Joy to the World

Pictures, images, and drawings, like some I have shared below, flood the internet and mailboxes by way of cards this time of year.

We remember that Jesus Christ, Yeshua Messiah, God's Son was born into this world through the womb of a Jewish, virgin woman named Mary. (Miriam in Hebrew) 

Jesus came to die on a cross, shed His blood, be buried, and be raised to life, all for one purpose - to save His people from their sins. 

Matthew 1:21 says: 

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus are pictured in manger scenes everywhere this time of year. It causes us to remember that God, in human flesh, came to be born.

The Bible writer, Luke, describes Jesus' birth in much detail. In Luke chapter 2, he wrote:

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 

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 2:4-6 

Luke continued to write about the night that Jesus was born:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” 

Luke 2:8-14 

I love this picture. It is so well done by an artist depicting the night that Christ was born. 

The Bible verses surrounding Christ’s birth are so familiar to me; I've heard them my entire life.

The birth of Christ is an important event because many details surrounding His birth are written for us to read in God's Word.

One detail God did not give us, though, was the date of His Son’s birth. However, there are some strong clues given in Scripture.

If you understand the Biblical calendar, those clues reveal even more when Christ was born. 

Two years ago, I wrote a blog post about this. Sadly, I no longer have that post because I no longer have that blog. 

I believe Christ was born around March 25th not December 25th. I believe He was born in early spring, not early winter. 

Why do I think this? 

There was only one time of year when shepherds kept watch over their flocks by night. 

When is that? 

It is during the lambing season which only occurs during late winter into early spring. 

The shepherds we read about in the Bible were watching their flocks “by night” because they were watching for baby lambs to be born. 

Those shepherds were not watching for ordinary lambs to be born. Those shepherds were likely Levitical, priestly shepherds - shepherds who raised lambs in Bethlehem to be sacrificed on Passover a year later.

Jesus died on Passover as God's sacrificial Lamb! How incredibly perfect and fitting for the Lamb of God to be born among the Passover lambs in Bethlehem - to shepherds who were watching for lambs to be born! 

Though I don’t know with certainty (no one does), I believe Jesus was born on the 1st day of the 1st Biblical month. That date is always in early spring, usually around March 25th. 

Many Jewish believers in Christ believe that Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall season. He came and “tabernacled” among us they say. True.

However, there is a problem with that thought. According to God’s law, the Torah, all Israelite men were required to be in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. (called Sukkot in Hebrew) 

Joseph would have broken God’s law if he had been in Bethlehem during the Feast of Tabernacles. For that reason, I do not believe Christ was born in the fall season during Sukkot. 

Shepherds would not have been out in the fields watching over their flocks at night then either. 

The very first tabernacle, which God instructed His people to build in the wilderness under Moses’ direction, was completed on a certain day. 

Can you guess what day that was? 

It was the 1st day of the 1st Biblical month. 

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.”

 Exodus 40:1-2 

 

What happened on that day? 

The glory of the Lord filled that tabernacle in the wilderness. 

“Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” 

Exodus 40:34 

On that day, it says that: 

“…and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” 

Exodus 40:34 

Sounds similar to what Luke wrote, doesn't it? 

“...and the glory of the Lord shone round about them...”

Luke 2:9 

The 1st day of the 1st Biblical month is always in early spring. That is also the lambing season. 

I believe that is the date Christ was born. God didn’t tell us, but He gave us some strong clues.

I love images like the one below because this event really did happen over the skies of Bethlehem, Israel about 2,000 years ago! 

What a glorious sight those shepherds must have beheld. I can only imagine.

In October of 2010 at the age of 27, I had the privilege of joining a group of likeminded Christians on a 3 week missions trip to Israel and Egypt. (reaching out to Muslims) 

On my first day in Israel, I was in Jerusalem with the team. The next day, we went to Bethlehem. I could hardly believe I was actually going to Bethlehem, the town our Savior was born in! 

Standing (far right) with the team outside the
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Israel. October 2010.  

Because I am a harpist and own a 10 string harp like David, I brought my 10 string harp along with me to Bethlehem. This was David's hometown where he played his harp for his sheep!

I dearly wanted a picture taken with my small harp, sitting in the fields of Bethlehem like David. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. But my harp did go with me. You can see it on my shoulder in a navy blue case behind my brown purse. 

I went inside the Church of the Nativity that day and saw the “place” of Christ's birth in the grotto or cave. Was Jesus born in that exact spot? 

I highly doubt it. 

The old church building (which is above the cave) was beautiful though. I knew one thing for certain. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. God's Word says so. 

Outside the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Israel.

Below is a picture of the inside of the church building which is above the cave or grotto below it. I saw both of these.

 

When we arrived in Bethlehem, I was surprised to see how many hills Bethlehem has. From what I saw, Bethlehem is full of hills. 

We walked through the old city of Bethlehem that day and went into a shop full of olive wood products made from olive trees in Bethlehem. I later regretted not purchasing a set of beautiful, olive wood candlesticks that day. I was able to purchase a set of olive wood candlesticks years later from the Garden Tomb shop in Jerusalem.

In some ways, Bethlehem looked similar to pictures drawn and portrayed in Bible story books. In other ways, Bethlehem looked very different than how I imagined it. Bethlehem looked both ancient and modern to me.   

Though we were on a schedule, I had to pause for a few minutes to take some pictures while walking the streets of Bethlehem.   

Bethlehem, Israel looking north towards Jerusalem. October 2010.  

Do you see the olive trees on the hill side in the picture below? They are the trees with lighter, green leaves. 

I remember taking this picture and thinking about the angels of heaven coming down to announce the birth of Christ, our Savior, in that very city. Incredible!  

Bethlehem, Israel. October 2010. 

Five years later, I had the opportunity to go to Israel again. Though I have only been to Bethlehem once, I got to see ancient Jerusalem on my second trip to Israel.

Ancient Jerusalem is also called the “City of David” because David reigned there as King. Ancient, Biblical Jerusalem is on the southern end of Jerusalem and faces Bethlehem. 

Ancient, Biblical Jerusalem in the valley below.
October 2015. 

Bethlehem is only 5 miles south of Jerusalem. You can almost see Bethlehem from Jerusalem.     

Jerusalem, Israel looking south towards Bethlehem. October 2015.

Since visiting Bethlehem, the story of Jesus birth in the Bible is something I can picture more easily. I've walked the streets of Bethlehem. 

I love the songs, the hymns, and the carols that speak about Christ’s birth. Many of those songs are packed with powerful theology and deeply encouraging words! 

I know many Christians who do not celebrate Christmas at all because of the pagan and ungodly things mixed with Christ's birth. 

I understand that completely. I want nothing to do with pagan, ungodly things either. 

However, Christ's birth was not a pagan event. The angels of heaven announced His birth and sang over the skies of Bethlehem, Israel! For that reason, I love to sing and play Christmas carols, songs that give honor and glory to God for sending us His Son! 

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is my favorite. I love that carol so much, I considered using it as the title for my Christmas Harp CD. 

However, “Joy to the World” (my second favorite) fit the theme of my CD. 

“Joy to the World” is actually not a Christmas carol, though it is usually sung as one. When the hymn writer, Isaac Watts, wrote that song, he wrote it with Christ’s second coming in mind, not His first coming. 

One morning recently, I was reading my Bible. I read a verse from Psalm 102 that caught my attention!

Psalm 102:16 says: 

“When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.”

When the Lord builds up Zion, that is Jerusalem, then He will appear in His glory! Wow! That is literally happening right now, in our day! Zion, Jerusalem, is being built back up after thousands of years! 

According to this verse, when that happens, we will see Christ appear in His glory. That means that Christ is getting ready to come back very soon! 

Just like there was a generation that saw Christ's birth, His first coming, there will also be a generation that sees His second coming when He comes to reign as King over all the earth! 

That is what the carol “Joy to the World” is all about!  

Consider these words: 

Joy to the world, the Lord has come,

Let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing, 

and heaven and nature sing

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing!

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns

Let men their songs employ!

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy!

No more let sins and sorrows grow

Nor thorns infest the ground.

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found

Far as, far as the curse is found.

Are you hurting today? Does your heart feel heavy today because of what the curse of sin has caused in this broken world?    

Take heart! We have a Savior. We have a Redeemer. He was born for that reason. He died. He gave His life blood to redeem us from sin. His death, burial, and resurrection give us hope.

Jesus returned to His Father in heaven, but He promised to return to earth. When He returns, He will rule over all nations. According to the Bible, I believe we are the generation that will see His return! The signs of His second coming are everywhere. 

God’s Word gives us strong clues about when Christ first came. God’s Word also gives us strong clues about His second coming. Both of those exact dates have been hidden from us. But if you are watching and reading God's Word, you can see that His return is near! 

In the midst of turmoil, pandemics, persecution, sickness, sin, and death, I delight to sing the hymn writer’s final verse for this song because Christ is coming back!

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove,

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love, 

and wonders of His love

And wonders, wonders of His love! 

Christ is no longer a Baby in a manger. He is coming to reign as King, upon the throne of David, over all the earth!  

The prophet Isaiah says it well: 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7

Luke repeated this glorious truth when he wrote:  

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

 Luke 1:30-33

Choosing Thankfulness!

I remember hearing one time that a thankful person is a joyful person. I've never forgotten that. Thankfulness and joy are often found hand in hand. 

Choosing to be thankful, though, is not always easy, especially when you've lost someone (or something) or walked through enormous trial or pain. Sadly, things like pain and loss are part of life. Though we live in a fallen, broken world, some people seem to walk through more trial and loss than others. That is perplexing to me. I don't know why, but I'm thankful God does. I'm comforted to know that, someday, God will wipe away all tears of those who are His. I’m also comforted to know that pain, sorrow, suffering, and loss were never part of God’s original plan. 

Two years ago, I had major surgery the week before Thanksgiving. Anyone who followed my previous blogs will likely remember that. I wrote many posts about it. As odd as it may sound, I'm very thankful I had my surgery when I did. Although it didn't take away the enormous grief of losing something (I still grieve at times), Thanksgiving reminded me that I still had so much to be thankful for.  

I've observed that people who choose to look for things to be thankful for, despite pain and loss, tend to be more joyful people. By God's grace, I aspire to be that way - to look for the positive rather than the negative. Easier said than done sometimes. My gardening attempt this year in our small, backyard garden was an example of that. 

Earlier this year, I tried to grow a small garden starting plants from seed. Normally, my mom purchases small, starter plants from a local greenhouse, and one of my sisters plants them in our small, backyard garden. Sadly, the only thing I can ever recall us growing successfully has been tomatoes. Our soil is not good. But this year, I wanted to try. I started my seeds in planter cups indoors and waited for them to sprout. I watched several sprout only to die a short time later. I was sad about that, but out of 12 planter cups, 4 of them actually grew! I had two cucumbers and two squash plants. (zucchini and butternut) Although they came up late, I was still delighted! 

I faithfully watered them, even prayed over them, and with much joy, I got a some small cucumbers from our garden this year. They were delicious! 

The first of my small cucumbers this year. 

I looked forward to summer squash (zucchini) and was so excited when I saw bees come to pollinate my plant after praying! I finally saw very small zucchini begin to appear, and I pulled out my zucchini cookbook in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. 

But then a strange, white, powder-like mildew appeared on the plant! Oh no! I looked it up online and found a homemade solution to spray on the plant to kill that mildew. I also cut back some of the dead leaves on the plant, and sure enough, it worked! I was relieved! But the small zucchini died in the process. I continued to pray and water the plant.

In early September, my mom got a notification on her iPad stating this had been the hottest summer on record in the USA. I was glad it wasn't just me that thought so! I found out later that extremely hot weather can affect plants, especially, zucchini plants. 

Our weather finally began to get cooler, and I saw very small zucchini appear on my plant again. My butternut squash plant began growing small squash as well. I was thrilled! But then, colder nights arrived, and both squash plants eventually died.

After being in bed for two weeks with Covid during the last two weeks of October, I went to check on my small garden, and of course, everything had died. Everything was done. 

Knowing that our first, light snowfall was coming in early November, I dug up my four dead plants. It was difficult for me not to cry. I watered them so faithfully. I prayed. I did everything I knew to do to try growing squash - to no avail. Nothing. Not even one squash. I tried so hard. 

As I was digging up my plants in an effort to get the garden ready for this winter, I decided to quote Psalm 1 from memory. 

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3 

Suddenly, right there in my little garden, surrounded by dead plants with withered leaves, verse 3 took on a whole new meaning to me! Although my plants died, God promises that those who walk with Him by following His Word will produce fruit and will not whither away like my dead plants did! 

What a promise! 

I was happy that I got some cucumbers at least. To my friends who grow and preserve food, my little garden was a joke. I had a friend in the state of Missouri sending me pictures of the piles of produce she was growing without even trying that much. She was so kind and caring and felt bad that I tried so hard and got almost nothing.  

But for me, I chose to be thankful for my cucumbers, and for the promise from God's Word. I also learned a lot this year about gardening by asking questions from others. That is something I am thankful for. Even though my garden may have been a failure (now I know why my mom gave up here!), it was not in vain. 

I walked away from our garden that afternoon with joy rather than sadness, thankful for what I did get and what I learned from it. 

I have a nice pile of mulch and compost on our garden to help the soil over the winter. Next year, I'm going to let our garden completely rest, something we've never done. In the Bible, farmers were to let their land rest every 7 years. I’m going to do that in an attempt to hopefully bless our soil and give it a rest.

Normally, as winter approaches, I don't look forward to it as much as other seasons. But, this year, because I've chosen to look for the positive aspects of winter, I'm actually thankful for it. 

To me, winter is a season of rest. It's a season to read, to do indoor projects, to cuddle with a blanket and a warm drink, and the list goes on. Winter is a gift from God. Winter has a beauty all its own. 

If I continue with my thankful list about winter, it might just become my favorite season. Maybe. 

I've learned that thankfulness makes me a more happy, joyful person, even in the midst of a failed garden and a broken world! 

A recent photo I took of the late autumn/ early winter sky.

To those who belong to God as His children, this is not our forever. This is not our final home. And for that blessed truth, I am deeply thankful. 

I Am Thankful For...

This post, title and all, is one I've been working on in my mind for the past several months. I had grand plans of publishing this post right on Thanksgiving Day. But alas! Just like last year, after spending a good portion of the day in the kitchen preparing food and drying dishes, I was too tired to complete my blog post yesterday, especially after enjoying our large, Thanksgiving meal. 

I told my mom that I think I enjoy the day after Thanksgiving almost as much as Thanksgiving day itself! Because we always have leftovers, we don't have to cook the next day! 

I love our Thanksgiving holiday. I know that, for some in our country, this holiday means nothing more than a day off work, over eating, and a day associated with turkeys. How sad! For me, Thanksgiving means so much more than that. 

Although I enjoy a delicious meal with my family (which does include turkey), I enjoy the opportunity to reflect and thank the Lord for His many gifts and blessings to us. Thankfulness is something I desire to cultivate in my daily life, not just once a year. 

However, I still think it's wonderful that we, as a nation, have a day set aside to remember to thank the Lord.      

As a young girl, I remember being asked around Thanksgiving: 

"What are you thankful for?"  

My typical, 9 year old girl, answer was usually something like: 

I'm thankful for my Dad and Mom. 

I'm thankful for our home. 

I'm thankful for clothes to wear and food to eat. 

As a girl, my list would've likely included our cat, Smokey, and possibly, my purple bike.

As I got older, my thankful list broadened to include things like: Salvation and God's everlasting love for us. God's Word and God's Spirit would have also been included as being some of God's greatest gifts to us! 

Whether younger or older, those are all things I am still very thankful to God for on a daily basis! (well, except for that cat and bike; those have been gone for a long time.) 

Sometime earlier this year, I began thinking about things that I'm thankful for. I realized those things would make a nice Thanksgiving post. 

Instead of a 9 year old girl's thankful list, this is a 39 year old woman's thankful list this year.

I am thankful for...  

My bedroom window. I actually have two windows in my bedroom, but I love the one that is closest to my bed. I love my bedroom window. I love the tree right outside my bedroom window as it changes with the seasons. I enjoy seeing the stars (or snow) at night through my bedroom window before I pull down my shade to go to bed. I enjoy the peeks of light that stream through my bedroom window (and shade) every morning. I witness God's marvelous creation in the changing seasons and hours all from my bedroom window. I am thankful for it. 

My bedroom window in early autumn - October 2019

My bedroom window in winter - January 2021 

My bedroom window in spring - May 2021 

I am thankful for... 

Our neighborhood. This view is looking out of my other, bedroom window. It's not as nice as seeing a tree, but I'm thankful to live here. I love to walk in our neighborhood, and I frequently tell the Lord "thank you" as I'm walking. I'm thankful to live in our nice neighborhood. 

I am thankful for...

Our local, grocery store called Safeway. This store is just a mile down the road from our home. I shop there all the time when I need something. They sell lots of groceries and produce, and some, for a good price if you look. (I'm a bargain shopper!) I'm so thankful for Safeway.   

Our Safeway grocery store - November 2021

I am thankful for... 

Our small post office which is directly next to Safeway! Like the grocery store, this post office is just one mile from our home. It seems like I mail packages frequently. (especially harp CD's) I love the little, post office near our home, and I am so thankful for it.     

Our small, post office inside a small pharmacy.

I am thankful for... 

Park # 1 which is less than a mile from our home. I can almost see this park from our house. It takes only 2 minutes to drive there. I love walking there, and I frequent it often! There is a small pond there with spectacular mountain views. There are lots of areas to walk around at this nice, large park. I am so thankful for it!

The small pond at this park I love so much
 - November 2021

I am thankful for... 

Park # 2 which is only 2 miles from our home! It only takes 4 -5 minutes to drive to this park from our home. This park has a beautiful river flowing beside it. This has become a favorite park of mine this year. I like to pray and read my Bible here. I love nature; I love God's creation. I am so thankful for this lovely park! 

The flowing river beside this park. 

 

This small park has a pavilion and a grassy area 
for people to enjoy picnics on when the weather is nice.   

In recent months, there was a day when I was having fun looking at Google Maps on my phone. (which is different than Apple Maps that came with my iPhone.) I confirmed that the two parks I love so much, our nearby grocery store, and our nearby post office are all within a one to two mile radius of our home! That made me realize just how blessed I am to have such wonderful things close by me!    

God's countless gifts are everywhere if we open our eyes to see them! Our Father in heaven is a good Father Who delights to give good gifts to His children! I see so many of them around me, and I am so thankful for them!   

Reflections on Turning 39 Years Old

I like numbers. When I was in school, math was a subject I enjoyed. I'm not sure why, but I especially like the numbers 2, 4, and 9. 

I was born in the year of 1982, and I've always liked my birth year because it ends with the number 2. (1982) I was born in October of 1982. This year, I turned 39 years old. 

An October sunrise early one morning from our home. 

About a week or so before my birthday, I began thinking about the number 39. Does that number have any significance in the Bible, I wondered? 

I thought of an elderly, Christian woman (in her 80's) I know who lives in my area and likes to call me frequently to see how I'm doing. This woman likes to pray for others. I thought of something she has shared with me many times.

"Jesus walked up Calvary's hill after taking 39 stripes for us!" 

She has mentioned this to me numerous times in regards to Jesus dying for us and especially in regards to our healing as mentioned in Isaiah chapter 53.

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 

Where did she get the idea that Jesus took 39 stripes for us, I wondered? The Bible does not mention how many times Jesus was struck when He was scourged. I looked in Scripture. 

It is true that, in Jewish practice, when they punished a criminal, they would not give that person more than 40 lashes or stripes because of God's command in Deuteronomy 25:3: 

"Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed..." 

To avoid breaking God's law, the Jews would only give a criminal 39 stripes. That is likely where this elderly lady got that idea from. However, the Jews were not the ones who whipped Jesus. The Romans did. Did the Romans honor God's law? I highly doubt it. However, knowing that Jesus was a Jew, they could have honored the Jews practice in that.

In any case, I do not know for sure. If it's true that the Lord Jesus received 39 stripes for us, I decided that this would be a special year to remember just how much Jesus loves me! He suffered and died for me. 

Obviously, I don't have to turn 39 years old to remember that beloved truth. But 39 could be a reminder of Christ's love in suffering for us if He did take 39 stripes for us as this elderly lady says He did.

                                      ~

My mind also drifted to my favorite Bible character - Joseph. Did anything significant happen in Joseph's life when he was 39 years old, I wondered? Indeed, something did! 

Most people who know the stories in the Bible are familiar with the story of Joseph. He had some dreams (which he probably would've done well to keep to himself and not share with his brothers). His father gave him a special coat of many colors, a coat that signified that he was the birthright inheritor. His brothers threw him in a pit, then sold him to people traveling down to Egypt when he was 17. Joseph's age is something the Bible clearly spells out. Most people know that Joseph was 17 years old when all of those events occurred in his life.     

 

However, the Bible also mentions Joseph's age on two other occasions. Scripture says that Joseph was 30 years old when he was brought before Pharaoh after serving in Potiphar's house and being in prison. (age 17 to age 30 = a total of 13 years!) Scripture also says that Joseph died at the age of 110.  

Joseph's age can be inferred on other occasions though by doing some basic math, even though the Bible does not directly say his age at certain times in his life.

Joseph was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh and interrupted his dreams. The Bible says that. (Genesis 41:46) That was the beginning of the 7 years of plenty. Add 7 years and that gives us Joseph's ages during those years of plenty. (age 30-37) Very easy, basic math. This means that, Joseph was 37 years old when the 7 years of famine began. Add 7 years to that, and we get Joseph's ages during those 7 years of famine. (age 37-44)

Those who know the story of Joseph in the Bible know the incredible ending. His brothers went down to buy corn/ grain in Egypt not realizing they were bowing down to their brother Joseph. Later, Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers. 

To quote Joseph speaking to his brothers, the Bible says in Genesis 45:6:

"For these two years hath the famine been in the land..." 

Joseph's brothers went down to Egypt two years into the famine, which means that Joseph would have been 39 years old when he revealed his identity to them. (age 37 + 2 years into the famine = 39 years old)

I get teary eyed when I read the entire story from the Bible. It's a story of incredible love and forgiveness on Joseph's part. It's a story of God working even when they could not see the full story. I continue to pull inspiration from Joseph's life from the Bible. I could easily write many (short) inspirational blog posts from Joseph's life! He was such a Godly man! 

Joseph was 39 years old when his brothers bowed down to him. Joseph was 17 years old when he had dreams of this happening. His dreams were from God because they really happened, but it took 22 years (age 17- age 39 = 22 years!) before Joseph saw those dreams become an actual reality in his life. That is a long time. 

Sometimes, God may place a dream or a desire in our heart or mind, but many years may go by before we see the reality of that dream come to pass - like Joseph did at 39 years old.

That encourages me. That inspires me.  

When the time was right, God brought Joseph's dream to pass. 

God’s love for us and Joseph's unwavering faith, both in regard to the number 39, were on my mind the days before my birthday. 

                                        ~

The week before my birthday, I was house sitting for someone in our area who owns several cats. I've stayed there before to watch their cat so it was not unfamiliar to me. I was there for several days and nights. When I came home on the Tuesday before my birthday, my parents informed me that one of my brothers was very sick in bed with a fever of 103, and he was coughing! 

Uh, oh. That concerned me. It sounded like he had classic symptoms of Covid to me. Even though he was basically quarantined to his room, I frantically cleaned our upstairs bathroom in an attempt to clean anything he may have touched. Sadly, my attempts only bought me a couple of days. 

My entire family came down with Covid. (yes, I tested positive at our hospital on day #10 of me being sick with it!) Everyone except my Dad. I'm so thankful my Dad never got it!

I woke up on the morning of my birthday, Sunday, October 17th, feeling extremely sick with one of the worst headaches I've ever had, along with a fever, chills, and body aches. It didn't feel at all like my birthday, although it was. It's a birthday I won't forget. Needless to say, I was in bed all day and didn't do anything special. 

I had Covid for an entire 2 weeks or 14 days. I've never been so sick before in my life. But, bless the Lord, we have recovered! God is our Healer.

~

Because I was so sick on my birthday, I celebrated it this past Sunday, November 7th, instead. Since my birthday was on a Sunday this year (I was also born on a Sunday morning), I decided to celebrate it on a Sunday. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day this past Sunday, with temperatures in the high 70's, clear blue skies, and bright, vibrant colors left on some of the trees around here.

I did what I'd planned to do on my real birthday, but instead, it was three weeks later.

My sister Leah was home last weekend for a visit. (she’s a flight attendant based in Washington D.C.) She gave me a delicious apple cider donut that she'd brought home all the way from Virginia where she lives. Supposedly, these donuts were declared the best in the entire state of Virginia she said. It was delicious!  

I went to a local coffee shop and got some hot, apple cider to drink that morning. 

I liked the hearts on the back of the chairs.

I wish I could've enjoyed my hot, apple cider with someone there. Instead, I took my hot drink and enjoyed it by our nearby river. 

Hot, apple cider at the river.

The views there were so beautiful that day. The river was so peaceful. That was my gift from the Lord. 

Sitting under the bridge.

I brought my Bible with me and read by the river's edge.  

Psalm 105 is one that I've been reading a lot lately. God's promises and covenants are eternal. God works miracles for His people. 

I went for a little stroll and enjoyed more lovely views of the river.

Sitting under a canopy of trees.

I sat on a log and sang the hymn: "For the Beauty of the Earth". God was my audience.

We had two roses in bloom on one of our rose bushes! 

Roses in November?! 

Those roses ended up on my dresser.

My mom took me out for an
annual birthday lunch that afternoon. 

Later that afternoon, I went for a walk at a nearby park -
a birthday tradition of mine. 

"Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."
Psalm 90:2 

I chose to have soup and bread again for supper this year.
I was going to make a homemade pot of "Autumn Squash" soup, but after having Covid, it was much easier to pick this up at the store instead. 

Paired with oven ready garlic toast! 

I chose to have carrot cake (my favorite) for dessert. 
Compliments of our local Safeway for only $6.99.

My parents gave me this book as a birthday gift. 

This book was a "dropped hint" to them of something I'd enjoy. I'm really looking forward to reading it! 

And that is a glimpse into my birthday this year. Nothing spectacular. Very simple, but special. Every day is a gift from God. Days add up into years. The years of our lives are milestones and markers. God blessed me in some very special ways last year. 

I look forward, with anticipation, to what God has planned for my life in the coming year. My heart echoes with the Psalmist when he wrote: 

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

Psalm 90:12  

Read Your Bible... Sing Everyday!

My title for this post comes from a twist on a well known children's song I grew up singing. The song went like this: "Read your Bible, pray every day!" 

After repeating that phrase numerous times, the song continued with: "and you'll grow, grow, grow!" 

The song included hand motions along with an exercise that my siblings and I did as we sang this song. We would squat down near the floor and then slowly come up as we were singing the last phrase of that song. (as though we were "growing") 

The second verse of that song went like this: 

"Neglect your Bible, forget to pray... and you'll shrink, shrink, shrink!"  

My siblings and I did the motions for that as well by slowly shrinking down to the floor, giving our leg muscles a good workout. We not only learned some great Bible truths by singing that song, but we also got a workout whenever we sang that song! 

It's amazing to me how simple (yet profound!) Bible truths can be taught to children just by singing a song. I'm in my late 30's now, and the truths of that song have stayed with me to this day. 

Bible reading and prayer are, indeed, vital to a healthy walk with God. Earlier this year, I discovered something else that I also believe is vital in walking with God - singing.  

Permit me to share a story from earlier this year. 

A singing songbird! 

This past spring, I had the joy and privilege of flying to the state of California to visit a dear friend of mine who lives there with her husband and their six children.

The San Diego airport! I loved the palm trees!  

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the brightly colored, tropical flowers around their property!   

Beautiful Bougainvillea flowers near my friend's home! 

 

Lovely Latana flowers on my friend's property
with a view of their avocado grove (on the hill) in the background. 

My friend's husband owns a business of packing and selling vegetable and flower seeds to people all over the nation. My friend and her husband met at a Bible School around 20 years ago in the town that I live in. I was also at that week long Bible School, and that is how I first met my sweet friend, Janelle. 

A year or two after meeting, my friend and her husband were married. After that, they lived in the state of Wisconsin where her husband was from. Several years later, my friend's husband had a bad accident involving his head, and he developed debilitating headaches. Those headaches prompted them to look for help. 

The only help they found for him was to live near the ocean, at sea level, where the barometric pressure does not change much (if at all), hence their reason for moving to and living in California now. They love it there! The beauty and climate is hard to beat! 

The Lord has blessed them with a beautiful home, and with a wonderful, avocado grove! On my last evening there, my friend and I enjoyed a delightful walk through their avocado grove, picking avocados and stuffing our jacket pockets with them as we went! I absolutely loved our walk that evening in their avocado grove! 

An evening walk in early May through their avocado grove. 

Picking avocados from their trees! 

My friend, Janelle, plays the harp like I do. She has a beautiful, pedal harp that her husband purchased for her! 

My friend's, beautiful, pedal harp. 

Their sweet daughter, Joanna, is an aspiring harpist who  
wants to learn to play the harp like her mom.
I enjoyed giving her a harp lesson while I was there. 

My friend and her husband have a small, home church fellowship they are a part of, consisting of several dear, Godly families. On one of the evenings I was there, they hosted a mystery supper for their small church at their home. It was great fun! 

After our mystery supper, we gathered into their living room for a time of worship and singing. I was asked to play my friend's pedal harp on request. I enjoyed playing several songs for everyone there. 

After I played, they passed out hymnals, and everyone began to sing in beautiful, four part, acapella harmony. I suddenly could not sing. It was so heavenly and so beautiful, all I could do was put my head down as I began to cry. I hadn't sung with a group of people like that in nearly 2 years! I soaked the singing up like a dry sponge! After crying for a minute, I was able to sing. I didn't want the singing to end that evening. I treasured every minute of it! 

I noticed that evening, though, that I had a harder time singing higher notes - something I've been able to do my entire life with ease! I realized then that vocal chords have to be exercised! My vocal chords were a little sore after singing so much that evening.

I never thought I'd share my personal church history on a public blog, but I have nothing to hide. My life is an open book. 

I've attended church my entire life. From the time I was a baby until two years ago (2019), I've been a part of a church whether I just attended or was a member. I grew up singing in church every Sunday. We also sang at home when I was growing up as part of our family "devotional time" in the evening just before bed. Singing has always been a part of my life.  

I was part of a church for 10 years. (January 2009 -2019) I didn't just attend there; I was a member. Granted, the church was an hour north of where I live, and I did get tired of the drive after awhile. (2 hours of driving every Sunday!) But it was worth being part of a wonderful, Godly fellowship. 

Sadly, in January of 2019, my church split. I used to drive to my church on Sunday mornings alone. On the last Sunday of December 2018, I made a decision to leave my church. I noticed that something wasn't right, but I didn't know what was wrong. I had no father or husband with me to ask what might be going on. I held nothing against anyone; but something didn't seem right. Sure enough! One month later, the church split. 

During that time, I began attending a small fellowship in the town that I live in. One of my pastors (we had two pastors) and his family joined us, so I wasn't without fellowship. But the large church split was so painful and so awful, my pastor and his family moved to the state of Virginia later that year. A short time later, our small fellowship completely dissolved. I was left without a church. 

In November of 2019, I had major surgery. I was thankful to have Godly friends praying for me even though I had no church. The following year (2020), Covid came into our world and many churches in our nation stopped having regular services for a month or two. 

After being without a church, I decided to visit some churches in my local area, including the Baptist church my parents attend. Sadly, I've been held "at arms length" (unwelcomed) by most of the churches I've visited. My head covering (a simple black scarf) is very strange to most people, including other Christians. But, it's a belief of mine from the Bible, so I choose to wear it in obedience to God's Word. Unfortunately, I'm still without a church. I usually watch a service online on the weekends.    

I share all of this to say... when I could not sing higher notes very well at my friend's home that evening, I realized that I hadn't been singing very much. Admittedly, the past 2 years have been the hardest of my entire life. I listen to Godly music frequently, both singing and instrumental. And I play my harps. But I haven't sung very much in the past two years. I have no church to join in singing. 

After my visit to California, I was inspired to go home and begin singing more, not only because I wanted to sing higher notes again, but more importantly, because I realized the importance of praising God through singing.

Since then, I've been singing more, although at times, I have to be very purposeful about it. I'm delighted that I can sing higher notes again with no trouble at all. (which proves that vocal chords need to be exercised!) 

I've also pondered the importance of singing over the past several months. I think I may have shared this once before on one of my previous blogs, but I believe it's worth sharing again.

Many Christians are taught the importance of Bible reading and prayer, and rightly so. Bible reading and prayer are how we keep our personal relationship with God alive and well. God usually talks to us through His Word. We talk to God and bring our requests to Him in prayer. The children's song got that right. 

But I think that singing is just as important as prayer. So often, we ask God for things in prayer, but we don't always praise Him for those things. One of the best ways to praise God is through singing! The Psalms in the Bible are loaded with praising God through singing!   

Children today are usually taught many subjects in school. However, there are three subjects that are probably the most important of them all. They have been called the three "R's" by school teachers of long ago: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Learning things like history, science, and health are excellent! But the three subjects that are essential for children to learn are the ones they will need the most to function in life as they grow into adults.  

Likewise, I believe that, for Christians, both young and old, Bible reading, prayer, and singing, are vital to a healthy walk with God!    

With that said, I think that the children's song should have a third verse added to it: 

"Read your Bible, sing everyday... and you'll grow, grow, grow!"