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There are a few standards that rule the Rooney travel tradition, and when I say travel, I mean from home to work and/or from sea to shining sea.  Moving from place to place always includes, “Come on honey, I know a short cut!” and “I would google it, but there’s no phone service.” Before cell phones, we had global positioning assistance, but believe it or not, there are places even satellites can’t find and redirect you. Obviously we’ve always arrived home safe and sound……with a tale to tell and legends to laugh about.

One Christmas break Keith and I contracted the delivery of two, new school buses, to High Point, North Carolina. We began our 830 mile trip early on the 20th of December feeling confident we’d return home late on the 23rd. Just in case you ever wanted to know, it is further across Tennessee (440 miles) than New Mexico or Arizona. A drive through the Appalachians is always a delight, but as we arrived in High Point, an absolutely amazing city, the home furnishings and hosiery capitol of the world, a weather report indicated snow and ice separated us from home. 

The decision was made to go south where the precipitation would be liquid. After a quick stop for Krispy Kreme’s and coffee, we headed into the nighttime, determined to be home before Christmas Eve. Soon we had to choose, steer over the hills and through the woods and risk the last remnants of a winter storm, or continue southward, adding hours and fuel to our trip.  I voted south for safety, but the gypsy I hitched my wagon to, said, “We can make it.” Off we went, over a narrow mountain pass. Minutes in, our GPS let us know we were in ‘No Man’s’ land and the silent span of black space was intimidating. Rounding a bend in the road Keith slammed on the brakes. The mountain side had given way to gravity and was covering the highway. Warm dirt fogged as it met cold air. An entire spectrum of emotions swept over Keith and me as we turned to check on our sleeping, oblivious daughters.

We were delayed, not detoured or deterred. But we were exhausted. Remembering we had Christmas gifts hidden under some blankets, we pulled out a new Disney release. We felt sure the girls would never know and the animated comedy would keep two worried adults awake and distracted until dawn brought relief.

The wee hours of Christmas Eve brought us to our driveway.  Gifts were wrapped, but when the paper was pealed away on the 25th, a little voice became concerned when her new video held no disc. (Finding Nemo was still in the car DVD player.)

It was awhile before we could all laugh about that dark night and a used Christmas gift, but every adventure is a day of growing and learning. God’s hand of love and protection is crystal clear in hindsight and our hearts were and still are, full of gratitude. While the landslide didn’t send us helplessly off the cliff, our reaction to the stress could have ruined our relationship and family. And, our children could have chosen to hold selfish grudges over their parent’s absent minded mistakes. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

All choices don’t mean the difference between failure or success. Sometimes it’s only a matter of scenery, and every empty box doesn’t mean a blessing withheld, just delayed. BUT, grace and mercy were given and received and life went forward productively. It’s the best choice all day, everyday!

Blessings,

Gretchen

O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28 (2 Samuel 4-8, I Chronicles 3, 11-14,)

Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son who challenged David’s throne, is stabbed to death in his sleep. Again, David does not tolerate murder and serves justice and disgrace on the guilty.  Israel is now united under one king and Jerusalem is conquered and renamed, City of David. The fortress is strengthened and a palace built. The Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem and David makes plans to build a temple, a permanent home for the Ark. God has other plans and sends word that the Temple will be the next king’s legacy. David offers sincere praise for God’s faithful provision and redemption. 

David was very successful. He took an insignificant nation and turned it into a mighty kingdom, possibly the most powerful on earth at the time. God denied him the privilege of establishing a permanent home for the Ark, but instead, gave a greater promise. David’s house will be forever. Even though David did not build the Temple, he drew the plans, provided materials, wrote liturgy and music, and organized duties for worship. He left his mark and Jerusalem became both a religious and political capitol for God’s people.

David’s humble obedience makes possible divine resources, a blessing he would not have had otherwise. God’s power in our lives is often minimized by our inability to comprehend the possibility of what He alone can do when we simply trust and rely.

Love,

Gretchen

The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. II Samuel 3:1 (Chapters 2:8-3)

After the death of Saul, only Judah followed David.  The commander of Saul’s army, Abner challenged David’s right to the throne, promoting Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth as the rightful king. A civil war ensues.

For two years the battles were bloody and brutal. It would be seven more years before the nation was united under David. Hebron, the burial place of Abraham, was David’s headquarters. His strength and family grew and Abner decided to give his allegiance to David.  He arrives in Hebron to propose an agreement. David sent Abner away in peace, but Joab, David’s commander and nephew, held an implacable hatred for him, felt he was deceiving David and devised and carried out a plan to murder him. 

David again, led his people in grieving a lawless death and prays for justice to be served on the wicked. David’s faith in God’s sovereign authority was the foundation of his life’s work. He knew God would deal in truth and righteousness and he could rest in peace and assurance.

As the story plays out before men in 2018 A.D., God’s order is obvious, but as David lived it in real time it was a primitive era with years of tainted social order. David depended on a strong ethical and moral standard as his guide and God honored him. 

A straight plum line of consciousness is a very good helpmeet. When you do what’s right, God’s has a lot of room to do His good….for you and others.

Love,

Gretchen

Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.” II Samuel 2:7 (II Samuel 2:1-7, I Chronicles 1-10)

With Saul’s death, David gives time to grieve and then inquires of God for his next move. David gives a blessing to the men that showed kindness by burying Saul and Jonathan and encourages them, as the transition from Saul’s house to David’s will have its turmoil. 

Chronologically the book of Chronicles parallels the narratives of Saul’s demise through the fall of Jerusalem and Babylon’s rise.  I Chronicles begins and continues for 9 chapters with the genealogy of God’s people from Adam to Saul. The writer is simply preserving history and interpreting it with this key fact: Peace and prosperity are residuals of obedience to God. Do not forget! Someone (Chronicles author) wanted to remind Israel, God’s judgement was a reality, but His promises awaited those who were faithful.

God promised David a lasting dynasty, a hope for all mankind.  This was fulfilled through a helpless, tiny baby, with a less than perfect family tree, and an infinite supply of mercy and grace. God’s covenant kept is our assurance of life eternal.  God is faithful.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Gretchen

“How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.” II Samuel 1:25 (Chapter 1)

Three days after the battle that took the lives of Saul and his two sons, a man from Saul’s camp arrived to inform David of the deaths.  David is grief stricken and leads his followers in appropriate demonstrations of respect and eulogy. David’s poem on the occasion of Saul and Jonathan’s death is one of the most beautiful of his works.

David’s repeated response to Saul’s aggressive and murderous behavior toward him is a model of action rather than reaction.  The conviction that Saul’s life, as king, was sacred, determined David’s choices and maneuvers. He did not react in defense to hatred. Although he would be king, he continued to act/subject himself to a Sovereign LORD, the One True God.

Be driven by noble character and live your life for an audience of One, the Creator and Lover of all things, especially you.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday,

Gretchen

David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us.”  I Samuel 30:23 (Chapters 28-31)

David has once again taken refuge among the Philistines. Prince Achish trusted and believed that David had turned against Israel. Other Philistines leaders were not so naive and sent David away from battle. In the mean time, Saul, who is slipping further into desperation, asks a medium to summon Samuel from the ‘other side.’ He would not heed Samuel’s warning when he was delivering God’s direction live, but now he hopes that Samuel will say something to put his mind at rest. Whether it was really Samuel, sent by God, or an apparition or sorts, the incident did not give Saul the control and answers he sought.

It was thought that David was fighting Israel, but instead, he warred against the Amalekites, a people God told Israel to annihilate when they first settled in Canaan. Before David and his men returned home to Ziklag, it was attacked and everyone there was taken captive including David’s two wives. David organized a pursuit, selected some to follow and others to remain with he supplies and rest. Everything that was lost was recovered, but evil men and trouble makers refused to share the spoils of victory. David gave God glory and declared that all will share alike.

Saul’s life comes to a gruesome end. Both of his sons, Abinadab and Jonathan are killed in battle and Saul is wounded. When his armor bearer refused to finish the job of death, Saul falls on his sword and dies. The Philistines took Saul’s body, along with those his sons, mutilated them and placed them in the temples of Dagon and the Ashtoreths. Later, the men of Jabesh Gilead did not forget Saul’s first victory that saved them. They went undercover of darkness, retrieved the bodies and buried their remains.

Throughout  his years of exile, David trusted God for everything, including that which made no logical sense.  He brought honor and integrity to the throne that was first designed to bless all peoples and nations. 

We cannot honor God with questionable behavior.  Just do the right thing and God will take care of the rest.

Love,

Gretchen

As the old saying goes, “From evildoers come evil deeds,’so my hand will not touch you.” I Samuel 24:13 (Chapters 21-28)

King Saul failed to submit himself to God’s authority, so God put an end to Saul’s dynasty and Samuel anointed young David.  While David was placed in Saul’s court for a time, Saul soon became jealous of David’s successes forcing him to become a refugee. These chapters are the story of those years in exile. Many of David’s Psalm’s were written during this period.

David and his entire family are outlawed. He must move from place to place, but he gains an army of followers, the poor and down trodden. He flees to the Philistine city of Gath where he feigns madness to disguise himself. He is aided by priests who pay for their loyalty with their lives. Twice, David has the opportunity to take Saul’s life (once while Saul is taking care of his personal digestive business in a cave!) Both times David spares the anointed king’s life, deferring to God’s authority.

These years depict a contrast of two men. One never subjects himself to God’s will, obsessing over vengeance and petty impulses. The other allows God to mold him into a strong and wise leader. David was invited to many fights with Saul, fights he would have won, but he chose to be molded into the leader God wanted him to be, rather than shaped by the circumstances of another’s sin.  He chose right, when no one would have blamed him for the wrong.

God’s will takes patience, perseverance and determination, but the outcome is a life of noble character that brings glory to God

Have a Great Monday,

Gretchen

As of 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon, the Holiday season arrived. I am out of school for a week in celebration of God’s faithfulness and bounty.  When I return to my classroom, every human I know will be counting down the days until the famous, red-suited man, makes his appearance.  As for me……..well, the sunny side of the street is somewhere I vacation and, “Bah humbug” is my refrain. The routine of everyday life may threaten another’s sense of adventure, but I like sameness, where life is scripted and predictable. While singing along with Christmas carols, I’m secretly devising ways to rise above the need for hope, and faith. (I know, I know….shame on me.) The demands of the season drag my mind far away from the Reason.

Last Sunday’s sermon from my pastor, Reverend Steve Thrasher, Greenbrier Church of the Nazarene, focused on anxiety and its destructive force over spiritual victory.  I’ve read books, listened to podcasts, retreated with my girlfriends, sought respite in meditation and silence, and I’ve prayed.  Last winter during Lent, I began each morning, before my head lifted off the pillow, with the words, “Give me THIS DAY, my daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) For forty days I refused to worry about tomorrow’s possible needs and shortfalls. The scales give evidence; I did not go hungry, and I am clothed and comfortably sheltered. When Resurrection Sunday arrived, I had a new habit and God was faithful. He was with me yesterday, so I won’t revisit the past, suspiciously looking for hidden failure, and I won’t step into the place He already is, with an anxious, despairing heart.

When I arose last Sunday morning, my intention was to worship with my family/community of believers. They strengthen me with their love and support as I answer the call God gives each day.  I did not expect to take anything away except the experience of basking in the intimate presence of my LORD. God had other ideas for His high-maintenance servant. Suddenly, passive attention became focused when a familiar voice said, “Anxiety begins when we minimize how great God is.” OUCH! If I minimize God, then I also shrink the power of hope, faith and grace, the very things I seek to bring to a lost world. Pastor Steve continued zinging me with his bulleted list of sermon points, “If we can’t believe that God can and will do more than get us to Heaven, then we are no better than an atheist.” (Stop now and reread the last 24 words.)

Anxiety is a subject that crosses all ethnic, socio-economic, cultural and gender boundaries. Anxiety is serious and must not be ignored. It is real, but it is a false prophet and satan is a liar who seeks to maliciously suck the life out of you.  LISTEN! God does not play cruel jokes.  He loves you above all else and everything He has planned and done, since time began, is for you.

I will begin this week with seven verses, the breath of God, that deliver the message/promise of Life everlasting and Peace on Earth toward all men.  If you would like, check back next week for another list and don’t give up. When God’s your Father, He’s got it, and you’re going to make it.

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink’ or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Matthew 6:25-26

Love,

Gretchen

Psalm 55:22

John 14:27

Hebrews 13:5-6

Zephaniah 3:17

Matthew 10:28

Psalm 34:4

Revelation 1:17

And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. I Samuel 18:3 (Chapters 18-20)

One of the Bible’s most beautiful stories is that of Jonathan and David’s noble friendship.  Jonathan was Saul’s son, next in line to the throne. David would be the next king, because Saul’s house would not stand, but from the moment they met, these two men shared a very special bond. In their covenant making, Jonathan and David exchanged clothes and weapons.  This is symbolic of becoming one.  From afar, Jonathan would be taken for David and likewise, David for Jonathan.  From that moment on, one’s actions effected the other because they were bound by covenant.

This passage of scripture is more than a narration of friendship, it is the continuing story of a dysfunctional Saul who was haunted by jealousy and engaged many efforts to rid the world of the young ‘upstart’ David. On each occasion Jonathan assisted in saving David’s life at extreme inconvenience to himself.

Instinct and chemistry are given much credit in man’s successful, interpersonal relationships, but with David and Jonathan it was the common faith, in a higher purpose, directed by an Almighty, One True God. The natural course of events would demand all of Saul’s family be annihilated to assure David an undisputed throne, but again, God had other plans for two men who gave each other an untainted allegiance. Watch for their continuing saga in God’s love story of Grace and Mercy.

Love,

Gretchen

“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b (Chapter 16-17) 

Although Saul’s reign lasted forty years, his dynasty was doomed early on, a result of his personal arrogance. Samuel was told to return to Bethlehem and anoint a new king who was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy from the tribe of Judah, named David. 

David, the newly anointed monarch, was a musician. The same lilting tunes that calmed his flock, also soothed a restless Saul. And so, David was brought into the workings of Israel’s government where his education on ruling began. Saul liked David so much he was appointed armor-bearer. It was no fluke of fate that a future, warrior king was now learning at the feet of Israel’s military leader. Finally, the Philistines were waging war against Israel. Already adept at refining metals, particularly bronze, their weapons were superior. Adding to this advantage was an armored giant, Goliath. Everyone, including Saul, was very scared. David, sent to the battlefield with food for his brothers, saw the situation and realized he had the solution.  This mighty Philistine was no greater threat than a lion or bear after a sheep and David was swift and accurate when called to protect. A sling, a stone and the power of the Almighty God brought a giant and his army down.

Instantly, young David, the secret king, became a military hero and son-in-law to the present king. What did it take to change the course of history for Israel? A young boy, growing brave, strong, and wise, in the fear of the LORD.  It wasn’t the man made weapons of war that won the day, but the heart of God and the heart of man becoming one.

Love,

Gretchen