Enjoying some of our favorite things-
the Santa and friends corner.
This sweet angel keeps an eye out on the others.
Quilted Santas in blue are a favorite.
Isaiah 35:1-10
The prophecy in this section of Scripture is about restoration,
God's saving power and hope.
We see the vision of a wasteland that blooms
with an abundance of flowers.
The deserts will be green like the mountains of Lebanon,
Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
The splendor of God and his glory will be on display.
and encouragement for the weary.
"Be strong and do not fear."
A great "highway of Holiness" will lead the faithful on
the way to return to Zion.
There is a new song coming with everlasting joy.
The sorrowful and desolate times will become a holy,
joyful place for the people of God.
This foretells the coming of God's kingdom with both
an invitation and a reminder that healing and restoration
only comes through Him.
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Isaiah 2:1-5
The Mountain of the Lord is a future vision where
this spot becomes the highest point.
It will draw all people to it for judgment and teaching.
They will disarm themselves and change the swords into plows
and spears into pruning hooks. Wartime will cease.
There is a plea for the house of Jacob
to walk in the light of the Lord.
God is calling them to give up their idolatry and sinful ways.
Walking in the light of the Lord means to follow
His commands and teachings.
"Light" means centering our living under
God's guidance and instruction.
Lord, help me to focus on the way my days unfold
that there is the brightness of your closeness and Light.
Amen.
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Thanksgiving Blessings- 2025
Deuteronomy 8:1-10
This reading for worship for Thanksgiving highlights
the reminder to the Israelites to remember
that God provides, disciplines and tests.
Their daily hunger and dependence on God for food
helped them to learn to trust His word,
not just the promise of food.
Daily miracles week after week,
year after year provided the framework for providing
for their needs. It helped them to understand the hope
to come of the land of abundance in the future.
The last thing God wanted was a group of prideful
and self-sufficient people that didn't need Him anymore.
God's every detail plan even had their shoes and clothes
that didn't wear out. The 40 year journey
was to humble the Israelites and fine tune
their dependence on God.
"Man shall not live by bread alone"
is the iconic phrase that God gives more
to sustain us then just our daily bread.
There is also the warning that abundance
and prosperity is dangerous because we tend to forget
about God when our need is lessened.
Finally, they are asked to give thanks
for the land that God is giving them.
That is paired with obedience
because of His great goodness.
So much of this story is a reminder to us
living in this land of plenty and prosperity
that we not forget the good God
who cares for us and provides all things.
So, on this Thanksgiving Day we celebrate the
gift that blesses us for eternity.
Jesus our greatest gift and we give thanks.
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Malachi 3:13-18
The reading for this week in Malachi sounds amazingly
similar to the cynical remarks heard today about complaints
about God. Serving is meaningless or pointless.
What does it GET ME?
God confronts the people for their judgment against Him.
Harsh words. They deny that they have said anything bad.
They point out that the evil people prosper
and it doesn't seem like they"get ahead" with obedience.
There is certainly a self-centered framework.
They want an immediate "pay back" for obedience.
Like they deserve a reward.
Then there are the faithful remnant
that obey and fear the Lord.
God listens in to their conversations
and created a book of remembrance.
He noticed this group encouraging each other.
He promises future justice and outlines that there
will be a clear division between
the righteous and the wicked in the world.
He announces that those who remember Him
will be His special "treasured possession," like jewels.
We are called to serve God by faith and in His mercy,
the faithful will be rewarded.
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Worship into the Week- Isaiah 1:10-18
All Saint's Day
This section of Scripture calls out the corrupt
worship happening and is a call to justice.
God rejects the the religious rituals of the people
because they do not align with their daily behavior.
They do not see the poor, marginalized and the vulnerable
around them. God promises forgiveness of their sins.
They can become just as white as snow,
but they need to amend their ways.
The plan is forthright: learn to do good, seek justice,
correct oppression, and obey God.
Do not forget the widow.
God is looking for a transformed heart,
not just outward actions.
When the people of God are obedient,
their scarlet sins become as cleansed and white as snow.
This is the picture of sinner to saint that is our gift of grace.
It is our map of how God wants us to see "others".
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I recently hosted a Suffragette Party
for the gals in the neighborhood.
Most of the time women know nothing or very little about the story right here in our backyard.
It is always amazing to tell the story of the women in the Occoquan Workhouse in Occoquan, Virginia in October 1917.
The women picketed the White House for 18 months- day and night, every day but Sunday.
They were arrested for picketing the White House and sentenced for blocking traffic. Under horrible conditions, they were treated poorly and not allowed any outside communication.
When Alice Paul joined them, she began a hunger strike and did not eat for three weeks.
Then, afraid they would have a "martyr", they began to force feed her.
By the end of November, the women were released and President Wilson began to support the 19th Amendment.
In 2020 I went to the 100 year Anniversary of the ratifying of the 19th Amendment. The state of Tennessee gave the last vote needed in the Senate on August 26, 1920 to make the 19th Amendment a law. At the Anniversary celebration they reenacted the famous horse ride in the parade in Washington, DC in 1913 with Inez Mulholland on the horse.
I was able to sign the 100 year Anniversary document that went into the time capsule for the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial.
Turning Point is a Suffragist term and has been for a very long time
That memorial is now finished. See that HERE:
the-turning-point-suffragist-memorial.html
So I voted today. For a woman for Governor of Virginia.
105 years after Votes for Women became a reality,
I was able to vote for a woman to lead in Virginia.
When I was born, women were able to vote for just 35 years.
I am very thankful for the brave women who fought hard that I may enjoy that right today.
Want to know more about the Suffragette Movement in America?
Check out any of the following books.
Bold-Brave-Heroes-Women-Kirsten+Gillibrand
