in your life when it seems that everything falls apart? That regardless of what you do for the Lord, your family, your church... it is never enough or makes a real difference? That's where I have been the past few days.
But anyone who knows me well also know that music is my "word"... music is what can change my situation quicker than anything else. I love Christian music, especially worship music. I've always loved music.
Anyway... a few nights ago, I was particularly down. We had been informed of some upcoming changes with some of our dearest friends... changes that would carry into our church... and even our family because we love them so. I was so defeated... I felt alone and broken and confused. I was in tears when I clicked on KLOVE (my favorite online site for music) this song came on:
My load was lifted. Not gone, but such a reminder that God is right there with me. That I am never alone in my burden. That when my "everything" falls apart, it's just a season... but a season in which if I watch and allow Him to be... my God is strong and mighty! I just have to keep holding on!
Praise God for He is to always be praised!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Maundy Thursday
Tonight we our family attended the Maundy Thursday service of a local church. Two years ago the pastor there introduced me to the Maundy Thursday services. I had never been a part of them before, especially not in the pentecostal church. I have to say that this Pastor is one of a kind... draws from so many aspects of church history and service types and melds them into his services.
Anyway.... once again this year, I was touched and moved so very deeply. Thinking of our Risen King, being a servant just hours before the longest, darkest period of his life... humbles me so much.
In this particular church, during the services, we still participate in a very lost, and misunderstood tradition of "foot washing". It was just three years ago when I experience this for the first time. I was not prepared for the waves of emotion that flooded me as women, whom I respect and love as mentor's... knelt beside me and washed MY feet. The prayers they prayed touched my deepest needs and that place of longing to be truly a part of these amazing women. Tonight was no different. And to add to this wonderful, humbling, time.... my 3 year old, wanted her "feet washed" as well. I couldn't tell where my tears ended and the bath of water began... and the prayers these wonderful women of God prayed over my daughter, this young tender little girl... well I have a great hope that our big and awesome God heard them all!
As we move into Friday.... and Saturday, with all the hustle and bustle of preparing for kids egg hunts, and family coming for lunch, and grocery shopping, etc.... I am determined to keep my focus on the Via Dolorosa... the way of suffering my Jesus walked. I will remember pain and suffering He withstood as soldiers mocked Him, beat Him, humiliated Him. I will remember the sorrow His mother felt. I will remember the pain of what she had always known would come to pass, now unfolding in front of her. I will remember the unfathomable feeling of abandonment... my Jesus felt as His Father, turned His face away. I will keep my focus on all that Jesus did for me. All He endured... for just me... as if there was no one else who needed it but me.
And Sunday... as all of my children are dressed in their new shoes and new clothes... I will focus... on the new body, the risen and transformed body, that Jesus now has. I will remember the joy of the women who found the tomb empty. I will remember the victory that is available to me and my life, because my Wonderful, Beautiful, Precious Jesus, ascended to hell and took hold of the keys. I will remember as we sing of MY REDEEMER.... that Jesus sits at the right hand of His Father. I will rejoice that the Sacrificial Lamb... is alive and waiting for me. I will Sing The Wondrous Story.... of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
I will focus my life, my will, my desires, my entire being... to be more and more like my Lord, every day. I will love people, to look past their sin and disease, and love them where they are. I will do all I can do to "see" them as "Jesus" see's them... with compassion. And I will work daily, to live a humble life, as a servant to all. May I serve others in everyday, ordinary ways.... as I SERVE MY KING.
There is strength in the name of the Lord, there is power in the name of the Lord, there is hope in the name of the Lord..... blessed is he who comes, in the name of the LORD.
Anyway.... once again this year, I was touched and moved so very deeply. Thinking of our Risen King, being a servant just hours before the longest, darkest period of his life... humbles me so much.
In this particular church, during the services, we still participate in a very lost, and misunderstood tradition of "foot washing". It was just three years ago when I experience this for the first time. I was not prepared for the waves of emotion that flooded me as women, whom I respect and love as mentor's... knelt beside me and washed MY feet. The prayers they prayed touched my deepest needs and that place of longing to be truly a part of these amazing women. Tonight was no different. And to add to this wonderful, humbling, time.... my 3 year old, wanted her "feet washed" as well. I couldn't tell where my tears ended and the bath of water began... and the prayers these wonderful women of God prayed over my daughter, this young tender little girl... well I have a great hope that our big and awesome God heard them all!
As we move into Friday.... and Saturday, with all the hustle and bustle of preparing for kids egg hunts, and family coming for lunch, and grocery shopping, etc.... I am determined to keep my focus on the Via Dolorosa... the way of suffering my Jesus walked. I will remember pain and suffering He withstood as soldiers mocked Him, beat Him, humiliated Him. I will remember the sorrow His mother felt. I will remember the pain of what she had always known would come to pass, now unfolding in front of her. I will remember the unfathomable feeling of abandonment... my Jesus felt as His Father, turned His face away. I will keep my focus on all that Jesus did for me. All He endured... for just me... as if there was no one else who needed it but me.
And Sunday... as all of my children are dressed in their new shoes and new clothes... I will focus... on the new body, the risen and transformed body, that Jesus now has. I will remember the joy of the women who found the tomb empty. I will remember the victory that is available to me and my life, because my Wonderful, Beautiful, Precious Jesus, ascended to hell and took hold of the keys. I will remember as we sing of MY REDEEMER.... that Jesus sits at the right hand of His Father. I will rejoice that the Sacrificial Lamb... is alive and waiting for me. I will Sing The Wondrous Story.... of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
I will focus my life, my will, my desires, my entire being... to be more and more like my Lord, every day. I will love people, to look past their sin and disease, and love them where they are. I will do all I can do to "see" them as "Jesus" see's them... with compassion. And I will work daily, to live a humble life, as a servant to all. May I serve others in everyday, ordinary ways.... as I SERVE MY KING.
There is strength in the name of the Lord, there is power in the name of the Lord, there is hope in the name of the Lord..... blessed is he who comes, in the name of the LORD.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
It's been a while...
since I posted on this site. Life seems to keep me hopping!
God has blessed me so much. Every day is a treasure. I am learning to sit back and enjoy special moments of each day, especially with my children. Time goes by so quickly..... I blink and a year has passed. I don't want to let my life get so "complicated" that I forget to enjoy and savor those little moments with the ones I love.
God continually shows me how big and mighty He really is. There is a peace in my life that I have never known. Sometimes, maybe it's a bad thing, because I get complacent. But then again, maybe it's just that I am learning to rest in Him. I don't think I've ever been able to do that before.
Oh most Holy and Gracious God, thank You for Your blessings. May my eyes always be on You. And may Your peace always be found in my life, even in the midst of the craziness this world offers. Amen.
God has blessed me so much. Every day is a treasure. I am learning to sit back and enjoy special moments of each day, especially with my children. Time goes by so quickly..... I blink and a year has passed. I don't want to let my life get so "complicated" that I forget to enjoy and savor those little moments with the ones I love.
God continually shows me how big and mighty He really is. There is a peace in my life that I have never known. Sometimes, maybe it's a bad thing, because I get complacent. But then again, maybe it's just that I am learning to rest in Him. I don't think I've ever been able to do that before.
Oh most Holy and Gracious God, thank You for Your blessings. May my eyes always be on You. And may Your peace always be found in my life, even in the midst of the craziness this world offers. Amen.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thanks, give thanks...
I love fall and Thanksgiving. I think it is my favorite time of year. We spend a few days at our family farm "Heritage Acres"... and just soak in God's beautiful creation! My kids love this place. They stay on the go from sun up to sun down. By the time night falls... they are worn out. We cook over the fire, ride 4 wheelers, play football, and other games. Aunts, uncles, cousins... four generations of them all come together that week. It is amazing.
We always have devotion before our meal on Thanksgiving day. This year, my mom shared. I love her and am so thankful for her! But as she spoke, I was overwhelmed with the reminder that our family has such a strong family line of christians. Generation after generation have believed in God, served Him, and lived their life by His Word.
I pray that I am able to leave this same legacy for my family. I pray that when my grandchildren's grandchildren gather for Thanksgiving... that they will recall their family always having a heritage of following the Lord. Of living for Him, serving Him, worshiping Him.
If you know me... you know worship is something that is very dear to my heart. I believe worship is the one thing I can offer up to the Lord at all times! And it is truly a good way to get you through the hard times as well. But I sense God calling me into a deeper sense of worship... really meeting with Him, on a personal one on one time. I've never been "great" at devotions and reading the Word. I love bible studies and have done some wonderful ones, but I think God is calling me to read His love letter to me. To know Him more intimately by just His words.
I hope to share and really get busy on my blogging during this excursion into His presence and His Word. Would you like to join me?
We always have devotion before our meal on Thanksgiving day. This year, my mom shared. I love her and am so thankful for her! But as she spoke, I was overwhelmed with the reminder that our family has such a strong family line of christians. Generation after generation have believed in God, served Him, and lived their life by His Word.
I pray that I am able to leave this same legacy for my family. I pray that when my grandchildren's grandchildren gather for Thanksgiving... that they will recall their family always having a heritage of following the Lord. Of living for Him, serving Him, worshiping Him.
If you know me... you know worship is something that is very dear to my heart. I believe worship is the one thing I can offer up to the Lord at all times! And it is truly a good way to get you through the hard times as well. But I sense God calling me into a deeper sense of worship... really meeting with Him, on a personal one on one time. I've never been "great" at devotions and reading the Word. I love bible studies and have done some wonderful ones, but I think God is calling me to read His love letter to me. To know Him more intimately by just His words.
I hope to share and really get busy on my blogging during this excursion into His presence and His Word. Would you like to join me?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Knowing God...
I have thought a lot about really knowing God. I mean I know about God, I know who He is, I know all the stories... but do I really KNOW Him?
Do I know Him intimately? Do I know every little aspect of who He is and do I still long for Him? Think about when you "fell in love" for the first time... or maybe the last time. Do you remember every aspect, every feature of his face. When you parted, do you remember the smell, the touch? Could you remember and think about every word spoken, every sweet word he whispered in your ear?
We should know our First Love this intimately. Do we remember His voice, His touch, His name, His face? Or has our love grown cold? Has our love affair with the Savior faded? Is it just routine? Is it just something that is "there"... but doesn't move us or make us feel?
I want to know my Savior this well. I want to make sure I find time every day to just sit in His presence... to memorize His Word, His voice, His touch. I want to remember every touch He has given my life. I want to be able to hear His voice, and know any time He calls.
How do we get to know Jesus this well? Spend time with Him. Read His love letters to You. Talk to Him. Adore Him. Worship Him. Lavish in His love for You. Rest in His arms. Taste His blessings.
I love the words of this song. Oh to know You in Your glory. Oh to bow before Your throne. Oh to rest here in Your presence. Oh to worship You alone.
Spend time with your Savior!
Do I know Him intimately? Do I know every little aspect of who He is and do I still long for Him? Think about when you "fell in love" for the first time... or maybe the last time. Do you remember every aspect, every feature of his face. When you parted, do you remember the smell, the touch? Could you remember and think about every word spoken, every sweet word he whispered in your ear?
We should know our First Love this intimately. Do we remember His voice, His touch, His name, His face? Or has our love grown cold? Has our love affair with the Savior faded? Is it just routine? Is it just something that is "there"... but doesn't move us or make us feel?
I want to know my Savior this well. I want to make sure I find time every day to just sit in His presence... to memorize His Word, His voice, His touch. I want to remember every touch He has given my life. I want to be able to hear His voice, and know any time He calls.
How do we get to know Jesus this well? Spend time with Him. Read His love letters to You. Talk to Him. Adore Him. Worship Him. Lavish in His love for You. Rest in His arms. Taste His blessings.
I love the words of this song. Oh to know You in Your glory. Oh to bow before Your throne. Oh to rest here in Your presence. Oh to worship You alone.
Spend time with your Savior!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Those little blessings...
Just a quick post this morning... it is a rainy, gloomy day! So my morning plans were cancelled.. which is ok! But I was up before everyone else and sat enjoying a cup of coffee. With my current schedule.. that was an unexpected blessing that I really needed. Thank you Lord!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sometimes change is really hard....
and that is an understatement lately.
Do you wonder sometimes why God doesn't allow us to see past our situation to what the outcome will be in the end? Yes, I know that is where FAITH comes in... but it would be really nice sometimes!
My husband is still out of work, not for lack of trying, goodness! I know he has sent application and resume' one after the other for weeks and months now. Had some great interviews, but for whatever reason... it just hasn't happened. But you know bills still come... so something had to change.
That change has been for me to return to the work world after 11 years. Yes, I have cried a bucket full.... but I know there must be a reason for all of this. Someday I'll look back and go... WOW... God was so amazing! And He is amazing. Even in this trial we seem to find ourselves in.
But some of strange blessings have emerged. At least I see them as blessings... lol. I see my children and even my husband realize how much I mean to them and how much it has meant for me to be home. My kids miss me and love on more a lot more! That is a blessing... for others to realize how much you mean to them. I work with two young ladies who are single mom's. I've already been able to speak some words of truth into their lives... and challenge (in a good way) what decisions they are making for themselves and their kids. I realize that I am capable to doing a lot more than I have been doing. (Now, I'm not sure that is a blessing, but working as much as I have, and still being a wife, mom, teacher, layperson, etc. I am doing more than before.)
So if you happen to read this post.... know that some days are bad. Some days are really good. Some days we question God, some days we just rest in knowing He is there. But EVERYday... He loves us and sees what is to come. He knows what we will face and how we will find blessings in each situation. So don't give up! Don't count yourself out. Get moving, get busy, do more... and know God is always in control!
Do you wonder sometimes why God doesn't allow us to see past our situation to what the outcome will be in the end? Yes, I know that is where FAITH comes in... but it would be really nice sometimes!
My husband is still out of work, not for lack of trying, goodness! I know he has sent application and resume' one after the other for weeks and months now. Had some great interviews, but for whatever reason... it just hasn't happened. But you know bills still come... so something had to change.
That change has been for me to return to the work world after 11 years. Yes, I have cried a bucket full.... but I know there must be a reason for all of this. Someday I'll look back and go... WOW... God was so amazing! And He is amazing. Even in this trial we seem to find ourselves in.
But some of strange blessings have emerged. At least I see them as blessings... lol. I see my children and even my husband realize how much I mean to them and how much it has meant for me to be home. My kids miss me and love on more a lot more! That is a blessing... for others to realize how much you mean to them. I work with two young ladies who are single mom's. I've already been able to speak some words of truth into their lives... and challenge (in a good way) what decisions they are making for themselves and their kids. I realize that I am capable to doing a lot more than I have been doing. (Now, I'm not sure that is a blessing, but working as much as I have, and still being a wife, mom, teacher, layperson, etc. I am doing more than before.)
So if you happen to read this post.... know that some days are bad. Some days are really good. Some days we question God, some days we just rest in knowing He is there. But EVERYday... He loves us and sees what is to come. He knows what we will face and how we will find blessings in each situation. So don't give up! Don't count yourself out. Get moving, get busy, do more... and know God is always in control!
Monday, August 24, 2009
It has been...
a while since I posted. Life has become so very busy... and it just seems to bet more and more so. But I just wanted to say Hi and let everyone know I am alive.
School has started, and the kids already seem to be doing well. I can't believe how much they have all changed since last year. But most of the change has been good! :)
Well maybe I can update more later! Blessing to all. God is good and He never fails!
School has started, and the kids already seem to be doing well. I can't believe how much they have all changed since last year. But most of the change has been good! :)
Well maybe I can update more later! Blessing to all. God is good and He never fails!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Finding peace...
Ok, so I am way behind on my posting about my study on the Psalms of Ascent. It has been amazing so far, and I will post more soon! Beth Moore is just an amazing teacher!
But I do want to share something God is doing IN me... Last week was the Church of God Campmeeting here in Alabama. I went every night and was so very blessed!!!
As I've posted, dh is still out of work... it's been almost seven months now. I have found myself really fretting over it. I was almost consumed with what are we going to do? When will the phone ring? Stressing myself and probably my husband as well!
Well........... One night during the service, God really spoke to me. I realized, that my worry and stressing was hurting me and my relationship with my Creator! How can I trust His Word, and His promises, if I can't trust Him in this one area of my life. He gave me such a sweet peace. I mean.. I know we need a job. I know that we will still have to be careful and diligent in watching our money. But... I just have a peace, that when we really need it... there will be a job!
There is a old hymn... that I've been singing in my head... Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above.....
Thank you Lord, my Savior, my Provider, my Everthing.... thank You for speaking sweet peace to me!
But I do want to share something God is doing IN me... Last week was the Church of God Campmeeting here in Alabama. I went every night and was so very blessed!!!
As I've posted, dh is still out of work... it's been almost seven months now. I have found myself really fretting over it. I was almost consumed with what are we going to do? When will the phone ring? Stressing myself and probably my husband as well!
Well........... One night during the service, God really spoke to me. I realized, that my worry and stressing was hurting me and my relationship with my Creator! How can I trust His Word, and His promises, if I can't trust Him in this one area of my life. He gave me such a sweet peace. I mean.. I know we need a job. I know that we will still have to be careful and diligent in watching our money. But... I just have a peace, that when we really need it... there will be a job!
There is a old hymn... that I've been singing in my head... Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above.....
Thank you Lord, my Savior, my Provider, my Everthing.... thank You for speaking sweet peace to me!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Stepping Up! A journey....
Tonight, I really began to get into my new Beth Moore study on the Psalms of Ascent! I'm excited.... can I say how much I love her teaching and what she brings out of the Word! Wow.
So here are a few thoughts that touched me tonight:
The first "Today's Treasure" was: "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me." Psalm 120:1
Beth has asked that we spend at least a little bit of our day, face down in the floor, praying to our GOD. To demonstrate to Him reverence and surrender.... what a humbling thing for me.
I love this quote by John Calvin: .... I have been accustomed to calling this book (Psalm) 'An Anatomy of all the Parts of the Soul'.... meaning... there is every emotion we can possibly feel somewhere in this book! I think that is so true.... I've always loved Psalms because I can find one for every situation, every feeling, ever time in my life. One of them just "fits". Always.
Another great quote from the study was that God's first priority is a relationship with us... not just an emergency response. I love this, but was convicted of it too.... How often does my time in prayer and seeking MORE of Him, come when I need a 911 call? How much more does He long to have an intimate relationship with me... in the good and the bad!
So far the first Psalm we have walked through is Psalm 120... and it is just amazing how this one tonight really touched on something I'm dealing with in my life.
In this Psalm... David is calling out in distress... He is distressed about the terrible people he is living in the midst of. He is miserable because of some of the people who are causing him stress, etc. Beth points out, that we have people in our life on a regular basis who do not put a high priority on integrity... they play dirty and cause trouble. But part of our "ascent" to getting closer to God, and who He wants us to be... requires that we take the high road.
Is there anyone out there who agrees... the high road is sometimes REALLY hard!?! I know right now in my personal life, there is a family member who... well... you know what I mean. And I confess, I've found myself falling to that persons "way"... Lord, forgive me and help me to take the high road. I know that you will deal with the "yuck" in your own way.... I just have to give the same grace to this person as you would for me... even if it's really hard!
I also learned that Psalm 142: 1-2 gives me permission to give God my complaints... and tell Him my troubles. He already knows... but it's ok for me to hash it all out with Him... instead of duping it on someone else.
Ok... that's my thoughts for tonight.
Tomorrow... moving on to my FAVORITE Psalm of all times... Psalm 121!!!!!
So here are a few thoughts that touched me tonight:
The first "Today's Treasure" was: "In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me." Psalm 120:1
Beth has asked that we spend at least a little bit of our day, face down in the floor, praying to our GOD. To demonstrate to Him reverence and surrender.... what a humbling thing for me.
I love this quote by John Calvin: .... I have been accustomed to calling this book (Psalm) 'An Anatomy of all the Parts of the Soul'.... meaning... there is every emotion we can possibly feel somewhere in this book! I think that is so true.... I've always loved Psalms because I can find one for every situation, every feeling, ever time in my life. One of them just "fits". Always.
Another great quote from the study was that God's first priority is a relationship with us... not just an emergency response. I love this, but was convicted of it too.... How often does my time in prayer and seeking MORE of Him, come when I need a 911 call? How much more does He long to have an intimate relationship with me... in the good and the bad!
So far the first Psalm we have walked through is Psalm 120... and it is just amazing how this one tonight really touched on something I'm dealing with in my life.
In this Psalm... David is calling out in distress... He is distressed about the terrible people he is living in the midst of. He is miserable because of some of the people who are causing him stress, etc. Beth points out, that we have people in our life on a regular basis who do not put a high priority on integrity... they play dirty and cause trouble. But part of our "ascent" to getting closer to God, and who He wants us to be... requires that we take the high road.
Is there anyone out there who agrees... the high road is sometimes REALLY hard!?! I know right now in my personal life, there is a family member who... well... you know what I mean. And I confess, I've found myself falling to that persons "way"... Lord, forgive me and help me to take the high road. I know that you will deal with the "yuck" in your own way.... I just have to give the same grace to this person as you would for me... even if it's really hard!
I also learned that Psalm 142: 1-2 gives me permission to give God my complaints... and tell Him my troubles. He already knows... but it's ok for me to hash it all out with Him... instead of duping it on someone else.
Ok... that's my thoughts for tonight.
Tomorrow... moving on to my FAVORITE Psalm of all times... Psalm 121!!!!!
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