Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Appreciation

I have neglected to tell the people who read this on a regular basis how much they are appreciated.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

If it were not for friends like you, my life would not be the same. You have each touched my heart deeply.

I am eternally grateful for HIS guidance in our friendships.

Prayers needed please

My grandfather is in the hospital. His kidneys are not functioning the way they should. The doctor's say there is a 50/50 chance for him to survive based on the recent events in life. Read about it here.

I just need the courage to accept God's will. I need the peace that passes all understanding in order to demonstrate that to my family members who do not serve my Lord.

One of our pastors spoke on regifting tonight at church. You know, getting something and then giving it to someone else. He spoke about rewrapping before you regift. In order to rewrap God's gifts, we need to use and understand them ourselves. We need to know HIS gifts so intimately that they are second nature to us, that they flow freely and without regret.

I need to be able to do that.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Indentured Servitude

Like the indentured servants of old, you and I are bound to Christ. He purchased our salvation and place in Heaven with His blood. Offering our bodies to as a living sacrifice is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Doing His bidding is our reasonable service.

Has He asked you to do something that is unpleasant or humbling? Just remember that He walked and talked with those that no one else would walk and talk with. He cleansed the unclean.

Has He asked you to do something outside your comfort zone? Just remember the Garden of Gethsemene.

Jesus is our perfect example. We are to aspire to be like Him.

He talked with the Father daily. There was a deep connection there.

He understood what was required. He asked for clarification and confirmation.

He was obedient. He did the things He did out of love.

That last one is the kicker. Indentured servants of old were not required to love. Just complete the time period that was agreed upon.

As servants of Christ, we are still indentured but God added another component. Love. It is not optional but part of our reasonable service.

Indentured servitude is a choice, an agreement to the terms. We must serve on HIS terms. We must choose.

Heavy stuff that can't be shoveled. . .

Have you ever felt that you were the nearest dumping ground? I kind of feel that way lately.

My brother in law is having family issues and calls almost daily. He will be in the States from Germany on Tuesday. That's when the "real" therapy sessions start.

My mother in law is having a disagreement with her sisters about the treatment of her 94 year old mother. This is a result of not speaking to each other about anything important for years! I just want to lock them in the closet and let them fight it out! Can I really fixt this? NO! Do I want to? YES!

My family is still reeling from the loss of my grandmother. This Earth will NEVER be the same!

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All of the above issues deal with forgiveness and grief. Forgiveness and grief are both processes. However, you must be willing to work through the process in order for the situation to be resolved.

The neediness of these situations will eventually go away. Knowing that is helpful.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Do you like pie?

Works for me . . .


You Are Pumpkin Pie
You're the perfect combo of uniqueness and quality.You're able to relate to many types of people with many different tastes.But you're by no means generic or ordinary.In fact, you're one of the most original people around.Those who like you are looking for something (someone!) special.You tend confuse people when they first meet you. You're not as complicated as you seem.Even though you have a lot of spice and flavor to you, you're never overpowering.You are a calm and comforting force in people's lives.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofpieareyouquiz/

Friday, November 30, 2007

7 Things you might not know about me . . .

I've been tagged.

Directions:
1) Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2) Share 7 facts about yourself that you think most people don't know.
3) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4) Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here goes:

1. I don't know how to create links on Blogger.

2. I have 4 extra holes in my head.

3. My given middle name is Margaret.

4. I used to be a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.

5. My ring size is 6.

6. My shoe size is 7 1/2.

7. I've had 8 years of classical ballet.


I don't know anyone who has a blog that hasn't already been tagged.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

God is Worthy

1Th:5:18: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

There are only two times to praise and thank HIM, when we feel like it and when we don't.

Our circumstances do not dictate HIS worthiness of praise and thanksgiving.

Jesus is ALWAYS worthy!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Legacy is important.

I am so glad that we are promised eternal life in a place prepared specifically for us. As Christians, we are promised a life without pain, tears and sorrow in the presence of Jesus and those that have gone before us.

My grandmother met her perfect heavenly match at 3:49AM Tuesday,November 13, 2007.

We were planning a family celebration for Thanksgiving this year. She had the cranberries in the refrigerator and the pies in the freezer (with Cool Whip!). She was prepared.

No one in the family was really as prepared as Grandma was for what actually transpired.

I saw some of the saddest moments in my family's life in the last two weeks. My mom and her sister in grief and in service to their mother. My grandfather with his heart broken and in denial. 67 years is a long time. A life time. My grandmother using all her energy just to breathe.

During her funeral, my siblings and some of my cousins shared some memories, read her scripture choices and sang a song written in her honor. We shared some of the memories we remembered for her 90th birthday, Prell shampoo in the kitchen sink, baths on the back porch in the wash tub, toast fingers and coffee, black hair dye and many more.

I read a sign on a church recently that said "Live your life so that people won't have to lie at your funeral". Legacy is important.

The hospital chaplain made an astute observation. She said that you can feel love in the atmosphere and see it in a room. She also said you can tell when there is no love. Her job placed her in a unique position to observe this. Legacy is apparent.

Is your legacy one of love or one without love?

Thursday, October 25, 2007

This came up as a feature on Yahoo. . .

I think that this can be officially called a rant. This really steamed me when I read it.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119326834963770540.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_pj

It is an article about bullying based on fashion choices.

I know, I know, that kids are cruel but how much of it is driven by what they see and hear and what is made to be important in their homes. If your child is concerned about brand labels and what others are wearing, you need to examine what is being emphasized in your home.

As parents, we control the atmosphere of our homes and what is emphasized. Be sure that what is apparant there is what you want it to be. Remember we will be held accountable.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Response to my friend . . .

My friend has the privilege to have the ear of the kids in her neighborhood. These are some of the questions that they are grappling with in their homechurch situation. Her questions are in green.

This is my feeble attempt to share what I know is in black.

1. Is it really "free will" if God is going to kill the people who don't serve Him? You know like the slave owners who killed their slaves if they didn't serve them. Isn't that more like slavery except that after He kills us He is then going to burn us forever and ever in an unquenchable thirst. But you know that's only if we don't serve Him.


Let’s look at this from a different point of view. Free will is our ability to choose to do something or not. Just like following the rules of the house, if you don’t there are consequences and if you do there are benefits. Sometimes, the benefits are not seen immediately.

Just like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene, (He gave up his “will” for God’s) we can choose to follow the plan or not.

2. If God knows everything then why did He create a human existance knowing that they would fall and that Satan would rule them? Not only that let's throw in the fact that their own flesh would cause them to want to do things that God has decided are sinful!

We were created for companionship. If you look at the relationship that God had with Adam and Even in the cool of the evening, you see that He wanted a relationship with them and was upset when disobedience (sin) was committed. Look at the consequences that were dealt, banishment from the garden, living off their work, pain in childbirth, woman being subject to her husband and physical death.

We were created to be obedient companion. Sin is a result of free will. This is a dynamic of the human/God relationship that is hard to grasp. Understanding comes with a relationship with Jesus and reading His Word.


3. Why did He make Satan if He knew that Satan was going to cause sin in the first place?

Satan was Lucifer the Son of the Morning, an angel leading the worship in God’s Throne Room. His fall came from pride in the gifts that God had bestowed, wisdom and great beauty. (Ezekiel 28:13-18) Satan does not cause sin. He was just the example that we follow in sin. His unforgivable sin that caused him to be cast from heaven was saying that he would be greater that God. (Isaiah 14:13-15) This is our example of the lust of the eye and the pride of life. The lust of the flesh followed “knowledge” gained by eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

4. Why did He send His son to save a lost world when He could have just not made it in the first place? And why did Jesus have to die for a world that could have just not been made in the first place?

Since we were created for companionship and sin created separation, some form of reconciliation had to be made. God made himself flesh and came to reconcile Himself to the companions He loved so desperately.

5. Why is the Bible so out of order, hard to figure out by oneself and over the top vague?

The Bible seems that way because it was written by different men (guided by God) over a period of many years. It is hard to figure out because it was written with examples that are no longer common to our society. If you try to update the examples to current day, you might apply the principles that Jesus used to make it easier to understand.

If this is life or death for eternity, why didn't He make it like, T-totally Black and white-no messing around with letters to different churches and burning bushes and arcs. Why not just say, this is the way and that's it...No way around it, no different points of view?

It may seem vague and hard to understand because the apostles were dealing with questions like the ones you are dealing with now but pertinent to their time. Not everyone will accept the dictatorial “It’s my way or the highway” kind of attitude. There are certain things that are that way but daily living is left to the individual to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. (Phillipians 2:12)

Like, you know, even the Catholics...which is a pretty old religion, had it way wrong a whole bunch of times...the whole flat earth thing....killing "witches"....molesting kids. These are the leaders of God's church..Oh but we are all sinners. Yes so that led to another question...

I don’t know that any one church denomination has everything down. The Bible says that His ways are above our ways and there are some things that will not be revealed to us.

6. Why did he make sin again? Did He make Satan? Was He all knowing when He made Satan?

There are things that God allows to happen to us as a result of our choices. Just like your parents, God loves you but must correct our behavior that doesn't align with His word.

*****************************************************
These are further comments and questions brought about by comments to her blog entry.

Firstly, I know all religions have crazy people in their midst...some are members and some are their leaders. THAT is the whole point of the question."Why are the leaders of God's church not as protected as the Bible supposedly is? Wouldn't a God who is all knowing place leaders in His church who are real and cause the fakers to be abolished and unable to lead people astray in His REAL church?"


God protects His word so that those who choose to follow Him will know what is expected to be obedient. (remember that we were created to be obedient companions) His obedient companions also have this same measure of protection because He loves them.

In Matthew 7:15 Jesus states “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” God in the flesh says that there will be fakers. He wants a relationship with each of us so that we can be obedient companions with His protection. Because of free will there will be other choices.

Those are the things I'm trying to solve here because.."We are all sinners"isn't cutting it with these kids. :-) And I've tried to explain how God feels and that he brings Peace in times of trial but that doesn't fly either. It can be chalked up to wishful thinking.

So as I'm trying to "study-up" in order to head their questions off at the pass I began digging into history to prove that the church and God's word doesn't change...then I find astronomy.

Holy Moly...the Bible AND history had to be looked at differently!!

Ahhh...We're all crazy!

I certainly am not saying Catholicism as a whole is wrong! I don't believe that. Any religion that preaches Jesus as the way is fine by me. :-)

Why has the church deemed things as sin and then revoked it? How do I explain that?


The “church” has been corrupted by the traditions of man. As culture and times have changed, the “church” has adapted to the expectations of the people instead of staying aligned with the expectations of God.

God’s position on sin has not changed. Ever. Abominations are listed in Proverbs 6:16-19 and commandments are given in Exodus 20:1-18.


How do we explain this crazy mess? Sin? Satan?Nope...can't...doesn't fly...Then I get..."Why did God make Satan?"

If one sin can change they all can change.


"Oh this is a sin today but not tomorrow. Oh this is a BIGGER sin so that's no big deal that those sins changed."

"WHaaaT??"

Why did God create the world knowing people would go to hell?"


Hell was created initially for Lucifer and 1/3 of the heavenly host when they were cast from heaven. God did not create it for us. Our curse was from disobedience (sin).

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These are my answers to these questions, prayerfully researched based on my knowledge of the Bible. If they don’t fly, please post more so that we can all learn from their questions.

Monday, October 8, 2007

You (did/saw) THAT!

I have been tagged for 20 things that I have done, seen or experienced that I think that most people have not.

Here goes . . .

1. Have been to Ireland

2. Have been through the Waterford Glass Factory

3. Have kissed the Blarney Stone

4. Have inherited a 150 year old family spinning wheel that I could use today if it had all the
pieces

5. Can take a raw sheep fleece, clean it, prep it, spin it, knit it and wear it

6. Can sew my own clothes

7. Have parents (42 years in Nov.) and grandparents (67 years in May) that are still married

8. Have been married for 18 years to the same person

9. Have seen your first born wheeled away in an isolette and taken to another hospital

10. Have had all your children delivered by your OB/GYN's partner

11. Have a special needs child

12. Have homeschooled children

13. Have received an iron for a present

14. Have tended bar

15. Have dumped a pizza and lemonade down the front of a jukebox

16. Have worked on construction sites

17. Have painted a friend's family room while my husband jumped from a plane

18. Have been really drunk less than 5 times

19. Have received the Holy Ghost

20. Have forgiven and been forgiven

WOW! I realized that this is a pretty diverse list. I am so glad that we are all unique and the same experiences that I may have in common with you have affected me differently than you.

I thank God for all these things, both good and bad, because without them I would not be who I am.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Go down Memory Lane til you turn left on Silver Bullet St.

Meeting

I met my husband at the Silver Bullet Saloon. I was waitressing the night he came in. He came in with a group of friends from work. They sat in the farthest corner of the bar from the bathroom.

When I came over to take their orders, I said to Randy "Are you OK?" Randy said, "Yes, why?" Me: "Because you're holding your stomach like your going to be sick." (Thinking don't you dare puke this far from the john!) Randy: "Oh, sometimes I just think I'm Napoleon." (He had his hand inside his coat.) OK! On with the ordering and drinking.

First Date

Later, he noticed that I was wearing an engagement ring. He asked, "Do you wear that ring because you are engaged or just keep guys like me away?" I told him I was engaged. I was. He asked, "Do you cheat?" I quipped, "Only if it's worth my while." and walked away.

Still later, he asked to meet me at Denny's after the bar closed. (Mind you, I got off at 3AM!) I thought he would never make it, so I agreed to keep from being pestered the rest of the night.

Well, the bar closed at 2AM and when we were done counting and cleaning up the barmaid and I left together. We told never to go to the parking lot alone that late. Dione looked at me and said, "He's sitting on the hood of his car!" He was!

So we went to Denny's. I guess it was a first date because we're still here.

First Kiss

Well, after breakfast at Denny's was the first kiss. He kissed me first.

The kiss that hooked me was about a week later. He came to the bar to see me and had to leave. I was behind the bar and had the waitress stand there for a minute because we couldn't leave the bar unattended. I ran to the hallway and called his name. He turned and I ran to kiss him. I was on cloud nine the rest of the night!

Length of Courtship/Engagement

We met in March of 1988. We were engaged at Eastertime in 1989 and married in July, 1989.

Where Engaged?

We got engaged at Randy's grandparents home. I had already met his mom and one of his brothers. (His father passed in 1987 and the other brother was in the Army.) So we went up north for Easter to meet grandma and grandpa. Very old fashioned. We stayed in separate rooms.

We went for a moonlight walk and he proposed while we were standing in a mudpuddle.

We went back to the house to ask grandpa (Methodist minister) to perform the ceremony. He agreed and said "I was wondering when this was going to happen. How long have you known each other?" "About a year." "That's long enough!"

We asked them not to tell anyone until we could get rings and make it formal. Grandma said, "Wait right there!" She ran to her room and came back with a ring that you would get as a free gift for ordering anything from the Lillian Vernon catalog and handed it to Randy in a small plastic bag. He handed it to me. She said "Oh no! You get down on your knee and do it right!"

So he got down on his knee and in front of his grandparents asked me to marry him.

Where Married?

Let's back up some.

We were at my parents' house to tell them. Dad had to return a rental truck so Randy went with him to tell him. He was a little nervous to tell my mom, so I did. At the time, she was less than pleased but came around about 6 months later and said "Now I understand why you did what you did." She really liked my highschool sweetheart.

Randy told my dad on the return trip from the rental place. Upon Randy's announcement, Dad's reply was "Well, that great! What did she say?" "Yes, of course!" "Well, she's strong and has made her decision."

On to the planning and food!

The wedding and reception were in my parents' yard. The family all pitched in with food, flowers, decorating, cleaning, etc. We planned, made lists and diagrams. The week before the wedding I was home and helping with the preparations. We cooked and cleaned and preened the yard! Wow!

My father gave me away as his sister sang and we were married by Randy's grandfather. We were attended by 4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen. Truly beautiful!

Reception

We ate great food and had fun visiting with family and friends. When Randy's granparents left we broke out the beer and wine and dancing! We tossed bouquets and garters off the balcony and someone stole my shoe!

Honeymoon

We began at a bed and breakfast inn and then went on to a cabin on the AuSable River. Randy showed his true "cityboy" and so we went to Traverse City and toured around.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

What has He given you lately?

Psalms 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Are you looking at His gifts as a blessing or a curse?

Does this change your perspective?

Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will shall be beaten with many stripes.

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Though this passage is talking about worldly masters, it still lends itself to the responsibility we hold.

What have you given back lately?

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Meme's favorite books to be stranded with . . .

I would also prefer all the originals not the dumbed down versions.

1. Little House complete set

2. Elsie Dinsmore complete set

3. Anne of Green Gables complete set

4. Little Women complete set

5. A selection of Beverly Cleary (Ramona is a must!)

6. The Secret Garden

7. Peter Pan

8. To Kill a Mockingbird

9. Swiss Family Robinson (you are stranded, right?)

10. Holy Bible KJV

Does one look for unabridged versions to make sure that you have the author's original thoughts? Do you have suggestions about how to tell you have the original text?

Please share.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Funerals can be a blessing

My great uncle passed away earlier this week. He is no longer suffering and is at rest. My grandmother is now the only sibling left out of nine! She turned 94 (yes and completely healthy and living in her own home) last March.

She buried her baby brother today.

It is one of the few times I remember seeing her cry. I can count them on one hand and I am 41 years old!

Listening to his grandchildren and his children read his selections from the Bible and tell their memories of him gave me insight to a man I only saw once every year or so. He always greeted me with a smile and usually said "You're Carole's daughter, right?"

It is at these type of functions that people share their most precious, sometimes, private thoughts about others. I learned that some of my cousins are saved and have professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I learned that my great uncle and grandmother end phone conversations in the same manner, "Thank you for this." I learned that even in death, your name is important. I heard the love professed that I had always felt. I learned that God's ways really do stand the test of families, time and sin.

My family is not perfect but it is what I know. I know more now than I did this morning.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Church Camp

We spent a lot of time at the church campgrounds this year. Randy and I working and the girls attending or just hanging out.

We had a blast but towards the end of the season, it becomes work.

I attended Deaf camp for the first time this season. My friend wanted me to sign but since I had never been I chickened out and went to watch instead. (BAHGAWK! I know!)

I have never seen a more wonderful display of the mercies of God! These precious saints, whom some people shun, are adored by the Lord! It was so humbling to see worship and pure hearts before Him.

It really made you think about the statement that God doesn't make mistakes or junk. These people, who are imperfect here on Earth, are here on purpose! They were put here for the same reason as the "perfect" people. WE ARE ALL HERE TO WORSHIP AND GLORIFY THE SAME MASTER!!!!

We sometimes get so stuck in our own problems and concerns, that we forget about the plights of others. He is merciful to give us the inspiration that we need.

Prayer you say!

We have a weekly ladies prayer group. We have met in people's homes for several years now.

We have fellowship and bear one another's burdens. Lots of healing and wisdom has come from this group.

One lady in particular continues to bless me. She is an elder in our congregation and has a wonderful testimony. She asks thought provoking questions and then reveals the answers that God has given her. The others do this too but she somehow gets to my heart.

I thank the Lord for my sister!

My 18th Anniversary

July 29th is our anniversary. I had to look it up.

What!!! you say. Yes, we both forget the exact date of our anniversary.

For me, I guess, it is because I gave my heart and life to my husband before our wedding day. The ceremony was just the formality. It is a nice formality and brings closure to the process. Closure because it is a lifelong commitment.

For my husband, it is because he just doesn't remember those things. We also don't do Hallmark holidays so I think the brain just gets flushed of dates.

Anyway, to the good part. . .

When God took alcoholism from my husband about three years ago, he asked me to marry him again. I agreed. (What else was I going to do!)

Well, dates didn't work out and he wanted a catered affair. Needless to say, it didn't happen.

Several Sundays ago, he asked me again. Spur of the moment. He had actually looked it up and spoke with Pastor about it. That Sunday our church family had a rockin' service, a baptism (YEAH!) and a wedding. WHEW!

To the even better part . . .

During the service, we had an altar call for healing. Most of the adult women were in the altar for healing or just praying for others. Our Lesley (12 yrs) came to the altar to pray with others. I didn't see her but that is not an unusual occurance.

One of the ministerial staff was speaking about his observances and called Lesley to the front of the church. He praised her for following the leading of the Holy Ghost and not thinking about what others would say (e.g. you're too young, it's not your job, etc.)

In response to Bro. Cadle, she said nothing but raised her hands and began praising the Lord, speaking in tongues. Her sisters immediately joined her. Soon there was a pile of young girls on their faces before the Lord! Oh, what a sight to see! The church began again to praise and worship our Lord and Master.

God is still so awsome!

Monday, July 2, 2007

What have I learned?

I've learned that there are only two times to love God; when you feel like it and when you don't .

I've learned that God wants every heart, even yours.

I've learned to get "it" over with. Whatever "it" is. Then get on to the good stuff.

I've learned that life speaks volumes. So keep your mouth SHUT!

I've learned that whatever is the hardest is usually worth it.

I've learned it is not about me.

I've learned that only you can stand up for your kids.

I've learned that things about other people that bother me are probably things I need to examine in my own life.

I've learned no one is perfect, just forgiven.

I've learned that I am commanded to forgive but I am not required to be a doormat.

I've learned that God loves me even if I don't.

Friday, June 22, 2007

4x4 catch up

Previous four years . . .

1. God saving my family.

2. Becoming a stay at home homeschooling parent.

3. God totally changing my life.

4. Getting a dog. (may not seem like much but I don't really like dogs.)

Next four years . . .

1. Becoming totally dependent on God.

2. Seeing friends and family saved.

3. Seeing some my children drive.

4. Becoming more like my parents. (Where did you get that from?!)

S'memes I'm behind . . .

I guess I should start with the first meme.

Thirty things that don't bother me:

1. OPK - Other people's kids in my home. If I don't like them, I can send them home.

2. Kids eating in the car. (This drives my DH nuts!)

3. Attending family reunions with people I'm related to but have no idea about.

4. Dirty clothes.

5. Messy but not dirty houses. (There is a difference!)

6. Situations I don't understand. I have learned that the outcome is up to HIM.

7. Waiting my turn.

8. Doing things the long way.

9. Opera and classical music.

10. Sharing clothes and shoes with my girls.

11. People who worship differently than I do.

12. Questions. Open season for sharing my opinion.

13. Mowing the lawn. (would trade the vacuuming though!)

14. Washing dishes. (got it from Grandma!)

15. People who don't speak/understand English.

16. High fines for parking in the handicapped spots. Just shouldn't be done unless you need it!

17. Thunderstorms.

18. Tornados. Sounds weird, I know, but grew up in tornado alley.

19. I'm with Heather . . . unmatched clothing. If it fits and it's clean. GO FOR IT!

20. Bare feet. My youngest takes her shoes off in church!

21. Dirty kids when they are done playing. You have to wonder if they aren't!

22. Spending all day at the pool.

23. Peanut butter and dog hair on the floor. (again, drives DH nuts!)

24. Shoveling snow.

25. Knotted yarn.

26. Bugs.

27. Napping.

28. Turning off the TV. (again, drives kids and DH nuts.)

29. DH - Randy :)

30. my girls :)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Something just occurred to me . . .

The Bible says that God is God and He changes not.

We know that is true but some people have a hard time reconciling to that.

I think people who have a hard time with it don't realize that only our understanding of who He is changes. How I think about God now, after having a personal relationship with Him, is definitely different than before I really knew Him.

I am so glad He doesn't change!

Monday, June 11, 2007

Is God still amazing?

YES!!!!

He still speaks in that still, small voice.

I was listening to a Phillips Craig & Dean CD that was fairly new. I had listened to this particular song several times and thought nothing of the lyrics. Until Jesus spoke.

The lyrics were that He sings all around us and we never hear a sound. He said to me, "My sheep know my voice." How can we know His voice if we never hear a sound?

I am so blessed to be able to hear His voice.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

She hates to read.

My parents gave my 12 yodd a book, "The Seven Habit of Highly Effective Teens". She made a very poor choice while in their care and they felt that this reference would help her learn from her mistake.

Of course, she protested. "No one else has to do this!" "I hate reading!" " This is stupid!" She finally finished it with written summaries of each chapter. She did a nice job.

Today, she told her friend that she stayed up to finish a different book and that she loved it.

I guess liking reading is all relative.

Monday, January 22, 2007

That still small voice

I don't know if any of you have moments like this. I can be doing the most mundane thing and God drops something into my brain.

I was driving on one of my many endless journeys with our girls, listening to CDs. Steven Curtis Chapman. The song was about not feeling like you had a home. God whispered the word "heartbroken".

I had been musing on the topic of heartbreak the week before. (God sends weird muses!) I write some of these muses down. Anyway, God said that we should not be surprised by heartbreak because He is heartbroken. I had never thought about it in that way before.

He is heartbroken by the separation from His beloved. He created us to be close to Him. He longs to be with us more than we long to be with Him. His Creation will not be complete until it is reunited.

Does this sound like any of the heartache you have had? The Book says we are to "think it not strange" when troubles come our way. This was His little reminder for me that He knows what it feels like.

I am so thankful for His reminders!

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Ladies prayer . . .

The ladies from our church meet every Monday night for a time of group prayer. This is not a new idea or anything that may seem significant at all.

But IT is. We hadn't met since the Monday before Christmas. We sat and chatted, gave our praises and made our requests for almost two hours. Then we bombarded the Throne of Grace on behalf of our group.

The significance of this is that Jesus is interested and attends these meetings. It is not earthingshaking every week but we have seen the Hand of God at work. A list has been kept and we have seen lives touched and situations changed as a result of diligent prayer.

A subset of our group stayed later at the home of our host and began talking about the burdens in our spirits. That is SIGNIFICANT. We, as God's people, need to realize that burdens need to be verbalized so that they can be made reality. WE HAVE NOT BECAUSE WE ASK NOT.

God's Word is a call to action. It is not for the timid. It requires us to get outside ourselves (comfort zone!). We forget that when we are weak, we will be made strong. We may not feel equipped (sigmificant) but if it is His Will, He will equip us.

We just need to take that leap. Come and join us as we endeavor to do His Will.