Every time I go to visit with my mom and dad I always hear, "I can't find ____" You can fill in the blank with just about anything. My mom doesn't like things laying on the table or the counter. I really don't know why but it seems to bother her. My dad can put something down, turn around, turn back around and it is gone. We have found the box of Eggos in the cupboard, the last banana in the frig and an empty glass in the freezer just to name a few items taken from the table. But then there is the clock that went missing from the wall only to be found on another wall in another room. The best one was the toilet brush. My dad could not find the toilet brush for over 2 weeks. One day I was in the closet in one of the spare rooms for something and there it was clipped to a hanger for pants. Why? Who knows? Actually neither does she.
In the midst of all this putting things away, my mom always looks so innocent and says, "I don't know what you're talking about." as she points to dad to infer that it was he who removed the item. He gets blamed for everything. He wears it well most of the time. On some occasions it gets to him and he looses all patience but very rarely. He simply says, "I know everything is my fault" and then smiles. He takes care of my mom very well. I am so very grateful that he is able to do that. She can be a handful, that's for sure.
My mom moves things and forgets them but I suffer from forgetting to do the right thing. There are times when faced with a circumstance, I forget how to respond in a biblical way. The truth is that I do not need to look far asking the questions, "Where is it?" because the Holy Spirit is within me. I have come to the conclusion that I forget how to respond biblically when I forget He is there.
"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4
How can I forget He is with me when He is greater than anything in this world? I get diverted thinking of myself more highly than I ought. When I get caught I may say, "I don't know what you're talking about." My excuses are not good ones. My mom sincerely does not remember but I choose not to remember who I am in Christ.
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Galatians 2:20a
My mom is going to continue to move things around and we will continue to hunt for them. I am grateful that I never have to hunt for God. He is always with me and will never leave me. (Hebrews 13:5)
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Friday, January 31, 2014
What time are you coming???
Once a month my granddaughter, Addy, and I go to Costco and buy food in order to put together dinners for my dad. My mom has long ago stopped cooking so I make up a type of "TV" dinner that can be popped in the microwave and then eaten. My dad is very happy with them. It is a joy to serve him in this way.
It is also a joy to be with Addy. She loves going and calls me often (even two days after we have gone) to see when the next time will be. We are going today. I have given the time to her dad, her mom and to her oldest brother. This did not stop her from calling me about 1 hour ahead of time to ask, "What time are you coming, Grandma?" She is anxious. But not only her. A few minutes after her call I received a call from her brother, Tristan asking me, "What time are you picking Addy up?"
There is a great anticipation of my arrival and what we will do together. I love that!! I am tempted to become impatient sometimes with the phone calls but then I remember that one day each of my grandchildren will be too busy for me. I don't want to make the mistake of being too busy to answer this anxious question now.
Let's transfer this to my walk with Christ. I have asked myself if I have the same anticipation in waiting for the Lord to return. He is coming back. I know this. I have read it in His Word. There are instructions for us as Followers of Christ to work till He comes. But are we anticipating it? I have to admit that my excitement is seriously lacking.
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." 2 Peter 3:10
"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:13
"Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!" Revelation 16:15
I need to be ready. I need to be anticipating. I need to looking for Him and asking Him about what time He is coming. There is going to be a new heaven and a new earth which will have so much more benefit than Costco does. Costco gives out samples but when the Lord returns, it will be the real thing!! God has given me grandchildren so that I can learn more and more what it is like to be His child.
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20
What time is He coming? Soon! Get excited with me!! The excitement here over the little things of life is just a little taste of the excitement to come.
It is also a joy to be with Addy. She loves going and calls me often (even two days after we have gone) to see when the next time will be. We are going today. I have given the time to her dad, her mom and to her oldest brother. This did not stop her from calling me about 1 hour ahead of time to ask, "What time are you coming, Grandma?" She is anxious. But not only her. A few minutes after her call I received a call from her brother, Tristan asking me, "What time are you picking Addy up?"
There is a great anticipation of my arrival and what we will do together. I love that!! I am tempted to become impatient sometimes with the phone calls but then I remember that one day each of my grandchildren will be too busy for me. I don't want to make the mistake of being too busy to answer this anxious question now.
Let's transfer this to my walk with Christ. I have asked myself if I have the same anticipation in waiting for the Lord to return. He is coming back. I know this. I have read it in His Word. There are instructions for us as Followers of Christ to work till He comes. But are we anticipating it? I have to admit that my excitement is seriously lacking.
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." 2 Peter 3:10
"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:13
"Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!" Revelation 16:15
I need to be ready. I need to be anticipating. I need to looking for Him and asking Him about what time He is coming. There is going to be a new heaven and a new earth which will have so much more benefit than Costco does. Costco gives out samples but when the Lord returns, it will be the real thing!! God has given me grandchildren so that I can learn more and more what it is like to be His child.
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20
What time is He coming? Soon! Get excited with me!! The excitement here over the little things of life is just a little taste of the excitement to come.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Best Friend for Life
So I was out and about when I received a text from my 7 year old granddaughter. It read B.F.F.L. and then was immediately followed with that was sopost to go to emma. I sent her back a smiley face not really knowing what all the letters meant. I knew I was missing out on something but not sure what it was.
A few days later I asked my daughter about it and she told me that it meant "best friend for life". Oh really! So I was not to be her best friend for life. It made me really laugh then as to how quickly she told me it was "sopost" to go to Emma. I didn't let it bother me too much. After all, I am 61 years old and she is 7. But being the grandma that I am , I decided to bring it up to her last week.
I put on my sad face and said, "How come I am not your B.F.F.L.?"
She replied, "Because you're my grandma and that is much better."
What she said was perfect!! To be thought of as much better brought a smile to my face if not a tear to my eyes.
We have the longest text message in history from God. It is our Bible. We read about the sacrifice of being a friend. Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 Jesus is the friend above all friends who was willing to lay down His life that we might live with Him forever. His life was offered as a sacrifice for our sins and yet He calls us friends. How humbling this statement is for us.
Then He said, "You are my friends if you do what I command you." Jesus calls us to show our friendship to Him by doing what He commands by being obedient to The Word of God. This is not easy for us. We are sinners even as Followers of Christ. Our hearts are wicked and desire what is contrary to God. We want to do things our way so much of the time. But Jesus reminds us that our obedience to Him is proof of our friendship. He has given proof of His friendship in the sacrifice of His own self.
As a Follower of Christ we have friendship with God that would look like this in text: B.F.F.E. He has saved us to be best friends for eternity. Eternity is hard to get our minds around but the time is coming when we will live with God forever. "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:3-4 That is what we have to look forward to!
Being a grandma may be much better than a B.F.F.L. but being a B.F.F.E. tops them both!!
A few days later I asked my daughter about it and she told me that it meant "best friend for life". Oh really! So I was not to be her best friend for life. It made me really laugh then as to how quickly she told me it was "sopost" to go to Emma. I didn't let it bother me too much. After all, I am 61 years old and she is 7. But being the grandma that I am , I decided to bring it up to her last week.
I put on my sad face and said, "How come I am not your B.F.F.L.?"
She replied, "Because you're my grandma and that is much better."
What she said was perfect!! To be thought of as much better brought a smile to my face if not a tear to my eyes.
We have the longest text message in history from God. It is our Bible. We read about the sacrifice of being a friend. Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 Jesus is the friend above all friends who was willing to lay down His life that we might live with Him forever. His life was offered as a sacrifice for our sins and yet He calls us friends. How humbling this statement is for us.
Then He said, "You are my friends if you do what I command you." Jesus calls us to show our friendship to Him by doing what He commands by being obedient to The Word of God. This is not easy for us. We are sinners even as Followers of Christ. Our hearts are wicked and desire what is contrary to God. We want to do things our way so much of the time. But Jesus reminds us that our obedience to Him is proof of our friendship. He has given proof of His friendship in the sacrifice of His own self.
As a Follower of Christ we have friendship with God that would look like this in text: B.F.F.E. He has saved us to be best friends for eternity. Eternity is hard to get our minds around but the time is coming when we will live with God forever. "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:3-4 That is what we have to look forward to!
Being a grandma may be much better than a B.F.F.L. but being a B.F.F.E. tops them both!!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Shoes: Who would have thought?
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???
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???
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
My First Pedicure
A few weeks ago, I was going to be speaking at a one day conference. You know how it is when you are going to be in front of people, you want to look your best. I found these great sandals to wear on that day. Well I knew they would look a whole lot better if I had painted toenails. So I decided to treat myself to my first pedicure. I have always taken care of my toes myself. Part of the reason is that someone else touching my feet makes me cringe a bit. The other part is that I just haven't done it. I was determined to get over the cringe and take the plunge.
The nail salon was very nice. The technician put me at ease right away. She said, "If it has been a long time since your last pedicure, you may want to have the sugar scrub for your feet."
Of course my answer was, "I have never had a pedicure."
She looked at me and said, "Like I said if it has been a long time since your last pedicure, you may want to have the sugar scrub for your feet."
Obviously she wasn't getting it so I said, "You don't understand. I have never had a pedicure."
Her eyes widened and she was speechless. She was probably trying to calculate how old I was. After all, how could a woman get through 60 years and never have a professional pedicure! I was living proof that it can be done.
She did my nails and did a beautiful job. The toes make the shoes!
But after all the work on my nails, it was not my toes that were important at the conference. It was the Word of God. No one really came up to me and said, "Wow! Your toes look great!" Actually I am glad that they didn't. God's Word takes priority over these little pleasures of life. It is far more pleasurable.
At the conference, I spoke on our race of life from Hebrews 12:1-4. We have a race to run that God has laid out for us. We are to run it well. We cannot do that with our feet entangled in sin or if we are carrying an idol in our heart. We run it well when we look at Jesus and how He ran the race before us. It doesn't matter if our toenails are polished or not. We are to run for the glory of God! What's keeping you from running today? I know there are many things I still need to disentangle in my own life but God is patient and compassionate. In that I greatly rejoice!!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." Hebrews 12:1-4
(By the way, I did get the sugar scrub and it was wonderful!!)
The nail salon was very nice. The technician put me at ease right away. She said, "If it has been a long time since your last pedicure, you may want to have the sugar scrub for your feet."
Of course my answer was, "I have never had a pedicure."
She looked at me and said, "Like I said if it has been a long time since your last pedicure, you may want to have the sugar scrub for your feet."
Obviously she wasn't getting it so I said, "You don't understand. I have never had a pedicure."
Her eyes widened and she was speechless. She was probably trying to calculate how old I was. After all, how could a woman get through 60 years and never have a professional pedicure! I was living proof that it can be done.
She did my nails and did a beautiful job. The toes make the shoes!
But after all the work on my nails, it was not my toes that were important at the conference. It was the Word of God. No one really came up to me and said, "Wow! Your toes look great!" Actually I am glad that they didn't. God's Word takes priority over these little pleasures of life. It is far more pleasurable.
At the conference, I spoke on our race of life from Hebrews 12:1-4. We have a race to run that God has laid out for us. We are to run it well. We cannot do that with our feet entangled in sin or if we are carrying an idol in our heart. We run it well when we look at Jesus and how He ran the race before us. It doesn't matter if our toenails are polished or not. We are to run for the glory of God! What's keeping you from running today? I know there are many things I still need to disentangle in my own life but God is patient and compassionate. In that I greatly rejoice!!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." Hebrews 12:1-4
(By the way, I did get the sugar scrub and it was wonderful!!)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Those Who Left a Legacy
As far back as I can remember church was an important part of my family's life. Before I was born, the Hopewell Baptist church was built on property donated by my paternal grandparents. My grandparents from both sides of my family were founding members of the church. It was in this church I had the privilege of having my Grandmother as my 2nd grade Sunday School Teacher. She gave me my first bible. I learned a great deal from her about being a servant. What a rich heritage!
This continued on in my mother's example to me. She read the scriptures every morning as I was growing up. It was a joy to get up each day and see her in the Word. She made sure that my brothers and I were in church hearing the Word and being involved. What an example!
The Lord brought a couple in my life when I was 11 years old, the Sumners. They saw something in me and began to nurture it. They saw the ability to teach and lead. How they saw that in an 11 year old, I do not know! I am grateful for the opportunities of service that they gave me. I was able to teach in their Junior Department at the age of 14 years. Mr. Sumner was not the greatest teacher but he loved God and he loved God's Word. Mrs. Sumner was quiet and in the background but she was a loving wife who served God and her husband with a gentle spirit. I learned much from the two of them. What a legacy of loving God!
As a teen, I was close to my pastor, Bill Coleman. He was a man who had vision. He wanted to serve the Lord and do so in many different ways. He was never in a rut. He showed me that things can change and God can still bless. He was a man who loved God and lived the gospel He was a goal marker and completer. What a joy to see such service!
Through the years I have had many who have left me a legacy to follow. Just recently I lost my colleague and friend, Patrick McGoldrick. He and I spent a lot of time discussing theology and other things. I shared a personal prayer request with him just after he had been diagnosed with ALS. Patrick told me how he would put a penny in his shoe to remind him to pray for someone all day. It was a few weeks later that he came to my office and gave me a piece of paper that said "Penny in the shoe...praying for you." with a penny taped to it. A few weeks later, he brought me another penny. I still have this paper with the two pennies taped to it in my desk drawer. What a legacy to pray for others!
Now I am led by Bob Johnson II as my pastor, colleague and friend. He has show me what is important in life by teaching me that life is all about God. He reminds me as a shepherd that I need to live my life in line with the Word of God. His life is a reflection of the Savior and I am grateful to see it modeled for me. What a privilege to work with this man who is leaving a legacy to so many!
The challenge is to leave a legacy to those behind me! That is my desire and that is my prayer. What an awesome responsibility!
"Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD" Psalm 102:18
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." Psalm 78:4
This continued on in my mother's example to me. She read the scriptures every morning as I was growing up. It was a joy to get up each day and see her in the Word. She made sure that my brothers and I were in church hearing the Word and being involved. What an example!
The Lord brought a couple in my life when I was 11 years old, the Sumners. They saw something in me and began to nurture it. They saw the ability to teach and lead. How they saw that in an 11 year old, I do not know! I am grateful for the opportunities of service that they gave me. I was able to teach in their Junior Department at the age of 14 years. Mr. Sumner was not the greatest teacher but he loved God and he loved God's Word. Mrs. Sumner was quiet and in the background but she was a loving wife who served God and her husband with a gentle spirit. I learned much from the two of them. What a legacy of loving God!
As a teen, I was close to my pastor, Bill Coleman. He was a man who had vision. He wanted to serve the Lord and do so in many different ways. He was never in a rut. He showed me that things can change and God can still bless. He was a man who loved God and lived the gospel He was a goal marker and completer. What a joy to see such service!
Through the years I have had many who have left me a legacy to follow. Just recently I lost my colleague and friend, Patrick McGoldrick. He and I spent a lot of time discussing theology and other things. I shared a personal prayer request with him just after he had been diagnosed with ALS. Patrick told me how he would put a penny in his shoe to remind him to pray for someone all day. It was a few weeks later that he came to my office and gave me a piece of paper that said "Penny in the shoe...praying for you." with a penny taped to it. A few weeks later, he brought me another penny. I still have this paper with the two pennies taped to it in my desk drawer. What a legacy to pray for others!
Now I am led by Bob Johnson II as my pastor, colleague and friend. He has show me what is important in life by teaching me that life is all about God. He reminds me as a shepherd that I need to live my life in line with the Word of God. His life is a reflection of the Savior and I am grateful to see it modeled for me. What a privilege to work with this man who is leaving a legacy to so many!
The challenge is to leave a legacy to those behind me! That is my desire and that is my prayer. What an awesome responsibility!
"Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD" Psalm 102:18
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." Psalm 78:4
Friday, May 10, 2013
If...Then...
We are all familiar with if-then statements. We say them all the time. Some of those statements are very useful, others are superstitious and others are truth.
If-then statements can really be useful in parenting. These can make it clear to a child what is expected and what the outcome will be if they are not obedient. All questions are answered if things are made clear to children. For instance, "If you do not clean your room, then you cannot go to your friend's house." or "If you choose to be disrespectful in your tone, then you will be cleaning the bathroom tile with a toothbrush.". This makes it clear the choice is the child's to be obedient. Of course, these statements can be used to give rewards as well. These types of if-then statements are useful.
If-then statements can be superstitious. There are many that you have heard. The one that seems to actually come true so often is, "If I wash my car, then it will rain.". Two weeks ago Ronn and I washed the car and it was raining before nightfall. I remember last summer my neighbor came out of his house and yelled at me because I was washing the car. He yelled, "Hey, I don't want it to rain! Stop washing your car!". It rained the next day. :) Of course, this doesn't always happen. It is a fun if-then statement. We certainly don't want to embrace this statement and never wash our car!
The truth is this that our God is not an if-then God. We cannot manipulate Him into doing what we want by saying, "If I promise to do this for you God, then will you get me out of this situation?". That is not the way God operates. He works in His way and in His time. He does not work for us, we work for Him. Our desires will not be fulfilled by God because we bargain with Him. Who are we to bargain with God? We need to take time and remember who God is.
"For I the LORD do not change;..." Malachi 3:6a
"...I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." Isaiah 46:10b
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
The if-then statements we need to live by are: "If I yield my will to God's then He will bring about spiritual maturity in me." "If I face trials then God will give me the grace to handle them." "If I face trouble then I will be comforted in Christ." There are many, many more which reveal to us the promises of God.
So wash your car and live your life for the glory of God even though you may get wet.
If-then statements can really be useful in parenting. These can make it clear to a child what is expected and what the outcome will be if they are not obedient. All questions are answered if things are made clear to children. For instance, "If you do not clean your room, then you cannot go to your friend's house." or "If you choose to be disrespectful in your tone, then you will be cleaning the bathroom tile with a toothbrush.". This makes it clear the choice is the child's to be obedient. Of course, these statements can be used to give rewards as well. These types of if-then statements are useful.
If-then statements can be superstitious. There are many that you have heard. The one that seems to actually come true so often is, "If I wash my car, then it will rain.". Two weeks ago Ronn and I washed the car and it was raining before nightfall. I remember last summer my neighbor came out of his house and yelled at me because I was washing the car. He yelled, "Hey, I don't want it to rain! Stop washing your car!". It rained the next day. :) Of course, this doesn't always happen. It is a fun if-then statement. We certainly don't want to embrace this statement and never wash our car!
The truth is this that our God is not an if-then God. We cannot manipulate Him into doing what we want by saying, "If I promise to do this for you God, then will you get me out of this situation?". That is not the way God operates. He works in His way and in His time. He does not work for us, we work for Him. Our desires will not be fulfilled by God because we bargain with Him. Who are we to bargain with God? We need to take time and remember who God is.
"For I the LORD do not change;..." Malachi 3:6a
"...I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." Isaiah 46:10b
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
The if-then statements we need to live by are: "If I yield my will to God's then He will bring about spiritual maturity in me." "If I face trials then God will give me the grace to handle them." "If I face trouble then I will be comforted in Christ." There are many, many more which reveal to us the promises of God.
So wash your car and live your life for the glory of God even though you may get wet.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Badminton, Guitar and God-songs
Sunday afternoon three of my grandkids came home with me after church. I spent some time talking with my granddaughter, Addy, about what she did in her Sunday School class. Our Worship Pastor came to her class and gave a short introduction of himself which led into a discussion of gifts from God. He asked a question about instruments. Addy raised her hand and said, "I go to my room and play guitar on the badminton racket while I sing God-songs." I laughed but she was very serious about it and to our Worship Pastor's credit he mentioned it at the end when he was mentioning the gifts that had been shared. To play the badminton guitar and sing God-songs is what she considers her gift right now.
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:1-2
My dear sweet Addy is doing just that every time she picks up the racket and sings. When was the last time you just belted it out before the Lord? When was the last time you lifted your voice in praise to Him? You see, God has given us a gift, the gift of worship. It is God we are to worship at all times and in every way. I don't know about you but I need to remember this and worship Him more.
So the next time I pick up a badminton racket and swing it at the birdie, I am going to think of praising God. Thank you Addy for giving me another reminder to worship.
"Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:3-5
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:1-2
My dear sweet Addy is doing just that every time she picks up the racket and sings. When was the last time you just belted it out before the Lord? When was the last time you lifted your voice in praise to Him? You see, God has given us a gift, the gift of worship. It is God we are to worship at all times and in every way. I don't know about you but I need to remember this and worship Him more.
So the next time I pick up a badminton racket and swing it at the birdie, I am going to think of praising God. Thank you Addy for giving me another reminder to worship.
"Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:3-5
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
"Can we face time, Grandma?"
It was lunchtime when I received a text from Tristan, my 9 year old grandson. He asked, "Can we face time I need to ask u something?" I answered that it was a good time so my phone began to ring and there he was looking at me on the screen.
(This so much makes me think of Star Trek when I was younger when Captain Kirk would buzz Mr. Spock. They were on the screen like T.V. I never thought it would really happen but I digress)
"Hi Tristan, what's up?" I asked as I ate my banana which was probably rude since he could see me. :)
"I have a baseball game today, can you come?" he asked.
"Of course, I would love to come," I answered. Then we said our goodbyes. That was all he wanted. He wanted to give me a personal invite to his game. How sweet of him.
Later at about 4:00 pm, I received another text from him. This time it was a picture of him in his uniform with the words, "like it?" underneath it. "Yes sir, Nice," I answered. He thanked me and then said goodbye.
This boy was excited about his game, very excited. He wanted my support. He wanted me to be there. I stood in the rain and watched him play. What a joy to be able to do that! I know that this time is going to pass quickly when he won't really be interested in Grandma coming to the game. I will be replaced by a girlfriend or other guy friends. So I will enjoy this now while it lasts.
This whole face time thing is a marvel to me but really face time has been around a long time. When God breathed His Word out for men to write for Him, He was face timing with anyone who reads it. It is His Story. It is His breath on our faces as we read. Our Father wants His children to face time with Him on a regular basis. We need to face time with Him in order to know Him and His ways. We will never grow too old or too smart or too "anything". This side of the Kingdom, we will always need to face time with Him.
When was the last time you opened the Book? When was the last time you sought His face? When was the last time your excitement couldn't be contained and you had to face time?
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
(This so much makes me think of Star Trek when I was younger when Captain Kirk would buzz Mr. Spock. They were on the screen like T.V. I never thought it would really happen but I digress)
"Hi Tristan, what's up?" I asked as I ate my banana which was probably rude since he could see me. :)
"I have a baseball game today, can you come?" he asked.
"Of course, I would love to come," I answered. Then we said our goodbyes. That was all he wanted. He wanted to give me a personal invite to his game. How sweet of him.
Later at about 4:00 pm, I received another text from him. This time it was a picture of him in his uniform with the words, "like it?" underneath it. "Yes sir, Nice," I answered. He thanked me and then said goodbye.
This boy was excited about his game, very excited. He wanted my support. He wanted me to be there. I stood in the rain and watched him play. What a joy to be able to do that! I know that this time is going to pass quickly when he won't really be interested in Grandma coming to the game. I will be replaced by a girlfriend or other guy friends. So I will enjoy this now while it lasts.
This whole face time thing is a marvel to me but really face time has been around a long time. When God breathed His Word out for men to write for Him, He was face timing with anyone who reads it. It is His Story. It is His breath on our faces as we read. Our Father wants His children to face time with Him on a regular basis. We need to face time with Him in order to know Him and His ways. We will never grow too old or too smart or too "anything". This side of the Kingdom, we will always need to face time with Him.
When was the last time you opened the Book? When was the last time you sought His face? When was the last time your excitement couldn't be contained and you had to face time?
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
An Uncelebrated Birthday
Today is my son's birthday. He is 36 years old. I did not get him a cake. I was not able to watch him blow out the candles. There was no singing of the traditional song. His voice is not heard by me. He is not here. He is in another part of the world. He is living a life without family. It is the way he wants it.
As I was thinking of him today, I prayed for him. He would probably not like that but it is all I can do for him. I pray he is protected from harm. My desire is that he has people around him who will love him. I pray he has all that he needs to live comfortably. But more than all of that, I have prayed, am praying and will continue to pray that he turn to Jesus.
Every person in this world needs Jesus. We are not even really alive until we are following him. We are really dead in our sins, our own ways of doing things. God revealed Himself to me by His grace and I still marvel at that. The reminder here is that it isn't just about my son but is about all those who are lost in this world without God. Each one of them has a birthday which is just another year of going through the motions without a purpose. Jesus gives a purpose. Jesus is the purpose. He gives us the ability to truly live.
If my son were here today, I would tell him that I love him. That is very true. My love for him will never change even though he is not here. But my love is nothing in comparison with God's love.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Wow!! A love that is willing to die for us. I would like to think that I would die for my son but would I? Really, would I die for anyone? I haven't been in that situation but I know my heart is deceitful and wants its own way. God has already proven His love in the death of His Son. There is no greater love. This greater love is the one I desire for my son. Maybe just maybe God will be pleased to reveal Himself to my son today on his birthday. If He does then my son will have a new birth to celebrate on the same day.
My prayer is that we will be concerned for the lost souls and bring them before the throne of grace. There are many sons and daughters who need to know Jesus.
"...And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:47b
As I was thinking of him today, I prayed for him. He would probably not like that but it is all I can do for him. I pray he is protected from harm. My desire is that he has people around him who will love him. I pray he has all that he needs to live comfortably. But more than all of that, I have prayed, am praying and will continue to pray that he turn to Jesus.
Every person in this world needs Jesus. We are not even really alive until we are following him. We are really dead in our sins, our own ways of doing things. God revealed Himself to me by His grace and I still marvel at that. The reminder here is that it isn't just about my son but is about all those who are lost in this world without God. Each one of them has a birthday which is just another year of going through the motions without a purpose. Jesus gives a purpose. Jesus is the purpose. He gives us the ability to truly live.
If my son were here today, I would tell him that I love him. That is very true. My love for him will never change even though he is not here. But my love is nothing in comparison with God's love.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Wow!! A love that is willing to die for us. I would like to think that I would die for my son but would I? Really, would I die for anyone? I haven't been in that situation but I know my heart is deceitful and wants its own way. God has already proven His love in the death of His Son. There is no greater love. This greater love is the one I desire for my son. Maybe just maybe God will be pleased to reveal Himself to my son today on his birthday. If He does then my son will have a new birth to celebrate on the same day.
My prayer is that we will be concerned for the lost souls and bring them before the throne of grace. There are many sons and daughters who need to know Jesus.
"...And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:47b
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
PSALM OF PRAISE
Stand back!
Don’t crowd me!
I have a song
to sing to my Lord and I need room!
Listen all you people for my God is great!
I lift my hands and sing to His name,
The Holy One, Almighty God,
The Creator, The Christ,
The Risen One, My Savior!
I clap my hands and sing to His name,
The Good Shepherd, The Lamb of God,
The Prince of Peace, The King of Kings,
The Resurrection, My Savior!
I wave my hands and sing to His name,
The Everlasting God, The Life,
The Light of the World, The Master
The Messiah, My Savior!
I fold my hands and sing to His name,
The Bread of Life, Living Water,
The Rose of Sharon, The True Vine,
The Only Begotten Son, My Savior!
I lay my hands on the floor as I kneel and sing to His
name,
The Author and Finisher of our Faith,
The Way, The Truth and The Life,
The Great I AM, My Savior!
Listen all you people for my God is great!
I sing to His name here on this earth,
But one day I will sing face to face to My Savior!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Nostalgia on a Saturday Morning
This morning Ronn and I decided to get out our LPs and turn on the turntable. Yes you read that right. We got out old albums that were tucked away in a bottom shelf for a day like today, I guess. We used to have way too many LPs but did get rid of some. We kept our favorites from days gone by. As I write this I am hearing Cat Stevens sing, "A Wild World". As I listen I have to agree it is a wild world and it was one when I was 18 years old first hearing that song. The world is on a wild road that is not straight but crooked which is leading many over the cliff to eternal death. As you can see even in the nostalgia of the morning, I am thinking God or at least trying to.
We sat and listened to Simon and Garfunkel sing "A Bridge Over Troubled Waters". I remember that was my graduating class song in 1970. We all loved the song and sang it all day long in our heads as we went from class to class. There is a promise in that song by the singer to be the bridge that helps the listener get through the troubles of this world. There is one bridge and He is LORD! He is the one who can ease a troubled mind. We are promised trouble in this world but Jesus has overcome the world!! (John 16:33) We have hope in that. We are to come along side of those who are suffering and in need as Followers of Christ but we cannot BRIDGE the trouble only CHRIST can.
It seems so interesting to me how now as I listen to these songs of long ago, my mind goes to God. I think it has to do with maturity. I am listening at 60 and not 18 but it is more than age. God in His mercy and grace has seen fit to mature me in Him. I am flat of my face grateful for that! I know I have so much farther to go and need His mercy and grace daily. My desire is to continue to grow in Him and not get comfortable. Comfortable is so easy to fall into but I need to be stretched moment to moment in Him.
So I guess I will look forward to another nostalgic morning in the future to see how much more I think of Him during a secular song. It is an interesting concept to explore more in the future. For today, I will join my husband in this nostalgia remembering our youth together, the early years, the birth of children and how we got to where we are now. What a journey!! This journey is the race marked out for me by my heavenly Father!! (Hebrews 12:1-4)
We sat and listened to Simon and Garfunkel sing "A Bridge Over Troubled Waters". I remember that was my graduating class song in 1970. We all loved the song and sang it all day long in our heads as we went from class to class. There is a promise in that song by the singer to be the bridge that helps the listener get through the troubles of this world. There is one bridge and He is LORD! He is the one who can ease a troubled mind. We are promised trouble in this world but Jesus has overcome the world!! (John 16:33) We have hope in that. We are to come along side of those who are suffering and in need as Followers of Christ but we cannot BRIDGE the trouble only CHRIST can.
It seems so interesting to me how now as I listen to these songs of long ago, my mind goes to God. I think it has to do with maturity. I am listening at 60 and not 18 but it is more than age. God in His mercy and grace has seen fit to mature me in Him. I am flat of my face grateful for that! I know I have so much farther to go and need His mercy and grace daily. My desire is to continue to grow in Him and not get comfortable. Comfortable is so easy to fall into but I need to be stretched moment to moment in Him.
So I guess I will look forward to another nostalgic morning in the future to see how much more I think of Him during a secular song. It is an interesting concept to explore more in the future. For today, I will join my husband in this nostalgia remembering our youth together, the early years, the birth of children and how we got to where we are now. What a journey!! This journey is the race marked out for me by my heavenly Father!! (Hebrews 12:1-4)
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Life is Short
Today as I watched my grandson play fall baseball, I thought, "Life is short." I remember the day he was born. I witness the first showing of his hair before he ever took a breath. It seems like only yesterday but I know many days have passed since then. But as I watched him play ball, that was not all I remembered.
I remembered his mother standing on first base (just like he was) making the catches and getting the outs. I remembered her at the plate hitting the ball with a great big "umph" sound escaping her lips as the ball soared. There I was standing to see her just like I stood every time Tristan was at bat today. But that was not all.
My mind saw my youngest brother out there on the field. He loved the game and played hard. I was 12 years older than he and enjoyed watching him as if he were mine. Sometimes I treated him like he was with my mothering over the years. Yes a baseball game can bring back memories.
If the field were life then I have rounded third and am headed toward home. I so desire to run this last length of life well. The first three bases didn't seem like they took me very long. Life is short. So I know this last length of time will go by quickly. What will make this run to home the most memorable for those still running the bases? The answer is this...the more I look like Jesus the more they will remember. The more I strive to follow hard after HIM, the more they will be pointed to HIS grace and mercy.
Every rounding of the bases is about God and His Glory being made known. I am running now toward home where I will be safe for eternity with my Lord and Savior. I need to make this run count for His Glory. This run could go on for a long time yet and I cannot grow weary. So in order to run I will remember that every moment is precious because "Life is short"... "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16
I also need to remember that I do not run alone, the Holy Spirit is within me and the brothers and sisters in Christ are also running beside me and God has planned my race..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Life may be short but I still have a lot of running to do in it!! May God be glorified as I run.
I remembered his mother standing on first base (just like he was) making the catches and getting the outs. I remembered her at the plate hitting the ball with a great big "umph" sound escaping her lips as the ball soared. There I was standing to see her just like I stood every time Tristan was at bat today. But that was not all.
My mind saw my youngest brother out there on the field. He loved the game and played hard. I was 12 years older than he and enjoyed watching him as if he were mine. Sometimes I treated him like he was with my mothering over the years. Yes a baseball game can bring back memories.
If the field were life then I have rounded third and am headed toward home. I so desire to run this last length of life well. The first three bases didn't seem like they took me very long. Life is short. So I know this last length of time will go by quickly. What will make this run to home the most memorable for those still running the bases? The answer is this...the more I look like Jesus the more they will remember. The more I strive to follow hard after HIM, the more they will be pointed to HIS grace and mercy.
Every rounding of the bases is about God and His Glory being made known. I am running now toward home where I will be safe for eternity with my Lord and Savior. I need to make this run count for His Glory. This run could go on for a long time yet and I cannot grow weary. So in order to run I will remember that every moment is precious because "Life is short"... "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16
I also need to remember that I do not run alone, the Holy Spirit is within me and the brothers and sisters in Christ are also running beside me and God has planned my race..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Life may be short but I still have a lot of running to do in it!! May God be glorified as I run.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Another Mother's Day
In the past few days there have been different things which have happened concerning my mother's state of mind. Since she has frontal lobe disorder I know that things are going to continue to change and those changes are in the category of "worse". The few things that have happened since Wednesday are: she has now started to leave the house before my father awakes to take a walk...the neighbor has written a note and posted it on the fence (a kind note) asking my mother to please not feed her dogs anymore...my mother has informed me that this same neighbor just purchased a lot of clothes as a gift for her. Each one of these are not really huge but all together they are of great significance.
This morning, I cried. I don't usually cry concerning my mother. I handle it. I accept it. But today, I cried. My mother is gone. At least the one I knew so well. The truth is I can't handle it and on many levels I don't want to accept it. I needed to cry. I know it is all right to cry and I would tell anyone else that. But in my pride, I want to be strong. The truth is I am not strong, I am weak and I need a greater strength than I have. That's where God comes in. He is the strength. He is aware of this situation. He knows my mother and loves her more than I ever could. He knows me and loves me more than I realize. I need HIM!
Tomorrow is Mother's Day! My mother does not know that. She will never even remember it when we are eating at a table together tomorrow. She will tell stories of people who love her so very much. She will tell stories of men wanting to marry her and of men wanting to marry me. She will tell about people who pull her aside on the street just to say how much they love her daughter. She will whisper in my dad's ear that she needs to go home because she is expecting an important phone call. She will be mad when she realizes I am her ride and she can't get home when she wants to. But in the midst of all that I know that God will give me a view of my mother which goes far beyond anything she will say. I will see:
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
This morning, I cried. I don't usually cry concerning my mother. I handle it. I accept it. But today, I cried. My mother is gone. At least the one I knew so well. The truth is I can't handle it and on many levels I don't want to accept it. I needed to cry. I know it is all right to cry and I would tell anyone else that. But in my pride, I want to be strong. The truth is I am not strong, I am weak and I need a greater strength than I have. That's where God comes in. He is the strength. He is aware of this situation. He knows my mother and loves her more than I ever could. He knows me and loves me more than I realize. I need HIM!
Tomorrow is Mother's Day! My mother does not know that. She will never even remember it when we are eating at a table together tomorrow. She will tell stories of people who love her so very much. She will tell stories of men wanting to marry her and of men wanting to marry me. She will tell about people who pull her aside on the street just to say how much they love her daughter. She will whisper in my dad's ear that she needs to go home because she is expecting an important phone call. She will be mad when she realizes I am her ride and she can't get home when she wants to. But in the midst of all that I know that God will give me a view of my mother which goes far beyond anything she will say. I will see:
- The woman who let me polish her nails when I was only 4.
- The hair I sat on the back of the couch to brush as she closed her eyes in enjoyment.
- The woman who stepped out in faith and moved from Tennessee to Michigan to care for her children.
- The woman who curled my hair and caught me when I fainted.
- The woman who held me when my father died even though they had been divorce for so very long. She gave me comfort.
- The woman who held my children and gave them great love as their grandma.
- The woman who is generous to a fault even to the point of now desiring to feed every dog she sees.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Body of Christ at Work
All Followers of Jesus Christ are part of the body of Christ, the church. It does not matter if we meet in the same building or not. We can be in the United States or in France or in Mexico or in Canada, as Followers of Jesus Christ and we are part of the same body. What a wonderful thing to be part of the whole. Every part is needed to do the work of the gospel.
There may be times when we feel threatened by another part of the body. Why? Because we can become so self-focused. We think we have the answers or we think we can do it all by ourselves. NOT! We need one another. The hand is not threatened by the foot or the eye by the ear. Each has their job to do.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where the hand actually helps the foot or the eye helps the ear. Our physical bodies work that way and so does the body of Christ. We can be seeking to help someone and feel like we are lost not knowing what else to do. But God sends another to give what is needed. This should cause us to rejoice. There is to be no jealousy in the body of Christ, only praise to God for His work through us.
I have found myself in this position. I am rejoicing at the provision God has given. I am rejoicing at the help given by another part of the body. I am rejoicing at how God has used the body. My Pastor often says, "We are not lone ranger Christians." He is so right! How encouraging to know I am not alone.
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7
There may be times when we feel threatened by another part of the body. Why? Because we can become so self-focused. We think we have the answers or we think we can do it all by ourselves. NOT! We need one another. The hand is not threatened by the foot or the eye by the ear. Each has their job to do.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where the hand actually helps the foot or the eye helps the ear. Our physical bodies work that way and so does the body of Christ. We can be seeking to help someone and feel like we are lost not knowing what else to do. But God sends another to give what is needed. This should cause us to rejoice. There is to be no jealousy in the body of Christ, only praise to God for His work through us.
I have found myself in this position. I am rejoicing at the provision God has given. I am rejoicing at the help given by another part of the body. I am rejoicing at how God has used the body. My Pastor often says, "We are not lone ranger Christians." He is so right! How encouraging to know I am not alone.
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Breakfast with the Girls
As you may know or not know, I am the women's ministry director at Cornerstone Baptist Church. It is my privilege to serve the women of the church in all areas, Bible studies, mentoring, counseling and special events.
This morning we had an inter generational breakfast at church. There were women there of all ages. I had wished there had been more from the younger women of the church but I know that those who were supposed to be there were there. The food was great! It was enjoyable to eat and mingle at our tables getting to know one another better. Then after breakfast we got up and searched for women who fulfilled certain criteria listed on a bingo sheet. We got their autographs and learned more about them. It was a fun time of fellowship together.
The best part came at the end when I had asked them to share something they had wished someone had told them when they were younger. I was afraid that there were not going to be many who would just speak up so I had a couple of women ready to get it started. Much to my surprise and joy the women didn't have any trouble at all speaking up. They begin to share things from their lives one at a time. We all learned from each other. We laughed. We wiped a tear. We said "Amen!". We clapped. It was the greatest display of fellowship I have witnessed among our women. We were a body, speaking into one another's lives.
This is what we are called to do. We are to be examples to one another, mentors to one another and to love one another. The women of Cornerstone did that this morning in a group of 80 sharing some pretty personal things. There was no fear in the sharing because we are family.
I am excited to invite my family to do this again. God has really used today as an encouragement in the lives of these 80 women. I hope that others will be encouraged too as these women share their experience with them.
This morning we had an inter generational breakfast at church. There were women there of all ages. I had wished there had been more from the younger women of the church but I know that those who were supposed to be there were there. The food was great! It was enjoyable to eat and mingle at our tables getting to know one another better. Then after breakfast we got up and searched for women who fulfilled certain criteria listed on a bingo sheet. We got their autographs and learned more about them. It was a fun time of fellowship together.
The best part came at the end when I had asked them to share something they had wished someone had told them when they were younger. I was afraid that there were not going to be many who would just speak up so I had a couple of women ready to get it started. Much to my surprise and joy the women didn't have any trouble at all speaking up. They begin to share things from their lives one at a time. We all learned from each other. We laughed. We wiped a tear. We said "Amen!". We clapped. It was the greatest display of fellowship I have witnessed among our women. We were a body, speaking into one another's lives.
This is what we are called to do. We are to be examples to one another, mentors to one another and to love one another. The women of Cornerstone did that this morning in a group of 80 sharing some pretty personal things. There was no fear in the sharing because we are family.
I am excited to invite my family to do this again. God has really used today as an encouragement in the lives of these 80 women. I hope that others will be encouraged too as these women share their experience with them.
Friday, February 10, 2012
A Blast From the Past
It can be so funny when I go to breakfast with my mom. She comes up with the stories. I have noticed that she is going farther and farther back in time with the people she brings up. This week she told me that she received a call from Hank Snow. He was letting her know that he was retiring from country music. He convinced her that it was him by singing his songs on the phone to her. Hank Snow died in 1999 at the age of 85. So really he retired a long time ago. But she was very happy when she spoke of him.
Then she came up with, "Did I ever tell you who wanted to marry you?". She has mentioned many but I told her no and she proceeded to tell me this story. When I was younger she and I went to a concert and then went back stage. We visited with the singer and then as I walked away he told my mom he wanted to marry me. His name was Ernest Tubb. He actually died in 1984 at the age of 70. My mom did say that she told him no because he was actually older than her.
These two men who sang for the Grand Ole Opry made an impression on my mom. It was a big one because she remembers them still though other more current memories have faded. They did not know they had made an impression on a young girl in the back woods of Tennessee but they had none the less. She obviously cherishes memories of hearing them on the radio during her young years.
So I am just wondering about the impressions I am making for Christ. Am I making impressions without knowing it? Are they good impressions or do these impressions mar the name of my Lord? I am certainly not aware of everyone who sees me, listens to me, hears about me or watches me very closely. I need to be aware of being a follower of Christ each and every moment that I take a breath.
Wouldn't it be great if one day someone is sitting across from their child at a breakfast table and says, "Did I ever tell you about ____________ now there's someone who really spoke to me about God! The life she led was so much like Jesus." Now what a joy that would be! A blast from the past that made a difference for the future.
Then she came up with, "Did I ever tell you who wanted to marry you?". She has mentioned many but I told her no and she proceeded to tell me this story. When I was younger she and I went to a concert and then went back stage. We visited with the singer and then as I walked away he told my mom he wanted to marry me. His name was Ernest Tubb. He actually died in 1984 at the age of 70. My mom did say that she told him no because he was actually older than her.
These two men who sang for the Grand Ole Opry made an impression on my mom. It was a big one because she remembers them still though other more current memories have faded. They did not know they had made an impression on a young girl in the back woods of Tennessee but they had none the less. She obviously cherishes memories of hearing them on the radio during her young years.
So I am just wondering about the impressions I am making for Christ. Am I making impressions without knowing it? Are they good impressions or do these impressions mar the name of my Lord? I am certainly not aware of everyone who sees me, listens to me, hears about me or watches me very closely. I need to be aware of being a follower of Christ each and every moment that I take a breath.
Wouldn't it be great if one day someone is sitting across from their child at a breakfast table and says, "Did I ever tell you about ____________ now there's someone who really spoke to me about God! The life she led was so much like Jesus." Now what a joy that would be! A blast from the past that made a difference for the future.
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!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
In the Presence of Grace
The Student Ministries Pastor and my friend, Patrick McGoldrick, has been diagnosed with ALS. This has hit us all hard in the church and especially here on staff with him. He is young. He has a wife and two children. The diagnosis is not a good one but only God knows the outcome.
After we were told in a staff meeting, I began to pray for him and his family. I also began to wonder how I would act around him. What would I say? What should I do? I figured it would all be very uncomfortable. Nothing could be farther from reality.
I can only describe being with Patrick as being in the presence of grace, God's grace. There is no uneasiness in our conversation. It is all natural, normal and productive. It is not hard to speak with him about the future. In fact, I enjoy our conversations more now. The reason? I am in the presence of God's grace.
There are many times as a biblical counselor I have used Hebrews 4:16 as an encouragement..."Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."...But now I consider that I am in the thick of that verse. God's throne is being approached multiple times a day for Patrick and God's grace is being lavished on him.
I am privileged to serve along side this man. As I stand next to him, I too am the beneficiary of God's marvelous grace. What a privilege! Thank you God.
After we were told in a staff meeting, I began to pray for him and his family. I also began to wonder how I would act around him. What would I say? What should I do? I figured it would all be very uncomfortable. Nothing could be farther from reality.
I can only describe being with Patrick as being in the presence of grace, God's grace. There is no uneasiness in our conversation. It is all natural, normal and productive. It is not hard to speak with him about the future. In fact, I enjoy our conversations more now. The reason? I am in the presence of God's grace.
There are many times as a biblical counselor I have used Hebrews 4:16 as an encouragement..."Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."...But now I consider that I am in the thick of that verse. God's throne is being approached multiple times a day for Patrick and God's grace is being lavished on him.
I am privileged to serve along side this man. As I stand next to him, I too am the beneficiary of God's marvelous grace. What a privilege! Thank you God.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
IF IT IS POSSIBLE
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
Last night as I taught a class at church on relationship with difficult people, I was struck by the relationship of Jesus and Judas. Jesus who is our perfect example. The example that we are to follow as Followers of Christ. The One we are to imitate. In John 13, Jesus takes the time to wash every disciple's feet. We are told in this passage that He knew that Judas was going to betray Him. He knew that His time had come. He knew that it would be that evening.
As we were going through these verses, the reality of this hit me very hard. Jesus washed the dirty feet of His betrayer, a thief and a liar. Judas was never a true follower of Christ at all. Jesus knew that and yet He treated him just like He did the rest of the disciples who followed Him. I guess I was picturing myself on the floor washing the dirty feet of someone who has told lies about me, who has tried to turn others against me and who has broken close relationships. At that moment, I could not see myself on the floor but I knew I should be there. How humiliating! Would God really want me to humble myself to that point?
Of course, He would. Jesus did it. I am to learn from Him. Fear begins to creep up in me as I think, "what if the response to me is not good?". Well, that's where Romans 12:18 comes in. Because as you read at the beginning of this post, "If it is possible..." It is not always possible to have peace because the other person may not respond in a manner that promotes peace. However I am responsible for me not the other person's response. So I have a job to do. I need to go as far as I can for peace. I need to look like Jesus, my Savior.
I may get hurt. I may win a friend. I may look stupid. I may look like Jesus. I may be fearful. I may have courage in the Lord. All of this is speculation that will get me nowhere. Jesus calls me to serve. He calls me to be like Him. He calls me to obedience. "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15 And He did much more for me than wash my feet...He died for me taking my punishment for my sin. He took my place. So...what's my problem?
Last night as I taught a class at church on relationship with difficult people, I was struck by the relationship of Jesus and Judas. Jesus who is our perfect example. The example that we are to follow as Followers of Christ. The One we are to imitate. In John 13, Jesus takes the time to wash every disciple's feet. We are told in this passage that He knew that Judas was going to betray Him. He knew that His time had come. He knew that it would be that evening.
As we were going through these verses, the reality of this hit me very hard. Jesus washed the dirty feet of His betrayer, a thief and a liar. Judas was never a true follower of Christ at all. Jesus knew that and yet He treated him just like He did the rest of the disciples who followed Him. I guess I was picturing myself on the floor washing the dirty feet of someone who has told lies about me, who has tried to turn others against me and who has broken close relationships. At that moment, I could not see myself on the floor but I knew I should be there. How humiliating! Would God really want me to humble myself to that point?
Of course, He would. Jesus did it. I am to learn from Him. Fear begins to creep up in me as I think, "what if the response to me is not good?". Well, that's where Romans 12:18 comes in. Because as you read at the beginning of this post, "If it is possible..." It is not always possible to have peace because the other person may not respond in a manner that promotes peace. However I am responsible for me not the other person's response. So I have a job to do. I need to go as far as I can for peace. I need to look like Jesus, my Savior.
I may get hurt. I may win a friend. I may look stupid. I may look like Jesus. I may be fearful. I may have courage in the Lord. All of this is speculation that will get me nowhere. Jesus calls me to serve. He calls me to be like Him. He calls me to obedience. "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15 And He did much more for me than wash my feet...He died for me taking my punishment for my sin. He took my place. So...what's my problem?
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