Life With Jules, and other stuff

  When you were growing up, provided you went to Sunday school, what was your first memory verse? Most people answer John 3:16. I always answer Psalm 23. Not just one verse, but the entire chapter. You see, in our bathroom was a placque with this chapter from the Bible and I would read it every single day. I had it memorised from a young age. And I grew up understanding that it was a chapter from the Bible used at funerals.  But what does Psalm 23 really mean?  If you read it line by line, the verses really don't speak of death per se. They speak of troubled times. They speak of persecution, to some degree. They speak of having fear of something or someone. Not death. This chapter in the Psalm is to remind us that God is there and watching over us. He wants us to lean on Him when we are troubled. He wants us to lean on Him when we are afraid. He wants us to lean on Him, period.  Yes, I still use this verse at family funerals out of respect and tradition. But I also t...

My cat desperately tries to get into my room and away from my friend who lives with me. No, he doesn't hurt her or anything. He's actually very loving toward her. He also happens to be a big guy. I think that kind of scares her sometimes. Or maybe she's just playing a game. Whatever the case, she's driving me crazy. Cra-cra? Is that the term kids are still using these days? Love my Sandy to bits. I do hope she's not too overly traumatized when I can finally go back to my office...whenever that may be. Speaking of... The world has gone completely mad! Yes, I said it. And I am sure many of you have as well. Or at least thought it. This virus going around is so very bad. So very contagious. People think they're invincible. Especially the young because we are being told by the media that they don't seem to have the severe symptoms of this virus. What many don't understand is the nature of this virus. Even the medical professionals don't quite ...

But so much on my mind. I get annoyed so easily anymore. Especially when I feel like a bomb is going to drop. I've been untrusting of certain people for a long time now. It's not really their fault. Well, not completely. A few have earned my distrust. Which is truly sad. For them and me. There's a lot about my life I don't divulge easily. More for protection so that kind of hurt can never cross me again. Also because I just don't want to talk about it. When I find myself questioning things, I don't do what I should do: Trust God. Does that make me a hypocrite? I don't know. What I do know is my questions don't seem to get answers until I do turn it over to HIM. And even then I don't always like HIS answer. That makes me human, I suppose. And I don't think I'd want to be anything other than human. Certainly not super-human! I'll leave that to Superman and the like. LOL So where am I going with this post? I don't think far, but we...

The past few Sundays, we've been learning about being a disciple of Christ.Well, really we learn something about this EVERY Sunday, lol. Anyway, this past Sunday, a few things stood out to me that I wanted to expand on here as a word study. To begin, the definition of "disciple", according to Merriam-Webster is one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: such as Christianity: one of the 12 in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts, or a convinced adherent of a school or individual (i.e. disciple of Freud). Dictionary.com defines it as this: (1) Religion (one of the 12 personal followers of Christ; one of the 70 followers sent forth by Christ; any other professed follower of Christ in His lifetime); (2) any follower of Christ; (3) a member of the Disciples of Christ; (4) a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; follower . So pretty much, these two definitions seem to match...

A question was posed to me recently that has been weighing on me a little bit. "Where has that woman gone?" To put it in perspective, I was speaking with a colleague about various things and one of the topics that came up was my life in the Navy. Primarily, the responsibilities I held and who I was in those roles. So he asked me where that person has gone and how do I get her back? The simple answer is "I don't know." You see, when a person lives with depression, in any form, they tend to lose a part of themselves. I have battled this ugly disease for years and years. I have asked myself on numerous occasions "When did I become this person?" in varying forms. I lost a lot of my spirit. A lot of my life, over the years. I sometimes look at pictures of myself and don't recognize the woman in them. It's truly sad! I'm not looking for sympathy or empathy in writing this post. I am simply putting it out there. For the world to see. To read...

In the past week, I have had 2 deaths in my family. This brings the grand total to 3 for the last month. I am through with death! On Easter Sunday, I lost an uncle. He was 75 and it was unexpected. He was planning his wedding for this summer. I found out this morning that a cousin of mine lost her son, tragically, by his own hand. Suicide is so prevalent in the world today. I have been to the brink myself a few times. The last time was in 1998 when I was hospitalized. That and my faith in GOD is what keeps me from going there again. I cannot imagine what his mom (my cousin) is going through right now. I can only keep her in prayer, and the rest of the family. This is a chapter from the Bible that is used quite often at funerals and memorials. It was the very first verse(s) I memorized. I am sharing this rendition of it as it gives insight as to the meaning of each line. Please take a few moments to read it through. I encourage you, if you haven't already, please take tha...

We have been doing a series at church called "The Voice"; not to be confused with the TV show. It's mainly been about listening to and hearing God's voice when he speaks to us. Whether it be through Bible reading, prayer, in our hearts or even in our dreams when we sleep at night, God speaks to us. He can be soft and subtle, or loud like thunder booming in the sky. I have had moments in my life where something came across to me and it was most likely God giving me direction. Did I always listen to Him? No. Do I always hear Him? Nope. But I do try to listen to Him. This morning, in those wee hours of waking sleep, I was dreaming. I don't know what the dream was about but I did hear something quite clearly: "Friends scatter from friends and meet new faces." I do believe this was God's voice I heard and I do believe He is telling me something; giving me direction. I don't even know if there is anything in the Bible that states this or anythin...

You know the one thing I realise I haven't been sharing with you is my journey through the Bible much lately. It's not because I'm not reading it or any other spiritual / religious / faith -based text. On the contrary, I am reading 4 different books right now in addition to trying to pick up my Bible a few nights a week. Ok, so I have gone a bit backward on my Bible reading and I feel horrible about this. I just can't seem to keep the focus. This past Sunday we received a 30-day Bible Reading Plan with our programs. I have every intention of working through the plan, but decided to wait until June 30th. I don't know why I am waiting, lol. Maybe because I am afraid I will lose the first half of Genesis if I open it too many more times. You see, I have a tendency to get into it so much at times that the pages start separating from the binding. Mind you, this particular Bible is a soft cover / paperback. See what I mean? I have been looking to buy a new Bible ...

There are 2 movies (out, or coming out) that I want to see in the theater this year. Yes, they are religious themed as the title of this post indicates. The first one that is already out is I am especially excited about this one because Roma Downey is in it and her husband produced or directed it. The same team that brought us "The Bible" series last year! And the other comes out later this month I am so excited to see 2 religious themed movies out in time for the Easter holiday!  

We are working through the book of Nehemiah at church for the next several weeks (anticipated to finish the end of February but have been "warned" it could go longer). I love the Old Testament just as much as the New so this is an exciting time for me in my spiritual growth! I have to say that our church is going through some growing pains hence the study of Nehemiah. You see, we are trying to get a new sanctuary built. Two of the 3 services are busting at the seams and the 3rd, which is the one I attend, has nearly doubled. This is good news indeed! Nehemiah was a man, a servant to King Artaxerxes in Babylon, who was chosen by God to rebuild Jerusalem. The city laid in ruins for more than 140 years by the time he was chosen. While rebuilding the city, Nehemiah was met with challenge after challenge, but eventually Jerusalem was rebuilt. We all face challenges, especially when we are working God's vision in our lives. I for one face many challenges on a regular basis....

I have often wondered, especially when reading in the Bible such things as The Parable of the Talents ( Matthew 25:14-30 ), what are my spiritual gifts? We started a brief study on this topics in Bible Study last week and this morning I have a better understanding of mine and that the answer to the above questions is this: I have always known. So, you may be wondering what my spiritual gifts are. Even if you're not, that's alright. I am still going to share. Knowledge  Teaching  Mercy Like I said earlier, I think I have always known my gifts. I even recently discovered that I do use these gifts in some capacity in my job. I never really thought about it in that sense. Maybe these gifts I have been given by God are the reason I feel so compelled to learn all the time. I am a scholar, afterall!  

Continuing in my journey through Proverbs, I have completed chapters 5-7. The primary message is a warning against sin; and especially adultery. This one really hits close to home for me on a couple of different levels, neither of which I will get into here. Keeping in the theme of wisdom, the speaker (I am thinking it's Solomon) is warning his son to stay away from promiscuity. And to not share his "water" with the public. This meaning his wife with another man or men. In my NIV Study Bible, the notes to Proverbs 5:15 says "Let your own wife be your source of pleasure, as water refreshes a thirsty man." I really like the notes that coincide with the verses as they can give a better understanding. He goes on to state that a man who falls into the trap of an adulteress entraps himself. He really has no one to blame but himself for not heeding to the knowledge imparted on him. God made the Commandments very clear "Thou shalt not commit adultery" and ...

OK, you may be wondering what the title means. That's alright! I am too, lol. Seriously though, I have been frustrated to the point of near exhaustion, yet have somehow remained joyful at the same time. I can't explain it. Maybe it's God working His way through me. I'm finding myself laughing a little more lately and that's a good thing. It sure beats the alternative. I still have moments, but I am learning how to deal with them and move on. I have so many dreams, so many things I would love to do. I've had quite a few setbacks through the recent 10 years that I often wonder if any of my dreams will come to fruition. I know God has a purpose for me. Yes, I get rather impatient waiting on Him. But all I can do is wait. He is in control. He is in more control now than He was even as few as 2 years ago. I've missed a couple of days in my reading of Proverbs, yet somehow I find that's alright. It's reflecting on what I have already read. It's pi...

Wisdom is a funny thing. We all strive for it, but do we really understand what it means? According to Merriam Webster: WISDOM 1 a : accumulated philosophic or scientific learning : knowledge b : ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : insight c : good sense : judgment d : generally accepted belief;  2 : a wise attitude, belief, or course of action;  3 : the teachings of the ancient wise men. Again, Proverbs discusses wisdom quite a bit throughout the book. In my opinion, after reading chapters 1-4, wisdom is not just what Merriam Webster defines it to be but something that comes from within - especially when placed upon your heart by God. Wisdom is the MOST precious thing one can find gain.  In fact, GOD instructs us to seek wisdom... ...and to hold onto it tightly! So, looking back at the definition I included in this post, what is wisdom? It is not just learning, life experience, an understanding, something that is taught to u...

During Bible Study conversation this past Sunday, it was brought up about a challenge someone did on reading the book of Proverbs. The idea is to read a chapter each day and repeat each month over the course of the year. Of course, some months will have a day or so with doubled up reading, but it seems doable! The purpose is to see what is learned or derived from our reading that we didn't necessarily "see" before when reading Proverbs. So, I accepted that challenge for myself and my own understanding of the Proverbs. Even though I have read the book several times during my life, most recently earlier this year... ...I started tonight. For the most part, it seems that the Proverbs primarily discuss the topics of wisdom and knowledge. More closely, it's our acceptance of wisdom and knowledge. Closer still, the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord. We grow up learning that the Lord is THE way, THE truth, and THE life. The words contained within the Bible are THE word ...