Stickers and chocolate. Prized commodities at my house among my daughters. I was never someone who loved stickers but Katherine and Raney cannot get enough of them. We get them from the doctor, they get to pick them out, they are party favors from birthday parties, and their Mamaw also sends them stickers periodically in the mail. Chocolate is also pretty popular...and that obsession I totally get. One of these days they will move from stickers and chocolate to shoes and chocolate.
Anyway...yesterday we went to the doctor for a 'well-check' for Raney and of course we received stickers at the end. Katherine likes to save all of hers, and put them in her sticker notebook. Raney has a different way of handling. She likes to 'mark' people with stickers, but there is a progression. First, she puts it on herself and then later on she moves it to someone she loves, and then if it still has sticky left, she will put it in her notebook. I have realized that if you leave a sticker on your hand for more than a couple of hours- it hurts to peel it off. Yesterday when daddy got home, Raney was ready to pull her sticker from her shirt and put it on him.
She excitedly told him about the doctor, proudly showed him her sticker, and asked him if he wanted it. He, being the good daddy he is, was very responsive to wearing a princess sticker on his shirt. So, Raney grabbed the sticker and pulled.......and it ripped!
In my head I am hearing Molly from the Annie movie, "Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness!" while watching Raney fall apart because the prize she wanted to share with her daddy was ruined! It was very tragic.
But, Todd, reached out to her and said, "Raney, it is okay, I can make it better, watch this!". He reached out and got the two halves of her sticker and gently put them together on his shirt. Raney was watching very closely while her daddy took the pieces of her gift, and made it like new on his shirt. Afterwards, she climbed up on his lap and hugged him.
Times like these reach out and touch a mother's heart. I saw multiple spiritual elements but I also just enjoyed the moment- loving my husband as he loved our daughter.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Walks like a Duck...
We are studying the Gospel of John in my small group and this week we looked at John the Baptist. His job was to prepare the way for the Lord.
Beth Moore in her "Beloved Disciple Study" says this about preparation:
Preparation reminds me of a wonderful verse in Joshua, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you: (3:5). God can perform a miracle in any one of us at anytime, but amazing things happen when He prepares us for His mighty work. Included in that mighty work will most assuredly be what we need most- whether a fresh work, a repair from a tear, or a full-scale restoration.
Our job as Christians is also to prepare the way for the Lord...on a daily basis. Our lives, our actions, our words should be 'making the path straight', a highway to the Heavenly Father. John said this to the priests who came to question him, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance!"(Luke 3:8, Matthew 3:8).
What a strong statement! The Bible is filled with warnings, encouragements, and statements to make sure our faith and our lives match. John 15 talks about the vine and branches and fruit, and James also challenges us to not live by faith alone. The whole concept of walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, looks like a duck...so is a duck takes on a new meaning!
Walk like a Christ Follower:
My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice. (Proverbs 8:19-20)
Sound like a Person Following Christ:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29; But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving Ephesians 5:3-4
Looks like a Christ Follower:
God's power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life. All of that has come to us because we know the One who chose us. He chose us because of his own glory and goodness. He has also given us his very great and valuable promises. He did it so you could share in his nature. He also did it so you could escape from the evil in the world. That evil is caused by sinful longings. So you should try very hard to add goodness to your faith. To goodness, add knowledge. To knowledge, add the ability to control yourselves. To the ability to control yourselves, add the strength to keep going. To the strength to keep going, add godliness. To godliness, add kindness to believers. And to kindness to believers, add love. You should possess more and more of those good points. They will make you useful and fruitful as you get to know our Lord Jesus Christ better 2 Peter 1:3-8
Then you will be a new creation in Christ- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
Do you see? We are to be Christ's ambassadors- preparing the way for His presence in people's lives.
So...are you producing fruit in keeping with repentance?
Beth Moore in her "Beloved Disciple Study" says this about preparation:
Preparation reminds me of a wonderful verse in Joshua, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you: (3:5). God can perform a miracle in any one of us at anytime, but amazing things happen when He prepares us for His mighty work. Included in that mighty work will most assuredly be what we need most- whether a fresh work, a repair from a tear, or a full-scale restoration.
Our job as Christians is also to prepare the way for the Lord...on a daily basis. Our lives, our actions, our words should be 'making the path straight', a highway to the Heavenly Father. John said this to the priests who came to question him, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance!"(Luke 3:8, Matthew 3:8).
What a strong statement! The Bible is filled with warnings, encouragements, and statements to make sure our faith and our lives match. John 15 talks about the vine and branches and fruit, and James also challenges us to not live by faith alone. The whole concept of walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, looks like a duck...so is a duck takes on a new meaning!
Walk like a Christ Follower:
My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice. (Proverbs 8:19-20)
Sound like a Person Following Christ:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29; But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving Ephesians 5:3-4
Looks like a Christ Follower:
God's power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life. All of that has come to us because we know the One who chose us. He chose us because of his own glory and goodness. He has also given us his very great and valuable promises. He did it so you could share in his nature. He also did it so you could escape from the evil in the world. That evil is caused by sinful longings. So you should try very hard to add goodness to your faith. To goodness, add knowledge. To knowledge, add the ability to control yourselves. To the ability to control yourselves, add the strength to keep going. To the strength to keep going, add godliness. To godliness, add kindness to believers. And to kindness to believers, add love. You should possess more and more of those good points. They will make you useful and fruitful as you get to know our Lord Jesus Christ better 2 Peter 1:3-8
Then you will be a new creation in Christ- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
Do you see? We are to be Christ's ambassadors- preparing the way for His presence in people's lives.
So...are you producing fruit in keeping with repentance?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Intimacy
Intimacy is an art. Intimacy is art. Art can be intimacy. When I think of intimacy, and I am not talking sexually, I think of a tapestry. All the individual threads woven together, not knowing when one ends or begins, creating a beautiful picture for the world to see. It takes skill, it takes pricking one's finger, it takes time...so much time. And yet the result- is amazing!
I was reading an article in People magazine and I was struck by a quote from Elizabeth Edwards (John Edwards' wife), who is writing a memoir of her journey with cancer as well her life in the public eye. "No marriage is perfect. John and I have argued, we have disagreed about the children and about jobs, about why he insists on going for a run at dinnertime. From time to time we have been disappointed in one another, because that is the nature of real intimacy" (pg. 74, August 20, 2007).
I loved that! Real and true intimacy cannot come without troubles, or pains on the way. Intimacy arises out of need and love for another person. Closeness, familiarity, bonded, deep understanding, relationship and a warm friendship are all synonyms for intimacy. One of the sentences used in the dictionary to describe intimacy stood out to me: "the absence of fences created a mysterious intimacy in which no one knew privacy".
Yesterday, while running errands, I heard a song that I hadn't heard in a long while. Michael W. Smith was singing it this time. I don't know the title (maybe Breathe?) but the words are: 'This is the air I breathe. Your Holy Presence Living in me. This is my daily bread. Your very Word Spoken to me. And I'm desperate for you. And I'm lost without you.'
My kids wanted to know what 'desperate' meant. I explained- when you have a great need, a yearning, an intense desire and then I explained that the song was talking about being desperate for Jesus.
Intimacy with our Saviour- arising out of our desperate need and love for a presence in our lives that is SO much greater than ourselves! I always hear the analogy about letting God into our houses, even our closets. I laugh because I am a clutter queen, and if you open the drawer to find a dish cloth, you just might find markers, stamps, or money! Many times when people are over my house- I see them starting to open the drawer, or cabinet and I am dive rolling over furniture to stop them so they don't see my mess inside. And yet...intimacy is such a strong aspect of our Christian lives together and disappointment happens. Even when I disappoint my Father in Heaven- I know He still loves me.
Psalm 142:5-7
I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Are you feeling intimacy with the Heavenly Father? Are you desperate for Him? What prison is keeping you from pursuing Him freely? prison of guilt? prison of addiction? prison of apathy? prison of sin? prison of your past? Isn't it amazing how different all our prisons can look and yet they all keep us from praising the father in Heaven and they keep us from true intimacy with Him and many times with those around us.
Praying for you. Julie
I was reading an article in People magazine and I was struck by a quote from Elizabeth Edwards (John Edwards' wife), who is writing a memoir of her journey with cancer as well her life in the public eye. "No marriage is perfect. John and I have argued, we have disagreed about the children and about jobs, about why he insists on going for a run at dinnertime. From time to time we have been disappointed in one another, because that is the nature of real intimacy" (pg. 74, August 20, 2007).
I loved that! Real and true intimacy cannot come without troubles, or pains on the way. Intimacy arises out of need and love for another person. Closeness, familiarity, bonded, deep understanding, relationship and a warm friendship are all synonyms for intimacy. One of the sentences used in the dictionary to describe intimacy stood out to me: "the absence of fences created a mysterious intimacy in which no one knew privacy".
Yesterday, while running errands, I heard a song that I hadn't heard in a long while. Michael W. Smith was singing it this time. I don't know the title (maybe Breathe?) but the words are: 'This is the air I breathe. Your Holy Presence Living in me. This is my daily bread. Your very Word Spoken to me. And I'm desperate for you. And I'm lost without you.'
My kids wanted to know what 'desperate' meant. I explained- when you have a great need, a yearning, an intense desire and then I explained that the song was talking about being desperate for Jesus.
Intimacy with our Saviour- arising out of our desperate need and love for a presence in our lives that is SO much greater than ourselves! I always hear the analogy about letting God into our houses, even our closets. I laugh because I am a clutter queen, and if you open the drawer to find a dish cloth, you just might find markers, stamps, or money! Many times when people are over my house- I see them starting to open the drawer, or cabinet and I am dive rolling over furniture to stop them so they don't see my mess inside. And yet...intimacy is such a strong aspect of our Christian lives together and disappointment happens. Even when I disappoint my Father in Heaven- I know He still loves me.
Psalm 142:5-7
I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Are you feeling intimacy with the Heavenly Father? Are you desperate for Him? What prison is keeping you from pursuing Him freely? prison of guilt? prison of addiction? prison of apathy? prison of sin? prison of your past? Isn't it amazing how different all our prisons can look and yet they all keep us from praising the father in Heaven and they keep us from true intimacy with Him and many times with those around us.
Praying for you. Julie
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Shadows
There is a familiar praise song echoing through my mind right written by Matt Redman:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw&mode=related&search (video of song)
The other night at small group we were talking about shadows...they come in many forms- in our heads, whispers of Satan; in the forms of sickness or death; trials and struggles; and the fear of the unknown.
Our leader mentioned about when she was a little girl and what shadows were to her. I was immediately taken back to being a small child, not being able to sleep and my imagination taking over the shadows of the night. I was immobilized with fear.
Maybe if I didn't move the burglar wouldn't know I was awake
Maybe if I slowly moved my one foot that was out of the covers- underneath the sheet, the monster that was under my bed couldn't get me
Maybe if I ran really fast to my father while the person was on the opposite side of the house, I would be safe
And then...I would start thinking of all the things I could say to the shadow to make it go away.
Sometimes I dreamed about witnessing and bringing them to church as our guest. Other times I would try quoting scripture to myself until the panic subsided. As a child, the main verses I knew were John 3:16 and Psalm 23. This song reminds me of Psalm 23. It is a reminder to me that even in the shadows of life- I can still praise my Father in Heaven, who is with me, in whatever I am going through.
Shadows. Imagery of darkness. C.S. Lewis and Shadowlands. Fellowship of the Rings and the Dark Shadow...
But, we have a God of Light! James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
His truth shines like light in the midst of the darkness. His scripture chases away the shifting shadows, and His presence guides us into righteousness.
A favorite book of mine at Christmas is The Littlest Angel. I love the last few pages where God the father, takes the Littlest Angel's lowly gift- and makes it the light of Bethlehem. Obviously completely fictional- but so powerful to me. The illustrations show a large light shining down on this crouching, kneeling, fearful angel and a voice comes from the Heavens and speaks comfort.
That is what His light does- it speaks comfort. It speaks truth. It speaks love. It speaks strength.
Don't let the shadows in your life immobilize you. Go to the Word and arm yourself with treasures in Heaven that His light can shine through and allow God to chase away your shadows.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw&mode=related&search (video of song)
The other night at small group we were talking about shadows...they come in many forms- in our heads, whispers of Satan; in the forms of sickness or death; trials and struggles; and the fear of the unknown.
Our leader mentioned about when she was a little girl and what shadows were to her. I was immediately taken back to being a small child, not being able to sleep and my imagination taking over the shadows of the night. I was immobilized with fear.
Maybe if I didn't move the burglar wouldn't know I was awake
Maybe if I slowly moved my one foot that was out of the covers- underneath the sheet, the monster that was under my bed couldn't get me
Maybe if I ran really fast to my father while the person was on the opposite side of the house, I would be safe
And then...I would start thinking of all the things I could say to the shadow to make it go away.
Sometimes I dreamed about witnessing and bringing them to church as our guest. Other times I would try quoting scripture to myself until the panic subsided. As a child, the main verses I knew were John 3:16 and Psalm 23. This song reminds me of Psalm 23. It is a reminder to me that even in the shadows of life- I can still praise my Father in Heaven, who is with me, in whatever I am going through.
Shadows. Imagery of darkness. C.S. Lewis and Shadowlands. Fellowship of the Rings and the Dark Shadow...
But, we have a God of Light! James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
His truth shines like light in the midst of the darkness. His scripture chases away the shifting shadows, and His presence guides us into righteousness.
A favorite book of mine at Christmas is The Littlest Angel. I love the last few pages where God the father, takes the Littlest Angel's lowly gift- and makes it the light of Bethlehem. Obviously completely fictional- but so powerful to me. The illustrations show a large light shining down on this crouching, kneeling, fearful angel and a voice comes from the Heavens and speaks comfort.
That is what His light does- it speaks comfort. It speaks truth. It speaks love. It speaks strength.
Don't let the shadows in your life immobilize you. Go to the Word and arm yourself with treasures in Heaven that His light can shine through and allow God to chase away your shadows.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Katherine and Butterflies
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(2 Cor. 5:17)
Butterflies...fluttering wings, sporadic movement, lightening of spirit, somewhat solitary, and striking beauty- even with the most blandest of colors.
Sometimes I associate things with my children. Parker and Rainbows, while Katherine has always reminded me of a butterfly. But, never more so than the other night.
She and Todd were watching Angels in the Outfield and I was downstairs with Raney. I went back upstairs to get the girls ready for bed and Todd told me that he and Katherine had been talking about angels and God.
Katherine got up to take her medicine and with a fluttering hand- directed her daddy and I 'to talk about things'. I could tell something was up.
Todd told me that Katherine was ready to ask Jesus to come into her heart. wow.
Now, since Parker made that decision over two years ago, Katherine has been very curious and asking questions but always coming to the conclusion that she wasn't ready or that she wanted to wait until she was older. But, now the day had arrived.
Todd took Raney upstairs and I talked with Katherine who was all smiles and giggles. I asked her if she knew who Jesus was?
"He is God and God's son"
Do you know what He did?
"He died on the cross so I can live forever"
Do you know what sin is?
"Things like lying and not being nice to my sister"
Do you understand forgiveness?
"when the bad things I do don't matter anymore"
Did Jesus stay dead?
"Noooooo! He rose from the dead and there were angels
I am always hesitant for young children to make the decision to become a Christian. In spite of my own experience at age 6, I worry that since we live and breathe ministry and church. I want to make sure that my children feel these things deeply and not just feel pressure. Plus, I knew Katherine really loved watching Parker getting baptized and maybe baptism was on her 'cool' list. Of course, Todd was over on the other couch freaking out that I might let this opportunity pass us by...again~ typical pastor!
Katherine was pretty adamant- I decided to trust her instincts since she had previously decided she wasn't ready.
We called Parker home from a friend's house and he arrived. We asked him to tell his sister about his experience, and we had Katherine share with him as well. Then, Todd led my beautiful daughter in a prayer asking Jesus to come and live with her, to be inside her heart, and to help her live her life in a way that glorifies Him.
Precious.
Then it was time to share the news...Katherine called friends and family to let them know she "asked Jesus into her heart and is going to be baptized".
To her friend Leah Hurt (age 5) who is a Christian: "When you are ready to be baptized let me know because I am already ready!"
To her friend Tyler (age 8) who is a Christian and has been baptized: "Good for you Tyler, were you scared? How deep was the water? Like one foot, 2 feet or 5 feet?
My daughter, a beautiful butterfly, a new creation in Christ, my sister forever.
(2 Cor. 5:17)
Butterflies...fluttering wings, sporadic movement, lightening of spirit, somewhat solitary, and striking beauty- even with the most blandest of colors.
Sometimes I associate things with my children. Parker and Rainbows, while Katherine has always reminded me of a butterfly. But, never more so than the other night.
She and Todd were watching Angels in the Outfield and I was downstairs with Raney. I went back upstairs to get the girls ready for bed and Todd told me that he and Katherine had been talking about angels and God.
Katherine got up to take her medicine and with a fluttering hand- directed her daddy and I 'to talk about things'. I could tell something was up.
Todd told me that Katherine was ready to ask Jesus to come into her heart. wow.
Now, since Parker made that decision over two years ago, Katherine has been very curious and asking questions but always coming to the conclusion that she wasn't ready or that she wanted to wait until she was older. But, now the day had arrived.
Todd took Raney upstairs and I talked with Katherine who was all smiles and giggles. I asked her if she knew who Jesus was?
"He is God and God's son"
Do you know what He did?
"He died on the cross so I can live forever"
Do you know what sin is?
"Things like lying and not being nice to my sister"
Do you understand forgiveness?
"when the bad things I do don't matter anymore"
Did Jesus stay dead?
"Noooooo! He rose from the dead and there were angels
I am always hesitant for young children to make the decision to become a Christian. In spite of my own experience at age 6, I worry that since we live and breathe ministry and church. I want to make sure that my children feel these things deeply and not just feel pressure. Plus, I knew Katherine really loved watching Parker getting baptized and maybe baptism was on her 'cool' list. Of course, Todd was over on the other couch freaking out that I might let this opportunity pass us by...again~ typical pastor!
Katherine was pretty adamant- I decided to trust her instincts since she had previously decided she wasn't ready.
We called Parker home from a friend's house and he arrived. We asked him to tell his sister about his experience, and we had Katherine share with him as well. Then, Todd led my beautiful daughter in a prayer asking Jesus to come and live with her, to be inside her heart, and to help her live her life in a way that glorifies Him.
Precious.
Then it was time to share the news...Katherine called friends and family to let them know she "asked Jesus into her heart and is going to be baptized".
To her friend Leah Hurt (age 5) who is a Christian: "When you are ready to be baptized let me know because I am already ready!"
To her friend Tyler (age 8) who is a Christian and has been baptized: "Good for you Tyler, were you scared? How deep was the water? Like one foot, 2 feet or 5 feet?
My daughter, a beautiful butterfly, a new creation in Christ, my sister forever.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Jehovah Jireh
My children went to a bibleschool/summer camp a couple of weeks ago at Algonkian Park through a Presbyterian Church. They have such a blast being outside, playing games, learning bible stories, and getting wet (the get sprayed, shot at, or poured on if they get an answer correct). I am so impressed with the snacks. They are so creative. On the day the talked about Jesus and Peter walking on water- their snack was creating a boat out of graham cracker sticks and frosting, a carrot for the mast, and gummy snacks for the disciples and Jesus.
Anyway...they also received a CD with Christian music on it for the camp week. One of the songs is sung by a child and then other children join her. The words at beginning are "Here I am before you now on my knees" and then in chorus are "You say Lay it down, Lay it all down and forget, You say it Lay it down, Lay it all down, and then you say call me to you and you will provide, a way to leave these tears behind, and and help me forget".
It is so precious. I love that my kids are learning to go to God with their burdens and listening to little kids voices sing about this is such a strong reminder for me.
Sunday we went to get Parker from his overnight camp he had been at for the week and we were listening to this CD. Lately, Todd and I have been struck with all the suffering around us. Not the random suffering of the world at large- but the close at hand suffering of couples we know going through marital difficulties, life threatening illnesses, and bad job situations or even loss of jobs. I have been burdened. My heart breaks for each one of them, I don't know all the right words, and we struggle to just be there when needed.
This song reminded me of where to go first- to the Heavenly Father. I can also honestly say that in each situation of people we know going through hard times- their faith is carrying them through. They are all responding the the various crisis with strength, faith, and hope in Christ. As much as my heart breaks for them- I am also amazed.
God is a God of provision. Here is a poem written by my best friend.
Jehovah Jirah
My Jehovah Jirah, You hold me in Your hand.
My Jehovah Jirah, In Your very palm I stand.
My Jehovah Jirah, never to far away.
My Jehovah Jirah, You guide me through all of my days.
My Jehovah Jirah, my daily bread I await.
My Jehovah Jirah, Your provision is never too late.
My Jehovah Jirah, on you I will keep my eyes.
My Jehovah Jirah, You alone are my greatest prize.
My Jehovah Jirah, through feast or famine, I will not lose sight.
My Jehovah Jirah, my joy, my life, my light.
My Jehovah Jirah, one name of many, one promise to believe.
My Jehovah Jirah, let my heart not ever be deceived.
I kept thinking about this poem last night and singing the words to the song in my head. The name Jehovah Jireh came from Abraham in Genesis 22. He had just been told to sacrifice his son, and right before he actually went through with it, God provided an alternative sacrifice, a ram. Abraham's response was, "So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide(Jehovah Jireh). And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." (vs. 14)
God is there for you, and for me. Look to Him in all things. Wait for his provision. And remember, God's provision may not look the way we think it should.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26
If you are burdened right now, spend some time with the Father in Heaven, and Lay it all down before Him. Cry out to Him, Jehovah Jireh.
O LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of trouble Psalm 88:1-3
Anyway...they also received a CD with Christian music on it for the camp week. One of the songs is sung by a child and then other children join her. The words at beginning are "Here I am before you now on my knees" and then in chorus are "You say Lay it down, Lay it all down and forget, You say it Lay it down, Lay it all down, and then you say call me to you and you will provide, a way to leave these tears behind, and and help me forget".
It is so precious. I love that my kids are learning to go to God with their burdens and listening to little kids voices sing about this is such a strong reminder for me.
Sunday we went to get Parker from his overnight camp he had been at for the week and we were listening to this CD. Lately, Todd and I have been struck with all the suffering around us. Not the random suffering of the world at large- but the close at hand suffering of couples we know going through marital difficulties, life threatening illnesses, and bad job situations or even loss of jobs. I have been burdened. My heart breaks for each one of them, I don't know all the right words, and we struggle to just be there when needed.
This song reminded me of where to go first- to the Heavenly Father. I can also honestly say that in each situation of people we know going through hard times- their faith is carrying them through. They are all responding the the various crisis with strength, faith, and hope in Christ. As much as my heart breaks for them- I am also amazed.
God is a God of provision. Here is a poem written by my best friend.
Jehovah Jirah
My Jehovah Jirah, You hold me in Your hand.
My Jehovah Jirah, In Your very palm I stand.
My Jehovah Jirah, never to far away.
My Jehovah Jirah, You guide me through all of my days.
My Jehovah Jirah, my daily bread I await.
My Jehovah Jirah, Your provision is never too late.
My Jehovah Jirah, on you I will keep my eyes.
My Jehovah Jirah, You alone are my greatest prize.
My Jehovah Jirah, through feast or famine, I will not lose sight.
My Jehovah Jirah, my joy, my life, my light.
My Jehovah Jirah, one name of many, one promise to believe.
My Jehovah Jirah, let my heart not ever be deceived.
I kept thinking about this poem last night and singing the words to the song in my head. The name Jehovah Jireh came from Abraham in Genesis 22. He had just been told to sacrifice his son, and right before he actually went through with it, God provided an alternative sacrifice, a ram. Abraham's response was, "So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide(Jehovah Jireh). And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." (vs. 14)
God is there for you, and for me. Look to Him in all things. Wait for his provision. And remember, God's provision may not look the way we think it should.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26
If you are burdened right now, spend some time with the Father in Heaven, and Lay it all down before Him. Cry out to Him, Jehovah Jireh.
O LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of trouble Psalm 88:1-3
Monday, August 6, 2007
Romantic Drivel
"She spied him across the heads of the people in the ballroom, her gaze was drawn like bees to honey, his eyes the color of the amber liquid. A small gasp escaped her mouth before she even knew it. He came, he was here! Her dreams and desires all in one man. And he was here."
Todd loves to watch car chases, sporting disasters, and any other adrenaline show. I give him a very hard time because- many times the 'disaster' is not as spectacular as the commentary that the guy is giving it. It always seems much more extreme if you listen and not watch.
Romantic novels are much the same way. They are set up to be extreme- and not common. I am a 'mind candy' junkie. I love to lose myself in all sorts of books: mysteries, murder, love, history, biographies, mystical, etc. I am not going to defend my obsession- I know many may have opinions- they couldn't be that different than Todd giving me a hard time. Because, guess what? What I read isn't always from a christian perspective! gasp!
I began reading at a very early age and my mother gave me a piece of advice that I apply to everything I read. "Real life is not like in books." She always wanted to make sure that I could tell fiction from real life- and wanted me to understand that my love life, my marriage, my marital sexual life, and my life in general would NEVER be like a book.
We allow our children to watch certain shows, or movies depending on their maturity. It is not an age deal- because they are all so different. It is the ability to separate fact from fiction- they need to understand that what they watch is not real. Animals cannot talk, there is no spider-man, the princess doesn't always get the prince, and people do not break out into song and dance in most highschools.
I am speaking to the single woman. I believe (and don't shoot me) it is okay to read books that cause you to dream. But, you must be able to separate fact from fiction. Losing yourself in a story is fine- but coming back into reality is a must. Dating life is not a romantic highway man abduction. If I was being held up for any reason, I don't think I would notice the beautiful eyes behind the mask, or admire the strong physique of the man robbing me.
You cannot expect to always be swept off your feet, and relationships are unlike many of those laid out in books. Sometimes they are much more work...and not so dramatic. It is unfair and unrealistic to put these expectations on the men around us. They just don't respond like the heros in books- which are written by other women.
We don't want men to put 'movie star' expectations upon us as women. No matter how I hard I try- I will never, never look like Angelie Jolie or any of the Jessicas (Biel, Alba, Simpson). And I will never look adoringly at Todd all the time...and he must get used to me sometimes staying in my pajammas all day and doing laundry.
If you struggle with wanting fantasy to be real life than take hiatus from watching, reading or putting anything in front of you that takes you away from focusing on the truth in your life. When I was trying to decide about watching Studio 60, Will Pavone commented and gave this advice- I am passing it on:
Here are two texts I try to use to evaluate what I should watch. I dont always do it but ive been thinking that maybe I should put these verses on the top of my tv.
I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. psalm 101:2-3
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. romans 16:19
I am not going to tell you what to read, what to watch, or what music to listen to. You need to spend time with the Heavenly Father and evaluate what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Seeking truth- for your life in scripture and in wise counsel.
Todd loves to watch car chases, sporting disasters, and any other adrenaline show. I give him a very hard time because- many times the 'disaster' is not as spectacular as the commentary that the guy is giving it. It always seems much more extreme if you listen and not watch.
Romantic novels are much the same way. They are set up to be extreme- and not common. I am a 'mind candy' junkie. I love to lose myself in all sorts of books: mysteries, murder, love, history, biographies, mystical, etc. I am not going to defend my obsession- I know many may have opinions- they couldn't be that different than Todd giving me a hard time. Because, guess what? What I read isn't always from a christian perspective! gasp!
I began reading at a very early age and my mother gave me a piece of advice that I apply to everything I read. "Real life is not like in books." She always wanted to make sure that I could tell fiction from real life- and wanted me to understand that my love life, my marriage, my marital sexual life, and my life in general would NEVER be like a book.
We allow our children to watch certain shows, or movies depending on their maturity. It is not an age deal- because they are all so different. It is the ability to separate fact from fiction- they need to understand that what they watch is not real. Animals cannot talk, there is no spider-man, the princess doesn't always get the prince, and people do not break out into song and dance in most highschools.
I am speaking to the single woman. I believe (and don't shoot me) it is okay to read books that cause you to dream. But, you must be able to separate fact from fiction. Losing yourself in a story is fine- but coming back into reality is a must. Dating life is not a romantic highway man abduction. If I was being held up for any reason, I don't think I would notice the beautiful eyes behind the mask, or admire the strong physique of the man robbing me.
You cannot expect to always be swept off your feet, and relationships are unlike many of those laid out in books. Sometimes they are much more work...and not so dramatic. It is unfair and unrealistic to put these expectations on the men around us. They just don't respond like the heros in books- which are written by other women.
We don't want men to put 'movie star' expectations upon us as women. No matter how I hard I try- I will never, never look like Angelie Jolie or any of the Jessicas (Biel, Alba, Simpson). And I will never look adoringly at Todd all the time...and he must get used to me sometimes staying in my pajammas all day and doing laundry.
If you struggle with wanting fantasy to be real life than take hiatus from watching, reading or putting anything in front of you that takes you away from focusing on the truth in your life. When I was trying to decide about watching Studio 60, Will Pavone commented and gave this advice- I am passing it on:
Here are two texts I try to use to evaluate what I should watch. I dont always do it but ive been thinking that maybe I should put these verses on the top of my tv.
I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. psalm 101:2-3
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. romans 16:19
I am not going to tell you what to read, what to watch, or what music to listen to. You need to spend time with the Heavenly Father and evaluate what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Seeking truth- for your life in scripture and in wise counsel.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Cat Stalker
We got a cat on July 4th. Initially, we were just going to go and check out the cat to see if it was one we wanted...but of course, we came home with her. I have never had a cat before so their behavior is rather interesting to watch. She is very, very playful, cute, and loves to lay around on our laps.
She also loves to seek out her prey...and we have this little stuffed mouse filled with catnip that she loves to roll around and pounce on.
However, my youngest daughter Raney Grace also loves this little mouse toy...and any other toy that Sweetie, our cat, is wanting to play with. Raney follows the cat around constantly, snagging her toys and then hoarding them wherever she goes (guess she needs to listen to Todd's sermon about hoarding!).
A familiar refrain at my house right now is "Raney- step away from the cat and put down her toys!" I probably say it thousands upon thousands times each day.
Raney sits and watches the cat eat, moves her food around, tries to lock her in cabinets, rooms, and any other closed space. Sweetie has been pretty good sport about it all. I think it bothers me more than her. If I am trying to talk to Raney about the cat and asking her to get away...Raney can barely focus on what I am saying- her little eyes are darting back and forth as she blankly says, "yeah mom, yes, okay, un huh". So, I call her my little cat stalker.
I was watching her the other day and reminded about Satan...not that Raney IN ANY WAY reminds me of Satan- but the way she follows the cat around reminds me of the verse in the Bible: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings"(1 Peter 5:8-9)
Of course, I could also make a case for an analogy between our cat and this verse...but Raney is what sparked my memory.
It is so important that we stay tied to the vine of Christ throughout each day. There are so many temptations out there, and like Raney, we can become so enamoured of the object of our affection, that we fail to hear the warnings, the voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and we end up being addicted, or caught up in sin before we even know it.
No matter how many times I tell Raney that the cat might scratch her- she still goes after what she wants. She is truly obsessed and we are working on breaking her of her 'cat stalking habit'.
What sin are you 'stalking'? Stalking or tracking or pursuing...be careful, be alert! The devil knows his prey- us- very well.
And as the rest of the verse says, "Stand firm!" share your issues with your small group, help them hold you accountable. God says he always provides a way out of every temptation...
1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
And I have one caveat...anything you are 'stalking' to the point of taking you away from your first love Jesus Christ- can be considered a sin- even something good like the love of a person...or pet as in Raney's case.
Examine. Seek Truth. Allow for God to change you if needed.
She also loves to seek out her prey...and we have this little stuffed mouse filled with catnip that she loves to roll around and pounce on.
However, my youngest daughter Raney Grace also loves this little mouse toy...and any other toy that Sweetie, our cat, is wanting to play with. Raney follows the cat around constantly, snagging her toys and then hoarding them wherever she goes (guess she needs to listen to Todd's sermon about hoarding!).
A familiar refrain at my house right now is "Raney- step away from the cat and put down her toys!" I probably say it thousands upon thousands times each day.
Raney sits and watches the cat eat, moves her food around, tries to lock her in cabinets, rooms, and any other closed space. Sweetie has been pretty good sport about it all. I think it bothers me more than her. If I am trying to talk to Raney about the cat and asking her to get away...Raney can barely focus on what I am saying- her little eyes are darting back and forth as she blankly says, "yeah mom, yes, okay, un huh". So, I call her my little cat stalker.
I was watching her the other day and reminded about Satan...not that Raney IN ANY WAY reminds me of Satan- but the way she follows the cat around reminds me of the verse in the Bible: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings"(1 Peter 5:8-9)
Of course, I could also make a case for an analogy between our cat and this verse...but Raney is what sparked my memory.
It is so important that we stay tied to the vine of Christ throughout each day. There are so many temptations out there, and like Raney, we can become so enamoured of the object of our affection, that we fail to hear the warnings, the voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and we end up being addicted, or caught up in sin before we even know it.
No matter how many times I tell Raney that the cat might scratch her- she still goes after what she wants. She is truly obsessed and we are working on breaking her of her 'cat stalking habit'.
What sin are you 'stalking'? Stalking or tracking or pursuing...be careful, be alert! The devil knows his prey- us- very well.
And as the rest of the verse says, "Stand firm!" share your issues with your small group, help them hold you accountable. God says he always provides a way out of every temptation...
1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
And I have one caveat...anything you are 'stalking' to the point of taking you away from your first love Jesus Christ- can be considered a sin- even something good like the love of a person...or pet as in Raney's case.
Examine. Seek Truth. Allow for God to change you if needed.
Friday, August 3, 2007
This is the Day....
My pastor growing up would start each sermon(or most anyway) with the phrase: "This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
My sunday school teacher in 11th grade was quite a character and he loved to repeat the phrase when we arrived in his class...
As children we sing the song, "This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made, etc"
And yet, I find, that it is easy to forget that truth on some days. We either forget that the Lord has had a hand in our day because we just forget, or we don't let him in. Or we forget to rejoice and be glad.
Each day we have on earth is such a gift. Each day has so many hours in it that we can bring God glory, that we can revel in his power, revel in his grace, and sit in His prescence.
Each day- even the days that are dark- have a reason to rejoice. I think about one of the darkest days recorded in the Bible. Luke 23: 44-46:
Around noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until the middle of the afternoon. The sun stopped shining, and the curtain in the temple split down the middle. Jesus shouted, "Father, I put myself in your hands!" Then he died.
So much grief, so much distress, so much pain for those that were there and didn't know the whole story. But, we do. And we can see the reasons to rejoice on such a dark day- because we know who is the Victor, the one God in complete control.
The darkness showed how much the Father loved- it led to the tearing down of the veil so that we all have access to God, the Father. And we have the greatest example of Jesus- who willingly put himself in His father's hands.
So much truth for us.
Darkness in our life doesn't last forever, and many times it allows us to appreciate the light so much more. That we have access to our Heavenly father ourselves is so incredible amazing! I am so glad I do not have to rely on other humans for my contact with God. And just like Jesus, I want to put myself in my Father's hands on a daily basis.
Not easy by any means. Not easy to put myself under someone else's control, not easy to rejoice in each day, not easy to be glad- but great reminders that God's plan, His purposes, His ways our NOT ours!
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
Thank God!
"This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and Be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24
My sunday school teacher in 11th grade was quite a character and he loved to repeat the phrase when we arrived in his class...
As children we sing the song, "This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made, etc"
And yet, I find, that it is easy to forget that truth on some days. We either forget that the Lord has had a hand in our day because we just forget, or we don't let him in. Or we forget to rejoice and be glad.
Each day we have on earth is such a gift. Each day has so many hours in it that we can bring God glory, that we can revel in his power, revel in his grace, and sit in His prescence.
Each day- even the days that are dark- have a reason to rejoice. I think about one of the darkest days recorded in the Bible. Luke 23: 44-46:
Around noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until the middle of the afternoon. The sun stopped shining, and the curtain in the temple split down the middle. Jesus shouted, "Father, I put myself in your hands!" Then he died.
So much grief, so much distress, so much pain for those that were there and didn't know the whole story. But, we do. And we can see the reasons to rejoice on such a dark day- because we know who is the Victor, the one God in complete control.
The darkness showed how much the Father loved- it led to the tearing down of the veil so that we all have access to God, the Father. And we have the greatest example of Jesus- who willingly put himself in His father's hands.
So much truth for us.
Darkness in our life doesn't last forever, and many times it allows us to appreciate the light so much more. That we have access to our Heavenly father ourselves is so incredible amazing! I am so glad I do not have to rely on other humans for my contact with God. And just like Jesus, I want to put myself in my Father's hands on a daily basis.
Not easy by any means. Not easy to put myself under someone else's control, not easy to rejoice in each day, not easy to be glad- but great reminders that God's plan, His purposes, His ways our NOT ours!
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
Thank God!
"This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and Be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24
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