So many things happen in our lives over the years that we cannot possibly remember them all. You would think we would remember the things that were traumatic. We don't always remember those things. As a parent, I can say that my kids remember things I do not. When you are raising kids that is what you are doing. You are busy with the discipline, the homework, the schooling, the taxi driving, the recitals, the games and somewhere in there a shower every now and then. The things that happen on a day to day basis do not always imprint themselves on your brain so that you can recall them again. Mostly you just lay down at night in exhaustion for 6 to 8 hours, just to get up and do it all again.
Now my children are adults. My daughter has four children of her own to see after. She is busy and I am sure the description above is hers as it was mine. But my daughter will bring up something from her childhood that I remember nothing about. She did that a couple of weeks ago. She said, "Remember the blue loafers with the tassels you made me wear?" My mind was scrambling because I couldn't remember any blue shoes at all. I am sure that I just bought them because she needed shoes and I got a good deal but to remember them...nope.
"No, I don't," I replied.
"They were terrible. I was so embarrassed to wear them. I remember standing at the bus stop for school with them on. I didn't want anyone to see them. I didn't want to wear them but you made me" she said.
"Mmmmm, I just don't remember that."
"I even talked to your friend about them and she just told me they were classic."
"She was covering for me, I'm sure," I said.
She kept talking about those shoes and how much she hated them and how much she was embarrassed by them. I began to feel bad for having scarred her with blue tasseled shoes. I apologized saying that I didn't realize how badly they made her feel.
Wow! Our memories are not perfect! Neither are our intentions! We make mistakes along the way as we parent. Sometimes we never realize the many things our kids will remember of which we have no clue. But blue shoes??? Who would have thought???
It is in times like that when I rejoice in my Heavenly Father. He never forgets! He always knows what is best for me! He provides all I need! He hears me! He sees me! He knows me! He disciplines me for my good and His glory! He is God and there is no other! "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!" Galatians 4:6
So what about the shoes my Heavenly Father has provided? "and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:15 My feet are covered by the gospel of peace. They are great shoes. He always knows best! The thing is these shoes are more than classic, they are eternal.
I wonder if He has gospel of peace shoes in blue with tassels???
Showing posts with label God our Father. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God our Father. Show all posts
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Sunday, February 5, 2012
In the Presence of the Gospel
Today was a very special day. I went to church with my daughter and family. My oldest grandsons, Seth and Everett, were going to be baptized. They had been working hard on the baptism booklet the Pastor had given them as well as writing out their own testimonies. They were nervous but so were my son-in-law, daughter and I. The nerves also held a lot of excitement as we were all anticipating this event.
There were going to be 10 people baptized today at Evident Church. The Pastor said that there would be worship and baptism today only. This was the baptism celebration Sunday. After the first group of worship songs, Seth was to be first of the group with Everett following him. Since Evident meets in a school, a portable round tub was brought in with the chairs in a semi-circle all around it.
As Seth stepped into the tub he dropped his testimony into the water which brought laughter as the Pastor pulled it carefully apart so that he could read it. Seth gave a clear indication of his belief in Christ alone for his salvation. He spoke of Christ dying for him and the blood shed paying for his sins. He made it clear that he wanted to please God in his life. Just before the Pastor put him under the water, I looked over to see Everett giving Seth a thumbs up (both thumbs). I was trying to hold them back but the tears came by the time Seth came out of the water. When he was coming out of the tub and down the steps, there was Everett patting him on the back and smiling as people clapped and cheered.
Then it was Everett's turn. He has never been know as a subtle child. He went up the steps and jumped into the tub splashing water everywhere. The Pastor likened it to a cannonball! Everett read his testimony which was full of language about his sin and his need of Jesus. He talked about what God did for him through Jesus and made it clear that he wanted to live for the Lord. Before the Pastor baptized Everett, he shared that he had a conversation with both boys through Skype. During that conversation they had talked about the testimonies but then talked a bit about the superbowl. He said that Everett said, "Can we get back to talking about the Lord now?". What a joy to know Everett's priorities! When he came up out of the water, he raised both hands in excitement and praise.
These two boys have committed themselves to follow Christ. I know they will not be perfect but they know the conviction of the Spirit and can repent. What does the Lord have for them in the future? I don't know but I do know He has called them to Himself to be younger brothers of Jesus, co-heirs with Jesus, sealed with the Holy Spirit and set apart to be Holy. What a joy for me to have been witness to this. Praise be to our God and Father who continues to call people to Himself!! May these two boys be the instruments He uses for His purposes in the future!
There were going to be 10 people baptized today at Evident Church. The Pastor said that there would be worship and baptism today only. This was the baptism celebration Sunday. After the first group of worship songs, Seth was to be first of the group with Everett following him. Since Evident meets in a school, a portable round tub was brought in with the chairs in a semi-circle all around it.
As Seth stepped into the tub he dropped his testimony into the water which brought laughter as the Pastor pulled it carefully apart so that he could read it. Seth gave a clear indication of his belief in Christ alone for his salvation. He spoke of Christ dying for him and the blood shed paying for his sins. He made it clear that he wanted to please God in his life. Just before the Pastor put him under the water, I looked over to see Everett giving Seth a thumbs up (both thumbs). I was trying to hold them back but the tears came by the time Seth came out of the water. When he was coming out of the tub and down the steps, there was Everett patting him on the back and smiling as people clapped and cheered.
Then it was Everett's turn. He has never been know as a subtle child. He went up the steps and jumped into the tub splashing water everywhere. The Pastor likened it to a cannonball! Everett read his testimony which was full of language about his sin and his need of Jesus. He talked about what God did for him through Jesus and made it clear that he wanted to live for the Lord. Before the Pastor baptized Everett, he shared that he had a conversation with both boys through Skype. During that conversation they had talked about the testimonies but then talked a bit about the superbowl. He said that Everett said, "Can we get back to talking about the Lord now?". What a joy to know Everett's priorities! When he came up out of the water, he raised both hands in excitement and praise.
These two boys have committed themselves to follow Christ. I know they will not be perfect but they know the conviction of the Spirit and can repent. What does the Lord have for them in the future? I don't know but I do know He has called them to Himself to be younger brothers of Jesus, co-heirs with Jesus, sealed with the Holy Spirit and set apart to be Holy. What a joy for me to have been witness to this. Praise be to our God and Father who continues to call people to Himself!! May these two boys be the instruments He uses for His purposes in the future!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Remember
"Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." Isaiah 46:8-10
Have you ever thought about how quickly you forget something, even something important? Someone tells you something and you are sure you will remember but a distraction comes and the thought is gone. We are so easily distracted by things that do not matter. We are even distracted when we pray. Our minds begin to wander around here and there and everywhere! Why can't we stay focused for one moment?
It reminds me of Jesus when he went to pray in the garden and he asked his three closest disciples to stay awake and pray. Every time he returned they were asleep. I am sure that they didn't mean to go to sleep. It was late and as they closed their eyes to pray, the next thing they knew they were snoring. How disappointed Jesus was!
God through Isaiah proclaims the words above to remind us to remember Him. Although this is written to His people Israel, there is much that we can take away from it. Are we rebels? You bet! Do we need to remember all of the things that God has done? Absolutely! Do we need to preach to ourselves that there is one God and no other? Yes! Do we need to remember that God's purpose and His will is what is going to take place regardless of our rebellion? A resounding yes!
God does as He pleases. I wonder if I can remember that when life gets hard. I better because even the hard life is all about God and what He is going to accomplish. The real test is whether I can remember God when life is going great! It is those times when God is not in the forefront of my mind because after all...life is good! But without thinking of God and who He is and what He is accomplishing, is life really good??
So I need to "fix it in my mind and take it to heart"...God. That is the memory worth the effort to remember.
Have you ever thought about how quickly you forget something, even something important? Someone tells you something and you are sure you will remember but a distraction comes and the thought is gone. We are so easily distracted by things that do not matter. We are even distracted when we pray. Our minds begin to wander around here and there and everywhere! Why can't we stay focused for one moment?
It reminds me of Jesus when he went to pray in the garden and he asked his three closest disciples to stay awake and pray. Every time he returned they were asleep. I am sure that they didn't mean to go to sleep. It was late and as they closed their eyes to pray, the next thing they knew they were snoring. How disappointed Jesus was!
God through Isaiah proclaims the words above to remind us to remember Him. Although this is written to His people Israel, there is much that we can take away from it. Are we rebels? You bet! Do we need to remember all of the things that God has done? Absolutely! Do we need to preach to ourselves that there is one God and no other? Yes! Do we need to remember that God's purpose and His will is what is going to take place regardless of our rebellion? A resounding yes!
God does as He pleases. I wonder if I can remember that when life gets hard. I better because even the hard life is all about God and what He is going to accomplish. The real test is whether I can remember God when life is going great! It is those times when God is not in the forefront of my mind because after all...life is good! But without thinking of God and who He is and what He is accomplishing, is life really good??
So I need to "fix it in my mind and take it to heart"...God. That is the memory worth the effort to remember.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Challenge from Mom at Breakfast
Today was my time with Mom over her usual cheese omelet and white toast. She cuts up her omelet into little squares and then takes a crisp piece of potato to put on top and then pops it in her mouth. She follows it up with a bite of toast. Each bite is done in the same way. It is what happens between these bites that can be funny and sometimes like today challenging.
I have stated before on this blog that my mom has frontal lobe disorder. She is no longer in reality and her stories are just that, stories. They are not true and actually no longer even have a hint of truth in them as far as having really taken place. But today I am able to gather a very serious challenge from her story.
One of her favorite things to say is "A lady came out on her porch when I was out walking. She yelled at me and asked me if I was Denise Hardy's mother and after I said yes...she said that Denise is the most wonderful woman I have ever known." This is said to me multiple times during the course of the omelet each week but this week there was a twist. My mother added after that, "The lady told me that she was going to commit suicide but she heard you speak and she changed her mind. She knew she had something to live for." Whoa! Where did that come from?
Although my mother never spoke to a woman who said those things, it gave me pause to think. Every word that comes out of my mouth counts. I do not know what is going on in anyone's life. The teaching that I do I need to take very seriously. It is falling on hurting ears. So I thought of this verse, "...we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1b This passage goes on to talk about the tongue. The bottom line is that spiritual maturity requires a tamed tongue. I have to remember that. God expects me to keep my tongue under control. I can't do it by myself. I need His help. He gives that to me in many ways. Today He used my mom to remind me of the seriousness of speaking words that benefit others and bring glory to God.
Thank you God for my mom who continues to teach me even if she doesn't really know it. You are using her in my life to mature me into who you want me to be.
I have stated before on this blog that my mom has frontal lobe disorder. She is no longer in reality and her stories are just that, stories. They are not true and actually no longer even have a hint of truth in them as far as having really taken place. But today I am able to gather a very serious challenge from her story.
One of her favorite things to say is "A lady came out on her porch when I was out walking. She yelled at me and asked me if I was Denise Hardy's mother and after I said yes...she said that Denise is the most wonderful woman I have ever known." This is said to me multiple times during the course of the omelet each week but this week there was a twist. My mother added after that, "The lady told me that she was going to commit suicide but she heard you speak and she changed her mind. She knew she had something to live for." Whoa! Where did that come from?
Although my mother never spoke to a woman who said those things, it gave me pause to think. Every word that comes out of my mouth counts. I do not know what is going on in anyone's life. The teaching that I do I need to take very seriously. It is falling on hurting ears. So I thought of this verse, "...we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1b This passage goes on to talk about the tongue. The bottom line is that spiritual maturity requires a tamed tongue. I have to remember that. God expects me to keep my tongue under control. I can't do it by myself. I need His help. He gives that to me in many ways. Today He used my mom to remind me of the seriousness of speaking words that benefit others and bring glory to God.
Thank you God for my mom who continues to teach me even if she doesn't really know it. You are using her in my life to mature me into who you want me to be.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Amazing Amazing Grace
Today started out early with a counseling appointment at 7 am. It caused me to think of how God is always up working for His glory. He is doling out His favor and His grace on us at all hours of the day and night.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
After that appointment I began to work on getting ready for the Beth Moore Simulcast tomorrow morning. As I ran from my office to the kitchen to the Gathering Space to the Worship Center and back to my office, I thought of the many women who will gather tomorrow. They will come prepared to worship, hear and learn. Their minds will hopefully be on God during the day because I know He will be with us. It is what He has promised.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
I then had lunch with my husband using one of our Tubby's coupons. As we sat and ate our steak and cheese subs drinking a real pepsi, there was a peace between us. God gives us peace as we rely on Him and do not give way to fear.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
After lunch I visited my friend, Lorie who has been confined to home for a very long time. What a joy to hear her speak of the Lord and how He is blessing and working everything out. She said that in the midst of an MS attack. The weather changing too rapidly affects her MS so she is more numb than usual. I looked at her face and saw such joy in spite of the attack. God is at work in my friend.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
I could go to bed right now because my day has been so full of God's grace but there are more daylight hours to experience what He has yet to show me. My eagerness builds as I look forward to His grace at work.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
After that appointment I began to work on getting ready for the Beth Moore Simulcast tomorrow morning. As I ran from my office to the kitchen to the Gathering Space to the Worship Center and back to my office, I thought of the many women who will gather tomorrow. They will come prepared to worship, hear and learn. Their minds will hopefully be on God during the day because I know He will be with us. It is what He has promised.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
I then had lunch with my husband using one of our Tubby's coupons. As we sat and ate our steak and cheese subs drinking a real pepsi, there was a peace between us. God gives us peace as we rely on Him and do not give way to fear.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
After lunch I visited my friend, Lorie who has been confined to home for a very long time. What a joy to hear her speak of the Lord and how He is blessing and working everything out. She said that in the midst of an MS attack. The weather changing too rapidly affects her MS so she is more numb than usual. I looked at her face and saw such joy in spite of the attack. God is at work in my friend.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
I could go to bed right now because my day has been so full of God's grace but there are more daylight hours to experience what He has yet to show me. My eagerness builds as I look forward to His grace at work.
Amazing, Amazing Grace.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Google Calendar
The other day my daughter said to me that we should get the google calendar so that we would know what the other one is doing. You see we call each other every morning for the update of appointments and what the day holds. She said, "Then I won't have to call you but I will probably call you anyway." Which I thought was nice because I like the touching base with her.
In that conversation she also said something about my life and I said, "I don't have a life." I have been thinking about that statement. It is very selfish. For you see my life is not about me. It is about God and others. The more people that are in my life the better, right? Especially if I am going to do it God's way. So I think that people who spend time soaking in the tub, going to the tanning booth, shopping every Saturday at the mall, watching their favorite TV show or drawing life on being alone have got it all wrong. Not that any of those things by themselves are wrong but a string of self-satisfying things is definitely wrong. In fact, that person would be missing out on life.
Life is about having your google calendar with God and anyone else who wants to share it with you. We are to learn of Him, worship Him, honor Him and reflect Him to others. The others are the ones on the calendar who we are to love as we love ourselves. Living that way, now that's life.! So, do I have a life? You betcha and I want to live every minute of it for the glory of Christ, my Savior, who gave His life for me. He did that according to God's calendar. They were definitely on the same page.
So ok, Barb, let's do it!! Only trouble is, it's technical so you will have to show me and maybe you will have to do it for me. Guess what?? You have a life too. Love you.
In that conversation she also said something about my life and I said, "I don't have a life." I have been thinking about that statement. It is very selfish. For you see my life is not about me. It is about God and others. The more people that are in my life the better, right? Especially if I am going to do it God's way. So I think that people who spend time soaking in the tub, going to the tanning booth, shopping every Saturday at the mall, watching their favorite TV show or drawing life on being alone have got it all wrong. Not that any of those things by themselves are wrong but a string of self-satisfying things is definitely wrong. In fact, that person would be missing out on life.
Life is about having your google calendar with God and anyone else who wants to share it with you. We are to learn of Him, worship Him, honor Him and reflect Him to others. The others are the ones on the calendar who we are to love as we love ourselves. Living that way, now that's life.! So, do I have a life? You betcha and I want to live every minute of it for the glory of Christ, my Savior, who gave His life for me. He did that according to God's calendar. They were definitely on the same page.
So ok, Barb, let's do it!! Only trouble is, it's technical so you will have to show me and maybe you will have to do it for me. Guess what?? You have a life too. Love you.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Who is like God?
I have been thinking about this since I read 2 Samuel 22-24 this morning. David poses a couple of questions, "For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?" (2 Samuel 22:32) My first response, "Exactly!" There is none like God. He is the Sovereign Lord Almighty creator of all things. He is the firm foundation on which to stand. He is the Savior of all called by His Name.
So why the struggle? If I truly believe the above, then why do I doubt? Why do I turn to my own way and not rely on the firm foundation of my Lord? I am a sinner! Ouch! I hate saying that but it is true. I put myself in the place of God. I think I am the rock, the firm foundation and I have it all together in my life. Just imagine trying to save myself but believe me I've tried it. So where does the struggle really come from? Pride.
It is pride that I struggle with, do you? My own self gets in the way of my serving a risen Savior. I think I know best and that surely I can handle whatever comes my way. But without God, I can forget it! Humility is what I need. If I truly follow my Savior, then I will seek to be like Him. He was humble. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)
What a challenge to walk humbly as Jesus did! On my own, I cannot do it but with the Holy Spirit who lives within me...I can be on my way!
So why the struggle? If I truly believe the above, then why do I doubt? Why do I turn to my own way and not rely on the firm foundation of my Lord? I am a sinner! Ouch! I hate saying that but it is true. I put myself in the place of God. I think I am the rock, the firm foundation and I have it all together in my life. Just imagine trying to save myself but believe me I've tried it. So where does the struggle really come from? Pride.
It is pride that I struggle with, do you? My own self gets in the way of my serving a risen Savior. I think I know best and that surely I can handle whatever comes my way. But without God, I can forget it! Humility is what I need. If I truly follow my Savior, then I will seek to be like Him. He was humble. "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)
What a challenge to walk humbly as Jesus did! On my own, I cannot do it but with the Holy Spirit who lives within me...I can be on my way!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A Tribute to my Pop
On Friday my dad is going to be having double partial knee replacement. He is 83 years of age and in good health, he does have a hard time walking. I am praying for a quick recovery and for the surgery to go well. He has been a part of my life for 46 years and I love him with all my heart. I remember something I had written a long time ago about him and want to post it here.
The year was 1963 and I was 11 years old which meant that I knew everything. My world was devastated that year when my mother remarried. I was a very determined child and had decided that I would not call this man, dad. The use of his first name was allowed but it was not a good example to my younger brothers. I persisted however.
This man was nothing but good to me. He showed me every kindness but it took me two years to realize just how much this man loved me. I remember the day very well. We were on the road during August of 1965 going to Arizona when I first called this man, Dad. He was very proud that day. The example to my borthers had changed and they picked up on it right away. He was truly our Dad.
God is our Father. He loves us and shows us every kindness. He has given us the ultimate gift of His Son. But are we still be disrespectful to Him? Do we honor Him as we should? Do we recognize that He is truly our Father? When was the last time that your children heard you cry "Abba Father"?
The year was 1963 and I was 11 years old which meant that I knew everything. My world was devastated that year when my mother remarried. I was a very determined child and had decided that I would not call this man, dad. The use of his first name was allowed but it was not a good example to my younger brothers. I persisted however.
This man was nothing but good to me. He showed me every kindness but it took me two years to realize just how much this man loved me. I remember the day very well. We were on the road during August of 1965 going to Arizona when I first called this man, Dad. He was very proud that day. The example to my borthers had changed and they picked up on it right away. He was truly our Dad.
God is our Father. He loves us and shows us every kindness. He has given us the ultimate gift of His Son. But are we still be disrespectful to Him? Do we honor Him as we should? Do we recognize that He is truly our Father? When was the last time that your children heard you cry "Abba Father"?
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