A place where my thoughts, words and feelings converge…
Author: charlotteannrobinson.com
I enjoy reading, writing and searching for truths. I am active in my church and like participating in small groups learning and developing new ideas and skills in becoming the person God created me to be. God has blessed me with so much and my desire is to share my thoughts and words with you in hopes they comfort and inspire you.
Today, I am celebrating, celebrating the tenacity of the human race! Our faith in God, no matter your religious affiliation; this coming together for the good of all humans and caring for one another is something to CELEBRATE!
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
And the Apostle Paul writes these words in Ephesians 4:1-6
“I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed the below.
Shalom – Namaste, my dear friends on this blessed third Sunday of Lent 2020. I know several people are unable to attend church services today due to the COVID-19 crisis that is affecting people around the world. I pray that you find words of comfort and encouragement as you navigate these trying times. My the Spirit of God refresh your soul today, quenching whatever needs you may have. I am a messenger, a vessel to share God’s love to the best of my abilities. I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share with you. Today is the Lord’s Day, a day of REST! The Sabbath, which is sometimes called “Holy Rest” is an opportunity for each of us to spend time with God, allowing Him to give rest to our tired and weary souls. Please find REST in God today.
Scripture verses go for today:
Exodus 17:3-6
“But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Poor Moses, once again the people complain to him and this time they are thirsty. The Israelites were angry that they were in the wilderness and they took their anger out on Moses. Moses went to God, pleading for answers and protection. In verse 4, “So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” -Exodus 17:4
God heard the cries of Moses and gave him instructions where to go and what to do, to get water for the people. Exodus 17:6
Do you ever find yourself grumbling or complaining? Is there anyone specific you tell or direct these things to? I have experienced grumbling and complaining and too often I take it out on my friends, and none of it is their fault (usually). Sometimes it happens before I realize what I’m doing, thankfully my friends know me, understand me and frequently forgives me. Just like the Israelites, I’m taking my frustrations out on the wrong person.
Do you think the Israelites were really angry with Moses?
Do you think the Israelites were angry with God?
When I am expressing anger, its typically not at the person on the receiving end.
When I am upset, angry or frustrated it is usually at myself for a bad decision or missed opportunities. And, I realize I have neglected my spiritual, emotional and physical needs. We all benefit from regular physical activities, routinely cleaning up our emotional garbage, and constant interfacing with God. These make up a well balanced life. If we expect God to fill us, we need to make room for Him in our lives. We need physical and spiritual food and water. Let go and Let God!
I’m not a theologian or have vast biblical knowledge but if I were to guess, I think the Israelites were angry with themselves for their lack of trust in God and in God’s servant Moses. Or perhaps they were so used to being told what to do and when to do things by the Egyptians they had no practice in thinking for themselves and trusting someone, even Moses.
Practice:
The next time you drink water or wash your hands, name how you need God to quench the dryness of your soul.
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
The Israelites struggled with resting on the Sabbath and lacked faith in God to provide for their basic food needs. God had given specific instructions on collecting food on Saturday but in Exodus 16:27, we read that on the seventh day some people went out to gather and found none. Rev. Sam offers, what I believe to be a great observation. The Israelites had been captives and slaves for over 400 years in Egypt. They were most likely made to work every day and for long hours building for the Pharaohs. Perhaps, they were unfamiliar with “resting” on the Sabbath in a practical manner. Old habits are hard to break.
We can learn and apply lessons from this passage as well, especially given the current global circumstances we are facing with COVID-19. I saw first hand yesterday some of the devastation caused in the local grocery store near me. I simply wanted to purchase some bologna, chips and buns for to my lunch intake to work. I found the aisles practically empty, the luncheon meat choices I had were 2, neither were bologna. I settled for pickle loaf. It is truly sad how people are reacting to this situation. I will admit the media has not helped to calm the masses and people are simply not listening to sound advice. People are living in fear! Following the basic instruction of the CDC and local health officials is vital. Many people will have the virus and show little to no signs based upon their health and immune system. Taking safety precautions such as washing your hands frequently and not touching your face will increase your protection as well as limiting your physical contact with others through hand shaking and hugging. If you are feeling ill, do not go out into densely populated public areas or to work. These simply guidelines will assist you and protect others. Use cell phones for staying in touch with friends and loved ones. Go old school, hand write some letters, journal, rest and relax by watching movies, reading a book, and investing in you!
Practice:
Pick a full day or half day when you can practice resting and not working. 🙏🏻💤🌙☀️🌺😊🌸💙
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
• having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
Today’s word seemed difficult for me to grasp at first. The first and only thoughts that came to mind regarding, “ripe” was food items that have grown and are ready to be harvested. So I did what I typically do for inspiration, I googled images of RIPE. That’s where I got the idea of pictures of fall with leaves turning for the end of the growing cycle. Trees and leaves entering the final stage of their growth pattern and preparing for shedding, hibernation and renewal.
I still wasn’t completely satisfied so I continued my search and found a correlation that made sense to me. I hope you see the connection as well. The Bible offers many verses that speak about bearing fruit, being fruitful, being know by our fruits, and that one reaps, what is sewn I found a helpful article at: https://pcg.church/articles/2188/how-ripe-is-your-fruit
We read the words of Jesus in the verses below:
Matthew 7:16-20
“You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.
John 15:8
“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
The Apostle Paul shares these words with us:
Galatians 6:7-9
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.”
Right now is our time to become ripe and mature, just as fruit does so we can be the individuals God created us to be. Each day, moment by moment we are to be learning, growing and maturing. We are meant to ripen!
Hello Friends around the world! Wishing you a beautiful Friday!
Exodus 16:13-15,21
“In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.”
thetorah.com
Trusting in God’s faithfulness(?). Since the beginning, humans have doubted the faithfulness of God. Starting in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve did not trust God, they did not follow his instructions. Then, here in Exodus, the Israelites did not trust God to provide for them. They complained and failed to follow His instructions regarding food. They stored up food even though they were instructed not to and it became spoiled and foul. They did not trust that God would continue to provide (food) quail in the evening and frosted flakes in the morning.
Please understand that I am not placing myself or others in the world above the actions of the Israelites. Just in the past few days I’ve seen people displaying actions that speaks volumes of not trusting God regarding the COVID 19. People are emptying shelves of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other disinfectants…hoarding items and making them unavailable for individuals who actually need them. Turning things into a PANIC will in not way help the situation. Listen to the instructions of the medical professionals. The best thing you can do, if possible is limit your interactions with others, most importantly WASH your hands frequently. Avoid body contact and respect personal space. If you feel sick, stay HOME, if you experience symptoms call your doctor or your local health department…DO NOT GO TO A CLINIC OR DOCTORS OFFICE, if you do have the virus you will be putting others at risk. Use common sense! Be proactive and self-isolation or self-quarantine if you think you have the virus or been exposed, this will help to protect yourself and others. STAY CALM. BE RATIONAL. Listen and follow instructions.
Practice:
• Thank God for three things you have enough of.
• Consider three things you have in abundance and give them away.
Numbers 6:24-26
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
• to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary
• to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations
• to exert oneself physically or mentally especially in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity
Most people work out of necessity, while others work for the enjoyment. Some work to live and others live to work. It can be a never ending cycle of life. I can say with certainty that I enjoy my job. I find much of it rewarding and fulfilling. Sure there’s things that are challenging but what isn’t? I have been blessed through the jobs I have had in my life. I’ve had a couple of career changes through the years but a common factor has always been to help others in some capacity. I thank God for the opportunities afforded to me and the experiences. I have never made a lot of money and yet God has always provided. I currently work with individuals that are more than coworkers, some are friends, others are like family. We share life stories and share in one another’s joys and sorrows.
Romans 12:11, “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”
Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
I hope you find joy in whatever you do, whether you work to live or live to work!
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
Exodus Chapter 16 has been titled, “Bread from Heaven,” but the verse we are looking at today reflects what happened in chapter 15 and before the verses where God provides bread. At this point in the scriptures, the Israelites had left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea. They crossed on dry land by the power of God separating the water as Moses extended his staff and outstretched his hands over the waters.
~Exodus 14:15-16~
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to go forward. But you lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the Israelites may go into the sea on dry ground.”
~Exodus 14:29-31~
“But the Israelites walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters forming a wall for them on their right and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great work that the Lord did against the Egyptians. So the people feared the Lord and believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.”
~Exodus 15:22-24~
“Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
REMEMBER, the Israelites had forgotten the joy they shared and expressed to the Lord for their deliverance from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Three days into the journey into the wilderness they had forgotten again as they complained about nothing to drink. The Israelites had chosen to remember food in their belly’s but had forgotten to remember how they were beaten down and had forced labor put upon them. They were now free but wished to be slaves once again because at least their belly’s would be filled. They thought they were complaining about and to Moses and Aaron but in reality it was God they were complaining about. Moses and Aaron were listening to the voice of God and following His instructions.
I am not pointing fingers, it’s easier to theorize and dissect the actions of the Israelites given our vantage point. I do not believe the lesson to be learned here is to place blame on the Israelites, no I believe the lesson is to “Trust God.” God had a plan for the Israelites just as He has plans for you and I. God loves all His children and wants only the very best for us all. None of us are in a position of authority to cast blame or judgment. Paul tells us in Romans 3:23, “Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
One thing that I have noticed in my own life is that when life gets tough, fear sets in and I start thinking/romanticize about the past and how things were different. They were not necessarily better but I choose to only remember the positives. Our past is there to remind us that we have moved forward. The mistakes we made were lessons to improve our future. Trust God because He is always there for you. Our emotions are not always the most reliable, stable or accurate. Do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and DO NOT RELY ON YOUR OWN INSIGHT. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Practice:
• How is your hunger in the present keeping you from remembering the pain in the past?
• What freedom do you hope to have in six months?
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
Dear friend, family and followed, my apologies for the lateness of this post. I hope you are having a delightful Wednesday! 🌻
Wednesday, March 11th, 2020
Here it is, the middle of the week, on this “hump-day” we are continuing to read, learn and share “REMEMBER.” As I was reading my devotional pamphlet today I was reminded that some memories seem to fade into obscurity while others are as visible as road signs or pictures on a wall.
Rev. Sam McGlothlin recalls giving birth and stating that those were the toughest days of her life. A newborn can make you very tired and even scared because you are all of a sudden responsible for another person that relies solely upon you for everything. Jump forward ten months, no longer a newborn and days are filled with new adventures, naps and playful interactions. Rev. Sam, scarcely remembers being tired to the point of exhaustion and her fears have lessened as she cares for her child knowing God is always with her. *I am not a parent, but from a child’s perspective “a parent never stops praying for their children and never stops worrying for their safety.”
This Lenten season we continue traveling through the wilderness, we may read the same verses and the same material but we serve a Might God that sees us as individuals and meets each of us exactly where we are. AMAZING!! The mind is very powerful, so powerful it works to protect us from memories that are extremely painful. In instances of trauma, please seek professional assistance. Healing is possibly, it can be tough and difficult work but I promise you it is worth it. Because, YOU ARE WORTH IT!
I too have experienced some tough times, and overwhelming grief, the body and the soul need healing, no different than allowing a broken arm to heal. Many of you know my mother passed away unexpectedly in 2012, I was devastated. I don’t recall how I made it through or when the grief changed but it did. I still think of her everyday and miss her but I remember how she laughed, how my face feels when she comes to mind, a smile 😊 I think she would approve. Relationships can also be tough, I haven’t been able to make one work…yet. I’ve experienced three distinctive and unique relationships over the past three decades and they didn’t work out for a multitude of reasons. There’s enough fault to pass around but ultimately, being friends was a better fit. I’m thankful for their friendships, it’s easy to remember the good stuff. I haven’t given up on romance but I’m also not rushing into it either. I’m trusting in God’s plan and His timing, it’s proven to be better than mine!
With regards to trauma, I’m sharing mine and what I chose to do. I had snippets of memories of things that happened in my childhood they were fuzzy memories, confusing and bothersome at times. I pushed it aside for many, many years. I experienced shame, fear and humiliation all of which were self-induced. I held onto all these things and just kept moving them around in my head, much like a pinball machine. After awhile it was a natural reflex to click the paddle and just keep the ball rolling. It wasn’t until I was able to be still with my thoughts, that I tried to untangle the mess created by the perpetual movement of memories in my head. Over time and through conversations and sessions with a professional I was able to unravel enough of the memories to realize, I was a child. I had been judging myself for something I did not do and I had no control over. In the end, it was not the action done to me that needed conviction or clarity, it was the healing of my own self-inflicted renegade judgment I never deserved. It was not an easy process but it’s not the hard part that I remember, it’s the healing that took place. The HEALING that took place, is what I REMEMBER!
Practice: BE STILL
• When you are still, what former things come to mind?
• Ask God to help you lay down what needs to be left in the past and rejoice in the present.
ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.
SPRING! SPRING! SPRING! That’s the photo word for today.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” ~Psalm 46:10
I’ve added a poem I wrote many years ago and it was published in a poetry.com book called, “Woven Magic-The International Library of Poetry.” My life has take many twists and turns since writing this poem. I’ve experienced overwhelming joy and unspeakable grief and it still hold truths. Seasons come and go, there’s a cycle to things in life: Winter before Spring, Healing always comes after Hurting; although we may not always understand the healing process. I read a fellow bloggers post today that reminded that in this hurried world we must remember to be still, listen to God’s voice in our lives. *https://brideofchrist.blog/2020/03/10/being-still/
Seasons
The rush of adrenalin causing the rapid pounding, will the pressure be contained?
The theory of spontaneous combustion, results of cause and effect, does the end serve the means?
January will always follow December, Winter will always proceed spring, life begins; the ending is death.
Action reaps reactions, for every yes, there will be a no, the skies that hold stars also have clouds.
Renewal can only be gained after the rain, growth is enhanced by the sun, sounds of nature will deliver peace.
Endure the rain! Appreciate the sun! Accept the nature!
DISCOVER 
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