I'm going to be gone for a few days on a staff retreat. I'm looking forward to this opportunity to grow our team and spend time with my co-workers in ministry. I hope you have a blessed week! I will be back with some comments on a new Bible study I have started on 1 Peter and my first week's progress with Hello Mornings.
Be blessed!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Giving thanks with Multitudes on Monday
Because being thankful is finding joy...counting over the last few weeks....
212. an embroidered purple butterfly from Jenny...sweet gift
213. morning walks in the early sunshine
214. an extra night to relax with the kids.
215. unexpected gentleness
216. joy in the day
217.treating myself to a new necklace and dress
218. one on one time with Kira at the art show
219. Dawn and Tony blessing Kyle - taking him out to dinner and the aquarium for a break from his routine
220. a little less heartache, a little more patience
221. a new focus on simple living
222. fun evening at a baseball game with friends
223. free seat upgrades and free tickets to another game
224. spending lots of time with Leah!!
225. hugs and kisses from my godsons
226. enjoying a lovely sunset...at the ballpark
227. Kyle is home from DCI today! Missed him so much, but so proud of him!
228. Nathan's friend, James, who has been visiting the last few days...a very nice young man
229. great discussion at Bible study today - about Revelation
230. so enjoying quietly listening to the chatter between the three young men in my living room this evening
231. grateful for a good chiropractor and relief from headaches
Linking up here with Multitudes on Monday
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Letting the Word Speak Tonight....
Isaiah 40:28-31
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:9-10
9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
And finally....
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Have a lovely and blessed weekend knowing God is ever strong, ever present. He is holding you, His chosen, every moment. And nothing, nothing at all, can take away His love for you.
Friday, August 10, 2012
5 Minute Friday: Connect
Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::
Connect.
We all feel it don't we? That need to be connected to something, someone, somehow, somewhere, some way?
It's almost a tugging, or a pulling...
Deep calls to deep....
Perhaps on purpose...perhaps created just for that. A connection to the Creator. Created to Creator. Our Creator desires relationship with us...connection. Our Creator put us together in just such a way that we have that need, that desire for relationship, as well. Some choose other means to make a connection...not to the Creator but to something else that seems to fill that void, that space, hooks up that broken link.
But when we look to our Creator, when we move in close, and sit still, and hear His song over our very lives...we connect in the most perfect and beautiful and fulfilling way possible. Created to Creator. Connected, loved, put back together.
So go ahead...say a little prayer, breathe in the breath of God...and connect with your Creator...
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::
Connect…
Connect.
We all feel it don't we? That need to be connected to something, someone, somehow, somewhere, some way?
It's almost a tugging, or a pulling...
Deep calls to deep....
Perhaps on purpose...perhaps created just for that. A connection to the Creator. Created to Creator. Our Creator desires relationship with us...connection. Our Creator put us together in just such a way that we have that need, that desire for relationship, as well. Some choose other means to make a connection...not to the Creator but to something else that seems to fill that void, that space, hooks up that broken link.
But when we look to our Creator, when we move in close, and sit still, and hear His song over our very lives...we connect in the most perfect and beautiful and fulfilling way possible. Created to Creator. Connected, loved, put back together.
So go ahead...say a little prayer, breathe in the breath of God...and connect with your Creator...
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Deep Calls to Deep
When life overwhelms, when things seem far too big for our smallness, when our hearts cry out from the depths of whatever it may be...fear, sadness, anguish, mourning...our hearts cry from the very depths of our being. Pounding, pouring, roaring deep.
David cries out like this...
Zephaniah 3:17
17 The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
David cries out like this...
Psalm 42:5-8
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
6 My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon —from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
8 By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
David reminds himself that even in his depression, his hope belongs to God. His praise goes to God. He might not "feel" God right now...but he remembers how it feels when God is with him and reminds himself that even when it feels that God is far away, or quiet...He is still there. Singing over him.
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
6 My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon —from Mount Mizar.
7 Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
8 By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
David reminds himself that even in his depression, his hope belongs to God. His praise goes to God. He might not "feel" God right now...but he remembers how it feels when God is with him and reminds himself that even when it feels that God is far away, or quiet...He is still there. Singing over him.
Deep answering deep. God hears those cries from our hearts and His heart answers. Giving peace, giving strength, directing His love towards us...rejoicing over us with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
17 The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
Put your hope in God, praise Him, live your life for Him. He is with you, He saves you, He takes delight in you and rejoices over you with singing. Close your eyes, draw close to Him...listen to His song for you...deep answering deep....
Monday, August 6, 2012
Intentional Living...
It's the start of something new....something big....something intentional. Over on my sidebar, you see a badge for Hello Mornings. I am joining the challenge again to work "new" good habits into my life. There are three parts to this challenge...regular, daily Bible study, and time with God; exercise; and daily planning time.
I will say that I try to have a daily time with my Lord already...some days that goes better than others, and honestly, some days it doesn't happen well at all. Exercise is much the same...my goal is to get up each morning and either go for a walk or workout with a dvd....some days the lure of my pillow is stronger than the lure of fitness. And I am NOT at all a daily planner...but how nice would it be to know what's for dinner each day, what appointments I need to get to, what goals I'd like to accomplish each day.... I tend to forget or double-book myself sometimes because I am just not as organized as I'd like to be.
This challenge builds in accountability in the form of a supportive group of other women. We check in with and encourage each other regularly. My group is on facebook, so it's easy to say hello, comment on a Bible study or give a "high five" for reaching a goal. It also gives us an opportunity to pass along prayer requests.
That being said, my goals for this challenge are to work on more regular bedtime/rising times....I've gotten into a bad habit of staying up far too late at night, which makes it hard to get up in the mornings. With school starting soon, my daughter will need to get up early enough to get to her zero hour class at 7 am...which means I also need to be up and moving long before that. I want to find the best time for my quiet time with God, whether it be in the morning, or before I go to bed at night. And I want to make a better habit of not only working out/walking more regularly but also eating healthier. So, lots to work on, but as this is my second time in the challenge, I don't think any of those things are too far out of reach. Daily life has a way of changing our "plans" but good habits make it easier to stay focused.
**edited to note...if you click on the Hello Mornings badge in my side bar, it will take you to the main webpage for this challenge! :)
I will say that I try to have a daily time with my Lord already...some days that goes better than others, and honestly, some days it doesn't happen well at all. Exercise is much the same...my goal is to get up each morning and either go for a walk or workout with a dvd....some days the lure of my pillow is stronger than the lure of fitness. And I am NOT at all a daily planner...but how nice would it be to know what's for dinner each day, what appointments I need to get to, what goals I'd like to accomplish each day.... I tend to forget or double-book myself sometimes because I am just not as organized as I'd like to be.
This challenge builds in accountability in the form of a supportive group of other women. We check in with and encourage each other regularly. My group is on facebook, so it's easy to say hello, comment on a Bible study or give a "high five" for reaching a goal. It also gives us an opportunity to pass along prayer requests.
That being said, my goals for this challenge are to work on more regular bedtime/rising times....I've gotten into a bad habit of staying up far too late at night, which makes it hard to get up in the mornings. With school starting soon, my daughter will need to get up early enough to get to her zero hour class at 7 am...which means I also need to be up and moving long before that. I want to find the best time for my quiet time with God, whether it be in the morning, or before I go to bed at night. And I want to make a better habit of not only working out/walking more regularly but also eating healthier. So, lots to work on, but as this is my second time in the challenge, I don't think any of those things are too far out of reach. Daily life has a way of changing our "plans" but good habits make it easier to stay focused.
Philippians 3:12-15
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
**edited to note...if you click on the Hello Mornings badge in my side bar, it will take you to the main webpage for this challenge! :)
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Love God, Love Others
Ephesians 5:1-2 says:
Be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
What does it mean to be an imitator of God? To walk in love? To see others not as objects, but as God's creation made with love. To see others not as a target or a prize to win, but as the owner of a heart that needs care, kindness, gentleness. To see others not for what they can do for us, but as someone we can serve with the hands of Jesus.
What if we set aside our own agendas and looked for what someone else needs...and provide it? What if we give a hand, a cold glass of water, a listening ear, a strong arm. What if we reach out where no one else will? What if we just give...without expectations of receiving? What if we sacrifice our own wants to provide for someone else?
What would this world look like if we were imitators of God? If we loved unconditionally, if we spoke up when necessary, if we forgave more readily.
What if we gave ourselves up, just as Christ did?
Be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
What does it mean to be an imitator of God? To walk in love? To see others not as objects, but as God's creation made with love. To see others not as a target or a prize to win, but as the owner of a heart that needs care, kindness, gentleness. To see others not for what they can do for us, but as someone we can serve with the hands of Jesus.
What if we set aside our own agendas and looked for what someone else needs...and provide it? What if we give a hand, a cold glass of water, a listening ear, a strong arm. What if we reach out where no one else will? What if we just give...without expectations of receiving? What if we sacrifice our own wants to provide for someone else?
What would this world look like if we were imitators of God? If we loved unconditionally, if we spoke up when necessary, if we forgave more readily.
What if we gave ourselves up, just as Christ did?
Friday, August 3, 2012
5 Minute Friday: Here
It’s a #FiveMinuteFriday free write flash mob!
Where a beautiful crowd spends five minutes all writing on the same topic and then sharing ‘em over here.
Want to know how Five Minute Friday got started and how to participate? All the details are here.
Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::
Where a beautiful crowd spends five minutes all writing on the same topic and then sharing ‘em over here.
Want to know how Five Minute Friday got started and how to participate? All the details are here.
Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::
Here…
Here I am.
Genesis 31:11-12a
11 Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am!’12 And he said, ‘Lift up your eyes and see...'
Genesis 46:2-3
2 And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.”3 Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation."
Genesis 3:4-5
4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
Isaiah 6:8
8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Whenever we call on the Lord, where is He? He is here. Right here. Listening, ready, standing next to us, holding us with His mighty right hand.
Whenever He calls on us, where are we? Here? There? Anywhere but HERE for Him? Jacob, Moses, Isaiah answered His call with "Here I am." They listened to Him, and accomplished mighty things in His name and to His glory.
How often do we answer like that? I know I am not always ready to say "Here I am, send me." Why not? Why not answer His call...will God lead me astray? Will He take me anywhere He cannot protect me? Will He ever leave me? No. So...the next time He calls....Here I am.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Remarkable You...
NaBloPoMo prompt: What's the sweetest thing someone said to you today?
Louie Giglio in 2008
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. He knows your name. He knows you.
Do you not know? Have you not heard?? He gives strength to the weary and power to the weak....
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. He knows your name. He knows you.
Do you not know? Have you not heard?? He gives strength to the weary and power to the weak....
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Taste and see...
Psalm 34:8
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Today I ate a fresh, ripe peach. It was perfectly firm and sweet...bursting on my tongue with juicy flavor. If I closed my eyes I could taste God's creativity in each bite. The coolness of the fruit, the juice that tasted oh so good...the sweetness of God's provision and love in one piece of fruit.
Today I tasted the sweetness of spending time with my daughter, the youngest of my brood of three, who is both loveliness and goofiness all wrapped up into one beautiful 14-year old girl. She is a blessing given to me by a God who created each of us, who knew us before we were born to this earth. Her smile, her laughter, the way she says "goodnight momma" when she goes to bed.
In my life, I have tasted the sweetness of God's provision, His unending and unconditional love, His comfort when I have been broken, His encouragement when I have been sad, His joy when I have needed it most. He is good. His love endures forever. He is unchanging. He is always there.
Do you have a space in your life that is empty? That is reaching out for something, anything? Do you feel a need for a relationship or growth in your relationship with God? Take refuge in the Lord. Let Him have that space and fill it for you. Taste, and see...the Lord is good.
NaBloPoMo Prompt: something sweet you ate today.
NaBloPoMo Prompt: something sweet you ate today.
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