More from In Touch devotional...
Brokenness: The Way to Blessing
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
No one enjoys heartache. Yet God uses pain to mold His children. Although wonderful, happy times feel great, times of suffering tend to produce growth.
Brokenness is God's way of dealing with the part of us that wants to act independently of Him. He targets areas that hinder His purposes. Then skillfully and lovingly, our Father arranges circumstances that will allow us enough discomfort to realize our dependence upon Him.
The apostle Paul experienced this. After being saved on the road to Damascus, he still needed spiritual growth in order to be most effective for Christ. Therefore, God allowed some type of affliction, which the apostle termed a "thorn." Three different times, he pleaded with the Lord for its removal, but the thorn remained. Remarkably, Paul's response was gratitude. Even more, he wrote, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Like Paul, we can dislike suffering and yet still be confident that God is growing us. His purpose is that we walk in intimate oneness with Him and serve effectively according to His purpose and will. To accomplish this, He has to break us of our rebellion, resistance, and self-will.
Many things pricked my heart in the above passage, but there was one phrase that did so more than the others: "....walk in intimate oneness with Him....". It is something that I daily try to keep in front of me...that intimacy with Christ and staying in it.
Recently, a portion of Scripture was brought to me that reminded me of that intimacy and how we should desire that fellowship with our Savior....
"But Mary stood outside of the tomb weeping; and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the tomb.
And seeing two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And they say to her, Woman, why are you weeping? She said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don't know where they have laid him. "
Mary was already so distraught that her Savior had died.....now she was even more heartbroken that she was separated from Him in death....that she could not see His body and give it a proper burial. Her devotion to Christ is a testimony to the intimacy she had with Him.....
but then.....
"And after she said this, she turned back, and saw Jesus standing, but didn't know it was Him.
Jesus said to her, Woman, why are you crying? Whom are you seeking? Thinking he was the gardener, said to him, Sir, if you have taken him from here, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away."
Now at first, this does not seem to attest to the fact that she knew Him well at all....she didn't even recognize Him as He stood before her. That is the way I think I must look sometimes....standing there crying, distraught, feeling lost, wanting so desperately for my Savior to be standing right beside me. And, true to who He is....there He stands.
Regardless, I am still confident that she knew Him, although slow to recognize Him in His altered, resurrected body....
"Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned herself and said to him, Rabboni;, which means Master."
It wasn't until Jesus said her name, the most intimate possession we have, that she finally realized who was standing before her. How many times before had He said her name? I would imagine that throughout his short time of earthly ministry that He had said her name more than is actually recorded....after all, she is a woman drastically changed by His teaching, His example and His words.
I desire that kind of intimacy....that with just one word, I will recognize not only my Savior, but recognize His faithfulness to always be everything I need....recognize that He will never leave me or forsake me, despite the fact that my circumstances make it seem that I am all alone.
Thank you Lord, for knowing my name.......
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Ministry
We had the opportunity to spend the Sunday before Christmas out on the reservation with dear friends and their ministry. The Butler's pastor a small Navajo church and every year they have a huge distribution around Christmas time....we decided to go down and help out this year. We had never been and didn't know what to expect. The church and home were both very modest, in need of some repairs but the people we so hospitable and kind. We love to spend time with the Butlers!
After a sweet time of worship in music, Tulley (pastor) brought the message of God's gift to us....and although the message was in Navajo, I was able to understand parts of it and was encouraged by it. During the message, more and more people were starting to pile into the tiny church.....and by the time we went back on stage to sing after the message, there was standing room only!
After we fed the masses (a generous supporting church supplied the cow that they butchered and served that day), the distribution began. I still did not know what to expect but just jumped in to help. I had heard that they anded out bags of supplies to everyone, from infants to grandmas....I was excited to be a part of it.
So as the first group lined up (little kids), the workers pulled out the many, many totes they had stored....and we started filling walmart bags full of toys and clothes....but it wasn't exactly what I expected. These toys were all used....and not just used but often broken, stained and torn. As I held the bag open for the workers to fill with these broken, used toys, I almost felt bad as I turned to hand them to the waiting children.....but then I was humbled and blessed at the same time as I saw the big smiles on each of their faces as they received their bag of goodies. And it didn't stop there...the adults were just as appreciative as they received socks, lotions and sacks of potatoes. It was an amazing thing to be a part of....and for my children to be a part of as well. It is definitely good for them to see that there are children who struggle and who do not have all the privileges that they have. And it was good to see them come home and pull out some of their toys that they want to donate for next year....and I hope to be able to help out each year as well. Please pray for the people of Counselor (the tiny reservation community) and their many needs.
After a sweet time of worship in music, Tulley (pastor) brought the message of God's gift to us....and although the message was in Navajo, I was able to understand parts of it and was encouraged by it. During the message, more and more people were starting to pile into the tiny church.....and by the time we went back on stage to sing after the message, there was standing room only!
After we fed the masses (a generous supporting church supplied the cow that they butchered and served that day), the distribution began. I still did not know what to expect but just jumped in to help. I had heard that they anded out bags of supplies to everyone, from infants to grandmas....I was excited to be a part of it.
So as the first group lined up (little kids), the workers pulled out the many, many totes they had stored....and we started filling walmart bags full of toys and clothes....but it wasn't exactly what I expected. These toys were all used....and not just used but often broken, stained and torn. As I held the bag open for the workers to fill with these broken, used toys, I almost felt bad as I turned to hand them to the waiting children.....but then I was humbled and blessed at the same time as I saw the big smiles on each of their faces as they received their bag of goodies. And it didn't stop there...the adults were just as appreciative as they received socks, lotions and sacks of potatoes. It was an amazing thing to be a part of....and for my children to be a part of as well. It is definitely good for them to see that there are children who struggle and who do not have all the privileges that they have. And it was good to see them come home and pull out some of their toys that they want to donate for next year....and I hope to be able to help out each year as well. Please pray for the people of Counselor (the tiny reservation community) and their many needs.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thanksgiving
While on my 7 week trip, I had many things to be thankful for. I have really slacked off on my "1000 things to be thankful for" here, so I thought I would try to 'catch up' by listing some of the things from our trip. The Lord is good....all the time...
...safety during the entire 7500 miles (684)
...a great time with Aaron, Jess, and my beautiful nephew! (685)
...lots of laughter (686)
...seeing "Gia" (687)
...fun times with old friends in WV (688)
...new tires for our van (689)
...3 weeks with my dear Betsy (690)
...celebrating Isaac's first birthday (691)
...God's provision (692)
...a new laptop (693)
...lots of Chick-fil-a (694)
...late nights (695)
...breakfast with "the gang" (696)
...AMAZINGLY generous supporters in GA (697)
...going to church with my Grandmother (698)
...watching her be so proud to show off her great great grandchildren (699)
...being 'spoiled' by my mom and stepdad (700)
...great time at the zoo and Stone Mountain (701)
...having someone to share the burden of my family's "lostness" with (702)
...a hilarious baking day with my female family (703)
...knowing that God is in control, despite the bad news (704)
...resting in the fact that God is my true Father (705)
...loving my NM home so much that I was LONGING for it by the end of the trip (706)
...my layover in Arkansas (707)
...way too much laughter during a serious movie (708)
...listening to my friend play the piano (709)
...growth, small as it may be (710)
...arriving home safe and sound (711)
...safety during the entire 7500 miles (684)
...a great time with Aaron, Jess, and my beautiful nephew! (685)
...lots of laughter (686)
...seeing "Gia" (687)
...fun times with old friends in WV (688)
...new tires for our van (689)
...3 weeks with my dear Betsy (690)
...celebrating Isaac's first birthday (691)
...God's provision (692)
...a new laptop (693)
...lots of Chick-fil-a (694)
...late nights (695)
...breakfast with "the gang" (696)
...AMAZINGLY generous supporters in GA (697)
...going to church with my Grandmother (698)
...watching her be so proud to show off her great great grandchildren (699)
...being 'spoiled' by my mom and stepdad (700)
...great time at the zoo and Stone Mountain (701)
...having someone to share the burden of my family's "lostness" with (702)
...a hilarious baking day with my female family (703)
...knowing that God is in control, despite the bad news (704)
...resting in the fact that God is my true Father (705)
...loving my NM home so much that I was LONGING for it by the end of the trip (706)
...my layover in Arkansas (707)
...way too much laughter during a serious movie (708)
...listening to my friend play the piano (709)
...growth, small as it may be (710)
...arriving home safe and sound (711)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
As I walk out of my church each week, there is a little table by the door, full of pamphlets, news letters, devotionals, etc. I usually skim through everything and once in a while, I will pick up the monthly devotional booklet sent out by In Touch ministries (Charles Stanley is from my hometown!). Sometimes I find the time to go through it, sometimes it gets 'recycled'.
This past Sunday I picked up the devotional and put it in my Bible. This morning, as I was opening my Bible for my quiet time, I noticed it and decided to look through it. This particular daily devotional caught my eye......it's nothing profound or deep, but I always take it personally when i find something that describes where I am at that particular moment..... :)
John 11:1-6
When Lazarus was dying, his sisters urgently called for Jesus. Imagine how their grief must have been compounded when He didn't instantly respond to their request.
God's silence is difficult to accept. We want Him to leap into action when we call, particularly if we are hurting or afraid. But since He promises to meet our needs, we can be sure that a silence from heaven has a purpose.
Silence grabs our attention. The disciples knew that Jesus could heal, so they must have wondered why He delayed instead of rushing to His friend's bedside. But the Lord wanted them to witness something even greater: His power over death. They had been confused by His statements about conquering death, and they needed to understand that He could fulfull His own resurrection prophecies (Mark 9:31-32). The miracle at Lazarus' tomb was part of their preparation.
Silence teaches us to trust. Mary and Martha sent word of Lazarus' illness because they anticipated that the Lord would heal him. But would their faith waver if that expectation was not met? Martha answered the question by stating, "I believe that you are the Christ" (John 11:21-27). The Lord rewarded the women's trust with a stunning miracle: their brother's return to life.
At times, the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. That can be frustrating and frightening. But the Scripture says God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (Job 23:8-10, Heb 13:5). Cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.
This past Sunday I picked up the devotional and put it in my Bible. This morning, as I was opening my Bible for my quiet time, I noticed it and decided to look through it. This particular daily devotional caught my eye......it's nothing profound or deep, but I always take it personally when i find something that describes where I am at that particular moment..... :)
John 11:1-6
When Lazarus was dying, his sisters urgently called for Jesus. Imagine how their grief must have been compounded when He didn't instantly respond to their request.
God's silence is difficult to accept. We want Him to leap into action when we call, particularly if we are hurting or afraid. But since He promises to meet our needs, we can be sure that a silence from heaven has a purpose.
Silence grabs our attention. The disciples knew that Jesus could heal, so they must have wondered why He delayed instead of rushing to His friend's bedside. But the Lord wanted them to witness something even greater: His power over death. They had been confused by His statements about conquering death, and they needed to understand that He could fulfull His own resurrection prophecies (Mark 9:31-32). The miracle at Lazarus' tomb was part of their preparation.
Silence teaches us to trust. Mary and Martha sent word of Lazarus' illness because they anticipated that the Lord would heal him. But would their faith waver if that expectation was not met? Martha answered the question by stating, "I believe that you are the Christ" (John 11:21-27). The Lord rewarded the women's trust with a stunning miracle: their brother's return to life.
At times, the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. That can be frustrating and frightening. But the Scripture says God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (Job 23:8-10, Heb 13:5). Cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.
Friday, December 5, 2008
I know....you're shocked to see movement here on my blog. Actually, I don't even know if anyone checks here anymore since it's been over TWO months since I've posted anything. I should have announced that I was going to be out of town for 7 weeks and wouldn't be here much....or not at all. There's no way I can catch you up on the past 2 months so I will just have to start fresh....assuring you that during my time away the Lord has continued to be faithful, good and true to me and my family. We absolutely love our new life here in New Mexico and I am so glad to be home after such a long road trip.....home sweet home.
We are busy here at the camp with retreats and conferences....it's a neat part of the year. And we, as a family are trying to get our home ready for the Christmas season. I am much later this year than usual, but better late than never!
Right now there is a group here from CA....they come every year with TRUCKS full of supplies to give out to the Native pastors in the area. It's a sight to see! Some of the pastors came in tonight....more will come tomorrow. And they will load up their cars and trucks with all the wonderful things the group from CA brought.....blankets, food, food, and more food.....wrapping paper, and many more 'goodies'. The pastors will take them back to their churches and pass them out to those in need. What a sweet ministry! I had the pleasure of doing dishes after we fed the 100+ people and as I was scraping mashed potatoes off the plates, I could hear the sweet sound of singing coming from the area around the fireplace in the lodge......the pastors and their families had gathered together and were singing....sometimes in English, sometimes in Navajo.....it was beautiful. This was true worship.....the heart of those whose lives are committed to reaching the lost with the Gospel. True worship.....it touched my own heart.
I wrote (many months ago) about being feeling like I was in a spiritual drought.....tonight was like a light spring rain on my face....refreshing, sweet......as I stood, elbow deep in gravy and mashed potatoes, I worshiped. Surrounded by people, yet alone with God.....it was much needed. And although I realize that was probably not the end of my dry season, I see the end in sight.
There have been circumstances in my life recently (some out of my control, some very much in my control) that have caused great weariness....and in that weariness there has been what seems like a quietness coming from the Lord.....does that make sense? I don't at all believe that He has left me or forsaken me, but I just haven't really felt like I've heard from Him in a confirming way on how to handle things. That has made it very much feel like a drought. And although I still walk through my day and I still am making progress in my ministry, there has been a lonliness that has accompanied each day.
A friend recently sent me a magazine.....I assumed it would take several days before I could even pick it up, but today, when my house started getting busy (both the girls and peter each had a friend over) I decided to try something new. I grabbed my new magazine and headed to the bathtub (i'm a shower kind of girl!). I needed some quiet time.....so badly, that I didn't even let the black widow I found in the bathtub deter me (my hubby came and took care of it for me!! )! I read something in that magazine that just clicked.....
"So, the quickest way to solve the problem of earthly trouble and need is to be about the Father's business. Weep and mourn only for those things that rend the heart of your Father in Heaven and grieve His Holy Spirit. Labor and long only for those things which have eternal value".
Now that concept isn't so profound in itself, but it just struck a chord in me.....
am I grieving these circumstances because of how they effect me, or how they effect my Father in Heaven? I'm ashamed of my answer.....
Now that in itself doesn't solve my struggle with God's silence right now, but it does help me to put things in perspective and to organize things in my mind (i'm very much an 'organizer'!). There are things I can't deal with now (because they are completely out of my control), yet they still consume a portion of my thoughts.....but I need to change my emotion toward them. I need to stop focusing on how they effect me and hurt me, and instead see it through the eyes of God. (This probably only makes sense to me! I'm just writing/thinking out loud!). And then there are the things that I do have some control over.....I need to again change my perspective and see if/how my reaction to those things grieve Him. That is a much harder one.....
Then I need to labor (work toward, put effort forth) in these areas....ugh!...growth is hard and it hurts!! :)
So, as I kept reading in this magazine, I came across this paragraph.....
"If we find ourselves bored with, or uninterested in the Scriptures, the problem lies with us, not with the Word. If we're not hungry for the Word, our spiritual diet is messed up, and is in need of a cleansing. It's like we've just stuffed ourselves with things that, good or bad, just can't measure up to the nutritionally sustaining Word. At that point, our hearts and lives have gotten just too busy processing and thinking about life's activities, the books and movies we consume, the conversations we had with friends, etc. We need to back off for a time, even of some of those good things, get quiet and get our hunger back for the Word of God, taking in the living, breathing breath of life so we can truly live".
I'm not saying that I am 'uninterested or bored' with the Scriptures these days...I still see them as sustaining, true, alive......if it hadn't been for my times with the Lord, i would be a total mess right now. But because of the lonliness that seems to hang over me these days, I have lost some of my enthusiasm about my Bible times. That is a new thing for me.....
but the thing that stuck out to me the most was the last part of that paragraph......about backing off for a time and getting quiet before the Lord. And although I felt like I have done that at times, it was probably with a wrong perspective......expecting instant help and encouragement....not silence. But after reading and reflecting some today, I have a feeling that when I go back to the Word with this different perspective, I will realize that He hasn't been as quiet as I thought. We all know that He sometimes speaks in a whisper......I think the "loudness" of my hurt, my frustrations, my expectations have probably drowned out that whisper. I'm looking forward to taking some time for myself.....removing some distractions and focusing on Him and His heart concerning these circumstances.
Wow, that was a load, huh? Again, probably didn't make much sense to anyone but me.....I'm not always very good at spilling it, but I think every now and then it's good to just physically unload.
Regardless of our circumstances.....times of drought or times of refreshment.....times of joy or times of sorrow......lonliness or comfort.....He is still good. It's a simple word and a simple concept, yet it often gets lost in our selfishness. God is good, all the time.....all the time, God is good!
We are busy here at the camp with retreats and conferences....it's a neat part of the year. And we, as a family are trying to get our home ready for the Christmas season. I am much later this year than usual, but better late than never!
Right now there is a group here from CA....they come every year with TRUCKS full of supplies to give out to the Native pastors in the area. It's a sight to see! Some of the pastors came in tonight....more will come tomorrow. And they will load up their cars and trucks with all the wonderful things the group from CA brought.....blankets, food, food, and more food.....wrapping paper, and many more 'goodies'. The pastors will take them back to their churches and pass them out to those in need. What a sweet ministry! I had the pleasure of doing dishes after we fed the 100+ people and as I was scraping mashed potatoes off the plates, I could hear the sweet sound of singing coming from the area around the fireplace in the lodge......the pastors and their families had gathered together and were singing....sometimes in English, sometimes in Navajo.....it was beautiful. This was true worship.....the heart of those whose lives are committed to reaching the lost with the Gospel. True worship.....it touched my own heart.
I wrote (many months ago) about being feeling like I was in a spiritual drought.....tonight was like a light spring rain on my face....refreshing, sweet......as I stood, elbow deep in gravy and mashed potatoes, I worshiped. Surrounded by people, yet alone with God.....it was much needed. And although I realize that was probably not the end of my dry season, I see the end in sight.
There have been circumstances in my life recently (some out of my control, some very much in my control) that have caused great weariness....and in that weariness there has been what seems like a quietness coming from the Lord.....does that make sense? I don't at all believe that He has left me or forsaken me, but I just haven't really felt like I've heard from Him in a confirming way on how to handle things. That has made it very much feel like a drought. And although I still walk through my day and I still am making progress in my ministry, there has been a lonliness that has accompanied each day.
A friend recently sent me a magazine.....I assumed it would take several days before I could even pick it up, but today, when my house started getting busy (both the girls and peter each had a friend over) I decided to try something new. I grabbed my new magazine and headed to the bathtub (i'm a shower kind of girl!). I needed some quiet time.....so badly, that I didn't even let the black widow I found in the bathtub deter me (my hubby came and took care of it for me!! )! I read something in that magazine that just clicked.....
"So, the quickest way to solve the problem of earthly trouble and need is to be about the Father's business. Weep and mourn only for those things that rend the heart of your Father in Heaven and grieve His Holy Spirit. Labor and long only for those things which have eternal value".
Now that concept isn't so profound in itself, but it just struck a chord in me.....
am I grieving these circumstances because of how they effect me, or how they effect my Father in Heaven? I'm ashamed of my answer.....
Now that in itself doesn't solve my struggle with God's silence right now, but it does help me to put things in perspective and to organize things in my mind (i'm very much an 'organizer'!). There are things I can't deal with now (because they are completely out of my control), yet they still consume a portion of my thoughts.....but I need to change my emotion toward them. I need to stop focusing on how they effect me and hurt me, and instead see it through the eyes of God. (This probably only makes sense to me! I'm just writing/thinking out loud!). And then there are the things that I do have some control over.....I need to again change my perspective and see if/how my reaction to those things grieve Him. That is a much harder one.....
Then I need to labor (work toward, put effort forth) in these areas....ugh!...growth is hard and it hurts!! :)
So, as I kept reading in this magazine, I came across this paragraph.....
"If we find ourselves bored with, or uninterested in the Scriptures, the problem lies with us, not with the Word. If we're not hungry for the Word, our spiritual diet is messed up, and is in need of a cleansing. It's like we've just stuffed ourselves with things that, good or bad, just can't measure up to the nutritionally sustaining Word. At that point, our hearts and lives have gotten just too busy processing and thinking about life's activities, the books and movies we consume, the conversations we had with friends, etc. We need to back off for a time, even of some of those good things, get quiet and get our hunger back for the Word of God, taking in the living, breathing breath of life so we can truly live".
I'm not saying that I am 'uninterested or bored' with the Scriptures these days...I still see them as sustaining, true, alive......if it hadn't been for my times with the Lord, i would be a total mess right now. But because of the lonliness that seems to hang over me these days, I have lost some of my enthusiasm about my Bible times. That is a new thing for me.....
but the thing that stuck out to me the most was the last part of that paragraph......about backing off for a time and getting quiet before the Lord. And although I felt like I have done that at times, it was probably with a wrong perspective......expecting instant help and encouragement....not silence. But after reading and reflecting some today, I have a feeling that when I go back to the Word with this different perspective, I will realize that He hasn't been as quiet as I thought. We all know that He sometimes speaks in a whisper......I think the "loudness" of my hurt, my frustrations, my expectations have probably drowned out that whisper. I'm looking forward to taking some time for myself.....removing some distractions and focusing on Him and His heart concerning these circumstances.
Wow, that was a load, huh? Again, probably didn't make much sense to anyone but me.....I'm not always very good at spilling it, but I think every now and then it's good to just physically unload.
Regardless of our circumstances.....times of drought or times of refreshment.....times of joy or times of sorrow......lonliness or comfort.....He is still good. It's a simple word and a simple concept, yet it often gets lost in our selfishness. God is good, all the time.....all the time, God is good!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
My 10 verses for this month
I'm hoping to memorize 10 more this month.....a few of these are just review, needing to brush up on some....and some are new.
Matthew 5:16...."Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, who is in heaven."
Matthew 5:20...."For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:44....."But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you."
Mark 10:45....For even the Son of man came, not to be ministered unto but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Mark 11:24-25.....Therefore, I say to you, Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any, that your Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses."
John 4: 24....."God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
John 15:13-14....."Greater love hath no man than this, that a many lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if you do whatever I command you."
Acts 4: 12....."Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Matthew 5:16...."Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, who is in heaven."
Matthew 5:20...."For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:44....."But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you."
Mark 10:45....For even the Son of man came, not to be ministered unto but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Mark 11:24-25.....Therefore, I say to you, Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any, that your Father also, who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses."
John 4: 24....."God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
John 15:13-14....."Greater love hath no man than this, that a many lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if you do whatever I command you."
Acts 4: 12....."Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My many failures, and few successes
I made a list of goals at the beginning of last month, with great hopes of accomplishing much. Well, I'm disgusted to say, I didn't get much accomplished and fell very short of great success.
I don't know why I think it will help, but I thought I would post my goals in hopes that failing in front of my peers will spur me on to try harder......I needed motivation and accountability in my life so badly right now....I get easily swallowed up with the "have to do" things in my life, I am not leaving room for the 'extras' that I need as well.
I'll start off with my sad list from last month and then I'll give the goals for October.....ugh, I hate this! :)
September:
physical:
run 1 mile 3x a week.......I barely squeezed out a mile 3x all month!
DDR 2x a week.......it's still in the box
yoga or Pilate's 2x a week......did it once!
25 crunches 5x a week......I think I may have done those twice all month
basketball 2x a week.....I did that twice all month!
lose 10 pounds.....the scale didn't move.....wonder why!
ok, that was humiliating....
mental:
read 3 non-fiction books......I'm halfway through my first one
read 2 fiction books......of course I did that one.....that's a fun, lazy goal!
begin guitar lessons (dvd)......I loaned my guitar out to 2 different people, does that count?
social (relationships):
spend alone time with each child 2x this month.....I got one time in with each
write 5 letters......done
email 5 people (not a reply, but 'initiate' contact)......I got 2 done
send one care package......done
lunch with:
Kathy.....no
Ann.....no
Reggie......yes
movie night with girls.....nope
spiritually:
memorize 10 verses.......did 5
continue chronological Bible study......hit and miss
Precepts study.......done
get Abby started on a devotional......nope
get our missionary album up to date so we can get back to praying daily for them again...no
So, there's the month of September....gross, huh? but, also in the past....so, no crying about that.
October is laying before me.....open and clean and ready to be a successful month!
OCTOBER GOALS
Physically:
run 1/2 a mile 3x a week (ran it twice today!)
swim 2x a week (already once this week)
yoga/pilates 2x a week
crunches 3x a week
jump rope 3x a week
lose 8 pounds (already lost 2 pounds the first day of the month!)
Mentally:
read 3 non fiction books
read 2 fiction (I still need some fun in my life!)
REALLY begin guitar lessons (20 minutes, 3x a week)
Socially:
write 5 more letters
email 5 people
send care package to Dylan
lunch with Kathy, Reggie/Natalia
Camp:
finish prayer letter
first edition of camp newsletter
finish purging craft shop
inventory camp shirts, etc
mow ball field
Spiritually:
memorize 10 verses
Abby devotional
missionary album
be one week ahead in my precepts
get to Genesis 25 in my chronological study
Ok, there it is.....and here I go!!
(Sorry, Haley....I didn't realize it had been so long! I'm back now :)....hope to see you on our trip home!)
I don't know why I think it will help, but I thought I would post my goals in hopes that failing in front of my peers will spur me on to try harder......I needed motivation and accountability in my life so badly right now....I get easily swallowed up with the "have to do" things in my life, I am not leaving room for the 'extras' that I need as well.
I'll start off with my sad list from last month and then I'll give the goals for October.....ugh, I hate this! :)
September:
physical:
run 1 mile 3x a week.......I barely squeezed out a mile 3x all month!
DDR 2x a week.......it's still in the box
yoga or Pilate's 2x a week......did it once!
25 crunches 5x a week......I think I may have done those twice all month
basketball 2x a week.....I did that twice all month!
lose 10 pounds.....the scale didn't move.....wonder why!
ok, that was humiliating....
mental:
read 3 non-fiction books......I'm halfway through my first one
read 2 fiction books......of course I did that one.....that's a fun, lazy goal!
begin guitar lessons (dvd)......I loaned my guitar out to 2 different people, does that count?
social (relationships):
spend alone time with each child 2x this month.....I got one time in with each
write 5 letters......done
email 5 people (not a reply, but 'initiate' contact)......I got 2 done
send one care package......done
lunch with:
Kathy.....no
Ann.....no
Reggie......yes
movie night with girls.....nope
spiritually:
memorize 10 verses.......did 5
continue chronological Bible study......hit and miss
Precepts study.......done
get Abby started on a devotional......nope
get our missionary album up to date so we can get back to praying daily for them again...no
So, there's the month of September....gross, huh? but, also in the past....so, no crying about that.
October is laying before me.....open and clean and ready to be a successful month!
OCTOBER GOALS
Physically:
run 1/2 a mile 3x a week (ran it twice today!)
swim 2x a week (already once this week)
yoga/pilates 2x a week
crunches 3x a week
jump rope 3x a week
lose 8 pounds (already lost 2 pounds the first day of the month!)
Mentally:
read 3 non fiction books
read 2 fiction (I still need some fun in my life!)
REALLY begin guitar lessons (20 minutes, 3x a week)
Socially:
write 5 more letters
email 5 people
send care package to Dylan
lunch with Kathy, Reggie/Natalia
Camp:
finish prayer letter
first edition of camp newsletter
finish purging craft shop
inventory camp shirts, etc
mow ball field
Spiritually:
memorize 10 verses
Abby devotional
missionary album
be one week ahead in my precepts
get to Genesis 25 in my chronological study
Ok, there it is.....and here I go!!
(Sorry, Haley....I didn't realize it had been so long! I'm back now :)....hope to see you on our trip home!)
Monday, September 8, 2008
The most Amazing Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake!
Recipe for yummy'ness'!!!
1/2 cup butter/margarine, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup water
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
topping
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
*Beat 1/2 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1 1/4 cups sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
*Combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt; stir well. Combine milk and water; stir well. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix at low speed after each addition until blended. Gently stir in blueberries and cream cheese. Pour batter into a greased 9 inch square pan (i use a 9x 13).
* Combine 1/2 cup flour and remaining 3 ingredients; stir well with a fork. Sprinkle mixture over batter. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.....melt in your mouth.
1/2 cup butter/margarine, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup water
2 cups fresh blueberries
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
topping
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
*Beat 1/2 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1 1/4 cups sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
*Combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt; stir well. Combine milk and water; stir well. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix at low speed after each addition until blended. Gently stir in blueberries and cream cheese. Pour batter into a greased 9 inch square pan (i use a 9x 13).
* Combine 1/2 cup flour and remaining 3 ingredients; stir well with a fork. Sprinkle mixture over batter. Bake at 375 for 50 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.....melt in your mouth.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
family snacks
here's a couple of our favorite snacks....
Chocolaty-Peanut Butter Horns
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups Bugles
3 (2 oz) squares chocolate-flavored candy coating, melted
Spoon peanut butter into a heavy duty, ziptop plastic bag; seal bag, and snip a small hole in one corner of bag.
Squeeze peanut butter into each bugle; dip each into chocolate coating, and place on wax paper to dry.
Store in an airtight container (ours never make it a container!!)
Cracker Snackers
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 (11 oz) package oyster crackers
1 (.7 oz) envelope Italian dressing mix
1 teaspoon dried dillweed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine oil and garlic; let stand 30 minutes. Discard garlic.
Place crackers in a bowl; sprinkle wiht oil.
Combine dressing mix, dillweed, and garlic powder; sprinkle over crackers stirring well.
Let stand 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Eat!!! :)
Chocolaty-Peanut Butter Horns
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups Bugles
3 (2 oz) squares chocolate-flavored candy coating, melted
Spoon peanut butter into a heavy duty, ziptop plastic bag; seal bag, and snip a small hole in one corner of bag.
Squeeze peanut butter into each bugle; dip each into chocolate coating, and place on wax paper to dry.
Store in an airtight container (ours never make it a container!!)
Cracker Snackers
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 (11 oz) package oyster crackers
1 (.7 oz) envelope Italian dressing mix
1 teaspoon dried dillweed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine oil and garlic; let stand 30 minutes. Discard garlic.
Place crackers in a bowl; sprinkle wiht oil.
Combine dressing mix, dillweed, and garlic powder; sprinkle over crackers stirring well.
Let stand 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Eat!!! :)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
.....fellowship at LOTS of birthday parties (661)
..... hard work (662)
..... the Honeymooners (663)
..... sleepy kids (664)
..... the anticipation of seeing my dearest friend (665)
.... fresh cut grass (666)
.... plans to start exercising tomorrow (667)
..... double sunsets (668)
..... time away with friends (669)
..... homemade chicken pot pie (670)
..... a day off of school (671)
..... a Monk marathon (672)
..... giggly girls (673)
...... rain (674)
..... a good book (675)
..... moose track ice cream (676)
..... exhaustion because of busy, productive days (677)
..... old pictures (678)
..... quiet walks (679)
..... making lists (680)
..... wild sunflowers....everywhere! (681)
..... asaigo cheese bagels (682)
..... reading encouraging blogs (683)
..... hard work (662)
..... the Honeymooners (663)
..... sleepy kids (664)
..... the anticipation of seeing my dearest friend (665)
.... fresh cut grass (666)
.... plans to start exercising tomorrow (667)
..... double sunsets (668)
..... time away with friends (669)
..... homemade chicken pot pie (670)
..... a day off of school (671)
..... a Monk marathon (672)
..... giggly girls (673)
...... rain (674)
..... a good book (675)
..... moose track ice cream (676)
..... exhaustion because of busy, productive days (677)
..... old pictures (678)
..... quiet walks (679)
..... making lists (680)
..... wild sunflowers....everywhere! (681)
..... asaigo cheese bagels (682)
..... reading encouraging blogs (683)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
...... organized school stuff (635)
..... getting a HUGE project done (636)
..... time (however brief) with good friends (637)
..... watching my girls enjoy their new horse (638)
..... having a menu planned out for the next week (639)
..... movie night with my family (640)
...... spending time (playdate) with a friend (641)
..... everything bagels (642)
..... the news of a long awaited pregnancy (643)
..... a light afternoon rain (644)
...... orange sherbert (645)
..... pictures of Isaac (646)
..... a visit to a supporting church (647)
..... chips and salsa (648)
..... an afternoon nap (649)
..... betsy (650)
..... peach mango juice in the morning (651)
..... new patio furniture (652)
...... quiet mornings out at the barn (653)
...... going to bed early every night this week (654)
...... hearing my kids giggle (655)
...... the sunflowers in bloom (656)
..... hummingbirds around my porch (657)
..... prayer meetings (658)
..... the smell of hay (659)
..... upcoming routine (660)
..... getting a HUGE project done (636)
..... time (however brief) with good friends (637)
..... watching my girls enjoy their new horse (638)
..... having a menu planned out for the next week (639)
..... movie night with my family (640)
...... spending time (playdate) with a friend (641)
..... everything bagels (642)
..... the news of a long awaited pregnancy (643)
..... a light afternoon rain (644)
...... orange sherbert (645)
..... pictures of Isaac (646)
..... a visit to a supporting church (647)
..... chips and salsa (648)
..... an afternoon nap (649)
..... betsy (650)
..... peach mango juice in the morning (651)
..... new patio furniture (652)
...... quiet mornings out at the barn (653)
...... going to bed early every night this week (654)
...... hearing my kids giggle (655)
...... the sunflowers in bloom (656)
..... hummingbirds around my porch (657)
..... prayer meetings (658)
..... the smell of hay (659)
..... upcoming routine (660)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
a new kind of work out....
Well, as many of you know...we've made the move from the city to the middle of nowhere. Literally, there is nothing for miles around us except a few houses and good old Joe Milos (the post office).....and I LOVE it! I don't really miss living in town at all....except for one small thing: the gym. i was really spoiled because i lived less than 10 minutes from one of my favorite places.....the YMCA. For years I've been a member and used it faithfully. I've met many new people, learned kickboxing, trained for races with best friends, learned how to do the butterfly stroke, and watched my kids do "gym time".....lots of good memories. And of course, I spent lots of time exercising and "trying" to lose weight...ugh! but really, I did enjoy the exercising......although I will never be a skinny size 5, I consider myself in pretty good shape because of all the time I spent exercising up there. It was easy, for the most part....they had all the latest equipment, a huge pool and any kind of class you needed....all very convenient.
But now that I live in the middle of nowhere, I am having to re-adjust my work out methods. Now instead of running on the treadmill, I am taking nice long jogs through the quiet desert....and instead of lifting weights, I am hauling 80 pound bales of hay......and instead of doing kickboxing, I am scooping poop for a couple hours a day. And even though I miss the "gym life" a little, I don't think I would trade it for what I have here. I get to do all my exercising outside, under the most amazing blue sky, surrounded by beautiful scenery......my kids are often with me......and although I miss chatting with my friends while I sweat away the calories, I kinda enjoy the remoteness of it all and the peace and quiet. It's a good thing.....thank you Lord for the good things you give us.....even without us asking!
Hopefully, this new workout will yield better results and the pounds will just FALL off!!
(a girl can dream, right?)
But now that I live in the middle of nowhere, I am having to re-adjust my work out methods. Now instead of running on the treadmill, I am taking nice long jogs through the quiet desert....and instead of lifting weights, I am hauling 80 pound bales of hay......and instead of doing kickboxing, I am scooping poop for a couple hours a day. And even though I miss the "gym life" a little, I don't think I would trade it for what I have here. I get to do all my exercising outside, under the most amazing blue sky, surrounded by beautiful scenery......my kids are often with me......and although I miss chatting with my friends while I sweat away the calories, I kinda enjoy the remoteness of it all and the peace and quiet. It's a good thing.....thank you Lord for the good things you give us.....even without us asking!
Hopefully, this new workout will yield better results and the pounds will just FALL off!!
(a girl can dream, right?)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Memory verses
Like I mentioned earlier, I want to start polishing up my memory verses. In Bible college, I had to learn literally hundreds of verses....some stuck, but some faded, but most turned into a fog. I am pretty sure I know where to find them if I have to, but I can't quote them AND the references easily. So I am going to start working on really memorizing them....so many times here I need to quote a verse on the spot to someone....and even to myself when a moment of temptation, anger, selfishness, you name it, arises.
So, I thought I would try and put them here....to keep me accountable and maybe it will even encourage or challenge someone else :)
I Corinthians 6:19-20......"What? Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have of God, and you are not your own. For you are bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
I Corinthians 9:14....."Even so has the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel should LIVE of the gospel."
1 Corinthians 9:22....."To the weak, I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
I Corinthians 10:13...."there is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but GOD is FAITHFUL, who will bot permit you to be tempted above that you are able, but will, with the temptation, also make the way to escape, that you may be able to bear it."
I Corinthians 10:31....."Whatever you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
I Corinthians 15:50....."Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption."
I Corinthians 15:58......" Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 10:5....."Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ."
2 Corinthians 12:9....."And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
So, I thought I would try and put them here....to keep me accountable and maybe it will even encourage or challenge someone else :)
I Corinthians 6:19-20......"What? Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have of God, and you are not your own. For you are bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
I Corinthians 9:14....."Even so has the Lord ordained that they who preach the gospel should LIVE of the gospel."
1 Corinthians 9:22....."To the weak, I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
I Corinthians 10:13...."there is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but GOD is FAITHFUL, who will bot permit you to be tempted above that you are able, but will, with the temptation, also make the way to escape, that you may be able to bear it."
I Corinthians 10:31....."Whatever you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
I Corinthians 15:50....."Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption."
I Corinthians 15:58......" Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
2 Corinthians 10:5....."Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ."
2 Corinthians 12:9....."And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
The family and I just went on a mini-vacation last week.....it was there that I was able to spend some time in my one of my favorite places.....underwater! I love to swim and I love to be in the water. Back home in WV I went to the pool at least 3-4 times a week.....not to play or splash around....but to really swim and work out. Over the months and months of doing that, I began to love the water more and more....mostly being 'under' the water. It is so amazingly peaceful down there.....so quiet and slow. I wish I could hold my breath for hours (but sadly, it's only about a minute +......my kids timed me!). It's funny, because in some ways, I can be terrified of the water....I'm extremely claustrophobic and can't stand to be held on to in the water....but when I'm in control (ha, no comment!), I absolutely love it!
Underwater, everything moves slower, more graceful, more fluid.....communication is almost impossible.....it's a very "alone" kind of activity. Don't get me wrong, I love my time with people and hanging out with friends and family, but I do enjoy some alone time too.....and underwater there is no expectations of chatting, dealing, or anything.
I know this all sound pretty lame and cheesy, but when you life is constantly bombarded from all sides with people in need, a family who demands your attention, and constant issues to deal with, finding that alone time can be a precious thing! That must be why I love to take showers too....no one bothers me there!!!
Anyways, Gallup recently opened an aquatic center here and I am looking forward to getting back in the pool....to work on getting back into shape, improving my techniques, AND getting some much needed alone time!! :)
Underwater, everything moves slower, more graceful, more fluid.....communication is almost impossible.....it's a very "alone" kind of activity. Don't get me wrong, I love my time with people and hanging out with friends and family, but I do enjoy some alone time too.....and underwater there is no expectations of chatting, dealing, or anything.
I know this all sound pretty lame and cheesy, but when you life is constantly bombarded from all sides with people in need, a family who demands your attention, and constant issues to deal with, finding that alone time can be a precious thing! That must be why I love to take showers too....no one bothers me there!!!
Anyways, Gallup recently opened an aquatic center here and I am looking forward to getting back in the pool....to work on getting back into shape, improving my techniques, AND getting some much needed alone time!! :)
Friday, August 15, 2008
......a vacation with just the family (610)
.....swimming...man, i have missed that!! (611)
..... having hours where I am thinking about nothing but my kids and having fun (612)
..... good food (613)
..... phone calls from WV (614)
..... beautiful scenery on our drive to Farmington (615)
..... the best salsa in the whole world! (616)
..... leisurely enjoying a county fair (617)
..... ribbon fries and amazing sweet tea (618)
..... watching my kids laugh (619)
....... night swims (620)
...... sleeping the whole trip home (621)
...... hanging out with the girls (622)
...... funny tv (623)
...... the gift of a horse for the family (624)
...... the anticipation of seeing my daughter's face when she sees the horse (625)
..... getting out in the morning to feed (626)
..... chatting with a friend in the cool shade (627)
...... having the ladies come over tonight for fellowship (628)
...... the opportunity for my hubby to have some male bonding (629)
..... alone time playing basketball and going for a run (630)
...... Sam's (631)
..... tilapia (632)
..... feeling the Holy Spirit direct me and correct me (633)
..... seeing myself in my oldest daughter....not sure if that's a good thing.....(634)
.....swimming...man, i have missed that!! (611)
..... having hours where I am thinking about nothing but my kids and having fun (612)
..... good food (613)
..... phone calls from WV (614)
..... beautiful scenery on our drive to Farmington (615)
..... the best salsa in the whole world! (616)
..... leisurely enjoying a county fair (617)
..... ribbon fries and amazing sweet tea (618)
..... watching my kids laugh (619)
....... night swims (620)
...... sleeping the whole trip home (621)
...... hanging out with the girls (622)
...... funny tv (623)
...... the gift of a horse for the family (624)
...... the anticipation of seeing my daughter's face when she sees the horse (625)
..... getting out in the morning to feed (626)
..... chatting with a friend in the cool shade (627)
...... having the ladies come over tonight for fellowship (628)
...... the opportunity for my hubby to have some male bonding (629)
..... alone time playing basketball and going for a run (630)
...... Sam's (631)
..... tilapia (632)
..... feeling the Holy Spirit direct me and correct me (633)
..... seeing myself in my oldest daughter....not sure if that's a good thing.....(634)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper.....continued
Well, I've continued my reading and as expected, continued my learning (and conviction!).
In an earlier blog, I shared that Piper (along with Tripp, in Quest for More) has challenged my thinking in the area of my focus and where it lies.....that he made a very good case for how NOT to waste your life......that he realized that God's purpose for his life was that he have a passion for God's glory and that he have a passion for his joy in that glory....and that these two are ONE passion. He went on to discuss the cross and how it is so intimately tied in with the glory of God.
"The opposite of wasting your life is living life by a single God-exalting, soul-satisfying passion." (pg 43) He stresses the importance of 'single'.....how everything we do (eat, leisure, relationship, etc) are all to tie into the glory of God. "Living for the glory of God must mean living for the glory of Christ crucified. Christ is the image of God. He is the sum of God's glory in human form" (pg44). Piper uses Paul's quote from I Corinthians 2:2 as his primary text....."I decided to know nothing more among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." That is a powerful verse and I know I have never seen it in this light before.....and I am sure I am not living to this standard. I know lots of things....I'm not a genius in any area, but I know enough about a few subjects to get by. But Piper says it well when he says, "The people that make a durable difference in the world are not the people who have mastered many things, but who have been mastered by one great thing.......you have to know a few great, majestic, unchanging, obvious, simple, glorious things - or one great all embracing thing - and be set on fire by them." And i agree with that completely. One of the things I think I know a little bit about is the Bible (and I dont' say that in a bragging way, because I know there are SOOOOO many things I have yet to learn about the Bible....but I have studied it to some extent)....but the question I ask myself is WHAT do I know about the Bible and am I set on fire by it? ouch.....
Philippians 3:7-8 says, "Whatever gain I had, I count it as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." Paul seemed to have it down....a wonderful testimony of a life not wasted. Another example of his commitment is in Galatians 6:14....."Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Again, I haven't really looked at that verse from this perspective before or so intently.... sure I boast in Christ, but is it the ONLY thing I boast in? no way! i boast in lots of other things, namely myself.....what a waste! I am seeing more clearly now that the cross has to be the central focus in order to truly glorify God. "because for redeemed sinners, every good thing - indeed every bad thing that God turns for good - was obtained for us by the cross of Christ. Apart fro the death of Christ, sinners get nothing but judgment.......everything that you enjoy in Christ - as a christian......is owing to the death of Christ. And all your rejoicing in all things should therefore be a rejoicing in the cross where all your blessings were purchased for you at the cost of the death of the Son of God, Jesus Christ." (pg 51) I do understand that, but I don't always live with the mindset of glorifying God as the end result. I'm appreciative of the work of Christ on the cross and the blessings that come as a result, but I am not always truly turning it back to God in a way that glorifies Him. I know so often that I take things for granted.....breath, life, family, etc.....again, what a waste.
Piper shared what God told him, right before he entered into full time ministry....."God's mandate: So live and so study and so serve and so preach and so write that Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen God, be the only boast of this generation......to live and speak in such a way that the worth of Christ crucified is seen and savored by more and more people. It will be costly for us as it was for him" (pg 54-55). I have adopted that as my own mandate as well.....although I know I will fail often, but know that it is what is required of me as a servant of God. The way to accomplish that can be found back in the Galatians 6:14 verse. There is much to say about how we are 'crucified' and have to die to self.....how we are to be dead to sin and alive in Christ.....that is a hard balance, to be dead and alive at the same time. We have to be 'alive' in the world, it is true....but "the world is no longer our treasure.....it's not the source or our life or our satisfaction or our joy. Christ is" (pg 57). We are dead to the world but we still have feelings and emotions tied here.....that in itself is not wrong, but if we don't ultimately turn those emotions toward Christ and the cross, that is where we fall short. ".....every legitimate pleasure in the world becomes a blood-bought evidence of Christ's love, and an occasion of boasting in the cross" (pg 57). Lord, help me to always turn my gratitude, my joy, my boasting to you!!!
I know I have quoted a lot and have really just rambled....but I want to share all that I am learning....I hope some of it is coming through......I am not a very good communicator....especially when my brain is overflowing!! :)
I want to leave you with one last quote by CS Lewis......
'"I was standing today in the dark toolshed. The sun was shining outside and through the crack at the top of the door there came a sunbeam. From where I stood that beam of light, with the specks of dust floating in it, was th emost striking thing in the place. Everything else was almost pitch-black. I was seeing the beam, not seeing things by it.
Then I moved, so that the beam fell on my eyes. Instantly the whole previous picture vanished. I saw no toolshed, and (above all) no beam. Instead I saw, framed in the irregular cranny at the top of the door, green leaves moving on the branches of a tree outside and beyond that, ninety-odd million miles away, the sun. Looking along the beam, and looking at the beam are very different experiences.' The sunbeams of blessing in our lives are bright and of themselves. They also give light to the ground where we walk. But there is a higher purpose for these blessings. God means for us to do more than stand outside them and admire them for what they are. Even more, he means for us to walk into them and we see the sun from which they come. If the beams are beautiful, the sun is even more beautiful. God's aim is not that we merely admire His gifts, but, even more, his glory."
"Thus a cross-centered, cross-exalting, cross-satureated life is a God-glorifying life.....the ONLY God-glorifying life. All others are wasted" (pg 59).
In an earlier blog, I shared that Piper (along with Tripp, in Quest for More) has challenged my thinking in the area of my focus and where it lies.....that he made a very good case for how NOT to waste your life......that he realized that God's purpose for his life was that he have a passion for God's glory and that he have a passion for his joy in that glory....and that these two are ONE passion. He went on to discuss the cross and how it is so intimately tied in with the glory of God.
"The opposite of wasting your life is living life by a single God-exalting, soul-satisfying passion." (pg 43) He stresses the importance of 'single'.....how everything we do (eat, leisure, relationship, etc) are all to tie into the glory of God. "Living for the glory of God must mean living for the glory of Christ crucified. Christ is the image of God. He is the sum of God's glory in human form" (pg44). Piper uses Paul's quote from I Corinthians 2:2 as his primary text....."I decided to know nothing more among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." That is a powerful verse and I know I have never seen it in this light before.....and I am sure I am not living to this standard. I know lots of things....I'm not a genius in any area, but I know enough about a few subjects to get by. But Piper says it well when he says, "The people that make a durable difference in the world are not the people who have mastered many things, but who have been mastered by one great thing.......you have to know a few great, majestic, unchanging, obvious, simple, glorious things - or one great all embracing thing - and be set on fire by them." And i agree with that completely. One of the things I think I know a little bit about is the Bible (and I dont' say that in a bragging way, because I know there are SOOOOO many things I have yet to learn about the Bible....but I have studied it to some extent)....but the question I ask myself is WHAT do I know about the Bible and am I set on fire by it? ouch.....
Philippians 3:7-8 says, "Whatever gain I had, I count it as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." Paul seemed to have it down....a wonderful testimony of a life not wasted. Another example of his commitment is in Galatians 6:14....."Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Again, I haven't really looked at that verse from this perspective before or so intently.... sure I boast in Christ, but is it the ONLY thing I boast in? no way! i boast in lots of other things, namely myself.....what a waste! I am seeing more clearly now that the cross has to be the central focus in order to truly glorify God. "because for redeemed sinners, every good thing - indeed every bad thing that God turns for good - was obtained for us by the cross of Christ. Apart fro the death of Christ, sinners get nothing but judgment.......everything that you enjoy in Christ - as a christian......is owing to the death of Christ. And all your rejoicing in all things should therefore be a rejoicing in the cross where all your blessings were purchased for you at the cost of the death of the Son of God, Jesus Christ." (pg 51) I do understand that, but I don't always live with the mindset of glorifying God as the end result. I'm appreciative of the work of Christ on the cross and the blessings that come as a result, but I am not always truly turning it back to God in a way that glorifies Him. I know so often that I take things for granted.....breath, life, family, etc.....again, what a waste.
Piper shared what God told him, right before he entered into full time ministry....."God's mandate: So live and so study and so serve and so preach and so write that Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen God, be the only boast of this generation......to live and speak in such a way that the worth of Christ crucified is seen and savored by more and more people. It will be costly for us as it was for him" (pg 54-55). I have adopted that as my own mandate as well.....although I know I will fail often, but know that it is what is required of me as a servant of God. The way to accomplish that can be found back in the Galatians 6:14 verse. There is much to say about how we are 'crucified' and have to die to self.....how we are to be dead to sin and alive in Christ.....that is a hard balance, to be dead and alive at the same time. We have to be 'alive' in the world, it is true....but "the world is no longer our treasure.....it's not the source or our life or our satisfaction or our joy. Christ is" (pg 57). We are dead to the world but we still have feelings and emotions tied here.....that in itself is not wrong, but if we don't ultimately turn those emotions toward Christ and the cross, that is where we fall short. ".....every legitimate pleasure in the world becomes a blood-bought evidence of Christ's love, and an occasion of boasting in the cross" (pg 57). Lord, help me to always turn my gratitude, my joy, my boasting to you!!!
I know I have quoted a lot and have really just rambled....but I want to share all that I am learning....I hope some of it is coming through......I am not a very good communicator....especially when my brain is overflowing!! :)
I want to leave you with one last quote by CS Lewis......
'"I was standing today in the dark toolshed. The sun was shining outside and through the crack at the top of the door there came a sunbeam. From where I stood that beam of light, with the specks of dust floating in it, was th emost striking thing in the place. Everything else was almost pitch-black. I was seeing the beam, not seeing things by it.
Then I moved, so that the beam fell on my eyes. Instantly the whole previous picture vanished. I saw no toolshed, and (above all) no beam. Instead I saw, framed in the irregular cranny at the top of the door, green leaves moving on the branches of a tree outside and beyond that, ninety-odd million miles away, the sun. Looking along the beam, and looking at the beam are very different experiences.' The sunbeams of blessing in our lives are bright and of themselves. They also give light to the ground where we walk. But there is a higher purpose for these blessings. God means for us to do more than stand outside them and admire them for what they are. Even more, he means for us to walk into them and we see the sun from which they come. If the beams are beautiful, the sun is even more beautiful. God's aim is not that we merely admire His gifts, but, even more, his glory."
"Thus a cross-centered, cross-exalting, cross-satureated life is a God-glorifying life.....the ONLY God-glorifying life. All others are wasted" (pg 59).
Saturday, August 9, 2008
..... a day at home (581)
..... a chance to clean and bring my home back to some kind of order (582)
..... watching my kids enjoy their friends (583)
..... saying good bye, but knowing there will be more fellowship in the near future (584)
..... a few minutes with a neighbor (585)
..... having neighbors (586)
..... my office ALMOST done (587)
.....finalizing plans for a much needed vacation (588)
..... having a country worth being proud of (589)
..... laughter with a friend from back home (590)
..... organizing (591)
.... the opportunity to pray (592)
..... God's provision of food (593)
..... my oldest wanting to sleep in my pj's .... way too big, but cute! (594)
..... encouragement from a friend....thanks haley! (595)
..... gifts from a friend for my kids (596)
..... my nice cozy living room (597)
..... the many opportunities to encourage through this computer (598)
..... watching peter go go-cart riding with wes....his face was priceless! (599)
..... a wonderful mechanic (600)
..... old movies (601)
..... crossiants (602)
..... reminders of God's patience and mercy (603)
..... reminders that His glory is the ultimate goal (604)
..... knowing that He is all I need (605)
..... long days (606)
..... completed projects....marking things off my list (607)
.... sleeping in (608)
..... not knowing the next step....but confident that He does (609)
..... a chance to clean and bring my home back to some kind of order (582)
..... watching my kids enjoy their friends (583)
..... saying good bye, but knowing there will be more fellowship in the near future (584)
..... a few minutes with a neighbor (585)
..... having neighbors (586)
..... my office ALMOST done (587)
.....finalizing plans for a much needed vacation (588)
..... having a country worth being proud of (589)
..... laughter with a friend from back home (590)
..... organizing (591)
.... the opportunity to pray (592)
..... God's provision of food (593)
..... my oldest wanting to sleep in my pj's .... way too big, but cute! (594)
..... encouragement from a friend....thanks haley! (595)
..... gifts from a friend for my kids (596)
..... my nice cozy living room (597)
..... the many opportunities to encourage through this computer (598)
..... watching peter go go-cart riding with wes....his face was priceless! (599)
..... a wonderful mechanic (600)
..... old movies (601)
..... crossiants (602)
..... reminders of God's patience and mercy (603)
..... reminders that His glory is the ultimate goal (604)
..... knowing that He is all I need (605)
..... long days (606)
..... completed projects....marking things off my list (607)
.... sleeping in (608)
..... not knowing the next step....but confident that He does (609)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Random rambling....it's all bubbling up
Ok, so now camp is officially over.
one week of orientation
8 weeks of camp and
one week of mission's conference....
the camp is officially quiet now.
It's a nice feeling, but a little sad too. There is so many awesome things to see at camp, so many opportunities to see God at work in some amazing ways....every week we physically get to see lives change right before our eyes, as campers give up the fight and surrender to the call of Christ. Words can hardly describe it.
But there is a positive side to the peace and quiet.....a person can really only take so much chaos and then there needs to be peace and quiet. It's nice....today is the first day that it has been quiet here at camp.....i could use a few days of it ;)
At the same time the peace and quiet can be slightly intimidating. Now that the focus is no longer on the campers, the program, or the staff.....it starts to slowly drift my way. And although I spend the entire summer in the spotlight (all part of the job as Program Director), I don't necessarily enjoy it during these times. Now that the chaos is over, things in my life start to surface....things that somehow got pushed to the side during the summer are starting to make their way back to the top now. Oh boy, right?
Well, of course I know it's not going to be fun to work through those surfacing issues....but I also know (from past experience) that nothing comes to me (good or bad, easy or difficult) that didn't first pass through the Father's hand. That helps....on a deeper level. But I have to admit, on a more surface level (the level where I have to still be a functioning person, deal with my children, take care of my husband, keep up with relationships, etc), I am struggling. Ugh....I hate to struggle there.
Regardless, I have many things to face during this time of peace and quiet.....but I am attempting to do it with confidence and diligence (a dear friend reminded me recently, of the importance of diligence).
"Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatever you do (the easy and the difficult things), do all to the glory of God" (I Cor 10:31)
Even as I write this, I am encouraged by the fact that all of this ties into the books I'm reading (earlier blog....Piper and Tripp books). We miss out on so much when we don't focus on the glory of God and our joy in it.....I pray that I will have the right focus during this time of working through things. And more than that, I look forward to the way that God will be glorified through it all. Regardless of how I struggle, or where I struggle.....God will be glorified! Pray to that end!
one week of orientation
8 weeks of camp and
one week of mission's conference....
the camp is officially quiet now.
It's a nice feeling, but a little sad too. There is so many awesome things to see at camp, so many opportunities to see God at work in some amazing ways....every week we physically get to see lives change right before our eyes, as campers give up the fight and surrender to the call of Christ. Words can hardly describe it.
But there is a positive side to the peace and quiet.....a person can really only take so much chaos and then there needs to be peace and quiet. It's nice....today is the first day that it has been quiet here at camp.....i could use a few days of it ;)
At the same time the peace and quiet can be slightly intimidating. Now that the focus is no longer on the campers, the program, or the staff.....it starts to slowly drift my way. And although I spend the entire summer in the spotlight (all part of the job as Program Director), I don't necessarily enjoy it during these times. Now that the chaos is over, things in my life start to surface....things that somehow got pushed to the side during the summer are starting to make their way back to the top now. Oh boy, right?
Well, of course I know it's not going to be fun to work through those surfacing issues....but I also know (from past experience) that nothing comes to me (good or bad, easy or difficult) that didn't first pass through the Father's hand. That helps....on a deeper level. But I have to admit, on a more surface level (the level where I have to still be a functioning person, deal with my children, take care of my husband, keep up with relationships, etc), I am struggling. Ugh....I hate to struggle there.
Regardless, I have many things to face during this time of peace and quiet.....but I am attempting to do it with confidence and diligence (a dear friend reminded me recently, of the importance of diligence).
"Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatever you do (the easy and the difficult things), do all to the glory of God" (I Cor 10:31)
Even as I write this, I am encouraged by the fact that all of this ties into the books I'm reading (earlier blog....Piper and Tripp books). We miss out on so much when we don't focus on the glory of God and our joy in it.....I pray that I will have the right focus during this time of working through things. And more than that, I look forward to the way that God will be glorified through it all. Regardless of how I struggle, or where I struggle.....God will be glorified! Pray to that end!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
thankful....
.......camp is over (567)
.......rest (568)
......good friends to say good bye to (569)
.....seeing lives changed (570)
.....alone time today (571)
.....time to clean (572)
..... goals (573)
..... lots of Monk (574)
..... long, quiet walks (575)
..... seeing old friends (576)
....sleeping in REALLY late today! (577)
.... candles that smell like food (578)
.... baby Colt finally coming into the world (579.....I love you Haley!!)
..... a nice cold pepsi (580)
.......rest (568)
......good friends to say good bye to (569)
.....seeing lives changed (570)
.....alone time today (571)
.....time to clean (572)
..... goals (573)
..... lots of Monk (574)
..... long, quiet walks (575)
..... seeing old friends (576)
....sleeping in REALLY late today! (577)
.... candles that smell like food (578)
.... baby Colt finally coming into the world (579.....I love you Haley!!)
..... a nice cold pepsi (580)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
More quotes found in my reading.....
"When once God the Holy Spirit applies the Law to the conscience, secret sins are dragged to light, little sins are magnified to their true size, and things apparently harmless become exceedingly sinful."
Charles Spurgeon
"We are also to preach the motive of repentance that men may not repent from mere fear of hell but they must repent of sin itself. The sinner must repent, not because of the punishment of sin, but because his is sin against a pardoning God, sin against a bleeding Savior, sin against a holy Law, sin against a tender gospel."
Charles Spurgeon
"It is joy-driven. He says, 'In his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.' It cannot be otherwise. Jesus came into the world with good news, not bad news.....He calls us to himself and to his Father. Therefore, he calls us to joy."
John Piper
"When we merely say that we are bad, the 'wrath' of God seem a barbarous doctrine; as soon as we perceive our badness, it appears inevitable, a mere corollary from God's goodness."
C.S. Lewis
"Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he or she is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it."
C.S. Lewis
"The doctrine of the personality of the Holy Spirit is of the highest importance from the standpoint of worship. If the Holy Spirit is thought of as an impersonal influence or power, as so many do, then we rob Him of the worship that is His due, of the love that is His due, and of the faith and confidence and surrender and obedience and worship that are His due."
R.A. Torrey
"The word 'Abba' is of all words in all languages the most natural word for 'father'. I think this sweet word 'Abba' was chosen to show us that we are to be very natural with God, not stilted and formal. 'Abba' is not a word, somehow, but a babe's lisping. Oh, how near we are to God when we can use such speech!"
Charles Spurgeon
Charles Spurgeon
"We are also to preach the motive of repentance that men may not repent from mere fear of hell but they must repent of sin itself. The sinner must repent, not because of the punishment of sin, but because his is sin against a pardoning God, sin against a bleeding Savior, sin against a holy Law, sin against a tender gospel."
Charles Spurgeon
"It is joy-driven. He says, 'In his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.' It cannot be otherwise. Jesus came into the world with good news, not bad news.....He calls us to himself and to his Father. Therefore, he calls us to joy."
John Piper
"When we merely say that we are bad, the 'wrath' of God seem a barbarous doctrine; as soon as we perceive our badness, it appears inevitable, a mere corollary from God's goodness."
C.S. Lewis
"Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he or she is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it."
C.S. Lewis
"The doctrine of the personality of the Holy Spirit is of the highest importance from the standpoint of worship. If the Holy Spirit is thought of as an impersonal influence or power, as so many do, then we rob Him of the worship that is His due, of the love that is His due, and of the faith and confidence and surrender and obedience and worship that are His due."
R.A. Torrey
"The word 'Abba' is of all words in all languages the most natural word for 'father'. I think this sweet word 'Abba' was chosen to show us that we are to be very natural with God, not stilted and formal. 'Abba' is not a word, somehow, but a babe's lisping. Oh, how near we are to God when we can use such speech!"
Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
So I'm reading 2 really good books right now....."Don't Waste Your Life", by Piper and "Quest for More", by Tripp (i often read several books at one time....which usually leads to me having to go back and 're-read' them later!). But it's been interesting to see how similar these 2 books are...there messages are very much alike....therefore, I am assuming it is something God REALLY wanted me to get and focus on right now!
The message of the Piper book is pretty easy to guess.....basically, don't waste your life! He shares sad examples of people who have done that very thing...very eye opening. Piper has, through his own experience, the insight of other authors and Godly examples come to the conclusion that a life fully lived is one that 'fully displayed the glory of God' and 'to delight in that glory'. He says, "It was becoming clearer and clearer that if I wanted to come to the end of my life and not say, 'I've wasted it!', then I would need to press all the way in, and all the way up, to the ultimate purpose of God and join him in it. If my life was to have a single, all-satisfying, passion, it would have to be God's passion. And......God's passion was the display of his own glory and the delight of my heart." (pg 28).
How do we display His glory? I think he sums it up well...."to live our lives in a way that makes him (God) look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that he really is." (pg 32) I was convicted when he asked the question, (paraphrased) "What do you think about when you are faced with 'awesomeness'?" Like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or at the bottom of the magnificent Alps? Do I think about the insignificance of man (ME!) or the greatness of God? How do I handle the "glory of God"? It really made me stop and think....
and that same thinking continued as I started reading Tripp's book, Quest for More. The subtitle of the book sums it up well...."living for something bigger than you".
He starts off by saying, "There is woven inside each of us a desire for something more - a craving to be part of something bigger, greater, and more profound than our relatively meaningless day-by-day existence." (pg 14) And when we are part of that 'bigger thing', we find that it is what "yanks you out of bed in the morning, and sometimes the excitement of it all makes it hard to sleep. It makes all of the little things that you have to do every day seem more satisfying and more important because they are now connected to something more than self survival." And many of us have that 'bigger thing' in our lives, which is good....unless that thing is something other than God and his glory!
He uses the example of Adam and Eve...."they weren't placed in the garden for self survival and self satisfaction....likewise, we were meant to do more than make sure that all of our needs are fulfilled and all our desires are satisfied."(pg 16-17) He goes on to make the point, "...it is a functional human tragedy to live ONLY for those things (health, job, house, investments, family, friends, etc). It is a fundamental denial of your humanity to narrow the size of your life to the size of your own existence...." (pg 17) "it's a good thing to have purpose, but if your purpose isn't tied to glory, you have still denied your humanity." (pg 19)
He goes on to say much more....but that is just a taste of the perspective of this book...and the Piper book as well. I have been challenged to really grab a hold of my idea of purpose and to ask myself, "What is the big thing that I am living for right now?"......I'm ashamed to say that my answer is not, consistently, the glory of God....although there are thin moments of that purpose, but it is not always the theme of my life. Piper challenged me to come up with what I DO want my life to say.....and without analyzing it to death or trying to make it sound 'just right', I came up with.....'to make known the sacrifice of Christ, and to be an example of the joy found in the freedom and redemption that came as a result of that sacrifice'. And that through that, the glory of God would be easily seen and sought after.
I'm sure there is more I could add to that, but that is my heart today, at this moment.
I hope I get back here again to jot down some of the lessons learned as continue to read.....but if not, i highly recommend these 2 books!
Until then.....
The message of the Piper book is pretty easy to guess.....basically, don't waste your life! He shares sad examples of people who have done that very thing...very eye opening. Piper has, through his own experience, the insight of other authors and Godly examples come to the conclusion that a life fully lived is one that 'fully displayed the glory of God' and 'to delight in that glory'. He says, "It was becoming clearer and clearer that if I wanted to come to the end of my life and not say, 'I've wasted it!', then I would need to press all the way in, and all the way up, to the ultimate purpose of God and join him in it. If my life was to have a single, all-satisfying, passion, it would have to be God's passion. And......God's passion was the display of his own glory and the delight of my heart." (pg 28).
How do we display His glory? I think he sums it up well...."to live our lives in a way that makes him (God) look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that he really is." (pg 32) I was convicted when he asked the question, (paraphrased) "What do you think about when you are faced with 'awesomeness'?" Like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or at the bottom of the magnificent Alps? Do I think about the insignificance of man (ME!) or the greatness of God? How do I handle the "glory of God"? It really made me stop and think....
and that same thinking continued as I started reading Tripp's book, Quest for More. The subtitle of the book sums it up well...."living for something bigger than you".
He starts off by saying, "There is woven inside each of us a desire for something more - a craving to be part of something bigger, greater, and more profound than our relatively meaningless day-by-day existence." (pg 14) And when we are part of that 'bigger thing', we find that it is what "yanks you out of bed in the morning, and sometimes the excitement of it all makes it hard to sleep. It makes all of the little things that you have to do every day seem more satisfying and more important because they are now connected to something more than self survival." And many of us have that 'bigger thing' in our lives, which is good....unless that thing is something other than God and his glory!
He uses the example of Adam and Eve...."they weren't placed in the garden for self survival and self satisfaction....likewise, we were meant to do more than make sure that all of our needs are fulfilled and all our desires are satisfied."(pg 16-17) He goes on to make the point, "...it is a functional human tragedy to live ONLY for those things (health, job, house, investments, family, friends, etc). It is a fundamental denial of your humanity to narrow the size of your life to the size of your own existence...." (pg 17) "it's a good thing to have purpose, but if your purpose isn't tied to glory, you have still denied your humanity." (pg 19)
He goes on to say much more....but that is just a taste of the perspective of this book...and the Piper book as well. I have been challenged to really grab a hold of my idea of purpose and to ask myself, "What is the big thing that I am living for right now?"......I'm ashamed to say that my answer is not, consistently, the glory of God....although there are thin moments of that purpose, but it is not always the theme of my life. Piper challenged me to come up with what I DO want my life to say.....and without analyzing it to death or trying to make it sound 'just right', I came up with.....'to make known the sacrifice of Christ, and to be an example of the joy found in the freedom and redemption that came as a result of that sacrifice'. And that through that, the glory of God would be easily seen and sought after.
I'm sure there is more I could add to that, but that is my heart today, at this moment.
I hope I get back here again to jot down some of the lessons learned as continue to read.....but if not, i highly recommend these 2 books!
Until then.....
Monday, July 28, 2008
...... a great start to the last week of camp (551)
..... unity among the staff (552)
..... a great staff banquet (553)
...... good reading times (554)
..... difficulties that draw me closer to God (555)
..... sleeping in lots (556)
..... rain (557)
..... watching my oldest learn hard lessons (558)
.... a night of DDR with our awesome staff (559)
..... writing to supporters and sharing about the fruits of the ministry (560)
..... icee pops (561)
..... opportunities to encourage (562)
...... healing (563)
...... knowing God is sustaining me (564)
...... lack of sleep, but a chance to fellowship with my Savior (565)
...... finding out my friend has internet way out in the ocean :) (566)
..... unity among the staff (552)
..... a great staff banquet (553)
...... good reading times (554)
..... difficulties that draw me closer to God (555)
..... sleeping in lots (556)
..... rain (557)
..... watching my oldest learn hard lessons (558)
.... a night of DDR with our awesome staff (559)
..... writing to supporters and sharing about the fruits of the ministry (560)
..... icee pops (561)
..... opportunities to encourage (562)
...... healing (563)
...... knowing God is sustaining me (564)
...... lack of sleep, but a chance to fellowship with my Savior (565)
...... finding out my friend has internet way out in the ocean :) (566)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Some Light Reading.....
Every now and then, I get a couple minutes to sit and read (literally, sometimes it's just a couple!). I have a little devotional I carry around with me sometimes just for those rare opportunities....thought I would share a couple that stuck out to me :)
Experiencing Loneliness....
Acts 4:10-12
All of us feel alone from time to time. Ill health, an extra busy work schedule, or trying circumstances can make it difficult to stay connected. Moving to a new location, job, or school can also bring a sense of isolation. Once this "season" passes or we adjust to the new place, the feeling goes away.
Loneliness is different from aloneness: it involves a sense of separation from people and can intensify over time. In this state, we find it harder to reach out and easier to be by ourself. When our mind starts telling us that no one's interested in what we have to say or do, we build a wall around our heart and allow few individuals access. The more we withdraw, the worse we feel. Peace of mind eludes us, and loneliness weighs us down.
Cod never intended for us to live disconnected from one another. From the beginning, He purposed that we should enjoy an intimate relationship with Him and each other. First, He established a personal relationship with Adam and then provided him with Eve. Our Creator knew it was not good for us to live in isolation.
Knowing God
Psalm 81:10-16
Most people want to be understood. We may have many acquaintances, but our need is to feel "known" by those we love most.
This also applies to how God views our relationship with Him. While He knows our every thought and can number the hairs on our head, we also should be learning His ways - on other words, how our Father thinks, what motivates Him, and what His plan and purpose are.
Yet, though we desire to know the Lord's mind. He makes it quite clear that, humanly speaking, this is impossible. In Isaiah 55:9 He tells us, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This is why God gives us His Spirit - to teach us and reveal what we otherwise could not understand (1 Cor 2:11-13).
Growing in this spiritual understanding is necessary if we are to have a deep personal relationship with god (Jer 24:7). And we must know His ways before we can walk in them (Ex 33:13). Our obedience not only glorifies our heavenly Father; it is also best for us. Of course, following Jesus doesn't eliminate pain, nor does it ensure that everything will happen as we would choose. But we have assurance that the Lord loves us and has a plan for our lives (Rom 5:8, 8:28). He gives us strength and stability to follow Him, no matter where His path may lead us.
Experiencing Loneliness....
Acts 4:10-12
All of us feel alone from time to time. Ill health, an extra busy work schedule, or trying circumstances can make it difficult to stay connected. Moving to a new location, job, or school can also bring a sense of isolation. Once this "season" passes or we adjust to the new place, the feeling goes away.
Loneliness is different from aloneness: it involves a sense of separation from people and can intensify over time. In this state, we find it harder to reach out and easier to be by ourself. When our mind starts telling us that no one's interested in what we have to say or do, we build a wall around our heart and allow few individuals access. The more we withdraw, the worse we feel. Peace of mind eludes us, and loneliness weighs us down.
Cod never intended for us to live disconnected from one another. From the beginning, He purposed that we should enjoy an intimate relationship with Him and each other. First, He established a personal relationship with Adam and then provided him with Eve. Our Creator knew it was not good for us to live in isolation.
Knowing God
Psalm 81:10-16
Most people want to be understood. We may have many acquaintances, but our need is to feel "known" by those we love most.
This also applies to how God views our relationship with Him. While He knows our every thought and can number the hairs on our head, we also should be learning His ways - on other words, how our Father thinks, what motivates Him, and what His plan and purpose are.
Yet, though we desire to know the Lord's mind. He makes it quite clear that, humanly speaking, this is impossible. In Isaiah 55:9 He tells us, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This is why God gives us His Spirit - to teach us and reveal what we otherwise could not understand (1 Cor 2:11-13).
Growing in this spiritual understanding is necessary if we are to have a deep personal relationship with god (Jer 24:7). And we must know His ways before we can walk in them (Ex 33:13). Our obedience not only glorifies our heavenly Father; it is also best for us. Of course, following Jesus doesn't eliminate pain, nor does it ensure that everything will happen as we would choose. But we have assurance that the Lord loves us and has a plan for our lives (Rom 5:8, 8:28). He gives us strength and stability to follow Him, no matter where His path may lead us.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Camp is almost over....bittersweet
Well, it's been very busy the past couple of weeks.....non stop work, ministry opportunities, projects, counseling, etc.....it's been so amazing to be part of the work here at the camp. We have had front row seats to see God change so many lives. Many campers have come (and continue to come) with much pain and hurt...some come with just doubts and questions, some come not even knowing what they are looking for....and many are finding life and love through Jesus Christ. I have literally watched the transformation happen as night after night kids stay after chapel to learn more about salvation and the freedom it brings. It has been exhausting to the highest degree, but more rewarding that words can express. It never ceases to amaze me!
I'm not sure about the actual numbers, but I think there have at least been 100+ campers who have accepted Christ as their Savior....and many, many more who have made commitments to follow Christ more diligently and passionately. We are looking forward to the opportunity to be here year round to be able to encourage some of these campers.
Our kids are loving it still...they spend their days outside in the fresh air, enjoying God's creation...mostly in the form of catching lizards, stumbling across rattlesnakes, playing in the dirt (mud, now that the monsoons are here!), carrying around buckets of horny toads and riding their bikes and horses...on a daily basis! It's fun to watch them enjoying the camp so much. Abby has been a camper twice this summer and it's been neat to see her "grow up" a little, although, i don't' want it to happen too quickly!
I have been sick this past week...not sure what it is....started off with a fever early in the week, then i got to feeling better, then turned into a stomach thing. I've missed out on lots this week which is hard....but I am praying that I will be back to 100% by next week, the last week of camp.
That is the brief overview of the past couple of weeks.....know that the Lord has been at work faithfully here all summer and we have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to be here. It is a great privilege and one we take very seriously. I will continue to keep you updated on the ministry here......in the few 'spare' moments i have!!
here are a few things I've been grateful for over the past couple weeks.....
.....the AMAZING double rainbow over the A-frame last evening (515)
.....another great skit night where many kids opened their heart to Christ (516)
....much rest this week (517).....the Lord knowing I needed it (518)
.....the help of work teams (519)
....sweet fellowship, even if only for a brief time (520)
.....hearing how God changed lives (521)
.....good worship music (522)
....great times of prayer (523)
.....hearing the answers to those prayers (524)
....watching my oldest make new friends (525)....and smiling lots (526).....with fewer teeth!! (527)
.....Peter's new shaved head....good bye mohawk (528)
.....sharing in the joy of seeing kids come to Christ (529)
....a husband who steps in when I am sick (530)
...a great camp director whose passion for kids shows in everything he does (531)
....counselors who weep for their campers hurts (532)
.....my Hannah's love for wearing cowboy boots EVERY DAY, despite the facts that she is already wearing mismatched clothes (533)
....journaling (534)
.....a HUGE, wonderful care package from a friend (535)
.....my favorite Bath and Body smell :) (536)
....good books (537)
.....a little time to clean my house (538)
....phone calls from my BFF! (539)....and the 'almost pee in my pants' laughter that comes as a result!! (540)
.....the birth of my beautiful nephew, Corbin! (541)
.....the fact that my mother in law could be there for it....it's in another country!! (542)
......our many wonderful supporters that pray for us (543)
......feeling exhausted (544)
.....a passion for God's glory (545).....and a growing passion for MY joy in that glory (546)
....teachable moments (547)
.....having all that I need (548)
.....upcoming opportunities to serve (549)
.....upcoming opportunity to 'get away' soon :)....Colorado here we come!! (550)
.....the AMAZING double rainbow over the A-frame last evening (515)
.....another great skit night where many kids opened their heart to Christ (516)
....much rest this week (517).....the Lord knowing I needed it (518)
.....the help of work teams (519)
....sweet fellowship, even if only for a brief time (520)
.....hearing how God changed lives (521)
.....good worship music (522)
....great times of prayer (523)
.....hearing the answers to those prayers (524)
....watching my oldest make new friends (525)....and smiling lots (526).....with fewer teeth!! (527)
.....Peter's new shaved head....good bye mohawk (528)
.....sharing in the joy of seeing kids come to Christ (529)
....a husband who steps in when I am sick (530)
...a great camp director whose passion for kids shows in everything he does (531)
....counselors who weep for their campers hurts (532)
.....my Hannah's love for wearing cowboy boots EVERY DAY, despite the facts that she is already wearing mismatched clothes (533)
....journaling (534)
.....a HUGE, wonderful care package from a friend (535)
.....my favorite Bath and Body smell :) (536)
....good books (537)
.....a little time to clean my house (538)
....phone calls from my BFF! (539)....and the 'almost pee in my pants' laughter that comes as a result!! (540)
.....the birth of my beautiful nephew, Corbin! (541)
.....the fact that my mother in law could be there for it....it's in another country!! (542)
......our many wonderful supporters that pray for us (543)
......feeling exhausted (544)
.....a passion for God's glory (545).....and a growing passion for MY joy in that glory (546)
....teachable moments (547)
.....having all that I need (548)
.....upcoming opportunities to serve (549)
.....upcoming opportunity to 'get away' soon :)....Colorado here we come!! (550)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I know....it has been a LONG time since I've been here.....I can't believe how fast time flies! I WANT to get here and blog, but the schedule here is so hectic....and when I finally get here, i'm amazed at how long it's been!
I am going to get on here really soon.....this weekend should allow me some time to catch you all up on things here......camp is almost over and we are all exhausted...but through it all, we can say: THE LORD IS GOOD!!!
I'll be back soon with details!!
I am going to get on here really soon.....this weekend should allow me some time to catch you all up on things here......camp is almost over and we are all exhausted...but through it all, we can say: THE LORD IS GOOD!!!
I'll be back soon with details!!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
My Readings....lately
I thought I would highlight some of the things I have been reading lately.....it's brief, I know, but it hits the main points ;)
"All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it. While men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning."
Oswald Chambers
"You cannot say 'no Lord' and mean both words....one annuls the other. If you say no to Him, then He is not your Lord."
D. James Kennedy
"Does it grieve you my friends, that the name of God is being taken in vain and desecrated? Does it grieve you that we are living in a godless age?"
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
"How many ovserve Christ's birthday! How few, His precepts! O! tis easier to keep holidays than commandments."
Benjamin Franklin
"If you will not have death unto sin, you shall have sin unto death. There is no alternative. If you do not die to sin you will die for sin...if you do not slay sin, sin will slay you."
Charles Spurgeon
"I am told that Christians do not love each other. I am very sorry if that be true, but I rather doubt it, for I suspect that those who do not love each other are not Christians."
Charles Spurgeon
"All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it. While men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning."
Oswald Chambers
"You cannot say 'no Lord' and mean both words....one annuls the other. If you say no to Him, then He is not your Lord."
D. James Kennedy
"Does it grieve you my friends, that the name of God is being taken in vain and desecrated? Does it grieve you that we are living in a godless age?"
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
"How many ovserve Christ's birthday! How few, His precepts! O! tis easier to keep holidays than commandments."
Benjamin Franklin
"If you will not have death unto sin, you shall have sin unto death. There is no alternative. If you do not die to sin you will die for sin...if you do not slay sin, sin will slay you."
Charles Spurgeon
"I am told that Christians do not love each other. I am very sorry if that be true, but I rather doubt it, for I suspect that those who do not love each other are not Christians."
Charles Spurgeon
Monday, July 7, 2008
.....a short week of camp (481)
.....the opportunity to share the Gospel with hurting children (482)
.....blowing it, but knowing there is mercy and forgiveness (483)
....seeing my oldest enjoy her first 'camp' experience (484)
.....a lonliness that drives me closer to my Savior (485)
.....getting extra sleep this weekend (486)
.....having time to clean my house! (487)
....hugs (488)
....fellowship with church family (489)
....being ministered to by others (490)
....growth, in unlikely places (491)
.....watching others serve the Lord with grace and maturity (492)
....phone calls from home (493)
.....Cracker Barrel (494)
.....baking (495)
....having Abby home again (496)
....neat travel opportunities for hubby (497)
.....a new day (498)
....a new WEEK (499)
.....time in His Word (500)
....prayer (501)
....getting in touch with a friend (502)
....learning to forgive (503)
.....rain, finally! (504)
.....a new work team (505)
....more staff!! (506)
.....the most AMAZING sunset (507)
.....a quiet morning (508)
.....feeling rested, despite lack of sleep (509)
....a God who protects from the past (510)
....comforting my son after he wakes from a bad dream (511)
....a package from a friend (512)
...music that makes me laugh (and cry!) (513) ....thanks betc!!
.....a long day in front of me, but access to an endless supply of strength (514)
.....the opportunity to share the Gospel with hurting children (482)
.....blowing it, but knowing there is mercy and forgiveness (483)
....seeing my oldest enjoy her first 'camp' experience (484)
.....a lonliness that drives me closer to my Savior (485)
.....getting extra sleep this weekend (486)
.....having time to clean my house! (487)
....hugs (488)
....fellowship with church family (489)
....being ministered to by others (490)
....growth, in unlikely places (491)
.....watching others serve the Lord with grace and maturity (492)
....phone calls from home (493)
.....Cracker Barrel (494)
.....baking (495)
....having Abby home again (496)
....neat travel opportunities for hubby (497)
.....a new day (498)
....a new WEEK (499)
.....time in His Word (500)
....prayer (501)
....getting in touch with a friend (502)
....learning to forgive (503)
.....rain, finally! (504)
.....a new work team (505)
....more staff!! (506)
.....the most AMAZING sunset (507)
.....a quiet morning (508)
.....feeling rested, despite lack of sleep (509)
....a God who protects from the past (510)
....comforting my son after he wakes from a bad dream (511)
....a package from a friend (512)
...music that makes me laugh (and cry!) (513) ....thanks betc!!
.....a long day in front of me, but access to an endless supply of strength (514)
Growth
I know....it's been a while since I've been here. Last week was CRAZY busy and exhausting! It was a short week (because of the 4th), but it seemed like it would never end.....we had everything from runaways, lice, vomiting, to stealing and lots of discipline problems. It was a lot for one week....but the Lord was good and His timing was perfect. We were able to enjoy a long weekend at the end of that busy week....I almost got caught up on sleep!
And although it's hard to tell if we made any progress with the Gospel last week, I know seeds were planted and despite the distractions of Satan, I know a few campers actually made a decision for Christ. I'm not sure what the total was for last week, but over the first 3 weeks we have had over 40 kids accept Christ as their Savior....it has been a very fruitful summer already!! Praise the Lord!
We are halfway through our summer already....it has flown by! It always does....I am trying to live in the moment each day...not taking a single one for granted. Opportunities abound here on a daily basis and I want to available for each and every one. Although I have failed many times already, the Lord is using this weak, selfish, sinful servant of His....it's a miracle to me! And it's only just beginning! It hasn't really sunk in yet that we are here full time....it probably won't really hit me until the fall, when we don't pack everything back into the van and head back "home".....we will actually get to stay!! I am looking forward to that!....and to all the Lord has in store for me and my family as far as ministry. Often times the 'unknown' can be a little scary, but this time, it is nothing but exciting! I don't know yet what exactly we will be doing in the 'off' season, but I open to almost anything....I am praying that the Lord will make it known, in a very real way, exactly what He wants us to do. There are many ministries to choose from...I know He has one planned for us already.
My time here on the 'mission field' has been awesome so far....for the most part. Opportunities abound to spread the Gospel and share Christ with others and there have been been several chances to encourage fellow believers. But there have also been some difficult times.....actually, a better way to describe it could be devastating. I guess it was to be expected....it's all part of life...of the growth process. And although the "good" times (sharing Christ and encouraging others) bring us closer to Christ in so many ways, the more difficult times can do it even more....and if we allow it, those times can be even sweeter.....bittersweet.
So, with every new day, with every new opportunity, every new hurt...there is growth. That is where I am trying to keep my focus these days....on Him and my growth in my relationship with Him.
And although it's hard to tell if we made any progress with the Gospel last week, I know seeds were planted and despite the distractions of Satan, I know a few campers actually made a decision for Christ. I'm not sure what the total was for last week, but over the first 3 weeks we have had over 40 kids accept Christ as their Savior....it has been a very fruitful summer already!! Praise the Lord!
We are halfway through our summer already....it has flown by! It always does....I am trying to live in the moment each day...not taking a single one for granted. Opportunities abound here on a daily basis and I want to available for each and every one. Although I have failed many times already, the Lord is using this weak, selfish, sinful servant of His....it's a miracle to me! And it's only just beginning! It hasn't really sunk in yet that we are here full time....it probably won't really hit me until the fall, when we don't pack everything back into the van and head back "home".....we will actually get to stay!! I am looking forward to that!....and to all the Lord has in store for me and my family as far as ministry. Often times the 'unknown' can be a little scary, but this time, it is nothing but exciting! I don't know yet what exactly we will be doing in the 'off' season, but I open to almost anything....I am praying that the Lord will make it known, in a very real way, exactly what He wants us to do. There are many ministries to choose from...I know He has one planned for us already.
My time here on the 'mission field' has been awesome so far....for the most part. Opportunities abound to spread the Gospel and share Christ with others and there have been been several chances to encourage fellow believers. But there have also been some difficult times.....actually, a better way to describe it could be devastating. I guess it was to be expected....it's all part of life...of the growth process. And although the "good" times (sharing Christ and encouraging others) bring us closer to Christ in so many ways, the more difficult times can do it even more....and if we allow it, those times can be even sweeter.....bittersweet.
So, with every new day, with every new opportunity, every new hurt...there is growth. That is where I am trying to keep my focus these days....on Him and my growth in my relationship with Him.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
.....a great finish (462)
....the end of a long headache (463)
....a clean house (464)
....saying good bye (465)
....sleeping in (466)
....laying on the couch with my kids (467)
....getting away (468)
.....a few minutes with a friend (469)
....getting back in touch (470)
....the promise of a day at the beach (471)
.....a cooler day (472)
.....the opportunity to worship (473)
.....reuniting with dear friends (474)
.....unspoken encouragement (475)
....fresh staff coming in (476)
....veggin' with my kids and a movie (477)
....falling asleep (478)
....a new day (479)....and a day of worship (480)
....the end of a long headache (463)
....a clean house (464)
....saying good bye (465)
....sleeping in (466)
....laying on the couch with my kids (467)
....getting away (468)
.....a few minutes with a friend (469)
....getting back in touch (470)
....the promise of a day at the beach (471)
.....a cooler day (472)
.....the opportunity to worship (473)
.....reuniting with dear friends (474)
.....unspoken encouragement (475)
....fresh staff coming in (476)
....veggin' with my kids and a movie (477)
....falling asleep (478)
....a new day (479)....and a day of worship (480)
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Fruit of the Spirit
As you leave the whole burden of your sin, and rest upon the atoning work of Christ, so leave the whole burden of your life and service and rest upon the present inworking of the Holy Spirit.
Give yourself up morning by morning, to be led by the Holy Spirit, and go forward praising and at rest, leaving Him to manage you and your day. Cultivate the habit, all through the day of joyfully depending upon and obeying Him, expecting Him to guide, to enlighten, to reprove, to teach, to use, to do in and with you, what He will.
Count upon His working, as a fact, altogether apart from sight or feeling. Only let us believe in and obey the Holy Spirit as the RULER of our lives, and cease from the burden of trying to manage ourselves, then shall the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, meekness, self-control, appear in us, as HE will, to the glory of God.
(BABR staff manual)
Give yourself up morning by morning, to be led by the Holy Spirit, and go forward praising and at rest, leaving Him to manage you and your day. Cultivate the habit, all through the day of joyfully depending upon and obeying Him, expecting Him to guide, to enlighten, to reprove, to teach, to use, to do in and with you, what He will.
Count upon His working, as a fact, altogether apart from sight or feeling. Only let us believe in and obey the Holy Spirit as the RULER of our lives, and cease from the burden of trying to manage ourselves, then shall the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, meekness, self-control, appear in us, as HE will, to the glory of God.
(BABR staff manual)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
.....little sleep, but time to pray (441)
.....my daughter being old enough to help out more (442)
....the 12 year old 'mini-me' that follows me around (443)
....the opportunity to be an example (444)
....a visit from a new friend (445)
....Lois, who has helped me lots this week (446)
....hugs (447)
.....laughter during cabin scores (448)
....seeing growth in our staff (449)
....the 'opportunity' for growth in others (450)
....peter being mostly healthy again (451)
....a husband who doesn't mind doing the 'yucky' jobs, like going to the dump each week (452)
....friends coming in this weekend (453)
....a quick but good talk with my pastor's wife (454)
....my kids being able to have a couple of "pajama" days (455)
....safety at mission impossible last night (456)
....being exactly where God wants me to be (457)
....Colossians (458)
.....the short, but often quiet walk to my house from the camp (459)
....the comfort of God (460)
....the fact that He listens to me, unconditionally (461)
.....my daughter being old enough to help out more (442)
....the 12 year old 'mini-me' that follows me around (443)
....the opportunity to be an example (444)
....a visit from a new friend (445)
....Lois, who has helped me lots this week (446)
....hugs (447)
.....laughter during cabin scores (448)
....seeing growth in our staff (449)
....the 'opportunity' for growth in others (450)
....peter being mostly healthy again (451)
....a husband who doesn't mind doing the 'yucky' jobs, like going to the dump each week (452)
....friends coming in this weekend (453)
....a quick but good talk with my pastor's wife (454)
....my kids being able to have a couple of "pajama" days (455)
....safety at mission impossible last night (456)
....being exactly where God wants me to be (457)
....Colossians (458)
.....the short, but often quiet walk to my house from the camp (459)
....the comfort of God (460)
....the fact that He listens to me, unconditionally (461)
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