Love

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> "Love is patient. Love is kind. It hopes and perseveres. Nowhere on that list does it say love is perfect. Love can also annoy, run late and speak unkindly. But despite all this, it never fails…..We didn't fix all the difficulties in our relationship ..but that's ok. I've learned that what makes a relationship stronger isn't analyzing all your differences or even working through them. It's simply about showing up." (about a daughter and her father). The disciples had difficulties in their relationship with Jesus and with one another. Despite their problems they "showed up". Holy Spirit shows up for us despite our strained relationship with God. We can "show up" for one another in this crazy world.

Christmas 2017

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> We can never say of the birth of a baby, "Just another baby……" Every baby born into this world is a potential savior. The wise men and others who looked upon the baby Jesus had a strong sense of something special in this small baby. His parents were not casual and ho-um as they gazed upon their baby. We celebrate the birth of Jesus because God is saying to us He is going to do great things in the life of this baby. Through the birth of the Christ child we are called to look upon the birth of every baby as God's witness to us that there is hope for the reconciling of our broken and hurting relationships. There is hope for finding the cure of disease in the baby who becomes a physician. The is hope that this baby will grow up to be a quiet presence among people and whose influence stirs in others the motivation to be and behave better. And in the birth of Christ God says, "..behold, I am making all things new.."
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The Earth is the Lord’s

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.  We are accountable for our use of the land on top and below the surface, and all that is in our vision. We are stewards, caretakers, not willful owners. We must approach all we do with a sense of awe and respect. We inhabit our bodies for a while then we move on according to Creation's purpose. 

Love

Subject: thought

WE KNOW HOW MUCH GOD LOVES US, AND WE HAVE PUT OUR TRUST IN HIS LOVE. GOD IS LOVE, AND ALL WHO LIVE IN LOVE LIVE IN GOD AND GOD IN THEM.  -I John 4:16 NLT 

We see evidence of this in human behavior in response to need of others everyday. It happens in small and unseen ways and in large outpouring of aid.

Isaac Watts

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> "O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home!" (Psalm 90-Isaac Watts, 1674-1748) It is a deeply moving experience to hear the congregation sing this great hymn of the church. Come what may, "Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90:1,2) This scripture is the basis of Isaac Watts hymn. These thoughts "put the right foot forward" for beginning this day, as the winds of Irma howl.
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Journey/Faith

I can offer a commentary each morning on the state of the world and what is wrong with politics, morality, etc….but when all is said nothing changes and maybe I have revealed my ignorance. What I can do that is in keeping with my sense of call in life is speak words of encouragement, hope, love, forgiveness……None of this stops the wrong of life but it offers hope and inner light for making our way through the off beat experiences in which we find ourselves. As I share the word I feel moved to speak maybe you will overhear something that is helpful to you…..after all, my words are more confessional than didactic. —— I am on a journey that no-one  can walk but me and I walk in faith. In faith I experience unseen Presence == I pray for you in your journey!!!

Security Blankets

The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:5  Sooner or later this is all we have and all we need. Our various "security blankets" will offer some comfort but eventually become useless and we are left exposed and helpless. Our only incorruptible asset is the love of God gifted to us in our hearts to stabilize us through the chaos.

Seek Peace

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> "…seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you to will prosper…." (Jeremiah 29:7) Being in exile can happen in many ways. We feel disconnected, on the outside, lonely, nobody understands us. This is life in the world. We have a choice. Either become disillusioned and negative or do what God told the Jewish people in exile. Accept where you are and what is while devoting yourself to the well-being of everyone. What ever is true, good, kind, loving, forgiving, decent…….work at this. Result? A better environment, respect, encouragement in richness of life…….
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Beyond me

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> It doesn't make sense. Why tragedy? Why violence? Why hatred? Why not good, kindness, love instead? I don't know…all this is beyond me. Until I know more I choose love, compassion, forgiveness, hope. This is where healing happens.
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Providence of God

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> I am reminded this morning in my devotional readings that our real security is not in the funds we have put away for future needs. Instead the Providence of God is our only sure hope and well-being. Thanks be to God.
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> Blessings and love to you…..
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Purpose

I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. (Isaiah 44:2)

God doesn't play dice. (Albert Einstein)

In the midst of all that is happening in your life you are not here by accident and your life is not without purpose. And that purpose is for good and love. 

Shepherd

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> "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT……" When all else has been said and done yet the need persist, I simply wait until the Shepherd finds me…..
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Good doesn't play dice

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I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. (Isaiah 44:2)

God doesn't play dice. (Albert Einstein)

In the midst of all that is happening in your life you are not here by accident and your life is not without purpose. And that purpose is for good and love. 

Fwd: thought

Drew W Edwards 

Chief Executive Officer 

Ingo Money, Inc. 

404.906.0292 

Sent from my Smartphone please forgive spelling errors

-------- Original message --------

From: Bill Edwards <revwge@me.com>

Date: 7/13/17 5:10 AM (GMT-08:00)

To: Renee Nicole Edwards Fisher <rne7@me.com>, David & Jody Edwards <lancemtn@gmail.com>, Drew Edwards <drewedwards@me.com>, Josh Whitener <josh_whitener@hotmail.com>, Anna Shelton <ashelt18@gmail.com>, Meaghan Adair <Meaghanallyce@gmail.com>, Stacey Adair Edwards <staceykteacher@me.com>, Allison M Turney <allison.s.turney@gmail.com>, David James Edwards <davedwh2@gmail.com>, David Shelton <wdsdes@me.com>, Justin Turney Turney <justin.turney@gmail.com>, Ryan Edwards <ryane26vt@gmail.com>, Rhett Edwards Edwards <rhettedwards@u.boisestate.edu>, Drew Edwards <drew@ingomoney.com>, Eric Fisher <drummer6929@yahoo.com>

Subject: thought

I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. (Isaiah 44:2)

God doesn't play dice. (Albert Einstein)

In the midst of all that is happening in your life you are not here by accident and your life is not without purpose. And that purpose is for good and love. 

dad/papa

Our system... beware

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> Beware of those who speak disparagingly of the institutions of our country. None of these entities are perfect due to the imperfections of humans managing them; however they are still the vessels of our democracy and reminders of our principles. When the people are conditioned to distrust and denigrate our courts, banks, schools, churches, etc the stage is being set for unhealthy and dictatorial persons whose agenda is not for the wellbeing of everyone, except themselves.
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> Some time in the past these thoughts came in response to events at that time. As I read them this morning they continue to express deep meaning for me. I pass them on……
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Luke 6:48

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> WORK THE WORDS INTO YOUR LIFE. Luke 6:48-49 (MSG) Ask how can this word of scripture be worked into my living, thinking, being today?
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Never Quit

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> "WHETHER YOU SUCCEED OR FAIL, YOU JUST KEEP GOING." (Cheryl Seavey Murphy, Emory Healthcare) This is important in the practice of medicine. It is important in all living. Creator keeps going whether what is created succeeds or fails. The idea of human redemption is centered in succeed or fail, you keep going. A wise parent teaches this to his/her children by practicing it in living wth your children.
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Compassion for the Poor

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> Matthew 25:34-40 lays out for us the mind and heart of Jesus the Christ regarding the poor and troubled in this world. How we do it is open ended and subject to debate but our responsibility to care and compassion is indisputable. I remember the time mother baked a cake and had me take it to the elderly couple living in a vacant store next door to the grocery store where I worked. It was a small act but carried the power of the "widows mite" Jesus pointed out to his disciples. It does not matter what our politics may be, a civilized and moral society has responsibility to the "hungry and homeless" among us. Jesus pointed out that we will always have poor among us. Therefore with a sense of compassion, wisdom and good sense we engage in doing what we can individually and collectively. We do not "pass the buck" personally or politicly. So much for what I thinks.
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Gratitude

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> "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to express our gratitude. With this gratitude, let's serve in a way that is pleasing to God with respect and awe…" (Hebrews 12:28) — Seems to me this is a good attitude check for the journey of life today.
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The Lord is Here

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> "…SURELY THE LORD IS IN THIS PLACE—AND I DID NOT KNOW IT!…HOW AWESOME IS THIS PLACE!" (Genesis 28: 16,17) Jacob was in a very difficult time. He was in transit and his future was not clear. He woke up to awareness that God, the Holy Presence was in this place. God is omnipresent. Be open, sensitive to Presence no matter where you are in the moment and that moment will be awesome.
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Angels can Fly

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> "Angels can fly because they take themselves so lightly." (G.K. Chesterton) - For someone inclined to take everything so seriously these words speak wisdom. Life in faith is not shallow but neither is it so burdensome..
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The Whole Story

Consider these words, ….we cannot judge things as being good or bad because we do not have access to all the information.  Sometimes a person may use these words as a copout for not answering a question but on a deeper level they speak truth. Why is life treating us so bad now? We don't really know because we do not have the whole story. Jesus endured insult and injury without striking back. Others around him thought he should hit back. He knew the whole story of God's plan and waited. The troubles of life are for a moment but Love and Righteousness are for ever. As Paul once said, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) BLESSINGS

Fwd: thought

         You were born with potential.

         You were born with goodness and trust.                 It has been my intent from my youth

         You were born with ideals and dreams.  to live by these truths. 

         You were born with greatness.  THIS I DESIRE FOR YOU.

         You were born with wings.

         You are not meant for crawling, so don't.

         You have wings.

         Learn to use them and fly.

           —Rumi

Fwd: thought

When we become impatient for what God is doing in our lives and try to make it happen prematurely, we end up suffering. I read these words in a sermon I preached on December 17, 1995. This morning I realize I have been dealing with this impatience issue all my life. Fortunately Holy Spirit stays with the Plan and things happen according to Eternal Time. In patience possess your soul and things will come about when the time is right.

Matthew 6:20

"but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:20) Retirement funds help but are easily exhausted. Being healthy in mind and body is wonderful, but illness can hit in the blink of an eye. It is clear to me at this time and place that the legacy we need passed from generation to generation is one that cannot be destroyed. Love, compassion, forgiveness, kindness, service to loved ones and others when they need a helping hand or word, and there are many more intangible legacies that will continue in our memories as we grow older and face the realities of mortality. — Thanks be to God for you.

Matthew 6:20

"but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:20) Retirement funds help but are easily exhausted. Being healthy in mind and body is wonderful, but illness can hit in the blink of an eye. It is clear to me at this time and place that the legacy we need passed from generation to generation is one that cannot be destroyed. Love, compassion, forgiveness, kindness, service to loved ones and others when they need a helping hand or word, and there are many more intangible legacies that will continue in our memories as we grow older and face the realities of mortality. — Thanks be to God for you.

Billy Graham

"THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE ISN'T HATE, IT'S SELFISHNESS." (Billy Graham)  -  Someone will be encouraged today by a small act of unselfishness by you or me.

Fwd: thought

TRUTH DOES NOT CHANGE, BUT THE PACKAGE IN WHICH IT IS DELIVERED CHANGES. TRUTH IS BEST DELIVERED IN THE PACKAGE OF A PERSON LIKE YOU.

Fwd: thought

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> "..we are partners with Christ …." (Hebrews 3:14 TEV) - I am never left alone to do the work of living. I am never left alone to just survive. My part is to do the best I can in full confidence that my Partner is working too.I may get discouraged but my Partner's influence in me renews my total being…….(you finish this…)
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the story

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> "Don't let the storm be the story.." (Bishop Lawson Bryant) The story is Jesus saves us in the midst of the storm, as he did the disciples on the stormy Sea of Galilee. The sins of life are not the story. The forgiveness of God is the story. The story of the Prodigal Son told by Jesus is not the story. The story is the forgiveness and open arms of the the father as he received the repentant son home again and celebrated his life and his return….keep on adding to this as you realize that the story is not your getting off course but the ways God has gotten you back on course………
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Inauguration Day Message

A sacred trust. The inauguration of a new President transcends politics, personalities, conflicts. In the United States of America we are participants in a sacred moment when national leadership passes from one person to another peacefully and respectfully. No matter what it is our duty under God to pray for our soon to be new President and our nation that God's will be done. All this happens in a state of imperfection and Grace.

Blessings and love

a new heart

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a new and right spirit within me." (Psalms 51:10)
I recommend this prayer. I speak it or think it frequently. My mind and attitude easily get infected by the intangible environmental values pollution in which we live. The enormous love of Christ hears our prayer and makes a new start in our minds and hearts.

God's Shoulders

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> When you feel the burdens of life on your shoulders, you will be immobilized.
> When you realize the burdens of life are on God's shoulders, you will be
> able to do your part.
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