Tag Archive | religion

Easter Joy

Apr4

Easter!

1604442_552440884874398_674899506_nMadison Easter Egg Hunt Kathie Trent Kingrey

Photo used with permission

It’s not about eggs, candy or new dresses. It’s not about hats and gloves; but about what the precious Son of God has done for you and for me.

Isaiah 53

Who hath believed our report?
and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant,
and as a root out of a dry ground:
he hath no form nor comeliness;
and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him;
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth:
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment:
and who shall declare his generation?
for he was cut off out of the land of the living:
for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
And he made his grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death;
because he had done no violence,
neither was any deceit in his mouth.
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:
by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;
for he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he hath poured out his soul unto death:
and he was numbered with the transgressors;
and he bare the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Transgressor. That’s me. That’s you and every human who has drawn breath for the Bible says”

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Romans 3:10-12

Did you notice the middle of the verse, “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.”  Unlike children searching diligently for brightly colored eggs to fill their pretty baskets, in our sin, we think only of our self. We don’t naturally seek after God. We think we are “good” and don’t understand that we are sinners who need the Lord. We go our own way. We do whatever pleases us. We live for self.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

He lived for us! He died for us to cover our sin debt.

“As is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Romans 3:11-12

We are sinners seeking after things that will make us happy; not understanding that there is a penalty for our sin. God is a Holy God. He cannot look on sin. He loved us so much that He made a way to cover our sin debt so that we may have a relationship with Him. That we may have eternal life by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; receiving the (free) gift of salvation. (Atonement, Redemption – He bought us with a terrible price; the death of His only begotten (perfect, unblemished, sinless) son of God!

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18

Have you received Christ as your Savior? He loves you so much that He willing gave His life for you – even though He never sinned. He is the perfect, spotless Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. The sacrificial Lamb of God died for you and arose from the dead on the Third day; just as He promised. Won’t you trust Him today?

8c7a68f7b2946b9bbc151dd3c2a02373

7c075486b70d6f5ec1f1f44a2d6661aa (2) (2014_04_18 04_35_45 UTC)

Rising He Justified, freely forever. One Day He’s Coming, Oh, Glorious Day!

Just as children get new clothing for Easter Sunday and fill their pretty baskets with colorful eggs, candy and toys, we who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior become a new creation in Christ. Our spiritual basket is filled with wonderful things as we read His Word (Seeking Him) and apply His Word in our daily life; we grow and are filled with wonderful things through Him. Besides Salvation and the Assurance that when we die, we will go to Heaven, what else do we gain?

pexels-photo-356330.jpeg

We are bought with a price. Redeemed and set free!

Click on the link below to see where Jesus walked and talked with His disciples. Where He was buried and arose from the dead. See the road to Emmaus where Jesus talked with two of his disciples after His resurrection.  Go to Jerusalem with Franklin Graham.

7 Days in the Holy Land with Franklin Graham

Little Isabel’s Christmas Joy – Part 6

Dec15

 

“He’s here, He’s here. Everybody come and see” Isabel called from the foot of the stairs, “He’s finally here!”

“Who’s here?” Papa said as he rubbed his chin and smoothed his hair which was sticking out in every direction.

“You mean he was here, don’t ya’ Sis?” Eugene said as he slid down the banister and bumped into Mama who ran from the kitchen to see the commotion.

“No! He’s here in the parlor. He’s here – just as He said!”

“Isabel dear,” Mama said softly, what do you mean?”

Isabel took Mama’s hand and ran directly to the stable. She cried out in delight as she looked into the eyes of the Baby Jesus lying in the manger. “All those years, we waited and waited and He Came!”

“Oh, Isabel dear, Jesus came almost 2000 years ago. We celebrate Christmas because He came. The carved baby in the manger is just a reminder that He came. You know that this is kind of a picture that represents Him.  Something we can hold onto as we read God’s Word but it’s just an object. We mustn’t make an idol. You know this doll isn’t Jesus.”

“Yes Mama, I know that. But He came, didn’t He?” Isabel said as her eyes filled with tears. He came because He loved us, right? That’s what Eugene and Curtis said from the Bible.”

“Yes, child,” Mama said softly.

“Jesus loves me Mama and I love Jesus.”

Papa moved in closer, picked her up and held her tightly as she held Baby Jesus in her hand.

“You’re right, Isabel,” Papa said and wiped a tear from her cheek. “We love Him because He first loved us and you know what?”

Isabel shook her head from side to side.

“He’s coming again!”

“He is?” Isabel pushed back to see Papa and Mama’s faces. “Will he be in a stable?”

“No, but He will be riding on a white horse and will come as The King of King and Lord of Lords!”

“We will see Him?”

“Yes Isabel,” Mama said as she wiped the tears from Isabel’s eyes. “We talk to Him every time we pray and He speaks to us through His Word, The Bible! It is my prayer that someday you, your brothers and sisters will receive Christ as your Savior. We will live with Him forever.”

Isabel looked at the image in her hand, at her parents, and to the image again. Finally closing her eyes and said, “Jesus I love you because You first loved me. Thank you for coming! Thank you for Christmas!

“Mama,” she whispered before we look in our socks and open presents, may we sing?”

“That would be wonderful, Isabel. What shall we sing?”

“Joy to the world the Lord has come!”

~*~

What about you, friends? Is your focus on The Son of God, Jesus who gave His life for you or are you focusing on the external trappings that often draw our attention away from Him?

Christmas isn’t about the tree, the decorations, the  Carols, or even the gifts.

It is about God’s love for you.

“We love Him because He first loved us.”

I John 4:19

2a9abbe6ed38433efe3a053f35da4ccc

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. 

He who believeth in Him is not condemned: but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

John 3:16-18

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

John 3:36

Why did God send His only begotten son – knowing that He would be the sacrifice for our sin? Because He loves us.

God is Holy and cannot look upon sin and yet He loved us – even though we are sinners – and longs for us to be redeemed from the penalty of sin. This is what Jesus did for you and for me. He took the penalty of sin in His own body on the cross. He gave His life so that you and I will spend eternity in Heaven with Him.

When I first heard the Gospel in 1968, I did not immediately receive Christ as my Savior. I was a quiet child and everyone told me that I was “good.” This is not true. I am a sinner. It took me a week to realize it.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God:

Being justified (made upright and in right standing with God) freely by His grace (unmerited favor of God) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 3:23-24

One night, after a week of conviction that I am a sinner; I could practically see Jesus suffering, dying on the cross for my sin! In the wee hours of the morning, I got on my knees and confessed to Him that I am a sinner and asked Him to save me. Trusting completely in His redemption; He saved me. He Redeemed me. (Bought with a price – the precious shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.) Oh, what a gift He offered to me and to you!

“For the wages of sin is death; (separation from God) but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

So dear friends, this Christmas please look past the manger and see the Gift of God – to you! Receive it just as you would receive a gift from a loving father. It is a gift that you cannot lose and it cannot be taken away. It is yours forever! 

Have a blessed Christmas!

Kathy

Story Time

Nov13

Before television, there was the radio. Before the radio there were books. Before there were books, there was the spoken word. Before then, God spoke the world into existence.  For thousands of years, families gathered around the fire and shared family stories, legends and The Word of God. Storytelling was an art and it still is today.

Story time

 

I don’t know about you, but I have always loved listening to stories.

Whether it was my grandmother, Isabel talking about her childhood, Mom’s family stories or listening to stories on the radio.

I grew up listening to a Gospel Music channel who broadcasted Pastor’s messages on air and on Saturday. Back to the Bible radio show aired a show just for the youth of the 1960’s and 70’s on Saturdays with  Danny Orlis stories. Check out this link: Danny Orlis HistoryThey also had a magazine called Young Ambassador. A friend of our family who discipled us when we first received Christ as our Savior in 1968 sent me a subscription to Young Ambassadors every year. I loved it! Back to the Bible’s Young Ambassador

Old-fashioned+Companion+WalnutBurl+Radio

Then there was Your Story Hour! I listened to this even as an adult. Our local radio station doesn’t run the Saturday morning line-up of “children’s programming” (I’m a child at heart.) The good news is that you can visit their website and listen to stories at your convenience.  This is their link.  Your Story Hour.   

And then the wonderful Children’s Bible Hour with Uncle Charlie. I don’t know about you, but every time I hear the theme song, I want to say, “Hi, Uncle Charlie!” Along with the children. This was their opening for many years. Keys for Kids is also online now. Keys for Kids with Uncle Charlie

Boys and Girls for Children Youtube

Who can forget the wonderful songs and stories by Ron Hamilton/Majesty Music as Patch the Pirate? Ron Hamilton has been a blessing to me since I first met him and his wife at a teacher’s conference over thirty years ago. For years, they produced cassette tapes, CDs and now the wonder Patch the Pirate series is online. Check it out – including Ron’s testimony. Many may not know that Ron and his family need our prayer now as he is having serious medical problems. What a wonderful legacy he is leaving behind for children today and for years to come! Patch the Pirate – Ron Hamilton

Last but not least has been one of my favorites for years. I loved listening to Adventures in Oddessey by Focus on the Family while preparing dinner each weekday. It has been online as podcasts for years.  I still love listening to this program. Especially when the story is about history! Visit John Avery Whittaker at Wits End!  Adventures in Oddessey

There are at least two websites you can go to for a variety of children’s programming and for adults as well. one is on the Christian Radio Station, BBN. BBN Radio Programming

There are stories, music, and Preaching of the Word of God. Oneplace Ministries.

Whenever I think of “story time” I envision the multitudes following Jesus, gathering around and drinking in every word. The disciples considered the children who wanted to be with Jesus, to be blessed by Him, as a nuisance but Jesus rebuked them.

“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them and departed thence.” Matthew 19:13-15

Research Tip for Writers:

There are also several secular sites where you can listen to the old radio shows our grandparents and great-grandparents listened to back in the good old days! Old Time Radio Shows. This is a great site for historical writers!

 

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Jan14

“Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows”
Matthew 10:31

Only A Little Sparrow

Author unknown

I’m only a little sparrow,
A bird of low degree;
My life is of little value,
But the dear Lord cares for me.

I know there are many sparrows –
All over the world they are found;
But our Heavenly Father knoweth
When one of us falls to the ground.

Tho’ small, we are not forgotten;
Tho’ weak, we are never afraid;
For we know that the dear Lord keepeth
The life of the creatures He made.

I just fold my wings at nightfall,
Wherever I happen to be;
For the Father is always watching,
And no harm can happen to me.

I am only a little sparrow,
A bird of low degree;
But I know that the Father loves me;
Doest thou know His love for thee?

sparrow-on-feeder-holder-in-haze-2014_02_18-18_15_37-utc

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?”

Luke 12:6

No one sings His Eye is on the Sparrow like Ethel Waters! Whenever I think of this old song, I hear her voice. Even though I have heard wonderful soloists with their own rendition and I this is one of my favorite solos. When she sings this song at the Billy Graham Crusade in 1975, she sings from her heart. Cold, hardened, timid, fearful and arrogant hearts are softened as the Holy Spirit speaks through her. Souls turn to the Lord when they understand that He loves, He cares, He provides for a sinner like me.

“His eye is on the sparrow and I know He cares for me.”

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Anticipation of Easter

Mar30
Hinchee Family Easter 1969
Hinchee Easter 1967
Hinchee Cousins at Granny Hinchee’s House
Friends ready to go to Easter Service 1969

Do you remember when you were a child and the anticipation you felt as Easter drew near?
I don’t know about boys, but I vividly remember going shopping to pick out
the perfect Easter outfit.
Not just a dress – but the matching assessories as well.

The perfect dress that “looked like spring”.
Hat
White Gloves
White lacy socks (for the younger years) or stockings. (I still remember my first pair. They made me feel so grown up!)
All new under garments were a must! (Does anyone remember the scratchy crinolines which made out dress move like a bell when we moved from side to side and caused it to puff out perfectly whenever we had the opportunity to spin around? Ah, what fun!)
White Patent Leather Shoes
White Purse complete with a new lace hankie, a  small comb, a small mirror, a stick of chewing gum  and a small coin purse with coins inside to place into the offering plate at Church.
A Spring Coat to match the dress if Easter came early in the Spring. (I think we called them dusters?)
A small corsage from Dad Hinchee made me feel quite grown up! I still love wearing flowers – in spite of allergies.

This was just part of the anticipation. Of course, Moms enjoyed preparing “Easter Baskets” which were waiting for us when we arose on Easter morning. (I enjoyed the marshmallow treats and gave Mom the jelly beans and creme eggs.)  I don’t know about you, but I am much older than my sister and brother and dyeing the eggs, preparing the baskets and watching Melissa and Steve squeal with delight on Easter morning was the best part of the tradition!

In 1969, our family celebrated Easter as new believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We added going to Church when we were saved in October of 1968. The first Easter at Church was extra special – two of my friends joined us and also believed on Him that Sunday!

After Church, the Hinchee family gathered at the Grandparents home for a wonderful meal cooked by one of the best cooks in Roanoke!

However, none of the trappings could compare with the true meaning of Easter. The resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! “He is not here, He is risen, as He said!”

For centuries, the anticipation of the coming Messiah is evident in the Word of God. God had promised to send a Savior. He established the Passover, laws, ceremonies, traditions that would point to the Cross. His Word revealed prophecies of the coming of the Messiah and our Salvation. That the LORD would lay on Him the iniquities of us all. (Isaiah 53).
The Passover is a picture of Christ. The Tabernacle and the altars with their offerings were a picture and yet when John the Baptist said of Jesus Christ, “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” was lost on the Rabbis, the religious zealots, those who were searching diligently for the Messiah didn’t even recognize Him when He bore their sin (and ours) on the cross of Calvary.

All the years of Easter traditions before I received Christ at the age of eleven did not point me to Christ. They didn’t symbolize New Life in Christ or that His shed blood washes us white as snow. – that in Christ, we are new creatures! I was just playing dress up until the Gospel reached my ears and my heart and He made me brand new!

Now, I am anticipating not only the celebration of His defeat over death when He arose from the dead but also the things to come. Thankfulness that He suffered for me and cleansed me from my sin – past, present and future! A home in Heaven,  The rapture. The wedding feast – as we are the Bride of Christ adorned for her Husband! (Okay ladies, now that is a good reason to go out and buy new Church clothes – right?)

I’ve been changed by the blood of the Lamb. He gave His life for me and arose that we may have new life! Does my countenance show it?  It’s not about the clothes or the sweets that remind us of His sweet sacrifice but it has everything to do with Him. How about you?

Worthy is the Lamb

Peaceful Scene

Feb24

Fincastle, VA Church by Kathie T. Kingery

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth,

give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 14:27 (KJV)

~*~

Photograph by Kathie T. Kingrey

Miss K’s Photography

ktkingery@hotmail.com

Merry Christmas!

Dec25
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

This is the scene most of us cherish as memories and hope for each Christmas. A cozy Christmas is wonderful; especially if you are surrounded by loved ones. Children anticipating opening the gifts Mom and Dad so generously purchased to make their wishes come true and parents hoping they didn’t forget anything and welcoming the slower pace after Christmas is over. What fun!

My wish for you dear reader, is that you have or will receive the most wonderful gift of all. It was anticipated for generations, foretold in Scripture, and is offered to all who will receive it. What is this wonderful gift?

God's gift. Immanuel - God with us.

God’s gift. Immanuel – God with us.

His name is Jesus!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son; that whosoever believeth in Him

should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

“Whosoever” means you, my friend. Won’t you receive God’s gift today?

The light of Christmas

Have a blessed Christmas!

Love,

Kathy

P.S. Isabel’s Story will be continued after Christmas. I’m sorry for the delay. Hope you will come back later this week to read the continuing story of little Isabel’s Christmas Joy!

Cat fight!

Oct19

If only they were fighting over who gets to wash the dishes!

We have three cats. Two Maine Coons and one American Short Hair Domestic Cat. Skippy and Ruby are much larger than little Alice and could really hurt her if they wanted to but they don’t. She has given them plenty of opportunities, though. She loves to play “tag” and the simple game of chase can become a little heated and fluffy long hair starts flying!

The Maine Coon is often referred to as the “gentle giant.” If you zoom in on this picture, you will see that Skippy (the very large tabby) is not showing his claws. To show his dominance, he holds his fluffy paw over her as if to say, “calm down now, you little rascal!”

Alice, on the other hand, is showing many signs of angry kitty body language. Her ears are laying down on her head, she is hissing and definitely has her sharp claws out and ready for action.

The scuffle didn’t last long and I didn’t see any scratch marks on either kitty. Soon after John snapped the picture, they were on their way to making peace and Skip jumped up on my kitchen counter (“grrrr!”) to groom himself as if nothing had happened. All was forgiven in Purdy Kitty Land.

Perhaps, that should be a lesson for us. We hold grudges and allow bitterness to grow over truly insignificant things, don’t we? We take on the angry stance, bare our claws and hiss at our loved ones when we should be like Skippy. Raise our hands to the Lord and ask forgiveness for the anger and bitterness inside and then forgive the instigator. Even ask their forgiveness for our bad attitude and then – leave it all with the Lord. Step up to the mountain top of forgiveness and remember that He has cleansed us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)

Whether we are speaking of people, dogs or cats; I agree with the Psalmist who said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

Enjoying the sunshine. Ruby, Skippy and little Alice.

Overshadowed

May2

Overshadowed

Overshadowed

How desolate my life would be,
How dark and dreary my nights and days,
If Jesus’ face I did not see,
To brighten all earth’s weary ways

CHORUS
I’m overshadowed by His mighty love
Love eternal, changeless pure.
Overshadowed by His mighty love
Rest is mine, serene, secure.
He died to ransom me from sin,
He lives to keep me day by day,
I’m overshadowed by his mighty love,
Love that brightens all my way.

With burdened heart I wandered long,
By grief and unbelief distressed;
But now I sing faith’s happy song,
In Christ my Saviour I am blest.

Now judgment fears no more alarm,
I dread no death, nor Satan’s power;
The world for me has lost its charm,
God’s grace sustains me every hour.

Overshadowed

Church Song Requests – Repost from The Vision of a Mother’s Heart blog.

Mar6

In The Vision of a Mother’s Heart, one of the chapters portrays Song Requests in Church. Little Jimmy was confused about the title of his favorite song but the song leader knew which song he meant and they all sang Trust and Obey.

On their way home from Church, “Mama” announced that she had borrowed a hymnal from the song leader so that the children could copy the songs so that they would learn the songs they sang most often.

The Church where I grew up asked for requests almost every Sunday night. When the music director asked for requests, we all knew that Mr. Drain would request page number 292.

Hymnals

 
Surely Goodness and Mercy by John W. Peterson and Alfred Smith. We sang all of the verses as well as the chorus at the end. We sang this with enthusiasm. We sang with joy. We sang with smiles as we watched Mr. Drain singing with all his heart.

Back in the “old days,” we had hymnals. Children stood by their parents and learned to read the music as well as the words as they shared their song book with Mom or Dad. Many of us remember all five verses to How Great Thou Art and Just As I Am because the hymns became a part of who we are. Sometimes I fear that we will have a generation of children who do not know how to read music because they have missed out on this wonderful tradition of sharing a hymnal.

What about you? Do you have any memories of learning hymns with your parents in Church? What would song would you request? Did you learn to read music at Church by singing along using the hymnal? I would love to hear your stories!

I must admit that I prefer the older songs. Songs filled with doctrine and have a good melody as well. Crown Him With Many Crowns, Wonderful Grace of Jesus, At Calvary, and Mr. Drain’s favorite – Surely Goodness and Mercy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDMqlwsfa2k