He spoke in riddles. His words confused them. But when asked what’s most important, His answer was simple and direct. Love. That’s it, he said. Love everyone. Do this one thing, and all else falls into place. It’s not that easy! I know. That’s why I came. To show you how to love. Follow me, he replied. Love God. Love others. Love yourself. And while you’re at it, love your enemies. But they’re wrong!! They’re different, and I don’t like them! Judge not, lest ye be judged. Isn’t there another way? We’d rather be bold and courageous for you! We want to make a statement of your power. Fear not. Be still with me. From the quiet place, listen for your direction. I am not in the wind or in the storm or in the fire. I am in the gentle breeze. In quietness and trust is your strength. Ok, now you’re starting to sound like the older stories before your time. What do they have to do with us now? The Father and I are One. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is not the way of the world! Exactly!
Listen, My Beloved.
Listen in the Silence.
As you become more quiet,
so much clearer becomes your knowing.
I have so much more for you than you can imagine.
Sit still and let Me tell you My dreams for you.
I long to share their reality with you.
Only be still, and you will know.
(from The Book of Monkeyminders)
My first Bible showed the words Jesus spoke in red letters. On this platform, I am using italics to indicate the red words. Artwork available as original and also notecards. Bible References: Love (mentioned 714 times): Matthew 22:38-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke:10:27-36, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8 Leviticus 19:18 Love your enemies: Luke 6:27-28 Follow Me: Matthew 4:19 Judging others: Matthew 5:43-48, Matthew 7:1-3 Fear not: (mentioned 365 times) Be Still: Psalm 46:10 God not in the wind: 1 Kings 19:11-13 In quietness and trust is your strength: Isaiah 30:15-21 God and I are one: John 10:27-30 God is the same: Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8
When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple by Jenny Joseph
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
and hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
A daily struggle to become more like this..........