Wheels within wheels

The expression "wheels within wheels" has been associated with rather subversive connotations but it is from the Bible.  Ezekiel 10:10 speaks of "a wheel intersecting a wheel"  in the explanation of the Lord's throne mobilized by the cherubim.  This reference was the prophet's way of describing something of which he had no practical reference.  Amazing none the less.  This was an awesome depiction which I found to be yet another "aha" moment of God's majesty.  This glimpse of the Lord's presence to Ezekiel, just allows me to have more confidence in what will be by what has already been.

Lord, allow me to be full of confidence of Your mighty power through Your Holy Spirit.

Note to Self - Chronological study can get rough!

It did not occur to me, before beginning a chronological study of the Bible, that it would be hard reading when Israel and Judah took a wicked turn & the LORD handed down some hard judgement on their actions. Going from one part of the Bible to another part to be reminded of all the wickedness and the consequences has been a difficult journey through the Bible this past week.  Then hearing about Supreme Court decisions and lack of concern for our law enforcement by leaders has made it all too clear that the LORD must be very patient to not lay the consequences on our country - like, TODAY!

One refreshing experience this week has been attending our church elective course on the writings of our Founding Fathers.  At least in this class, we are learning how our ancestral leaders were dedicated to praying for the LORD's help in all that they were striving to accomplish - in making laws and constructing a new country's constitution.

Another time of refreshment was hearing more about Jesus' Ascension and the reason of our hope.  His Ascension was the "stamp of approval" by God and rewards Him with all authority.  He becomes the believer's advocate in all that the future holds for America.  In the words of John, the beloved, "Come quickly, Lord!" 

Note to Self - notice the small details...

There are small moments in my life when my eye rests an extra second on some small object.  When I have ignored that "glance," later that same day I realize that I needed that very object for some small crisis..  Now, in my old (er) age, I have started queing up to the adventure of small details.
Today's morning reading included a small, quick notation that said, "And since the LORD had not said he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboan son of Jehoash." (2Kings 14:27)   Now, the small detail is this: in verse 24 it states that Jeroboam II "did evil in the eyes of the LORD and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit."
Wow.  There's hope there.  Even an evil ruler can be used by God because God deemed it to be so.
Note to self:  Let the LORD work in my life  through any size detail that He wants to use.  Que up!

Note to Self: Consider Him

Well, it is a few minutes before the second session of the Beth Moore study on James.  I have not taken the "challenge" of memorizing the book of James but now I am reconsidering.  There was a family Memorial on the same evening of the first session so I missed that opening session where Beth explained some methods of memorizing.  It also hasn't help my "ego" that one of my friends who has a "photographic" type mind has taken up the challenge to memorize the book.  My reconsideration comes from my El Camino staff verse for the year which is Ephesians 3:20 which says, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."  I have not asked nor have I really thought about memorizing the book of James. But that really does not stop all glory going to God (as it should) and it would ONLY be by His mighty power to work within us that it should happen.  Hmmmm....I guess I could at least investigate it.
~to be continued...

Note to Self - Buy LARGE crickets!!!

Well, as expected, Drake the Bearded Dragon has grown.  Technically, he is still growing even after the time we were expecting him to quit growing. We feed him crickets (dusted with calcium), lettuce, kale, watermelon, banana and mango.  He obviously thrives on this diet. We have learned to respect him when he is hungry. Once when I was hand-feeding banana, he must have mistaken my finger for a larger portion of banana - and bit my finger!  It broke the skin and was uncomfortable for a day or so, but after treating with hydrogen peroxide & lots of soap suds, I survived.  We now hand-feed with a large yellow plastic pair of tweezers.

Note to Self - buy tiny crickets!

Yes, we have a new "addition" to our family.  One that has prompted much online research for the best way to care for him.  His name is Sir Francis Drake - the bearded dragon.  This name was pronounced as a substitute name for the original which was "Draco" by John.  We are measuring Drake to determine progress of our online research efforts because Drake is supposed to grow up to 10-12 inches in six months.  So far (2 weeks) growth has been slow.  We have bought a heat emitter and new UBV lamp, along with a cave-type water bowl.  We are feeding crickets on a high calcium diet in order to supply additional calcium to Drake's diet.  Yes, there has been much to consider after making the initial choice of buying a reptile that is friendly and easy to handle.....and, yes, DON'T forget to wash those hands!

Note to Self: Stop and meet the visitor!

What a lovely couple to meet afresh in our Adult Bible Fellowship today.  They came in and sat beside me.  I asked the fellow to pass me my (not-so-light) bag which I had left in another seat thinking I would be sitting there.  I had wandered over to talk with a friend and found myself sitting with my friend when the lesson started. 
It turns out that they are from Chicago where they had been in broadcasting.  Wow!  What an exciting background.  So, you see, it is a reward to take the time to meet the visitor.  What a blessing!