I took a small walk down memory lane today. It amazes me how small, little things can bring back such fresh memories. Yesterday we started putting up our Christmas tree. Today we finished by putting the lights and ornaments on the tree. My little walk started when I opened the ornament boxes. My family has this weird tradition of saving things that to any other person would appear to be trash, but to us-is small treasures. It is a running joke in my family that when you have something that you don't know what to do with, but you don't want to throw it away you-put it on your Christmas tree! We say it jokingly, but we all know we really mean it!
Now, I'll admit, a lot of this stuff doesn't actually make it on the tree, but there it is waiting in the ornament box! There was the ticket stub from Wesley and I's first "official date". There's the ring box that my engagement ring came in, the small card from when he sent me flowers for Valentines Day only to have them arrive three days later, but moments after my Gramma passed away (it was no coincidence, that was divine intervention :-) There is the whistle from Wesley's life guarding days, his ID card from when he took his Bar Exam. There are petals from his Grandma's casket when she died and then from a much happier event-my wedding bouquet. There are a few little cards my Gramma had written me on the outside of our presents through the years. One said, "Happy 1/2 birthday Randol!" from when she sent me a package in the mail when Randol was only 6 months old. There are the Elvis glasses that my Uncle Tommy loved. There is another little card from my sister Katie that she had sneaked into my suitcase when I went on my honeymoon. A favorite of Randol's is the note the tooth fairy left me for my first tooth-then there is the note she left Randol. Today Randol looked at them both and said, "I think she got a lot older because her writing is harder to read on my card than on yours!" I just laughed!
All of these things appear to be trash, old notes and photographs to anyone else walking by, but to me...they are little treasures of my heart that I look forward to seeing again year after year. As many times as I have opened that box, I'm amazed at the joy it brings me as though I'm receiving them for the first time.
This morning I read in Exodus about the Passover. The Jews were to put the lambs blood on their doorways so the angel of death would pass over their house. As many of you know, there is a long ritual that Jews still celebrate today. God said they were to do this every year to remind them of what He did. It reminds them of God's blessings and His mercy.
As I looked at all my silly treasures, they reminded me of God's blessings. Every word, every card or photograph reminds me of a happy time in my life. A time where God blessed me with love and comfort and mercy. As hard as it was to read my Gramma's handwriting on one card that said, "I love you super dooper much!xoxo" and the one she gave to Randol signed "Patches and Lucky" (my aunts cats), I was reminded of her love, of the way she always made me laugh and look to the brighter things in life. I was reminded that even though almost three years have passed since I heard her sweet voice, she is still here, right beside me. That I am thankful for.
In Saturday's paper, there was a black and white comic that said,
"We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way".
I can't get it out of my mind. I have no idea what blessings await my future. It is so hard to see past this day and this moment sometimes. We get so wrapped up in the day to day things that we miss His blessings and His purposes in between all that other stuff. Last week Wesley and I watched The Pursuit of Happyness. That man was as low as one can get. He had to sleep in a public bathroom-in a subway station-in NY City! He had no idea in that moment, that 26 years later he would become a multi millionaire. Talk about moving up the food chain!
This week as I look around me and plan out my day, I will try and remember to thank Him for the things I don't even know He is going to do; things He may already be doing, but I will not see for many years down the road. How blessed we are to be loved so much by One whom we aren't even worthy enough to kiss His sandals. I know that in the midst of my life will come heartache, but blessings can still come in those times as well. Looking back over my life, I have been through some rough stuff. I don't regret any of it because it was in the midst of the storm that I was able to praise Him and feel His Almighty presence.
As you start your day today, look around you and be thankful for all the things He has blessed you with. Then stop and thank Him for all the things He is doing right now, for such a time as this, things you cannot see, but are still there. It is having a truly thankful heart that will keep us grounded in what really matters this Christmas season.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Lessons Learned in the Midst of Sickness
I confess, I am a horrible blogger this week! Thank you to everyone who keeps checking and having faith that eventually-I'll write again! My excuse for slacking off is two sick children. Any time I have away from them has been spent playing catch up. Catching up on laundry, cleaning, paying bills...you get the idea.
It was one week and two days ago that my oldest son first woke up with a small fever. I thought nothing of it because it went away after a few hours. Over the next few days we found out he had a double ear infection...Monday we found out that my 6 month old has the infamous RSV virus...and its gone on from there. Doctors appointments everyday, breathing machine every 4 hours, long, congested, sleepless nights and on and on.
Despite all the chaos, there are a few life lessons I have learned these last few days that I can apply to all areas of
my life.
1. The world keeps on going even though your world is currently on pause. If it doesn't have to do with runny noses and chest congestion-I don't know anything about what has been going on in the news these last few days. I will talk to people and hear about where they are going for Thanksgiving, what they bought their child for Christmas...and I think-Thanksgiving...is THIS week? How can that be? I can't imagine getting to go shopping right now! You mean aside from the Wal-Mart pharmacy, everything else is opened...and on sale? And I'm missing it!?!
2. Enjoy the little time you do get by yourself. Like for instance, sitting at the Wal-Mart pharmacy for 45 minutes waiting for prescriptions. I decided to go grab a magazine and catch up on my celebrity news (real productive right?!?). Despite feeling a little guilty sitting there while my husband was at home with our sick children, I learned a lot of useless knowledge that I came home and shared with him. I enjoyed those 45 minutes instead of getting frustrated and wishing they would hurry up. I found myself almost a little disappointed when they finally called my name!
3. Don't wish your time away. In the wee hours of the morning as I sat on my bathroom floor, holding a mask with medicine steaming out of it, up to my sons face, I found myself thinking, "I will be so glad when this is all over and we can get back to normal!" As soon as the thought formed in my mind I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend of mine earlier that day. She was telling me how 17 years ago, her 3 month old niece died from the RSV virus. She was born in November, premature and died in January. Whenever I hear a story like that it stays with me and burdens my heart. I'm not worried about that happening to my son, but it sure made me realize how precious time is with my children-even at 4 o'clock in the morning. Instead of wishing this time away, I should be thankful for it. I need to hold my children close and love that they need me so desperately instead of wishing they'd sit by themselves. As the old saying goes-when you're sick, there's no one like your mama to make you feel you better! They instinctively know this-even at 6 months of age!
4. Coffee and peanut m&m's were made for such a time as this! I believe they are God's gift to help awake my senses and keep functioning. More importantly, to help with my patience and sanity!
It was one week and two days ago that my oldest son first woke up with a small fever. I thought nothing of it because it went away after a few hours. Over the next few days we found out he had a double ear infection...Monday we found out that my 6 month old has the infamous RSV virus...and its gone on from there. Doctors appointments everyday, breathing machine every 4 hours, long, congested, sleepless nights and on and on.
Despite all the chaos, there are a few life lessons I have learned these last few days that I can apply to all areas of
my life.1. The world keeps on going even though your world is currently on pause. If it doesn't have to do with runny noses and chest congestion-I don't know anything about what has been going on in the news these last few days. I will talk to people and hear about where they are going for Thanksgiving, what they bought their child for Christmas...and I think-Thanksgiving...is THIS week? How can that be? I can't imagine getting to go shopping right now! You mean aside from the Wal-Mart pharmacy, everything else is opened...and on sale? And I'm missing it!?!
2. Enjoy the little time you do get by yourself. Like for instance, sitting at the Wal-Mart pharmacy for 45 minutes waiting for prescriptions. I decided to go grab a magazine and catch up on my celebrity news (real productive right?!?). Despite feeling a little guilty sitting there while my husband was at home with our sick children, I learned a lot of useless knowledge that I came home and shared with him. I enjoyed those 45 minutes instead of getting frustrated and wishing they would hurry up. I found myself almost a little disappointed when they finally called my name!
3. Don't wish your time away. In the wee hours of the morning as I sat on my bathroom floor, holding a mask with medicine steaming out of it, up to my sons face, I found myself thinking, "I will be so glad when this is all over and we can get back to normal!" As soon as the thought formed in my mind I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend of mine earlier that day. She was telling me how 17 years ago, her 3 month old niece died from the RSV virus. She was born in November, premature and died in January. Whenever I hear a story like that it stays with me and burdens my heart. I'm not worried about that happening to my son, but it sure made me realize how precious time is with my children-even at 4 o'clock in the morning. Instead of wishing this time away, I should be thankful for it. I need to hold my children close and love that they need me so desperately instead of wishing they'd sit by themselves. As the old saying goes-when you're sick, there's no one like your mama to make you feel you better! They instinctively know this-even at 6 months of age!
4. Coffee and peanut m&m's were made for such a time as this! I believe they are God's gift to help awake my senses and keep functioning. More importantly, to help with my patience and sanity!
5. Don't be ashamed to ask for help when you need it. Randol has been looking forward to not having school so she can play with her friends who usually have homework to do in the afternoons when they come home from school. She went to three different kids houses and none of them could play. They were either leaving for vacation or not at home. She came inside and started crying telling me how upset she was. I was in the middle of paying bills and trying to hurry because Will had started screaming. Foster starts pulling on my pants leg, screaming at the top of his lungs and before I knew it-I was in tears. I couldn't take it any longer-the crying, the runny noses, the cranky attitudes. And I was having a "guilty mom "moment. I knew I should have enough love and selflessness inside of me to grab up my children and hug them and kiss their tears away.
But I couldn't do that.
Not then.
I did the only thing I knew to do-I picked up the phone, called my husband-no answer. I called my mom-answering machine. I actually said out loud, "Please Lord, let someone answer!" I called Wesley back and he answered. By that time, I was in tears and couldn't talk. All I could make out was-"Are you going to get to come home from work early today?" I felt stupid. I should be able to handle my own children. But all I knew in that moment was-I needed reinforcements! It worked out where Wesley did get to come home early and go to the doctors office with me and the kids-what a blessing!
6. Just when you think you can't handle it anymore-you get a break. After hanging up the phone with my husband, the kids were still crying, but I felt a little better. I decided that it would be a good time to finish the movie we had started the night before. What would you know-in about 10 minutes the crying stopped and I was sitting in my living room watching a movie. I think the Lord knew-I'd had all I could handle! All I needed was a little peace and quiet-if only for a moment!
7. God is here with me and has never left my side. I have been slacking in my morning Bible reading. After going a few days without reading I picked it back up and what would you know, I could pick up where I left off and it was like no time had passed at all. His Word is there, unchanging and true whether we are reading it or not. He is here, whether we acknowledge Him or not. We have the power of the Holy Spirit at our fingertips, all we have to do is cry out to Him!
It has been a wild ride and according to the doctor yesterday, it may still be a while before my children are 100% better. The next time I feel like I can't stand it any longer-I may have to come back and read this post! I know that Lord has a reason for all things under heaven and I have to trust that He is in control. I am so glad I have reinforcements anytime-all I have to do is cry out to Him and He'll be there!Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Season for Giving
So...I applied for a job this week, a paying job I should say.
Why am I doing this? Wesley keeps telling me I don't need to get a job unless I want too. Here is my logical brain...we are SO in debt because of school loans, we are struggling to pay off a measly $4000 credit card debt, how will we ever manage $150,000 in school loans? And that's not including our mortgage. Surely I can help us get ahead somehow. Plus, aside from our tithe, there is nothing left to give back.
...OK, I'm digressing, thinking out loud and giving too much information. I am always trying to keep my eyes and ears opened for new job possibilities; anyway I can juggle homeschooling, raising three children at home...and make some extra income. I have thought about selling baked goods or crafts, selling stuff on eBay, maybe even selling Rainbow vacuum cleaners. I always read the classifieds thinking maybe something will catch my eye and I'll know-this is the job opportunity for me.
My aunt used to work for Hallmark when she had small children and she would restock their cards, set up displays etc. in the local stores. I went to Hallmark.com and what would you know-they are hiring a part-time card merchandiser. I thought-perfect! You make your own hours and work independently. I figured that I could go after Wesley gets home from work and on the weekends. So I revised my resume and tried to send it in-the whole time praying that God would close the door and let me know if this wasn't His will.
I go to complete my application/resume and the computer closes out the web page so it doesn't send. The next day I go back and the web site says "Sorry, we are having technical difficulties please try back later!" It said this for two days. I knew-this was God's sign. Every time I tried to complete my application, I was thwarted, an obstacle came within me and my chance to apply for this job.
...But I was still determined, still convincing myself that this could be what I've been looking for. Finally, two days later I tried again and my application went through.
Isn't that how we are? We pray, asking God's answer, then He gives it and it's not the answer we want, so we do our own thing anyway! When will we ever learn? I kept thinking, "Maybe I'm reading into it. If He doesn't want me to have the job then He'll make sure they don't call me or they will find a better candidate. I'll keep trying!" I am such a mess sometimes!
The Lord has always provided for me and my family. We live in a pretty nice house, have a closet with clothes and food in our pantry. We are far from destitute. Why am I so obsessed with these loans? Wesley isn't. He says that they will get paid off in time, not to worry about it. Maybe its because I'm in charge of paying the bills and I'm reminded every month of what a long way we have to go. Quite possibly its because I am a control freak and having to send our money into some loan company who constantly ups its rates without any warning, makes me feel very NOT in control. I want to send our money in to whom we choose-not these gold-digger-take-the-shirt-off-your-back-as-long-as-you-keep-paying-their-interest-rates, loan companies.
Over the last several weeks we have gotten many nonprofit companies asking for money to help with the holidays; The Valley Rescue Mission, Red Cross, United Way, Goodwill, Angel Tree. All good companies, doing good work and all needing help desperately. My heart is burdened to help them, but my checkbook says otherwise. I keep thinking-if I had a job, I'd have the money to give. I have prayed about this and you know what God told me?
Give what you can.
"What do I have, that I can give?" I asked Him. So, He showed me.
If you come to my house, you will see only one car parked in our garage because the other side is full of stuff. While we could have a killer yard sale, Wesley says he'd rather give it away than sell it. It was then that I realized, this is what we can give. I can load up my van with probably two or three trips and donate it to Mission Columbus. Mission Columbus is a local place people can go who have no food or clothing and get it for free. More importantly, it is run by a man who is the interim pastor at my church and who is doing his best to share the Gospel with those he comes into contact with.
My donation this year won't come in the form of a check or cash, it will be in the form of bags of clothes and toys. And that's OK. He has given me a way that I can still give. Isn't giving what Christmas is all about? God gave His Son to be the Savior of the world. That is the true meaning of Christmas, right? Is He asking too much for me to give of my time and stuff to try and give back just a little of the blessings He has given me? Absolutely not!
So, I'm not holding my breath about working for Hallmark. I'm pretty sure He has already given me my answer to how He feels about that. I want His best for my life-not my best. So often I forget that. I see an opportunity and think it will help fix whatever situation I am in, while really I'm only getting in the way. Wesley is confident and assured that there will come a day that we will no longer owe our souls to school loans. I have to believe that as well.
Letting go and trusting my future to the One I cannot see, but whom I KNOW is there. Why is that so hard to do sometimes?
As you approach this Christmas season, ask Him, what does He want you to give? To be used by God is such a powerful thing. I know without a doubt that He has a little girl about Randol's height, that is going to love the clothes she will be getting. I'm quite certain there is a small child who will love to play with some of our stuffed animals and blocks. My mind was so focused on what I didn't have to give, that I had forgotten what I could give. His ways are not our ways. All along, I have had a garage full of blessings that could be used for His kingdom.
Every one's situation is different, but our mission is the same. Go out into the world and make more disciples, whether that is donating money to a worthy cause, being an example to your neighbors or donating your belongings to those who are more in need than you are. Anything you do or say that shows others Christ's love-is fulfilling the Great Commission! This time of year, its hard not to look around and see how much God has blessed us. Good family, good friends, good food and good fellowship. Could I really ask for anything more?
Why am I doing this? Wesley keeps telling me I don't need to get a job unless I want too. Here is my logical brain...we are SO in debt because of school loans, we are struggling to pay off a measly $4000 credit card debt, how will we ever manage $150,000 in school loans? And that's not including our mortgage. Surely I can help us get ahead somehow. Plus, aside from our tithe, there is nothing left to give back.
...OK, I'm digressing, thinking out loud and giving too much information. I am always trying to keep my eyes and ears opened for new job possibilities; anyway I can juggle homeschooling, raising three children at home...and make some extra income. I have thought about selling baked goods or crafts, selling stuff on eBay, maybe even selling Rainbow vacuum cleaners. I always read the classifieds thinking maybe something will catch my eye and I'll know-this is the job opportunity for me.
My aunt used to work for Hallmark when she had small children and she would restock their cards, set up displays etc. in the local stores. I went to Hallmark.com and what would you know-they are hiring a part-time card merchandiser. I thought-perfect! You make your own hours and work independently. I figured that I could go after Wesley gets home from work and on the weekends. So I revised my resume and tried to send it in-the whole time praying that God would close the door and let me know if this wasn't His will.
I go to complete my application/resume and the computer closes out the web page so it doesn't send. The next day I go back and the web site says "Sorry, we are having technical difficulties please try back later!" It said this for two days. I knew-this was God's sign. Every time I tried to complete my application, I was thwarted, an obstacle came within me and my chance to apply for this job.
...But I was still determined, still convincing myself that this could be what I've been looking for. Finally, two days later I tried again and my application went through.
Isn't that how we are? We pray, asking God's answer, then He gives it and it's not the answer we want, so we do our own thing anyway! When will we ever learn? I kept thinking, "Maybe I'm reading into it. If He doesn't want me to have the job then He'll make sure they don't call me or they will find a better candidate. I'll keep trying!" I am such a mess sometimes!
The Lord has always provided for me and my family. We live in a pretty nice house, have a closet with clothes and food in our pantry. We are far from destitute. Why am I so obsessed with these loans? Wesley isn't. He says that they will get paid off in time, not to worry about it. Maybe its because I'm in charge of paying the bills and I'm reminded every month of what a long way we have to go. Quite possibly its because I am a control freak and having to send our money into some loan company who constantly ups its rates without any warning, makes me feel very NOT in control. I want to send our money in to whom we choose-not these gold-digger-take-the-shirt-off-your-back-as-long-as-you-keep-paying-their-interest-rates, loan companies.
Over the last several weeks we have gotten many nonprofit companies asking for money to help with the holidays; The Valley Rescue Mission, Red Cross, United Way, Goodwill, Angel Tree. All good companies, doing good work and all needing help desperately. My heart is burdened to help them, but my checkbook says otherwise. I keep thinking-if I had a job, I'd have the money to give. I have prayed about this and you know what God told me?
Give what you can.
"What do I have, that I can give?" I asked Him. So, He showed me.
If you come to my house, you will see only one car parked in our garage because the other side is full of stuff. While we could have a killer yard sale, Wesley says he'd rather give it away than sell it. It was then that I realized, this is what we can give. I can load up my van with probably two or three trips and donate it to Mission Columbus. Mission Columbus is a local place people can go who have no food or clothing and get it for free. More importantly, it is run by a man who is the interim pastor at my church and who is doing his best to share the Gospel with those he comes into contact with.
My donation this year won't come in the form of a check or cash, it will be in the form of bags of clothes and toys. And that's OK. He has given me a way that I can still give. Isn't giving what Christmas is all about? God gave His Son to be the Savior of the world. That is the true meaning of Christmas, right? Is He asking too much for me to give of my time and stuff to try and give back just a little of the blessings He has given me? Absolutely not!
So, I'm not holding my breath about working for Hallmark. I'm pretty sure He has already given me my answer to how He feels about that. I want His best for my life-not my best. So often I forget that. I see an opportunity and think it will help fix whatever situation I am in, while really I'm only getting in the way. Wesley is confident and assured that there will come a day that we will no longer owe our souls to school loans. I have to believe that as well.
Letting go and trusting my future to the One I cannot see, but whom I KNOW is there. Why is that so hard to do sometimes?
As you approach this Christmas season, ask Him, what does He want you to give? To be used by God is such a powerful thing. I know without a doubt that He has a little girl about Randol's height, that is going to love the clothes she will be getting. I'm quite certain there is a small child who will love to play with some of our stuffed animals and blocks. My mind was so focused on what I didn't have to give, that I had forgotten what I could give. His ways are not our ways. All along, I have had a garage full of blessings that could be used for His kingdom.
Every one's situation is different, but our mission is the same. Go out into the world and make more disciples, whether that is donating money to a worthy cause, being an example to your neighbors or donating your belongings to those who are more in need than you are. Anything you do or say that shows others Christ's love-is fulfilling the Great Commission! This time of year, its hard not to look around and see how much God has blessed us. Good family, good friends, good food and good fellowship. Could I really ask for anything more?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
PLEASE WATCH THIS!!!
My sister-in-law just emailed me this.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE watch this video until the very end.
It is only a minute or two long.
I promise you, it will stay with you for days to come...
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE watch this video until the very end.
It is only a minute or two long.
I promise you, it will stay with you for days to come...
Friday, November 9, 2007
Singin' in the Storm
I have come to the conclusion that sleep is no longer an option in my house. Last night I slept for 45 minutes straight before one of my boys woke me up. It was all down hill from there until 5:30 am when we were up for the day. As soon as one would get to sleep, the other immediately would wake up. This has been going on for a week now. Today at lunch Wesley said, "I can't even remember what a full 6 hours of sleep feels like-let alone 8 hours! We are doing good to get 2 hours of continuous sleep!"
It got me thinking, when was my last night of good rest? Isn't that how life is? You get in a rut and its hard to see out of it or remember what life was like before you got there. You start to wonder, is it ever going to end!
I jokingly talk about a "no-sleep rut", but on a serious note, it may be a financial rut or a relationship rut or an emotional rut...so many things that drag us down and threaten our peace. What do we do when we get down in that small valley? What happens when you feel all the light is gone and you are left in a cover of darkness? Then what?
Is it easier to praise Him when your life is going great or when its in the valley? Do you reach out to Him or shun Him, blaming Him for your problems? We all have a choice, and we all make one either way. Do you think He knows right where you are, at this given moment, as you read this? Does He know what is running through your brain RIGHT NOW?
I promise you He does. His word says He does, so it must be true. If He knows that, don't you think He knows what valley you're in right now? Better yet-He knows how you can get out of it. He can take that darkness and turn it into light. No matter how big or small-He knows and He has a purpose for it, even though you can't see it right now.
Last Sunday, a good friend of mine sang a Casting Crowns song called "Praise you in this Storm". I got chill bumps and had to fight back tears as I sang along. I went to YouTube and found the song with pictures from the war we are fighting right now. It reminded me of my Sept 11th post, talking about wearing the full armour of God. I have attached the video at the end of this post. As you watch it, think of your own battle. That's you in those pictures. You may not be wearing full camo and desert gear with a gun in your hand, but you have your belt of truth around your waist, your breastplate of righteousness and your shield of faith, "which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Eph 6:16) and most important, that is no gun in your hand, it is the Word of God, which is more powerful than any weapon.
As we are almost in the middle of November, I am constantly reminded of being Thankful. Holidays are special times for me and I really try my best to get my heart and mind into the reason for why we celebrate. I find myself being thankful for the storms in my day. We are to praise Him in the best of times...and the worst of times. How awesome it is to extinguish those flying arrows together, fighting side by side. You are not alone and He has not left you. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and He'll help you win any battle.
How thankful I am to serve such a powerful God who loves me enough to send His Son to die for me.
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Chorus
It got me thinking, when was my last night of good rest? Isn't that how life is? You get in a rut and its hard to see out of it or remember what life was like before you got there. You start to wonder, is it ever going to end!
I jokingly talk about a "no-sleep rut", but on a serious note, it may be a financial rut or a relationship rut or an emotional rut...so many things that drag us down and threaten our peace. What do we do when we get down in that small valley? What happens when you feel all the light is gone and you are left in a cover of darkness? Then what?
Is it easier to praise Him when your life is going great or when its in the valley? Do you reach out to Him or shun Him, blaming Him for your problems? We all have a choice, and we all make one either way. Do you think He knows right where you are, at this given moment, as you read this? Does He know what is running through your brain RIGHT NOW?
I promise you He does. His word says He does, so it must be true. If He knows that, don't you think He knows what valley you're in right now? Better yet-He knows how you can get out of it. He can take that darkness and turn it into light. No matter how big or small-He knows and He has a purpose for it, even though you can't see it right now.
Last Sunday, a good friend of mine sang a Casting Crowns song called "Praise you in this Storm". I got chill bumps and had to fight back tears as I sang along. I went to YouTube and found the song with pictures from the war we are fighting right now. It reminded me of my Sept 11th post, talking about wearing the full armour of God. I have attached the video at the end of this post. As you watch it, think of your own battle. That's you in those pictures. You may not be wearing full camo and desert gear with a gun in your hand, but you have your belt of truth around your waist, your breastplate of righteousness and your shield of faith, "which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Eph 6:16) and most important, that is no gun in your hand, it is the Word of God, which is more powerful than any weapon.
As we are almost in the middle of November, I am constantly reminded of being Thankful. Holidays are special times for me and I really try my best to get my heart and mind into the reason for why we celebrate. I find myself being thankful for the storms in my day. We are to praise Him in the best of times...and the worst of times. How awesome it is to extinguish those flying arrows together, fighting side by side. You are not alone and He has not left you. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and He'll help you win any battle.
How thankful I am to serve such a powerful God who loves me enough to send His Son to die for me.
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Chorus
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wordless Wednesday: This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made
Watching the ducks yesterday at Cooper Creek.Monday, November 5, 2007
A Few Mere Words...
On Saturday, Wesley and I went to the wedding of a dear friend who has waited a long time for her prince. As I sat there watching the two of them say their vows and then the minister pronounce them husband and wife, I was struck by how short and simple it is to become married. What changed in those few minutes to bind these people to each other for life? The beautiful bride walked down that long aisle as a single lady. A few moments later, she walked down the same aisle on the arm of her beloved, now as a married woman.
They spoke a few words in front of a few witnesses and now they are joined, in the eyes of God forever...Just a few mere words...that's all it took...
Last night at bible study we talked about how powerful God's Word is. It is God's Word's that we use to fight our battle against this dark world that we live in. It is our only weapon...a few words will drive Satan away....
We need to learn to use that sword to prepare us for battle. Jesus combated temptation with quoting scripture...with using a few words.
When Jesus hung on the cross He looked around Him and said, "Father, forgive them for they no not what they are doing."
A few words and He forgave them...He forgave us.
A few words can change your life forever when you ask Him to come into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. Your whole eternal future lies in just a few simple words.
A few words can rip apart a relationship, tear up trust and faith in a person.
They can shred your whole life long testimony in a matter of minutes.
On the other hand, a few words can heal a broken wound. Forgiveness is such a soothing balm over a ones soul, but how hard it is to say those few words.
A few words can make all the difference in every aspect of your life;
what you say at the cash register, how you greet your secretary, your tone of voice when you talk to your spouse.
Words are so powerful, a huge part of our fate lies in the things we say.
They spoke a few words in front of a few witnesses and now they are joined, in the eyes of God forever...Just a few mere words...that's all it took...
Last night at bible study we talked about how powerful God's Word is. It is God's Word's that we use to fight our battle against this dark world that we live in. It is our only weapon...a few words will drive Satan away....
We need to learn to use that sword to prepare us for battle. Jesus combated temptation with quoting scripture...with using a few words.
When Jesus hung on the cross He looked around Him and said, "Father, forgive them for they no not what they are doing."
A few words and He forgave them...He forgave us.
A few words can change your life forever when you ask Him to come into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. Your whole eternal future lies in just a few simple words.
A few words can rip apart a relationship, tear up trust and faith in a person.
They can shred your whole life long testimony in a matter of minutes.
On the other hand, a few words can heal a broken wound. Forgiveness is such a soothing balm over a ones soul, but how hard it is to say those few words.
A few words can make all the difference in every aspect of your life;
what you say at the cash register, how you greet your secretary, your tone of voice when you talk to your spouse.
Words are so powerful, a huge part of our fate lies in the things we say.
Can you believe she did that? I can't believe he said that!
Look at what she's wearing! What was she thinking?
Would you just hush your mouth?
What is your problem?
Did you hear what they did?
I would never do something like that!
She is so stupid!
Boy did she deserve what she got!
You are so beautiful! Thank you so much!
I don't know what I'd do without you.
You mean so much to me. You are special to me.
I am so thankful for you.
I love you. I hate you. I forgive you. I'm mad at you. I'm hurting. I'm sorry.
What words will you say today?
"But I tell you that men will have to give an account
on the day of judgement for every careless
word that they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted,
and by your words you will be condemned."
Matthew 12:36-37
Sunday, November 4, 2007
What a Blessed Sunday!
Before...
Talking with Pastor Royce
Feeling the Water
After
Daddy's Girl
The Two Girls
Feeling the WaterAfter
Daddy's Girl The Two Girls Friday, November 2, 2007
A Few Simple Treasures
When a few days have past since I last blogged, I start to get "blogger's overload"! I have too many things I want to write about that its hard for me to "choose"!
Today the Lord reminded me of a few very important promises He gives us in His word. The passages I read today in my Bible and unsurprisingly my daughters Bible study book she is doing for school, went together and the Lord hit me square in the face with some good stuff!
Today the Lord reminded me of a few very important promises He gives us in His word. The passages I read today in my Bible and unsurprisingly my daughters Bible study book she is doing for school, went together and the Lord hit me square in the face with some good stuff!
"...yet because of the man's boldness (persistence) he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Luke 11:8b-10
So often I pray for something, then check it off my list and keep worrying about it or letting it fester in my mind. We aren't supposed to do that, we are to pray persistently, boldly and keep knocking at heavens door. We are to keep asking until He gives us an answer. Now, just because you ask over and over, doesn't mean He'll say yes. It is important to note that! I have found that when He doesn't give me the answer I seek, its because His answer is better than I ever could have asked for. He knows and sees the whole picture, which I can only see today, this moment I'm in. I don't know what lies ahead tomorrow or in a year from now or in 30 years from now...but He does! He knows what bothers my heart, what disrupts my peace and I must keep praying about it. I am not to bear my burdens alone. How often I forget to do that!
"Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you,
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
keep your foot from evil."
Proverbs 4:25-27
I know I talked about this verse not that long ago, but it crept up again this morning. In an earlier verse He says, "Above all else, Guard your heart..."(4:23). I must guard my heart and keep looking straight ahead. I can't look at my neighbor or what he is doing. I cannot compare my situation with anyone else. I must look ahead, keeping my eyes on Him because He has a plan, greater than I can ever imagine. If I guard my heart and daily, moment by moment turn it over to Him, He will show me what I am to be praying for, He will show me the treasures I seek. When you give your heart to Him, He helps you pray according to His will-not your own. That is so important, but so hard to do. It is also hard to take the "me" or the "I" out of my prayers and replace it with "Your will, not my own". Anything given outside of His will is second best, and who wants that?
"May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed...
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of
the Lord our God."
Psalm 20:4 and 7
I remember learning this verse in Bible drill as a child. I fell in love with it. How many material things do I trust in, things I can see and feel. How often do I try and figure out a situation by looking at what is in front of me. Instead, I should be trusting in what I cannot see...in the God I cannot see, but know is there. I should trust in a name, a simple name that has more power than anything else here on earth.
I absolutely love the way He takes verses and passages of the Bible that I have read over and over since a child and He uses them in a whole new way. He unlocks secrets and treasures that I need in that moment. He is a moment by moment God, all we have to do is choose Him in those tiny moments! How blessed we are that He will speak so clearly to us if we earnestly seek Him and pray according to His will.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
