Yesterday was the type of day that takes me back to 2001. It rained for two days and while we welcome the rain, it became a threat during Tropical Storm Allison. On June 5, 2001, I was studying for a promotional exam not really paying attention to the weather.
At approximately 5:00 am, I received a call from my brother Lee to inform me that overnight, the water was rising where my parents live. My sister lives about 3 miles away but she was on high ground. The bayou runs along her back yard and she was unable to go get my parents as the high water surrounded her driveway and the street making it impossible to get out. Having other siblings in Katy, Pasadena, and Conroe, it just made sense that I was the closest to them. I had to go get my parents. The water had risen past the front foyer covering the sidewalk. Mom suffers with eye disorders but dad led her out to the street where a dump truck driver got them out. He dropped them off at a church where mom and dad then walked a few blocks to their pastor's house.
I decided that picking them up from the pastor's house would be easier, until the pastor's house also began taking in water. I high tailed it to their house and as I rounded the street leading there, I saw a fire truck in water. The bayou had overflowed trapping the first responders. Many vehicles were parked on the street unable to pass. I immediately turned the other direction and began to pray for a way to get my parents. When I say "pray" I mean in open voice crying out to God....just me and Him. I wanted my parents! My brother who was monitoring the weather from every angle gave me another route and said he would pray with me.
The streets were flooded with no traffic but I was on a mission! As I approached the house, I could feel the water nearing my vehicle door but I continued on. I called my brother, my sisters and my father and asked them to pray that God would make a way. Shortly thereafter I called my dad and said "I'm here!" We battled the water and got them in the car. When we opened the door, the water came in but we were still dry.
I had my parents and that's all that mattered. That area suffered, the water took its toll, and my parents lost everything in their home and their vehicle in that storm. However, there were "just enough" low spots that allowed me to drive them to my home. My father did not complain about losing everything, he did not fear the water, he merely gave thanks to God for bringing him through.
Thousands of years ago, the enemy pursued the Israelites. Their mission of freedom looked bleak when they came upon the Red Sea. God's Word says "So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea." [Exodus 13:18] He did this for a reason. God knew if He led them through Egypt, they might face war and become scared and retreat.
When the people came upon the Red Sea they became scared and grumbled. They verbally attacked Moses for taking them there and leading them to a "no win" situation. When I came on the high water where the first responders were stuck, I called my family to pray for a way.
God heard my prayer and opened another route. God also heard Moses and opened a route for the Israelites. In both cases, God did it not so that I could get to my parents or so that the Israelites could get out of Egypt, He did it so that He could get the glory and the Egyptians would know He is God!
When you feel like you are drowning in your pain, your sorrow, your burdens, or anything else, cry out to God. He specializes in high water rescues.
Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them and I will gain the glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through the chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen. Exodus 14:16-18
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
No Soldier Stands Alone
No Soldier
Stands Alone
No soldier
stands alone today,
as flags are
flying high.
They fight to
save our freedom
some had to
say goodbye.
Your soldier
may not be here
he may be far
away.
Take comfort
in this thought,
He’s not
alone today.
He may be
active combat
or standing
at a post,
or thinking
of the people
That he loves
the most.
Though miles
may separate you
and time just
passes on,
Our Lord
reassures us-
No soldier
stands alone.
We can’t be
everywhere,
that our
soldier is…
But God does
keep an eye on him,
After all,
he’s His.
So when you
see our flag today
Pray for
those who fight,
To give us
all our freedoms;
to guarantee
our rights.
In uniform he
thinks he sees
a shadow
looming near,
that shadow
is our Savior
so soldier,
do not fear.
Until the
tour is over
And he comes
marching home,
Today
remember this,
No soldier
stands alone.
© 2012, Diana
Barfield-No Soldier Stands Alone, Rights Reserved
Sunday, May 25, 2014
I won't tell
Today I thought share a poem that can be quite thought provoking. It's titled Nobody's Friend.
My name is gossip.
I have no respect for justice
I maim without killing,
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.
The more I'm quoted, the more I am believed.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me
because I have no name or face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the more elusivive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it's never the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.......
My name is gossip!
Author Unknown
As I read that poem I am impacted by its elements of truth. Every aspect of that poem rings true. That is so unlike gossip. So many times gossip is not true and can damage reputations and lives. It seems to have the same effect as a juicy steak. For steak lovers, one bite of a flavorful steak leaves you wanting more and more. The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8) Sweet, juicy words that satisfy some and injure others.
I recall a dear friend coming to me with some information that she had received "first hand" about a co-worker. As much as I love her I had to tell her that I did not want to hear the gossip to which she responded "It's not gossip, it's true!"
So many of us have that understanding that if the information is true, it can't be gossip and that is so far from the truth. Every time something is repeated, an element of truth is distorted. We interject more and more of our opinion to make the story better. Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (Proverbs 18:3)
What a terrible thing to be labeled a gossip...one who can not hold their tongue. It comes natural to want to be the first to tell but it takes restraint to walk away. So when you you are tempted to share gossip, especially damaging information, choose not to tell!
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13
My name is gossip.
I have no respect for justice
I maim without killing,
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.
The more I'm quoted, the more I am believed.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me
because I have no name or face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the more elusivive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it's never the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.......
My name is gossip!
Author Unknown
As I read that poem I am impacted by its elements of truth. Every aspect of that poem rings true. That is so unlike gossip. So many times gossip is not true and can damage reputations and lives. It seems to have the same effect as a juicy steak. For steak lovers, one bite of a flavorful steak leaves you wanting more and more. The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8) Sweet, juicy words that satisfy some and injure others.
I recall a dear friend coming to me with some information that she had received "first hand" about a co-worker. As much as I love her I had to tell her that I did not want to hear the gossip to which she responded "It's not gossip, it's true!"
So many of us have that understanding that if the information is true, it can't be gossip and that is so far from the truth. Every time something is repeated, an element of truth is distorted. We interject more and more of our opinion to make the story better. Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (Proverbs 18:3)
What a terrible thing to be labeled a gossip...one who can not hold their tongue. It comes natural to want to be the first to tell but it takes restraint to walk away. So when you you are tempted to share gossip, especially damaging information, choose not to tell!
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Are you too full?
Since my husband and often worked 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, we often found ourselves eating dinner around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. It worked out good because lunch was at 10:30 so by three in the afternoon we were hungry again.
I recall one afternoon him calling and saying "let's go have steak." I was on board with that and when I got home, I changed clothes and waited for him to get home. An hour later when he had not arrived, he called and said he was on assignment and would be late.
Two hours later he was still out and this time when he called, I asked if I should go ahead and eat. He still wanted to salvage dinner plans and said he expected to be home within the hour so I waited. At 6:00 pm when he finally came through the door, he needed a shower and change of clothes so when we got to dinner at about seven, we were starving!
We sat and ordered our steak but we found ourselves "ravenous," one would have thought we hadn't eaten in days. We did not stop with the steak, we ordered appetizers as well. We ordered a bowl of our favorite soup and helped ourselves to the complimentary bread....and lots of it!
When our steak arrived, you guessed it..we were so full we couldn't eat our main meal. Our eyes had overridden our stomachs in ordering the large portion of soup.
When we arrived at the restaurant, we wanted instant gratification. Our hunger would not wait so we took matters into our own hands and ruined our dinner.
God wants us to be"full" in His Word. He wants us to savor every moment with him but often times we "fill ourselves up" with insignificant things that take place of His Word. We choose to read a book that gives "man's opinion" on how to have a better life or we choose to cut our own path without consulting God; or the worst, we choose to fill our life with sin and in doing so, leave no room for Christ.
My husband and I could have refrained from ordering that soup and savored the steak down to the last bite. We too can savor God's Word when we repent of our sins and allow the Holy Spirit to fill our life! Don't be too full that you miss the fullness of Christ!
I pray that...you may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18-19
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Nails
Wow! My husband and I are worn out! We went to our second home and did some cleaning. We removed fence, tore down posts, picked up old wood, planted new trees, and of course burned the old stuff. I like that job.
My husband would haul the old wood and I would burn it at my pace. I would often break the wood in two and throw in pieces at a time so that I could manage the fire. Some of this wood came from old fence and some came from an old picnic bench.
At one point I was taking the legs off the bench and discovered the nails were old, rusted and secured on to the bench. I used a hammer, stood pushing against the nails, and finally as a last resort, pulled at the nailed boards with my gloved hands.
Along with the pull came a painstaking "oooooooouch!" Having heard me, my husband called out "What's wrong?" to which I responded "Nails!" Knowing they were rusted and could mean potential danger, my husband ran to where I was to access the injury. "Those nail are rusty, where did it get you?"
I had to laugh as I said "it didn't get me silly, I almost broke a nail!"
You see, the nail I was referring to was not old and rusty, it had the word finger attached to it. My hand slipped and I almost broke a fingernail.
We had a good laugh at that but later I asked my husband "How many times do you think we hear God telling us something and we give it a whole different meaning based on our circumstances at the time?"
What if God was saying "know more Bible" and because we might be in a valley, we chose to hear "no more Bible"?
It is always important to be open to the voice of God and to the Holy Spirit to determine God's intended message for us.
He is here..... waiting for you... to hear his voice. Don't miss the message.
Broken nails will survive but the nails that were driven into my Savior's hands changed my life forever.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says...but whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it- not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22; 25
My husband would haul the old wood and I would burn it at my pace. I would often break the wood in two and throw in pieces at a time so that I could manage the fire. Some of this wood came from old fence and some came from an old picnic bench.
At one point I was taking the legs off the bench and discovered the nails were old, rusted and secured on to the bench. I used a hammer, stood pushing against the nails, and finally as a last resort, pulled at the nailed boards with my gloved hands.
Along with the pull came a painstaking "oooooooouch!" Having heard me, my husband called out "What's wrong?" to which I responded "Nails!" Knowing they were rusted and could mean potential danger, my husband ran to where I was to access the injury. "Those nail are rusty, where did it get you?"
I had to laugh as I said "it didn't get me silly, I almost broke a nail!"
You see, the nail I was referring to was not old and rusty, it had the word finger attached to it. My hand slipped and I almost broke a fingernail.
We had a good laugh at that but later I asked my husband "How many times do you think we hear God telling us something and we give it a whole different meaning based on our circumstances at the time?"
What if God was saying "know more Bible" and because we might be in a valley, we chose to hear "no more Bible"?
It is always important to be open to the voice of God and to the Holy Spirit to determine God's intended message for us.
He is here..... waiting for you... to hear his voice. Don't miss the message.
Broken nails will survive but the nails that were driven into my Savior's hands changed my life forever.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says...but whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it- not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22; 25
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Heal Me!
Today even more than ever, I hear of more and more people afflicted with terminal diseases. I wonder God's plan in all of it for surely, there is a plan. While we may linger in the presence of the situation, God wants us to praise Him and hold on to His promises.
While we have been truly blessed as a family, I do recall a situation that almost ripped us apart. I don't mean as a family but as single units. My youngest sister is a nurse and if ever she chose the right profession it was this one.
Unlike me, she is meek, and mild. She has a tender heart that loves life. She is caring, patient, compassionate, giving and trust me, she is one of a kind. The other four of us are completely different. We plow through as she is stopping at every point to care for the wounded.
Almost 15 years ago we got a call at 4:am that she had a headache for two days and had suffered a seizure. She had never had a problem before much less a seizure! Coming from Atascocita to Conroe, I was one of the last to arrive. When I arrived her boyfriend and my parents had made the decision to move her to the medical center where her doctor could care for her.
When I went to visit her for just a few minutes, I discovered that she had lost her sight. We got her to the medical center and there a neurologist saw her. He told us he would order a spinal tap and informed my parents that she would not make it through the night.
I remained with her so I never heard that conversation but when I stepped out for just a moment, I saw my dad in tears asking God to spare my sister's life and mother was beyond words. The doctor came in, conducted the spinal tap and we waited. I had not cried through the ordeal.
When my brother arrived from Brazil, I had to leave to pick up my four year old from a friend. But before I left, the doctor made the diagnosis...spinal meningitis. It was dark as I walked outside. I was alone and felt alone. I walked out to my car and somehow found myself on 610 . I pleaded to God, cried out to God, implored God to save my sister who the doctor' s had said would not make it through the night.
I knew my sister! I knew she would take a second chance and use it to glorify God. Why did he want this soldier so young?
Back in the Old Testament there was a king named Hezakiah. He is described as a king who "did right in the eyes of The Lord." (2 Kings 18:2) He "held fast to The Lord and did not stop following Him." (6) There was no king like him among all the kings of a Judah.
One day, King Hezakiah received this news from God by way of the prophet Isaiah after becoming ill. (2Kings 20)
This is what The Lord says "Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to The Lord "Remember Lord how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion have done what is right in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Before the prophet Isaiah could make it out of the court he received another message from God.
"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, this is what The Lord, the God of your father David says: 'I have heard your prayer and have seen your tears; I will heal you..'"...
God gave him an additional 15 years to live (v6). Had God healed my sister and given her only 15 years, this would be the year. Instead, He just healed her! She recovered completely and true to her self, she continues to worship God and honor my parents.
Many of us are in need of healing. Not just physical but spiritual as well. Ask yourself what you would do to honor God if he said "I will heal you." Read what Hezekiah did in the rest of the story
(2 Kings 20:12-21)*
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let him pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of The Lord. And the prayer offered in faith the sick person well and The Lord will raise him up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:13-15
*if you're wondering why this happened....Hezekiak's pride.
While we have been truly blessed as a family, I do recall a situation that almost ripped us apart. I don't mean as a family but as single units. My youngest sister is a nurse and if ever she chose the right profession it was this one.
Unlike me, she is meek, and mild. She has a tender heart that loves life. She is caring, patient, compassionate, giving and trust me, she is one of a kind. The other four of us are completely different. We plow through as she is stopping at every point to care for the wounded.
Almost 15 years ago we got a call at 4:am that she had a headache for two days and had suffered a seizure. She had never had a problem before much less a seizure! Coming from Atascocita to Conroe, I was one of the last to arrive. When I arrived her boyfriend and my parents had made the decision to move her to the medical center where her doctor could care for her.
When I went to visit her for just a few minutes, I discovered that she had lost her sight. We got her to the medical center and there a neurologist saw her. He told us he would order a spinal tap and informed my parents that she would not make it through the night.
I remained with her so I never heard that conversation but when I stepped out for just a moment, I saw my dad in tears asking God to spare my sister's life and mother was beyond words. The doctor came in, conducted the spinal tap and we waited. I had not cried through the ordeal.
When my brother arrived from Brazil, I had to leave to pick up my four year old from a friend. But before I left, the doctor made the diagnosis...spinal meningitis. It was dark as I walked outside. I was alone and felt alone. I walked out to my car and somehow found myself on 610 . I pleaded to God, cried out to God, implored God to save my sister who the doctor' s had said would not make it through the night.
I knew my sister! I knew she would take a second chance and use it to glorify God. Why did he want this soldier so young?
Back in the Old Testament there was a king named Hezakiah. He is described as a king who "did right in the eyes of The Lord." (2 Kings 18:2) He "held fast to The Lord and did not stop following Him." (6) There was no king like him among all the kings of a Judah.
One day, King Hezakiah received this news from God by way of the prophet Isaiah after becoming ill. (2Kings 20)
This is what The Lord says "Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to The Lord "Remember Lord how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion have done what is right in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Before the prophet Isaiah could make it out of the court he received another message from God.
"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, this is what The Lord, the God of your father David says: 'I have heard your prayer and have seen your tears; I will heal you..'"...
God gave him an additional 15 years to live (v6). Had God healed my sister and given her only 15 years, this would be the year. Instead, He just healed her! She recovered completely and true to her self, she continues to worship God and honor my parents.
Many of us are in need of healing. Not just physical but spiritual as well. Ask yourself what you would do to honor God if he said "I will heal you." Read what Hezekiah did in the rest of the story
(2 Kings 20:12-21)*
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let him pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of The Lord. And the prayer offered in faith the sick person well and The Lord will raise him up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:13-15
*if you're wondering why this happened....Hezekiak's pride.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Hello......Hello?
I have had a lot of difficult jobs and positions in my life time. I would venture to guess that there is none harder than that of being a parent. When I discovered I was going to have a child, my life changed completely. I no longer took unnecessary risks.
When our youngest was born, there were "bag" phones, texting did not exist and there was no fear of society rocking our world. Today, all three of our kids are in college. One thing that I dislike more than anything else is social media. Texting, tweeting, chatting, all those rob a parent's time with their children. Oh don't get me wrong, sometimes that is the only means of communication but I completely dislike when I don't get a response.
Transparency stinks because we want the world to know we are good parents or good Christians or good spouses but the truth is there is only one perfect one and it is not us! So on to my story. I never know when to text a child due to them being away and not knowing class schedules but I so dislike not getting a response.
It is worse when I have to play the parent card! The other day I had to disagree with a decision that did not sit well with one of our kids. Hours later I sent a text explaining my position and taking away a privilege. It hurt me to have to do it but we as parents have to take a stand. I don't care if your 20 or 2. I sent the text expecting to get some sort of response...a hmmmp, ugg, boo-something. I got nothing.
I woke up the next morning and checked my phone and again, nothing. It saddened me that making a decision to take something away would cause such a reaction. In fact, I expected to get some kind of response. As parents our hearts break when our children don't respond to our direction and advise.
I realized that God often waits to get a response from us too. He speaks to us, guides us, directs us and we do the minimal to satisfy our own sense of "I love Jesus." He does not want "token" worship or devotion. He wants our total and complete attention. I imagine His heart breaks when we don't respond. Like me, God probably waits and waits for His children to call him back or respond to his call and yet He gets nothing.
I would never stop loving a child despite decisions they may make and God will never stop loving us despite decisions we make. He is a loving, forgiving God and will allow us to live our life and make our mistakes, Still, He will wait. He may take things away and He may change the direction of your life but He will always love you. God knows that we need Him. He is our source of life!
As a parent, I will continue to serve God first and pray that I would never close those lines of communication with Him because of my own desires.
#respondtotexts
Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things. Jeremiah 33:3
When our youngest was born, there were "bag" phones, texting did not exist and there was no fear of society rocking our world. Today, all three of our kids are in college. One thing that I dislike more than anything else is social media. Texting, tweeting, chatting, all those rob a parent's time with their children. Oh don't get me wrong, sometimes that is the only means of communication but I completely dislike when I don't get a response.
Transparency stinks because we want the world to know we are good parents or good Christians or good spouses but the truth is there is only one perfect one and it is not us! So on to my story. I never know when to text a child due to them being away and not knowing class schedules but I so dislike not getting a response.
It is worse when I have to play the parent card! The other day I had to disagree with a decision that did not sit well with one of our kids. Hours later I sent a text explaining my position and taking away a privilege. It hurt me to have to do it but we as parents have to take a stand. I don't care if your 20 or 2. I sent the text expecting to get some sort of response...a hmmmp, ugg, boo-something. I got nothing.
I woke up the next morning and checked my phone and again, nothing. It saddened me that making a decision to take something away would cause such a reaction. In fact, I expected to get some kind of response. As parents our hearts break when our children don't respond to our direction and advise.
I realized that God often waits to get a response from us too. He speaks to us, guides us, directs us and we do the minimal to satisfy our own sense of "I love Jesus." He does not want "token" worship or devotion. He wants our total and complete attention. I imagine His heart breaks when we don't respond. Like me, God probably waits and waits for His children to call him back or respond to his call and yet He gets nothing.
I would never stop loving a child despite decisions they may make and God will never stop loving us despite decisions we make. He is a loving, forgiving God and will allow us to live our life and make our mistakes, Still, He will wait. He may take things away and He may change the direction of your life but He will always love you. God knows that we need Him. He is our source of life!
As a parent, I will continue to serve God first and pray that I would never close those lines of communication with Him because of my own desires.
#respondtotexts
Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things. Jeremiah 33:3
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Amazing Race
My husband and I like to watch a show on Sunday nights called Amazing Race. On Sundays after he comes home from work, we grill, eat, then settle in for the show. I find it amazing [hence the title] some of the things these people have to do for a chance to win one million dollars.
We often talk about how it would be if we were on the race. I fear heights, enclosed spaces, hot spicy food and can't swim so I could do none of those events. My husband eats spicy foods, fears little and loves adventure. However, he does not do two of my favorite things...run and dance. In this show, the contestants from all over the Unites States open clues that direct them all over the world to complete the required task.
Some of the tasks seem like impossibilities such as riding a donkey around a track when it depends totally on his will to do it. This week the contestants had to memorize a poem in another language. For some, they aced it. For others it was rough. The host kept saying "again" to which one contestant said "Again? How do they expect you to learn a language in ten minutes?" Yet the others did it.
Another pair completed the entire task and seemed to be in first place only to discover they misread the clue and had to go back and do it all over "again."
While on this earth, Jesus said "...no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." [John 3:3] A Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus asked basically the same question as the contestant. "How...?" "How can someone be born when they are old?
Jesus goes on to tell him that flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. We are a society that deals with evidence. We want to see it, hear it, feel it, or else....it didn't happen. Jesus addresses that with Nicodemus when he tells him "I have spoken to you of earthly things and still you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?' [12]
"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so he Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." [14] There you have it. There is only one way to have eternal life and that is to be "born again." There are no do-overs in life. You don't get a second chance once God calls you home. Your time for a second chance is now.
I once read something that was really impacting. I challenge you to read it and meditate on it.
If you are in Christ, you will "be born twice" but die once;
If you are not in Christ, you will be born once but die twice.
If we are in Christ, we will live that eternal life he offers and when our life on earth ends, new life with him begins.
We are running the amazing race, will your race be filled with excuses or will you come out the winner? Don't miss the clues located in the Word of God. Open it, read it, and complete the race he has line out for you!
From this story comes one of the most recognized verses in all the bible, John 3:16. Amazing!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
You can read the story of Nicodemus in the New Testament-John 3
We often talk about how it would be if we were on the race. I fear heights, enclosed spaces, hot spicy food and can't swim so I could do none of those events. My husband eats spicy foods, fears little and loves adventure. However, he does not do two of my favorite things...run and dance. In this show, the contestants from all over the Unites States open clues that direct them all over the world to complete the required task.
Some of the tasks seem like impossibilities such as riding a donkey around a track when it depends totally on his will to do it. This week the contestants had to memorize a poem in another language. For some, they aced it. For others it was rough. The host kept saying "again" to which one contestant said "Again? How do they expect you to learn a language in ten minutes?" Yet the others did it.
Another pair completed the entire task and seemed to be in first place only to discover they misread the clue and had to go back and do it all over "again."
While on this earth, Jesus said "...no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." [John 3:3] A Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus asked basically the same question as the contestant. "How...?" "How can someone be born when they are old?
Jesus goes on to tell him that flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. We are a society that deals with evidence. We want to see it, hear it, feel it, or else....it didn't happen. Jesus addresses that with Nicodemus when he tells him "I have spoken to you of earthly things and still you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?' [12]
"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so he Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." [14] There you have it. There is only one way to have eternal life and that is to be "born again." There are no do-overs in life. You don't get a second chance once God calls you home. Your time for a second chance is now.
I once read something that was really impacting. I challenge you to read it and meditate on it.
If you are in Christ, you will "be born twice" but die once;
If you are not in Christ, you will be born once but die twice.
If we are in Christ, we will live that eternal life he offers and when our life on earth ends, new life with him begins.
We are running the amazing race, will your race be filled with excuses or will you come out the winner? Don't miss the clues located in the Word of God. Open it, read it, and complete the race he has line out for you!
From this story comes one of the most recognized verses in all the bible, John 3:16. Amazing!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
You can read the story of Nicodemus in the New Testament-John 3
Monday, May 12, 2014
I'm waiting
Today is Mother's day. It happens to coincide with our youngest coming home from college for the summer. It was so good to have him back. Last night we had several graduation celebrations so we didn't really have time together.
Of course he also wanted to see his old friends so last night, we slept and he went to a movie with them. In the morning, when he woke up, he promised he would meet us at church. My husband and I left for church as he was walking out the door to wish his step mom Happy Mothers Day.
We entered the church and sat towards the front of the sanctuary. In a few seconds I was looking back to see if he had arrived. He had not and we started singing. We sang through the first song and I must have turned back ten times to see if he had arrived. I saw many moms with their children and I wanted mine. I looked back again and waited eagerly for him to arrive. The choir sang, the children sang and we collected the offering. all the while, my neck felt that it had an inner spring constantly swinging back to see if he was coming.
Finally, I saw him walking down the aisle. He sat down a few seats from us. I told my husband "he doesn't know where we're at-go get him." we were only a few seats from him and he finally turned back to see us. At last, I was in church with my son at my side-bliss!
I wonder if any of us wait for God with such anticipation, Speaking from my part, I occasionally find myself asking "When God?" instead of waiting for Him and reading my Bible through it.
I have to ask myself as I wait, "How many times has God waited on me?"
I pray that I will have the patience to wait on God and his timing but I pray even more that I will await His coming with great joy and peace not anxiety.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my trust. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:3-4
Of course he also wanted to see his old friends so last night, we slept and he went to a movie with them. In the morning, when he woke up, he promised he would meet us at church. My husband and I left for church as he was walking out the door to wish his step mom Happy Mothers Day.
We entered the church and sat towards the front of the sanctuary. In a few seconds I was looking back to see if he had arrived. He had not and we started singing. We sang through the first song and I must have turned back ten times to see if he had arrived. I saw many moms with their children and I wanted mine. I looked back again and waited eagerly for him to arrive. The choir sang, the children sang and we collected the offering. all the while, my neck felt that it had an inner spring constantly swinging back to see if he was coming.
Finally, I saw him walking down the aisle. He sat down a few seats from us. I told my husband "he doesn't know where we're at-go get him." we were only a few seats from him and he finally turned back to see us. At last, I was in church with my son at my side-bliss!
I wonder if any of us wait for God with such anticipation, Speaking from my part, I occasionally find myself asking "When God?" instead of waiting for Him and reading my Bible through it.
I have to ask myself as I wait, "How many times has God waited on me?"
I pray that I will have the patience to wait on God and his timing but I pray even more that I will await His coming with great joy and peace not anxiety.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my trust. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:3-4
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
It's stained
A couple of weeks ago I went to purchase my "Spring" lipstick colors. Within a couple of hours, I had already lost one. My lipsticks cost $15.00 a tube so to lose one was extremely disappointing. I looked everywhere and traced my steps to ensure I covered every angle.
Thankfully I had two. I didn't actually pay for them- I got them free as part of the recycle program. You return your empty lipstick tubes and get a new one free. It cost me 12 "empties" but was worth it. That did not minimize the fact that I lost one! These were my pretty pink colors.
I wondered where it was. Could it be in another purse? Did it fall out and roll under the bed? Where could it be? I resigned to the fact that it was lost.
The other day as I did my laundry, I tossed in my neon yellow workout shirt...my favorite. I went to run an errand and when I returned, I moved my clothes over to the dryer. That's when I noticed it! My beautiful, favorite, most comfortable neon yellow running shirt was completely stained with lipstick. There was no saving this shirt, or my black pants, or my white socks.
As I continued to unload clothes I discovered the empty tube of lipstick and I remembered putting it in my jacket pocket. The same jacket I had worn to the gym that was now in the washer.
I washed and rewashed that yellow shirt in hopes of removing the stains. I added stain remover, soaked it, and then washed it again. Unfortunately, it is still stained and in fact, ruined!
Somedays, we may feel that way. We may feel like our stains of our sin are permanent and can not be removed. We may feel like a pure and true God does not want to be bored by our sin but it is quite the opposite! God wants to cleanse us from the filth of our sins. Sins that separate us from him. I may never get those stains out of that shirt but I am thankful for a God that has the power to cleanse me and make me new again!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9
Thankfully I had two. I didn't actually pay for them- I got them free as part of the recycle program. You return your empty lipstick tubes and get a new one free. It cost me 12 "empties" but was worth it. That did not minimize the fact that I lost one! These were my pretty pink colors.
I wondered where it was. Could it be in another purse? Did it fall out and roll under the bed? Where could it be? I resigned to the fact that it was lost.
The other day as I did my laundry, I tossed in my neon yellow workout shirt...my favorite. I went to run an errand and when I returned, I moved my clothes over to the dryer. That's when I noticed it! My beautiful, favorite, most comfortable neon yellow running shirt was completely stained with lipstick. There was no saving this shirt, or my black pants, or my white socks.
As I continued to unload clothes I discovered the empty tube of lipstick and I remembered putting it in my jacket pocket. The same jacket I had worn to the gym that was now in the washer.
I washed and rewashed that yellow shirt in hopes of removing the stains. I added stain remover, soaked it, and then washed it again. Unfortunately, it is still stained and in fact, ruined!
Somedays, we may feel that way. We may feel like our stains of our sin are permanent and can not be removed. We may feel like a pure and true God does not want to be bored by our sin but it is quite the opposite! God wants to cleanse us from the filth of our sins. Sins that separate us from him. I may never get those stains out of that shirt but I am thankful for a God that has the power to cleanse me and make me new again!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Mercy Me!
Whew! I am done with another week. It had been a while since I had actually worked. I had been enjoying time off with my husband. So when I got the call to work for a week, I was hesitant but did it anyway. I had forgotten what it was like to actually get out and drive in the morning.
The drive to the school is not a bad one. It's a steady 55 most of the way. Although I have to admit that on most days it is more like a Daytona 500. I hesitate in saying that often, when I approach the school zone, I barely know the difference.
I take those signs seriously. When I see those flashing lights, I always slow down. Not only do I slow down, I actually go to the posted speed....20 mph. The other day I slowed down to 20 and that did not sit well with the guy behind me.
As I was "obeying the law" a red Mercedes literally whipped around me and sped up. Not gonna lie- it made me mad. I said "ok, I'll show you!" I began to speed up when I thought of the example I would be if I did that. When the car turned into the high school just shy of my own school, I became critical.
"Look at that car, it's missing a hub cap; it has scratches everywhere; you're nothing big just because you're driving a Mercedes" and so on and so on! Why did I do that? Because I needed to feel good about my decision and belittling him made me feel better about doing the right thing.
As I pulled into my school just next door, I thought of the many drivers that sped through that zone and I unbelievably asked the age old question "where are the police when you need them?" You see, I would have ticketed every single one of those speeders. Many were high school drivers but worse, many were parents setting the example that it's ok! They are NOT law abiding citizens like me!
As I parked, the thought suddenly came to me "Where do do you get off being the self righteous dictating judge?" I then thought of the many times I traveled and kicked the gas pedal up a notch or two which led to the thought of how i would justify it and say something like "But officer....I wasn't speeding."
Interesting isn't it? That I would want mercy extended to me but I would want everyone else to pay for their violations? For a moment, I almost fell to the trap of pressure-much like many of us fall to the trap of sin. We may feel like other's sin goes unnoticed so we jump right in hoping God overlooks ours. Although God will extend mercy, our sin has consequences much like the speeder. He may get away with it and enjoy it for the moment but if he is stopped by a police officer, there could be costly consequences.
It was a big lesson in a small way. I will continue to obey the school zone laws despite what others around me do and I am thankful for the mercy extended to me.
Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and disbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:13-14
The drive to the school is not a bad one. It's a steady 55 most of the way. Although I have to admit that on most days it is more like a Daytona 500. I hesitate in saying that often, when I approach the school zone, I barely know the difference.
I take those signs seriously. When I see those flashing lights, I always slow down. Not only do I slow down, I actually go to the posted speed....20 mph. The other day I slowed down to 20 and that did not sit well with the guy behind me.
As I was "obeying the law" a red Mercedes literally whipped around me and sped up. Not gonna lie- it made me mad. I said "ok, I'll show you!" I began to speed up when I thought of the example I would be if I did that. When the car turned into the high school just shy of my own school, I became critical.
"Look at that car, it's missing a hub cap; it has scratches everywhere; you're nothing big just because you're driving a Mercedes" and so on and so on! Why did I do that? Because I needed to feel good about my decision and belittling him made me feel better about doing the right thing.
As I pulled into my school just next door, I thought of the many drivers that sped through that zone and I unbelievably asked the age old question "where are the police when you need them?" You see, I would have ticketed every single one of those speeders. Many were high school drivers but worse, many were parents setting the example that it's ok! They are NOT law abiding citizens like me!
As I parked, the thought suddenly came to me "Where do do you get off being the self righteous dictating judge?" I then thought of the many times I traveled and kicked the gas pedal up a notch or two which led to the thought of how i would justify it and say something like "But officer....I wasn't speeding."
Interesting isn't it? That I would want mercy extended to me but I would want everyone else to pay for their violations? For a moment, I almost fell to the trap of pressure-much like many of us fall to the trap of sin. We may feel like other's sin goes unnoticed so we jump right in hoping God overlooks ours. Although God will extend mercy, our sin has consequences much like the speeder. He may get away with it and enjoy it for the moment but if he is stopped by a police officer, there could be costly consequences.
It was a big lesson in a small way. I will continue to obey the school zone laws despite what others around me do and I am thankful for the mercy extended to me.
Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and disbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 1:13-14
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