My posts are getting farther between. Sometimes that is due to not paying attention to what God is showing me, and at others, it's because I'm in awe at how much He is showing me.
This morning, I read an article on CNN.com about a pro football player who is speaking out against Same Sex Marriage. And he spoke against other 'notables' not speaking out. He spoke from the heart, but still people commented and picked apart what he said. The comments were quite disturbing, ranging from how stupid he is to Jesus is to blame for this. Absolutely unreal.
But if you step back, you see this guy is doing what he should be doing and of course, Satan is on his back. That keeps so many of us from speaking out. We don't want the backlash. However, he gave me some hope that not everyone in the spotlight is running away from God.
Be someone's hope and share what God lays on your heart. Last night, the preacher asked what we were doing with God's call on our life. Are we doing what He wants us to do? I took this to mean in the broad spectrum, but also on a day to day basis. He gives us opportunites, are we taking them?
And as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man, called Matthew, sitting in the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he rose, and followed Him. --Matthew 9:9, NASB
Matthew was a tax collector, noone liked him. Jesus asked him to follow him, even though people still would hate him. But Matthew left his old life behind and followed.
Lord, please give us the understanding and the heart to follow you in every part of our lives. Let us follow the abundant life you have for us. Amen.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday night I was on my usual run to the nearest 'city' to get groceries, take daughter to karate, etc. We were in Wal-Mart to get more paint for the house. The Friday before Memorial Day and noone was working in the paint department. In my mind, I complained that Wal-Mart understaffs to make more money. And yet again, I'll be getting home at 10 on Friday after an hour's drive. I tried to keep a patient attitude and went to another dept to have someone paged. After another 5 - 10 minutes, I asked a different worker to page someone. Another 5 minutes and I asked a third worker to page a manager, surely they could mix paint. The lady was older and gave a funny look saying she wasn't so sure. She spotted the lady that knew how to do it, giving someone else a break in another dept.
Martha came over and you could tell she was tired but still getting her duties done. Her phone rang - her husband was just out of ICU. I was floored. Not wanting to be nosey, but wanting to make up for my earlier impatience, I asked if he was feeling better. No.
She went on to tell me about the last 2 years of their life, since his motorcycle accident in which he was thrown 60 feet. He'd broken 57 bones, his spine and pelvis breaking in 2. There's now a very long screw holding the pelvis together and a metal cage around his spine. She lost count of the procedures and surgeries the doctors said he wouldn't live through. He already had heart problems and diabetes. Now liver and kidney issues are added. The doctors said he would never walk again, but the two of them worked together and he is walking and driving short distances.
I asked if his spirits were up. Honestly, I expected her to say he was depressed from the daily shots, 19 medicines, and continual hospital stays. But she said his spirits are up. He told her there are 2 things that keep him going - 1 - the good Lord wasn't done with him yet, 2 - he wasn't done loving her yet.
She works as much as she can because they need the money and through Christmas Wal-Mart needed her, so she had to let someone else take care of him. I felt so small for every time I've been upset there aren't enough cashiers or floor workers. Instead, I should be praying for those not able to get to work.
God blessed me with Martha and her husband. They are working through a very difficult time, but still loving each other and leaning on each other.
Thank you, Lord, for those you put in our paths to show us your love and hope in action. Please bless Martha and her husband this week, giving them laughter and a break from the turmoil. Amen.
Martha came over and you could tell she was tired but still getting her duties done. Her phone rang - her husband was just out of ICU. I was floored. Not wanting to be nosey, but wanting to make up for my earlier impatience, I asked if he was feeling better. No.
She went on to tell me about the last 2 years of their life, since his motorcycle accident in which he was thrown 60 feet. He'd broken 57 bones, his spine and pelvis breaking in 2. There's now a very long screw holding the pelvis together and a metal cage around his spine. She lost count of the procedures and surgeries the doctors said he wouldn't live through. He already had heart problems and diabetes. Now liver and kidney issues are added. The doctors said he would never walk again, but the two of them worked together and he is walking and driving short distances.
I asked if his spirits were up. Honestly, I expected her to say he was depressed from the daily shots, 19 medicines, and continual hospital stays. But she said his spirits are up. He told her there are 2 things that keep him going - 1 - the good Lord wasn't done with him yet, 2 - he wasn't done loving her yet.
She works as much as she can because they need the money and through Christmas Wal-Mart needed her, so she had to let someone else take care of him. I felt so small for every time I've been upset there aren't enough cashiers or floor workers. Instead, I should be praying for those not able to get to work.
God blessed me with Martha and her husband. They are working through a very difficult time, but still loving each other and leaning on each other.
Thank you, Lord, for those you put in our paths to show us your love and hope in action. Please bless Martha and her husband this week, giving them laughter and a break from the turmoil. Amen.
Monday, May 16, 2011
What is God's destination for you?
The message last night cut to the heart of life. You are on a road, is it the right one? Will God change your direction?
4 years ago, my husband and I were trying to figure out if we were supposed to remain in our state or move somewhere else. I was searching for a job change and told God I was willing to go anywhere, absolutely anywhere but where I was. Hmmmm....putting limits on God because of what I wanted. Before long, I realized I had to learn to be content in my job and wait on God. Then a new job came up when I was content so I could make a rational decision and not just jump at it. God was preparing me for the next adventures in life - bringing a child into our home and moving even further into the country to a small town.
This small town has been an amazing blessing in less than 2 months. When others could not understand our move, I knew the Holy Spirit was telling me to go. I didn't entirely know why, but knew we needed to go and it would be just what we needed. And God is blessing that over and over.
Pray and ask God about your destination. Much more than your job or your hobbies, what is the destination of your heart?
Thank you, Lord, for your purpose for each person's life. Please reveal a piece of it to those I love today. Amen.
The message last night cut to the heart of life. You are on a road, is it the right one? Will God change your direction?
4 years ago, my husband and I were trying to figure out if we were supposed to remain in our state or move somewhere else. I was searching for a job change and told God I was willing to go anywhere, absolutely anywhere but where I was. Hmmmm....putting limits on God because of what I wanted. Before long, I realized I had to learn to be content in my job and wait on God. Then a new job came up when I was content so I could make a rational decision and not just jump at it. God was preparing me for the next adventures in life - bringing a child into our home and moving even further into the country to a small town.
This small town has been an amazing blessing in less than 2 months. When others could not understand our move, I knew the Holy Spirit was telling me to go. I didn't entirely know why, but knew we needed to go and it would be just what we needed. And God is blessing that over and over.
Pray and ask God about your destination. Much more than your job or your hobbies, what is the destination of your heart?
Thank you, Lord, for your purpose for each person's life. Please reveal a piece of it to those I love today. Amen.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Come and see!
"Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men." - Psalm 66:5 (NASV)
"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!"
~ Psalm 66:5, NLT
Look for God's miracles today and be in awe.
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and your awesomeness! Amen.
"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!"
~ Psalm 66:5, NLT
Look for God's miracles today and be in awe.
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and your awesomeness! Amen.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Sisters/Brothers in Christ
Have you thanked God this week for your sisters/brothers in Christ? I most certainly have!
This month has been especially stressful with the move, a close on our old farm that went haywire and should finally happen next week, rain almost non-stop, blah blah blah. Nothing new in the grand scheme of things. However, my daughter is having an especially hard time adjusting to her new school where there is more accountability and consequences.
Last night, I contacted a sister to share an incident with my daughter. Just knowing she was there and her automatic offer to pray lifted me up and I knew I could handle the rest of the evening. This comforted me as another bomb dropped this morning.
Driving along today I mentioned my sisters in Christ to my daughter. I told her how sometimes it's hard to be friends with someone who seems not to have a blemish in their life and yours seems not to have a clean spot anywhere. But God gives us those friends because He knows they will be there for us through thick and thin when we need them. Today was no exception.
I reached out over email to sisters/brothers at work and sisters at church. I got the support and prayer I needed to keep me strong. What a blessing they are to me.
"...a new life that is sure to bring changes. Some of those changes will be good, while others will be less beneficial. but msot important, we'll face them all together. There is nothing worse than to be in this world without a friend. There's nothing harder than to live without love. And there's nothing more devastating than to live life without hope. The hope of Jesus - the hope within." ----The Hope Within
Thank you, Lord, for continually conveying your hope to me through my christian friends. You make yourself known to me time and time again without fail. Please bless them with your presence. Please bless them with hope. Amen.
This month has been especially stressful with the move, a close on our old farm that went haywire and should finally happen next week, rain almost non-stop, blah blah blah. Nothing new in the grand scheme of things. However, my daughter is having an especially hard time adjusting to her new school where there is more accountability and consequences.
Last night, I contacted a sister to share an incident with my daughter. Just knowing she was there and her automatic offer to pray lifted me up and I knew I could handle the rest of the evening. This comforted me as another bomb dropped this morning.
Driving along today I mentioned my sisters in Christ to my daughter. I told her how sometimes it's hard to be friends with someone who seems not to have a blemish in their life and yours seems not to have a clean spot anywhere. But God gives us those friends because He knows they will be there for us through thick and thin when we need them. Today was no exception.
I reached out over email to sisters/brothers at work and sisters at church. I got the support and prayer I needed to keep me strong. What a blessing they are to me.
"...a new life that is sure to bring changes. Some of those changes will be good, while others will be less beneficial. but msot important, we'll face them all together. There is nothing worse than to be in this world without a friend. There's nothing harder than to live without love. And there's nothing more devastating than to live life without hope. The hope of Jesus - the hope within." ----The Hope Within
Thank you, Lord, for continually conveying your hope to me through my christian friends. You make yourself known to me time and time again without fail. Please bless them with your presence. Please bless them with hope. Amen.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
If you are not an animal lover or lived on a farm, this may not make sense to you, but hopefully it will touch a cord.
Today was one of those frustrating days on many fronts. Work was very difficult towards the end of the day and I couldn't wait for the weekend. The bed was calling my name for much needed rest, but we needed to trek an hour into town for my daughter's class and some errands. On the way there, I felt very unmotherly (another word I created). I needed some down time, some time to get myself back into gear, but I was driving along with my daughter in the back seat. The radio was on and it was raining - God brought me some relaxation anyway.
Then I get a text and the sale of our old farm is going downhill again. Why can't a closing go smoothly? Anyhow, my stress level is skyrocketing and I still have to run my errands. We did and on the way home, daughter and I talked further about an interaction with a friend. This time she was relaxed and talked more freely. I love it when she does that and we talk like 2 girlfriends, with me giving her the other person's point of view and how to share hers so she is understood.
Once home I was back on the phone about the closing and middle of the ground on my stress level. I laid down and picked up a novel I'd gotten behind on. The main character is a strong christian woman who gets through each trial, not perfectly, but always closer to God. I know my current trial will do the same for me. Hubby was fast asleep, and I hear the baby goats and their mother crying. It is pooring down rain and I know all the goats should be together and dry. But mom sounded like she was out, so she must be separated from those babies. She is an excellent mother and the stress of the weather, the move, and separation over night could hurt her health and the babies', so I ask where the flashlight is. Hubby has no clue what words are. :) I look frantically for a flashlight because there are no lights by the goat 'house'. I find one in a box in the kitchen. yes!! I put on my pink rain boots, a full length fireman like yellow rain coat, and get my red/white umbrella. I'm ready for business.
Porch light on, I head down the side yard. The water is flowing fast to the sink hole in the goat field. Please don't let those babies be trapped in there. I see no white fur thankfully and keep going. There are 3 goats out of the field. One is that mama goat, Bella. She's kind of wild, so this will be tricky. She is soaking wet. and with her 2 half siblings. The babies are inside. After maneuvering a steel wagon wheel, my flashlight and umbrella on the tractor, I figure out how to get mom back in. The siblings are smaller and not frightened. They see I'm trying to make an opening at the side of the gate and they get in. But this mama is too scared. I pray that God helps me get her to her babies. The buck, who smells horrid in no uncertain terms, is sniffing my fingers. If his smell gets on me, it will take a whole day for it to come off. Determined to keep him from the opening, I dangle my fingers away from it so he can sniff or lick them, whatever he wants, as long as that mama gets inside.
I have to shoo her around the tractor and it's not working. Finally, I think she is weak and I pull the gate open and grab her by the horns and pull as hard as I can. I then have to pick up her front half and lift it out of the loader. Finally, I get her through the opening and get it closed back up. The babies are happy and she walks back over to look at me as if to say wow, thanks for helping me. I'm still afraid, but that was cool of you.
There is no way I would have gone to sleep. Goats cannot always take care of themselves. We are responsible for them and they come before I do. Hmmm....isn't that mothering? Did God just give me an experience of motherly instinct I could not deny? Yes he did and I wanted to come back in and tell my daughter all about it. But that will wait until morning. She is asleep oblivious to the farm 'emergency'. But I feel renewed and that God is telling me to hang in there, everyone has their ups and downs.
God speaks to us in so many ways subtle every day, but sometimes he needs to be a little more direct with us. He needs to show us we can still persevere.
Thank you, Lord, for continually showing me I have hope in you and you will always be there to pick me up and let me know I'm not alone. Thank you for showing me love. Amen.
Today was one of those frustrating days on many fronts. Work was very difficult towards the end of the day and I couldn't wait for the weekend. The bed was calling my name for much needed rest, but we needed to trek an hour into town for my daughter's class and some errands. On the way there, I felt very unmotherly (another word I created). I needed some down time, some time to get myself back into gear, but I was driving along with my daughter in the back seat. The radio was on and it was raining - God brought me some relaxation anyway.
Then I get a text and the sale of our old farm is going downhill again. Why can't a closing go smoothly? Anyhow, my stress level is skyrocketing and I still have to run my errands. We did and on the way home, daughter and I talked further about an interaction with a friend. This time she was relaxed and talked more freely. I love it when she does that and we talk like 2 girlfriends, with me giving her the other person's point of view and how to share hers so she is understood.
Once home I was back on the phone about the closing and middle of the ground on my stress level. I laid down and picked up a novel I'd gotten behind on. The main character is a strong christian woman who gets through each trial, not perfectly, but always closer to God. I know my current trial will do the same for me. Hubby was fast asleep, and I hear the baby goats and their mother crying. It is pooring down rain and I know all the goats should be together and dry. But mom sounded like she was out, so she must be separated from those babies. She is an excellent mother and the stress of the weather, the move, and separation over night could hurt her health and the babies', so I ask where the flashlight is. Hubby has no clue what words are. :) I look frantically for a flashlight because there are no lights by the goat 'house'. I find one in a box in the kitchen. yes!! I put on my pink rain boots, a full length fireman like yellow rain coat, and get my red/white umbrella. I'm ready for business.
Porch light on, I head down the side yard. The water is flowing fast to the sink hole in the goat field. Please don't let those babies be trapped in there. I see no white fur thankfully and keep going. There are 3 goats out of the field. One is that mama goat, Bella. She's kind of wild, so this will be tricky. She is soaking wet. and with her 2 half siblings. The babies are inside. After maneuvering a steel wagon wheel, my flashlight and umbrella on the tractor, I figure out how to get mom back in. The siblings are smaller and not frightened. They see I'm trying to make an opening at the side of the gate and they get in. But this mama is too scared. I pray that God helps me get her to her babies. The buck, who smells horrid in no uncertain terms, is sniffing my fingers. If his smell gets on me, it will take a whole day for it to come off. Determined to keep him from the opening, I dangle my fingers away from it so he can sniff or lick them, whatever he wants, as long as that mama gets inside.
I have to shoo her around the tractor and it's not working. Finally, I think she is weak and I pull the gate open and grab her by the horns and pull as hard as I can. I then have to pick up her front half and lift it out of the loader. Finally, I get her through the opening and get it closed back up. The babies are happy and she walks back over to look at me as if to say wow, thanks for helping me. I'm still afraid, but that was cool of you.
There is no way I would have gone to sleep. Goats cannot always take care of themselves. We are responsible for them and they come before I do. Hmmm....isn't that mothering? Did God just give me an experience of motherly instinct I could not deny? Yes he did and I wanted to come back in and tell my daughter all about it. But that will wait until morning. She is asleep oblivious to the farm 'emergency'. But I feel renewed and that God is telling me to hang in there, everyone has their ups and downs.
God speaks to us in so many ways subtle every day, but sometimes he needs to be a little more direct with us. He needs to show us we can still persevere.
Thank you, Lord, for continually showing me I have hope in you and you will always be there to pick me up and let me know I'm not alone. Thank you for showing me love. Amen.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Perfect timing
In moving further out into the country, we hope to slow the pace of life and concentrate on the most important priorities - God and family. The last week has been hectic with moving, trying to figure out where things will go, including the dogs, and changing everything over to the new address. In the chaos, I've tried to make sure and read my devotional nightly. I also read through another book on christian parenting.
The author made a very good point - parenting is not just about the bond you have with your child, it is a mission. Instead of consuming ourselves with the latest parenting techniques, and our children day in and day out, we need to focus on God. If we don't, we're no good to our kids. That focus means we worship Him and we study, not just read, His word. We need to totally devote ourselves to him and then the parenting will fall into place. Our children will see Him through us, and in spite of us.
When I am on a spiritual high, or am steadily doing my devotional, I think I'm doing pretty good. However, through some different devotional passages, the verses my daughter learned for Bible Drill, and a novel I'm reading, God is telling me to not be satisfied with where I am. I can't half way give myself to Him and at the end of the day come running to Him for protection. He must guide my steps beforehand, not after the fact. I must be in His word, completely every day. I need to study it more, see what He is telling me and truly live each moment for Him. Is this easy? Goodness no, but the Spirit will do what I cannot. What is required of me is to turn it all over to Him. Every nook and cranny of my life. And for someone who is use to being in control, that is not easy. However, it is freeing. None of us is perfect, but we that doesn't mean we give up and put half-hearted effort into it.
Last night we were at our previous church and my year or longer lost bible was brought to me. It is my study bible and I had really missed it. I'd purchased 2 other different types of bibles, but was hoping this one would turn up. And it did in perfect timing - when God is telling me to study His word more intently so He can speak to me. Amazing!
Dear Father, I give all of today to you. When I start to wander towards taking control, please reign me back in to your will. Thank you for being in control of my life. Please show yourself to me today unmistakably. Amen.
The author made a very good point - parenting is not just about the bond you have with your child, it is a mission. Instead of consuming ourselves with the latest parenting techniques, and our children day in and day out, we need to focus on God. If we don't, we're no good to our kids. That focus means we worship Him and we study, not just read, His word. We need to totally devote ourselves to him and then the parenting will fall into place. Our children will see Him through us, and in spite of us.
When I am on a spiritual high, or am steadily doing my devotional, I think I'm doing pretty good. However, through some different devotional passages, the verses my daughter learned for Bible Drill, and a novel I'm reading, God is telling me to not be satisfied with where I am. I can't half way give myself to Him and at the end of the day come running to Him for protection. He must guide my steps beforehand, not after the fact. I must be in His word, completely every day. I need to study it more, see what He is telling me and truly live each moment for Him. Is this easy? Goodness no, but the Spirit will do what I cannot. What is required of me is to turn it all over to Him. Every nook and cranny of my life. And for someone who is use to being in control, that is not easy. However, it is freeing. None of us is perfect, but we that doesn't mean we give up and put half-hearted effort into it.
Last night we were at our previous church and my year or longer lost bible was brought to me. It is my study bible and I had really missed it. I'd purchased 2 other different types of bibles, but was hoping this one would turn up. And it did in perfect timing - when God is telling me to study His word more intently so He can speak to me. Amazing!
Dear Father, I give all of today to you. When I start to wander towards taking control, please reign me back in to your will. Thank you for being in control of my life. Please show yourself to me today unmistakably. Amen.
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