Completely. With love. With health. With finances. With employment. With provisions. With life. Completely. C O M P L E T E L Y. I trust Him with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.
Why?
Because He alone is Almighty, Faithful, Sovereign, Glorious, Exalted, Adored, and so much more.
Because He alone is our Healer, Strength, Encourager, Builder, Provider, and so much more.
Because He loves me and loves it when I sit and talk with Him awhile. He also loves you and loves it when you take time out of your busy schedule to spend with Him.
Do I trust God? I trust Him enough that I daily put my children and grandchildren and those I love in His hands for Him to watch over.
I trust Him enough that ten years ago October 5th I gave Him my daughter who had leukemia, and He chose to provide the marrow needed to heal her. I can not praise Him enough.
Yesterday my little sister fell down a flight of stairs and is hurt pretty bad. Still haven't received definite word on what is going on. At first they said her hip was broken; the x-rays don't show a break. She has a bad concussion (with 6 staples in her head!) and has lost memory. How much I don't know. Her bruised hip shows some bleeding of the arteries, and the doctors are tracking that, plus continuing to review x-rays and scans. Do I still believe God was there? Absolutely! I believe God 'caught' her as she fell. She could have broken her neck, she could have had severe breakage from the fall. She has 'just enough' to slow her down. I trust God for her complete and total healing - why? Because she belongs to Him and I (and others) are interceding on her behalf. Her body may struggle, but it is what is inside that counts.
My youngest child has completed Army tours of duty in Iraq and Ubekistan. Did I trust God to bring him home safely? Yes I did. He is home but going through other battles and issues. I still trust God to bring him through it. Life is often a battle and how we respond to that battle is what makes us a better person.
I can not glorify God's name enough. I can not worship Him enough. All I have has been a gift from Him. All I am is my gift back to Him. I fall short daily of all I want to do and be for Him, and He gives me His Grace every day to keep me on track.
I want to be a God-chaser. I want to seek Him so desperately that in His love for me, He will show me a glimpse of His glory.
Do you trust God? Do you acknowledge that all you have is a gift from Him? Perhaps you don't know Him as your Lord and Savior, but you know of Him. It isn't just head knowledge, it is heart knowledge that draws you close. Trust Him. He is your Provider, your Strength, your Hope, your Salvation.
Blessings!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Hide and Seek
Of all days to have my laptop playing hide and seek with me! I was on my computer off and on most of yesterday and it was fine. Last nite after my son and family left from a visit, I got on my laptop and the screen went black. I hit the 'on' key and it came back up in the lock position - then would go black again. After numerous times of trying to get it to stay up - I gave up. This morning - and again this afternoon, same thing. It kept wanting to play 'hide and seek'. I gave up and got on the PC. Good thing I kept this one as a back up. I have emailed the person we bought it from who advised he doesn't service these now - but would stop by in the morning to check it out. So - for now - I'm on the PC. Which isn't all bad.
Hide and seek. How often do we play that game in our lives. How many times do we 'shut down' and 'black out' when our spouse or children talk with us about something and we don't want to listen? Ok - guilty here as well. I think we call it 'selective hearing', don't we? How often, when we don't want to hear things, we close our ears to what is being said - regardless of who is saying it?
When God is directly talking to you - what do you do? Are you shutting down and blacking out so you don't have to listen to what He says? Trust me, if you want to hear anyone, you want to hear God speak! I encourage you to listen carefully! Hide His Word in your heart and meditate on it. Don't play 'hide and seek' with God - you will always lose.
Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus,
to reach out and touch Him,
to say that I love Him.
Open my ears, Lord, help me to listen,
open my eyes, Lord,
I want to see Jesus.
Blessings!
Hide and seek. How often do we play that game in our lives. How many times do we 'shut down' and 'black out' when our spouse or children talk with us about something and we don't want to listen? Ok - guilty here as well. I think we call it 'selective hearing', don't we? How often, when we don't want to hear things, we close our ears to what is being said - regardless of who is saying it?
When God is directly talking to you - what do you do? Are you shutting down and blacking out so you don't have to listen to what He says? Trust me, if you want to hear anyone, you want to hear God speak! I encourage you to listen carefully! Hide His Word in your heart and meditate on it. Don't play 'hide and seek' with God - you will always lose.
Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see Jesus,
to reach out and touch Him,
to say that I love Him.
Open my ears, Lord, help me to listen,
open my eyes, Lord,
I want to see Jesus.
Blessings!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Dreary Days like today....
makes me happy I don't have to go out into the cold and wet weather to go to work. I know I will eventually have to find a job and go out in it - but for today, I'm content to be inside. At least for awhile. This afternoon I may venture out and head over to JoAnn Fabrics - want to get some material to make quilts. I'm loving having the time to do things I enjoy doing.
On days like this I like to curl up before the fire, with my blankie and a good book, and read. Or sit and sew on a quilt. Or even watch a good chick flick. This is my 'mellow weather'. Baking cookies is also a lot of fun on cool days like this.
I love these days when I can just be quiet and think about God's goodness. I keep thinking about the message given at North Hills Church yesterday - about looking at our measure versus our mission. Am I going to achieve only what I think I can..... or am I going to complete the mission that only God can help me do?
What about you? What do you like to do on cold, rainy days? Read a good book, bake a bunch a cookies, curl up with a good movie? What brings you pleasure on days like this?
Do you take time to find God in it? Just wondering.
Blessings!
On days like this I like to curl up before the fire, with my blankie and a good book, and read. Or sit and sew on a quilt. Or even watch a good chick flick. This is my 'mellow weather'. Baking cookies is also a lot of fun on cool days like this.
I love these days when I can just be quiet and think about God's goodness. I keep thinking about the message given at North Hills Church yesterday - about looking at our measure versus our mission. Am I going to achieve only what I think I can..... or am I going to complete the mission that only God can help me do?
What about you? What do you like to do on cold, rainy days? Read a good book, bake a bunch a cookies, curl up with a good movie? What brings you pleasure on days like this?
Do you take time to find God in it? Just wondering.
Blessings!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Preparation
The pastor of the church we currently attend called yesterday and asked if I would serve communion at our service tomorrow. I agreed to do communion, as I enjoy sharing with the congregation about Jesus' sacrifice for us. He gave up everything - His very life - as a sacrifice so that we can live and have eternal life.
As I thought about what I could share, I was reminded of a few illustrations I have read recently. One that I may end up using is just the statement in a book by Tommy Tenney, "Preparation mirrors the importance of the visit".
Think about how much preparation goes into a World Series, or a Rose Bowl Game, or when it is announced the President of the United States or even a dignitary is arriving in a certain city. It is enormous what debt will be incurred just to prepare for this visit! What about when your daughter gets married and wants a lavish wedding. Not only the wedding itself, but think of the preparation your daughter will do just to prepare herself for her wedding day.
When Jesus came to earth, He was born in a stable and placed in a manger. Certainly no grand preparations for such a King. As He begin to preach and go about the countryside to heal and to preach, no grand preparations were made for Him. That wasn't what He came for. He came to set us free from all the trappings of traditions and restrictions we put upon ourselves. There is nothing wrong with celebrations. It is how we use and make of those preparations. Are the preparations our focus? Jesus prepared Himself for death on the cross. He had a relationship with His Father, He knew the way He was to walk, and He did it willingly. He knew where He was headed, and He was prepared to die, to be our sacrifice.
In Kyle Idleman's book 'Not a Fan' he asks the question - "are you a follower of Jesus - or are you a fan?" (paraphrased - I didn't look up the specific quote) I choose to be a follower of Jesus. I choose to prepare myself for His visit with me, today and every day. I choose to prepare for His Homecoming, when He comes to get His Bride, the Church.
No, I don't intend to say all this when it is time for communion tomorrow. It is just some thoughts that have come to me as I ponder the statement "Preparation mirrors the importance of the visit". Jesus' visit is important to me. I'm going to prepare myself anew daily to receive Him.
Jesus came - and died on a cross - so that we can live. When He comes to visit with you today, what preparation have you made for Him? Do you have a place where you can be quiet and sit before Him and lavish your love on Him? Have you blocked time to just sit awhile and visit? Or have you found yourself so busy from the moment your feet hit the floor that you have no time for Him. Yeah, a statement. Unfortunately, that is many people's excuse for not spending time with Jesus. No time. Yet there seems to be time for everything else.
What are you doing to prepare for Jesus' visit with you today?
Blessings!
As I thought about what I could share, I was reminded of a few illustrations I have read recently. One that I may end up using is just the statement in a book by Tommy Tenney, "Preparation mirrors the importance of the visit".
Think about how much preparation goes into a World Series, or a Rose Bowl Game, or when it is announced the President of the United States or even a dignitary is arriving in a certain city. It is enormous what debt will be incurred just to prepare for this visit! What about when your daughter gets married and wants a lavish wedding. Not only the wedding itself, but think of the preparation your daughter will do just to prepare herself for her wedding day.
When Jesus came to earth, He was born in a stable and placed in a manger. Certainly no grand preparations for such a King. As He begin to preach and go about the countryside to heal and to preach, no grand preparations were made for Him. That wasn't what He came for. He came to set us free from all the trappings of traditions and restrictions we put upon ourselves. There is nothing wrong with celebrations. It is how we use and make of those preparations. Are the preparations our focus? Jesus prepared Himself for death on the cross. He had a relationship with His Father, He knew the way He was to walk, and He did it willingly. He knew where He was headed, and He was prepared to die, to be our sacrifice.
In Kyle Idleman's book 'Not a Fan' he asks the question - "are you a follower of Jesus - or are you a fan?" (paraphrased - I didn't look up the specific quote) I choose to be a follower of Jesus. I choose to prepare myself for His visit with me, today and every day. I choose to prepare for His Homecoming, when He comes to get His Bride, the Church.
No, I don't intend to say all this when it is time for communion tomorrow. It is just some thoughts that have come to me as I ponder the statement "Preparation mirrors the importance of the visit". Jesus' visit is important to me. I'm going to prepare myself anew daily to receive Him.
Jesus came - and died on a cross - so that we can live. When He comes to visit with you today, what preparation have you made for Him? Do you have a place where you can be quiet and sit before Him and lavish your love on Him? Have you blocked time to just sit awhile and visit? Or have you found yourself so busy from the moment your feet hit the floor that you have no time for Him. Yeah, a statement. Unfortunately, that is many people's excuse for not spending time with Jesus. No time. Yet there seems to be time for everything else.
What are you doing to prepare for Jesus' visit with you today?
Blessings!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Obedience
I had lunch with my daughter yesterday, just the two of us. Something we haven't been able to do in a long, long time. We both enjoyed being together and sharing things going on in our lives. For me to share, this week has been life-changing. After all, this has been my first week of "retirement" from MCP. What have I done?
Three mornings I have walked (two mornings over six miles!). I prepared for my Bible class on Tuesdays. I cleared some emails. Added to my blog. Had a meeting yesterday afternoon. Met my daughter for lunch. Did some shopping. Had a dentist appointment. Got my mammogram done. Got a haircut. Spent longer times in my quiet time. Started preparing for a message I will give up at Pioneer Village later this month. Spent more time praying. Tom and I have talked - a lot. Hmmm, can't think of anything else. But it has only been 4 full days! Today we worked out at the gym and now I am getting ready to meeting a dear friend for lunch. Sounds like a fun life, doesn't it?!
It's good, but, I can't live out the rest of my life this way. I need to keep my mind active and my body busy. Shopping isn't classified as exercise - and I don't always enjoy it anyway. Especially when there is nothing anyone needs and then what is the purpose of going shopping? I may need to find a job before January! LOL My co-worker told me before she left I may be working at Starbucks by today. She knows me better than I thought!
But, back to my original thought on 'obedience'. Tuesday night in our Bible study we were discussing some problems within our marriages (not specific, but general). I was able to share my thoughts (totally off the lesson) that it doesn't matter how we feel about the issue on who is right or who is wrong - or if the entire issue is right and we just don't agree - it only has one line - is it in obedience to God? Is our behavior and response pleasing to God? Unless it is abuse or wrong, we are to be obedient (and submit) to what God tells us. His Word is our 'rule book'. If in doubt - check it out! There are all kinds of circumstances in the Bible and God gives us His 'so that' and 'therefore' to help us.
It isn't just obedience to our parents, spouse, or teachers, or bosses - it is obedience to God. There is no gray line. You are either obedient or you are not. I must confess I sometimes struggle in the obedience area, but I am trying very hard. Remember my blog on honoring my husband and honoring God - and getting my hair cut because my husband didn't like it? Well, he still didn't like it. So, on Wednesday, I again went and had my hair cut again and now have bangs - which my husband DOES like. In doing what pleases him, I have pleased God. And that is good.
Sometimes our children (or spouse) don't respond in obedience as quickly as we want them to. Is that being disobedient? That depends on you and how you look at it. Some of my grandchildren respond immediately to their parents' requests. Some ignore their parents completely - or whine all the way. Isn't that the way we respond to God? Sometimes we jump right on whatever God is showing us to do, even when we don't know what to do. Sometimes we just ignore Him, pretend He didn't tell us anything. Sometimes we do it, but begrudgingly, whining that we have to do it.
God wants to bless us. He wants to give us our hearts' desires. It is our disobedience that keeps Him from acting on our behalf. His Word says 'do this, ....so that'. We are such a stubborn people! Intent in getting our own way! When we are obedient, He always blesses us. Stop and look at what God has done for you. Be sure to thank Him! Has He been providing for you? Do you have food to eat and a place to live? Are you healthy? These are blessings!
What is your obedience level with God? Do you see a lot of dis-obedience? Make a commitment to God that you will be obedient in every area of your life to Him. Give Him your best - that is all He asks for.
Blessings!
Three mornings I have walked (two mornings over six miles!). I prepared for my Bible class on Tuesdays. I cleared some emails. Added to my blog. Had a meeting yesterday afternoon. Met my daughter for lunch. Did some shopping. Had a dentist appointment. Got my mammogram done. Got a haircut. Spent longer times in my quiet time. Started preparing for a message I will give up at Pioneer Village later this month. Spent more time praying. Tom and I have talked - a lot. Hmmm, can't think of anything else. But it has only been 4 full days! Today we worked out at the gym and now I am getting ready to meeting a dear friend for lunch. Sounds like a fun life, doesn't it?!
It's good, but, I can't live out the rest of my life this way. I need to keep my mind active and my body busy. Shopping isn't classified as exercise - and I don't always enjoy it anyway. Especially when there is nothing anyone needs and then what is the purpose of going shopping? I may need to find a job before January! LOL My co-worker told me before she left I may be working at Starbucks by today. She knows me better than I thought!
But, back to my original thought on 'obedience'. Tuesday night in our Bible study we were discussing some problems within our marriages (not specific, but general). I was able to share my thoughts (totally off the lesson) that it doesn't matter how we feel about the issue on who is right or who is wrong - or if the entire issue is right and we just don't agree - it only has one line - is it in obedience to God? Is our behavior and response pleasing to God? Unless it is abuse or wrong, we are to be obedient (and submit) to what God tells us. His Word is our 'rule book'. If in doubt - check it out! There are all kinds of circumstances in the Bible and God gives us His 'so that' and 'therefore' to help us.
It isn't just obedience to our parents, spouse, or teachers, or bosses - it is obedience to God. There is no gray line. You are either obedient or you are not. I must confess I sometimes struggle in the obedience area, but I am trying very hard. Remember my blog on honoring my husband and honoring God - and getting my hair cut because my husband didn't like it? Well, he still didn't like it. So, on Wednesday, I again went and had my hair cut again and now have bangs - which my husband DOES like. In doing what pleases him, I have pleased God. And that is good.
Sometimes our children (or spouse) don't respond in obedience as quickly as we want them to. Is that being disobedient? That depends on you and how you look at it. Some of my grandchildren respond immediately to their parents' requests. Some ignore their parents completely - or whine all the way. Isn't that the way we respond to God? Sometimes we jump right on whatever God is showing us to do, even when we don't know what to do. Sometimes we just ignore Him, pretend He didn't tell us anything. Sometimes we do it, but begrudgingly, whining that we have to do it.
God wants to bless us. He wants to give us our hearts' desires. It is our disobedience that keeps Him from acting on our behalf. His Word says 'do this, ....so that'. We are such a stubborn people! Intent in getting our own way! When we are obedient, He always blesses us. Stop and look at what God has done for you. Be sure to thank Him! Has He been providing for you? Do you have food to eat and a place to live? Are you healthy? These are blessings!
What is your obedience level with God? Do you see a lot of dis-obedience? Make a commitment to God that you will be obedient in every area of your life to Him. Give Him your best - that is all He asks for.
Blessings!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tom's thoughts......
Tom and I have had many conversations the past few months regarding a certain area of our lives. We have had agreements and disagreements on it during our discussions. Every time we come into agreement, someone says something or does something that makes us step back to ponder that decision, and to wonder if it is the right one at this time.
This morning we were talking after our quiet times with God, and Tom shared something that came to him during his time with God. He said that there were two train tracks at a train station. Each track had a railroad car on it, with the door open. One railroad car had one name on it, and the other railroad car, another name. He was standing inside one car with the door open staring at the other car. The other car was chugging and getting ready to move; the conductor was yelling "all aboard". The car Tom stood in just couldn't get up steam enough to even move. He kept looking at the other car and trying to making a decision what to do. If he was going to get to his destination, he needed to move. Tom said he jumped out of the one car and ran to the other, getting inside just before the door shut and it chugged on down the track, leaving the other open railroad car standing still.
He compared this to a decision we have wrestled with for some time. Do we want to stay inside the railroad car that isn't moving and no one else is in - or do we want to jump on board in the railroad car that is full and chugging along full steam?
I feel it is inevitable on what our final decision will be. We feel sad that if we change cars what will happen ..... but then, on the other hand, perhaps it is not "our job" to shovel the coal in this car any longer. We don't see anyone jumping out of the car to see why it isn't chugging. We don't know of anyone looking to see how to make it run. Unfortunately, we do see someone cutting cables and slowing/stopping progress of getting the car going. So what to do and when to do it is still the topic of our conversations. Stay tuned on this one.
So what is going on with you? What is God showing you in your questions to Him? Has He given you a vision or thoughts of 'what if'? Do you just keep asking Him, waiting for Him to smack the back of your head and say "NOW" or "YES" or "NO" or "STOP THAT!!"? Wouldn't it be much easier to ask God a question and then just sit back and wait for His answer?
Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way always. Sometimes we know the answer, but we want confirmation from Him that 1) it is the right answer or 2) we know it is the wrong answer but we want His approval on it anyway. Get into His Word and He will show you the answer. You just have to 'look for it'.
Blessings!
This morning we were talking after our quiet times with God, and Tom shared something that came to him during his time with God. He said that there were two train tracks at a train station. Each track had a railroad car on it, with the door open. One railroad car had one name on it, and the other railroad car, another name. He was standing inside one car with the door open staring at the other car. The other car was chugging and getting ready to move; the conductor was yelling "all aboard". The car Tom stood in just couldn't get up steam enough to even move. He kept looking at the other car and trying to making a decision what to do. If he was going to get to his destination, he needed to move. Tom said he jumped out of the one car and ran to the other, getting inside just before the door shut and it chugged on down the track, leaving the other open railroad car standing still.
He compared this to a decision we have wrestled with for some time. Do we want to stay inside the railroad car that isn't moving and no one else is in - or do we want to jump on board in the railroad car that is full and chugging along full steam?
I feel it is inevitable on what our final decision will be. We feel sad that if we change cars what will happen ..... but then, on the other hand, perhaps it is not "our job" to shovel the coal in this car any longer. We don't see anyone jumping out of the car to see why it isn't chugging. We don't know of anyone looking to see how to make it run. Unfortunately, we do see someone cutting cables and slowing/stopping progress of getting the car going. So what to do and when to do it is still the topic of our conversations. Stay tuned on this one.
So what is going on with you? What is God showing you in your questions to Him? Has He given you a vision or thoughts of 'what if'? Do you just keep asking Him, waiting for Him to smack the back of your head and say "NOW" or "YES" or "NO" or "STOP THAT!!"? Wouldn't it be much easier to ask God a question and then just sit back and wait for His answer?
Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way always. Sometimes we know the answer, but we want confirmation from Him that 1) it is the right answer or 2) we know it is the wrong answer but we want His approval on it anyway. Get into His Word and He will show you the answer. You just have to 'look for it'.
Blessings!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Perceptions
Tom and I walked around five miles today along the canal, getting in some walking exercise. As we walked, we noticed a very large cat climb a fence - and just sit there. Now this cat was huge - to the point, my perception it could have been a CAT, like in BOBcat. We were several yards from it, and I wasn't about to go any closer to investigate further! On our way back I looked for it - and found it. Same spot. When it saw us, it stood up and stretched over a block (fence). It still looked huge. I still didn't investigate. It was either a really large cat and my perception enlarged it - or it it was just a 'cat' looking to stretch out on a block fence.
Sometimes that is like our perspective on life. When things are going good - our jobs are secure, money is in the bank, bills are paid, everyone is healthy..... we see kittens everywhere. Life is good.
But when things are tough, where we aren't sure daily if we will have a job or not (or don't have one), money in the bank is more in the red than it is in the black, at least a month behind in bills, and someone is sick and needs to go to the doctor - or hospital...... we see huge bobcats everywhere. Life is tough.
It is in our perspective of our lives - and where we are in them - that determine how we look at life.
There is Someone who walks with us in both the good times, and the tough times. His Name is the Name above ALL Names, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. His Name is JESUS. There is no greater Friend, nor greater Name.
When we know Jesus intimately, we are confident that all things will work for His good, that He is holding our hand, granting us wisdom, giving us blessings and helping us to hang on. When we don't know Him intimately, life can be pretty scary and lonely.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Sometimes that is like our perspective on life. When things are going good - our jobs are secure, money is in the bank, bills are paid, everyone is healthy..... we see kittens everywhere. Life is good.
But when things are tough, where we aren't sure daily if we will have a job or not (or don't have one), money in the bank is more in the red than it is in the black, at least a month behind in bills, and someone is sick and needs to go to the doctor - or hospital...... we see huge bobcats everywhere. Life is tough.
It is in our perspective of our lives - and where we are in them - that determine how we look at life.
There is Someone who walks with us in both the good times, and the tough times. His Name is the Name above ALL Names, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. His Name is JESUS. There is no greater Friend, nor greater Name.
When we know Jesus intimately, we are confident that all things will work for His good, that He is holding our hand, granting us wisdom, giving us blessings and helping us to hang on. When we don't know Him intimately, life can be pretty scary and lonely.
Ephesians 2:8-10
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Where are you at? What is your perspective on life right now? Are things going well enough that you feel confident that you can get through it all by yourself? My question to you is, why would you want to go through any part of life - alone?
Do you need to change your perspective? Try Jesus!
Blessings!
Where are you at? What is your perspective on life right now? Are things going well enough that you feel confident that you can get through it all by yourself? My question to you is, why would you want to go through any part of life - alone?
Do you need to change your perspective? Try Jesus!
Blessings!
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