WELCOME TO JILLATTE

Where do good gifts come from? As we all find ourselves in the aftermath of Christmas; wrappings, ribbons, and boxes left from the gifts that were given out of love to loved ones. Clean up is essential as we prepare for a wrap up of another year. Reflection allows us to realize that love can be grown from a good gift. Who doesn't feel love from having received a good gift? The innocence of a child can be such a gift when you are in his or her presence. An image of goodness fr

Do you find yourself looking inward when you are suffering? Suffering is a part of life. We have good times, and we have bad times. Suffering is no fun, and honestly physically and emotionally painful. It is a time when we can feel all alone. It is also a time that some of us seek comfort. Why do we endure suffering in this life? "Suffering is hard, and we tend to either focus on the mess we are in or the God who can get us out." -Jamie Harper. The Apostle Paul, used his suff

Do you long for Christmas this time of year? This picture was sent to me by my dear friend last week. It is a picture of the tree lighting in Bethlehem. She had family present, who sent her the photo. Amazing Grace! What a challenging question that would probably be answered differently by everyone. A Mother, might definitely respond differently than her children. A Father, might respond differently than his wife. As my kids are now out on their own, the excitement for me is

26 “ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” -Romans 8:26

Do you experience moments with abundant thoughts and ideas that you long to share with others? The first week of 2026 has been one of a flurry of activity. The weather has changed dramatically, and is going to warm up to 70 degrees today. Yesterday morning I sat with my coffee and my bible study looking out the window to the beautiful landscape of trees and bare branches sprinkled with pine trees and ivy. Studying Romans 8 for the past month has been a gift in this time of my

24  For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? - Romans 8:24

Do you ever find yourself with too much on your plate? This was a saved blog in my queue.... how appropriate for today! Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Blessings on you and your loved ones! "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." -Psalm 107:1 Funny that we can literally have too much "food" on our plate, and we end up suffering. Having too much on our plate "schedule wise" can also make us suffer. When our plates are full, we lose priority. First

The Sayings of King Lemuel’s Mother 31 “ The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: 2  What, my son? And what, the son of my womb?     And what, the son of my vows? 3  Do not give your strength to women,     nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4  It is not for kings, O Lemuel,     it is not for kings to drink wine,     nor for princes strong drink; 5  lest they drink and forget the law,     and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted. 6  Give

The Sayings of Agur 30 “ The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel,     to Ithiel and Ukal: 2  Surely I am more brutish than any man,     and have not the understanding of a man. 3  I neither learned wisdom,     nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4  Who has ascended up into heaven, or descended?     Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment?     Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His nam

29  He who is often reproved, yet hardens his neck,     will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2  When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;     but when the wicked rule, the people mourn. 3  Whoever loves wisdom rejoices his father,     but he who keeps company with harlots spends his substance. 4  The king establishes the land by judgment,     but he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5  A man who flatters his neighbor     spreads a net for his f

28 “ The wicked flee when no man pursues,     but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2  Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;     but by a man of understanding and knowledge, it shall be prolonged. 3  A poor man who oppresses the poor     is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food. 4  Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,     but such as keep instruction contend with them. 5  Evil men do not understand justice,     but those who seek the Lor

27 “ Do not boast about tomorrow,     for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2  Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth;     a stranger, and not your own lips. 3  A stone is heavy and the sand weighty,     but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. 4  Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous,     but who is able to stand before envy? 5  Open rebuke is better     than secret love. 6  Faithful are the wounds of a friend,     but the kisses of an enemy are

26 “ As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest,     so honor is not seemly for a fool. 2  As the bird by flitting, as the swallow by flying,     so the curse without cause will not alight. 3  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,     and a rod for the fool’s back. 4  Do not answer a fool according to his folly,     lest you also be like unto him. 5  Answer a fool according to his folly,     lest he be wise in his own conceit. 6  He who sends a message by the hand of

25 “ These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied. 2  It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,     but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. 3  As the heaven for height, and the earth for depth,     so the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4  Take away the dross from the silver,     and there will come forth a vessel for the refiner. 5  Take away the wicked from before the king,     and his throne will be established in righteousn

Saying Twenty 24  Do not be envious against evil men,     nor desire to be with them; 2  for their heart studies destruction,     and their lips talk of mischief. Saying Twenty-One 3  Through wisdom is a house built,     and by understanding it is established; 4  and by knowledge the rooms will be filled     with all precious and pleasant riches. Saying Twenty-Two 5  A wise man is strong;     yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. 6  For by wise counsel you will wage you