Thursday, February 14, 2013
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
I Corinthians 13:4-8a
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Praise God! Praise God! A Savior is born!
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:8-20
I pray you are embraced with the true meaning of today. I pray you know the depth’s of God’s love, that He gave us such a gift in This Savior. Happy birthday, Jesus.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Today is the 10th anniversary of the attack on America. I know that, like me, you have thought of the victims, their families, and the survivors from 9/11 all day today. Let’s continue to lift up our country in prayer.
Grace Church in Overland Park, KS. Pastor Tim Howey.
This is the first of a series “know prayer” and these are my notes.
What do you view as the most important time of your day? Some will say a full nights rest, working out, Bible reading. Those that really know prayer, will always say prayer time.
Prayer is your ability to change the world. Referenced James 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:6-7. Prayer changes you too, makes you more God-aware, more calm, less stressed. Stress is our reminder to pray. God is not in a hurry, He is never stressed-out. He gives us the peace that surpasses understanding.
It is very easy to limit yourself to “Now Prayers” only. Now prayers are those that if they are not answered, do not have significance in future years. Referenced 2 Corinthians 4:18. God cares about the details of your today, but also wants us to include things that have future impact.
John 17 :1-26- Jesus’ prayer
1. Glorify Jesus so that people will receive eternal life and really know God (vs. 1-8)
2. Provide spiritual protection for Jesus’ disciples in a spiritually-hostile environment (vs. 9-19)
3. Let the church experience supernatural unity so that the world will believe (vs. 20-23)
4. Let all disciples be with Jesus someday so they will be made complete in Jesus (vs.24-26)
Pastor Tim challenges us to the “40 Day Prayer Challenge”
You can listen or watch the sermon at the Grace website: http://www.visitgracechurch.com/mediacenter/index.php then scroll to the bottom, click on the Know Prayer series and this is dated 9-4-11.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Grace Church in Overland Park, Pastor Tim Howey
Rebuilding the Purpose was the title of the message. This is what I learned.
We can lose sight of God’s plan for our lives, our purpose. John 2:13-22 tells what Jesus found when He entered the temple in Jerusalem at the Passover of the Jews. Black Friday was supposed to be a sacred holiday for the Jews, but vs. 14 says Jesus found those selling animals and money changers doing business. This was happening in the temple where people were supposed to be able to worship, but there was only business taking place. Jesus ran them out, overturned tables and poured out the money changers’ money. Jesus was zealous for God’s house.
Our body is also the temple of Jesus Christ. Sometimes He wants to “clean house” in us like He did in the temple in Jerusalem. He is just as zealous for the original plan He has for us. It is so easy to lose sight of why something exists. Don’t let the secondary goals of your life take over the primary goal – which is God’s plan. (Isaiah 1 talks about how the Israelites lost their purpose). I realized I cannot get distracted from what God has called me to do with the daily grind of life or busyness.
To rebuild, God removes what is holding you back. Sometimes God wants to take away sin from your life, sometimes it is weights. Weights aren’t bad or sinful things, they are just not what is needed to fulfill God’s plan for your life. Good things can be a weight.
That last part really gave me pause. I have had something in my life for over 7 years that is a good thing. It has been, for the most part, a great blessing for my family. But I know it is no longer needed for what God is calling me to do. Now comes the hard part, and that is truly laying it down. Letting go of it.
Letting go of something that offers you a sense of security can be very hard when it means you are stepping out on faith, and you can’t see the next step clearly. It makes me envision trying to walk on stepping stones barely above the water’s surface on a lake. Only there is a heavy fog on the lake and you cannot see the stepping stone. You know it is there, but your flesh says, “What if you step and miss? You end up in deep waters, over your head.” I guess that is precisely what faith is.
I know there are a lot of things Christ needs to clean out in my temple. Sin, weights, lack of focus. Sugar. Yes, for real. How can I be at my best to do what God calls me to do if I am eating poorly and not making healthy choices? It really is a big deal, even if I don’t acknowledge the importance of making healthy choices much of the time.
It was a good sermon and has given me something to think and pray about all week. You can click on the link below, scroll to the bottom and listen to the sermon yourself, also. It is dated 8/21/11 and is under the series Rebuild. If I was tech savvy, I would be able to just include the media player directly in my blog. Let’s just say it is not one of my gifts. Maybe God will bless me with a real technical genius for a friend. I have faith.
http://www.visitgracechurch.com/mediacenter/index.php
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
…mine that is. Yes, I had many fears. In fact, I only slept 3 hours the night before. We have been in our new state for 1 month and 12 days, and this is their first time to attend public schools. While I am very excited about it all, I know the kids have not met any friends yet, it is a much bigger school than they are accustomed to and…well, I don’t know how it will be not being taught in a Christian environment. Don’t even get me started on the fact that my oldest baby is starting middle school this year.
I took Justin to his new school and walked him in – upon his request/permission. We walked to his locker and put a few more things in that we had not taken up the week before. He was then directed to join the other kids in the common area. I left him sitting on a bench – alone. Close to other students – but alone. Everyone else saw a cute, tween boy sitting there. I saw a chubby toddler with sippy cup. He was all smiles, eager to get his day started. I held on to my waterfall of tears until I was close to my SUV.
My baby. How dare he grow up and go to middle school. (He thought it would be cool to have the fire in the background. Yes, it is hot outside.)
I cried all the way back home where Dad was waiting with the other 3 excited little people. I was highly offended that Dad did not shed any tears. Maybe by Friday I will be speaking to him again.
Seth jumped out of the truck and was in the building before we could even unbuckle. He had already given me the rules of no kissing, no hugging and let him walk in alone. He informed me that he is a grown-up. I told him when he starts paying the bills I will call him a grown-up. With a sad sigh at the back of his head, I waved bye to him.
Seth, the conqueror. He could not be bothered with the fire and scenery. He used to call me his "sweet lips" and now he pretends he doesn't know me in public. Really?
As usual, there was no drama surrounding Cooper. We walked in, we hugged and kissed good-bye and that was it. Thanks, Coop.
Sweet Cooper moving up to first grade. He just wants to know how many recesses they have and what time snack is served.
And last, but certainly not least…baby girl is leaving Mommy at home all day by herself. I told her the night before that I was going to miss her everyday while she is at school. I said, “I’m not sure if I want you to go to school. I am going to miss you.”
Her reply was simply, “Then don’t drive me.” Oh, my letting-go muscles are cramping up.
Anabelle my big girl. She is rocking that tie. That was her favorite shirt we bought for school, and she just HAD to wear it the first day. It was in her backpack when I picked her up.
I took her to class last, with my camera in hand ready to take too many pictures. And I successfully took some great action shots. She was all smiles until…
This picture leads you to believe that the drop-off was an easy one, doesn't it. Don't be fooled by that sweet smile and innocent pose, there is a melt-down coming, and it is not going to be pretty.
Monday, August 1, 2011
My oldest little pumpkin just recently went to spend a week with Grandma and Papa. This was the first time he went without at least one of his siblings. He was really excited to be the sole-attention-grabber for a whole week. I called him half-way through his visit and asked him if he wanted me to come get him early.
His response was, “Mom, I am in paradise. Just let me enjoy it for a few more days.”
He experienced another first this week as well. Golden Corral. I don’t remember the last time I set foot in a Golden Corral, but I know it was many years before he was born. Apparently, this place is a young boy’s dream come true.
”Mom, you would not believe it!” He gushed to me. “We went to this place called Golden Coral.” Yes, he pronounced it as coral instead of corral.
“They had these separate concession stands set up where you just walk up and get food for free. And they had all kinds of different foods. And you can get all you want.” Deep breath so he could continue to gush words as fast as possible.
“And they even had shrimp. Oh my goodness, Mom, it was like the best shrimp you have ever had.” Obviously his palate has not developed yet. “And you can eat all you want of it. And they had desserts too. They were really great concession stands.”
Yes, it is apparent to me too, that we need to expose our children to more….things….buffets…variety. But taking them to Golden Corral would mean we would have to eat it also. That is a problem to solve for another day. But his Dad and I did rather enjoy his story.
This morning during my Bible study though, I thought of his story. I pictured him having all these choices in front of him. And picking and choosing what he would take. Sometimes carefully choosing, other times not picking something because he didn’t know it was even there or he didn’t know that it really did taste good, and was good for him.
I am studying the peace of Christ. He is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 calls Christ the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. I read in four different verses in the Gospels where Jesus said, “Peace be with you.”
One of my biggest problems/sins/setbacks/difficulties/hindrances is that I am a worrier. I worry. Too much. A lot. Matthew 6:25 says, in red I might add, to “not worry about your life.” And verse 27 goes on to say, still in red,”Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
In fact, worrying can take hours from your life. It is a proven cause of many disesases, because worry is stress. But what it does for me is steals from my quality of life; worrying steals my joy. I am at a table of all God has promised to His children – and I am His daughter – and I am not accepting what He is offering me. I am treating it like a buffet line, picking and choosing. That is not what He intended.
I do not have to worry, because He is the Prince of Peace. I should be casting my cares on Him every day, every hour. (1 Peter 5:7 and Psalm 55:22). And how I am learning to do this is by meditating on the scripture in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that says “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” When I am not practicing taking every thought captive to Christ, I worry. And I am not obeying Christ.
In Matthew 6 Jesus goes on to say in verses 33 and 34, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
The devil will pitch a tent my mind when I am not taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ. The devil sets up camp and I sin with constant worry. I am definitely a work in progress. But when I feel myself weaken in my resolve to capture the worry and cast it on Christ, I remember one of my mottos: Don’t allow anything in your life you don’t want reproduced in your children’s lives.
I guess today’s lesson was written by me and for me. But I wish you worry-free days, Girlfriend, filled with peace and joy.
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