I just want to say I love the chapter on Mary...because happily she reminds me, nudges me in a new way every time I read this chapter! With the Madonna picture so often pictured in my head, it's nice to stretch the frame a bit. :)Luke 2:19 says in the Message ver., "Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself." and in the NIV, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
I had to ask myself just what I have been treasuring, what "things" am I holding deep within. Y'all hear me say it all the time, but again I thought of my words, that overflow of my heart's storage place. A good place to sit and regularly ponder for a while.
In the first part of Luke 1:34, “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel,..."
My first thought was that she asked how...like she wanted to be able to recognize this happening! Not 'why', or 'when', but How.
Mark 3:34-35...
Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, “Right here, right in front of you—my mother and my brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” (The Message)
Luke 11:28...He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
In our culture we seem to need titles, labels on people. Everyone has to agree or they 'unfriend' you, or don't do something with others because we're different. First, I think that's just funny because we're a melting pot of a country and a world, so 'hello?" But, really Jesus says our connection to each other is HIM...thru Him, making ourselves available and seeking to be obedient in the moment.
It brought to mind our knitting group this past Monday. What a blessed time it was for us! (well, me anyway ;) At the end of our time, there were 4 of us left talking...Jesus stuff, the rhythm of our lives with Him and all....it was sweet, life-giving conversation, a gift. As I looked around (maybe because of this chapter I was reading at the time) I was struck by Who brought us there. Because we span about 5 decades, it has been wonderful to share our different seasons and encourage one another. I am blessed with many people that God pours into my life...no matter the age, or the season He keeps pouring! Just praying that I remember to ponder and receive.
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Prayers & Purls,
~jeanie
