Exodus 17:12
When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
Tom and I ran away this past weekend. On Sunday morning we headed up to Prescott Valley to worship with beloved friends at Mountain Valley Church of God. We were able to visit with several couples at lunch and returned to church Sunday evening for a praise and worship time. After that, we had dinner with Pastor Don and Suzanne. We spent the night in Prescott Valley and headed to Overgaard on Monday morning to visit more beloved friends, Don and Jan. We spent the day and night with them before heading back to Phoenix after breakfast on Tuesday.
I share specifically about these two couples because they are Aaron and Hur for one, or both of us. We have other beloved friends, but these two couples hold us accountable and help us see the big picture when things are not what they should be. We are free to share our joyful times as well as the difficult times. They listen to us, sometimes they offer advice, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they just repeat back what we share and allow us to hear it back. They are our Aaron and Hur holding us up before the Lord so that we may hear what He wants us to do.
The most important thing is that they love us. They don't judge us, they encourage us. They walk the journey with us. If we are wrong, we fully expect them to tell us. If we are right, they just love and encourage us. The final decisions on what we choose to do is fully up to us (and to God).
Who are your Aaron and Hur? Do you have friends who will hold your arms up when things are difficult? Do you have someone you can just share with, knowing that you will not be forced into a decision, but will just be loved and encouraged? Even more so, are you an Aaron or Hur for someone? Are you able to speak into someone's life because they open themselves up to you? They trust you to pray for them, to encourage them? Do you give to your friends what you want back from them?
Today I encourage you to be Aaron and Hur to those who need someone to go before the Lord on their behalf. I also encourage you to find your Aaron and Hur who will seek the Lord on your behalf, holding your arms up high.
Blessings!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Obeying in the little things......
Several months ago my granddaughter asked me to let my hair grow. No big deal, I thought. I like my hair long and have gone back and forth from long to short to long several times over my life. So, I started letting it grow.
My only 'problem' is that my husband does not like my hair long. He has asked me to cut it several times, and I have chosen to just trim it, rather than cut it. It was, after all, MY hair, wasn't it? Couldn't I wear it the way I wanted to? And I was wearing it clipped up because he didn't like it long. So what was the difference?
The difference was I wasn't honoring my husband's wishes.
A couple weeks ago as I worked on my Bible study for class, I felt God tell me, 'you need to honor your husband and cut your hair'. That thought didn't thrill me, but I processed it. Last weekend I was able to tell my granddaughter that I needed to cut my hair.
"But why, Grandma? I want you to grow your hair long!" she says.
"I know, Princess," I responded, "But God has told me that I need to honor my husband, your grandpa. You know how your mama would like to cut her hair just a little bit shorter, and your dad says no, that she can not cut her hair?"
"Yes, Grandma."
"Well, your mama is honoring your dad by not cutting her hair. I need to honor grandpa by cutting mine. Do you understand?"
"Yes Grandma."
So last night I told Tom that I was getting my hair 'shaped'. That is all I said. When I came home, he was so surprised as I had 5 inches cut off and now my hair was shaped and much shorter. He liked it.
"Why did you cut your hair? I thought you wanted to let it grow." He commented.
"Because God told me that I needed to honor you by cutting my hair, because you prefer it short. It is not to be what I want, but I honor God when I honor you." I replied.
Needless to say, he was much surprised - and honored - that I cut my hair to please him. And I know that I also pleased God because I honored my husband.
What have you done lately that honored someone? It may not be something as simple as cutting your hair, but it may be just preparing a meal for them, or like my son is doing this weekend, watching the children while his wife visits their college age daughter down in Tucson for the weekend.
When you honor others, you are giving honor to our Heavenly Father. What joy it is to honor Him!
Blessings!
My only 'problem' is that my husband does not like my hair long. He has asked me to cut it several times, and I have chosen to just trim it, rather than cut it. It was, after all, MY hair, wasn't it? Couldn't I wear it the way I wanted to? And I was wearing it clipped up because he didn't like it long. So what was the difference?
The difference was I wasn't honoring my husband's wishes.
A couple weeks ago as I worked on my Bible study for class, I felt God tell me, 'you need to honor your husband and cut your hair'. That thought didn't thrill me, but I processed it. Last weekend I was able to tell my granddaughter that I needed to cut my hair.
"But why, Grandma? I want you to grow your hair long!" she says.
"I know, Princess," I responded, "But God has told me that I need to honor my husband, your grandpa. You know how your mama would like to cut her hair just a little bit shorter, and your dad says no, that she can not cut her hair?"
"Yes, Grandma."
"Well, your mama is honoring your dad by not cutting her hair. I need to honor grandpa by cutting mine. Do you understand?"
"Yes Grandma."
So last night I told Tom that I was getting my hair 'shaped'. That is all I said. When I came home, he was so surprised as I had 5 inches cut off and now my hair was shaped and much shorter. He liked it.
"Why did you cut your hair? I thought you wanted to let it grow." He commented.
"Because God told me that I needed to honor you by cutting my hair, because you prefer it short. It is not to be what I want, but I honor God when I honor you." I replied.
Needless to say, he was much surprised - and honored - that I cut my hair to please him. And I know that I also pleased God because I honored my husband.
What have you done lately that honored someone? It may not be something as simple as cutting your hair, but it may be just preparing a meal for them, or like my son is doing this weekend, watching the children while his wife visits their college age daughter down in Tucson for the weekend.
When you honor others, you are giving honor to our Heavenly Father. What joy it is to honor Him!
Blessings!
After you have suffered for a little while....
I Peter 5:10. When I read that verse the other day in my devotions, it really hit home. It opened my eyes to some things that have been happening that I hadn't really realized. I didn't realize that I was being 'punished' because I didn't conform to someone's expectations of me. Wow, doesn't that sound weird. I refused to 'obey' what I felt was not right. I didn't 'perform' according to what I was told. Am I being rebellious? Not really. Just standing up for what I believe, and acting as a child of God. For those of you who wonder what the verse says - here it is.
1 Peter 5:10
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
1 Peter 5:10
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
It also reminds me of another scripture.
1 Peter 2:23
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
and still another:
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
So, in thinking about and reading these scriptures once again, I have determined that I will not respond to things said to me. I will entrust myself to Him who will restore what the enemy is trying to take away from me. I will believe that when God's Word says that IN ALL THINGS, that is exactly what it means. My God will work for my good, because I love Him, and because I have been called according to His purpose. He has brought me to where I am. All I have belongs to Him. All I am is due Him. All Glory, all Honor, all Praise is His alone.
It doesn't matter what I'm going through, or what has happened. My God will see me through this, and I will come through unblemished, because I am His.
What are you going through right now? Do you feel that you have been treated unfairly and you are ranting and raving about your rights? Has it changed anything? Has it made any difference other than you letting off steam? Probably not.
Entrust your anger, your pain, the injustice of it all - to our Heavenly Father. He loves you beyond measure and He will right what has been wronged against you. It may not happen in the time frame you want it to happen, you may not know it has happened. But after you have struggled, He will restore you, because He loves you.
Hang in there! You may be in for a ride. Watch and see what God wants you to learn from this. It IS all about HIM!
Blessings!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Life Changes
This past Friday I took an important step. A step that I did not take lightly. My company had for the first time in its history, offered early retirement to about 20 people at my company. Or is it that 20 people accepted it. Anyway, I qualified for the early retirement with being 62 and having nearly 26 years of service. There have been different stages of accepting and withdrawing, and waivers to sign over the past two-three weeks. Friday was the final one for me, I think. I read through all the paperwork again. I prayed. I clicked on the 'I accept' button. Then I 'signed' the waiver stating I wouldn't do all kinds of things against the company or hold it liable for anything - then I hit the button that read 'submit'. Then I sat there and stared at it, thinking, and praying, that I did the right thing.
Do I think I did the right thing? Absolutely. It is time. My journey of a 42 mile daily round trip, ten hour days, is about to come to an end, effective October 28. I had offered to stay until April, 2012, knowing meetings that were coming up starting in November, and wanting them to go well. But, it apparently doesn't matter to management, for they denied that request and made my last day October 28, 2011. Now that I have my last date of employment, I can begin to make my own plans.
What kind of plans? I have no idea. Probably do some cleaning and clearing out of things here at the house. I am a bit of a pack rat so I am anxious to clear out a lot of clutter. I also want to start going to the gym on a regular basis and get my body toned and thinner. That may take some time, I'm afraid. On both of these.
I am really looking forward to having more quality time in the mornings with the Lord. You may think I'm weird, but I love snuggling up to my Abba in the wee hours of the morning and reading His Word, talking with Him. I love it most when I don't have to keep one eye on the clock, but can stay until I am 'finished'. I'm looking forward to taking long walks in the mornings. Maybe meeting friends for breakfast on occasion. I am going to enjoy this time of not having to work.
But I know I also have to find another job, probably by the first of the year, as I will not have any medical benefits as of January 1. My ideal job would be in a paid position on a church staff, but things being what they are, that probably won't happen right now. I enjoy being with people and I love to have fun. I am also a hard worker and do my work well. I can't remember the last time I called in sick - probably a total of ten times the past 26 years! I have had several recommendations of places to go to apply. All sound like fun, but for now, I am going to continue to pray and ask God to begin even now preparing the place He wants me to go.
Reminds me of George Mueller, in a way. Read his autobiography sometime. He was an amazing man of faith. He would thank God for something specific - without sharing the need with anyone - and it would happen. Oh that my faith would be as great! Faith has nearly always been my #1 spiritual gift. My father-in-law once said 'If God said it, I believe it, that settles it.' And I have taken that to heart. It doesn't matter what anyone else says. If my God says it, I will believe it. End of discussion. Yes, God has spoken to me in the past, in the present, and I believe He will in the future. No, I don't have the market on God talking to me. But He has my ear, and I have His hand.
What about you? Are you getting ready to begin a new journey in your life? Are you looking at making some changes you are possibly uncertain about? What are you doing about it - are you thinking it through and praying that God will direct your path, that He will make your path straight? Are you waiting on Him for the answers you need? I hope you are. There is nothing worse than going through life making your own decisions and pretending God has answered your prayers when you are only doing what you want to do.
Wait upon the Lord; you will never regret it.
Blessings!
Do I think I did the right thing? Absolutely. It is time. My journey of a 42 mile daily round trip, ten hour days, is about to come to an end, effective October 28. I had offered to stay until April, 2012, knowing meetings that were coming up starting in November, and wanting them to go well. But, it apparently doesn't matter to management, for they denied that request and made my last day October 28, 2011. Now that I have my last date of employment, I can begin to make my own plans.
What kind of plans? I have no idea. Probably do some cleaning and clearing out of things here at the house. I am a bit of a pack rat so I am anxious to clear out a lot of clutter. I also want to start going to the gym on a regular basis and get my body toned and thinner. That may take some time, I'm afraid. On both of these.
I am really looking forward to having more quality time in the mornings with the Lord. You may think I'm weird, but I love snuggling up to my Abba in the wee hours of the morning and reading His Word, talking with Him. I love it most when I don't have to keep one eye on the clock, but can stay until I am 'finished'. I'm looking forward to taking long walks in the mornings. Maybe meeting friends for breakfast on occasion. I am going to enjoy this time of not having to work.
But I know I also have to find another job, probably by the first of the year, as I will not have any medical benefits as of January 1. My ideal job would be in a paid position on a church staff, but things being what they are, that probably won't happen right now. I enjoy being with people and I love to have fun. I am also a hard worker and do my work well. I can't remember the last time I called in sick - probably a total of ten times the past 26 years! I have had several recommendations of places to go to apply. All sound like fun, but for now, I am going to continue to pray and ask God to begin even now preparing the place He wants me to go.
Reminds me of George Mueller, in a way. Read his autobiography sometime. He was an amazing man of faith. He would thank God for something specific - without sharing the need with anyone - and it would happen. Oh that my faith would be as great! Faith has nearly always been my #1 spiritual gift. My father-in-law once said 'If God said it, I believe it, that settles it.' And I have taken that to heart. It doesn't matter what anyone else says. If my God says it, I will believe it. End of discussion. Yes, God has spoken to me in the past, in the present, and I believe He will in the future. No, I don't have the market on God talking to me. But He has my ear, and I have His hand.
What about you? Are you getting ready to begin a new journey in your life? Are you looking at making some changes you are possibly uncertain about? What are you doing about it - are you thinking it through and praying that God will direct your path, that He will make your path straight? Are you waiting on Him for the answers you need? I hope you are. There is nothing worse than going through life making your own decisions and pretending God has answered your prayers when you are only doing what you want to do.
Wait upon the Lord; you will never regret it.
Blessings!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
He's Got Me Covered!
On my way to work earlier this week I was thinking over things that had happened recently that involves me, and others. Thinking about the choices I have made, and those that I will make in the future, I was wondering if my choices are the right ones.
As I was thinking about these things, a comment made by Beth Moore during one of her classes came to me. (now I must paraphrase for I can't remember exactly what it was)... "Even when God isn't in it, His hand is written all over it."
Did that ever hit home! I received the notice last Thursday that I will be able to retire from my job of nearly 26 years on October 28th. After some 'play' time, I plan to find a job closer to home and hopefully gain some hours of my day back. There are things I want to do I have never been able to do because of time constraints and busy days. I am looking forward to some 'me' time, although I really don't know how much 'me' there will be. I will probably comment on that another time.
But for now, I love thinking about how even when situations have nothing to do with my Lord, He has His hand all over the situation and also my future. I had offered to defer my retirement to April, not for my benefit, but to help the company through some meetings that I help coordinate. They chose not to need my help. I don't know what they will do now, but I won't be employed there. Why did God choose to get me out of there October 28th? I don't know. I do know that I have given Him control of my life and daily put myself in His hands. I am trusting He has greater plans for me, and will reveal them when He is ready.
I think of a situation on Sunday that caught me off-guard, and left me feeling vulnerable. I am sure God was not in that either, but I know He is watching out for me and will help me through any difficulty. I don't know why people say what they do or do what they do all 'in the name of the Lord' when it gives cause to wonder what are they thinking. If it happens to me, I wonder who else it has happened to, or will happen to. I don't think God approves of such things.
Even when God is not in the situation, His hand is written all over it. I may have to actually look it up to see exactly how it goes. I just love it that He works everything out for my good, whether the intention was for my good or not. He loves me that much.
He loves you that much too. Have you been in situations that you just didn't know how it would end? You definitely couldn't see why God would allow such a thing? Nothing made sense to you and every hope you had was ripped from you? Believe that even though such a thing happened, our God loves you so much that His hand was all over the situation and He will bring good from it. You may never recognize it, you may never see it, but trust Him, He holds you in the palm of His hand.
Blessings!
As I was thinking about these things, a comment made by Beth Moore during one of her classes came to me. (now I must paraphrase for I can't remember exactly what it was)... "Even when God isn't in it, His hand is written all over it."
Did that ever hit home! I received the notice last Thursday that I will be able to retire from my job of nearly 26 years on October 28th. After some 'play' time, I plan to find a job closer to home and hopefully gain some hours of my day back. There are things I want to do I have never been able to do because of time constraints and busy days. I am looking forward to some 'me' time, although I really don't know how much 'me' there will be. I will probably comment on that another time.
But for now, I love thinking about how even when situations have nothing to do with my Lord, He has His hand all over the situation and also my future. I had offered to defer my retirement to April, not for my benefit, but to help the company through some meetings that I help coordinate. They chose not to need my help. I don't know what they will do now, but I won't be employed there. Why did God choose to get me out of there October 28th? I don't know. I do know that I have given Him control of my life and daily put myself in His hands. I am trusting He has greater plans for me, and will reveal them when He is ready.
I think of a situation on Sunday that caught me off-guard, and left me feeling vulnerable. I am sure God was not in that either, but I know He is watching out for me and will help me through any difficulty. I don't know why people say what they do or do what they do all 'in the name of the Lord' when it gives cause to wonder what are they thinking. If it happens to me, I wonder who else it has happened to, or will happen to. I don't think God approves of such things.
Even when God is not in the situation, His hand is written all over it. I may have to actually look it up to see exactly how it goes. I just love it that He works everything out for my good, whether the intention was for my good or not. He loves me that much.
He loves you that much too. Have you been in situations that you just didn't know how it would end? You definitely couldn't see why God would allow such a thing? Nothing made sense to you and every hope you had was ripped from you? Believe that even though such a thing happened, our God loves you so much that His hand was all over the situation and He will bring good from it. You may never recognize it, you may never see it, but trust Him, He holds you in the palm of His hand.
Blessings!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Beth Moore and Roosters
Hmm, I wonder what Beth would say with putting the title in her name and Roosters. I bet she would have been a great Rooster! What am I talking about?
Went to North Hills Church yesterday to watch a Beth Moore 'Living Proof' simulcast. What an awesome time of worship and hearing the Word! As I was immersed in worship, I realized how much I have missed getting 'lost' in worship. If you haven't ever been 'lost' in worshipping God, then you don't have a clue what I am referring to, but if you have, then you do know. I love to lose myself in total abandonment in worship. Where time stands still and nothing exists but God. It felt good to lose myself for a time. I needed that time of refreshment.
Beth Moore was awesome in speaking the Word on Luke and Acts. So many things I hadn't thought of before - and I took lots of notes! God has truly blessed Beth Moore with the ability to speak the Word in such a way it is understandable - and some of us need it real clear! I understand one person accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at the session - and if I have heard correctly, she is from the church I attend. What an awesome decision to make - to follow Jesus!
After the simulcast, 4 other friends and I - the original 'Roosters' - went to dinner together for a wonderful time of sharing and catching up. It has been at least seven years since we have all been together at one time. I don't think any of us have changed much, and it was so good to hear from each one and to see them again. I do hope we don't wait as long for our next 'Rooster Reunion'.
What is a 'Rooster'? What seems like a long time ago, we were asked to be an accountability group for one of our pastors at that time. The 'Rooster' name came from when the rooster crowed after Peter denied Jesus for the 3rd time. As an accountability group, we prayed for this pastor and held her accountable - and ourselves as well. We formed a great bond and friendship that has lasted many years. The pastor has moved on to other things and some of us 'Roosters' still pray for her, although we do not meet like we did when she was here. But the bond created during that time has remained strong.
So that was my day yesterday - and the reason for my title. I am truly blessed to be able to freely worship, hear the Word, and join friends to share what is going on in our lives. I don't know if I could determine what was the best part of yesterday.... but losing myself in worship is right up there with spending time with the Roosters.
How was your day? Did you 'lose yourself' in something? Did you meet up with close friends and share a meal? Did you do something that has created a memory within? Think about it.... how was your day?
Blessings!
Went to North Hills Church yesterday to watch a Beth Moore 'Living Proof' simulcast. What an awesome time of worship and hearing the Word! As I was immersed in worship, I realized how much I have missed getting 'lost' in worship. If you haven't ever been 'lost' in worshipping God, then you don't have a clue what I am referring to, but if you have, then you do know. I love to lose myself in total abandonment in worship. Where time stands still and nothing exists but God. It felt good to lose myself for a time. I needed that time of refreshment.
Beth Moore was awesome in speaking the Word on Luke and Acts. So many things I hadn't thought of before - and I took lots of notes! God has truly blessed Beth Moore with the ability to speak the Word in such a way it is understandable - and some of us need it real clear! I understand one person accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at the session - and if I have heard correctly, she is from the church I attend. What an awesome decision to make - to follow Jesus!
After the simulcast, 4 other friends and I - the original 'Roosters' - went to dinner together for a wonderful time of sharing and catching up. It has been at least seven years since we have all been together at one time. I don't think any of us have changed much, and it was so good to hear from each one and to see them again. I do hope we don't wait as long for our next 'Rooster Reunion'.
What is a 'Rooster'? What seems like a long time ago, we were asked to be an accountability group for one of our pastors at that time. The 'Rooster' name came from when the rooster crowed after Peter denied Jesus for the 3rd time. As an accountability group, we prayed for this pastor and held her accountable - and ourselves as well. We formed a great bond and friendship that has lasted many years. The pastor has moved on to other things and some of us 'Roosters' still pray for her, although we do not meet like we did when she was here. But the bond created during that time has remained strong.
So that was my day yesterday - and the reason for my title. I am truly blessed to be able to freely worship, hear the Word, and join friends to share what is going on in our lives. I don't know if I could determine what was the best part of yesterday.... but losing myself in worship is right up there with spending time with the Roosters.
How was your day? Did you 'lose yourself' in something? Did you meet up with close friends and share a meal? Did you do something that has created a memory within? Think about it.... how was your day?
Blessings!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Who do you run to?
I know my past few posts have been a mixture of emotions, and this one is probably right in there with the rest. I have been doing serious praying about certain matters, and searching for answers as to what to do. I wish decisions were easy to make. The tough ones never are anyway.
I need to make a decision about my future. Actually, I have a lot of things on my plate right now that will be deciding my future. Things about job, church, participation, teaching, leading, etc. I wonder to myself... 'what if I choose wrong'? 'What if.....?" "Am I making the right choice?"
And I run to my Heavenly Father who knows all things, knows my heart, knows my past (although He has forgotten it once I confessed it and received His forgiveness), and knows my future. My Lord knows I only want to serve Him. My heart's desire is to help people have a personal relationship with Him. My greatest joy is laying everything down at His feet and worshipping Him.
But I still have to make decisions, right or wrong. I made a decision today on one, after being in turmoil the past couple weeks and working through the process. I spent time praying about it nearly every day, if not every single day. Today, I feel I received my answer. As I was processing things and going through the turmoil once again within myself, I realized that in itself was my answer. There was no peace about it. This is not my time for that activity. This is not where I am to put my energy or my strength. I am to give it up. I am to let it go. I am to give it back.
I talked to my husband about it to get a 'feel back' on it. He agrees with me, that if I am in turmoil about it, unhappy, stressed, then it is not what I am to be doing at this time. Not that I can't do it, now is not the time. So, I'm letting it go as soon as I can share that with the person 'in charge'. I wanted to send an email but was told that was 'tacky', that I need to do it in person. So, hopefully tonight I can let it go completely. I need to.
I want to be obedient to my Lord, and if He is not giving me peace, then I need to obey the barriers He has put in my way.
What is causing you turmoil in your life? Who are you running to for answers? My prayer is that you run to the One who loves you more than you will ever remember.
Blessings!
I need to make a decision about my future. Actually, I have a lot of things on my plate right now that will be deciding my future. Things about job, church, participation, teaching, leading, etc. I wonder to myself... 'what if I choose wrong'? 'What if.....?" "Am I making the right choice?"
And I run to my Heavenly Father who knows all things, knows my heart, knows my past (although He has forgotten it once I confessed it and received His forgiveness), and knows my future. My Lord knows I only want to serve Him. My heart's desire is to help people have a personal relationship with Him. My greatest joy is laying everything down at His feet and worshipping Him.
But I still have to make decisions, right or wrong. I made a decision today on one, after being in turmoil the past couple weeks and working through the process. I spent time praying about it nearly every day, if not every single day. Today, I feel I received my answer. As I was processing things and going through the turmoil once again within myself, I realized that in itself was my answer. There was no peace about it. This is not my time for that activity. This is not where I am to put my energy or my strength. I am to give it up. I am to let it go. I am to give it back.
I talked to my husband about it to get a 'feel back' on it. He agrees with me, that if I am in turmoil about it, unhappy, stressed, then it is not what I am to be doing at this time. Not that I can't do it, now is not the time. So, I'm letting it go as soon as I can share that with the person 'in charge'. I wanted to send an email but was told that was 'tacky', that I need to do it in person. So, hopefully tonight I can let it go completely. I need to.
I want to be obedient to my Lord, and if He is not giving me peace, then I need to obey the barriers He has put in my way.
What is causing you turmoil in your life? Who are you running to for answers? My prayer is that you run to the One who loves you more than you will ever remember.
Blessings!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Life passing...
I received a text from my son yesterday that a neice had posted on facebook that her mother had died. As my brother had married three times, my son wondered which one this was. As I shared with him it was LaVerne, Sam's first wife, I began to think about her and what I could remember. It has been probably over 35 years since I have seen her. Wow - does that age me! Sam and LaVerne weren't married very long, if I recall. I was still in school. Being so much older than I, my brother and I didn't hang out that much together, until probably the last ten years of his life. It is hard to believe he has been gone 10 years this Christmas Eve. I still miss him terribly.
Even though I hadn't seen LaVerne, Debbie is my brother's daughter and my niece. She is a beautiful woman, and when we have talked, sought after God with all that she knew of Him. We have talked infrequently - very infrequently - the past ten years. With being in Phoenix and her in Indianapolis, it makes it difficult to stay in touch with some of the family. I managed with most of my siblings - but not all. Some just get an occasional call or email.
Life keeps everyone busy in it's own way. Even so, it was sad to hear of Debbie's loss. It was so hard for her to lose her dad, I wonder how she will get through this. My prayers for her will be of peace, and for memories to comfort her during the lonely times. I pray for friends to come alongside her to walk this journey with her.
I think I need to contact some relatives and friends I haven't chatted with in awhile. What about you?
Blessings!
Even though I hadn't seen LaVerne, Debbie is my brother's daughter and my niece. She is a beautiful woman, and when we have talked, sought after God with all that she knew of Him. We have talked infrequently - very infrequently - the past ten years. With being in Phoenix and her in Indianapolis, it makes it difficult to stay in touch with some of the family. I managed with most of my siblings - but not all. Some just get an occasional call or email.
Life keeps everyone busy in it's own way. Even so, it was sad to hear of Debbie's loss. It was so hard for her to lose her dad, I wonder how she will get through this. My prayers for her will be of peace, and for memories to comfort her during the lonely times. I pray for friends to come alongside her to walk this journey with her.
I think I need to contact some relatives and friends I haven't chatted with in awhile. What about you?
Blessings!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Early Start
I like to get up early in the mornings - around 4AM - to have my 'quiet time' with the Lord. This morning, though, I was awake at 2AM. Since I told myself I didn't want to get up that early, I tried to go back to sleep - but by 3AM, I gave up trying to sleep and got up before I woke Tom up.
While in my 'quiet time' I do different things, depending on how much time I have available. Tom and I were going to walk the canal this morning, but had developed a headache so didn't think I would be walking. That left me quite a bit of time. It was good time. I was able to read scriptures from the Bible, read in a devotional, read some in The Kneeling Christian and actually spent quality - and quantity - of time in prayer. It was a good time. I enjoyed that I didn't have to spend my time with an eye on the clock to make sure I got out of there in time to go somewhere.
Today is Saturday and it is to be a relaxing day of sorts. Grandpa has gone to watch Stevie play football - I have a hair appointment so didn't get to go. Later this evening we will probably just watch movies or read. I'm reading three different books now. Some are interesting, some are so-so but I want to read them for the content. I love to read and I'm glad I have passed that along to at least one of my children. Some of the grandchildren love to read too.
I'm feeling kind of mellow right now. Have had a week of busyness and things to work through. I can only get through the the painful and difficult times when His hand is upon mine. How grateful I am I just have to reach up to grab hold. Thank you, Abba.
Father, You know my heart this morning and what bothers me, and what brings me joy. Please help me not to buy into other people's insecurities and demands. Help me to keep my eyes on You alone, and to be obedient to You in every way. You alone are my heart's desire, and I choose to worship You. I love you, Abba. Draw me close to Thee and never let me go. Amen.
Blessings!
While in my 'quiet time' I do different things, depending on how much time I have available. Tom and I were going to walk the canal this morning, but had developed a headache so didn't think I would be walking. That left me quite a bit of time. It was good time. I was able to read scriptures from the Bible, read in a devotional, read some in The Kneeling Christian and actually spent quality - and quantity - of time in prayer. It was a good time. I enjoyed that I didn't have to spend my time with an eye on the clock to make sure I got out of there in time to go somewhere.
Today is Saturday and it is to be a relaxing day of sorts. Grandpa has gone to watch Stevie play football - I have a hair appointment so didn't get to go. Later this evening we will probably just watch movies or read. I'm reading three different books now. Some are interesting, some are so-so but I want to read them for the content. I love to read and I'm glad I have passed that along to at least one of my children. Some of the grandchildren love to read too.
I'm feeling kind of mellow right now. Have had a week of busyness and things to work through. I can only get through the the painful and difficult times when His hand is upon mine. How grateful I am I just have to reach up to grab hold. Thank you, Abba.
Father, You know my heart this morning and what bothers me, and what brings me joy. Please help me not to buy into other people's insecurities and demands. Help me to keep my eyes on You alone, and to be obedient to You in every way. You alone are my heart's desire, and I choose to worship You. I love you, Abba. Draw me close to Thee and never let me go. Amen.
Blessings!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)