ABIDING IN JOY

I love Sunday afternoon.  I’m thinking about writing the president and asking him for two Sunday afternoons per week.  What would that do to the economy? 

Seriously, I don’t plan to, for the most part, make this a political blog.  I hope to use the scriptures for the day as a jump off point for discussion.

In John 15, Jesus talks about abiding in His love.  Then He says why we should do that, “that your joy may be full.”  Abide means to endure, but it seems like there is more.  Abide in my mind is connected to steadfastness, firmness.  I think of two people I connect with this word.  I live with both of them.  That’s the burden I have to bear.  I am up and down, over here, over there, crying, laughing, all over the map.  They are steadfast, firm, unruffled,though I probably ruffle them once in a while. 

I love the song, “Abide With Me.”  However, I think this reminder is for us, not for God.   If we have allowed Him to take residence in our lives, he does abide with us.  There’s another song, “Constantly Abiding.”  I want to constantly abide in Him so my joy may be full.

If you abide, maybe you can make biscuits when you’re 93 (93? I can’t make them now!)–or live with a flip-flopper like me when you’re 63. 

Ebenezer has reached new heights–the half dome of Yosemite.  See the new cover  on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or ask for it at your local bookstore.  This non-scrooge is getting varied reviews.  A friend passes them out to hospice patients and their families.  They read it while they wait for the inevitable.  Other friends read it to their kids at bedtime.  But try reading just one at a time.  One says you can’t do it, kind of like eating Cheeteos, she says. 

This kid is marking in his Ebenezer.  Of course, I am totally objective when it comes to this eight-year-old. 

Please join in on my blog.  Please be kind. 

Love, Marty