Rambling Friday: Thanking God

 Let us come before His presence 

with Thanksgiving...

And today I give thanks 

for His Help, 

His Graciousness in considering me,

His Power in situations I can't handle

and His everlasting Love!

I give Thanksgiving to MY GOD!

Rambling Friday: The Living Rock

The Living Rock

Marble, sandstone, slate, granite, limestone, shell, and some more valuable ones are quartz and diamonds. Take your pick and most of us would choose the valuable ones.

I love rocks–always have. I guess they’ve represented strength and beauty to me. I know I must have driven my family batty because while traveling, I would constantly comment about mountains and rocks. I seriously doubt they thought I was an expert on the subject, but my obsession with the subject kept me talking.

I collect samples from different states we visit, line my gardens with diambeautiful stones and rocks and search for unique shapes and colors. Rocks have an enduring quality about them. Most of them are heavy and strong, giving the impression of unbudging power. Large ones, or several stacked together can be used as a shield from danger. They can be used for decorative purposes such as borders or used as focal points in gardens or yards. Cut rocks can be used as creative flooring, to build fireplaces, cover houses and so much more. 

Recently, one of our Papua, New Guinea friends visiting here in the states spoke a few words in a church service. His name is Brother Amos–a wonderful, godly man who serves his people in his home country as a true example of Christianity. While he spoke, he said the phrase, The Living Rock, and the words resonated in my heart and mind.  

Of course, I know Jesus is alive and God is real, but for whatever reason, I’ve never pictured him as a living rock, and I’ve sang the song, Rock of Ages, many, many times! 

He’s not dead or immune to our troubles when we lose a job. He’s not deaf to our cries when our hearts break over the death of a friend or loved one. When we make stupid mistakes that we wish a million times we’d never done. He’s our living rock that is steadfast and strong, powerful and trustworthy.

Our grandson, Jonathan, recently climbed on top of a beach rock and held his hands in the air as if he was a victor over the waves that he delighted in running from. He’s too young yet to realize the fullness of a real God, who unlike our earth’s rocks, cares and feels and loves. It’s up to my husband and myself to teach him those things and allow God’s love to woo him to himself.

Unlike the huge and fascinating Pilot Mountain rock, or the Rocky Mountains, Smoky Mountains or any other mountains in our United States, God is bigger and so much more wonderful and enduring. 

Psalm 94: 22 says, My God is the rock of my refuge. 

Do you claim God as your rock?

Thoughts on an Easter Prayer

Sharing with you today a beautiful meditation,

and in parentheses, my words:

At this holy season

(that I might have peace and that 

I might be ready to hear your whispered words to me)

Teach us to be patient

(oh, how I need this!)

and help us to be kind

(thankfully, I do have a caring heart and a kind spirit).

Give us the reassurance

that you are always near

to guide us and protect u

in this violent world of fear,

(what confidence we can have in our God!).

Help us all to realize

There is untold strength and power

When we seek the Lord and find Him

In our meditation hour. --Helen S. Rice

(What a privilege we have to realizing God's power and strength!

What a blessing to be able to seek and find him!

Amen and amen).

Many blessings!