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Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Safe at home
I knew Sunday when I said YES to something that God is asking me to do that I would begin a battle like no other. It seems like all kinds of things go wrong, my emotions are all off the charts, and this Monday was a Monday like no other. Today things just kept getting worse so I texted a friend and simply said PRAY she did and guess what things began to calm down. I know when eternity comes it will all be worth it but I sure don't like this process of being molded and fired, broken and molded again!!!!! =:)
Does anyone out there have a really good verse to rely on when fear grips you so strongly that cry is all you can do? If you do will you share it PLEASE?
Monday, December 15, 2008
As I was bringing up wood for the fireplace I thought about all the preparations that need to be done for so many things in the near future and my mind went crazy and hasn't stopped yet. Got to set things in motion for Christmas and New Years, for New Orleans, summer, for the house winter etc. I am trusting God for some BIG answers to some BIG questions I have.
More on all this later. Got to go to work now, plenty of preparations to do there for the next 8 days too!!!
Have a GREAT day!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Gold stood for the riches of a king. Jesus was the King of Kings.( Revelatations 19:16)
Frankincense was incense used by the priests in the temple worship. Jesus would be ourt high priest who would go before the Heavenly Father and intercede for us. (Hebrews 4:14)
Myrrh was a perfume used in burial services, pointing to Jesus' death on the cross - a holy sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:8)
Now it's your turn. I gave this challenge to our growth group, Make a list of the ways that Jesus is your King. Make a list of the ways that Jesus is your high priest. Make a list of the ways that Jesus' death and resurrection changed your life.
Give these sentences some thought and see what you come up with.
Something else I realized this week: My Bible is FAT!!!! Not fat from all the stuff I keep in it but fat from use! You know when you first get your bible how slim and trim it is? How all the pages kinda stick together and they seem so fragil? After years of reading and studying the pages seem to get tougher and the book gets fatter, I am glad that my bible is getting FAT.
Could I use that same thought process when it comes to my weight struggle?Hummmmmmmmm
Saturday, December 6, 2008
I'm Back!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
December 1, 2008 Pot Luck Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world now that you sent me and have loved them, even as you have loved me." (John 17:23 NIV)
Friend to Friend I recall as a young child, rocking on my grandma's front porch and listening to the ladies from the mission society gossip about the "heathens" whose church was across the street from theirs. It always puzzled me because the "heathens" were such nice people and their church looked just like grandma's church. As far as I could tell, there was no difference. Both believed in Jesus, wore funny hats on Sundays, and sang the same hymns. And both had great pot-luck dinners.
How did the church come up with the notion of the famous pot-luck supper (alias, covered-dish dinner)? I personally think it all began in Matthew chapter 15. The first covered-dish gathering was a great success as Jesus served more than 4,000 men (not to mention a few thousand women and children) and had leftovers to boot. All this came from one little covered dish. Actually, it was a covered basket. This was, after all, before the advent of Corning Ware.
Later the Baptists followed His lead and the next thing you know, all denominations are celebrating a multiplicity of occasions with every variety of casserole known to man, but the twenty first-century church isn't being caught simply serving up fish and chips. We have taken the notion of "breaking bread" and run with it. Not only do we break bread, but we crunch fried chicken, munch fresh veggies, scoop casseroles, slice pies, cut cakes, and sip coffees. We chew the fat while chewing our food and extend the right hand of fellowship while our left hand extends the serving spoon. No matter how much food walks through the doors, none ever goes to waste, but much goes to the waist. I'd say that covered-dish dinners are one of the most cherished rituals in the church today!
Our Sunday school class's annual Christmas party entailed such an event. It was at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Marshall McMillan. The class consisted of 150 people in a church of 1,600. It's a little difficult to be intimate with 150 congregates on Sunday morning, so the Christmas party was a great time to chat with people you didn't normally have a chance to visit otherwise. Because people tend to sit in the same seats each week, I had never really seen about half of the class.
The Christmas party was designed to remedy that problem. The McMillan's home was beautifully decorated with holly, spruce and magnolia clippings. It was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season as well as the incoming aroma of the many deliciously prepared meals. In an effort to provide crowd control and proper traffic flow, our host, Marshall had posted directional signs around the house. One sign read "COATS," with an arrow pointing up the stairs to their daughter's room. Another read "HOT FOOD," with an arrow pointing toward the kitchen.
Marshall was doing a great job at his post as official greeter and traffic police.
"Hello, how are you?" He greeted two ladies and one man as they made their way up the front steps with dishes in hand. "You can take your food into the kitchen and then follow the arrows to the coat room."
The obedient threesome followed directions well and then headed to the name tag table, but a warning light was flashing in my mind.
"Marshall," I said, "Who are those people? I don't recognize them."
"I don't recognize them, either," he answered. "But you know our class is so big. Maybe they sit on the opposite side of the room and we just haven't noticed them before."
They looked like they could have been one of us. They seemed to know the drill, but something was wrong with this picture.
"Marshall, go find out who they are," I urged.
He approached the trio, who were now looking a little bewildered themselves. "Excuse me. You are here for the Sunday school Christmas party, aren't you?"
"Yes," they answered. However, their "yes" sounded more like a question than an answer. Then they asked, "This is the Sunday school class for First Baptist Church isn't it?"
"No, ma'am," Marshall answered. "This is the party for Forest Hill Presbyterian. You folks are at the wrong party."
The three embarrassed Baptists quickly reclaimed their food, once again followed the arrows to the coat room, and high-tailed it out of the McMillan's house to another Sunday school covered-dish gathering a few doors down.
Won't heaven be an interesting place? One big perpetual brightly lit Christmas party: a celebration of new birth. No covered dish required because He will sit us down at His banqueting table which He has prepared for us. One great thing about this party will be that when the Baptists stumble into a room full of Presbyterians or when the Episcopalians walk in on a bunch of Assemblies of God folks, no one will feel out of place. We will all say, "Welcome! And come on in. Take your coat off and stay a while - an eternity, for that matter. You're definitely in the right place."
Let's Pray Dear Lord, I'm not even sure how all this business of denominations started in the first place, but I do know that You specifically prayed that we would have unity among the Body of Christ. Help us to put away our differences and focus on what is truly important -- Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
In Jesus' Name, Amen
Sunday, November 30, 2008
My Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving day
Putting up the Christmas tree tonight I broke 3 glass ornaments. I've been collecting glass ornaments for 12 years and never broke one till now. Why now? Then the tears came and something in my head and heart said" Broken Dreams", perfect life gone~~~~ but is it really?
Did I really have the perfect life? Well of course I believe it was as close to perfect as possible but was it? I listen to Christmas CD's and gaze at the tree with all it's colors. I look around and see the oil lamps we collected together. I see pictures of motorcycle trips, vacations, wedding pictures the last church pictures we had taken,all beautiful memories and then my eyes fall on another wall. This wall represents the future~~~ pictures of my 8 grandchildren. One of the frames says;"GRANDKIDS can FILL a space in your HEART that you never knew was empty" The plaque above it says;"I have learned that being with those I love is enough" Another saying I have in my living room states"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain"
Lord Thank you for reminding me how blessed I am. Jesus please comfort all those who have lost precious family members. This is a tough time of year for us, show us the future and remind us of your promise in Jeremiah 29:11. Amen
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Shoes!!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The countdown has begun!!!
Christmas. I love them because it is a time when I can show others, especially my family how much I love them. I don't care about gifts but I do care that they know that no matter how disapointed I may be for one reason or another my love never changes. I love them unconditionally because they are my family. I woke up this morning thinking about God's unconditional love for me. My devotions this morning centered around God's love for me, Pastor Kris's message Sunday talked about God's love, I got some emails today that talked about God's love--- do you think that God is trying to tell me something?!?! Sunday we were asked to give over the areas in out lives that we have been keeping from God I thought I didn't have any till we started praying--- yep I got some of those areas. I asked him today to help me to hold up my end of the deal in trying to let him handle things---- this is hard. I have tried to handle things on my own for such a long time, but my father in heaven showed me that he loves me and he will help me. So in my excitement of the upcoming holiday season ( did I tell you I LOVE the holidays?) I am learning to let God take over my hidden rooms in my heart and let him control and lead, can't wait to see what comes next!!
Help Me!!
I was reading Mila's blog and deceided to take up her tagg first the book thing.
1) I love reading books written by Thomas Kinkade he has a series going and also writes a Christmas edition I have everyone so far.
2) My mom and sister in law read all my new books befor I get a chance to.
3) Beverly Lewis, Jan Karon and Janette Oke are close seconds.
4) I love my Life Application bible I can read it and apply the lessons easily especially with the explinations at the bottom.
5) I also have several versions 6 different ones I think
6) I have given away to my son in law one of my bibles, and each one of my grandchildren have their own bible geared to their age.
7) In the suspense catagory Robin Cook tops them all!!
Now for some facts about me:
1) I am only 4'10" and I hate being short but have learned to joke about it.
2) I had my first broken bone this summer at 55 yrs. old
3) I learned to ride a motorcycle at age 52 what in the world was I thinking?!?!
4) My Monday morning fix is a diet vanilla colke from Haines drug store soda fountain! There's nothing like it!!
5) When I was younger I swore I would NEVER let animnals in the house much less let them sleep with me----- guess what!!
6) In 1971 when I first got married we could bring home 4 sacks of groceries for $25 and ate for 2 weeks like we were rich!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
M first devotional of the day left me with some things to think about as I continue my journey back to N.O. L.A. and I want to post it for you to think about too.
Yielding to His Lordship
Day 218
God is not a therapist; He is not just someone you approach to make it through a difficult time. He is Lord and Savior. Your greatest joy will come when you yield your whole life to Him.
"Know that you have to leave it up to Him, and you have no control over life or death—that's what sustained me through it all," says Gretchen, whose husband died.
When you honor Him as God, you are better able to accept the circumstances of life.
"Woe is me for my hurt! My wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it" (Jeremiah 10:19 kjv).
Father, yielding to Your Lordship is difficult for me, but I want to give my every thought and effort to You, not just to get me through the rough times, but as an act of worship to You. Amen.
Friday, November 21, 2008
I am reading the book The Shack and although I am having trouble with some of it today something popped up that makes me think. When someone is drowning it is pretty hard to save them if they don't trust you. Jesus says that all he asks is when I start to sink, let him rescue me.In otherwords stop fighting and let me do my job!! How often do I fight against the waters of life when all I have to do is relax and trust Jesus? Then something else was mentioned;It is not my job to change people, it is my job to LOVE them and let God do the changing. How often do I find myself wanting to change someone to fit what I think is the right mold? I'm afraid that I have done that far too often so I am going to try to throw away the molds I think people should fit into and let God do the changing and I will pray for a more loving heart. I also was reminded that I need to use the SFGTD file much more often;incase you don't know what that means it is Something For God To Do.
If you think of me sometimes pray that I will be willing to step further out of my comfort zone and do what he asks of me. I am sure that life is about to get exciting!!!!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Random Thoughts
Smart machines at Curves -those machines work me to death!!! At the end I had burned up 484 calories, maxed out all my muscles and had 0 energy left. I didn't need the computer to tell me that!! Good thing is I am doing it right oh yes and I lost 3 pounds this week!!
It's cold outside- I used to love the snow and cold but something happened when I hit 50 cold just doesn't get it anymore and while snow is pretty they can keep it up north!
Sunday was just as wonderful as I expected- The music was energizing, PK's message was thought provoking to say the least. Then off to Muncie with a friend to see the movie Fireproof what a wonderful movie well worth seeing more than time. The off for some early dinner/late lunch at Bob Evans they have some really great comfort food!!
I got flowers this weekend! So nice to have pretty live flowers in the cold winter. Thank you Tom.
I can't believe it is Wed. already I haven't gotten nearly everything done at work that should be done by this time. I have news letters to run, fold and mail. Hope I can get some volunteers for this big job, got the bulletin to print and fold. OH YES this week is Payday!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't tell I'm excited about that can you?!?!?!?!
Through all that has been going on this week I have still had time to sit and listen to God, through music and through my Tuesday night growth group. These girls are really loosing up and asking some deep questions. I thought about how God has taken me down paths that I did not want to go and definitely would not have chosen on my own. But by traveling these roads I have learned so much especially about God's love for me. I see the picture of the Footprints in the Sand and realize that he is carrying me most of the time. Will I ever be able to walk along side of my Lord? I don't know if I will here on earth but I know I will when I get to heaven. Will I ever stand on my own two feet or am I supposed to? I don't know, I have so many questions of Why? How? When? Am I asking too many questions Lord? Best thing about it is that he never gets angry at me for asking the questions even the same ones over and over, it's a good thing he has more patience than I had with my girls!
Well I think it is time for jammies and a caffeine free diet Pepsi. I just talked to Parker and he was eating a chocolate fudge pop tart! doesn't that sound good?!?! Nite All
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Surprises
I titled this surprises because my week has been full of surprises the biggest is the surprise my mom and I gave my sister in Ashland,Ohio Friday night. See Sis turned 35 on the 14th and I think mom was missing her as much as she was missing mom. So we took off after I got off work Friday and headed to Ashland. Her youngest Blade was the first to see the car but didn't recognize it cause mom had gotten a new one. When we got to the door and he opened it he yelled Aunt Jean!!! Grandma!!!! my baby sister turned from her computer and with sheer surprise yelled MOMMY!!!! It was such a joy to see this and once again feel the love of family. I am writing this through teary eyes as I remember how much bigger my family used to be and how quickly it can change, so driving 3 1/2 hours for a hug and a smile is worth every min. of the drive. Another surprise was ice on the road! I am not ready for this weather and as we were driving home we were in rain, and snow and slush and then all of the sudden the road was ICE! I was so thankful that my guardian angels were on duty because at one point all I could see was mom's new car going across the median !!!! But just as we hit the edge of the road the car gently came back and somehow got back over in the lane of traffic that was not iced up!! I looked behind me and the car following us was doing the exact same thing!! Mom doesn't know how weak my knees were at that moment but God was there as he is everytime I start slipping and sliding. Someone told me this week that they could see God shine through me, that has been my prayer for a long time that when I meet someone they will see Jesus through me. Now I know that he is working in and through me, what a great feeling that is.
Well it's time to get ready for worship and an exciting day. It's SUNDAY =:)
Monday, November 10, 2008
I love Sundays!!!!
goodies, bought Christmas presents, laughed and laughed, ate chocolate covered cherries and dark chocolate malted milk balls, and laughed and laughed. Yes what a stress relieving weekend!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Just catching up and thinking
Ok Mila this is my 6th picture a huge apple basket at the Logenburger basket place. My sister set up a pink ribbon bus tour for my mom, sister -in-law , myself and her this Sept.. We try to do something just for us at least once a year in the past we have gone to Little Nashville in Brown County but deceided to change directions this year and go north. We had such fun just hanging out, spending the night in a hotel and just being away from all the normal life stuff (for sis she really needs this she has 5 kids, a mother-in-law and a husband all living in the same house!!!!) Sis I really don't know how you do it but I do know that God is surely on your side!! Love Ya.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
It's gotta be a "Girl Thing"!
So as I go off to have a good time with my friends and enjoy the blessings I have, why don't you also take a few min. and count your blessings? You will be amazed as you look at life what you will find as blessings.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Need Washing?
NEED WASHING??
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.
'Lets run through the rain!' She repeated.
'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain,'
'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.
'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?
'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.
Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,' Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Send this to the people you'll never forget and remember to also send it to the person who sent it to you. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.
If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in a hurry.
Take the time to live!!! Keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What a weekend!!
I am waiting on the Colts game to start we HAVE to beat the Patriots or I will never live it down with my son - in - law!!! Please Payton pull out all your magic!!
This has been a busy week I got to go back to work and by the weekend I was so glad not to go. Being off for 2 weeks is the same no matter what job you have you always have to figure out what did and didn't get done and then pick up and go. I am back on top now so Monday should be great! I spent Sat stacking wood with my mom we now have enough wood at the house to get me through at least a couple of weeks by then hopefully the boys will be around to help bring up another round. Then Parker James came and spent Sat. night and Sunday with me. What a time we had from going to my HOG chapter meeting, going to Meijers and examining all the toys, games animinals food and oh yes we got a movie Journey to the center of the earth, what a fun movie. Then Grandma deceided that I wanted some fresh flowers so I treated myself to flowers helps me to remember that spring will be back!! Today we went to church and another week in Kids Zone that will wear you out!! I love working with the kids they have so much energy and yet they will admit to having needs that only God can meet. I love reading their prayer cards and praying over them, sometimes the tears just fall when I read their concerns. We are learning about imagination and courage. Just imagine what God can do if we just let him good lesson for us adults too isn't it? I played fooze ball? with Kenedy and another little guy and got beat bad!! After clean up we were off to Muncie to Chuckie Cheeses now Parker and I neither one have been there before but oh the fun we had!! The pizza was pretty good and low and behold they had a good salad bar and yes caffine free diet Coke how much better could it get!!!???? After 2 hours I convinenced him it was time to go to the Mall for grandma to have some fun!! Yeh Bath and Body for another treat. We went to visit someone who I haven't seen for some time and discovered that she is in the hospital so tomorrow I will go back to Muncie to visit her I know her time is short and I want to be able to see her again before she doesn't recognize me. There were several gas stations with gas at $1.97 !!!! Then we headed home and that is when I noticed God's beautiful paintbrush at work. The sky was so pretty, and the trees wow I was so afraid that our fall would be colorless but the trees are becoming beautiful reds and golds. The color and smells are the best thing about fall. Thanks giving is just around the corner and this year I can see all I have to be thankful to God for.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Okay God I get the Message!!
When God sets his sites on you there is not much you can do to avoid him, especially if you are seeking to be the best daughter ever. There is something that I really want to happen but now I am seeing that it will only happen when I give complete trust to my Lord and Savior. My personel verse Jeremiah 29: 11 "I have a plan for you" Lord help me to wait and trust you for your perfect plan for my life. I want to rush ahead and do it my way cause I wanted it yesterday, but you know best and I am trying my best to trust you alone.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Learning to Trust
.Understanding God's WaysDay 195"Understanding the ways of God with my little finite mind would be like a little corpuscle in my big toe trying to figure what I'm thinking in my mind," said Dr. Bill Bright. "I can trust Him; I don't have to understand." Why do humans feel the need to understand and to be in control of everything that happens in their lives? This reaction may be human nature, but that does not make it right. At the beginning of time, man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). But man was tempted by Satan to sin and failed the test. Since that time humans have continued to be tempted and to fall. This is our sin nature. All people are born sinners; we are born to want to take control and have the upper hand in our lives. But we are doomed to failure. This is why Christ came as the God/man to earth. He came to live, die, and rise again as payment for the sins of all people for all time. Only a sovereign God could possibly do such a thing and be successful! If you believe this about Christ and surrender your life to Him, you will receive the benefits of His work of salvation. You do not need to fully understand Him, just believe in Him and trust Him in all things."But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)."Christ died for our sins. . . . he was buried, . . . he was raised on the third day. . . . He appeared to more than five hundred [witnesses]" (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)."I will put my trust in him" (Hebrews 2:13).God, You are good, and I trust You in all things. Amen.
Isn't it awesome-we don't have to understand, just believe and trust!! I want to understand but I don't have to, just believe he has it all under controll. What a relief!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
just want you to know that even though I did lean heavily on the ladder and occasionally forgot and stood on my toes I did get the rod up yes it fell twice till I got it right but it is up and I once again have conquered my fear of not being able to do something. Soon very soon I am going to tackle the garage and learn to use the power saw!!
Where is God when I need him??
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Walk by Faith, Trusting God
Day 193
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB).
You are called to walk by faith, especially when there are unanswered questions in your heart. You are to trust God, even when you do not have the explanations you feel you need.
Dr. Joseph Stowell says: "If you look at your problem and then look at God, you always end up throwing stones at God for the problem. If you look at God first and look at your problems through Him, through His sovereignty—that He is in control of everything, that He has permitted this in your life for a reason, that He is a just God, that He will settle the score for you—you will see that He is an all-powerful God who can turn this situation to that which is good and right.
"So the way to avoid the vulnerability of these nagging questions that distance you from God and make you liable for Satan's attack in the midst of your despair is to really focus on what you know to be true about God and to live in the exclamation point of that truth, not in the question marks of what you don't know about your problem."
Faithful God, I must look at You first. Teach me about Your goodness and sovereignty. Teach me to see the big picture and not just the pebbles of my unanswered questions. Lord, I'm willing to try. Amen
Yes Lord I am trying to look at you first, but you made me human and sometimes it is so hard because I want my answers now not tomorrow, or next week or next year but now. Help me to slow down and listen,( but oh please don't make me have more surgery or broken bones!)
On a lighter note I went back to work yesterday and it really felt good to be back out with the public. The day was chaotic,My boss wasn't there, my internet is down, I would have known my boss wasn't coming in if my internet had been working, I couldn't find needed papers from the last 2 weeks, the accountant wanted tax papers for payroll that I didn't have the foggiest idea what he was wanting and on and on but hey the time went fast and I survived!! I really love the Life of Brenda no matter how crazy it is!!! Yes and I got pictures of my Michigan babies , I would show you but can't find where the computer downloaded them! Here we go again! See ya next time.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Upbeat day!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
God is always here
What to Do With the Whys?
Day 190
"What do you do with the whys?" asks Kay Arthur after her husband committed suicide. She answers, "You have to lay them at the feet of Omniscience and, by faith, leave them there and say, 'If You want to show me why, God, fine. If not, I'm going to cling to who You are and what You promise.' When you're asking why, and you're in the dark, and you don't have any reasons, you are to cling to Him in hope. He is the God of all hope. The thing that you have to realize is you are here for a much larger purpose than you realize."
Hope in God, knowing that your questions may not be answered. Each day make a point to look beyond your situation to the all-knowing God of truth, who will not leave you nor fail you. Learn about His attributes and cling to them in hope. The path of life that you travel is different from what you expected, but He will guide you.
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them" (Isaiah 42:16).
Lord, I am truly in the dark, and it scares me. In my fear, I lash out wildly. Shine Your light in my heart. Lead me along this new path. Amen.
I have a new way to look at things now and a reminder that " your ways are not my ways"
Last night at bible study we had something awesome happened------ everyone in the group prayed!!! We encouraged each one to just say a one line prayer even let them choose one of the requests to pray for. How wonderful to see each lady realize that all you have to do is just "talk " to God and even greater is that they all prayed more than one line!!! This was probably one of the best times we have had in a long time. It lifted my spirits tremendously, Satin will not keep me down for long at this rate "I am fighting back!!"
Have a great day everyone!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
just thoughts
I told my child to leave a marriage, that she deserves better. I have never said that before and I am sorry God for telling her this but I believe it to be true and she will never find her way back to you if she stays. I am afraid for her and her children's safety, Lord please please protect them.
My dryer is eating my clothes! Guess I will find a way to hang them to dry.
My TV only has color when it wants not when I want! Oh well who needs color anyway?
My turn signals don't work on my Jimmy. I checked the fuses and that didn't fix the problem. Great no paycheck, got to figure another way.
Now I need 2 new gutters , great still no paycheck!
I am doing one thing right I tithe every check I learned the lesson about 3 years ago what happens when you don't tithe. Guess that is why I am not worried about not having a paycheck right now. God has provided so far why should I doubt him now?!?!?!
As pastor Kris spoke this morning I started counting my blessings; a home, a SUV, a bike, friends, family,church,job,............... the list goes on and on I am truly rich.
Lord show me where you want me to be, show me how to climb out of this valley I am in right now. Show me who I am and who you want me to be.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The Shower
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Patience
Hello everyone beautiful feet uh? My Michigan grandkids wanted to see the before and after of my surgery so guess I will share some thoughts with you too.
Do you know how important your big toe is? It keeps you balanced! and when it gets all bent out of shape it really messes things up especially walking barefoot! Not only did I walk on the side of my foot which is making my right hip hurt but I kept getting it caught on things. Put my shoe on and everything was great but take away that support and things go to pot! I was thinking about how this relates to being a Christian and a part of the body of Christ. It takes visuals for me to learn and like I said when God wants to talk to me he has to stop me, sometimes he has to stop parts of the body to give others a chance to work or heal. I see this when churches split up and go their separate ways. I came from a church that split after we left and the damage that was done looked unrepairable but God is taking that split and using it to make 2 stronger churches. Look at what happens when natural disasters occur and then people especially God's children come in and spread his love and compassion. Look at our church and how the love and support of each person that attends supports others and makes us stronger. It takes lots of patience to grow up and strong, and it takes lots of support, just like the shoe supported my foot until it could be fixed the body of Christ could, should and does support it's members while they heal and grow strong again. Way to go FFC!!!! And thanks to who ever you are that chose to bless me today the tears I shed were of a grateful heart, Thank you!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sunset
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Reveal
Well my Michigan daughter tonight said that it was high time to show her what the room looks like so I took pictures and amd sending to her,meanwhile I figured since you all have been following the progress I would show you too. Only some minor details to finish up but I think it looks pretty good. Next step is putting away all the stuff that is stuffed in all the other rooms, seems like all I do is move things around but never really get things cleaned up. Sometimes life seems like that too, we move things around to get through another day or maybe just another hour. While I am trying to declutter my home I am also trying to declutter my life,learning to say NO, trying to set some priorities, and trying to catch up and then stay ahead of the game. I don't know about you but I procrastonate especially when I don't know what to do first, then I am rushing around at the last min. trying to finish the task at hand. I get upset with myself for being so unorganized because I know things would be better if I would "get it together" My goal is to have my home and my life put together so that when the unexpected arises I will not be thrown completely off course. I think that God is trying to do that with my spiritual life too, leading me to read my bible more, to pray more and to put him first more. I know that when I am in the right place with the Lord then other things will fall into place because I have my priorities straight. Not an easy task in this world of business but that is where my path is leading even if it is winding, hilly and rocky-------- such it is in the life of Brenda!!