You wouldn't believe how cute it was going to be! I was so excited!!! Pinks and whites, little bottles of lotion with sparkly crowns as the lids (I know! who but the Lord could have had me find those perfect party favors?), and dual-pink tins that said, "Princess Box" on the bottom, that were going to be used for Scripture cards I was wanting to make. So perfect for a party of Peeps, and you can imagine how I was clapping my hands when I spotted them. When my friend who was helping me decide about the brunch's details (such as, she talked me out of renting that huge round table and umbrella that our local place rents) saw them, it was cute how excited she was for me (and the gals). I prayed many times what to serve, what He would want me or anyone else to say (He did want me to ask a friend to share) and for the girls to feel welcome, blessed, encouraged, filled with joy, as I pray for all my brunches (not that I have many anymore). Don't you just wanna put on your shimmery-pink tu tu and crown and come on over?
Well, don't don that party outfit yet, because sometimes these things get taken out of our hands, and we can't do anything about it.... except decide how we will respond....
Pout? Check. Pray. Check. Bundle up the boxes and lotions, add some pink razors and darling little pink purse notepads, and call up Courtney, who is soon going to Swaziland, and hand them to her for some of the girls she will be ministering to? Check & Yay!
This morning's Bible reading had me in Ephesians. "But God, who is rich in mercy...." I love those "But God's" in the Bible. No matter what happens to us, those powerful two words remind us to consider who He is, what Jesus went through, and who He did it for - us! Dead in our trespasses and sins, indulging in the lusts of our flesh, walking in the course of this world.... that was us - Ellas in the cinders of life - until the fabulous riches of God's mercy came and crowned us with lovingkindness and swapped our rags for royal wear (so much better for twirling).
So, you know what? Keep your tu tu ready, because soon we will be going to a party in heaven! I don't know if there will be pink and white, but I do know that it will be shimmery (all those glistening gems, ya know)!!!
See you there!!!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Dang!
Yea, I said it! Dang! There are just too many things in life that make me say 'dang'!
When my girlfriend, Debbie, emailed that her doctors mentioned cancer, in association with masses on her lung, I said to the Lord, "Dang! We need her around. Who else will write your books and go around the world proclaiming the good news and your greatness?" (It ended up being calcification, which is totally non-cancerous...dang, that was a close one, and yay that God is not finished with her yet.)
And then today - sew day, with my best friend Susan - I told the Lord, "Dang!," when I listened to her singing operetta in my kitchen while fixing us Diet Pepsies, and, having mercy on her dear Casie, who misses all this fun, prayed that He would open the doors for her to move to Minnesota, where that beloved daughter of hers lives. It causes deep wells of tears to bust out when I think of that day coming. And then, to have to be unselfish enough to pray such a dreadful thing (for me), well, all I can say is "Dang!" That's a door I'd like to bar with steel upon steel. But that's pretty selfish of me, cuz she and her daughter are also best friends. Yay they are best friends and dang that i might soon lose mine!
Amy came over and fixed a problem with my computer today, and then she said, "I met a man." So far so good. "He lives in Canada." Dang! My mind took off on a zippity sprint into the unknown future, where I had her marrying the man and leaving me forever. Maybe it will happen and they will marry. But maybe she'll get married and he'll willingly move here....dang, I hadn't thought of that!!! (They haven't known each other very long, so you can see that this 'dang' might come to nothing.)
Anyhoo, you get the picture. There are so many things to say "Dang!" to. And then... God comes close and says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Dang, finally something secure!
(Lyn, if you're reading this, I often say "Dang!" to the Lord about a war that has your son on foreign soil. Thankfully, Jesus never leaves nor forsakes him, either." Yay and dang!)
When my girlfriend, Debbie, emailed that her doctors mentioned cancer, in association with masses on her lung, I said to the Lord, "Dang! We need her around. Who else will write your books and go around the world proclaiming the good news and your greatness?" (It ended up being calcification, which is totally non-cancerous...dang, that was a close one, and yay that God is not finished with her yet.)
And then today - sew day, with my best friend Susan - I told the Lord, "Dang!," when I listened to her singing operetta in my kitchen while fixing us Diet Pepsies, and, having mercy on her dear Casie, who misses all this fun, prayed that He would open the doors for her to move to Minnesota, where that beloved daughter of hers lives. It causes deep wells of tears to bust out when I think of that day coming. And then, to have to be unselfish enough to pray such a dreadful thing (for me), well, all I can say is "Dang!" That's a door I'd like to bar with steel upon steel. But that's pretty selfish of me, cuz she and her daughter are also best friends. Yay they are best friends and dang that i might soon lose mine!
Amy came over and fixed a problem with my computer today, and then she said, "I met a man." So far so good. "He lives in Canada." Dang! My mind took off on a zippity sprint into the unknown future, where I had her marrying the man and leaving me forever. Maybe it will happen and they will marry. But maybe she'll get married and he'll willingly move here....dang, I hadn't thought of that!!! (They haven't known each other very long, so you can see that this 'dang' might come to nothing.)
Anyhoo, you get the picture. There are so many things to say "Dang!" to. And then... God comes close and says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Dang, finally something secure!
(Lyn, if you're reading this, I often say "Dang!" to the Lord about a war that has your son on foreign soil. Thankfully, Jesus never leaves nor forsakes him, either." Yay and dang!)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Amazingly Thankful
It amazes me what can turn my idle thoughts into overflowing thanks.
All I was doing was slicing pickles. Old ones, at that. But those salty green burger enhancers made me realize that many people in the world don't have these 'extras,' let alone burgers to put them on.
That one thought, that tiptoed in while from slicing four little pickles, has me praising God that I am here in America, with pickles and garden tomatoes and onions to add zest to my burger (which I am also grateful for)!
Thank You, Lord, for reminding me about Your sweet provision!
All I was doing was slicing pickles. Old ones, at that. But those salty green burger enhancers made me realize that many people in the world don't have these 'extras,' let alone burgers to put them on.
That one thought, that tiptoed in while from slicing four little pickles, has me praising God that I am here in America, with pickles and garden tomatoes and onions to add zest to my burger (which I am also grateful for)!
Thank You, Lord, for reminding me about Your sweet provision!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
YIPPPPPEEEEE!
Part of James 4:2 says, "You do not have because you do not ask."
So.... ask!
I did!
And take a loooky-looooooo...... www.reallifeblog.net !!! Yahoo!
Here's how it happened... My friend Emily, who has aspirations of writing (and will definitely reach that mountain peak!) showed me her submission to RealLifeblog.net. Her enthusiasm, excitement, and anticipation to have a chance to be a guest on this blog was darling. After reading what she wrote, I got up from my computer chair, and began painting the guest room a darling cottage blue, praying for Emily to be accepted, the whole time (ok, well, my mind did wander to other things quite a bit. I need a thought lasso, because my thoughts sure do like to wander off!!! Can you imagine? Cowgirl Liz??!!) . And she was!!! Thank YOU, Lord!
So, the next morning, I took a stroll through RealLifeBlog and loved it. It got my author juices flowing! Though the deadline was the night before, Friday, and this was very early on Saturday morning, I took a chance - I asked!
I asked, "Your deadline was last night.... But, God's word says "you have not because you ask not." So, could you use another submission? I have this one attached, just in case. It was fast, but if it's not too late, and you like my style of writing, I would love to try to get a guest spot."
And she wrote back, "Liz, I would like to use your post, thanks for contacting me. You're right about the asking!"
Which means that James was right about the asking. Which means God was right about the asking, because all Scripture is Spirit breathed and inspired by God. Which means it is right to always ask.
And then.... leave the answering - 'yes' ~ 'no' ~ 'maybe so' - to God! :)
So.... ask!
I did!
And take a loooky-looooooo...... www.reallifeblog.net !!! Yahoo!
Here's how it happened... My friend Emily, who has aspirations of writing (and will definitely reach that mountain peak!) showed me her submission to RealLifeblog.net. Her enthusiasm, excitement, and anticipation to have a chance to be a guest on this blog was darling. After reading what she wrote, I got up from my computer chair, and began painting the guest room a darling cottage blue, praying for Emily to be accepted, the whole time (ok, well, my mind did wander to other things quite a bit. I need a thought lasso, because my thoughts sure do like to wander off!!! Can you imagine? Cowgirl Liz??!!) . And she was!!! Thank YOU, Lord!
So, the next morning, I took a stroll through RealLifeBlog and loved it. It got my author juices flowing! Though the deadline was the night before, Friday, and this was very early on Saturday morning, I took a chance - I asked!
I asked, "Your deadline was last night.... But, God's word says "you have not because you ask not." So, could you use another submission? I have this one attached, just in case. It was fast, but if it's not too late, and you like my style of writing, I would love to try to get a guest spot."
And she wrote back, "Liz, I would like to use your post, thanks for contacting me. You're right about the asking!"
Which means that James was right about the asking. Which means God was right about the asking, because all Scripture is Spirit breathed and inspired by God. Which means it is right to always ask.
And then.... leave the answering - 'yes' ~ 'no' ~ 'maybe so' - to God! :)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Little Pleasures are Big Fun!
Most days, I hop on my bide (no, that's not a pic of me, silly! That's a boy! And wrong era. lol. I may be old, but not that old. I got this picture from a site that came up in Google, under vintage bikes. I've since gone back to find it, but can't. Cute, huh!), face it towards the street and maneuver it out of the garage, then I circle round the quiet cul-de-sac (quiet because it's early and the troop of young kids on the block are still in pj's watching cartoons), head down the street towards the beautiful green barley fields, take a sharp right onto the sidewalk, and in approximately 20 yards, I'm there - our mailbox!
If I have mail to ship out, then this little pleasure ride is done twice, in one day. That's double the pleasure.
No matter what kind of mood I'm in, how bad or good life is at the moment, once I hop onto the seat of my bike and get my legs twirling in a circular dance, everything's pure pleasure for those few carefree moments (or longer, if that's my exercise for the day). Fun!
Again and again, I am learning that if I open my eyes and really look, in all of life's highs and lows, there are snippets of blessings waiting to be plucked and enjoyed. But we have to look for them.
Once upon a time, I did not look for them! Oh, no. Instead, if a day was bad, then, by golly, I just sat there and moped...sad. Really, if you've ever experienced that kind of living, then you know what a dreary existence it is.
So, now, I choose to find these little pleasures in my day, and turn them into big fun by enjoying them with thankfulness to God. It's like a B12 shot in the arm!
Open your eyes and see what little pleasures you can turn into big fun!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Hannah Bo Bannah
Since my Bible doesn't give Hannah's last name, I've dubbed her Hannah Bo Bannah, in keeping with my silly mood this morning (hey, it's better than being grumpy!).
This particular last-nameless gal is on my mind because last night I was reading the first two chapters of 1 Sam, where she had said of herself, "I am a woman of sorrowful spirit..."
Okay. So far, I think we have all been in her sandals. But...here's the part that got me - "I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have POURED OUT MY SOUL BEFORE THE LORD." (Caps added by moi.)
Mrs. Bo Bannah didn't try to dilute her sorrow. In complete helplessness, she dropped down before her God and told Him all about it. Good idea!
Do I do this? Well, yes... eventually. Most times, though, I confess that I'm guilty of complaining or running away to the movies or shopping, trying my best to avoid the pain. What about you?
After reading Hannah's biography, I see that avoiding the pain moves us from God, not towards Him. God is an ever present help in times of trouble, but I double it outta there when trouble comes, not sit at the feet of Jesus and see what He wants to teach me through the sorrow or find comfort in His care.
And besides all that, just think of what gets delivered to us out of our sorrows! For Hannah, it was Samuel, who was used greatly as God's prophet. Jack Hayford said, "Hannah could not know that her intense intercession for a child was moving in concert with God - bringing her a son, but also bringing forth the will and blessing of God for a whole nation. As she entrusts the longings of her heart to God (I like that!), He moves on her behalf, but also advances His larger plan through her at the same time."
To think, our sorrows give birth to God's ultimate plans, for our good and for those around us. So, in these sorrows, we really can "consider it all joy." And that's not silly at all!
This particular last-nameless gal is on my mind because last night I was reading the first two chapters of 1 Sam, where she had said of herself, "I am a woman of sorrowful spirit..."
Okay. So far, I think we have all been in her sandals. But...here's the part that got me - "I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have POURED OUT MY SOUL BEFORE THE LORD." (Caps added by moi.)
Mrs. Bo Bannah didn't try to dilute her sorrow. In complete helplessness, she dropped down before her God and told Him all about it. Good idea!
Do I do this? Well, yes... eventually. Most times, though, I confess that I'm guilty of complaining or running away to the movies or shopping, trying my best to avoid the pain. What about you?
After reading Hannah's biography, I see that avoiding the pain moves us from God, not towards Him. God is an ever present help in times of trouble, but I double it outta there when trouble comes, not sit at the feet of Jesus and see what He wants to teach me through the sorrow or find comfort in His care.
And besides all that, just think of what gets delivered to us out of our sorrows! For Hannah, it was Samuel, who was used greatly as God's prophet. Jack Hayford said, "Hannah could not know that her intense intercession for a child was moving in concert with God - bringing her a son, but also bringing forth the will and blessing of God for a whole nation. As she entrusts the longings of her heart to God (I like that!), He moves on her behalf, but also advances His larger plan through her at the same time."
To think, our sorrows give birth to God's ultimate plans, for our good and for those around us. So, in these sorrows, we really can "consider it all joy." And that's not silly at all!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day!
Just think of how much time and money we spend honoring our Dads! We load them up with lots of love and gifts and devote the whole day to them. Early this morning, I slowly rolled out of bed, groggy from not enough hours in Slumber Land, tried a half-hearted yoga stretch that Dr. Oz says is a must-do, then padded into the kitchen and got busy with the routine motions of making coffee for my husband, the dad of our three kids. The aroma alone was enough to perk us up (well, sorta)! And just now, the oven is beeping, calling me to come check on his favorite homemade apple pie. Tonight, it's more favorites of his - burgers and potato salad. With the kids out of the house, it's mostly up to me to do all of this honoring business, but I love it. He deserves honor.
Even though we've been through 27 of these Father's Days, today, while preparing the pie's crust, I was all of a sudden thinking of our Heavenly Father. What about Him? How much time do I spend honoring Him, the Almighty Sovereign God who sent His very own begotten and beloved Son Jesus, just so that through Him - His death on the cross and resurrection - we could believe in Him and find the way to call this One True God, Father. It's amazing! It's amazing grace!
Anyhoo, everyday is a day to honor our heavenly Father! :)
Even though we've been through 27 of these Father's Days, today, while preparing the pie's crust, I was all of a sudden thinking of our Heavenly Father. What about Him? How much time do I spend honoring Him, the Almighty Sovereign God who sent His very own begotten and beloved Son Jesus, just so that through Him - His death on the cross and resurrection - we could believe in Him and find the way to call this One True God, Father. It's amazing! It's amazing grace!
Anyhoo, everyday is a day to honor our heavenly Father! :)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Procrastination
You've heard the question, Why put off till tomorrow what you can do today?
We all know the answer to it - because "today" we'd rather do something else...or perhaps, nothing at all. For me, Princess Procrastination (originally, I typed in 'Queen' instead of Princess, but it smacked of older than, and even though I am 'older than' I didn't like it), what I need to do today I will often put off till tomorrow because I simply do not FEEL like doing it today. Tomorrow sounds more hopeful, like, maybe, I will feel like it then. And sometimes I do.
Here's the drawback - all my tomorrows slam into one another in the most long and windy traffic jams. You know how irritating it is to be stuck in traffic, inching our way slowly forward, like a 99-year-old man pushing his walker one inch per second. All you want to do is MOVE! To be free and able to zoom ahead at will. Well, that's the drawback to procrastination. All of the things I put off are still facing me, waiting to be done, holding me back from zooming off into the day with fresh joy and vigor for that day's happenings and doings and enjoyments! Procrastination is a thief... and I invited him in!
And then, oh, then, I become stressed and overwhelmed, and maybe a little self-loathing, leaving me pining to be a more disciplined person than I am, and wishing I did not have this snake-like list wrapping around my life.
It all could've been avoided, too, if only I had answered the above question with the correct answer: Indeed. Why put it off, when I am capable of doing it today?
It's never too late to begin anew! The Bible says that the righteous fall seven times and get back up. Those 'seven times' cover each day of this past week, but guess what? I'm getting back up! My daily planner is splayed across my desk, and with my smooth-flowing favorite fountain pen, I am going to take this piled-up list of to-dos and assign them time spots on next week's calendar pages. This might sound like more procrastination, but actually it is realization - that all my loathing, pining, and wishing will accomplish nothing but discouragement. Planning will help and is positive, a step in the right direction.
I might have made bad choices last week but I'm not today! Ahhhh.... God's mercies are new every morning!
We all know the answer to it - because "today" we'd rather do something else...or perhaps, nothing at all. For me, Princess Procrastination (originally, I typed in 'Queen' instead of Princess, but it smacked of older than, and even though I am 'older than' I didn't like it), what I need to do today I will often put off till tomorrow because I simply do not FEEL like doing it today. Tomorrow sounds more hopeful, like, maybe, I will feel like it then. And sometimes I do.
Here's the drawback - all my tomorrows slam into one another in the most long and windy traffic jams. You know how irritating it is to be stuck in traffic, inching our way slowly forward, like a 99-year-old man pushing his walker one inch per second. All you want to do is MOVE! To be free and able to zoom ahead at will. Well, that's the drawback to procrastination. All of the things I put off are still facing me, waiting to be done, holding me back from zooming off into the day with fresh joy and vigor for that day's happenings and doings and enjoyments! Procrastination is a thief... and I invited him in!
And then, oh, then, I become stressed and overwhelmed, and maybe a little self-loathing, leaving me pining to be a more disciplined person than I am, and wishing I did not have this snake-like list wrapping around my life.
It all could've been avoided, too, if only I had answered the above question with the correct answer: Indeed. Why put it off, when I am capable of doing it today?
It's never too late to begin anew! The Bible says that the righteous fall seven times and get back up. Those 'seven times' cover each day of this past week, but guess what? I'm getting back up! My daily planner is splayed across my desk, and with my smooth-flowing favorite fountain pen, I am going to take this piled-up list of to-dos and assign them time spots on next week's calendar pages. This might sound like more procrastination, but actually it is realization - that all my loathing, pining, and wishing will accomplish nothing but discouragement. Planning will help and is positive, a step in the right direction.
I might have made bad choices last week but I'm not today! Ahhhh.... God's mercies are new every morning!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Just Like the Weather
Life can be just like the weather - with various seasons and day-to-day changing forecasts. Sometimes, like today, the sky is blue, the blossoms are boasting of their happy charm, and the birds are singing like they're auditioning for a role in Disney's Cinderella film. These are the days when we swing our arms, sing our songs, and make big plans.
Then, other days, the sky is overcast and gray. Dismal and not perky at all. These are the days of waiting and wailing. The moments in life when we want the trial over...quickly...and when, if it hangs around too long without any sunshine, we are tempted to just sit and be depressed. At times like these, all our big plans get a bit of a test, not to mention, our faith.
Still, then there are those tsunamis or earthquakes or tornadoes that catch you by surprise and upturn your whole life. Days like this shake our foundations. They let us see if we are standing on sifting sand or the sturdy Rock of Ages.
Myself, I prefer the sunshiny, warm days. The days where you just want to put out your arms and twirl around in circles, like when you were a carefree little girl. On second thought, all those sunny days do tend to make me spiritually lazy. I can see why we need all the other seasons, too.
But for today, I am happy it's nice outside. Mika and I had a great walk! There is a season for everything!!
Then, other days, the sky is overcast and gray. Dismal and not perky at all. These are the days of waiting and wailing. The moments in life when we want the trial over...quickly...and when, if it hangs around too long without any sunshine, we are tempted to just sit and be depressed. At times like these, all our big plans get a bit of a test, not to mention, our faith.
Still, then there are those tsunamis or earthquakes or tornadoes that catch you by surprise and upturn your whole life. Days like this shake our foundations. They let us see if we are standing on sifting sand or the sturdy Rock of Ages.
Myself, I prefer the sunshiny, warm days. The days where you just want to put out your arms and twirl around in circles, like when you were a carefree little girl. On second thought, all those sunny days do tend to make me spiritually lazy. I can see why we need all the other seasons, too.
But for today, I am happy it's nice outside. Mika and I had a great walk! There is a season for everything!!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas Eve!
No matter what this time of year throws at you, or who you might be dreading to see at the family gatherings, we can still offer to God the sacrifice of joy. Like King David did in the tabernacle of the Lord (Psalm 27:? nkjv). We can sing instead of be sorry for ourselves. Imagine that! Merry AND JOYOUS Christmas wishes!
Monday, December 17, 2007
The First Christmas Carol
Last night at church our Pastor spoked on Luke 1:46-55. It was very inspiring! He made the comment that, really, Mary's song is like the first real Christmas carol. Kinda cute take on it, I thought. Anyhoo, the whole message was wonderful, but the reminder to magnify the Lord really challenged me...
Lately, I've allowed my problems to be magnified, which makes God seem really small. But, nay - He is Almighty. His power is tapped when we pray. And faith causes our mighty God to flex that power on behalf of men. Let that sink in!
Mary was expecting the Son of God to show up, in due time. Let's be expecting the same, in each minute of our lives! Take that trouble, all of the them, each one of them, and expect God to deliver, in due time!!
"My soul magnifies the Lord" (Luke 1:46). Psa 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, And let usexalt His name together.
Lately, I've allowed my problems to be magnified, which makes God seem really small. But, nay - He is Almighty. His power is tapped when we pray. And faith causes our mighty God to flex that power on behalf of men. Let that sink in!
Mary was expecting the Son of God to show up, in due time. Let's be expecting the same, in each minute of our lives! Take that trouble, all of the them, each one of them, and expect God to deliver, in due time!!
"My soul magnifies the Lord" (Luke 1:46). Psa 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, And let usexalt His name together.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Got Joy?
If not, get in the Lord's presence - there is fullness of joy there! "...in Your presence is fullness of joy..." Psalm 16:11. Oh, and to get in His presence, just show up. Open your Bible, feast on it, think about it, pray it....talk to Jesus. Ta da! :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Watch Those CHOICES!
Fall's happy greetings to you! Can you believe I actually forgot that I had a blog?! Good thing Amy and Noah bought me Nintendo's DS lite for my birthday. Now I can wake up my brain with Brain Academy and Brain Age 2 (still need to buy Brain Age 1; anticipating Brain Age 3).
Anyhoo, this morning I was reading in Genesis 16. I've begun reading through the Bible, and today I came upon Sarai, running madly to Abram with her request for him to go visit Ms. Maid Hagar for a little hoop-la, in hope-la of getting a son. She could've patiently waited for the Lord's promised son to arrive, but nope.... waiting is too hard.
So, for whatever reason, Abraham agreed. Perhaps he was in the mood for some sexual variety, or maybe he was sick of waiting, too. And what the heck, why not get a little hooky-la in the meantime? Not too many men would or could bypass such an incredible offer!
We see that Sarai chose not to wait on the Lord. And likewise, Abram chose not to wait on the Lord (or take the leadership role and encourage/admonish his beautiful wife to hold on to her hat, cuz surely God's promise, though sloooooooooow in coming, would come, nonetheless). And those hasty choices brought on lasting trouble (the Arab nations, Ishmael's descendants, still war with Israel, today).
How often we get ensnared in the waiting room! It's hard to wait. Yet, the consequences of NOT waiting - and taking matters into our own hands - are sure to deliver trouble. For ourselves and others.
So, next time you are in God's waiting room - watch those choices! They'll place blessings or cursings into your arms. Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Anyhoo, this morning I was reading in Genesis 16. I've begun reading through the Bible, and today I came upon Sarai, running madly to Abram with her request for him to go visit Ms. Maid Hagar for a little hoop-la, in hope-la of getting a son. She could've patiently waited for the Lord's promised son to arrive, but nope.... waiting is too hard.
So, for whatever reason, Abraham agreed. Perhaps he was in the mood for some sexual variety, or maybe he was sick of waiting, too. And what the heck, why not get a little hooky-la in the meantime? Not too many men would or could bypass such an incredible offer!
We see that Sarai chose not to wait on the Lord. And likewise, Abram chose not to wait on the Lord (or take the leadership role and encourage/admonish his beautiful wife to hold on to her hat, cuz surely God's promise, though sloooooooooow in coming, would come, nonetheless). And those hasty choices brought on lasting trouble (the Arab nations, Ishmael's descendants, still war with Israel, today).
How often we get ensnared in the waiting room! It's hard to wait. Yet, the consequences of NOT waiting - and taking matters into our own hands - are sure to deliver trouble. For ourselves and others.
So, next time you are in God's waiting room - watch those choices! They'll place blessings or cursings into your arms. Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Cluck, not suck.
I am in charge of coaching someone in the discipline of not laying around moping (though there's a valid reason to), but instead, of getting up and out to a productive life and day of work. To make it a bit more fun, I sent this devotional to her office. Though silly, it's helpful....
It’s true! All discipline seems to suck
Afterwards, when a diet loss has won
So, one day, you will look back on all this discipline and cluck its praises—the training will have paid off!
Your day’s motto—cluck, not suck. (I know, I know, it’s very clever.)
Suck—Discipline, before the benefiting, joy-generating afterwards.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Rich in Jesus!
Do you ever have one nagging deficiency? Something that you wish was different in yourself? Or some thing you wish you had that you don't? I have plenty of them!
For instance, confidence. I desire to kick my insecurities out of my life forever, but each day, there they are. Could it be that God is letting it hang around for a reason? Perhaps to show me that He is my confidence, even when I haven't an ounce of that sparkling trait?
This particular lack shines its brightest when there's a social gathering. So, on the way to the party, I ask the Lord to get my focus off of me and onto others. I ask for the gift of gab. And guess what? He provides!
What I am learning is that my lack of confidence (or any other deficiency) is a handy tool for the Lord's skill to be displayed. It's amazing what He can do! So, let's let Him use our deficiencys to display His whole array of skill and splendor!
For instance, confidence. I desire to kick my insecurities out of my life forever, but each day, there they are. Could it be that God is letting it hang around for a reason? Perhaps to show me that He is my confidence, even when I haven't an ounce of that sparkling trait?
This particular lack shines its brightest when there's a social gathering. So, on the way to the party, I ask the Lord to get my focus off of me and onto others. I ask for the gift of gab. And guess what? He provides!
What I am learning is that my lack of confidence (or any other deficiency) is a handy tool for the Lord's skill to be displayed. It's amazing what He can do! So, let's let Him use our deficiencys to display His whole array of skill and splendor!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
You can lead a horse to the water trough.....
.... but you just can't make him drink! You could be Mr. Atlas, with muscles bulging from every crevice, able to use your might to push the horse's head into the water, but you could not make that horse stick out his tongue and draw in long droughts, if he had a mind not to.
And neither can Christians force someone to believe the truth in God's word. We can lead them to the truth, show them how to drink it in and find refreshment, and teach them how the Living Water would cause them to thirst no more, but we can't make them slurp it up in belief.
That is the Holy Spirit's doing. We just lead them to the trough of truth (God's Word), and He hands them the cup, offering them a way to drink it, if they've a mind to.
It's their choice. And it's nice that God lets us choose... just hard when we see that someone chooses to walk away parched. But fear not, as I was reminded twice this week - God's word never goes void "without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).
It's all in God's hands!
And neither can Christians force someone to believe the truth in God's word. We can lead them to the truth, show them how to drink it in and find refreshment, and teach them how the Living Water would cause them to thirst no more, but we can't make them slurp it up in belief.
That is the Holy Spirit's doing. We just lead them to the trough of truth (God's Word), and He hands them the cup, offering them a way to drink it, if they've a mind to.
It's their choice. And it's nice that God lets us choose... just hard when we see that someone chooses to walk away parched. But fear not, as I was reminded twice this week - God's word never goes void "without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).
It's all in God's hands!
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Testing
This is only a test! This picture is in my backyard, and it's probably from our last Easter celebration. The picture is not the subject of this day, though. I am simply trying to learn how to put a picture into my blog. So many of my friends have them, and you know how it is.... we always want what others have. LOL. So, let's see if this works!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Let Us Pray! :)
There's a gal I pray for, via almost-daily e-mails. This morning's prayer I read again and again, praying it for myself, too. So, I thought to myself, Self, why not put it on your blog, so that others could pray for themselves and their friends, too? And you can see that I did! :)
Dearest Father, our Almighty God, our Abba, who loves us to the utmost. For you, we offer this day. For every task, fill our hearts with joyful willingness. For every vexing, give us your patience and mercy. For all thoughts, let them be sweet and glorifying. Holy Spirit, check our thoughts today, and make us aware of the idle ones that slip in without our being aware, that are not pleasing to you or uplifting to our well-being. Turn our sighing into choices to sing. We'll need your help with that, for sure, 'cuz you know the pull to pout is ever present. Bring to mind those we can pray for, and along with that, let us know the exact thing to pray for those persons. I know this: praying for others derails our thoughts off our own self and stuff, so we want to be doing lots of that today. Let us serve you in that capacity. Teach us your will and direct our feet into it. This is a new week, a new, clean slate; let us do that which comes to mind, not putting it off or deferring it (as I read in Steams in the Desert today), so that we can lay our head peacefully upon our pillows and sleep soundly through the night, with no regrets, but only with that wonderful, calming sense of accomplishment. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' powerful name. Amen. xo
Dearest Father, our Almighty God, our Abba, who loves us to the utmost. For you, we offer this day. For every task, fill our hearts with joyful willingness. For every vexing, give us your patience and mercy. For all thoughts, let them be sweet and glorifying. Holy Spirit, check our thoughts today, and make us aware of the idle ones that slip in without our being aware, that are not pleasing to you or uplifting to our well-being. Turn our sighing into choices to sing. We'll need your help with that, for sure, 'cuz you know the pull to pout is ever present. Bring to mind those we can pray for, and along with that, let us know the exact thing to pray for those persons. I know this: praying for others derails our thoughts off our own self and stuff, so we want to be doing lots of that today. Let us serve you in that capacity. Teach us your will and direct our feet into it. This is a new week, a new, clean slate; let us do that which comes to mind, not putting it off or deferring it (as I read in Steams in the Desert today), so that we can lay our head peacefully upon our pillows and sleep soundly through the night, with no regrets, but only with that wonderful, calming sense of accomplishment. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' powerful name. Amen. xo
Monday, July 16, 2007
To Be or Not To Be
Is there a way you'd like your husband to be, or not to be? Seriously ask yourself this question: If I could change one character trait of my husband's, what would it be?
Not having many unfavorable traits, I had to really think about what I would like changed in Mike. Then, an unusual word - one that is not normally in my vocabulary - came to mind --- reticent.
Of the four definitions I found on dictionary.com (I love this site, 'cuz if I spell the word wrong, which I did, it gives suggestions), one hit the bullseye:
Not having many unfavorable traits, I had to really think about what I would like changed in Mike. Then, an unusual word - one that is not normally in my vocabulary - came to mind --- reticent.
Of the four definitions I found on dictionary.com (I love this site, 'cuz if I spell the word wrong, which I did, it gives suggestions), one hit the bullseye:
the trait of being uncommunicative;
not volunteering more than necessary
not volunteering more than necessary
There is so much wisdom in being reticent, since it would keep you from putting your foot in your mouth. On the other hand, to a wife's heart, it can be a form of abandonment.
It was eye-opening for me, and also gave me wisdom how to pray, without any judgemental or angry feelings . I'm excited to see the Lord answer this one.
Now.... perhaps it's time to ask another question: What character trait could be changed in MY life???? :) Happy changes to you!
It was eye-opening for me, and also gave me wisdom how to pray, without any judgemental or angry feelings . I'm excited to see the Lord answer this one.
Now.... perhaps it's time to ask another question: What character trait could be changed in MY life???? :) Happy changes to you!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Fuel up Your Prayer LIfe
From Spurgeon's devotional Morning and Evening, were these words: Do we engage with lukewarmness in private devotion? Is the fire of devotion burning dimly in our hearts? Do the chariot wheels drag heavily? If so, let us be alarmed at this sign of decay. Let us go with weeping, and ask for the Spirit of grace and of supplications.
Get alone with God and just start talking! :) Talk about your lack of zest, your loneliness, your marriage, your kids, the things in government that frustrate and scare you, terrorism, our soldiers in Iraq, that neighbor that irks you, the trial that seems so endless, the joy that seems depleted, the fears that are robbing your faith, the friend who doesn't know Jesus as Savior and Friend, and whatever else is on your mind. Talk about the goodness of God that you appreciate, His many benefits, that we don't ever want to forget, and also, talk about strongholds and sins that you need deliverance from. (Deliverance by man is in vain - Psalm 60:11-, so, of course, we will need to talk to our Deliverer about these.)
Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.
Let's be the ones that will stand in the gap, so God can destroy the enemies of the souls of men!
Get alone with God and just start talking! :) Talk about your lack of zest, your loneliness, your marriage, your kids, the things in government that frustrate and scare you, terrorism, our soldiers in Iraq, that neighbor that irks you, the trial that seems so endless, the joy that seems depleted, the fears that are robbing your faith, the friend who doesn't know Jesus as Savior and Friend, and whatever else is on your mind. Talk about the goodness of God that you appreciate, His many benefits, that we don't ever want to forget, and also, talk about strongholds and sins that you need deliverance from. (Deliverance by man is in vain - Psalm 60:11-, so, of course, we will need to talk to our Deliverer about these.)
Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.
Let's be the ones that will stand in the gap, so God can destroy the enemies of the souls of men!
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