On this first day of the year I took a little stroll through the past. I got out an old journal and read through some of the pages visiting days gone by. It would have been very easy to read those pages and become filled with grief over past mistakes and choices that lead to a harder road then I cared to travel. That didn't happen. As I read each page I became filled with more and more hope. I saw the goodness of God. I shall a never ending love for me. I saw redemption and grace and mercy. I saw restoration. I saw a beautiful future with a savior who never fails, a savior who only knows how to do and bring good into my life. As I laid in bed last night for a few minutes a slight bit of fear entered my mind. I began to think of how I might mess up in the upcoming year and what trouble I would find myself in. It amazed me how quickly it struck me that there was no way I was embracing the fear that satan so desired for me to grab. With that fleeting minute my thoughts turned to what a wonderful adventure I had waiting for me on the dawn and how every single second of it would be for my good and would continue to grow and mold me into His daughter.
I am encouraged and full of hope on this dawn of a new year!!!!!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Thursday, November 10, 2011
no better way to say it
i am a human: i am mom to three boys, i'm an employee, i'm a daughter, i'm one who loves to write; but what i do doesn't define who i am; i have no faith in religion; but i believe in a Jesus who is God who is Love and who is not out to condemn the world but to offer compassion and mercy and freedom and fairness and life to ALL people, from the famous to the faceless and the beggar to the king; just the way they are. and i believe the Church exists to that end. i am on the journey; still working it all out and trying to keep things simple in an ever complicated world; i don't know what's next and that's the best part.. i'm up for the adventure and i'm loving every moment...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
love it....
To build a better world, the beginnings of that world must be visible in daily life. There is no reason to expect much to happen in the future if the signs of hope are not made visible in the present. We cannot speak about ways to bring about peace and freedom if we cannot draw from our own experiences of peace and freedom here and now. We cannot commit ourselves to work for justice and love in tomorrow's society if we cannot discover the seeds of it in the relationships we engage ourselves in today - Henri Nouwen
.
.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Impulsive
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2Cor 10:3-5 ESV
The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2Cor 10:3-5 The Message
It’s a snow day today and I’m having my coffee and spending a wonderfully sweet time in the word while the house is still quiet. The fact that I have teenage sons affords me quite a bit of time. I won’t see their sweet faces till at least noon I’m sure.
It has been a sweet, peaceful morning for me. All this snow drew my mind back to those big snows in Bowling Green, OH and my first impulse was to miss BG. To miss being snowed in, turning on the fireplace, having Patrick over, watching TV, playing cards, both boys home, Patrick and the boys playing ciaos ball, on and on the list could go. After that first fleeting thought my next thought was, how impulsive am I??? I am a very impulsive person. My mind is so full of emotion and impulse. Someone wants to do something I’m the first to go. I meet someone and I think they are just the greatest person I want to be with them forever. I see something and I think I have got to have that and set about figuring out how to get it NOW. I am just impulsive and emotional. Have I mentioned that?? Ha Ha
All of this made me think of Peter. How impulsive was that guy? When Christ told him he would deny him three times he was like “No Way, me?” and then sure enough first words out of his mouth “I have no idea who that guy is”. That is sooo me!!! I love these verses. I love both translations. I love the words from The Message, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.
Here’s the beauty of His Word, we can take those thoughts captive. We can with the help of the Holy Spirit destroy those thoughts. We can draw our minds into obedience by training them with The Word. It has helped me so much memorizing scripture. Just knowing, trusting, and believing God for my past, present, and future. He’s the God of the Universe and He loves us with a never ending love. A love that is full of grace and mercy for us. What better place to rest, what better journey to take....
The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2Cor 10:3-5 The Message
It’s a snow day today and I’m having my coffee and spending a wonderfully sweet time in the word while the house is still quiet. The fact that I have teenage sons affords me quite a bit of time. I won’t see their sweet faces till at least noon I’m sure.
It has been a sweet, peaceful morning for me. All this snow drew my mind back to those big snows in Bowling Green, OH and my first impulse was to miss BG. To miss being snowed in, turning on the fireplace, having Patrick over, watching TV, playing cards, both boys home, Patrick and the boys playing ciaos ball, on and on the list could go. After that first fleeting thought my next thought was, how impulsive am I??? I am a very impulsive person. My mind is so full of emotion and impulse. Someone wants to do something I’m the first to go. I meet someone and I think they are just the greatest person I want to be with them forever. I see something and I think I have got to have that and set about figuring out how to get it NOW. I am just impulsive and emotional. Have I mentioned that?? Ha Ha
All of this made me think of Peter. How impulsive was that guy? When Christ told him he would deny him three times he was like “No Way, me?” and then sure enough first words out of his mouth “I have no idea who that guy is”. That is sooo me!!! I love these verses. I love both translations. I love the words from The Message, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.
Here’s the beauty of His Word, we can take those thoughts captive. We can with the help of the Holy Spirit destroy those thoughts. We can draw our minds into obedience by training them with The Word. It has helped me so much memorizing scripture. Just knowing, trusting, and believing God for my past, present, and future. He’s the God of the Universe and He loves us with a never ending love. A love that is full of grace and mercy for us. What better place to rest, what better journey to take....
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A New Year!!
The Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way you went until you came to this place. Deut. 1:31
This place that I have arrived.... A new year.
I can't get through a year without dredging through the mud at some point in some way. I live in a world full of sin with humans with hearts full of sin. It's easy to look back at my past and allow it to chart the course for my future but that's not the plan God has for me. I have a year ahead of me full of hope and opportunities to glorify my great God. Not an ounce of my pain was wasted or lost. It was a picture of grace and forgiveness and love from my Savior. Those moments shape me and lead me into a new year of change.
How thankful I am to have a God who loves me and desires to be glorified in my life, willing or unwilling. A God full of mercy and grace with plans of hope and a future for me. I get to start again, I get to look back at my past for just a moment and thank the God of the universe for loving me. Now, I get to look at the future with such great hope, with such great excitement. He has shown me much. This year will have disappointment and sorrow but there will always be glory in it through Him. He is always at work and I can't wait to work with Him as He molds me and makes me and is glorified through me.
I can't wait for this year!!!!!
This place that I have arrived.... A new year.
I can't get through a year without dredging through the mud at some point in some way. I live in a world full of sin with humans with hearts full of sin. It's easy to look back at my past and allow it to chart the course for my future but that's not the plan God has for me. I have a year ahead of me full of hope and opportunities to glorify my great God. Not an ounce of my pain was wasted or lost. It was a picture of grace and forgiveness and love from my Savior. Those moments shape me and lead me into a new year of change.
How thankful I am to have a God who loves me and desires to be glorified in my life, willing or unwilling. A God full of mercy and grace with plans of hope and a future for me. I get to start again, I get to look back at my past for just a moment and thank the God of the universe for loving me. Now, I get to look at the future with such great hope, with such great excitement. He has shown me much. This year will have disappointment and sorrow but there will always be glory in it through Him. He is always at work and I can't wait to work with Him as He molds me and makes me and is glorified through me.
I can't wait for this year!!!!!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Reflecting on the Past
In biblical categories of time, an important distinction is made between chronos and kairos. This distinction carries within it the assumption that individual moments can have a dynamic impact on a whole life. The New Testament distinctive is like this: chronos refers to the normal linear passing of time; moment by moment, day by day, year by year. Kairos refers to a specific moment within time that is of crucial significance. It is the moment that gives lasting significance to history. Examples of kairotic moments in the Bible would be the exodus, the anointing of Saul, the exile, the birth of Jesus, and the cross.
Perhaps the closest thing we have to this distinction is the words historical and historic. Every event that takes place in June is historical, but not every event is historic. Historic events change the course of history and become the cause of future celebration, mourning, or memorial. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was historic, as were the first human steps on the moon.
Within our private individual lives, there are also historic moments, special events that shape and mold our personalities and the direction of our energies. Each of us has fruitful moments in our lives. What we want the most from life will often be “meshed” or “disguised” beneath the veneer of our nostalgic memories. If we delve more deeply in these memories, we can discover a great deal about who we are. Reflections on things of the past you might prefer to forget may provoke feelings of guilt and/or fear. Yet we must live with our past.
The historic in our lives defines our history. There is a real sense in which we are our history. I cannot disassociate my identity from the past. Even if I become a “new person” in Christ, I still carry the “old man” around with me until I die.
Coram Deo
What feelings emerge when you reflect on your past? Are there unresolved issues you need to resolve?
RC Sproul
Perhaps the closest thing we have to this distinction is the words historical and historic. Every event that takes place in June is historical, but not every event is historic. Historic events change the course of history and become the cause of future celebration, mourning, or memorial. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was historic, as were the first human steps on the moon.
Within our private individual lives, there are also historic moments, special events that shape and mold our personalities and the direction of our energies. Each of us has fruitful moments in our lives. What we want the most from life will often be “meshed” or “disguised” beneath the veneer of our nostalgic memories. If we delve more deeply in these memories, we can discover a great deal about who we are. Reflections on things of the past you might prefer to forget may provoke feelings of guilt and/or fear. Yet we must live with our past.
The historic in our lives defines our history. There is a real sense in which we are our history. I cannot disassociate my identity from the past. Even if I become a “new person” in Christ, I still carry the “old man” around with me until I die.
Coram Deo
What feelings emerge when you reflect on your past? Are there unresolved issues you need to resolve?
RC Sproul
Monday, December 27, 2010
Rich in truth
Consorting with Whores
from R.C. Sproul, Jr.
That there is a deep and profound chasm that separates believing in the total depravity of man and our own understanding of the depth and scope of our own sin is a potent sign of the depth and scope of our own sin. “Total depravity” is a true and sound biblical doctrine about how the fall has impacted mankind. We are sinful in every part of our being and utterly unable, precisely because we are unwilling, to embrace the work of Christ on our behalf unless He changes us first. Because we are totally depraved, however, we see this as a doctrine about man, rather than an actual self-description. We distinguish between the problems of “man” and our own problems. It is safe to speak ill of man, but dangerous and sad business to look too closely into our own hearts of darkness. So instead we think ourselves as partaking in a general sense of this depravity thing, but see it manifest in our own lives in nice, clean ways. We have a high view of God’s holiness, of His law, and so confess with all due piety that we are sinners indeed, rebels against the living God, in a nice, clean, abstract sort of way.
The living God, however, has a far more accurate and potent picture of what we are. We are whores. We are shameless, self-degrading, crass and crude. We throw ourselves at strangers, selling our dignity for cash. Worse still, after He has redeemed us, washed us, even married us, we go back for more. We turn tricks before the all-seeing eyes of a Husband who suffered hell for us. Again He comes and washes us. He holds us. He confesses His love for us. He promises He will never leave us. He makes us new again.
But because we are still proud, we parade around in the beautiful gown with which He has covered us, suggesting that it surely had a few spots, a wrinkle or two on it before He found us. But they were nice, respectable spots and wrinkles. What we should be confessing is that it was once stained through with our whoredom. The joy of the Lord is not that He took we who were mostly clean and made us wholly clean. The joy of the Lord isn’t that because He worked in us no one needs to know our former shame. The joy of the Lord is that while we were out walking the streets He came for us. While others paid to pollute us, He paid to redeem us.
Our Father told us a story so that we would know what we are. He gave us a prophet, Hosea. And we, sinners that we are, instead of confessing to being Gomer, thought He was telling us to be more like Hosea. “Oh,” we humbly confess, “we should be so much more compassionate towards the really bad people. Please forgive us for not being more loving toward the unseemly ones of this world.” The truth is He is confessing that we are the unseemly ones. That’s what we are, the people Jesus died for and married, the people adopted and loved of the Father, the people indwelt and being cleansed by the Spirit — God in three persons, consorting with such as we.
from R.C. Sproul, Jr.
That there is a deep and profound chasm that separates believing in the total depravity of man and our own understanding of the depth and scope of our own sin is a potent sign of the depth and scope of our own sin. “Total depravity” is a true and sound biblical doctrine about how the fall has impacted mankind. We are sinful in every part of our being and utterly unable, precisely because we are unwilling, to embrace the work of Christ on our behalf unless He changes us first. Because we are totally depraved, however, we see this as a doctrine about man, rather than an actual self-description. We distinguish between the problems of “man” and our own problems. It is safe to speak ill of man, but dangerous and sad business to look too closely into our own hearts of darkness. So instead we think ourselves as partaking in a general sense of this depravity thing, but see it manifest in our own lives in nice, clean ways. We have a high view of God’s holiness, of His law, and so confess with all due piety that we are sinners indeed, rebels against the living God, in a nice, clean, abstract sort of way.
The living God, however, has a far more accurate and potent picture of what we are. We are whores. We are shameless, self-degrading, crass and crude. We throw ourselves at strangers, selling our dignity for cash. Worse still, after He has redeemed us, washed us, even married us, we go back for more. We turn tricks before the all-seeing eyes of a Husband who suffered hell for us. Again He comes and washes us. He holds us. He confesses His love for us. He promises He will never leave us. He makes us new again.
But because we are still proud, we parade around in the beautiful gown with which He has covered us, suggesting that it surely had a few spots, a wrinkle or two on it before He found us. But they were nice, respectable spots and wrinkles. What we should be confessing is that it was once stained through with our whoredom. The joy of the Lord is not that He took we who were mostly clean and made us wholly clean. The joy of the Lord isn’t that because He worked in us no one needs to know our former shame. The joy of the Lord is that while we were out walking the streets He came for us. While others paid to pollute us, He paid to redeem us.
Our Father told us a story so that we would know what we are. He gave us a prophet, Hosea. And we, sinners that we are, instead of confessing to being Gomer, thought He was telling us to be more like Hosea. “Oh,” we humbly confess, “we should be so much more compassionate towards the really bad people. Please forgive us for not being more loving toward the unseemly ones of this world.” The truth is He is confessing that we are the unseemly ones. That’s what we are, the people Jesus died for and married, the people adopted and loved of the Father, the people indwelt and being cleansed by the Spirit — God in three persons, consorting with such as we.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A different kind of Christmas
I don't think that's it's any mistake that I find myself alone these last two weeks of the year with just my Savior. The boys for the first time ever are with their father for the whole Christmas break and Justin was unable to come home. Dad is in the nursing home and so it has just been my mom and I. No Christmas tree, we had the present exchange on the 18th before the boys left, no other family. Here's the amazing thing, I haven't cried or been upset at all. For those who know me that's huge because I LOVE to play the victim and feel sorry for myself like I just have it so much worse or been hurt so much more than anyone. (one great thing God has shown me this year)
So I have been able to spend mornings in His word, been able to continue in this wonderful book I’m reading on the book of Acts and Paul. I have spent a lot of time at the nursing home not only with dad but the others residents. Today I am going to call Christmas bingo. It’s such a treat because every time I go I have to reintroduce myself. It’s like that movie 50 first dates. It’s actually so much fun. The wonderful thing about my dad is that while he has lost everything the one thing that has remained is his love of the Savior. He can’t talk, or really communicate, doesn’t understand when you ask him to stand or anything but he smiles all day and just whistles The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace. The sweetness of his testimony is more than I can stand. While stripped of all, Christ still remains. Lord, let that be my testimony!!!!
As for me, it has been an unbelievable year. God has revealed so much sin in my life, so many areas that I don’t focus on Him. It has probably been the most painful year of my life and yet the most productive. What I seem to have walked away with most is His glory. That He wants to be glorified in all my life, that no matter what my past He will use it and be glorified in it. That most of my hope was in this world not in Him. He is at work in my life!! My father is always at work. I want to focus this next year on working with him. I find myself as I get weak and start to head back into the past in a negative way to play this little game with myself of trying to name all the names of God. It fills my mind and keeps it busy and it’s fun really. Prince of Peace, Great Redeemer, Light of the World, Beginning and End. I can’t tell you how many nights I have fallen asleep doing this.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:13 (MSG)
”Jesus is Emmanuel, so there is never a situation, location or experience where you are left to yourself." Paul Tripp
"You were not wired to live an independent, self-sufficient life, but to live in restful dependence on a God of power and grace." Paul Tripp
I have hope.
So I have been able to spend mornings in His word, been able to continue in this wonderful book I’m reading on the book of Acts and Paul. I have spent a lot of time at the nursing home not only with dad but the others residents. Today I am going to call Christmas bingo. It’s such a treat because every time I go I have to reintroduce myself. It’s like that movie 50 first dates. It’s actually so much fun. The wonderful thing about my dad is that while he has lost everything the one thing that has remained is his love of the Savior. He can’t talk, or really communicate, doesn’t understand when you ask him to stand or anything but he smiles all day and just whistles The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace. The sweetness of his testimony is more than I can stand. While stripped of all, Christ still remains. Lord, let that be my testimony!!!!
As for me, it has been an unbelievable year. God has revealed so much sin in my life, so many areas that I don’t focus on Him. It has probably been the most painful year of my life and yet the most productive. What I seem to have walked away with most is His glory. That He wants to be glorified in all my life, that no matter what my past He will use it and be glorified in it. That most of my hope was in this world not in Him. He is at work in my life!! My father is always at work. I want to focus this next year on working with him. I find myself as I get weak and start to head back into the past in a negative way to play this little game with myself of trying to name all the names of God. It fills my mind and keeps it busy and it’s fun really. Prince of Peace, Great Redeemer, Light of the World, Beginning and End. I can’t tell you how many nights I have fallen asleep doing this.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:13 (MSG)
”Jesus is Emmanuel, so there is never a situation, location or experience where you are left to yourself." Paul Tripp
"You were not wired to live an independent, self-sufficient life, but to live in restful dependence on a God of power and grace." Paul Tripp
I have hope.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
RC Sproul
“Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24–25).
- Hebrews 10:24–25
One of the issues that continually faces believers is the idea that we are okay by ourselves. Oftentimes we may think that we do not need other Christians in order to progress in our spiritual growth.
However, we do need each other. We need fellow Christians to encourage us to be faithful to the Lord. Without the support of others, we can be in great danger of falling into apostasy.
Our need of each other for growth and perseverance is the focus of today’s passage. In light of the great and effectual sacrifice Christ has offered (Heb. 9:1–10:18), we are exhorted to meet together so that we may spur one another on to love and good deeds, especially since the return of Christ draws ever closer (10:24–25).
As we have seen before, Christians are called to a living and active faith, to a faith that produces love and good works. This is not to say that good works are meritorious or that they somehow add something to salvation. Rather, they evidence true faith in the God who is love and who Himself performs good works. Where love and good works are wholly absent, then faith is absent as well (James 2:17).
When we encourage one another to love and good works, two things happen. First of all, church members who have falsely professed faith see that they must stop doing so and put their faith in Christ alone as they are encouraged to love God with all of their heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, when we encourage one another, the true believers in the church are motivated to persevere in their faith. Faith is to be a continual possession, profession, and action, not only a one-time event. Calvin says that, in today’s passage, the author of Hebrews “intimates that all the godly ought by all means possible to exert themselves in the work of gathering together the Church on every side; for we are called by the Lord on this condition, that every one should afterwards strive to lead others to the truth, to restore the wandering to the right way, to extend a helping hand to the fallen, to win over those who are without. But if we ought to bestow so much labour on those who are yet aliens to the flock of Christ, how much more diligence is required in exhorting the brethren whom God has already joined to us?”
Coram Deo
Ask yourself this question: “Do I really believe that I need encouragement to maintain my faith?” The answer should be yes. True believers share their struggles with other believers and pray for each other so that they will persevere. Allow fellow believers to encourage you and if you are not a part of a church, find one soon and join it.
- Hebrews 10:24–25
One of the issues that continually faces believers is the idea that we are okay by ourselves. Oftentimes we may think that we do not need other Christians in order to progress in our spiritual growth.
However, we do need each other. We need fellow Christians to encourage us to be faithful to the Lord. Without the support of others, we can be in great danger of falling into apostasy.
Our need of each other for growth and perseverance is the focus of today’s passage. In light of the great and effectual sacrifice Christ has offered (Heb. 9:1–10:18), we are exhorted to meet together so that we may spur one another on to love and good deeds, especially since the return of Christ draws ever closer (10:24–25).
As we have seen before, Christians are called to a living and active faith, to a faith that produces love and good works. This is not to say that good works are meritorious or that they somehow add something to salvation. Rather, they evidence true faith in the God who is love and who Himself performs good works. Where love and good works are wholly absent, then faith is absent as well (James 2:17).
When we encourage one another to love and good works, two things happen. First of all, church members who have falsely professed faith see that they must stop doing so and put their faith in Christ alone as they are encouraged to love God with all of their heart, soul, strength, and mind.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, when we encourage one another, the true believers in the church are motivated to persevere in their faith. Faith is to be a continual possession, profession, and action, not only a one-time event. Calvin says that, in today’s passage, the author of Hebrews “intimates that all the godly ought by all means possible to exert themselves in the work of gathering together the Church on every side; for we are called by the Lord on this condition, that every one should afterwards strive to lead others to the truth, to restore the wandering to the right way, to extend a helping hand to the fallen, to win over those who are without. But if we ought to bestow so much labour on those who are yet aliens to the flock of Christ, how much more diligence is required in exhorting the brethren whom God has already joined to us?”
Coram Deo
Ask yourself this question: “Do I really believe that I need encouragement to maintain my faith?” The answer should be yes. True believers share their struggles with other believers and pray for each other so that they will persevere. Allow fellow believers to encourage you and if you are not a part of a church, find one soon and join it.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
It's not the time to write
It's the time to just be and know....
You execute your will in my life without my help. For this I rest in you. O God and Father, be glorified here on the platform of my little life, for your glory is my eternal security and everlasting joy.
You execute your will in my life without my help. For this I rest in you. O God and Father, be glorified here on the platform of my little life, for your glory is my eternal security and everlasting joy.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
I love the Lord!!
116:1 I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;
9 I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
10 I believed, even when [1] I spoke,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 I said in my alarm,
“All mankind are liars.”
12 What shall I render to the Lord
for all his benefits to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
16 O Lord, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
my voice and my pleas for mercy.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;
9 I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
10 I believed, even when [1] I spoke,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11 I said in my alarm,
“All mankind are liars.”
12 What shall I render to the Lord
for all his benefits to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
16 O Lord, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant.
You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Jesus has given His glory to you as a gift. Read John 17.
17:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [1] 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them [2] in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, [3] that they also may be sanctified [4] in truth.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [1] 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them [2] in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, [3] that they also may be sanctified [4] in truth.
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Monday, November 1, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Don't waste a moment....
Wow…. I really don’t know how else to express myself at this moment. So much as gone on in my life over the last week. Last Monday my mother called me in tears about my father and the turn he had taken over night. So Tuesday he was taken to the hospital and Wednesday at 5:45am I was on my way to Chicago to my father. I really felt the meaning of “my plans are not always His” that day. I was excited to go to Drew’s football game and so excited to spend time with my ladies from bible study and all the homecoming activities I had planned with friends from work. All I can sit here and say is that God is so unbelievable good I can’t even express it.
So, after 6 days away and some crazy getting back to Texas stories, a night in a hotel with some woman I have never met in Little Rock, AR just for starters, I made it home. When I returned I finally put my head on my own pillow. I had spent every night in a chair at my father’s bedside and had little sleep. When I woke up I sat up in bed and looked over and saw that Carlos had left his book on my bedside table while staying with the boys. The book was by John Piper called “Don’t Waste Your Life.” I opened it up and was marveled at what I read. It would be so easy for me to be upset about my life or just continue to live in my brokenness but that is truly a waste and this young lady has no intentions of living there!!!!!!! THAT’S A PROMISE!!!!!
My father is now in a nursing home and unable to walk, eat, speak, or care for him self in anyway. He went to bed Sunday night feeling great and woke up Monday morning with nothing. God has a plan!! It is a beautiful plan. My earthly father has left me a legacy of a man that truly loved God and followed hard after him. He didn’t waste a moment nor shall I!!!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
I so love loving God!!!
What an interesting weekend. I all the sudden have developed these crazy allergies and they are totally wrecking my social life. (ha ha I had to throw that in) That's not why I'm writing but I did have lots of plans this weekend that I was really looking forward to. In this crazy allergy weekend I have found myself at home a lot and alone!! My boys are taking off like nuts and they are always on the move. This has been a great thing for me. Perhaps in the past I would of been totally paralysed with the thought of a whole weekend without interaction. I was just focused on the wrong interaction at best!!
I have just spent the weekend working on school and then taking these wonderful breaks to just listen to worship music and sing to my Lord and just praise Him for who He is in my life. I took a look back in 2007 at Beth Moore's blog and just read some entries when I first was on my own. That was some great stuff. I have just praised God for who He is, that He loved me, that He has stuck with me, and that He has brought me so far. I then was looking for an address in my emails from last year and came across an email I had sent to Patrick, I thought I had deleted them all, and was just so taken back by the person I was, the dependency on him, Patrick, that was just crazy. I had such desperation in my tone. It was so obvious that I was clinging to him, Patrick, like a savior. I couldn't help but just stop and thank the Lord for the reminder of His greatness and His unfailing love for me that He has just brought me so far and I have fallen so in love with Him.
“Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10
I love that I can call Him by his sweet beautiful name.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
I love that His word is made real to me.
" O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar." Psalm 139:1-2
I love that the God of the universe knows me.
"Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you" Isaiah 43:4a
I love that God loves me.
I truly love loving God!!!!
I have just spent the weekend working on school and then taking these wonderful breaks to just listen to worship music and sing to my Lord and just praise Him for who He is in my life. I took a look back in 2007 at Beth Moore's blog and just read some entries when I first was on my own. That was some great stuff. I have just praised God for who He is, that He loved me, that He has stuck with me, and that He has brought me so far. I then was looking for an address in my emails from last year and came across an email I had sent to Patrick, I thought I had deleted them all, and was just so taken back by the person I was, the dependency on him, Patrick, that was just crazy. I had such desperation in my tone. It was so obvious that I was clinging to him, Patrick, like a savior. I couldn't help but just stop and thank the Lord for the reminder of His greatness and His unfailing love for me that He has just brought me so far and I have fallen so in love with Him.
“Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10
I love that I can call Him by his sweet beautiful name.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
I love that His word is made real to me.
" O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar." Psalm 139:1-2
I love that the God of the universe knows me.
"Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you" Isaiah 43:4a
I love that God loves me.
I truly love loving God!!!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Bible Study!!!
So excited that tonight starts our new fall bible study and God has blessed me with 15 beautiful women that I get to journey with in this time. I am sure I will post a pic of my ladies as soon as I get home. I'll be way too excited not to share.
As I prepare for this evening and have been praying over my list of women and just what role I will have in each of their lives I couldn't help but think of the wonderful note from R C Sproul. It is such a wonderful word about God's love. To shine a fraction of this love would be more than I could comprehend but am pressing toward...
Imitating the Father
from R.C. Sproul
If we are to search out the depths and riches of the meaning of God’s love, we can approach our quest in two ways. We can work from the top down or from the bottom up. By working from the top down, we can focus on everything the Bible says about the character of God’s love, seeing the full expression of the declaration that “God is love,” and then seeing how that dimension of God’s character is to be reflected by His image-bearers.
Or we can proceed from the bottom up, reflecting on God’s commandments to us regarding love, and discern from this light of His law something of His own character that stands behind His law and out of which His perfect law proceeds.
The apostle Paul calls us to imitate God, which is carried out by walking in love (Eph. 5:1–2). Next, this imitation is viewed as an imitation of Christ—in that Christ, as the new Adam, perfectly demonstrates the character of the Father’s love. He is the Beloved of the Father. He is the supreme lover of God and lover of our souls as well. He shows love both in its vertical and horizontal relationships.
Coram Deo: Meditate today on God’s love and the supreme example of love, the Lord Jesus Christ.
As I prepare for this evening and have been praying over my list of women and just what role I will have in each of their lives I couldn't help but think of the wonderful note from R C Sproul. It is such a wonderful word about God's love. To shine a fraction of this love would be more than I could comprehend but am pressing toward...
Imitating the Father
from R.C. Sproul
If we are to search out the depths and riches of the meaning of God’s love, we can approach our quest in two ways. We can work from the top down or from the bottom up. By working from the top down, we can focus on everything the Bible says about the character of God’s love, seeing the full expression of the declaration that “God is love,” and then seeing how that dimension of God’s character is to be reflected by His image-bearers.
Or we can proceed from the bottom up, reflecting on God’s commandments to us regarding love, and discern from this light of His law something of His own character that stands behind His law and out of which His perfect law proceeds.
The apostle Paul calls us to imitate God, which is carried out by walking in love (Eph. 5:1–2). Next, this imitation is viewed as an imitation of Christ—in that Christ, as the new Adam, perfectly demonstrates the character of the Father’s love. He is the Beloved of the Father. He is the supreme lover of God and lover of our souls as well. He shows love both in its vertical and horizontal relationships.
Coram Deo: Meditate today on God’s love and the supreme example of love, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
two thoughts this morning....
I love this new schedule. It works that I get up at 5:45am, make Drew his three egg breakfast, take him to school by 6:30am, and then have an hour before I have to start getting ready for work by 9:00am.
So thought one, which has been on my mind a lot lately and was reiterated for me by RC Sproul this morning. It really got me thinking again. I see people with these wonderful gifts and such evidence of the fruit of the Spirit and I have thought a lot about why perhaps it doesn't show in my life and how do I make it more evident?? I loved his words about it this morning. I really want God's fruit in my life to just pour out, not only my family more but others around me. I need to fight for that more. Not just wish for it but fight for it.
"All of our labor in sanctification would yield no fruit if God were not working in us. Ultimately, it is His fruit in that He is the source of it and power for it. But the full measure of the fruit of the Spirit requires that we work. We are to work not casually or occasionally. Our labor is to be done in fear and trembling.
Coram Deo: God is at work within you. Are you cooperating?" RC Sproul
My other thought lately has been about relationships with men. I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Heather Chavez, Chris Chavez's wife, he's on staff at The Village. She is just such a wonderful woman. She told me all about her dating Chris and I was just blown away. The time that they spent praying before deciding if they should go have coffee, fasting before pursuing a relationship to be sure of God's will. I never did any of that when considering who I liked and if I would go out with them. Another was this guy named Joel from the Denton campus sharing with me about having to speak to a gal's mentor before going on a first date and the godliness that I saw coming from him in wanting to do the right thing there and be above reproach in all of it. These men give me hope. I won't settle ever!!!!! You can take that to the bank! I have not dated since arriving and as each day passes and I hear these stories and see so many godly men at The Village I'm holding out for that man. If he never comes then that's fine also. I love that God has shown Himself so mighty in my life that it's okay for me and that my desire for a man that is not going to let me look at anything but Christ for my foundation and stability is just so excited. Having someone thinking of Christ first in my life instead of their own selfish pleasures is just such a wonderful thought. It's out there!!! Mind you, not perfection but a man with a true heart for the Lord. AMEN
So those are the thoughts that have been on my mind lately and I can't tell you the excitement it stirs in me to push hard for that fruit and the peace of knowing that God is so much more than enough. I have a joy in him and a contentment that allows me to never have to settle.
I hope everyone is as excited about fall as I am and just daily sees new beautiful pictures of the Lord at work in our lives.
So thought one, which has been on my mind a lot lately and was reiterated for me by RC Sproul this morning. It really got me thinking again. I see people with these wonderful gifts and such evidence of the fruit of the Spirit and I have thought a lot about why perhaps it doesn't show in my life and how do I make it more evident?? I loved his words about it this morning. I really want God's fruit in my life to just pour out, not only my family more but others around me. I need to fight for that more. Not just wish for it but fight for it.
"All of our labor in sanctification would yield no fruit if God were not working in us. Ultimately, it is His fruit in that He is the source of it and power for it. But the full measure of the fruit of the Spirit requires that we work. We are to work not casually or occasionally. Our labor is to be done in fear and trembling.
Coram Deo: God is at work within you. Are you cooperating?" RC Sproul
My other thought lately has been about relationships with men. I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Heather Chavez, Chris Chavez's wife, he's on staff at The Village. She is just such a wonderful woman. She told me all about her dating Chris and I was just blown away. The time that they spent praying before deciding if they should go have coffee, fasting before pursuing a relationship to be sure of God's will. I never did any of that when considering who I liked and if I would go out with them. Another was this guy named Joel from the Denton campus sharing with me about having to speak to a gal's mentor before going on a first date and the godliness that I saw coming from him in wanting to do the right thing there and be above reproach in all of it. These men give me hope. I won't settle ever!!!!! You can take that to the bank! I have not dated since arriving and as each day passes and I hear these stories and see so many godly men at The Village I'm holding out for that man. If he never comes then that's fine also. I love that God has shown Himself so mighty in my life that it's okay for me and that my desire for a man that is not going to let me look at anything but Christ for my foundation and stability is just so excited. Having someone thinking of Christ first in my life instead of their own selfish pleasures is just such a wonderful thought. It's out there!!! Mind you, not perfection but a man with a true heart for the Lord. AMEN
So those are the thoughts that have been on my mind lately and I can't tell you the excitement it stirs in me to push hard for that fruit and the peace of knowing that God is so much more than enough. I have a joy in him and a contentment that allows me to never have to settle.
I hope everyone is as excited about fall as I am and just daily sees new beautiful pictures of the Lord at work in our lives.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Off and running!!!
Drew dirt biking with his best buddy Evan. Won't mention the wreak he had that day. ugh.....
Hunter flew out to Justin's for 10 days this summer by himself. Great bro bonding time!!!
So the fall is upon us and we are hitting it hard. There is so much going on and so many changes in our lives I really don't think I can get it all in without missing something.
Drew is playing football and is just a mad man. He made starting center for the A team and I am so proud of him. He is loving school and fitting right in "texas football". Not sure how I'm doing with it but we'll see. I promise I will not become a crazy football mom. The only thing I'm gonna get crazy about is making sure these boys love God.
Hunter is making some great changes and I'm really excited for him. Starting recovery at The Village on Saturday morning and I'm so crazy excited to see what God is going to do in his life this fall. He's so great and funny and I love that God gave him to me.
Justin is planning a trip this fall to Dallas and we can't wait. Friends are coming down for the big game at the Dallas Cowboy Stadium, University of Arkansas plays on the field. Cecely is twirling and we are very excited to get to see her. Justin is loving Dallas and we are hoping to get him here next summer.
Things for me are just nuts, kinda like the bathroom, (sorry, hot rod) and moving at a very fast pace. Still working at UNT but going part-time. Still loving school!! Added to the fall a leadership position in Women's Bible Study at The Village. This one has just got me blown away. Thinking that God wants to use me to speak into my girls lives. That He has entrusted them to me. That I have to be above reproach. It's amazing. I have had such a great time praying for each of their hearts and wisdom as I enter into their lives. Had a great training and loved getting to know Natile Patterson, Heather Chavez, Ann Hasting, Jennifer Wilkins, and many more. I love the women of The Village and how God is using them all to conform me more each day. HOW AMAZING!!!
Got some great UNT football coming up, last home game of the rangers, before playoffs with my great UNT buddies, Oh my word, how could I forget the Sufjan concert with UNT friends. See, it's just going so fast and I am loving every speedy minute of it!!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Things that make me happy!!!!
Right now I have a lot of things that make me happy. Please understand that I still struggle with the guilt of my past relationship and the scars it has left on all but it's not where God wants me to plant myself so I am gonna talk tonight about things that make me happy. So, here we go!!!
1) That I have The Office and am given so many chances each day to make funny office comments to myself.
2) I work with some awesome people. They make me laugh, smile, giggle, breath in a breathe of content, love me, care for me, and walk the whole thing out with me.
3) I have that great Drew to come home to every night and he finally got a hair cut. He really takes care of me.
4) Hunter and Justin in Hawaii having the time of their lives. That makes me so happy when I think about how much fun they're having.
5) A totally awesome church, great friends from that church, ones that made me attack my sin with crazy violence and praise God we got through it and are in the happy lands now. Totally love Chandler and not just Mr. Mrs. is just as sweet and each time we are together my heart just patters with joy.
6) My summer, Justin came home, Madison came, Joel came, the boys were all home. My house full of boys just makes me smile all the time!!! I love my boys.
7) God loves me so much and is just showing me so much. I feel like I am growing and learning so much right now. It's so good. I have so much to learn. I have struggled in so many areas and it feels so good to see the change coming. I love celebrating with friends over new revelations about the Lord in my life.
I have to stop. I want to write about some really fun places I love to eat, some crazy things Casi, Jeananne, and I have been doing. Some really funny times with Judi. The unbelievable graciousness of my sweet friend Kent, Shark week, my new esv on my phone, my notecards on my spiral ring that I read all day. I have got to stop. Life is beautiful. Live it today, in the now, with the people in front of you!!!!! GOD IS UNBELIEVABLE, BEYOND WHAT I DESERVE, WONDERFUL, GRACIOUS, MIGHTY TO SAVE, AND ALL EMCOMPASSING. LOVE HIM TONS!!!!!
1) That I have The Office and am given so many chances each day to make funny office comments to myself.
2) I work with some awesome people. They make me laugh, smile, giggle, breath in a breathe of content, love me, care for me, and walk the whole thing out with me.
3) I have that great Drew to come home to every night and he finally got a hair cut. He really takes care of me.
4) Hunter and Justin in Hawaii having the time of their lives. That makes me so happy when I think about how much fun they're having.
5) A totally awesome church, great friends from that church, ones that made me attack my sin with crazy violence and praise God we got through it and are in the happy lands now. Totally love Chandler and not just Mr. Mrs. is just as sweet and each time we are together my heart just patters with joy.
6) My summer, Justin came home, Madison came, Joel came, the boys were all home. My house full of boys just makes me smile all the time!!! I love my boys.
7) God loves me so much and is just showing me so much. I feel like I am growing and learning so much right now. It's so good. I have so much to learn. I have struggled in so many areas and it feels so good to see the change coming. I love celebrating with friends over new revelations about the Lord in my life.
I have to stop. I want to write about some really fun places I love to eat, some crazy things Casi, Jeananne, and I have been doing. Some really funny times with Judi. The unbelievable graciousness of my sweet friend Kent, Shark week, my new esv on my phone, my notecards on my spiral ring that I read all day. I have got to stop. Life is beautiful. Live it today, in the now, with the people in front of you!!!!! GOD IS UNBELIEVABLE, BEYOND WHAT I DESERVE, WONDERFUL, GRACIOUS, MIGHTY TO SAVE, AND ALL EMCOMPASSING. LOVE HIM TONS!!!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Just wanted to say HI!!!!!!
So it has been crazy busy and the summer is just flying by out of no where. I have had just one blessing after another!!! I have loved being a part of The Village church this summer. God has shown me such amazing grace through so many people I can't even speak!!!!! It has been so much fun just sharing time with so many people, laughing like crazy, sharing life, and experiencing God. I can honestly say I never thought I could come so far, so wonderfully, with such great people. It is amazing to be back to life and living it for Christ ALONE!!!!
Justin is home, the boys are back soon, and Madison is on his way!!! To have all my babies in the same time zone is just too much!!! I have such a wonderful man of God in Justin, such a blessing of two beautiful sons that I am walking the journey with. It is again just too much for words.
I truly can't see how someone could live without giving credit to God. For seeing his beautiful handy work in our daily lives. A day without praising Him is beyond my comprehension. Nothing is easy, nothing is without a trying time but everything is beautiful in His time!!!!
I just can't tell you how much I love God!!!!
Justin is home, the boys are back soon, and Madison is on his way!!! To have all my babies in the same time zone is just too much!!! I have such a wonderful man of God in Justin, such a blessing of two beautiful sons that I am walking the journey with. It is again just too much for words.
I truly can't see how someone could live without giving credit to God. For seeing his beautiful handy work in our daily lives. A day without praising Him is beyond my comprehension. Nothing is easy, nothing is without a trying time but everything is beautiful in His time!!!!
I just can't tell you how much I love God!!!!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
So much to say!!!
That title alone should make you smile coming from me!!!!
Okay, so let's start off with sports. It's just not my summer! Cubs need to step it up. I'm getting a little discouraged. Went to a game last summer and it was so fun!! I love the Cubs. Come on guys!!! World Cup next, the only saving grace for me has been Germany. Thank you Germany!! You made the cup for me. Was so sick after Ghana but Germany made my day so I'm feeling much better. Tennis, Oh heaven help me. I went to ESPN. com this morning and almost threw up. I dislike Nadal greatly. Blah, Blah, Blah... He makes me sick. My man Roger gets knocked out by a 16th seed. What is happening this summer??????
Moving on... The summer has been great! What's the reason you might ask?????? GOD!!! Done nothing special, no new love, no big trips, just a wonderful, peaceful, sweet time with my Lord. That has made this the best summer ever. Just He and I. What a beautiful season to be learning such a sweet peace and joy in Him alone. I thought this would be the worst being alone and not having this just kickin' summer but it has been so sweet and I have had just one sweet blessing after another. I love God and the wonderful joy He gives us!!!!
Few big things... Justin comes July 19th for two weeks, Madison comes July 25th for four days and the boys will be home on the 24th. Yes, that's right!! The four boys all to myself for four glorious days and I can't wait!! So many plans, so much fun. sidenote: that's part of the wonderful summer blessings from God.
It's been the best summer and I love it!!!!!
Oh, Happy 4th everyone!!
Okay, so let's start off with sports. It's just not my summer! Cubs need to step it up. I'm getting a little discouraged. Went to a game last summer and it was so fun!! I love the Cubs. Come on guys!!! World Cup next, the only saving grace for me has been Germany. Thank you Germany!! You made the cup for me. Was so sick after Ghana but Germany made my day so I'm feeling much better. Tennis, Oh heaven help me. I went to ESPN. com this morning and almost threw up. I dislike Nadal greatly. Blah, Blah, Blah... He makes me sick. My man Roger gets knocked out by a 16th seed. What is happening this summer??????
Moving on... The summer has been great! What's the reason you might ask?????? GOD!!! Done nothing special, no new love, no big trips, just a wonderful, peaceful, sweet time with my Lord. That has made this the best summer ever. Just He and I. What a beautiful season to be learning such a sweet peace and joy in Him alone. I thought this would be the worst being alone and not having this just kickin' summer but it has been so sweet and I have had just one sweet blessing after another. I love God and the wonderful joy He gives us!!!!
Few big things... Justin comes July 19th for two weeks, Madison comes July 25th for four days and the boys will be home on the 24th. Yes, that's right!! The four boys all to myself for four glorious days and I can't wait!! So many plans, so much fun. sidenote: that's part of the wonderful summer blessings from God.
It's been the best summer and I love it!!!!!
Oh, Happy 4th everyone!!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
can you imagine...
"But a question remains: How can God do this? How can God justify the ungodly and yet be just? God can justify the ungodly by pouring out his wrath on a perfect substitute, on one who had no sin. Christ was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities and by his stripes we are healed. God treated Jesus as if he had personally committed every sin by every person who would ever believe although in reality he never committed any of them. He was a perfect substitute. And when Christians go into the world, this is the message we need to tell people, that Christ paid in full for all who would believe. This is why Jesus needed to die."
Sometimes I read things like this and it stops me dead in my tracks. I have a heart that is so desperately wicked. My sins are so great and so deep and have affected so many. My thought is that I have to be reconciled to everyone. That I need to make peace with all. That I need to make things right. Ever more so when I have stepped out and now are looking back and see it clearly. This I suppose is where my codependency comes into play. Wanting the approval of the world and everyone in it. Making sure that all is right and sometimes that's just not the case. Then I read something like this and I realize, Jesus paid it all. It's okay. My sin is covered. I can look back at past poor behaviors and it's okay. Christ has paid it and it's forgiven. That's enough.
Sometimes I read things like this and it stops me dead in my tracks. I have a heart that is so desperately wicked. My sins are so great and so deep and have affected so many. My thought is that I have to be reconciled to everyone. That I need to make peace with all. That I need to make things right. Ever more so when I have stepped out and now are looking back and see it clearly. This I suppose is where my codependency comes into play. Wanting the approval of the world and everyone in it. Making sure that all is right and sometimes that's just not the case. Then I read something like this and I realize, Jesus paid it all. It's okay. My sin is covered. I can look back at past poor behaviors and it's okay. Christ has paid it and it's forgiven. That's enough.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
just think about this...
It was far above the power of nature, and even contrary to its laws, that the aged Sarah should be honoured with a son; and even so it is beyond all ordinary rules that I, a poor, helpless, undone sinner, should find grace to bear about in my soul the indwelling Spirit of the Lord Jesus. I, who once despaired, as well I might, for my nature was as dry, and withered, and barren, and accursed as a howling wilderness, even I have been made to bring forth fruit unto holiness. Well may my mouth be filled with joyous laughter, because of the singular, surprising grace which I have received of the Lord, for I have found Jesus, the promised seed, and He is mine for ever. This day will I lift up psalms of triumph unto the Lord who has remembered my low estate, for “my heart rejoiceth in the Lord; mine horn is exalted in the Lord; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies, because I rejoice in Thy salvation.” I would have all those that hear of my great deliverance from hell, and my most blessed visitation from on high, laugh for joy with me.
Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening.
I read this today and just sat for a moment when I thought about the God of this Universe. He knows me, me. How do I even comprehend that He knows me. That he brings me laughter. That he has turned my mourning into dancing. That He has turned my sorrow into Joy.
Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening.
I read this today and just sat for a moment when I thought about the God of this Universe. He knows me, me. How do I even comprehend that He knows me. That he brings me laughter. That he has turned my mourning into dancing. That He has turned my sorrow into Joy.
Friday, June 11, 2010
great word from RC Sproul website
Something Old, Something New
by Eric Watkins
How can confessional Reformed churches provide a safe haven for New Calvinists? A simple answer to this may fail to appreciate the diversity of each new Calvinist’s spiritual pilgrimage, and thus runs the danger of not ministering particular grace to particular people in their particular situations. But that does not mean that there are not certain ideas (even general ones) that may be helpful for confessional pastors and churches to consider as they seek to minister to these weathered pilgrims seeking spiritual haven.
New Calvinists are likely to be attracted to confessional Reformed churches for a variety of reasons. It may be the beauty, reverence, and simplicity of Reformed worship, or perhaps they are attracted to the emphasis in Reformed piety on the outward and ordinary means of grace. It may even be that they are tired of getting lost in the mega-scene and are looking for ecclesiastical and pastoral connectedness. While theology may appear to lie at the heart of their quest, it should be remembered that there is something very old about new Calvinists: they are, in many respects, common Christians with common problems and needs. They, like all Christians, are wounded and weary sheep. They need to see that not only are our churches theologically faithful, but that they are servant-hearted hospitals from which a tender ministry of mercy is extended to the people of God. How can this be effected?
I would like to suggest that while there is an important place for the dialogue about the differences between old and new Calvinism, these issues ought not to eclipse something that John Calvin believed was at the heart of the Reformation and essential to the Christian life. That “something” is the church’s life in Christ. Calvinism has a heightened sensitivity to the covenantal aspect of the gospel. It finds our fallen nature to be that which we inherited from our first father, Adam. Since then, all the world is pricked by the thorns and thistles of this present evil age. The cursed wages of sin (death) reign over all men without exception. But the story of the first Adam is not the end of the story. God gave a covenant promise to raise up a second Adam who would fulfill the covenant Adam broke, endure the curse on behalf of His people, and grant them righteousness and life in Himself.
The link between the covenant and Calvinism is hard to miss; on the other hand, it is too easily taken for granted. Set against the backdrop of our sinfulness in Adam and our personal sins against God, the gospel is like a magnificent diamond. Its many facets capture our gaze. It is beautiful. New Calvinists, like all Christians, need to hear this gospel preached to them over and over. Too often the preaching of the gospel is reduced to that which unbelievers need. While unbelievers do need to hear it, we must remember that Christians need to hear the gospel as well. They need to be reminded Lord’s Day after Lord’s Day from what they have been saved and who it is that so graciously saved them. They need to hear that though this world bears the curse and shame of the first Adam, it shall be transformed by the resurrection glory of the last Adam. They need to be assured that the Christ who died for them is also at work in them, completing the good work that He has begun by the power of the Spirit, and that the completion of this work is as sure as Christ’s resurrection. They need to be reminded that being united to Christ implies being conformed to Christ’s image, and that the primary tool by which God molds us into the image of Christ is the cross. This is the pilgrim’s path, and there is no other.
Romans 8 captures this so very well. Verse 28 is often used to comfort Christians, yet one of the ways in which it offers the most comfort is by showing us how all the difficult things that “work together for good” are working toward the particular goal of conforming us “to the image of his Son” (v. 29). God’s design for our lives is that we should be conformed by “all things” into the image of Christ until the day of glorification with Him. It is because of this that Paul could say, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18).
New Calvinists, like all Christians, are pilgrims making their way toward the city of Zion. Their theological path has likely taken difficult turns over time. They may have paid the relational costs of being identified with Calvinists or moving from one church to another. They are wounded not only by the world but perhaps even by Christians. As they stumble into our churches, they do so as those who are seeking the Great Physician. They can be truly comforted by no other. Before we seek to engage the finer points of their theology, let us first seek to comfort their souls by reminding them of that which so truly comforts every Calvinist and indeed every Christian — life in Christ. Foundational to providing safe haven to new Calvinists is the preaching of the gospel; and that is nothing new.
by Eric Watkins
How can confessional Reformed churches provide a safe haven for New Calvinists? A simple answer to this may fail to appreciate the diversity of each new Calvinist’s spiritual pilgrimage, and thus runs the danger of not ministering particular grace to particular people in their particular situations. But that does not mean that there are not certain ideas (even general ones) that may be helpful for confessional pastors and churches to consider as they seek to minister to these weathered pilgrims seeking spiritual haven.
New Calvinists are likely to be attracted to confessional Reformed churches for a variety of reasons. It may be the beauty, reverence, and simplicity of Reformed worship, or perhaps they are attracted to the emphasis in Reformed piety on the outward and ordinary means of grace. It may even be that they are tired of getting lost in the mega-scene and are looking for ecclesiastical and pastoral connectedness. While theology may appear to lie at the heart of their quest, it should be remembered that there is something very old about new Calvinists: they are, in many respects, common Christians with common problems and needs. They, like all Christians, are wounded and weary sheep. They need to see that not only are our churches theologically faithful, but that they are servant-hearted hospitals from which a tender ministry of mercy is extended to the people of God. How can this be effected?
I would like to suggest that while there is an important place for the dialogue about the differences between old and new Calvinism, these issues ought not to eclipse something that John Calvin believed was at the heart of the Reformation and essential to the Christian life. That “something” is the church’s life in Christ. Calvinism has a heightened sensitivity to the covenantal aspect of the gospel. It finds our fallen nature to be that which we inherited from our first father, Adam. Since then, all the world is pricked by the thorns and thistles of this present evil age. The cursed wages of sin (death) reign over all men without exception. But the story of the first Adam is not the end of the story. God gave a covenant promise to raise up a second Adam who would fulfill the covenant Adam broke, endure the curse on behalf of His people, and grant them righteousness and life in Himself.
The link between the covenant and Calvinism is hard to miss; on the other hand, it is too easily taken for granted. Set against the backdrop of our sinfulness in Adam and our personal sins against God, the gospel is like a magnificent diamond. Its many facets capture our gaze. It is beautiful. New Calvinists, like all Christians, need to hear this gospel preached to them over and over. Too often the preaching of the gospel is reduced to that which unbelievers need. While unbelievers do need to hear it, we must remember that Christians need to hear the gospel as well. They need to be reminded Lord’s Day after Lord’s Day from what they have been saved and who it is that so graciously saved them. They need to hear that though this world bears the curse and shame of the first Adam, it shall be transformed by the resurrection glory of the last Adam. They need to be assured that the Christ who died for them is also at work in them, completing the good work that He has begun by the power of the Spirit, and that the completion of this work is as sure as Christ’s resurrection. They need to be reminded that being united to Christ implies being conformed to Christ’s image, and that the primary tool by which God molds us into the image of Christ is the cross. This is the pilgrim’s path, and there is no other.
Romans 8 captures this so very well. Verse 28 is often used to comfort Christians, yet one of the ways in which it offers the most comfort is by showing us how all the difficult things that “work together for good” are working toward the particular goal of conforming us “to the image of his Son” (v. 29). God’s design for our lives is that we should be conformed by “all things” into the image of Christ until the day of glorification with Him. It is because of this that Paul could say, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18).
New Calvinists, like all Christians, are pilgrims making their way toward the city of Zion. Their theological path has likely taken difficult turns over time. They may have paid the relational costs of being identified with Calvinists or moving from one church to another. They are wounded not only by the world but perhaps even by Christians. As they stumble into our churches, they do so as those who are seeking the Great Physician. They can be truly comforted by no other. Before we seek to engage the finer points of their theology, let us first seek to comfort their souls by reminding them of that which so truly comforts every Calvinist and indeed every Christian — life in Christ. Foundational to providing safe haven to new Calvinists is the preaching of the gospel; and that is nothing new.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
just so much...
WOW!!!! What a summer this is shaping into. We had a great kick off in Arkansas with a wonderful holiday weekend. Planning on another trip up this summer and can't wait. So great to spend time with loved ones. Working full time and going to school full time so that is one big UGH..... Grad classes have started for me and well, UGH..... Loving The Village this summer as well. Have gone up to Denton a couple times and going this Sunday with one of our student workers. She hasn't been to church for a long time and I am blessed beyond measure to be sharing this time with her. Have such sweet friends from church, we have formed a dinner club with the girls and it's just hours, I mean hours, of laughing and having a great time. Really enjoying getting to know Lauren a little better and she just blesses me. Sat together in Wednesday night Elder-led prayer and it was a sweet little gift. Chandler is just on fire. I think this week's message was the best yet for me. That cat is just so on and I love that he allows himself to be totally free and used by God. My home is going to be crazy this summer. Justin comes home, Madison flys down, the boys are in and out. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!! I just sit and smile when I think about where I am. God is just unfolding this life for us so unbelievably, amazingly, graciously. I just am tickled pink. I LOVE GOD!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)