“See that cloud there? I bet that one has rain in it,” I told my two granddaughters as we set out on a beautiful Sunday to watch the girls’ older brother play baseball. “Would you get Maggie’s blanket from the car?” I asked my husband. The sky overhead was gray and completely covered with clouds of rain. But, the rain never came. We could have missed the game and stayed home in fear that we would get wet, or we could have sat on the bleachers and grumbled and mumbled about a down pour that never happened. Or, we could have enjoyed the game and each other’s company. And, you know what? The sun was there all along. I came home with a sunburn.
Why do we only see God’s blessings when our prayers have been answered in the way we have placed our order? God is always there blessing us, shining on us and loving us. If we see a cloud, we say, “Oh no, where is God? Why isn’t he blessing me?” We are not in control of God and he is not our genie in the jug. We cannot rub his tummy and watch him perform for us. He gives us what we need, not what we want. God blesses and we receive, blessed be the name of the Lord. Let us pray:
“Father God, Holy One of Life, glory be your name. May your kingdom come to live within me—I in you and you in me. Father God, I ask to have eyes that see your blessings all around me and words that can bear witness to those blessings. We are the only ones who can testify to your love and your existence, for you do not defend yourself. You simply are. Forgive me when I have held my tongue and have not spoken up for you. Sometimes, I am more concerned with what others may think of me rather than your constant and abiding love. At every turn, the world tries to erase your name from the books of man. Let me be strong so that their efforts are not successful. Holy, holy, holy are you God our Father. I will sing of your glory every moment I can, with your presence that strengthens me. In the precious name of your son, our Lord and redeemer, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
MEMORY-LINES
“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.” Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC)
What life lessons will we leave behind that will live in the memory of those who come after us? Cicero also said, “The life given us, by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal.”
As Christians, we know that one day we will live with God in Eternity. Have we thought about the memories we leave behind, living forever in the memory of our children and our children’s children? We live eternally in Heaven and on earth. What life-lessons are we leaving behind?
I remember my English teacher in my Senior year of high school. She said, “I don’t’ care if you remember my name or what I have taught. Just remember I said, ‘Read. Read. Read!” Her lesson lived on in my memory.
What about forgiveness and patience, unconditional love and gentleness? Will those qualities live on in the memory of those who follow?
Live your life as though you were building eternal lessons of love and peace in the memories of all your descendants. You could be the first generation to set aside old grudges or hatred. The first one to stop abuse or the first to give up addictions in your memory-line. You have the power to reset memories in the hearts and minds of your linage. What images are you leaving in the memories of your children and their children? Those images are eternal. Let us pray:
“Our Father of new beginnings, we praise your Holy name. May your kingdom of Holiness come into our hearts this day. Forgive us for living our lives as if Eternity were our only goal. We acknowledge that we are building eternal memories in the minds of our children and their children as well. May we start this day anew, with love and kindness in our hearts. Let the chains that have bound us in the past, be broken in our lives, so that our children will have no memory of them. For this day, we pray individually that __(a personal chain)__ may release its grip on our lives, forever erasing it from the memory-line of our children. In the precious name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
What life lessons will we leave behind that will live in the memory of those who come after us? Cicero also said, “The life given us, by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal.”
As Christians, we know that one day we will live with God in Eternity. Have we thought about the memories we leave behind, living forever in the memory of our children and our children’s children? We live eternally in Heaven and on earth. What life-lessons are we leaving behind?
I remember my English teacher in my Senior year of high school. She said, “I don’t’ care if you remember my name or what I have taught. Just remember I said, ‘Read. Read. Read!” Her lesson lived on in my memory.
What about forgiveness and patience, unconditional love and gentleness? Will those qualities live on in the memory of those who follow?
Live your life as though you were building eternal lessons of love and peace in the memories of all your descendants. You could be the first generation to set aside old grudges or hatred. The first one to stop abuse or the first to give up addictions in your memory-line. You have the power to reset memories in the hearts and minds of your linage. What images are you leaving in the memories of your children and their children? Those images are eternal. Let us pray:
“Our Father of new beginnings, we praise your Holy name. May your kingdom of Holiness come into our hearts this day. Forgive us for living our lives as if Eternity were our only goal. We acknowledge that we are building eternal memories in the minds of our children and their children as well. May we start this day anew, with love and kindness in our hearts. Let the chains that have bound us in the past, be broken in our lives, so that our children will have no memory of them. For this day, we pray individually that __(a personal chain)__ may release its grip on our lives, forever erasing it from the memory-line of our children. In the precious name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, June 6, 2011
A LIFE QUILT
“When life gives you scraps . . . make a quilt.” I’d seen that message on the bag a lady at our church carries many times before, but yesterday, a thought came to mine. How many of us focus on the quilt block and not the quilt?
If a day goes badly, I’ve heard people say, “My life is nothing but misery.” The next moment may bring joy, but the person allows the darker times to cloud their perception of their entire life.
Study a beautifully designed quilt. The black of sorrow brings the marvelous contrast of joy beside a block of white. The dreariness of brown makes the creamy milk of life sparkle. And, the red of injury is made beautiful by a neighboring block of green and the promise of Christmas is remembered.
A life lived joyously is one focused on the quilt not the individual blocks. A life lived with hope is one that knows that the dark squares are there to bring out the magnificent jeweled tones of the lighter ones. A life lived reverently, is one that displays your quilt as a whole, a work of art, stitched by the hand of God. Let us pray:
“Oh master needle artist, you stitch our lives beautifully. You give us blocks that are dark, so we can appreciate the bright ones. Unless we are willing to accept the dark squares as beautiful, we will never appreciate our entire Life Quilt. We ask that you allow us to see our disappointments and sorrows as opportunities to hold your hand more tightly, so we can walk through the valley of darkness to the brighter hills of joy. Forgive us when we blame you for our sorrows, rather than praise you for your guiding light through the shadows. Too often, we see life as something happening to us, rather than a willing journey on a path ever leading us home. We know the needle can hurt, Father. Give us the ability to see the quilt and not the block in front of us. Our participation, is in choosing which blocks are not acceptable, while choice is still possible. When we don’t have the ability to choose which blocks make up our Life Quilt, let us learn to select a bright one to place beside the pain. May our Life Quilt be a joy to your eyes, Father God. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son and our redeemer, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
If a day goes badly, I’ve heard people say, “My life is nothing but misery.” The next moment may bring joy, but the person allows the darker times to cloud their perception of their entire life.
Study a beautifully designed quilt. The black of sorrow brings the marvelous contrast of joy beside a block of white. The dreariness of brown makes the creamy milk of life sparkle. And, the red of injury is made beautiful by a neighboring block of green and the promise of Christmas is remembered.
A life lived joyously is one focused on the quilt not the individual blocks. A life lived with hope is one that knows that the dark squares are there to bring out the magnificent jeweled tones of the lighter ones. A life lived reverently, is one that displays your quilt as a whole, a work of art, stitched by the hand of God. Let us pray:
“Oh master needle artist, you stitch our lives beautifully. You give us blocks that are dark, so we can appreciate the bright ones. Unless we are willing to accept the dark squares as beautiful, we will never appreciate our entire Life Quilt. We ask that you allow us to see our disappointments and sorrows as opportunities to hold your hand more tightly, so we can walk through the valley of darkness to the brighter hills of joy. Forgive us when we blame you for our sorrows, rather than praise you for your guiding light through the shadows. Too often, we see life as something happening to us, rather than a willing journey on a path ever leading us home. We know the needle can hurt, Father. Give us the ability to see the quilt and not the block in front of us. Our participation, is in choosing which blocks are not acceptable, while choice is still possible. When we don’t have the ability to choose which blocks make up our Life Quilt, let us learn to select a bright one to place beside the pain. May our Life Quilt be a joy to your eyes, Father God. In the name of Jesus Christ, your son and our redeemer, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, May 30, 2011
MEMORIAL DAY
TAPS:
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. (Lyricist Unknown)
On this Memorial Day, as we honor those who have served our country, there is one thought to hold dear. “God is nigh. God is near.” Nothing else is necessary. Let us pray:
“Father God, on this day we honor those who have served our country, we also remember that they have honored you by defending this country you have given us. You have placed your people in countries all around the world to fulfill your purposes. That makes each nation, a holy nation. For all who believe in you, God, and call you Father, reveal your peace, your love, your forgiveness, and your grace. This madness will stop when your son, Jesus, returns. If you are not ready for his return, send your Holy Spirit of love, acceptance, and peace like a gentle rain from Heaven, that all may know you as Christ revealed you to us. Hate cannot continue to live where your Holy Spirit of Love dwells. Let every knee in every nation, bow to your Holiness, the Holiness of peace. In the name of Jesus Christ, your Son our Savior, I pray.” Amen
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. (Lyricist Unknown)
On this Memorial Day, as we honor those who have served our country, there is one thought to hold dear. “God is nigh. God is near.” Nothing else is necessary. Let us pray:
“Father God, on this day we honor those who have served our country, we also remember that they have honored you by defending this country you have given us. You have placed your people in countries all around the world to fulfill your purposes. That makes each nation, a holy nation. For all who believe in you, God, and call you Father, reveal your peace, your love, your forgiveness, and your grace. This madness will stop when your son, Jesus, returns. If you are not ready for his return, send your Holy Spirit of love, acceptance, and peace like a gentle rain from Heaven, that all may know you as Christ revealed you to us. Hate cannot continue to live where your Holy Spirit of Love dwells. Let every knee in every nation, bow to your Holiness, the Holiness of peace. In the name of Jesus Christ, your Son our Savior, I pray.” Amen
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Monday, May 23, 2011
HOLY GROUND
“When I walked the street of Jerusalem, it felt like I was on Holy Ground.” How many times have you heard that from friends who have traveled to Israel?
Jerusalem is the Holy site of three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and is at the very center of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to BBC News. The Garden Tomb, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are only a few of the holy sites within the Old City. These and other sites could be cut off to visitors if East Jerusalem were to go to the Palestinians, along with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Also, Israel would not be able to defend such narrow borders as are proposed, reverting back to the 1967 boundaries. If we were all to revert back to former boundaries, we would all have to fit within the Garden of Eden. We must stand with the children of Israel while they work out a solution for their brothers.
Jews, Muslims, and Christians all trace their religious linage to the tiny country of Israel. For the Palestinians to have a homeland, people with large hearts and generous natures must find a solution that does not leave Israel vulnerable to attack. As Robert Frost said, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Do I have the answer? No. But, I believe it is possible for people to live side-by-side in peace—if those involved are willing to do so. Let us pray that these ancient, feuding brothers,Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of father Abraham, may find a way to make space for the Palestinians, while respecting the good fences of the other’s border. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, creator of us all, how you must long for peace for your children, for a home, a resting place. We pray that your kingdom may come swiftly to usher in the Day of our Lord. When your son Jesus returns, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is the Redeemer. Forgive us when we have tried to tell you how to organize your plan for us, according to our desires and goals. How very foolish we are. We pray for a submissive heart that we may follow your lead and a straight spine to stand up for all of your children. We pray for peace in the middle-east, that all your children may lay down their weapons and take up love of neighbor. Give us guardians at the gate who will allow safe passage while standing strong against those who would deceive. Speak, Lord, that we may hear, not the blistering discipline we deserve but the loving words of our father. Forgive us for our unwillingness to have an open heart for love. You have a solution to this grave unrest around the world. Let us listen, let us hear. In the name of and by the power of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
The novel: Length of Days - The Age of Silence by Doris Gaines Rapp - will be available this summer.
Mending Wall by Robert Frost. http://writing.upenn.edu accessed May 23, 2011.
www.bbc.co.uk.com accessed May 23, 2011.
Jerusalem is the Holy site of three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and is at the very center of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, according to BBC News. The Garden Tomb, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are only a few of the holy sites within the Old City. These and other sites could be cut off to visitors if East Jerusalem were to go to the Palestinians, along with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Also, Israel would not be able to defend such narrow borders as are proposed, reverting back to the 1967 boundaries. If we were all to revert back to former boundaries, we would all have to fit within the Garden of Eden. We must stand with the children of Israel while they work out a solution for their brothers.
Jews, Muslims, and Christians all trace their religious linage to the tiny country of Israel. For the Palestinians to have a homeland, people with large hearts and generous natures must find a solution that does not leave Israel vulnerable to attack. As Robert Frost said, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Do I have the answer? No. But, I believe it is possible for people to live side-by-side in peace—if those involved are willing to do so. Let us pray that these ancient, feuding brothers,Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of father Abraham, may find a way to make space for the Palestinians, while respecting the good fences of the other’s border. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, creator of us all, how you must long for peace for your children, for a home, a resting place. We pray that your kingdom may come swiftly to usher in the Day of our Lord. When your son Jesus returns, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is the Redeemer. Forgive us when we have tried to tell you how to organize your plan for us, according to our desires and goals. How very foolish we are. We pray for a submissive heart that we may follow your lead and a straight spine to stand up for all of your children. We pray for peace in the middle-east, that all your children may lay down their weapons and take up love of neighbor. Give us guardians at the gate who will allow safe passage while standing strong against those who would deceive. Speak, Lord, that we may hear, not the blistering discipline we deserve but the loving words of our father. Forgive us for our unwillingness to have an open heart for love. You have a solution to this grave unrest around the world. Let us listen, let us hear. In the name of and by the power of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
The novel: Length of Days - The Age of Silence by Doris Gaines Rapp - will be available this summer.
Mending Wall by Robert Frost. http://writing.upenn.edu accessed May 23, 2011.
www.bbc.co.uk.com accessed May 23, 2011.
Monday, May 16, 2011
MY GOD IS AWESOME!
“Hurry up God!.”
There are some who would like to hurry God along, hastening the day of Christ’s return. Can you imagine the arrogance of someone who thinks their plan is better than God’s? Are we more capable of deciding the details of God’s plan than he is? Oh how foolish we can be?!
Some claim to know the date of Christ’s return. Jesus said he did not know. How can the son of God return in glory if we know his thoughts before he does? How foolish can we be?!
I realize that not all religions understand their calling to be a servant ministry. Any God worth believing in has to know more than we do! Our God is awesome! He is so much larger and greater than anything we can imagine or have language to describe. Why do we not trust him? Why do we give lip-service as “followers” of his, then run ahead and call to him to catch up to us? Oh how foolish we can be?!
May this be the day we begin to rely on God’s wisdom, on his plan, and on his power. Let this be the day we no longer interpret God’s looks, his thoughts, or his timing in human terms and realize he is far more awesome than anything we can imagine! Let this be the day we lay our foolishness aside and grow into the likeness of God! Let us pray:
“Holy Father, how awesome is your presence in all the earth! You have given us all that your son Jesus has and we have often cast it aside in favor of bobbles and toys. You reveal your plan for us, one step at a time. Forgive us when we try to take the lead. Walking point, we don’t know where we are going and usually get lost. We want to follow Jesus all the way to your precious feet where we can kneel in worship. We live in dangerous times, Father; we ask for the great joy of your presence and the assurance of your grace. No one can threaten you. With you in us and us in you, we are safe in your mighty arms. Praise your holy name! We pray in the name of our son Jesus, our Savior, in whose footprint we trace. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
The novel: Length of Days - The Age of Silence by Doris Gaines Rapp - available this summer.
There are some who would like to hurry God along, hastening the day of Christ’s return. Can you imagine the arrogance of someone who thinks their plan is better than God’s? Are we more capable of deciding the details of God’s plan than he is? Oh how foolish we can be?!
Some claim to know the date of Christ’s return. Jesus said he did not know. How can the son of God return in glory if we know his thoughts before he does? How foolish can we be?!
I realize that not all religions understand their calling to be a servant ministry. Any God worth believing in has to know more than we do! Our God is awesome! He is so much larger and greater than anything we can imagine or have language to describe. Why do we not trust him? Why do we give lip-service as “followers” of his, then run ahead and call to him to catch up to us? Oh how foolish we can be?!
May this be the day we begin to rely on God’s wisdom, on his plan, and on his power. Let this be the day we no longer interpret God’s looks, his thoughts, or his timing in human terms and realize he is far more awesome than anything we can imagine! Let this be the day we lay our foolishness aside and grow into the likeness of God! Let us pray:
“Holy Father, how awesome is your presence in all the earth! You have given us all that your son Jesus has and we have often cast it aside in favor of bobbles and toys. You reveal your plan for us, one step at a time. Forgive us when we try to take the lead. Walking point, we don’t know where we are going and usually get lost. We want to follow Jesus all the way to your precious feet where we can kneel in worship. We live in dangerous times, Father; we ask for the great joy of your presence and the assurance of your grace. No one can threaten you. With you in us and us in you, we are safe in your mighty arms. Praise your holy name! We pray in the name of our son Jesus, our Savior, in whose footprint we trace. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
The novel: Length of Days - The Age of Silence by Doris Gaines Rapp - available this summer.
Monday, May 9, 2011
TEENY-TINY
“Once upon a time there was a teeny-tiny woman who lived in a teeny-tiny house in a teeny-tiny village. Now, one day this teeny-tiny woman put on her teeny-tiny bonnet, and went out of her teeny-tiny house to take a teeny-tiny walk.” (The Teeny-Tiny Woman by Paul Galdone)
Do we all live teeny-tiny lives? God has so much more for us! When we follow Jesus and believe in him, we inherit ALL that is his as the son of God! How large is that!?
I believe that only that which is truth and love goes into Heaven, since God himself is Love. Just think how teeny-tiny we would be in Eternity if we do not learn to love here on earth. Love still holds others accountable for the wrong they do. How can they grow in love if there are no consequences for their wrongdoing? But, our response to hate, to lies, to evil—must be to pull up the rock under which evil lives, stamp out the death and decay that hide there, and leave fragrant petaled love behind.
Impossible? No, come, sit at the feet of Jesus and learn Love. When you are in Christ and he is in you, you are in Love and Love is in you, then only love can be the response. You don’t have to work at it. You are not in control of Love. Love will simply flow forth like healing waters from the fount of God. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, Love Devine, you are the purest of pure, sweetest of the sweet, lover of love. You call to us to step out of this evil world. You wash us whiter than white in your own love, your own light, your own re-creative power. We ask that your holy kingdom may fall down like a brick fortress around us that we may dwell safely in you and you in us, that only love may remain. Forgive us when we have chosen teeny-tiny lives over the abundance you have for us. Forgive us when we have been afraid of the light and stayed in the familiar surroundings of the shadows. Give us the courage to step forth boldly into the brightness of the Son and live a life of service there, never brighter than Love, nor dimmer than the Light. In the name of Jesus, your son, our Savior we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
Do we all live teeny-tiny lives? God has so much more for us! When we follow Jesus and believe in him, we inherit ALL that is his as the son of God! How large is that!?
I believe that only that which is truth and love goes into Heaven, since God himself is Love. Just think how teeny-tiny we would be in Eternity if we do not learn to love here on earth. Love still holds others accountable for the wrong they do. How can they grow in love if there are no consequences for their wrongdoing? But, our response to hate, to lies, to evil—must be to pull up the rock under which evil lives, stamp out the death and decay that hide there, and leave fragrant petaled love behind.
Impossible? No, come, sit at the feet of Jesus and learn Love. When you are in Christ and he is in you, you are in Love and Love is in you, then only love can be the response. You don’t have to work at it. You are not in control of Love. Love will simply flow forth like healing waters from the fount of God. Let us pray:
“Holy Father, Love Devine, you are the purest of pure, sweetest of the sweet, lover of love. You call to us to step out of this evil world. You wash us whiter than white in your own love, your own light, your own re-creative power. We ask that your holy kingdom may fall down like a brick fortress around us that we may dwell safely in you and you in us, that only love may remain. Forgive us when we have chosen teeny-tiny lives over the abundance you have for us. Forgive us when we have been afraid of the light and stayed in the familiar surroundings of the shadows. Give us the courage to step forth boldly into the brightness of the Son and live a life of service there, never brighter than Love, nor dimmer than the Light. In the name of Jesus, your son, our Savior we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
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