No Favourtism With God

The last Bible story to be told to the children in Pandamania Vacation Bible School is found in 1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:11. It is the story of a barren woman named Hannah, who desperately wanted a child and couldn't. To make things worse, she was taunted by her husband's other wife who had many children. However, Hannah was her husband's favourite. Obviously, the other wife's negative actions towards Hannah were most likely fueled by jealousy. (Serves the man right for having two wives and favouring one over the other.)

I know the focus of the story is Hannah. However, I can't help but feel sorry for both of the women. One had the heartache of not having children and the other one, the heartache of having a husband that loved another woman more. The husband even visibly showed his favouritism by giving Hannah double portion of the meat sacrificed to the Lord.

Also, this passage of Scripture states: "And the Lord had closed up her womb." When I read this, I can't help but ask questions, "Why did the Lord close up Hannah's womb?" Was it because God was not pleased when this man and Hannah married? He already had a wife and God blessed the union with multiple children. How come the man wasn't satisfied? Was marrying Hannah a way for this man to justify infidelity? I don't know the answers to these questions, but I do know that in time God had compassion on Hannah and finally opened up her womb. He gave her a son, which she promised to give back to God at a young age. The son grew to love and serve God in the temple of the High Priest.

I know I have a tendency to look at things differently that most people, but what I learned from reading this story is the importance of not showing favouritism. Fortunately, polygamy is illegal in Canada and United States, so I am applying this principle to parents, teachers, and children's pastors. We need to be very careful never to show favour to one child over the others. This will only cause strife and heartache in the family and ministry. Each child needs to be loved and treated equally. It is very important to do a mental check regularly to make sure we are not  showing any kind of partiality.

It is comforting to know that God never shows favourtism and loves each one of us the same. Your beauty, your intelligence, your talents, your sinful past, your age, or your wealth make absolutely no difference to God in terms of His love and care for you.  I know I wouldn't want to feel the inadequacy and hurt a woman feels when her husband loves another. I am thankful that God is never like that. His love for you will never change. There is not a single person on earth that God loves more than you!

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I use to love to draw and colour with pencil crayons when I was young. When I got married, we didn't have a lot of money, so for gifts I would draw pictures and frame them.  

Tim and Matthew also love to draw. For Mother's Day, both of them drew me a picture from my favourite move, Tangled. Tim painted the chameleon, Pascal, and Matthew penciled the horse, Maximus.

Aren't my sons talented? I love home-made gifts!

Peter Heard and Ran

The next day's Bible story, which will be told to the children attending Pandamania Vacation Bible School, is the crucifixion and resurrection story of Jesus. The Biblical reference to this account is found in Luke 23:1 - 24:12.

As I study these Scriptures more thoroughly, my eyes rest on two verses in chapter 24: verses 11 and 12. On the morning of the first day of the week, women had gone to the tomb, where Jesus had been laid, to anoint his body with spices that they had prepared. Upon reaching the tomb, the women noticed the stone blocking the tomb's entrance had been rolled away. When they went inside, they couldn't find Jesus' body anywhere. Then two angels appeared to them announcing with jubilance that Jesus was no longer dead. He was alive!

I can imagine just how excited they were when they ran back to tell the eleven disciples of Jesus and all others that their beloved Saviour was alive. However, the ten of the eleven disciples refused to believe the women.

"But they did not believe the women, because their words

seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however,

got up and ran to the tomb."

One of the disciples, and yes, it was Peter, got up and ran to the tomb. The Bible says that he was the only one out of the eleven that decided to check their story out.

How many times have we gone to someone or a group of people and tell the truth about something, only to be left discouraged, frustrated and insulted because the person or people refused to believe us or at least investigate the story throughly to find out if it is true or not.

Peter sets a prime example, to never dismiss or readily accept a miraculous account or an accusation of another person. We, especially leaders, need to examine the facts first before deciding if it is a lie, the truth or just crazy talk. Just like Peter, we need to run, go to the tomb and see for ourselves if what is being told is the truth. All people deserve that respect, no matter what you make initially think.

I feel I partly understand what these women must have felt like. I felt somewhat that way not too long ago when my newly bought RAV4 was taken to the Toyota dealership by a tow truck. When I told the service manager that the brakes failed on the vehicle, she didn't believe me and treated me like I was brainless. I was annoyed to say the least. To make things worse, the mechanics couldn't duplicate the problem in the test drive, so they assumed I was imagining things. I wonder how long the test drive was? Anyways, I just hope now they don't try to sell it again and someone gets hurt.

Most of time I do try to have one or some of my sons with me in dealing with these kinds of situations. My husband travels long distance with his job and can't always be there. It's kind of funny too because several times people here have mistaken my oldest son, Daniel, as my husband. He hates that! When this occurs, he looks at me and frowns. I look at him and giggle.

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I should have posted this picture in yesterday's blog. In the town which I live in, cats are not allowed outdoors. Yesterday, my cat snuck outside when I opened the back door and then tried to hide from me, under the patio. Matthew took the picture.  I should have called the cat "Jonah", except the cat is a she. Her actual name is "Hunter" and she is now a year old. Sadly, our other cat had to be put down, a year and a half ago.

Hunter is an Angora cat with beautiful soft silky hair. She is also very calm and gentle. She sleeps at the bottom of my bed in a pet bed placed on top of an ottoman. She and my Yorkie are best friends. I guess it is because they are the same size. Many times I catch my Yorkie sleeping with her in the pet bed with Hunter's paws around him. It's so cute!

Jonah's A Hero

The third Bible story that will be taught to the children on their third day of Pandamania Vacation Bible School in the story of Jonah being swallowed by a great fish. This Bible story is found in the book of Jonah chapters one, two and three.

When this true account of Jonah is told, most people view him as dim-witted and cold-hearted. Jonah thought he could run and hide from God. How foolish is that belief? He also lacked the compassion and mercy to see an evil nation repent and turn to God, so that their lives might be saved from impeding judgment. However, when I read this story very carefully, I see a different side of Jonah, one most people overlook.

Verse 12 of chapter 1 states Jonah replied to the terrified crew of the ship in the midst of a violent storm by saying:

"Pick me up and throw me into the sea, and it will become calm. 

I know that it is my fault that this great storm 

has come upon you."

This man, Jonah, was willing to have his life sacrificed for the survival of a group of men that were complete strangers to him. Who knows? Maybe they were evil men, just as evil as the people of Nineveh, and yet Jonah was willing to die for them. Drowning is not a pleasant death either. I'm certain I wouldn't want to drown. Jonah could have asked for a life preserver, dingy or something to keep him afloat, but he didn't. He could have lied to the men, stayed on the ship and died with them all. After all, isn't it better to die with company than to die alone? However, Jonah's conscience wouldn't allow it. Instead he immediately confessed that the storm was his fault and was willing to pay the price.  Now does that sound cowardly or heartless to you?

Why are we so quick to see the faults of others and ignore their strengths? Why do we take one situation where someone acts foolishly and brand them that title for life. When the name "Jonah" is brought to our attention, what is the first thing we think of?  "Uhm, 'Jonah', let's see, isn't he the guy that was such a goof-ball?" Alright, maybe I feel sorry for Jonah because he made a mistake and people focus on that blunder. What we don't realize is that he must have had strong positive attributes for God to choose him in the first place as one of His prophets. I guess I see Jonah in a contrasting light. Obviously, God did too because He saved Jonah's life and gave him a second chance.

Then in verse 1:16 it states the outcome of Jonah's sacrifice:

"Then the men feared the Lord greatly and they offered a

sacrifice to the Lord and made vows."

When Jonah was finally thrown overboard, the storm abruptly ceased and the men on the ship knew instantly that Jonah's God was real. Then they offered a sacrifice to God and made vows to Him. We don't know how many men were on that ship, but we do know that they came to the realization that God was real and they wanted to serve Him afterwards. Now, that's pretty awesome! Jonah's selfless act saved the lives of all those men on board that ship, and not just from a physical death, but from a spiritual death as well.

Jonah wasn't foolish or uncaring all the time. He was human who made mistakes occasionally, just like all of us. I know I wouldn't want people to remember me only for my dumb mistakes, (and believe me I have made my share). I want people to see me as a person who was willing to admit her mistakes, learn from them and correct them if possible. And that is exactly what Jonah did! In my eyes, Jonah is a hero! Not only that, but after being given a second chance, Jonah was obedient to God and warned the people of Nineveh of God's coming judgement. The Ninevites listened to Jonah and repented of their evil ways. As a result, God spared the whole city of Nineveh. (I know. Jonah pouted afterwards and God had to give him an object lesson. I didn't say he was perfect.)

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Yesterday I took a picture of the deck and patio that was built last year. The deck that was there before was just a temporary one and very unstable. Tim, Matthew and I knew nothing about building a patio, but we studied how on the internet before proceeding. Tim designed the base of the deck and I designed the railings, lamp posts and chains. It was a lot of fun working together and I love how it turned out!

Elijah The Troublemaker

The second Bible story that will be taught to the children on day two of Pandamania Vacation Bible School is the story of Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal. This story is found in 1 Kings 18:16-38.

In this passage of Scripture two verses speak volumes. The first one is found in 1 Kings 18:17. When Ahab sees Elijah, he angrily exclaims, "So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?"

How many times have we as Christians been thought of as a troublemaker when standing up for God and His righteousness? If so, do not be discouraged, but  be encouraged, for the Prophet Elijah, a man faithful to God, was considered one.

When I first moved to this province, I was offered the position of Children's Pastor in a neighbouring town. I had several private meetings with the Lead Pastor of the Church concerning my role and their expectations. The first meeting went well, and I was excited about my new job. However, as time went on, the Spirit of God within me became uneasy. There were things about this Pastor that disturbed me greatly. I earnestly prayed about it and decided to confront the Pastor in the next meeting about those feelings and questions that I had. I knew I was risking my position as Children's Pastor by doing so, but I had to be obedient to the warnings of God. The Pastor's reaction was that of intense anger towards me for daring to question him, confirming what I already knew through the Spirit of God.  My mistake was that I should have brought one of my sons with me. I won't deny that I was hurt, because I was. I shed many tears, retreated inward, and became afraid to venture forth to what God has called me to do. ( I have a tendency to react this way when someone I thought I could or should trust, betrays or hurts me.) However, I thank God for showing me ahead of time that this man wasn't walking righteously with God. My hurt would have been far greater later. I frightened this man because I wasn't gullible. None of God's children are. We have the Spirit of God within us to guide, warn and correct. I guess this Pastor viewed me as a troublemaker, just as the prophets of Baal viewed Elijah. Even though I needed time for emotional healing, I am glad that I stood up to this man and did not allow him to intimidate me any further. I declined the position and reported him in writing to the District Superintendent.

I am now excited to announce that I am again venturing forth. I have recently put my name in with the Pentecostals Assemblies of Canada for a Children's Pastor's job. I eagerly look forward to see what God's plans are for me and my sons in the near future. I would so much appreciate your prayers.

The second verse that speaks to me in this Bible passage is found in verse 21 where Elijah challenges the double-mindedness of the people of Israel.

"How much longer will you waver, hobbling between

 two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him!

But if Baal is God, then follow him!"

The people of this world need to also make a strong, unwavering commitment to God: if they choose to serve Him. It is not a one-day-a-week commitment, but an every day commitment for the rest of their lives. It is not a show, but a genuine heart-felt desire to love God.

Don't be deceived by positions people hold in Churches  and assume that they are truly committed to God. God knows the heart. and their actions speak louder than words. Listen to the voice and stirrings of God's Spirit that resides in you.

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I took some pictures yesterday of my flower beds. Where I used to live, my neighbour's yard always looked like Butcher Gardens. I tried to remember all that she taught me about gardening. Whenever, she was sad, upset or anxious about something, she would go out into her garden to work; and her spirits would be lifted. I learned so much from her. What a blessing she was to me!

And just to think when I first moved here, the property was nothing but dirt and clay. I had seven dump truck loads of top soil brought in. Tim moulded the flower beds for me and I grew the grass from seed, the only one in the neighbourhood that did. My neighbours approached me and told me I was crazy. (I don't know why people keep saying that to me.) Anyways, just to be on the safe side, I prayed over the seeds and asked God to bless them. I was worried that I was going to look a fool to my neighbours. You see, I thought it would be more rewarding to watch grass grow from seeds and, of course, less expensive than turf.

I love watering my flowers in the evening. It gives me so much pleasure. I always sense God's presence with me as I water my flowers and think what it must have been like for Adam and Eve in the beautiful Garden of Eden.

The Creation Story

During the week of Pandamania Vacation Bible School, a Bible story will be told to the children each day reinforcing each of the five verses that they are encouraged to learn. For the next five days I will be studying each Bible story.

The first Bible account is found in the very first book and chapter of the Bible: Genesis 1. It is the Creation Story.  As I study this chapter in the Bible, the verse that speaks to me the most is verse 31.

"God saw all that He made and it was very good."

Genesis 1:31

God obviously had a great deal of fun creating the world for us. I would love to have been there to see His smile and the twinkle in His eyes as He brought into existence everything we see today. The diversity in the kinds of animals, birds, fish, trees, plants, and flowers are astounding! The colours are breathtaking! And just to think, God did all of this with us in mind!

Then God viewed all that He made and was very pleased with the results. He should be! Everything He created revealed His brilliance, ingenuity, magnificence and majesty. There is no doubt that we are not here by chance.

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Yesterday I went for a walk in my neighbourhood and took pictures of God's creation for this blog. My favorite pictures were of these two prairie dogs, one of God's many delightful creatures.

I have never seen a prairie dog until I moved here two years ago. When I first saw one, I thought it might be a squirrel, until I noticed it didn't have a bushy tail. Then I thought for a moment it was a chipmunk, but it didn't have any black and white stripes. I gave up guessing and asked an old-timer walking by. He told me they were prairie dogs. Prairie dogs?! I have no idea why they are called "dogs". I looked on the internet and found out that they are called dogs because their warning call sounds like a dog's bark. For the two years I have lived here, I have seen hundreds of prairie dogs, and never have I heard them bark. Oh well, I guess I shouldn't question Wikipedia.

Prairie dogs sure have cute faces.

They have such sweet eyes.

However, the farmers around here think I am crazy admiring them. Apparently, prairie dogs are one of their worse enemies. They sure don't look like enemies to me, but I'm not a farmer either.

My other favorite picture I took was of wild daisies in a field.

Wild daisies are my second most favourite flower. My first are daffodils. I am easy and not expensive to please when it comes to giving me flowers. Most women love roses, carnations, etc. I love daisies and daffodils.

I think the reason I love daisies so much is because as a child I would  run through large fields of wild daisies, then lie down and hide from the world in them. I thought it was paradise!

God has created so much for our enjoyment. Take time each day to enjoy the things God has given us in creation for they truly are beautiful!

Your Hand of Blessing

The last verse on day five of Pandamania Vacation Bible School is:

"You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand

 of blessing on my head."

Psalm 139:5

I placed this panda bear in my apple tree that I planted two years ago when I first moved to this new house. I still don't have any apples yet, but the tree is growing nicely despite the cold winters here.

This last verse tells us that God goes before us and after us to protect and defend us against our enemies. We don't need an army. We have the almighty God!

God is so near us that He places His hand of blessing on our heads to give us the power and providence to proceed in the travels of our lives. We never have to be afraid! God is for us! Who cares who is against us! There is no power on earth that can stand against the forces of God.

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Yesterday was Canada Day and I enjoyed seeing the small town in which I live in celebrate this special day. There were lots of fun activities planned throughout the day for all the children and their families. Then the day ended with a magnificent display of fireworks

I remember the first time I ever saw a fireworks display. It was actually on July Fourth in the United States after I completed my first year of Bible College. A bunch of other Bible college students were there also because the border was so close by. I know it was crazy. Here we were Canadians, celebrating the Fourth of July with Americans, only three days after Canada Day; but at that time Canadians weren't as patriotic as Americans were. Despite the fact that I was a Canadian, I had a lot of fun and enjoyed the fireworks demonstration very much! It was a spectacular night! After all, we are neighbouring countries, eh? I even ended up marrying an American.

Everlasting Life

The day four verse of Panda Mania Vacation Bible School is:

"Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me 

along the path of everlasting life."

Psalm 139:24

I love taking care of flowers. I can't wait until Spring of every year, so I can plant my favourite annuals. I have two flower beds in my front yard that I enjoy making beautiful every year with different varieties of flowers of all colours. I placed this panda bear near one of my Geraniums. I liked this picture because it looks as if he is holding a pretty bouquet of red flowers to give to a loved one.

As the above verse states, Jesus Christ is the only way to truth, godliness and eternal life!

Salvation is simple. One must first acknowledge that he/she is a sinner and has committed offences to God who is all holy.

Secondly, one must believe that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a Cross to pay for those sins that we have committed.

Lastly, one must accept this gift that God so lovingly offers. Then confess to others that you now belong to God and have chosen to live for Him.

This is the most important decision any human on earth can make! Where you spend eternity depends on  it. Until you take your last breath, it is never too late!

If you once gave your life to God and then with time disregarded Him, God is there waiting with open arms for your return.