P is for Persecution...

P is for Persecution

Persecution is defined online as:

1: the act or practice of persecuting especially those who differ in origin, religion, or social outlook

2: the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed

The definition of persecute is:

1: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief

2: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : pester

I think at one time or another all of us have faced a form of persecution during our lives, just not as serious as others.  Unfortunately, it goes on in this world more that we like to think about.  We as Americans take so much for granted.  There are people in the world who are persecuted for attending worship services or even reading their Bible. I cannot imagine not being able to attend the church of my choice or read my Bible when I want too. 

‘And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself, and come down from the cross.  Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.  Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.  And they that were crucified with him reviled him.’    Mark 15:29-32

Can you imagine not only the crucifixion, but the persecution that our Lord Jesus Christ endured?  He did that for us.

‘Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.’    Luke 6:22-23

We may face persecution for our beliefs, but if we stand true, heaven will be our reward.

‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’   Revelation 21:4

No matter what we face here on this earth, heaven will be worth it all!

until next time…nel

O is for Omniscience

O is for Omniscience

Merriam Webster online dictionary defines it as:

: the quality or state of being omniscient

Omniscient is defined as:

1: having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight

2: possessed of universal or complete knowledge

I would come to the conclusion that a good definition of omniscience would be the quality of having unlimited, immeasurable or infinite awareness, understanding or knowledge or in simpler terms all-knowing.  There is only One who comes to mind and that would be Lord God, our Heavenly Father.  He knows all, from what is on our mind, to that sin we try to keep under the rug.  He knows and understands when we are shouting for joy or crying our eyes out.  He knows if we are weekend Christians or if He is first in our lives.  He knows!

‘Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.’    Matthew 11:29-30

It amazes me to think He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, or how many hairs are on my head.  His love for us is beyond comprehension.

‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.’   Matthew 24:36

It is pretty obvious we cannot hide from God; He will find us, because He already knows where we are.  We cannot hide our doubts or fears He knows what they are.  Only He can give us the peace we desire and that home in Heaven.

until next time…nel

Hodgepodge Time...

It is Hodgepodge time...

1. April 15th is the deadline for Americans to file their state and federal income tax returns.  What's a job you do on a regular basis that could be described as 'taxing'? 
I really do not have any taxing jobs anymore. Stan's niece Patt does the cleaning and cooking in exchange for a place to stay.  I do clean our bedroom and office.  I guess I would have to say maybe our bathroom.  Bathroom cleaning can always be taxing!

2. I'm participating in the April A-Z blog challenge, and the Hodgepodge happens to fall on Day O this week. In keeping with that theme...olives, onions, oysters, okra...of the foods mentioned, what's your favorite O food?
I would have to say onions.  A little onion added to a dish can add so much flavor.  Not to fond of olives or oysters and I am picky about my okra, so yep I would say onions.  Speaking of onions, I had the best order of onion rings from Arby's the other day.  We do not do fast food a lot, but those were good.  ...just sayin'

3.  What is something memorable you experienced as a child that your own children (or future children/nieces/nephews) will not get to experience? 
Our world has changed so much, things are just so different now.  I think the one thing that really bothers me is the ability for your kids to feel safe, sure they feel safe with their family, and somewhat at school.  But they will never experience the feeling of roaming the neighborhood freely and talking to anyone and everyone.  Staying out till the street lights come on, playing jump rope, Hide & Seek, Ghost, ghost come out to night or Sardines.  To me that is a memorable part of childhood, just being a kid!

4. Term limits for our elected officials...your thoughts? 
No more than two terms, and no privileged benefits.  

5. On April 18th, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous 'midnight ride'...when did you last make a midnight ride?  Perhaps the fate of a nation wasn't hanging in the balance, but tell us where you were headed anyway.
It has been many moons ago.  Stan and I have been married 6 1/2 years and we have never been out at midnight driving or riding.

6.  What would freak you out more...a mouse running across your floor or a big fat hairy spider? 
I hate mice with a passion, but I don't freak out. I just make sure I have plenty of traps out if I see one.  I would have to say probably the spider.  They usually do not bother me but a big fat hairy one would probably do it.   That gives me cold chills just thinking about it.

7. I love it when people ask me________________________?
...about Jesus, or my grandchildren.  Don't get me started, we will be here awhile.  :)

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
My heart is breaking for all those affected by the Boston bombings.  This is so cruel and so wrong!  People, we need to be praying and we need to pray hard!
'The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.  The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is night unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of  a contrite spirit.'   Psalms 34:15-18

until next time... nel