Caring for Those God Cares About

'Look after...widows...' James 1:27 NIV

Miriam Neff says: 'With [my husband] Bob's exit to Heaven... life changed: my calendar, my chequebook... what's in my fridge... the look in my children's eyes when they step through the door on holidays. My living space is more cluttered. I seldom use make-up... there are other changes so personal they can't be shared. 

Loneliness and solitude are not descriptive enough... Widows experience so many firsts, we stop counting... As a widow I've learned that we all change. And much of the change is good. We become faith-filled because we can't face the day any other way. We become strong because we've no choice. We're compassionate because our heart has been broken.'

As one pastor says, 'Widows move from the front row of the church to the back, and then out the door. They go from serving and singing in the choir, to solitude and silent sobbing.' God cares so much about widows He mentions them over one hundred times in Scripture. He's a 'defender of widows' (Psalms 68:5 NIV). He 'watches over...and sustains [them]' (Psalms 146:9 NIV). James says, 'Religion that God...accepts as pure and faultless is...to look after...widows.'

Miriam Neff adds: 'No one can comfort a widow like another widow...when we see another woman enter this experience... we want to comfort her... While the need for financial support and help... is common, the need for connection is more pressing... we need believing friends near us.'

SoulFood: 2 Cor 1-4, Luke 1:67-80, Psa 139:13-24, Pro 15:31-33

Written by Bob & Debby Gass | Friday, 21 June 2013

Steps, made by man....

Pailon del Diablo, Ecuador is a fairly large waterfall (located on the Pastaza River) just 30 minutes away from the town of Baños in Ecuador. It is considered to be one of the most popular attractions in the area. The name of the waterfall in Spanish (Paílón del Diablo) means in English ”Cauldron of the Devil”.


Forest Steps, Wurzburg, Germany


Chand Baori fountain in India. These steps lead to a huge fountain built in the tenth century to collect rain in the region and accumulate them in temporary lakes. The structure has a total of 3,500 steps and down to a depth of 30 meters.


Elbsandsteingebirge stairs in Schsische Schweiz, Germany. Some steps are cut directly into the rock of these mountains. Dating from the thirteenth century and were eroded by wind and water, but it remained being used daily by tourists. 487 steps, which have been restored in the eighteenth century to facilitate transit.


Crack of Guatape in Antioquia, Colombia. Corner stone is a genuine monolith with a height of 220 meters. Cement stairs were built directly on the rock, filling the crack where the sides support the structure. To reach the top, you must climb the 702 steps.


Haiku scale in Oahu, Hawaii. This extraordinary scale spanning 3922 steps, climbing and descending a hill of 850 meters. It was created to facilitate the installation of antennas in 1942. Largely made of wood, was modernized in 1950 with metal, but closed to the public since 1987.



The Inca road in Peru. An ancient trade route that connects Cuzco to Machu Picchu town. There are miles and miles of stairs in some very unsafe places, such as for example the famous floating stage.


Wayna Pichu at Machu Pichu, Peru. Some steps cut into the rock which crown an ascent of 360 feet above the main city of Machu Pichu. In some sectors, the ascent is complicated, passing through narrow portions with small eroded steps. They allow only 400 tourists to climb daily, and shuts down access at 1 p.m.


Cross Road ladder in Bermeo, Basque Country, Spain. This network connects with endless steps where Rocky is a mall church dating from the tenth century, it seems to be of Templar origin. To reach the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatze must climb 231 steps and there are gaps between steps are identified to be the footprints of St. John, which are assigned certain curative powers. For example, sit on them for healing, or touch the hat to cure headaches.


Scale worm Taihang Mountains on the border between Shanxi and Henan provinces in China. This scale worm of approximately 100 meters was recently installed with the intention of attracting thousands of tourists to the beautiful Taihang mountains. Before climbing visitors are asked to sign a form assuring that are no heart or lung problems.

OLD & WISE

Karma Argument #01

Concept is correct 

just the author of the Law "Ancient India"  incorrect 

Galatians 6:7-8

New International Version (NIV)

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Horoscopes - 1/2 Truths

Error always rides on the back of Truth otherwise

you wouldn't believe it!

Natural "Yea Right"

Romans 1:22

English Standard Version (ESV)

22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools.

When good happens

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
(2 Peter 1:3, NIV)

When something good happens, do you recognize that it’s God at work? Right away, that’s when you need to thank Him for it. Make sure you give Him the credit.

Some people don’t think that God is doing anything in their lives. But I’m convinced that God is constantly showing us His goodness. My question is: Are you recognizing it? Are you thanking Him for His goodness?

This week, look around. Be more aware of His goodness. Scripture says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.” If you’re going to taste God’s goodness, you have to realize that every good break, every time you were protected, every door that opened, every advantage that you’ve had is God working in your life. Don’t take it for granted. Recognize Him and thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life!


A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, today I am on the lookout for Your goodness. I honor and thank You for Your love. I praise You because You are faithful and glorify You in everything I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Don't Tips

Don’t Tug on Superman’s Cape, 

Don’t Spit Into the Wind, and 

Don’t Neglect your parents, 

Don't ignore God.

Doing so is at your own peril.

Shopping Trap

Steps to AVOID COSTLY TRAPS

* Stock up on all the basics once a month.
* Use unit pricing, as sometimes the biggest packet isn't the cheapest option.
* Go online to check specials at your local supermarkets and plan your meals accordingly.
* Avoid doing small top-up shops when you can, as they will result in more unplanned purchases.
* Buy locally whenever you just need staples, such as bread and milk, to avoid temptation.