Do you ever under estimate the danger lurking inside of us?
The danger that can quickly turn into the sin of our outward perfectionism. Jesus knew all about this sin, he saw it daily in the lives of the Pharisees. They had become just as many of us, immune to our own sinful nature. Immune to the fact that our appearance receives more attention each day than our prayer and Bible study.
Very often many of us, even though we are busy Moms rarely leave the house with out some type of primping. Whether it be in the form of a showered appearance, clean clothes, or some mascara and lipstick, it is a regular ritual we perform each day. And yet many of us leave the house on a daily basis with out praying, with out opening God's word, with out even acknowledging that our Maker exists.
Let me ask you a question, as a Mom how would you feel if your child came to the breakfast table, happily ate all that you prepared, dressed in the nice outfit you picked out, left for the day and came back home to a warm clean bed you made, with out ever even looking in your direction? With out even the slightest smile or warm appreciation for the fact that you love them, adore them and work so hard to please them. That my friend is a very minimal version of how I believe God feels at out inability to make time for Him each day.
Our vast choices in our self absorbed world always seem to take precedence over His calling for our lives. Sure we are Moms and we are already called to be self less as we take care of others very often better than we take care of ourselves. But then something happens, we begin to hear the lie from the enemy, it goes something like this "but when it is going to be my time?" "When can I do what I want to do, watch what I want to watch and be my own person?"
Well the fact is, we will never be our own person again. We have become a new creation in Christ and we are no longer living for self we are now living for the Spirit and these two are constantly at war inside of us. Each day we need to make a gigantic effort in making the right choices, prioritizing God's way. Choosing to be in the world but not of the world. We can no longer live as if God is not watching. For we know He is near and we can be assured He is aware of all the temptations lurking in our lives. He wants us to give Him our day from the moment we awake. He wants and desires to be our first conversation and He longs to be our meditation through out our busy days.
Can you imagine the beauty and radiance others will see in our faces, in our lives if we choose to be in His presence first? Contemplating that thought I offer you another challenge ladies; Will you give up time you would normally spend on your self to nourish Your relationship with Him? "I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet." Psalm 27:4 The Message
Dear Lord, I often forget how very much You long to hear my voice and be a part of my day. Forgive me Father and strengthen me in this area of weakness so I can be more aware of You in my life. Help me to care more about this body being Your temple than attempting to be my own shrine. Thank You for loving me through and through and continuing to show Your mercy and grace daily in my life. It is only through You that I can do anything worthy of Your kingdom.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
"God... prioritize my day"
Who knew that 4 words could create such mundane days into magnificent awareness. Who would of thought that starting my day off with that short prayer would create such amazing testimonies in the short 24 hours that we refer to as a day. I am happy to report that although my days very often did not allow me to check many of my priorities off of my to-do-list they did make me sense God in a whole new way. His presence was unmistakable and His will was often found in a last minute thought or action that was carried out for no known reason in this earthly mind of mine. Yet... with in mere moments His will is seen, His blessing is felt and I am humbled knowing that my desire for this day could never compare to the desire my Heavenly Father has had in store for me.
Can I challenge you ladies, can I ask you if you are willing to take this dare and begin praying this prayer along side me? It does seem so simple and yet we know as we utter these words He will expect our selfish desires to be pushed aside. He will hold us accountable to being obedient to our prayer. Are you able to give up your plans, for His? Can our flesh be over ridden by our Spirit? I can tell you that although it is not easy, it is possible. Even better is the realization that you can feel complete joy and contentment in God's plan for your day... and life.
It is not only possible but attainable to train your body to pray first before you get out bed. To pray before you make that decision, because whether big or small in our eyes is of no importance. It is only God who knows that which He has planned, that which He will carry out. How this unfolds is ultimately up to us. I don't know about you but I don't have enough wisdom to know what is best for me or my loved ones. We live in a world that constantly shapes our thinking and behaviors all the while ignoring the will and desire of our Father. We are so often quick to choose something of Earthly value over that which has Heavenly power. We comment that it is to hard to read God's word, to sit and be still in His presence, to choose Godly things over secular ones. Yet we don't understand why our relationship with Him seems to be at a stand still, why our prayers seem to go unanswered and why He seems to not speak to us. Have you ever really wondered how our behavior makes Him feel, how it portrays accurately our priority of Him... in our life. I have unfortunately done this and realized how I have fallen short. How very much I needed to seek His forgiveness. Apologizing whole heartily for my selfishness and my desire of Him being so low on the totem pole.
Only One knows what is best and ultimately how much time remains. That is our great God, the author and perfecter of our life. Today and every day I will choose to seek Him first and ask Him to prioritize my day and ultimately the remainder of my life. For no other hands have the ability to hold me, carve me in their palms, no one that is but my God... to Him I offer my everything.
Isaiah 49:16-18 (The Message)
"Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I'd never forget you—never. Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good. Look up, look around, look well! See them all gathering, coming to you? As sure as I am the living God"—God's Decree— "you're going to put them on like so much jewelry, you're going to use them to dress up like a bride." May this verse speak to you in amazing ways and may His will bring you ultimate peace ~ Nicole
Can I challenge you ladies, can I ask you if you are willing to take this dare and begin praying this prayer along side me? It does seem so simple and yet we know as we utter these words He will expect our selfish desires to be pushed aside. He will hold us accountable to being obedient to our prayer. Are you able to give up your plans, for His? Can our flesh be over ridden by our Spirit? I can tell you that although it is not easy, it is possible. Even better is the realization that you can feel complete joy and contentment in God's plan for your day... and life.
It is not only possible but attainable to train your body to pray first before you get out bed. To pray before you make that decision, because whether big or small in our eyes is of no importance. It is only God who knows that which He has planned, that which He will carry out. How this unfolds is ultimately up to us. I don't know about you but I don't have enough wisdom to know what is best for me or my loved ones. We live in a world that constantly shapes our thinking and behaviors all the while ignoring the will and desire of our Father. We are so often quick to choose something of Earthly value over that which has Heavenly power. We comment that it is to hard to read God's word, to sit and be still in His presence, to choose Godly things over secular ones. Yet we don't understand why our relationship with Him seems to be at a stand still, why our prayers seem to go unanswered and why He seems to not speak to us. Have you ever really wondered how our behavior makes Him feel, how it portrays accurately our priority of Him... in our life. I have unfortunately done this and realized how I have fallen short. How very much I needed to seek His forgiveness. Apologizing whole heartily for my selfishness and my desire of Him being so low on the totem pole.
Only One knows what is best and ultimately how much time remains. That is our great God, the author and perfecter of our life. Today and every day I will choose to seek Him first and ask Him to prioritize my day and ultimately the remainder of my life. For no other hands have the ability to hold me, carve me in their palms, no one that is but my God... to Him I offer my everything.
Isaiah 49:16-18 (The Message)
"Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I'd never forget you—never. Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you're rebuilding are never out of my sight. Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good. Look up, look around, look well! See them all gathering, coming to you? As sure as I am the living God"—God's Decree— "you're going to put them on like so much jewelry, you're going to use them to dress up like a bride." May this verse speak to you in amazing ways and may His will bring you ultimate peace ~ Nicole
Thursday, January 22, 2009
SEND
It is amazing how clicking that one little button can begin the start of a great debate...
Recently I was lead to share my heart with some of my believing Sisters in Christ. My sharing was then followed by a forwarded email I had received earlier in the day. It was astonishing to see how so few words could upset one of these Sisters. This sharing also made me aware of the fact that many times people seem to verify things on Snopes and yet so often forget to ever verify things in God's word. Why is that? Why are we so quick to send an email that states something is false and yet we never seem to do the same when in regards to God and His word? Think about this for a second, how many times have we heard people share things with us about God that we know aren't true? How many times have we failed to send or share with them an appropriate Bible verse or verses to show them proof of who God really is and what He says?
Now I am not saying Snopes isn't a great thing and all but why do we so easily believe a site on the internet and yet often find ourselves doubting or compromising God's word? I have heard a number of Christians comment on things and even state that God's word doesn't really relate to today or that it isn't to be taken literally. Or worse yet that it isn't completely true. Forgive me for being so bold but precious friends, YES IT IS! Something seems to be happening to us as believers. We are no longer holding fast to Biblical convictions but we are dropping them by the wayside the longer these "sins" are being thought of as normal by a world that has long forgotten their God. It is important to remember that just because something has become legalized by people does not mean God is for it. Only His word can confirm or deny what He is for and what He is against.
There was a time early in my walk that I also believed some of these lies. Today I want to encourage you that God's word is alive and prevalent to our generation just as it always has been. It is not to be picked apart but to be believed and trusted as a whole package deal. Many things we have been warned against in the Bible are still things we struggle with obeying today. And just as God punished our ancestors, He still punishes us for our blatant sin as well. That is why it is crucial that we grow in the knowledge of God's word and share what we have learned with others. Surrounding myself with other strong believers, thirsting for God's word, and devoting myself to prayer are all a necessity as I continue my walk down the narrow road that leads to eternity with Him. Hear me when I say this, it is not always easy, but it is always worth it!
Humbly I can admit to you though, that years ago if someone had shared their thoughts with me regarding my decisions being contrary to God's, I probably would of blown them off. This is not something I am proud of, but again, it was my lack of wisdom. Years later I am happy to report that after reading God's word front to back and following the Holy Spirits leading and prompting, life has become much different. It has not necessarily become easier as I stated but... life is much more meaningful now then it ever has been. I no longer live for this world or myself. I now live for Christ and seek to follow God's calling to share the Good News of salvation, the hope of resurrection and the future eternity that awaits all believers who put their trust in Jesus!
One of the things that was brought up in the midst of this debate was a stance for one political party over another. I personally am neither a democrat or a republican, I am a Christian, I am for those who hold God's standard to the greater degree. I encourage each of us to do the same. My prayer is that we would courageously share our faith and belief in Jesus as loudly and proudly as we do our political party. I also pray that after receiving an email, especially one that we feel led to check on Snoopes, God would lead us to do something else as well. That we would be led to ask ourselves if we have checked in to God's word lately to review our own choices against God's commands and Jesus' teachings. Remembering to also seek forgiveness when necessary and courage when needed.
Ultimately nothing else but God can stand the test of time. Our faith and belief should never have to be compromised if we are truly following God and taking Him at His word. Sharing this with you, I am reminded of a book I once read in which the author gave insight into how to discern choices. The author went on to ask these questions. Can what you are sharing or doing be backed up with God's word? Will your actions be glorifying to God? Would God be proud of what your doing or saying? Kind of makes you wonder what our world would be like if we all asked these questions first. If we really pondered those thoughts before we made the next move, said that one thing, or possibly worse, choosing to not say anything at all.
Recently I was lead to share my heart with some of my believing Sisters in Christ. My sharing was then followed by a forwarded email I had received earlier in the day. It was astonishing to see how so few words could upset one of these Sisters. This sharing also made me aware of the fact that many times people seem to verify things on Snopes and yet so often forget to ever verify things in God's word. Why is that? Why are we so quick to send an email that states something is false and yet we never seem to do the same when in regards to God and His word? Think about this for a second, how many times have we heard people share things with us about God that we know aren't true? How many times have we failed to send or share with them an appropriate Bible verse or verses to show them proof of who God really is and what He says?
Now I am not saying Snopes isn't a great thing and all but why do we so easily believe a site on the internet and yet often find ourselves doubting or compromising God's word? I have heard a number of Christians comment on things and even state that God's word doesn't really relate to today or that it isn't to be taken literally. Or worse yet that it isn't completely true. Forgive me for being so bold but precious friends, YES IT IS! Something seems to be happening to us as believers. We are no longer holding fast to Biblical convictions but we are dropping them by the wayside the longer these "sins" are being thought of as normal by a world that has long forgotten their God. It is important to remember that just because something has become legalized by people does not mean God is for it. Only His word can confirm or deny what He is for and what He is against.
There was a time early in my walk that I also believed some of these lies. Today I want to encourage you that God's word is alive and prevalent to our generation just as it always has been. It is not to be picked apart but to be believed and trusted as a whole package deal. Many things we have been warned against in the Bible are still things we struggle with obeying today. And just as God punished our ancestors, He still punishes us for our blatant sin as well. That is why it is crucial that we grow in the knowledge of God's word and share what we have learned with others. Surrounding myself with other strong believers, thirsting for God's word, and devoting myself to prayer are all a necessity as I continue my walk down the narrow road that leads to eternity with Him. Hear me when I say this, it is not always easy, but it is always worth it!
Humbly I can admit to you though, that years ago if someone had shared their thoughts with me regarding my decisions being contrary to God's, I probably would of blown them off. This is not something I am proud of, but again, it was my lack of wisdom. Years later I am happy to report that after reading God's word front to back and following the Holy Spirits leading and prompting, life has become much different. It has not necessarily become easier as I stated but... life is much more meaningful now then it ever has been. I no longer live for this world or myself. I now live for Christ and seek to follow God's calling to share the Good News of salvation, the hope of resurrection and the future eternity that awaits all believers who put their trust in Jesus!
One of the things that was brought up in the midst of this debate was a stance for one political party over another. I personally am neither a democrat or a republican, I am a Christian, I am for those who hold God's standard to the greater degree. I encourage each of us to do the same. My prayer is that we would courageously share our faith and belief in Jesus as loudly and proudly as we do our political party. I also pray that after receiving an email, especially one that we feel led to check on Snoopes, God would lead us to do something else as well. That we would be led to ask ourselves if we have checked in to God's word lately to review our own choices against God's commands and Jesus' teachings. Remembering to also seek forgiveness when necessary and courage when needed.
Ultimately nothing else but God can stand the test of time. Our faith and belief should never have to be compromised if we are truly following God and taking Him at His word. Sharing this with you, I am reminded of a book I once read in which the author gave insight into how to discern choices. The author went on to ask these questions. Can what you are sharing or doing be backed up with God's word? Will your actions be glorifying to God? Would God be proud of what your doing or saying? Kind of makes you wonder what our world would be like if we all asked these questions first. If we really pondered those thoughts before we made the next move, said that one thing, or possibly worse, choosing to not say anything at all.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Worthy
"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)
Recently I had an experience that rocked my soul. Humbly I would like to share it with all of you. Over the years I have learned the joy of serving and have began embracing the opportunities the Lord has given me. One Sunday just recently though I began to doubt my calling.
It was a Sunday morning just weeks ago and as I awoke I felt crummy. The kids were on slow mode and in all honesty we were all moving in slow motion. Time ticked away and before I new it we were running very late. I was serving as a greeter at our church that morning and that meant I should be there about 15 minutes early. The clock made me very aware that I was not going to make it. It was obvious we would have to take two cars. As I rushed to leave I began to wonder, would it even matter if I didn't serve today? I felt under attack and tried to push those thoughts away.
As I drove to church I began feeling again like I was wasting my time. Please friend see my honesty and heart in my sharing and not my weak moment. By the time I arrived I would have about 6 minutes to greet, boy was I late! As I got out of the car my heart began to feel heavy as I looked toward the door and realized I was the only greeter signed up for today.
I ran to the door and began smiling, embracing and loving on all of those that God allowed to cross my path. It was kind of a weird relief that so many others were also running late this cold, snowy morning. As people approached me, I could see that familiar look in their eyes. The same look that I had seen in my own eyes that morning. The enemy was trying hard to make us doubt were we belonged. In that moment I was thankful I was the one greeting them, able to tell them that they were right on time!
One of the last people I greeted was a dear friend of mine. This morning I just felt the need to hug her a little tighter and a little longer. I really didn't know why but God would reveal it to me the very next evening through this email.
Hi Nicole and family! I just wanted to tell you how you and your darling daughter, Faith, made my day at church on Sunday. I had been feeling a little down, a little out of place, and definitely had some "missings" in my life the last couple of weeks. There I come running in late to church with the boys, only to be greeted with the warmest hug and greeting, it was like God was saying to me, it's alright, come in here, slow down, rest, listen, and feel the warmth and love of everyone here at Lord Of Life church. Nicole, you made me feel so good, I had tears in my eyes. I then sat down, alone, but at peace, and 5 minutes later, if it isn't your daughter, Faith, who spots me across the church, sets down her things, and comes running over to give me a big hug just like her Mother had just done (which Faith hadn't even observed that day). The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! The love, warmth, friendship of both of you made my day and here it is, the next night, and I am still glowing over the thought of it. I just wanted both of you to know the difference you made in the life of someone, yesterday, me.
Well as I read this email to Faith that evening tears flowed from my eyes as I hugged her and told her how proud I was of her. In that moment I felt like God was also hugging me and reminding me how very proud He is of His daughter too! We may not always feel like we really make a difference but as God showed me that morning, He always makes a difference. He uses even those running late, feeling crummy and overwhelmed to remind us that anyone willing is worthy of His call.
Recently I had an experience that rocked my soul. Humbly I would like to share it with all of you. Over the years I have learned the joy of serving and have began embracing the opportunities the Lord has given me. One Sunday just recently though I began to doubt my calling.
It was a Sunday morning just weeks ago and as I awoke I felt crummy. The kids were on slow mode and in all honesty we were all moving in slow motion. Time ticked away and before I new it we were running very late. I was serving as a greeter at our church that morning and that meant I should be there about 15 minutes early. The clock made me very aware that I was not going to make it. It was obvious we would have to take two cars. As I rushed to leave I began to wonder, would it even matter if I didn't serve today? I felt under attack and tried to push those thoughts away.
As I drove to church I began feeling again like I was wasting my time. Please friend see my honesty and heart in my sharing and not my weak moment. By the time I arrived I would have about 6 minutes to greet, boy was I late! As I got out of the car my heart began to feel heavy as I looked toward the door and realized I was the only greeter signed up for today.
I ran to the door and began smiling, embracing and loving on all of those that God allowed to cross my path. It was kind of a weird relief that so many others were also running late this cold, snowy morning. As people approached me, I could see that familiar look in their eyes. The same look that I had seen in my own eyes that morning. The enemy was trying hard to make us doubt were we belonged. In that moment I was thankful I was the one greeting them, able to tell them that they were right on time!
One of the last people I greeted was a dear friend of mine. This morning I just felt the need to hug her a little tighter and a little longer. I really didn't know why but God would reveal it to me the very next evening through this email.
Hi Nicole and family! I just wanted to tell you how you and your darling daughter, Faith, made my day at church on Sunday. I had been feeling a little down, a little out of place, and definitely had some "missings" in my life the last couple of weeks. There I come running in late to church with the boys, only to be greeted with the warmest hug and greeting, it was like God was saying to me, it's alright, come in here, slow down, rest, listen, and feel the warmth and love of everyone here at Lord Of Life church. Nicole, you made me feel so good, I had tears in my eyes. I then sat down, alone, but at peace, and 5 minutes later, if it isn't your daughter, Faith, who spots me across the church, sets down her things, and comes running over to give me a big hug just like her Mother had just done (which Faith hadn't even observed that day). The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! The love, warmth, friendship of both of you made my day and here it is, the next night, and I am still glowing over the thought of it. I just wanted both of you to know the difference you made in the life of someone, yesterday, me.
Well as I read this email to Faith that evening tears flowed from my eyes as I hugged her and told her how proud I was of her. In that moment I felt like God was also hugging me and reminding me how very proud He is of His daughter too! We may not always feel like we really make a difference but as God showed me that morning, He always makes a difference. He uses even those running late, feeling crummy and overwhelmed to remind us that anyone willing is worthy of His call.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New Years Resolutions?
"Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person.
The past is forgotten, and everything is new."
2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV emphasis mine
It's that time of year once again. Time to start re-thinking our priorities, standards, diets... the list can go on and on. Why is it that we always wait for the beginning of a new year to change our bad habits? Shouldn't we be striving each day to change our questionable ways?
As I think back on the 12 years I have spent since accepting Christ, it is amazing how things that were ok for me to do as a Christian then are far from being ok for me to do now. The farther I walk down the path of righteousness the harder it is to accept my old ways of thinking and behaving. You know the way we talk, maybe the little "Oh my God' or "Holy Cow" we heard as children that now radiates off of our tongues with out much thought. Words that become harder to say in those subtle ways when we read God's word reminding us that God's name is to be kept Holy, not taken in vain.
The topics we used to talk with our girlfriends about some how have become inappropriate. The desires of our conversations with unbelieving friends have began to change. We no longer want to just talk about the weather but we begin to quiver as we hold the phone, praying for the courage neccesary to share our love for Jesus with them. We become aware of the God incidents in our lives, we begin searching for the miracles, knowing they exist. We learn the power of prayer and begin to call upon it often. It is no longer something we have to do, it is something we are blessed to do!
The things we once thought were cute or the television show we used to be addicted to, it all begins to feel a little dirty. It is that moment when you realize how the Holy Spirit has been working in your life all along. You become more open to the promptings. More open to God's desire for your life and not so much your desire to do what ever you want to do.
The more I learn about my Father in Heaven the more I crave to know Him more. Time spent with others who love Him becomes critical to keeping me on track. Time alone with Him becomes a necessity in my life, something I seem to be lost with out. Church is no longer something I attend, it is my family. Serving is not a requirement it is a humbling privledge.
What a beautiful thought when in comparison to the usual disappointment in reflecting upon our previous year. We don't need to feel ashamed or bad that we are still not where we want to be. Jesus gives us the opportunity to come as we are. Broken, battered and yet.... beautiful. The beauty is not in our lives but in the life we have received when we accepted Christ as our Savior.
The amazing thing is, the closer we get to the Lords beauty the more we want to change about ourselves to radiate that beauty to others. Making new resolutions no longer needs to cause us grief or sadness as we say good bye to those old ways. The excitement is that we can be joy filled because we are finally getting it. God is molding us, we are becoming pliable no longer resisting, we are encouraged as His word reminds us "we can do all things through Him who strengthens us" Philippians 4:13. Even being content and excited about exchanging our old ways for God's ways!
The past is forgotten, and everything is new."
2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV emphasis mine
It's that time of year once again. Time to start re-thinking our priorities, standards, diets... the list can go on and on. Why is it that we always wait for the beginning of a new year to change our bad habits? Shouldn't we be striving each day to change our questionable ways?
As I think back on the 12 years I have spent since accepting Christ, it is amazing how things that were ok for me to do as a Christian then are far from being ok for me to do now. The farther I walk down the path of righteousness the harder it is to accept my old ways of thinking and behaving. You know the way we talk, maybe the little "Oh my God' or "Holy Cow" we heard as children that now radiates off of our tongues with out much thought. Words that become harder to say in those subtle ways when we read God's word reminding us that God's name is to be kept Holy, not taken in vain.
The topics we used to talk with our girlfriends about some how have become inappropriate. The desires of our conversations with unbelieving friends have began to change. We no longer want to just talk about the weather but we begin to quiver as we hold the phone, praying for the courage neccesary to share our love for Jesus with them. We become aware of the God incidents in our lives, we begin searching for the miracles, knowing they exist. We learn the power of prayer and begin to call upon it often. It is no longer something we have to do, it is something we are blessed to do!
The things we once thought were cute or the television show we used to be addicted to, it all begins to feel a little dirty. It is that moment when you realize how the Holy Spirit has been working in your life all along. You become more open to the promptings. More open to God's desire for your life and not so much your desire to do what ever you want to do.
The more I learn about my Father in Heaven the more I crave to know Him more. Time spent with others who love Him becomes critical to keeping me on track. Time alone with Him becomes a necessity in my life, something I seem to be lost with out. Church is no longer something I attend, it is my family. Serving is not a requirement it is a humbling privledge.
What a beautiful thought when in comparison to the usual disappointment in reflecting upon our previous year. We don't need to feel ashamed or bad that we are still not where we want to be. Jesus gives us the opportunity to come as we are. Broken, battered and yet.... beautiful. The beauty is not in our lives but in the life we have received when we accepted Christ as our Savior.
The amazing thing is, the closer we get to the Lords beauty the more we want to change about ourselves to radiate that beauty to others. Making new resolutions no longer needs to cause us grief or sadness as we say good bye to those old ways. The excitement is that we can be joy filled because we are finally getting it. God is molding us, we are becoming pliable no longer resisting, we are encouraged as His word reminds us "we can do all things through Him who strengthens us" Philippians 4:13. Even being content and excited about exchanging our old ways for God's ways!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Holiday or Holy day
Well I can happily report I have not let this blog consume me. As a few of you have already reminded me... it has been a few weeks since I posted. Glad to know you have missed me.
CHRISTmas it such an amazing time and although our intent is to celebrate Jesus' birth all year round, it is incredible how the month of December exalts the memories of a day that took place two thousand years ago. Hence the reason I have not blogged lately. I have been basking in my Jesus and loving Him, trying my best to sit at His feet and just be with Him like Mary did so long ago. Now I did have three little girls there basking in His glory with me as well, we have enjoyed celebrating His birthday and reminding each other just why we are so excited! It's all about You Jesus, what a incredible birth You gave us our King. May Your birthday bring us joy and awe inspired wonder every passing moment of our day!
Let us not just be excited about a Holiday as we celebrate His birth and Resurrection but let us remember and cherish the fact that God has made these days HOLY and all because He first loved us. It is incredible to realize, "We love each other because he loved us first." 1 John 4:19
As 2009 approaches let us encourage each other to be bold for our Lord and Savior. Praying for each other as we tell to the ends of the earth why we have our blessed assurance of a future eternity with our Maker and Savior. For "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" Romans 1:16.
CHRISTmas it such an amazing time and although our intent is to celebrate Jesus' birth all year round, it is incredible how the month of December exalts the memories of a day that took place two thousand years ago. Hence the reason I have not blogged lately. I have been basking in my Jesus and loving Him, trying my best to sit at His feet and just be with Him like Mary did so long ago. Now I did have three little girls there basking in His glory with me as well, we have enjoyed celebrating His birthday and reminding each other just why we are so excited! It's all about You Jesus, what a incredible birth You gave us our King. May Your birthday bring us joy and awe inspired wonder every passing moment of our day!
Let us not just be excited about a Holiday as we celebrate His birth and Resurrection but let us remember and cherish the fact that God has made these days HOLY and all because He first loved us. It is incredible to realize, "We love each other because he loved us first." 1 John 4:19
As 2009 approaches let us encourage each other to be bold for our Lord and Savior. Praying for each other as we tell to the ends of the earth why we have our blessed assurance of a future eternity with our Maker and Savior. For "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" Romans 1:16.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Want to give a FREE gift this CHRISTmas?
Free gift... I can imagine your eyes all getting big or at least you becoming slightly interested at the thought! What is ever FREE these days? Well I know of one thing that is free of charge, at least for us. It never grows old or broken. Never seizes to amaze me with it's results or blessings!
So what can this FREE gift be...?
Prayer....You may of not thought of it as a gift we could give or the fact that it is a free gift given to us all. But what better gift can we possibly give those we love than prayer? Everything else breaks, fades, disappoints or eventually looses it's excitement. Prayer never does!
In fact, I was just blessed with a great idea from another Mom. She happily shared with me how her family has started a new tradition. Each time they receive a CHRISTmas card they save it to open up as a family. The ideal time for this would be dinner time but due to the fact that many of us don't always get to sit down together for dinner I also wanted to give some other suggestions. Bedtime would also work and so would story time, breakfast and any other time your whole family is together.
Ok so here's what you do. After receiving the CHRISTmas card or cards you open them together, read the cards and extra inserts (if there are any) out loud. You share with each other thoughts or memories about this person or family who sent this wonderful card to you. Then you pray as a family for this family or individual. You do this each day you receive a CHRISTmas card or as often as possible.
What an immense gift this prayer will be to the receiver, what an intercessor you and you family can be for another. After all that is what prayer is, being an intercessor on someones behalf. You are entering God's throne room and taking the time to remember this person in your prayers... I can't think of a better gift I would like to receive!
We may never see half those we receive CHRISTmas cards from. We may not have a chance to catch up with them in the next days or weeks ahead but we can take the time to pray for them now. We may not know what some of their needs may be but I know some one who does. Matthew 6 verse 8 teaches us, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Well if He knows what we need, He most definitely knows what they need as well. All we need to do is bring our thoughts and prayers to Him and He will work out the rest. You never know He may just request us to call or visit this card giver... allowing the gift to go on.
What a beautiful CHRISTmas this can be! What an incredible tradition we can start in our own families. What an immeasurable gift we can teach and instill in our children and loved ones. I can only imagine what they may think and feel when watching us model this unselfish act. I feel love, joy, peace and all the fruits of the spirit emerging and celebrating!
Can you even begin to imagine the prayers that can be lifted this CHRISTmas? Can we even fathom the gates of hell we will storm on anothers behalf this CHRISTmas? With so much around us to make many sad, lonely and depressed, think of what our free gift can offer some one else this CHRISTmas! It just might be the gift they need at that very moment. It may very well be the only prayer said on their behalf this CHRISTmas but what a powerful one it can be!
So come on ladies lets make our CHRISTmas one Christ would be proud of, lets leave a legacy of love and give this free gift as often as possible!
"May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:25 NLT
So what can this FREE gift be...?
Prayer....You may of not thought of it as a gift we could give or the fact that it is a free gift given to us all. But what better gift can we possibly give those we love than prayer? Everything else breaks, fades, disappoints or eventually looses it's excitement. Prayer never does!
In fact, I was just blessed with a great idea from another Mom. She happily shared with me how her family has started a new tradition. Each time they receive a CHRISTmas card they save it to open up as a family. The ideal time for this would be dinner time but due to the fact that many of us don't always get to sit down together for dinner I also wanted to give some other suggestions. Bedtime would also work and so would story time, breakfast and any other time your whole family is together.
Ok so here's what you do. After receiving the CHRISTmas card or cards you open them together, read the cards and extra inserts (if there are any) out loud. You share with each other thoughts or memories about this person or family who sent this wonderful card to you. Then you pray as a family for this family or individual. You do this each day you receive a CHRISTmas card or as often as possible.
What an immense gift this prayer will be to the receiver, what an intercessor you and you family can be for another. After all that is what prayer is, being an intercessor on someones behalf. You are entering God's throne room and taking the time to remember this person in your prayers... I can't think of a better gift I would like to receive!
We may never see half those we receive CHRISTmas cards from. We may not have a chance to catch up with them in the next days or weeks ahead but we can take the time to pray for them now. We may not know what some of their needs may be but I know some one who does. Matthew 6 verse 8 teaches us, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." Well if He knows what we need, He most definitely knows what they need as well. All we need to do is bring our thoughts and prayers to Him and He will work out the rest. You never know He may just request us to call or visit this card giver... allowing the gift to go on.
What a beautiful CHRISTmas this can be! What an incredible tradition we can start in our own families. What an immeasurable gift we can teach and instill in our children and loved ones. I can only imagine what they may think and feel when watching us model this unselfish act. I feel love, joy, peace and all the fruits of the spirit emerging and celebrating!
Can you even begin to imagine the prayers that can be lifted this CHRISTmas? Can we even fathom the gates of hell we will storm on anothers behalf this CHRISTmas? With so much around us to make many sad, lonely and depressed, think of what our free gift can offer some one else this CHRISTmas! It just might be the gift they need at that very moment. It may very well be the only prayer said on their behalf this CHRISTmas but what a powerful one it can be!
So come on ladies lets make our CHRISTmas one Christ would be proud of, lets leave a legacy of love and give this free gift as often as possible!
"May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:25 NLT
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