How did you celebrate the 4th of July? Or, did you celebrate? As I was growing up, and pretty much every year until 1991, our family celebrated by watching my Uncle Ted fry fish, and Aunt Pearl fret over details of what ever she was fixing (usually the concoction that they rolled the fish in before frying--in her lovely white enamel dish pan)...they were such fun!
We celebrated by making sure there was a birthday cake, and many family members present--for it was Grandma Sisk's birthday! She was born July 4, 1904--and she loved to celebrate, the birth of our country, her birthday, and life! I remember her as hilarious, she truly enjoyed life!--We would sometimes laugh so hard that we would cry!
On Grandma's 80th birthday, her cake was long and narrow, and the icing was situated in a way that made the whole cake look like a bouquet of long-stemmed roses, she loved it! Her younger brother and his family came that particular year to help celebrate, too.
I remember him, Uncle Bob, as being the 'celebrity of the family', for he was sheriff in his county! I remember visiting him once at his court house and leaving scared out of my mind--someone had actually found and shot a bear, then had it stuffed. This stuffed black bear was then encased in glass in the foyer of the court house--YIKES!
Except for the laughter, our Celebrations were pretty much low-key, every one got along and seemed genuinely happy to be together...over the years, this ritual of the frying of the fish moved from park to park throughout Southern Illinois, and a few times at the home of either Uncle Ted & Aunt Pearl or Uncle Jack & Aunt Jackie...no one seemed to mind having the whole family over, mostly because we all loved the fist. (My Uncle Ted owned and operated the 'fish market' in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois during these years--so fish were easy to get, I suppose)
Our family didn't celebrate yesterday by frying fish, or even cooking out. We are all transitioning to new living spaces. So, instead of cooking, we ate out together, shopped for things one of our daughter's needed for her apartment. Then the rest of us looked at things we are going to need at our new house...the twins have been in church camp all week, so they missed this excursion!
Of course, when the ten of us are together, it's always a celebration!
We are thankful to live in freedom, in a country where we can worship as we choose, our Mighty God. Living in a place where we have freedom to speak or write what is on our minds...keeping in mind the responsibility that comes with those freedoms. There are many things 'not right' with this country of ours, but brave men and women have given their lives in order for us to be able to live as we wish and celebrate how we wish.
America is a blessing to us...we need to remember to be thankful. If you have served in the military and you are reading this: THANK YOU, for serving. THANK YOU for your sacrifice.
And, "Thank YOU, Lord, for the gift of memory, and for my family--many of whom are with You now...Thank YOU, LORD, for blessing my life to be able to live in this country, at this time in history...Please God, Bless America, again."
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Excited--Me?!
I am so excited! Of course, if you know me then you know that I can be easily excited! I just try to be happy most of the time...and I usually succeed!
I just registered for my fall courses at Tozer. Catalytic Leadership--motivating others to good deeds...and Authority of Scripture & Epistemology--how can we trust the 'truth of scripture' as truly the truth...
As the Tozer students gathered for intensive classes this past June, we were given a laminated card, I chose to begin carrying mine in my wallet. This card has the motto, vision and mission of Tozer on it:
Tozer Motto: Come Deepen Your Relationship with God
Tozer Vision: To Build Integrity in the Church
Tozer Mission: To Teach People to Think Christianly
These words may or may not mean anything to you, dear reader. However, this is truly my heart--I want a deep personal relationship with God, not just a label, or a religious practice--a real, vibrant relationship with My King--completely sold out for how ever He would choose to use my life. I can testify that if it were not for doors that God has opened, I would not even be thinking of registering for courses at this institution. I am so thankful for each opportunity, each friendship forged, each book I have read, or been inspired to read and for the way I have been inspired to deepen my relationship with God-- I have truly had to depend on Him.
Also, I think that Jesus would be loved and better understood, if His people truly sought to live with integrity in the church...as Christians, we are human and we make mistakes--we do things wrong sometimes, but 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom'(2 Cor 3:17)...because of that freedom we can mess up and then humbly ask for forgiveness--a chance to set things right--when we offend others' there is a place in us that should not allow us to sleep until we have settled accounts, and made it right--remember Levi the tax collector, OR Zacchaeus--as soon as they met Jesus, they were motivated to make it right--what ever 'it' had been in their lives. Unfortunately, within the church, we listen to the enemy and cover up our mistakes, or sometimes do things deceitfully because it's easier, and accepted by our culture. Pride tells us that we do need to make it right, and then we cover it all by saying that we 'prayed about it' and 'that's what we felt God called us to do'. However, integrity in the church looks attractive to those outside the church...it is being honest in all you do, honoring people you encounter, not showing favoritism, being disciplined with your resources, displaying humility (boasting in your weakness, as Paul says)...and spreading hope and joy that can only come from a relationship with King Jesus.
To teach people to think Christianly is very different than just telling them to always ask the question "what would Jesus do?" The real question lies more along the lines of do you really know what it means to think Christianly about everything you encounter in life...what does it mean to think Christianly about your marriage, your sexuality, your children, job, money, politics, history, eschatology, medicine and science, how about death and dying, or your decorating scheme, or the way you treat the people you encounter at the dry cleaners? Thinking Christianly is not a 'check list', but it is about thinking...using your mind, your intellect, to come to consensus in a way that honors God in everything you do and encounter--to further His kingdom work while you are here and there is breath in your body. Thinking Christianly has no room for fear, for where there is fear, trust cannot exist...we are called to live by faith, not by sight...what does that mean?
As I listened to a 'Christian' radio talk show just yesterday, I got sick to my stomach. The hosts were basically reducing and keeping God in a box--saying something about living in such a way as to please God so that He will answer our prayers-- Yes there are things that hinder our prayers, scripture is very clear about that...but this guy did not even mention grace...not a word. Or the fact that God uses, even the most unpleasant things in this world to bring about His plans for those He loves--for God is God, we cannot even fathom Him.
Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'
A very wise young man recently told me that he spends most of his time reading Job and Proverbs. That was music to my ears, for this young man is not a fellow student at Tozer. He is, however, a friend of our family, whom we truly love. I think scripture is the only place to end this post...finish reading by turning to Job 40 and 41--see how God answered Job, then take time to think!
I just registered for my fall courses at Tozer. Catalytic Leadership--motivating others to good deeds...and Authority of Scripture & Epistemology--how can we trust the 'truth of scripture' as truly the truth...
As the Tozer students gathered for intensive classes this past June, we were given a laminated card, I chose to begin carrying mine in my wallet. This card has the motto, vision and mission of Tozer on it:
Tozer Motto: Come Deepen Your Relationship with God
Tozer Vision: To Build Integrity in the Church
Tozer Mission: To Teach People to Think Christianly
These words may or may not mean anything to you, dear reader. However, this is truly my heart--I want a deep personal relationship with God, not just a label, or a religious practice--a real, vibrant relationship with My King--completely sold out for how ever He would choose to use my life. I can testify that if it were not for doors that God has opened, I would not even be thinking of registering for courses at this institution. I am so thankful for each opportunity, each friendship forged, each book I have read, or been inspired to read and for the way I have been inspired to deepen my relationship with God-- I have truly had to depend on Him.
Also, I think that Jesus would be loved and better understood, if His people truly sought to live with integrity in the church...as Christians, we are human and we make mistakes--we do things wrong sometimes, but 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom'(2 Cor 3:17)...because of that freedom we can mess up and then humbly ask for forgiveness--a chance to set things right--when we offend others' there is a place in us that should not allow us to sleep until we have settled accounts, and made it right--remember Levi the tax collector, OR Zacchaeus--as soon as they met Jesus, they were motivated to make it right--what ever 'it' had been in their lives. Unfortunately, within the church, we listen to the enemy and cover up our mistakes, or sometimes do things deceitfully because it's easier, and accepted by our culture. Pride tells us that we do need to make it right, and then we cover it all by saying that we 'prayed about it' and 'that's what we felt God called us to do'. However, integrity in the church looks attractive to those outside the church...it is being honest in all you do, honoring people you encounter, not showing favoritism, being disciplined with your resources, displaying humility (boasting in your weakness, as Paul says)...and spreading hope and joy that can only come from a relationship with King Jesus.
To teach people to think Christianly is very different than just telling them to always ask the question "what would Jesus do?" The real question lies more along the lines of do you really know what it means to think Christianly about everything you encounter in life...what does it mean to think Christianly about your marriage, your sexuality, your children, job, money, politics, history, eschatology, medicine and science, how about death and dying, or your decorating scheme, or the way you treat the people you encounter at the dry cleaners? Thinking Christianly is not a 'check list', but it is about thinking...using your mind, your intellect, to come to consensus in a way that honors God in everything you do and encounter--to further His kingdom work while you are here and there is breath in your body. Thinking Christianly has no room for fear, for where there is fear, trust cannot exist...we are called to live by faith, not by sight...what does that mean?
As I listened to a 'Christian' radio talk show just yesterday, I got sick to my stomach. The hosts were basically reducing and keeping God in a box--saying something about living in such a way as to please God so that He will answer our prayers-- Yes there are things that hinder our prayers, scripture is very clear about that...but this guy did not even mention grace...not a word. Or the fact that God uses, even the most unpleasant things in this world to bring about His plans for those He loves--for God is God, we cannot even fathom Him.
Job 28:28 And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'
A very wise young man recently told me that he spends most of his time reading Job and Proverbs. That was music to my ears, for this young man is not a fellow student at Tozer. He is, however, a friend of our family, whom we truly love. I think scripture is the only place to end this post...finish reading by turning to Job 40 and 41--see how God answered Job, then take time to think!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Lists--Just Can't Live Without 'Em!!!
Lists. I make lists for just about everything. From shopping for groceries, to what needs to happen tomorrow. As most goal oriented people do, I begin with the end in mind!
Two weeks ago I was making lists of things I needed to do to have a successful move from NW Georgia to Southern Indiana. Yes, lots of lists, from people/places to call to items to pick up that would make packing easier. There was a specific time that all packing had to be finished, as that is when my help would arrive. Just last night, my mom, who was a good part of our 'help' for the move commented about how smooth everything went, because it was packed and ready.
Last week, I made different lists. Lists that had to do with making an offer on our new home, and all the details that have to follow for us to be able to move in soon. This will pay off, as well--because the BIG move is coming. In using the word 'big,' it means that all our earthly possessions, will be in one place at one time--finally, after a little over a year! I know, a lot of people live like this, and I perhaps I shouldn't even mention it. However, I am doing just that, and I'll tell you why.
I have a cousin, whom I love very much, who is ten or eleven years older than me. I always admired her from afar, because I was always felt like such a 'little kid' around her. I distinctly remember, after she had been married for a few years, watching as she read an after 'Thanksgiving Sale' ad. As she read it, she mentioned that she was ready for new 'everything.' I don't really know why that stuck with me, or if I really understood what she was talking about in context. (she could have been talking about her furniture, relationships, her house or bath/kitchen towels--I don't know)
About five years ago, that memory came back to me as I considered everything in our lives. It seemed time for a change, a new 'everything.' Of course, because I like control, I wanted to choose the things I could keep and the things I could rid from my life, but I felt I was ready for new 'everything,' too! In some way, I related to my understanding of my cousin's statement from so long ago. I had no idea what would happen, or when, but change did happen and in a HUGE way.
The lists I made two weeks ago,last week, and this week, are so different from anything I listed five years ago. But, it is exciting to consider the places we have been, the people we have met and become close to--relationships that have been rekindeled and thought of as precious--the places we have yet to go and new people we will meet, all because of this enormous change in our life! A change that we never anticipated, but happened, none the less. (Insert Kelly Clarkson singing: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger here)
Our family has not changed, except to increase in number! Our home, certainly has changed...our possessions have decreased, but that is truly a good thing! Our appearance, of course, has changed! Our friends have not changed, either, only increased.
No matter how many lists I make, or the items I cross off as 'completed'--nothing, NOTHING compares to the absolute certainty I feel as I consider the love my God has for me and our family...and the plans He has to use everything--every event in our lives--for His good pleasure.
I'll continue to make lists, as we re-invent our life as the Bishop Family...and watch with eager anticipation, as God opens doors to reveal His plans for us--plans to:
1. Use us
2. Prosper us
3. Stretch us
4. Grow us
This happens as we:
1. Trust Him
2. Obey Him
3. Honor Him
4. Encourage Others to do the Same
Two weeks ago I was making lists of things I needed to do to have a successful move from NW Georgia to Southern Indiana. Yes, lots of lists, from people/places to call to items to pick up that would make packing easier. There was a specific time that all packing had to be finished, as that is when my help would arrive. Just last night, my mom, who was a good part of our 'help' for the move commented about how smooth everything went, because it was packed and ready.
Last week, I made different lists. Lists that had to do with making an offer on our new home, and all the details that have to follow for us to be able to move in soon. This will pay off, as well--because the BIG move is coming. In using the word 'big,' it means that all our earthly possessions, will be in one place at one time--finally, after a little over a year! I know, a lot of people live like this, and I perhaps I shouldn't even mention it. However, I am doing just that, and I'll tell you why.
I have a cousin, whom I love very much, who is ten or eleven years older than me. I always admired her from afar, because I was always felt like such a 'little kid' around her. I distinctly remember, after she had been married for a few years, watching as she read an after 'Thanksgiving Sale' ad. As she read it, she mentioned that she was ready for new 'everything.' I don't really know why that stuck with me, or if I really understood what she was talking about in context. (she could have been talking about her furniture, relationships, her house or bath/kitchen towels--I don't know)
About five years ago, that memory came back to me as I considered everything in our lives. It seemed time for a change, a new 'everything.' Of course, because I like control, I wanted to choose the things I could keep and the things I could rid from my life, but I felt I was ready for new 'everything,' too! In some way, I related to my understanding of my cousin's statement from so long ago. I had no idea what would happen, or when, but change did happen and in a HUGE way.
The lists I made two weeks ago,last week, and this week, are so different from anything I listed five years ago. But, it is exciting to consider the places we have been, the people we have met and become close to--relationships that have been rekindeled and thought of as precious--the places we have yet to go and new people we will meet, all because of this enormous change in our life! A change that we never anticipated, but happened, none the less. (Insert Kelly Clarkson singing: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger here)
Our family has not changed, except to increase in number! Our home, certainly has changed...our possessions have decreased, but that is truly a good thing! Our appearance, of course, has changed! Our friends have not changed, either, only increased.
No matter how many lists I make, or the items I cross off as 'completed'--nothing, NOTHING compares to the absolute certainty I feel as I consider the love my God has for me and our family...and the plans He has to use everything--every event in our lives--for His good pleasure.
I'll continue to make lists, as we re-invent our life as the Bishop Family...and watch with eager anticipation, as God opens doors to reveal His plans for us--plans to:
1. Use us
2. Prosper us
3. Stretch us
4. Grow us
This happens as we:
1. Trust Him
2. Obey Him
3. Honor Him
4. Encourage Others to do the Same
Saturday, June 30, 2012
You have the POWER!
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.--I Corinthians 1:18
Because of the cross of Jesus Christ, I have no fear of perishing, because I have entrusted my life to my Savior, Jesus Christ. The power that raised Jesus to life, the very thing that our enemy, Satan, had not anticiapted, is available to me, through the Holy Spirit, for daily living. That is a lot of power.
We sometimes either forget about it, or do not anticipate it, but the power of God is a Mighty thing to behold! The power to overcome temptation, to face uncertain times, to walk through this life unscathed by our hurts, to simply trust another with our very breath...these are the things that depending on God's power produce.
What a message we have as Christian believers...this message of the Saving power of Christ. This message of Reconciliation to the Creator of the Universe! And yet, for some reason, we hold back, withold blessing one another, or encouraging one another...we even hold grudges. There is no room in true kingdom work for jealousy among us, for God created each one of His children with unique gifts and characteristics. We should no longer listen to our enemy and claim our 'right', instead, we should celebrate each other's gifts and talents. Releasing one another to develop and pursue the talent and passion that God placed within our DNA when He knit us together in our mother's wombs.
We don't just do this to one another within the Body of Christ, the church...oh, no, we do it to our children, our spouses...sometimes our brothers and sisters or our parents. Wishing and hoping 'they were different'--"I wish they were more like so-and-so"...when our hope and our prayer should be, 'Change MY heart, Lord--give ME a good attitude, a pure heart, a spirit that glories in our differences--finding the good qualities in others"\'...
Don't worry, I fall down at this sometimes, as well. Perhaps it is because I have been, for these past 15 months, living among true strangers. Until recently, we have lived in heavily populated areas, yet acquainted with only a handful of people. I learned quickly to hone the 'people watching' skills taught to me long ago by my Grandma Sisk. She LOVED people, and loved the Lord even more! She was right, people are entertaining. They also give us a glimpse of the 'mind' of God. Each person so unique from the rest--physical appearances, shapes, sizes, hair and eye color, shades of skin, size of hands and feet--some have freckles, some have glasses, some love their grey hair...some cover it (!) some wear Spanx...some do NOT!
I haven't met many people that I would consider 'ugly' as the world sees...'ugly' comes from the attitude of the heart, for physical appearance is always beautiful to me. The attitude of the heart is worn on the face, and in the posture of the person, so ugly is visible, but can change! The point is, if we are all so different on the outside, just think, how unique we are in our thought processes, and the language we use when we talk to ourselves! By the faces of many of the 'strangers' I have encountered over the past year, there are a lot of unhappy, worried, sad, mad, lonely people in our world today. Give them your friendly smile--it is a language that has no dialect--speaking only from the attitude of your heart. God created us all different, yet in our differences, He knew that the most important thing we would need would be a Savior, that's why Christ came and died and rose again!
So, don't be shy, be freindly...smile...find a reason to love that person that seems difficult. And, do not compare, or show favortism--YOU can do this--by the POWER of God--trust Him, it isn't foolishness!
Remember: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
Because of the cross of Jesus Christ, I have no fear of perishing, because I have entrusted my life to my Savior, Jesus Christ. The power that raised Jesus to life, the very thing that our enemy, Satan, had not anticiapted, is available to me, through the Holy Spirit, for daily living. That is a lot of power.
We sometimes either forget about it, or do not anticipate it, but the power of God is a Mighty thing to behold! The power to overcome temptation, to face uncertain times, to walk through this life unscathed by our hurts, to simply trust another with our very breath...these are the things that depending on God's power produce.
What a message we have as Christian believers...this message of the Saving power of Christ. This message of Reconciliation to the Creator of the Universe! And yet, for some reason, we hold back, withold blessing one another, or encouraging one another...we even hold grudges. There is no room in true kingdom work for jealousy among us, for God created each one of His children with unique gifts and characteristics. We should no longer listen to our enemy and claim our 'right', instead, we should celebrate each other's gifts and talents. Releasing one another to develop and pursue the talent and passion that God placed within our DNA when He knit us together in our mother's wombs.
We don't just do this to one another within the Body of Christ, the church...oh, no, we do it to our children, our spouses...sometimes our brothers and sisters or our parents. Wishing and hoping 'they were different'--"I wish they were more like so-and-so"...when our hope and our prayer should be, 'Change MY heart, Lord--give ME a good attitude, a pure heart, a spirit that glories in our differences--finding the good qualities in others"\'...
Don't worry, I fall down at this sometimes, as well. Perhaps it is because I have been, for these past 15 months, living among true strangers. Until recently, we have lived in heavily populated areas, yet acquainted with only a handful of people. I learned quickly to hone the 'people watching' skills taught to me long ago by my Grandma Sisk. She LOVED people, and loved the Lord even more! She was right, people are entertaining. They also give us a glimpse of the 'mind' of God. Each person so unique from the rest--physical appearances, shapes, sizes, hair and eye color, shades of skin, size of hands and feet--some have freckles, some have glasses, some love their grey hair...some cover it (!) some wear Spanx...some do NOT!
I haven't met many people that I would consider 'ugly' as the world sees...'ugly' comes from the attitude of the heart, for physical appearance is always beautiful to me. The attitude of the heart is worn on the face, and in the posture of the person, so ugly is visible, but can change! The point is, if we are all so different on the outside, just think, how unique we are in our thought processes, and the language we use when we talk to ourselves! By the faces of many of the 'strangers' I have encountered over the past year, there are a lot of unhappy, worried, sad, mad, lonely people in our world today. Give them your friendly smile--it is a language that has no dialect--speaking only from the attitude of your heart. God created us all different, yet in our differences, He knew that the most important thing we would need would be a Savior, that's why Christ came and died and rose again!
So, don't be shy, be freindly...smile...find a reason to love that person that seems difficult. And, do not compare, or show favortism--YOU can do this--by the POWER of God--trust Him, it isn't foolishness!
Remember: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Was this a good day?
A good day. Plan for it. Watch for it. Expect it. Having a good day is all about your perspective, and your attitude. Keeping it simple is key. Smiling is also key.
As I get older, or 'mature', I have decided that a good day does not hinge on just 'one thing'...like getting up on the 'wrong side of the bed'. I heard that a lot when I was a little kid. There is not a wrong side of the bed, sorry to disappoint you. There is, however, a right 'time' to go to bed, and a right 'time' to get out of bed. Sleep and stress experts will tell you that your body requires at least 8 hours of sleep per night. And, that most of our culture is sleep deprived. This could give a clue as to why people are so rude...they are just plain tired and don't feel good.
But, back to the good day plan. Sleep and rest. Waking up with a stretch for your arms and legs is also a good idea. About 10 years ago, my now-89-year-old grandma started doing a seris of simple stretches every morning before she ever got out of bed...she'd start with her feet...then stretch her legs...hands then her arms...slow and purposeful--she said it made all the difference in the world. Personally, I stretch and also, I like to start the day with a prayer...for a good day, energy to do the things I need to do and to ask for blessings for those I'll come in contact with throughout the day.
When I answer the phone, I smile. I try to smile as I walk or drive. The most important thing is to be thankful. When we are thankful, we have a different attitude. There is always something to be thankful for, even in the worst circumstances...always, but sometimes you must look harder, or from a different point of view, to find what it is to be thankful about.
I often hear those around me, or read your posts on FaceBook that say something like, 'well, that ruined my whole day'. I would like to point out that I have lived through the worst day of my life, and in the midst of that day, I can remember things that happened that were truly good! Certainly, my life and the life of our family changed immediately, however I can point to the good, and smile...even through tears.
Just try it. Determine that that one thing will not ruin your entire day, and live like it. Life is way too short, get your rest, be pleasant to those around you...and keep the BIG picture in mind. God sees this, He has it worked out...He's in the details...but you MUST trust Him with it al. l--what ever 'it' is....I have said it before, I'll say it again!
At the end of each day, go over the day in your mind, determine that 'these were the good things' about this day, and focus on those. Give the not so good things to God, ask that He redeem or reconile those situations, or give you wisdom to face the fall out from them, and move on. Just do the best you can to keep short accounts, with Him and with others. Do not hold grudges. Do not wallow in self-pity. Do not listen to the Accuser, who hates you. Lay the good and the bad and the stuff you don't know what to do about at the feet of Jesus! And, have a fabulous day!
As I get older, or 'mature', I have decided that a good day does not hinge on just 'one thing'...like getting up on the 'wrong side of the bed'. I heard that a lot when I was a little kid. There is not a wrong side of the bed, sorry to disappoint you. There is, however, a right 'time' to go to bed, and a right 'time' to get out of bed. Sleep and stress experts will tell you that your body requires at least 8 hours of sleep per night. And, that most of our culture is sleep deprived. This could give a clue as to why people are so rude...they are just plain tired and don't feel good.
But, back to the good day plan. Sleep and rest. Waking up with a stretch for your arms and legs is also a good idea. About 10 years ago, my now-89-year-old grandma started doing a seris of simple stretches every morning before she ever got out of bed...she'd start with her feet...then stretch her legs...hands then her arms...slow and purposeful--she said it made all the difference in the world. Personally, I stretch and also, I like to start the day with a prayer...for a good day, energy to do the things I need to do and to ask for blessings for those I'll come in contact with throughout the day.
When I answer the phone, I smile. I try to smile as I walk or drive. The most important thing is to be thankful. When we are thankful, we have a different attitude. There is always something to be thankful for, even in the worst circumstances...always, but sometimes you must look harder, or from a different point of view, to find what it is to be thankful about.
I often hear those around me, or read your posts on FaceBook that say something like, 'well, that ruined my whole day'. I would like to point out that I have lived through the worst day of my life, and in the midst of that day, I can remember things that happened that were truly good! Certainly, my life and the life of our family changed immediately, however I can point to the good, and smile...even through tears.
Just try it. Determine that that one thing will not ruin your entire day, and live like it. Life is way too short, get your rest, be pleasant to those around you...and keep the BIG picture in mind. God sees this, He has it worked out...He's in the details...but you MUST trust Him with it al. l--what ever 'it' is....I have said it before, I'll say it again!
At the end of each day, go over the day in your mind, determine that 'these were the good things' about this day, and focus on those. Give the not so good things to God, ask that He redeem or reconile those situations, or give you wisdom to face the fall out from them, and move on. Just do the best you can to keep short accounts, with Him and with others. Do not hold grudges. Do not wallow in self-pity. Do not listen to the Accuser, who hates you. Lay the good and the bad and the stuff you don't know what to do about at the feet of Jesus! And, have a fabulous day!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Sleep....and good coffee...
You might ask: What do sleep and good coffee have in common? This week, me! In the past 5 weeks, I have driven our Yukon for approximately 50 hours, flown in a huge airplane for a total 10 hours and spent countless hours packing and wraping boxes and furniture! I am not complaining at all, in fact, I'm overjoyed!
However this week, I am catching up on some sleep/rest and allowing myself at least one good cup of coffee in the morning!
And so, as I sit here and contemplate what to write, I'm sipping my coffee, and enjoying the quiet, peacefulness that being 'out in the country' offers! Unfortunately, I'm looking out at very brown fields, and dry wooded areas...there is a drought in this part of the country, and it is showing. This drought is showing on the faces of those around me, too. The ones who make their living by planting crops... Truly the only thing that I/we can do to help in this time is to pray. And fervently pray and trust that even in this time, God is at work. There is a difference between praying and believing for the answer, and 'saying' you'll pray and never giving the matter a second thought. Just looking around here, how can we not remember to pray and ask for rain?
This week, I'm praying about the drought situation and the many other things that seem to concern me at this moment in our lives. Our big concern is where God intends for us to be, as a family. The key word in the previous sentence is the word 'be.' Some of my friends at Tozer were required to read a book entitled The Courage to Be. I intend to read this book, as well, but for now, I am not looking for some deep philosophical meaning to my question, I am just looking for simple answers to simple quesitons. Questions like, where do You, Lord, intend for us to live? Rent or Buy? House or apartment? In 'town' or out in the 'country'? Close neighbors, or a private area? And, then there's the question of which body of beleivers we should identify with in our new town? Where is the best place to serve? So many details that I could easily be tempted to 'worry' about...as you know, worry shows a lack of trust.
God is showing Himself faithful in all this, He will bless my effort in trusting Him...each time I even 'think' about the details...and begin to get anxious, as I am sometimes prone to do, I just give it to Him...with thanksgiving, for already having my concerns worked out. He promised this was true...and He is Faithful! HE's got this, even the house our family will live in for this next chapter in our lives--as we signed a purchase agreement just today on a cute little place that suits us, and only a mile from my husband's work. Truly an exciting time!
Let me just say, as a side note, that there is nothing like the little hugs I've been getting from sweet Will Aden & Ally Nicole! They are so happy we are here, and we don't have to leave for a home that is six hours away! Will began praying for us to move closer about 6 months ago....and his prayers were answered! I don't know about you, but when God, the Creator of the Universe, takes the time to answer a 6 year old's prayers, that speaks of the loving kindness of our Great God! Praise HIM! --For He is Worthy!!!
I'll keep you posted on the way God keeps working out the details, those details that I refuse to worry about, keep reading!
However this week, I am catching up on some sleep/rest and allowing myself at least one good cup of coffee in the morning!
And so, as I sit here and contemplate what to write, I'm sipping my coffee, and enjoying the quiet, peacefulness that being 'out in the country' offers! Unfortunately, I'm looking out at very brown fields, and dry wooded areas...there is a drought in this part of the country, and it is showing. This drought is showing on the faces of those around me, too. The ones who make their living by planting crops... Truly the only thing that I/we can do to help in this time is to pray. And fervently pray and trust that even in this time, God is at work. There is a difference between praying and believing for the answer, and 'saying' you'll pray and never giving the matter a second thought. Just looking around here, how can we not remember to pray and ask for rain?
This week, I'm praying about the drought situation and the many other things that seem to concern me at this moment in our lives. Our big concern is where God intends for us to be, as a family. The key word in the previous sentence is the word 'be.' Some of my friends at Tozer were required to read a book entitled The Courage to Be. I intend to read this book, as well, but for now, I am not looking for some deep philosophical meaning to my question, I am just looking for simple answers to simple quesitons. Questions like, where do You, Lord, intend for us to live? Rent or Buy? House or apartment? In 'town' or out in the 'country'? Close neighbors, or a private area? And, then there's the question of which body of beleivers we should identify with in our new town? Where is the best place to serve? So many details that I could easily be tempted to 'worry' about...as you know, worry shows a lack of trust.
God is showing Himself faithful in all this, He will bless my effort in trusting Him...each time I even 'think' about the details...and begin to get anxious, as I am sometimes prone to do, I just give it to Him...with thanksgiving, for already having my concerns worked out. He promised this was true...and He is Faithful! HE's got this, even the house our family will live in for this next chapter in our lives--as we signed a purchase agreement just today on a cute little place that suits us, and only a mile from my husband's work. Truly an exciting time!
Let me just say, as a side note, that there is nothing like the little hugs I've been getting from sweet Will Aden & Ally Nicole! They are so happy we are here, and we don't have to leave for a home that is six hours away! Will began praying for us to move closer about 6 months ago....and his prayers were answered! I don't know about you, but when God, the Creator of the Universe, takes the time to answer a 6 year old's prayers, that speaks of the loving kindness of our Great God! Praise HIM! --For He is Worthy!!!
I'll keep you posted on the way God keeps working out the details, those details that I refuse to worry about, keep reading!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
What time is it? OR What time zone am I in, now?
That's been the question of the day! I began my day in California, ending it in Georgia! Began my flight at 11am...landed at 7pm...Should I have had lunch before boarding the plane for the five our flight? OR should I have planned to wait til dinner after the flight? These are questions that I didn't do a great job of answering before I got on the plane. In fact, I pretty much snacked on fruit and juice during the flight...I know, I know...you really don't care...but it does make a difference on my sleeping schedule...which seems to be really a mess!
We are consumed with details like this, aren't we? It does matter what time it is, if we need to catch a flight, get to a meeting, be at work, pick up a friend...we make time, save time, spend time, waste time and watch time. We live in time and space. I don't know about you, but I am thankful that we were created by the One known as the Ancient of Days...Our God reigns outside of time and space as we know it here on this earth, yet He cares for each detail of our lives. I can't explain it, there are those scientists, however that can do a great job of explaining it. I am just thankful, for what ever I am facing as I'm consumed about the details of saving or spending time, God sees it all! I believe that this fact, and the 'rest' of God are somehow linked...He's got the details, He sees the beginning and the end, and loves me and you, more than anything! Praise God--The Ancient of Days!
I am very tired from the week, and the travel...now to really, truly, rest!
We are consumed with details like this, aren't we? It does matter what time it is, if we need to catch a flight, get to a meeting, be at work, pick up a friend...we make time, save time, spend time, waste time and watch time. We live in time and space. I don't know about you, but I am thankful that we were created by the One known as the Ancient of Days...Our God reigns outside of time and space as we know it here on this earth, yet He cares for each detail of our lives. I can't explain it, there are those scientists, however that can do a great job of explaining it. I am just thankful, for what ever I am facing as I'm consumed about the details of saving or spending time, God sees it all! I believe that this fact, and the 'rest' of God are somehow linked...He's got the details, He sees the beginning and the end, and loves me and you, more than anything! Praise God--The Ancient of Days!
I am very tired from the week, and the travel...now to really, truly, rest!
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