On January 1st 2016 I posted about picking a word, or two, something you wanted to work on throughout the year. I picked two.
The first was confidence. I talked in my post about how in 2015 I grew up a lot and gained a lot of confidence. I also talked about how I was learning to judge myself from God's perspective, not people's and that people's opinion of me needed to be my second priority, and God's opinion should be my first.
So how am I doing?
Well friends, I can't lie, it's still hard. I haven't always led a conventional life, I'm not extremely successful in the world's eyes and I certainly have not and am not following a "typical" path but I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that right now, I'm exactly where God wants me to be. But that said I know not everyone understands my decisions, so when I see the questioning, sometimes even concerned or worse, condescending, looks wondering when I'm going to "get my act together" or "grow up" it hurts. I want to make people happy but I can't, my focus has to be on pleasing the Lord, not people, not even the people I love.
So all in all I would say I have gained confidence. I've gotten better at learning to accept that I can't make everyone happy, that not everyone will understand my decisions but that pleasing God and following is path for my life is the most important thing. Well, at least most days I've gotten better at it.
My second word was prayer. My goal wasn't just to get better at talking to Him, and giving him my burdens but also to focus on listening to Him.
How'd I do?
Well, it hasn't been easy. Some days I do better then others. Some days I resist even thinking about listening to Him. Some days I hear very clearly what He's saying and choose not to listen. (I don't recommend doing this, it leads to way too many sleepless nights!) But it's a process and I am asking Him to help me continue to work on it.
I'm not sure I'll ever perfect my prayer life this side of heaven. But it's not about perfection, it's about improvement. So have I improved? Hmm... I don't know, but it's got me thinking about it which is a good start.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Merry Christmas
Merry Eve of Christmas Eve everyone!
Since I can't remember if I've shared this story before, forgive me if you've heard it before, but when I was a little girl I would go look at the Pocket Calendar (our version of a advent calendar) and count the days till Christmas eve then I would wish my family "Merry eve of the eve of the eve... of Christmas Eve!) It drove my siblings crazy (and possibly my parents too though they never showed it!) and since I'm the youngest driving my siblings crazy only encouraged me more. Now I mostly wait until just a day or two before Christmas before I start saying it.
So there it is, Merry eve of Christmas eve my friends!
Normally I post on Saturdays but I'll be with family all day tomorrow so I wanted to post tonight instead. There's so much that can be said about this time of year but tonight I just want to give you all a little reminder of why we celebrate it.
Luke 2: 1-21 NIV
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Merry Christmas everyone! I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday as you celebrate the birth of our Lord!
Since I can't remember if I've shared this story before, forgive me if you've heard it before, but when I was a little girl I would go look at the Pocket Calendar (our version of a advent calendar) and count the days till Christmas eve then I would wish my family "Merry eve of the eve of the eve... of Christmas Eve!) It drove my siblings crazy (and possibly my parents too though they never showed it!) and since I'm the youngest driving my siblings crazy only encouraged me more. Now I mostly wait until just a day or two before Christmas before I start saying it.
So there it is, Merry eve of Christmas eve my friends!
Normally I post on Saturdays but I'll be with family all day tomorrow so I wanted to post tonight instead. There's so much that can be said about this time of year but tonight I just want to give you all a little reminder of why we celebrate it.
Luke 2: 1-21 NIV
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Merry Christmas everyone! I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday as you celebrate the birth of our Lord!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Cheerful Giving
We've all heard the saying 'God loves a cheerful giver'. Have you ever wondered where it comes from? Why people say it? What they mean by it? And maybe most of all what in the world you're supposed to do about it?
Well let's start with one question at a time. Where does it come from. The verse is 2 Corinthians 9, it's the second half of verse 7.
Why do people say it? Well why do people say anything? Sometimes it's Pastor's who's church needs money or they feel God calling them to teach their congregation about giving, sometimes people are just repeating what they've heard or maybe, like some of those pastors, they repeating what God's placed on their heart to say.
What do they mean by it? Yeah, I can't answer that one for you. Everyone means something different so we'll just skip over that question and move on huh?
But here's the important one, what are you supposed to do about it? The first thing you do is look up the context! This is so important, always look at the context of a verse, otherwise you can really misunderstand its meaning.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Wow there's a lot in those verses but let me point out the things that jumped out at me. Verse 7 starts out with, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give..." What an important reminder, if you don't understand why this is important go read the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.
The next part of verse 7 "... not reluctantly or under compulsion...". Giving is between you and God, it's very important, very private and very personal. It's between the two of you and no one else, they can't talk you into it and they can't decide what you should or shouldn't do.
Then comes the favorite quote, "... for God loves a cheerful giver." That part comes only after giving what you decided in your heart to give, after you give without reluctance and not under compulsion, after that God says he loves a cheerful giver. If you're giving under compulsion, if you're holding back you're not cheerful and that's not what He wants.
Let's skip to verse 8, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." Not an easy verse to believe, not an easy one to trust in and definitely not easy to "abound in every good work" when you're struggling because you don't see God giving you what it seems you need but still what's expected.
Before I sign off of here I want to go back to verse 6 to make one more point, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Guess what, this applies to more then just money. Maybe it is money you need to surrender to God, to give what's in your heart and dedicate it to Him, or maybe it's your time, or your energy, or your prayers. Whatever it is remember to do it without reluctance and not under compulsion but to do it cheerfully.
Well let's start with one question at a time. Where does it come from. The verse is 2 Corinthians 9, it's the second half of verse 7.
Why do people say it? Well why do people say anything? Sometimes it's Pastor's who's church needs money or they feel God calling them to teach their congregation about giving, sometimes people are just repeating what they've heard or maybe, like some of those pastors, they repeating what God's placed on their heart to say.
What do they mean by it? Yeah, I can't answer that one for you. Everyone means something different so we'll just skip over that question and move on huh?
But here's the important one, what are you supposed to do about it? The first thing you do is look up the context! This is so important, always look at the context of a verse, otherwise you can really misunderstand its meaning.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Wow there's a lot in those verses but let me point out the things that jumped out at me. Verse 7 starts out with, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give..." What an important reminder, if you don't understand why this is important go read the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5.
The next part of verse 7 "... not reluctantly or under compulsion...". Giving is between you and God, it's very important, very private and very personal. It's between the two of you and no one else, they can't talk you into it and they can't decide what you should or shouldn't do.
Then comes the favorite quote, "... for God loves a cheerful giver." That part comes only after giving what you decided in your heart to give, after you give without reluctance and not under compulsion, after that God says he loves a cheerful giver. If you're giving under compulsion, if you're holding back you're not cheerful and that's not what He wants.
Let's skip to verse 8, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." Not an easy verse to believe, not an easy one to trust in and definitely not easy to "abound in every good work" when you're struggling because you don't see God giving you what it seems you need but still what's expected.
Before I sign off of here I want to go back to verse 6 to make one more point, "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." Guess what, this applies to more then just money. Maybe it is money you need to surrender to God, to give what's in your heart and dedicate it to Him, or maybe it's your time, or your energy, or your prayers. Whatever it is remember to do it without reluctance and not under compulsion but to do it cheerfully.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Church Potluck and Other Important Decisions
All the
songs have been sung, the final prayer has been said and everyone is filing out
to shake the pastor’s hand and the dreaded decision time has come. Where are
you going to sit?
There’s the
chair by the door, but it’s a church potluck and even though you’re in the
perfect position for a quick escape everyone will stop by your seat on their
way to the food and while they wait in line it’s the perfect chance to chat;
whether you want to or not.
A seat by
the desert table puts you in a spot to grab the best cookies before they run
out but it also means that everyone will be walking right beside you to go find
the sweets.
Do you sit
by the front? But if there’s a presentation now everyone’s staring at the back
of your head and they can see every movement you make. Or there’s the table at
the back, but the line goes around the tables to get to the food so now
everyone’s going by you as they go to get food.
So you pick
a different table, maybe one in the middle, but then you have to consider your
tablemates. There are so many options after all; there’s those people you
always see. The ones you greet every week at church, go to bible study with and
call when you need prayer. They may not be your best friends but they’re close
and of course it’s tempting to sit with them so you know that you’ll enjoy the
potluck.
Or there’s
the option of sitting with those you never talk to. You go to different
services, don’t attend the same bible study and the only time you talk is in
passing when there’s a special event but if you sit with them now it gives you
that rare opportunity to get to know someone new. Who knows they could end up
being your new best friend.
Then of
course there’s the table of church leaders, the elders, the pastor, the
founding families and those that just seem very established in their faith,
confident in their role and sure of who they are and what’s expected of them.
Sitting with them can be like sitting at the popular table in the high school
lunch room or it can be like being sent to the principal’s office, either way
it’s a risk. Or at least you think it is, until you sit down and discover that
no matter what you think, they’re still people, just like you.
So where do
you sit? Do you fall back on instinct and side with your friends? Take a risk
and talk to someone new? A leap of faith to sit with the pastor or do something
really radical like find the empty table and see who sits with you?
Saturday, December 3, 2016
New Nephew!
It's not often that I get the chance to write about some of the most important children in my life, my nieces and nephews. Last year I would've only been talking about nieces but in November two nephews were added to my family! The most recent one being just this week, Wednesday to be exact. So here it is, an insight into my life and a few of the children that hold my heart!
There's five of them now- three girls and two boys born to two different sets of parents. Since I'm taking the chance to talk about them I may as well brag a little bit.
The oldest is Ella- A precocious little girl, not even five yet, who already has a flair for the dramatic and loves to be the center of attention. She definitely loves playing the role of big sister and recently told her daddy that Granddad, Daddy and her Uncle were cool but Grammy and Auntie Kitty (that's me by the way!) weren't because "they're not tall enough". I'm not sure what the height requirement is for coolness but I'm sure Ella will tell us one of these days!
Next in age comes Sam- Already two years old and going on sixteen! With a defiant streak to match her stubborn one this little girl is ready to take the world by storm, or at least her house! She's only been a big sister for a month but she's already loving the role. And speaking of things she loves from the time she was born this girl has loved music but more then that she loves to dance and anytime she hears tunes that girl starts dancing away! I can see a few recitals in my future!
My youngest niece to date is little Addy- If I could pick one word to describe this less-then-two-year old it would be independent! She wasn't even a year old when she started trying to climb up the ladder to torment her sister up on the top bunk! She can be exhausting to try to keep up with but there are few things that can melt my heart faster then when I come to visit and Addy starts running around in circles shouting "Kitty, Kitty!" over and over again.
The first nephew born this year was Clay- Born on November 2nd and for you baseball fans out there you realize that it was the same day that the Chicago Cubs made history by taking the World Series all the way to game seven and walking away with a win for the first time in 108 years! Now as a lifelong Seattle Mariner's fan I don't say this often but if Clay wants to be a lifelong Cubs fan then he has my full blessing!
My youngest nephew is Mickey- Only three days old and this little guy has already stolen my heart and I haven't even met him yet! Since his parents live in a different state it's hard to get up there to see him but we have had our first official Skype date so I could see the little guy in real time. A precious baby boy he's going to have two big sisters to contend with but no fears Mickey, Auntie's got your back!
There's five of them now- three girls and two boys born to two different sets of parents. Since I'm taking the chance to talk about them I may as well brag a little bit.
The oldest is Ella- A precocious little girl, not even five yet, who already has a flair for the dramatic and loves to be the center of attention. She definitely loves playing the role of big sister and recently told her daddy that Granddad, Daddy and her Uncle were cool but Grammy and Auntie Kitty (that's me by the way!) weren't because "they're not tall enough". I'm not sure what the height requirement is for coolness but I'm sure Ella will tell us one of these days!
Next in age comes Sam- Already two years old and going on sixteen! With a defiant streak to match her stubborn one this little girl is ready to take the world by storm, or at least her house! She's only been a big sister for a month but she's already loving the role. And speaking of things she loves from the time she was born this girl has loved music but more then that she loves to dance and anytime she hears tunes that girl starts dancing away! I can see a few recitals in my future!
My youngest niece to date is little Addy- If I could pick one word to describe this less-then-two-year old it would be independent! She wasn't even a year old when she started trying to climb up the ladder to torment her sister up on the top bunk! She can be exhausting to try to keep up with but there are few things that can melt my heart faster then when I come to visit and Addy starts running around in circles shouting "Kitty, Kitty!" over and over again.
The first nephew born this year was Clay- Born on November 2nd and for you baseball fans out there you realize that it was the same day that the Chicago Cubs made history by taking the World Series all the way to game seven and walking away with a win for the first time in 108 years! Now as a lifelong Seattle Mariner's fan I don't say this often but if Clay wants to be a lifelong Cubs fan then he has my full blessing!
My youngest nephew is Mickey- Only three days old and this little guy has already stolen my heart and I haven't even met him yet! Since his parents live in a different state it's hard to get up there to see him but we have had our first official Skype date so I could see the little guy in real time. A precious baby boy he's going to have two big sisters to contend with but no fears Mickey, Auntie's got your back!
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Tell of all Your Wonderful Deeds
So this post is a little late due to the craziness of spending Thanksgiving with my family. It was a lot of fun but meant that I got a little behind on pretty much everything. Hopefully I'll get all caught up soon though.
This is the last of my thankfulness posts for November. I hope you've enjoyed studying these verses on thankfulness as much as I have and just remember if you ever want to look them up you can use the same resource I do!
www.biblegateway.com
Psalm 9:1
"I will give to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."
I know I like to talk about the things going wrong in my life a little too much, when I've had a bad day I tell people but how often do we tell people when God is doing good things in our life? We may tell our Christian friends about those big answers to prayer but do we really "tell of all your wonderful deeds"? Maybe it's time to start.
Psalm 35:18
"I will give thanks to you in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you."
It's so easy to walk into church and be quiet or just want to worship silently and there's nothing wrong with that except when we're quenching the Holy Spirit because we're afraid of making a scene.
2 Corinthians 8:16
"Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you"
Now granted I'm not looking at the context of this verse so I don't what concern Paul and Titus had for the people of Corinth but just look at it for a second. Done? Okay. Paul thanked God that Titus shared his concern. How often do we think, "Oh that's a cool coincidence" but never stop to credit God?
So many times I've called friends out of the blue only to realize it was right when they needed to have someone check in on them. That's not a coincidence friends, it's God. Take time to see Him working in your lives and thank Him for those things, big and small.
Revelation 11:17
"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign."
This is actually a prophesy for the end times but it has an important reminder in it. God is and was and will always be, He has great power and He is reigning. Whatever's going on in your life remember that He's still in control.
This is the last of my thankfulness posts for November. I hope you've enjoyed studying these verses on thankfulness as much as I have and just remember if you ever want to look them up you can use the same resource I do!
www.biblegateway.com
Psalm 9:1
"I will give to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."
I know I like to talk about the things going wrong in my life a little too much, when I've had a bad day I tell people but how often do we tell people when God is doing good things in our life? We may tell our Christian friends about those big answers to prayer but do we really "tell of all your wonderful deeds"? Maybe it's time to start.
Psalm 35:18
"I will give thanks to you in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you."
It's so easy to walk into church and be quiet or just want to worship silently and there's nothing wrong with that except when we're quenching the Holy Spirit because we're afraid of making a scene.
2 Corinthians 8:16
"Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you"
Now granted I'm not looking at the context of this verse so I don't what concern Paul and Titus had for the people of Corinth but just look at it for a second. Done? Okay. Paul thanked God that Titus shared his concern. How often do we think, "Oh that's a cool coincidence" but never stop to credit God?
So many times I've called friends out of the blue only to realize it was right when they needed to have someone check in on them. That's not a coincidence friends, it's God. Take time to see Him working in your lives and thank Him for those things, big and small.
Revelation 11:17
"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign."
This is actually a prophesy for the end times but it has an important reminder in it. God is and was and will always be, He has great power and He is reigning. Whatever's going on in your life remember that He's still in control.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Let Us Sing for Joy
Keeping with the tradition of posting verses about thankfulness during the month of November here's a few more for you to ponder throughout the week as you prepare for the holiday. Whether you're spending it with family, friends, strangers or at work I hope that you remember to take a moment and thank the Lord for the blessings in your life, maybe you'll even sing a little song or shout aloud how grateful you are.
Psalm 95:1-2
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."
Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Wherever you are spending your holiday, whoever you're with I hope that you have a wonderful day full of thanksgiving as you celebrate thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:1-2
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."
Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Wherever you are spending your holiday, whoever you're with I hope that you have a wonderful day full of thanksgiving as you celebrate thanksgiving.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Give Thanks to the Lord
All right well after a very busy week I realized I'd forgotten to post last week's thankful verses for November so I'll post a couple of extra verses this week, hopefully that's an alternative everyone can live with. =)
1 Chronicles 16:35
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever."
I love this verse. Give thanks to the Lord, that means no matter what is going on give thanks! That's not always an easy thing to do. Then the next part- for He is good, how many times in my life have I questioned God's goodness because of tough circumstances in my life? How could God allow this? Why is God letting me go through this? If He's a loving God... But over and over again in every situation in my life and in every story in the Bible the facts speak for themselves, God is good. And the last little bit- his love endures forever, isn't that great? No matter how much we question or complain God still loves us and He always will.
1 Chronicles 16:41
"With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, 'for his love endures forever'."
Okay I have no idea who Heman and Jeduthun are but here's why I posted this verse, "the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord", I've never quite thought of it this way but that's us too! As believers God has called us by name to Himself and we are told to give Him thanks because His love endures forever.
1 Corinthians 1:4
"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."
Today thank God for someone in your life. And better yet, tell them you're thanking God for them.
1 Corinthians 15:57
"But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Chronicles 16:35
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever."
I love this verse. Give thanks to the Lord, that means no matter what is going on give thanks! That's not always an easy thing to do. Then the next part- for He is good, how many times in my life have I questioned God's goodness because of tough circumstances in my life? How could God allow this? Why is God letting me go through this? If He's a loving God... But over and over again in every situation in my life and in every story in the Bible the facts speak for themselves, God is good. And the last little bit- his love endures forever, isn't that great? No matter how much we question or complain God still loves us and He always will.
1 Chronicles 16:41
"With them were Heman and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, 'for his love endures forever'."
Okay I have no idea who Heman and Jeduthun are but here's why I posted this verse, "the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord", I've never quite thought of it this way but that's us too! As believers God has called us by name to Himself and we are told to give Him thanks because His love endures forever.
1 Corinthians 1:4
"I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."
Today thank God for someone in your life. And better yet, tell them you're thanking God for them.
1 Corinthians 15:57
"But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
In All Things Give Thanks
Every November challenges go around on social media to name one thing each day that you're thankful for and that's great. Last year I shared on here my thand full statements for each day but this year I want to focus less on what I have to say about being thankful and more on what God has to say so I'm going to share a verse or two each week on thankfulness.
1 Chronicles 16:35
"Cry out, 'Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.'"
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Chronicles 16:35
"Cry out, 'Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.'"
1 Thessalonians 5:18
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Verse of Encouragement
Another verse that's been very encouraging for me lately is 2 Chronicles 20:17
"You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don't be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you."
I hope and pray that this will encourage you in whatever you're going through in the days and weeks to come.
"You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don't be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you."
I hope and pray that this will encourage you in whatever you're going through in the days and weeks to come.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Waiting
Here's a hard lesson to learn. Waiting. I don't have the answers of how to make it easier but here's a verse that I hope will encourage you as much as it has encouraged me recently.
Wait for the Lord be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalmon 27:14
Wait for the Lord be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalmon 27:14
Saturday, October 8, 2016
"More"
There's this song by Matthew West called More and it has this line in the chorus that I sing over and over in my head.
"I love you more then the sun
"I love you more then the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too..."
Whenever I'm having a hard time or feeling discouraged I sing that line, to remind myself that God does love me. Because when I'm wondering why God has answered some prayers but not others, when I struggle to understand why He's withheld some of the things I need or at least think I need and when everything within me wants to cry out, asking God why He's putting me through hard times what I need is to remember His love for me.
Because the stars are His, I am His, my present and my future are His and whatever He puts me through or allows me to go through He's still in control and I need to remember that because whatever I might go through He's already given me the greatest gift of all time. His love. And in the end, and even in the present, that's what truly matters.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
To Plan or Not to Plan
I'm a planner it's what I do. I'm a little obsessive about it and there have been times that I've actually struggled in my faith because nothing was going according to my plan. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It's a great verse but look at the verse part again "the plans I have for you". It's not about our plans, it's about God's.
In college I had a friend who liked to tell me that when men make plans God laughs. And she's right. Somewhere in Proverbs I think it talks about men making plans but God knowing what will actually happen.
I can't plan everything out, that's not how life works, things aren't always going to go the way I want them to because I'm not in control. God is.
A good friend of mine likes to remind me of the verses in Matthew 6:25-34.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
His point is that if we're not worrying but trusting God then when things don't go according to my plan it'll be a lot easier to remember that things are still going according to God's plan. Even when I don't understand why.
I'm still going to plan, sometimes I'll still slip up and worry because I'm human and I'm not perfect but by reminding myself of these verses and letting God use them in my life my faith will grow and that's always a good thing.
In college I had a friend who liked to tell me that when men make plans God laughs. And she's right. Somewhere in Proverbs I think it talks about men making plans but God knowing what will actually happen.
I can't plan everything out, that's not how life works, things aren't always going to go the way I want them to because I'm not in control. God is.
A good friend of mine likes to remind me of the verses in Matthew 6:25-34.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
His point is that if we're not worrying but trusting God then when things don't go according to my plan it'll be a lot easier to remember that things are still going according to God's plan. Even when I don't understand why.
I'm still going to plan, sometimes I'll still slip up and worry because I'm human and I'm not perfect but by reminding myself of these verses and letting God use them in my life my faith will grow and that's always a good thing.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
I Believe In God
Have you ever had that conversation with someone when they're like "Oh I believe in God" and you just pause because you're not really sure what to say next. They're not saying they're a Christian, they may not even be saying that they believe in another religion, they're just saying that in some generic sense they believe in God.
I'm a people pleaser and my first reaction is always to say "Oh well good," because I think to myself "well that's a start right?" But what does the Bible say?
James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder."
Ouch. Yep that just happened. So where does that leave you in those conversations? Well I'm not saying you should compare them to demons but keep it in mind. Just believing in God in the general sense isn't enough. Jesus wants you to believe in Him.
John 14:6 "Jesus answered. 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.'"
It's more then just a generic belief. That's what so many people don't understand so make sure you do and, when you can, in love, help others understand that to.
I'm a people pleaser and my first reaction is always to say "Oh well good," because I think to myself "well that's a start right?" But what does the Bible say?
James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder."
Ouch. Yep that just happened. So where does that leave you in those conversations? Well I'm not saying you should compare them to demons but keep it in mind. Just believing in God in the general sense isn't enough. Jesus wants you to believe in Him.
John 14:6 "Jesus answered. 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.'"
It's more then just a generic belief. That's what so many people don't understand so make sure you do and, when you can, in love, help others understand that to.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Disney in Generations
When I was a kid it was all about Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. This morning my mom was teaching a children's class at church and mentioned Aladdin and out of five kids only two had seen it and only one actually liked it. These days it's all about Brave, Tangled and Frozen. When did my favorites go from being classics to just being old and what does that make me?
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Where Were You?
Three years ago I remember sitting on my bed in my apartment in Washington as I typed out a post called "Twelve Years Ago Today". As I wrote about that fateful day remembered as 9/11 I relived the pain and terror our country experienced that day and for days afterwards. I relived the pride at how our country fought back, how we refused to let the terrorists win and we went back to our lives, we rallied behind our men and women in uniform and believed in them, encouraged them and supported them as they went to war for us. And I, at ten years old, got my first lesson in praying for your country, a lesson I've continued to learn in the days, weeks, months and years following that tragedy.
And now, fifteen years after the Twin Towers fell, I watch in pride as the Seattle Seahawks link arms and stand during the national anthem in their season opener when so many others have turned their backs and their hearts on what our flag, our anthem and our country represent. The land of the free, the home of the brave, one nation under God, united.
And I pose the question to you friends, where were you?
Where were you when you heard about 9/11, where were you when the Twin Towers fell? Where were you when our county changed forever?
And where you were when we rose up from the ashes after 9/11. When we found hope and dared to dream and live again. Where were you?
We remember where we were so we never forget.
Stand behind the men and women who fought for us, if you see a military person, thank them for their sacrifice and when you see our flag and hear the national anthem being sung then stand up and salute it because the only way to change our country is to learn from our history and stand united to change our future.
And now, fifteen years after the Twin Towers fell, I watch in pride as the Seattle Seahawks link arms and stand during the national anthem in their season opener when so many others have turned their backs and their hearts on what our flag, our anthem and our country represent. The land of the free, the home of the brave, one nation under God, united.
And I pose the question to you friends, where were you?
Where were you when you heard about 9/11, where were you when the Twin Towers fell? Where were you when our county changed forever?
And where you were when we rose up from the ashes after 9/11. When we found hope and dared to dream and live again. Where were you?
We remember where we were so we never forget.
Stand behind the men and women who fought for us, if you see a military person, thank them for their sacrifice and when you see our flag and hear the national anthem being sung then stand up and salute it because the only way to change our country is to learn from our history and stand united to change our future.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Precious
You know those days when you feel like God isn't answering your prayers. You're tired, discouraged and nothing's going right. What do you do? Where do you turn? I tend to recite the same verses over and over. Ones like Psalms 23 or Proverbs 3:5-6, John 3:16, 1 Timothy 4:12. Sometimes those verses don't seem to apply and sometimes they don't seem to speak to your heart, giving you the comfort and encouragement you need.
This morning my mom shared a verse with me that is another great one to add to the list. Daniel 10:19 in the New Living Translation says:
“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
You are precious to God, so stop being afraid, take courage, be strong and embrace his peace.
This morning my mom shared a verse with me that is another great one to add to the list. Daniel 10:19 in the New Living Translation says:
“Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
You are precious to God, so stop being afraid, take courage, be strong and embrace his peace.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
End of Summer
Recently I was writing an email to the teens, parents and leaders involved in the youth ministry I work in at my church. After thanking them all for their hard work, dedication and involvement this summer I went on to attach a few pictures to recap the different things we'd done in the last few months and that got me to thinking... summer is basically over.
I know some of you probably still have a few more trips to take or are working to finish up those last few projects. And if you're in the Southern Hemisphere of our fine world then you're probably looking forward to the end of winter. But for me I'm staring around the corner, just waiting for the rain and the colors of turning leaves that mark this autumn season on the West Coast.
It has been a crazy summer friends. I know I've shared a little bit, my road trip, the youth retreat, I was at a concert last week, got to go on some beautiful hikes, hung out with some great friends and got to know some of them amazing teenagers in our group at church. It has been so much fun! It's been busy but it's been really awesome and I am so glad that it's almost over!
The Bible says in all things to give thanks. So my thanks is that the summer was so successful and full of so much fun and that it's almost over so I can shift my attention to other things. Cooler, weather, get together's with family and my favorite time of year, Christmas!
What are you thankful for today? A few more weeks of summer? The end of summer? Or something else entirely?
I know some of you probably still have a few more trips to take or are working to finish up those last few projects. And if you're in the Southern Hemisphere of our fine world then you're probably looking forward to the end of winter. But for me I'm staring around the corner, just waiting for the rain and the colors of turning leaves that mark this autumn season on the West Coast.
It has been a crazy summer friends. I know I've shared a little bit, my road trip, the youth retreat, I was at a concert last week, got to go on some beautiful hikes, hung out with some great friends and got to know some of them amazing teenagers in our group at church. It has been so much fun! It's been busy but it's been really awesome and I am so glad that it's almost over!
The Bible says in all things to give thanks. So my thanks is that the summer was so successful and full of so much fun and that it's almost over so I can shift my attention to other things. Cooler, weather, get together's with family and my favorite time of year, Christmas!
What are you thankful for today? A few more weeks of summer? The end of summer? Or something else entirely?
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Excited?
You know when you're really looking forward to going somewhere or doing something, you just can't wait, then the day finally arrives and you're tired, worn down, because well, life got in the way.
You've been so excited and then suddenly you're just exhausted and you're really not sure if you want to go.
Too often I fall into this scheme, I try to tell myself that I'll be excited once I get there and normally I am but sometimes I psych myself out so bad that it's hard to enjoy myself.
Where does this feeling come from?
Too often I think it comes from the enemy, from the devil, and we don't even realize it. Instead of enjoying the opportunity God's given us, instead of turning to Him for strength so we can enjoy it we complain, we dread it, we want someone else to pull us out of our funk. We get stressed out instead of just saying "okay let's go and let's enjoy ourselves". It's a dangerous tactic that Satan uses all too often in my life friends, make sure that your not giving him an opportunity to use it in yours.
You've been so excited and then suddenly you're just exhausted and you're really not sure if you want to go.
Too often I fall into this scheme, I try to tell myself that I'll be excited once I get there and normally I am but sometimes I psych myself out so bad that it's hard to enjoy myself.
Where does this feeling come from?
Too often I think it comes from the enemy, from the devil, and we don't even realize it. Instead of enjoying the opportunity God's given us, instead of turning to Him for strength so we can enjoy it we complain, we dread it, we want someone else to pull us out of our funk. We get stressed out instead of just saying "okay let's go and let's enjoy ourselves". It's a dangerous tactic that Satan uses all too often in my life friends, make sure that your not giving him an opportunity to use it in yours.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Busy, Busy, Busy
Well friends, I'm back from the youth retreat I was at and we had a great time! The kids were awesome, the Bible lessons that our pastor was teaching were awesome and we had a really fun time. But I'm not going to talk about that right now.
The last few weeks have been really busy. Lots of traveling, lots of people to catch up with and tons of work to try to catch up on. (Still not there yet.) And in all that business one of the easiest things to skip is daily devotions. You probably know what I'm talking about, life gets crazy and taking some quiet time with just you and God is one of the first things to get set aside so you can focus on things like sleep, time with friends, maybe a movie or a book to wind down at night. Trust me I get it but let me explain why this is a bad idea.
You know how when troubles come your way and you wonder where God is? But then there are other times when things get tough and you feel like He's right next to you? What's the difference?
Maybe not 100% of the time but very often I can see in my own life that when I'm taking time each day to spend with God I remember to rest in His presence when troubles come and trust me friends, it makes dealing with those troubles a million times easier.
So when life gets busy don't let it take away your time with God, that is the most important daily task you have.
The last few weeks have been really busy. Lots of traveling, lots of people to catch up with and tons of work to try to catch up on. (Still not there yet.) And in all that business one of the easiest things to skip is daily devotions. You probably know what I'm talking about, life gets crazy and taking some quiet time with just you and God is one of the first things to get set aside so you can focus on things like sleep, time with friends, maybe a movie or a book to wind down at night. Trust me I get it but let me explain why this is a bad idea.
You know how when troubles come your way and you wonder where God is? But then there are other times when things get tough and you feel like He's right next to you? What's the difference?
Maybe not 100% of the time but very often I can see in my own life that when I'm taking time each day to spend with God I remember to rest in His presence when troubles come and trust me friends, it makes dealing with those troubles a million times easier.
So when life gets busy don't let it take away your time with God, that is the most important daily task you have.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Road Trip Day... I Can't Remember
Well after a very long but wonderful trip I am back home safe and sound. Since I've last shared with you I've had several more adventures, from getting lost trying to go visit friends to countless phone calls to my parents to share the random things I heard well listening on the radio. God is good and He allowed me to encourage some friends on my trip and He also used people to encourage me at the different places I stopped.
Well with my family at the cabin we went swimming, for several walks, my cousins and I put together a treasure hunt for the kids that some of the other adults took them through, we put together puzzles and took a look at the life of Joseph in our nightly devotions that Grandpa leads.
We spent some time talking about how God uses bad situations for our good and even though it was impossible to see the good that would come from Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery and Potipher's wife making false accusations against him God used it to bless Joseph, his family and many others. He can do the same in our own lives and use bad situations for His good. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Today I get to spend the day catching up on work, doing laundry and repacking because tomorrow morning I turn around to leave again for a 3 day youth retreat. Hopefully when I get back I'll have some funny stories to share. Until then...!
Well with my family at the cabin we went swimming, for several walks, my cousins and I put together a treasure hunt for the kids that some of the other adults took them through, we put together puzzles and took a look at the life of Joseph in our nightly devotions that Grandpa leads.
We spent some time talking about how God uses bad situations for our good and even though it was impossible to see the good that would come from Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery and Potipher's wife making false accusations against him God used it to bless Joseph, his family and many others. He can do the same in our own lives and use bad situations for His good. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Today I get to spend the day catching up on work, doing laundry and repacking because tomorrow morning I turn around to leave again for a 3 day youth retreat. Hopefully when I get back I'll have some funny stories to share. Until then...!
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Road Trip Day 1
So you know how when you're trying to get somewhere it's the one time you're late? That was today as I was starting my road trip.
First I realized that my tire had a slow leak and I'd forgotten to get it fixed earlier in the week like I'd meant to. So a quick trip to town to get that repaired before running home to eat breakfast and pack the car. I get started out and about 4 miles down the road realize I forgot my laptop cord and my GPS, kind of an issue but instead of turning around I argue with myself for 3 more miles about whether or not I need them which of course I do. So I head back home only to find out that the GPS is in the other car at the mechanic's. Run up there and I'm finally on my way after another quick stop at the store for some last minute essentials (and a text to Mom about the things I forgot that I need her to bring to me when we meet up).
A few slow downs in traffic, some great stories on KLOVE radio and a dog riding in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle going down the freeway and I make it to my first destination. Great!
Then we go to the store (where I scored some jeans for only $10! Yay!) and as I'm looking through dresses I hear someone say "Marco". Thinking it's my friend that I'm with I say "Polo!" as I turn back and realize it's a stranger who laughs and says "Thanks." I smiled and would've laughed it off until the kiddos I was with said "Um... Miss Katt, she was calling for her son." ... Yep that happened.
Well a night with these friends and then off to the next adventure. Who knows what other stories I'll collect to share along the way!
First I realized that my tire had a slow leak and I'd forgotten to get it fixed earlier in the week like I'd meant to. So a quick trip to town to get that repaired before running home to eat breakfast and pack the car. I get started out and about 4 miles down the road realize I forgot my laptop cord and my GPS, kind of an issue but instead of turning around I argue with myself for 3 more miles about whether or not I need them which of course I do. So I head back home only to find out that the GPS is in the other car at the mechanic's. Run up there and I'm finally on my way after another quick stop at the store for some last minute essentials (and a text to Mom about the things I forgot that I need her to bring to me when we meet up).
A few slow downs in traffic, some great stories on KLOVE radio and a dog riding in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle going down the freeway and I make it to my first destination. Great!
Then we go to the store (where I scored some jeans for only $10! Yay!) and as I'm looking through dresses I hear someone say "Marco". Thinking it's my friend that I'm with I say "Polo!" as I turn back and realize it's a stranger who laughs and says "Thanks." I smiled and would've laughed it off until the kiddos I was with said "Um... Miss Katt, she was calling for her son." ... Yep that happened.
Well a night with these friends and then off to the next adventure. Who knows what other stories I'll collect to share along the way!
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Your Shackles Are No More
There's a song called "Call Upon the Lord" by Elevation Worship. There's a line in it that I love, "Rise your shackles are no more, for Jesus Christ has broken every chain..."
That's a great line right? Our shackles are no more. Whatever has kept us shackled, chained, bound, is gone. That sin that's haunted you, the hate that has filled your heart, the memories that keep you from sleeping at night, the trauma that wakes you up screaming, Christ wants to take it all away. In fact He already has. He's broken those chains but do we believe it?
Close your eyes for a moment, actually don't because then you can't read this, but still, imagine that your in a prison cell. It's dark and scary, you're miserable. Your chained to a wall but then Jesus comes and he breaks those chains, he frees you and then he holds out his hand and waits for you to take it. But instead you look at him and you shake your head, "I can't get up Jesus, I'm chained to the wall."
"No you're not my child," Jesus says, "I've broken the chain you're free. Take my hand and come out of this cell."
Instead you shake your head, "I can't Jesus. I'm chained."
Patiently Jesus keeps reminding you over and over that He has broken those chains but until you believe it, take His hand and let Him lead you out of that cell you'll always be chained. You may be saved, you may be going to heaven but that doesn't mean you're living in freedom.
That's a great line right? Our shackles are no more. Whatever has kept us shackled, chained, bound, is gone. That sin that's haunted you, the hate that has filled your heart, the memories that keep you from sleeping at night, the trauma that wakes you up screaming, Christ wants to take it all away. In fact He already has. He's broken those chains but do we believe it?
Close your eyes for a moment, actually don't because then you can't read this, but still, imagine that your in a prison cell. It's dark and scary, you're miserable. Your chained to a wall but then Jesus comes and he breaks those chains, he frees you and then he holds out his hand and waits for you to take it. But instead you look at him and you shake your head, "I can't get up Jesus, I'm chained to the wall."
"No you're not my child," Jesus says, "I've broken the chain you're free. Take my hand and come out of this cell."
Instead you shake your head, "I can't Jesus. I'm chained."
Patiently Jesus keeps reminding you over and over that He has broken those chains but until you believe it, take His hand and let Him lead you out of that cell you'll always be chained. You may be saved, you may be going to heaven but that doesn't mean you're living in freedom.
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Pray Uncesasingly
Pray unceasingly. So how do you do that? I mean you have to sleep, there are times you talk to other people, times you eat or are doing various activities that require your fully attention so how do you pray at those times?
Well maybe I'm wrong but here's my theory.
Pray unceasingly isn't about constantly talking to God. It's about being in constant communion with God. About always dwelling in His presence. It's about keeping that line of communication open. About talking to Him about everything.
Yes there are times when you set aside a specific block of time to pray but that's not the only way to pray.
Here's some fun facts.
-You don't have to be in a church to pray. God can hear you wherever you are.
-You don't have to be with others to pray. God can hear you by yourself and when you're with other people.
-You don't have to use specific words. God understands you, in every language and even when you don't speak the Holy Spirit can interpret your groaning.
So pray, about anything and everything. During all times of the day and every time of the day. With others and for others, by yourself and for your needs. God loves you, He wants to hear from you, He wants to be in a relationship with you.
But one more really important thing to remember my friends. Prayer isn't just about asking or telling God things, it's about listening to what He wants to tell you.
Well maybe I'm wrong but here's my theory.
Pray unceasingly isn't about constantly talking to God. It's about being in constant communion with God. About always dwelling in His presence. It's about keeping that line of communication open. About talking to Him about everything.
Yes there are times when you set aside a specific block of time to pray but that's not the only way to pray.
Here's some fun facts.
-You don't have to be in a church to pray. God can hear you wherever you are.
-You don't have to be with others to pray. God can hear you by yourself and when you're with other people.
-You don't have to use specific words. God understands you, in every language and even when you don't speak the Holy Spirit can interpret your groaning.
So pray, about anything and everything. During all times of the day and every time of the day. With others and for others, by yourself and for your needs. God loves you, He wants to hear from you, He wants to be in a relationship with you.
But one more really important thing to remember my friends. Prayer isn't just about asking or telling God things, it's about listening to what He wants to tell you.
Saturday, July 9, 2016
My Parents
Last week my parents celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary and in honor of that I wanted to share some of the lessons they have taught my siblings, myself, and so many others in the last thirty-eight years.
Stand up for what you believe in.
Have faith but make sure it's your faith; know what you believe and why you believe it.
Ask questions, find the answers yourself, don't just believe what people tell you.
Take responsibility for your actions.
If you don't know how to do something, it's time to learn. (This was something we heard constantly when I was growing up.)
Love is a choice and an action.
Know what your values are because they will define your life.
So here's to you Mom and Dad, thanks for the advice and life lessons! And here's to all the lessons you'll teach us in the next 38 years!
Love you guys!
Stand up for what you believe in.
Have faith but make sure it's your faith; know what you believe and why you believe it.
Ask questions, find the answers yourself, don't just believe what people tell you.
Take responsibility for your actions.
If you don't know how to do something, it's time to learn. (This was something we heard constantly when I was growing up.)
Love is a choice and an action.
Know what your values are because they will define your life.
So here's to you Mom and Dad, thanks for the advice and life lessons! And here's to all the lessons you'll teach us in the next 38 years!
Love you guys!
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Happy 4th of July
Just wanted to wish you all a happy 4th of July (a couple of days early)!
Here in America we celebrate the 4th of July because on July 4th 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's the day that our forefathers gave us the right to live with freedom. In America we have the freedom to worship as we choose. The freedom to speak as we wish without fear of consequences from the government. We have the freedom to vote and elect our government officials.
God has given us freedoms in America. Many of our men and women have fought and died to keep those freedoms.
This 4th of July we need to remember that the freedom we have been given in America is not free, it's a blessing from God and a blessing we must not take for granted lest we lose it and never get it back.
So have a happy and safe fourth of July with your families my friends, and never, ever forget why we celebrate this amazing holiday or the people who made it possible. And most importantly don't forget to give thanks to the Lord for giving us this great country, the amazing freedoms we enjoy and the wonderful people we celebrate those freedoms with.
Happy Birthday America!
Here in America we celebrate the 4th of July because on July 4th 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's the day that our forefathers gave us the right to live with freedom. In America we have the freedom to worship as we choose. The freedom to speak as we wish without fear of consequences from the government. We have the freedom to vote and elect our government officials.
God has given us freedoms in America. Many of our men and women have fought and died to keep those freedoms.
This 4th of July we need to remember that the freedom we have been given in America is not free, it's a blessing from God and a blessing we must not take for granted lest we lose it and never get it back.
So have a happy and safe fourth of July with your families my friends, and never, ever forget why we celebrate this amazing holiday or the people who made it possible. And most importantly don't forget to give thanks to the Lord for giving us this great country, the amazing freedoms we enjoy and the wonderful people we celebrate those freedoms with.
Happy Birthday America!
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Love
A few hours ago I had the pleasure of watching my beautiful, amazing cousin marry the man of her dreams. In celebration of their love I wanted to post one of the most famous passages in the Bible on love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
His Hand
Think about this for a moment. How many times in your life has God been working and you didn't even know it?
Think back and view your life from someone else's perspective. How many times did a life changing moment happen in a way that can only be explained by the hand of God? How many times were you protected from a situation in a totally supernatural way? How often have you said something or had someone say something to you that was just so perfect it could only have been prompted by the Holy Spirit?
Okay let me back up and see if I can explain this a little better.
When I was twelve, actually on my twelfth birthday my parents were taking me to the Oregon Coast to spend some time with family. On the spur of the moment they decided to take a side trip to see where my Granddad had grown up. Driving through the town we saw a store for sale and they joked about how funny it would be if we bought it, changed our whole lives, moved four teenagers (well three and an almost teenager) and all of our animals to another state, six hours away!
Flash forward four months and God had lined everything up perfectly and we began the process of moving and starting a whole new, crazy chapter in our lives.
It was hard at first but we adjusted and it ended up being a great blessing in our lives.
Here's another example. The other day I was talking to a friend and she said something that was the perfect encouragement for the moment, when I thanked her for it she said, "I have no idea where that came from".
But I did, I know that her words came straight from the Holy Spirit to encourage me at just the right moment.
So many times in both small ways and huge ways I can look back and see God's hand at work in my life and I bet if you thought about it you'd be able to see Him working in your life too.
Think back and view your life from someone else's perspective. How many times did a life changing moment happen in a way that can only be explained by the hand of God? How many times were you protected from a situation in a totally supernatural way? How often have you said something or had someone say something to you that was just so perfect it could only have been prompted by the Holy Spirit?
Okay let me back up and see if I can explain this a little better.
When I was twelve, actually on my twelfth birthday my parents were taking me to the Oregon Coast to spend some time with family. On the spur of the moment they decided to take a side trip to see where my Granddad had grown up. Driving through the town we saw a store for sale and they joked about how funny it would be if we bought it, changed our whole lives, moved four teenagers (well three and an almost teenager) and all of our animals to another state, six hours away!
Flash forward four months and God had lined everything up perfectly and we began the process of moving and starting a whole new, crazy chapter in our lives.
It was hard at first but we adjusted and it ended up being a great blessing in our lives.
Here's another example. The other day I was talking to a friend and she said something that was the perfect encouragement for the moment, when I thanked her for it she said, "I have no idea where that came from".
But I did, I know that her words came straight from the Holy Spirit to encourage me at just the right moment.
So many times in both small ways and huge ways I can look back and see God's hand at work in my life and I bet if you thought about it you'd be able to see Him working in your life too.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Celebrating People
Earlier this week was my big brother's birthday (well one of three big brother's actually) and then in a few days is his wife's birthday, after that my sister's birthday and so on all through the summer, with our birthday marathon ending in September with my mom's birthday.
Remember when you were a kid and birthday's were so exciting? You planned out your party, decided on cake, invited all your friends and maybe had a piñata to bash. Then you started to get older and things changed. Maybe you stopped having parties and just went to hang out with your friends, or have a quiet dinner with your family. Then a little more time goes by and, like so may people, you stopped celebrating your birthday. After all it's just another day right? But is it?
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I talked about enjoying the little moments? Cherishing those precious times even when it means you're up in the middle of the night with a little one. Will this goes along those lines.
Instead of dreading your birthday because it means you're another day older, celebrate it! Celebrate that God has gotten you through another year, celebrate that He has given you a chance to make the next year wonderful by glorifying God!
And if you're celebrating someone else's birthday then take time to celebrate them, to thank God that they're in your life and even to pray for them.
One of the things I'm learning is to pray through Scripture. So on my brother's birthday when I had my devotional time, I prayed for my brother as I read through Psalms 119. I used those verses as prayers for him.
Celebrate the people in your life, celebrate the life God has given you and use this time and whatever time He gives you to make a difference for Him.
Remember when you were a kid and birthday's were so exciting? You planned out your party, decided on cake, invited all your friends and maybe had a piñata to bash. Then you started to get older and things changed. Maybe you stopped having parties and just went to hang out with your friends, or have a quiet dinner with your family. Then a little more time goes by and, like so may people, you stopped celebrating your birthday. After all it's just another day right? But is it?
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I talked about enjoying the little moments? Cherishing those precious times even when it means you're up in the middle of the night with a little one. Will this goes along those lines.
Instead of dreading your birthday because it means you're another day older, celebrate it! Celebrate that God has gotten you through another year, celebrate that He has given you a chance to make the next year wonderful by glorifying God!
And if you're celebrating someone else's birthday then take time to celebrate them, to thank God that they're in your life and even to pray for them.
One of the things I'm learning is to pray through Scripture. So on my brother's birthday when I had my devotional time, I prayed for my brother as I read through Psalms 119. I used those verses as prayers for him.
Celebrate the people in your life, celebrate the life God has given you and use this time and whatever time He gives you to make a difference for Him.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
God's Gifts
Recently I started attending a Bible study with a few friends and this week as I met with one of my dear friends before study I was telling her about my week. As I told her of the events I began to realize how clearly God has been working in my life this week.
An opportunity that on the surface was great but wasn't in God's timing and when I turned it down I knew I'd taken a step forward on learning to trust God and measure my success by His standards.
A burden to call a friend that I hadn't talked to in a while, instead I called someone else and when I got that person's voicemail I did what God was impressing on me to do and had a great opportunity to pray for my loved one.
A phone call talking to a friend and the perfect timing of getting off work so I could be there for her when she needed to share her struggles with me.
God's words of encouragement right when people needed to hear them.
Affirmation and encouragement for me right when I needed it.
It's been a great week to see God working in my life and I'm so grateful because weeks like this are like a remembrance memorial for me. These weeks are what get me through those weeks I feel alone; on those weeks I can look back and see God's hand in my life and know that He has never abandoned me and He never will.
An opportunity that on the surface was great but wasn't in God's timing and when I turned it down I knew I'd taken a step forward on learning to trust God and measure my success by His standards.
A burden to call a friend that I hadn't talked to in a while, instead I called someone else and when I got that person's voicemail I did what God was impressing on me to do and had a great opportunity to pray for my loved one.
A phone call talking to a friend and the perfect timing of getting off work so I could be there for her when she needed to share her struggles with me.
God's words of encouragement right when people needed to hear them.
Affirmation and encouragement for me right when I needed it.
It's been a great week to see God working in my life and I'm so grateful because weeks like this are like a remembrance memorial for me. These weeks are what get me through those weeks I feel alone; on those weeks I can look back and see God's hand in my life and know that He has never abandoned me and He never will.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Precious Moments, Precious People
Last week my goddaughter was visiting and one night I was up with her at least three different times because she was crying. I would comfort her and she would go pack to sleep. A couple of times I didn't even pick her up, I just laid in bed, listening, making sure she was all right.
This week my nieces were visiting. They're 4 and 1 and last night I was up at 2 a.m. with the little one and it wasn't until three that I finally gave her to her parents so she wouldn't wake up the house.
I was tired, very tired, and more then once I just prayed they'd go back to sleep because I wanted to go back to sleep. But you know what God kept reminding me?
Don't wish these moments away Kattarin. These moments, these kids, they're precious and you need to savor this time because soon it'll be gone.
Now if you're a parent with a little one you might be wishing these moments would be gone sooner rather then later but here's the thing. Those moments, when you're up with them in the middle of the night, or you're drinking imaginary tea, talking on a fake phone, flying them like an airplane down the hall, dancing in the living room or just listening to them chatter these moments aren't for nothing! These moments are building a foundation.
A foundation that will give you an insight into how to speak to them when they're older, how to comfort them when they cry and how to help them make decisions as they grow up.
So whether it's parents who care enough to give you advice (even when you don't want it). Kids who get you up in the night. Friends who talk forever (even when you're busy). Or someone else in your life that is giving you one of "those moments" don't wish it away. Those moment are precious and those people are precious and God has a plan for each and every one of them and how He will use you to work in your life.
This week my nieces were visiting. They're 4 and 1 and last night I was up at 2 a.m. with the little one and it wasn't until three that I finally gave her to her parents so she wouldn't wake up the house.
I was tired, very tired, and more then once I just prayed they'd go back to sleep because I wanted to go back to sleep. But you know what God kept reminding me?
Don't wish these moments away Kattarin. These moments, these kids, they're precious and you need to savor this time because soon it'll be gone.
Now if you're a parent with a little one you might be wishing these moments would be gone sooner rather then later but here's the thing. Those moments, when you're up with them in the middle of the night, or you're drinking imaginary tea, talking on a fake phone, flying them like an airplane down the hall, dancing in the living room or just listening to them chatter these moments aren't for nothing! These moments are building a foundation.
A foundation that will give you an insight into how to speak to them when they're older, how to comfort them when they cry and how to help them make decisions as they grow up.
So whether it's parents who care enough to give you advice (even when you don't want it). Kids who get you up in the night. Friends who talk forever (even when you're busy). Or someone else in your life that is giving you one of "those moments" don't wish it away. Those moment are precious and those people are precious and God has a plan for each and every one of them and how He will use you to work in your life.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Jericho
Who's ever heard the Bible story of the town of Jericho?
I'll sum it up. The Israelites, led by Joshua and commanded by God, were told to take all the armed men and march around the city of Jericho with out saying a word. They were suppose to march around the city just once, with the trumpets blowing, then head back to camp and they did this for six days! The seventh day they marched around the city seven times and on the seventh time when the priests blew the trumpets they shouted for the Lord had given them they city. The walls fell in and only Rahab, who had helped the Israelites, and her family were spared. The Israelites never had to throw stones or scale walls, God delivered the city into their hands.
But let's back up, say you're one of the armed men and following Joshua you're told to march around this city. If that was me I'd probably be thinking "Okay Joshua this desert heat has finally gotten to you. What are you thinking?" Or maybe you have more faith then that so you're thinking, "Okay God this is some sort of test right? Before the real battle begins?" Whatever it is you're thinking you're not seeing the whole picture.
So how does this compare to our lives today? I mean this was a few thousand years ago right?
Well it was but how many times have you felt like you were walking in proverbial circles? Dealing with the same issues over and over again? Praying and feeling like you're talking to thin air because God doesn't seem to be answering you.
Maybe you're just not to the seventh day yet.
I'll sum it up. The Israelites, led by Joshua and commanded by God, were told to take all the armed men and march around the city of Jericho with out saying a word. They were suppose to march around the city just once, with the trumpets blowing, then head back to camp and they did this for six days! The seventh day they marched around the city seven times and on the seventh time when the priests blew the trumpets they shouted for the Lord had given them they city. The walls fell in and only Rahab, who had helped the Israelites, and her family were spared. The Israelites never had to throw stones or scale walls, God delivered the city into their hands.
But let's back up, say you're one of the armed men and following Joshua you're told to march around this city. If that was me I'd probably be thinking "Okay Joshua this desert heat has finally gotten to you. What are you thinking?" Or maybe you have more faith then that so you're thinking, "Okay God this is some sort of test right? Before the real battle begins?" Whatever it is you're thinking you're not seeing the whole picture.
So how does this compare to our lives today? I mean this was a few thousand years ago right?
Well it was but how many times have you felt like you were walking in proverbial circles? Dealing with the same issues over and over again? Praying and feeling like you're talking to thin air because God doesn't seem to be answering you.
Maybe you're just not to the seventh day yet.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Beauty Tip
Want a beauty tip? I've been using vinegar in my hair, sounds random right? But it works. Two tablespoons of white vinegar and 1cup of water, I dump it in my hair and try to make sure it gets all the way through then rinse it out. Then I put a little of it in a spray bottle and spray it in my hair while it's still wet and that makes it tons easier to brush out.
So here's the benefits, the vinegar makes my hair less oily, it makes it shinier and my favorite, it cuts back on the frizz. Plus, like I said, it helps detangle it when I leave some of the vinegar in.
Anything you want to know about this you can look up online but there's my beauty tip for the day. Maybe you'll give it a try.
So here's the benefits, the vinegar makes my hair less oily, it makes it shinier and my favorite, it cuts back on the frizz. Plus, like I said, it helps detangle it when I leave some of the vinegar in.
Anything you want to know about this you can look up online but there's my beauty tip for the day. Maybe you'll give it a try.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Geese
The other day I walked outside and saw a flock of geese flying in "V" formation. At first it caught my attention because I rarely see geese actually flying in formation but the next thing that caught my eye was another bird flying behind them, flapping it's wings and trying desperately to catch up. For a moment I wondered why the other birds had left this one behind and then I realized, the bird trailing behind wasn't a goose, it was a crow.
This crow didn't belong with the geese but it was trying so hard to fly with them, and I have to wonder how often do we do the same thing?
How often do we get so caught up in trying to fit in and be something that we're not that we end up falling behind, trying desperately to catch up even knowing it will never work?
Embrace being the crow, don't worry about flying with the geese.
As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of the world, sometimes that means embracing who we are in Christ and not trying to be someone we're not.
This crow didn't belong with the geese but it was trying so hard to fly with them, and I have to wonder how often do we do the same thing?
How often do we get so caught up in trying to fit in and be something that we're not that we end up falling behind, trying desperately to catch up even knowing it will never work?
Embrace being the crow, don't worry about flying with the geese.
As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of the world, sometimes that means embracing who we are in Christ and not trying to be someone we're not.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
His Words
So well watching Criminal Minds Beyond Borders today on CBS I heard a quote that I just have to share. I'm paraphrasing but you'll get the idea.
God writes His words on our hearts so that when our hearts break His words fall in.
God writes His words on our hearts so that when our hearts break His words fall in.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
One of Those Days... Or Was It?
We've all had them, and we've all had that moment when you ask someone "how are you?" and their reply is "Oh... it's been one of those days." And without them explaining it you just know what it means. You may not know the specifics but you know what they're saying.
Well let me tell you I've had 'one of those days' for over a week now.
It started last Thursday when we had company coming in for a memorial service but I got confused about what days they were coming in and got it mixed up. Then on Sunday when I went to gas and when I went to give the gas attendant the money the bill slipped out of my hand just as the wind caught it so it looked like I'd thrown it out of him instead of just dropping it.
We move on to Tuesday when I went out for a bike ride but 1/4 mile in discovered that my tire was low so I walked my bike back home to get it filled.
Move on to Wednesday when I was headed to work but didn't realize my car door had been left ajar so my battery was dead, then I went come home it was dead again and I couldn't get a hold of anyone at home. Once I did get home I realized I'd forgotten my keys.
Finally on Thursday when I left work because I wasn't filling good.
You get the idea.
But now let's look at things from a different perspective.
Last Thursday when company showed up early it meant I got extra time with my brother, then later got some extra time with friends plus got some much needed rest after the service.
Sunday, I was embarrassed about dropping the money but the gas attendant just laughed and made me feel better.
Tuesday when I got back home my Dad filled my bike tire for me and then I went back out and had a great ride.
Wednesday I wasn't late to work and afterwards I got to catch up with an old friend when he jumped my car so I could get back home, had it not been for the dead battery I wouldn't have gotten to see him. Then yeah I forgot my keys but my family was close by so it didn't take long for me to track them down so I could get in, we all got a good laugh out of it and I got some extra exercise.
Thursday I did have to leave work but I felt better that evening and I was still able to make it on my trip yesterday to see some great friends.
It's all about perspective, you can focus on the bad or you can focus on the silver lining in every cloud.
Well let me tell you I've had 'one of those days' for over a week now.
It started last Thursday when we had company coming in for a memorial service but I got confused about what days they were coming in and got it mixed up. Then on Sunday when I went to gas and when I went to give the gas attendant the money the bill slipped out of my hand just as the wind caught it so it looked like I'd thrown it out of him instead of just dropping it.
We move on to Tuesday when I went out for a bike ride but 1/4 mile in discovered that my tire was low so I walked my bike back home to get it filled.
Move on to Wednesday when I was headed to work but didn't realize my car door had been left ajar so my battery was dead, then I went come home it was dead again and I couldn't get a hold of anyone at home. Once I did get home I realized I'd forgotten my keys.
Finally on Thursday when I left work because I wasn't filling good.
You get the idea.
But now let's look at things from a different perspective.
Last Thursday when company showed up early it meant I got extra time with my brother, then later got some extra time with friends plus got some much needed rest after the service.
Sunday, I was embarrassed about dropping the money but the gas attendant just laughed and made me feel better.
Tuesday when I got back home my Dad filled my bike tire for me and then I went back out and had a great ride.
Wednesday I wasn't late to work and afterwards I got to catch up with an old friend when he jumped my car so I could get back home, had it not been for the dead battery I wouldn't have gotten to see him. Then yeah I forgot my keys but my family was close by so it didn't take long for me to track them down so I could get in, we all got a good laugh out of it and I got some extra exercise.
Thursday I did have to leave work but I felt better that evening and I was still able to make it on my trip yesterday to see some great friends.
It's all about perspective, you can focus on the bad or you can focus on the silver lining in every cloud.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Saying Goodbye
A couple of weeks ago I woke up one morning to hear that a good friend from the church I grew up in had passed away unexpectedly. On Saturday I attended his memorial service, I saw his wife, his daughter and her family, his son and his family, and countless friends and other family members struggling to say good-bye. It's hard because he was a part of our lives and now he's not but amidst our grief we have comfort.
My friend was a Christian, he lived out his faith every day and every memory I have of him includes him showing the love of Christ.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will see him again in heaven.
I'm still sad, I'll still miss him, I still hate that he's gone but I don't grieve with no hope. We had to say good-bye to our friend but it's not forever, it's just until we (as believers in Christ) join him in eternity with our Lord.
My friend was a Christian, he lived out his faith every day and every memory I have of him includes him showing the love of Christ.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will see him again in heaven.
I'm still sad, I'll still miss him, I still hate that he's gone but I don't grieve with no hope. We had to say good-bye to our friend but it's not forever, it's just until we (as believers in Christ) join him in eternity with our Lord.
Monday, April 18, 2016
What Church?
So my last post we talked about why we bother going to church, I just want to do a follow up talking about what church should like. How do you find the right church? What does it look like?
First you need to find a church that teaches the Bible, that's the most important thing. Next you need to find a church that you can be involved in. If you're driving three hours away to go to church it may not be the most practical place to attend, on the other hand if you can work that into your schedule then go for it! At different times in my life I've attended churches that met on Saturday night because that worked better for my schedule. At the risk of attending someone let me just say that we as Christians don't have to meet on a particular day, the important thing is that you make your faith, and fellowship, a priority which means figuring out when you can go and making sure you're there consistently.
You also need to find a place you're comfortable. My mom dresses up for church, she always has. She and Dad go to a church where she can feel comfortable dressing up, a place where people accept them. A friend of mind is a truck driver and recently I told him that if he's going to church somewhere that people don't understand that he can't be there every single week because of his job then he needs to find a new church.
A few weeks ago I stood in church and watched a young woman slip her shoes off to worship, another time I watched as an elder leaned down to talk to someone during offering. They felt comfortable doing these things because their churches are their homes, the congregations is their family. You need to be involved somewhere that the church becomes your family.
Don't get me wrong, it takes time, and it's not always easy to find the right church, a combination of true doctrine preached from the Word of God in a way that you can understand, and loving people who you can trust and rely on but it's so very, very important to your faith.
One more thing, notice I said "involved" not just "attending", it's not enough just to attend church. At some point God will ask you to get involved, in your church, in your community, somehow you'll be asked to live out your faith and you'll want a church family who will stand behind you and help you do just that.
First you need to find a church that teaches the Bible, that's the most important thing. Next you need to find a church that you can be involved in. If you're driving three hours away to go to church it may not be the most practical place to attend, on the other hand if you can work that into your schedule then go for it! At different times in my life I've attended churches that met on Saturday night because that worked better for my schedule. At the risk of attending someone let me just say that we as Christians don't have to meet on a particular day, the important thing is that you make your faith, and fellowship, a priority which means figuring out when you can go and making sure you're there consistently.
You also need to find a place you're comfortable. My mom dresses up for church, she always has. She and Dad go to a church where she can feel comfortable dressing up, a place where people accept them. A friend of mind is a truck driver and recently I told him that if he's going to church somewhere that people don't understand that he can't be there every single week because of his job then he needs to find a new church.
A few weeks ago I stood in church and watched a young woman slip her shoes off to worship, another time I watched as an elder leaned down to talk to someone during offering. They felt comfortable doing these things because their churches are their homes, the congregations is their family. You need to be involved somewhere that the church becomes your family.
Don't get me wrong, it takes time, and it's not always easy to find the right church, a combination of true doctrine preached from the Word of God in a way that you can understand, and loving people who you can trust and rely on but it's so very, very important to your faith.
One more thing, notice I said "involved" not just "attending", it's not enough just to attend church. At some point God will ask you to get involved, in your church, in your community, somehow you'll be asked to live out your faith and you'll want a church family who will stand behind you and help you do just that.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Why Church?
I've heard so many times people ask me, why go to church? Even from Christians I've heard them wonder why bother going to church.
Well the short answer is because God tells us to. The Bible says "Do not forsake the assembly of other believers". But God never tells us to do or not do something without a reason. We don't always understand all of the reasons but in this case I know at least a few of them.
We go to church to be around those who believe as we do "the assembly of other believers" that can encourage us and help us grow in our faith.
We go to church so that we can be comforted. A few days ago a friend from our church passed away and I found comfort in being around others who loved him and who knew, as I know, that he's in heaven.
We go to church to draw closer to God. The more we are around people who don't love God the easier it is to drift away from Him and the opposite is also true, the more we are around God's people the more we can draw encouragement and strength from them, drawing us closer to Him.
There's so many reasons to go to church, God knew what He was doing when He told us to go, I don't know about you but that's not a command I want to ignore.
Well the short answer is because God tells us to. The Bible says "Do not forsake the assembly of other believers". But God never tells us to do or not do something without a reason. We don't always understand all of the reasons but in this case I know at least a few of them.
We go to church to be around those who believe as we do "the assembly of other believers" that can encourage us and help us grow in our faith.
We go to church so that we can be comforted. A few days ago a friend from our church passed away and I found comfort in being around others who loved him and who knew, as I know, that he's in heaven.
We go to church to draw closer to God. The more we are around people who don't love God the easier it is to drift away from Him and the opposite is also true, the more we are around God's people the more we can draw encouragement and strength from them, drawing us closer to Him.
There's so many reasons to go to church, God knew what He was doing when He told us to go, I don't know about you but that's not a command I want to ignore.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
A Fantastic Journey
Just the thought for the day.
As a writer my goal is to take readers on a fantastic journey in each story I write. Whether it's to another world, another time or just someone else's life I want them to live through it with the characters just like I do as I write the story.
But the most fantastic journey that has ever been written is only found in one Book and it's not complete yet. It's in the Bible and it starts with God creating the earth and placing Adam and Eve in the garden and it's being completed every day as He works through our lives.
As a writer my goal is to take readers on a fantastic journey in each story I write. Whether it's to another world, another time or just someone else's life I want them to live through it with the characters just like I do as I write the story.
But the most fantastic journey that has ever been written is only found in one Book and it's not complete yet. It's in the Bible and it starts with God creating the earth and placing Adam and Eve in the garden and it's being completed every day as He works through our lives.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Flying Horses
My four year old niece loves horses and her Grammy and all things magical. This is something how her conversation with her Daddy went today.
E: I want a purple, flying horse.
Daddy: You don't know how to ride a flying horse.
She thinks about that for a minute. E: Grammy can teach me.
Daddy: Which Grammy?
E: Your mom.
Daddy: But Grammy doesn't know how to ride a horse.
E: I'll teach her to ride a horse and then she can teach me to ride a flying horse!
Oh the wonderful logic and imagination of children. What a great gift God gave us in them.
E: I want a purple, flying horse.
Daddy: You don't know how to ride a flying horse.
She thinks about that for a minute. E: Grammy can teach me.
Daddy: Which Grammy?
E: Your mom.
Daddy: But Grammy doesn't know how to ride a horse.
E: I'll teach her to ride a horse and then she can teach me to ride a flying horse!
Oh the wonderful logic and imagination of children. What a great gift God gave us in them.
Friday, March 25, 2016
He Is Alive!
When I was a kid I didn't completely understand Easter. I mean I knew that we celebrated when Jesus died for our sins and rose again on the third day but Christmas always seemed much more exciting to me. On Christmas it was only the good stuff we were celebrating, Jesus' birth, and we got presents! It's a great holiday to celebrate! But now as an adult I realize that Easter is equally important. See you can't have Easter without Christmas, because Jesus couldn't have died if He hadn't been born but without Easter we wouldn't have any basis for our faith.
Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, the day we remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem. People lined the streets, celebrating His arrival shouting "Hosana! Hosana in the Highest!" They laid down palm leaves and coats for his donkey to pass on. Then only five days later came Good Friday, [which is what we're celebrating today by the way] the day that Jesus was crucified. When He, a man who had never sinned once in His entire life, willingly took up the cross and walked down the Via Del a Rosa to Golgatha, where He was crucified. Jesus had never done anything wrong, and He, as the Son of God, could have chosen to walk away but instead He chose to die because He knew that this was the only possible way for us to be saved.
Jesus Christ, the perfect lamb, was sacraficed. He was beaten, mocked, humiliated and abandoned by those who had sworn to always be there for Him. He was rejected by the very people He came to save and as He took on the sins of the world He felt God the Father turn His face away. But in His final hours as He was hanging on a cross He forgave a sinner hanging next to Him. And with His last breath He prayed "Father forgive them for they know not what they have done." Then He said, "It is finished." And He breathed His last.
My friends if that was the way the story ended we would have no hope, our faith would have no meaning but it doesn't end there because on Sunday is the most important day of all history. Ressurection Sunday because Jesus didn't stay in the tomb. He didn't die and leave us alone, no! He rose again! He rose from the dead! And when people came to visit His tomb they found angels there! Then Jesus appeared! To the women, to two of his followers, to the 11 disciples left, and then to over five hundred people as He walked the earth for forty more days before He ascended back into Heaven! This is why we celebrate Easter, this is why we have faith! Because Jesus is alive! He didn't stay in the tomb, He rose again!
Jesus is alive! And He is with us even today, and He'll be with us tomorrow and the next day and every day to come because He loves us! He loved us enough to be born a helpless baby, He loved us enough to live a sinless life, He loved us enough to be tortured, humiliated and rejected, He loved us enough to die a horrible death on a cross and He loved us to rise again! He's alive and He still loves us that much!
Happy Easter, because it really is the happiest day in all of history because Jesus is alive!
Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, the day we remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem. People lined the streets, celebrating His arrival shouting "Hosana! Hosana in the Highest!" They laid down palm leaves and coats for his donkey to pass on. Then only five days later came Good Friday, [which is what we're celebrating today by the way] the day that Jesus was crucified. When He, a man who had never sinned once in His entire life, willingly took up the cross and walked down the Via Del a Rosa to Golgatha, where He was crucified. Jesus had never done anything wrong, and He, as the Son of God, could have chosen to walk away but instead He chose to die because He knew that this was the only possible way for us to be saved.
Jesus Christ, the perfect lamb, was sacraficed. He was beaten, mocked, humiliated and abandoned by those who had sworn to always be there for Him. He was rejected by the very people He came to save and as He took on the sins of the world He felt God the Father turn His face away. But in His final hours as He was hanging on a cross He forgave a sinner hanging next to Him. And with His last breath He prayed "Father forgive them for they know not what they have done." Then He said, "It is finished." And He breathed His last.
My friends if that was the way the story ended we would have no hope, our faith would have no meaning but it doesn't end there because on Sunday is the most important day of all history. Ressurection Sunday because Jesus didn't stay in the tomb. He didn't die and leave us alone, no! He rose again! He rose from the dead! And when people came to visit His tomb they found angels there! Then Jesus appeared! To the women, to two of his followers, to the 11 disciples left, and then to over five hundred people as He walked the earth for forty more days before He ascended back into Heaven! This is why we celebrate Easter, this is why we have faith! Because Jesus is alive! He didn't stay in the tomb, He rose again!
Jesus is alive! And He is with us even today, and He'll be with us tomorrow and the next day and every day to come because He loves us! He loved us enough to be born a helpless baby, He loved us enough to live a sinless life, He loved us enough to be tortured, humiliated and rejected, He loved us enough to die a horrible death on a cross and He loved us to rise again! He's alive and He still loves us that much!
Happy Easter, because it really is the happiest day in all of history because Jesus is alive!
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Who God Made You To Be
Being fragile isn't a bad thing, it just means that you're translucent enough for Christ to shine through. Being strong isn't a bad thing because it means your shoulders are strong enough toe for the burdens God places on them.
It's okay to be soft spoke so that you will hear the words of others.
It's okay to be bold so that you might say what others need to hear.
Be who made you to be, not who you want to be, not who others tell you to be but who He made you to be. And though there are times the soft spoken will be called to be bold, the bold will be called to be quiet, the fragile to be strong and the strong to be break, don't lose heart! Because even then God will be with you every step of the way, in every process and through every transition.
It's okay to be soft spoke so that you will hear the words of others.
It's okay to be bold so that you might say what others need to hear.
Be who made you to be, not who you want to be, not who others tell you to be but who He made you to be. And though there are times the soft spoken will be called to be bold, the bold will be called to be quiet, the fragile to be strong and the strong to be break, don't lose heart! Because even then God will be with you every step of the way, in every process and through every transition.
Monday, March 14, 2016
End of Your Rope
Have you ever been at the end of your rope and wondered where is God? What is he doing well I'm barely hanging on? When my arm is starting to ache, my hand is starting to cramp, my palm is sweating and I don't know how much longer I can hold on, where is God?
He's holding the other end of that rope.
He's holding the other end of that rope.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
A Prayer of Restoration
I was recently reading the book of Jonah. When Jonah went to Nineveh, an evil and wicked city, he proclaimed the message God had given him, that because of their wicked ways God would bring judgement on them and destroy the city and everyone in it. But the people of Nineveh repented, even the king humbled himself and repented of his sinful ways.
With the presidential races heating up in America many people are seeing the need for a man or woman of God, a leader of integrity to step into the Oval Office and lead our country. Some say that's it's too late for us but I refuse to accept that. I think the book of Jonah, the city of Nineveh and so many other examples in the Bible give us hope. America still has hope but it's going to take a lot of prayer and a change of direction for us to once again be restored to the country that God intended us to be, the country that was founded when people came here searching for freedom and fleeing persecution.
So this is my call, my request to all Christians in America, please vote! Pray about the candidates and vote for the one that will follow God and lead this country down the right path once again.
To all Christians all over the world I ask that you would join me and so many others in praying for my homeland, that my leaders and my people would humble themselves before the Lord and return to being a nation of laws and a people of faith once again.
Here's my prayer.
Lord,
I beg you to place a president in November who loves you, who lives their life with integrity and will lead our people with the wisdom of Solomon. I ask that you would give wisdom to our people as we consider our options, that you would give us courage to vote and remind us that every vote can make a difference. I ask that you would humble us before you, that you would return us to you that you would make yourself known here in America that leaves us no doubt of your presence, of your love and of your commitment to us. Restore us Lord to a country that can make a difference for you in our world. Restore us to a land of laws that is able and willing to do what is right and stand up against adversity.
Wake up your people in the land Lord, that we would not be sleeping but that we would be prayer warriors, praying for our country and our people. Unite us God so that we, as your children, can call out to you as one and be heard above all the other voices.
Be with us God, shape us, change us, and bless us as we seek to do your will.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
With the presidential races heating up in America many people are seeing the need for a man or woman of God, a leader of integrity to step into the Oval Office and lead our country. Some say that's it's too late for us but I refuse to accept that. I think the book of Jonah, the city of Nineveh and so many other examples in the Bible give us hope. America still has hope but it's going to take a lot of prayer and a change of direction for us to once again be restored to the country that God intended us to be, the country that was founded when people came here searching for freedom and fleeing persecution.
So this is my call, my request to all Christians in America, please vote! Pray about the candidates and vote for the one that will follow God and lead this country down the right path once again.
To all Christians all over the world I ask that you would join me and so many others in praying for my homeland, that my leaders and my people would humble themselves before the Lord and return to being a nation of laws and a people of faith once again.
Here's my prayer.
Lord,
I beg you to place a president in November who loves you, who lives their life with integrity and will lead our people with the wisdom of Solomon. I ask that you would give wisdom to our people as we consider our options, that you would give us courage to vote and remind us that every vote can make a difference. I ask that you would humble us before you, that you would return us to you that you would make yourself known here in America that leaves us no doubt of your presence, of your love and of your commitment to us. Restore us Lord to a country that can make a difference for you in our world. Restore us to a land of laws that is able and willing to do what is right and stand up against adversity.
Wake up your people in the land Lord, that we would not be sleeping but that we would be prayer warriors, praying for our country and our people. Unite us God so that we, as your children, can call out to you as one and be heard above all the other voices.
Be with us God, shape us, change us, and bless us as we seek to do your will.
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Job's Wife
The other day I was talking with my mom about Job's wife. We all know the story of Job, (if you don't you can read about him in the book of Job in the Old Testament) the man who was tested by God and despite every horrible thing that was thrown at him his faith never wavered but when was the last time that you thought about his wife?
Job lost his wealth, his livestock, everything he'd owned, but that was his wife's wealth too, she lost it to.
Job lost his children, all of his sons and daughters on one fateful night, but those were his wife's children too.
Job was afflicted with all sorts of horrible illness and physical ailments, there's nothing to suggest that his wife got sick also but who do you think took care of him?
Job lost all of his servants, those were his wife's servants too.
Here's the difference, Job continued to praise God through all of these trials. He questioned and cried out to God but his faith never wavered. His wife on the other hand berated him, got angry at him, told him to curse God and die. Her faith wavered. His didn't.
But before you're too hard on her think about this. What reaction do we have? We know the reaction we should have. We should respond like Job, having absolute faith even when we don't understand why we're going through things but so often we respond more like his wife. We lose faith because we're human but don't get too discourage. Jesus' disciples so often responded the same way. The good news is that He still forgives us.
So whether we respond the way we should to trials like Job did or whether we mess up and loose faith like Job's wife and Jesus' disciples it's not the end of the world. He'll still forgive us.
Job lost his wealth, his livestock, everything he'd owned, but that was his wife's wealth too, she lost it to.
Job lost his children, all of his sons and daughters on one fateful night, but those were his wife's children too.
Job was afflicted with all sorts of horrible illness and physical ailments, there's nothing to suggest that his wife got sick also but who do you think took care of him?
Job lost all of his servants, those were his wife's servants too.
Here's the difference, Job continued to praise God through all of these trials. He questioned and cried out to God but his faith never wavered. His wife on the other hand berated him, got angry at him, told him to curse God and die. Her faith wavered. His didn't.
But before you're too hard on her think about this. What reaction do we have? We know the reaction we should have. We should respond like Job, having absolute faith even when we don't understand why we're going through things but so often we respond more like his wife. We lose faith because we're human but don't get too discourage. Jesus' disciples so often responded the same way. The good news is that He still forgives us.
So whether we respond the way we should to trials like Job did or whether we mess up and loose faith like Job's wife and Jesus' disciples it's not the end of the world. He'll still forgive us.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Independence?
Some kids are born independent, others learn it later but everyone learns it as some point. Sometimes we become too focused on it. Sometimes we become so obsessed with independence that we forget that we weren't designed to handle everything on our own. Or we go on towards the opposite extreme of independence and focus on our relationship with God and no one else. Don't get me wrong, that is the most important relationship in our lives but it's not the only ones.
Think about this. During Jesus' time on earth living in a human body he didn't choose to come as an adult but as a baby. A baby born to two parents who had brothers and sisters at least one cousin that we know of and probably grandparents and other people in his family. He also had friends.
During Jesus' public ministry there were crowds of people that followed him but there were also twelve disciples that were his "inner circle".
Now I come from a good sized family, I'm the youngest of five kids and my house was at times crowded growing up. Then I spent over a year living in an apartment with three roommates, and there was plenty of the time that we drove each other crazy. And there were only four of us.
Can you imagine living, working and traveling with eleven other people? For years on end? I can't! But I do think that this example teaches us a very important lesson.
It teaches us that relationships with other people are important. We're not designed to handle our lives completely on our own. We need the help of the Lord and the help from the people that he puts into our lives.
When you're going through hard times don't try to deal with it on your own. Talk to a friend, reach out to your pastor, ask for help, rely on the people that God puts into your life. You'd be amazed what a difference it can make.
Think about this. During Jesus' time on earth living in a human body he didn't choose to come as an adult but as a baby. A baby born to two parents who had brothers and sisters at least one cousin that we know of and probably grandparents and other people in his family. He also had friends.
During Jesus' public ministry there were crowds of people that followed him but there were also twelve disciples that were his "inner circle".
Now I come from a good sized family, I'm the youngest of five kids and my house was at times crowded growing up. Then I spent over a year living in an apartment with three roommates, and there was plenty of the time that we drove each other crazy. And there were only four of us.
Can you imagine living, working and traveling with eleven other people? For years on end? I can't! But I do think that this example teaches us a very important lesson.
It teaches us that relationships with other people are important. We're not designed to handle our lives completely on our own. We need the help of the Lord and the help from the people that he puts into our lives.
When you're going through hard times don't try to deal with it on your own. Talk to a friend, reach out to your pastor, ask for help, rely on the people that God puts into your life. You'd be amazed what a difference it can make.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Help
I don't have a lot to say today friends but sometimes the fewer words the better. Today's post feels like one of those times.
As I was walking the dog I was looking up at the mountains that surround me and a verse came to mind.
Psalm 121: 1- 4 NIV
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
As I was walking the dog I was looking up at the mountains that surround me and a verse came to mind.
Psalm 121: 1- 4 NIV
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Advice From Star Wars
I love Star Wars, in fact if you ask family and friends they might jokingly say that "love" doesn't quite describe it. It's kind of a family obsession, we were those kids that had Mom make us Star Wars Halloween costumes, our parents took us to the theaters each time a new movie came out (and they were just as excited about it as we were) and when we went to Disneyland we each picked out our own lightsaber.
So when we were all together a while back it just made sense that we'd all have a Star Wars marathon. Sadly with limited time on our hands we were only able to make it through the first three (chronologically not the original three) but while I was watching it I did find some very good advice I want to share with you.
"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." -Yoda
Yeah it sounds silly to take advice from a Jedi Master who happens to be a little green creature and is 900 years old but Yoda is wise and in this case he's also right. When we let fear take the place of faith we can become angry and as that anger builds up it turns to hate. Hate makes us suffer but it also reaches out and touches the lives of those around us, making them suffer to.
So take some advice from a galaxy far, far away and instead of fear choose faith, instead of anger, choose forgiveness, instead of hate choose love, instead of the dark side, choose the Light.
So when we were all together a while back it just made sense that we'd all have a Star Wars marathon. Sadly with limited time on our hands we were only able to make it through the first three (chronologically not the original three) but while I was watching it I did find some very good advice I want to share with you.
"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." -Yoda
Yeah it sounds silly to take advice from a Jedi Master who happens to be a little green creature and is 900 years old but Yoda is wise and in this case he's also right. When we let fear take the place of faith we can become angry and as that anger builds up it turns to hate. Hate makes us suffer but it also reaches out and touches the lives of those around us, making them suffer to.
So take some advice from a galaxy far, far away and instead of fear choose faith, instead of anger, choose forgiveness, instead of hate choose love, instead of the dark side, choose the Light.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Reaching Out
My less then one year old niece needed to go down to sleep so my brother tucked her into her playpen that was in my room but I needed to go in and grab something. She was still crying so I knew I wouldn't disturb her too much when I slipped in. She had pulled herself up and was standing against the side of the playpen, sobbing. When I walked by she reached out for me, wanting me to pick her up. I knew if I took her out she wouldn't go to sleep, in my head I knew that if I let her cry for a while she would lie down and get the sleep she desperately needed so I had to walk but it hurt and it that moment I caught a glimmer of how God must feel every time we go through pain.
He knows that what we're going through right will lead to what's best for us but as we cry out, His heart hurts, as we falls He keeps us from stumbling too far and as we lie down, ready to give up, He sustains us.
Maybe God picks us up and cradles us, rocks us in His arms like a mother with her baby and waits for us to go to sleep but in our pain we don't sense that. Or maybe like with my niece He stays close by, watching over us, waiting for us to surrender to His plan as I was waiting for her to surrender to sleep, because He knows that His plan is what's best for us.
He knows that what we're going through right will lead to what's best for us but as we cry out, His heart hurts, as we falls He keeps us from stumbling too far and as we lie down, ready to give up, He sustains us.
Maybe God picks us up and cradles us, rocks us in His arms like a mother with her baby and waits for us to go to sleep but in our pain we don't sense that. Or maybe like with my niece He stays close by, watching over us, waiting for us to surrender to His plan as I was waiting for her to surrender to sleep, because He knows that His plan is what's best for us.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Night Terror
My oldest niece, E, will be four soon and will she was here visiting she had a night terror. I was lying in bed and she was sound asleep across the room, her sister close by in a playpen, and suddenly E start sobbing and crying out in her sleep. Jumping out of bed I ran across the room to her side, trying to comfort her but she wouldn't calm down. I didn't know what to do and I picked her up and took her out of the room so she wouldn't wake up her baby sister and the rest of the household. Going downstairs I sat with her in my lap and I realized that even as she sobbed and cried out her eyes were still closed, she didn't seem to be awake!
I was trying to talk to her, hoping she could hear my voice, that she would realize that she was safe, that Auntie had her and that it was going to be okay but I couldn't seem to get through to her. I knew that if only she could wake up and open her eyes she would realize that I was holding her close and that she was safe, then the terror would pass and she would be able to go back to sleep but she couldn't seem to do that.
Eventually her Grammy took and was able to calm her down and she went back to bed but in those few moments that I had her and I was scared, not knowing how to help her wake up I realized how much this child's night terror was like our lives.
So often we're scared, terrified, and we're screaming and crying out and we can't understand why God's not answering us but what we don't see is that He's right there with us, He's holding us in His arms begging us to open our eyes and see that He hasn't abandoned us, He hasn't let us go but He is still there with us, helping us through it all but our terror is so great and we can't open our eyes to see.
I was trying to talk to her, hoping she could hear my voice, that she would realize that she was safe, that Auntie had her and that it was going to be okay but I couldn't seem to get through to her. I knew that if only she could wake up and open her eyes she would realize that I was holding her close and that she was safe, then the terror would pass and she would be able to go back to sleep but she couldn't seem to do that.
Eventually her Grammy took and was able to calm her down and she went back to bed but in those few moments that I had her and I was scared, not knowing how to help her wake up I realized how much this child's night terror was like our lives.
So often we're scared, terrified, and we're screaming and crying out and we can't understand why God's not answering us but what we don't see is that He's right there with us, He's holding us in His arms begging us to open our eyes and see that He hasn't abandoned us, He hasn't let us go but He is still there with us, helping us through it all but our terror is so great and we can't open our eyes to see.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Inspiration
Where does inspiration come from? It's kind of funny isn't it? All the different places it comes from. Sometimes it's the reflection of sunshine on a lake, or raindrops on a leaf, maybe it's snow gracing the mountains. Other times it's a song on the radio or a verse that just pops out like a direct message from God, or a seemingly random conversation with someone at the grocery store.
Inspiration comes in so many different way, from so different sources. Today my inspiration came from watching the gerbils I'm taking care of for a friend. They run around like crazy, pushing their bedding up into the corner so they can burrow down just so. Really my inspiration had nothing to do with what they're doing or what they look like it just has to do with the fact that they amuse me and that is enough to inspire me to write.
So what will inspire you today? A butterfly? A child's laughter? A flower on the side of the road? Inspiration is everywhere, God's always offering you little surprises to make you smile, you just have to look for them.
Inspiration comes in so many different way, from so different sources. Today my inspiration came from watching the gerbils I'm taking care of for a friend. They run around like crazy, pushing their bedding up into the corner so they can burrow down just so. Really my inspiration had nothing to do with what they're doing or what they look like it just has to do with the fact that they amuse me and that is enough to inspire me to write.
So what will inspire you today? A butterfly? A child's laughter? A flower on the side of the road? Inspiration is everywhere, God's always offering you little surprises to make you smile, you just have to look for them.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Letters
Have you ever wanted to tell someone something but there was a reason you couldn't? I don't mean that it was too hard or that you didn't want to put I mean really couldn't tell them. Maybe it's a child that you looked forward to meeting, loved them, planned for them, talked to them but a miscarriage or premature labor took them away too soon and they didn't have the chance to hear those words of love and dreams you had for them.
Or maybe it's a relative or a friend who has passed away but there's still things you w ant to tell them. The kid that you or your family have decided to sponsor and you pray for them every day but that doesn't change the fact they live on the other side of the world and you can't yell loud enough for them to hear you from home.
Or maybe it's the person who did you wrong and for whatever reason never got the chance to confront them.
Whoever it is, whatever you want to say how do you get the closure you need if you can't sit down with them face to face?
You write them a letter.
You don't have to mail it, you don't even have to put it in an envelope. You may burn it as soon as it's done, or reread it as you pray for that person. Either way you'd be surprised by how much it will help. Whether it's the closure you need or just a chance to get your thoughts down on paper writing a letter will give you that opportunity.
It's amazing how much it will help.
Or maybe it's a relative or a friend who has passed away but there's still things you w ant to tell them. The kid that you or your family have decided to sponsor and you pray for them every day but that doesn't change the fact they live on the other side of the world and you can't yell loud enough for them to hear you from home.
Or maybe it's the person who did you wrong and for whatever reason never got the chance to confront them.
Whoever it is, whatever you want to say how do you get the closure you need if you can't sit down with them face to face?
You write them a letter.
You don't have to mail it, you don't even have to put it in an envelope. You may burn it as soon as it's done, or reread it as you pray for that person. Either way you'd be surprised by how much it will help. Whether it's the closure you need or just a chance to get your thoughts down on paper writing a letter will give you that opportunity.
It's amazing how much it will help.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Your Days are Numbered
YOLO- You Only Live Once, Live life to the fullest, Life's short... and so many other phrases that sum up a culture that gives an excuse to do whatever we want but what's interesting is that like most things there is truth mixed in with the lies. Our lives are short, our days are numbered but that isn't mean to scare us it's meant to comfort us. Because friends God knows how many days we have, He's always known.
Psalm 139: 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139: 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God already knows how long you're going to live, your decisions will affect your life don't get me wrong but one way or another the Lord is in control and there's nothing you can do to change it. So take comfort because whether it's someone who dies too young or someone who lives too long and does more and more damage to those around them it is all part of His plan and God is in control.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Pick a Word
Happy New Year friends and welcome to 2016! I pray that this year will bring you many blessings and draw you ever closer to the Lord.
Every January 1st people pick New Years Resolutions that they want to put into place. Loose weight, work out more, eat better, have some fun, don't have so much fun, whatever. I don't do a lot of resolutions because I never seem to follow through with them and then I just feel disappointed in myself, not a fun feeling. So if I do make a resolution I try to make sure that it's something I can actually follow through with but this year I decided to do something different. Actually I got the idea from a friend but this year rather then a resolution I urge you to pick a word!
What's one word that sums up what you want to work on this year? Or even two words.
My two are confidence and prayer. I've grown up a lot in the last year and I've gained a lot of confidence. I'm learning that the only one I need to please is the Lord. If I'm doing what He wants me to and other people aren't happy with my decisions then chances are they're not looking at me from His perspective. It doesn't mean I'm allowed to get angry with them or that I don't care what they think it means that they need to be my second priority, not my first. I still need some work with remembering that though and with living it out so my first word is confidence.
My second word is prayer. In addition to growing up a lot in the last word my faith has grown a lot but one of the things I still struggle with is communicating with God (aka prayer) not just with talking to Him and giving Him my burdens but also and especially with listening to Him. Sometimes that's the hardest part of my day so one of the things I want to work on this year is prayer.
What are your words? What are your goals? What is God putting on your heart for you to work on in 2016?
Every January 1st people pick New Years Resolutions that they want to put into place. Loose weight, work out more, eat better, have some fun, don't have so much fun, whatever. I don't do a lot of resolutions because I never seem to follow through with them and then I just feel disappointed in myself, not a fun feeling. So if I do make a resolution I try to make sure that it's something I can actually follow through with but this year I decided to do something different. Actually I got the idea from a friend but this year rather then a resolution I urge you to pick a word!
What's one word that sums up what you want to work on this year? Or even two words.
My two are confidence and prayer. I've grown up a lot in the last year and I've gained a lot of confidence. I'm learning that the only one I need to please is the Lord. If I'm doing what He wants me to and other people aren't happy with my decisions then chances are they're not looking at me from His perspective. It doesn't mean I'm allowed to get angry with them or that I don't care what they think it means that they need to be my second priority, not my first. I still need some work with remembering that though and with living it out so my first word is confidence.
My second word is prayer. In addition to growing up a lot in the last word my faith has grown a lot but one of the things I still struggle with is communicating with God (aka prayer) not just with talking to Him and giving Him my burdens but also and especially with listening to Him. Sometimes that's the hardest part of my day so one of the things I want to work on this year is prayer.
What are your words? What are your goals? What is God putting on your heart for you to work on in 2016?
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