Marilyn's Musings
July 21, 2026
Here we are past the middle of July – time flies. Last week I joked with my husband that people retire so they have time for doctors’ appointments! Every day last week one of us was going to the doctors or having a test done. This week is starting with me having two appointments in one day and Bob only having one. I think I will surprise him and make plans to “run-away” somewhere for just one night. Us old folks can take time for ourselves once in a while. For those who know me well, know I love to do puzzles on Facebook. I found one the other day that was the perfect getaway. I did the puzzle and, in the comments, said I was going there and not telling anyone where it was. LOL Sometimes we need “us” time. (the puzzle was a beautiful picture of a small cabin on a lake in the woods)
While I am musing with you today, I did what the Pastor suggested during the service on Sunday. I looked up the word “Ebenezer” in 1st Samuel vs:7. When she asked if anyone knew what Ebenezer meant and only 1 person raised their hand, she suggested we check it out. I am not going to go into it today because there is a lot of information leading up to that, but I am also checking out why Charles Dickens used that name in A Christmas Carol. I am not going any further on this today, but I do promise you a musing in the future talking about this. And (secretly – LOL) I am hoping Pastor does a sermon on 1stSamuel so I can understand more than what I learn from reading. Hint, Pastor.
I’d like to talk a little bit about Pastor’s sermon series on “The Lord’s Prayer”. This Sunday she talked about the third line in the prayer saying “Hallowed be thy name" which means to honor, revere, and recognize God’s name as holy, sacred, and worthy of the highest respect.
I looked up the definition of "Hallowed":
The word hallowed comes from the Old English halig, meaning holy, sacred, or set apart, and translates the Greek word hagiazo, which means “to consecrate” or “to treat as sacred” . To hallow something is not to make it holy—God’s name is already holy—but to acknowledge, honor, and treat it as holy in our hearts and actions. It implies reverence, awe, and devotion toward God.
When I was a child and was taught this prayer, I knew “hallowed” was a special word. I probably learned it in 3rdgrade. At that age I wasn’t curious as to the meaning, I just wanted to pronounce it the right way. I am enjoying re-learning The Lord's Prayer the way it was meant to be said. This prayer was always special to me. But now, I am thinking of it in a different way and, so far, there is so much more meaning in the words we say every week. If you aren’t there with us on Sunday and just read my musings, I would say – check out online next Sunday when Pastor continues teaching us The Lord's Prayer and its meanings.
While I was thinking about a hymn for this week, I had the bulletin on my desk and there was my answer. The Call to Worship from Sunday reminded me of my life and how I really need to slow down and “Take Time to Be Holy”. I am sure there are others reading this that will realize they need to remember this, not just on Sunday when we read it, but every day during the week.
See you next week and try to remember to slow down and listen to God daily.
Take Time to Be Holy
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dMJHVoKzP14&si=u-soWe-YADMXCVSI
