keep calm

Can I get an "amen?"

We serve an awesome, big, powerful, all-knowing, caring God!



faith in His timing

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" But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."  Romans 8:25

I've had to remind myself of this fact often throughout life.
Holding on to faith for healing of loved ones.
Waiting to hear results after applying for a job.
Being still as decisions were being made regarding financial situations.
And most often during our wait for a baby.

This past weekend, I recalled those times of waiting.
Sunday marked my 28th week of pregnancy.
Just 2.5 months left.
Only 12 weeks to go.
A mere 84 days til due date.

While pondering on the short time remaining until my due date,
I recalled days when we didn't know if I would ever even be pregnant.
I wished for a round, growing belly.
I dreamt of knowing the feeling of life forming inside me.
We held onto faith that we would one day hold our baby ... but, when?
How long would we have to wait for our baby?
We didn't know God's timeframe.
The how's, the when's, they why's ... so much was unknown.
We couldn't put a finger on anything for certain.
We spent hours in pleading prayer.
Putting full trust in God who knew the desires of our hearts.
And ultimately, we put our faith not only in Him, but in His timing as well.

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14

And here we are.
Some 6+ years later in the journey.
Faith in God.
Faith in His timing.
It works.
Now, I know the pregnant-feeling.  I feel those kicks and punches often.
And in a short-time, Lord-willing, we will hold our precious miracle in our arms.

"...blessed are all they that wait for him." Isaiah 30:18

words

Recently, a high school class mate commended me on Facebook for being positive. 

On Facebook, I do attempt to be positive.  I don't like other's illusive comments that seem to scream "I need attention."  And I really dislike "slinging mud" ... leave personal matters, just that - personal.

So, I try not be one of "those" that I disapprove of. 

Personally, I feel that a person must "try hard" to use negativity and profanity on Facebook. 

First you must think it, prepare your thoughts, and type it out on the keyboard. 

This leaves plenty of time to back space, correct, and/or delete.

Definitely not as easy as falling prey to "speaking before you think."

 

I admit, I'm not always positive in person and one-on-one.

On occasion, I speak before I think.

Sometimes, when my feathers are ruffled, I'll vent (profusely) to Chris or a friend.

Or if I get started on a "issue" that gets under my skin, it's hard for me to control my tongue.

And I tend to complain a lot ... and sometimes even be pessimistic.

But this Facebook comment and a couple of blog posts really have me thinking on the matter.

 

Erin of the Blue-Eyed Bride blog wrote, "At some point on Friday, I completely lost my voice and it didn’t return until about mid-way through the day on Sunday.  Not having a voice can be so frustrating.  But it also made me think a lot about using my words carefully. ..., but when you don’t have a voice, you know you need to save your voice for when you really need it.  So I did my best not to talk most of the weekend except when I absolutely had to.  And so I’m going to try to carry that with me this week, with a perfectly fine voice.  I don’t want to speak too much “noise” into my family’s day, and don’t want to do it with my online relationships either."

by Ann Voskamp

 

And here is an awesome post by Holly Gerth about what to do when you find yourself in a conversation that drags you down:  http://holleygerth.com/what-to-do-when-a-conversation-drags-you-down/

And there was one other post that I can't seem to find right now ... oh well.

Bottom line -

Words are powerful.

Words can help or hurt.

Words can heal or destroy.

Words can encourage or discourage.

Words can "fill the air with noise" or inspire and fill a heart with hope.

Words reveal our heart, therefore, words show who we truly are.

So, I'm praying hard about this matter.

I don't want to be a complainer, a gossiper, or just a mindless talker.

I want to be optimistic, up-lifting, and speak words that have lasting, positive effects.

 

 

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

worship

The church where I work had this on the sign recently:

and I've been thinking of this quote:

"Worship is simply giving God His breath back." ~Louie Giglio

Our life should worship God.
Worship is not a "return favor" to God for something He has done for us.

(that would be praise and thanksgiving)

God's awesomeness and majesty demands worship.

He is God.

We owe Him worship simply because of who He is.

I want my daily deeds, actions, and words to worship Him.

I desire my life to bring Him glory and honor.

foundations

Rains, wind, and floods come and beat upon us all.
Troubles of life are inevitable.
The outcome is determined by what our foundation is built upon. 
The successful, unmovable foundation is the Rock, Christ Jesus -- all other ground is sinking sand!!

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. ...... And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:25 and 27

I once shared an object lesson at a church ladies gathering.
I used a Barbie doll, pieces of carpet, and a piece of concrete.
We can put ourselves together and be beautiful as Barbie .... "having it all together."
We can stand tall in our positions, trust in our good health, and have confidence in those around us.
But, all it takes is one financial downswing, one phone call from the doctor, or disappointing actions from friends and family, and we will find ourselves on the crumbled on the floor as the rug is "snatched" out from under us.

In this ever-changing world, it is more important than ever to have a firm foundation.  
Confidence in man, family, friends, jobs, health, government often leads to disappointment.
The only way to be sure of our future is to put all hope, faith, and trust in Jesus.
He never fails.  He is faithful in all things and every circumstance.

And He will never let us fall.

looking forward to 2013

I have a lot of thoughts swirling around in this head of mine when I think of 2013. 

Excitement mixed with a little anxiety.  Anticipation mingled with worry.  I mean, I have never birthed a baby before, so I'm slightly nervous about labor and delivery.  But, of course, the excitement of having my baby placed in my arms makes my heart do flip flops.  Then there are worries and stresses of taking care of a newborn and wanting to shield our baby from all harm and wrong.  Yet, this will undoubtly be the best year our life, therefore, I want to enjoy this time and not fret over happenings beyond my control.

 

I am not really making outlandish, unreasonable resolutions this year.  I realize we are in for a lot of changes --- good changes; but I really do not know what to expect ... and I can only prepare so much.  However, I do desire to be a better person ... wife, Christian, family, friend.  Better than I was in 2012.  I know what changes I need to insure that 2013 is different, so I will be working on those areas.  I do pray our baby girl arrives healthy and I pray I will be a good mom.  In 2013, I'd like to slow down some, focus on what matters most, and let the little things slide ... this is determined in the things I answer to ... either "yes" or "no."  Of course, ultimately,  my soul longs to be more like Him and do His will with my life.  Most importantly, I realize that for me to be more like Him and following His will entails allowing Him complete control and full surrender of the reins.  Whatever His plan - that it is what I want.  For He knows what is best for me.  Even when His path may result in rainy, cloudy days, trials, and struggles ... if it is part of His plan to draw me closer to Him and mold me in His image; that's what I truly desire deep down inside.

 

"For whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord. That's what I'll be willing to do.
For whatever it takes to be more like You.  That's what I'll be willing to do.

I'll trade sunshine for rain, comfort for pain.  That's what I'll be willing to do.
For whatever it takes, for my will to break. That's what I'll be willing to do."

Into 2013 we march ... excitedly anticipating all God has in store for us

oh, what love

In the passing of my aunt, I've had the song below on my mind over the past few days.
Circumstances of life are difficult to understand sometimes.
We can't comprehend the mind of God and His ways.
But, I can be assured that His eyes see me, His ears hear me, and His hands will help me.
Oh what love that a great big God cares about insignificant me and my life.

The Eyes Of Jesus
(couldn't confirm author - emphasis mine)

Sometimes it seems God's a million miles away
Too busy for a creature such as I
And then I think of how He sees each sparrow fall
I call on Him and find that He is nigh

The eyes of Jesus are upon each footstep that I take
His ears are always open when I pray
His hands are always there to help me lift my heavy load
His heart is broken every time I stray.

In valleys low I look to mountains high
And praise the Lord that caused this world to be.
That God so great holds me safe within His arms
What love that He should ever care for me.

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Psalm 8:3&4

Really, who am I?

And then I think of this season we are in - Christmas ... the great price paid to send God's only son.  A King chose his birth as a baby - knowing His end would be the cross.  He could've come to this Earth in many other manners; but He chose to come as a little babe, because He knew we'd understand a baby's cry and we wouldn't be afraid to come to Him.  Then, He walked this earth, knowing the pain and hurt we face.  And ultimately gave His precious life to provide us with redemption.  Oh, what an amazing plan!!

And He did this all just for me! (and you)
And no matter where I am or what I am going through ... His eyes see me, His ears hear me, and His hands will help me.
Oh, what love that a great big God cares about me.

how to keep calm

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thoughts I'm pondering today

Live in such a way that the world will be glad you did.

When we do good things to others, we do good things to God.

People will know we are Christians, not because we bear the name, but because we live the life.

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beautiful peace

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3

faith, prayers, and His will

A brief synopsis of a discussion from last weekend:

I have faith. God can do anything!
"Complicated" and "Impossible" are not words of His vocabulary.

Abraham + Sarah = Isaac
Elkanah + Hannah = Samuel
Shunammite woman + husband = son prophesied by Elisha
Zacharias + Elisabeth = John the Baptist

And ....... if I don't get an answer
I can 'avenge' Him until He gives me what I want, so to speak.
Right?
See the story of the widow and judge (Luke 18:1-5).

But, there is a risk associated.
Permissive or perfect will?
Remember Hezekiah's results.

So honestly, when I get down to the nitty-gritty of my prayers being answered:
It is really all left up to HIM.

If His answer is to give me my heart's desire --
then "yes, Hallelujah, PTL!"

But, if His answer is not to give me my heart's desire ...
I can truthful say,
"I desire His will."
(even though acceptance will be hard)
His plans are greater than mine.
(and far better than I can imagine)
And I know He will help me.
He'll give me grace and strength.
It may take a while, but eventually,
I'll get my heart and head on "the same page" as His.
And in the end I will still be able to shout ---
"Yes, Hallelujah, PTL!"

a good God and sweet people

Yesterday, upon entering my office,

I found these pretty roses and a thoughtful card.
The roses smell beautiful and the note shared kind words.God is good.
He knows just what we need and when to send it.
And sometimes He uses sweet people to deliver.That large rose is one of the biggest I've seen. Gorgeous!

what to do ... when I don't know what to do

Excellent encouraging, revival sermon.
I keep coming back to this one.
So often, I find myself in one of these places.

When my back is to the wall and I don't know what to do ...
-Have faith in God. Trust anyhow! (this should be my first response)
-Listen to the Word of God {Psalm 119:105}
-Trust in the Lord with all my heart {Proverbs 3:5}
-Like Job, be confident that the Lord knoweth the way I take {Job 23:10}
-Even in my darkest hour, He is still God
-Stay. Be Still. Hang on. --- He has the answer!

When I don't know how to pray or what to pray for ...
-It's okay to weep before the Lord
-He 'hears' the unutterable 'gushings' of my heart
-Tears are a language God understands
-He knows what I need before I ask
-Pray God's will be done ("Not my will, but Thy will)
-He doesn't need my instruction

When I don't know what to say to others ...
-Sometimes wisdom can be found in silence
-My smartest response may be no response at all
-"Study to be quiet"
-God gave me 2 eyes, 2 ears, and 1 mouth
-"Swift to hear; slow to speak"
-Some do not need my thoughts or words,
only a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen

believing

Mark 16:17, 18

And these signs {miracles/wonders} shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils {demonic activity/demons};
they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents {Satan};
and if they drink any deadly thing {by accident},
it shall not hurt them;
they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

It is my desire to BELIEVE and be firmly persuaded of this truth ...
that by the authority of Jesus and the power of His name,
miracles and wonders will be performed
and the works of Satan will be destroyed
and the sick shall be healed.

Believers do not follow signs.
But signs follow them that believe.
Not them that doubt, disbelieve, or deny.

I believe.

hearing God's voice

God whispers to us in our pleasures.
He speaks to us in our conscience.
But, He shouts to us in our pain.
~C.S. Lewis

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my thoughts lately

I've been thinking a lot about this quote I read the other day:

Peace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms ...it comes from having Jesus in the boat.

And honestly, I know "a lake with no storms" does not exist.
But, so often I search for calm waters.
I dream of a slower-paced, 'storm-free' life.
I wish for things, "if only I had _____"
And when faced with trials and sorrow, sometimes I ask "why me?"

But, I've been gently reminded "why not me?"
And "...it could be worse."

God never promised that life would be easy and without storms.
There's no record in the Bible of anyone
enjoying a perfect life exempt from trials. (think Job)
I've never met anyone who hasn't experienced pain and heartaches.
Everyone doesn't encounter the same storms
But everyone has storms.
And the struggles we face - teach us valuable lessons.
Battles makes us stronger and victory sweeter.

So, I will stop hoping for days without rain.
I'll attempt to embrace life ... whatever it brings.
I'll learn the lessons. I'll weather the storm.
I'll enjoy this day - with it's good and bad.
All I really need is Jesus on board.
Jesus has 'approved' the blessings and hardships.
He is the Sea-walker,
the Calm in the storm,
the Master of the sea.
He brings peace. I can trust Jesus.

Knowing Your Place

You are seated with Christ at God's right hand...
Nothing is higher than that !
God loves you with an everlasting love...
Nothing is deeper than that !
He invites you to drink from the river of His delights...
Nothing is purer than that !
He shares His heart with you in communion...
Nothing is dearer than that !
He watches over you with tender mercies...
Nothing is kinder that that !
He is with you and will never leave you...
Nothing is nearer than that !
He leads you according to the counsel of His own will...
Nothing is wiser than that !
He faithfully feeds you from His word...
Nothing is truer than that !
He is in you and joined to your spirit...
Nothing is closer than that !

-Roy Lessin

A ThankFULL Heart

With Thanksgiving 2010 less than a week away,
my heart is giving thanks.
I have soooo much to be thankful for.
Counting all the blessings in my life
would take a very long time.

When I find myself complaining,
if I begin to think of all the good things in my life,
I quickly change my attitude.

Throughout my entire life,
God has blessed me immeasurably.
And, particularly in the last year,
God answered prayers for us in two 'big' situations.

#1
Due to the economy,
Chris' construction business experienced downturn,
which ultimately meant a loss of income,
but God provided other jobs for both us.
And jobs that we enjoy.
He made a way when there seemed to be no way.

#2
For six months or more last year,
I suffered with severe pain from gall stones.
The doctor suggested surgery. I put it off.
I prayed about it. Changed my diet slightly.
And since November of last year, I've not had any pain.

Throughout the Bible there are examples
of miracles and demonstrations of God's power,
but it's a different story
to experience it personally.
My faith has increased immensely.
I know and fully believe there's NOTHING God cannot do.
This Thanksgiving my heart is thankFULL.
Exceptionally thankFULL.

But thanks be to God,
which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 15:57

Gentle Shepherd

I love to describe the Lord as my Gentle Shepherd.
A Shepherd who loves and cares for me ever so gently.
He understands me.
He knows all my faults and failures.
Yet, He still loves me.
He demonstrates His love even when I'm most undeserving.

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd:
he shall gather the lambs with his arm,
and carry them in his bosom.
Isaiah 40:11

How thankful I am for the green pastures where He is feeding me,
the strength I've felt in His arm as I know I've been carried ...
right close to Him - snuggled in His embrace.

"Gentle shepherd, Come and lead us,
For we need you to help us find our way,
Gentle shepherd, come and feed us,
For we need your strength from day to day
There's no other, We can turn to,
Who can help us face another day"
-Gaither Music/ASCAP

His love

The Lord often shows His love most when we deserve it least.