I'm starting the Priscilla Shirer study Discerning the Voice of God at my new church. And, when I sat down to do my homework tonight, the word "obedience" kept jumping out at me.
We are still working through the first five lessons but belief that God still speaks, that one must expect God will speak, and one must be obedient to hear God speak have been the general theme.
So, I sat down and used "obedience" as a mnemonic to review the things we talked about so far...
O bey His will
B elieve in God's goodness
E xpect to hear from Him in His timing
D evote time to spend with Him
I mmerse yourself in His Word
E ntrust your troubles to Him
N uture and serve those around you while you wait
C ommune with Him and other believers
E mbrace what's going on NOW while you are waiting
Just wanted to share.
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scripture. Show all posts
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Well-Needed Reminder
DaHubby and I married in 2001. We were 32. So, after the whirlwind courtship, the 11 months of wedding planning, and then the ceremony, we deemed it appropriate to jump right in with the whole makin' babies thing. (Don't worry - this is a family-friendly blog. That's as far as that chain of thought is gonna go. LOL)
However, as 2001 ended, we were completely obsessed with temperature taking, charting my cycles, and the like but still were baby-less.
Then, 2002 moved through spring, summer, and into fall. Still no luck and then we were mending our broken hearts over our first miscarriage. In the midst of that grief, I rededicated my life to the Lord and was re-baptized for the first time as an adult.
By 2003, I was completely undone again. I felt like God had left me where I was - childless and alone. It was hurting my health, my spirit, my mind, my faith, and (if I had to be honest) probably my marriage. I was depressed, gaining weight - which ironically worsened our chances of conceiving.
I remember crying at the sight of babies. Being unable to attend baby showers. Unable to hold a baby. Feeling like an awful person when I couldn't manage to be happy for yet another friend or acquaintance who was pregnant. I remember being livid at stories of parents mistreating their children. Every month was yet another disappointment. I felt like a failure. My body was betraying what I thought was my God-designed purpose.
I remember a call to prayer around that time at the church we attended. In the middle of praying about something completely unrelated, I fell apart. I recall laying on the floor face down just sobbing. My heart didn't know what to pray anymore so I just cried and repeated over and over and over "Your will be done, Lord, Your will be done."
I had been praying for over 2 years. Twenty-five cycles I spent praying for just one tiny miracle. "Let me, Lord. Please. I won't complain. I'll love him/her. Raise he/she right and to serve You. I've truly realized what a miracle it would be. I would never, ever take it for granted."
Then, the Lord granted my prayer. We found out we were pregnant in July. And, Flicka was born in March 2004. They said "take her home and love her. You'll probably never conceive again."
And, yet, I began to complain. Flicka was a colicky baby. Spent most of her first 8 weeks screaming whenever she was awake. I spent days wondering "what about ME, Lord? I'm tired!" And, even when God blessed me again with my second miracle, despite my whining and complaining, it was hard to feel grateful at the time as I was still nursing a 15 month old. After Pojke was born in 2006, I began to take it for granted.
So, six years later and earlier this week, I found myself undone again. The ongoing stress and strain of the last 2 years of DaHubby's schooling; the stress and strain of him being laid off in February and surviving on $350/week unemployment; and then the stress and strain of 2 very opinionated, also stressed out kids blowing major tantrums, ignoring me, and being generally rude - I just shut down...and cried.
"I can't do this anymore, Lord."
And, He reminded me yesterday..."But, you prayed for this."
And, I cried again. I was so embarrassed and ashamed before the Lord.
"Yes, Lord, I know. I prayed for..."
the temper tantrums
the mess
the hysterical hyena laughing that sets my teeth on edge
the non-stop talking
the unending questions
the interruptions
the pigpen rooms
the fussy eating
the momma body
the chauffeuring
"I prayed for it all. I also prayed for..."
the constant band-aid dependency
the midnight wake-up calls
the sleep deprivation
the stacks of sticky, dirty, stained laundry
the overnight "accidents"
the 2am calls to the pediatrician
the ER runs
the gum in the hair
the ruined clothes from marker fights
the whining
"Yes, Lord. I asked for all this. I even prayed for..."
the preschool attitude
the kindergarten "Diva" 'tude
the stomping of feet
the awkward questions in public
the embarrassments in stores
did I mention the tantrums?
the sibling bickering
the sibling big time baby-wrestling
the plaster ripped from the wall
the broken curtain rod
And, I even prayed for...
the "clingies"
the little person version of nagging ("Mom? Mom? Mommy? Ma? Mumma?" Repeat ad nauseum)
the God-knows-what in someone's ears
the who-know-what in someone's nose
and, the last night runs for Tylenol or Benedryl
Help me, Lord.
Just like I'm thankful for DaHubby because I vividly remember my awful single days, I just needed to be reminded where I was before God provided me with not one but TWO miracles in my life.
What would my life be like without the Vikings? My heart breaks to even think about it.
But, to remain in a state of thankfulness and gratitude, I also need to remember that I can't do this momma-parenting thing all alone.
I need Him.
Help me, Lord.
Psalms 46:1 ...God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
However, as 2001 ended, we were completely obsessed with temperature taking, charting my cycles, and the like but still were baby-less.
Then, 2002 moved through spring, summer, and into fall. Still no luck and then we were mending our broken hearts over our first miscarriage. In the midst of that grief, I rededicated my life to the Lord and was re-baptized for the first time as an adult.
By 2003, I was completely undone again. I felt like God had left me where I was - childless and alone. It was hurting my health, my spirit, my mind, my faith, and (if I had to be honest) probably my marriage. I was depressed, gaining weight - which ironically worsened our chances of conceiving.
I remember crying at the sight of babies. Being unable to attend baby showers. Unable to hold a baby. Feeling like an awful person when I couldn't manage to be happy for yet another friend or acquaintance who was pregnant. I remember being livid at stories of parents mistreating their children. Every month was yet another disappointment. I felt like a failure. My body was betraying what I thought was my God-designed purpose.
I remember a call to prayer around that time at the church we attended. In the middle of praying about something completely unrelated, I fell apart. I recall laying on the floor face down just sobbing. My heart didn't know what to pray anymore so I just cried and repeated over and over and over "Your will be done, Lord, Your will be done."
I had been praying for over 2 years. Twenty-five cycles I spent praying for just one tiny miracle. "Let me, Lord. Please. I won't complain. I'll love him/her. Raise he/she right and to serve You. I've truly realized what a miracle it would be. I would never, ever take it for granted."
Then, the Lord granted my prayer. We found out we were pregnant in July. And, Flicka was born in March 2004. They said "take her home and love her. You'll probably never conceive again."
And, yet, I began to complain. Flicka was a colicky baby. Spent most of her first 8 weeks screaming whenever she was awake. I spent days wondering "what about ME, Lord? I'm tired!" And, even when God blessed me again with my second miracle, despite my whining and complaining, it was hard to feel grateful at the time as I was still nursing a 15 month old. After Pojke was born in 2006, I began to take it for granted.
So, six years later and earlier this week, I found myself undone again. The ongoing stress and strain of the last 2 years of DaHubby's schooling; the stress and strain of him being laid off in February and surviving on $350/week unemployment; and then the stress and strain of 2 very opinionated, also stressed out kids blowing major tantrums, ignoring me, and being generally rude - I just shut down...and cried.
"I can't do this anymore, Lord."
And, He reminded me yesterday..."But, you prayed for this."
And, I cried again. I was so embarrassed and ashamed before the Lord.
"Yes, Lord, I know. I prayed for..."
the temper tantrums
the mess
the hysterical hyena laughing that sets my teeth on edge
the non-stop talking
the unending questions
the interruptions
the pigpen rooms
the fussy eating
the momma body
the chauffeuring
"I prayed for it all. I also prayed for..."
the constant band-aid dependency
the midnight wake-up calls
the sleep deprivation
the stacks of sticky, dirty, stained laundry
the overnight "accidents"
the 2am calls to the pediatrician
the ER runs
the gum in the hair
the ruined clothes from marker fights
the whining
"Yes, Lord. I asked for all this. I even prayed for..."
the preschool attitude
the kindergarten "Diva" 'tude
the stomping of feet
the awkward questions in public
the embarrassments in stores
did I mention the tantrums?
the sibling bickering
the sibling big time baby-wrestling
the plaster ripped from the wall
the broken curtain rod
And, I even prayed for...
the "clingies"
the little person version of nagging ("Mom? Mom? Mommy? Ma? Mumma?" Repeat ad nauseum)
the God-knows-what in someone's ears
the who-know-what in someone's nose
and, the last night runs for Tylenol or Benedryl
Help me, Lord.
Just like I'm thankful for DaHubby because I vividly remember my awful single days, I just needed to be reminded where I was before God provided me with not one but TWO miracles in my life.
What would my life be like without the Vikings? My heart breaks to even think about it.
But, to remain in a state of thankfulness and gratitude, I also need to remember that I can't do this momma-parenting thing all alone.
I need Him.
Help me, Lord.
Psalms 46:1 ...God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Monday, January 11, 2010
What we're pondering this week...being dangerous
A Wind is blowing. God's Spirit is moving. And, there are things to be done.
We need to turn our faces into that Wind, seek Him, and find out where God is taking us next.
We want to be a "dangerous" church like the church in the first chapter of Acts.
A dangerous church works to accomplish what Jesus started.
Acts 1:1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach...
A dangerous church finds empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
(v. 2)...until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen...
(v. 5)..."for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now..."
(v. 8)... But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
A dangerous church finds motivation in the finished work of Christ.
We will not hide nor be embarrassed about the "messiness" of what happened on the cross. We will not be so seeker-friendly that we hide the Truth. We WILL talk about the Passion, the Crucifixion, the pain, the sacrifice...because it is THAT upon which our faith is based.
A dangerous church accepts the mandates of a witness.
Are you part of a "dangerous" church? Not resting on past laurels or coasting with recent success but reaching out to the world, following the Spirit faithfully into your neighborhood, and stepping out in faith to change lives regardless the cost?
(Taken in part from my notes from our pastor's sermon yesterday)
We need to turn our faces into that Wind, seek Him, and find out where God is taking us next.
We want to be a "dangerous" church like the church in the first chapter of Acts.
A dangerous church works to accomplish what Jesus started.
Acts 1:1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach...
A dangerous church finds empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
(v. 2)...until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen...
(v. 5)..."for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now..."
(v. 8)... But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
A dangerous church finds motivation in the finished work of Christ.
We will not hide nor be embarrassed about the "messiness" of what happened on the cross. We will not be so seeker-friendly that we hide the Truth. We WILL talk about the Passion, the Crucifixion, the pain, the sacrifice...because it is THAT upon which our faith is based.
A dangerous church accepts the mandates of a witness.
Are you part of a "dangerous" church? Not resting on past laurels or coasting with recent success but reaching out to the world, following the Spirit faithfully into your neighborhood, and stepping out in faith to change lives regardless the cost?
(Taken in part from my notes from our pastor's sermon yesterday)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Listening when Someone talks
(My apologies in advance for hijacking Third Day's song for my illustration. LOL)
Tell me to slow down if you think
That the road that I'm on's goin' nowhere
Tell me to slow down if you know
That I'm goin' too fast for my own good.
Tell me to slow down
If the way is leadin' to a dead end
Tell me to slow down turn around
Let me change the way I'm goin'.
I would like to think someone would stop me before I crashed. I would like to think that there's someone who would care enough about me to step up to me and say "hey, slow down!" It's comforting to know that in most cases the person most likely to do that for me is DaHubby.
DaHubby has an uncanny ability to read situations and the people in them. He's constantly putting words to and making sense of my unending yet unspoken internal angst. It's like that when you say someone really *gets* you, ya know? LOL Like finishing my sentences.
Hindsight being what it is, I've learned that about 95% of the time I should have listened to him because the situation (in which he might be involved or just be observing) turned out exactly as he said it would.
Tell me to slow down if you see
That I'm runnin too fast in the wrong race.
Tell me to slow down if you think
That I can't keep up with my own pace.
Tell me to slow down 'cause you know
If there's ever any question
Tell me to slow down, turn around
Let me change my direction.
Not to minimize how valuable DaHubby's skill is to me, I was thinking how much God is even better than him at it! LOL So, when God send His "nudges" as I call them, why don't I listen to Him as often as I listen to DaHubby?
Prayer is funny that way. We pray for direction, for patience, for guidance, for strength but are we listening when God answers? Do we run off our laundry list of concerns but not take any time to just *sit* and *LISTEN*?
Do we ask God to come and change us, mold us, make us better but then don't take the time to hear what He has to say about how to DO it!?
Oh, I don't want to let go
Of all the things that I know
Are keepin me away from my life.
Oh, I don't want to slow down.
No, I don't want to look around,
But I can't seem to work it out,
So help me God.
Now, my life (especially with little ones) can be as crazy as the next person. My schedule's packed with ALL sorts of things (real and imagined) that I think need to be done. Repeatedly this week I heard people pray for help because they are letting their quiet time with God slip away into the hurried-ness of life. People (including myself) often just rush through our God time and check it off our to-do list. We punched our clock so God will be happy with us.
And, I got to thinking...how would our kids feel if we just punch a time clock with them? How would we feel if our spouse simply "clocked time" with us. More than once, DaHubby's teased me saying "hey, can you add ME to your to-do list?"
And, again, how much more must God feel when we just clock in with Him instead of spending serious time in His presence?
Be still, and know that I [am] God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalms 46:10 NKJV
God WILL be exalted - are you gonna be there, waiting, listening when He is?
Tell me to slow down if you think
That the road that I'm on's goin' nowhere
Tell me to slow down if you know
That I'm goin' too fast for my own good.
Tell me to slow down
If the way is leadin' to a dead end
Tell me to slow down turn around
Let me change the way I'm goin'.
I would like to think someone would stop me before I crashed. I would like to think that there's someone who would care enough about me to step up to me and say "hey, slow down!" It's comforting to know that in most cases the person most likely to do that for me is DaHubby.
DaHubby has an uncanny ability to read situations and the people in them. He's constantly putting words to and making sense of my unending yet unspoken internal angst. It's like that when you say someone really *gets* you, ya know? LOL Like finishing my sentences.
Hindsight being what it is, I've learned that about 95% of the time I should have listened to him because the situation (in which he might be involved or just be observing) turned out exactly as he said it would.
Tell me to slow down if you see
That I'm runnin too fast in the wrong race.
Tell me to slow down if you think
That I can't keep up with my own pace.
Tell me to slow down 'cause you know
If there's ever any question
Tell me to slow down, turn around
Let me change my direction.
Not to minimize how valuable DaHubby's skill is to me, I was thinking how much God is even better than him at it! LOL So, when God send His "nudges" as I call them, why don't I listen to Him as often as I listen to DaHubby?
Prayer is funny that way. We pray for direction, for patience, for guidance, for strength but are we listening when God answers? Do we run off our laundry list of concerns but not take any time to just *sit* and *LISTEN*?
Do we ask God to come and change us, mold us, make us better but then don't take the time to hear what He has to say about how to DO it!?
Oh, I don't want to let go
Of all the things that I know
Are keepin me away from my life.
Oh, I don't want to slow down.
No, I don't want to look around,
But I can't seem to work it out,
So help me God.
Now, my life (especially with little ones) can be as crazy as the next person. My schedule's packed with ALL sorts of things (real and imagined) that I think need to be done. Repeatedly this week I heard people pray for help because they are letting their quiet time with God slip away into the hurried-ness of life. People (including myself) often just rush through our God time and check it off our to-do list. We punched our clock so God will be happy with us.
And, I got to thinking...how would our kids feel if we just punch a time clock with them? How would we feel if our spouse simply "clocked time" with us. More than once, DaHubby's teased me saying "hey, can you add ME to your to-do list?"
And, again, how much more must God feel when we just clock in with Him instead of spending serious time in His presence?
Be still, and know that I [am] God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalms 46:10 NKJV
God WILL be exalted - are you gonna be there, waiting, listening when He is?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Mama Bears and Jehovah Nissi
I've been spending a lot of time lately thinking about this "mama bear" instinct. It keeps coming up in different circumstances - and not all of them related to the Vikings.
In my Bible study group which was reading Esther, we talked about how in chapter 9, Esther asks King Xerxes for another day for the Jews to defend themselves against Haman's decree. We talked about why she would make such a request. Possible bad reason? She was getting used to being in power and was wielding it rashly. Possible good reason? She was feeling a little "mama bear-ish" about her people and wanted to make sure all the enemies of the Jews were annihilated.
Then, there's a well-meaning friend of the family that has taken to teasing Pojke lately. Asking to see his ever-present "beep beeps" (aka toy trucks) he carries everywhere with him and occasionally his lovey, "Susie". The man has taken the toys and/or Susie when left unattended and wants Pojke to give him a hug to get it back. He's called him a sissy and a mama's boy when Pojke turns to me for help. He's called him a baby for having Susie at all. Things like that.
Initially, it wasn't bad but it crossed the line somewhere and now is very upsetting to Pojke. Since this is a friend of the family, I've hesitated to say anything so far. But, as it has continued, I find my "mama bear" rising up in defense.
And, lately, there have been friends of DaHubby's who poke fun at him. For being "too smart", for going to school while working, for allowing me to handle the finances, for not doing more of the typically man-like things in which they feel DaHubby should be participating. And, again, I feel my "mama bear" bearing her teeth.
Then, while attending my last Beth Moore session for that study of Esther, she mentioned the following verse of Scripture:
To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire [shall be] for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Genesis 3:16 (NKJV)
Beth Moore talked about how we should pay less attention to what society says about beauty, femininity, and being desirable and focus more about what God say about our value and beauty as well as what our hubbies think. We should be desiring after THEM not society.
My desire should be for DaHubby - and it is. My desire to love and defend him flows naturally from that. And, those little sweet Vikings, I love them that dearly. Thus, I also feel the need to defend and protect. All things come from that love...even that mama bear instinct. The challenge is to reign it in so as to still remain Christ-like.
Jesus loves us ever-so-much more than we love our hubbies and children. How much MORE "mama bear" feelings does He have towards us? While we refer to God as "Abba Father", I think it would be good to remember that He also has a large dose of "mama bear-ish" feelings for us as well. We need to remember that He is standing between us and those things which would hurt us.
Jehovah Nissi - My Banner and Protector!
And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; Exodus 17:15 (NKJV)
In my Bible study group which was reading Esther, we talked about how in chapter 9, Esther asks King Xerxes for another day for the Jews to defend themselves against Haman's decree. We talked about why she would make such a request. Possible bad reason? She was getting used to being in power and was wielding it rashly. Possible good reason? She was feeling a little "mama bear-ish" about her people and wanted to make sure all the enemies of the Jews were annihilated.
Then, there's a well-meaning friend of the family that has taken to teasing Pojke lately. Asking to see his ever-present "beep beeps" (aka toy trucks) he carries everywhere with him and occasionally his lovey, "Susie". The man has taken the toys and/or Susie when left unattended and wants Pojke to give him a hug to get it back. He's called him a sissy and a mama's boy when Pojke turns to me for help. He's called him a baby for having Susie at all. Things like that.
Initially, it wasn't bad but it crossed the line somewhere and now is very upsetting to Pojke. Since this is a friend of the family, I've hesitated to say anything so far. But, as it has continued, I find my "mama bear" rising up in defense.
And, lately, there have been friends of DaHubby's who poke fun at him. For being "too smart", for going to school while working, for allowing me to handle the finances, for not doing more of the typically man-like things in which they feel DaHubby should be participating. And, again, I feel my "mama bear" bearing her teeth.
Then, while attending my last Beth Moore session for that study of Esther, she mentioned the following verse of Scripture:
To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire [shall be] for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Genesis 3:16 (NKJV)
Beth Moore talked about how we should pay less attention to what society says about beauty, femininity, and being desirable and focus more about what God say about our value and beauty as well as what our hubbies think. We should be desiring after THEM not society.
My desire should be for DaHubby - and it is. My desire to love and defend him flows naturally from that. And, those little sweet Vikings, I love them that dearly. Thus, I also feel the need to defend and protect. All things come from that love...even that mama bear instinct. The challenge is to reign it in so as to still remain Christ-like.
Jesus loves us ever-so-much more than we love our hubbies and children. How much MORE "mama bear" feelings does He have towards us? While we refer to God as "Abba Father", I think it would be good to remember that He also has a large dose of "mama bear-ish" feelings for us as well. We need to remember that He is standing between us and those things which would hurt us.
Jehovah Nissi - My Banner and Protector!
And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; Exodus 17:15 (NKJV)
Monday, October 5, 2009
Which side of the comma are YOU living on?
Just a short blurb this morning:
This has been rattling around in my head since it was presented by our new pastor yesterday during his sermon. His new series is about "living like you're dying" - focusing on what's important, what's eternal while bettering situations and relationships here.
He cited John 10.10 during his sermon:
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly."
He had us look at that last comma. So, being the good English teacher, I did...
"...that they may have life [comma] and that they may have it more abundantly"
And, then he asked us - "which side of the comma are YOU living on?"
Do you just have life? Are you just breathin'?
OR
are you living it more abundantly through Christ?
Wow!
This has been rattling around in my head since it was presented by our new pastor yesterday during his sermon. His new series is about "living like you're dying" - focusing on what's important, what's eternal while bettering situations and relationships here.
He cited John 10.10 during his sermon:
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly."
He had us look at that last comma. So, being the good English teacher, I did...
"...that they may have life [comma] and that they may have it more abundantly"
And, then he asked us - "which side of the comma are YOU living on?"
Do you just have life? Are you just breathin'?
OR
are you living it more abundantly through Christ?
Wow!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Divin' In
A thought struck me as I watched Pojke jump joyously into his swim teacher's arms this afternoon...
Am I plunging in lately? Plunging in for the things God has for me?
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! (Romans 4 - The Message)
Am I plunging into His promise, His plan for me? Am I jumping in joyously? No fear - as Pam encourages? *wink*
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I wanna go
The river's deep
The river's wide
The river's water is alive
So sink or swim
I'm diving in
I'm diving in
(Steven Curtis Chapman - Dive)
Only once in my life have I thrown everything up to Him because I was *that sure* I was heading where He wanted. Left all kind and all levels of security and things I knew to follow a new path that now including DaHubby. It was the scariest but most exhilarating time of my life. I'd had experienced nothing like it before..and nothing really like it since.
There is a supernatural power in this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life, and it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing worth livin' and worth dyin' for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand, we'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go..
Anyone wanna hold hands and jump in again with me and see where it takes us?
Am I plunging in lately? Plunging in for the things God has for me?
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! (Romans 4 - The Message)
Am I plunging into His promise, His plan for me? Am I jumping in joyously? No fear - as Pam encourages? *wink*
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I wanna go
The river's deep
The river's wide
The river's water is alive
So sink or swim
I'm diving in
I'm diving in
(Steven Curtis Chapman - Dive)
Only once in my life have I thrown everything up to Him because I was *that sure* I was heading where He wanted. Left all kind and all levels of security and things I knew to follow a new path that now including DaHubby. It was the scariest but most exhilarating time of my life. I'd had experienced nothing like it before..and nothing really like it since.
There is a supernatural power in this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life, and it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing worth livin' and worth dyin' for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand, we'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go..
Anyone wanna hold hands and jump in again with me and see where it takes us?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What's the Cost?
Are you a believer? If so, what has it cost you?
Yea, I know all the perks - I've been around one church denomination or another since I can remember. Grew up Catholic. Spent my college and post-college years Lutheran. And, then had a whole new world opened up to me when I married the son of a Pentecostal pastor.
Most folks know the upside of becoming a believer...even if they aren't all entirely true. Your sins will be washed away - true. You'll have new life - true. Your life will never be the same when you follow Christ - true. And, being in God's will is the ONLY place to be - also true.
Then there's the other perks that some believers and nonbelievers alike attribute to Christians.
"Oh, you'll be so happy all the time" - false. You can have peace, contentment, and joy but on-the-surface happy all the time? Not so much. LOL
"Your life will be perfect and trouble-free." Has anyone that believes this ever *really* read the lives of the apostles? LOL No, your life will NOT be trouble/sickness/challenge free but you CAN have the faith and peace and assurance to get you through those things and much more.
But, has your belief in Christ ever cost you anything? Cost you in terms of "take up your cross and follow me" no matter what? Have you had to give *everything* to follow Jesus? Have you been made uncomfortable by having chosen to stand in your faith? Lost friends? Lost job promotions? Lost relationships with family? Lost your job? Know of someone who has lost their life for their faith?
The sermon we heard today was about the cost and challenge of discipleship. There is just no room (and no time) anymore for half-hearted stuff. The things that Jesus asked of the disciples are still things He asks of us. In this day and age, in this generation, in this era, we still need to put God before *everything* else - even our parents, our families, our spouses, and our children.
It's not as radical as it might sound. He gave it all to you - your life, your spouse, your kids, your home, your gifts, your talents, your job, your "stuff", EVERYTHING. So, you have to let it all go and entrust it back to Him for this faith thing to really work. It's the only way to truly be in His will - which is, from my experience as well as dozens of testimonies I have heard, is the only place you'll truly want to be.
So, today it's been running through my head...what's it going to cost me? I've been fortunate that it's cost me very little so far. To my knowledge and as far as I can remember, it has cost me almost nothing. There have been tense conversations and explanations to family. There have been chuckles and rolling eyes from people who knew me before I got back to church. There are people who knew me back-in-the-day and are sincerely shocked to hear that I'm in church and a "holy roller" at that! LOL But, it hasn't cost me anything.
So, I'm also wondering today - is it because I'm not stepping out in faith as I should be? Am I not walking in my faith and walking my walk as I should?
Now, I'm not one to go looking for trouble but I am wondering lately how I "appear" to others - not in the "oh, what will the neighbors think" type of obsession but sincerely wondering how my walk reflects my faith. And, I think lately I'm due some real conviction in this area.
We've met people and just *knew* immediately they were believers without them speaking more than a few sentences. The peace of the Lord is just pouring off of them. But, I don't think that's the impression people get from us at this point. Not a whole lot of the fruit of the Spirit being harvested around here lately. LOL
So, another goal. Another thing to work toward. But, it's gonna cost me. If I need to put things back on track, I'm gonna have to give up something else. If the priorities are shifting, something's gotta go. So, what's it gonna cost me? I'm not sure yet but I'll let you know.
Yea, I know all the perks - I've been around one church denomination or another since I can remember. Grew up Catholic. Spent my college and post-college years Lutheran. And, then had a whole new world opened up to me when I married the son of a Pentecostal pastor.
Most folks know the upside of becoming a believer...even if they aren't all entirely true. Your sins will be washed away - true. You'll have new life - true. Your life will never be the same when you follow Christ - true. And, being in God's will is the ONLY place to be - also true.
Then there's the other perks that some believers and nonbelievers alike attribute to Christians.
"Oh, you'll be so happy all the time" - false. You can have peace, contentment, and joy but on-the-surface happy all the time? Not so much. LOL
"Your life will be perfect and trouble-free." Has anyone that believes this ever *really* read the lives of the apostles? LOL No, your life will NOT be trouble/sickness/challenge free but you CAN have the faith and peace and assurance to get you through those things and much more.
But, has your belief in Christ ever cost you anything? Cost you in terms of "take up your cross and follow me" no matter what? Have you had to give *everything* to follow Jesus? Have you been made uncomfortable by having chosen to stand in your faith? Lost friends? Lost job promotions? Lost relationships with family? Lost your job? Know of someone who has lost their life for their faith?
The sermon we heard today was about the cost and challenge of discipleship. There is just no room (and no time) anymore for half-hearted stuff. The things that Jesus asked of the disciples are still things He asks of us. In this day and age, in this generation, in this era, we still need to put God before *everything* else - even our parents, our families, our spouses, and our children.
Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has [enough] to finish [it -- ] lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see [it] begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
It's not as radical as it might sound. He gave it all to you - your life, your spouse, your kids, your home, your gifts, your talents, your job, your "stuff", EVERYTHING. So, you have to let it all go and entrust it back to Him for this faith thing to really work. It's the only way to truly be in His will - which is, from my experience as well as dozens of testimonies I have heard, is the only place you'll truly want to be.
So, today it's been running through my head...what's it going to cost me? I've been fortunate that it's cost me very little so far. To my knowledge and as far as I can remember, it has cost me almost nothing. There have been tense conversations and explanations to family. There have been chuckles and rolling eyes from people who knew me before I got back to church. There are people who knew me back-in-the-day and are sincerely shocked to hear that I'm in church and a "holy roller" at that! LOL But, it hasn't cost me anything.
So, I'm also wondering today - is it because I'm not stepping out in faith as I should be? Am I not walking in my faith and walking my walk as I should?
Now, I'm not one to go looking for trouble but I am wondering lately how I "appear" to others - not in the "oh, what will the neighbors think" type of obsession but sincerely wondering how my walk reflects my faith. And, I think lately I'm due some real conviction in this area.
We've met people and just *knew* immediately they were believers without them speaking more than a few sentences. The peace of the Lord is just pouring off of them. But, I don't think that's the impression people get from us at this point. Not a whole lot of the fruit of the Spirit being harvested around here lately. LOL
So, another goal. Another thing to work toward. But, it's gonna cost me. If I need to put things back on track, I'm gonna have to give up something else. If the priorities are shifting, something's gotta go. So, what's it gonna cost me? I'm not sure yet but I'll let you know.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Product of Praise - part three
Two weeks ago, our pastor preached a sermon entitle The Product of Praise. I wanted to share the notes with everyone but life's broadsided me lately and I only got part one and part two completed - leaving me just over halfway done.
The sermon centered on the text of 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
And, the sons of Judah are sons (and daughters) of PRAISE!
Part one explained the type of praise Perez symbolized (a "breach" thus God is in complete control and stands in that breach to keep the things from doing you harm).
Meanwhile, part two described the type of praise embodied by Hezron (a"shield" thus when the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield) and Carmi (a "harvester" or one who didn't plant but just reaped thus through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way).
Now, what kind of praise to we find in Hur?
Hur means "liberty". This is the liberty found when God removes your past. And, we need to remember that it doesn't matter what anyone says about you - the WORD OF GOD is all that matters. And, you need to understand that prasie is your weapon against those who want you to live as you did before Christ pardoned your sin.
Finally, Shobal means "wandered, traveler, pioneer." One must find God's peace with your moving circumstances...and find that right peace at the right time. There is POWER in your praise and praise will lift you out of and above your circumstances.
So, I'm still trying to remember...you gotta praise your way out! In the midst of your circumstance, the the midst of your confusion, in the midst of your crisis, you have to give God praise!
The sermon centered on the text of 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
And, the sons of Judah are sons (and daughters) of PRAISE!
Part one explained the type of praise Perez symbolized (a "breach" thus God is in complete control and stands in that breach to keep the things from doing you harm).
Meanwhile, part two described the type of praise embodied by Hezron (a"shield" thus when the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield) and Carmi (a "harvester" or one who didn't plant but just reaped thus through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way).
Now, what kind of praise to we find in Hur?
Hur means "liberty". This is the liberty found when God removes your past. And, we need to remember that it doesn't matter what anyone says about you - the WORD OF GOD is all that matters. And, you need to understand that prasie is your weapon against those who want you to live as you did before Christ pardoned your sin.
Finally, Shobal means "wandered, traveler, pioneer." One must find God's peace with your moving circumstances...and find that right peace at the right time. There is POWER in your praise and praise will lift you out of and above your circumstances.
So, I'm still trying to remember...you gotta praise your way out! In the midst of your circumstance, the the midst of your confusion, in the midst of your crisis, you have to give God praise!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Product of Praise - part two
(see part one here)
To recap, our pastor preached on "The Product of Praise" last Sunday using 1 Chronicles 4.1:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE! And, each one of Judah’s sons embodies a lesson about praise.
I mentioned Perez on Monday.
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
The next son of Judah is Hezron. Hezron means shut in, surround, or shield. God is our Jehovah Magen - the Lord, our Shield! When the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield. He's declaring war on your behalf, defending you!
"Sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lion's den!" The Lord's got your back so to speak.
And, the third son of Judah is Carmi - which is a vinedresser or harvester. These folks were not farmers who planted, tended, and then reaped their crops. They were simply the ones who harvested what they had not planted.
"Through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way."
To recap, our pastor preached on "The Product of Praise" last Sunday using 1 Chronicles 4.1:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE! And, each one of Judah’s sons embodies a lesson about praise.
I mentioned Perez on Monday.
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
The next son of Judah is Hezron. Hezron means shut in, surround, or shield. God is our Jehovah Magen - the Lord, our Shield! When the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield. He's declaring war on your behalf, defending you!
"Sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lion's den!" The Lord's got your back so to speak.
And, the third son of Judah is Carmi - which is a vinedresser or harvester. These folks were not farmers who planted, tended, and then reaped their crops. They were simply the ones who harvested what they had not planted.
"Through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way."
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Product of Praise - part one
I wanted to share the notes I have from my pastor’s message on Sunday. Mostly as a reminder to me but in the hopes that someone else might benefit too.
The main Scripture for Pastor’s sermon was 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
Nothing particularly earth-shattering there, eh? But, Pastor took us deeper.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE!
And, what do the folks of the Bible do under stress or in threatening or trying situations? They PRAISE – just ask Paul and Silas! LOL According to Pastor, “sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lions’ den.”
Each one of Judah’s son embodies a lesson about praise.
First in that list is Perez which means breach, cut off, or divider. According to John 10.10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly. So, God makes a breach between you and the things holding you back. He's the fortification between you and the things that can hurt you.
God is in complete control and is standing in that breach to keep the things the devil is throwing at you from doing you harm. His protective arm and His mighty wings cover you when you don’t even realize it…
So…PRAISE HIM for it! No matter what is going on - PRAISE HIM! Take a glance at the things which are causing you grief and worry and PRAISE HIM!
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
The main Scripture for Pastor’s sermon was 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
Nothing particularly earth-shattering there, eh? But, Pastor took us deeper.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE!
And, what do the folks of the Bible do under stress or in threatening or trying situations? They PRAISE – just ask Paul and Silas! LOL According to Pastor, “sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lions’ den.”
Each one of Judah’s son embodies a lesson about praise.
First in that list is Perez which means breach, cut off, or divider. According to John 10.10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly. So, God makes a breach between you and the things holding you back. He's the fortification between you and the things that can hurt you.
God is in complete control and is standing in that breach to keep the things the devil is throwing at you from doing you harm. His protective arm and His mighty wings cover you when you don’t even realize it…
So…PRAISE HIM for it! No matter what is going on - PRAISE HIM! Take a glance at the things which are causing you grief and worry and PRAISE HIM!
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A spiritual facelift
Our pastor emeritus (Brother T) spoke today since Pastor D was out of town with the youth at WinterFest. This 82 year old man of God who pastored this church for nearly 20 years has had some major health hurdles this last year but was still strong enough to preach this morning - praise God!
And, he talked about "spiritual face lifts" Have you had yours? We all have troubles, pains, and challenges but God's grace and glory should be so part of us that it shines through whatever we are dealing with!
Consider this:
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
1 Samuel 1 18 And (Hannah) said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer [sad.]
Exodus 34:29 . Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony [were] in Moses' hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Matthew 17:2 and (Jesus) was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
Being near God should make us shine. If we're not spending enough time with Him, we could be losing our "glow" - His glory within us.
Are you spreading His glory through your countenance? Can people see God shining through your everyday circumstances? Have you had your spiritual face lift each day after spending time with God in prayer? I wish I could say definitely 100% yes for myself but I can't. But, we can all do better - with God's help and His grace.
And, he talked about "spiritual face lifts" Have you had yours? We all have troubles, pains, and challenges but God's grace and glory should be so part of us that it shines through whatever we are dealing with!
Consider this:
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
1 Samuel 1 18 And (Hannah) said, "Let your maidservant find favor in your sight." So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer [sad.]
Exodus 34:29 . Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony [were] in Moses' hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Matthew 17:2 and (Jesus) was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
Being near God should make us shine. If we're not spending enough time with Him, we could be losing our "glow" - His glory within us.
Are you spreading His glory through your countenance? Can people see God shining through your everyday circumstances? Have you had your spiritual face lift each day after spending time with God in prayer? I wish I could say definitely 100% yes for myself but I can't. But, we can all do better - with God's help and His grace.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
20 years remembered
New Bibles are a wonderful and terrifying thing. LOL I've had the same Concordia study Bible since the days I started seeking God and attending church regularly again at a LCMS student ministry at Michigan State.
While I have wandered from those Lutheran beginnings, I kept that Bible close since I had gotten in the habit of marking the date near Scripture that was significant at the time along with notes, thoughts, and such. The last 20 years of my life are in that Bible.
Dates from 1988 show me struggling with my new commitments to God and a dating relationship that was taking some inappropriate turns. Verses marked around 1991 show my need for God as I got laid off from my first post-college job and went home, tail between legs, broke after returning my birthday presents for the cash to pay my rent. 1993 brought verses that showed my struggle again with another relationship. 1997? Verses about giftings and finding one's call in God's will as I embarked on my new teaching career.
Then came verses marked as I struggled to understand what God had planned in my life in terms of long-term commitments. I was just hitting 30 years old and wondering why God had brought me through the last 10 years to that point alone. I sincerely looked into missionary work since - being single and certified to teach - I would find traveling alone easier.
The new millennium brought meetings and orientations with a missionary group I was interested in and my "date notations" reflected that search. However, midway through that year, God dropped a bombshell on me. I met DaHubby. LOL And, by the end of 2000, I see possible verses marked for our wedding in 2001.
The next four years grew increasingly dark as we struggled to conceive as newlyweds. The verses I marked then eventually took on a very desperate, seeking, and pleading tone. There are verse marked with praise as Flicka then Pojke arrived in our lives. And, the verses I've marked since their arrivals are more haphazard and scattered as I've struggled to balance being a mom and being a disciplined reader of the Word.
And, that brings me to the end of 2008. It has been 20 years since that brand new NIV study Bible was plopped in my lap by some very good friends - one who is now a missionary in Russia and another who is a LCMS pastor near Chicago.
My new Pentecostal leanings have changed what I'm looking to get out of my Bible reading. I find myself frustrated being a NIV reader in a KJV/NKJV church family! LOL I also want to dig deeper - academically as well as spiritually. While I LOVE Concordia's notes and concordance, I was wishing for something to help me make Scripture more personal as well as with a little more Pentecostal flavor.
I couldn't find just one Bible to do that so I ended up with TWO! LOL For Christmas, I received a NKJV New Spirit Filled Life Bible AND an Amplified translation. And, while I haven't written in either of them yet, I already feel the "jolt" of a changed perspective. The Scriptures I've read before several times are taking on a new twist, showing new meaning to me. The Spirit Filled one uses some very basic "word wealth" to open up the original Greek meanings to me. And, as a good rookie Pentecostal, where did I dive in at?
The Book of Acts.
May the Lord reveal to me greater understanding and may these books become another 20 year testament to God's greatness and all that the Lord has brought me through like my Concordia does now!
While I have wandered from those Lutheran beginnings, I kept that Bible close since I had gotten in the habit of marking the date near Scripture that was significant at the time along with notes, thoughts, and such. The last 20 years of my life are in that Bible.
Dates from 1988 show me struggling with my new commitments to God and a dating relationship that was taking some inappropriate turns. Verses marked around 1991 show my need for God as I got laid off from my first post-college job and went home, tail between legs, broke after returning my birthday presents for the cash to pay my rent. 1993 brought verses that showed my struggle again with another relationship. 1997? Verses about giftings and finding one's call in God's will as I embarked on my new teaching career.
Then came verses marked as I struggled to understand what God had planned in my life in terms of long-term commitments. I was just hitting 30 years old and wondering why God had brought me through the last 10 years to that point alone. I sincerely looked into missionary work since - being single and certified to teach - I would find traveling alone easier.
The new millennium brought meetings and orientations with a missionary group I was interested in and my "date notations" reflected that search. However, midway through that year, God dropped a bombshell on me. I met DaHubby. LOL And, by the end of 2000, I see possible verses marked for our wedding in 2001.
The next four years grew increasingly dark as we struggled to conceive as newlyweds. The verses I marked then eventually took on a very desperate, seeking, and pleading tone. There are verse marked with praise as Flicka then Pojke arrived in our lives. And, the verses I've marked since their arrivals are more haphazard and scattered as I've struggled to balance being a mom and being a disciplined reader of the Word.
And, that brings me to the end of 2008. It has been 20 years since that brand new NIV study Bible was plopped in my lap by some very good friends - one who is now a missionary in Russia and another who is a LCMS pastor near Chicago.
My new Pentecostal leanings have changed what I'm looking to get out of my Bible reading. I find myself frustrated being a NIV reader in a KJV/NKJV church family! LOL I also want to dig deeper - academically as well as spiritually. While I LOVE Concordia's notes and concordance, I was wishing for something to help me make Scripture more personal as well as with a little more Pentecostal flavor.
I couldn't find just one Bible to do that so I ended up with TWO! LOL For Christmas, I received a NKJV New Spirit Filled Life Bible AND an Amplified translation. And, while I haven't written in either of them yet, I already feel the "jolt" of a changed perspective. The Scriptures I've read before several times are taking on a new twist, showing new meaning to me. The Spirit Filled one uses some very basic "word wealth" to open up the original Greek meanings to me. And, as a good rookie Pentecostal, where did I dive in at?
The Book of Acts.
May the Lord reveal to me greater understanding and may these books become another 20 year testament to God's greatness and all that the Lord has brought me through like my Concordia does now!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Read in its entirety...
...at service this morning...TWICE!
(NKJV) Psalms 103 [A Psalm] of David.
(Formatting for emphasis by me)
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me,
[bless] His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good [things,]
[So that] your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The LORD [is]
merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger,
and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive [with us,]
Nor will He keep [His anger] forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
[So] great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
[So] far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities [his] children,
[So] the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame; He remembers that we [are] dust.
[As for] man, his days [are] like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD
[is] from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength,
who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the LORD, all [you] His hosts,
[You] ministers of His,
who do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
(NKJV) Psalms 103 [A Psalm] of David.
(Formatting for emphasis by me)
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me,
[bless] His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good [things,]
[So that] your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The LORD [is]
merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger,
and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive [with us,]
Nor will He keep [His anger] forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
[So] great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
[So] far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities [his] children,
[So] the LORD pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame; He remembers that we [are] dust.
[As for] man, his days [are] like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD
[is] from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.
The LORD has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Who excel in strength,
who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the LORD, all [you] His hosts,
[You] ministers of His,
who do His pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wow...just wow!
Was reading Romans 4 this morning and COULD NOT get passed the WOW moment over these lines...
(formatted this way for emphasis to show how each few words hit me right between the eyes)
Against all hope
Abraham in hope believed
and so became the father of many nations
Without weakening in his faith
he faced the fact
that his body was as good as dead...
and that Sarah's womb was also dead.
Yet he did not waver...
But was strengthened in his faith
and gave glory to God
being fully persuaded
that God has power to do
what He has planned. (NIV)
WOW!
God, grant me that simple yet world-changing faith like Abraham.
(formatted this way for emphasis to show how each few words hit me right between the eyes)
Against all hope
Abraham in hope believed
and so became the father of many nations
Without weakening in his faith
he faced the fact
that his body was as good as dead...
and that Sarah's womb was also dead.
Yet he did not waver...
But was strengthened in his faith
and gave glory to God
being fully persuaded
that God has power to do
what He has planned. (NIV)
WOW!
God, grant me that simple yet world-changing faith like Abraham.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sabbatical Jubilance
...a rest from the everyday with exuberance.
I've been changing priorities and the way I spend time with my technology. It hasn't worked everyday but there were immediate and positive changes in our home environment, my attitude, and the Vikings' attitudes as the last couple of days progressed.
Instead of thinking at the end of the day that I "only" got done the minimums (like groceries, bill paying, diaper changing, meal making, etc.), now my thoughts are leaning more towards: those are the things that HAVE to get done...then all that other "stuff" I've been thinking was so important (cleaning the basement, improve this, re-doing that, etc.) is not more important than the stuff I've been "leaving behind" each day. Time for me, time to read, time to pray, time to talk to DaHubby, time to play with the kids.
Sabbatical in the academic world often refers to a time when a professor takes some time off from his or her teaching and/or research to do something else - sometimes rest, sometimes new research, for example. It was often offered once every seven years. In addition, the etymology of the word goes back to sabbath - a period of rest or day of remembrance/worship.
Sabbath is often considered a reverent and solemn word held in a type of silent homage. When actually, it is etymologically connected to the year of Jubilee which, in addition to the "year of sabbath" which provided a time of release and forgiveness of debtors and slaves every seven years, was celebrated every 50 years!
As someone who is working through Dave Ramsey plan for getting out of debt, I can only image how incredibly awesome, dumbfounding, and elating it would feel for someone to come to my family and forgive us all our remaining financial debt.
But the revelation that struck me was this: Sabbath is a time of jubilee!
And, my recent rest from the unending drive of technology and my ever-present to-do list has provided for some jubilant times with DaHubby and the Vikings. And, during this time of family and fun, my sense of all I have to be thankful for has increased along with my sense of peace and joy. For example, despite being the third person in the household with a cough and cold, it's been relatively easy since I've had time to rest and to enjoy the (near) silence of quiet/nap time.
So, what would be your first reaction to having all your financial debt forgiven? What about emotional debts you hold with others? Would you show "great joy, satisfaction, or triumph; rejoicing; exultant"? That's jubilee!
So, how much more should we be filled with exultation by a Heavenly Father who has put every single one of our sins and trespasses as far as the east is from the west? Are ya' feeling jubilant yet?
Finally, with sabbath being related to a time of jubilee, how much "great joy, satisfaction, or triumph; rejoicing" is going on during YOUR sabbath this week? *wink*
Psalms 116:7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. (NKJV)
I've been changing priorities and the way I spend time with my technology. It hasn't worked everyday but there were immediate and positive changes in our home environment, my attitude, and the Vikings' attitudes as the last couple of days progressed.
Instead of thinking at the end of the day that I "only" got done the minimums (like groceries, bill paying, diaper changing, meal making, etc.), now my thoughts are leaning more towards: those are the things that HAVE to get done...then all that other "stuff" I've been thinking was so important (cleaning the basement, improve this, re-doing that, etc.) is not more important than the stuff I've been "leaving behind" each day. Time for me, time to read, time to pray, time to talk to DaHubby, time to play with the kids.
Sabbatical in the academic world often refers to a time when a professor takes some time off from his or her teaching and/or research to do something else - sometimes rest, sometimes new research, for example. It was often offered once every seven years. In addition, the etymology of the word goes back to sabbath - a period of rest or day of remembrance/worship.
Sabbath is often considered a reverent and solemn word held in a type of silent homage. When actually, it is etymologically connected to the year of Jubilee which, in addition to the "year of sabbath" which provided a time of release and forgiveness of debtors and slaves every seven years, was celebrated every 50 years!
As someone who is working through Dave Ramsey plan for getting out of debt, I can only image how incredibly awesome, dumbfounding, and elating it would feel for someone to come to my family and forgive us all our remaining financial debt.
But the revelation that struck me was this: Sabbath is a time of jubilee!
And, my recent rest from the unending drive of technology and my ever-present to-do list has provided for some jubilant times with DaHubby and the Vikings. And, during this time of family and fun, my sense of all I have to be thankful for has increased along with my sense of peace and joy. For example, despite being the third person in the household with a cough and cold, it's been relatively easy since I've had time to rest and to enjoy the (near) silence of quiet/nap time.
So, what would be your first reaction to having all your financial debt forgiven? What about emotional debts you hold with others? Would you show "great joy, satisfaction, or triumph; rejoicing; exultant"? That's jubilee!
So, how much more should we be filled with exultation by a Heavenly Father who has put every single one of our sins and trespasses as far as the east is from the west? Are ya' feeling jubilant yet?
Finally, with sabbath being related to a time of jubilee, how much "great joy, satisfaction, or triumph; rejoicing" is going on during YOUR sabbath this week? *wink*
Psalms 116:7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. (NKJV)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Desperation
There's a scent in the air and I don't particularly like it.
I was relating my shopping day stories to DaHubby yesterday. Wednesday is payday AND my multiple-grocery-store, hunting-for-deals shopping trips. I spent four hours (amid Viking interruptions) doing bills and prepping for grocery shopping. Then, the Vikings and I spent three hours visiting Aldis, Meijers, Rogers, and Hardings for our $60 worth of weekly supplies.
And, for the first time, I noticed something that is really squeezing my heart.
Aldis was packed which never happens around here around that time of day midweek. There were obviously a lot of "newbies" which you can spot a mile away if you're a regular. But, many of those folks not only looked lost but they looked panicked as well. And, there were people arguing in the aisles over things: what to buy, what cost more, "we don't have the money for that", etc. Aldis buys in bulk and I got the last bunch of bananas. The last bunch!
Meijers was the same way. Ours is having a superb meat sale with several cuts at $1/lb. And, while the initial aisles were relatively empty, the ones by the back wall where the meat department is were jammed full of carts with mostly women pushing their way through to grab the last chicken parts, BBQ ribs, or bone-in ham. There were THREE meat department folks attempting to keep up, unloading carts from the back but people were taking stuff off faster than they could get it in the displays.
Rogers is our "high end" mom and pop grocery store. They went from a tiny 6 short aisles a few years ago to a mammoth new store. Their prices are notoriously higher but, when their good stuff is on sale, I take advantage. The place was nearly empty! At lunchtime for Pete's sake!
The county in which I live is really taking a beating lately. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in Michigan which has climbed 5% in the last year. Our local community college has had multiple millages voted down. Businesses (mostly manufacturing-related) close weekly.
Nearby, there is one city in such dire financial straits that they are laying off city workers in waves as well as teachers from their school district. Unfortunately, that district can't really afford to do that since that school district is ranked 576 our of 647 districts in Michigan.
We've had a previously unheard of number of bank robberies in the last few years...three close to our former and current homes. Weekly, there are 1 or 2 new newspaper stories about someone who is a treasurer or involved in a business's finances and is being arraigned for embezzlement. The drug court notes column (yea, our little local paper publishes all the convictions and such - can you imagine?) is just getting longer and longer and longer.
All this "big city" crime...meanwhile, if you took the combined total of this county's Twin Cities' population, it would still be 2% of Detroit's or one-fifth the size of my hometown.
This all puts DaHubby's cut in work hours in perspective. We have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, vehicles to drive, technology to keep us connected but that sense of panic that is starting to rise around me as the kids and I go through our day is hard from which to escape and/or insulate.
Our immediate response is to lower our heads, work hard, make money stretch farther, focus on our family, stay home, spend less money. But, what happened to looking up?
(NKJV) Psalms 121:1-2: I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- From whence comes my help? My help [comes] from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
Even in this relatively little struggle of ours, we are going to have to remember to look up...to look up to the Lord and to look up into the eyes of those around us. We should have a peace about things and have God's Presence so wrapped around us that people will seek us out. Struggling, working, striving does not need to be "miserable" work. ALL is for the glory of God. Just as we would struggle, work, and strive for something we dream of, why couldn't we do the same to show how God's provision supplies our needs?
I was relating my shopping day stories to DaHubby yesterday. Wednesday is payday AND my multiple-grocery-store, hunting-for-deals shopping trips. I spent four hours (amid Viking interruptions) doing bills and prepping for grocery shopping. Then, the Vikings and I spent three hours visiting Aldis, Meijers, Rogers, and Hardings for our $60 worth of weekly supplies.
And, for the first time, I noticed something that is really squeezing my heart.
Aldis was packed which never happens around here around that time of day midweek. There were obviously a lot of "newbies" which you can spot a mile away if you're a regular. But, many of those folks not only looked lost but they looked panicked as well. And, there were people arguing in the aisles over things: what to buy, what cost more, "we don't have the money for that", etc. Aldis buys in bulk and I got the last bunch of bananas. The last bunch!
Meijers was the same way. Ours is having a superb meat sale with several cuts at $1/lb. And, while the initial aisles were relatively empty, the ones by the back wall where the meat department is were jammed full of carts with mostly women pushing their way through to grab the last chicken parts, BBQ ribs, or bone-in ham. There were THREE meat department folks attempting to keep up, unloading carts from the back but people were taking stuff off faster than they could get it in the displays.
Rogers is our "high end" mom and pop grocery store. They went from a tiny 6 short aisles a few years ago to a mammoth new store. Their prices are notoriously higher but, when their good stuff is on sale, I take advantage. The place was nearly empty! At lunchtime for Pete's sake!
The county in which I live is really taking a beating lately. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in Michigan which has climbed 5% in the last year. Our local community college has had multiple millages voted down. Businesses (mostly manufacturing-related) close weekly.
Nearby, there is one city in such dire financial straits that they are laying off city workers in waves as well as teachers from their school district. Unfortunately, that district can't really afford to do that since that school district is ranked 576 our of 647 districts in Michigan.
We've had a previously unheard of number of bank robberies in the last few years...three close to our former and current homes. Weekly, there are 1 or 2 new newspaper stories about someone who is a treasurer or involved in a business's finances and is being arraigned for embezzlement. The drug court notes column (yea, our little local paper publishes all the convictions and such - can you imagine?) is just getting longer and longer and longer.
All this "big city" crime...meanwhile, if you took the combined total of this county's Twin Cities' population, it would still be 2% of Detroit's or one-fifth the size of my hometown.
This all puts DaHubby's cut in work hours in perspective. We have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, vehicles to drive, technology to keep us connected but that sense of panic that is starting to rise around me as the kids and I go through our day is hard from which to escape and/or insulate.
Our immediate response is to lower our heads, work hard, make money stretch farther, focus on our family, stay home, spend less money. But, what happened to looking up?
(NKJV) Psalms 121:1-2: I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- From whence comes my help? My help [comes] from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
Even in this relatively little struggle of ours, we are going to have to remember to look up...to look up to the Lord and to look up into the eyes of those around us. We should have a peace about things and have God's Presence so wrapped around us that people will seek us out. Struggling, working, striving does not need to be "miserable" work. ALL is for the glory of God. Just as we would struggle, work, and strive for something we dream of, why couldn't we do the same to show how God's provision supplies our needs?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A Quick Thursday Thanks Tank
Yea, yea, yea...I know I'm supposed to be on a break but I wanted to share the good news!
There's a bone marrow match for DaHubby's sister! It's the baby of the family - my brother-in-law "J"! The whole family is relieved but still praying that the second chemo knocked out all the leukemia so the bone marrow transfer can take place.
Thanks to those of your praying for her and for our family! What an Easter gift!
Psalms 150
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
There's a bone marrow match for DaHubby's sister! It's the baby of the family - my brother-in-law "J"! The whole family is relieved but still praying that the second chemo knocked out all the leukemia so the bone marrow transfer can take place.
Thanks to those of your praying for her and for our family! What an Easter gift!
Psalms 150
Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Are You Happy?
You should be! Sit down today and list all the things that make you happy, things you are thankful for!
Will someone look at you today and think "wow! I want what THEY have!" when that is Christ Jesus!?
A Biblical promise - you will be happy when you are who and what God wants you to be!
And, consider seven happy people of the Bible
(hat tip to Pastor Don - the "bestest" pastor in the world! *wink*)
1. the one whose sins are forgiven (Prov 28.14, Job 5.17)
2. the one who delights in the Word instead of the world (Ps 119.16, Prov 3.13, Ps 1.1)
3. the one who keeps God's commandments (1 John 3.22, Ps 29.18, John 13.17)
4. the one who dwells in the house of the Lord (Ps8 4.4, Ps 144.5)
5. the one who waits upon the Lord (is 40.31)
6. the one who trusts in the Lord (Ps 84.12, Ps 128.2, Pr 14.21)
7. the one who endures (James 5.11, James 1.2)
So, is your strength in the joy of the Lord??
Will someone look at you today and think "wow! I want what THEY have!" when that is Christ Jesus!?
A Biblical promise - you will be happy when you are who and what God wants you to be!
And, consider seven happy people of the Bible
(hat tip to Pastor Don - the "bestest" pastor in the world! *wink*)
1. the one whose sins are forgiven (Prov 28.14, Job 5.17)
2. the one who delights in the Word instead of the world (Ps 119.16, Prov 3.13, Ps 1.1)
3. the one who keeps God's commandments (1 John 3.22, Ps 29.18, John 13.17)
4. the one who dwells in the house of the Lord (Ps8 4.4, Ps 144.5)
5. the one who waits upon the Lord (is 40.31)
6. the one who trusts in the Lord (Ps 84.12, Ps 128.2, Pr 14.21)
7. the one who endures (James 5.11, James 1.2)
So, is your strength in the joy of the Lord??
Monday, December 3, 2007
"Doing" Christmas
Read an article this weekend from "Today's Christian Woman". Writer Ronna Snyder talked about an experience last year that changed how she does Christmas. I've tried off and on all morning to find a link but to no avail. So, my shortened version...
Snyder was in Wal-mart last October amid all the red and green decorations which had just replaced the Halloween candy shelves. She felt that despite all her endless running, planning, decorating, shopping, etc. her peace about Christmas was nonexistent. And, it struck her: "what would Jesus think of all this blatant commercialism?"
She pictured him trying to push a cart through aisles of "perfect" trees and plastic mangers, each screaming "buy me, buy me!" while ironically "Silent Night" is being pumped in overhead.
And, she remembered Jeremiah 10.3-4 (KJV): For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Vain customs? Hmmm...And, she had what she describes as a "holiday mindset makeover."
No tree. No decorations. No gifts. Only additional opportunities for great food and great times spent together with her family. And, they gave each other...time. Just time. Stress-free, worry-free time. "Not only time to contemplate the significance of Christ's coming to earth to save us, but time to actually 'live it'."
And, they created a list of fun and inexpensive local activities. They went bowling. They played pool. They went to the ocean (she must live in CA! LOL). They ate out. They ate in with simple, low-Momma-labor meals.
She closes her article saying, "Yes, I wrestled with the seeming sacrilege of having a nontraditional Christmas. But, unwrapping Christmas freed my heart. And, in doing so, it freed my family to have a Christmas that was more Christmas-like than any I'd ever imagined: one packed with incredible memories that'll outlast any present we could've given each other."
While I did not have this experience, I definitely find myself actively, aggressively trying to avoid the "traditional" holiday trappings and expectations. I so wish I had written this article. This gets nearly to the very center of my idea about our family Advent calendar.
And, as we consider our recent financial strains, our renewed interest in frugal living, and our desire to remain in God's will which keeps us focused on Him and not the things of this world, this article reinforces all of that and provides assurance for my efforts to continue this idea.
Finally, it also provides a salve to my worrying momma-mind that I'm not the only one who prioritizes like this despite the pressure I've felt late to conform to what's "normal" in the world.
Snyder was in Wal-mart last October amid all the red and green decorations which had just replaced the Halloween candy shelves. She felt that despite all her endless running, planning, decorating, shopping, etc. her peace about Christmas was nonexistent. And, it struck her: "what would Jesus think of all this blatant commercialism?"
She pictured him trying to push a cart through aisles of "perfect" trees and plastic mangers, each screaming "buy me, buy me!" while ironically "Silent Night" is being pumped in overhead.
And, she remembered Jeremiah 10.3-4 (KJV): For the customs of the people [are] vain: for [one] cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Vain customs? Hmmm...And, she had what she describes as a "holiday mindset makeover."
No tree. No decorations. No gifts. Only additional opportunities for great food and great times spent together with her family. And, they gave each other...time. Just time. Stress-free, worry-free time. "Not only time to contemplate the significance of Christ's coming to earth to save us, but time to actually 'live it'."
And, they created a list of fun and inexpensive local activities. They went bowling. They played pool. They went to the ocean (she must live in CA! LOL). They ate out. They ate in with simple, low-Momma-labor meals.
She closes her article saying, "Yes, I wrestled with the seeming sacrilege of having a nontraditional Christmas. But, unwrapping Christmas freed my heart. And, in doing so, it freed my family to have a Christmas that was more Christmas-like than any I'd ever imagined: one packed with incredible memories that'll outlast any present we could've given each other."
While I did not have this experience, I definitely find myself actively, aggressively trying to avoid the "traditional" holiday trappings and expectations. I so wish I had written this article. This gets nearly to the very center of my idea about our family Advent calendar.
And, as we consider our recent financial strains, our renewed interest in frugal living, and our desire to remain in God's will which keeps us focused on Him and not the things of this world, this article reinforces all of that and provides assurance for my efforts to continue this idea.
Finally, it also provides a salve to my worrying momma-mind that I'm not the only one who prioritizes like this despite the pressure I've felt late to conform to what's "normal" in the world.
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