. . . Moving to a Theophany in a Heavenly Setting

Yesterday, I wrote about John's theophany beginning in a temple setting. Moving from the Holy of Holies, John sees a door in the sky and the vision moves to a heavenly setting.  John hears the voice as a trumpet again and is invited to enter through the doorway.  The first thing John sees is a throne in the midst of heaven.  We learn later in the chapter (Revelation 4: 9, 10) that it is the resurrected Jesus who sits upon the throne.  Around the throne are twenty-four seats occupied by twenty-four elders.  According to Joseph Smith, these are resurrected apostles and other priesthood leaders, many of whom John probably had known in life.  They are dressed in white garments, the raiment of the high priests of Israel.

 

 

One symbol that is of interest to me is the rainbow John sees surrounding the throne of God.  The first time we encounter a rainbow in the scriptures is after the great flood. (Genesis 9:13)  It is the symbol of the covenant God made with all of His earthly creations.  To my knowledge, it is the only such covenant.  All of God's other covenants are between mankind and Himself. This one is God's promise to the entire earth.  Is it any wonder that John also sees the four beautiful and incredible creatures representing the animals of the earth surrounding God's throne and praising Him?

 

Finally, John sees at God's feet a "sea of glass like unto crystal." (Revelation 4:6) Joseph Smith, when he prayed and asked God specifically about this passage, was taught that the sea of glass represented the celestialized earth, in its "sanctified, immortal, and eternal state." (Doctrine and Covenants 77:1)  I remember some years ago studying about a Hebrew verb tense known as the prophetic present.  It is common in Hebrew scripture that an event that is to occur at some future time is spoken of in the present tense, since the prophet having the vision is actually seeing it as if it were happening in that moment.  That cleared up a lot of questions for me.  I remember, I was studying the Book of Isaiah at the time and found myself asking: "Is Isaiah talking about the past, his own time, the time around Christ's birth, or the future?"  When I learned about the prophetic present tense, I learned that the answer to the question is: "Yes."  I am hoping this will help me as a work (and I do mean work!) my way through the Book of Revelation.

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

 

Picture of door into heaven from www.123rf.com

Picture of rainbow from www.rawlife.com

Picture of world of glass from www.domesticallyspeaking.com

 

Theophany in a Temple Setting

I wrote yesterday about theophanies.  It has dawned on me that there may be some of you who haven't heard that word before.  It refers to those times in the history of the world when a human being has seen and conversed with God face-to-face.  It is the most glorious manifestation of the gift of revelation. 

 

As I've studied the scriptures over the years, I have found that theophanies seem to occur in three setting: the tops of high mountains, the temple, or in a vision of heaven itself.  They also seem to have certain characteristics in common.  I'd like to talk about some of these today relative to John's theophany recorded in the Book of Revelation - or at least in the first few chapters that I have studied thus far.  Again, I am no expert, but it helps to clarify it for me when I write it down, so I hope you will bear with me.

 

John's theophany begins as he is "in the spirit" upon the Christian Sabbath.  He is taken away in spirit to a temple setting.  Some of the characteristics of this part of the theophany include God's voice like the sound of a trumpet.  This reminds me of what Moses and the Children of Israel heard at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19.)

John then sees seven golden candlesticks. The seven-branched golden candle stick or menorah was found in the temple (and, earlier, in Moses' tabernacle.)  It represented the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden.  It also represented the Light of God.  During the reign of the Maccabees, the menorah stayed alight for 8 days and nights, even though there was insufficient oil, a miracle that led to the Jew's Feast of Dedication or Hanukkah - which Jesus Himself observed during His lifetime. (see John 10:22.) 

 

In the above picture from Wikimedia, you can also see the veil of the temple (behind which is the Ark of the Covenant); the table of shew bread, and the container of incense, which was to symbolically represent the prayers of the people to God.  Later in Revelation, chapter one, we learn that the candlesticks also represent the Church, remembering that the number seven means the whole or complete Church.  Even though John wrote specifically to seven branches of the church, I think it would be a shallow reading of the text to think that Christ isn't concerned about all of His Church, even today.

 

Then John sees the Savior. His hair and beard are white and He is "clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle." (Revelation 1: 13) This was the temple garment of a Jewish high priest, which also helps place this part of the theophany in a temple setting.  When John had seen the Risen Christ last, He looked as He had in life.  Now He was a radiant, celestial Being so filled with light that His eyes were as fire and His feet as brass and dressed in priestly garments.  This is interesting, for Paul tells us that Jesus was an high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10.)  

 

I'm sure that earthly words in any language are inadequate to describe Him.  Joseph Smith described a similar experience during his theophany in the Kirtland Temple (Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-4.)  I sometimes think that we don't fully appreciate the power of Jesus' saying: I Am the Light of the World!

 

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Picture of Holy of Holies from www.common.wikimedia.com

Picture of an high priest before the Ark of the Covenant from www.jerusalem-4thtemple.com

Letting the Symbols Speak

Yesterday, I got quite excited studying the symbolism of numbers in the Hebrew language and culture.  Today, I am doing the same thing with other symbols: beasts, eyes, horns, wings, etc.  While it is interesting and important to get the gist of the meanings, I think it is also important not to get so caught up in picking the nits of the symbols that you miss the big picture. 

 

There are four beasts mentioned in Revelation 4:6-9.  Each had 6 wings and was full of eyes within.  When I looked online I found dozens of different Christian sites; the ones I took the time to read had widely differing interpretations; all of them picked nits and quite a stretch it was. I have decided that the things of God simply cannot be intellectualized!

 

Given that, here are a few of my personal thoughts*:

• Joseph Smith taught that these were real animals, resurrected and perfected.  For me, that answers the question: "Do animals go to heaven?"  I believe that Jesus saved all that He created and that everything was created spiritually before it was created temporally (see Moses 3:5.) 
• The eyes usually mean all-seeing or omniscient.
• The wings can mean power, particular the power of a messenger.
• The number 6 in Hebrew represents labor. 
• One beast represents the carnivores; one represents the herbivores; one is a primate (I don't think it is a man); and one represents the birds.

So what is the overall message to me?  John is seeing into heaven.  He is seeing all of the creatures created by God, both men and beasts, surrounding the throne of God and worshipping and praising Him. (Him being the resurrected and living Jesus Christ.) Ezekiel had a similar vision of winged beasts and the throne of God. The thundering and lightning; voice like a trumpet; fire - all hark back to Moses' experience on Mt. Sinai.  When prophets experience a theophany, God often takes them to a tall mountain, the temple, or heaven itself.  John is experiencing a theophany.  It begins in the temple (chapter one) and now moves through a door to the celestial heaven itself.  No wonder John fell at Christ's feet as if he were dead! (Revelation 1: 17)

 

* Again the disclaimer: I am not a minister or university-trained Biblical scholar.  These are my own personal thoughts.  Your thoughts after prayerful study may be different.  God teaches each of us what we most need to know.  What He is teaching me is that He created all things and that, therefore, all creation is in His hand.  No matter how challenging or frightening the outlook, Jesus Christ is in control.  I don't need to worry about anything, but be thankful and prayerful about everything, and allow God to be in charge.  Then I can experience inner peace amidst outer chaos (see Philippians 4: 6-7.) 

 

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Picture of the 4 Beasts of Revelation 4 from www.triviadevotion.blogspot.com

Numbers in the Scriptures

I've been having fun with numbers this morning.  I'll admit, I am not a math person and have never been interested in numbers and formulae per say.  I also do not believe in the pseudo-science of numerology or any other such belief system that reduces human will to a number, astrological sign, or other such counterfeit.  But, as I study the Book of Revelation which is laden with symbols, I am seeing the significance of numbers in the scriptures.  Certain numbers were highly symbolic in Hebrew and understanding those symbolic meaning helps provide a greater depth of understanding of the scriptures themselves.  

 

I searched online and found interesting information. I have also added information I have gleaned over the years from Biblical scholars*.

 

3 = The number of Heaven

• 3 Members of the Godhead
• The fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19; 4:13; Colossians 2:9)
• 3 degrees of glory (Doctrine and Covenants, Sections 76, 88)

4= The number of Earth

• 4 seasons
• 4 cardinal directions
• 4 phases of the moon, etc.

7= The most significant number in Hebrew; the sum of heaven and earth (3+4)

• In Hebrew, seven is shevah and connotes full, complete, satisfied, total, perfect
• God rested on the seventh day because creation was complete (Genesis 2: 2,3)
• Sheavah (from that root) also means oath, covenant

Just as an FYI (I don't know how significant this is) Matthew wrote about 7 parables of Jesus and John wrote about 7 miracles.  Since they came from that culture, I'm confident they didn't choose to write about only 7 parables and miracles - out of the perhaps hundreds they heard and saw  - simply by accident.

 

12 = The product of Heaven and Earth (3 x 4)

• It signifies perfection in earthly governance of God's Kingdom and Church.
• It represents divine authority and appointment (especially when referencing the apostles - Greek apostolos)
• 12 Patriarchs (from Shem to Jacob)
• 12 sons/tribes of Israel
• 12 Judges in Israel
• 12 Apostles

24 = The doubling of the number 12 represents perfection in heavenly governance as the number 12 represents earthly governance of God's Kingdom and Church (see chapter 4 of Revelation, i.e., the 24 elders, whom Joseph Smith taught were real, resurrected men.)

 

The Book of Revelation is full of references to numbers, especially the number 7. It helps me understand those references by thinking of the concepts of completeness and covenants. I find that I have to almost get out of my logical mind and let the symbols speak to my spiritual mind as much as is possible. It is an interesting experience as it tickles the very edges of understanding of a depth that I certainly cannot put into words. John was given these symbols through prophecy and I'm not sure it doesn't take prophecy to understand them!  Perhaps that is why they only "tickle" and don't land solidly. I get only a glimpse, but right now, a glimpse is quite enough!

 

* There are pages and pages of information about numbers, but I am only sharing two or three that I found most pertinent in understanding Hebrew scripture.

 

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Picture from www.123rf.com

One website I found regarding the significance of numbers in the Bible was

http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/

Revelation* ~ The Seven Churches

A few years ago, I was watching a Bible study discussion on TV.  Richard Draper was one of the scholars on the panel and I was struck by his comments relative to the pattern of addressing the seven churches.  He said each letter followed a similar pattern.  They are easier to understand when one recognizes the pattern:

• God addresses the branch of the Church by name.
• God identifies Himself by a common signifier, such as Alpha and Omega.
• God points out the positive things He has noticed about each branch - a compliment.
• God corrects the branch for things they are doing that are leading them astray - a chastisement.
• God makes promises of blessing that will come to those who overcome the world through repentance and faithfulness to His Word.

The two exceptions to this pattern occur in Chapter 3 of Revelation:  the Church at Laodicia receives no compliment; the Church at Philadelphia receives no chastisement.

The number 7:  I have learned from various sources that the number 7 is significant in Hebrew.  It signifies complete and total.  So while the letters address 7 individual branches of the Church in Asia Minor, they can be understood at a deeper level as referring the the total and complete Church.  This means to me that they have relevance for us today if we ask the Spirit to reveal that relevance to us. 

You can see by the map that the 7 Churches are clustered in a small geographical area not far from the Penal Colony on Patmos Island where John was imprisoned.  But there were branches of the Church at Jerusalem and Antioch to the southeast and Corinth, Phillipi, and Rome to the west across the Aegean Sea.  I'm sure these and other branches experienced trials and persecution with varying degrees of faithfulness just as the branches that were included in the Revelation.  Perhaps John wrote letters of compliment and correction to them at other times, letters that we no longer have.  I would love to be there in spirit when all the seals are open and we can see the entire panorama of the world as John did!

* Somewhat of a disclaimer:  I am not an ordained minister nor a Biblical scholar.  What I am sharing are insights I have experienced while reading and studying the text.  If you decide to study the Book of Revelation, do so with a prayerful heart and you will be led to your own insights.  The Spirit speaks to each of us individually and addresses the needs of our hearts as only He can know them.  By the way, whenever I share something I have learned from a scholar, such as Dr. Draper, I will so note.

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

 

Picture of the 7 Churches from Grace Baptist Church in Decatur, IL @ www.gbcdecatur.org

Map from the Shepherd of the Hills Church @ www.sothi.com

The Book of Revelation ~ What It Says to This Believer

While I was recuperating from my surgery at my mom-by-marriage's home, we listened to a CD of Professor Richard Draper, an expert on apocalyptic scripture in the Bible.  It stirred in me a desire to read the Book of Revelation more carefully, looking for the meaning beyond the symbols.  It has been an exercise as I write what I am learning in the new journal my grandchildren gave me for Christmas.

I've only done 2 chapters in about 3 days, so this race is for the tortoises and not the hares!  I'd like to share a couple of things I have learned.  The first is that the revelations were not written "for pen or brush" (Bro. Draper) but for the mind.  They are, in a sense, a riddle, not unlike Jesus' parables.  Profound teachings are presented as simple and sometimes not humanly possible things.  One must prayerfully search them even to begin to mine the spiritual depths and truths they contain.  In that way, the new believer who needs milk will gather milk and the more mature believer who is capable of meat will find meat.

Another thing I've learned is that I need to look at the symbols as to what they would have meant to someone who knew Jewish tradition and the Greek language.  I am fortunate that I found a scripture site on lds.org where you can read and listen to the scriptures.  There are highlighted words that are links to study helps.  When  you click on them, they pop up a window with further scripture references or links to the BD (Bible Dictionary) and other study helps without leaving the main page.  I've used the online scriptures for years, but until this week hadn't clicked on the links.  My, what I've been missing!!! If you want to try it, here is the link.  It uses the King James Version of the Bible:

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rev/1?lang=eng

 

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Picture of John writing the Apocalypse from his cell on the Isle of Patmos from www.commons.wikimedia.com

 

*You will notice that the browse window is back on Blogspot! I hope it stays around awhile so I can add pictures to my posts. 

 

Just for fun, here is a photo of Dr. Draper. He is a Professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU. He is the author of several books on apocalyptic literature in the Bible.  This picture is from www.deseretbook.com



By Poor Nos

I hab a code in by nos.  I need a chunklet cubered grab cracker!  Ad a nu nos!  You cand dell 'cause by nos is red.

Thoughts on Serenity and Other Good Stuff

I've had a big challenge with my blog: it isn't as fun and inspiring to post without pictures!  I've queried Google about the problem, but as of yet, no response.  So I am recycling some older posts' photos to wake up my brain!

I asked Sunday what you do to calm your racing thoughts when you find yourself caught up in the thick of thin things.  One thing I do is to find a quiet place that invokes a sense of peace and serenity.  This is one such place: the swings in my son's beautiful backyard.  My own backyard in the spring and summer is also lovely; listening to the fountain and watching the humming birds and butterflies in the bird bath and hollyhocks.

In the winter, it's often sitting beside my wood-burning stove, watching the flames, and feeling the warmth.  It's sometimes harder in winter to feel that joy that sneaks upon your shoulders like a butterfly.  It's often grey and cold and cloudy.  Then I have to warm my spirit with a good book, good music, or an uplifting video.  Talking to friends on the phone or via Facebook or email are other ways I lift my spirits this time of year.

Finally, I find that having something to do each morning when I wake up is an important incentive for a good day.  There is nothing worse, longer, or more boring than a day in which I have no reason to get out of bed!  Right now, I am preparing my home for my sister who will be moving in with me next month.  I get up each day, have scriptures, prayer, check cyberspace, then my to-do list, and off I go to a great day.  It may not be the serenity of hummingbirds and butterflies, but it will do until spring!

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Thanks to an Unknown Author for Today's Couch Post

The Fence

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer ...a nail into the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily, gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said “you have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one.” You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there. Make sure you control your temper the next time you are tempted to say something you will regret later.

- Author Unknown

Be Still and Know That I Am God

There is a reason they call it the "still, small" voice.  It does not shout at you.  You cannot hear it amidst the clamor, particularly the clamor that is being generated inside of you.

How do you calm the clamor so that you can hear the voice?  I love to hear about it.  You can share on Facebook or at gebaraedu@yahoo.com.

Happy Sabbath.

Don't let anyone tell you . . .

Yesterday, a young friend posted this comment on Facebook: "I've never been happier to feel pain!  My left foot is in pain because of an injury and I feel it!" (vmf)

Why on earth would anybody be so happy over something so uncomfortable as pain?  It might help you to know a little bit about my friend.  A few months ago he suffered a broken neck and severe spinal cord injuries after being thrown from his car when it rolled.  He hasn't felt anything below his rib cage since then.  The doctors told him he probably never would and that he will never walk again.  But he's fooled them!

He's regained over 75% of his upper-body movement and still gaining, a miracle noted by his therapists.  He breathes on his own, feeds himself, and texts and posts, to the amazement of all.  Now, best of all, he feels pain in his foot.  No wonder pain makes him happy.

He has a wonderful positive attitude and an unswerving faith in God.  That has made all the difference.  He has said from the beginning that he will walk again.  He's proved the medicos wrong before.  He well may do so again.  I am rooting for him!  

Later that same day, he posted a picture on Facebook.  The caption read: Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something just because they can't.  A beautiful message for anyone.   

Just Sayin' ~ Bear Them We Must

Did you ever have a situation where someone told you that you've got to do something and, by the way, it's not going to be fun?  That's been my experience the past few days.  My peripheral vision has been diminishing the past few years, necessitating a surgical procedure which name I can't even pronounce, much less spell!  It has left me bruised and swollen and hurting and ITCHING!  I am still having trouble focusing my eyes to read or write.  I have found myself saying, "Tell me again why I did this!"

I think life is like that.  There are many things we have to do in life that are not much fun.  Some of them are downright painful to bear, but bear them we must.  I think that is the reason for the phrase, "This too shall pass."  

When I am healed, I will see many things more clearly than I have in years. Until them, I remind myself that "This too will pass," anoint my eyes with antibiotic ointment, and put on my dark glasses.  Oh, the price we pay for improvement!

Just Sayin'

Text copyright Gebara Education Jan 2013

I am going in for some minor surgery tomorrow, so will be taking an hiatus until the first of the weeks.  Hope to see you on Monday.

The Comforter

One of the most appreciated roles of the Holy Spirit is that of Comforter.  Many years ago, I was going through a time of great challenge and discouragement. My husband had died; I was living in another state with my three youngest children and living on Carmon's Social Security; I was in graduate school full time and working on a thesis with a very challenging committee breathing over my shoulder;  I had just been betrayed by someone I thought was my friend.  One night, I was so discouraged and depressed, that I could not even formulate much of a nighttime prayer: "God, help me sleep.  In Jesus' name, Amen" was the most I could muster.

About two in the morning, I woke up in great emotional distress.  I was suddenly furious with my false friend and wanted nothing more than to telephone that person and spew anger over the phone lines. Suddenly, the anger was stripped away and I was suffused with a sense of calmness and peace and warmth.  It started filling me up, flowing from the top of my head downward to my toes and I felt as if someone who loved me very much had wrapped me in a quilt and taken me into His arms.  Like a small child, I drifted off to sleep in a cocoon of love.  As sleep began to overtake me, it was as if I heard these soothing words: Do not fret over the loss of one false friend. You have been given the Gift of Love and an ability to give love more than most.  Give your love to those who need it.

When I awoke, I called my mother and shared the incredible blessing with her. I could hear her crying as I described the experience.  When i have finished, I said, "I don't understand why it happened.  I didn't even pray and ask for it."  Mom softly replied, "I know.  I did.  I prayed that you might be wrapped in God's arms."

I have never forgotten that night.  I have also been able to call upon that peace in other trying times of my life.  I can testify to you that I know the Comforter because that is what it felt like: being wrapped in a physical comforter, held by the arms of love.  I strive every day to reach out to those who need love the most.  I find most people very easy to love and know that this is a gift of the Spirit as well.  I often feel the instant experience of Christ's love downloading through me to be delivered to a person who has difficulty feeling His love.  I am humbled and grateful for this gift.

Jesus told His apostles: "I will send unto you the Comforter."  He did so, in that great epiphany described in Acts.  He will still send the Comforter to us as well.  I know, because He sent Him to me on a cold January night when the ice in my heart matched the snow on the ground.  I will always remember and be grateful.

Text copyright Gebara Education, January 2013

Emotional Bank Accounts

Talking about attending to your child and his/her world yesterday reminded me of another colleague of mine, Fred Jones.  Dr. Jones is a clinical psychologist who has spent the last 20+ years helping teachers teach and discipline in positive and effective ways.  On the subject of being involved with one's child, he always stated that it's not a question of parents spending time and attention on their children: it's just a question of when and in what circumstance. You can spend the time up front in listening, reading to, playing with, and demonstrating your love and affection when the child is young or you can spend it in the principal's office, detention center, or treatment program when he/she reaches adolescence.

Dr. Steven R. Covey talked about each of us having an emotional bank account.  According to both Covey and Jones, parents need to begin making deposits into their children's emotional bank accounts from the beginning.  Each little hug, each kind word, each moment of listening and encouragement adds to the child's emotional wealth.

By the same token, every unkind word or behavior withdraws from that account.  Experts have said that it takes ten positive deposits to compensate for one negative withdrawal.  If, as a parent, you have allowed your child to become emotionally in the red, don't be surprised if you see an acting-out child or one who has given up completely.  I have know many people who's accounts are in the red and I'll bet you have, too.  They are truly empty human beings.

Parents also need to make deposits into their own emotional banks.  For me, that happens through daily prayer and meditation; reading the scriptures and uplifting literature; taking care in what I choose to see at the movies or on DVD at home; sharing sweet moments with friends and family; creative activities from blogging to my new quilt; serving others.  I am able to lend emotional strength to others because I keep my own account full.

The best way to fill your emotional well is through the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit.  I talked on Sunday about the Spirit as Testifier and Revelator.  He is also the Comforter and will make deposits into your account so that you can reach out and serve others.  Yesterday I quoted a favorite scripture on the best way to disciple and discipline your child.  Here are the next verses of that passage that will help you keep your own accounts full and ready to use.  I will close with them today:

• Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine . . . shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
• The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; . . . and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. (Doctrine and Covenants 121: 45-46)

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Awareness is Your Best Friend

Yesterday, I wrote about the still, small voice.  It is important to listen to the Spirit whenever He speaks, but never more so than in our role as parents and grandparents.

When I was working in the schools, I served as a trainer and facilitator for the Parent-to-Parent program (P2P for short.)  It was developed by Bill Oliver who was, during the 1980s, the director of one of the largest drug addiction rehabilitation programs in the United States. Bill realized that what they were doing in treatment wasn't, as he put it, "rocket science. We were just teaching kids how to be kids and parents how to be parents."  He reasoned that if he could take what they were teaching in the program and make it accessible to parents before their children had problems, they might help many families avoid the heartache that is drug addiction.

P2P was designed to help parents recognize and intervene early when they notice their son or daughter moving in potential dangerous directions.  On of the skills they taught was called Awareness is Your Best Friend.  The basic precept is for parents to pay attention to their children.  Even those who don't often pray or seek the Spirit can receive warnings regarding their children if they will listen for them and not rationalize them away.  If, as a parent, you feel that there is something not quite right with your child, it is usually because there is something not quite right.  Connect with that child instantly!

 

Here are some suggestions for connecting:

• Listen.  Make eye contact.  Don't interrupt.  Listen to what they are saying and what they are not saying. 
• Look.  How are they dressing?  Wearing their hair?  Jewelry? Make-up?  What kinds of posters are one their bedroom walls?  Books on their shelves? Video games on the phones, computers, etc.
• Affirm and Encourage.  According to developmental psychologist, Rudoph Dreikers, children who act out in self-destructive ways are discouraged children.  We love our children.  They just don't always know it.  We need to say it often and we need to show it more.
• Teach family values by both precept and example.  Children will not not learn.  You cannot say one thing and do another and expect your children to listen.  "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't fly with kids, nor should it.
• Intervene, when necessary, immediately. 

I'm going to close with one of my favorite scriptures. It was written specifically for Church leaders, but I have shared it with dozens if not hundreds of parents over the years.  I find it very applicable guidance for parents:

 

• No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, [here, read parents] only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned*;
• By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile**—
• Reproving betimes*** with sharpness****, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
• That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. (Doctrine and Covenants 121: 41-44)

Good advice for us all.

 

* unfeigned means genuine, sincere, not phony or put-on

** without guile means without duplicity or cunning

*** betimes is on old word meaning speedily, immediately, in the moment, not later

**** in this context, shapness means with clarity and perception (not severe or harsh)

 

Text copyright Gebara Education, January 2013

The Still, Small Voice

After the prophet, Elijah, performed a great miracle on Mt. Carmel wherein God shot down fire from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice, the King and Queen and all the people of Israel sought Elijah's life.  The prophet fled until he was far away and he hid in a cave.  I'm sure he must have been wondering to some extent about his relationship to God and why things were happening this way after such an impressive miracle.  While he was in this brown study, the voice of the Lord came to him:

• And he [Elijah] came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
• And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
• And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
• And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19: 9 - 12, KJV)

Now you have to admit that calling down fire from heaven is a pretty elaborate show.  I'm guessing Elijah may have thought that all communication from God would be that obvious.  The Lord had to teach Elijah that He doesn't communicate with men in that fashion.  Rather, He speaks to us through the quiet stirrings of our hearts - thoughts, ideas, feelings, impression. 

 

As I have grown older and - hopefully - wiser, I have tried to fine-tune my spiritual radio reciever so that I can understand God's voice when He speaks.  As I do, I become keenly aware of those things which He has placed upon my heart.  I seek each day to know His will for me that day.  It almost always involves something I can do to serve one of His children.  If you want peace and comfort in the midst of our chaotic world, remember that God is not in the whirlwind or the earthquake or the fire, but in a still small voice.

 

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Just Sayin' Saturday

I've been working this week in my backyard shed.  It now has power and water and insulation.  My grandson and a friend came over New Year's Day and we painted the inside.  I still have to finish the floors, but must wait until the utility sink is installed.  Soon it will be a wonderful place for my sewing and crafts as well as a place of quietude.  The view from the window is spectacular as I can see the steeple of my church over the treetops.  In the summer, I'll have those beautiful garden views. 

It's not a shed anymore.  I'm renaming it The Cottage.

It's nice to take something that has been fairly useless and full of junk and turn it into something lovely and productive.  I think that is what God does to us when necessary.  If we've let our lives slip into unproductivity and full of the refuse of sin, God can clean us out, make major improvements (often a painful process) and fill us up with beautiful things.  When He does, it then behooves us to help others come to Christ so that their lives can be refurbished and beautified as well.

Just sayin'.

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.  (Revelation 3: 12, KJV)

Text copyright Gebara Education, January 2013

Frustration!

I am frustrated this morning!  Blogspot has changed its format and will not let me download pictures from my hard drive.  I have to set up a Picasa album (controlled by Google) or get a Google phone app.  I may be shopping around for a new blog sight.  I will let you know.

Faith is Knowing

 

We live in scary times.  Christians who have read Revelations and Matthew 24, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel know that we are living in the last days.  In His final sermon to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, Jesus said:

• And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
• For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
• All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24: 6-8, KJV)

Hundreds of years before that, the Prophet Isaiah said:

• Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:                          . . .
• Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
• Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
• Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
• Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! (Isaiah 5: 18, 20-23, KJV)

I don't know how any believer, reading these and other scriptures, could doubt that we are in these days.  So how do we face a new year with optimism and hope?  In these very scriptures lies the secret:  God is in control!  God, who knows the end from the beginning, knew these things would come to pass! He has prepared a way for us.  He said: When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place . . . (Matthew 24: 15, KJV) 

 

Where are these holy places?  In the apostles' day, it was in the tiny settlement of Perea.  Today, holy places include:

• Christ-centered homes. 
• Congregations of believers.
• Temples.
• Groups of Christ-focused people gathered together in fellowship.

Jesus taught: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20, KJV)  When the Holy Spirit is present (the comforter whom Jesus sent), then that place is a holy place.

 

Knowing that Jesus Christ holds the future - and me - in His loving hands gives me the strength to face each day with faith, hope, love, and joy.  I want to share the good news of the gospel so that others may have these assurances.

 

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 18: 14, KJV)

 

May you face each day with joy and optimism and peace in your heart.

 

Text copyright Gebara Education January 2013

Poster downloaded from Facebook

Carpe Diem

 

I struggled with a different blog this morning that just didn't seem to be coming together.  That is usually my signal that I need to go in a different direction.  I found that direction in this Facebook post this morning.  Posted by my sister, this message meant a lot to me. 

 

I am getting to that age of human development that Erikson called Integrity versus Despair.  It's not a chronological age.   It's comes when you realize that you have more birthdays behind you than ahead of you.   As you look back over your life, you can have a sense of peace or a sense of extreme sorrow and regret.  The past cannot be changed "That it is what it is, do not blame me," said the ghost of Christmas past to Scrooge.

 

That's why I love this message and its allusions to repentance, forgiveness, and grace.  Each day of our lives we have another chance for a new beginning through Christ. I am grateful.  Because of His gift to me, I can look back at the things I have done wrong and say, "Thanks for the lessons learned," and not with regret or despair.  I can move foreword and take this opportunity at another chance in the future that begins now, no matter how many birthdays there may be ahead.  Dr. Cecilia Peek once said of Jesus Christ, "I am the totally present and totally current God.  Your past can be forgiven and your future assured all in this single moment in time."

 

Reach out and grasp that opportunity.  Seize the day!

 

Text copyright Gebara Education 2013