Wow, it has been over a week since the last post. Well, my excuses are golf and hiking, got to get out there! Next week I begin a discussion group for the summer on the book "Can You Hear Me" by Brad Jersak. It is about listening prayer. Already it has been thought provoking. He supposes that we all hear from God in many ways but tend to excuse it as immagination, coincidence or impossible and silly. Yet the bible is very clear that we will hear God and in fact Jesus promised it several times. Jersak is clear, in that we must test what we think is God's voice because there are many reasons for people to error. I will share some of my thoughts as I go along.
Meanwhile here is a picture of my hike this week.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.

He will not be presenting his own ideas; he will be telling you what he has heard.

He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by revealing to you whatever he receives from me. All that the Father has is mine; this is what I mean when I say that the Spirit will reveal to you whatever he receives from me.

John 16:13-16

Observe

I see the world from a different view,

I was not here when all was new.

I travelled a short time on its varied path

Each one with joys and sorrows past.

At then end will I be free to say,

God, I saw it all your way.

Perhaps mankind's ways will intervene,

Political correctness' solomn keen;

Over-shadow what was clear to me,

God created all.

For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualitites - his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,

so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:19-20

A little brag

We just found out my son Jd made the Dean's list this year at U of C. Well done, your hard work and great brilliance have been recognized by all... Sorry, just a little of motherhood braggin.
All proud! xxoo

Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your

reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:23 &24

Art & Beauty

I was reading a passage in the Exodus where God asked the people to come forward to donate thier possessions and skills as artists to create his temple. What was interesting is that God said he had gifted certain people with great wisdom, intelligence and skills in all kinds of crafts, plus the ability to teach them to others. God said he definitely enhanced these people's abilities to a greater level so their works would inspire others and glorify him.
I think of the many artists works I know or have seen. Some pictures, music and statues definitely are set apart and inspire. Many, many more are just there and are interesting in some way. While art may speak to us at different levels, God's art reaches deep inside of us and shows us something of him.
God, of course, for me, is the original artist. Besides the incredible world around me, in my home is a granite counter. It is stunning, how stone can look like its moving and living; everyday I enjoy its beauty and it imparts to me the glory of its creator.

Exodus 35:31-35

The Lord filled Bezalel ( Ohoiab and other craftsmen) with the Spirit of God, giving them great wisdom, intelligence and skill in all kinds of crafts. They are able to design and create beautiful objects from metals, fabrics, jems and wood......In fact He has given every necessary skill...including the ability to teach others. They excell in all the crafts needed for the work.

Prayer1

I have started reading a book about prayer, but it is not about talking, its about listening. The author makes a good point in that we often complain that we do not get answers for our prayers, but in fact we are not really listening. He suggests that just like we do not hear all the audio waves that constantly bombard the air around us, its because we do not use the equipment required. So keep tuned. For now we can model Samuel:

Samuel did not know the Lord yet because he had never had a message form him yet... Eli realized it was the Lord speaking and told Samuel if someone calls him again to answer..."Yes, Lord, your servant is listening."

Samuel 3:7-10

Golf

What can I say! I love it; being outdoors, walking, spending time with good friends and family, trying to improve yourself at a sport. Participating sport is a big deal to me. I have never been athletic! I was never encouraged to be so and was overweight most of my life. So here I am now, most likely, the fittest I have ever been and enjoying it. Today it was 29C, can I say it WORD. That's it word! (meaning in this case great). We had some great shots, hitting the pin, parring a par 5, great drives, putts and chips. I didn't realize how great it can feel to exert yourself physically, that really, we were made for it. Thanks to my friends for making it a wonderful day M & K, & MT!

All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it to win an eternal prize. So run straight to the goal with purpose in every step, not like a boxer who misses his punches. Discipline your body like an athlete, training it to do what it should...

1 Cornithians 9: 25-27