I can't believe the holiday season is upon us once again. Where has the year gone? Time is passing at warp speed. I love the month of November. It is a time when most people (even those who don't know Christ) pause and seem to focus on thankfulness. It seems to cultivate in people a more pleasant attitude and a sense of how "good" their life really is.
I try to be thankful all year long, it is what Christ expects of us, but I to spend more time meditating on His goodness this time of year. I am thankful for salvation, family, health, employment and my home. I am also thankful for things like the beauty of fall and the spectacular colors of the leaves on the trees. I am thankful for our new puppy and the fun in watching him and how clumsy he is! Makes me giggle just to think of it. I'm thankful for the laughter our home holds. It has been a place of fun, a warm meal and a safe place to stay for a lot of people and I count it an honor. I am thankful for the things in my home that make life so comfortable. Warm, fuzzy blankets and soft furniture. I am thankful for all the "God moments" that I experience. People who don't know Christ call it coincidence or fate but I know it is the unseen hand of God working his perfect plan in our lives and it is so exciting to see!
What are you thankful for? Maybe you are in a difficult time and it is hard to focus on anything visible to be thankful for. Start with thanking God for being alive and for his salvation, and if you haven't experienced his salvation then thank him that it is available to you this very moment. Call on him. He'll answer and you can thank Him for his redeeming love.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
It sure isn't how I had it planned...but it is totally OK!
Do you have things in your life happen that you did not plan? Pretty sure we all do. Some of those things are minor, we don't set the alarm clock and we are late, we forget the one thing we go to the store for in the first place and supper plans change. The event we've looked forward to for months isn't going to happen because you've caught the worst cold in your life. Sometimes the changes out of our control are major. Your company downsizes and you are unemployed. Your doctor tells you the news you didn't want to hear, you have cancer. Family members that you love are suddenly estranged from you, ripped out of your life and your heart. Yes, life holds unexpected events that would NEVER have been what we planned. But God who knows the plans he has for you (Jeremiah 29:11) the one who has written all the days of your life. (Psalm 139:16), these horrible, hurtful things will not disrupt his master plan for your life. In fact, He can use these very things that at first stress us out and cause us so much pain to make us better, more confident, stronger in our faith and even more intimate with the Savior we love. Wow! What a God.
There was a storm that happened in my life on August 18, 2011 and it was the worst hurt I have ever felt. It seemed so big, so ugly, so destructive that I couldn't get my head to stop spinning. I knew that day that life would never be "normal" again. But it has become a new kind of normal and God is still with me, in fact, He has pulled me up close and loved me even when I was not responding how He wanted. He has spoke to me through messages, Sunday School lessons and music on the radio. He has whispered to me how much he loves me and showed his majesty and power.
The 1 year anniversary of that event came just a few weeks ago and I had really been dreading it. I just "knew" it would be a bad day filled with every detail lived over and over in my mind. But I was wrong! So wrong! Did you know that August 18th this year fell on a Saturday and that I spent my early morning teaching an exercise class, then quickly hurried home to shower and meet a dear freind for a day of shopping and then home to spend the evening with my sweet hubby. You see with it not be a weekday, I wasn't at work and didn't have to write the "date" all day long. I didn't even think about it. The Lord gave me that day without one single thought of the hurt I'd had a year ago. HALLELUJAH!! That is my God! That is how powerful He is. He didn't even allow my mind to recall the hurt. He proved to me that joy is possible. That day was about as perfect as a day gets. I laughed and had so much fun, got excited about some new clothes and just enjoyed being a girl. Came home to a sweet husband who I enjoyed spending time and conversation with. It was about 2 days later I realized that the day had come and even more importantly it had GONE and without even a thought of the hurt. Don't get me wrong, the enemy is powerful and I am no match for him but God is more powerful and He is in control of my life, my thoughts and my joy.
God I praise you for this victory. I praise you for your love and I will joy in you no matter what, even if my plans are not yours. I will continue to trust you. (Ex 14:14), you keep fighting Lord, you are doing a fine job! I will keep thinking on good things so that there will be praise (Phil 4:8)
Do you have things in your life happen that you did not plan? Pretty sure we all do. Some of those things are minor, we don't set the alarm clock and we are late, we forget the one thing we go to the store for in the first place and supper plans change. The event we've looked forward to for months isn't going to happen because you've caught the worst cold in your life. Sometimes the changes out of our control are major. Your company downsizes and you are unemployed. Your doctor tells you the news you didn't want to hear, you have cancer. Family members that you love are suddenly estranged from you, ripped out of your life and your heart. Yes, life holds unexpected events that would NEVER have been what we planned. But God who knows the plans he has for you (Jeremiah 29:11) the one who has written all the days of your life. (Psalm 139:16), these horrible, hurtful things will not disrupt his master plan for your life. In fact, He can use these very things that at first stress us out and cause us so much pain to make us better, more confident, stronger in our faith and even more intimate with the Savior we love. Wow! What a God.
There was a storm that happened in my life on August 18, 2011 and it was the worst hurt I have ever felt. It seemed so big, so ugly, so destructive that I couldn't get my head to stop spinning. I knew that day that life would never be "normal" again. But it has become a new kind of normal and God is still with me, in fact, He has pulled me up close and loved me even when I was not responding how He wanted. He has spoke to me through messages, Sunday School lessons and music on the radio. He has whispered to me how much he loves me and showed his majesty and power.
The 1 year anniversary of that event came just a few weeks ago and I had really been dreading it. I just "knew" it would be a bad day filled with every detail lived over and over in my mind. But I was wrong! So wrong! Did you know that August 18th this year fell on a Saturday and that I spent my early morning teaching an exercise class, then quickly hurried home to shower and meet a dear freind for a day of shopping and then home to spend the evening with my sweet hubby. You see with it not be a weekday, I wasn't at work and didn't have to write the "date" all day long. I didn't even think about it. The Lord gave me that day without one single thought of the hurt I'd had a year ago. HALLELUJAH!! That is my God! That is how powerful He is. He didn't even allow my mind to recall the hurt. He proved to me that joy is possible. That day was about as perfect as a day gets. I laughed and had so much fun, got excited about some new clothes and just enjoyed being a girl. Came home to a sweet husband who I enjoyed spending time and conversation with. It was about 2 days later I realized that the day had come and even more importantly it had GONE and without even a thought of the hurt. Don't get me wrong, the enemy is powerful and I am no match for him but God is more powerful and He is in control of my life, my thoughts and my joy.
God I praise you for this victory. I praise you for your love and I will joy in you no matter what, even if my plans are not yours. I will continue to trust you. (Ex 14:14), you keep fighting Lord, you are doing a fine job! I will keep thinking on good things so that there will be praise (Phil 4:8)
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." Eccl 3:1
God's word says it. A time for everything. Hard to wrap your mind around sometimes, or at least for me it is. A time to cry and a time to rejoice. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
Our youngest daughter Hannah just walked for her high school graduation on Saturday morning. It was kind of strange for me since she graduated early and has been out of the high school routine for 6 months already. It was wonderful though to see her walk with her classmates and hear her name called and receive her diploma. A right of passage.
I saw some parents cry. Some laughed. Some smiled with pride. Some breathed a sigh of relief. I just kept thinking, this is her time, her friends, her victory, her memories. It was a time to rejoice. As I looked to her future I wonder when her "time" to find the one God has created for her will be. I wonder what salon she will hold her first job at. I wonder what trials will come to her life that will be her time to weep. And then it hit me. I wonder, but God knows. He knows all of her days and has from the time she was created. He will not forsake her. What a joy to serve a God who is in control of the "times" of our life!
I am excited to see what each day holds for our graduate. She is on an adventure serving Christ and seeing where He leads. She's praying for His will. I'm praying for it too, for her life and for mine.
Whatever "time" it is in my life, I sure am glad my Savior will sustain me.
God's word says it. A time for everything. Hard to wrap your mind around sometimes, or at least for me it is. A time to cry and a time to rejoice. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
Our youngest daughter Hannah just walked for her high school graduation on Saturday morning. It was kind of strange for me since she graduated early and has been out of the high school routine for 6 months already. It was wonderful though to see her walk with her classmates and hear her name called and receive her diploma. A right of passage.
I saw some parents cry. Some laughed. Some smiled with pride. Some breathed a sigh of relief. I just kept thinking, this is her time, her friends, her victory, her memories. It was a time to rejoice. As I looked to her future I wonder when her "time" to find the one God has created for her will be. I wonder what salon she will hold her first job at. I wonder what trials will come to her life that will be her time to weep. And then it hit me. I wonder, but God knows. He knows all of her days and has from the time she was created. He will not forsake her. What a joy to serve a God who is in control of the "times" of our life!
I am excited to see what each day holds for our graduate. She is on an adventure serving Christ and seeing where He leads. She's praying for His will. I'm praying for it too, for her life and for mine.
Whatever "time" it is in my life, I sure am glad my Savior will sustain me.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The part of getting older I enjoy...
I will soon be 43 years old and I must say there are many things about getting older I don't like. I don't like the fact that when I am at a time in my life I could sleep late on Saturday mornings my body says otherwise. I dislike the fact that I have taken on aches and pains that I've never had before. I dislike the fact that young people call me "mam" not because they were raised that way but because they think I'm old!..lol But the things that I do like about getting older far outweigh the things I don't.
I like the fact that I like me. That may not mean much to you but for someone like myself who has struggled for years with self-esteem issues it means the world to me! I like, no, I LOVE the fact that I am secure in my salvation and that I know that God will complete the work in me he began at age 25 when I accepted Him as Savior. I like the fact I can appreciate the little things in life. I like that I have passion for creation and just enjoy it. When the birds sing I am reminded God cares for the sparrow and He surely watches over me. When I feel the warmth of the suns rays it reminds me that never has there been a morning when the sun didn't obey the Father and refuse to rise. It reminds me of His power and majesty! I love the fact that Doug and I are at a place when we can focus on "us" again. It is a sweet, sweet time. I love the fact that we are getting to see our girls grow up and grow in Christ. Wow...what a blessing that is!
I also like the fact that I can look back over the years and see God's hand working in my life. He has protected me, provided for me and been patient with me. Praise His name.
In a world filled with discontented, disgruntled people who seem to continually verbalize all the wrong things in their life I think it is time for us as Christians to focus on all the good. It is time to PRAISE HIM...and be thankful that we serve an awesome God full of AMAZING GRACE! Don't you???
I like the fact that I like me. That may not mean much to you but for someone like myself who has struggled for years with self-esteem issues it means the world to me! I like, no, I LOVE the fact that I am secure in my salvation and that I know that God will complete the work in me he began at age 25 when I accepted Him as Savior. I like the fact I can appreciate the little things in life. I like that I have passion for creation and just enjoy it. When the birds sing I am reminded God cares for the sparrow and He surely watches over me. When I feel the warmth of the suns rays it reminds me that never has there been a morning when the sun didn't obey the Father and refuse to rise. It reminds me of His power and majesty! I love the fact that Doug and I are at a place when we can focus on "us" again. It is a sweet, sweet time. I love the fact that we are getting to see our girls grow up and grow in Christ. Wow...what a blessing that is!
I also like the fact that I can look back over the years and see God's hand working in my life. He has protected me, provided for me and been patient with me. Praise His name.
In a world filled with discontented, disgruntled people who seem to continually verbalize all the wrong things in their life I think it is time for us as Christians to focus on all the good. It is time to PRAISE HIM...and be thankful that we serve an awesome God full of AMAZING GRACE! Don't you???
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Christianity isn't like American Idol....
This time of year we are watching American Idol and it is at the point where they are all singing for a spot in the top 24. It is painful for me to watch. These people have sang their hearts out, been under extreme pressure with time limits on learning new songs that may not even be their personal style. Some of them have even had to sing with groups of other contestants that they don't necessarily get along with. They have had to function on little sleep, being away from their families, and deal with strained voices and sore throats. And some of them have experienced the horror of forgetting their words, missing a note, having their voice crack and some have even passed out on stage from nerves! All of this in hopes of getting a spot on American Idol's top 24.
Let me draw your focus to the word "hope". Their fate falls in the hand of 3 people deciding if they feel you have been consistent, special and if you can touch the hearts of America. So each contestant "hopes" they make it.
Sadly enough there are people around us everyday that "hope" they make it to heaven. How sad! There are people who pray their good outweighs their bad. They hope that God at the end of their life "decides" they can enter into heaven. If someone out there reads this, please, please continue to read because I have amazing news for you. God himself says you can KNOW you are going to heaven. In His great love for you he left you verses in His word that tells you that.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the
door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Rev 3:20
If you let him in...he'll come in and there are no vereses that says he ever leaves, because he doesn't.
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any [man] pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28
It doesn't say he gives you eternal life and then if you aren't good enough he will take it away. In fact, he says no man can pluck them out of my hand and you HAVE eternal life!
"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who
sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they
have already passed from death into life." John 5:24
If you have accepted Christ...you have ALREADY passed from death to life...and life ETERNAL!
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
It's all about who HE is...and because you belong to him you are no longer, never, ever, ever, ever, condemned!!
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his
work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Phil 1:6
We aren't perfect, but God will not stop helping us get there. He will complete us on the day Jesus comes to get us. So don't let your failures make you doubt your adoption. You are His and he will keep working on you.
There are many, many more verses to remind you that you are His...and will forever be His. It isn't based on your talent or whether you've had a good "performance"...It is based on your faith in Him which is why I will leave you with the verses from Ephesians.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for
this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Eph 2:8-9
It' all in what He's done. And that my friend is more than enough. When "THE JUDGE" calls his children home....you can be sure you'll be in that number!
Let me draw your focus to the word "hope". Their fate falls in the hand of 3 people deciding if they feel you have been consistent, special and if you can touch the hearts of America. So each contestant "hopes" they make it.
Sadly enough there are people around us everyday that "hope" they make it to heaven. How sad! There are people who pray their good outweighs their bad. They hope that God at the end of their life "decides" they can enter into heaven. If someone out there reads this, please, please continue to read because I have amazing news for you. God himself says you can KNOW you are going to heaven. In His great love for you he left you verses in His word that tells you that.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the
door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Rev 3:20
If you let him in...he'll come in and there are no vereses that says he ever leaves, because he doesn't.
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
any [man] pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28
It doesn't say he gives you eternal life and then if you aren't good enough he will take it away. In fact, he says no man can pluck them out of my hand and you HAVE eternal life!
"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who
sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they
have already passed from death into life." John 5:24
If you have accepted Christ...you have ALREADY passed from death to life...and life ETERNAL!
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1
It's all about who HE is...and because you belong to him you are no longer, never, ever, ever, ever, condemned!!
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his
work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Phil 1:6
We aren't perfect, but God will not stop helping us get there. He will complete us on the day Jesus comes to get us. So don't let your failures make you doubt your adoption. You are His and he will keep working on you.
There are many, many more verses to remind you that you are His...and will forever be His. It isn't based on your talent or whether you've had a good "performance"...It is based on your faith in Him which is why I will leave you with the verses from Ephesians.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for
this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Eph 2:8-9
It' all in what He's done. And that my friend is more than enough. When "THE JUDGE" calls his children home....you can be sure you'll be in that number!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Should I be surprised???
I John 3:13 So don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters,* if the world hates you.
The word of God tells us that the world will hate us. Couldn't be any clearer. We love God, they don't. We live for Him, they only live for themselves. We obey his commands and choose to be His servant. They don't understand. I understand it but it still hurts.
I'm just going to be transparent here, I enjoy being liked. Don't you? I have been in a few situations where I was really trying to minister to certain individuals that crossed my path. Gave of my time, my finances and all the emotional support I could muster up. I prayed for them tried to point them to Christ. I wish I could tell you that it all turned out wonderful and that they are serving the Lord whole heartedly and happy in their Christian walk but I can't. Matter of fact only one of them are in church at all. I have been called judgemental and I really feel like they need to look that word up becuase their slander, and cruel assessment of me fits the definition of judgemental pretty good. I let their comments really bother me for a period of time but as I prayed about it and searched the scriptures my dear Savior reminded me of a few things.
1. Jesus himself wasn't accepted and he was perfect...no sin was within him. Even his own people wouldn't accept him. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's
messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen
protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me." Matthew 23:37
2. I am not responsible for the outcome. I am only responsible to be obedient to Christ. Colossians 3:24" Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
3. Even though I may have made mistakes it does not mean I am not a child of the King. Romans 8:1" So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."
4. No matter what you think of me, I choose to continue to pray for you and love you. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute
you"
I've been cursed at, had my mailbox bashed in, talked about and ignored but I will not have to answer for any of those things....they will. The only thing I have to answer for are my actions and while I look back and wish I had done some things differently, I can stand before the Lord thankful that I took the opportunity to talk about Him to these people. And here's another fact, God knows my heart. I don't have to try to explain myself...He knows the truth.
I will continue to tell others how good God is. I will continue to make my family the most important thing in my life next to God and I will continue to serve him in whatever capacity He allows. Here's another thing I'll continue to do. Have JOY! Becuase when I look beyond hurtful words I come back to what is real. I am redeemed. God loves me. I am blessed! I have the most wonderful family in the world and God has proved Himself faithful to us!! I have a wonderful church family and a support system that is unbelieveable! And one day I will spend eternity with Jesus Christ. Wow!! How blessed!!!!
It does make me sad that these people are missing out on all that God has for them. I continue to pray that they will commit to Christ and experience peace and joy.
I don't know if any of you struggle with what people think of you or hurts that you've experienced but know you aren't alone...Jesus was rejected and persecuted too and He will protect you and heal you. Just keep serving and don't let them rob you of your joy. I'm CERTAINLY not going to let them rob me of mine! :)
The word of God tells us that the world will hate us. Couldn't be any clearer. We love God, they don't. We live for Him, they only live for themselves. We obey his commands and choose to be His servant. They don't understand. I understand it but it still hurts.
I'm just going to be transparent here, I enjoy being liked. Don't you? I have been in a few situations where I was really trying to minister to certain individuals that crossed my path. Gave of my time, my finances and all the emotional support I could muster up. I prayed for them tried to point them to Christ. I wish I could tell you that it all turned out wonderful and that they are serving the Lord whole heartedly and happy in their Christian walk but I can't. Matter of fact only one of them are in church at all. I have been called judgemental and I really feel like they need to look that word up becuase their slander, and cruel assessment of me fits the definition of judgemental pretty good. I let their comments really bother me for a period of time but as I prayed about it and searched the scriptures my dear Savior reminded me of a few things.
1. Jesus himself wasn't accepted and he was perfect...no sin was within him. Even his own people wouldn't accept him. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's
messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen
protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me." Matthew 23:37
2. I am not responsible for the outcome. I am only responsible to be obedient to Christ. Colossians 3:24" Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
3. Even though I may have made mistakes it does not mean I am not a child of the King. Romans 8:1" So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."
4. No matter what you think of me, I choose to continue to pray for you and love you. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute
you"
I've been cursed at, had my mailbox bashed in, talked about and ignored but I will not have to answer for any of those things....they will. The only thing I have to answer for are my actions and while I look back and wish I had done some things differently, I can stand before the Lord thankful that I took the opportunity to talk about Him to these people. And here's another fact, God knows my heart. I don't have to try to explain myself...He knows the truth.
I will continue to tell others how good God is. I will continue to make my family the most important thing in my life next to God and I will continue to serve him in whatever capacity He allows. Here's another thing I'll continue to do. Have JOY! Becuase when I look beyond hurtful words I come back to what is real. I am redeemed. God loves me. I am blessed! I have the most wonderful family in the world and God has proved Himself faithful to us!! I have a wonderful church family and a support system that is unbelieveable! And one day I will spend eternity with Jesus Christ. Wow!! How blessed!!!!
It does make me sad that these people are missing out on all that God has for them. I continue to pray that they will commit to Christ and experience peace and joy.
I don't know if any of you struggle with what people think of you or hurts that you've experienced but know you aren't alone...Jesus was rejected and persecuted too and He will protect you and heal you. Just keep serving and don't let them rob you of your joy. I'm CERTAINLY not going to let them rob me of mine! :)
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