As Balaam rode along on his donkey, accompanied by his two servants, the angel of the Lord stood on the road to bar his way.
When the donkey saw the angel holding a sword, it left the road and turned into the fields. Then Balaam beat the donkey and brought it back onto the road.
Then the angel stood where the road narrowed between two vineyards and had a stone wall on each side. When the donkeysaw the angel, it moved against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it.
Again, Balaam beat the donkey.
Once more, the angel moved ahead.
This time, when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down. Balaam lost his temper and began to beat the donkey with his stick. Then the Lord gave the donkey the power of speech, and it said to Balaam.
“I have never done you wrong,
What have I done to you?
Why have you beaten me these three times?”
Balaam answered Because you have made a fool of me!
If I had a sword, I would kill you.
The donkey replied, “Am I not the same donkey on which you have ridden all your life? Have I ever treated you like this before?
No, Balaam replies.
Then the Lord let Balaam see the angel standing there with his sword, and Balaam threw himself face downward on the ground.
The angel demanded. Why have you beaten your donkey three times? I have come to bar your way because you should not be making this journey.
Your donkey saw me and turned aside three times. If it hadn’t, I would have killed you and spared the donkey.
Balaam replied, I have sinned. I did not know you were standing on the road to oppose me; now, I will return home if you think it is wrong for me to go on.
The angel said, go on with these servants, but say only what I tell you to say. So Balaam went on with them.
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
…..What’s your first thought when you hear/see that word? Power: electrical?
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hydro?
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aircraft takeoff or landing?
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a violent electrical thunderstorm?
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What about the power of a word? A judge can, with one word, sentence a prisoner to life in prison or the death penalty. That same judge can also, with one word, set a prisoner free.
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What about the power of God? I wrote about my feelings on God’s power in an Easter blog last year: God’s power is so tremendously great that He actually raised Jesus from death back into life! Amazing!! It’s so easy to just say…He arose. But just think of it – He actually rose FROM THE DEAD BACK TO LIFE! That never happened to anyone else, that didn’t physically die again.
I sometimes have a really hard time wrapping my mind around that thought. Raising someone from death to life. I know that many people have been declared clinically “dead” and through CPR or some other method, have been brought “back to life” again. But not after they had been dead for three days, as Christ was! WOW!
Photo Credit Judy Wills
God’s power is unlimited. Have you ever had your electricity go off? Have you ever heard of airplanes crashing because of loss of power? God’s power just doesn’t have that kind of limitation. Well ….because He’s GOD!
My brother, Bill, wrote about the Israelites in Biblical times, who didn’t understand God’s complete power. Here’s what Bill wrote:
Praise the Lord indeed! God is truly on OUR side. And as Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do ALL things, through Christ, who keeps pouring POWER into me!”
Woohoo!
Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .
Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.
After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.
We have precious friends from way back in time who live in a different city. Since we live in a small rural area, we have to drive to find good healthcare. Meeting up with friends on doctor visit days would inject some fun into the chore, So, we chose doctors in their city.
Recently we got the wild idea to get together without seeing a doctor. We met at their home, enjoyed a leisurely coffee with a pre-lunch treat of decadent cupcakes from Publix grocery, then went out to lunch.
After lunch we went plant shopping at what I call the “flower man”. It isn’t a nursery exactly. It is in the backyard of a man’s home. It’s a big yard and he has several greenhouses. The plants I buy from him seem to survive and thrive better than the commercial ones. Plus, I simply enjoy walking around with a friend and enjoying all of the color. (i’m big into geraniums and coleus this year.)
Photo Credit:Soileau Greenhouse Anderson, SC
When we went out to lunch we drove one car. We both needed to go to Sam’s Club Warehouse after lunch but would drive our own cars because we had a cooler for the cold items.
My husband had been quiet after lunch but he tires easily so I put it down to an energy slump. But on the drive to Sam’s he began experiencing shortness of breath and complained of pain in his lung area. Our fun day became a scary day.
He used his inhaler while I was suggesting we detour to the emergency room. We were both concerned about a pneumothorax. My husband has a strong dislike of emergency rooms and when he didn’t rule out a visit I began mentally planning the fastest route to the hospital.
I think his distaste of an ER visit must have opened up his lungs. The pain subsided and he wanted to continue with our plans. I suggested that he wait for me in the snack cafe while I shopped but he wanted to walk with me. He did ok but looked tired so I suggested we go to the cafe and get a drink and some ice cream before driving home. I texted our friends who were checking out and they joined us. And surprise, surprise, his very berry ice cream sundae settled his breathing!
Photo Credit: Sams Club
Saturday he was a little slow moving. I kept busy around the house while he did his morning breathing treatment. The chilly morning warmed nicely with a gentle cool breeze. I suggested coffee on the porch. We sat sipping our coffee, talking and observing the birds coming to the feeders. When I finished my coffee I began to think of the house chores I needed to complete. I looked over at my husband and decided “forget the chores, savor the time.”
The afternoon slipped sweetly away. Last Saturday was a very good day.
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice an be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
I asked A.I. to create a picture of Jesus walking next to water holding a child’s hand. I had no idea it would do such an amazing job.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I’m a general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books
My 2023 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.
My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life,
Never forget the things that I’ve taught you.
Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you.
Then, you will have a full, rewarding life.
Hold on to loyal love, and don’t let go.
Be faithful to all that you’ve been taught.
Let your life be shaped by integrity, with truth written in your heart.
That’s how you find favor and understanding with God and men. You will gain a reputation for living life well.
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
Every once in a while, everything just seems to fall into place, such as: you’ve had the house on the market for months and months….and then all-of-a-sudden, the right buyer appears, the house is sold, and you move out. Just like that. Click…click…click, just like clockwork, the timing is perfect.
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Or, when you are writing a blog to post, nothing seems to be forth-coming.
Then, all-of-a-sudden, an idea pops into your head, and you can’t get the words out fast enough. Click…click…click, just like clockwork, the timing is perfect.
Coincidence? Hardly. That’s God’s hand at work. And it’s amazing – and I’m sure frustrating – that we don’t recognize it for what it is.
My brother, Bill, wrote about that:
So when we do take advantage of that opportunity, and recognize it for God’s perfect timing, then we can express our thanks to Him and know that He has blessed us, indeed.
There is absolutely NOTHING in this life that feels so right as being in the perfect timing of God’s Will. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .
Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.
After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.
DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”
OBEDIENCE… What a hard word that one is. We have to obey our parents when we are young. We have to obey our teachers in school. We have to obey our boss. We have to obey the rules of the road – that one can be really dangerous if we don’t obey them!!
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There are rules in the military.
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There are even rules in the games we play!
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We keep thinking, “I’m the master of my own self! Why do I have to obey anyone?” But it just doesn’t work that way, does it? No man is an island… isn’t that what the bard said? Well, it’s true.
So many people criticize Christianity as being a “crutch” for life. I hate to disappoint them, but they have some sort of crutch as well. Their crutch can be a job, a spouse, a significant other, money – or love of it, booze, drugs, etc. And if depending upon God and His love requires my obedience to survive in this world is my “crutch” – then I’m all in. Fortunately, God’s “yoke” is very easy and light. He gives us so much leeway in what we do, and all He asks is that we let Him take our heart’s desire and turn it His way. Have you noticed that, when you become God’s child, that your desires change? You no longer want to do those things you did before. They frequently become distasteful to you, so you stop doing them. You want to please God with your actions.
My brother, Bill wrote about obedience. Here are his thoughts:
Obey His commands. What does that mean? Jesus was asked that very question in Matthew 22:37-39. Jesus answered the Pharisees: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
In other words, if we keep our eyes on God, then everything else falls into place. Obedience to God becomes easy. Not that everything we do on this earth will be easy, but with God’s help, obedience to Him becomes our life’s goal.
Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .
Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.
After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.
Was the recent eclipse of the sun overrated? Some say it was. Others identified it as another sign that the end times are closer than ever. Either way, if we focus on each sign, we lose sight of what truly matters. We miss the preparation of our soul for the return of Jesus.
Here’s a list of eight questions to see if you’re ready for the end times.
Who do you think Jesus is? If you believe in a religion, in myths, in the world’s ways, in New Age notions or in yourself as a good person, or believe Jesus is merely a good teacher, you won’t be part of the victorious ending. However, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved…” (Romans 10:9-10).
Each day that passes draws us closer to His return, the decision you make today will determine the place in which you’ll spend for eternity.
Are you alert? As a saved Christian, you possess the wisdom to know how to rebuke Satan’s attacks which are increasing with fury. As you prepare, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
He won’t devour you because in Christ Jesus, you have the power to rebuke, reject and defeat all his attacks.
Are you carrying the burdens of your personal life and that of the world? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
A soul that rests in Him has no room for anxiety, fear or worry.
When persecution becomes more intense, can you find new strength in the Lord? “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29).
That new strength isn’t just for one moment, that power isn’t for one season, but you’ll soared on wings like eagles until that day when Jesus returns.
As days get darker, do you rely in God’s provision as Paul declared? “…this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
His riches are indeed glorious because they have nothing to do with your bank account, or the economy or financial security.
Do you know that His love is unshakeable even in the midst of wars, earthquakes, floods, inflation, fires or violence? “And nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).
Because of Christ’s love, you’re truly invincible.
When the signs of His return become more frequent, do you receive what Jesus offers? “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).
Signs will appear, conflict will intensify, evil will attack, but God’s peace within you will remain.
Do you listen to the media or to the main voice of the Savior? “All who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm” (Proverbs 1:33).
God has a plan. He has a purpose. And He executes each detail in precise and perfect timing. And while riding on the train of trust, we obey, expect, believe and wait in beautiful expectation. With Christ Jesus living in us, we anticipate that day when tears will dry, pain will cease, worry will end, joy will explode, peace will permeate, and victorious glory will be ours.
Let’s pray.
Father, thank You for the freedom we have to look beyond the circumstances of this world and fix our eyes on Your return with hearts filled with expectation and beautiful hope.
Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.
You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.
I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.
Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
I’ve battled with the flu for the past week. It finally took me down Wednesday night and kept me in a daze of fever, coughing, sore throat, and exhaustion. During one of those restless nights, I found myself asking “Why?”. It was a general why, not relating to any specific topic. As I lay in bed half asleep, half awake I began to think about how many times God must hear that question every day. It must be screamed, whispered, cried thousands, millions of times a day.
The magnificent thing about God is that He can bear to be questioned. He can hear every cry, and recognize every voice in the constant cacophony lifted up to Him. He understands what we are asking even when we don’t comprehend it ourselves.
The challenge we face as humans comes when we expect a response right away, and we usually expect a specific response. How many times have we missed God’s answer because it didn’t fit the parameters we set? Have you quit crying out to God because you didn’t feel heard, or didn’t receive a response? Do you feel like your cries are hopeless? Some prayers may go unanswered for years. Some questions may not have answers this side of heaven. That doesn’t mean we should give up crying out? Sometimes a simple “why” can lead to so much more than you dreamed.
It’s Sunday night as I finish this off and I’m still running a fever. I don’t know why I’ve been sick this long when I rarely get more than a sniffle, but I do know that God has given me time to rest, to set aside work, volunteering, writing, studying, and everything else that fills my days. I know that God has a bigger plan that I cannot see and I’m trusting in Him to answer that subconscious why from my restless night when the timing is right.
We enjoyed our winter in Florida. There were many “if only days,” as in if only Florida was always like this I would never want to leave. Mild days and brisk nights, and lots of sunshine. Those winters don’t come too often. But as spring approached, we felt a case of Spring fever coming on.
We planned to head for the North Carolina mountains the first of April, then our daughter had the opportunity of a mini-vacation with a college friend. We extended our time to pet sit our granddog, Ollie.
We had a few blips in our travel plans, but the day came when everything fell into place and we were on our way.
We had checked the weather forecasts for our route and it appeared we would be able to scoot between the rain showers of an approaching cold front. And if we hadn’t been held up by a traffic issue, we would have succeeded. Instead we ended up at the Buc-ees in St Augustine with screeching tornado warnings on our phones. I suggested we go into the store and wait out the warnings before getting gas, but oh no.. my man decided we should pump the gas first.
Photo Credit: Wil C. Fry Flickr
Once we were north of Jacksonville, Florida the rains cleared and we were treated to this beautiful and unusual looking rainbow.
I’m sure spring is beautiful everywhere but to this Florida raised woman, spring in the mountains is glorious. The color of the budding trees is so fresh and clean and when the sun shines just right the leaves seem to glow.
We spent the next two weeks settling back into our mountain house. I still had Christmas decoration to put away! Then we had some pesky doctor appointments to keep.
My tablet curates photos each day and one morning it curated pictures taken in the Great Smoky Mountain National park during the spring two years ago. We decided to make haste and drive up to the park asap.
The weather at our house was chilly with clear skies. Since the temperature in the national park can be 10-15 degrees cooler we tossed a couple of jackets in the truck. A light one and a heavier one, because you never know.
When we entered the park via route 441, the skies were clear and the trees as beautiful and we hoped.
We hadn’t gone very far before this happened.
A few years ago elk were reintroduced into the park. We always look forward to seeing them but didn’t expect to see them early in the day. To our surprise quite a few were lounging in the woods near the road. We were glad they were lounging and not crossing the road. In the fog, that could have been an unpleasant experience.
US route 441 connects Cherokee, North Carolina with Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I think the drive is about 35 miles. At the line between the two states is Newfound Gap, a beautiful overlook. We always stop even though we have been there numerous times, it is still beautiful to us. Plus, it has restrooms. It was damp and cold so I didn’t snap a picture of the overlook. I did take a couple of pictures of the woods next to the restrooms. The world famous Appalachian trail passes through here. I am thinking the hikers appreciate the restrooms!.
One of the oddities of the park is that the weather can be completely different on each side. Once we crossed into Tennessee, the fog rolled off. The car in front of us was driving rather slow. As I looked closer, I saw a sign atop the vehicle proclaiming it to be a student driver car.I can not imagine learning to drive on a winding and steep mountain road.
There wan’t much traffic and we had nothing but time so I suggested my husband drop back so as to not make the student nervous. We followed the student the rest of the way into Pigeon Forge where the driver became more confident on a flat road and we parted ways.
We stopped in Pigeon Forge for lunch, then did some shopping. My husband browsed in Bud’s sporting goods store, then we drove into Sevierville to get gas at the newest and largest (so far) Buc-ees.
After that, my sweet husband was tiring and we retraced our drive back towards GSMNP. ( side note-my phone glitched and wouldn’t work. No access to the map app!)Before leaving Pigeon Forge we stopped at my husband’s oh so favorite place, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. He felt sure that sugar and caffeine would energize him. (I finally figured out the phone problem.)
The glazed ones were Hot and Ready.
Of course, the coffee necessitated a stop once again at Newfound Gap. While waiting on husband, I took a few pictures.
Late afternoon.
Nothing special about the picture below. I liked the contrast of the yellow flowers with the still brown trees.
Tired but happy.
As we drew near to the southern exit of the park, we were on the lookout for elk. Late afternoons they can be seen grazing in a field or even next to the road. We had just said that we didn’t think we would see them today when around a curve, we saw this one, munching away.
It was a good day.
After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix
In addition to blogging, I’m a general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books
My 2024 goal is continue to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media.
(C) Copyright 2012-2024 Old Things R New All rights reserved. This website is an Amazon affiliate and the income from sales helps to defray the cost of running the site.
Old Things R New 