Surgery Scuttlebutt, part one

Definition of scuttlebutt
1 a : a cask on shipboard to contain fresh water for a day’s use
b : a drinking fountain on a ship or at a naval or marine installation
2 : rumor, gossip

I’m not really planning on this being gossip, or rumor…but, hopefully a drink of fresh water.
Think of this as the Naval equivalent of a water cooler conversation.

My surgery is scheduled for July 17th, 2018.

I’m reading the book, Help and hope while you’re Healing – a woman’s guide toward wellness while recovering from injury, surgery, or illness by Christine Carter. It’s available at Amazon, or from Christine’s blog.

In my introduction, I shared how I was freaking out.

My next step was to go to Florida, to see the ocean once more before my surgery.

Oh, right, and to touch base with my Florida doctors before major surgery.

I took along Christine’s book, and started to write in it…..

I started working on the lists….
One of which is a prayer list…for all of those that I will be praying for when I cannot do any other thing.

Another is a music list…My Grounding Worship youtube channel. It’s going to be growing!

Another is beauty…Shutterfly has an unlimited 4×6 photo program on the app. So, I’ve gone through tons of photos to have them there to make me smile.

Here is some of the photos…it’s from our drive from Clermont Florida down to Pompano Beach, and we drove through a double rainbow….

The rainbow has wondrous meaning to Christians…Genesis 9:13-16

Another lovely thought about the rainbow comes from Revelation of John – seeing the throne of God surrounded by a rainbow. A neat little study about that is at Patheos by Peter Leithart.

For Jim and I, we are often given rainbow signs in our life.
So, the very presence of this rainbow, DOUBLE rainbow that remained for 15 minutes at least, and that we drove under, was a spiritual gift to both of us. This was a trip to settle some things, and to prepare for the surgery. God not only allowed me to swim in the ocean, He surrounded us with HIS bow in the clouds!

In chapter three, managing the pain, Christine suggests that we should take the time to remember joy! and to write it down. This was where I started thinking of photos. And I decided that things that bring me joy are my family, friends, and God’s beauty. In line with this desire to pull together some of the beautiful places and people of our lives, God gave us a new one, experienced on a back road trip down the center of Florida!

I’ve also been collecting scriptures that will bring me back from the sorrow of pain…and that is another issue that Christine touched upon.

What bit issue sends me into depression? Being a burden.
Chapter four talked about reaching for my people…and I share about that in part two.

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

surgery scuttle butt, introduction

Definition of scuttlebutt
1 a : a cask on shipboard to contain fresh water for a day’s use
b : a drinking fountain on a ship or at a naval or marine installation
2 : rumor, gossip

I’m not really planning on this being gossip, or rumor…but, hopefully a drink of fresh water.
Think of this as the Naval equivalent of a water cooler conversation.

My surgery is scheduled for July 17th, 2018.

Here’s an email that explains the surgery:

on July 17th I’m having reconstruction of my right kidney…to remove a cyst that looks cacerous, though the official dx won’t be made until they take it out and biopsy it.
 
they want to save as much of my right kidney as they can, because a cyst has developed in  my left kidney over the last four years, though it is not showing evidences of cancer at this time.  8-10 years ago, the one in  my right was determined benign, too.  anyway…the recovery will be long…longer than even the achilles tendon reattachment…during which I thought I’d go out of my mind.
 
Please send me verse, christian songs(youtube) and such that I can meditate upon before, and during the surgery and recovery.
 
I will be in the hospital for up to four days…a little unusual for any of my surgeries…usually, it’s in and out.  Only one , the pelvic lift surgery, was two days.
My artificial cervical disc surgery was two days, be cause the doctor forgot to sign me out.
 
I don’t remember how long I was in for the hysterectomy in 1989…but, those days were a bit different than  now.
 
anyway…I would appreciate prayers…love…and prayers

So, that’s it.
In January, I found out I had probably kidney cancer(they won’t call it official until they take out the mass that lit up with the cancer seeking dye has been biopsied, per Medical protocol – though multiple doctors have slipped and called it cancer).

10 years ago, it was benign.
Supposedly, very few of these turn cancerous…ding ding ding…I won the lottery!

I mentioned the cancer surgery on my fb page, and a new friend, Christine Carter, who lives near Columbus Ohio, where we used to live, offered to send me a copy of her book. I thought, that’s so sweet.
She mailed it, and I opened the box…and I thought, this will be good for me to read while I’m recovering.
Why would I think that?
The name!
Help and Hope While You’re Healing…A woman’s guide toward wellness while recovering from injury, surgery, or illness.

I had read her post that her husband was recovering and said that he probably should read her book now.
That was funny.
But, I had to prepare!!!
On the other hand, I was going to Florida for a week of appointments in preparation(my main doctors are still in Florida), so I planned to take the book along to read and see what’s up.

Then, I opened the book – and she had me at chapter one! “I’ll meet you there!”
She speaks from experience!

Folks – I’ve been where she’s been – with multiple surgeries and illnesses and injuries.
And I HATE WAITING!
MUCH OF HEALING IS WAITING!
Unless you are blessed to receive a supernatural healing, you walk out your healing by faith….and wait for the manifestation!

If there is one thing in my life that i have difficulty with it is waiting.
I prefer to be 15 minutes early anywhere…and I have to practice mercy and grace with those that are late…chronically late…habitually late…as in, tell them to meet you 30 minutes before you plan to do anything to get them there on time late!

I am worse with me.
I’m not healed yet, what am I doing wrong?
Oh, I only had surgery yesterday? You say I’m too hard on myself? HA!!! let me tell you about my artificial cervical disc recovery! ok, most of that was the amazing surgery procedure…but still…replace a cervical disc and I’m nodding my head the next day…come on, we can do better than this with a knee!!! ankle, wrist….I mean, I played the piano just three days after trigger finger surgery!!!

Now…walking, why can’t I walk? Oh, body, you want to shut down? I’ll just walk another mile and…oh, darn…electrolyte crash, call the squad, heart is racing, seeing spots…maybe I should have just sat down!

Running? Who says you can’t run with herniated discs…I’ll show me!!!!
Yep – I showed me, but the wrong part of me did the showing…now I go to a pain doctor on a regular basis for injections, epidurals and blocks!

What are you saying?
I should listen to my body?
That’s not biblical!

Faith is the substance of things HOPED FOR
the evidence of things NOT SEEN….

On the other hand…WHO is sovereign over my life? Jehovah
Jehovah Raphe – the God who heals….
And sometimes He is the God who says BE STILL!
HEAR MY VOICE IN THE QUIET
WAIT ON THE LORD

um….ok, so, I admit that I tend to get out ahead of God…a bit… a lot a bit…to be honest…a lot….often.
And sometimes, yes, he allows me to be put into the position to WAIT upon the LORD, to BE STILL, and to listen to HIM in the quiet.

Christine’s book, chapter two is preparing for the pause…I’m going to write more about that in part one.

For now…if you want more information on Christine Carter and her book, read about it on her blog, A Story about a Book.

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Back Off! She’s MINE! Guest Post by my daughter!

I am so blessed to have children that will repeat the Bible back to me…as adults…as in, making sure I stay on the straight and narrow.
My daughter, Faith, has inspired me in so many ways with her mothering skills, her Godly focus on her marriage and her calling, and her humility.
I am so honored to share her first blog with you!
~Christi

Marriage is such a very spectacular and amazing adventure. It isn’t like anything else that we can experience in this life. In no other situation to do you come in possession of a person and in turn become another person’s possession. Not in the terms of a thing or a slave, but in a very unique and incredible way this person belongs to you and only you.

Throughout our lives we will have relationships with people who are “our people”. My mother, my friend, my son, my daughter. But in those relationships your “ownership” of those people is not exclusive. My mother is not just my mother, she is also my brother’s and sister’s mother. My friend is also the friend of other people. You get the picture. I do not have exclusive rights to these people, I share them with others. Yes they are mine but they are also part of other people’s relationships that mirror mine.

Marriage is something else entirely, in marriage I give myself to you and you give yourself me, excluding all others. My rights are not sharable or transferrable to anyone. You are mine and I am yours. There is no one else. It is because of this that I believe Christ used marriage as an analogy for his relationship with us, “I am the Lord’s and He is mine.” He is MINE! Have you ever seen a movie scene or read a book where the girl says, “Back off, he’s taken.”? You have a right of possession, a right of jealousy if you will. The Lord says He is a jealous God, he wants our hearts to be His and His alone. It doesn’t just go one way either – you have a right of possession of God. He has given himself to you as your bridegroom.

As I walk through my life I know that my husband is there to back me up, straighten me out, and lift me up. Because I belong to him, he will protect me with everything in his power and take me where I need to go. How much more so with God! I have a right of possession of Him, He belongs to me and I can believe that He is walking beside me, behind me and ahead of me, every minute of my life, constantly available to me because He belongs to me. In turn because I belong to Christ He has possession of me and stands in the way when things will harm me. He pulls on me when I need pulled. He tells Satan, “Back off, she’s taken.” How powerful is that?! “Back off, she’s mine!”

Today as you go through life stand tall knowing that not only are you fearfully, and wonderfully made, not only are you a work worthy of God, but you have a knight, a defender, a protector. This God man is actively, tirelessly, and passionately standing in the gap for you, taking the heat for you, and showering you with more love than you could ever ask for. Walk strong today because he says to you, “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”

~Faith Gibson
mother of three wonderful boys
husband to my favorite son-in-law~

She is a stay at home mom, who homeschools her oldest, while overseeing the younger two.
She has asked me to move into her backyard, so I will be able to enjoy her wisdom face-to-face from now on!
I also am looking forward to grandbaby hugs and kisses and giggles and squeals!
I also think I have the best son-in-law in the world!

We love this family so much….

If you do not know if the above is true for you, here are two resources:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

HE IS RISEN – a Resurrection Message from me

I’m not sure how this will work, but I want to try to share a message with you that the Lord gave me this morning as I was preparing for a sunrise Bible study on my porch.

 

https://www.facebook.com/mary.wildman.733/videos/2044181839136970/

For worship, music, and prayers – Please go to my Easter post – and rejoice with me!
 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

RESURRECTION SUNDAY! HE IS RISEN! 4/1

He is risen INDEED!

I cannot do more than share scripture and to Sing Praise! Hallelujah! I do have a video message to share He Is Risen

THE LIGHT HAS COME BACK INTO THE WORLD! DEATH COULD NOT HOLD HIM!

My traditional Resurrection Sunday:

My Now Resurrection Celebration!

In Christ Alone – Worship Video
Up From the Grave He Arose

For Your Pleasure and Worship:
A collection of Resurrection Scriptures from Bible Study Tools!
My Easter YouTube Channel

Jesus Rainbow – a gift to you!

Jesus Rainbow Poem

Let’s worship!

Luke 24:1-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)Resurrection Morning
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[a] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.[b]

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered His words.

9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths.[c] So he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Let’s Sing Praise!

John 20:11-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord
11 But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had been lying. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus.

15 “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.”

16 Jesus said, “Mary.”

Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!”[a]—which means “Teacher.”

17 “Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your God.”

18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what[b] He had said to her.

I’ve just seen Jesus – Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris

Devotion
Phyllis Sather shares a John Piper Sermon on The Most Spectacular Sin Ever Committed. WOW! You can read more from Phyllis at Write the Vision.

My Friend Patty Hessler Scott shares some very inspiring thoughts about Good Friday – Please take a listen. You can see more of Patty at Hearts Homeward.

Early Sunday morning, God spoke to me as I prepared for my own sunrise service at home. He Is Risen!

This year, the Resurrection Sunday occurs very close to the Jewish Celebration of Passover…similar to the year Christ was crucified. I explained the Sabbaths surrounding Christ’s death on Maundy Thursday. In honor of the Jewish roots of our Resurrection Sunday – here’s a bit of Jewish flavor!

Yeshua – Messianic Passover Song!
Yeshua HaMashia

You can Print this off to color!

Let’s Rejoice!

God was not surprised…He had a plan!
He was born to Die – Shane and Shane

There is purpose for all ofus!
If that isn’t Love – the Nelsons

If you have never had the Risen Christ come into your life and make you new….PLEASE check out these links!
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

And then, you can join in with this song, and KNOW that it is REAL for YOUR!
It is Well With My soul – Worship Video

THIS IS CHRISTIANITY! THIS IS SALVATION! THIS IS JOY UNSPEAKABLE!
That My God would die for me, while I was yet a sinner.
And He did the same for you, and you, and YOU, and YOU!

May You be filled with Jesus Christ today!
Because He Lives – Matt Maher
He Lives – Chris Tomlin

He Is Risen!
He is Risen, Indeed!

I Serve a Risen Savior – Adam Jackson

In Christ I Rise!
Resurrection Power – Chris Tomlin

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent Day 40 – Holy Saturday – 3/31

Holy Saturday – Lent Day 40
Lent Devotions
Lent Week Six started March 19
Lent Week Seven started with Palm Sunday, March 25.
These will be updated as the blogs are posted.

I’m so sorry for the delay – thank you for your patience with me as we prepare to move!

The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Scripture
Each passage adds a little something to the preparation, but Matthew talks about the guards.

Matthew 27:62-66 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
The Closely Guarded Tomb
62 The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive He said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Therefore give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come, steal Him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ Then the last deception will be worse than the first.”

65 “You have[a] a guard of soldiers,”[b] Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” 66 Then they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting the guard.[c]

Mark 15:42-47
Luke 23:50-56
John 19:31-42

Devotion
Holy Saturday
This is the day that is traditionally remembered as Christ being in the grave, and setting the captives free from the chains of death.

Here is a little bit from Wikipedia’s be about Christ descending into hell

Got questions says a little more about Holy Saturday.

The day of memory is very much a day of the Catholic Church, and therefore that would be where you would go to find more information.

My blogging friends have been busy this week, focusing upon Our Lord.
I’ve included a couple I thought were pertinent to Saturday…

Melinda Just wrote about the Shock of the Cross in a very insightful post.

I’m repeating Grace Waves The Final Promise again – as well as The Nails are Gone. Both of these really touched my heart, and helped me to see a bit of this weekend differently.

There were many people that were waiting between the cross and the resurrection.
The Mary s
The Apostles – What now?
Peter – will he forgive me?
The family – many thoughts
The Centurian…what just happened?
The two priests – Nicodemas and Joseph of Arimethia – are we sure?
and those that killed him!

Everyone had their own story…everyone had their Friday night suffering….and everyone was going to have Sunday morning.

The question is – what was Sunday morning going to reveal?

The Gospel Coalition provides this video of Sunday’s comin'(transcript is at this link)

Sunday’s Coming! from CTR Memphis on Vimeo.

 
Saturday is a day of waiting….

Psalm 27 ends with wait on the Lord, and be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.
I say to you now…that if you are waiting for your resurrection morning…read all of Psalm 27 – and be encouraged!

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version (KJV)
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

A search for wait on the lord will give you plenty of meditative options. If not, then, try Be Still! 😉

Remember – He hasn’t quit…and won’t quit,until He’s finished!

Philippians 1:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you[a] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

If they gave up on Saturday, they would have missed Sunday!

Music and Prayer
Wait on the Lord – Joyous Celebration
Wait on the Lord – Maranatha

and, here’s my Lent Channel on Youtube

May your Day be blessed with thoughts of Jesus, and the Knowledge that HE LOVED YOU SO MUCH THAT HE DIED FOR YOU!

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent – Good Friday – 3/30

Lent Day 39 Good Friday

My Lenten Candles for Good Friday –

Lent Devotions
Lent Week Six started March 19
Lent Week Seven started with Palm Sunday, March 25.
These will be updated as the blogs are posted.

I’m so sorry for the delay – thank you for your patience with me as we prepare to move!

I’ve included two cards that I’ve created over the years for celebrating resurrection – you may print them and share them.
Music is listed later.

Scripture

Devotion

Ever since I was little and heard the story every year about Good Friday and that this was the day that we celebrated or remembered that Christ died on a cross, I often wondered why is it called Good Friday? I mean, seriously, Jesus had a very bad day!
Peter, James and John had a very bad day!
I think there were three Mary’s at the cross, and they were having a very bad day!
The only one that was having a good day could possibly be the thief on the cross that confessed his sins and asked Jesus to remember him and was promised while on the cross as he’s about to die that he would be with him in Paradise that day! That would be a good day!

I have nothing to say that has not already been said about Good Friday. Therefore, I’m just going to share my ways of celebrating! Of remembering.  So here are some of my favorite things to do remember the sacrifice that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave me 2018 years ago.

I often like to watch one of the movies that have been created about Christ’s life. I have favorites for Christmas and I have some favorites for the Good Friday and Easter

You can search for all sorts of these….just beware, you need to keep your bible handy!

I also like to take some time in the morning, since that’s traditionally when we remember the cross, and based on the timeline we’re given in Scripture, and spend quiet time focusing on the fullness of the sacrifice he’s given.

Sometimes, I choose to fast.

This year, I will be traveling with my husband, and I am sure that we will take time to remember and to give God thanks and Glory wherever we are.

Some blogs for meditation

What do all of these women and blog posts have in common? They Love the Lord Jesus, and are focusing on sharing that love through scripture, their giftings, and the word!

On top of these, I’m going to list my favorite music for contemplation and worship for Good Friday.
these first ones really get me….
Didn’t he – Randy Matthews
Watch the Lamb – Ray Botz
The Hammer – Ray Botz
Broken and Spilled Out – Steve Green
The Old Rugged Cross – Jim Nabors

Via dolorosa has a special place in my heart as my daughter Anna and I sang it together one year with the second verse her singing in English and me singing in Spanish.

and to the promise….
I’ll Rise Again – Dallas Holm
Behold the Lamb – Keith and Kristyn Getty
Jesus paid it all – Newsboys
we shall always be with the Lord – Ellie Holcomb

Prayer
Man of Sorrows – Ellie Holcomb

Some other music resources:
Salt of the sound has a listing of 28 songs,
They also have a lent set and an Easter set at their website.
Jesus walk has a great list that includes hymns
This worship together link includes Crowder’s forgiven, Chris tomlin’s God of Calvary and Hillsong’s Grace to Grace

My HEart
Jesus Rainbow –

Jesus Rainbow Poem

Jelly Beans –

Jelly Bean Poem

For years, as an Episcopalian, it was my obligation to attend Good Friday Mass.
Some Churches have Good Friday vigils.
Our church here in Orlando Florida have a mission work they are doing on Good Friday.
Whatever you can find to do to honor the Lord by your own sacrifice as a thank you, do it as unto the Lord!

If you do not understand the meaning behind this ghastly remembrance, I’d recommend that you go back up to Angel’s blog post about why, or check out one of these two links:
Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent – Maundy Thursday – 3/29/2018

Lent day 38 – Maunday Thursday
Lent Devotions
Lent Week Six started March 19
Lent Week Seven started with Palm Sunday, March 25.
These will be updated as the blogs are posted.

I’m so sorry for the delay – thank you for your patience with me as we prepare to move!

This is the Thursday before Easter, and is traditionally celebrated as the remembrance of the Lord’s Supper.

I wrote a couple blogs about the purpose of the Lord’s Supper, in remembrance, a new covenant, and discussing the bread and the wine. Here they are for your review.

In the above blog posts, I shared with you some of the music that brings me into memory of the Lord’s Supper, washing the feet, and I also think about all the different things that Christ taught in the upper room that are only portrayed in the Gospel of John.
I have a youtube Lent Playlist, and I think that you can access it with this link.

Bible Gateway has an article explaining Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday.

Christianity Today explores it as well.

I can also say that there are some who say because of the three days in the Tomb designation, that it wasn’t Thursday night for the actual Last Supper, but rather Wednesday night, and that rather than Friday, being the day of crucifixion, he was actually Thursday. It all has to do with the fact that there was a Passover Sabbath and there was the typical Sabbath that starts eating on a Friday.

Here’s an article that details one point of view, as in how the Jews marked time in the Bible.

Here is one that explains a point of view that starts on Wednesday…

This study is even more indepth!

What do I believe? I believe that the Church of Christ in 2018 has lost a lot of the truth of the first-century. I believe that the Christian church has lost a lot of its roots based in the Jewish traditions. I have not Been one to nitpick on details because my faith is not based on site. On the other hand, there may be some -2 when I see things that in my mind don’t quite agree in scripture to just assume it’s my understanding that’s at fault not the Bible. Therefore, when other people bring up such questions, I want to be able to give an intelligence answer.

As a matter of fact, I don’t believe that the date of Easter. The majority of Christianity celebrates is based on Christ’s actual Resurrection but rather based on a pagan celebration of the Goddess yester. Likewise I do not believe that Christ’s birthday is December 25th! So it doesn’t bother me that Christ was probably crucified on Wednesday and our understanding of the Sabbath that were involved is skewed by our 21st century ignorance.

When do I celebrate the resurrection of Christ? Every. Single. Day.
When do I celebrate the birth of Christ? Every. Single. Day.
When do I remember the sacrifice on the cross of Jesus Christ?
Every. Single. Day.

I will also admit that I take advantage of the worlds celebration of my Lord’s life in order to share the truth of his gospel when they are most open and willing to hear. I am also not going to blast people who like I used to, attend Mass on Good Friday, or go to a sunrise service on Easter morning! This time of year, is like a renewal of my walk with Jesus. Spring time just seems to bring the glory of God’s Gift of Resurrection as the snow drops and crocuses make their way up through the previously frozen Earth and reach up to the sunshine and say winter does not go on forever! And yes, I do know, that that does also fulfill the fertility celebrations, the new age celebrations, and the Pagan celebrations. It is my belief, that my father God, created the seasons, and the signs and the times, to declare his glory, and his enemy the devil has Twisted those meanings. I aim to claim them back on behalf of my king, master, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Take this day to remember whatever part of the passion week you are needing most!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Midnight Musings – I do not understand 3/25/18

I do not Understand

By M. Christine Wildman, copyright 2018 – all rights reserved without permission.

I do not understand
How God can give me a plan
And allow me to withstand
Pain uncontrollable

I do not understand
How God can send a call
Add I tried to give my all
In pain uncontrollable

How can I be
The type of she
To honor he
With pain uncontrollable?

I do not understand
Though I confess my sin
And the spirit is within
Yet pain uncontrollable

I do not understand
How to walk by faith
And yet not disgrace
By pain uncontrollable

I want to speak the words
I want to write the verse
His glory be immersed
But pain uncontrollable

I do not understand
How I am in his plan
When I can barely stand
For pain uncontrollable

I do not understand
Why God does not heal
My fruit the devil steals
Because of pain uncontrollable

How do I Rise
Without a lie
Knowing by his stripes
I am healed?

Yet in my pain
I feel such a shame
There is no gain
In pain uncontrollable

I do not understand
Yet David did decree
That though he could not see
God’s hand in Victory

David still declared
And almost he did dare
God’s promises that were shared
To be undeniable

I do not understand
God’s purpose or his plan
Please Lord hold my hand
Through pain inconceivable

I don’t like pills
I don’t like drugs
My Saviour bought
Healing on the cross

So why is there pain
That hinders God’s plan
For me to be more
Then pain undeniable

I don’t have an answer
I don’t have a clue
But I know there are blessings
I have just from you

It isn’t the pain
But causes me grief
It’s the job that you asked me
To do for your sheep

I know you are mighty
You are the all knowing
Each name that you’ve given
Your character is showing

I know you are able
I know you are here
But the difficulty comes
With guidance unclear

I do not understand
Why you called me to write
Then allowed me the trial
Of pain uncontrollable

I do not understand
I do not comprehend
But I know My Savior Lives
On that I can depend

And like the three young children
Said to the king of old
You’re able to deliver
But if not, I will hold

You are the Great Vine dresser
You are the giving King
My gifts are in your service
This pain, disrupting

Speak to me dear father
Guide me Holy Spirit
Leave me dear Lord Jesus
All to you to give it

You give me plans to follow
Then add a unique twist
Then double down with sickness
And pain does always exist

I know my pain is nothing
Compared to what you bore
But Lord your pain if ended
When the Temple curtain was torn

I’m sorry Lord for Grumbling
I am sorry that I whine
I want to serve you Faithfully
Until the end of time

But I do not understand
How this can be your plans
No matter how I stand
Pain all encompassing

I spoke to the devil
In Jesus name
I said Stand Down
I now see your game!

I Now understand
The enemy’s plans
To have me lay down
To say that I can’t

I said devil Stand Down
Release me my peace
Or staying awake
I’ll Proclaim in speech

Jesus is Lord
And I will not deny
His love and His glory
So give up, or I’ll try

With the gift of pain
I’ll stay up and write
And declare his name
In darkness, His light

I drew near to Jesus
I humble myself
I begged him for help
He poured out his wealth

The treasures of Heaven
Of Peace So Sublime
Love, Grace and mercy
From him, these are mine

The devil stood down
The pain did subside
While praying for you
My Lord sleep did provide

Oh sweet Jesus, my Lord
Into your name I hide
And you never leave me
You are right by my side

My gethsemane moment
My Cries in the night
Into my darkness
You shown your bright light!

Spirits engrave
On my heart from this night
The victory of Christ
Of my soul’s true Delight

For I lay down my head
At my Shepherds pierced feet
And the sleep that he gave me
Was so pure and so sweet

Now I understand
A little? And in part?
The point of the pain
As training my heart

I was being a victim
I was suffering by hours
Until the Lord showed me
He is giving me power!

I am more than a warrior
I am more than a voice
I am a Victor in Jesus
If I just make the choice

To remember what happened
On a cross long ago
How is death set free captives
How his life frees us so

Death your Concord
Pain you must cease
The work of the Kingdom
It’s what brings relief

We do have an enemy
Who roars at us so
But abiding in Jesus
Puts me in the know

Now I do understand
A part of God’s plan
Peace my story
In pain I can stand

The name of Jesus
A strong tower it is
The righteous run to him
He declares I am his

By standing on ground
That’s already been won
I lay down in Green Pastures
As he sings me his song

“I love you dear Christi,
And I always will stay
Close by you forever
And here when you pray”

If knowing my Jesus
Comes out of my pain
And bring on the Storm
I shall not be the same!

MCWildman (c) 2018

For More of these, go to Midnight Musings

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2018 Lent Day 36 – the Sign King of the Jews

Lent day 36 – The sign
Lent Devotions
Lent Week Six started March 19
Lent Week Seven started with Palm Sunday, March 25.
These will be updated as the blogs are posted.

I’m so sorry for the delay – thank you for your patience with me as we prepare to move!

Music
King of Glory – Third Day

Scripture

John 19:19-22 King James Version (KJV)
19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.

20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Luke 23:38

Devotion
King of the Jews….and on Palm Sunday – it seemed as though he was! Riding into town on a donkey, as a victorious King.

Just a few days later, and the crowd has turned against him.

Sounds like a news story from our time!

  • One day, thrilled the police are protecting us, then turn on them as the media spreads stories of varying degrees of truth.
  • One Day, believing that we should live by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s comment that we do not want to be judged by the color of our skin, and then, the violent aspects of Black Lives matter occur, because they want to be treated differently because of the color of their skin.
  • One Day, we are screaming about wanting police to do their jobs to protect our children from people/children with guns, and then next minute screaming that we want everyone to have no guns.

This isn’t a political post.
Yet, if you see anything on the news, or on facebook, or any other sort of newsy sort of media, one day everyone is saying YAY to something, and it can change in 24 hours…because the media tells us what to think. I don’t want to be told what to think!

This is what happened the last week of Jesus’ life.
Why did they turn on him?
It was politically incorrect to believe in him…to point out the illegality of his trial and judgement…to call into question the choices of the political and religious elite.

Peter denied him, to save his own skin!
Other’s ran away.
Even Pontius Pilate knew it was wrong, though he bent to the political correctness of the day! a Quote from the wikipedia page says:

“In all four gospel accounts, Pilate lobbies for Jesus to be spared his eventual fate of execution, and acquiesces only when the crowd refuses to relent. He thus seeks to avoid personal responsibility for the death of Jesus.”

Because of the throngs of people…and the inevitable cry of the Jews:”we have no king but Ceasar…” John 19:15…Pilate had to keep the peace.

I think his writing on the sign over Jesus’ head was his own attempt to state that he was guiltless in this.

Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.

Another great thing was that it was written in Latin, Hebrew and Greek – all of the major languages of the day.
On THAT day – there were Jews from all over – Passover in Jerusalem…and sellers that wanted to make money on the Jews that were attending Passover. PILATE DECLARED JESUS’ TITLE TO ALL OF THE WORLD!

Did he believe? No, I don’t think so. Yet, he was an instrument in God’s hand!

In researching this sign in order to paint it for this cross, I sought out several resources.
Wikipedea has a great basic explanation of the Sign over Jesus on the Cross.

I also found this image:

Which comes from a blog by Mark Lambert, De Omnibus Dibutandum Est.

I cannot say anymore than this man has said – and the break out of the sign, and the implications and the meanings are nothing more than intensely amazing and worshipful.

I humbly suggest that you read this blog as well!
Another image from Mr Lambert’s blog, just to whet your appetite:

Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Jesus is the King of the Jews, and the gentiles!
Jesus is worthy of being Lord of All!
God used Pontius Pilate to declare that, as dear sweet Jesus gave His life for the sins of all mankind!

Jesus asks : Whom do you say that I am?
I want to say with Peter – You are the Christ – the Son of the Living God!
Matthew 16:15-16, Mark 8:28-29, Luke 19:20-21, John 6:68-69

I ask you, Whom do YOU say that HE is?
If you don’t know the King of Kings – please take time to check out the following links.

Got Questions provides a detailed explanation of The Roman’s Road.
Billy Graham’s version of the Plan of salvation

Music – worship and Prayer
King of My Heart – Sarah McMillan
He’s a Wonder – CeCe Winans

 

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.