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.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
A Leaky Toilet
Last week we received our water bill and it seemed a little high to me. I asked my husband about the leak in the toilet. It was a very small leak which he thought would not make a difference but it did.
So on Friday, while I was at the zoo with the grandkids, he began the process of fixing the leak. He was going to change the inards of the toilet and viola that would be it! I came home Friday to find the toilet upside down in the tub, the tank on the sink top and tools everywhere. It was not good. So we went to Home Depot (the do-it-yourself helper) to find out what should be done. The end of it all was that the pipe had to be cut down to floor level and the ring had to be taken off by using a torch. So it was tabled until Saturday.
We worked together to cut down the pipe and remove the ring. It was then that we discovered that the hole in the floor was too big so tiles had to be removed and then another trip to Home Depot. We had to get another part to make it all work. Then a trip to my daughter's to pick up some thinset to put around the hole after we had the new ring in place with the adapter. I was the thinset spreader. Then we tabled the rest until Sunday.
On Sunday at 5:00 p.m. the toilet was back together with all new parts. It flushes wonderfully with no leaks. But it was a long 3 days.
That is the way life is. It is for the long haul. It takes time to be who we need to be to others but time well worth it. We are not to have any leaks in our relationships. They are to be whole and true with Christ at the center. Sometimes there may be heat as we speak gentle confrontations to one another. Sometimes there may need to be thinset applied to pull it all together. In the end we are to obey the command left us by Christ..."Love One Another"...and that is for this life and the life to come.
So on Friday, while I was at the zoo with the grandkids, he began the process of fixing the leak. He was going to change the inards of the toilet and viola that would be it! I came home Friday to find the toilet upside down in the tub, the tank on the sink top and tools everywhere. It was not good. So we went to Home Depot (the do-it-yourself helper) to find out what should be done. The end of it all was that the pipe had to be cut down to floor level and the ring had to be taken off by using a torch. So it was tabled until Saturday.
We worked together to cut down the pipe and remove the ring. It was then that we discovered that the hole in the floor was too big so tiles had to be removed and then another trip to Home Depot. We had to get another part to make it all work. Then a trip to my daughter's to pick up some thinset to put around the hole after we had the new ring in place with the adapter. I was the thinset spreader. Then we tabled the rest until Sunday.
On Sunday at 5:00 p.m. the toilet was back together with all new parts. It flushes wonderfully with no leaks. But it was a long 3 days.
That is the way life is. It is for the long haul. It takes time to be who we need to be to others but time well worth it. We are not to have any leaks in our relationships. They are to be whole and true with Christ at the center. Sometimes there may be heat as we speak gentle confrontations to one another. Sometimes there may need to be thinset applied to pull it all together. In the end we are to obey the command left us by Christ..."Love One Another"...and that is for this life and the life to come.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Summer Sleepovers Over
This weekend marked the last of the summer sleepovers with my grandchildren. I have them over one at a time in the summer and also for their birthdays. It is a wonderful time to just have one on one interaction with each and get to know them better. I trust that they will remember these times with fond memories and that perhaps they are getting to know me better too.
Each of my grandchildren have their own personality. Seth is a serious boy who is just beginning the adolescent journey. He now wants a hairstyle and is conscious of what others think of him. He is a joy to be around so serious yet so funny at the same time. Everett is a funny boy who doesn't really care of what others think of him. He is out to have a good time and definitely goes for it. He has a very tender side as well and will well up with tears if he thinks someone else is hurting. Tristan is a cutie who doesn't always get the obvious. He loves baseball, playing it, talking about it and reading about it. He has a mischievous grin that is very endearing. Addy is a girl. I could just stop right there because she is different on so many levels. She loves to hug and kiss me. She welcomes me with a big hug every time I see her. She is large and in charge at times. (takes a little after me and her mom)
I am sorry these sleepovers are over for a time. But I know they will be back again and we will go and do enjoying our time together. So I will rest up and get ready for more to come in the winter. Memories of times spent together, profitable for years to come.
Each of my grandchildren have their own personality. Seth is a serious boy who is just beginning the adolescent journey. He now wants a hairstyle and is conscious of what others think of him. He is a joy to be around so serious yet so funny at the same time. Everett is a funny boy who doesn't really care of what others think of him. He is out to have a good time and definitely goes for it. He has a very tender side as well and will well up with tears if he thinks someone else is hurting. Tristan is a cutie who doesn't always get the obvious. He loves baseball, playing it, talking about it and reading about it. He has a mischievous grin that is very endearing. Addy is a girl. I could just stop right there because she is different on so many levels. She loves to hug and kiss me. She welcomes me with a big hug every time I see her. She is large and in charge at times. (takes a little after me and her mom)
I am sorry these sleepovers are over for a time. But I know they will be back again and we will go and do enjoying our time together. So I will rest up and get ready for more to come in the winter. Memories of times spent together, profitable for years to come.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Grandma doesn't sin
A few days ago at my daughter's dinner table she and my granddaughter Addy had a conversation. It was about being a Christian. Barb made the statement, "I am a Christian." So Addy says "Then I am a Christian too."
Barb, "Addy, it doesn't work that way. You can't just say you are a Christian and be one. Do you ever do anything wrong?"
Addy, "Yes"
Barb, "That is called sin. So you are a sinner. We are all sinners."
Addy, "Not you, right Mom?"
Barb, "Yes I am a sinner too."
Addy, "What about Daddy?"
Barb, "Yes he is a sinner too."
Addy, "Well I know Grandma's not, no way!"
Barb went on to handle the conversation from there but I am stuck on what Addy said about me. How humbled I am and how challenged at the same time. Although Barb did tell her I was a sinner, I know that Addy is watching me carefully. How am I responding to her, the boys, her mom and dad and my husband. She is seeing everything I do and running it through her grid of right and wrong. I have got to stay on my toes.
I am so glad for the Holy Spirit within who convicts me, leads me and points me to the acceptable way of the Lord. I cannot do this on my own. I need His strength, power, discipline and love every moment of every day. God's desire is that I reflect Him well.
All eyes are on me and you and you and you and you...we are being watched to see how we handle life. We need to handle it well. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Barb, "Addy, it doesn't work that way. You can't just say you are a Christian and be one. Do you ever do anything wrong?"
Addy, "Yes"
Barb, "That is called sin. So you are a sinner. We are all sinners."
Addy, "Not you, right Mom?"
Barb, "Yes I am a sinner too."
Addy, "What about Daddy?"
Barb, "Yes he is a sinner too."
Addy, "Well I know Grandma's not, no way!"
Barb went on to handle the conversation from there but I am stuck on what Addy said about me. How humbled I am and how challenged at the same time. Although Barb did tell her I was a sinner, I know that Addy is watching me carefully. How am I responding to her, the boys, her mom and dad and my husband. She is seeing everything I do and running it through her grid of right and wrong. I have got to stay on my toes.
I am so glad for the Holy Spirit within who convicts me, leads me and points me to the acceptable way of the Lord. I cannot do this on my own. I need His strength, power, discipline and love every moment of every day. God's desire is that I reflect Him well.
All eyes are on me and you and you and you and you...we are being watched to see how we handle life. We need to handle it well. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Subject Was Me
Today was my day to take my mom to breakfast. Today the subject was me. She told many stories to me about people who have stopped her on the street just to say that, "Denise is the most wonderful person in the world." She also asked what month it was and then said, "Well June is coming and when your work celebrates your birthday, I am going to tell them a funny story about you when you were four." Those two examples are pretty normal each week but then came more.
Mom looked at me and said, "Remember when you sang with those other girls in Nashville." O.k. now how do I respond to that? Of course I don't remember because I have never sang with any girls in Nashville but in my mom's cute little head she obviously has some kind of memory going on. So I chose to just smile. "Well," she said, "I was in Mr. King's store when your daddy came in and asked me if you were in jail. I said no, she is just singing in Nashville. He was so relieved to hear that about you." That was the story so once again I just smiled. But it was quickly followed up by more.
"Yes," she said, "your daddy called me the other night. He said he called just to say hi because he had a run to Michigan." (insert here that my dad has been dead since I was 19 years old so that's 49 years. He did drive a truck for a living but if he were still driving he would be 78 years old) "He asked me what you were doing and I told him that you worked for the church. He said then he better stay away from you." At this point I laughed out loud because that was funny.
She can really be funny sometimes. What I get from it all though is that my mom loves me. She wants to tell me that I am wonderful. She wants to tell me she is proud of me working at the church. She wants me to know that I am on her mind. Those are the things she would want me to know if she could really put those thoughts into real words.
Sunday is Mother's Day and I want the subject to be about her. I want to honor her and show her love. This year I am going to make her favorite pie for her, caramel. I have never done it before and I really don't make pies. I had to call my cousin in Tennessee so that I could be told how to do it. I hope that in some small way she will know the love that is in the making of the pie.
Happy Mother's Day Mom! God gave me to you and you to me. He never makes a mistake and He is good all the time. I thank Him for His choice for me. God bless you, Mom!
Mom looked at me and said, "Remember when you sang with those other girls in Nashville." O.k. now how do I respond to that? Of course I don't remember because I have never sang with any girls in Nashville but in my mom's cute little head she obviously has some kind of memory going on. So I chose to just smile. "Well," she said, "I was in Mr. King's store when your daddy came in and asked me if you were in jail. I said no, she is just singing in Nashville. He was so relieved to hear that about you." That was the story so once again I just smiled. But it was quickly followed up by more.
"Yes," she said, "your daddy called me the other night. He said he called just to say hi because he had a run to Michigan." (insert here that my dad has been dead since I was 19 years old so that's 49 years. He did drive a truck for a living but if he were still driving he would be 78 years old) "He asked me what you were doing and I told him that you worked for the church. He said then he better stay away from you." At this point I laughed out loud because that was funny.
She can really be funny sometimes. What I get from it all though is that my mom loves me. She wants to tell me that I am wonderful. She wants to tell me she is proud of me working at the church. She wants me to know that I am on her mind. Those are the things she would want me to know if she could really put those thoughts into real words.
Sunday is Mother's Day and I want the subject to be about her. I want to honor her and show her love. This year I am going to make her favorite pie for her, caramel. I have never done it before and I really don't make pies. I had to call my cousin in Tennessee so that I could be told how to do it. I hope that in some small way she will know the love that is in the making of the pie.
Happy Mother's Day Mom! God gave me to you and you to me. He never makes a mistake and He is good all the time. I thank Him for His choice for me. God bless you, Mom!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Resurrection Day Celebration
Last Sunday was a celebration day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. As is the custom in my family we gather together for a meal after church and then the kids have an egg hunt.
This year we had celebrated with the body of Christ singing in worship together with various songs. We even sang one that had been written by John of Damascus in about 100 A.D. It was so solid in its theology which goes to show that we don't have the market cornered because we are living in a "modern" world. We prayed together and then spent time in the Word looking at Jesus as the temple that was torn down and brought back after 3 days. What a joy to have spent that time with the body.
After such a wonderful celebration we gathered together as family and spent time at the table over chicken and the trimmings. My grandson, Seth, gave the blessing and in it he prayed that we would remember that Easter was not about us but about Jesus. It was a good reminder from an 11 year old. After dinner when the eggs were being hidden, I was able to help my grandkids and my nieces put together resurrection eggs. We went through the last days of Jesus as we put them together, reading the scripture and asking questions. It was a joy to hear from them what they know about Christ. Then the egg hunt which is so much fun for them even as they are getting older. After that badminton with adults and kids alike. It was a fun day.
At some point in the day there was conversation which fell short of the gospel. Jesus was proclaimed as someone who was going to build His kingdom on this earth at that time but was killed just before He could. Wrong!! Jesus came to die. It was planned before the creation of the world. He had to die as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. So we all nailed him to the cross with our sinful hearts. The conversation put a damper on my resurrection celebration but God gave me joy the following morning.
On Monday morning I was speaking with my daughter on the phone and she told me this story. Everett (9) and Tristan (7) were having a conversation in bed. She couldn't hear it well but she caught enough to know what was going on. Tristan was asking Everett about being a christian. Everett said, "I just prayed and begged God to forgive me of my sins." Tristan asked, "When can I do that?" Everett told him to come down from the top bunk and get in his bed. Then she heard Everett say that he would pray first. He prayed about how God forgives sins and was very thankful. Then Tristan prayed and she couldn't hear it but she did hear this when he was finished..."Tristan that was good. You thought of praying things I didn't think of."(said by Everett)
Regardless of the conversation on Easter that fell short of the gospel. God was at work in the heart of a 7 year old boy. What a joy to know that my grandsons "get it!".
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
This year we had celebrated with the body of Christ singing in worship together with various songs. We even sang one that had been written by John of Damascus in about 100 A.D. It was so solid in its theology which goes to show that we don't have the market cornered because we are living in a "modern" world. We prayed together and then spent time in the Word looking at Jesus as the temple that was torn down and brought back after 3 days. What a joy to have spent that time with the body.
After such a wonderful celebration we gathered together as family and spent time at the table over chicken and the trimmings. My grandson, Seth, gave the blessing and in it he prayed that we would remember that Easter was not about us but about Jesus. It was a good reminder from an 11 year old. After dinner when the eggs were being hidden, I was able to help my grandkids and my nieces put together resurrection eggs. We went through the last days of Jesus as we put them together, reading the scripture and asking questions. It was a joy to hear from them what they know about Christ. Then the egg hunt which is so much fun for them even as they are getting older. After that badminton with adults and kids alike. It was a fun day.
At some point in the day there was conversation which fell short of the gospel. Jesus was proclaimed as someone who was going to build His kingdom on this earth at that time but was killed just before He could. Wrong!! Jesus came to die. It was planned before the creation of the world. He had to die as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. So we all nailed him to the cross with our sinful hearts. The conversation put a damper on my resurrection celebration but God gave me joy the following morning.
On Monday morning I was speaking with my daughter on the phone and she told me this story. Everett (9) and Tristan (7) were having a conversation in bed. She couldn't hear it well but she caught enough to know what was going on. Tristan was asking Everett about being a christian. Everett said, "I just prayed and begged God to forgive me of my sins." Tristan asked, "When can I do that?" Everett told him to come down from the top bunk and get in his bed. Then she heard Everett say that he would pray first. He prayed about how God forgives sins and was very thankful. Then Tristan prayed and she couldn't hear it but she did hear this when he was finished..."Tristan that was good. You thought of praying things I didn't think of."(said by Everett)
Regardless of the conversation on Easter that fell short of the gospel. God was at work in the heart of a 7 year old boy. What a joy to know that my grandsons "get it!".
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Time for a Breath
It seems like since I returned from a week of additional counseling training in February, I have been on the fast track. I have once again not had the time to write on this blog. So what has happened in all of this time?
1. My daughter and son-in-law bought a foreclosed home in December. They had to be moved in by March 31st. It needed a ton of work so I tried to help out when I had some free time to do so. It is now in very good shape and they are totally moved in. Just 5 minutes from me which makes me smile. :)
2. My counseling load since my return has exploded. This week I have 13 appointments. The amount has been growing weekly. I have asked God, "What are you up to?". It is a good thing I trust in His Sovereignty and know that He knows what He is doing whether I do or not. I am open to where He leads me in this. His path is always good!
There are other things I have been involved in as well but I think those are the two main things that have influenced my last couple of months. Tonight I am taking a breath. I have read a couple of chapters of a very good book on God's design for women, "The True Woman". It was very enjoyable. The other part of the breath is a quick post on my blog. As I exhale I am reminded of the breath of God which brought about the Scriptures. And when God breathes it is important that we listen.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
1. My daughter and son-in-law bought a foreclosed home in December. They had to be moved in by March 31st. It needed a ton of work so I tried to help out when I had some free time to do so. It is now in very good shape and they are totally moved in. Just 5 minutes from me which makes me smile. :)
2. My counseling load since my return has exploded. This week I have 13 appointments. The amount has been growing weekly. I have asked God, "What are you up to?". It is a good thing I trust in His Sovereignty and know that He knows what He is doing whether I do or not. I am open to where He leads me in this. His path is always good!
There are other things I have been involved in as well but I think those are the two main things that have influenced my last couple of months. Tonight I am taking a breath. I have read a couple of chapters of a very good book on God's design for women, "The True Woman". It was very enjoyable. The other part of the breath is a quick post on my blog. As I exhale I am reminded of the breath of God which brought about the Scriptures. And when God breathes it is important that we listen.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
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