When making a purchase I often hear "debit or credit?" I know you may find this hard to believe but at one time it was "cash or credit?" At any rate, the lone one standing is "credit." It is so easy to just whip out a credit card and take care of the purchase. The credit I want to talk about today however, does not have to do with a purchase.
As we prepared for Vacation Bible School, I saw that it takes alot of individuals to make that happen. One does not just wake up and "poof" it's done. Someone or some group comes in and lays out the plan and then makes it happen. Alot of people, props, electronics and odd jobs....who gets the credit?
I teach Ladies Bible Study during the week. It requires alot of preparation and studying on my part before the class. I am not alone, every teacher there has to prepare to lead and teach the class of ladies. There are copies to make, ladies to call or email, places to set up...who gets the credit?
It's great when we have full classes of individuals who come to learn the Word of God or "hear a specific teacher" because they like her teaching style or are interested in a specific topic. It takes alot of hard work...who gets the credit?
I was reading my Bible one morning this week and ran across a verse that literally jumped off the page for me. I could literally feel God speaking these words and I begin to think about what it was saying. Of course my first question was "you talking to me?"
I have been at the heart of saying "I did it." I usually find myself using those words with my father. Whatever it is that I did, I want him to know that I did it and I want credit for it! Why would I have to do that with my heavenly Father? He will not share the "credit" with anyone.
If lives are changes because of a church event or a bible study God may use us to make that happen but trust me....He gets all the glory!
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. Isaiah 42:8
Monday, July 29, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
You wouldn't dare!
Hey....I'm back. As you know, I have been super busy with life and special events. This week I had occasion to be with my family at our annual beach fest. We call it a beach fest but in reality, we began this a couple of years ago and it is really a family reunion. The first year it fell on my father's birthday and as such has continued to be "his" celebration.
I have had little time for myself lately let alone relaxing. Despite having to make a trip back to Kingwood during the week for training, I opted to go and be with my family and spend some time with them. After the training Thursday, I returned back to Galveston.
Our family is made up of many personalities and with each passing year, things and people change. One thing that has not changed is my relationship with my older brother. For five years, we were the only two. We are thirteen months apart and very close. Life threw us many curves but we always stayed in the game.
I had not seen him for a couple of months since recently, I have missed most of our Sunday dinners. He lives at the opposite end of the city [and then some] so we don't see each other as often as we would like. One thing that I discovered however, is that our love and respect for each other remains the same....even in pranks.
Last night, I saw my brother sitting at the table with my sisters and a niece and a nephew. He had his back to a window and was facing the den. The temptation was too great. I picked up a monster "pump up" super soaker water gun. I had already used it earlier when I engaged in battle with my sister-a battle he had missed.
I picked up that neon colored weapon and watched as he froze in surprise. I have always respected my brother but I had one mission in mind. He looked at me and our eyes met as if to say "You wouldn't dare!" but dare is what I had in mind. I waved that water filled soaker to taunt him as a small smile appeared on his face and before he could get a word in, I fired it hitting him in the face, striking his glasses and the window behind him.
The table cleared as if Wayatt Earp had squared off against a Cowboy in Tombstone. It was me and him....the look I got was one of "the audicity little sister!"
The problem was that I spent the entire night running from the potential harm that could befall me if I didn't watch my back.
This morning I woke up watching my every move. You see, I had taken every super soaker I could get my hands on and hidden them in my room. Everyone knew that if I struck my beloved brother, that no one was safe!
That's how it is with the enemy. He walks around with a similar weapon, waving it around, taunting you....knowing he will use it just to get you. You can shout "You wouldn't dare" all you want but he has one thing in mind, taking you down!
You may be saying "but I love Jesus." All the more reason to strike at you. I struck my brother out of love and in a friendly fashion but the enemy has no mercy. In the end, my brother and I will hug and it will be over but the enemy's objective is to take out soldiers that are effective in the kingdom of God.
My brother came into an atmospere of relaxation and fun. He was not prepared to be "blasted" by a secret weapon. So are we in life sometimes. We become complacent and oblivious to the fact that the enemy does not sleep.
The enemy gets his "numbers" when he takes down the children of God. I would offer you this advice-do not let go of the Word of God. That is the sharpest, most effective weapon you can use. Even if the enemy lurkes around in darkness waiting for your weakest moment, you can conquer him with the Word of God. Much like I slept with one eye open, the enemy can not go against the Almighty, One True God! He is afraid of retaliation for striking one of God's own.
So the next time the enemy calls your name and you feel like "he will take you out" remember that God is on your side and say to the enemy "You wouldn't dare!"
"Be alert, and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. " 1 Peter 5:8
I have had little time for myself lately let alone relaxing. Despite having to make a trip back to Kingwood during the week for training, I opted to go and be with my family and spend some time with them. After the training Thursday, I returned back to Galveston.
Our family is made up of many personalities and with each passing year, things and people change. One thing that has not changed is my relationship with my older brother. For five years, we were the only two. We are thirteen months apart and very close. Life threw us many curves but we always stayed in the game.
I had not seen him for a couple of months since recently, I have missed most of our Sunday dinners. He lives at the opposite end of the city [and then some] so we don't see each other as often as we would like. One thing that I discovered however, is that our love and respect for each other remains the same....even in pranks.
Last night, I saw my brother sitting at the table with my sisters and a niece and a nephew. He had his back to a window and was facing the den. The temptation was too great. I picked up a monster "pump up" super soaker water gun. I had already used it earlier when I engaged in battle with my sister-a battle he had missed.
I picked up that neon colored weapon and watched as he froze in surprise. I have always respected my brother but I had one mission in mind. He looked at me and our eyes met as if to say "You wouldn't dare!" but dare is what I had in mind. I waved that water filled soaker to taunt him as a small smile appeared on his face and before he could get a word in, I fired it hitting him in the face, striking his glasses and the window behind him.
The table cleared as if Wayatt Earp had squared off against a Cowboy in Tombstone. It was me and him....the look I got was one of "the audicity little sister!"
The problem was that I spent the entire night running from the potential harm that could befall me if I didn't watch my back.
This morning I woke up watching my every move. You see, I had taken every super soaker I could get my hands on and hidden them in my room. Everyone knew that if I struck my beloved brother, that no one was safe!
That's how it is with the enemy. He walks around with a similar weapon, waving it around, taunting you....knowing he will use it just to get you. You can shout "You wouldn't dare" all you want but he has one thing in mind, taking you down!
You may be saying "but I love Jesus." All the more reason to strike at you. I struck my brother out of love and in a friendly fashion but the enemy has no mercy. In the end, my brother and I will hug and it will be over but the enemy's objective is to take out soldiers that are effective in the kingdom of God.
My brother came into an atmospere of relaxation and fun. He was not prepared to be "blasted" by a secret weapon. So are we in life sometimes. We become complacent and oblivious to the fact that the enemy does not sleep.
The enemy gets his "numbers" when he takes down the children of God. I would offer you this advice-do not let go of the Word of God. That is the sharpest, most effective weapon you can use. Even if the enemy lurkes around in darkness waiting for your weakest moment, you can conquer him with the Word of God. Much like I slept with one eye open, the enemy can not go against the Almighty, One True God! He is afraid of retaliation for striking one of God's own.
So the next time the enemy calls your name and you feel like "he will take you out" remember that God is on your side and say to the enemy "You wouldn't dare!"
"Be alert, and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. " 1 Peter 5:8
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Not for one
I said I wasn't going to do it...not today. I just didn't have the time to blog today but then my husband said something that kicked me into overdrive.
I set my alarm early just in case I overslept. We were going to go check on my father in law and feed him breakfast. When it went off, I jumped out of bed cleaned up and was ready in a flash. I was out the door by 6:15. I normally make our coffee in the morning but I decided to let my husband sleep a little longer and I went off to my visit. I stopped to get coffee, a necessary element in our morning and a piece of danish.
When I left there, I returned home and my husband was already dressed ready to leave. When I realized the calories in the danish, I opted to save it for him rather than eat it myself. I warmed it up and asked if he had made his coffee. He stated "No, I didn't want to make it for just one."
Wow, that got my mind going. How many things do we not want to do because it is "just for one." I thought of all the evenings when I ate alone that I didn't want to cook because it was "just for one." How long do you wait to do laundry when it's "just for one?"
I am thinking of my parents 50th wedding anniversary several years ago. We decided we would go big and have it at a local hotel banquet room. Our guest list began with one hundred and fifty and almost doubled. We had party favors, mariachi band, dinner, dj...the works. Would we have done it if we would have only had one guest? Would we have done that for just one? I doubt it.
In Genesis, Abraham pled for the salvation of the righteous in Sodom. Adam wanted God to spare the city for the righteous so they would not be swept away in the destruction of the wicked. The question was "Where were they?" Abraham began with fifty "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?" [24-24]
The Lord's reply was "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." [26]
The conversation goes from fifty to ten! Ten righteous people, can they be found in this city?
I am a Ladies Bible Study teacher. I serve alongside many amazing teachers. I have taught classes where I may only have six or seven attendees. I have to prepare just as hard whether I have twenty five or five! I can honestly tell you that if my roster for the class came back with only one name on it, I would still hold that class. I would not only teach that class, I would take it as an opportunity to personally minister and mentor that individual. Yes I would do it "just for one!"
I am so glad Christ did not have a numeric quota when he went to that cross. I'm so glad he didn't say "I'll do it for 500 or 5000" and while many are waiting saying "I'll come to Christ when I get straight" Christ died for us even while we were still sinners [Romans 5:8]. We were all included in that.
I'm so glad that Jesus did not say "I'm not doing it 'just for one'."
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 18:16-33
I set my alarm early just in case I overslept. We were going to go check on my father in law and feed him breakfast. When it went off, I jumped out of bed cleaned up and was ready in a flash. I was out the door by 6:15. I normally make our coffee in the morning but I decided to let my husband sleep a little longer and I went off to my visit. I stopped to get coffee, a necessary element in our morning and a piece of danish.
When I left there, I returned home and my husband was already dressed ready to leave. When I realized the calories in the danish, I opted to save it for him rather than eat it myself. I warmed it up and asked if he had made his coffee. He stated "No, I didn't want to make it for just one."
Wow, that got my mind going. How many things do we not want to do because it is "just for one." I thought of all the evenings when I ate alone that I didn't want to cook because it was "just for one." How long do you wait to do laundry when it's "just for one?"
I am thinking of my parents 50th wedding anniversary several years ago. We decided we would go big and have it at a local hotel banquet room. Our guest list began with one hundred and fifty and almost doubled. We had party favors, mariachi band, dinner, dj...the works. Would we have done it if we would have only had one guest? Would we have done that for just one? I doubt it.
In Genesis, Abraham pled for the salvation of the righteous in Sodom. Adam wanted God to spare the city for the righteous so they would not be swept away in the destruction of the wicked. The question was "Where were they?" Abraham began with fifty "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?" [24-24]
The Lord's reply was "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." [26]
The conversation goes from fifty to ten! Ten righteous people, can they be found in this city?
I am a Ladies Bible Study teacher. I serve alongside many amazing teachers. I have taught classes where I may only have six or seven attendees. I have to prepare just as hard whether I have twenty five or five! I can honestly tell you that if my roster for the class came back with only one name on it, I would still hold that class. I would not only teach that class, I would take it as an opportunity to personally minister and mentor that individual. Yes I would do it "just for one!"
I am so glad Christ did not have a numeric quota when he went to that cross. I'm so glad he didn't say "I'll do it for 500 or 5000" and while many are waiting saying "I'll come to Christ when I get straight" Christ died for us even while we were still sinners [Romans 5:8]. We were all included in that.
I'm so glad that Jesus did not say "I'm not doing it 'just for one'."
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 18:16-33
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
I am my father's child
Last weekend my husband and I took a much needed afternoon off. My sister invited us to her country home to just lay back, enjoy some food and relax with the family. I came with a fiesty spirit. I felt a freedom that I have been missing for a while. I had not been together with my family in several weeks and I think everyone noticed.
We arrived of course to triple digit heat. It is wide open land and prime for ATV's and pond fishing but it does get hot! She had set up a cute rectangular "kiddie" pool in the event someone got to urge to really cool off. I always think ahead. I brought extra clothes not because I thought I would necessarily ruin what I had on but simply because in the outdoors of her place we can become competitive and some have slipped near the pond, slid to homeplate, dropped dessert on their clothes...I just wanted to be ready.
We arrived and had great conversation with my family and a neighbor. My cousins also came making it that much more fun. I had nieces and nephews and great nephews as well.
As we always do, we began talking at the table. I complimented a nephew on his commitment to school and his diligence to studying. I even said "You are so compassionate." The problem came when I joking yelled back at his mom and criticized her board game abilities. As I walked across the yard jabbing at her, I felt a hit blindside me with perfect timing and the power of Houston Texans Defensive End, JJ Watt. I was knocked off my feet and right in to that kiddie pool. I was stunned. The very "child" that we grew up with, that I had just called compassionate, my nephew, "knocked" me into that pool. So I said "OK....game on!"
The rest of the day kept me pretty much on my guard although I will say I went down at least one more time but I took warriors down with me.
The beauty of a family. A family that has endured, sustained, out lived trials and sufferings yet also a family that has faltered, fallen, and survived. A family that is bound by a strong patriarch and a persistent matriarch.
In our quiet time of just sitting back and enjoying the elements, I thanked God for each one of them. Each of us has had our own trials and we have had trials as a family. The sister hosting the event is a nurse and a walking testimony. Her husband who I knew in early policing days walked into our family and without so much as trying and won us over.
There is joy in being a part of this group yet as one who likes to mentor women, I often hear of individuals who feel so alone. I hear of how they have no family, no mother, father or even siblings. I hear of how a spouse left them, a parent abandoned them, their child turned their back on them.
I love my family and I am particularily close to my father. Yet my heart bleeds for those in situations where they feel alone. As much as I love my father and would never want to disappoint him, I know I have a heavenly Father that loves me even more. I know that because God's Word tells me but I also know that because my father told me.
I am my Father's child and so are you. God's Word says that our Father's love is so great....so great that he lavished it on us! One of my favorite verses is one worthy of memorizing and remembering!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God.
That's what it says.
We belong to a family. Not just any family but the Family of God. I read that verse and get giddy with the fact that God loves me so much that he would call me his child. My earthly father recognizes that I am not perfect and he loves me anyway.
He knows that I can not swim and had that been an underground pool at my sister's house, I know that my father, even at 79 years old would have jumped in to save me...he would do it because he loves me and I am his.
Two thousand years ago, Christ died on the cross. He did it for you, he did it for me because we are his children. You are not alone. You are the Father's child.
There is a second part to that verse that seals it. It says "That's what we are!"
You may not be out at the country with our crazy bunch but you can belong to the family of God. I know...I am my Father's child!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God. And that's what we are! 1 John 3:1
We arrived of course to triple digit heat. It is wide open land and prime for ATV's and pond fishing but it does get hot! She had set up a cute rectangular "kiddie" pool in the event someone got to urge to really cool off. I always think ahead. I brought extra clothes not because I thought I would necessarily ruin what I had on but simply because in the outdoors of her place we can become competitive and some have slipped near the pond, slid to homeplate, dropped dessert on their clothes...I just wanted to be ready.
We arrived and had great conversation with my family and a neighbor. My cousins also came making it that much more fun. I had nieces and nephews and great nephews as well.
As we always do, we began talking at the table. I complimented a nephew on his commitment to school and his diligence to studying. I even said "You are so compassionate." The problem came when I joking yelled back at his mom and criticized her board game abilities. As I walked across the yard jabbing at her, I felt a hit blindside me with perfect timing and the power of Houston Texans Defensive End, JJ Watt. I was knocked off my feet and right in to that kiddie pool. I was stunned. The very "child" that we grew up with, that I had just called compassionate, my nephew, "knocked" me into that pool. So I said "OK....game on!"
The rest of the day kept me pretty much on my guard although I will say I went down at least one more time but I took warriors down with me.
The beauty of a family. A family that has endured, sustained, out lived trials and sufferings yet also a family that has faltered, fallen, and survived. A family that is bound by a strong patriarch and a persistent matriarch.
In our quiet time of just sitting back and enjoying the elements, I thanked God for each one of them. Each of us has had our own trials and we have had trials as a family. The sister hosting the event is a nurse and a walking testimony. Her husband who I knew in early policing days walked into our family and without so much as trying and won us over.
There is joy in being a part of this group yet as one who likes to mentor women, I often hear of individuals who feel so alone. I hear of how they have no family, no mother, father or even siblings. I hear of how a spouse left them, a parent abandoned them, their child turned their back on them.
I love my family and I am particularily close to my father. Yet my heart bleeds for those in situations where they feel alone. As much as I love my father and would never want to disappoint him, I know I have a heavenly Father that loves me even more. I know that because God's Word tells me but I also know that because my father told me.
I am my Father's child and so are you. God's Word says that our Father's love is so great....so great that he lavished it on us! One of my favorite verses is one worthy of memorizing and remembering!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God.
That's what it says.
We belong to a family. Not just any family but the Family of God. I read that verse and get giddy with the fact that God loves me so much that he would call me his child. My earthly father recognizes that I am not perfect and he loves me anyway.
He knows that I can not swim and had that been an underground pool at my sister's house, I know that my father, even at 79 years old would have jumped in to save me...he would do it because he loves me and I am his.
Two thousand years ago, Christ died on the cross. He did it for you, he did it for me because we are his children. You are not alone. You are the Father's child.
There is a second part to that verse that seals it. It says "That's what we are!"
You may not be out at the country with our crazy bunch but you can belong to the family of God. I know...I am my Father's child!
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God. And that's what we are! 1 John 3:1
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Who's on your team?
Yesterday we had an appointment set up at the medical center for my son. We have been dealing with an issue since he was a child and it was time for a follow-up.
I thought of emailing a dear friend and asking her to pray for this appointment but as you can imagine, I was overwhelmed with the events of the day and it simply slipped my mind. As we sat in front of the doctor with his milky white lab coat and we heard the diagnosis come out of his mouth, I heard it in slow motion. I remember it ringing in my ears as I watched the expression on my son's face.
I, however, felt a sense of tremendous peace. The first thing that came to mind was his favorite verse: Philippians 4:13. We left that place in separate vehicles as his father had driven him to the appointment. I struggled for thoughts, in fact, I had only one-email a friend.
I pulled my phone out and emailed a friend who has loved and prayed for my son for years. I recall one day having a prayer service at my church and she and a pastor were standing at the front. My husband and I took that long walk down the aisle and I held her hands as we prayed for the very thing that set this issue in motion. My son was eight years old.
I have updated her through the years and she is my "go-to" when it comes to my son. Perhaps it's because she shared that she has a grandson that she prayed for from birth and God completely healed him. Yesterday after the appointment, I emailed her and asked her to pray for my son. She informed that she has been praying most recently for his transition from high school to college and then she with some very impacting words that laid in my heart and I processed them all night. She said "I continue to pray...I want to be on Matthew's prayer team."
How real! I thought "We [as moms] can not do this alone. We have prayer teams in bible study class, we have prayer teams for events, we have prayer teams in church...why not have a prayer team for our children?
Society has a huge impact on us and sometimes we can overlook or overcome the pressure but our children are struck from every direction. Then there is their circle of friends. As parents we can control some of that but when our children get older, their choices affect their lives. I have seen this country rally together to overturn decisions, change policies, or create a new law, can you imagine how our children would be changed if we rallied together and prayed for our children? I don't mean "pray for our children" but literally pray for Matthew, Victor, Josh, Brittney, Jason, Emma, Taylor and so many others. Not a general prayer but praying by name.
So following through with that idea I ask "Who is praying for your child? Who is on your son or daughter's prayer team that you know will pray for your them often if not daily? Who is helping you carry your child to God in prayer?"
I have to say thank you to my friend not only for praying for my child all these years but also for placing a seed in my heart that I hope will flourish in the lives of many parents. My question to you if you have a child is "Who's on your team?"
And she said to him "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord, I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord" 2 Samuel 1:26-27
Thank you to my dear friend Elaine Hastings for her continuous prayers and support and for being on "Matthew's prayer team."
I thought of emailing a dear friend and asking her to pray for this appointment but as you can imagine, I was overwhelmed with the events of the day and it simply slipped my mind. As we sat in front of the doctor with his milky white lab coat and we heard the diagnosis come out of his mouth, I heard it in slow motion. I remember it ringing in my ears as I watched the expression on my son's face.
I, however, felt a sense of tremendous peace. The first thing that came to mind was his favorite verse: Philippians 4:13. We left that place in separate vehicles as his father had driven him to the appointment. I struggled for thoughts, in fact, I had only one-email a friend.
I pulled my phone out and emailed a friend who has loved and prayed for my son for years. I recall one day having a prayer service at my church and she and a pastor were standing at the front. My husband and I took that long walk down the aisle and I held her hands as we prayed for the very thing that set this issue in motion. My son was eight years old.
I have updated her through the years and she is my "go-to" when it comes to my son. Perhaps it's because she shared that she has a grandson that she prayed for from birth and God completely healed him. Yesterday after the appointment, I emailed her and asked her to pray for my son. She informed that she has been praying most recently for his transition from high school to college and then she with some very impacting words that laid in my heart and I processed them all night. She said "I continue to pray...I want to be on Matthew's prayer team."
How real! I thought "We [as moms] can not do this alone. We have prayer teams in bible study class, we have prayer teams for events, we have prayer teams in church...why not have a prayer team for our children?
Society has a huge impact on us and sometimes we can overlook or overcome the pressure but our children are struck from every direction. Then there is their circle of friends. As parents we can control some of that but when our children get older, their choices affect their lives. I have seen this country rally together to overturn decisions, change policies, or create a new law, can you imagine how our children would be changed if we rallied together and prayed for our children? I don't mean "pray for our children" but literally pray for Matthew, Victor, Josh, Brittney, Jason, Emma, Taylor and so many others. Not a general prayer but praying by name.
So following through with that idea I ask "Who is praying for your child? Who is on your son or daughter's prayer team that you know will pray for your them often if not daily? Who is helping you carry your child to God in prayer?"
I have to say thank you to my friend not only for praying for my child all these years but also for placing a seed in my heart that I hope will flourish in the lives of many parents. My question to you if you have a child is "Who's on your team?"
And she said to him "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord, I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord" 2 Samuel 1:26-27
Thank you to my dear friend Elaine Hastings for her continuous prayers and support and for being on "Matthew's prayer team."
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Where are you?
The other day I posted on Facebook that I had lost my ipad. Let me begin at the top. I went to get my hair highlighted at a salon in a mall that is not convienent. It is an older mall to Houston and some would not go there even for a "free" haircut. I like this hair dresser, she has done my hair for years and does a good job.
I have not had much free time lately and made this appointment for her earliest slot at 11:00. As I was sitting at the last stage of my appointment, my husband called and said that a nurse had called him and my father-in-law needed attention. I immediately cut the appointment short and proceeded to pay. I often take my ipad to use during down and laid it down as I paid. I picked up my ipad and thought I'd get a sandwich before I headed out.
Again, as I paid and got a drink, I must have laid my ipad down and then I ran out to take care of my father-in-law. Hours later I could not find my ipad in the car but thought I must have taken it into the house. When my husband got home, we decided to go to dinner and I mentioned that I could not find my ipad. I immediately thought of an app I have on my iphone. It is called Find iphone. I have attached my ipad to it and decided to activate it. My husband said "It's at the mall." We proceeded to call the salon but you guessed it...they had closed.
I told my husband that it might be at the sandwich place so we proceeded to drive (out of the way) to the mall. When we arrived, I found two young men at the counter. One was engaged in conversation with a customer and the other shouted over the counter "We're closed." I activated my app and immediately a barely audible beep started. I kept hitting the app until the young man jumped off the counter and went to the back room. Through the door, I could see a set of lockers. He opened one locker then another. I assume the second one was his since he emptied it out. He removed a plastic bag exposing the ever familiar red cover to my ipad. I told my husband "I see it!" The young man pulled out the ipad and put it to his hear and I said "That's mine!" He looked up at me and saw my determination and handed the ipad to me over the counter.
We walked away with me telling my husband "I love that app." Can you imagine if I had not had it? Oh I might have gotten my ipad back but this was just so much easier. It didn't hurt that we ran into mall security and we knew the guy and he walked in talking to us and was standing there when the entire incident took place. It must have been intimidating, prompting the young man to "just hand it over."
When we left my husband said "That is just like God." Of course not understanding, I asked him to elaborate. He said "Sometimes, we get so lost we don't know where we are but God always knows where to find us."
That got me to thinking how many times we get lost. How many times does the enemy take us and hide us from God's word, God's work, Worship, and Fellowship making us think we are so lost and no one will ever find us let alone God.
Yet God has his own built in app. He always knows where we are. We are not lost in his eyes. Whether we are hidden under filth and sin or whether the enemy has hidden us because he wants to claim us as his own....Don't kid yourself God always knows where you are.
The enemy may try to "steal" you; he may try to claim you; he may try to convince himself that you are his but hear me when I say....you belong to the Lord. No one can take you from Him because he will always know where you are and who you belong to.
Fear not, I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
I have not had much free time lately and made this appointment for her earliest slot at 11:00. As I was sitting at the last stage of my appointment, my husband called and said that a nurse had called him and my father-in-law needed attention. I immediately cut the appointment short and proceeded to pay. I often take my ipad to use during down and laid it down as I paid. I picked up my ipad and thought I'd get a sandwich before I headed out.
Again, as I paid and got a drink, I must have laid my ipad down and then I ran out to take care of my father-in-law. Hours later I could not find my ipad in the car but thought I must have taken it into the house. When my husband got home, we decided to go to dinner and I mentioned that I could not find my ipad. I immediately thought of an app I have on my iphone. It is called Find iphone. I have attached my ipad to it and decided to activate it. My husband said "It's at the mall." We proceeded to call the salon but you guessed it...they had closed.
I told my husband that it might be at the sandwich place so we proceeded to drive (out of the way) to the mall. When we arrived, I found two young men at the counter. One was engaged in conversation with a customer and the other shouted over the counter "We're closed." I activated my app and immediately a barely audible beep started. I kept hitting the app until the young man jumped off the counter and went to the back room. Through the door, I could see a set of lockers. He opened one locker then another. I assume the second one was his since he emptied it out. He removed a plastic bag exposing the ever familiar red cover to my ipad. I told my husband "I see it!" The young man pulled out the ipad and put it to his hear and I said "That's mine!" He looked up at me and saw my determination and handed the ipad to me over the counter.
We walked away with me telling my husband "I love that app." Can you imagine if I had not had it? Oh I might have gotten my ipad back but this was just so much easier. It didn't hurt that we ran into mall security and we knew the guy and he walked in talking to us and was standing there when the entire incident took place. It must have been intimidating, prompting the young man to "just hand it over."
When we left my husband said "That is just like God." Of course not understanding, I asked him to elaborate. He said "Sometimes, we get so lost we don't know where we are but God always knows where to find us."
That got me to thinking how many times we get lost. How many times does the enemy take us and hide us from God's word, God's work, Worship, and Fellowship making us think we are so lost and no one will ever find us let alone God.
Yet God has his own built in app. He always knows where we are. We are not lost in his eyes. Whether we are hidden under filth and sin or whether the enemy has hidden us because he wants to claim us as his own....Don't kid yourself God always knows where you are.
The enemy may try to "steal" you; he may try to claim you; he may try to convince himself that you are his but hear me when I say....you belong to the Lord. No one can take you from Him because he will always know where you are and who you belong to.
Fear not, I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Through the woods
This morning I decided I would go for a run. I told my husband that I was running from our house, through the greenbelts, to the river, through the woods and would meet him at my father in law's house.
You see, in order to get to my father in law's house the way I was running, I had to cross the woods. I would not recommend it for just anybody but I have made this run several times and am very familiar with these woods. Perhaps I have a false sense of security but it is not an easy trek. It is not a long distance but it is a challenge.
So this morning as I ran, I had an excuse for everything. I was hot, my legs were heavy, I had increased my distance.....and so on. I turned to go to the river and I faced a new fear-snakes! I mean I was terrified. I immediately began quoting "He has given you authority over the scorpions and snakes....He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the all mighty....The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear!" I feared snakes that's what!
I continued on and saw a thick tree branch that extended onto the greenbelt and had visions of a snake "hanging from the tree" and falling on my back. I then envisioned pulling the snake off of me by it's tail and having fang marks up my back....the fear was fierce. I kept praying and quoting scripture and snapped out of it as I approached the woods.
I saw the entrance, I took my turn and then I was in it! I was now in the woods. As I ran, the ground had changed as I anticipated, the result of a drought in Houston. I continued to run and found myself in sudden ruts and holes. As I continue to nurse an unsteady ankle I hit a rut I was not expecting and felt the pain. I whined and questioned and just didn't know why I would have to "sit out" again. "I mean really God, I've been through a lot and why would my ankle heal only to be hurting again and while I'm at it God, what about everything else going on in my life....huh? huh? huh?"
Of course, when we are in those woods of life, it is never pleasant and as I ran I saw that a tree had uprooted and landed across my intended path-just par for the course! I had one of two choices-go over or under it. No other choices. In my exhaustion, I squatted under it and came up with new ammunition. "Why would you put this tree in my path when it is taking every ounce of energy to continue? Really God....why?
As I spoke those words, my voice sounded awful familiar. I thought to myself "I know that voice." I have been leading a Ladies Bible Study Class in which we are currently studying the books of the Old Testament. That voice that was so familiar sounded like the voice of the Israelites.
"Why did God bring us out of Egypt only to let us perish? Why do we have to eat manna? When are we going to hear from God? We would have been better off if...."
Yes, that was my voice. Here was the woman that had only moments ago quoted scripture to relieve the fear of snakes and now I sounded just like the Israelites. With that awakening thought, I saw the clearing of the woods. Just a little more and I would be out. Unfortunately, many do not fight the fight. Many turn and go back, get stuck in their woods, or just plain give up.
Today's run taught me a lesson. I had to go through to get to my father in law's house and sometimes in life, we will all have to go through those woods, that dry land, that wilderness but in the end, we will be better and stronger for it. God may allow that journey but He will never leave us. He will always provide a way...a way that will usually result with a stronger relationship with Him. I will not be "moved" by snakes or woods. But I can only "not be moved" if I keep my sights on God.
He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions, He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end, it might go well with you. Deuteronomy 8:15-17
Luke 10:19 [I have given you authority]
Psalm 91:1 [He who dwells in the shelter...]
Psalm 27:1 [The Lord is my light and my salvation...]
You see, in order to get to my father in law's house the way I was running, I had to cross the woods. I would not recommend it for just anybody but I have made this run several times and am very familiar with these woods. Perhaps I have a false sense of security but it is not an easy trek. It is not a long distance but it is a challenge.
So this morning as I ran, I had an excuse for everything. I was hot, my legs were heavy, I had increased my distance.....and so on. I turned to go to the river and I faced a new fear-snakes! I mean I was terrified. I immediately began quoting "He has given you authority over the scorpions and snakes....He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the all mighty....The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear!" I feared snakes that's what!
I continued on and saw a thick tree branch that extended onto the greenbelt and had visions of a snake "hanging from the tree" and falling on my back. I then envisioned pulling the snake off of me by it's tail and having fang marks up my back....the fear was fierce. I kept praying and quoting scripture and snapped out of it as I approached the woods.
I saw the entrance, I took my turn and then I was in it! I was now in the woods. As I ran, the ground had changed as I anticipated, the result of a drought in Houston. I continued to run and found myself in sudden ruts and holes. As I continue to nurse an unsteady ankle I hit a rut I was not expecting and felt the pain. I whined and questioned and just didn't know why I would have to "sit out" again. "I mean really God, I've been through a lot and why would my ankle heal only to be hurting again and while I'm at it God, what about everything else going on in my life....huh? huh? huh?"
Of course, when we are in those woods of life, it is never pleasant and as I ran I saw that a tree had uprooted and landed across my intended path-just par for the course! I had one of two choices-go over or under it. No other choices. In my exhaustion, I squatted under it and came up with new ammunition. "Why would you put this tree in my path when it is taking every ounce of energy to continue? Really God....why?
As I spoke those words, my voice sounded awful familiar. I thought to myself "I know that voice." I have been leading a Ladies Bible Study Class in which we are currently studying the books of the Old Testament. That voice that was so familiar sounded like the voice of the Israelites.
"Why did God bring us out of Egypt only to let us perish? Why do we have to eat manna? When are we going to hear from God? We would have been better off if...."
Yes, that was my voice. Here was the woman that had only moments ago quoted scripture to relieve the fear of snakes and now I sounded just like the Israelites. With that awakening thought, I saw the clearing of the woods. Just a little more and I would be out. Unfortunately, many do not fight the fight. Many turn and go back, get stuck in their woods, or just plain give up.
Today's run taught me a lesson. I had to go through to get to my father in law's house and sometimes in life, we will all have to go through those woods, that dry land, that wilderness but in the end, we will be better and stronger for it. God may allow that journey but He will never leave us. He will always provide a way...a way that will usually result with a stronger relationship with Him. I will not be "moved" by snakes or woods. But I can only "not be moved" if I keep my sights on God.
He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions, He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end, it might go well with you. Deuteronomy 8:15-17
Luke 10:19 [I have given you authority]
Psalm 91:1 [He who dwells in the shelter...]
Psalm 27:1 [The Lord is my light and my salvation...]
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