Wow! It’s been a some time since I’ve posted. I guess kidney stones and Dr. appointments will get in the way of creativity.

The news has heated up while I was unavailable to comment on it. Our country is in turmoil, and I am amazed and disheartened at the level of antisemitism that continues to spread across the country and our college campuses. Who in their right mind supports barbaric terrorism against a nation that simply wants to exist? My guess is people who don’t know history.

Over the board in my Social Studies classroom was the quote: “Those who refuse to learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.” (Santayana) We are seeing evidence of that truth every day on the news broadcasts. Students and others who do not know or haven’t been taught the history of Jewish persecution are continuing to believe the lies they ARE being told/taught. The same mindset that led to the Holocaust is alive and well in America today.

You and I have a choice – which side will we support? I will support Israel, the nation established by God in the Old Testament. He set the boundaries of that country: “And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river, for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.” (Exodus 23:31) The borders of Israel were also described in Joshua 1:1-5: “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.  I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.  Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Israel is the land God promised to give to the descendants of Abraham – the legitimate heirs of His promise. I support Israel’s right to exist in peace despite being surrounded by Arabic nations that want to eradicate them.

God bless – Sue

I’ve been studying the book of John since September with my Bible Study Fellowship group, learning or being reminded of many things. Through Jesus, referred to as the “Word,” the world was created, but that world did not recognize its Creator. He came to a group of humans referred to by many as “God’s chosen people,” but they did not accept or receive Him. Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, called him the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” and that prediction happened during this time of year when the Jewish nation celebrated Passover.

Today is called Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, believed to be the day that Jesus ate His final Passover meal. During this meal, the Last Supper, Jesus established the ordinance of communion by breaking bread and saying, “This is My body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of Me.” He repeated this request when He shared the wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Bread and wine, body and blood, broken and shed – this is what Jesus Christ did for me and for you. I will remember and be forever grateful.

(Shutterstock)

Can it be that we are beginning the last week of February? The year 2024 is almost 1/6 gone (17%), and we have already celebrated Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras. Has anything in your life changed over the last weeks or are you plodding along as usual? Are those New Year’s resolutions ongoing or a thing of the past?

You and I are creatures of habit. Researchers tell us that it takes consistency to develop a new one. They actually have something called the 21/90 rule that states it takes 21 days, with 30 – 60 repetitions to make a habit, and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change. Further research has shown that it is easier to form a new habit than it is to break bad ones. Repeating new behaviors often enough allows our brain to adapt accordingly.

Let me encourage you to continue to try a positive new habit. Maybe it’s breaking away from social media to spend more time with family, looking up recipes and cooking healthier foods, developing a Bible-reading devotional time, or walking a set number of steps per day. You’re just three weeks away from a better you. Good luck!

God bless – Sue

Yesterday was Feb. 2nd again – the time when good ole Punxsutawney Phil of Gobbler’s Knob, PA, was shown determining whether or not we’ll have six more weeks of winter. This was the 138th time this event has been held, and supposedly Phil has predicted more cold winter temperatures 108 times, but he has been correct only 36% of the time. That’s not a very good percentage, is it? However, most people are pleased that he predicted an early Spring this year.

How many predictions, reports, or odds are reliable enough for you to trust? Do you really think we won’t have a usual winter with more cold temps? In whom do you put your trust? Maybe a close friend or family member would be trustworthy. Considering that all people make mistakes, tend to gossip or think of themselves first, even those we want to trust can fail us. If we read the Bible, many scriptures tell us that there is Someone we can totally trust.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.”  Isaiah 12:2

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8

“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10

There are many more examples in that best-selling Book, the Bible. Check them out; even the internet can help. In our troubled times, we need the assurance that God is with us every day. As far as that groundhog’s prediction goes, I wouldn’t pack away my winter coat just yet!

God bless – Sue

Well, 2024 seems to be a continuation of the chaos of 2023 with bitter winter weather thrown in for good measure. One of USA Today’s headlines recently read “US strikes Houthi rebels in joint Yemen bombing with UK. How close are we to all-out war?” Last week social media erupted in reports of 10 ft. aliens roaming around a Miami mall. This led to many people learning about an Old Testament term – Nephilim – the hybrid combination of fallen angels and human beings, as some people connected the supposed aliens to these creatures. Add to this the start of the NFL playoffs with all its hoopla, and you have the perfect mixture of excitement, anxiety, confusion and nervousness.

There seems to be little to no peace. Too many voices clamor for our attention. Does that describe your reality? What can we do about it? 

The Bible speaks often about peace for true peace comes only from God. A quick internet search yielded many verses, but I chose those listed below:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

It’s important to listen to the right Voice, not the many voices surrounding us. God promised to be with you, regardless of your circumstances. Trust Him.

God bless – Sue