...to write. I'm thinking this should be as regular for me as exercise should be! Yeah, now you have a hint as to how disciplined I am at it.
This is going to be a milestone week, and I am flooded with emotions over it. Alyssa is moving into her dorm, starting college, this Thursday, August 26th. I am so excited for all the opportunities that she will face, I'm a little nervous (any Mom must wonder, "Did I teach them how to handle all the situations they will come up against??"), and I'm more than a little sad. Wow! Childhood passes so quickly.
I look up to Alyssa. She has been an amazing example of discipline to me, her MOM. :) If her discipline were to be displayed physically, she would be winning top prizes at fitness competitions...she would be ripped! :)
God has blessed me with my heart's desire. I am watching my kids grow in the knowledge and goodness of Christ. There is nothing else I want more. I love seeing God at work in each of my kids...He knows just how to reach them and teach them. He is creating individual masterpieces. My prayer is that my kids would continue to be more and more open to him...the all perfect friend, father, comfort, truth.
On another note, I have been thinking the last couple days about what kinds of things pierce darkness. What gives light to dark times? I could write a long list of ways that God has lit up my dark times over the years. Recalling his goodness. But, I don't think God wants us to just recall it and keep it for ourselves...he wants us to share the light that He gives us, to realize that's where satisfaction lies. It's all about giving it away.
Heidi wasn't feeling good this morning...her allergies make her feel sick at times. But I sent her to school anyway. It may seem a little trivial, but for her that is a dark time, having to go to school feeling stuffed up and blah! After giving her more allergy meds, it felt perfect and satisfying to pray with her and invite God to be with her today.
And now...it's time to get this Monday morning "crack-a-lackin'", as Alyssa would say :)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Discipline & Its Harvest
Don't forget the encouraging words God speaks to you as his children. He says,
"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline. Don't reject it. Don't be upset and give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines and corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. The Lord our God disciplines us for our own good. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? His discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! It always feels like it is going against the grain. But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God.This righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confident trust forever.
The Kingdom of God is a matter of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Look straight ahead with purpose, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don't get sidetracked; consider well the path of your feet. Let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Keep your feet from following evil. Mark this straight path for your feet so that those (yours and others) who are weak and lame will not fall and be disabled. Rather, they will become healed and strong, instead of getting worse.
Hebrews 12:5-7,9-13, Proverbs 3:11-12, Deuteronomy 8:5, Isaiah 38:16, Philippians 1:11, Isaiah 32:17, Romans 14:17, Proverbs 4:25-27
"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline. Don't reject it. Don't be upset and give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines and corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. The Lord our God disciplines us for our own good. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? His discipline is good, for it leads to life and health.
For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! It always feels like it is going against the grain. But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God.This righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confident trust forever.
The Kingdom of God is a matter of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Look straight ahead with purpose, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don't get sidetracked; consider well the path of your feet. Let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Keep your feet from following evil. Mark this straight path for your feet so that those (yours and others) who are weak and lame will not fall and be disabled. Rather, they will become healed and strong, instead of getting worse.
Hebrews 12:5-7,9-13, Proverbs 3:11-12, Deuteronomy 8:5, Isaiah 38:16, Philippians 1:11, Isaiah 32:17, Romans 14:17, Proverbs 4:25-27
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Loving quiet times these summer mornings....
...the house is so quiet! I've been reading Hebrews and feel like I need to soak it in more so I don't forget what's there.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses whose lives tell us what faith means, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily, deftly, and cleverly trips us up, clings to and entangles us. And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the race God has set before us. Let's never give up. (*Run to win! Run with purpose in every step. Look away from all distractions. Press on. Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead...your heavenly prize through Christ Jesus.) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
*1 Corinthians 9:24,26, Philippians 3:13-14
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses whose lives tell us what faith means, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily, deftly, and cleverly trips us up, clings to and entangles us. And let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the race God has set before us. Let's never give up. (*Run to win! Run with purpose in every step. Look away from all distractions. Press on. Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead...your heavenly prize through Christ Jesus.) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
*1 Corinthians 9:24,26, Philippians 3:13-14
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
It's gonna be okay...
Last night, my family and I went to see the movie "Letters to God". I really needed that. I love spending time with my family, and in the light of us all losing both a family member and a friend this last month, we needed this.
The movie may have had a bit of corny acting, but the message of the movie rang with truth, it was hope-filled, and it shone light in a dark place...Jesus' name was lifted high in the midst of the tragedy of cancer. I needed to hear that. I needed to hear a holy perspective, and I needed my kids to hear that, too. Lucky for me, my kids liked the movie ;)
The movie did exactly what Cindy did in real life. God's name was honored and put where it should be - lifted up! Like the boy in the story, Cindy suffered a lot. But, in the midst of the suffering, in their earthly jars of clay, they let God shine. I like to picture a cracked pot that lets light shine through...to me, that's a comforting image.
They were warriors, fighting, to give God the victory. I needed my kids to have that example reinforced in their hearts and minds. The characters in this movie, and even more, Cindy, did that. They demonstrated love for their Savior, and showed that it was more important than anything else. They battled to lift His name high, and draw others to it.
This morning, Steve, the person that feels the loss of Cindy even more than we do, got up and gave his message at church. Through tears and grief, he spoke about losing his beautiful bride Cindy, and not only did he speak about his loss, but he spoke about having faith NOW. That He was going to face this battle of loss with Jesus, and not without Him.
I cried tears again this morning, but like last night, these are hopeful tears. I know I'm going to be okay. I have seen in the past God's care for me, and I am going to ride out this loss with Him. I know He is going to be His unchanging self, and love me through this one too. And, after all this, if I cling to Jesus? I know I will love Him more. From deep in my heart, I give Him my worship...I delight to give it to Him. He is so faithful.
On a closing note, the wind was blowing today and it caused curtains near the ceiling in the auditorium to move and let more light in at times during the service. I loved that. Even through the darkness of grieving, light comes in, and is a perfect and timely gift given by God. I felt God's presence there this morning.
One other thing I needed last night...the girls sat in the row behind us, and no sooner had they sat down, the food fight started... love my goofy kids!
It's gonna be okay...God is faithful. Once again, I can see that.
The movie may have had a bit of corny acting, but the message of the movie rang with truth, it was hope-filled, and it shone light in a dark place...Jesus' name was lifted high in the midst of the tragedy of cancer. I needed to hear that. I needed to hear a holy perspective, and I needed my kids to hear that, too. Lucky for me, my kids liked the movie ;)
The movie did exactly what Cindy did in real life. God's name was honored and put where it should be - lifted up! Like the boy in the story, Cindy suffered a lot. But, in the midst of the suffering, in their earthly jars of clay, they let God shine. I like to picture a cracked pot that lets light shine through...to me, that's a comforting image.
They were warriors, fighting, to give God the victory. I needed my kids to have that example reinforced in their hearts and minds. The characters in this movie, and even more, Cindy, did that. They demonstrated love for their Savior, and showed that it was more important than anything else. They battled to lift His name high, and draw others to it.
This morning, Steve, the person that feels the loss of Cindy even more than we do, got up and gave his message at church. Through tears and grief, he spoke about losing his beautiful bride Cindy, and not only did he speak about his loss, but he spoke about having faith NOW. That He was going to face this battle of loss with Jesus, and not without Him.
I cried tears again this morning, but like last night, these are hopeful tears. I know I'm going to be okay. I have seen in the past God's care for me, and I am going to ride out this loss with Him. I know He is going to be His unchanging self, and love me through this one too. And, after all this, if I cling to Jesus? I know I will love Him more. From deep in my heart, I give Him my worship...I delight to give it to Him. He is so faithful.
On a closing note, the wind was blowing today and it caused curtains near the ceiling in the auditorium to move and let more light in at times during the service. I loved that. Even through the darkness of grieving, light comes in, and is a perfect and timely gift given by God. I felt God's presence there this morning.
One other thing I needed last night...the girls sat in the row behind us, and no sooner had they sat down, the food fight started... love my goofy kids!
It's gonna be okay...God is faithful. Once again, I can see that.
Friday, April 23, 2010
All in a day's time...
Today has been a full day! I want to write about it before this forgetful mind files it away into a lost file!
First of all, today was my Grandma's memorial service. I couldn't make it to Vancouver to be there, and my heart has been in kind of a tender,missing her spot today. My dad asked me to write a few things about her so that he could read it at her service. Here are my thoughts about my Godly Grandma...
"When I think about Grandma, or more affectionately, Gram, the first thing that comes to mind is her faithful prayers for her grandchildren. She has taught me about God's power in prayer as there were days I'm certain I could feel her prayers being lifted for me.
What also comes to mind is the love she had for all her grandchildren. She cared about how we were doing and her letters reflected that. She loved honesty in our response to her concern, and didn't want well-crafted answers! She cared about our well-being, our marriages, and for her precious great-grandchildren.
Enjoying the simple things with her was easy, whether it was a walk in the garden looking at the flowers, playing a good game of Scrabble, or sitting with her while the kids performed for her at the piano. She knew how to take pleasure in these times...I will miss her beautiful smile and her soft chuckle.
Grandma, you carried yourself with dignity and grace. I can imagine that you were ushered into heaven in the same manner. Thank you for your love that was so genuinely expressed to us. Heaven will be a sweet reunion...until then I want to carry on some of the qualities that were so beautifully you!"
With Gram's memorial service in the back of my mind, I went on about my day. I think God was watching out for me in extra measure today. Today, quite possibly, has been one of my favorite Fridays that I have spent with Alyssa this school year (she has Fridays off from school). She is a great conversationalist, easy to hang out with, and is growing into quite an impressive, young woman!
Alyssa and I joined Jim for lunch today at a cool little deli, Cheese N Stuff, near his office. Jim had been telling me how great this place was, and it lived up to every bit of his description and then some! The sandwiches were absolutely wonderful. I knew as soon as I walked into the place that I would love it. The fresh deli-meats smelled good, and the atmosphere brought back memories of eating at little delicatessens in Germany. It's a small deli. The only tables are three picnic-sized tables spaced a little bit apart. The feeling of eating together with others created a really relaxed atmosphere. Behind the tables, shelves were lined with jellies, crackers, and drinks, many from Europe. It was fun to pick jars and bottles up to read the labels of what exactly they were. This is a must-visit-again place!
When the lunch hour was up, Alyssa and I dropped Jim off at work, then went to the state capitol building in downtown Phoenix. Governor Jan Brewer signed a state law today that would enforce stricter immigration laws. There has been lots of protesting (and some support) going on at the capitol building, so Alyssa and I went to go have a look. For me, an issue sinks in more when I can see it instead of just reading about it. In Alyssa's government class at school the students and teacher have been having discussions on this current event.
We found parking easily, and then walked over to the grounds of the state capitol building. There were many news truck, helicopters hovering overhead, a huge police presence, many protesters, and a few supporters. Both the protesters and supporters of this new bill were passionate in their stances. Emotion levels were high...lots of anger, shouting, and some tears. The few supporters of the bill were rounded up inside an area taped off with yellow police tape, and heavily guarded with police and even volunteer security people that were protesters against the bill.
I don't have a particular stance on this issue. I know there are problems on both sides and this problem took a long time to create. It will take a long time to fix, if ever. What really hit me is that we live in a FREE country, and this type of protesting is not allowed in many other countries. I am thankful for my freedom. It is a huge blessing to live in a free country where opinions and beliefs can be freely expressed.
Another thing that touched my heart is that one day, and it will only happen when we are spending eternity in heaven, we will all live at peace with one another! What a wonderful atmosphere that will be! To think that peoples from every nation will be united, bowing in adoration to our Almighty God, our heavenly Father...wow...I can't wait.
On a totally different note, Heidi has been asking for pet rats for some time now. This week, she and I did a lot of research on them...I love the internet!! I have never wanted rats....never...ugh! After my reading, though, I have come to think that these little animals have possibilities! They are smart, love people, can be trained, and are fun to watch. I think what really got me was one internet site that said, "You know you have found a loving rat when it will lick your hand." Weird, because I look at that sentence now and think, "That's really gross!". Not too many worries, though, because they are supposed to be really clean animals. Blah, blah, blah.
We now have two female, baby rats! When Alyssa and I got home from observing the protest, we picked Heidi and Becky up from school, and went to see the rat owner that I found on Craigslist this morning. Heidi was so excited! She named her babies Isabelle and Jayde. I have already caught her calling Isabelle, "Izzy"!
I am proud of how far her thirty dollars in allowance money went...two rats, a nice cage from the thrift store, a bag of cat food (for the rats!), and cage supplies! Jim has warmed up to the rats, and right now is building a Legos sleeping quarters for them with Heidi. Designers at work!
First of all, today was my Grandma's memorial service. I couldn't make it to Vancouver to be there, and my heart has been in kind of a tender,missing her spot today. My dad asked me to write a few things about her so that he could read it at her service. Here are my thoughts about my Godly Grandma...
"When I think about Grandma, or more affectionately, Gram, the first thing that comes to mind is her faithful prayers for her grandchildren. She has taught me about God's power in prayer as there were days I'm certain I could feel her prayers being lifted for me.
What also comes to mind is the love she had for all her grandchildren. She cared about how we were doing and her letters reflected that. She loved honesty in our response to her concern, and didn't want well-crafted answers! She cared about our well-being, our marriages, and for her precious great-grandchildren.
Enjoying the simple things with her was easy, whether it was a walk in the garden looking at the flowers, playing a good game of Scrabble, or sitting with her while the kids performed for her at the piano. She knew how to take pleasure in these times...I will miss her beautiful smile and her soft chuckle.
Grandma, you carried yourself with dignity and grace. I can imagine that you were ushered into heaven in the same manner. Thank you for your love that was so genuinely expressed to us. Heaven will be a sweet reunion...until then I want to carry on some of the qualities that were so beautifully you!"
With Gram's memorial service in the back of my mind, I went on about my day. I think God was watching out for me in extra measure today. Today, quite possibly, has been one of my favorite Fridays that I have spent with Alyssa this school year (she has Fridays off from school). She is a great conversationalist, easy to hang out with, and is growing into quite an impressive, young woman!
Alyssa and I joined Jim for lunch today at a cool little deli, Cheese N Stuff, near his office. Jim had been telling me how great this place was, and it lived up to every bit of his description and then some! The sandwiches were absolutely wonderful. I knew as soon as I walked into the place that I would love it. The fresh deli-meats smelled good, and the atmosphere brought back memories of eating at little delicatessens in Germany. It's a small deli. The only tables are three picnic-sized tables spaced a little bit apart. The feeling of eating together with others created a really relaxed atmosphere. Behind the tables, shelves were lined with jellies, crackers, and drinks, many from Europe. It was fun to pick jars and bottles up to read the labels of what exactly they were. This is a must-visit-again place!
When the lunch hour was up, Alyssa and I dropped Jim off at work, then went to the state capitol building in downtown Phoenix. Governor Jan Brewer signed a state law today that would enforce stricter immigration laws. There has been lots of protesting (and some support) going on at the capitol building, so Alyssa and I went to go have a look. For me, an issue sinks in more when I can see it instead of just reading about it. In Alyssa's government class at school the students and teacher have been having discussions on this current event.
We found parking easily, and then walked over to the grounds of the state capitol building. There were many news truck, helicopters hovering overhead, a huge police presence, many protesters, and a few supporters. Both the protesters and supporters of this new bill were passionate in their stances. Emotion levels were high...lots of anger, shouting, and some tears. The few supporters of the bill were rounded up inside an area taped off with yellow police tape, and heavily guarded with police and even volunteer security people that were protesters against the bill.
I don't have a particular stance on this issue. I know there are problems on both sides and this problem took a long time to create. It will take a long time to fix, if ever. What really hit me is that we live in a FREE country, and this type of protesting is not allowed in many other countries. I am thankful for my freedom. It is a huge blessing to live in a free country where opinions and beliefs can be freely expressed.
Another thing that touched my heart is that one day, and it will only happen when we are spending eternity in heaven, we will all live at peace with one another! What a wonderful atmosphere that will be! To think that peoples from every nation will be united, bowing in adoration to our Almighty God, our heavenly Father...wow...I can't wait.
On a totally different note, Heidi has been asking for pet rats for some time now. This week, she and I did a lot of research on them...I love the internet!! I have never wanted rats....never...ugh! After my reading, though, I have come to think that these little animals have possibilities! They are smart, love people, can be trained, and are fun to watch. I think what really got me was one internet site that said, "You know you have found a loving rat when it will lick your hand." Weird, because I look at that sentence now and think, "That's really gross!". Not too many worries, though, because they are supposed to be really clean animals. Blah, blah, blah.
We now have two female, baby rats! When Alyssa and I got home from observing the protest, we picked Heidi and Becky up from school, and went to see the rat owner that I found on Craigslist this morning. Heidi was so excited! She named her babies Isabelle and Jayde. I have already caught her calling Isabelle, "Izzy"!
I am proud of how far her thirty dollars in allowance money went...two rats, a nice cage from the thrift store, a bag of cat food (for the rats!), and cage supplies! Jim has warmed up to the rats, and right now is building a Legos sleeping quarters for them with Heidi. Designers at work!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Statements...
Sometimes it's just a statement I need....or, even part of a statement. Yesterday it was "There is wonderful joy ahead", and today it was "As for God, His way is blameless." These statements settled down into my heart and made a difference in my days.
It is difficult not having Cindy here, but these statements ENCOURAGE me. God is wonderful in the things that He has promised. He is wonderful in WHO he is. He is wonderful in His provision. These statements make my heart worship him even more. I don't have to understand the why's...I just need more of God. He is what I need. And, He is sufficient. Thank you, God.
It is difficult not having Cindy here, but these statements ENCOURAGE me. God is wonderful in the things that He has promised. He is wonderful in WHO he is. He is wonderful in His provision. These statements make my heart worship him even more. I don't have to understand the why's...I just need more of God. He is what I need. And, He is sufficient. Thank you, God.
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