Still on board the Journey and, loving it!
My new friend, Mark, said this morning...in his gospel, chapter 7: 31-37...my paraphrase:
Some people brought Jesus a man that was both deaf and could hardly talk. Jesus took the guy aside, away from the crowd. (and, to my utter amazement) Jesus put his fingers in this man's ears, and then spit and touched the man's tongue. He looked in to heaven, and said 'Be Opened!'
Pretty powerful...because the man's ears were, indeed, opened, and his tongue was loosed, he began to speak plainly...they could understand what he was saying...
Then, Mark relates that the people were overwhelmed with amazement! The word overwhelmed there just gets me every time I read it. I think that the fact that they'd seen Jesus, by this time in His ministry, perform many miracles, and heal the sick...they were still overwhelmed with amazement!
Mark uses the word amazed/amaze/amazement a lot in his writing...I would use exclamation points...I love them, to no one's amazement!
The people were saying to each other: "He has done everything well, He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
My friend, know this: Jesus, has certainly done everything well...and, in His timing...have you thanked Him for that today? Have you thanked Him? Stand before Him, AMAZED!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Being a MOM...It is NOT for wimps!
This has been an interesting week. Because I talk about my twin teen aged daughters all the time, I can share a story with you. It is a little scary, so if you have a weak streak, you may want to skip this 'post.' On the other hand, if you need some encouragement, you may want to fasten your seat belt, like me and hang on for everything you've got.
Last week, I picked the girls up at the 'church' they attend for school this semester. Quickly, they were making plans for later in the evening, when the whole middle school was invited to a private party show at our local movie theatre. I dropped Mal off later at the show, because Madi didn't want to go...it was fine...Mal's friends were meeting her, it was fine.
So, I go to pick her up after the show, and she says: "Some of my friends were mad at me tonight because I told on 'so and so' today." I prompted her for details. Remember, these kids are in 6th grade. 'So and so', had had at school, something inappropriate. It was inappropriate enough that he'd gotten taken away from the school later in the afternoon. Other friends were telling her all sorts of things, like he'd be sent away, suspended from school...etc. etc. etc. I assured her that she'd done the right thing. And, that I was very proud of her...NOT to listen to them.
The next night at church, our youth minister thanked her publicly for 'telling' and 'watching out for the herd'...because 'so and so' comes to her youth group, as well. So, this is the really cool God thing: So and So was there that night...and publicly thanked Mal for telling, as well...and he tells her that she'd done the right thing!!!
That does a queasy mom good! Moral of the story: Don't think about the "what if" 's--just trust God!
Scripture to back that up, from today's Journey: Mark 5:36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.' NIV
I need to ignore the junk of this world, take courage and believe in a faithful, loving God!!!
Last week, I picked the girls up at the 'church' they attend for school this semester. Quickly, they were making plans for later in the evening, when the whole middle school was invited to a private party show at our local movie theatre. I dropped Mal off later at the show, because Madi didn't want to go...it was fine...Mal's friends were meeting her, it was fine.
So, I go to pick her up after the show, and she says: "Some of my friends were mad at me tonight because I told on 'so and so' today." I prompted her for details. Remember, these kids are in 6th grade. 'So and so', had had at school, something inappropriate. It was inappropriate enough that he'd gotten taken away from the school later in the afternoon. Other friends were telling her all sorts of things, like he'd be sent away, suspended from school...etc. etc. etc. I assured her that she'd done the right thing. And, that I was very proud of her...NOT to listen to them.
The next night at church, our youth minister thanked her publicly for 'telling' and 'watching out for the herd'...because 'so and so' comes to her youth group, as well. So, this is the really cool God thing: So and So was there that night...and publicly thanked Mal for telling, as well...and he tells her that she'd done the right thing!!!
That does a queasy mom good! Moral of the story: Don't think about the "what if" 's--just trust God!
Scripture to back that up, from today's Journey: Mark 5:36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.' NIV
I need to ignore the junk of this world, take courage and believe in a faithful, loving God!!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday the 13th!!!
Oh, joy...another Friday the 13th...I've lost count how many of these I've lived through. This could be my last...who KNOWS?--If it is, then have a party in my honor!!! If it isn't then, I'll write more, read more, and wait!
I want to share my morning devo from today with you...it's borrowed from Max Lucado's little book called Grace for the Moment--volume I:
"The Voice of Adventure
Those who try to keep their lives will lose them. But those who give up their lives will save them.--Luke 17:33
There is a rawness and a wonder to life. Pursue it. Hunt for it. Sell out to get it. Don't listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won't feel guilty. Your goal is not to live long; it's to live.
Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is a voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry and safe...
Or you can hear the voice of adventure--God's adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Sure it isn't safe, but what is?--He Still Moves"
This is where true life in Christ lives...in the adventure...The 'adventures' listed above are from the mind & hand of Mr. Lucado...but, there are all kinds of adventures waiting for us to take...the point is: make a difference!
I have friends who've left their homes to live in places like China, Thailand, India...others who have 'run for office'...and those who are in the process or have recently adopted children from far away countries...and a couple that are leaving for Haiti this summer to minister there for a time...
My husband & I adopted two children...and we've each 'changed careers' over the 27 years of our marriage...we've taught classes...but, made a difference?
Perhaps, so, the mail I receive tells me that the answer to that question is yes...
There is always the question for me, though...is there more I'm to do?
I can certainly see us in some far away country: living and learning new customs & creeds and native languages; but that may not be what God has in mind for us...not now anyway.
For now, the adventure is just listening to Him, and following His lead on things. (and, apparently, having twin teenagers, a college age daughter, and grandchildren all close by are a great means of adventure for our lives right now!) We do meet interesting people all the time, because of ministry and because we 'show up'!
(Just a side note, yesterday when my husband & I were entering a restaurant for lunch, a young woman called my husband by name, greeted him, and held the door open for him...after we were seated, he was a little freaked out, he had no idea who she was...I told him it's because we're famous. In reality, she's someone we knew when she was much younger, she's just grown up now, and we rarely see her, the point is: she remembered him!--it was a great source of laughter for me, though!)
For now, I must concentrate on giving up my life right here where I am, so that God can use it how ever He pleases! Less of me, more of HIM! Exciting, thrilling...the best life now!!!
Oh Father God, bless this day for Yourself...please, ignite a fire in my heart that only YOU can quench...keep it burning to YOUR glory! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
I want to share my morning devo from today with you...it's borrowed from Max Lucado's little book called Grace for the Moment--volume I:
"The Voice of Adventure
Those who try to keep their lives will lose them. But those who give up their lives will save them.--Luke 17:33
There is a rawness and a wonder to life. Pursue it. Hunt for it. Sell out to get it. Don't listen to the whines of those who have settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won't feel guilty. Your goal is not to live long; it's to live.
Jesus says the options are clear. On one side there is a voice of safety. You can build a fire in the hearth, stay inside, and stay warm and dry and safe...
Or you can hear the voice of adventure--God's adventure. Instead of building a fire in your hearth, build a fire in your heart. Follow God's impulses. Adopt the child. Move overseas. Teach the class. Change careers. Run for office. Make a difference. Sure it isn't safe, but what is?--He Still Moves"
This is where true life in Christ lives...in the adventure...The 'adventures' listed above are from the mind & hand of Mr. Lucado...but, there are all kinds of adventures waiting for us to take...the point is: make a difference!
I have friends who've left their homes to live in places like China, Thailand, India...others who have 'run for office'...and those who are in the process or have recently adopted children from far away countries...and a couple that are leaving for Haiti this summer to minister there for a time...
My husband & I adopted two children...and we've each 'changed careers' over the 27 years of our marriage...we've taught classes...but, made a difference?
Perhaps, so, the mail I receive tells me that the answer to that question is yes...
There is always the question for me, though...is there more I'm to do?
I can certainly see us in some far away country: living and learning new customs & creeds and native languages; but that may not be what God has in mind for us...not now anyway.
For now, the adventure is just listening to Him, and following His lead on things. (and, apparently, having twin teenagers, a college age daughter, and grandchildren all close by are a great means of adventure for our lives right now!) We do meet interesting people all the time, because of ministry and because we 'show up'!
(Just a side note, yesterday when my husband & I were entering a restaurant for lunch, a young woman called my husband by name, greeted him, and held the door open for him...after we were seated, he was a little freaked out, he had no idea who she was...I told him it's because we're famous. In reality, she's someone we knew when she was much younger, she's just grown up now, and we rarely see her, the point is: she remembered him!--it was a great source of laughter for me, though!)
For now, I must concentrate on giving up my life right here where I am, so that God can use it how ever He pleases! Less of me, more of HIM! Exciting, thrilling...the best life now!!!
Oh Father God, bless this day for Yourself...please, ignite a fire in my heart that only YOU can quench...keep it burning to YOUR glory! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Quiet Time and Then the Phone Rings...
When my day began, I thought I would blog about the Journey we're taking at our church through the NT this year. That was my intent. It is a glorious journey...today, I'm 27 for 27...but then, in the middle of my quiet time...the phone rang.
When the phone rings at 6am at our house, it is usually work-related for my husband. Not today. No, today it was our oldest daughter, giving us news about their 2-1/2 month old baby girl. They'd spent most of the night in the hospital e-room with her because she couldn't breathe very well.
They originally thought that her little lung had collapsed. Later, after her pediatrician examined her, and reviewed the x-rays taken earlier, he decided that it is pneumonia. Now, she's been admitted to the hospital for a couple of days. I get to practice my G-Mar skills today, as I picked up our grandson at the clinic before the baby's examination, armed with cheerios, dried fruit and juice in his own sippy-cup!
After a couple of days in the hospital with oxygen and medication, the baby should be fine. Her mommy & daddy are right there with her...and her big brother is in a safe place!
Oh, he and I have had so much fun this morning...we watched his movie: The Cat in the Hat...and laughed our heads off! Then, while watching Sesame Street, I heard heavy breathing, and he's gone to sleepy town! (--So, I can spend a few minutes on-line!)
Let me just say: this little 3 year old boy is the most precious thing ever! He just melts my heart...makes me laugh...and takes my breath away all at the same time. He's smart and hilarious! And, most of the time, doesn't have time for me, because he has a lot of aunts who live here that are tons more fun than old G-Mar! I'm just thankful to know him!
Which brings me to another, serious set of thoughts: Children are such a gift from God. They are so sweet and innocent and need our protection at every turn. I do not, for anything in me, see how someone could mistreat or take advantage, or exploit one of these. It breaks my heart when I see it in person, (I spend some time with children) or when I hear of it from some one's past...it just makes me want to say, "What the HECK?, WHY?"
Then, I have to remember that this isn't Heaven...Jesus, Himself, told us that "In this world you will have trouble...but take heart I have overcome the world." Now, these are comforting words...when you think about facing trouble. Understanding that He has overcome all the bad stuff of this world. It may not help little ones facing painful days, unless they've been taught the truth by some miracle...but, it certainly should give hope to those that have lived through it, and are now on the adult side of things.
I do not proclaim to have all the answers, but I think there is truth in the fact that we can, indeed, trade ashes for beauty...rags of our own past for robes of righteousness...by transforming our minds with the Word...heavy doses of it...and much prayer.
So, for today: I'm not going to fear anything about my little granddaughter's life...I'm just going to praise God for her, and for the life she's going to have because she's being raised by parents who love her, love each other and love God...and He blesses that effort! And, lift up prayers for anonymous little children everywhere that may not be in such safe surroundings.
Standing on the promises...
When the phone rings at 6am at our house, it is usually work-related for my husband. Not today. No, today it was our oldest daughter, giving us news about their 2-1/2 month old baby girl. They'd spent most of the night in the hospital e-room with her because she couldn't breathe very well.
They originally thought that her little lung had collapsed. Later, after her pediatrician examined her, and reviewed the x-rays taken earlier, he decided that it is pneumonia. Now, she's been admitted to the hospital for a couple of days. I get to practice my G-Mar skills today, as I picked up our grandson at the clinic before the baby's examination, armed with cheerios, dried fruit and juice in his own sippy-cup!
After a couple of days in the hospital with oxygen and medication, the baby should be fine. Her mommy & daddy are right there with her...and her big brother is in a safe place!
Oh, he and I have had so much fun this morning...we watched his movie: The Cat in the Hat...and laughed our heads off! Then, while watching Sesame Street, I heard heavy breathing, and he's gone to sleepy town! (--So, I can spend a few minutes on-line!)
Let me just say: this little 3 year old boy is the most precious thing ever! He just melts my heart...makes me laugh...and takes my breath away all at the same time. He's smart and hilarious! And, most of the time, doesn't have time for me, because he has a lot of aunts who live here that are tons more fun than old G-Mar! I'm just thankful to know him!
Which brings me to another, serious set of thoughts: Children are such a gift from God. They are so sweet and innocent and need our protection at every turn. I do not, for anything in me, see how someone could mistreat or take advantage, or exploit one of these. It breaks my heart when I see it in person, (I spend some time with children) or when I hear of it from some one's past...it just makes me want to say, "What the HECK?, WHY?"
Then, I have to remember that this isn't Heaven...Jesus, Himself, told us that "In this world you will have trouble...but take heart I have overcome the world." Now, these are comforting words...when you think about facing trouble. Understanding that He has overcome all the bad stuff of this world. It may not help little ones facing painful days, unless they've been taught the truth by some miracle...but, it certainly should give hope to those that have lived through it, and are now on the adult side of things.
I do not proclaim to have all the answers, but I think there is truth in the fact that we can, indeed, trade ashes for beauty...rags of our own past for robes of righteousness...by transforming our minds with the Word...heavy doses of it...and much prayer.
So, for today: I'm not going to fear anything about my little granddaughter's life...I'm just going to praise God for her, and for the life she's going to have because she's being raised by parents who love her, love each other and love God...and He blesses that effort! And, lift up prayers for anonymous little children everywhere that may not be in such safe surroundings.
Standing on the promises...
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday Sonday Sunday!!!
Sunday, glorious SONday!
Today has been just gorgeous outside, it makes me remember why I actually enjoy living here: The weather changes every week! A week of ice/snow; a week of slush and cold; and coming up: a week of rain...but between there's this gorgeous week end of near-70 degrees to enjoy!
I'm not an 'outdoorsy' person, which is NO surprise to anyone who knows me, but I love to watch the sky color change and enjoy fresh air!
I had two very long meetings yesterday for my spring 'projects' coming up. The first was out of town at 9am. While I was gone, my husband, bless him, fixed waffles for those twins, and opened up our whole house to let fresh air in...and washed all the bedding he could find! It takes a real man to do that!HA! He makes me a better woman!
My morning meeting was with a team of 12 women who we were all there!! It is so much fun to watch God pull details together from all different places and people! When I consider this project, I just get giddy with anticipation!!I Love that about Him!
I had to leave again at 5pm for another out of town meeting. We meet for 10 weeks, every Sat. night, for at least 2 hours. For this neeting, the 'team' is much larger in numbers, probably around 40, so we not only get to see God work in our lives, but we are in position to experience Him unifying our hearts for a common cause. And, work in each of our lives so that we can first hand, experience His faithfulness!
Today was another huge day at church...a video of our children's department was shared at the beginning of services, just to show folks what's happening back there! My husband helps in 2nd serice, children's church, KidMO...so, here he is in the video dancing around with 70 other kids! Hilarious!
Matthew 22:1-14. Make sure you've got on the right clothes! Be blessed!
Today has been just gorgeous outside, it makes me remember why I actually enjoy living here: The weather changes every week! A week of ice/snow; a week of slush and cold; and coming up: a week of rain...but between there's this gorgeous week end of near-70 degrees to enjoy!
I'm not an 'outdoorsy' person, which is NO surprise to anyone who knows me, but I love to watch the sky color change and enjoy fresh air!
I had two very long meetings yesterday for my spring 'projects' coming up. The first was out of town at 9am. While I was gone, my husband, bless him, fixed waffles for those twins, and opened up our whole house to let fresh air in...and washed all the bedding he could find! It takes a real man to do that!HA! He makes me a better woman!
My morning meeting was with a team of 12 women who we were all there!! It is so much fun to watch God pull details together from all different places and people! When I consider this project, I just get giddy with anticipation!!I Love that about Him!
I had to leave again at 5pm for another out of town meeting. We meet for 10 weeks, every Sat. night, for at least 2 hours. For this neeting, the 'team' is much larger in numbers, probably around 40, so we not only get to see God work in our lives, but we are in position to experience Him unifying our hearts for a common cause. And, work in each of our lives so that we can first hand, experience His faithfulness!
Today was another huge day at church...a video of our children's department was shared at the beginning of services, just to show folks what's happening back there! My husband helps in 2nd serice, children's church, KidMO...so, here he is in the video dancing around with 70 other kids! Hilarious!
Matthew 22:1-14. Make sure you've got on the right clothes! Be blessed!
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