The foundations of the earth are shaken

This phrase caught my attention in today's Bible reading. I wondered if it meant actual physical destruction or moral/spiritual destruction. Since we are blessed with numerous commentaries from a lifetime of buying books, I looked this verse up (Psalm 82:5) in Keil and Delitzsch's commentary on Psalms. Here's the whole verse: "They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken." This describes the current lot of presidential candidates from both parties, if you ask me. No one's ideas seem reasonable, logical or wise. They all seem to be saying only what they think the people want to hear in order to get them elected. And Al Gore getting the Nobel Peace Prize illustrates what I'm saying even more. Here's what the commentary has to say about this verse (bear with me):

"No result is to be expected from the divine admonition: they still go their ways in this state of mental darkness and that implies stalking on in carnal security and self-complacency. The commands, however which they transgress are the foundations, as it were the shafts and pillars, upon which rests the permanence of all earthly relationships which are appointed by creation and regulated by the Torah [Law]. Their transgression makes the land, the earth, to totter physically and morally, and is the prelude of its overthrow."

Wow. That answered my question. Our refusal to listen and obey the moral commands of God personally and as a nation and world ultimately results in the destruction of our relationships and even the world itself! It is only through the wisdom of God and obedience to what He says that these things can be healed. Earlier in that chapter we are commanded to "give justice to the weak" and "maintain the right of the afflicted and destitute...deliver them from the hand of the wicked". I think that's why America has traditionally gotten involved in "foreign wars". Because of our Biblical worldview roots, we see our responsibility to deliver the weak from the hand of the wicked. And that's a moral issue.

So global warming? Not a MORAL issue, but I am responsible to do my part in having dominion, caring for my corner. I'm not sure what that should look like as a nation. Back to dealing justly with and for the weak.

Abortion? Well, that one seems pretty obvious. We ARE dealing with the weak here. Helping to deliver from oppression? God's command is clear. Our nation may continue to choose to disobey, but not with impunity.

This is why Christian education is so important. We are teaching those who are weak and young, who need to know HOW to think in a world that is so full of fools who forget God. Our prayer is that they would grow wise and be the ones who help and deliver the weak, destitute, fatherless and afflicted.

Honey from the rock

The other night at prayer meeting our pastor read from Psalm 81 that ends with, "..and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." He said he wasn't sure what honey from the rock was, so I thought I'd look it up. (That's the advantage of substituting. I have time for extended Bible study on days when I don't teach. ) It refers to the water that came from the rock in the desert when the children of Israel were wandering. The beginning of the chapter talks about their wandering. God will satisfy us like a drink in the desert if we will do as verse 10 says, "open your mouth wide, and I will fill it." That chapter was my Bible reading for the next morning and then I thought of that phrase during the night last night.

My 100th post

And some said that it would be just a flash-in-the-pan. Guess they didn't know me. I started this just over 9 months ago. It has been fun for me just to write generally, spontaneously and to everyone. Sometimes I can't write as freely if I focus on a particular audience, so this has been fun for me. Some of you, too, have been so encouraging that it stimulates me to write even more.

Well, today's email is a little late, too, because I'm writing about a sister whose birthday was yesterday. She's younger than I; we'll just say that much. She's the sister with whom I had to share a room, a bed, and I even borrowed her clothes occasionally (her skirt would be shorter on me!) Both being rather opinionated and strong willed, we had some wild times. She was probably far more patient with me. But she was messier than I. Anyway, she is one who can whip out a pie or a whole meal that tastes delicious at a moments notice. She is smart, helpful and witty. She can belt out an aria as well as parse a Latin sentence. She also has two+ grandchildren (yeah, and she's younger than me!) Her husband is pretty cool, too, but we'll save him for another blog.... And her blog is linked to mine. If you want some good reading, go there sometime. Happy Birthday, Nin.

Today's funny

I was called to sub on the spur of the minute this morning. They ask, "How soon can you be here?" while I'm still in my housecoat and pj's... "Um, give me 45 minutes." So I scrambled and left the house in shambles. But the money's worth it...and every little bit helps.

Today I was in what used to be called "Home Ec" at Bellevue East high school. I really don't find these kids much different from OCA. They are generally quiet, respectful and get down to business. Every school has its mouthy ones and "slackers". This was no different. They don't really bother me. I only had three periods. Two of them worked on a chapter review worksheet. I should say "worked" because a few slept/copied/or played around. But while I was standing guard I saw this funny anecdote on the teacher's desk.

Husband has just taken a phone message for his wife. Message reads as follows:
"Someone from the Gyna Colleges called.
They said the Pabst beer is normal.
I didn't even know you liked beer!"

Now wasn't that worth a 1/2 day substituting?! Gave me a good laugh.

One more thing. I cleaned out my email address book this weekend. I sent an email to find out if they were all getting anywhere. Many were and I heard from sooo many old friends! Thanks to any of you who are now reading this as a result. It was great to hear from people. Even got a couple of photos!

An afternoon in Sioux City

We took off about 1:30 today to scope out the next marathon route. Makes me tired just to think of it. It was another hot, windy day, but clear and beautiful. Combines were working away cleaning the soybeans off the fields. Few cornfields have been done yet. I love to see them all out there. We stopped just south of Sioux City to visit Sgt. Floyd's monument. He was the first casualty of the Lewis and Clark expedition. I think he had an attack of appendicitis, no battle with Indians or anything. He is buried near the monument there on a high bluff overlooking a spectacular view of the Missouri River and beyond.
We bought a map of Sioux City and managed to get to most of the parts of the marathon route. It is going to be hilly-er Or is is hillier? (Looks like "sillier") Anyway, Sioux City has grassy places all the way down to the river, so the trail runs right along the river. Far more beautiful than the Omaha one. Also once they climb up the bluff, they run through a state park. It's rather hilly, too. Den had a few second thoughts, but he doesn't want to be a quitter. He says this will be his last one, though. HA!
I'm tired now. Sorry I haven't had much to say this week. Maybe I'll be more inspired tomorrow!

One more for the month

This is the last day of September and if I want to get one more in before the month ends, it had better be tonight. Besides, I know all of you are looking for some new entry.

We are battened down here facing the fierce winds on the prairie. Yesterday and today would be counted as hurricanes, nearly, if we had been on the coast. Denny wanted to get the pool closed up, but the wind would have ripped the tarp out of his hand and blown it into the next state, literally! So now it's just getting all the dead corn leaves blown into the water. One less/more job. Lovely sunny days, though. The temperature dropped about 15 degrees from 85 to 70 in a couple of hours. Now to go out it feels cold. (Den just said it's 60!) That's the weather in Lake Wobegone!

Great service this morning. Harold and I led the worship music. It's fun to sing parts with him. A Mighty Fortress was one of them. I've sung this for years, but the words are fresh and alive and have even more meaning each time I sing them. Each verse continues the thought of the verse before, like a message. The first verse speaks of the "ancient foe" who is armed with "cruel hate". Wow. That's pretty powerful. And it even goes on to say that there is no equal on earth. Gives you shivers, doesn't it? But then the next verse gives hope saying that we don't confide in our own strength, or we'd all lose, but we have the right man, the One God chose, Jesus Christ and then He is called, "Lord Sabaoth".(Lord of hosts). The third verse continues the theme of evil in the world going even as far as to conjecture that if the world was FILLED with devils we would not have to fear because His TRUTH would triumph THROUGH US!! We don't even fear the prince of darkness because we know his ending is sure through the Word. And because of the Word we have the Spirit and the gifts, and He is with us. Finally the theme of TRUTH returns. Because of that truth, God's abiding, everlasting truth, His kingdom lasts forever. We ultimately triumph because of the person and work of Jesus Christ. I did so feel like I worshiped when that song ended!

That's been the theme of my morning Bible reading through the book of Isaiah. I challenge you to go through chapters 40-55 or so and underline all the times God says that He is God and there is no other, and that He made the heavens and earth and everything in them. Just lets you know WHO'S in charge! What a wonderful reading. It will encourage any of the most depressed and discouraged. His triumph is NOT in some future eschatalogical kingdom, but NOW!
That's my Sunday thoughts for September 30th! Have a great week!

Marathon photos

This is the fastest and easiest way to let you all see the "official" photos of Dennis' Omaha marathon. Hopefully this link will work. If you want to order photos (hahahahahah) you can! He has his shirt on in a few of them! *smile*

Tired of hearing about the marathon? Well, what do you think it's like around here!!!

October 20th is the next one. I wrote "October 6th" to my cousin yesterday. What was I thinking?!!