Obviously, we would all prefer that this life would be a sweet and easy life; no one would ever ask for pain, loss, bitterness or wailing. Suffering and sorrow were not a part of God’s original plan. It is our sin and evil on this earth that create suffering, hunger, slavery, human trafficking, persecution, perversion, abortions, assaults and murder.

Our journey in this realm contains both sweetness and bitterness. As the Son of Man, who could identify with all of our temptations and trials, the Lord Jesus knew both the bitter and the sweet. As He showed us how to triumph in both, we must follow His example. When we are taken to be with Him, only sweetness will remain. But for now, we share in the fellowship of His sufferings (Rom.8:17).

When my family lived in Israel, there was a haunting song that was very beloved, written by Israeli songwriter, Naomi Shemer. In Hebrew, the song is called, “Al ha D’vash v’al ha Oketz,” which means, “The Honey and the Sting.” An approximate translation of the lyrics would be: “Oh God who is good, please watch over the honey and bee sting, the bitter and the sweet. Watch over our baby daughter. Do not uproot what has been planted in us and do not take away our hope. Watch over the rushing waters and the blazing fire, and guard us. Keep watch over both the honey and the sting, both the bitter and the sweet, dear Lord, I pray.”
It seems to me that this is a mature and wise perspective, as we now enter the time of both glory and suffering. Before our eyes, the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the seas (Hab.2:14); but the same generation will see the greatest time of sorrow ever seen in this world, not to be equaled before or after this generation (Matt.24:21).

May the Lord watch over His people, both Jewish and Gentile. May He keep Israel in the day of her trouble. May He help and protect all who call upon His Name, and may His people be kept through the days of sweetness and bitterness. We will remember Your love in that day, and we will testify: “We have tasted Your goodness; Your love is better than wine!” (Psalm 34:8, Rom.10:13, Song of Sol.1:2.)-- Jill Shannon

Recapturing Wisdom..Be a Woman of Strength and Dignity

RECAPTURING WISDOM.....Abundant medicine yet no healing, and the meeting of the mighty in battle with no apparent victor.  Do we wander in shame because we have lost our way- or did we willfully choose foolishness?  When we deliberatly leave the path of light to explore the recesses of darkness, often we are to smart to find our way back home.   

WISOM CAN BE DEFINED AS THE INTIMATE EMBRACE OF TRUTH.......

Actually the apprehension of wisdom may be simpler than you first suspect- it is available to all-I believe there is  but one major difference between wise and foolish women.  Do you want to know what that is?

Knowing when to let go....and when to hold on.

Thats it.  Wisdom is always found in this dynamic of change......

Wise women know what to hold fast to and what to release, while foolish women hold on fast to what will kill them and release what will bring them life.....-LISA BEVERE                            go as far as your power allows, and if nothing changes you have no choice but to let go- excerpt from Fight like a Girl- -LISA BEVERE    

Don't argue with Prideful Crazy People !

EVERYBODY HAS AN ELVIRA GULCH (wicked witch)

You know it and I know it - we all have an Elvira AKA the Wicked Witch in our lives. Male or Female it makes no difference. As a child I loved the Wizard of Oz and looked forward to the once a year showing on TV (around Thanksgiving). No dvd's back then- Well anyway I always hated the part where Auntie Em confronts Elvira Gulch for being such a miserable and mean person. She is just about to tell her off and BAM- she stops and says well being a good Christian woman I just can't and runs off !! All the while I am screaming YES YOU CAN!! Well let me tell you every time I saw that I would get so mad. I so wanted her to tell her off- she deserved it did't she. You would think by the millionth time I saw this I would realize the movie wasn't going to change.It is only in the past few years I get why she didn't yell at her. 1. You cannot argue with crazy, mean people. You will never win. You may be on the right side of things and have facts on your side and you will still not get them to see truth or God forbid change. You only end up looking like a crazy lunatic yourself. 2.You will say things you normally wouldn't say and get more emotionally upset than needed. You will either regret what you said or think of 50 better things you should have said. 3. You will not feel better. If you want peace you have to let go - holding on just makes you relive the hurt pain and frustration over and over again and they win. I am sure Elvira's don't spend to much time thinking of how they effect other people. Remember misery loves company and the sweetest revenge is being happy and successful- and that happens when you move on. Also The Wicked Witch does get it in the end-

cannoli ice cream

I am always happy about ice cream , so when all the hype started about Ben and Jerrys new cannoli ice cream I was excited .. but unfortunately my excitement was short lived ! It was way to sweet and had a chemical aftertaste ..so save yourself the money and go buy a real cannoli and enjoy!