I have been inspired by my husband’s late Uncle to begin this posting journey with regard to man’s purpose on earth. Bill Chandler was a Christian and desperate to share with others the love of God and His promises for a people who are willing to believe and obey. He, too, used this means at whenwillwelearn.wordpress.com.
About 15 years ago, I developed severe dry eye. One doctor’s appointment led to another and finally a specific blood test came back “Strongly Positive” for Sjogren’s.
Sjögren’s (pronounced “SHOW-grins”) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, causing severe dryness, especially in the eyes and mouth, but also fatigue, joint pain, and potential organ issues. — AI Overview
There is no cure for the disease but symptoms can be managed with treatments both prescribed and over the counter. Also, regular appointments with an eye doctor (who specifically cares for dry eye), a dentist, a primary provider, and a rheumatologist are essential for proactive care.
Proper diet and exercise will improve quality of life along with considering this a challenge rather than a curse. Valuable information may be found at http://www.sjogrens.org.
Turning our thoughts to the scriptures, I read about the Apostle Paul and how he had a “thorn in the flesh.” It is not clearly known what his affliction was but he asked God to remove it three times. God responded with, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. Whatever the struggle, physically or mentally or emotionally, God will provide strength and support to carry us through. God’s presence and power is majestically clear when His children are most weak and in need. If, they are willing to seek His mercy and His grace. Often, I ask God to wrap His loving arms around me and through His word, I find solace.
In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
The year 2025 has come and gone and today marks the beginning of 2026. I wish you health, prosperity, and Godspeed as you navigate the year. Just suppose we include God in all our plans? Most assuredly He will include us in His (Proverbs 3:6; 2 Tim 4:7-8).
In 2008, my son, Tyler, who was 21 at the time, became a paraplegic as a result of a motorcycle accident. He would then spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Over the years and with overwhelming support, he has earned a college degree, achieved success in his career, become a loving husband and father of two beautiful boys. Today, I asked Tyler if his oldest son, Ryder had ever inquired about the reason he is in a wheelchair. He said, “yes,” and he also told me of another conversation between the two of them:
One day, while driving down the road, Ryder asked his Daddy, “Will you be able to walk in heaven?” Tyler gave a resounding, “Yes!” Ryder replied, “I want to walk with you and hold your hand.”
Many thoughts come to mind from this conversation:
Just suppose a child is learning when you least expect it. Just suppose you were to always put God and His commands first? Just imagine an eternal home in heaven — walking and holding hands with loved ones on a “street made of pure gold like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
June 7, 1943 – April 28, 2021
Jesse Edward Swinden, Jr. was born Monday, June 7, 1943 in Fort Worth, Texas and passed away due to complications of COVID-19 in the Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital in Humble, Texas on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. He was 77 years old.
When Jesse was born, he was greeted with open arms by his mother and father, Norma Mae Fuller Swinden and Jesse Edward Swinden, Sr. and big sister, Barbara Jean. To cut down on confusion growing up, his parents gave him the nickname, “Ted.” His mother often called him, “Teddie.”
After earning his GED, Jesse enlisted in the United States Army. During his term of service, he was recognized as an “Expert (Rifle M-14)” and received a medal for “Good Conduct.” He reached the ranking of “Sergeant (T) E5” and was discharged on June 30, 1969.
Following his military service, Jesse was employed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Houston, Texas. He was instrumental in the Apollo 11 Mission Commentary by Neil Armstrong and received an award for his service to the nation as a member of the team which advanced the nation’s capabilities in aeronautics and space and demonstrated them in many outstanding accomplishments culminating in Apollo 11’s successful achievement of man’s first landing on the moon.
Jesse leaves behind his sister, Barbara, four sons, Richard, Steve, Mark, and Brett Swinden, two granddaughters, Samantha and Heather Swinden, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and greats-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse E. Swinden, Sr. and Norma Mae Fuller Swinden.
Just suppose Jesse could send a message today. It quite possibly would be similar to the wise words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:13, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Fourteen years ago in Magnolia, Arkansas, a pit bull was born. There is a good chance that she was supposed to be taught to fight and or used for breeding purposes. Regardless, when her human realized she was completely deaf, he or she no longer had any use for her. Fortunately, for this pit bull, she was dropped off at a house where the owners rescued her and named her “Sadie.” Sometime later I met Sadie and we immediately took a liking to one another. Her Daddy (and mine) referred to me as “Sister” when I would come a calling.
Sadie and I had a bond that is indescribable. I only saw her occasionally; but, her unconditional love and loyalty was apparent. Now, admittedly, maybe it was because I took her on long walks and allowed her to curl up next to me on the couch (which was a no no); but nonetheless, she loved me and I loved her right back. Sadie exemplified “man’s best friend.”
Sadly, her life came to an end last Tuesday afternoon. I was with her when she passed and this was the first time in all of my 60 years that I watched someone or some thing draw that last breath. This last breath came after she and I enjoyed a very good day together:
Since her passing, I have been thinking a lot about relationships and why it is hard for humans to have with one another what Sadie and I shared and most pet owners and their pets share.
Is it because God made us more intelligent than the animals? We know that He did because we are to have dominion over all the animals (Genesis 1:25-28) and to Adam He gave the responsibility of naming all the animals (Genesis 2:19-20).
Is it therefore because of our higher intelligence (which is God-given) that we learn (on our own) how to hurt one another with our words and our actions? And then, choose to be stubborn and hold grudges and refuse to forgive? God’s word addresses these weaknesses and how we can overcome and depend upon Him for strength and guidance to be more loyal and devoted to one another — as our favorite pet is to us.
I will miss Sadie. Her paw print is forever embossed upon my heart. May I always be reminded of her and in turn impress upon other humans an even deeper unconditional love and loyalty.
In 1998, T. Graham Brown wrote a song entitled, “Wine Into Water.” He wrote this song because of his true story struggles with an addiction to alcohol, hitting rock bottom, and hurting the people he loved; which, in turn, negatively affected his music career. “Wine Into Water” is the opposite of the miracle Jesus performed at the marriage in Cana where he turned the water into wine (John 2:1-11).
Alcohol is not a weakness everyone struggles with but everyone struggles with something. Just like alcoholism, the first step is admitting a problem exists. While there are so many avenues of help available for various addictions, involving God will enhance the recovery process because He is concerned with our wellbeing and no matter how minor or major in our eyes, He wants to help.
According to Merriam-Webster, addiction is defined as a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence.
Another source named four types of addiction: Alcoholism; gambling addiction; drug addiction; nicotine addiction; exercise addiction. EXERCISE? I thought that was a good thing! Not if it is in excess, consuming our thoughts and time. 1 Timothy 4:8, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
What about addictions such as food, hoarding, hobbies, sexual immorality? In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in the first century, he wrote, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
We must examine ourselves, consider if an addiction controls our life and hurts the ones we love as T. Graham Brown sang about. What is your wine? It could be wine or it could be something else. In any event, God will help turn the “wine” back into “water” if you ask Him.
References:
T Graham Brown – Wine into water – YouTube
When T. Graham Brown Asked God For Help In “Wine Into Water” (countrythangdaily.com)
Just suppose a dear loved one must go away for an extended time and you knew not when he would return but you knew he would return some day. Most likely you would feel enormous sadness by your temporary loss; but, eagerly await the day of his return, and hope it comes quickly.
That is how the apostles felt upon learning that Christ was going to leave them for awhile. Jesus was not only their Lord and Savior, but He was also their dearest friend. Here is how Jesus comforted them in John 14, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know” (14:1-3).
Paul told the Philippians that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (3:20); and, to the Christians in Thessalonica he told them they should not sorrow “as others who have no hope” for all those who believe that Jesus died and rose again shall meet Him in the air and forever be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Let’s allow Christ to be our dearest friend (John 15:14). There’s no need to fear His return; but rather, eagerly wait, hope He comes quickly, and between now and then, comfort one another with these words.
We all enjoy inspirational thoughts shared by insightful people. Some folks have a natural gift to impart such thoughts with little or no effort. Words just seem to roll off their tongue and wow us. I’m not one of those folks which is why it has been quite some time since my last post. Another reason for the delay is trying to wrap my head around current events and wondering when it will be better. I’ve caught myself saying, “When this is behind us…”
Just suppose the past several months of health issues and rioting and discord and political unrest is our forever future. Just suppose every day is better than the day that will follow. For those who have faith in God and His promises and leave everything in His hands, no problem; because, those folks find peace in every situation and refuse to fret and worry over things out of their control. But what about those who don’t know God? Or, those who know God but a better understanding would deepen their faith and trust? I invite you to join me in a discussion of scriptures.
I will post scriptures and ask questions about those scriptures. Please read the passage(s) and then in the comment section of the blog, answer the questions based on your findings in the scriptures. In other words, it’s an open book test! Even if your response is the same as someone else’s (and it should be since it’s an open book test), that’s ok – post it anyway! That means you agree and what the world needs now is more folks agreeing with one another especially if it is truth (which is another thing the world needs). So here we go on our new adventure.
Please read Mark 7:7-9, and 13 and I Timothy 4:1-4 and answer the following questions:
1. Are the commandments of men equal to the commandments of God?
2. Is tradition equal to the Word of God?
3. What happens when we follow commandments or traditions of men?
4. What are two examples of traditions of men found in 1 Timothy 4:3?
5. What happens when people give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils?
Oh this is so exciting! I can’t wait to read your answers.
In the New Testament is the book of James, written by James who was the ½ brother of Jesus. It wasn’t by accident that someone who not only grew up with the Savior but also learned from Him would be so capable of writing a letter to Christians of the 1st century that would be more than practical and applicable for Christians today. This short five-chapter book is rich with advice for all Christians to live godly in Christ Jesus. If ever there was a book to memorize and hide in our heart that we might not sin against God (Psalm 119:11), it would be this book.
Chapter 1 defines “pure religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (verse 27). The first part of the verse commands caring for others, specifically the orphans and widows. A question to ask is this: Do we reach out to the inconvenient? Or, search long and hard (and maybe even hope we still do not find) the convenient? Do we go looking for the troubled or wait for the troubled to find us and then hope for a way of escape? I’m pretty sure this is not the “way of escape” God was talking about in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Chapter 2 addresses, among other things, the sinful nature of showing partiality. Specifically verses 9-10 states in part, “….but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” Just suppose we were to pray for those we consider our enemies. For example, members of the opposing political party, enemies on foreign soil, and, to bring it closer to home, the contrary neighbor, or family member. All of these mentioned are loved by God and have souls and who need the hope of life everlasting. Let’s make sure we are showing no partiality in all areas of our life including our words, actions, and prayers.
Chapter 3 and the untamable tongue. Oh, “…how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature….no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God” (verses 5-9). Our Great God in His infinite wisdom gave us two ears and one mouth. Just suppose we should practice listening twice as much as we speak; and, the words we speak be those of well thought out wisdom and used to build up and exhort.
Chapter 4 reminds us to pray and in verse 3 James says, ““…you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” A great preacher in years gone by said, “No one has ever received all they could from God.” Why? Because he or she never asked! Furthermore, many lose faith when it seems God’s answer is “no” or “not now” when in patience we learn a “no” or “not now” is in fact a “what is best for us” in ways we could never imagine. Just suppose when we pray, we truly give the matter to God, and let it go, and allow Him to work it out for us, without interfering in any way. Many folks have learned hard lessons with severe consequences by ignoring God and insisting upon doing things their own way.
Chapter 5 invites us to consider the patience of Job. God allowed Satan to test Job’s faithfulness in the most horrific ways imaginable including the loss of his sons and daughters. (On a side note, it is interesting — and admittedly, a tiny bit amusing — that Job didn’t lose his wife. Was she part of Satan’s plan to add to Job’s misery and push him to his breaking point? Job 2:9 quotes her as saying, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” Does she sound like any wives we know today? Bitter, nagging, unsupportive, and therefore, ungodly?) Because Job remained faithful, God restored his fortunes and losses by giving him twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). More so than the patience of Job, what about the patience of God? All throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament and most certainly continuing still today, we see the steadfast compassion and mercy of God for people who continually disobey Him. Most of us will never suffer losses like Job; yet, we often have little or no patience with each other. Shame on us! Just suppose we strive to be like Job because God is steadfastly patient with us. Keeping in mind, however, that one day, His patience will run out; therefore, “establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:8-9).
Let us ponder the practicality of the short book of James and strive everyday to be especially mindful of our actions in words and deeds; and, thank God for His steadfast compassion, mercy, and patience.
Just suppose a dear loved one must go away for an extended time and you knew not when he would return but you knew he would return some day. Most likely you would feel enormous sadness by your temporary loss; but, eagerly await the day of his return, and hope it comes quickly.
That is how the apostles felt upon learning that Christ was going to leave them for awhile. Jesus was not only their Lord and Savior, but He was also their dearest friend. Here is how Jesus comforted them in John 14, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know” (14:1-3).
Paul told the Philippians that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (3:20); and, to the Christians in Thessalonica he told them they should not sorrow “as others who have no hope” for all those who believe that Jesus died and rose again shall meet Him in the air and forever be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
Let’s allow Christ to be our dearest friend (John 15:14). There’s no need to fear His return; but rather, eagerly wait, hope He comes quickly, and between now and then, comfort one another with these words.
Just Suppose