Our praise team is currently doing a Bible Study called "Pure Praise" by Dwayne Moore, and I am LOVING it. It is a heart focused Bible study on Worship.
Today the writer had us read Psalm 33:6-11
"By the Word of the Lord the Heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars, he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
Then he asked this question:
"how do you feel knowing the Lord might thwart your plans? Does this frustrate you or frighten you, or does it bring you comfort?
I'm sure that we would all probably have different reactions to this, and I can only speak of my own. For me, when I read it, it brought me GREAT comfort. Because what I know is this;
I don't know what I'm doing.
I don't mean to sound ignorant. Ha. But you know, I always thought that the longer I lived the "smarter" I would become, but instead it's been just the opposite, the longer I live, the more I realize how much I do not know. What I DO KNOW is I CANNOT do life without Jesus. I can't.
I've had people ask me, "how do you get up at 5:30 in the morning and spend time with God...how do you do that?" and my answer is, "how do you NOT do that?" How do you do life WITHOUT having quiet time. I can't. What I have learned is this. I NEED THEE O I NEED THEE, EVERY HOUR I NEED THEE.
I'm not saying that God changing my plans would never frustrates me or frighten me. I have had Him rearrange the plans of my day, and quickly take me out of my comfort zone, and/or frustrate my plans. However, typically when He does that I feel His presence right there with me helping to make the transition easier.
It brings me great comfort to know that God might thwart my plans. Father, may the purpose of your heart prevail in my life.
So, how does it make you feel knowing that the Lord might thwart your plans? Does it frustrate you or frighten you, or does it bring you comfort?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Bible Study...Already
Monday morning, 9:29 a. m. EST, and we've already had our first Bible Study. I'm just sayin'.
referencing this post.
Today's study was Psalm 73. One of my favorites.
In a nutshell…here is what psalm 73 means:
Asaph was struggling because he was a man of God, and yet it seemed as if the wicked men were more successful in life than him.
Asaph continued to struggle with that issue UNTIL he went into the sanctuary of God. Or until he turned to God.
When he went to God, God made it all clear to him. God told him, don’t envy the wicked, it might seem like they are successful but they are not. In the end, they will get what they have coming to them…and it won’t be pretty. But in the end, God will stand by the man who worships him…(meaning Asaph)
Below is an easy to read translation.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2073&version=MSG
referencing this post.
Today's study was Psalm 73. One of my favorites.
In a nutshell…here is what psalm 73 means:
Asaph was struggling because he was a man of God, and yet it seemed as if the wicked men were more successful in life than him.
Asaph continued to struggle with that issue UNTIL he went into the sanctuary of God. Or until he turned to God.
When he went to God, God made it all clear to him. God told him, don’t envy the wicked, it might seem like they are successful but they are not. In the end, they will get what they have coming to them…and it won’t be pretty. But in the end, God will stand by the man who worships him…(meaning Asaph)
Below is an easy to read translation.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2073&version=MSG
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Here's To Digging Ditches
Denny and I just returned from Nashville. I had an appointment with an advertising client of mine Friday afternoon, and then Friday night we went to the Louise Mandrell Christmas Show at the Opryland Hotel. The show is AWESOME! Our friends, Matt and Christy are in it. Matt emcees it, and Christy is the “featured” performer.
After the show we went out with Matt and Christy and had such a good visit with them. While there Christy was talking about a new song that she has written that is based on 2 Kings 3.
I didn’t remember that particular passage of scripture so Christy gave me a Bible lesson right there in McDonalds. I LOVED IT! And I want to share it with you.
The King of Israel, The King of Judah, and the King of Edom set out to fight the King of Moab. After seven days they had ran out of water for both them and their animals. So, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah says, “Isn’t there a prophet of the Lord somewhere around here who can consult God for us?” And the three kings end up going and talking with Elisha the Prophet, who has this to say:
2 Kings 3 16-19 “He then said, "God's word: Dig ditches all over this valley. Here's what will happen—you won't hear the wind, you won't see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill. This is easy for God to do; he will also hand over Moab to you. . .”
Will you allow me to go refer back to my previous post where I stated this:
“here’s to doing what I don’t understand.”
These three kings had already been out for seven days. They (and their animals) were out of water. I’m sure they were exhausted, and God tells them to dig ditches?
To provide water is an easy thing for God to do. He tells them so. He could provide it anyway he chooses. But the way he chooses is to have these guys dig ditches. Here’s to doing what I don’t understand.
His ways don’t always make sense to me. But I do trust Him, and I know that His way is the best way because He is ALWAYS FAITHFUL.
They dug the ditches, and God kept His promise. They got water. And the Lord gave them victory over the Moabites.
I know what the Lord is calling me to do. . .is He calling you to do something?
Here’s to digging ditches.
After the show we went out with Matt and Christy and had such a good visit with them. While there Christy was talking about a new song that she has written that is based on 2 Kings 3.
I didn’t remember that particular passage of scripture so Christy gave me a Bible lesson right there in McDonalds. I LOVED IT! And I want to share it with you.
The King of Israel, The King of Judah, and the King of Edom set out to fight the King of Moab. After seven days they had ran out of water for both them and their animals. So, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah says, “Isn’t there a prophet of the Lord somewhere around here who can consult God for us?” And the three kings end up going and talking with Elisha the Prophet, who has this to say:
2 Kings 3 16-19 “He then said, "God's word: Dig ditches all over this valley. Here's what will happen—you won't hear the wind, you won't see the rain, but this valley is going to fill up with water and your army and your animals will drink their fill. This is easy for God to do; he will also hand over Moab to you. . .”
Will you allow me to go refer back to my previous post where I stated this:
“here’s to doing what I don’t understand.”
These three kings had already been out for seven days. They (and their animals) were out of water. I’m sure they were exhausted, and God tells them to dig ditches?
To provide water is an easy thing for God to do. He tells them so. He could provide it anyway he chooses. But the way he chooses is to have these guys dig ditches. Here’s to doing what I don’t understand.
His ways don’t always make sense to me. But I do trust Him, and I know that His way is the best way because He is ALWAYS FAITHFUL.
They dug the ditches, and God kept His promise. They got water. And the Lord gave them victory over the Moabites.
I know what the Lord is calling me to do. . .is He calling you to do something?
Here’s to digging ditches.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Here's to Doing What I Don't Understand
This month I had an article in the "P31 Woman" magazine. The article was called "Be Alert For Signs of His Presence", and basically talked about listening to and obeying God's promptings.
What I have found time and time again, is that often times when God calls me to do something, I don't "get" it. Often times, on the front end, I really don't understand why I have to do what He's asked me to do. A lot of times after it's all over, it will then make sense. But not always.
I'm writing about this right now because He's doing it again. At least if I'm hearing Him right, He's doing it again. Asking me to do something and I don't really understand why I have to. But because I love Him, and because He's asked me to do it, I'll do it.
"Lord, I don't even know if I'm hearing you right, but I know what I feel like I'm being led to do, and it's not something that I would want to do on my own, so why is the desire still there if not from you?"
Have you ever felt like that before? I have. Like the time HE told me to tell a complete stranger that I loved her. You can read about that here.
I'm encouraged to know that others can relate to this as well. This week another blogger left me a comment, so I hopped over to her blog to read her post, and in it she talked about how the Holy Spirit prompted her to give some towels away...and she thought "how strange". But she did it, and in the end she found out why.
I liked our Preacher's sermon this past week, when he was talking about being obedient to God's call on our lives. John mentioned that as we reflect back on a life of following God, that one might say, "well Lord, it wasn't what I had planned, but it certainly wasn't boring." Amen to that. Following God is anything BUT boring!
Thinking of that reminds me of an analogy that my friend Jill wrote about this week on her blog. I encourage you to hop over there and read it.
And in the meantime, here's to doing what I don't understand.
"Obedience is easy when you know you're being guided by a God who never makes mistakes." Corrie Ten Boom
Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
Acts 11:12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them.
What I have found time and time again, is that often times when God calls me to do something, I don't "get" it. Often times, on the front end, I really don't understand why I have to do what He's asked me to do. A lot of times after it's all over, it will then make sense. But not always.
I'm writing about this right now because He's doing it again. At least if I'm hearing Him right, He's doing it again. Asking me to do something and I don't really understand why I have to. But because I love Him, and because He's asked me to do it, I'll do it.
"Lord, I don't even know if I'm hearing you right, but I know what I feel like I'm being led to do, and it's not something that I would want to do on my own, so why is the desire still there if not from you?"
Have you ever felt like that before? I have. Like the time HE told me to tell a complete stranger that I loved her. You can read about that here.
I'm encouraged to know that others can relate to this as well. This week another blogger left me a comment, so I hopped over to her blog to read her post, and in it she talked about how the Holy Spirit prompted her to give some towels away...and she thought "how strange". But she did it, and in the end she found out why.
I liked our Preacher's sermon this past week, when he was talking about being obedient to God's call on our lives. John mentioned that as we reflect back on a life of following God, that one might say, "well Lord, it wasn't what I had planned, but it certainly wasn't boring." Amen to that. Following God is anything BUT boring!
Thinking of that reminds me of an analogy that my friend Jill wrote about this week on her blog. I encourage you to hop over there and read it.
And in the meantime, here's to doing what I don't understand.
"Obedience is easy when you know you're being guided by a God who never makes mistakes." Corrie Ten Boom
Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
Acts 11:12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Office Bible
A few weeks ago, someone brought a Bible into work. There’s a little pathway that we use to cut across from one side of the building to the other. It’s a high traffic area, with a desk in it, and the Bible was placed on that desk.
It has been very interesting to me how much that Bible has stirred up. I found it quite entertaining that the first week it was here, every morning I came into work, the Bible was placed on MY desk. I have no idea who kept doing that, or why. But it made me chuckle to come in each morning and have “THE Bible” on my desk. Each time I would take it back and put it on the desk in the walk through area. And each time I would randomly open it to a certain page.
Because it’s a high traffic area, people just can’t seem to leave it alone. I cannot tell you how many times I’ll be sitting at my desk, and then all of a sudden hear someone reading from this Bible. Due to the fact that it’s the King James Version…it sounds quite funny to hear my co-workers speaking in that “language”. You know, imagine sitting at your desk doing your work and then all of a sudden hearing, “Thou shalt be visited of the Lord of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest and the flame of devouring fire” Isaiah 29:6
The other day one of my bosses picked it up and brought it over to my office, sat in a chair, and started reading to me from Acts 20. I stopped him and said “do you care if I update my Facebook status to say, “listening to my boss read me the Bible…”? Funny.
But what he read to me actually caused us to dive into the scripture. He was trying to figure out what it meant, so we looked it up in some easier to understand translations, and others from the office got involved in the conversation as well, and it was GOOD.
Today, I walked into my office and the Bible was on my desk with a note attached that said, “translate this for me”…and a particular passage was highlighted. Though the note wasn’t signed, I recognized the writing. So I went to the one asking the question and said, “I’ll get back to you on that.” I then asked, “is this a scripture you’ve always wanted to know about, or were you just walking by the Bible, and pick it up at random to that scripture.”
He said, “yes, I just picked it up and read it at random”.
So, I write this just because I’m amazed at all that this Office Bible has stirred up, and the random Bible study that it is causing. And I’m witnessing that the “Word of God is alive and active”. Hebrews 4:12
It has been very interesting to me how much that Bible has stirred up. I found it quite entertaining that the first week it was here, every morning I came into work, the Bible was placed on MY desk. I have no idea who kept doing that, or why. But it made me chuckle to come in each morning and have “THE Bible” on my desk. Each time I would take it back and put it on the desk in the walk through area. And each time I would randomly open it to a certain page.
Because it’s a high traffic area, people just can’t seem to leave it alone. I cannot tell you how many times I’ll be sitting at my desk, and then all of a sudden hear someone reading from this Bible. Due to the fact that it’s the King James Version…it sounds quite funny to hear my co-workers speaking in that “language”. You know, imagine sitting at your desk doing your work and then all of a sudden hearing, “Thou shalt be visited of the Lord of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest and the flame of devouring fire” Isaiah 29:6
The other day one of my bosses picked it up and brought it over to my office, sat in a chair, and started reading to me from Acts 20. I stopped him and said “do you care if I update my Facebook status to say, “listening to my boss read me the Bible…”? Funny.
But what he read to me actually caused us to dive into the scripture. He was trying to figure out what it meant, so we looked it up in some easier to understand translations, and others from the office got involved in the conversation as well, and it was GOOD.
Today, I walked into my office and the Bible was on my desk with a note attached that said, “translate this for me”…and a particular passage was highlighted. Though the note wasn’t signed, I recognized the writing. So I went to the one asking the question and said, “I’ll get back to you on that.” I then asked, “is this a scripture you’ve always wanted to know about, or were you just walking by the Bible, and pick it up at random to that scripture.”
He said, “yes, I just picked it up and read it at random”.
So, I write this just because I’m amazed at all that this Office Bible has stirred up, and the random Bible study that it is causing. And I’m witnessing that the “Word of God is alive and active”. Hebrews 4:12
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
What a Great Prayer
God, I've heard what our ancestors say about you, and I'm stopped in my tracks, down on my knees.
Do among us what you did among them.
Work among us as you worked among them.
And as you bring judgment, as you surely must, remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2 (The Message)
Do among us what you did among them.
Work among us as you worked among them.
And as you bring judgment, as you surely must, remember mercy.
Habakkuk 3:2 (The Message)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Bite my tongue...honor God
Here Here to the 7th Grade Girls Basketball team who had an awesome year. They ended their season 23 and 2 (or somewhere close to that). Here's what I know. They had a ton of games and only lost two. Their last one being in the Sectionals.
I have never really watched basketball until this year. Growing up, our family was a football family. I have two older brothers who played football, so I've been to A LOT of football games. And every Sunday afternoon, during football season, you could find us glued to the TV watching games.
So really, this was the first time ever that I watched much basketball, and I really enjoyed it. However, one thing that I noticed about basketball that I don't like is this...it seems like the calls that the refs make, makes more of a difference in basketball than it does in other sports.
Like for instance, we could have played the exact same game last night, and had three or four calls gone our way, the outcome might have been different. I'm not making excuses. I'm just saying I never realized how much the refs can affect a game. You know that they definitely missed some "traveling" calls when our whole crowd roared at once when the unchecked fouls happened. Seriously. It wasn't like just one person saw the missed call. You would actually hear a unified roar from the crowd because everyone saw it. And if everyone saw it, how could we, the fans, be wrong? Answer: we probably weren't. It was probably indeed a missed call.
So, how should we respond to that? Well, I can tell you that emotionally I never like it. The missed call does not make me happy. But what I know is, to respond with an overly rebellious verbal response cursing the refs would not be God honoring. Does God care? I think He does.
One of the hardest spiritual pills that I've ever had to swallow, is the spiritual truth where God says that I have to submit to authority. It's hard because, as you know, sometimes those who are in authority make mistakes. Sometimes they make bad decisions. Sometimes they do or say things that we think are seemingly wrong, or stupid. At my job, I have to submit to my boss. He is the one in authority. Whether I like his "calls" or not doesn't really matter, he's the boss and I'm not. I don't think that means we can't have a voice...but we need to make sure that when we voice our opinion that we do so in a respectful manner. Why? Because God said this:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men" 1 Peter 2:13
So why does it not honor God for us to "cuss" the refs? Because guess who the authority is on the court. The referees are. They have been put there, on the court, to maintain order.
So what do I do? Well, if I see a missed call, I sometimes can't help but have that immediate initial reaction. That immediate gasp that cries out, even non verbally, "c'mon ref!"
But I try my best to refrain from draggin' it out, hanging on to it or bad mouthing them (EVEN if they deserve it, I do my best to refrain.)
Why do I chose that? well, to be honest it's for two very real reasons. One is, I video taped a game early on in the season, and as I watched the video I could hear myself yelling at the refs, (ha) and quite honestly it hit me like a ton of bricks. I did not like the way I sounded.
The second reason is because I believe with all my heart that God stands up for the man (woman) that honors Him. And for me to "honor" the refs, honors God.
Now having said that, let me say this, I am not perfect in this. And it is something that I have to keep in check at all times. And I know that even after saying this, there will probably be times at games when I slip up and get mouthy. But as the words begin to roll off my tongue may I be reminded to do the right thing...bite my tongue, honor God.
Psalm 39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;
Proverbs 10:19When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
I have never really watched basketball until this year. Growing up, our family was a football family. I have two older brothers who played football, so I've been to A LOT of football games. And every Sunday afternoon, during football season, you could find us glued to the TV watching games.
So really, this was the first time ever that I watched much basketball, and I really enjoyed it. However, one thing that I noticed about basketball that I don't like is this...it seems like the calls that the refs make, makes more of a difference in basketball than it does in other sports.
Like for instance, we could have played the exact same game last night, and had three or four calls gone our way, the outcome might have been different. I'm not making excuses. I'm just saying I never realized how much the refs can affect a game. You know that they definitely missed some "traveling" calls when our whole crowd roared at once when the unchecked fouls happened. Seriously. It wasn't like just one person saw the missed call. You would actually hear a unified roar from the crowd because everyone saw it. And if everyone saw it, how could we, the fans, be wrong? Answer: we probably weren't. It was probably indeed a missed call.
So, how should we respond to that? Well, I can tell you that emotionally I never like it. The missed call does not make me happy. But what I know is, to respond with an overly rebellious verbal response cursing the refs would not be God honoring. Does God care? I think He does.
One of the hardest spiritual pills that I've ever had to swallow, is the spiritual truth where God says that I have to submit to authority. It's hard because, as you know, sometimes those who are in authority make mistakes. Sometimes they make bad decisions. Sometimes they do or say things that we think are seemingly wrong, or stupid. At my job, I have to submit to my boss. He is the one in authority. Whether I like his "calls" or not doesn't really matter, he's the boss and I'm not. I don't think that means we can't have a voice...but we need to make sure that when we voice our opinion that we do so in a respectful manner. Why? Because God said this:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men" 1 Peter 2:13
So why does it not honor God for us to "cuss" the refs? Because guess who the authority is on the court. The referees are. They have been put there, on the court, to maintain order.
So what do I do? Well, if I see a missed call, I sometimes can't help but have that immediate initial reaction. That immediate gasp that cries out, even non verbally, "c'mon ref!"
But I try my best to refrain from draggin' it out, hanging on to it or bad mouthing them (EVEN if they deserve it, I do my best to refrain.)
Why do I chose that? well, to be honest it's for two very real reasons. One is, I video taped a game early on in the season, and as I watched the video I could hear myself yelling at the refs, (ha) and quite honestly it hit me like a ton of bricks. I did not like the way I sounded.
The second reason is because I believe with all my heart that God stands up for the man (woman) that honors Him. And for me to "honor" the refs, honors God.
Now having said that, let me say this, I am not perfect in this. And it is something that I have to keep in check at all times. And I know that even after saying this, there will probably be times at games when I slip up and get mouthy. But as the words begin to roll off my tongue may I be reminded to do the right thing...bite my tongue, honor God.
Psalm 39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin;
Proverbs 10:19When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Being Intentional about Being Thankful
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Did I Tell You that Barbara Mandrell Called?
Might As Well Face it, I love Barbara Mandrell.
Okay, I am not “got” very often. Nor, typically, am I one who reacts to anything with extreme excitement. For instance, if you threw me a surprise party, my reaction would not be to squeal and jump up and down. I just don’t react that way. I don’t. Ever. I’m much too cool for that. Ha. But all that “coolness” went out the door the other day when I answered my cell phone.
Let me set the stage. It was Saturday, August 29th, the day after my birthday. Our family was fighting over what to eat for breakfast. We were seriously in a fairly heated argument over that, I’m ashamed to say. So when my phone rang, I walked over, looked at it, didn’t recognize the number, and thought, “I don’t know who this is, and I’m not in a ‘happy’ place right now, so I’m not gonna pick it up.”
About that time, I heard this still small voice say, “pick it up.” And I’m so glad I did, as I heard the voice on the other end say, “Melissa?”
“yes” I answered
“This is Barbara Mandrell…”
My first words to her, “OH MY GOSH!!”
I quickly ran outside so she wouldn’t hear my family yelling in the background :-)
She sang me happy birthday. I screamed in her ear.
She was speaking to me, and I was so stinkin’ excited, my mind was reeling, and all I could think of was a random mix of this:
“I cannot wait to tell my friends that Barbara Mandrell called”
“they are never going to believe this”
“Holy cow, this is Barbara Mandrell on the phone”
I was thinking all those thoughts and a thousand others, when that same still small voice said, “control your thoughts, Barbara Mandrell is speaking to you, listen to what she is saying.”
Thank you Jesus for that reminder.
So I listened to her sweet voice as she began telling me why she was calling me. And we actually entered into a conversation. My mind was still so shocked, and wound up that I know that some of my words were less than intelligent. Seriously. I remember everything she said, but I don’t remember some things that I said, or didn’t say.
For instance, I recall toward the end of the conversation she said, “I hope I get to meet you in person some time”.
I have no idea what I said to that. I don’t know if I said anything. Here’s what I could have said:
“well it’s about time you got on board, I’ve been wanting to meet you for 30 years.”
Or
“well, we’re free next weekend”
Or
“I can hop in the car and be down there in approximately 4 hours.”
Ha.
So, one might say that I was “undignified” in my conversation with Ms. Mandrell. And that would be true. I did not react in a cool professional manner that I would have liked to have reacted in. I did not speak with eloquence. I’m not sure of what I spoke at all. But my “undignification” was justified because it wasn’t just the fact that Barbara Mandrell called that had me so “got”. It was more the fact of where God has brought me, and trying to soak that up “in the moment”. Seriously.
Because, you see, when I was in junior high, my parents were going through a divorce. I was in a tough place, and I needed a role model, and God gave me Barbara Mandrell. I know, you may not initially view a “Country Music Star” as a great role model. But I can tell you that she was just what I needed:
At that time (middle school) I had a real complex about being short…she was my height.
I loved music and had already begun to play the piano, write songs, and sing…she was a musician/singer too.
And most importantly in nearly every interview that I saw her do on television or read about in a magazine, she would give glory to God, and talk about the priority that she placed on her family.
It’s funny, because literally on my birthday, the day before Barbara called, I had taken some time to ponder my life. And as I began that journey, I actually started it out in a little of a pity party, as I said to God, “God, what about my dreams? What about the things that I believe that you have spoken to me? As I said that to Him I thought back to what my dream was when I was a kid…which was to be a country music singer. And then just as quickly as I remembered that I, seriously, chuckled out loud as I said to God, “You know God as I look back and think about that, I’m not sure whether I really wanted to be a country music singer, or whether I just really wanted to get to know Barbara Mandrell."
So, the next day when Barbara called me, it was as if God was saying, “here ya go Missy, here’s Barbara Mandrell.” To me, Barbara’s call was a birthday gift straight from God. There’s no way possible to tell you all the details here on a blog post of all the events the led up to why this phone call meant so much. Let me just say in summary that in 1991 I renewed my commitment to the Lord, and I laid down my dreams in exchange for His. When Ms. Barbara called, I felt the truth of this scripture:
“delight yourself in the Lord, and He will GIVE you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 34:7
How about you? What place do you find yourself in? Have you let go of the dreams YOU have for your life in exchange for the dreams Your Creator has for your life. I don’t know about you but I want to surrender again…I want to let go again. For I love the way HE loves me, and I love serving Him in the manner that he has called me. Surrendering to the One who can do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we ask or imagine.
“O Taste and See that the Lord is good…” Psalm 34:8
Okay, I am not “got” very often. Nor, typically, am I one who reacts to anything with extreme excitement. For instance, if you threw me a surprise party, my reaction would not be to squeal and jump up and down. I just don’t react that way. I don’t. Ever. I’m much too cool for that. Ha. But all that “coolness” went out the door the other day when I answered my cell phone.
Let me set the stage. It was Saturday, August 29th, the day after my birthday. Our family was fighting over what to eat for breakfast. We were seriously in a fairly heated argument over that, I’m ashamed to say. So when my phone rang, I walked over, looked at it, didn’t recognize the number, and thought, “I don’t know who this is, and I’m not in a ‘happy’ place right now, so I’m not gonna pick it up.”
About that time, I heard this still small voice say, “pick it up.” And I’m so glad I did, as I heard the voice on the other end say, “Melissa?”
“yes” I answered
“This is Barbara Mandrell…”
My first words to her, “OH MY GOSH!!”
I quickly ran outside so she wouldn’t hear my family yelling in the background :-)
She sang me happy birthday. I screamed in her ear.
She was speaking to me, and I was so stinkin’ excited, my mind was reeling, and all I could think of was a random mix of this:
“I cannot wait to tell my friends that Barbara Mandrell called”
“they are never going to believe this”
“Holy cow, this is Barbara Mandrell on the phone”
I was thinking all those thoughts and a thousand others, when that same still small voice said, “control your thoughts, Barbara Mandrell is speaking to you, listen to what she is saying.”
Thank you Jesus for that reminder.
So I listened to her sweet voice as she began telling me why she was calling me. And we actually entered into a conversation. My mind was still so shocked, and wound up that I know that some of my words were less than intelligent. Seriously. I remember everything she said, but I don’t remember some things that I said, or didn’t say.
For instance, I recall toward the end of the conversation she said, “I hope I get to meet you in person some time”.
I have no idea what I said to that. I don’t know if I said anything. Here’s what I could have said:
“well it’s about time you got on board, I’ve been wanting to meet you for 30 years.”
Or
“well, we’re free next weekend”
Or
“I can hop in the car and be down there in approximately 4 hours.”
Ha.
So, one might say that I was “undignified” in my conversation with Ms. Mandrell. And that would be true. I did not react in a cool professional manner that I would have liked to have reacted in. I did not speak with eloquence. I’m not sure of what I spoke at all. But my “undignification” was justified because it wasn’t just the fact that Barbara Mandrell called that had me so “got”. It was more the fact of where God has brought me, and trying to soak that up “in the moment”. Seriously.
Because, you see, when I was in junior high, my parents were going through a divorce. I was in a tough place, and I needed a role model, and God gave me Barbara Mandrell. I know, you may not initially view a “Country Music Star” as a great role model. But I can tell you that she was just what I needed:
At that time (middle school) I had a real complex about being short…she was my height.
I loved music and had already begun to play the piano, write songs, and sing…she was a musician/singer too.
And most importantly in nearly every interview that I saw her do on television or read about in a magazine, she would give glory to God, and talk about the priority that she placed on her family.
It’s funny, because literally on my birthday, the day before Barbara called, I had taken some time to ponder my life. And as I began that journey, I actually started it out in a little of a pity party, as I said to God, “God, what about my dreams? What about the things that I believe that you have spoken to me? As I said that to Him I thought back to what my dream was when I was a kid…which was to be a country music singer. And then just as quickly as I remembered that I, seriously, chuckled out loud as I said to God, “You know God as I look back and think about that, I’m not sure whether I really wanted to be a country music singer, or whether I just really wanted to get to know Barbara Mandrell."
So, the next day when Barbara called me, it was as if God was saying, “here ya go Missy, here’s Barbara Mandrell.” To me, Barbara’s call was a birthday gift straight from God. There’s no way possible to tell you all the details here on a blog post of all the events the led up to why this phone call meant so much. Let me just say in summary that in 1991 I renewed my commitment to the Lord, and I laid down my dreams in exchange for His. When Ms. Barbara called, I felt the truth of this scripture:
“delight yourself in the Lord, and He will GIVE you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 34:7
How about you? What place do you find yourself in? Have you let go of the dreams YOU have for your life in exchange for the dreams Your Creator has for your life. I don’t know about you but I want to surrender again…I want to let go again. For I love the way HE loves me, and I love serving Him in the manner that he has called me. Surrendering to the One who can do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we ask or imagine.
“O Taste and See that the Lord is good…” Psalm 34:8
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Way Of Holiness
A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from Proverbs 31 Ministries asking if I would be available to lead worship at a women's conference in West Virginia next March. I obviously feel that God has called me to lead worship, and for the past few years I have felt called to serve alongside Proverbs 31 Ministries, and so my answer was an easy "yes, I'm available and interested".
The name of the church is "The Way of Holiness Church". When I saw that I thought "that's an interesting name." You know, it's not your typical name like "First Methodist Church" or "First Christian Church". "The way of holiness"...I like that.
Today I was reading in Isaiah 35 and found the scripture passage that (I'm guessing) inspired their name.
God is talking about what it will be like for His people who are redeemed.
He says:
Blind eyes will be opened.
Lame men and women will leap like deer.
The voiceless break into song
springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert,
hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain,
even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly.
AND a highway will be there, it will be called the WAY OF HOLINESS.
the unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk IN THAT WAY....
only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (portions of Isaiah 35:1-10)
"The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that way". That doesn't mean that if you're not perfect you can't walk on it. It simply means that we recognize our imperfections, our sinfulness, and we call on the One who can save us. The One who died for our sins. The One who can restore us to a right relationship with God. We come to Jesus, broken. Weak. Crippled. Messed up. But in that we recognize our need for Him. We surrender to Him. And he takes us and sets us on this "highway of holiness". A highway that He's designed for His people. Complete with His road signs. His Word. His guidance. Through every curve. Hill. Valley. He travels, in the driver's seat, and leads us on this highway. This beautiful Way of Holiness, 'til we make it to the place of Holiness.
The name of the church is "The Way of Holiness Church". When I saw that I thought "that's an interesting name." You know, it's not your typical name like "First Methodist Church" or "First Christian Church". "The way of holiness"...I like that.
Today I was reading in Isaiah 35 and found the scripture passage that (I'm guessing) inspired their name.
God is talking about what it will be like for His people who are redeemed.
He says:
Blind eyes will be opened.
Lame men and women will leap like deer.
The voiceless break into song
springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert,
hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain,
even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly.
AND a highway will be there, it will be called the WAY OF HOLINESS.
the unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk IN THAT WAY....
only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (portions of Isaiah 35:1-10)
"The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that way". That doesn't mean that if you're not perfect you can't walk on it. It simply means that we recognize our imperfections, our sinfulness, and we call on the One who can save us. The One who died for our sins. The One who can restore us to a right relationship with God. We come to Jesus, broken. Weak. Crippled. Messed up. But in that we recognize our need for Him. We surrender to Him. And he takes us and sets us on this "highway of holiness". A highway that He's designed for His people. Complete with His road signs. His Word. His guidance. Through every curve. Hill. Valley. He travels, in the driver's seat, and leads us on this highway. This beautiful Way of Holiness, 'til we make it to the place of Holiness.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Might As Well Face It Monday (on the proper day)
The other day, while I was at Target, there was a woman on her cell phone. I heard her talking when I first walked in, and her conversation didn't sound very pleasant. She was griping...A LOT!
So anyway, I just took notice of that, and thought, "Hmmm...she doesn't sound like she's having a very good day."
Then about 15 minutes later, while I was rejoicing in the hair product aisle (see previous post) she came walking by, STILL on her cell phone, and STILL griping.
For a moment, I started to get sad because her griping was disturbing my exciting time that I was having shopping for hair products. And just as I started to think badly of her for her incessant compaining, I thought, "you know, I don't know what she has on her plate. I don't know what's going on in her life, and besides that, I've sounded like that on many occassions."
Then I thought, "might as well face it, I'm not going to be happy as long as I'm griping."
Have you ever thought about that? Often times it's our griping over situations that makes us almost more unhappy than the situation itself.
I don't think it's always healthy to just hold frustrations in. But there are certain situations that we've voiced our opinion about again, and again, and again. And we simply need to stop. Look for the positive, or in other words, count our blessings.
"Do everything without complaining or arguing" Philippians 2:14
Why?
"So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:15
The Message says that when we do things readily and cheerfully without bickering it is like a breath of fresh air in this polluted society.
Lord, help me not to pollute the air with negativity, but to be a breath of fresh air.
So anyway, I just took notice of that, and thought, "Hmmm...she doesn't sound like she's having a very good day."
Then about 15 minutes later, while I was rejoicing in the hair product aisle (see previous post) she came walking by, STILL on her cell phone, and STILL griping.
For a moment, I started to get sad because her griping was disturbing my exciting time that I was having shopping for hair products. And just as I started to think badly of her for her incessant compaining, I thought, "you know, I don't know what she has on her plate. I don't know what's going on in her life, and besides that, I've sounded like that on many occassions."
Then I thought, "might as well face it, I'm not going to be happy as long as I'm griping."
Have you ever thought about that? Often times it's our griping over situations that makes us almost more unhappy than the situation itself.
I don't think it's always healthy to just hold frustrations in. But there are certain situations that we've voiced our opinion about again, and again, and again. And we simply need to stop. Look for the positive, or in other words, count our blessings.
"Do everything without complaining or arguing" Philippians 2:14
Why?
"So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:15
The Message says that when we do things readily and cheerfully without bickering it is like a breath of fresh air in this polluted society.
Lord, help me not to pollute the air with negativity, but to be a breath of fresh air.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Might As Well Face It Mondays
I'm starting a new thing on my blog called, "Might As Well Face It Mondays." Where I post something about myself or maybe others (in general) that starts out with "might as well face it" and I post it on Mondays.
Like today for instance, it's this:
I might as well face it I'm addicted to hair products. Seriously. I am. I get really excited over new shampoo. Or hairspray. Or various other hair products. I've noticed my extreme love for hair products before, but noticed it again today as I stood all excited in the hair product aisle at Target.
They were selling shampoo and conditioner buy one get one!! YAY!!
So, if you ever have to buy me a gift...hair products would be great! Ha.
Okay, so I realize I'm posting this on Wednesday, and I've titled it "might as well face it Mondays". But you might as well face it, that's just the way I am. And you might as well face it that you may never ever see this might as well face it topic again, even though I said I'm starting it. 'Cause I DID start it, but might as well face it, I might not continue it. Ever.
Like today for instance, it's this:
I might as well face it I'm addicted to hair products. Seriously. I am. I get really excited over new shampoo. Or hairspray. Or various other hair products. I've noticed my extreme love for hair products before, but noticed it again today as I stood all excited in the hair product aisle at Target.
They were selling shampoo and conditioner buy one get one!! YAY!!
So, if you ever have to buy me a gift...hair products would be great! Ha.
Okay, so I realize I'm posting this on Wednesday, and I've titled it "might as well face it Mondays". But you might as well face it, that's just the way I am. And you might as well face it that you may never ever see this might as well face it topic again, even though I said I'm starting it. 'Cause I DID start it, but might as well face it, I might not continue it. Ever.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I didn't expect this to happen while getting the oil changed in my car
The last couple of days my car hasn't been running quite right, so I flipped up the visor to read the sticker that tells me when my car is due for an oil change. I was overdue. So I took it in today to have everything checked out.
I took my laptop with me, and was looking forward to doing some writing while waiting. I just recently had a REALLY neat God thing happen, and I was wanting to put it on paper. However, just shortly after I got my computer fired up, I noticed a friend walking toward me. He sells cars at this particular dealership. Years ago I would see him frequently because I used to help with their television advertising. But anymore, I only see him when I get my oil changed...which is just a couple times a year. (synthetic oil...it lasts longer :-)
Anyway, he sat down to talk to me. He asked me how things were going in the television business. He asked about my family. He asked about my Mom. He reminded me of a time that he had come over and listened to our band play music...back when we were still playing in the bars...and then he asked me what was going on now.
So instead of typing my God story, I spoke it, and shared it with him. He was touched by it, and in turn, shared a God story with me...and now I want to share it with you.
He said, a few years back, he had this friend who was a preacher. He called to check on him one day, and his wife answered. The wife said that the preacher wasn't doing very well because his dog had just died.
My friend knew how much the dog meant to the preacher, and his heart ached for him. The wife said that he would like to have another dog just like the one that passed but it would cost $300 and they couldn't afford it. She had tried to talk her husband into getting one from the pound, but he wouldn't go for it. If he was going to get another dog, he wanted it to be like his last one.
So, my friend decided to make it his mission to find and buy this preacher the kind of dog that he wanted.
He said that he searched all over the Indianapolis area and could not find any pups of that particular breed that were ready to leave their Mama. So he looked and looked, and finally found some about an hour south of here.
The breeder had two dogs, so my friend got in his car and drove down to see the pups. By the time he got there, she had already sold one of them, and all she had left was the runt.
He picked the runt up and looked at him. He wasn't sure whether or not to buy him because typically the runt is not the "best" dog. And this particular dog, even though it was the same breed as the preacher's dog, had brindle markings on it's side, and my friend couldn't remember his dog looking quite like that. However, he had looked all over and not had any luck, so he decided to go ahead and get the runt.
On the way home he had to stop and let the dog out to do it's "duty", and he didn't have a collar or leash, so he quickly ran into a store to buy one so that he could manage the dog easier. He said all he could find was, in his words, an ugly, sissyfied, orange and purple collar...he didn't like it, but he bought it anyway.
When he got home, he called the preacher's wife and said, "don't tell your husband, but I've bought him a dog. How 'bout I come over Sunday for dinner, and I'll surprise him with it?!"
So when Sunday came, my friend went to the preacher's house, and left the pup in the car. He went inside, sat down, and started talking to the preacher. About 10 minutes into the conversation, the preacher said, "you brought me a puppy."
My friend looked to the wife and said, "Ah man, I asked you not to tell him!"
she said, "I didn't tell him."
The preacher said, "she did not tell me about the puppy. The Lord just told me that you brought me a puppy."
My friend was taken back, and he took the preacher out to the car to show him his new puppy. He said to the preacher, "I hope he is okay with you. He's got this brindle marking his sides, and I'm sorry, but all I could find was this silly looking collar."
The preacher said, "come here, I want to show you something."
He took my friend inside and showed him a picture of his dog that had passed away. Same exact markings, and same exact collar.
Now that is a GREAT story, but what made it even greater was God's presence while my friend was sharing it. Because about half way through the story, my friend started crying. He said, "I can't even tell this story without crying."
So he and I sat in the waiting room at the car dealership and cried together.
I ended up crying most of the way back to the station as I pondered both of our lives. When I first me him I was playing music in the bars, and he was frequenting them. But God intervened, and changed us to the point that today we sat and glorified God together by exchanging God stories...and crying.
I did not expect to experience God while waiting for my oil to be changed, but I'm so glad I did.
I took my laptop with me, and was looking forward to doing some writing while waiting. I just recently had a REALLY neat God thing happen, and I was wanting to put it on paper. However, just shortly after I got my computer fired up, I noticed a friend walking toward me. He sells cars at this particular dealership. Years ago I would see him frequently because I used to help with their television advertising. But anymore, I only see him when I get my oil changed...which is just a couple times a year. (synthetic oil...it lasts longer :-)
Anyway, he sat down to talk to me. He asked me how things were going in the television business. He asked about my family. He asked about my Mom. He reminded me of a time that he had come over and listened to our band play music...back when we were still playing in the bars...and then he asked me what was going on now.
So instead of typing my God story, I spoke it, and shared it with him. He was touched by it, and in turn, shared a God story with me...and now I want to share it with you.
He said, a few years back, he had this friend who was a preacher. He called to check on him one day, and his wife answered. The wife said that the preacher wasn't doing very well because his dog had just died.
My friend knew how much the dog meant to the preacher, and his heart ached for him. The wife said that he would like to have another dog just like the one that passed but it would cost $300 and they couldn't afford it. She had tried to talk her husband into getting one from the pound, but he wouldn't go for it. If he was going to get another dog, he wanted it to be like his last one.
So, my friend decided to make it his mission to find and buy this preacher the kind of dog that he wanted.
He said that he searched all over the Indianapolis area and could not find any pups of that particular breed that were ready to leave their Mama. So he looked and looked, and finally found some about an hour south of here.
The breeder had two dogs, so my friend got in his car and drove down to see the pups. By the time he got there, she had already sold one of them, and all she had left was the runt.
He picked the runt up and looked at him. He wasn't sure whether or not to buy him because typically the runt is not the "best" dog. And this particular dog, even though it was the same breed as the preacher's dog, had brindle markings on it's side, and my friend couldn't remember his dog looking quite like that. However, he had looked all over and not had any luck, so he decided to go ahead and get the runt.
On the way home he had to stop and let the dog out to do it's "duty", and he didn't have a collar or leash, so he quickly ran into a store to buy one so that he could manage the dog easier. He said all he could find was, in his words, an ugly, sissyfied, orange and purple collar...he didn't like it, but he bought it anyway.
When he got home, he called the preacher's wife and said, "don't tell your husband, but I've bought him a dog. How 'bout I come over Sunday for dinner, and I'll surprise him with it?!"
So when Sunday came, my friend went to the preacher's house, and left the pup in the car. He went inside, sat down, and started talking to the preacher. About 10 minutes into the conversation, the preacher said, "you brought me a puppy."
My friend looked to the wife and said, "Ah man, I asked you not to tell him!"
she said, "I didn't tell him."
The preacher said, "she did not tell me about the puppy. The Lord just told me that you brought me a puppy."
My friend was taken back, and he took the preacher out to the car to show him his new puppy. He said to the preacher, "I hope he is okay with you. He's got this brindle marking his sides, and I'm sorry, but all I could find was this silly looking collar."
The preacher said, "come here, I want to show you something."
He took my friend inside and showed him a picture of his dog that had passed away. Same exact markings, and same exact collar.
Now that is a GREAT story, but what made it even greater was God's presence while my friend was sharing it. Because about half way through the story, my friend started crying. He said, "I can't even tell this story without crying."
So he and I sat in the waiting room at the car dealership and cried together.
I ended up crying most of the way back to the station as I pondered both of our lives. When I first me him I was playing music in the bars, and he was frequenting them. But God intervened, and changed us to the point that today we sat and glorified God together by exchanging God stories...and crying.
I did not expect to experience God while waiting for my oil to be changed, but I'm so glad I did.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Compassion/Travis
Hey, I finally got back on line! Our internet has been rather moody lately. About the only thing it has let me access is Facebook. Weird.
Anyway, Friday, August 21st (I think that's the right date) Denny and I went to O'Fallon, Illinois over near St. Louis. Denny was working a table for Compassion International at a Travis Cottrell concert. And I was able to go too!!! Yay!
Travis and his team were AWESOME!! I was so impressed. It really wasn't a concert, but a worship service. And an awesome one at that! I had seen Travis lead worship before at a Beth Moore event, but this evening it was a straight two hours of worship...oh so good!!
And at the Compassion table they were busy!! Over 50 children were sponsored that evening. That's 50 kids released from poverty in Jesus' name!!!
Anyway, Friday, August 21st (I think that's the right date) Denny and I went to O'Fallon, Illinois over near St. Louis. Denny was working a table for Compassion International at a Travis Cottrell concert. And I was able to go too!!! Yay!
Travis and his team were AWESOME!! I was so impressed. It really wasn't a concert, but a worship service. And an awesome one at that! I had seen Travis lead worship before at a Beth Moore event, but this evening it was a straight two hours of worship...oh so good!!
And at the Compassion table they were busy!! Over 50 children were sponsored that evening. That's 50 kids released from poverty in Jesus' name!!!
It was fun for Denny too...working the Compassion table was fun, AND he had a special surprise of getting to work the table with Brian Seay. If you've heard Denny's story, then you know that he was initially drawn to Compassion by a group of bloggers that had taken a trip to Uganda and blogged about it while there. Well, one of those original bloggers that God used to draw Denny into this ministry was Brian, so it was a thrill for Denny and I to get to meet him. Brian is the one with the shaved head in the picture below. Just as a side note, if you follow Contemporary Christian music, Brian is a brother-n-law to Shaun Groves, and a brother to Robbie from the "Robbie Seay Band".
We also had a chance to visit briefly with Travis after the service...that photo is below too.
If you're interested in finding out more about Compassion International be sure and catch Denny or I at church, or leave a comment, and we'd love to talk to you about it!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Update
Well, gee, I have a lot that I'd like to say to you all, but we've been without internet at home for the past week!!!!
For some reason it's not wanting to work, so I'm trying to just enjoy the time without it, but at the same time it's been frustrating because there are some things that I've wanted to share about. Like our trip to St. Louis last Friday where Denny worked a table for Compassion International at a Travis Cottrell concert.
Anyway, I'm wrapping up my week at work right now, but hopefully our internet will decide to cooperate soon 'cause I want to show you some pics. We'll see how that goes...
For some reason it's not wanting to work, so I'm trying to just enjoy the time without it, but at the same time it's been frustrating because there are some things that I've wanted to share about. Like our trip to St. Louis last Friday where Denny worked a table for Compassion International at a Travis Cottrell concert.
Anyway, I'm wrapping up my week at work right now, but hopefully our internet will decide to cooperate soon 'cause I want to show you some pics. We'll see how that goes...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Here lately, I've been trying to maintain a peaceful attitude even in the midst of chaos. This is a little exercise that God has been working on with me for about the past two months, 'cause just because life gets crazy, doesn't mean I have to. Can you relate? Amen.
It started in my personal worship time.
Often times in my personal worship time, I'll just sit at a piano and play, and sing whatever is on my heart. (sorry, if you were at church yesterday, you've already heard this part of the story).
Anyway, as I would worship, I just kept singing the same words over and over, "I want to slow down, cease striving, and soak up your love." That was my prayer.
Understand, I realize that sometimes regardless of how hard we try, life just doesn't slow down. It doesn't always cooperate in that manner.
Take last Thursday for instance. I had already been swamped all day. On top of a million other things that happened that day, we had produced a commercial for a client, and did so in accordance with the client's specifications.
The commercial was scheduled to air the next day. At 4:30 I got a call from the client letting me know that there was an error in the spot. Admittedly her fault, but nevertheless, it could not air the way it was.
It was too late to pull the scheduled commercial off of the log for the next day, though we could send a corrected version if we could get it done by 5. However, another problem was that the guy who always cuts this client's audio was already off for the day, and the audio needed re cut.
Panic. Or not?
I chose the latter. Mentally I chose to not panic, and prayed instead.
Fortunately, our Houdini commercial director, Ron, was able to edit pieces of the audio together to make it work...and it sounded completely natural. The problem was solved and I passed the test by maintaining peace in the midst of a chaotic situation. And can I tell you? That was so much more joyful that allowing my mind, body and emotions get tangled up in the chaos.
Do you struggle with this too? Maintaining a peaceful attitude in the midst of chaos?
As I type that I'm reminded of Paul and Silas. Thrown in jail for doing nothing wrong. I would consider that shake up in my life chaotic. And yet, Paul and Silas were found praying and singing hymns. They chose God instead of chaos. As a result, they went from being held captive by the jailer to being cared for by the jailer. Acts 16:25-34
Remember that when life gets chaotic, we dont' have to go there with it. We can trust Jesus to bring us peacefully through it.
It started in my personal worship time.
Often times in my personal worship time, I'll just sit at a piano and play, and sing whatever is on my heart. (sorry, if you were at church yesterday, you've already heard this part of the story).
Anyway, as I would worship, I just kept singing the same words over and over, "I want to slow down, cease striving, and soak up your love." That was my prayer.
Understand, I realize that sometimes regardless of how hard we try, life just doesn't slow down. It doesn't always cooperate in that manner.
Take last Thursday for instance. I had already been swamped all day. On top of a million other things that happened that day, we had produced a commercial for a client, and did so in accordance with the client's specifications.
The commercial was scheduled to air the next day. At 4:30 I got a call from the client letting me know that there was an error in the spot. Admittedly her fault, but nevertheless, it could not air the way it was.
It was too late to pull the scheduled commercial off of the log for the next day, though we could send a corrected version if we could get it done by 5. However, another problem was that the guy who always cuts this client's audio was already off for the day, and the audio needed re cut.
Panic. Or not?
I chose the latter. Mentally I chose to not panic, and prayed instead.
Fortunately, our Houdini commercial director, Ron, was able to edit pieces of the audio together to make it work...and it sounded completely natural. The problem was solved and I passed the test by maintaining peace in the midst of a chaotic situation. And can I tell you? That was so much more joyful that allowing my mind, body and emotions get tangled up in the chaos.
Do you struggle with this too? Maintaining a peaceful attitude in the midst of chaos?
As I type that I'm reminded of Paul and Silas. Thrown in jail for doing nothing wrong. I would consider that shake up in my life chaotic. And yet, Paul and Silas were found praying and singing hymns. They chose God instead of chaos. As a result, they went from being held captive by the jailer to being cared for by the jailer. Acts 16:25-34
Remember that when life gets chaotic, we dont' have to go there with it. We can trust Jesus to bring us peacefully through it.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
She Speaks "Moments"
Kathy and I returned from the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference Sunday evening. Since then it seems that my feet have kept going at the same speed that the plane hit the ground at....FAST.
When I've been in God's presence, and/or have finished doing something that He has asked me to do, I don't like to move on without talking to Him about the experience that we've just had together. So, I thought I'd share some of my She Speaks ponderings here.
For me, going to "She Speaks" has never been about going to a speaker and writer's conference. It has always simply been about obedience. "Lord, I'm a worship leader, so why don't you send me to a worship leader conference?"
Now, obviously being a worship leader means some speaking, and I do some writing as well so I'm certainly not saying that I can't glean a ton of information from the conference, because I can, and I have. Nor am I closed minded to the fact that God may want me to speak and write more, because I KNOW that He has given me a personal story that He wants me to communicate in whatever manner He chooses.
But for me, right now, what She Speaks is mostly about in my heart of hearts is relationships.
God, for whatever reason, has knit my heart to some of the gals on the P31 team, and I feel His love for them. One of my biggest reasons for going to the conference was to hopefully, in some sort of manner, express His love to them in person, because I care about them.
However, instead of simply being "care-full", I found myself being "cared for". Or in other words, I felt the truth of this scripture:
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full', you find yourselves cared for". Matthew 5:7 (The Message)
So, here are a few of the She Speaks moments where I was "care-full", and felt "cared for"...
Wendy Pope running to meet us. Hugging her. Having time with her apart from the crowd to just catch up. Her grabbing my hand as she left that conversation. And the humor in her referring to me the rest of the weekend as the director the their new track, "She Hangs Out".
Marybeth calling me over to sit at her table for dinner Friday night. Laughing with her both at dinner and various times thoughout the weekend. Holding onto her when we said goodbye...and then holding her tighter.
Holly, Lysa's assistant, standing and talking to Kathy and I while we were waiting for the rain to stop so we could walk back to our hotel. She said goodnight and went on up to her room. Just speaking with her was blessing enough, BUT then she came back down with the keys to Lysa's vehicle, waving them in the air she said, "look what I have! Would you like a ride back to your hotel?!" That simple act of kindness touched our hearts so deeply. Thank you Holly.
Rachel passing by me and waving while I was sitting in a session. I would have thought nothing of it had she kept on walking, but she didn't, she came up behind me, squeezed my shoulders, and said, "it is SO good to see you." Oh my heart.
Having the opportunity to thank Lysa personally (though quickly) for showing me encouragement in my writing. To be able to chit chat with her briefly in the hallway, and to sit under her wise counsel as she shared both Biblical and practical wisdom with us.
Getting to meet Glynnis, the editor of the P31 Magazine. She too stopped while passing by Kathy and I, and showed much love to us by simply visiting with us for about 20 minutes.
Dinner with Renee on Saturday night. I, truly, find it hard to even find words to express what this meant to me. To sit across from Renee and visit with her face to face. Face to face. Face to face. Did I say face to face? Loved it. Thank you Jesus.
Hanging out with Kathy all weekend. The great conversation that took place in the hotel room Friday morning before the conference started. Our prayer time Friday night...so good. Kathy reading the Bible to me while laying in our beds. I LOVED that! (though it makes me laugh)
Oh so many more moments that I care about, but would take forever to mention...
When I got home, I was met by this "grate" note from my boy Josh...
When I've been in God's presence, and/or have finished doing something that He has asked me to do, I don't like to move on without talking to Him about the experience that we've just had together. So, I thought I'd share some of my She Speaks ponderings here.
For me, going to "She Speaks" has never been about going to a speaker and writer's conference. It has always simply been about obedience. "Lord, I'm a worship leader, so why don't you send me to a worship leader conference?"
Now, obviously being a worship leader means some speaking, and I do some writing as well so I'm certainly not saying that I can't glean a ton of information from the conference, because I can, and I have. Nor am I closed minded to the fact that God may want me to speak and write more, because I KNOW that He has given me a personal story that He wants me to communicate in whatever manner He chooses.
But for me, right now, what She Speaks is mostly about in my heart of hearts is relationships.
God, for whatever reason, has knit my heart to some of the gals on the P31 team, and I feel His love for them. One of my biggest reasons for going to the conference was to hopefully, in some sort of manner, express His love to them in person, because I care about them.
However, instead of simply being "care-full", I found myself being "cared for". Or in other words, I felt the truth of this scripture:
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full', you find yourselves cared for". Matthew 5:7 (The Message)
So, here are a few of the She Speaks moments where I was "care-full", and felt "cared for"...
Wendy Pope running to meet us. Hugging her. Having time with her apart from the crowd to just catch up. Her grabbing my hand as she left that conversation. And the humor in her referring to me the rest of the weekend as the director the their new track, "She Hangs Out".
Marybeth calling me over to sit at her table for dinner Friday night. Laughing with her both at dinner and various times thoughout the weekend. Holding onto her when we said goodbye...and then holding her tighter.
Holly, Lysa's assistant, standing and talking to Kathy and I while we were waiting for the rain to stop so we could walk back to our hotel. She said goodnight and went on up to her room. Just speaking with her was blessing enough, BUT then she came back down with the keys to Lysa's vehicle, waving them in the air she said, "look what I have! Would you like a ride back to your hotel?!" That simple act of kindness touched our hearts so deeply. Thank you Holly.
Rachel passing by me and waving while I was sitting in a session. I would have thought nothing of it had she kept on walking, but she didn't, she came up behind me, squeezed my shoulders, and said, "it is SO good to see you." Oh my heart.
Having the opportunity to thank Lysa personally (though quickly) for showing me encouragement in my writing. To be able to chit chat with her briefly in the hallway, and to sit under her wise counsel as she shared both Biblical and practical wisdom with us.
Getting to meet Glynnis, the editor of the P31 Magazine. She too stopped while passing by Kathy and I, and showed much love to us by simply visiting with us for about 20 minutes.
Dinner with Renee on Saturday night. I, truly, find it hard to even find words to express what this meant to me. To sit across from Renee and visit with her face to face. Face to face. Face to face. Did I say face to face? Loved it. Thank you Jesus.
Hanging out with Kathy all weekend. The great conversation that took place in the hotel room Friday morning before the conference started. Our prayer time Friday night...so good. Kathy reading the Bible to me while laying in our beds. I LOVED that! (though it makes me laugh)
Oh so many more moments that I care about, but would take forever to mention...
When I got home, I was met by this "grate" note from my boy Josh...
Marybeth...
Renee...
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
All I need is Jesus and B-12
Seriously. That's what I think every morning as I take my vitamin B-12. "All I need is Jesus and B-12". I chuckle every morning as I think that. See, Jesus and B-12 bring me joy just thinking about them.
Jesus to save my soul, and B-12 to save my family from my radical PMS. Ha.
Okay, I know that I really only need Jesus. I'm not sure why I have to take B-12 instead of Jesus just fixing me. I figure there's some Christian who is on the B-12 assembly line and God is keeping him/her employed. :-)
I get the same chuckle everytime I walk into Wal-mart, because I have the same thought there too. "All I need is Jesus and Wal-mart".
Oh my...all I really need is Jesus. Amen and amen.
Jesus to save my soul, and B-12 to save my family from my radical PMS. Ha.
Okay, I know that I really only need Jesus. I'm not sure why I have to take B-12 instead of Jesus just fixing me. I figure there's some Christian who is on the B-12 assembly line and God is keeping him/her employed. :-)
I get the same chuckle everytime I walk into Wal-mart, because I have the same thought there too. "All I need is Jesus and Wal-mart".
Oh my...all I really need is Jesus. Amen and amen.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Where I've Been
I was noticing that it's been a while since I've blogged. Holy cow, where does the time go?
Looks like the last time I blogged was July 8th. On July 11th we took Denny to the Indianapolis airport and sent him off for his nearly two week trip to Uganda. Then we (my Mom and my kids) drove on to Panama City Beach, Florida where we spent a week. I would love to show you some pictures from our trip, but I put my camera card into what I thought was a slot for it on my computer (wrong) and now I can't get it out. Looks like I'm gonna have to take my computer on a field trip to my workplace to visit our engineers to see if one of them can fix it. Of course I'll have to endure the ridicule that will come along with that. :-)
So, I had one week away from home, and then I had one week at home without Denny, and I didn't get on the computer much that week. I simply tried to stay busy doing stuff so I wouldn't miss him. Pathetic huh? But true.
And on top of all that, God has given me some new songs. I've been doing a lot writing lately. It seems to work that way with me. I'll go forever without writing any songs, and then all of a sudden I'll write a whole CD's worth of songs. So, I'm currently working on about four new songs....writing and arranging, and recording them. I can't wait to share them with you. One I'm really excited about because I wrote it with Joshua Mibourn, our seven year old. He had a great amount of input in both the lyrics and the melody line of the song, and I am loving the way it has turned out. He also sings on it, and he does a GREAT job!! It has been so much fun seeing his little creative mind at work. More on that later!
This week I will fly out Thursday night with my friend Kathy Lay. We are traveling to North Carolina to attend the Proverbs 31 Ministry "She Speaks" Conference. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be going this year. I have made some friends within the P31 organization who are very near and dear to my heart, and I cannot wait to see them!! Not to mention how much fun Kathy and I have together!! Needless to say, I am REALLY excited! Please pray for safe travel for us.
Looks like the last time I blogged was July 8th. On July 11th we took Denny to the Indianapolis airport and sent him off for his nearly two week trip to Uganda. Then we (my Mom and my kids) drove on to Panama City Beach, Florida where we spent a week. I would love to show you some pictures from our trip, but I put my camera card into what I thought was a slot for it on my computer (wrong) and now I can't get it out. Looks like I'm gonna have to take my computer on a field trip to my workplace to visit our engineers to see if one of them can fix it. Of course I'll have to endure the ridicule that will come along with that. :-)
So, I had one week away from home, and then I had one week at home without Denny, and I didn't get on the computer much that week. I simply tried to stay busy doing stuff so I wouldn't miss him. Pathetic huh? But true.
And on top of all that, God has given me some new songs. I've been doing a lot writing lately. It seems to work that way with me. I'll go forever without writing any songs, and then all of a sudden I'll write a whole CD's worth of songs. So, I'm currently working on about four new songs....writing and arranging, and recording them. I can't wait to share them with you. One I'm really excited about because I wrote it with Joshua Mibourn, our seven year old. He had a great amount of input in both the lyrics and the melody line of the song, and I am loving the way it has turned out. He also sings on it, and he does a GREAT job!! It has been so much fun seeing his little creative mind at work. More on that later!
This week I will fly out Thursday night with my friend Kathy Lay. We are traveling to North Carolina to attend the Proverbs 31 Ministry "She Speaks" Conference. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be going this year. I have made some friends within the P31 organization who are very near and dear to my heart, and I cannot wait to see them!! Not to mention how much fun Kathy and I have together!! Needless to say, I am REALLY excited! Please pray for safe travel for us.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Jesus...
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.
You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.
Colossians 1:15-23 (The Message)
He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.
You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.
Colossians 1:15-23 (The Message)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
How Do You Do Life?
I must admit that it does not take much for me to get sucked in to the Michael Jackson media coverage. As I flip through channels, I find myself stopping on the ones that are doing stories about him.
I was never a HUGE fan, but I always found him fascinating. On stage he was incredible, his showmanship. But off stage he always seemed to be quite mysterious, somewhat bizarre, and hard to figure out.
In watching all of the media coverage, my favorite interview has been one that Harry Smith did with Gladys Knight. I'm partial to Gladys anyway just because I LOVE her singing, and her style. But what I loved most about this interview is that Gladys, to me, humanized Michael. She made him "real". The part that touched me is she said that there were times when she and her husband were alone with Michael and he would ask, "How do you do this? How do you handle life with all the pressures?" Or in other words, my interpretation, how do you do life?
That makes my heart go out to him. Have you ever asked that question? How do you do life? I can relate to that, and I can tell you that if not for my Heavenly Daddy, and His Word, and His Holy Spirit to guide me, I'm not sure I'd know how to do life either...and I don't have any of the pressures that Michael Jackson had. Although living with Denny, who always has a camera in his hand, is almost like living with the paparrazi. :-)
There is a song that has resonated with me ALLLLL of this past week. We're worshipping with it this morning. It's called "breathe", and I can tell you that He, Jesus, is the air I breathe, and I would be lost without Him. I would have a HARD time doing life without Him.
This is the air I breathe....this is the air I breathe
Your Holy Presence...living in me
This is my daily bread...this is my daily bread
Your very Word...spoken to me
and I'm desperate for You, and I'm lost without You
Here's a link to the interview with Gladys if you'd like to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vebiqt8rSNM
I was never a HUGE fan, but I always found him fascinating. On stage he was incredible, his showmanship. But off stage he always seemed to be quite mysterious, somewhat bizarre, and hard to figure out.
In watching all of the media coverage, my favorite interview has been one that Harry Smith did with Gladys Knight. I'm partial to Gladys anyway just because I LOVE her singing, and her style. But what I loved most about this interview is that Gladys, to me, humanized Michael. She made him "real". The part that touched me is she said that there were times when she and her husband were alone with Michael and he would ask, "How do you do this? How do you handle life with all the pressures?" Or in other words, my interpretation, how do you do life?
That makes my heart go out to him. Have you ever asked that question? How do you do life? I can relate to that, and I can tell you that if not for my Heavenly Daddy, and His Word, and His Holy Spirit to guide me, I'm not sure I'd know how to do life either...and I don't have any of the pressures that Michael Jackson had. Although living with Denny, who always has a camera in his hand, is almost like living with the paparrazi. :-)
There is a song that has resonated with me ALLLLL of this past week. We're worshipping with it this morning. It's called "breathe", and I can tell you that He, Jesus, is the air I breathe, and I would be lost without Him. I would have a HARD time doing life without Him.
This is the air I breathe....this is the air I breathe
Your Holy Presence...living in me
This is my daily bread...this is my daily bread
Your very Word...spoken to me
and I'm desperate for You, and I'm lost without You
Here's a link to the interview with Gladys if you'd like to see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vebiqt8rSNM
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Good Day - Good Hugs
"He fills my life with good things." Psalm 103:5 NLT
When I was younger I never liked to hug people. I'm not sure why, but it was out of my comfort zone. Though I still slip into that mode from time to time, I can tell you that MOST of the time I appreciate a good hug. You know the kind of hug I'm talkin' about? Not the kind where you're just huggin' 'cause it seems like that's what you're supposed to do, but a genuine, heart felt, full fledged hug. I typically get those from my husband and my kids, but today I was pleasantly surprised and blessed by three other good hugs.
First, I met my friend Christa for lunch. I haven't seen her in a while, and it was genuinely good to see her...hug #1. A good hug.
Then after lunch, I had broken my sunglasses (I don't think that happened during the hug. ha.) Anyway, I needed to buy a new pair, so I made what I thought was going to be a quick trip into Walgreens. I picked out my sunglasses and went to pay for them. As I was paying, the cashier said, "these are buy one get one free today." A good day. So, I quickly ran back to get another pair. As I was looking, I heard a voice say, "Hey, what are you doing?" I looked up to find my friend Priscilla. I used to work with her at TV-2 (NBC). We were good friends, but I have not seen her for probably three or four years. I was so glad to see her. Hug #2. A good hug.
THEN, as Priscilla and I were talking, she glanced away for a moment to say Hello to someone, I looked at who she was talking to, and was so pleasantly surprised to see another gal that I used to work with at TV-2! Her name is Phyllis. She was the Program Director at TV-2, when I was a new/young salesperson there. She looked at me, and said "oh my gosh!" enter in hug #3. A good hug. It was wonderful to see her. I think it's been ten years since the last time I saw Phyllis.
So what started out as a quick trip to buy sunglasses, ended up being 30 minutes talking with good friends. A good day.
THEN, to top off my already good day, when I got back to the station, my boss said, "since it's a holiday weekend, you can go ahead and go home now."
Good hugs. Good day.
When I was younger I never liked to hug people. I'm not sure why, but it was out of my comfort zone. Though I still slip into that mode from time to time, I can tell you that MOST of the time I appreciate a good hug. You know the kind of hug I'm talkin' about? Not the kind where you're just huggin' 'cause it seems like that's what you're supposed to do, but a genuine, heart felt, full fledged hug. I typically get those from my husband and my kids, but today I was pleasantly surprised and blessed by three other good hugs.
First, I met my friend Christa for lunch. I haven't seen her in a while, and it was genuinely good to see her...hug #1. A good hug.
Then after lunch, I had broken my sunglasses (I don't think that happened during the hug. ha.) Anyway, I needed to buy a new pair, so I made what I thought was going to be a quick trip into Walgreens. I picked out my sunglasses and went to pay for them. As I was paying, the cashier said, "these are buy one get one free today." A good day. So, I quickly ran back to get another pair. As I was looking, I heard a voice say, "Hey, what are you doing?" I looked up to find my friend Priscilla. I used to work with her at TV-2 (NBC). We were good friends, but I have not seen her for probably three or four years. I was so glad to see her. Hug #2. A good hug.
THEN, as Priscilla and I were talking, she glanced away for a moment to say Hello to someone, I looked at who she was talking to, and was so pleasantly surprised to see another gal that I used to work with at TV-2! Her name is Phyllis. She was the Program Director at TV-2, when I was a new/young salesperson there. She looked at me, and said "oh my gosh!" enter in hug #3. A good hug. It was wonderful to see her. I think it's been ten years since the last time I saw Phyllis.
So what started out as a quick trip to buy sunglasses, ended up being 30 minutes talking with good friends. A good day.
THEN, to top off my already good day, when I got back to the station, my boss said, "since it's a holiday weekend, you can go ahead and go home now."
Good hugs. Good day.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Just Sharing
I'm preparing this morning to lead worship at North Side Christian Church in Terre Haute, and as I was reading scripture, I came across this one, and felt God's love so strongly in it, so I thought I'd share:
"as for me, I am poor and needy...but, the Lord is thinking about me right now." Psalm 40:17a
Wow. So true. Me in my nothingness. But God.
May you too be encouraged by being reminded that the Lord is thinking about you right now.
"as for me, I am poor and needy...but, the Lord is thinking about me right now." Psalm 40:17a
Wow. So true. Me in my nothingness. But God.
May you too be encouraged by being reminded that the Lord is thinking about you right now.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Building Altars
"Build altars in the places where I remind you who I am, and I will come and bless you there." Exodus 20:24
Building altars...do you ever build altars?
Several years ago, I was at a Karen Wheaton concert. I love to hear Karen both sing AND speak. I've seen her a few times, and every time I've been greatly blessed by her words and music. Anyway, at this one particular concert, she was speaking of building altars. One thing she said was that when God meets her in a special way through His Word, she marks it, dates it, and writes out to the side of the scripture what it was that God spoke to her about there.
It's been several years since I heard Karen say that, and ever since then, I too have "built altars" in that way. If you look at my Bible, you'll see many places highlighted with a "name" or a "word" out to the side that indicates/reminds me of how God met me in that place. Not just that place in the Bible, but at that place in my life.
Sometimes it's not just the Bible that God speaks to me through, sometimes it's people, or circumstances. When those times happen, I journal what God has said to me.
"write down for the record everything I have said to you..." Jeremiah 30:2
"build altars in the places where I remind you who I am and I will come and bless you there"
I have found the last part of that verse to be SO true, for I can tell you that as I read thru my Bible, and run across one of my "altars", I am reminded of how God met me at that point in my life, and in being reminded, my faith is refreshed, and He does indeed come and bless me there.
Building altars...do you ever build altars?
Several years ago, I was at a Karen Wheaton concert. I love to hear Karen both sing AND speak. I've seen her a few times, and every time I've been greatly blessed by her words and music. Anyway, at this one particular concert, she was speaking of building altars. One thing she said was that when God meets her in a special way through His Word, she marks it, dates it, and writes out to the side of the scripture what it was that God spoke to her about there.
It's been several years since I heard Karen say that, and ever since then, I too have "built altars" in that way. If you look at my Bible, you'll see many places highlighted with a "name" or a "word" out to the side that indicates/reminds me of how God met me in that place. Not just that place in the Bible, but at that place in my life.
Sometimes it's not just the Bible that God speaks to me through, sometimes it's people, or circumstances. When those times happen, I journal what God has said to me.
"write down for the record everything I have said to you..." Jeremiah 30:2
"build altars in the places where I remind you who I am and I will come and bless you there"
I have found the last part of that verse to be SO true, for I can tell you that as I read thru my Bible, and run across one of my "altars", I am reminded of how God met me at that point in my life, and in being reminded, my faith is refreshed, and He does indeed come and bless me there.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Be Alert For Signs of His Presence
The other day I had been out to see a client, and when I left there, I headed back to the television station. My plan was to go back into the station, and heat up some lunch. However, as I pulled back up to the station this thought passed through my mind, “go see Godfrey (another client) NOW because he’s only going to be in the store for about another hour.”
The “thought” happened just as I was pulling up to park, so I quickly analyzed the thought, and pulled back out of the parking lot and headed to see my client.
So, I walked into the client’s place of business, and sure enough, he was there. After sitting and talking with him for about ten minutes he said to me. “Did you get my voicemail?” I said, “No”. He cocked his head and said, “Really? You didn’t get my voicemail?” “No, I did not get your voicemail.” I said. “Where did you leave it at?” “Your office” He replied. “So what did it say?” I asked. He said, “I left a message on your office voicemail telling you that if you wanted to see me you’d better get your butt down here in the next hour because I was going to be leaving.”
Hmmm… :-)
"Well", I said, "My phone did not give me your message, but God did.” And I proceeded to tell him what had happened. We were both amazed by it.
How many times do we have thoughts that we think are just “fleeting” thoughts, but instead are the Holy Spirit trying to communicate with us? Maybe, just maybe, we should think about what we are thinking about.
Psalm 105:4 says, “keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.” (The Message)
Father, help me to recognize your voice, help me to be obedient to what it is that you tell me to do. And when things like the above story happen, help me not to chalk it up as a coincidence, but as a definite sign of YOUR presence. You are amazing.
The “thought” happened just as I was pulling up to park, so I quickly analyzed the thought, and pulled back out of the parking lot and headed to see my client.
So, I walked into the client’s place of business, and sure enough, he was there. After sitting and talking with him for about ten minutes he said to me. “Did you get my voicemail?” I said, “No”. He cocked his head and said, “Really? You didn’t get my voicemail?” “No, I did not get your voicemail.” I said. “Where did you leave it at?” “Your office” He replied. “So what did it say?” I asked. He said, “I left a message on your office voicemail telling you that if you wanted to see me you’d better get your butt down here in the next hour because I was going to be leaving.”
Hmmm… :-)
"Well", I said, "My phone did not give me your message, but God did.” And I proceeded to tell him what had happened. We were both amazed by it.
How many times do we have thoughts that we think are just “fleeting” thoughts, but instead are the Holy Spirit trying to communicate with us? Maybe, just maybe, we should think about what we are thinking about.
Psalm 105:4 says, “keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence.” (The Message)
Father, help me to recognize your voice, help me to be obedient to what it is that you tell me to do. And when things like the above story happen, help me not to chalk it up as a coincidence, but as a definite sign of YOUR presence. You are amazing.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Great Performance
I'm in Greenville, Illinois right now where my daughter is attending a basketball camp. I went to dinner tonight with a couple of friends that I went to high school with. Our daughters are all the same age. We had a really good time visiting over dinner.
One of our dinner conversations was about Jamie Foxx. In May, I watched as he was on a country music special that was honoring George Strait as the country music "artist of the decade". I, being totally out of the loop, didn't even realize that Jamie Foxx could sing. So, when he took the mic and did his rendition of George Strait's hit, "You Look So Good In Love", I was CAPTIVATED. It was absolutely incredible. After it was over, I rewound it, and called my whole family in to watch it, I was so impressed with how he took the song and made it his own....
My friend Lisa, whom I dined with tonight was equally impressed by his performance.
If you haven't seen it, it's worth watching...thought I'd share it here...
One of our dinner conversations was about Jamie Foxx. In May, I watched as he was on a country music special that was honoring George Strait as the country music "artist of the decade". I, being totally out of the loop, didn't even realize that Jamie Foxx could sing. So, when he took the mic and did his rendition of George Strait's hit, "You Look So Good In Love", I was CAPTIVATED. It was absolutely incredible. After it was over, I rewound it, and called my whole family in to watch it, I was so impressed with how he took the song and made it his own....
My friend Lisa, whom I dined with tonight was equally impressed by his performance.
If you haven't seen it, it's worth watching...thought I'd share it here...
Sunday, June 7, 2009
In the Prayer Room
Many times prior to church on Sunday's I go into the "prayer room". I can't tell you how many times God meets me there. I can't tell you how many times I literally walk in the door, and feel His presence. Like, what's that all about? "Lord, were you just hangin' out here waiting on me to show up?!" Or is it that because it's the "prayer room" and people are continually talking to God in there, that His presence just kind of hovers there?
Anyway, I'm not sure what that's all about, I can only tell you that OFTEN times, it happens.
So, today, I went into the prayer room and, as usual, felt His presence as soon as I walked in. Paul Boyer was also in there, so we chit chatted just a little bit about some people that God has recently brought into Paul's life. Then, Mariann Schaefer came in, and added to our conversation. Paul and Mariann both are, very much, people whom I consider to be "prayer warriors". And for whatever reason, God has seemingly assigned me to Mariann. Meaning, I don't even have to tell Mariann what's going on in my life because God does. Sometimes at the height of when I'm going thru something, Mariann will e-mail and say, "what's going on?" It always cracks me up 'cause she always knows that somethings up without me ever saying anything.
Anyway, back to my story. What I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED about our time in the prayer room was that we were sitting there talking, and then just as quickly, we all started to pray. We didn't pray together this particular time, we just prayed individually. What I loved about it was the comfort level that was present. We didn't say, "okay, I'm done talking and I'm gonna pray now." Though there would have been nothing wrong had any of us said that. But we didn't have to.
As my quiet time in the prayer room began, I started by thanking God for that. For the family that He has given me at FCC. That we can be sitting in the same room and have conversation, and then not have conversation, and feel comfortable doing so. It is so good to have Christian brothers and sisters who "get it". Who know me, and I know them. Who love me, and I love them. Who pray for me, and I pray for them. This is how God's church operates, and in keeping in theme with Marybeth...it is such a "good" thing.
Anyway, I'm not sure what that's all about, I can only tell you that OFTEN times, it happens.
So, today, I went into the prayer room and, as usual, felt His presence as soon as I walked in. Paul Boyer was also in there, so we chit chatted just a little bit about some people that God has recently brought into Paul's life. Then, Mariann Schaefer came in, and added to our conversation. Paul and Mariann both are, very much, people whom I consider to be "prayer warriors". And for whatever reason, God has seemingly assigned me to Mariann. Meaning, I don't even have to tell Mariann what's going on in my life because God does. Sometimes at the height of when I'm going thru something, Mariann will e-mail and say, "what's going on?" It always cracks me up 'cause she always knows that somethings up without me ever saying anything.
Anyway, back to my story. What I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED about our time in the prayer room was that we were sitting there talking, and then just as quickly, we all started to pray. We didn't pray together this particular time, we just prayed individually. What I loved about it was the comfort level that was present. We didn't say, "okay, I'm done talking and I'm gonna pray now." Though there would have been nothing wrong had any of us said that. But we didn't have to.
As my quiet time in the prayer room began, I started by thanking God for that. For the family that He has given me at FCC. That we can be sitting in the same room and have conversation, and then not have conversation, and feel comfortable doing so. It is so good to have Christian brothers and sisters who "get it". Who know me, and I know them. Who love me, and I love them. Who pray for me, and I pray for them. This is how God's church operates, and in keeping in theme with Marybeth...it is such a "good" thing.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A Good Thing
You know how sometimes people refer to the person who brought them to the Lord as their "Spiritual Father", or "Spiritual Mother"?
Well I'd like to refer to the person who got me started in this whole bloggy thing as my "Blog Mama". And my blog mama, Marybeth, is currently posting "good things" on her blog. Making it a point to see and mention those good things that happen in every day life. I thought that was a great idea, so I decided to join her on that journey.
So, for me, today's good thing is that I got to go to lunch and play miniature golf ALL AFTERNOON with my boss, a couple of other sales reps, and one of my very favorite clients, Jill, who by the way, in reference to my last post, pays her bills on time.
Work has been seriously overwhelming in recent days, and to take an afternoon off and actually SCHEDULE some fun was SOOOO refreshing!! and the other good thing is it was my BOSS'S idea! What a great boss!
We had SO MUCH FUN, and fun is GOOD!
Well I'd like to refer to the person who got me started in this whole bloggy thing as my "Blog Mama". And my blog mama, Marybeth, is currently posting "good things" on her blog. Making it a point to see and mention those good things that happen in every day life. I thought that was a great idea, so I decided to join her on that journey.
So, for me, today's good thing is that I got to go to lunch and play miniature golf ALL AFTERNOON with my boss, a couple of other sales reps, and one of my very favorite clients, Jill, who by the way, in reference to my last post, pays her bills on time.
Work has been seriously overwhelming in recent days, and to take an afternoon off and actually SCHEDULE some fun was SOOOO refreshing!! and the other good thing is it was my BOSS'S idea! What a great boss!
We had SO MUCH FUN, and fun is GOOD!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Faithful Always
God is so much more faithful to me than I am to Him.
I'm a 100% commission salesperson. If our clients don't pay their bills in 90 days, I lose my commission. Which means I sold the advertising, and handled everything that takes place from the point of sale to getting the client on the air, and making sure their spots air correctly, then if they don't pay in 90 days, I've basically done all the work for FREE.
Yesterday as I looked at my accounts receivables I had close to $30,000 from one particular client of mine that had not been paid. It was Thursday, May 28th, if the money was not in the house by the end of the day Friday, I would lose approximately $3,000. My first thought was, "there is no way this money is going to be in the house by tomorrow." I mean, if I were to call them immediately, they would have to overnight the check to make that happen, and I couldn't see them doing that.
I was mad at myself for the oversight. I was mad at my job for the seemingly stupid rule. And I wasn't very happy with God for He, more than anyone, knew how hard I had worked at my job, and how could He let this happen?
So, I prayed what has been my favorite prayer all year. Seriously. I prayed this prayer while auditioning girls for the all female praise band. I prayed this prayer while sorting thru some tough issues with the praise band. I have prayed this prayer MULTIPLE times as I have lived through 2009. It's a simple prayer. Let me share it with you, here are the words:
"Father...help." "help."
And then I called the client. The check had been mailed on the 20th of May. That was my first Hallelujah. But why didn't we have it? So, I called my boss...he checked again. The money was there. It was already there before I freaked out about it. While I was in the "Freak out" stage, the money was there all along, my report that had been printed out for me was incorrect. Why am I so quick to doubt His provision, and His faithfulness.
He is so much more faithful to me than I am to Him.
What is your current concern? Try my prayer, "Father...help."
Lord, You are faithful always.
Here's a song we've been singing in church for the last few months. I don't think it's out on CD yet, but due out anytime. I did, however, finally find it on Youtube.
I'm a 100% commission salesperson. If our clients don't pay their bills in 90 days, I lose my commission. Which means I sold the advertising, and handled everything that takes place from the point of sale to getting the client on the air, and making sure their spots air correctly, then if they don't pay in 90 days, I've basically done all the work for FREE.
Yesterday as I looked at my accounts receivables I had close to $30,000 from one particular client of mine that had not been paid. It was Thursday, May 28th, if the money was not in the house by the end of the day Friday, I would lose approximately $3,000. My first thought was, "there is no way this money is going to be in the house by tomorrow." I mean, if I were to call them immediately, they would have to overnight the check to make that happen, and I couldn't see them doing that.
I was mad at myself for the oversight. I was mad at my job for the seemingly stupid rule. And I wasn't very happy with God for He, more than anyone, knew how hard I had worked at my job, and how could He let this happen?
So, I prayed what has been my favorite prayer all year. Seriously. I prayed this prayer while auditioning girls for the all female praise band. I prayed this prayer while sorting thru some tough issues with the praise band. I have prayed this prayer MULTIPLE times as I have lived through 2009. It's a simple prayer. Let me share it with you, here are the words:
"Father...help." "help."
And then I called the client. The check had been mailed on the 20th of May. That was my first Hallelujah. But why didn't we have it? So, I called my boss...he checked again. The money was there. It was already there before I freaked out about it. While I was in the "Freak out" stage, the money was there all along, my report that had been printed out for me was incorrect. Why am I so quick to doubt His provision, and His faithfulness.
He is so much more faithful to me than I am to Him.
What is your current concern? Try my prayer, "Father...help."
Lord, You are faithful always.
Here's a song we've been singing in church for the last few months. I don't think it's out on CD yet, but due out anytime. I did, however, finally find it on Youtube.
Friday, May 22, 2009
She Never Called Me By My Name...
This week we lost a beloved member of our church and our community, as Margaret Thornsburg passed away. She had prayed for Jesus to take her home to be with Him, and He answered that prayer.
As I think of Mrs. Thornsburg, there are some memories that come to mind. One is that her daughters used to babysit me. Another is, of course, a memory that many others have of her as well, she was my English teacher in high school. But the memory that stands out the most to me about Mrs. Thornsburg, is that she NEVER called me by my name. Ever.
From the time she taught my English class when I was a Freshman in high school, 'til the time she passed away, she always called me "Barbara". She knew that my very favorite singer/entertainer was (and still remains to be) Barbara Mandrell. So that's what she called me. Not Missy. Not Melissa. Barbara.
So, when John (our preacher) called to tell me that her daughters had asked me to sing at the funeral, they had also told him that she always referred to me as Barbara.
Today, as we honored her life, I was honored to sing at her funeral. It seemed such an appropriate ending to our relationship here on this Earth...that I, Missy/Barbara would have the chance to sing for her one more time....'til I see her again.
As I think of Mrs. Thornsburg, there are some memories that come to mind. One is that her daughters used to babysit me. Another is, of course, a memory that many others have of her as well, she was my English teacher in high school. But the memory that stands out the most to me about Mrs. Thornsburg, is that she NEVER called me by my name. Ever.
From the time she taught my English class when I was a Freshman in high school, 'til the time she passed away, she always called me "Barbara". She knew that my very favorite singer/entertainer was (and still remains to be) Barbara Mandrell. So that's what she called me. Not Missy. Not Melissa. Barbara.
So, when John (our preacher) called to tell me that her daughters had asked me to sing at the funeral, they had also told him that she always referred to me as Barbara.
Today, as we honored her life, I was honored to sing at her funeral. It seemed such an appropriate ending to our relationship here on this Earth...that I, Missy/Barbara would have the chance to sing for her one more time....'til I see her again.
Psalm 119:89-96
89-96 What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I'll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I'm all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I'm only concerned with your plans for me. I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain your commands!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Lil' Joshy made the news!
Yesterday I bought flowers, and Josh begged me to let him help plant them last night. While begging me, he informed me that we needed to call "811" before we started digging.
I said, "where did you hear that at?" He proceeded to tell me that they had planted some stuff at school today, and had talked about it.
Today when I got to work, I found him on our website. (must have been a slow news day) :-)
Here's a link to the video, when the box first comes up, Josh is the boy closest to the building.
http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/news_wthi_marshall_students_dig_for_important_lesson_200905181802
I said, "where did you hear that at?" He proceeded to tell me that they had planted some stuff at school today, and had talked about it.
Today when I got to work, I found him on our website. (must have been a slow news day) :-)
Here's a link to the video, when the box first comes up, Josh is the boy closest to the building.
http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/news_wthi_marshall_students_dig_for_important_lesson_200905181802
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Unity Night
What an honor it was to get to lead worship again at this year's Wabash Valley Ladies Unity Night. And what an honor to get to serve with Lysa TerKeurst. I thoroughly enjoy listening to Lysa speak, and am moved each time I hear her!
It was also fun leading worship with my new friends in Christ, Dawn, Christa, Jacki, Aimee, Tonya, Roxie, Ashley, and Cathy! They are sold out for Jesus, and were so much fun spending time with!
I'm also thankful for Jona, the event coordinator. God has given us a special friendship, and I count her as one of my dearest friends...
The WVLUN planning committee works so hard, and many months, to put on this event, so that we women, of various denominations, can come together, and celebrate Christ!
If you go to FCC, be sure and thank Lisa Lashbrook for all her efforts...she has served on this planning committee for the past few years.
Here's a link to a news story about the evening...
http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/news_wthi_TerreHaute_LadiesUnityNight_2009_05152220
It was also fun leading worship with my new friends in Christ, Dawn, Christa, Jacki, Aimee, Tonya, Roxie, Ashley, and Cathy! They are sold out for Jesus, and were so much fun spending time with!
I'm also thankful for Jona, the event coordinator. God has given us a special friendship, and I count her as one of my dearest friends...
The WVLUN planning committee works so hard, and many months, to put on this event, so that we women, of various denominations, can come together, and celebrate Christ!
If you go to FCC, be sure and thank Lisa Lashbrook for all her efforts...she has served on this planning committee for the past few years.
Here's a link to a news story about the evening...
http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/news_wthi_TerreHaute_LadiesUnityNight_2009_05152220
Friday, May 15, 2009
Talkin' Like an Angel
This morning, I read Acts 12...and chuckled as I read it.
Peter is in prison (that's not the funny part). Smile. But anyway, Peter is in prison and an Angel of the Lord comes to him, while he is sleeping, wakes him up, and says this:
“Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
When I read that, it reminded of the conversation that typically takes place at our house every morning when I'm waking the kids up to go to school. I usually say pretty similar things:
Quick. Get up!
Get dressed!
Put your shoes on!
Get your coat!
All this time I thought I was being a domineering Mama...I never realized that I was just talkin' like an angel. :-)
Peter is in prison (that's not the funny part). Smile. But anyway, Peter is in prison and an Angel of the Lord comes to him, while he is sleeping, wakes him up, and says this:
“Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.
When I read that, it reminded of the conversation that typically takes place at our house every morning when I'm waking the kids up to go to school. I usually say pretty similar things:
Quick. Get up!
Get dressed!
Put your shoes on!
Get your coat!
All this time I thought I was being a domineering Mama...I never realized that I was just talkin' like an angel. :-)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
So Grateful
Today Denny and I celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary. Typically, I'm very happy when we celebrate an anniversary, but I don't get real mushy about it. This morning, however, I find myself in a very different place.
For this year's anniversary, God has decided to take me down memory lane, and he has reminded me, very clearly, of where we've been and how far we've come...or should I say, how far He has brought us. And to be honest, that simply leaves me being SOOOO grateful.
2 Samuel 7:18 [ David's Prayer ] Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
This song has been a staple for me, this year, in my personal worship time.
For this year's anniversary, God has decided to take me down memory lane, and he has reminded me, very clearly, of where we've been and how far we've come...or should I say, how far He has brought us. And to be honest, that simply leaves me being SOOOO grateful.
2 Samuel 7:18 [ David's Prayer ] Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
This song has been a staple for me, this year, in my personal worship time.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Exceeding Joy
No other song captures my heart quite like this one. Every time I hear it, I am immediately ushered into HIS presence. I can't really explain why it touches me like it does, I just know it does. Thought I'd share it with you...
I have found exceeding joy,
Jesus answered when I called
this Name that has saved me,
pure love that embraced me.
Mercy, grace, eternal life.
Bought from darkness to His light.
While lost in my sin, He
raised me and made me live.
Chorus:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my heart joys in God my Saviour,
for He lifts the lowly,
He's done great things for me.
I will sing, praising evermore,
He is mighty and Holy is His Name.
I will lift my head up high,
praising Jesus through each trial.
Though I have not seen Him,
I love Him completely.
Chorus:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my heart joys in God my Saviour,
for He lifts the lowly,
He's done great things for me.
I will sing, praising evermore,
He is mighty and Holy is His Name.
I have found exceeding joy,
Jesus answered when I called
this Name that has saved me,
pure love that embraced me.
Mercy, grace, eternal life.
Bought from darkness to His light.
While lost in my sin, He
raised me and made me live.
Chorus:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my heart joys in God my Saviour,
for He lifts the lowly,
He's done great things for me.
I will sing, praising evermore,
He is mighty and Holy is His Name.
I will lift my head up high,
praising Jesus through each trial.
Though I have not seen Him,
I love Him completely.
Chorus:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my heart joys in God my Saviour,
for He lifts the lowly,
He's done great things for me.
I will sing, praising evermore,
He is mighty and Holy is His Name.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Homeless Story
In case you haven't heard, this week, WTHI-TV news anchor Mark Allen is homeless. He's doing a news story to experience, as best as he can, what it's like to be a homeless person. You can follow that story here. Today, for instance, he went dumpster diving and found a banana...and ate it. Yuk.
Tune in to WTHI-TV and WTHI-TV.com for more info on Mark's experience as a homeless person.
Tune in to WTHI-TV and WTHI-TV.com for more info on Mark's experience as a homeless person.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Where Has April Gone
I cannot believe it is already the 30th of April. I believe this month has flown by faster than any other month in the history of my life.
Tim apologizing to the mannequin for knocking his hand off
our families outside of the Hard Rock Cafe
I think it's because we had a couple of "special" church services which took some extra prep time during the weeks, plus I was extremely busy at work, and I was also gone two weekends in April. All of that combined made the month go by quickly...too quickly.
Though it was sometimes overwhelming, I wouldn't change it, 'cause the church services were special, and the weekends away were AWESOME!
We spent Thursday thru Saturday of Easter weekend with the Wood family in Nashville. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed getting out of town, and spending the weekend with them. And, while there, we were able to meet our friends Matt and Christy for breakfast. It was good seeing them as well.
Then I spent the 17th thru the 19th with my friend Marybeth in Chicago. Marybeth is from North Carolina, but was speaking in Chicago. I met Marybeth three years ago at the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference. She was my "speaker evaluator". As soon as I met her, I felt a bond with her, and we have stayed in touch over the years, so it was extra special to get to spend some time with her.
I'll conclude with some pics from Nashville:
Here's Tim trying to be a mannequin
Tim apologizing to the mannequin for knocking his hand off
our families outside of the Hard Rock Cafe
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Great Follow up to Compassion Sunday
Beth Moore's daughter is currently on a Compassion International trip in India. I encourage you to read about it here. It will bring much encouragement to those of you who are child sponsors.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Compassion Sunday
It was very cool today for me to watch our church get on board with something that God had laid on my husband's heart several months ago...releasing children from poverty in Jesus name.
That is Compassion International's mission. Poverty is much more than lack of finances...it's lack of opportunity. Opportunity for a better life.
Today, many felt God calling them to get involved to help, and as a result many children were sponsored. This problem of poverty, which at times can seem so overwhelming, can be changed one child at a time.
I know there are some who are still praying about getting involved. We had a few child packets left. Denny will have those at church again next Sunday if you feel God leading you to sponsor a child.
That is Compassion International's mission. Poverty is much more than lack of finances...it's lack of opportunity. Opportunity for a better life.
Today, many felt God calling them to get involved to help, and as a result many children were sponsored. This problem of poverty, which at times can seem so overwhelming, can be changed one child at a time.
I know there are some who are still praying about getting involved. We had a few child packets left. Denny will have those at church again next Sunday if you feel God leading you to sponsor a child.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Getting the Word Out
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” John 21:15, 16
Over the past year I have watched as God has poured His love and compassion for suffering children into the heart of my husband, specifically speaking of children in poverty. I have watched Denny shed many tears as he has read factual stories, and seen videos of these children who are in desperate need. To be honest, what God has done in the heart of Denny, and now is doing in my life too, has changed the way I view Christianity. It has expanded the way I view Christianity, and in many ways there has been a paradigm shift.
We live in an era of “prosperity preaching”. “Obey God and he will give you the home of your dreams, he will give you the car of your dreams, He will provide everything you ever wanted…”
Understand I believe that God wants to prosper you. I believe that when we obey Him, He does prosper us. But I’m not sure the above scenario is what he had in mind.
In Luke 3:7-9, we see a sample of John the Baptist’s preaching, and what he talks about is that when we follow God, our life should change, our life should look different. Part of what he says is this:
“Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.”
At the end of his sermon, the crowd asked, “What should we do?” Good question. John replied, “If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
In Luke 12:33, Jesus says, “sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe…no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.”
We dream of news cars, and new homes, while others dream that someone will come along to provide them clean water, a bite to eat, and clothing to cover their bodies.
This Sunday, at First Christian Church, you’ll have a chance to fulfill someone else’s dream. The dream of having a bite to eat…clothes to wear, as we join with Compassion International, and churches all over the nation for “Compassion Sunday”. May you prayerfully consider your role as we make an effort to “release children from poverty in Jesus name”.
Father, you have called us not to acquire more, but to give more. Help us to understand the specific call that you have on our individual lives, so that we might fulfill your will and your purpose for our lives. So that your Kingdom can come through us to others….
Application: Prayerfully consider how God would like you to respond to His kingdom call.
Luke 16:9 “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.”
Acts 4:32-35 “all the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.”
Over the past year I have watched as God has poured His love and compassion for suffering children into the heart of my husband, specifically speaking of children in poverty. I have watched Denny shed many tears as he has read factual stories, and seen videos of these children who are in desperate need. To be honest, what God has done in the heart of Denny, and now is doing in my life too, has changed the way I view Christianity. It has expanded the way I view Christianity, and in many ways there has been a paradigm shift.
We live in an era of “prosperity preaching”. “Obey God and he will give you the home of your dreams, he will give you the car of your dreams, He will provide everything you ever wanted…”
Understand I believe that God wants to prosper you. I believe that when we obey Him, He does prosper us. But I’m not sure the above scenario is what he had in mind.
In Luke 3:7-9, we see a sample of John the Baptist’s preaching, and what he talks about is that when we follow God, our life should change, our life should look different. Part of what he says is this:
“Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.”
At the end of his sermon, the crowd asked, “What should we do?” Good question. John replied, “If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
In Luke 12:33, Jesus says, “sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe…no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.”
We dream of news cars, and new homes, while others dream that someone will come along to provide them clean water, a bite to eat, and clothing to cover their bodies.
This Sunday, at First Christian Church, you’ll have a chance to fulfill someone else’s dream. The dream of having a bite to eat…clothes to wear, as we join with Compassion International, and churches all over the nation for “Compassion Sunday”. May you prayerfully consider your role as we make an effort to “release children from poverty in Jesus name”.
Father, you have called us not to acquire more, but to give more. Help us to understand the specific call that you have on our individual lives, so that we might fulfill your will and your purpose for our lives. So that your Kingdom can come through us to others….
Application: Prayerfully consider how God would like you to respond to His kingdom call.
Luke 16:9 “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.”
Acts 4:32-35 “all the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.”
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Spiritual Chaos
I feel normal today for the first time in about two weeks. Monday morning, March 23rd, I woke up at 3am, and I woke up at 3am darn near every day after that until today. Last night I finally slept all night.
During that time, I had a couple of people tell me that God was waking me up. I know that God does that sometimes, but to be honest, I had a hard time believing that God would disturb my sleep at 3am, when He knew that I would wake up at 5am and meet with Him anyway.
So, finally, after about a week of this chaos, I got up one morning, angry. And I said to God, "God, I refuse to believe that it's you waking me up, and the only way I'll believe it, is if you make it clear to me. Lord, if it's you, then in my scripture reading this morning, may you mention, in scripture, that you 'wake us up'."
My scripture reading that morning was Zechariah 4. The first verse I read said, "Then the angel of the Lord awakened me." Praise God, now I at least knew that it was indeed Him waking me up, and not the enemy, and not insomnia...but what does He want??
So the next mornings He continued to awaken me, but instead of me getting frustrated by being awakened, I would simply wake up and say, "yes Lord". Sometimes I got out of bed, sometimes I didn't. Sometimes I grabbed my Bible, sometimes I didn't. Sometimes I could feel His presence, sometimes I couldn't. But the one thing that was consistent every night is that God would bring up various people that He has involved in my life right now, and various circumstances that He has me in involving those people...and as He would bring them up, we would pray for them. To be honest, sometimes, no, a lot of the time, it seemed like chaos. The people and circumstances would flash through my mind so quickly, that it just seemed like chaos. Almost like God was saying, "I'm doing this and this and this and this and this" all the while quickly flashing the mental images through my brain while He was saying it.
By yesterday, Friday, I could hardly keep my eyes opened, I was so tired. In fact, I nodded off once at my desk yesterday. Later in the afternoon, I was driving to see a client of mine, and as I was driving, I was thinking of the events of the past two weeks. I was thinking, "it just seems chaotic. I can't really make sense out of why You have me awake God. It seems like You're doing something bigger than I can understand." About the time I got that thought out of my brain, this song came on the radio. The song summed up my feelings perfectly. And the timing of it was such confirmation from God, as if to say, "yeah, you're right, my ways are higher than your ways, you can't quite fully grasp it, but I'm doing something bigger than you..."
Thanks God for whatever it is you're doing. Thank you for calling me to pray. Thank you for once again answering my thoughts with such sweet confirmation through this song...."
As the chorus said...
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life
something Heavenly
Something Heavenly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06AgY5Xoavw
During that time, I had a couple of people tell me that God was waking me up. I know that God does that sometimes, but to be honest, I had a hard time believing that God would disturb my sleep at 3am, when He knew that I would wake up at 5am and meet with Him anyway.
So, finally, after about a week of this chaos, I got up one morning, angry. And I said to God, "God, I refuse to believe that it's you waking me up, and the only way I'll believe it, is if you make it clear to me. Lord, if it's you, then in my scripture reading this morning, may you mention, in scripture, that you 'wake us up'."
My scripture reading that morning was Zechariah 4. The first verse I read said, "Then the angel of the Lord awakened me." Praise God, now I at least knew that it was indeed Him waking me up, and not the enemy, and not insomnia...but what does He want??
So the next mornings He continued to awaken me, but instead of me getting frustrated by being awakened, I would simply wake up and say, "yes Lord". Sometimes I got out of bed, sometimes I didn't. Sometimes I grabbed my Bible, sometimes I didn't. Sometimes I could feel His presence, sometimes I couldn't. But the one thing that was consistent every night is that God would bring up various people that He has involved in my life right now, and various circumstances that He has me in involving those people...and as He would bring them up, we would pray for them. To be honest, sometimes, no, a lot of the time, it seemed like chaos. The people and circumstances would flash through my mind so quickly, that it just seemed like chaos. Almost like God was saying, "I'm doing this and this and this and this and this" all the while quickly flashing the mental images through my brain while He was saying it.
By yesterday, Friday, I could hardly keep my eyes opened, I was so tired. In fact, I nodded off once at my desk yesterday. Later in the afternoon, I was driving to see a client of mine, and as I was driving, I was thinking of the events of the past two weeks. I was thinking, "it just seems chaotic. I can't really make sense out of why You have me awake God. It seems like You're doing something bigger than I can understand." About the time I got that thought out of my brain, this song came on the radio. The song summed up my feelings perfectly. And the timing of it was such confirmation from God, as if to say, "yeah, you're right, my ways are higher than your ways, you can't quite fully grasp it, but I'm doing something bigger than you..."
Thanks God for whatever it is you're doing. Thank you for calling me to pray. Thank you for once again answering my thoughts with such sweet confirmation through this song...."
As the chorus said...
Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This is something bigger than me
Larger than life
something Heavenly
Something Heavenly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06AgY5Xoavw
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