It seems like this past year I have continually found myself "overwhelmed" by the busyness of life. Can anyone else relate to that? When I get like that, I typically want to quit everything, and curl up into a fetal postion and chant, "find a happy place, find a happy place." Ha.
Anyway, due to the "overwhelmed" feeling, often times when I go to the Lord in my quiet time, I tell Him how overwhelmed I am, and whine about that a little, and then I tell Him how much I have to do, and whine about that a little. Not that there's anything wrong with sharing your heart with God....we should do that. But I've done that a lot, all the while expressing very little gratitude to Him for other things.
So, on Wednesday, I read this post by my friend Marybeth, and I could totally relate to it. I left her a comment telling her that it "spoke" to me. That, in turn, started a conversation between us. I was having a bad day. So was she. Because of that, she issued a challenge for both of us. That we would be accountable to each other. That at the end of every day we would send an e-mail to each other telling the other one what we were thankful for that particular day. And we have to do it every day until Thanksgiving.
That was on Wednesday. Thursday morning I got up to spend time with God. As I sat there, I began to think about Marybeth's challenge, and I began thanking God for things in my life. I said, "I come to you today Lord, not asking for anything, but instead, just offering thanks to you."
One by one I mentioned, to Him, things that I am thankful for. And as I did that, something that I wasn't expecting to happen, happened. God showed up in a BIG way. I felt His presence. I felt His love. I stayed there in His presence for a while just soaking HIM up. And as a result, without even asking for it, I was refreshed. I was renewed. My overwhelmed feeling was completely gone, and one of peace completely replaced it.
Since then, Marybeth and I have kept our commitment to share each day what we are thankful for. We are being intentional about being thankful.
When is the last time you went before the Lord, and didn't ask Him for anything, but just expressed gratitude to Him?
Take it from me, don't wait any longer. Make it a point to give Him thanks. You'll be so glad you did.
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Life Without Internet (and other funny sayings)
We've been without internet for nearly a week... (long story)
Anyway, the adjustment has been quite hilarious. Sad, but hilarious.
For instance, Here are a couple of things that were said this week:
Our first night without internet.....Will said, "I feel like a part of me has died."
Last night, after not having internet for nearly a week, Denny said, "It's just almost not worth it to come home."
Oh my. I think we needed this forced internet "fast".
On a different note, last night we visited the funeral home. As we were leaving, the gentleman who was tending the door said, "hurry back." As soon as he shut the door Denny and I busted out laughing. Ahhh Funny.
Anyway, the adjustment has been quite hilarious. Sad, but hilarious.
For instance, Here are a couple of things that were said this week:
Our first night without internet.....Will said, "I feel like a part of me has died."
Last night, after not having internet for nearly a week, Denny said, "It's just almost not worth it to come home."
Oh my. I think we needed this forced internet "fast".
On a different note, last night we visited the funeral home. As we were leaving, the gentleman who was tending the door said, "hurry back." As soon as he shut the door Denny and I busted out laughing. Ahhh Funny.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Amazing God-Living Proof Live
This past weekend I had the awesome pleasure of experiencing God at a Beth Moore Living Proof Live Conference. The Girls from the Baptist Church actually planned this outing, and I'm so glad they "let" us come along!
This was my 3rd time to hear Beth speak "live". It was AMAZING. I got SOOOO much out of the weekend, and am still soaking it all up. To get a glimpse of what we experienced, click here.
As a side note, our internet has not worked right since last Thursday...we've been reduced to dial up so, needless to say, I'm not on line very much :-) AND my cell phone has not been working right, so often times, in recent days, I've been without a cell phone. At first I was frustrated by this...now, however, I'm starting to like it. Ha. I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it long term though. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. whatever normal is... :-)
This was my 3rd time to hear Beth speak "live". It was AMAZING. I got SOOOO much out of the weekend, and am still soaking it all up. To get a glimpse of what we experienced, click here.
As a side note, our internet has not worked right since last Thursday...we've been reduced to dial up so, needless to say, I'm not on line very much :-) AND my cell phone has not been working right, so often times, in recent days, I've been without a cell phone. At first I was frustrated by this...now, however, I'm starting to like it. Ha. I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it long term though. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. whatever normal is... :-)
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Cry For Pardon
This devotion goes along with a discussion we had in small group last night...so I thought I'd post it. It was written by Erwin Lutzer
And when they came to the place that is call the Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!' The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Luke 23:33-38
When man had done his worst Jesus prayed - not for justice, but for mercy; He pleaded that His enemies would be exempt from the just consequences of their evil deeds. And He prayed not after His wounds had healed, but while they were yet open. Words of forgiveness came from His lips when the nails were being driven into His body, when the pain was the fiercest, when the jolts of anguish were the sharpest; He prayed as the cross was lowered into the hole with a thud. It was then - when His nerves were yet the most tender, when the pain was the most unfathomable - that He who was the victim of history's greatest crime prayed for the criminals.
He could forgive becase He was about His Father's business. In Gethsemane He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39 NIV).
The cup was not a satanic attack, though Satan no doubt tried to add his own ingredients into the potion. No, the cup was given to Christ by His Father. It was the task of "purchasing men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9) This meant that the Son would be cruelly crucified and would become sin itself for the sake of all humanity. He would drink the cup of suffering to the dregs. This cup would purchase the forgiveness for which He now prayed.
Can we say, "Father, forgive them" when we are being crucified? Can we pray for the forgiveness of those who are trying to destroy us? Do we have enough faith to leave justice in the hands of our heavenly Father? "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'it is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord (Romans 12:19). On the Cross we see the restraint of a Man who had the power to destroy but chose instead to forgive. In Christ's words is the hope of our own deliverane. So let us come near to listen more intently to what is being said. Perhaps we shall hear our own name in the petition.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that no injustice has gone unnoticed by You. Help me to forgive when I am wronged and to trust in You alone for justice. Amen.
And when they came to the place that is call the Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!' The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Luke 23:33-38
When man had done his worst Jesus prayed - not for justice, but for mercy; He pleaded that His enemies would be exempt from the just consequences of their evil deeds. And He prayed not after His wounds had healed, but while they were yet open. Words of forgiveness came from His lips when the nails were being driven into His body, when the pain was the fiercest, when the jolts of anguish were the sharpest; He prayed as the cross was lowered into the hole with a thud. It was then - when His nerves were yet the most tender, when the pain was the most unfathomable - that He who was the victim of history's greatest crime prayed for the criminals.
He could forgive becase He was about His Father's business. In Gethsemane He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39 NIV).
The cup was not a satanic attack, though Satan no doubt tried to add his own ingredients into the potion. No, the cup was given to Christ by His Father. It was the task of "purchasing men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9) This meant that the Son would be cruelly crucified and would become sin itself for the sake of all humanity. He would drink the cup of suffering to the dregs. This cup would purchase the forgiveness for which He now prayed.
Can we say, "Father, forgive them" when we are being crucified? Can we pray for the forgiveness of those who are trying to destroy us? Do we have enough faith to leave justice in the hands of our heavenly Father? "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'it is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord (Romans 12:19). On the Cross we see the restraint of a Man who had the power to destroy but chose instead to forgive. In Christ's words is the hope of our own deliverane. So let us come near to listen more intently to what is being said. Perhaps we shall hear our own name in the petition.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that no injustice has gone unnoticed by You. Help me to forgive when I am wronged and to trust in You alone for justice. Amen.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
A Word From Joshua: Problems
Nearly every night Joshua reads a devotion. I love hearing his "little" voice read these, and it always amazes me how these "simple" devotions speak to me.
So, I thought I'd share with you this word from Josh...
So, I thought I'd share with you this word from Josh...
Friday, October 16, 2009
Excited. Amazed. Thankful. Proud.
It was so much fun watching the 7th grade Lady Cubs play basketball tonight. It was the first "tough" game that they've had. I found myself getting "strangely" emotional as I was watching them. There was something about seeing them playing as a "team", all working together toward the same goal, that just touched me.
But I was touched even more when they sat down at a table after the game to eat pizza. They had just came off of a great win, and they had much that they could have talked about in regards to the game, but they sat down by us, and they DIDN'T start talking about the game. Instead, what they talked about was the BIBLE STUDY that took place at school today. Amazing.
With as much enthusiasm and passion that you would expect a team to talk about a great game with, they were using to talk about the Bible Study. As each girl seem to excitedly take turns shouting out what took place at the study.
Maren, our 12 year old, said that there were more people present at the Bible study today, than were in the crowd at their BB game tonight. (and there were quite a few in the crowd at the game).
So, as I type this I'm thankful for our school. Thankful for the adults and kids who help with this study. Thankful that so many are attending. And amazed by God and His goodness.
But I was touched even more when they sat down at a table after the game to eat pizza. They had just came off of a great win, and they had much that they could have talked about in regards to the game, but they sat down by us, and they DIDN'T start talking about the game. Instead, what they talked about was the BIBLE STUDY that took place at school today. Amazing.
With as much enthusiasm and passion that you would expect a team to talk about a great game with, they were using to talk about the Bible Study. As each girl seem to excitedly take turns shouting out what took place at the study.
Maren, our 12 year old, said that there were more people present at the Bible study today, than were in the crowd at their BB game tonight. (and there were quite a few in the crowd at the game).
So, as I type this I'm thankful for our school. Thankful for the adults and kids who help with this study. Thankful that so many are attending. And amazed by God and His goodness.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Might as well face it...God Loves you a lot.
This morning, I woke up from a dream where I was having a very "caring" conversation with someone, and in it I remember saying to her "Isaiah 40". I didn't recite the chapter, I'm not intelligent enough for that. :-) I just simply said to her "Isaiah 40".
So, I got up early, 4am Illinois time. I took the dog out, and as I stood outside the sky was dark and clear. That is my very favorite thing about taking out the dog in the early morning hours. I love looking at the sky, for the Heavens declare His glory.
So I came back in and quickly grabbed my Bible, I wanted to soak up all of what Isaiah 40 talked about.
"So, who is like me? Who holds a candle to me? says the Holy One. Look at the night skies. Who do you think made all of this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name, so magnificent! So powerful! And never overlooks a single one?
Why would you ever complain or whine saying 'God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me'? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." Isaiah 40:25-31
God has not "overlooked" you...or me. He has not "lost track" of you....or me.
One thing that I'm continually amazed at as I read through the Bible, is God's love for us. In this same chapter it speaks of how God tends to us like a shepherd tends to his flock. That He picks us up in His arms, and carries us close to His heart. Or one translation says that He is hugging us as He carries us. (Isaiah 40:11)
You're not overlooked. He's thinking about you right now. About me right now. His Word says that His thoughts of you out number the grains of sand.
So, how do I respond to that? I turn to Him again. I trust Him again. I thank Him for His loving kindness again. I surrender again. I am renewed again.
So, I got up early, 4am Illinois time. I took the dog out, and as I stood outside the sky was dark and clear. That is my very favorite thing about taking out the dog in the early morning hours. I love looking at the sky, for the Heavens declare His glory.
So I came back in and quickly grabbed my Bible, I wanted to soak up all of what Isaiah 40 talked about.
"So, who is like me? Who holds a candle to me? says the Holy One. Look at the night skies. Who do you think made all of this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name, so magnificent! So powerful! And never overlooks a single one?
Why would you ever complain or whine saying 'God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me'? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." Isaiah 40:25-31
God has not "overlooked" you...or me. He has not "lost track" of you....or me.
One thing that I'm continually amazed at as I read through the Bible, is God's love for us. In this same chapter it speaks of how God tends to us like a shepherd tends to his flock. That He picks us up in His arms, and carries us close to His heart. Or one translation says that He is hugging us as He carries us. (Isaiah 40:11)
You're not overlooked. He's thinking about you right now. About me right now. His Word says that His thoughts of you out number the grains of sand.
So, how do I respond to that? I turn to Him again. I trust Him again. I thank Him for His loving kindness again. I surrender again. I am renewed again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
