His Great Love

     As I kneeled weeping before the Lord because of messing something up that has caused unnecessary stress to others, I was throwing a grand ‘woe is me’ party for all the many things I’ve messed up over the years that hurt others, thinking, “Why, oh Lord, do you love me?” It was then He helped me understand (with awe) His great love for me by using my own history.

     My husband and I could not biologically have a child unless by miracle or adoption. How adoption works is that once you are approved as acceptable parents to an agency, then you wait for children to come available. Once a specific child is ‘shown’ to you, then all their known history is given to you so that (after studying the potential repercussions of their various issues) you can make an informed decision of whether they will be a good fit to your family. For instance, a child might need a rigid schedule that you cannot provide. (Lk. 14:28- count the cost)

     My husband and I turned down a few prospects because of needs we were unable to accommodate. (Once we were even asked to consider 7 siblings- all special needs kids!) Of course, there will always be unknowns as in childbirth. What happens from that acceptance is a getting to know you phase which length of time probably increases with the child’s age. As an older (mentally capable) child, the judge who approves the adoption will ask the child if he wants to be adopted by these people.

     So now I’ll put this all together. I was that older child the day I repented and stood before the Lord. He, who knows ALL, which means all my life from birth to death including: all the good, all the people I’d hurt, the damage I’d do, my many mistakes and sins, my unfaithfulness, hatred, anger even against Him, (basically all the bad) He knew it all and He still said, “Yes!” to the adoption*. Because of His great love for me, He said, “Yes!”

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God… 1Jh. 3:1

And the Father says, “Yes!” to all who would turn to Him:

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. Jh. 1:12,13 ESV

*Adoption

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, coming into being out of a woman, having come under Law, that He might redeem those under Law, so that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Gl. 4-6

For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father! Rm. 8:15

Sad Day

     This will be short. Yesterday I received news that my mother had passed away a couple days ago. After dealing with with the police at her apartment, making phone calls and waiting as the body was released to the right people, we were still looking for some of her paperwork. I thought to myself, 'I am an orphan now" because my Dad had passed away in 1995. Quickly in my spirit I heard, "I have not left you an orphan", (Jh. 14:18) The Lord is right of course. I am not an orphan. My Mom and Dad on this earth are gone, but the Creator of us all, and my Father remains with me. And He will never leave me or forsake me. (Hb. 13:5)

     We will be making arrangements today. I take comfort in my Lord now and remember His goodness. It was just Sept. 1 when He poured His peace and love into me and changed how I related with my Mom. (post here) Such a blessing. I am so thankful to the Lord. I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by You!

     Needless to say, I will be taking a break... again. Be blessed. And may the God who never leaves us or forsakes us shine His light continually in your life.

Thoughts:
Call your parent often.
Visit and laugh with them.
Make the time to quickly do what is important to them.
Try to leave no regrets...

My People are Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge- Part 1

     Last I saw, the church pews were filled with all the same people I’m used to seeing, so they haven’t been destroyed yet. What on earth could this be about? Reading one verse at a time in the Bible can be dangerous because you might think it’s about one thing when in context it is about something entirely different. Take care to read the surrounding verses.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge*. Because you have rejected *knowledge… Hs. 4:6  (…knowledge of God... Hs. 4:1)

     *H1847- daath- knowledge, perception, discernment, understanding

     *H3988- maas- reject, despise, refuse

     So we see here the people are God’s people (specifically Israel) who are going to be ‘rejected’ and ‘forgotten’ by God because they have done the same to Him. They didn’t know and understand God enough to truly understand just how vile their lifestyles of sin were to Him- or they wouldn’t behave that way, right? We don’t behave sinfully, do we…

All of our spiritual lives are destroyed when we lack/ reject knowledge of God. Here are some common beliefs many have wrong:

Jehovah is God, Allah is God, they are the same God.

     LIE!

Allah cannot be a father and cannot have a son: he shares his name with no one. Jesus was created by Allah, was his messenger, and did not die on the cross. All good Muslims know these things as fundamental to their faith.

Christianity is: Jesus is God in the beginning, is also God the Father’s Son in the flesh (Jh. 1:1,18,29) Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1Cr. 15:3,4) and only through Jesus can we have eternal life. (Jh. 3:16; 14:6)

(Jesus said) that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. Jh. 17:21

(Muslims will never use Jehovah or Jesus to call on their God.)

As long as I believe in Jesus, do good things and/ or go to church I’m a Christian.

     LIE!

We are all sinners, none are righteous or good, and for that we all deserve death. God loves us enough He sent Jesus to die for our sins, therefore we must confess Jesus as our Lord (Master), believe God raised Him from the dead, and call upon His name which will lead to repentance. (Rm. 3:23; 10-18; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9,13; 2:4)

(Jesus said) If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Lk. 9:23

Therefore by their fruits you shall know them. (…love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control… Gl 5:22,23) Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works? And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness! Mt. 7:20-23

I Am So Hungry!!!

     Day thirteen of my detox and despite eating the allowable foods today, I am so hungry! Hungry for something BESIDES the raw fruit, veggies and cooked fish I've allowed myself. See, I was eating very unhealthy food last December and this July so I thought I'd better detox. Plus, I wanted to see if I could increase my energy levels with a mostly raw diet---fail.  I've definitely learned that I do need to eat more raw veggies as opposed to my preference of cooked though.

     My biggest hunger is for ice cream bars covered in chocolate, but I am also craving my favorite cereal; maybe my husband's cooked potatoes or a cheesy omelette with salsa and cooked veggies... Breathe,  One more day- only one more day... I can do it, maybe? I'm really glad these cravings didn't start until yesterday. It is difficult to fight cravings though- don't you agree?

     Giving in to my hunger for unhealthy foods caused me to gain weight, crave even more high calorie foods, and feel worse body wise. Dressing became difficult as I only had 2 pants, and 3 shorts left that were comfortable. It was harder to deal with all the stress I was dealing with. My mind was definitely foggier. Now that I am eating better things, I have lost all that weight, my clothes fit again, my brain is not so foggy.

     In the past, I have craved television, logic puzzles, computer games, reading, and I'm sure there are more I can't remember right now. Those cravings were just as unhealthy for me all around but especially mentally and spiritually. Now my biggest craving (usually) is to know God better. I'm not satisfied yet. Not until I know Him and can interact with Him like I do my husband. 

     The best way I can achieve that goal is to spend more time in the Word than in other things. A lot of what I used to do just muddled my mind, numbing it to things of the Spirit- which led to being even lazier at reading the Word. For many years I just didn't have a desire to read the Word so I asked the Lord to give me one. One day I decided to read in between commercials and when going to the washroom. The more I read, the more I understood and the more I wanted to read.  Now I read Scripture more than those mind numbing things. It sure helps me keep focus on Him instead of on me.

     Lately a friend is struggling in her life. I told her how Jesus made life easier to bear, and of the peace and love He has to give us which helps in those trying times. When she commented that she thinks of God all the time and what more could she do, I said, 'If you had a spouse who said they loved you but ignored you, never spent time with you or got to know you better by communicating, would it be good enough that they just thought of you all the time?' Of course she said no. 

   The single best way of getting to know Jehovah God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is through the Word of God which He gave to man. That should be our craving. He should be our greatest desire. Standing before the throne of God at the end of this age, will you be glad you spent all that time watching tv, playing games and doing your own thing, or will you wish you got the know the Judge sitting in front of you better? 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness... Mt. 6:33

What do you crave?

Slavery

     We just finished watching a movie on black slavery in the US and I ponder once again why more white people didn’t stand up against slavery (or for black equality) as well as why the slaves didn’t rise up, overpower and kill their owners.

     Then I think: why don’t Christians today stand up for what is wrong in society? They are taking away our rights one at a time and we remain silent, allowing it to happen. No prayer in schools, no nativity scenes on government property, no Bibles given in schools, no crosses on jewelry worn by government workers in Quebec. Abortion has a decreasing amount of people being vocal about it. Open sinful behavior of politicians is not rebuked or even seen as sin…

Why don’t we stand up for what is right? Are we that fearful?

     As for why the slaves didn’t rise up, I suppose they were afraid for their lives especially since they had no guns like the owners. Of course it didn’t help that they had no education and were kept down physically, overworked and treated as less than dogs. Maybe after years of horrible treatment, they even believed some of the dung thrown at them. Running often meant severe beatings, loss of limbs, and sometimes death to scare the others into submission.

     How many Christians today are still living in the devil’s kingdom never being free, not really believing they can escape the bondage of the world and live free? “..Whoever practices sin is the slave of sin.” (Jh. 8:34) The devil and the world tears them down until they believe the lies. Lack of education, being beaten down (feeling powerless), leaves them believing the lies of the devil/ world (Jh. 8:44). Why are so many living this way? Why do we not fight back and take what Jesus made available to us--- abundant life.

The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Jh. 10:10

     Are you living in abundant life? Really? Abundant life doesn’t mean all goes well, you have enough money you don’t need to worry, and your health is good. Actually, my live goes wrong more often than right, we always need to live frugally, and my health is problematic. Yet I live with joy, peace and feel satisfied most every day of my life. How is that possible? God.

     God is the giver of good in our lives and He is so good to me. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father…” (Jm. 1:17) My life is great in all the areas that count- with Him. I am never alone. I feel fully satisfied. It all started when I became desperate, finally gave up control of my life to him and pressed in closer to Him- and I was already a Christian! His plans for me have become my desires, and His dreams for me are beyond anything I could imagine. Every day is new and exciting.

     The good news is I am not more special than any other Christian. What God does for me, He can do for you. Are you willing to give up control and press in? Get to know God- He wants to be known by you…

Go to the source for knowledge of God: the Bible, the prayer room.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… of God (v.1) 

Hs. 4:6

And Jehovah would speak to Moses … as a man speaks to his friend... 

Ex. 33:11

My Aversion to Certain Phone Calls

     I enjoy calling friends, family, really anyone and have conversations on a variety of topics. In fact, I have been know to spend 2 or 3 hours conversing with a friend I haven't spoken to in a long time. (Headsets allow for work at the same time!) We start with one topic, run through dozens more and occasionally end with the starting topic again. Conversations can be fun, deep, sad, crazy, confusing, and full of nonessential but interesting information, but I still enjoy them.

     It is the other kind of calls, like to businesses, tech support, stores, utilities, municipal offices, hotels, reservations, in other words what I like to call- official calls. I dislike them so much I often procrastinate for days. Anything might take precedence: cleaning, dishes, laundry, texting, studies, fixing items, even de-callousing' my feet. Today I made one of those calls only three days later than I should have. It was to Amazon.

     I've used their services before and never had a problem. This time they sent one incorrect item. I ordered three hdmi cables: one regular and two mini to regular. When they came in, one of the minis was regular so it needed to be returned. In reality though, I made a mistake with both minis because they needed to be micros. (oops, didn't know there was a difference.) So I choose to call and speak to a live person to see what could be done in light of my mistake. Service rep. Brian was pleasant, personable, helpful, patient, knew exactly what to do, and how to explain it all to me so I understood what to do. It all worked out quite well thanks to him.

     I got thinking later... Perhaps if we Christians shared our faith with others using the same model Brian used with me, maybe more unbelievers would listen, consider and believe or if not, at least walk away happy with the experience thinking, wow, that was a pleasant, personable, helpful, patient, knowledgeable person. Many unbelievers have an aversion to listening to us because we can sound judgmental, condescending, arrogant and close minded. If it isn't in our words, it can be in our tone or body language. Often, they do not feel love from us, and that is a shame. 

After all, we are commanded to love:

and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." This is the first commandment. 

And the second is like this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Mr. 12:30,31

Let all that you do be done in love.

1Cr. 16:14 ESV

I Feel Such a Peace Today

     It was earlier this morning and I had my list of things to do. There were a jillion things that I had to get done. So, I prioritized, and worried a bit about what I could actually achieve as opposed to what I wished I could achieve. I wished I had more energy to accomplish more, that there was less to do in the house, that I could do more for hubby who has been really great since I got hurt, that I could do more to help more people, pray more, clear up more jobs around the house…

     You understand, especially if you’re a woman. The mind hardly ever stops. There are always things to do. But I decided to put all that aside this morning and talk with God. Cleaned up an area just a bit so I’d have room to worship ‘Vicky’ style- one song and the Lord reminded me to pay an important bill. That done, I sat down with Him and whoosh (no, not peace) conviction hit me like a tidal wave. I was so busy prioritizing my plans, my tasks, my life…

     I deeply felt the shame of my sin; the years of waste, hours on games, puzzles, tv, all the while justifying it by excuses. So after repenting of my sin I asked what He wanted my priorities to be. In my spirit I heard, “People are your priority; always people.” And He gave me three specific names: one He told me to do something for (weeks ago), one who I helped a few months ago but haven’t spent any time with lately, and another He told me about a few days ago, all of whom I have neglected because of my list of priorities. “I’ll get those things done after…”

     His presence was strong and I felt His love pouring into me, not for me, but for me to show others. There were names of people flowing through my mind, ‘His priority’ that I need to show more love to. Add a tiny chastisement about dealing with family. There I stayed until He told me to go make that phone call about which I’d been procrastinating. Really? What a way to spoil the moment! lol When I was done the call I thought, hmmm, by allowing Him to direct me I was getting more done in a shorter time. Interesting.

     Failed to be directed by the Lord’s agenda a few times since then because other issues cropped up… but I’m trying to do better- catching myself sooner. Lord, please continue to have patience with me… Thank You, for this peace that really does pass all understanding. (Php. 4:7)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jh. 14:27

     As a footnote- I have been very impatient (for months now) with my Mom who is not remembering well at all, is getting confused and a little paranoid. It usually takes less than 15 minutes before frustration comes out in my tone. I was over there for about 3 hours in the evening and did not feel frustration at all. In fact, she told stories, we laughed, and I actually enjoyed the conversation with a new heart of love for her. This is a miracle to me. Wow, God! You are awesome!!!

Quotes from Leonard Ravenhill

     I just 'discovered' this preacher of old who was born near the turn of the twentieth century and died in the nineties. Besides thinking similar in many ways, I really enjoyed some of his thought provoking quotes- so I thought I'd share some of them.

Take some time to ponder each one.

Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy.

The Church used to be a lifeboat rescuing the perishing. Now she is a cruise ship recruiting the promising.

A man who is intimate with God will never be intimidated by men.

How can you have a dead service with a living Christ?

Today’s church wants to be raptured from responsibility.

Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?

If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified.

Our condemnation is that we know how to live better than we are living.



www.leonard-ravenhill.com

Pressing In

     His name is Garrick, a second year university student, and he lives in my county. He competes as a pro in the triathlon: the Olympic distance, which entails a 1,500 meter swim, 40 kilometer bike ride and 10 km run. When I imagine any one of those things, it seems daunting, but all three seem overwhelming. His training schedule is strict. Every week he hits the pool six to seven times, cycles 10 hours and runs 60 kilometers. Now that is a lot of time, effort and discipline! How many of us have that?

       In speaking about the racing and his competitors, he said, “They are not there to just finish, like in the age group races. You know you are racing someone who is also willing to bleed for the win.” Well, if I’m being honest, I’m not willing to ‘bleed’ just to win a medal or train hard enough to get big money or become famous. But I want to be willing to ‘bleed’ for my Lord. After all, He bled for me.

     How many of us have such discipline in our race on this earth? “…let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…” (Hb. 12:1,2) First off, are we willing to set everything aside to run the race? Or are we hanging on to the things of the world which weigh us down. Perhaps we’re still holding on tight to everything BUT God.

Do you not know that those running in a race all run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. And everyone who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. So then I run, not as if I were uncertain. And so I fight, not as one who beats the air. But I buffet my body, and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be rejected. 1Cr. 9:25-27

     A lot of time, effort and discipline. Are we ready to give it all up and discipline ourselves to the effort and time needed to truly follow Christ and do what He has called us to do? Do we want it bad enough? Are we willing to exert such effort that it causes bleeding?

     Instead, we’re too busy with OUR tasks to take time to care for God’s. Our effort is all spent making money, raising families and having fun until we’re too exhausted to follow hard after Christ. For most of us, discipline isn’t even considered an option. Why is that? And we certainly don’t take the time, effort and discipline to press in to intimacy with God.

Notice the expressions

How else will we ever ‘feel God’s heartbeat' if we never press in?

How else will we finish the course if we don’t push through and press in?

How else will we win the prize?

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that Day; and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing. 2Tm. 4:7,8

I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus. Php. 3:14 NIV

Arrogance… not me… somebody else…

     When I think of arrogance, I don’t generally think of myself. It’s not that I don’t have issues with pride occasionally, but not too often in my own opinion. Of course, pride in oneself is considered a positive attribute these days. It’s just another case of good and bad being redefined by today’s morals. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness…” (Is. 5:20) In actuality, the two words used to be synonymous.

Pride: (Webster’s 1828) 1. Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others. 2. Insolence; rude treatment of others; insolent exultation.

2015: a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people. a feeling that you are more important or better than other people. a feeling of happiness that you get when you or someone you know does something good, difficult, etc.

     Out of all the different Bible words for pride (7 Hebrew, 3 Greek- not counting ‘proud’ or arrogance) not one verse I read used pride as a positive attribute. “The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; I hate pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the wicked mouth.” (Pr. 8:13) “Everyone proud in heart is hateful to Jehovah; though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” (Pr. 16:5) In fact, pride is listed in two lists of the ungodly: Rm. 1:30 and 2Tm. 3:2. So pride is not good in God’s eyes.

     At heart, all of us have arrogant/ proud hearts exalting themselves above God. This is my reasoning. We all want to be God. “What? No! Not me!” Do we not all want to direct our lives the way WE want, fulfill our OWN dreams or have God fulfill them, have all our prayers answered the way WE want them answered- especially in OUR timing? Do we not act sullen or get upset with God when we don’t get what we want? Do we not want to dictate what is good or bad for us to do or think? The world says we should believe this last bit!

     It is the same lie the Devil told Adam and Eve- ‘Come on, eat the fruit- determine your own way…’ We will be like God determining what is good and evil in our own lives… This tv show is my guilty pleasure. I’m buying this. I’m just going to speed enough the cops won’t stop me. Downloading is okay because artists already make too much money. I’ll wear what makes me feel good. Etc.

Are we children of God, or not?

     Maybe instead of asking what would Jesus do, we should ask ourselves “If Jesus was physically, in the flesh beside me, would I feel okay: watching this, buying that, being here, doing this, saying that…” He’s right here. Would I watch that tv couple making out? Would I be looking at those half naked photos? Would I be bad mouthing the pastor? Or would I be embarrassed at my words and actions?

But we continue on determining what is right and wrong for us often ignoring the Book that tells us what is right and wrong. Instead we think with fist raised- who are You God to determine my steps?

Ah, what arrogance…

(context- end times when the Lord is physically ruling the earth)

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the pride of men shall be bowed down, and Jehovah alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of Jehovah of Hosts shall be on every proud and lofty one, and on every lifted up one;

and he shall be brought low,

Is. 2:11,12

P.S. We should also reconsider ‘provoking God’ for His presence, ordering Him to let His anointing flow, telling Him we will move to the next level by our praise, insisting He must heal so and so, insist He give us wealth because we tithe. One doesn’t order a parent around. Who is the Father? Who is the child?

God have mercy on our souls.

Another Day, Another Try

     Here I am to try and be committed to this blog again. (The thought has crossed my mind that maybe it is time to give up considering...) We went on vacation on the ninth assuming that when the website said there was wifi we wouldn’t have such harsh restrictions, but two of our family needed to work from the cottage so the rest of us needed to restrict our access. It was a bit disappointing considering how much my Mom paid for the place.

     Then, on the last evening there, I decided to leave the place with a bang, literally- me into a wooden dock. (Not explaining that one!) Yes, it was my own fault, but bruised/ fractured ribs later, it has been a week for the pain to settle down enough to think straight. Did you know doctors don’t do anything for that? My memories of the accident are few, but the worst one is hearing my Mom being so afraid for me. I am grateful to have a Mom who loves me and mostly regret frightening her.

     After this week I have a new answer for people that want to see or have proof miracles exist/ happen. I would tell them, “I’m looking at one.” Yes, every person is a miracle from God. From the act of conception, through the rapid growth over 20 years, to the reforming of skin, bones, muscles, etc. after trauma, and the ability to heal, our human bodies continually perform the miracle of sustaining life. Why do my lungs know to breathe, my heart know to beat, my stomach know how to break down food, etc.? We can say it is science, but the probability of all this science being formed exactly right and functioning exactly right is a miracle.

     We have approx. 37.2 trillion cells.* Each cell has approx. 100 trillion atoms.* Multiply the two together and we get an enormous number of atoms* in our bodies that must perform their tasks properly just to ensure our survival. (FYI- there are at least 800 billion more cells in your body than there are galaxies in the known universe.) There are also more prokaryotes (bacteria) growing on our body and in the digestive system than we have cells in our body. That part kind of grosses me out!

I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are marvelous and my soul knows it very well. Ps. 139:14

(the Son) And, "You, Lord, have laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. Hb. 1:10

For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. Hb. 3:4

     Now, I’m no mathematician (though I wish I had a friend who was) but that number of atoms, cells and bacteria doing what they are supposed to do is a miracle. We are living miracles for it was God who breathed life into man and it is Jesus who sustains this universe and all in it. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (Jh. 14:6) Without Him there is no life.

The Spirit of God made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Jb. 33:4

And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Gn. 2:7

(the Son) For all things were created in Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, … all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist*. Col. 1:16,17

*G4921- sunist…- set, bring together, establish, put together

(the Son) who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding* all things by the word of His power,… Hb. 1:3

*G5342- phero- bear up, preserve, bring forth

yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1Cr. 8:6 ESV

Thank You Lord God for continuing to heal my ribs. Thank You very much for the miracle of life You have given all of us. It is beyond my comprehension!

*an estimate made by engineers at Washington University:

There are 100 trillion atoms in each cell. 

(This makes 3.72 octillion atoms in the average body. short scale or N. American)

*www.smithsonianmag.com:

How did these researchers come up with 37.2 trillion? They actually broke down the number of cells by organs and cell types, going through the literature available to come up with a detailed list of volumes and densities in everything from intestines to knees. So, for example, there are 50 billion fat cells in the average body, and 2 billion heart muscle cells. Adding all those up, they got 37.2 million.

This is one cell: