm bed, fresh-brewed coffee and conversation with the Father.

November 4...Day 4 of my thankfulness finds me thinking about a 4-letter word, Hope, which is a feeling of expectation. I believe Romans 8 explains it best. "waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it." I am so blessed and thankful to have hope.

Thankful...continued

 November 1...Thankful for Church support group and helpful friendly neighbors.

November 2...Thankful I am never alone. I have with me at all times the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

November 3...Psalm 69: 30 tells us, "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving." God wants us to be thankful over everything in our lives from the smaller to the biggest. This morning with the change of weather from summer heat to cool, chilly days. I am thankful I woke up in a warm bed with hot coffee brewing and a Heavenly Father to talk with, the Holy Spirit to lead and comfort, and Jesus who holds my hand and intercedes. 

Thankful...continued

Today is a continuation of my thanksgiving...

November 1...Thankful for Church support group and helpful, friendly neighbors 

November 2...When Jesus was captured, his disciples were scattered, but Jesus was not left alone. In John 16: 32 we read, "Behold the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me."  The same applies to Christians today. Jesus told His disciples that when he was taken up into heaven He would send a help mate. a Comforter- the Holy Spirit. We find this truth also in John 16. 
     I am thankful today that I am never alone. I have the Holy Spirit living within me. I am blessed to know that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God are Three in One.  

Thankfulness

We live in a broken world and life is hard, yet, there is always something in which to be thankful. Today, November 1 is a good start to the count-down for Thanksgiving. Gratitude does not mean we will not have trouble but gratefulness goes a long way toward a contented mindset and joyful attitude.

Day 1 -November 1:  I woke up grateful for the fellowship I had yesterday with members of my Bible Study. I am grateful for a friendly neighbor who dropped in for a brief visit. I am grateful for the two little adorable Trick r Treaters who came by last night. One was Princess Aurora and the younger was Snow White. They had just left their house to make their visits, and Snow White was already eating her apple. 
     Having a Christian church support group who will pray with and for you as well as friends and neighbors who can be called upon when needed is truly a blessing. 

Confessions

Yesterday, I posted Stories of Old from the Bible. They were stories about men living bold for God. Today, I am going to take a different approach. The characters from Bible stories all had flaws but God used them in a mighty way and was ready to forgive them when they admitted their wrong doings although there were consequences.                                                                                                                                                  

Confession

Lord!

I have confessions to make

And seek forgiveness in my mistake.

I’ve made many a bad decision 

And had to live with your division.

I’m like Eve who had to grieve. 

She chose to eat the apple; 

It was sweet and a lovely-looking treat,

But a forbidden fruit.

Her life was changed, and it was acute.

I see myself as Esau who had a flaw.

He chose to give up his birthright;

His hunger pains were too much to fight.

A single appetizing meal came to steal.

Then, there’s Samson in whom I am much alike.

He used no wisdom to foresee what’s down the pike.

You gave him strength,

But he held you at arm’s length;

 Lacking proper choices,

And not listening to right voices.

I relate to Peter, burdened over denial;

Regretful in my trial.

You gave so many Biblical stories

In which to consider life’s inventories;

The potential effects upon my actions-my attractions;

They invade my senses and lead to unblessed consequences.

Woo to the wrongs within me,

For You, Lord, readily see!

Through all my lack of insight,

I shout with joy and delight,

Knowing you see my obsessions

And accept my confessions.

Glory to God!

You hear 

While forgivingly staying near.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 10/31/2023 

 

"...because it is by faith you stand firm." 2 Corinthians 1:24b