It is December in Michigan and the snow has begun! Makes you want to curl up with a good book!! Recently in my reading I found these Biblical affirmations listed:
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"If God be for us (me), who can be against us (me)?" Romans 8:31
"He who has begun a good work in you will complete it." Philippians 1:6
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11
"With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20
I was familiar with all of these verses and found that many were ones I memorized as a young child in church. Thank God for pastors that teach their people scripture and see that they memorize them. How many times have one or more of these passages ministered to you when you needed them?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Healing Truths to Remember
Healing Truths to Remember. . . When the Hurt Runs Deep (Kay Arthur)
1. If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose--a good purpose, because He is a good God.
2. Deep and genuine healing will always be tied to an accurate knowledge of God's sovereignty and character. The clearer our understanding of who God is, the more profound our healing will be.
3. Because God is love, and because God rules over all, everything that comes into our lives is filtered through His sovereign fingers of love.
4. Because God is all-knowing, He knows the very source of your deepest pain--and He understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
5. No hurt is so strong that it can separate you from His love. Your hurt is not intended to drive you from God but to God.
6. Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God's notice. You can trust that He will bring to account everyone who has hurt you, in His time and in His way.
7. Deep hurt can happen to upright, blameless people; it is not always deserved or earned.
8. When we sin, we will find ourselves facing the consequences. But when we submit to God in repentance and seek His help, we can get through those consequences and step on the path to hope and healing.
9. Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you have done, there is hope because there is God. He is a God of hope; redemption is His business.
10. God's grace is brought to fullness in our lives as we release our hurt and draw on His power in our weakness.
11. Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself--to complete and total dependence on God--which is the best place you could ever be.
12. Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else's actions or by your own sins and failures, healing begins at the cross--the greatest expression of God's love for you.
1. If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose--a good purpose, because He is a good God.
2. Deep and genuine healing will always be tied to an accurate knowledge of God's sovereignty and character. The clearer our understanding of who God is, the more profound our healing will be.
3. Because God is love, and because God rules over all, everything that comes into our lives is filtered through His sovereign fingers of love.
4. Because God is all-knowing, He knows the very source of your deepest pain--and He understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
5. No hurt is so strong that it can separate you from His love. Your hurt is not intended to drive you from God but to God.
6. Nothing that has ever happened to you has escaped God's notice. You can trust that He will bring to account everyone who has hurt you, in His time and in His way.
7. Deep hurt can happen to upright, blameless people; it is not always deserved or earned.
8. When we sin, we will find ourselves facing the consequences. But when we submit to God in repentance and seek His help, we can get through those consequences and step on the path to hope and healing.
9. Wherever you are, whoever you are, whatever you have done, there is hope because there is God. He is a God of hope; redemption is His business.
10. God's grace is brought to fullness in our lives as we release our hurt and draw on His power in our weakness.
11. Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself--to complete and total dependence on God--which is the best place you could ever be.
12. Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else's actions or by your own sins and failures, healing begins at the cross--the greatest expression of God's love for you.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Choosing to SEE
I just finished Mary Beth Chapman's book, Choosing to SEE. It was an excellent book detailing events of her life leading up to and in the days following the accident that took her young daughter's life. What a great book on trusting and believing God when the worst things happen in your life. I would recommend this to anyone, especially to those who might be going through a major life crisis. May God be praised!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Football
I enjoyed watching another of our grandson's football games tonight--along with my husband, daughter, and his siblings. The weather has been beautiful and with a warm coat, scarf, blankets, etc. it is very enjoyable and not too cold.
We do spend a lot of time with grandchildren's sports--it is fun and relaxing too. Fall baseball is now over but practices for spring baseball and travel teams are already starting!!!
My husband and I are working on cleaning and sorting things in our huge barn. It is really a pole building. We are trying to do an hour a day (during the week). It is really like eating an elephant but we can see some progress. We are giving away, burning, dumping, and taking scrap metal off for $$. Hopefully this will get rid of a lot of stuff and we will have much free space for children to play and working on projects in there. (painting, fixing things etc)
I am reading a book called The Perfect love by a lady named Ruth Myers. I am really being blessed by some of what she shares. Ruth and her husband are on staff with the Navigators and served many years as a missionary. "If you want real love, ideal love, limitless love, God's heart is where to find it. It's the only love big enough to meet the God-sized needs of your life."
Inexpressible, indescribable, inexhaustible, incomparable, limitless, overflowing, intensely personal, all-surpassing, all understanding, always higher, always deeper, forever faithful, forever honoring, forever protecting, more than satisfying, more than wonderful, altogether strong, altogether tender, ever long, ever delighting. . . Where can you find the kind of love you truly need?
We do spend a lot of time with grandchildren's sports--it is fun and relaxing too. Fall baseball is now over but practices for spring baseball and travel teams are already starting!!!
My husband and I are working on cleaning and sorting things in our huge barn. It is really a pole building. We are trying to do an hour a day (during the week). It is really like eating an elephant but we can see some progress. We are giving away, burning, dumping, and taking scrap metal off for $$. Hopefully this will get rid of a lot of stuff and we will have much free space for children to play and working on projects in there. (painting, fixing things etc)
I am reading a book called The Perfect love by a lady named Ruth Myers. I am really being blessed by some of what she shares. Ruth and her husband are on staff with the Navigators and served many years as a missionary. "If you want real love, ideal love, limitless love, God's heart is where to find it. It's the only love big enough to meet the God-sized needs of your life."
Inexpressible, indescribable, inexhaustible, incomparable, limitless, overflowing, intensely personal, all-surpassing, all understanding, always higher, always deeper, forever faithful, forever honoring, forever protecting, more than satisfying, more than wonderful, altogether strong, altogether tender, ever long, ever delighting. . . Where can you find the kind of love you truly need?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Unconditional Love
From Postcards From Heaven--Claire Cloninger
Dear child of mine,
As you were growing up in this imperfect world, you learned that if you were a good little child, you would be loved. This is the kind of love the world is famous for. It is called "conditional love" because it comes with conditions--with strings attached. It is love you must work and strive and struggle to earn. But it is not real love. It is a counterfeit--a cheap forgery of a priceless masterpiece.
My love is real and unconditional. It cannot be earned. Try to understand this truth, for it will deeply affect the way you live your life: You cannot make me love you more by anything you do or do not do. And you cannot make me love you less by anything you do or do not do.
Take a minute and read those two sentences again. If you are willing to allow my deep, true, unconditional love to seep down into your wounded spirit, that love will make you whole. And from the endless stream of love I shall put within you, true repenance will flow. Then you will love a good life, not in order to make me love you, but because I already do love you! You will be set free to live with joy and abandon. You will be released to love others with this same kind of love.
Does it sound too good to be true? Dare to believe it. Open your heart to receive it. You will never be the same.
Unconditionally,
GOD
"This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God's love for us in sending his Son to be the way to take away our sins." 1 John 4:10
Dear child of mine,
As you were growing up in this imperfect world, you learned that if you were a good little child, you would be loved. This is the kind of love the world is famous for. It is called "conditional love" because it comes with conditions--with strings attached. It is love you must work and strive and struggle to earn. But it is not real love. It is a counterfeit--a cheap forgery of a priceless masterpiece.
My love is real and unconditional. It cannot be earned. Try to understand this truth, for it will deeply affect the way you live your life: You cannot make me love you more by anything you do or do not do. And you cannot make me love you less by anything you do or do not do.
Take a minute and read those two sentences again. If you are willing to allow my deep, true, unconditional love to seep down into your wounded spirit, that love will make you whole. And from the endless stream of love I shall put within you, true repenance will flow. Then you will love a good life, not in order to make me love you, but because I already do love you! You will be set free to live with joy and abandon. You will be released to love others with this same kind of love.
Does it sound too good to be true? Dare to believe it. Open your heart to receive it. You will never be the same.
Unconditionally,
GOD
"This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God's love for us in sending his Son to be the way to take away our sins." 1 John 4:10
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Ten Things Kids Need to Hear
Ten Things Kids Need to Hear (from mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, teachers, adults in their lives) Cheri Fuller
1. It's such a blessing to be your mom (grandma)
2. If more kids were like you, the world would be a better place.
3. I believe in you and love you!
4. I appreciate your attitude.
5. You're learning and making progress.
6. You're on the right track now.
7. You did a great job at __________.
8. You have lots of potential and God has given you some fine talents.
9. I know this is difficult, but I can tell you're trying!
10. You're going to go far in l ife. God has a bright future and hope for you. (Jeremiah 29:11)
1. It's such a blessing to be your mom (grandma)
2. If more kids were like you, the world would be a better place.
3. I believe in you and love you!
4. I appreciate your attitude.
5. You're learning and making progress.
6. You're on the right track now.
7. You did a great job at __________.
8. You have lots of potential and God has given you some fine talents.
9. I know this is difficult, but I can tell you're trying!
10. You're going to go far in l ife. God has a bright future and hope for you. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Trusting God
At the women's conference I attended this weekend, one of Elizabeth George's sessions was on Trusting God based on Romans 8:28. She spoke of all things being the good things, the bad things, the big things, and the little things. When you have difficulty with others, remember there are only people in your life that God puts there! Get your eyes off the people and on God. God knew before the foundation of the world everything that was going to happen to you. "All things" includes all things!! God is in ALL of our circumstances. NOTHING can ultimately work against us. Amen--so be it!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
September
Today is the 13th of September. Wow!! This month is going fast. It was a beautiful sunny day today in Michigan. Children are back in school and so are college students. Mom's are enjoying the routine and schedule that has come with school beginning.
I am trying to catch up on some household things and looking to God for just what He would have me to do this year. Community Bible Study, teaching a Bible study, doing something with children, planning a Christmas program are all things that have gone through my head. I'm still waiting on God for what He would like me to do--if anything--as a long term project. I am involved in a couple of teenagers lives and spend time with them and/or their friends. I KNOW this is one thing God wants me to do right now. Also I know He wants me to focus on home and family--so I am doing that am finding that I don't have that much extra time so to take on additional responsibilities should be proceeded with caution!!
Recently I have had coffee with a few women friends--one on one--and I really want to find time for that. To nurture old and/or new relationships. This week I will be going to a conference with a dear friend and seeing/hearing Elizabeth George. I am very excited about this and hope to be able to share with you some of that conference.
I am trying to catch up on some household things and looking to God for just what He would have me to do this year. Community Bible Study, teaching a Bible study, doing something with children, planning a Christmas program are all things that have gone through my head. I'm still waiting on God for what He would like me to do--if anything--as a long term project. I am involved in a couple of teenagers lives and spend time with them and/or their friends. I KNOW this is one thing God wants me to do right now. Also I know He wants me to focus on home and family--so I am doing that am finding that I don't have that much extra time so to take on additional responsibilities should be proceeded with caution!!
Recently I have had coffee with a few women friends--one on one--and I really want to find time for that. To nurture old and/or new relationships. This week I will be going to a conference with a dear friend and seeing/hearing Elizabeth George. I am very excited about this and hope to be able to share with you some of that conference.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
After God's Heart
Today on a trip to my husband's doctor about 60 miles away and during the time he was in the office, I had over 2 hours of uninterrupted study time. It was wonderful!! I'm starting a new study on 1 Samuel. A lot of time was spent reviewing the beautiful story of Hannah. What a Godly woman--a Godly family. Samuel was given to the Lord before he was conceived and spent his whole life worshiping and ministering. No wonder he had such a powerful influence on the people of his day. I am looking forward to getting into this study more. The subtitle is a Bible study for women on loving and obeying God. It is by Myrna Alexander--whom I had never heard of--but is published by Discovery House--an affliate of the Radio Bible Class.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
August 31
It is hard to believe that August is already over and everyone will be back to school in a week!
It has been a beautiful, hot summer. I wish it could last forever but I guess that won't happen. August has not been quite as busy for me as June and July (which were both very hectic) I have been getting some things done around the house when it hasn't been terribly hot. I'm contemplating what activities I will be involved with this fall. I'm trying not to rush into new adventures (as is my normal bent) I have not decided about attending or teaching a Bible study. I'm waiting on the Lord to give me specific direction on these things. For now, I plan to be concerned with my husband my family, my church and my work at home. I'm thinking of delving into some kind of study just for myself. I am starting to read a little more than I did earlier this summer. I have completed Gary Chapman's The Love Languages of God, Bill Hybels, Just Walk Across the Room and parts of several others. I'm also reading Max Lucado--a book that has three books in it and I'm just about finished the last one, Next Door Savior. I plan to start a biography soon of John Wesley or one of the other old timers. I try to read a few biographies each year.
If you are reading/enjoying these posts, please let me know and give me feddback as that means a lot to me. Thanks. I trust that your fall "new year" planning is coming along nicely and that you are set for the changes that will come with new beginning, new schedules!
It has been a beautiful, hot summer. I wish it could last forever but I guess that won't happen. August has not been quite as busy for me as June and July (which were both very hectic) I have been getting some things done around the house when it hasn't been terribly hot. I'm contemplating what activities I will be involved with this fall. I'm trying not to rush into new adventures (as is my normal bent) I have not decided about attending or teaching a Bible study. I'm waiting on the Lord to give me specific direction on these things. For now, I plan to be concerned with my husband my family, my church and my work at home. I'm thinking of delving into some kind of study just for myself. I am starting to read a little more than I did earlier this summer. I have completed Gary Chapman's The Love Languages of God, Bill Hybels, Just Walk Across the Room and parts of several others. I'm also reading Max Lucado--a book that has three books in it and I'm just about finished the last one, Next Door Savior. I plan to start a biography soon of John Wesley or one of the other old timers. I try to read a few biographies each year.
If you are reading/enjoying these posts, please let me know and give me feddback as that means a lot to me. Thanks. I trust that your fall "new year" planning is coming along nicely and that you are set for the changes that will come with new beginning, new schedules!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Catching Up?!
Dear Blog--I am so sorry I haven't written in quite some time. It is difficult to cover so many months in a short post. I will try for the highlights. I acted in a show this spring and then directed a children's musical this summer. FUN!! I attended numerous baseball games for three of my grandsons--I didn't miss many varsity games and/or travel baseball. I love watching bb!! We have had a beautiful summer weatherwise but as usual it is getting over way too soon. I watched a football scrimmage this week and will be attending h.s. football and fall baseball games starting now! I'm sure I will be seeing soccer games on Sat ams so that will take a lot of the weekend with football on Fri and bb on Sun.
I attended a women's meeting with Kathy Troccoli and Ellie Lenfro on a very hot August day. It was great though. In between I try to do dishes, laundry, pick up the house, and cook and or freeze veggies from our garden.
We have a baby goat, calf, puppy, 6 kittens--plus momma cat, mother goat, her little girl Annabelle (we sold her twin Billy the Kid) numerous chickens with eggs about to hatch. We have our own petting zoo and everyone enjoys watching all these animals--especially the babies.
I promise I will try to write more frequently now and keep you informed of our doings and my musings!!
I attended a women's meeting with Kathy Troccoli and Ellie Lenfro on a very hot August day. It was great though. In between I try to do dishes, laundry, pick up the house, and cook and or freeze veggies from our garden.
We have a baby goat, calf, puppy, 6 kittens--plus momma cat, mother goat, her little girl Annabelle (we sold her twin Billy the Kid) numerous chickens with eggs about to hatch. We have our own petting zoo and everyone enjoys watching all these animals--especially the babies.
I promise I will try to write more frequently now and keep you informed of our doings and my musings!!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Intercession
Mother was a prayer warrior--a real intercessor. She was always praying for so many. She went to many prayer meetings--often in the wee hours of the morning. Lately I have felt like her. There are so many needing prayer. I frequently wake up in the night and pray for all my friends/family that have needs. My very active temperament is finally slowing down enough to intercede for the needs around me. God help us--help me--to continue to pray for others!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Fear and Trust
In our Beth Moore study of Esther, we are learning we must trust God even if the thing we most fear happens--not just trust Him that it will not happen. I've been dealing with worry (fear) and God has been trying to teach me to trust Him. Beth says "We don't just trust Him to let us avoid what we fear most. We determine to trust Him no matter what, even if our worst nightmare befalls us. We have no greater victory and can render Satan no harsher blow." She continues with "as hard as trusting can be, living with constant fears is harder." AMEN to that!!
I appreciate the Bible studies and the reading I am doing but still resort back to those fears. God please help me to learn this lesson!!!
I appreciate the Bible studies and the reading I am doing but still resort back to those fears. God please help me to learn this lesson!!!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Spring!
My precious son suggested I try to write weekly. I am going to do my best to write more often.
Today is the first day of spring--and we had snow!! We have been enjoying the nice warmer weather which is coming back in a few days.
I've been reading Max Lucado's Come Thirsty. I'm currently in the chapter Worry? You Don't Have To. What a great lesson. I wonder if I will EVER learn this?
"Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7
We sing this song in Sunday School. Don't worry, instead pray. It is based on the scripture above and has all the words of these verses in it. A terrific song!!
Max talks about some of us having postgraduate degress from the University of Anxiety. That is me, for sure. I probably have several postgrad degrees in it!! Worry is irrelevant. It alters nothing. You can't solve anything by worry.
The things we worry about:
40% never happen
30% regard things of the past we can't change
12% focus on the opinions of others that cannot be controlled
10% center on personal health, which worsens as we worry about it
8% concern real problems that we can influence
WOW!! Don't worry!!!!!
Today is the first day of spring--and we had snow!! We have been enjoying the nice warmer weather which is coming back in a few days.
I've been reading Max Lucado's Come Thirsty. I'm currently in the chapter Worry? You Don't Have To. What a great lesson. I wonder if I will EVER learn this?
"Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7
We sing this song in Sunday School. Don't worry, instead pray. It is based on the scripture above and has all the words of these verses in it. A terrific song!!
Max talks about some of us having postgraduate degress from the University of Anxiety. That is me, for sure. I probably have several postgrad degrees in it!! Worry is irrelevant. It alters nothing. You can't solve anything by worry.
The things we worry about:
40% never happen
30% regard things of the past we can't change
12% focus on the opinions of others that cannot be controlled
10% center on personal health, which worsens as we worry about it
8% concern real problems that we can influence
WOW!! Don't worry!!!!!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Marching into March
I'm sitting here listening to the rain late in the evening. It was 59 today!! My husband and I just returned from a trip to Tennessee. We left the last few days in February and returned early in March to less snow and warmer temperatures. It really looks like spring will be here soon!!!
The ladies and I are enjoying our study of Beth Moore's Esther. What wonderful treasures there. Last week Beth taught on meanness and that meanness always has a history and a perceived threat. Never heard anything like that before!!
I am enjoying the quiet evening and I am very peaceful. I am thankful for all that God has done for me and for all of my family! I am sorry I haven't been blogging--during a time of year that I wasn't so busy. Maybe I didn't have a lot to share. I will try to be better about writing more often. God's blessings on all of you --and please send me comments. I love hearing from you!!
The ladies and I are enjoying our study of Beth Moore's Esther. What wonderful treasures there. Last week Beth taught on meanness and that meanness always has a history and a perceived threat. Never heard anything like that before!!
I am enjoying the quiet evening and I am very peaceful. I am thankful for all that God has done for me and for all of my family! I am sorry I haven't been blogging--during a time of year that I wasn't so busy. Maybe I didn't have a lot to share. I will try to be better about writing more often. God's blessings on all of you --and please send me comments. I love hearing from you!!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January Thaw
I can hardly believe that January is almost over and I haven't been writing! This has been a very very quiet month--maybe I didn't have anything to say???
Things are going quite well--our Bible study with Elisabeth George just ended and we are in the process of planning what direction is next. We are seriously considering Beth Moore's study on Esther.
I write things down that I find in my reading and here is something recent. I'm sorry but don't remember the source. "God has no problems, only plans. We ought to think not of problems but of purpose. We encounter the obstacle, we make a choice--always with the goal in mind."
"Life is full of things we can't do anything about, but which we are supposed to do something with."
Things are going quite well--our Bible study with Elisabeth George just ended and we are in the process of planning what direction is next. We are seriously considering Beth Moore's study on Esther.
I write things down that I find in my reading and here is something recent. I'm sorry but don't remember the source. "God has no problems, only plans. We ought to think not of problems but of purpose. We encounter the obstacle, we make a choice--always with the goal in mind."
"Life is full of things we can't do anything about, but which we are supposed to do something with."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)