3/1/2010

(printable version)

Central

It's already March! I'm thinking of flying a kite, but that would be difficult with eight to 12 inches of snow covering most of the ground. I've been looking over some of my favorite fishing locations but all I can see is ice (save for the creeks and rivers). But that hasn't stopped me from preparing. I've a new bag that will carry a folding chair, small folding table, at least five rods and some other necessary items. Another bag will soon be filled with plastic boxes of lures, hooks, weights, floats, and much of the other items that make a day on the shore enjoyable. I've collected some nice forked sticks and whittled them to a point, for inserting into the earth to hold a rod as I sit, wait and enjoy. 

Sometime soon, local lakes will be hot spots for friends and families to gather, casting and reeling, enjoying each other's company and hoping for a big catch. Some of us will release the game fish for another fight, others will be filling freezers with delicious fresh caught pan fish and some of us will enjoy time spent along the water's edge, contemplating the majesty of God's creation, watching minks, birds and even insects doing what they were created to do. I'm one of the 'all of the above' types. I usually release most of my catch, but I'll keep a portion of my catch, to enjoy and gain nourishment from. 

God has ordained mankind to have dominion over the earth and all it's creatures. This doesn't give us permission to mistreat or harm His creation, but he has given sanction for us to care for it, while enjoying it's bounty. We don't get it without price. Adam's sin brought toil, sweat and some misery, but God's grace and mercy allows that we're blessed with His bountiful and grand creation. With the dawning of Springtime near, my mind races with images of fresh vegetables, blossoms, mushrooms, herbs and the sounds of birds, squirrels and the roar of wind and whisper of a gentle breeze. All these thing remind me of their creator; and that He created me. My thoughts are turned to the fact that I am created in His image, and He has given me His spirit. Spring reminds me of new birth, baptism and the promise of Heaven for those of us who've accepted His gift of ultimate new birth in Jesus. It's wondrous; the image of a kite, fishing rod or spring wildflower can bring to mind; when God is central to one's heart!

Randy S is to have open-heart surgery for an arterial graft today. Please pray for Randy. Gary H is awaiting test results after spots were found on his liver. He is a cancer survivor. Pray for Rob P, who underwent surgery to resection and repair part of his bowel. He is recovering but yesterday was in a lot of pain, due to not getting his pain meds for a few hours. Jim B had a defibrillator implanted and was home recovering. He said the worst of this is lying still and waiting for the incision in his leg to heal. Pray for Mary (and Larry) C's grandnephew, born February 21 and has been placed on a heart monitor. Pray for his healing, his family and doctors. Jane C is recovering from back surgery and except for a small leak of spinal fluid she is doing well. 

Father, everything in creation reminds me of Your majesty and grandeur. When I hear the wind, the song of birds, buzz of a bee and see the colors of a rainbow in the sky, fur, skin or feathers of Your creatures, I see, feel, taste and experience You; if I've allowed You to be in the center of my heart and spirit. I confess I'm often self-centered and leave You outside of my heart. I want to honor and worship You more. Honoring You above all others, I pray Your kingdom to come, Your will to be done in earth as in heaven. I ask for what I need for the day, lead me to another direction when about to face temptation. Keep me safe from the evil one. Forgive my sins as I also forgive other sinners. I lift these loved ones, cares and concerns: Randy S, Gary H, Rob P, Jim B, Mary (& Larry) C's Nephew, Jane C, Emily W, Jim V, Teresa, John B, Nikki L, Team of Kairos #10, Barbara, Nikki L, Anna, Jim V, John B, Vickie E, Ken S, Ladies of walk 58, Mr. & Mrs. Dewitt, Brandelyn N, Claudia T, Chrissie, Tim H -sons & families, Bill C, Jim B, Mike S' sister Tammy, Larry M, Tom G, Cindy S' grandfather Gerald, Johnnie W's s son David (surgery), John C, Jonah Joser, Michelle C, Ashlie B, Pat D, Roger D, Chris F, Maggie M, Victoria, Jen, Takin' The Streets Penny ministry, Katy H - Grace - other parents & orphans, Gayla K, Doug & Joanne F, Bill H, Katie V, Trina, Rick B, Joe D, Scott K, Eric K, Megan D, Karen M, Jess P, Catie M, Tom McL, Bill C, Shawn - Heidi & kids, Jason (in Texas), Becky M, Hunter H, Mable C, John D, Linda Z, John W, Tom C, Diane (Texas), Dave W, Denise, Sherry, Curt H, Roy & Becky M & their families, , Genie D, Barb W, Julie S & her family, Nancy F, Naomi's Heart Mission, Patty B, Larry M, Tami - husband & family, Jan F, Jason & Kristie, Walter M, Evan W, Dave H, Lori D, Rick F, Sally W, Stacey S, Barron S, Jerry F, Brenda W, Diane F, Mary A, Susan & family, Suveld & family, Alexia, and Vladimer, Terri & Doug R, Eldon & Deloris R, Sondra F, Stacey F, Kevin, Scott K, Koster family, Betsye A, Judy R, Mike, Solly (for liver), Ronda & John P, Archie S, Roger D, M Roker, Michael V, Charlie M, Gerry, Patrice S, India U, Sharon N, Nathan R, John D, Dean S, Amber & family, Maria - her grandmother and son, Carol B, Lisa H, Aprilla, Jack, Tom & Marg, Tom C, Dustin, Glen, Barry, Dylan, Robin & husband, all trying to end addiction or habit, our families for salvation and guidance, those grieving, depressed, fighting / working for freedom and safety from terror, neglected / abused / missing children, God's servants and churches, those looking for work, in rehab programs, our families and all we hold dear in our hearts. I worship and pray with confidence and trust, for Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever....  Amen. 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.  Genesis 1:27-31  KJV



Steve  ___________________



© Steven Green 2010


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