Heavenly

Definition of heavenly

1: of or relating to heaven or the heavens : celestial the heavenly choirs

 use a telescope to study the heavenly bodies

2a : suggesting the blessed state of heaven : beatific  heavenly peace

b : delightful

Heavenly... what can I say... I have always heard the statement...

"You're So heavenly minded, you're no earthly good." 

So, I looked that up to see where it came from... It is a Johnny Cash song:

Come heed me, my brothers, come heed, one and all
Don't brag about standing or you'll surely fall
You're shining your light and shine it you should
But you're so heavenly minded, you're no earthly good

If you're holding heaven, then spread it around
There's hungry hands reaching up here from the ground
Move over and share the high ground where you stood
So heavenly minded, you're no earthly good

The gospel ain't gospel until it is spread
But how can you share it where you've got your head
There's hands that reach out for a hand if you would
So heavenly minded, you're no earthly good

If you're holding heaven, then spread it around
There's hungry hands reaching up here from the ground
Move over and share the high ground where you stood
So heavenly minded, you're no earthly good

This song has a lot of truth in it... So I am going to take some lines and share some verses that go along with the thoughts...

"Don't brag about standing or you'll surely fall"

"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18

Next line, "You're shining your light and shine it you should."  I think in the light of the previous line it is saying... you have a light and it shines no matter how you act. Does it lead people the "right" way? 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

The next, "If your holding to heaven, then spread it around, there's hungry hands reaching up here from the ground, move over and share the high ground where you stood." We are supposed to help people and make God's love known to others. This line is saying if you are doing it from your high ground (out of pride), it isn't doing anyone any good.

 "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.  For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,  and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,”  have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?" James 2: 1-7

"The gospel ain't gospel until it is spread, but how can you share it where you've got your head, there's hands that reach out for a hand if you would." This says a mouth full. Gospel means, "good news"... If we are prideful and think of ourselves as better than anyone else, then the gospel we share may seem empty. Think about it... pride and arrogance do not belong in the sharing of the gospel. The verse may not seem to go but bear with me...

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16

The reason I chose this verse is that if I am prideful when I share the gospel, then I am ashamed of just Jesus' work in the gospel. I am acting like I have to add to it, the Bible says we are not suppose to add to or take away from the word of God... The gospel needs to be shared as if we were Jesus telling His own story. Jesus would not be boastful or arrogant, neither should we. We need to share in a way that says, I have nothing at all to do with this but Christ has EVERYTHING to do with it.

So, I think Johnny had a lot to say about people who think they are better than any one else just because they are a Christian.  They (we) are not better than anyone else! I don't write these posts to say...

"Hey, look at me, I am a good writer (cough, cough), I know more than you (don't make me laugh), or  that my life in anyway is better than anyone else (SMH)....

I write to put my ideas down on "paper" so I can remember them. I share what God teaches me and I hope that maybe, just one person might find some good in it. I do it because I love others....

Thanks for Reading. God Bless You All!

Here is the new addition to my family....

 

Intuitive

Definition of intuitive

1 a : known or perceived by intuition : directly apprehended 

        had an intuitive awareness of his sister's feelings

   b : knowable by intuition  intuitive truths

   c : based on or agreeing with intuition intuitive responses                                     makes intuitive sense

   d : readily learned or understood software with an intuitive interface

2: knowing or perceiving by intuition

3: possessing or given to intuition or insight an intuitive mind

This is an interesting word...  I want to a to approach this in a way that is not "mystical", which is definitely a way someone could look at it; like ESP. We all have intuition to some point. We may call it different things. It may show itself in different ways. Whatever you call it or how ever you realize it, here is my take on it and how I use it. In the following passage about the gifts of the Spirit, God gives us insight into one type of intuition...

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. I Corinthians 12:4-11

The word I see in this passage meaning intuition is discerning, there are people in this world who are given the gift to discern spirits. This is not mystical or have to do with rituals. I think it means that God has given some people the ability to tell when someone might have an evil spirit, is telling a lie, or something like that. I am sure you know people who can read others and can get a sense of who that person is in just a small conversation, these kinds of people have this kind of gift.

The thing is I think that all Christians are given this gift to some extent. We are to discern the spirits (atmosphere, people) around us, so that we can live in this world and not become like this world.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

We need to be intuitive toward the feelings and atmosphere surrounding situations and people. I hate to say this but that does not happen here online... shocker right! We can not know truly what someone is feeling or thinking in this atmosphere. You have no way of knowing where I am right now, what "mood" I am really in, or the true nature of how and why I write these posts. You can guess, you can try to be intuitive in that guess, most of the time you would probably be wrong.

God wants us to use the intuitive nature we all have to build up as well as protect others and ourselves. In order to do that we need proximity. We need to be near the people we are building up, or protecting. Not just physically, but have a connection to them. We need to discern the atmosphere around us all the time so that we can move or stay as needed. When we are able to do that we are able to live like the rest of Romans 12 says:

 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.  Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

 Be intentional and be intuitive! Be close! Live a life pleasing to God and ultimately yourself also.

I hope this makes sense... at some point I will start adding drawing to these, I hope... I have done a lot in the past week but they were for my class and a different project.

Thanks for reading. God Bless You All! 

Simple

Another word that can have many different meanings. The Bible has different meanings for the word such as the one in this verse;

"And saw among the simple, I perceived among the youths, A young man devoid of understanding," Proverbs 7:7

Here the word means not smart, but not in the way we think today. These people are young and simple or naive because of their youth. This would seem negative but not really, because sometimes being naive is good. It is good for kids not to know all the things of the world.

"And this is a simple matter in the sight of the Lord; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand." II Kings 3:18

Here the word means easy. It is easy for God to do something. It is not so easy for us unless we let God help us. We spend to much time making mountains out of mole hills, when in Gods hands mountains are mole hills, and He has no problem with them.

"For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil." Romans 16:19

Here the word is used as in the Proverbs verse.... it means innocent. Paul was saying that He wanted Christians to be wise in all the good things, but simple in evil things and that helps us stay away from them.

The Bible also says that the;

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;"  Psalm 19:7

So giving testimony about the Lord and loving the law will help make the simple wise. God's word will never return void, so proclaiming who God is and giving testimony to what He has done in your life will make you wise.

Thanks for reading... sorry so short, I am very tired. I actually wrote this at 1:38 am this morning in the airport in Rhode Island. I didn't post it because I wasn't sure it was ready. It is better than I thought and says exactly what I wanted to say. God Bless You All!

Generous

I am sorry I have not written like I planned...the days have been full and long.... Here is the word for today even though it is late... and almost tomorrow. As a plus you might get two back to back!

Definition of generous

a : characterized by a noble or kindly spirit : magnanimous, kindly 

• a generous heart

b : liberal in giving : openhanded 

• a generous benefactor

c : marked by abundance or ample proportions

There is a lot to say about this word, and I am sure I will not do it justice. I will attempt to put my thoughts out there though. 

There is one who scatters, yet increases more;
And there is one who withholds more than is right,
But it leads to poverty.
25 The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.
The people will curse him who withholds grain,
But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. Proverbs 11:24-26

Generous people will share whatever they have without expecting anything in return, the verses above shove that. The analogy of scattering has to do with sowing seed. The more seed that are sown, the greater the yield of crops. It is the same with generosity, the more you give, the more you get. It is very true you can't out give God.

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

With the same measure we use, God will use to return it to us. I think this doesn't just mean money. We can be generous in every part of our lives. In time, effort, love, and money too. In whatever mode we give it that is what will come back to us. Think about it this way, if you plant tomato seeds, you don't expect a lemon tree to grow.  So, if I give my time to someone, somehow down the line I will get some "extra" time. What ever you put out there you will get it back, and not just the same amount.... It is like cooking with brown sugar, you are supposed to pack it, God packs the measuring unit, He gives us more, our cup overflows. 

I think everyone reading this probably understands that, yet there are a lot of people in this world who don't. Whatever you give, good or bad, happy or sad, a kind word or hurtful words, it will come back to you in a larger portion. I have seen it happen, it has happened in my own life. We need to think about this and use it to our advantage. If you want good then you have to give good... if you are stingy, the you will receive little in return. If you are mean, you will be treated mean, but in a larger proportion than you gave it. That is something to think about.

Thanks for reading, please forgive me if it doesn't make sense.... I am very tired right now. God Bless You All!  

Providence, RI

So many people want to know why I am in Providence, RI. This post will explain it and will have a few photos. As with the last trip I took I have two cameras, and again I have no way to get the photos off the "good" one.... so I might make another post later with different kinds of shot.

The other day I wrote a blog post for the 100 positive words entitled Growing, if you haven't read it, and would like to, it is linked to the word.  In that post I say if you aren't growing you are dying, and that growing is the same as learning. My personal growth is why I am in Providence.

Those of you who know me personally and some who know me online, or read this blog know I like to draw.  You may even know that I love to doodle.  A few years back I came across a doodling idea known as Zentangle. The oldest photos I can find with dates were done in 2011... I thought I had started doing it long before then, but I will go with that date. So, for at least 7 years I have been using many of the methods of Zentangle in my doodles.

I have wanted to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher probably for the same amount of time. I just never had the time or the money until I retired this year. So here I am in Providence becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher. This means many things that I will not share, but one thing it will allow me to do is officially share the art form and products with others. That is the most awesome part of this technique!

Rhode Island is one of the states I had not visited yet, so as a plus this state is checked off now. I have had fun walking around the town (when I am not in class) seeing the buildings and enjoying the weather. I have of course enjoyed Pokemon hunting which I know a lot of adults think is crazy, but it gets me walking and I have fun with it.

So, this is the reason for the trip to Providence. Thanks for reading. God Bless You! Enjoy the photos.... sorry if they are all in a line and scrolling is hard... I am tired and making a table just isn't happening tonight :)

Super

The word yesterday was supposed to be super... I will do it now and maybe later if I have time, I will write more about the things I am doing here in Providence, RI. The way I am going to approach this word is not new and not my idea, some of you may never heard these things and some of you might have. Where ever you are on the spectrum of knowledge, keep an open mind and heart, let these ideas have a chance. 

The word super brings the idea of something or someone that is "larger" than life, grand, awesome, like superheroes. Super heroes conjure visions of men (or women) in tight outfits running, flying, jumping, and swinging into hazardous situations to save mere man from certain death. And here is where I am going...

Most of the superheroes we know about, are men or women who were created in the minds of people looking for a hero to take care of a need real or not. The superheroes are just people who were given abilities, they were nothing special to begin with, in fact most were wimps! I guess there is a way to equate their lives to the life of a christian, who is given gifts and talents through the Holy Spirit, nope that isn't where I am going. 

There are more than this one superhero that were "born" strong, but Superman is the one everyone (I hope) knows about. Superman comes to earth from another planet that was destroyed. His parents protected him by sending him in a capsule to earth. When he was found he was a baby, as he grew they (his earthly family) notice his difference, his abilities. They taught him to hide them until he needed them. He became a mere human, Clark Kent. 

Here is where some of you may think I am a heretic. That is ok, because I know if I am wrong in my thinking God will let me know and if I am still alive I will apologize, until then I will hold to my thoughts. Superman could be a picture of Christ...

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17 

Christ was, is, and will always be. He was not created, or born, so in that respect He and superman differ. He did come to earth as a baby, yet He was God. Superman was super when he was a baby... He put on the "mask" of humanity, just as Christ became human.  Both superman and Jesus tried to "hide" who they were, as they grew and went through their lives. Jesus didn't want people to go tell when he performed miracles, He didn't want the wrong people to start seeking Him out. Clark was the same way, he wanted to be "normal".  Christ knew when the wrong people realized who He was things would get rough and they did. Clark's life was the same. 

Superman would learn about something bad happening run to a phone booth or closet, take off his humanity to become superman. When the time came for Christ to help those around Him, off came his humanity, He let His true identity to shine, healing people and raising people from death. 

In the end, Christ takes off humanity for good, He lays down His life for all of mankind, even the "evil" people who have no desire to know who He really is. He goes to the cross with arms opened wide, He defeats death and the grave, He makes Satan and all His demons turn tail and run! He saved mankind with all He had and rose victorious. 

I do not think I got my point across very well, but maybe you get the idea. We in our lives look for superheroes to lead, guide, and protect us. We have the ultimate one that gave everything so that we could have Him! So we could live eternally with Him. His name is Jesus, and He is super!

Thanks for reading! God Bless You!