Today’s word was Keeshond.  The ways this breed of dog reflects God to me was in its trusted ability to sound the alarm with a bark. “They are known by their loud, distinctive bark. Throughout the centuries, the Keeshond has been very popular as a watch dog on barges on canals in the Netherlands and middle Europe. This trait is evident to this day, and they are alert dogs that warn their owners of any new visitors.” – Google search.  God watches over us and is always alert.  Check out His ever-watchful security measures in Psalm  121.

When reading the info about Keeshonds, it didn’t take me long to diverge off on the path of barges in the Netherlands, then onto narrow boats in England.  I’m not sure why the narrowboat life appeals to me so much.  It must be from canoeing on the Au Sable up in Michigan and coming across Brett DeYoung, a mentor of mine when I was a kid.  There was a bit of mystery on the water in that meeting that I loved, something about the community on the river.  I still don’t know how it happened, but it filled my heart to see him there.  He used to lead canoe trips on the Au Sable when I was a kid, and then I was leading one from RLCA when we met.  We had a leaky canoe that he and his wife, Sandy, helped to patch-up.  And then we were off.

I told Betsy about one day, after I get my healing, we could buy a narrow boat and cruise down the waterways in England and she seemed all for it.  Living on a boat for a few years would be extra fun.  I found myself joining David Johns on his YouTube channel “CruisingTheCut”, as he documented Jo and Michaels final 5 miles, or as he wrote, “In October last year (2021), my friends Jo and Michael (plus dog George) completed a four year epic trip around every navigable mile of the connected UK canal network. Along with many of their viewers, I went along to document the final five miles.”

A quick word about another mystery, healing.  I know mine is coming and was recently reminded of its nearness as I prayed for a guy I just met.  His friend was dying from a lifelong illness and could be gone any minute.  We prayed immediately for his healing and the next week, I was told his friend had made a drastic recovery and was no longer at death’s door.  I spoke again with the guy I met, and he said, “It’s been over a month now and he is quite strong.”

Now, I have had no word if he’s been cured of his illness, but his extra days are being greatly rejoiced over.  My, now friend, said to me, “You got some power in your prayers, buddy.”  To which we said “Amen.”

May our God keep watch over you better than a Keeshond, Psalm 121. And may He heal all your diseases, Psalm 103.

Sometimes when I ask God for a word for the day, I spin down a list of words until He points one out and it catches my eye.  I read the definition and sometimes it sticks.  Today’s find was ‘kiddush’, and it is a blessing that is spoken over wine.  To learn more check out https://reformjudaism.org/beliefs-practices/prayers-blessings/shabbat-evening-blessings-kiddush-blessing-over-wine.

How it reflects God’s character is in the act of being a blessing over my life.  So, I guess I am the wine.  Now Jesus used wine to represent His blood during the last supper He had with His disciples, Matthew 26:17-30.  Jesus spoke a kiddush, of sorts, over that wine in 27-28 and said it was, “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”  His forgiveness over me through the blood of Jesus is the joy of my faith.

The word I found about today was Jojoba!   I didn’t even want to use this word for the 182’s J4 word, but here we are…

How it relates to God is in the plant’s properties.  It is a shrub that grows in harsh conditions, and its seed can be made into an oil which can be used to help heal and nourish the body.  To learn more, listen to Kristen Kirby talk about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0xCDEx3JPs.

H4 – Words that describe God

This morning, I got a chance to speak with my daughter about today.  May 24 of 2024, a Friday, “A blessing day!” so titled of every Friday by my son Jack, so I turned our thoughts to count out 24 blessings to celebrate the day.  This was a great time of communal recognition of God’s provisions over our lives.  It changed my outlook during my day, may it be upon yours as well.

As for a 182 discovery, my ‘H’ word for yesterday was “hedge”.  While looking for a Bible verse to fit my word and septet, I found a list of many Christian websites regarding the use of “hedge” throughout the Old and New Testaments.  Amidst this list, I saw one that did not look of Christian origin.  Curious, I clicked it and found myself reading about “hedge witches.”  In the description was included a few non complimentary references to Christianity.  I noticed at the end there was room to leave a comment.  A few people had left encouraging compliments toward the author to stay “true to being you.”  I also felt lead to leave something, so I did.  Here is the comment that I left, may it open a door as in Luke 14:23 to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”