Book Review

Sometimes I chastize myself for enjoying a devotional book so much. It seems that in those readings, I enjoy them more than God's Holy Word. Then, I realize these devotional readings shine a light on scripture and actually bring deeper understanding and appreciation to the Bible. Such is my response to Max Lucado's "It's Not About Me". It is a good thing this is a short book (146 pages) because I underlined so much. For me, Lucado puts !!!!! on God's Word. He collects scripture passages to illustrate a point, then POw! I do one of my many underlines. This is a definite stop and ponder book. And, it is a read again book. Thanks Max!

Behind God's Curtain

Have you ever read something that caused your spirit to respond with joy because of the truth it declared? I am doing a re read of A Layman Looks At The Lamb of God by Phillip Keller (one of my favorite authors) -- first a bit of personal history why the statement I will share with you is so meaningful. I was in drama in high school and I was in a play. So, I'm very familiar with "behind the curtain activity" - the stuff the audience is unaware of. Now, here is Keller's thoughts: "Mankind's need for The Lamb of God did not begin in a Bethlehem stable 2,000 years ago. Neither did "The Lamb of God" himself have His beginning there...The account of His initial entry into the world is but the narrative of that point in time when God, very God, chose TO PART THE STAGE CURTAINS OF HISTORY BEHIND WHICH HE HAD MOVED IN MAJESTY UNDETECTED BY MOST TO STEP OUT ON CENTER STAGE. There in full view...the King of Glory disguised in human form moved amongst men. Here was The Lamb of God...none other than the very person of the eternal God. He was the One who had been in company with the Father before ever the worlds were formed or the planet earth was shaped and fitted for human habitation." End Keller. Begin Gini: It helps me when I have a visual - GOD at work behind the curtain in those times when I wonder where HE is.

Thoughts about Good Friday

My thoughts about Good Friday (God's Friday) The Cross - It seems that often the cross has become a beautiful piece of jewelry...and I have two: One that is so shinny and has black stones at the 4 ends. The other, (my favorite) is not a polished silver, but has a little purple stone in the middle of the cross bars, a ring around the cross and the inscription on the back: "Robin of Locksley". This morning I read the words of the well known hymn "The Old Rugged Cross"...here are a few phrases - "The emblem of suffering and shame"..."that old rugged cross, so despised by the world"..."the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, "To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear"..."the dear Lamb of God (Jesus) left His glory above to bear it (the old rugged cross) to dark Calvary". These words certainly paint a different picture. I wonder if my crosses have weakened the message of this hymn. Maybe not...perhaps when I wear them, a conversation about that "old rugged cross" may begin. Today, is a day to contemplate a cross that was old, and rugged, and blood stained. It held the Creator of the world as He bore ALL the evil of the world...and His Father looked away. But, wait! Here comes Easter! ❤

Blessing From Years Past

Charlie shared this on Facebook in 2014 · Driving to church this morning granddaughter said, "Music!" CD started and Grandson said, "We sing that at school!" So we listened to him sing "How Great is Our God" as we went to church. How blessed we are!

Daily Cleansing Prayer

Keep liberating me from my disbelief, discontent, disquiet. So very Amen I pray

Catching A Lizard

Catching a lizard: Over the years I think I have become an expert in catching these cute little critters. So, I thought I'd share my technique. It is helpful if it is hibernation time when you find one in your house. They are lethargic and much easier to catch. Today I found one on the floor in our little guest house. It is important that I keep them outside because sighting one in the bedroom, coming out from under the bed or in the closet or bathroom can give quite a scare. So, here is my method: Get a large glass or clear plastic bowl. Next, and very important get a large piece of cardboard or heavy paper that is larger than the circumference of the bowl. Make sure there is a clear area around the lizard for you to catch it. Carefully put the bowl over the lizard and keep it tight against the floor. Next, carefully slide the large cardboard or paper piece under the lizard, again being mindful to keep a tight seal. Once you have it secured in bowl, carefully turn the bowl over and remove the cardboard. The deeper the bowl the better. It will be too slippery for it to climb out. Take the lizard bowl out side and find a good spot to release the lizard. And, there you have it! Happy lizard and happy home! ❤

An Enemy of God

I was an enemy of God's..."so what" you may be thinking. God is GOD - over all, creator of all and on and on. And little wimpy Gini was His enemy. Big Deal. Yes...it was a big deal. He didn't want me to be His enemy. He pursued me. He called my name. He patiently let me shake my fist in His face. He gave His only Son for me. He decided to give His only Son before I ever drew breath. When my stubborn will finally gave in and I said, "God, I no longer want to be Your enemy", He said, "Welcome daughter" Big Deal? You better believe it...especially since He is STILL patient with my stubborn will. Reminds me of one of my favorite hymns: MOMENT BY MOMENT. The first line reads "Moment by moment I'm kept in His love" And His Word in 1 Peter 1:5 reads "who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."