Laveda D. Rockford

  These words are words to lead each of us on this journey called life. If we truly are in this together, why all the bloodshed and hatred? My heart is heavy because of child-like behavior from some of you. When you are a child, you act like a child. When you are grown, you put away childish things and become an adult. Adult up and grow up, and just maybe, just maybe, this world will be a better place.   A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.   The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1-2   My heart and prayers go out to all the military families and friends who have lost loved ones. May God watch over all those in harm’s way.   © 2021 Laveda D. Rockford

  MID-AUGUST BLOOMS IN MISSOURI There is not a lot blooming during August. The days have been hot and humid lately and the roses have already bloomed twice and are resting for their third blooming session. While we wait, here are a few photos of Hibiscus, Liriope, and Sedum. The beauty of Hibiscus on a sunny summer day is amazing.  Their delicate petals, as if floating in midair, look like thin silk shining in the sun while a slim stem holds it in place.   Liriope is a delicate plant. The leaves arch up and around to the ground with little purple flowers circling the flower stem, sweetly decorating the landscape next to the tree. Adding a little interest at night when the landscape lighting is on.   The Sedum is not in full bloom yet, but with their luxuriant green leaves that give interest in the garden all season long, it is a staple in any garden. Blooms grow from green to pink late in the season. Beautiful to watch. I hope you enjoyed looking at Mid-August blooms in M

  JESUS: A THEATRICAL RENDITION   On Saturday afternoon, Mary, Sarah, Ida, and I had the opportunity to watch Jesus performed at Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson.   The Apostle John opened the scene with an entertaining disagreement with the Sons of Thunder before Jesus walked onto the stage. Jesus changes everything.   He commands the storm to settle down, He walks on water before He is crowned, He heals the blind, And leper, too.   You should have seen legion sent over the ledge, And the man, sound, instead of on edge. And Lazarus brought back from the dead, Wow, what a performance everyone said.   Then thirty coins is all it took, For Judas to set all in motion, A kiss, a walk, a cross was chosen, My Savior above the clouds floating. Sad and tearful is what they thought, While evil satan, cheerful and gloating.   But three days later the morning bright, An angel above our heads in flight, rolled the stone, and… Oh, NOT DEAD. H

  THE BIRTHING PAINS BEGIN: A Representation | Laveda D. Rockford   I spent Saturday morning at Herriman Chapel camp meeting and heard a very good sermon about The Armor of God. Not only did the speaker talk about the armor, but he also explained how the evil one comes against us. One thing that was interesting, he noted that in Ephesians 6:11 it says to put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Then in Ephesians 6:13 it says to, wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having all, to stand.   These are two separate ways, to stand and to withstand. To stand means to hold your ground and to withstand is defined as to stand up against or oppose with firm determination.     To stand against the wiles of the devil is to know the truth about your salvation through Jesus Christ. Wiles means to use tricks or strategies to ensnare or deceive and could also mean a skill i