The older I get the more I think about heaven and what it will be like. The things I wonder about don't have a thing to do with streets of gold, or how my mansion will look, or gates of pearl; it is more like, will we get to fellowship with the saints we've read about all these years. Will we have the opportunity to just sit and talk with Jesus. Will we have "alone" time with Him. Will we get to have supper and talk and laugh with all our loved ones that have gone on before us. Will it be awkward conversation or will it be as though we've never been apart.
Well, recently I had the opportunity to go back to Georgia and visit my best friend and her family. Knowing ahead of time we were going I put a notice out on Facebook to the class of 87' members that I am in contact with and asked if they perhaps could meet for breakfast. To my delight there were 6 of us who could go. Danita and I got up on Saturday morning and began to get ready, and I've got to admit I was excited. I haven't seen these girls in 22 years! I had seen their photos on Facebook but seeing them in person is different. I couldn't help but think of how much has happened to all of us in our lives in the past 22 years. I mean, things have definitely changed since high school. We have husbands, children, careers, we live in different towns and I'm even in a different state. I think I was just a little anxious about how the breakfast would go.
Danita and I got there first and were standing outside on the sidewalk waiting for them to arrive. We had stood there only a couple of minutes when around the corner came the four of them together. As their eyes saw us and we saw them immediately there were shouts of "Hey girls!"...."Hey ya'll!"....and as soon as arms could touch...we were all hugging. Let me tell ya...it was not awkward at all, but it was sheer joy for me.
As breakfast continued and we talked and laughed and reminisced it was such a joy! And the greatest joy was that ALL of us were children of God...redeemed! We talked about how good God is and how blessed we are and how he gives strength in time of need. It was just wonderful.....or as some people say....it was "heavenly"....that is when it hit me....not only did I get the chance to see them & enjoy their company now...but one day....we will have eternity to laugh and talk and enjoy one another. And let me tell ya....just like there was not an awkward moment in that entire morning....I don't think there will be one in heaven either. I can't wait to join my sisters singing "Holy, Holy, Holy"....what a glorious thought!
Just another reason I'm glad I'm a child of the King!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
What if......????
Hey ladies! I have a question for you, what if you were filled everyday with the Holy Spirit and everyday yielded to him? Do you think this world would possibly see "Christians" as having a relationship instead of just religion?
I am amazed at how offended the world is by just our presence. It all started when I participated last year in the chain of life. It is a silent demonstration against abortion. You simply stand on the side of the road and hold signs like "God loves you" or "You have options" or some scripture verse. As I stood there in silence holding my sign I was shocked at all the people who yelled profanities out of their cars as they passed. Others used obscene hand gestures and some honked in anger and screamed out their opinion on the matter. Over the past few months I've seen more of that "anger" that people have toward christians. And here's what I think. I don't blame them. How could we? We have churches who argue over petty issues like what color the carpet will be or people get mad and leave a church because they weren't asked to sing enough or acknowledged enough. We have those who will not so much as speak to each other in the church because they are wearing their feelings on their sleeve and so consumed with "self" that they have forgotten why they go to church in the first place. And ladies, the world is watching us and they have a right to be synical to our so called "Christianity".
When did we get so off course? When did we stop loving each other and those outside the church. Why are we not living holy lives and why are we not showing them our relationship with Christ and letting them see how He has changed us? We became carnal because we are not being controlled by the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess but be ye filled with the Spirit." Just as alcohol alters the actions and control that we have over our bodies, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit he will alter and control our actions. He will live the life through us that we could NEVER live on our own. Flesh can not reform flesh.
God help us to love those who are unloveable and to pray for those who do not know Him. Help us to get busy for you, to let go of all the petty things in this life that hold no eternal value and purpose in our hearts to win souls for Him. Help us sew, water and pray for God to give the increase. My hearts desire is to stand before Him and hear "well done"....ladies, I just want to make Him smile, don't you?
I am amazed at how offended the world is by just our presence. It all started when I participated last year in the chain of life. It is a silent demonstration against abortion. You simply stand on the side of the road and hold signs like "God loves you" or "You have options" or some scripture verse. As I stood there in silence holding my sign I was shocked at all the people who yelled profanities out of their cars as they passed. Others used obscene hand gestures and some honked in anger and screamed out their opinion on the matter. Over the past few months I've seen more of that "anger" that people have toward christians. And here's what I think. I don't blame them. How could we? We have churches who argue over petty issues like what color the carpet will be or people get mad and leave a church because they weren't asked to sing enough or acknowledged enough. We have those who will not so much as speak to each other in the church because they are wearing their feelings on their sleeve and so consumed with "self" that they have forgotten why they go to church in the first place. And ladies, the world is watching us and they have a right to be synical to our so called "Christianity".
When did we get so off course? When did we stop loving each other and those outside the church. Why are we not living holy lives and why are we not showing them our relationship with Christ and letting them see how He has changed us? We became carnal because we are not being controlled by the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess but be ye filled with the Spirit." Just as alcohol alters the actions and control that we have over our bodies, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit he will alter and control our actions. He will live the life through us that we could NEVER live on our own. Flesh can not reform flesh.
God help us to love those who are unloveable and to pray for those who do not know Him. Help us to get busy for you, to let go of all the petty things in this life that hold no eternal value and purpose in our hearts to win souls for Him. Help us sew, water and pray for God to give the increase. My hearts desire is to stand before Him and hear "well done"....ladies, I just want to make Him smile, don't you?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Surprise!
Hey Everyone! I just wanted to share this very special video with all of you. I have already posted about how wonderful my b-day was and then on Friday night (2 days after my b-day) I got probably the biggest surprise of my life!
I started my day on Friday with a day of vacation. I had breakfast with my kids,(Hope, Hannah and Ben) and my two buddies Renea and Mary. It was awesome! What a way to start the day with sweet fellowship and good food. Then after I took Hannah to school I headed to my appointment for a one hour massage. Oh my goodness...that girl can work wonders on a body! lol! It was so relaxing and made me feel rejuvenated and ready to shop! lol! I then left and came home re-washed my hair, touched up my make-up and went and had my toe nails painted. Then off to Greensboro to shop with my gift cards. I got a new dress, shoes, work out clothes and even stopped in Cold Stone for a strawberry shortcake Serenade!! WOW...what a day! I went by to show Renea my dress and then headed home. Doug took me to Monterey's for Supper and then we went to watch Hannah play ball. I have NEVER been on a ball field when the wind was blowing any harder or having any stronger gusts of wind. It was AWFUL! I was soooooo cold. It was the 1st game in all her years of playing that I watched part of the game from the car because I just could not stand the conditions. I couldn't wait to get home and get warm!
We pulled into the garage and I was the first one to the door leading into the kitchen. I opened it to the light being flipped on and people shouting Happy Birthday and SURPRISE!!! Well, that in itself was so sweet and touching but WAIT...it gets better....much better. You see my childhood best friend lives in Georgia, Danita, and I have not seen her for about 9 months! (That's to long by the way!) My 2 sweet precious friends, Renea and Mary along with my husband Doug had been planning this party and my special surprise for a month. Within a couple of minutes of me arriving at my party the phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and recognized Danita's number. I said (as you can hear in the video) "She'll talk forever" and wasn't going to be rude and make my party givers wait but they said "Oh she knows and just wants to be a part of the party" so I answered. We talk for a few minutes and then she asks me to hang on....I do....meanwhile she is coming from my bedroom closet down the hall to appear from behind me and touch me on the elbow. My reaction is delayed because I really couldn't process that she was really here. I was in TOTAL shock!!!! But once it clicked the rejoicing began!
The video captures it as best it can but only the Lord knows how full my heart was of joy. Pure joy! Our hearts are so tightly knit together and I miss her so much that her visit for my 40th b-day was definitely the missing puzzle piece that made it perfect. To think of her sacrifice to drive almost 450 miles on Friday to see me for one full day and then turn around and drive it by herself back to Ga is so precious and I feel so honored. Not everyone can say that they have friends like my sweet Danita, Renea and Mary but how blessed I am to say that I do have them in my life! Those two girls were as happy for me and Danita as we were to see each other. They love me like Christ wants us to love each other...preferring one another and to be self-sacrificing. Thank you girls.....thank you soooooooo much! I pray I can be a blessing to you all as you have been to me.
Enjoy the video.....some have said it could win me $10,000. I'm just glad at 40 I can jump like that! lol!
I started my day on Friday with a day of vacation. I had breakfast with my kids,(Hope, Hannah and Ben) and my two buddies Renea and Mary. It was awesome! What a way to start the day with sweet fellowship and good food. Then after I took Hannah to school I headed to my appointment for a one hour massage. Oh my goodness...that girl can work wonders on a body! lol! It was so relaxing and made me feel rejuvenated and ready to shop! lol! I then left and came home re-washed my hair, touched up my make-up and went and had my toe nails painted. Then off to Greensboro to shop with my gift cards. I got a new dress, shoes, work out clothes and even stopped in Cold Stone for a strawberry shortcake Serenade!! WOW...what a day! I went by to show Renea my dress and then headed home. Doug took me to Monterey's for Supper and then we went to watch Hannah play ball. I have NEVER been on a ball field when the wind was blowing any harder or having any stronger gusts of wind. It was AWFUL! I was soooooo cold. It was the 1st game in all her years of playing that I watched part of the game from the car because I just could not stand the conditions. I couldn't wait to get home and get warm!
We pulled into the garage and I was the first one to the door leading into the kitchen. I opened it to the light being flipped on and people shouting Happy Birthday and SURPRISE!!! Well, that in itself was so sweet and touching but WAIT...it gets better....much better. You see my childhood best friend lives in Georgia, Danita, and I have not seen her for about 9 months! (That's to long by the way!) My 2 sweet precious friends, Renea and Mary along with my husband Doug had been planning this party and my special surprise for a month. Within a couple of minutes of me arriving at my party the phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and recognized Danita's number. I said (as you can hear in the video) "She'll talk forever" and wasn't going to be rude and make my party givers wait but they said "Oh she knows and just wants to be a part of the party" so I answered. We talk for a few minutes and then she asks me to hang on....I do....meanwhile she is coming from my bedroom closet down the hall to appear from behind me and touch me on the elbow. My reaction is delayed because I really couldn't process that she was really here. I was in TOTAL shock!!!! But once it clicked the rejoicing began!
The video captures it as best it can but only the Lord knows how full my heart was of joy. Pure joy! Our hearts are so tightly knit together and I miss her so much that her visit for my 40th b-day was definitely the missing puzzle piece that made it perfect. To think of her sacrifice to drive almost 450 miles on Friday to see me for one full day and then turn around and drive it by herself back to Ga is so precious and I feel so honored. Not everyone can say that they have friends like my sweet Danita, Renea and Mary but how blessed I am to say that I do have them in my life! Those two girls were as happy for me and Danita as we were to see each other. They love me like Christ wants us to love each other...preferring one another and to be self-sacrificing. Thank you girls.....thank you soooooooo much! I pray I can be a blessing to you all as you have been to me.
Enjoy the video.....some have said it could win me $10,000. I'm just glad at 40 I can jump like that! lol!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
How blessed I am!
Today is my b-day, and by this world's standards a pretty significant one. I am 40 years old today. There is a lot of hype about this birthday. I've heard people say that they are depressed on this birthday but I am totally the opposite! You see I have the BEST girlfriends and family in the world and they made my 40th b-day a hoot!
My best friend in GA started celebrating my birthday 40 days ago! She has sent me a card for the past 40 days with sweet messages, funny lines, and pictures from the past that have been such a joy to receive! These days the mailbox only holds junk mail or bills both of which are not very much fun so receive an actual greeting card for 40 consecutive days was a treat! Then yesterday she sang Happy Birthday Eve to me...lol and 15 hours out she started sending me a text every hour on the hour telling me how quickly my new age and entering a new decade was coming! lol!
My two best friends in NC snuck into my yard and placed black "Over the Hill" signs for all to see today. Wasn't that a blessing? lol
Mary came this morning a little after 7 and brought me a gift and card and delivered her very own b-day hug! How sweet!
Doug woke me up by singing to me and had my towel laid out with the sweetest b-day message ever and had my coffee ready for me in the kitchen....he is such a keeper! Both the girls had made special cards/letters for me. Hope cleaned my bathroom from top to bottom while I was at work....such a GREAT gift!
A sweet sister from church called this morning and sang to me and sent her greetings of love.
The girls at work gave me a gift card and made me a cake and one of my customers brought me a balloon and a card.
My future son-in-love Ben called and wished me a happy birthday this morning...how sweet!
My dear friend Julie in TN texted me and wished me happy birthday. Lots of FB friends left their wishes. I got a text from my niece Audra and one from my 2nd daughter Kaylea (Danita's oldest) An customer from the bank I used to work at called and wished me well.
Tonight at church many had sweet things to say and my dear friends Kathy and Terry Miller gave me the most beautiful hanging basket. Renea brought me a cupcake from "Delicious"...yummy!!! and a gift card to Dress Barn.
Whew! I'm sure I've missed someone but you get the jest of just how blessed my day has been. I may be a year older, I may be in a new decade, and I may even be "old" to some, but I am also loved and for me that is the most precious thing we can experience in this world. It was like a gift to me from the Father. For years satan told me no one loved me, I wasn't "worth" loving but I know better. God created me and has loved me always! And what a "handful of purpose" it is to know that I have so many people in my life that love me too.
Thank you Father God for this b-day and for all my friends and for the joy and love I've felt today.
Thank you friends for all your special touches on my b-day and on my life.
I love you all!!!
My best friend in GA started celebrating my birthday 40 days ago! She has sent me a card for the past 40 days with sweet messages, funny lines, and pictures from the past that have been such a joy to receive! These days the mailbox only holds junk mail or bills both of which are not very much fun so receive an actual greeting card for 40 consecutive days was a treat! Then yesterday she sang Happy Birthday Eve to me...lol and 15 hours out she started sending me a text every hour on the hour telling me how quickly my new age and entering a new decade was coming! lol!
My two best friends in NC snuck into my yard and placed black "Over the Hill" signs for all to see today. Wasn't that a blessing? lol
Mary came this morning a little after 7 and brought me a gift and card and delivered her very own b-day hug! How sweet!
Doug woke me up by singing to me and had my towel laid out with the sweetest b-day message ever and had my coffee ready for me in the kitchen....he is such a keeper! Both the girls had made special cards/letters for me. Hope cleaned my bathroom from top to bottom while I was at work....such a GREAT gift!
A sweet sister from church called this morning and sang to me and sent her greetings of love.
The girls at work gave me a gift card and made me a cake and one of my customers brought me a balloon and a card.
My future son-in-love Ben called and wished me a happy birthday this morning...how sweet!
My dear friend Julie in TN texted me and wished me happy birthday. Lots of FB friends left their wishes. I got a text from my niece Audra and one from my 2nd daughter Kaylea (Danita's oldest) An customer from the bank I used to work at called and wished me well.
Tonight at church many had sweet things to say and my dear friends Kathy and Terry Miller gave me the most beautiful hanging basket. Renea brought me a cupcake from "Delicious"...yummy!!! and a gift card to Dress Barn.
Whew! I'm sure I've missed someone but you get the jest of just how blessed my day has been. I may be a year older, I may be in a new decade, and I may even be "old" to some, but I am also loved and for me that is the most precious thing we can experience in this world. It was like a gift to me from the Father. For years satan told me no one loved me, I wasn't "worth" loving but I know better. God created me and has loved me always! And what a "handful of purpose" it is to know that I have so many people in my life that love me too.
Thank you Father God for this b-day and for all my friends and for the joy and love I've felt today.
Thank you friends for all your special touches on my b-day and on my life.
I love you all!!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
More from Jennifer Rothschild....
Girls, let me just tell ya....if you have never read Jennifer Rothschild's books or heard her speak....you are missing out!!! She is awesome! Our Sunday School class is just finishing up her book "Walking By Faith...Lessons I Learned in the Dark" and it has been a tremendous blessing!!! Here are a couple of quotes from this last week.
Concerning perspective....If you're perspective is right the following is true...
Waiting on God is something that will NEVER deplete you.....It will only streghten you!
Perspective being the key and here's the verse she referenced. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." (amplified version)
Don't delight in "what" God can do but in "who" God is! That's the key. That way the waiting won't be about him doing what you want...it will be about loving Him, and trusting Him.
Another story she told as a great illustration was the while doing a family ancestory chart her mom found out that many, many years ago some of there family had been purposely buried facing the East because they wanted their resurrected body to be facing the Lord when he returned. What a great thought in death but she said what a better way to live!! We should LIVE FACING EAST!!! Be prepared sisters! Live our lives looking expectantly for His return! Another phrase she used was "Follow God with Tenacity." That is something I think just sounds fun! I've been called tenacious so the thought of following my Jesus that way is so enticing to me...what about you?
Well, that is all for tonight....it is bedtime and this clay needs the rest. I hope you are encouraged by Jennifer's words.
I love you all!
Lora
Concerning perspective....If you're perspective is right the following is true...
Waiting on God is something that will NEVER deplete you.....It will only streghten you!
Perspective being the key and here's the verse she referenced. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." (amplified version)
Don't delight in "what" God can do but in "who" God is! That's the key. That way the waiting won't be about him doing what you want...it will be about loving Him, and trusting Him.
Another story she told as a great illustration was the while doing a family ancestory chart her mom found out that many, many years ago some of there family had been purposely buried facing the East because they wanted their resurrected body to be facing the Lord when he returned. What a great thought in death but she said what a better way to live!! We should LIVE FACING EAST!!! Be prepared sisters! Live our lives looking expectantly for His return! Another phrase she used was "Follow God with Tenacity." That is something I think just sounds fun! I've been called tenacious so the thought of following my Jesus that way is so enticing to me...what about you?
Well, that is all for tonight....it is bedtime and this clay needs the rest. I hope you are encouraged by Jennifer's words.
I love you all!
Lora
Friday, March 13, 2009
Knowing it is coming....
It is 6:16a.m. on Friday morning and I must share that I am excited! Friday's are WONDERFUL days!!! For me, it means I have made it through another work week and a weekend is on the way. (so sorry for those of you who have to work weekends...I've been there too) I am tired physically and ready for some rest. Softball season has started and that means games at least twice a week until late and the away games this week have been almost 40 minutes away, and then church on Wednesday and it just seems like we run, run, run!! But this morning as I got up I had a smile on my face just knowing that in 9 hours...my weekend will begin. I stumbled into the kitchen and fixed my cup of coffee and with my first sip I just savored it and smiled thinking how grateful I am for that starter cup of coffee. I then checked my scripture of the day which was ... The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3)and I felt so warm inside...not from the coffee but from the truth that God has ALWAYS loved me and ALWAYS will. I then checked my facebook account to which I had a friend request from someone I haven't seen in over 20 years....how cool! This Friday is looking good and I'm just giddy knowing the weekend with my precious family is just ahead!
You know girls, one day we'll get up not knowing that it will be our last "work" day here on earth. The rapture could happen at anytime and we ought to be looking for it just like I look for Friday's. The fact should excite us and make us giddy inside! We could be spending ETERNITY with our family, friends and most of all our precious Jesus within a twinkling of an eye. Wow!! Now that is something to be excited about!
Let's keep looking and let's serve him until the last hour!
You know girls, one day we'll get up not knowing that it will be our last "work" day here on earth. The rapture could happen at anytime and we ought to be looking for it just like I look for Friday's. The fact should excite us and make us giddy inside! We could be spending ETERNITY with our family, friends and most of all our precious Jesus within a twinkling of an eye. Wow!! Now that is something to be excited about!
Let's keep looking and let's serve him until the last hour!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Sunday a day of rest???
I don't think so! lol! If you attend and serve in a local thriving church then Sundays are NOT a day of rest. But they are like a shot in the arm of spiritual help. I am always so physically fatigued on Sunday evenings but so spiritually recharged!! I have so much I want to share with others, like my sisters in Christ and so much I've learned, been blessed by and just down right enjoyed throughout my Sunday that I can't hardly contain it! Sunday's are a day to worship (our message tonight was on this very subject) a day to express as a body of believers how much we love our Jesus....Our King....Our Redeemer! For me, it helps charge me so I am ready to face the world (and satan) on Monday, because lets face it girls, he's ready and waiting. It may be through a co-worker he rears his ugly head, or car problems, a sick child, an alarm clock that doesn't go off at the right time, an unexpected expense and no funds to cover it, etc. We know how Mondays and the "real" world can be, but I also know I have a firm foundation upon which I stand and that nothing can happen that doesn't filter through his loving hands long before it reaches me. I also know that even though it may not be well with my circumstances....it can be well with my soul and most of all I know that He told me to take heart....He has overcome the world.
It is 9:30 and I'm ready for bed....my body needs some rest but as David said in Psalm 23....."My cup runneth over".....I can't wait for next Sunday!
It is 9:30 and I'm ready for bed....my body needs some rest but as David said in Psalm 23....."My cup runneth over".....I can't wait for next Sunday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)