Cyclone of a week

Our heads just keep spinning as the whirlwinds of life circle about us.  Every once in a while we reach out and grab a stationary object that gives us momentary reprieve and allows us to take a breath before letting going and start the cycle of daily life again.    Fun, isn't it!?

This week I have been pondering the thoughts of John 5-6.  At the end of chapter 6, Christ declares himself to be the "Bread of Life".  After making this declaration, several of his followers, purported disciples, turn their backs on him and leave the path.  My question has been, why?  The answer - they did not want to partake of the Bread, they wanted to be hand fed as they imagined the children of Israel were with manna. 

My mind has been full.  I am not sure I understand what I am seeking as of yet, but I am filled with questions.  How can I ensure that I am not one who turns my back on Him or leaves the path?  or as question in the manual for Sunday Schoolers, How can we be partakers of the "Bread of Life"?

I have studied and pondered this question all week.  Then, today, as I sat in class, my mind was filled with the words of the Lord.  He whispered to me.  I am not completely sure of all that was said or discussed in the classroom, but I do know what I learned.  Because I had prepared myself, taken or made time to study the lesson, ponder and search for understanding; the Lord opened my mind/eyes/ears/heart and helped me see some of the symbolism that Christ was trying to teach.  I am grateful for the power of revelation.

In these chapters, we first hear of a disabled individual who was waiting  along the the waters of Bethesda.  His hope, that he might be able to reach the waters faster than others once it was disturbed and be healed from his infirmities.  Christ then has mercy on him and lifts him up.  He tells him to take up his bedding and return home, healed and made whole.  Later that day, he and Christ meet up again at the temple as they worship.   Christ reminds him that he has been made whole and that he should sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto him.

Many were upset that Christ healed the man, that he told him to take up his bedding and return home, and then reminded him to stop sinning; why, because it was the Sabbath.

Christ continues to heal people as he makes his way to a desolate place where he might be alone with is disciples.  The people follow him, seeking more relief from illness, further instruction, and end up being fed.  Miraculously, the food was provided from 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.  

After sending the people away, apostles included, and spending some quality alone time communing with his father, Christ takes a three mile walk across the Sea of Galilee to join up with his apostles.  Peter walks out to meet him, is saved from drowning, and all present make it safely to shore. 

The next morning, Christ finds that all he had fed the day before had brought their friends to be fed again, not spiritually, but physically.  Christ rebukes them and many stop following.

Well that was a mouth full.  Where am I going with this?  My question, remember.  

• As the bread of life - Christ has provided a way for all of us to be whole again.  We cannot do it sitting around and waiting for things to happen, we have to be actively engaged.  Side note - it happen next to water.  Bread and Water side by side, on the Sabbath.  The temple is a good place to go to replace sin or errors of sin.
• We must feast upon all that Christ feeds us not just physically, but spiritually.  Following him, doing as he would have us do, and committing to be better each day will fill us eternally.  Believing is an action word.
• Again, upon the waters, Christ demonstrates that he can lift us up and ease our burdens.  Not only the burdens of sin and transgression, but the burdens of worldly concerns.  Peter was not a sinner, but was burden with the fears of life.  Christ did not suddenly remove him from the sea, but lifted him up and walked along side him, through the trials of the sea, until they reached the safety of the shore.

OK, I am not good with words.  It was embedded deeper upon my soul.  Hopefully it will help you find some answers.  I know that I have been give more thoughts to ponder, as thoughts and messages of prayer have been shared with me this week.  I am working on my conversations.  Thanks for sharing.

Onward, it has been a good week. 

The Queen has been focusing on remodeling, patching, sanding, painting, and such.  She works when she is not doing those things.

The Professor has been sharing her time with a practicum student.  It has been an interesting experience.  She then got to visit with the parents of her students this week.  She didn't say much about it, but survived, so it must have been OK.

Tall Man has been helping the Queen when he can, hanging with friends, mourning with those that mourn, and celebrating with those who have joy to share.  He is OK as well.

SnackPack made it through another term and another year.  He ended the week in term in the water playing in a tournament.  It was better than last week, but not as good as he wanted.  He ended the year with an new hoop that he has really been enjoying.

What more do you want to know?  I don't know unless you ask.  

Party on Garth!  Have a great week.  I am so excited that conference is just around the corner.  Start preparing now.  You will be fed.