Worship into the Week- Holy Ground

 Worship into the Week- Exodus 3:1-15

Moses was just doing his job tending the sheep. 

Then God intervenes in the daily schedule 

and everything changes.

Moses encounters God at a burning bush that is

 not consumed by the fire.

Here we have God's presence, power and the plan

to rescue the Israelites.

Moses is told to remove his shoes 

for where he stands is holy ground.

God's plan reveals his intimate connection

 to the plight of the Israelites.

  He calls Moses to be the leader and doesn't 

shuffle the plan when Moses doubts his capabilities.

Once again, God shows that He gifts the ones He calls.

God's glory is shown when He chooses to use 

simple, ordinary people for His purposes.

Lord, may I not doubt your nearness

 in the callings you have given me.

Lead me to understand that your presence

 is Holy Ground in my life.

And you are everywhere. Amen.

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Worship into the Week- Learn to Do Good

 

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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Votes for Women- 105 Years

 

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.

Alice+Paul-elizabeth Raum

Bold-Brave-Heroes-Women-Kirsten+Gillibrand

                        

Remember-Ladies-Great-American-

Courage-Cloth-Winning-Fight

People-at-Center-Womens-Suffrage

Womens-Right-Cornerstones-Freedom-

Calendar Journaling- October 2025

 

Calendar Journaling for October 2025

A small square for adding in a "take-away" phrase

 from my daily devotions.

4 colored pencils.

Time for me to remember, reflect, respond.

Where is the light of the Holy Spirit shining for the day?

Words are my thing. I get distracted with trying

 to think of an image to draw

It takes me off track.

So the simple plan is to stick with what is working.

Then at the end of the month 

I look for the key words for the Word Log.

The words that stand out for this gathering of days.

They get transferred to another place

 for a prayer practice experiment- Grab 3.

On to November....

Devotional:

Jesus Reigns in Me by Sarah Hornsby

Worship into the Week- Reformation Sunday

 

Reformation Sunday- 

Old Testament Reading Genesis 4:1-15

Sin Leads to the First Murder

Jealousy becomes the driving force in Cain's life 

when he becomes jealous over God 

accepting his brother's Abel's offering.

There are consequences to sin and it encompasses 

envy, anger, and violence. 

The story evolves with God's justice and mercy

 as he punishes Cain with a curse and exile.

But, God also protects Cain with mark.

This story highlights the importance of the heart's motivation

 and connection in worship.

We also see that sin is so destructive and that the evilness

 of sin creates a spiraling of consequences.

We know that we are each responsible for our brothers 

and sisters."Keeping" is part of loving and helping others.

Seeing others- those marginalized, outcast, not like us,

becomes our great challenge.

A heart change is what is in order.

Lord, change my heart.

On this Reformation Sunday we also give thanks 

for the brave work of Dr. Martin Luther 

in the Reform of the Church.

Lord, bring the changes needed today in our church.

Help us to stay the course and lead like Jesus. Amen.

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Worship into the Week- Wrestling with the Divine

 

 Worship into the Week- Genesis 32:22-30

An all-night wrestling match with a 

divine being is not part of a normal week.

This section of Scripture begins the story of change for Jacob. 

He is moving from a self-reliant man to dependence on God.

It was not a planned transition. 

This encounter comes after he sends all

 of his family and possessions away.

His new "limp" is a mark of his encounter with the divine.

He is physically and permanently changed now.

His new self is centered on the blessing

 that comes from his struggle and vulnerability.

Jacob's previous life was full of conflict and deception.

His wrestling match is a turning point in his struggle.

Now he has a new identity. He is also the patriarch of a nation

 that has "struggled with God and man."

This encounter with the divine being is a profound moment

  of intimacy and struggle between God and humanity.

Things will always be different for Jacob.

His physical disability looms large in his daily life.

But, the transformation is monumental. 

Ultimately, he receives a blessing through his defeat and injury.

What a tremendous story when true strength comes 

from dependence on God, and not on self-reliance.

Maybe we can see the power of this "letting go"

 in our own day to day struggles.

Time to call in the power reserves and rely on God.

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Worship into the Week- My People, My People

 

   

Worship into the Week- Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi

Ruth 1:1-19a

What a beautiful story of loyalty

when life got completed and things didn't go as planned.

Husbands lost. Families disrupted.

Life order out of order.

Things were changing and they 

were all stepping into the unknown.

But, this God of Naomi was a deep calling for 

trust from Ruth.

She was ready for whatever and wherever 

with them together.

Our middle daughter has a saying in their little family

 that is said together at meal time.

Hands held, with the meal prayer said, is a family chant. 

"My people, My people!"

 rings out as they smile at each other.

That is the chant of Ruth.

The part where Boaz comes in is not in the reading for today,

 but the idea of Kinsman Redeemer

 is significant for the rest of the story.

Ruth and Boaz become part of the

 heritage of Jesus himself.

I have often stood in Bethlehem at the field

 historically known as the field of Ruth and Boaz.

 Thinking about this story allows me

 to give thanks for my family. 

My story of "grafted into" the family of Jesus

allows me to say- My People, My People.

 I give great thanks for that great gift.

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Worship into the Week- The Righteous Live by Faith

 

Worship into the Week- The Righteous Live by Faith

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

The prophet is suppose to wait for God's 

revelation, which will be written down and made clear.

The righteous believer lives by their unwavering faith in God.

This is the opposite of how the proud and puffed up live

 in their own evil and self-reliant days.

This section calls for patience and waiting for God's timing.

We must trust in His faithfulness, 

especially when the world feels overwhelming

 with injustice and rampant evil.

"If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come;

it will not delay." v.3

In Chapter 2 Habakkuk gets God's response 

to his complaints about the wicked and unjust actions

 of the Babylonians. God promises He will eventually

 judge the proud, greedy and oppressive empire.

The reminder in verse 4 is often quoted in the New Testament,

"the righteous (just) shall by faith."

Our reminder too, when we want the arm of justice

 to move on our behalf.

Especially when we must wait for it.

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Twin Oaks Winery

 We were blessed to celebrate a couple of milestone birthday

 this summer at Twin Oak Winery in Bluemont, Virginia.

Extra care and attention was in order and we were 

well taken care of on this Sunday afternoon.

A special time with "original girls" 

for our family made a festive day.

Sun and grape vines and lots of laughter with great views.

A perfect day.

John and I love to see new beautiful spaces

 in the land of Virginia.

                      I was blessed to return for some more time 

here in this spot in September.

(This time to do work and planning.)

I highly recommend the day time 

view of the valley in the distant.

Twin Oaks is set up for a special occasion.

Sunset is kind of magical here.

 

A day away is a wonderful recharge time.

Newly remodeled with the touch 

of dear friend and owner Michele Spear.

18035 Raven Rocks Rd, Bluemont, VA 20135

Open Friday- Sunday

(Check times)

This spot is worth the journey 

to the Shenandoah Valley.

Worship into the Week- Eyes on Jesus

 

Worship into the Week-

Eyes on Jesus- Amos 6:1-7

This passage describes God's "woe" or His judgment 

to be placed on the complacent wealthy leaders 

of both Judah (Zion) and Israel (Samaria.)

Their lifestyle was focused on personal luxury and self-security.

They did not pay attention to the suffering of people 

around them and the warnings of God.

Their focus was only on themselves

and they did not use their money and power well.

Their arrogant ways led them to place a false trust

 in political and military security rather than God.

They were warned they would be the first to be exiled 

because of their hard hearts, indifference 

and moral indecency.

Oh my, this sounds like a parallel story to today's world.

A word for today?

Woe- self-focus always misses the mark.

A journey of faith keeps eyes on Jesus.

The life goal is to live and work to serve the Lord.

That is wisdom.

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Calendar Journaling- September 2025

 

Calendar Journaling- September 2025

Phrases from my daily devotions.

Reading Jesus Reigns in Me by Sarah Hornsby.

Word Log- picking out what words 

sort out at the end of the month.

Where do I need to pay attention?

Where is the Holy Spirit working in my life?

Where  can I see growth and maturity?

Where are the hard and sticky spots?

What do I try to cover up?

Lord, be with me in all that you are shaping

 and moving and refining. Amen.

Amen.

Worship into the Week- God Sees

 

Worship into the Week- God Sees

Amos 8:4-7

This passage in Scripture is a strong condemnation of greedy, 

wealthy Israelites and merchants who exploit the poor and needy 

thorough unethical business practices. They did wrong things 

like using dishonest scales and inflated prices. They did not treat 

the poor well with their debts. 

In this passage, the writer uses a basket

 of summer fruit to symbolize that judgment is imminent 

for the cruel merchants. Their love of materialism is evident. 

God swears that He will never forget their wicked deeds.

God sees and knows the heart.

He sees the rush to be done with Sabbath 

so they can sell again.

This section dishonors God and others.

The people need a big dose of kindness, 

honesty and fairness.

A wake up call for our modern day 

American world also.

Lord, help us.

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Worship into the Week- Seek the Lost

 

Worship into the Week- Ezekiel 34:11-24

The Lord God Will Seek Them Out

This section shares the image of God as the compassionate

"Good Shepherd" who will rescue, gather and restore His 

scattered flock, the people of Israel.

They have lived in a time of exile and hardship.

We move from failed human leaders - (the bad shepherds)

to God's plan. God's loving care is to 

seek the lost and heal the injured.

A new shepherd, Jesus, David's descendant 

will be set over them. 

God is committed to justice, care 

and the flourishing of His people.

We see the promise here to be fulfilled in Jesus.

God desires for justice and care to be balanced.

He will ask us how we carried 

this out in our earthly time.

Did we take time to find and care for "others"?

That may not be a popular choice these days.

As we sort things out here, 

we also know that we are never lost.

Our God always knows exactly 

where we are in our journey.

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Worship into the Week- Hold Fast

 

Worship into the Week

Deuteronomy 30:14-20

The Choice of Life and Death

Moses is talking to the children of Israel 

and is laying out the plan pretty clearly.

It is not far off in the heavens or across the sea.

"But the word is very near you. 

It is in your mouth and in your heart so you can do it."

See, outlined before you is the simple and easy choice.

You have life and good and and death and evil.

What do you choose?

God will bless you if you obey Him, 

love the LORD, walk in his ways,

and keep his commands.

"Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

 loving the LORD your God, and obeying his voice

 and HOLDING FAST to him, 

for he is your life and and length of days."

These are the final words of Moses to the Israelites.

God's Word is near- accessible- to them, 

and it is not too hard to understand or do.

This is the choice of every generation- 

obey and prosper or turn away and be exiled or excluded.

This covenant relationship with God comes with the weight

 and responsibility of an active choice.

We as new covenant people are also called to make these

 choices all day, every day.

It is simple- a step toward the cross 

or away from the cross.

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Hudson is Five

What a smile!

On the Birthday boy!

Mr. Big Five. 

He said, "How can this be? 

I am FIVE!" 

Fun and surprises.

Perhaps he has a secret?

(Or should I say Spidey has a secret?)

He knows what to do 

with a favorite shake!

Always something changing 

around this household.

Brothers are always close by for the festivities.

 Well, we know that this mom and dad 

know the secret identity of this powerful

little guy.

Blessings to you sweet Hudson.

Worship into the Week- Search Things Out

 

Worship into the Week-

Proverbs  25:2-10   Proverbs of Solomon

This passage shares wisdom on humility, 

the importance of careful speech, 

and the importance of just leaders.

God's glory is steeped in mystery and a king's honor

 is worthy to check out.

There is no good in boasting 

because a humble heart is noteworthy.

Don't tell a neighbor's secret, 

and strive to put disputes to rest.

Words are very important- like "apples of gold 

in a setting of silver."

The world has many mysteries both 

in the spiritual and material realm.

God has concealed many things. 

It is not for us to know everything.

Even the little we do see reveals His glory.

Imagine how amazed we would be

 for what we can't see!

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Calendar Journaling- August 2025

 

Calendar Journaling-

August 2025

Just 4 colored pencils and a Micron pen.

My devotional book and my Common book

from Visual Faith® Ministry.

This practice keeps me grounded by looking for the

all the ways the "verse of the day" 

becomes connected to each day.

The adventure of looking for surprises.

Devotion book-

Jesus Regins in Me!- Sarah Hornsby