tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64673695582172899922024-03-19T05:13:17.815-07:00izzyinksizzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-18943232596402015832017-02-09T08:46:00.000-08:002017-02-09T09:36:30.621-08:00BULRUSHES: Bible Plant Series<div class="MsoNormal">
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It is hard for me to imagine that a simple sheet of paper
was, at once, a technological and anthropological breakthrough. Paper and the
Bible are inseparable. Its in words written and copied and passed down that we
begin to learn of the heart of God and His heart for ‘Adam’s helpless race.’ Let’s
take a journey in the biblical history of paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ancient Egyptians
began experimenting with using plant-based materials for more than just
medicine, food, and food that their food ate. Bulrushes are water plants
commonly found along the Nile River. They are a tall reed that has a fan shape
at its highest point. You probably vaguely remember a social studies class that
called them papyrus. Papyrus is the name of the plant and (points for
originality here) the product made from that plant commonly used as paper. The
ancient Egyptians developed a technique of cutting thin strips of stalk, layering
them, and pressing out the water. When dry, they would use these sheets of
plants to write upon. Up until this point, writing was only done by chiseling
symbols on stone. The Egyptians found this advanced technological way to
communicate that was far cheaper, more sustainable (because it grew back) and
much easier to transport. Even though the process was cheaper, it was still
very expensive, so a lot of papyrus was used and reused and used again. Much
like we might use newspaper to wrap a present or make papier-mâché volcanoes
for a science project due the next day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Exodus, we find the story of Moses. It was a dark time
for the Hebrew people in Egypt. Pharaoh had decreed that all of the babies were
to be drowned to help control the population size. I cannot imagine. Neither
could Moses’s mother. She obeyed the decree up to a certain point. She put her
baby in the Nile like thousands of other mothers, but she built a boat around
him. A basket that floated. The same Hebrew word used for the word “basket or
boat” here is the same word used for ark. So Noah and Moses’s mother built an
ark.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Exodus 2:3<o:p></o:p></div>
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But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of
bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and
laid it in the reeds by the river's bank.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What must it have been like for Moses’s mother to send him
floating down the river in a paper boat never to see him again? The scene of
him disappearing behind papyrus stalks in the next river bend must have been
crushing. Miriam, Moses’s sister, was tasked, most likely self-appointed, with
following and keeping him safe. No doubt she was worried about the crocodiles
and hippos commonly found in the Nile. He floated past them and right into the
viewpoint of an even more dangerous enemy- the daughter of pharaoh, predator of
Hebrew babies. Pharaoh’s daughter was bathing with her servants in the Nile
when she heard a baby.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Miriam must have been paralyzed in fear and then to hear her
say she knew it was a Hebrew baby. Would she have someone drown him right
there?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead she looked on him lovingly…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And when she opened it,
she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and
said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” Exodus 2:6<o:p></o:p></div>
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Miriam saw her chance. She had this moment where she could
heal her mother’s broken heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I
go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child
for you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the
maiden went and called the child’s mother. Then Pharaoh’s daughter said
to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your
wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she
brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his
name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:7-10<o:p></o:p></div>
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Moses grew up as a child to Pharaoh’s daughter. He was
taught to read and write. He was probably the most educated Hebrew of his day. It
would be through Moses that God would write his commandments. So lets break
this down:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Moses was saved by paper (papyrus, bulrushes) He was taught
to write on that papyrus unlike hardly any of his Hebrew brothers. God spoke to
Moses extensively about His law as evidenced in a whopping 613 commandments! Moses
kept record of all of them by writing them on papyrus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Papyrologists are the people that study papyrus. They study
things like the paper structure itself, where it was found, how the letters are
formed, and if there is printing on the front and back. Papyrus can refer to
two types of presentation- one is in the form of a scroll and the other is in
the form of a codex. The scroll was a very long piece of papyrus that was only
written on one side and had to be simultaneously scrolled and unscrolled to
find certain text.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very long
piece of text that was virtually impossible to read and skip to a new section.
Codex was a form of smaller pieces of papyrus bound on one side, written on
both sides with an ability to flip back and forth easily. It was one of the greatest
revolutions in writing, besides the printing press, and we still use the form
of codex in printed books today. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Codex was invented in the time of Jesus. Christianity was an
early adopter of the codex, finding it ideal for simultaneously being able to
read the words and works of Jesus alongside the letters of Paul, as well as the
Old Testament. It allowed the scripture to be indexed and referenced with a
Table of Contents. It was popular because it was an innovative way of reading.
The Bible was probably spread more in the early days because of the curiosity
of “scroll-users” never before having held a codex. <o:p></o:p></div>
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According to <a href="https://serval.unil.ch/resource/serval:BIB_77E501C47361.P001/REF">Claire Clivas</a>, readers are in an unusual place
in modern day by being able to simultaneously harness the power of the
unlimited scroll and the organization of a codex. We literally “scroll” through
webpages, which if printed on uninterrupted banner paper would rival <a href="http://courses.educ.ubc.ca/etec540/May08/budds/researchtopic/Papyrus%20Scroll.htm">the longest papyrus scroll</a> at 65 feet. Yet, we can also click links that skip to
specific places in the mile long text. <o:p></o:p></div>
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(You have probably even scrolled down the page to get to
this point in reading this blog. Worlds colliding!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I find fascinating is God’s timing. Moses came right
when paper was being used more commonly. Jesus came right when the codex was
being invented.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scrolls (with writing on only one side) were used into the 6th
century AD. Codex (writing on both sides) became more common in the 3rd century
AD, but the church started using it as early as the 1st century AD. In fact,
the New Testament text is known for this. Earliest fragments of papyri that are
printed on both sides are predominately found to be copies of the New
Testament. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The New Testament was one of the first documents that was
commonly written on both sides of the page, but it is not the first words to be
written on both sides. God, Himself, is the one who engraved the Ten Commandments
on the stone tablets:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“And Moses turned and went down from the mountain, and the
two tablets of the Testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both
sides; on the one side and on the other they were written. Now the tablets were
the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God engraved on the
tablets.” Exodus 32:15-16<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Some <a href="http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1114513/jewish/What-Did-the-Tablets-Look-Like.htm">rabbis</a> believe that God carved the commandments all
the way through. When Moses held them up the light would have been able to pass
through. This is also why when Moses saw the Golden Calf and dropped them they
broke so easily. They had holes in them. How symbolic, the Israelites had
already broken the covenant before they saw the stone tablet. Broken covenant=
broken tablets. Moses interceded for the people and thankfully, God made a 2nd
set of tablets and a fresh covenant.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Moses the vessel in whom God poured His law to save the
children of Israel was saved on/by paper (papyrus, bulrsuhes). Jesus, the
vessel on whom God poured His grace to save the world, was distributed on/by
paper. We have been saved by this distribution. We have been saved by paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So the New Testament was being copied in the most advanced
technology of the day. So keep tweeting your scriptures! God is not afraid of
the development of technology. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
He is willing to use anything as long as one more heart might be reached. I
never want to limit Him to what I know, what I have been taught (or really what
I am comfortable with). He blows my boundaries out of the water in simply being
who He is. His ways are higher. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The ark of Noah was built around those whom it would save
and deliver. The ark of Moses was built by his mother to save the one whom
would deliver the Israelites from the oppression of Pharoah. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ark of the covenant was built around the
tablets carved by the finger of God that established His everlasting covenant
basically saying, “I will be Your God, if you will be my people.” And Jesus,
well… He got out of the boat and walked on the water and says “Come”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-44772176363880870382017-01-25T09:09:00.000-08:002017-01-25T09:10:37.040-08:00BRIER: Bible Plant Series<span style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2FHhqzCSX1NgiMZmMeVVbQQwslmbm-VInRJHExCVY5INt7jKJNW73eUfNs1ll6jRuIiM8iww7M52mYSiIPrvRwuxi9sGuhwL_3dhwhhfelMiWTijEYPHhAvfrIJ9L0fRGkjk-kQuuX8/s640/blogger-image--2046003259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2FHhqzCSX1NgiMZmMeVVbQQwslmbm-VInRJHExCVY5INt7jKJNW73eUfNs1ll6jRuIiM8iww7M52mYSiIPrvRwuxi9sGuhwL_3dhwhhfelMiWTijEYPHhAvfrIJ9L0fRGkjk-kQuuX8/s640/blogger-image--2046003259.jpg" width="482" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Many have heard the tale of Gideon and his army of 300. Gideon believed God was so specific in choosing the 300, the ones that cut down the armies of Midian from 135,000 to 15,000, that he believed they were to complete the task of wiping this enemy off the face of the earth. You see, at some point, when it was obvious the Midianites were going to lose, their two kings fled home with 15,000 men. Gideon desiring Israel to be free </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">from her enemies decided to pursue them and finish the job.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">What does this have to do with briers you ask? </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Well, after the wildly creative first battle, the men lay down their hammers and torches and picked up swords. They started the chase. There was only one problem, they were exhausted and hungry. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">The scripture explodes with this small phrase:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Faint, yet pursuing</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I loved what Matthew Henry said here:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They were <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">faint, and yet pursuing,</span> much fatigued with what they had done, and yet eager to do more against the enemies of their country. Our spiritual warfare must thus be prosecuted with what strength we have, though we have but little; it is many a time the true Christian’s case, fainting and yet pursuing. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPm80-LTzuX-fr-ozOeascg02PHUi1UXO4KxLMGNgWpuKMI9Cr5f1AjBrNNxJ6yYyKImGwXMjegh0iaplpwek4xnuU3EMHAVoJE4oV2n55bJFITe-W1j_3zaJM6s3oXbuBT6dOIhFt5AY/s640/blogger-image-145415380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPm80-LTzuX-fr-ozOeascg02PHUi1UXO4KxLMGNgWpuKMI9Cr5f1AjBrNNxJ6yYyKImGwXMjegh0iaplpwek4xnuU3EMHAVoJE4oV2n55bJFITe-W1j_3zaJM6s3oXbuBT6dOIhFt5AY/s1600/blogger-image-145415380.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Continuing our story, the 300 were faint. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Gideon stopped in the city of Succoth, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">one of the cities they were trying to save from the Midianites, </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">and humbly asked for bread for he and his men. </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Men of the city ridiculed Gideon and basically called him a liar and a weenie. </span></div>
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Judges 8:6-7</div>
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And the leaders of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna (the kings of Midian) now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?”</div>
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So Gideon said, “For this cause, when the Lord has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers!”</div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Gideon looked at them and paraphrasing here: "I don't have time to deal with you right now, but when I come back with proof, as in two kings, I'm gonna whip you!"</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">God shows us the heart of the Father here. He gives the men a warning and then time to repent. If they had changed their attitude, and sent bread to the army, Gideon would have forgiven them, but alas... </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Maybe the men of Succoth thought Gideon said "Breyers" the ice cream not "briers" the thorny whipping bush. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIRtKB6eOXOIIOVBjhDOy6LAUezkHduRyE_bjG6dIZhFOLUcRMtkFLR6LQru2R_UCbkp_1erwYG1EMdrwVn2yCCNULTLLgVrul4WQgnUdiINYN8g4Fpi2lxyFUSWO5ceCkIW1dM0e5NM/s640/blogger-image-454289309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIRtKB6eOXOIIOVBjhDOy6LAUezkHduRyE_bjG6dIZhFOLUcRMtkFLR6LQru2R_UCbkp_1erwYG1EMdrwVn2yCCNULTLLgVrul4WQgnUdiINYN8g4Fpi2lxyFUSWO5ceCkIW1dM0e5NM/s640/blogger-image-454289309.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Gideon kept his promise. After defeating the two kings and the 15,000-man army, he turned back toward the city of Succoth. Along the way he and his men caught & interrogated a young man of the city that gave the names of every leader and where they lived. Whoa! Gideon, does not mess around!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Gideon gathers the leaders and presents the two kings to them. The ones they said he couldn't defeat. He kept that half of the promise and he kept the second half as well. The Bible says that he "taught" them. </span></div>
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Judges 8:16</div>
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And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Many sources believe, the men of the city were not whipped with the briers.... they were rolled in them. Ouch!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">It seems that the difference between thorns and briers is the thorns are more spaced out and individual spines. Briers are dense spiky clusters. Think of the purplish thistles we see here in North American fields.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Israeli briers are no joke. Its scientific name is </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Echinops viscosus. Even its common name sounds grumpy: V</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">iscous globe-thistle. I think it sounds like an medieval put down: "you, villainous viscous globe-thistle!!!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They look like plants that may have inspired some of the illustrations of Dr. Seuss. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The are characterized by the spiky blue globe flower head set atop of a tall spiny stalk, but on top of all that they are sticky. So these sharp things are sticky. Briers that do not just brush off, you have to be intentional in getting rid of them. Exhausting! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think most times we find ourselves in the camp of the 300: fainting, yet pursuing. But there are those unfortunate times where our snotty responses escape. If we would take the time, we could spare ourselves a vicious beating if we would forgive and make amends immediately. Make your words sweet or you may have to roll in them.</span></div>
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izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-38736275760309572962017-01-19T10:53:00.000-08:002017-01-19T10:54:49.949-08:00BARLEY: Bible Plant Series<span style="color: rgb(69 , 69 , 69); font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Barley was one of the earliest domesticated crops in the world. Making it one of the most prevalent because it is still used today. It has and always can be found in soups and in breads, but throughout the ages barley has had some very interesting occupations. It was food for people and animals, it was even exchanged as currency, but today we're going to talk about a lesser known use of barley: measurement.</span><br />
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In ancient times, the length of a kernel of barley was used as a standardized measurement. "Cut me four barley lengths of string!" One barley kernel equated to about 1/3 of an inch. In fact, this was carried over into the middle ages in Ireland and Britain. The "barleycorn" was used as a standardized measurement for shoe sizes. Some still use it today! </div>
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Barley was also used to measure dates. The Jewish calendar is based around harvests. Barley was the first crop to ripen. Wheat usually followed 2 to 4 weeks afterward. </div>
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So barley measured length and time, but let's get to the scriptural application.</div>
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There is no greater book in the Bible that gives tribute to barley than the book of Ruth. Naomi and Ruth arrive back in Naomi's hometown just in time for the barley harvest. I love how this book testifies to the glory that is God's timing. It just so happens that one of Naomi's relatives, Boaz, owned a barley field. It set into motion almost to perfection the law of the concept of kinsman redeemer. It was believed in Jewish culture that if the lineage of a man's name were to be wiped out due to his death without a child that the closest living relative would redeem his name by marrying the widow. Naomi knew of all of this, but almost didn't dare to hope. She knew her relative would be kind to her. But as you read the story, you see his generosity exceeded what was required of him. When Naomi noticed the favor he showed Ruth, she instructed her in precise steps to secure a future for them both. </div>
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Ruth did everything Naomi asked of her. I love Boaz's response at finding Ruth at his feet. Even though he had been the one that was too generous letting her glean, he says to her that she is the too generous one that would look upon him as a companion. Beautiful! </div>
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He is so pleasantly surprised, but then he remembers there is one relative that is closer. He must see what his response is first. He tells Ruth to wait there. So she lays back down at his feet. Do you think he slept that night? </div>
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In the morning, he is about to send Ruth back to Naomi when asked her to bring her shawl over. He filled it with 6 ephahs of barley.</div>
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There is some debate of how much this was. If you go by the standard weight of an ephah, Boaz would have laid 200lbs of barley on Ruth. There's no way girlfriend could have lugged that back to town on her own. It is much more likely that it was 50lbs of barley which is still quite the load, but manageable. </div>
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You have to love Naomi's response:</div>
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"When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Is that you, my daughter?”</div>
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Then she told her all that the man had done for her. And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’ ”</div>
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Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.” <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ruth 3:16-18</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I would like to present to you that not only was barley used to measure length and time, but also affection.</span></div>
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You can almost hear Naomi laughing out loud while she says, "the man will not rest" till he knows if you are to be his.</div>
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The size of the gift that Boaz bestowed upon Ruth made it obvious to Naomi that if it was within his power Boaz was going to redeem Ruth and Naomi. Their lives might even change by the end of the day. Proving, I feel, that love can be measured in barley as well.</div>
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God, Himself, even prescribed the giving of barley as a sign of affection. In Leviticus Chapter 2, great detail is given to the definition of the Grain Offering. This was quite different from the animal sacrifice to cover sin. First off, burnt sacrifice was totally consumed by the fire, the grain offering was only partially given to the flame. The rest was for the priests to feed their families. Typically made of wheat or barley, the offering could be the grain itself or in little unleavened cakes. This was an offering of thanksgiving for God's mercy and His provision. The purpose of the grain offering was not atonement, but worship.</div>
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How lovely that Boaz's gift was one of worship/adoration!</div>
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Fast forward to a certain scene in Galilee. A whole lot of people forgot their lunch except for one little guy. This boy hands his whole meal over to the disciples. Is he really the only one who planned ahead? Little boys are tactical when it comes to knowing how long they will be out playing and how this usually needs to involve a snack. The stomach speaks! But he lovingly gave his barley loaves and fish to Jesus. His grain offering. His act of worship. And here Jesus, God in man, returned to the people a blessed multiplied offering of worship, adoration and provision.</div>
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This brings me to my final point. It would not surprise me if many in the crowd that knew of the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 might wonder, "if Jesus is in charge, will we have to work for food?" This would drastically change the economy of the world. Free food? At least twice more in the scripture, barley is also used to measure the state of the economy.<br />
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First, there is this crazy story in 2 Kings 7:1: </div>
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Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord: ‘Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’ ”</div>
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You see, the city was under siege by the Syrians. Prices on food had gone way way up! People thought they were going to die. The Lord told Elisha things were about to change. </div>
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Sure enough, two lepers decided they were probably going to die either way so they went to the Syrian camp. It was empty. What!? The Syrians got spooked and left everything. Everything! So the city plundered the encampment and prices changed over night! The economy was measured in the price of barley. </div>
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In Revelation, we see a similar prediction of the earth's economy:</div>
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When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Revelation 6:5-6</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that the famine will not only be of literal bread, but of spiritual bread. </span></div>
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"But He (Jesus) answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Matthew 4:4</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Barley! You are jam packed! We find barley to measure length, time, love, worship & the state of the economy. I can barley take it all in!! </span></div>
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izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-18399227071354373612017-01-16T10:35:00.000-08:002017-01-16T10:47:48.472-08:00BALM: Bible Plant Series<div class="MsoNormal">
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I was fascinated to find balm on the list of plants. I had
always assumed that it simply meant salve or lotion, but, no, there is a plant
that it is referring to. And to be perfectly honest, several plants have fallen
under this name, but I am trying to get to the one that is actually mentioned
in the story of Joseph. We are all familiar with Jacob’s favorite son and how
the other brothers had had enough! They threw Joseph in a pit and were deciding
how to kill him, but in the meantime:</div>
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<br />“…they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes
and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with
their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down
to Egypt. 26 So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we
kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come and let us sell him to the
Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our
flesh.” And his brothers listened. 28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so
the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to
the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.”</blockquote>
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So the traders were bringing balm… from where? Gilead. (…sound
familiar?) As far as I can tell, Gilead is always describing the same region. It
is describing the area on both sides of the Jordan River extending above the
Sea of Galilee then to the Southern most point of the Dead Sea. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at the current map, this includes
parts of Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. How true are the words of Jeremiah:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Is there no balm in Gilead,<br />Is there no physician there?<br />Why then is there no recovery<br />For the health of the daughter of my people?” Jeremiah 8:22</blockquote>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up hearing my
mother sing “There
is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead that can heal the sin-sick soul. ” Of course, little ears hear and
interpret… Wait? There is a bomb?! In Gilead!? No! We have to warn Gilead! Who
and what is Gilead!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how does a bomb
heal?<br />
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Just to be clear we are talking about the word balm not
bomb. But it is a little eerie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The song “There is a Balm in Gilead” is a traditional United
States African American Spiritual. There are parts of the song that have
‘wandering verses’ that you can sometimes find in other songs. Basically
mashups or medleys used in revival services. <o:p></o:p></div>
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No matter what version of the song, the truth of them all is that we have found a balm in Gilead and His name is
Jesus! Traditional balm was used for cuts, burns and arthritis but we have a balm that not only heals us
on the outside, He has made a way to cleanse and forgive us on the inside. That
is what makes us whole!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joseph’s story is often referred to as a messianic one. The
comparison of Joseph’s story to the story of Jesus is startling. Here are men
favored of the Father. Sold for 20 (or 30) pieces of silver. One was thought to
be dead, one actually was. But they both came back from the dead and delivered
their people from destruction. Joseph’s legacy lasted for only a couple of hundred years. Jesus’s
will last forever.<br />
<br />
When Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites, he became another
product on their shelves. Imagine their little store front shelf: a container of myrrh, a jar of the
balm from Gilead… oh, and this scrawny guy with no
clothes sitting there hugging his knees on the shelf. That coat of many colors
was torn to shreds. It represented the favor of the Father. It is a tale as old
as time that people want to shred the favor of God resting on you. But you know
what? Joseph became a balm to the people of Gilead when they had to leave to Gilead
and live under Joseph’s protection in Egypt. And then Jesus, he laid down his life,
and became the balm from Gilead to the whole world.<br />
<br />
Are you willing to lay down your life and allow God to use you as a balm?<br />
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izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-77594256221504965202017-01-15T05:44:00.000-08:002017-01-15T05:44:00.191-08:00ANISE: Bible Plants Series<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMPXyFI8PLsVC38JhmBeEiHT9DP3MXps1V_9hT-6s3rievS64hgtXdLVZIR_ct3isao_HxpkmHIDYncrSn8XyGv-4JJtE8AYiTdP-rh6lLE-NS1Ifa9xTJsD9YY0DQcWms70o4kQ9xRY/s640/blogger-image--264616356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMPXyFI8PLsVC38JhmBeEiHT9DP3MXps1V_9hT-6s3rievS64hgtXdLVZIR_ct3isao_HxpkmHIDYncrSn8XyGv-4JJtE8AYiTdP-rh6lLE-NS1Ifa9xTJsD9YY0DQcWms70o4kQ9xRY/s640/blogger-image--264616356.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anise plays an unusual part in the Scripture. Most often in
modern times we see its familiar star shape in potpourris because it adds
visual interest, but in Biblical times anise was used to treat indigestion and
other internal needs. The Romans would make cakes with anise in them for the
end of a gluttonous feast to reduce the consequences of taking in a lot of rich
food.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the most surprising uses for anise, of which our
scripture reference alludes to, is that it was used as currency. People would
pay in anise for goods and services rendered. My loving husband chimed in here:
“Aha! Money does grow on trees!” Well, it did in Jesus’s day and He had
something to say about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus speaks of anise smack dab in the middle of his
accusation and sentencing of the Pharisees. You remember the “Woe to the
scribes and Pharisees” part of Matthew 23, well lets look at verse 23:<o:p></o:p></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<o:p> </o:p> “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For
you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters
of the law: <span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;">justice and mercy and faith. </span>These you ought to have
done, without leaving the others undone.” (Matthew 23:23)</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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They paid their tithes with anise! That’s bananas! Well,
it’s actually anise! That’s anise!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why would this be something that Jesus commented on? It’s
pretty specific. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Matthew Henry elaborates in his commentary that Jesus was
saying that the Pharisees paid their normal tithe, but on top of it they paid
with these herbs and seeds. It wasn’t that they did this that bothered Jesus,
it was their motive behind it. They did it to be seen. They did it to show off.
“Look we tithe of everything we have even our plants tithe.” They did it to
influence the priests and defraud the congregation. Why was it fraud? Because
it basically cost them nothing to pluck it from their gardens and deposit it at
the Temple.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When King David faced a similar dilemma in 1 Chronicles
21:24, we see him basically saying I will not offer God anything that costs me
nothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus wanted the scribes and Pharisees to continue keeping
the law, but he did not want them to forsake the things that were most
important to God. Like, “justice and mercy and faith.” The entire letter of the
law is important to God, but some parts are weightier than others. These are
the parts that deal with our internal beliefs, our self-denial, and our posture
before God. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Pharisees were walking by people that were hurting and
hungry everyday to deliver their tithes. Then they were condemning the people
for not following the law like they did. Jesus always called out the
hypocrites. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus referred to the “weightier matters of the law” from
Micah 6:8: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“He has shown you, O man, what is good;<br />
And what does the Lord require of you<br />
But to do justly,<br />
To love mercy,<br />
And to walk humbly with your God?”</blockquote>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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To obey is better than sacrifice. Mercy is also preferred
before sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“God will be honored in His truths as well as His laws.” –
Matthew Henry<o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to examine my own heart and life and ask, “Have any
of my ‘sacrifices’, my offerings to God, become anise? Are there things that I
am offering that cost me nothing but I am using them to get me out of a true
sacrifice? Have you any anise?<o:p></o:p></div>
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izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-88151204376444850182017-01-14T05:52:00.002-08:002017-01-14T05:59:44.757-08:00ALOE: Bible Plants Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<o:p> </o:p>In biblical times, aloe was used for the purifying of the
bodies of the dead (embalming) and for medicinal purposes.</div>
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In Psalm 45:8, Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that this
messianic psalm says that the robes of the Messiah king are not necessarily
praised for their looks, but they are praised for the fragrance they are soaked
in and anointed with. How fascinating!<o:p></o:p></div>
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“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out
of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.” Ps. 45:8<o:p></o:p></div>
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There should come from this particular formula of perfume
several striking points.<o:p></o:p></div>
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First, some of this particular combo is found in the
designer fragrance and anointing oil from God, Himself, that we find in Exodus
30. The specific recipe was only known to the priests, but it included myrrh,
cinnamon, cassia, sweet smelling cane and olive oil. God describes how this
anointing is to be used for consecration in verse 25.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an
ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy
anointing oil.” Ex. 30:25<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, hold up a second! Lets break it down. The anointing oil
God custom designed for His place of meeting with the Children of Israel is
what the robes of the Messiah will be soaked in. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d like to pause here to insert the scientific study of
olifactory memory. Scientists have done extensive research into how certain
smells can trigger responses in us of which we may have no longer have
conscious memories. You probably have smells that you can think of that remind
you of certain places or people. That’s how powerful smell is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s keep going! <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the other places in Scripture where we find aloe is a
very solemn moment: <o:p></o:p></div>
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After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of
Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away
the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body
of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also
came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with
the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place
where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in
which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, John 19:38-42<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoQxrTWlDXmRyfVKBKovBxUiyDDRjPywrbiMl2am0UXtMXhCOOEuvZ7ZXDDSdPPOrbnlz7NhfNrUYMyuI7Fv01n1NFjo1waTBWYNDNZOKCiQSVeiIJHz8LSk3tAt_y-GDQrnf3pTdMYA/s1600/12068668_10153664762224393_1376652132566596801_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoQxrTWlDXmRyfVKBKovBxUiyDDRjPywrbiMl2am0UXtMXhCOOEuvZ7ZXDDSdPPOrbnlz7NhfNrUYMyuI7Fv01n1NFjo1waTBWYNDNZOKCiQSVeiIJHz8LSk3tAt_y-GDQrnf3pTdMYA/s640/12068668_10153664762224393_1376652132566596801_o.jpg" title="Church of the Holy Selpulchre, 2015 Elizabeth Doss" width="424"></a></div>
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Joseph and Nicodemus soaked the strips of linen in myrrh and
aloe and then bound the body of Jesus with them. Remember Psalm 45:8!<o:p></o:p></div>
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“All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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…. ….. Whoa!<o:p></o:p></div>
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(Side note: Of course, the Messiah’s robes in Psalm 45:8
also smell of cassia, which is the oil of gladness. Thank God for resurrection!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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What does all of this mean?<o:p></o:p></div>
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To me it means, God has woven throughout the Scripture a
very specific love letter/ treasure hunt. I think of those cartoons where the
character is lifted off the ground. They close their eyes and float along
moving only toward the source of the incredible smell. So basically, God said, “This
perfume, it’s Me in a bottle. Anytime you smell it, you’ll know it’s from Me, and
whatever it is on is Mine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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The psalm says the Messiah will be doused in it, but also
with aloe. Why aloe? We see in John 19 when aloe was added to the scene by
Joseph and Nicodemus. It is because of the ultimate act of love from Jesus
laying down His life. It will never be forgotten. He will carry the fragrance
of sacrifice with Him always. We will always remember His great love for us
when we smell aloe and myrrh upon His robes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s
life for his friends.” John 15:13<o:p></o:p></div>
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We will sing to Him as the Shulamite did:<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Because of the fragrance of your good ointments,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Your name is ointment poured forth;<o:p></o:p></div>
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Therefore the virgins love you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Draw me away!” Songs 1:3-4<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wonder when He returns, will we smell Him before we see
Him? </div>
izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-7240071357134849512017-01-13T07:58:00.001-08:002017-01-14T05:54:17.713-08:00Creative Prompts from Bible Lists<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiX_-S6ZJPdGGT6OWvaf6LvQDI055JZJn5UWfmI0z7kzHTMhK5GGQpzn53v2Atpgrey8P8uopzQI6_Cfb-ZBT7_85p_e1U04gwnBemQ2xhFHlsRDIMfoGZJKgwqj1K3R1-JWbpe7Pyrg/s640/blogger-image--1924240246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiX_-S6ZJPdGGT6OWvaf6LvQDI055JZJn5UWfmI0z7kzHTMhK5GGQpzn53v2Atpgrey8P8uopzQI6_Cfb-ZBT7_85p_e1U04gwnBemQ2xhFHlsRDIMfoGZJKgwqj1K3R1-JWbpe7Pyrg/s640/blogger-image--1924240246.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have really been wanting to get back into creating every day, but probably the hardest part about doing so is coming up with ideas of what to create. So I am going to be documenting my journey with one of my favorite Christmas presents. </div>
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I absolutely love this book: "Book of Bible Lists: More Than 6,000 Fascinating Items" By H. L. Willmington.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp_x4sojd8IdYqUPyx1yAlzTZ-yfM5f-qcWYYvmOr3h3r-8FyHw_H50QfYhqogAfEBlGnQhFUP7ruvOYvbM__wMhDTx39L6bBxdKTRh2osNeUviLBq6_XCAjTfMs8forbiaMWS32BHkQ/s640/blogger-image--1295178354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp_x4sojd8IdYqUPyx1yAlzTZ-yfM5f-qcWYYvmOr3h3r-8FyHw_H50QfYhqogAfEBlGnQhFUP7ruvOYvbM__wMhDTx39L6bBxdKTRh2osNeUviLBq6_XCAjTfMs8forbiaMWS32BHkQ/s640/blogger-image--1295178354.jpg" /></a></div>
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Goal: to choose a list and then illustrate every item. </div>
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I am hoping to bring you along on this fun & informative journey! </div>
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The list that I have chosen to start with is the list of plants found in the scripture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPGfb2Vj9ZeE3WpJrSt6Yg9zTigy6a2jlSCIPHfoTt_UGhyphenhyphen1_SO6Ejy3R_B-mUuMTsmCaWL190K59hnUs6DbrqpkjOa5lBbO_KsBTBuYntO8WEB1ivy6hWdJ3KWHxWkySTCdGAeZutfA/s640/blogger-image-1691940045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPGfb2Vj9ZeE3WpJrSt6Yg9zTigy6a2jlSCIPHfoTt_UGhyphenhyphen1_SO6Ejy3R_B-mUuMTsmCaWL190K59hnUs6DbrqpkjOa5lBbO_KsBTBuYntO8WEB1ivy6hWdJ3KWHxWkySTCdGAeZutfA/s640/blogger-image-1691940045.jpg" /></a></div>
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Let's begin! </div>
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izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-33121325046215347412016-02-24T08:44:00.000-08:002017-01-09T08:53:44.035-08:00Gleaning off of another's sacrifice- Thoughts on the story of Ruth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfB2L8KwChpBglRccI9hVeSjDWZf0kV6FZd3JhkSadXklaVdiL_0IBzSZI5VEVHm9CjTPwA3psvVKLY0H3eKyQ1-vJ2nzHg9XUuaxku5ARJitewa_oYJ7Z2N_l-oc5_zb2xXj5i_C-HI/s1600/Gleaning001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfB2L8KwChpBglRccI9hVeSjDWZf0kV6FZd3JhkSadXklaVdiL_0IBzSZI5VEVHm9CjTPwA3psvVKLY0H3eKyQ1-vJ2nzHg9XUuaxku5ARJitewa_oYJ7Z2N_l-oc5_zb2xXj5i_C-HI/s1600/Gleaning001.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK5"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK2"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK1"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK6"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK5"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Gleaning off of
other's sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> Individuals all over the world devote themselves to mining the
depths of very specific topics. From their harvest, we glean from the overflow.
The abundance. This is true about scientific topics to spiritual insights. We
reap what we have not sown. We gather from what we did not plant. We glean from
what we did not harvest. We glean from the sacrifice of others. Jesus speaking:
"I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have
labored, and you have entered into their labors." John 4:38 NKJV This
concept can be applied in some very specific ways. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Most people come into the sanctuary in the state of really just
trying to stay alive. They come from their jobs, & their every day
situations. They aren't attending worship conferences or classes or devoting
themselves to soaking in new worship. They are just coming in looking for a
fresh drink of water. Something to quench their thirsty souls. The worship
leadership needs to have earned the respect and trust of the church enough to
speak in authority to shift their hearts and minds from earthly cares to
heavenly releases. They glean from the overflow of the leadership's worship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Same with the Word. We glean from the harvest of the speaker. Etc. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">My heart's desire is that the product I produce be so full of Him
that every drop that is gleaned has the power to heal, deliver, inoculate,
defend, and bring about His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. My pursuit must
be passionate so that there is flavor throughout it all. Praying that all of
your pursuits make way for beautiful gleaning. Which in Ruth's case lead to
redemption, significance & inheritance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Ruth 2:15-20</span></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">" And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men,
saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also
let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean,
and do not rebuke her.”</span></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had
gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.”</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">We should allow people to glean what they can, when they can and not
begrudge them. Some day they may be planting and reaping but if we treat
everyone as a thief, they may never get close enough to the field to get what
they need. It is here that we must be generous. If we know who we are and whose
we are, we won’t be distraught at yielding an ephah of our crop. Who knows what
redemption is waiting?! I don’t think Boaz thought Ruth would even give him a
second glance, but in making room for her to glean, he sowed into her heart and
reaped more riches than he could ever know. He reaped love. He reaped legacy.
He reaped a lineage that lead to the Savior!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">What are you gleaning from today? How can you actively yield extra
for others?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law
saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept
back after she had been satisfied.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">And her mother-in-law said to her, “Where have you gleaned today?
And where did you work? Blessed be the one who took notice of you.”</span></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So she told her mother-in-law with whom she had worked, and said,
“The man's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.”</span></span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Then Naomi said to
her daughter-in-law, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His
kindness to the living and the dead!” And Naomi said to her, “This man is a
relation of ours, one of our close relatives.”"</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment-->izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-47569814445212420882011-11-19T04:55:00.000-08:002017-01-16T11:06:06.654-08:00Triage of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGNsmJ6b1jKxDDoc7JP7V2i7gpv4YL2nF26NDylvOAS7dBc6TCoMwAXyl1DrR74Ygn4GeuLVg0j1QVflIWKzzVRNhhf7PE0PrAxyYZaUOYcXpqgpptJzhKuKulRK8AzFKQcLgzxUgkaQ/s640/blogger-image--928423097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGNsmJ6b1jKxDDoc7JP7V2i7gpv4YL2nF26NDylvOAS7dBc6TCoMwAXyl1DrR74Ygn4GeuLVg0j1QVflIWKzzVRNhhf7PE0PrAxyYZaUOYcXpqgpptJzhKuKulRK8AzFKQcLgzxUgkaQ/s640/blogger-image--928423097.jpg" /></a></div>
Sometimes you have to walk past certain distresses to attend to others. This is the triage of life. Determining what needs your attention first. Today, mine is quite simple: I walk past the dirty dishes, past the pile of clothes in need of bubbles, right down to the basement studio to scrape off a spot and crank out some glass pendants. (Why? Because they are selling quite nicely downtown, and I want my fans to have plenty of options, lol!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Anyway! This is what happens everyday to each of us. You may have a set schedule, but even within that are disruptions that need attention. Depending on your personality type, these detours can have the potential of shutting you down.<br />
<br />
I believe the key to unlocking them is believing in their existence.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why are we so extremely surprised when plans HAVE to change?</span> </blockquote>
(Now, I am preaching to myself!)<br />
<br />
A wise man, (known as my father) once preached a message on how our greatest heartaches in life stem from unrealized expectations. “Expectations lead to disappointments,” he said. It is the truth! We expect someone to respond, act, or do something how we think they should respond, act or do it. Then, we have either minor or major devastations when (guess what) they failed to meet our expectations.<br />
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How can we change? <span style="font-size: x-large;">Live in expectancy!</span> Live in the hope and joy of watching these crazy incidents and circumstances stack up in just the right way to display our distinctive existence. Clap your hands and shout, “I do believe in interruptions!” So when one slaps you in the face you are not surprised. If your nervous system can start in the peace, then you can determine the order of treatment. <span style="font-size: large;">This triage becomes a whole lot easier when you have not wasted your time freaking out over the fact that you have been interrupted.</span> Are you ready for today? ;)izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-47076262816682572952011-11-18T07:03:00.001-08:002011-11-18T07:03:32.475-08:00The Spoon Wreath<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQKe410E8mriU7un0sEJ2IykSJyEdZla7c8mgLxCoP8hjBOP50_0RhQK-nVtsI3ehGG88nuLMm-cCZbarETFweSThke8ia0WRsqvnypCMV34rGuB7XR71OfktZ6iEJUP2hyphenhyphen1Qv8hSgCA/s1600/photo-712477.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQKe410E8mriU7un0sEJ2IykSJyEdZla7c8mgLxCoP8hjBOP50_0RhQK-nVtsI3ehGG88nuLMm-cCZbarETFweSThke8ia0WRsqvnypCMV34rGuB7XR71OfktZ6iEJUP2hyphenhyphen1Qv8hSgCA/s320/photo-712477.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676351672416922594" /></a></p>Make your own spoon wreath!<p>Hot glue gun, plastic spoons and about fifteen minutes. Make sure you line up the spoons as you go. One dab of glue on the bend in the neck and on the handle tip and you are good to go! Try different color spoons!izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-77871579433579410322011-11-15T06:11:00.000-08:002011-11-15T06:11:41.054-08:00Strive to EnterI look around at the little messes all around and say to myself, “it wouldn’t take much to straighten this place!” Oh, but for some reason I think it will. I do one thing… and I am exhausted. Just looking around makes me tired. I am very well aware that the cleaner the more restful, but I am too tired to seek rest, lol.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB80FthxTmfI6QyYTb6NBIUSGE8jh_K0YJu5vehxuH6buXRP1fkpsxn6yrtO_jA20tUn_L5VJBRxL_iyh6mIaWBJtoGN9LL8ZZxS1jAmLjiH1sabiXbGk7XARYpvd5B-bN3tBUP6Bm3K0/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="281" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB80FthxTmfI6QyYTb6NBIUSGE8jh_K0YJu5vehxuH6buXRP1fkpsxn6yrtO_jA20tUn_L5VJBRxL_iyh6mIaWBJtoGN9LL8ZZxS1jAmLjiH1sabiXbGk7XARYpvd5B-bN3tBUP6Bm3K0/s320/Image.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Isn’t there a Scripture? “Strive, therefore, to enter that rest.” Great! So yeah, there is even a Word about it. <br />
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I have this thought in my head. Basically, the serenity prayer for cleaning…<br />
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God grant me the serenity to distribute the things I cannot organize; courage to scrub the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference between “All-purpose” and “Windex.”izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-76461412406441949712011-11-12T05:46:00.000-08:002011-11-12T06:04:06.820-08:00the "waitings"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3i42xnNkkp_y0xatOLAATmfzvDxfuQgiDGbbRHYllcdpM_RLXzu7N9rNDz7OAvAjpLDQc6n5TFC8a5O_LZearqdQy5ADyHsJyWqjdFfXtUlGVXdPKrHV2pckn1a2hgkBxkZCZW-92Jw/s1600/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3i42xnNkkp_y0xatOLAATmfzvDxfuQgiDGbbRHYllcdpM_RLXzu7N9rNDz7OAvAjpLDQc6n5TFC8a5O_LZearqdQy5ADyHsJyWqjdFfXtUlGVXdPKrHV2pckn1a2hgkBxkZCZW-92Jw/s320/IMG_3236.JPG" /></a></div>I am sitting here on a cold November morning smack dab in the middle of “the waiting”. <br />
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You see, God will plant in our hearts the promise of something to come. Whether it be the companion of our life, our calling, a child, a fulfillment, or a simple hope, etc. Our lives are comprised of these “waitings”. “Why?,” you may ask. Well, when we believe in Him, we believe that He has our very best at heart. Our very best always includes His desire for us to grow in faith. When we observe that thing to come, whatever it may be, and we look from it to Him and believe that He will keep His promise, this pleases Him. He looks upon us and smiles, “See they love me more, than this or that.” <br />
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In fact, God delights in faith. He wants it occurring consistently in our lives. He gives us the “opportunity” over and over so that our lives may testify of His goodness to those following Him. It is true that sometimes the circumstances are much more grave than we can take, but the testimony of faith shines the brightest in the darkest times. Believe Him for the desire He has planted in your heart. Let the anxiety of impatience disappear in the light of His faithfulness.izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-14636125848973410582011-04-15T06:16:00.001-07:002011-04-15T06:18:55.766-07:00Our Heavenly Dentist<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7swaXn_P0RC4zF5EvFEUNelWoUGKBycTXeXHmldj_3_CNqD9_3SYS-2qbglhrbMSfQb2Vdby67JLe4NgKUFDwBR0GdWx7d7ZpYjaSSQXWYFY-AfOaugxnIXBKernK4LqWCt2OhugeBs/s1600/photo-779616.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7swaXn_P0RC4zF5EvFEUNelWoUGKBycTXeXHmldj_3_CNqD9_3SYS-2qbglhrbMSfQb2Vdby67JLe4NgKUFDwBR0GdWx7d7ZpYjaSSQXWYFY-AfOaugxnIXBKernK4LqWCt2OhugeBs/s320/photo-779616.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595798555870786098" /></a></p><br /><br />"God is easy to please, but hard to satisfy." - C.S. Lewis <br /><br />In his book, "Mere Christianity", Mr. Lewis was speaking of God's desire to perfect us. He used to get toothaches & he wanted to get the aspirin his mother would give him but he didn't want what was sure to follow. He knew it wouldn't stop there. She would call the dentist and he would root around in there to find every little thing that needed fixing.<br /><br /> God is like this. We just want forgiveness from this one certain sin, but He never stops there. The Lord has a vision of us operating in our greatest potential. He keeps working on us our whole lives so that we will resemble Him and the perfect version of us He has in His heart. He wants us as ready for eternity as we can be. <br /><br />So, when we find ourselves right in the middle of life's situations and circumstances understand that He is working for your eternal weight of glory.<br /><br />People became cross with Mr. Lewis speaking on the unyielding demand from God to be perfect, but He is not wanting you to act perfect, He is wanting you to allow Him to "perFECT" you. The verb not the adjective!<br /><br />"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-29199435893162704262011-04-08T07:55:00.000-07:002011-04-08T08:07:52.936-07:00"love the things you have..."I survey my vast acquisitions <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuUBFPCPszC3a184seZHKYIsanKQOLU1wwQd-nKiknT7KpS-IN7EVinCfdkqTjYzRz8YjQ3ytAtxt0WyoA0drhRKffp4cGTAFY5fIE_U2EqfUWzRfC0LhCclg9eZ9K3J24SLUBcVz16Y/s1600/couched.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuUBFPCPszC3a184seZHKYIsanKQOLU1wwQd-nKiknT7KpS-IN7EVinCfdkqTjYzRz8YjQ3ytAtxt0WyoA0drhRKffp4cGTAFY5fIE_U2EqfUWzRfC0LhCclg9eZ9K3J24SLUBcVz16Y/s320/couched.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593229182302912706" /></a><br />of Goodwill with a capital "Guh", of Salvation with a side of Army... On my Hill of Miracles.... Used... Someone's discards have become my most beloved. My mom recites a poem by Edgar Guest in church all the time.. <blockquote>"love the things you have, by using them everyday."</blockquote> I don't want to lose sight of my appreciation for what He has given me, in my effort to see what else I think I need.<br /><br />More than just the stuff, it is bigger... Self-denial. I "discard" my life and my right to control it, and yet He picks up what is useful and reinvents it. It becomes His most beloved too. May I become one of His own that He loves because He can use me everyday.<br /><br /><blockquote>Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26 (NKJV) </blockquote>izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-13504993247783558282010-09-17T05:48:00.000-07:002010-09-17T06:07:35.598-07:00Appreciation: Venti, No Whip, Extra CaramelDriving home after church the other night, I turned to James (my hubby), and reviewed a wonderful conversation I had with the oh-so-lovely Jennifer the Valentine-Barton. She and I have this on-going “conversation” through the random delivery of caramel fraps. We often don’t have time for the huge convos, but we do have time for<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHthf_iBnREI88Xnt5pG1cHMUexMcfzIvkIxHQeXmIuYRkUNsiEYNBdncU5pHhY4EmRxYJTleGU2OC507FyDN380ay2Xcaj8M3T1oMrEhdX5ot2QqH0Ct68rsyTVaD8DKbJsUPpUbnbo/s1600/IMG_3478.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHthf_iBnREI88Xnt5pG1cHMUexMcfzIvkIxHQeXmIuYRkUNsiEYNBdncU5pHhY4EmRxYJTleGU2OC507FyDN380ay2Xcaj8M3T1oMrEhdX5ot2QqH0Ct68rsyTVaD8DKbJsUPpUbnbo/s320/IMG_3478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517866468569221426" /></a> the yummy reminders of love. I’ll drop them at the animal clinic for her, and she has brought them to me in some of my greatest hours of need. Anyway, she handed me a Starbucks gift card this night and she laughed through shining tears, “Elizabeth, when I think of you, I always think you are the kind of person that should have everything in the world. If I could give it to you, I would, but I’ll start with what I can afford.”<br /><br />“It’s true, you know,” James interjected, without hesitation, “You do deserve everything.” The sincerity of their words really hit me… I am loved. I think I forget this sometimes. When I am at my lowest, dragging my feet, in pity parties and frustrations, it’s hard to lift your head to look in the eyes of the people that love you and hear what they are saying. Like the prodigal son, sometimes it’s easier to sit in the pig pen than to look in the loving eyes of the Father.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZKfnQ5GbVjmtjcaY_XrIEO1b3LF2S-fvRfjvA3nO_uj4oS08Xaazvsgqrsf6DUMOzt_kXUgfmfHxwPA2v8SsXeUObA8dJWVIAqtmVCE6GoGtVXKy0NKgH0SlN5-PHvQRtJkzyowzWeA/s1600/DSCN1870.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZKfnQ5GbVjmtjcaY_XrIEO1b3LF2S-fvRfjvA3nO_uj4oS08Xaazvsgqrsf6DUMOzt_kXUgfmfHxwPA2v8SsXeUObA8dJWVIAqtmVCE6GoGtVXKy0NKgH0SlN5-PHvQRtJkzyowzWeA/s320/DSCN1870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517864692690799106" /></a>Today, five years ago, I was preparing to walk down the aisle and marry my best friend. He has loved me through thick and thin. He requires nothing of me, except that I am obedient to the voice of God. He calls me out in his special way when I need it. I listen, (try to, anyway). For years, we have heard the words, “Husbands love your wives as Christ loves the church and gave himself for her.” This… this is his credo. He embodies the heart of Jesus for me. He appreciates me and tells me so, often. I am undeserving of such devotion, mercy and grace. <br /><br />One of the greatest delights in our marriage has been that when God speaks, we really try to do what He says. We have found so much joy in obeying together. When He says, give, we give. When He says encourage, we go together and try to get underneath someone that needs a little love. <br /><br />I woke up this morning with these thoughts on my heart. Writing about me deserving everything and such sometimes makes me feel… squishy. I want to argue with it. “Well, if only you knew what I was thinking five seconds ago, you wouldn’t say that!” I knew when James and Jen shared this particular thing with me, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJissYKf7ReAF69B5mnDAIemiC87l6ZDYIcpczD3l0-cvRc9R2gKXe-swniclaAsoX2If5NyPl6r3qZ196_Adj2iYEu2T_l3dWakhsUxDVB57M1byIlwiEyzCjQ5i1jdmpKzcZb5YoXQ/s1600/Korazin+312+(Medium).jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJissYKf7ReAF69B5mnDAIemiC87l6ZDYIcpczD3l0-cvRc9R2gKXe-swniclaAsoX2If5NyPl6r3qZ196_Adj2iYEu2T_l3dWakhsUxDVB57M1byIlwiEyzCjQ5i1jdmpKzcZb5YoXQ/s320/Korazin+312+(Medium).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517868017003735154" /></a>I needed to slow down and listen to what was really being said. When someone shows you love and appreciation, do you dismiss it? Either dismantling their rationale or spend too much time thinking, “If you knew what I am really like, you wouldn’t say such things.” This world works overtime to remind us not to think too highly of ourselves. The words of my friend and the love of my husband have challenged me to stop and take a big drink of appreciation when it is offered. It will keep you hydrated on a dry and dusty day.izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467369558217289992.post-30267428190006493162010-08-24T13:56:00.000-07:002010-08-24T14:15:12.020-07:00Creative InheritanceWhen I was in Israel this last time, God was really talking to me about how He had given me the gift of expression. In music, art, writing, etc... Very renaissance, I know. So I am starting this blog, this personal blog to cover all of those areas, plus expressing a little more about the things I ponder, laugh about and pray for. So, you never know what you will find here. In fact, I don't know what will end up here. Just know that you have been invited to this expression. It may sound presumptious but, this gift is for all of us. What is your gift to share?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X_Uc298uev6ZfXBnn78d1gStYQNRNP14HN8rQq76prBqrBT4Dg5cEzA3ADxY6Wz3aC8LA53qj0aq3-7Fqnfu3ETTWzKlQMoVKSKFeDFJI8D5DwWtsbDh7oTvmp5B6HMguRUuC4-htEc/s1600/35574_421105814392_252066374392_4125684_6525931_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1X_Uc298uev6ZfXBnn78d1gStYQNRNP14HN8rQq76prBqrBT4Dg5cEzA3ADxY6Wz3aC8LA53qj0aq3-7Fqnfu3ETTWzKlQMoVKSKFeDFJI8D5DwWtsbDh7oTvmp5B6HMguRUuC4-htEc/s320/35574_421105814392_252066374392_4125684_6525931_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509085803921278850" /></a><br /><br />I read a devotional once (shocking, I know) that talked about the creative life. In it, she explained that if we are to be like Jesus, God, etc. We must understand His nature. He is Creator. If we are like Him, then these desires to create are just as much apart of being like Him as any of the other attributes. It is wrong of me to diminish this part of me, subduing it into a regimented mold of what "creativity" looks like or will produce. As creative people, we usually stop ourselves before we get started because we don't think we can make anything good enough.<br /><br />A very good friend of mine once stated that she would love to make things with her hands, but she didn't want to make anything that "looked like a kindergartner did it!" I thought about it. And said,<br /><br />"Oh, Beth, there are so many things you could do!" I love going to her house. Her choice of colors and her style in her home and fashion prove that she has quite the eye. So one afternoon, I packed up my supplies and headed over to her house. <br /><br />Mosaics! We had such a great time. I saw her eyes light up with arranging the colors and making something she was proud of! .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEG_uGpSv5NE9nFjtaEpfYgewRGHXDJ6JIsEdMhGh9biCKPZ91skC7Auug4wVKaZHXWwa989dKTLMunEM-bi3GJIlz2MTDraGgwxw62xnaZvREBOxEYKdGPj0Si1PMYGaOAdPX6_fIR4/s1600/il_430xN_112436863.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEG_uGpSv5NE9nFjtaEpfYgewRGHXDJ6JIsEdMhGh9biCKPZ91skC7Auug4wVKaZHXWwa989dKTLMunEM-bi3GJIlz2MTDraGgwxw62xnaZvREBOxEYKdGPj0Si1PMYGaOAdPX6_fIR4/s400/il_430xN_112436863.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509084958393225618" /></a>Not too soon after that I left a care package on her front step, not knowing it would be starting her own studio A box full of possibilities. She has gone on to sell her beautiful work and custom pieces that are infused with her life and personal style. Her voice was loud and clear.<br /><br />It also has managed to echo in her life and my own. We have all of these beautiful pieces of experiences, love, trials, difficulties, sorrows, lands of barreness and lands of plenty. Many of them have broken before our very eyes, yet placed strategically paint an exquisitely intricate picture of the individual God CREATED us to be! We cannot look at Him and tell the Creator, your creation (me) is not good enough. He knew and knows what He is doing!<br /><br />(if you are interested in Beth's work, click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/seriousbethy">HERE!</a> )izzyinkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07557359341877938692noreply@blogger.com1