Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Greatest Gift of All

"and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manager." Luke 2:7a

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Celebrate the gift of the Christ child.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Shine Brightly for Christ

I love seeing a star-filled sky. There is something majestic at seeing those lights shine.

During the Christmas season, shining brightly is often heard. The lights shine bright, the star shone all around us, etc..In Philippians 2, Paul admonishes us to shine brightly for Christ. He provides us guidance in order that we may shine. We are to “obey God with deep reverence and fear, do everything without complaining and arguing, live clean innocent lives, and hold firmly to the word of life”.

Father, I pray that during this Christmas season that I may shine brightly for Christ. I pray that all the frustration the season can bring will be diminished by knowing the true light, the true star of the season, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the giving the gift of the true light. Amen

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Beginning

I John 1:1 (NSB) “That which was from the beginning”

When thinking of the journey to Bethlehem the focus is often on the physical trip that Mary and Joseph took. While I shudder to think of taking such a difficult journey being very pregnant and under such difficult circumstances, the true journey to Bethlehem started long before Mary and Joseph took the first step on the road. It was no less an easy journey because it was filled with folks like you and I, less than perfect beings.

All journeys have a beginning, a starting point. The true journey to Bethlehem began at the very beginning of life. John 1:2 tells us that “He (Jesus) was with God in the beginning”. The Christ-child knew long before His arrival in a lowly stable, the cost of the journey. Yet, He came, without hesitation, because of His love for you and me.

Come travel this journey to Bethlehem, to the birth of our Lord. The road is filled with prophecies, praises, fear, danger, decrees, family issues and more. But most of all, it is filled will mercy. God’s mercy shines throughout it all. If you feel unworthy, come and allow God to show you His mercy, His boundless love, His grace that He offers to you. Come journey to Bethlehem.

Prayer: Father, as we begin this journey, travel with us.

Digging deeper: Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:17, John 1:1-4

Monday, November 29, 2010

How Do You Smell

First thing in the morning, I take a shower, wash my hair using product on my body so that 1) I don't stink, 2)so that I am clean, and 3) so that I smell good to others. Do you know we smell to God? How exciting it is that as a christian, one who has been washed by the blood, that I am "to God the aroma of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15a)!

So, how do you smell?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Running to Win

Life is hard. It is oft times discouraging. Sometimes the drive to go on dwindles, yet God tells us that When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God. (Isaiah 43) He is “still in His temple and He still rules”. (Psalm 11:4b)

So, I will “Run to win” (I Cor. 9:24a), to bring glory to God, to do the work, to do the best that I can so that God is glorified (I Cor. 10:31b). I will “Run with purpose” (I Cor. 9:26b).

Friday, November 19, 2010

Fret Not

Fret not. I just heard those words the other day from Wendy Pope in her online blog site. Words of wisdom shared through the scriptures. Fret not “for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail nor forsake you.” I Chronicles 28:20b

Monday, November 15, 2010

Classifieds

Blast from the past:

I have been cleaning out files on the computer and have ran across some fun things such as these actual ads:

Toaster: A gift that every member of the family appreciates.
Automatically burns toast.

Man, honest. Will take anything.

Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated. Come here first.

Christmas tag-sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person.

Wanted: Hair cutter. Excellent growth potential.

Wanted. Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.

Our bikinis are exciting. They are simply the tops.

Get rid of aunts. Zap does the job in 24 hours.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

An Extra Hour

USA Today has 5 suggestions for the extra hour we "get" when turning our clocks back this weekend: 1)do something you' ve bee putting off, 2)clean out a junk drawer, 3)take a long walk, 4) get prepared (replace fire alarm batteries, etc) and 5), sleep! I think they forgot the most important one, spending time with God through reading His word or prayer. Sleep for me is an obvious choice, but this time I am going to choose differently in preparation for corporate worship on Sunday morning. How about you?

"There is a time for everything" Ecclesiastes 3:1a

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Voting Thoughts

In light of the upcoming election..

Elections. Politics. In our house, one is not allowed to complain about most anything unless they vote. Just a standing rule that needs no prodding to be enforced; we all love to complain too much to let such a simple thing stop us.

I’m not as concerned with politics as others in the family. I know what I believe and the direction I want our country, our state, our county, our town to go. Living in this state for just over a year, I am not as politically suave as I was in the last state I resided. However, I do know that those who have been in office have had their chance to make a difference; time to go. I do know that I cannot afford any more taxes, levies, or other such things; a cut-off must be made. Since I have to do with less, unfortunately so are others. Ripples affect more than just one.

It is a privilege to vote, it is a duty to vote, it is my right. And to live in my household, it is necessary for survival- I just can’t keep my mouth shut for another year or two.

Smart or Due Diligence

It time to share something that troubles me and to clear the air.

Currently, I am enrolled in a doctoral program, having finished with 11 classes, 5 more to go before starting the dissertation process pending passing the GRE. When people find out or talk to me about the program or that I am even in the program, invariably I am told how smart I am. But this statement is false. I have grades from my undergraduate studies, even less than stellar grades in the MBA program that testify to the false accusation. True, my current grades in the doctoral program are high; they have to be to stay in the program. However, I earn these grades through due diligence. I spend anywhere from 40 to 80 hours a week in research, analytical processes, writing of countless papers (average of 3 papers a week and responding to classmates’ papers with at least one full page response that must be factual using peer-reviewed articles to validate my analyses) and hours of frustration, prayer and tears. Smart, no- just hours of hard work that I am privileged to do on this journey that God is taking me on (hm… wonder if it is just for His humor….).

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Today's Word

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28 (AKJV)

Today I needed to hear these words from Him. How about you?

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Impossible to Possible

There are times when it seems the problems of life are insurmountable, when what is required is impossible. At least, for me, for a mere human. However, I have a God who is a God of possible. Nothing is impossible for Him.

"Whatever is impossible for people is possible with God" Luke 18:27b (NLT) How great is that!!!!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Colors of Fall







After church today, Chris booted me out of the house (thank you, hon) before I drove both of us nuts. It was a perfect fall day- the sun shining, warm enough without being hot, and the colors of nature were vibrant. I enjoy this time of the year, wish it would last longer.

"For everything there is a season" Ecclesiastes 3:1a (NLT)

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Fearing the Locals

"Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the alter at its old site. then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the alter on the Lord each morning and evening." Ezra 3:3

Fear stops many of us from doing what we know is right, from doing what we should be doing, from stopping injustices and wrongdoing. The Israelites in Ezra's time had come home to rebuild the temple.They had long been exiled from their land, but were finally allowed to return and build the temple, having been given the king's permission. The local people who had taken over were not really receptive to the Israelites, causing the Israelites to be afraid. Though they were afraid, the fear did not deter them from the work, worship, and service of God.

How am I handling my fear of the "locals"? Am I speaking up against injustices, am I openly worshiping, praying in public or am I hiding? What about you?

Our God will not leave you alone with your fear. He is right there beside you all the time. Cling to Him and step out, pushing through your fear of the locals.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Dancing in the Journey

I took a walk with Chris last night. The weather was perfect for walking; the sun was just going down for the night, the humidity was low, the temperature just perfect. The time together was precious and enjoyable. Sixteen months ago, I would not even have considered such a walk, fearful of the physical pain that would be sure to come with the exertion. Last night, I had no pain and the time with Chris is so much more than money can ever buy. The past fifteen months have not been easy, and yet I would not wish them away. As the line in a song goes “in missing the pain, I am also missing the dance.” Because I have put my hope, my trust, my faith in the Father, I am able to dance in the journey.

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God." Psalm 146:5 (NIV)

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me." Psalm 138:8a (NIV)


Thank you, Father, for being able to dance in journey.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Nakacations

USA Today (newspaper of choice if I must read one) reported that 2010 is the year of Nakations! It is a new word (shades of neologism in my mind) that means naked vacations. I like vacations, love all kinds of traveling and experiencing different things, but this is a bit much for this grandma.

"Travelers indicate in their reviews that the real appeal of nude beaches has nothing to do with flaunting one's flesh or checking out the neighboring eye candy," said Amelie Hurst, a TripAdvisor spokeswoman. "Rather the spaces often benefit from a lack of crowds and beautiful settings that can be enjoyed by any demographic." Yep, that is so why those who go to the nude beaches, ……….. really?

Guess traveling is light since no clothes have to be packed. I think, however, that I will skip the Nakation this year. How about you?

Faith Filled Friday

Seen on a sign in the shop of my husband's aunt & uncle (Vinyl & Stitch) "Faith is not believing that God can, it is KNOWING God will."

"I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Monday, August 9, 2010

Today is Book Lover's Day



Today is book lover's day. I appreciate books and hear grumblings by family members every time we move because of all the books that move with me. I can reread many times over a good book; it is like being welcomed by a good friend. Reading has taken me places that I have yet to go or most likely will never get to go to. From the time I can remember I have fallen asleep reading books. Books have always been on my nightstand. I have been able to experience things vicariously; I learn so much through reading books.

I thought I would share with you what I reading now. Just so you don't get eye strain looking at the picture to figure out the titles, here is a list of what I am enjoying:
Change is Like a Slinky- Hans Finzel
I am Hutterite- Mary Ann Kirby
The Heart Mender- Andy Andrews
When Generations Collide- Lynn Lancaster & David Stillman
Driving Change: The UPS Approach to Business- Mike Brewster & Frederick Dalzell
Jesus Wants to Save Christians- Ron Bell & Don Colden
The Generational Imperative- Chuck Underwood
Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus- Wayne Stiles
Knock Out- Catherine Coulter
Blue Dahlia- Nora Roberts
Heart of a Cowboy- Margaret Daley

Along with books for school: Organization Development and Change, Action Research, and Dissertations and Theses from Start to Finish.

But, my favorite right now is the One Year Chronological Bible, the NLT. Doing a study online with this and it is great!

So, what are you reading? What is your favorite book of all time? Favorite author?

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Attributes of God

Reading along in the One Year Chronological Bible (NLT) for today, I saw the many attributes of God. The readings were in Isaiah, a prophetic book, chapters 48:12-52:12.

He is:
1st and last (48:12)
Sovereign (48:16)
Redeemer (48:17/ 49:7/52:9)
Holy (48:17/ 49:7)
teacher (48:17)
leads (48:17)
creator (49:5)
merciful (49:10)
comforter (49:13)
fights for us (49:25)
provider
Mighty one (49:26)
rescue-er (50)
giver of justice (51:4)
powerful (52:6)
protector (52:12)

All that and He claims me! I am His through the blood shed by Jesus Christ!

Thank you Father, being all that you are, and yet, you claim me, you care for and about me.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Hiding My Sin

"But I know you well- where you stay and when you come and go." 2 Kings 19:27a, Isaiah 37:28a.

I remember watching a tv show where a very special vase had been broke by kids playing ball in the house, something they had been repeatedly told not to do. The kids tried to glue to vase back together and looked like a successful job. At least until the mother went to water the plant and the water seeped out everywhere. The kids were found out.

Now and then I am like that when I sin. I want to try and hide what I have done from God. I know better. God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, so why do I try and hide it from Him? Guilt, shame, pride. And yet, the bible tells us in Numbers 32:23 “and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” Through the work of the Holy Spirit God works on my heart about the sin, and about trying to hide it from Him.
However, when I confess, forgiveness is immediate. My father loves me and wanted to have that sin out in the open so that I may rid myself of it and have the desired relationship with Him.

Father, forgive me for trying to hide my sin and for my sin. I know You are loving and want me to walk in your ways, ways that are for my good. I ask for forgiveness and thank you that You see me, when I am good, and when I am bad and You love me regardless. Amen.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Forgiveness

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6: 14-15 (NIV)

"Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you , not seven times, but seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian woman who survived a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust, said, "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."

Have you ever shared something with someone you thought of as a friend only to have that confidence made public or told to another person? The feeling of betrayal is like a knife in the back. The first instinct is to get even, yet Jesus calls us on this, telling us to act in a different manner. He tells us to forgive, not once, but seventy times seven. In the act of forgiveness, we also need to examine our own actions; perhaps we are really the ones needed to be forgiven. Seventy times seven sounds like a lot, but look at what Christ has forgiven us and that number pales in comparison. Mary Fairchild writes, “we forgive out of obedience to the Lord. It is a choice, a decision we make. However, as we do this "forgiving," we discover the command is in place for our own good, and we receive the reward of our forgiveness - freedom.”

Thank you Father for the forgiveness found in Christ, for the redemption that I can never repay. May I be reminded when I am hurt by others that the hurt I feel is nothing compared to what You feel when I sin. May I always remember the price paid for my freedom. Amen.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Waiting

“Blessed are those who wait for Him” Isaiah 30:18b (NIV)

The NASB translates it as “Blessed are all those who long for Him”.

Waiting is not easy. Some of the hardest waiting I have done is waiting for the birth of my children and grandchildren, waiting for my husband to come home after being gone for weeks for training and duty. This waiting involves anticipation and trust.

This scripture the waiting means to trust when a situation looks helpless (NIV Study Bible notes). We are to wait patiently; believing God will meet our needs, waiting in anticipation of what He is going to do, waiting in hope built upon the firm foundation of our relationship with Him.

How are you waiting today? Is your foundation firm or shaky? Where is your hope centered?

The Father tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” You can have that hope, that future.

Father, I pray that anyone who is waiting, is waiting with the hope that You give us. I thank you for that hope, for that future and I am trusting in You to see me through. Amen.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Flag Day


Today is Flag Day. It is a day to proudly display and show respect for our flag. I love seeing the flag flying; it represents freedom and so much more.

Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist! Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to make the country's first flag and the rest is history.

Francis Scott Key Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Faith Filled Friday

"As I go forward step by step, the way will be opened up for me." Proverbs 4:12

Faith is taking that next step, even when we are unsure of where it is going, but believing that God is leading us.

"for He who has promised is faithful" Hebrews 10:23b

Monday, May 31, 2010

Remembering and Giving Thanks on Memorial Day


May today we remember all those who have served and are serving this great country. Thank you for your sacrifice, your devotion, your service.
May we also remember the families who have stood beside, who have lost a loved one that served, and who are sacrificing today so their loved one can serve. Thank you!
Thanking especially today my husband and brother who have served, my son-in-law and nephew for serving, and my daughter as she stands beside her husband supporting our son-in-law as he serves. Also a big thanks to other family members who are serving, and have served: uncles and cousins.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Gratitude

I Chronicles 16:8-9 says “Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his miracles.”

Gratitude is a word that often seems to be missing from the vocabulary today. So many things that people do for us are taken for granted, even expected. Giving thanks is oft forgotten or just not done. To give thanks means to be thankful for something, to appreciate and be grateful for the good things in your life. A little gratitude can go a long way in making people’s day a little better.

The one we seem to least offer thanks to is the one who should be given constant thanks- Our Heavenly Father. Without Him, there is no life, no reason to celebrate, no hope of a tomorrow. We can never repay what He has done for us, but we can give thanks. Think how much just saying thanks to Him means. He loves and wants our fellowship.

Be it ever so simple, it comes from my heart. Today, Father, I give you thanks.

Who should you say thank you to?

Friday, May 21, 2010

Faith Filled Friday

"God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying." Revelation 21:4

Monday, May 17, 2010

Things Seen on a Drive




Took a country drive today on Michigan and Indiana back-roads. What fun! Some things that caught my attention beside the deer on the road that did not stand still for a picture are: people sell everything, live in unique structures, God has created some magnificent creatures and scenery.


Saturday, May 8, 2010

My Favorite Mothers


My daughter and four best gifts ever, our grandchildren!








My mother-in-law, son, and mother

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Asking for More Than Daily Bread

Matthew 6:11 Lord’s Prayer “Give us today our daily bread.”

New Year resolutions frustrate me. I am not good at keeping them. I try different venues for being resolute, even writing them in my daily planner. Still I fall short of keeping the resolution for more than a few weeks. Long range planning is difficult for me. Yet, I strive to achieve it, often working more towards tomorrow than living today. There is nothing wrong with planning and we should. After all, Noah didn’t build the ark in a day. We need goals and must strive to achieve them, but we should not strive so much for tomorrow that we miss today. Life is given to us day-by-day, not year-by-year for a reason. We have a hard enough time handling each day.

I wonder how many of us have prayed this verse of the Lord’s Prayer without really understanding or grasping the meaning. “Give us today our daily bread”. Notice, it doesn’t say give us what we need for the week, month, year or lifetime. It says daily. Jesus tells us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

Start today by taking one day at a time. Begin the day with nourishment from the Father. Ask for the daily bread, God’s life-giving presence. Use what is given to you each day. Don’t become so greedy and untrusting of God to meet our daily needs like the Israelites in Exodus who took more than their daily manna and it became spoiled and filled with maggots. (Exodus 16:20) With faith trust God for today's needs and let go of tomorrow's anxieties. Then step out in obedience to God. God’s supply is abundance and given freely to us.

Prayer: Gracious Father, let me pray for today’s bread, the manna that you have for me for today. Renew me today with your presence. As I receive your daily bread, let me keep my daily dependence on you for my needs. Amen.

Digging deeper: Exodus 16:4, Luke 9:23, Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 6:25, 32-33, Lamentations 3:22-23

Monday, April 26, 2010

Book Review: Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God

Book Review of Shelia Walsh’s book Beautiful Things Happened When a Woman Trusts God

Trust does not often come easily, especially in following where God leads. Shelia shares her lifelong battle with trusting where God has been leading her. Woven with her struggles, Shelia introduces us to ten individuals in the Bible who teach us about trust. Not all the individuals are women, so while the book is written for women, men can also gain much from reading it.

This is not a book to be read at one sitting. There are nuggets to be gleamed from almost every page, wisdom shared on learning to trust. Shelia offers a study in the back to use with a group or as an individual study. This is a great way to dig deeper and I recommend it.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Faith Filled Friday

"Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His word and taking the next step." Joni Erickson Tada

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Monday, March 22, 2010

Why Do We Go Through Trials?


Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” (KJV)

The past few months has seen tumultuous events around the world, devastating earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions. Add to those, man-made events of shootings, rapes, beatings, theft, and other cruelty to fellow humans, then tack on illnesses and accidents that result in pain and at times death. It becomes difficult to not ask why, why is this happening. Why does it seem that we have one trial after another? Why does life never seem to get easier?

Perhaps, it is because we are looking at these events with a heart that needs an attitude adjustment. Everyone goes through something difficult, has something that touches him or her. No one is left unscathed. It is how one handles the trials, the pain, and the disappointment that counts. You (I) can choose to “count it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2 NIV) or you can wallow in self-pity. When trials come run, run to the Father and learn from the trials of life so that you (I) may do as admonished “comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4b NIV). Is it not better to waste not? Trials are a time to grow, to persevere, and to find comfort in the Father.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Faith Filled Friday

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Faith focuses on God instead of the problem. Where my focus is, shows where my faith is also.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Alert or Wipeout


2 Peter 3: 17-18 “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….”
Matthew24:4 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.”


I love riding motorcycles and although I have traded mine for a scooter, the rules of the road are the same. You have to pay attention at all times while riding. A fist-sized rock, loose gravel, small animals, slick pavement, and other motorists can be disastrous for a biker. In a split second you can wipe out. A wipe out on a bike can be more than painful, it can be fatal. A biker needs to be alert at all the time when riding.

As Christians, we need to be alert on our journey here on earth. Satan is a powerful adversary we must always be on guard against. He comes like a thief in the night, constantly looking for and attacking at our most venerable places within our spirits. He knows what size rocks to put in our path to make us stumble and fall.

How do we stay alert and avoid wiping out? By studying God’s word, learning the scriptures, meditating on them, putting them into action and by being in constant prayer. We also need to suit up for the journey. Put on the full armor of God and if we do stumble, we won’t wipe out.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to stay alert, to not wipeout on this journey. Help me be on guard against Satan, to be ever watchful. I pray as he puts rocks in my path, you will help me turn them to pebbles so that I may walk in the way you would have me. Amen.

Digging deeper: I Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 6:10-18, Psalm 119:11

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Praise for the Journey

Another doctorate class completed. Tomorrow starts a new one. I am now more than 1/3 of the way through the classes, 1/6 of the way through the hurdles to obtain that Dr. before my name, the DBA after my name. A long journey!The Lord has been with me through the process and only with Him will I be able to complete the journey to reach the destination. The support of my family, the prayers of my mother, the oft said words of encouragement from Chris are paramount in this journey.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

From God's Storehouses of Snow


"Have you entered the storehouses of snow" Job 38:22
It's snowing outside, coming down at a fairly good rate. This area of Indiana has received several inches of the white cold stuff. All the area schools and many other places have closed for the day. However, not to be daunted, I decided to go out in it. Not that I really needed to as I have plenty of toilet paper, pepsi and junk food, so I am set. But, I wanted to get out. I didn't go far, just enough to enjoy it. Enjoyed being in God's storehouse.

There have been times that I confess to not enjoy being in God's storehouse. And, I have missed out on being in His presence. For I have stepped away from Him at times, and His presence is the greatest of all storehouses. How about you? Are you enjoying being in God's storehouse of grace, mercy and love? You can. Just step into His presence. I John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Then enter into His storehouse!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Celebrating Hump Day

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Hump Wednesday is often a blah time, middle of the week when the weekend is over and the next one seems far away. Attitude can turn a hump day into a day of celebration. Instead of looking at the snow on the ground, I raise my eyes to the blue patches in the sky and smile as I watch the sun play peek-a-boo with the clouds. Instead of whining that I do not have the finances to go out and purchase just what I want from the store, I concentrate on how I have a warm place to live, and a cupboard full of items to cook filling meals. Instead of indulging in feelings of loneliness, I revel in being loved.

Any day can be turned into a holiday; a holiday is any day on which people lay aside their ordinary duties and cares. Natalie wrote a great prayer and is mine for this hump day, “Father, help me today minimize what is minimal and maximize that which is magnificent.”

February is National Snack Food Month, and as a world champion snack food connoisseur, I plan on celebrating this today and turning a hump day into a holiday. Now, to get to those oreos……………

Friday, January 29, 2010

Are You Listening?

Job 13: 5 “If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom” (NIV)

Do you listen with your answers running? It often seems like others don’t listen when I talk, or wait, maybe it is I who does not listen when others talk. There is value in true listening. You can discover what a person is really saying when you truly listen. Just because someone says that they are fine when asked how you are, does not mean they are fine. But ,if you do not listen, you will not know the truth.

We are not called to have the answer for every situation and problem. We are called to listen, and through true listening to hear the words of the heart.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Turning Down the Noise

Job 33:33b “Listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.”

While driving in bad weather or in heavy traffic in unfamiliar cities, my first inclination is to turn down the radio. That act does not help me to see better, but it does allow my senses to focus more acutely on what is happening around me. I pay better attention when the noise is lowered. According to Steven Yentis, a professor at John Hopkins University, an individual’s attention is strictly limited; when attention is given to one modality (listening), it extracts a cost from another modality (vision).

How many times in our spiritual lives do we need to turn down the radio? We allow the noise of the world to invade our spiritual life and become so distracted that we become lost. We take wrong turns; we flounder for direction. What we need to do is to turn down the noise of the world by delving into God’s word on a daily basis, keep our focus on Christ, and then our vision will be following the right direction.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Forgetting

We invite defeat when we remember what we should forget. God's word tells us "Forget about what's happened; Don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present." Isaiah 43:18-19a (MSG) Once we have confessed our sin, God through the blood of Jesus washed that sin away.

Praise changes the view, so when remembering give God the praise and thanks for the grace He has shown.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Are You Trading Your Birthright for a Bowl of Stew

“so he [Esau] swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.” Genesis 25:33b

Esau had been out hunting all day and was hungry, probably feeling tired and not in the mood to cook. Jacob had hung around the tent all day, had a stew simmering in the pot. Esau walked by and the smell enticed him. He wanted that stew; it would appease his immediate desire of hunger. Jacob, Esau's younger twin, coveted what was Esau's- his birthright and was looking for an opportunity to obtain what was not his. Esau wanted the stew, the immediate desire; Jacob coveted something of a greater value. Jacob understood the value of the birthright- a greater percentage of the family wealth and the blessing of the Father. So, seeing Esau's hunger, Jacob would not just give Esau the stew, but bartered for it. Esau did not value the birthright, for he was only concerned with the immediate, and so gave Jacob the birthright in exchange for a bowl of stew.

I shake my head at Esau, but then question, how many times have I sold my birthright so my immediate desires were met? How many times have I purchased an item that was not needed when I could have given that money for missions? How many times have I sat around home playing games on the computer when that time could have been spent with family or helping neighbors? Am I as callous about my birthright as Esau? Are you?

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Kudos to KFC

I am a hard person to market to. I tivo shows so I do not have to watch ads; I do not listen much to the radio, so I do not have to hear ads; I rarely read newspapers and read very few magazines. However, I think KFC has hit on a way to reach people like me. According to USA Today “Fast-food chain KFC is giving two Indiana cities $7,500 so it can emblazon founder Colonel Sanders' face on their hydrants and fire extinguishers to promote new "fiery" chicken wings.” This is a great marketing idea as well as a way to help financially strapped communities. This unique way of advertising grabs the attention of people, just what the marketers want. Now, if KFC would just deliver!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Without a Word

Read an interesting article in the paper today- no seems to know what to call the first ten years of 2000. Of all the words in the languages today, no one has quite come up with a word for those years.

Isn’t that often like feelings? Many times what I am feeling, I lack the words to adequately describe it. Perhaps I just do not yet know the words. I am so glad that I do not need words for my heavenly Father to know what I need, for He understands my groans, my cries.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.” Romans 8:26-27

Digging further: Psalm 102: 19-20; Psalm 38:8-9; Psalm 40:1