I'm Starting Something New

John 15: 1-4

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

I work full time, I run a Prayer Shawl Ministry and a Writers group, I sing in the choir, I'm an active Elder serving on the board (session) of my church, I'm just starting as a board member of Hope Now - a rehab facility for newly released men and women, I have a dog and two cats, my first book came out in March, my next one is scheduled to come out in 2012, I've been holding book signings around the state all summer, I have several novels I'm pitching to various publishers plus a series of novels I'm halfway through writing. I have a dear friend who wants to date me, but I can't ever seem to find the time.

But sometimes, I feel bored.

I guess one of my problems is my perception of "busy" versus "productive".  As I was growing up, when we'd sit at the dinner table and my parents would ask what we did that day, somehow in my mind, it got impressed into my brain as "What did you accomplish today?"

I wake up each morning itemizing the things I plan to accomplish that day.  (There's probably a medical term for that). 

Well, I have a spare bedroom full of yarn and finished projects with no where to send them.  And a book I'd really like to become a "best seller".  And several items and books and Music CD's that belong to friends of mine who have limited venues to sell them.  And I just think that people who read my books might want something that goes along with the story or characters of these books. 

So I opened a store.  YEP!  I'm tickled pink!  I named it Evelyn's Enchanting Emporium.  You can get to it from my Evelyn-Rainey.com page or directly at http://Shop.Evelyn-Rainey.com

I've got a list of dozens of items I'm going to add to the shop over the years. Online Stores are great -- I don't have to tote and carry the merchandize, nor do I have to sweep up the floor or turn off the lights.  LOL 

Please stop by and let me know what you think. 

Oh Gardener of my soul,

I don’t want to be so busy that I stop being productive.  In my productivity, let me be well-rounded.  Let me be a vine which bears fruit that meets the many different needs of those around me.  When You prune me, let me accept the need for rest and restoration, so that I can bear fruit again.  Amen.

When the World says, "Homeless Veterans"

John 14:1-3

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

 ¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Home.

What a magical word.

It engenders feelings, smells, sounds, visions, and emotions that make you feel good and safe.

For so many veterans, home is just a memory.  The number of homeless vets is staggering.  There are shelters for both male and female homeless vets.  But a shelter is not the same thing as a home.

Home is also a state of mind -- loyalty, camaraderie, rest and peace.  Some vets are homeless in this sense, too.

When you think of heaven, you think of home.  That's what Jesus promised -- a home for you.  A home that smells like Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.  A home that feels like the softest sheets and snuggliest bed.  A home that looks clean and pleasing and fills you with pride.  A home filled with kind words, singing, and laughter.

Don't rush going home.  Rest in the assurance that home is waiting for you and will be everything you remembered and everything you hope for.

When the World says, "One out of four homeless Americans is a  veteran,"

God says, "In my house are many mansions.  There's a place for you."

Sweet heavenly Father,

Thank you.

Amen.

When the World says, "Live like you were dying."

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Each of us has had that turning point where we stop and declare "from now on, I'm not going to miss out anymore!"  It happened to me -- it happened to you.  There's even a terrific song and accompanying gift-book that support the attitude to live like you were dying.

I figure it took me 45 years to get to this realization.  I've thoroughly enjoyed the years since then.  I figure I have at least 40 more years left.

Fun.  Fun.  Fun.  Don't you wish it could go on forever?

It can.

If you believe in God, you will live forever.  Not your body; your soul.

We are eternal beings locked for less than a century in this body.

So, as you live day by day, live like you are eternal!!

When the World says, "Live like you were dying,"

God says, "You have eternal life."

Wow, God!  As I learn to fully live in this body during this lifetime, help me also to learn things that will help me through all eternity:  Grace, Joy, Hope, Love.  Amen

When the World Says, "You're on your own."

John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

            You've been on your own for a long time now, and you like it that way.  You were trained to be self-sufficient and you stand on your own two feet.

But as humans, we are social beings.  We do best in groups.  We like touching each other -- physically and emotionally.  We get lonely.
Even among a crowd, we feel all alone.  Lamentations 1:1 begins with "How lonely sits the city so full of people!"

Sometimes the loneliness is more than we can bear.

God knows this.  he created us to be social creatures.  He wants to be in touch with you all the time, so He sends His presence to abide, comfort, strengthen and encourage you.

When you are drowning in loneliness, open your heat and welcome God's Comforter.

When the World says, "You're on your own,"
God says, "I will send you a Comforter."

My Savior, you  know me - I do things by myself.  I'm proud of being able to survive when most other people wouldn't have.  But do I always have to be on my own?  Let me understand and acknowledge your presence.  Thank you for being with me.  I can do this on my own, but I'd much rather have You with me, comforting me, guiding me, supporting me.  In your name I pray, Amen.

 

When the World says, "Big boys don't cry"

John 11:35

Jesus wept.

Who the hell came up with that stupid statement, "Big boys don't cry"?  And who is hardened enough to perpetuate this belief?

Well, obviously, a lot of people.  This generation - for all its enlightenment - tends to hold its emotions tightly sealed behind masks of pseudo-happiness.  It's embarrassing to laugh (joyfully) too loud.  It's civilized to keep your temper.  Honesty must always be couched in socially-acceptable terms.  Sorrow, grief, and mourning are consigned to the funeral home and graveside only.

The truth is - if we ever opened up and cried or laughed or sang or danced - we might never stop.

Don't cry but don't smile too much either.

Don't be depressed but don't be too happy either.

This world is so stupid sometimes.

Tears chemically detoxify your body.  Ever notice?

Jesus knew this.  Jesus cried.

If it is OK for Jesus to do something, surely it's OK for us to cry.  

Let sorrow and grief and pain exude from your body in each tear.

Weep.

When the world says, "Big boys don't cry,"

God says, "Jesus wept."

My God, my heart is broken.  My heart is broken.  My heart is broken.  Heal me.  Please, God.  Wash away this agony with my tears.  Let me weep like Jesus wept.  Only then can my heart be healed.  Amen.

When the world says, "Killing is unforgivable"

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Nicodemus the Haggiorite said that there are seven classifications of sin:

Pardonable

Near the Pardonable

Non-Mortal

Near the Non-Mortal

Between the Mortal and the Non-Mortal

Near the Mortal

Mortal

Each sin should be conditional according to

1.      Who is the doer of the sin

2.     What sin was committed

3.     Why was the sin committed

4.     In what manner was the sin committed

5.     At what time/age was the sin committed

6.     Where was the sin committed

7.     How many times was the sin committed

Well, that sure is clear.  Right?

Here’s some more lists to help. 

A Pardonable Sin is the same thing as a Deadly Sin.  It’s a “sin of excess” which causes the sinner to sin even more and weakens the tie between the sinner and God.

Anger

Greed

Sloth (more precisely – failure to utilize talents and gifts)

Pride

Lust

Envy

Gluttony

That leaves the Mortal Sins.  They ‘threaten eternal damnation’ because, rather than just weakening the tie between the sinner and God, it severs the tie. 

Breaking any of the Ten Commandments can be considered a Mortal Sin.

Yikes.

I like how Proverbs describes the things that God hates by body parts:

Proud look (eyes)

Lying tongue (mouth)

Hands that shed innocent blood (hands)

Heart that devises wicked plots (heart or mind)

Feet that are swift to run into mischief (feet)

A deceitful witness that utters lies (combination of eyes and mouth)

Him that soweth discord among brothers (hands)

No where does it say that any sin is unforgivable.  NO WHERE.

Confess your sins.

Repent of them.

Ask God to forgive you for these sins.

It’s that simple.

When the world says, "Killing is unforgivable,"
God says, "He who confesses his sins is forgiven."

.

I look in the mirror, Lord, and I can't stand what I see!  I am so sorry!  I know it had to be done for my country, for my fellow soldiers.  But sometimes I just hate myself.   Help me..  I know there may be repercussions for what I did; let me face those as bravely as I faced battle. Forgive me.  Wash me clean.  Take this guilt away from me.  Make me whole again.  
Amen.