This morning I got up a little earlier than usual because I have a morning appointment. I went to go run which has become a real challenge lately. My sisters have challenged me to an event and I must be ready.
As I left my drive, I ran into a neighbor that I chatted with and then left her behind. The other day I had some time to walk with her and chat but I did not today so I moved on. I felt rain drops and I wanted to get back home before it rained.
I ran my usual trail except it was quiet...then I realized the school that is normally buzzing was not even in session yet. No kids running around, playing, or any other noise for that matter-just my music on my ipod. I kept running and it was a struggle. It was hot and the raindrops continued for a bit.
I was ever diligent in keeping an eye on my surroundings and I was fine until it came time to come back. Things slowed down and I was beginning to wonder if I was going to finish this journey walking instead of running. I have an app that tells me distance and time and I knew I had to be getting close to my destination. My previous app on my iphone was not quite as detailed as this new one.
Then I heard the voice "Congratulations, you are close to your destination" Close? Close? then she followed up by saying "Hit the Powersong button to get you to the finish." I'm thinking YAY I got this! I hit that powersong button and I wait thinking "Rocky" climbing up the stairs in sweet success; thinking "Eye of the Tiger" is going to bring me home!
I'm pumped thinking I can run two more miles with this "powersong"...then I hear the music. It's not exactly "Eye of the Tiger." It's not even what I would consider a PowerSong. It's Mandesa and before I can say "really?" one time, I realize...it is a PowerSong.
The song is Mandesa's He is With You! It start's with:
There's a time to live and a time to die....[I'm thinking "I'm dying now trying to finish this run." ]
There's a time to laugh and a time to cry.....There's a time for war and a time for peace....there's a hand to hold in the worst of these.
I'm asking "Why this song."
He is with you when your faith is dead and you can't even get out of bed or your husband doesn't kiss you anymore...He is with you when your baby's gone and your house is still and your heart is stone crying "God, what'd you do that for"....He is with you.
I am reminded of a time when this song brought me through, a time when I asked God "What'd you do this for?"
Today however, as I run, I think of my friends and prayer requests. Those who thought they were going to be empty nesters and now have a houseful, those who merely exist in marriage, those singles who are still waiting, those whose proposal fell through in a conference room after all their hard work....He is with you!
There's a time for yes and a time for no, there's a time to be angry and a time to let it go there's a time to run and a time to face it there is love to see you through all of this...
He is with you in the conference room when the world is coming down on you and your wife and kids don't know you anymore... and he is with you in the ICU when the doctors don't know what to do and it scares you to the core...He is with You! we may weep for a time...but joy will come in the morning-the morning light
He is with you when your kids are grown and there's too much space and you feel alone and you're worried if you got it right or wrong...and He is with your when you've given up on ever finding your true love...He is With You
When nothing else is left and you take your final breath, He is With You!
He is with me to the final mile. What a way to finish a run.....with a great PowerSong!
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..Ecclesiastes 3:1
Mandesa-Freedom CD, He Is With You
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Stand forever
Yesterday I had to say good bye to my Bible Study Class, Seekers. It was not a decision we took lightly but so much has taken place since I committed to teaching last year. I love sharing the word of God and at one point was teaching two other weekly Bible Study Classes.
I found that preparing three lessons was quite a challenge and as a result, relied more and more on our primary teacher Jim Savage. I have to say this has been quite the experience. I have for most of my tenure at this church, taught single adults. I felt like I could relate with the issues of being an adult single and I loved it.
I also loved teaching Seekers. However, recently my husband and I have had a very unpredictible schedule. I have to commend this class for it's structure and leadership. The leaders in that class, everyone of them-social, shepherd groups, service, and so many others are perfect fits for their positions and also share a love for what they do.
I just want to share that I was overwhelmed with love yesterday. There is no greater compliment to a teacher than to hear "I walked away with something everytime you taught." Let me add, it is a compliment to the Holy Spirit who leads me.
Thank you so much for your support, your kindness and your love. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers as God is opening doors that were completely barred for us. God has a plan for each of us and when He is ready, he will reveal it.
Your words, meant the world to me but more than that, I am grateful to be able to worship in a church where we stand on the Word of God!
Teachers will come and go but the Word of God will stand forever! Again, thank you Seekers!
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever."
Isaiah 40:8
Sunday, May 13, 2012
It's in the cards.
For years I dreaded this day. I dreaded Mother's day more than anything else and the reason for it was in purchasing a card. Ugh. I hated going to buy a card.
Of course I buy birthday cards, anniversary, graduation, father's day, new baby and all sorts of cards. I just didn't like buying Mother's Day cards. For the longest time I had a very volitile relationship with my mother. Resentment, bitterness, anger and holding on to memories that were not pleasant would limit me to the card I purchased.
You see, the Mother's Day cards I looked for were usually generic such as "Have a nice day" or "A day to celebrate Mothers-that's you." They were never heartfelt cards. I would go to the store, stand for what seemed like hours looking through cards I just couldn't buy. They did not reflect what I wanted to say....which was nothing!
We weren't best friends, I didn't [nor did I care to] share secrets, I didn't want to remember anything about my childhood. Alot of the cards said "I love you" and any card that said that was automatically disqualified for purchase. I had it tough!
Last year, God impressed upon me to teach a Ladies Bible Study Class called Total Forgiveness. It is a book written by R.T. Kendall and a dear friend gave it to me when I was struggling with forgiving a friend. As I proceeded through the study, I told the ladies of my story with Mom and challenged them to act in a forgiving way in their situation.
They quickly held me accountable for forgiving my mom....what? Really? I found that the lesson in forgiveness was not for the ladies in the class, it was for me. Through the study and with their accountability, I was able to go to my mom, discuss some things with her and come to complete forgiveness and restoration.
I can tell you that the years of resentment and bitterness washed away like I never knew possible. It did not happen overnight [this was a six week class], but I stood open to the idea that this might work if I sat with her and explained how I felt. God did an amazing work. So amazing that when I tried to "go back" to her criticism of the past, I couldn't think of any!
This mother's day was the first time in my adult life that I actually looked for a card with enthusiasm. I began looking when they first came out until I found just the right one to tell my mother how much I appreciate all she has done and how much I love her.
In looking at some of the cards I received today, my heart is filled with joy. From my sisters, nieces and yes even my son the comedian. His card came with a disclaimer from Hallmark "Please don't share this card with my friends." Yes...it was that funny and would embarass him if his friends saw it. That is love!
I am grateful to God for restoring a mother/daughter relationship that was so damaged I thought there was no reconciliation possible. For other daughters in this situation I say "You may have given up on your mom but don't give up on God."
It is my priviledge to have been chosen by God to carry the honor of being a mom. Despite the past, I had the best mother there was. One who would stand by her children and protect them with everything she had. I am grateful to God that he allowed me this second chance to rebuild a relationship so damaged. I look forward to finding many more cards in the coming years.
May your father and mother be glad; and may she who gave you birth rejoice. Proverbs 23:25
Of course I buy birthday cards, anniversary, graduation, father's day, new baby and all sorts of cards. I just didn't like buying Mother's Day cards. For the longest time I had a very volitile relationship with my mother. Resentment, bitterness, anger and holding on to memories that were not pleasant would limit me to the card I purchased.
You see, the Mother's Day cards I looked for were usually generic such as "Have a nice day" or "A day to celebrate Mothers-that's you." They were never heartfelt cards. I would go to the store, stand for what seemed like hours looking through cards I just couldn't buy. They did not reflect what I wanted to say....which was nothing!
We weren't best friends, I didn't [nor did I care to] share secrets, I didn't want to remember anything about my childhood. Alot of the cards said "I love you" and any card that said that was automatically disqualified for purchase. I had it tough!
Last year, God impressed upon me to teach a Ladies Bible Study Class called Total Forgiveness. It is a book written by R.T. Kendall and a dear friend gave it to me when I was struggling with forgiving a friend. As I proceeded through the study, I told the ladies of my story with Mom and challenged them to act in a forgiving way in their situation.
They quickly held me accountable for forgiving my mom....what? Really? I found that the lesson in forgiveness was not for the ladies in the class, it was for me. Through the study and with their accountability, I was able to go to my mom, discuss some things with her and come to complete forgiveness and restoration.
I can tell you that the years of resentment and bitterness washed away like I never knew possible. It did not happen overnight [this was a six week class], but I stood open to the idea that this might work if I sat with her and explained how I felt. God did an amazing work. So amazing that when I tried to "go back" to her criticism of the past, I couldn't think of any!
This mother's day was the first time in my adult life that I actually looked for a card with enthusiasm. I began looking when they first came out until I found just the right one to tell my mother how much I appreciate all she has done and how much I love her.
In looking at some of the cards I received today, my heart is filled with joy. From my sisters, nieces and yes even my son the comedian. His card came with a disclaimer from Hallmark "Please don't share this card with my friends." Yes...it was that funny and would embarass him if his friends saw it. That is love!
I am grateful to God for restoring a mother/daughter relationship that was so damaged I thought there was no reconciliation possible. For other daughters in this situation I say "You may have given up on your mom but don't give up on God."
It is my priviledge to have been chosen by God to carry the honor of being a mom. Despite the past, I had the best mother there was. One who would stand by her children and protect them with everything she had. I am grateful to God that he allowed me this second chance to rebuild a relationship so damaged. I look forward to finding many more cards in the coming years.
May your father and mother be glad; and may she who gave you birth rejoice. Proverbs 23:25
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Hail...No!
Can't slow down....gotta keep giong. Got nothing left but I can't slow down.
Ever feel that way? I guess we all have at one time or another. Yet despite all we have going on, God wants us to stop and rest. Even if He has to make it happen.
We had alot of rain last night. My brother had a threat of hail in his part of town. That made me think of a situation that took place a couple of years ago. Our son Matthew, my husband, and I were all going to dinner one evening. The rain was falling hard and suddenly turned to hail.
The hail grew larger as it beat on our vehicle. I finally told my husband that we had to pull over. The hail was coming down hard and I did not want to damage our car. As we looked for cover, I said "Pull over at the church." As we approached the cover of the church, there were already cars there.....no room for us.
I pointed to another church just down the street. As we pulled over and waited, we could hear the large hail on the tin cover. Within a few minutes, the hail stopped, the rain diminished and as we pulled out, we saw two beautiul rainbows. It reminded me of the covenant God made with Noah sealing it with a rainbow. Had we made the decision to continue to the restaurant, we would have fought the hail and missed the rainbow.
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the events of life. So many things going on-so many deadlines, events, or family obligations. It may be kindergarden graduations or grandchildren but the point is we are swampped.
Sometimes, God requires us to "pull-over" and wait on Him. If we don't do it on our own, He can make it happen. He may bring the clouds, rain and even hail. We may think "I don't have the time to slow down" but trust me, it is within his power to do it. Even if he has to use hail and to that I say "Hail......NO!"
And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of all kind.
Genesis 9:12-15
Ever feel that way? I guess we all have at one time or another. Yet despite all we have going on, God wants us to stop and rest. Even if He has to make it happen.
We had alot of rain last night. My brother had a threat of hail in his part of town. That made me think of a situation that took place a couple of years ago. Our son Matthew, my husband, and I were all going to dinner one evening. The rain was falling hard and suddenly turned to hail.
The hail grew larger as it beat on our vehicle. I finally told my husband that we had to pull over. The hail was coming down hard and I did not want to damage our car. As we looked for cover, I said "Pull over at the church." As we approached the cover of the church, there were already cars there.....no room for us.
I pointed to another church just down the street. As we pulled over and waited, we could hear the large hail on the tin cover. Within a few minutes, the hail stopped, the rain diminished and as we pulled out, we saw two beautiul rainbows. It reminded me of the covenant God made with Noah sealing it with a rainbow. Had we made the decision to continue to the restaurant, we would have fought the hail and missed the rainbow.
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the events of life. So many things going on-so many deadlines, events, or family obligations. It may be kindergarden graduations or grandchildren but the point is we are swampped.
Sometimes, God requires us to "pull-over" and wait on Him. If we don't do it on our own, He can make it happen. He may bring the clouds, rain and even hail. We may think "I don't have the time to slow down" but trust me, it is within his power to do it. Even if he has to use hail and to that I say "Hail......NO!"
And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of all kind.
Genesis 9:12-15
Friday, May 11, 2012
Deliberate or Apologetic?
Ever stop and think about how we are often tested in areas that are true to our hearts and rarely tested on things that don't affect us that much?
When Job was tested, he was hit where it hurt, beginning with his children. Everything else could be replaced but his children could not.
We are living in a world of fast paced change and technology. Everyone wants to keep up and if you have a flip phone, you are behind times. We just have to have the most current, the fastest, and the highest capacity. Yet when it comes to our faith, what are we doing to ensure we are not "left behind?"
I recall my mom often asking us to "turn down the music" and asking "you call that music" remarks. To her, big band music was tops. Today, you have to exercise your right to reject alot of what some call "music." Much of our music, television shows, movies and books have changed with the times and many do not accomodate my beliefs.
Parents deal with enough emphasizing rejection of peer pressure but what about when you're an adult? Do you jump on that band wagon simply because a popular author supports it? Perhaps a celebrity or a well known doctor?
Just because someone says it or agrees with it or supports does not make it right. The gauge for whether it is right is the Word of God.
Our sitcoms, music, videos, and social media promote agendas that are so contrary to God's Word. Our society, the kids, the next generation need to be solid and grounded in what God's Word says about issues. This is not about comfort and tolerance, this is about staying true to His Word.
David Jeremiah once said "We serve deliberately not apologetically." So take a few minutes to think about that statement. Which side of serving are you on? I do not apologize for my love of Christ. I do not apologize for my belief in his Holy Word and I do not apologize for serving the one who sacrificed his life for me.
We live in a country where we have the freedom to choose. We don't have to support that which we do not stand for. The choice is yours. But you do have to make that choice...deliberate or apologetic?
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love th other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24
When Job was tested, he was hit where it hurt, beginning with his children. Everything else could be replaced but his children could not.
We are living in a world of fast paced change and technology. Everyone wants to keep up and if you have a flip phone, you are behind times. We just have to have the most current, the fastest, and the highest capacity. Yet when it comes to our faith, what are we doing to ensure we are not "left behind?"
I recall my mom often asking us to "turn down the music" and asking "you call that music" remarks. To her, big band music was tops. Today, you have to exercise your right to reject alot of what some call "music." Much of our music, television shows, movies and books have changed with the times and many do not accomodate my beliefs.
Parents deal with enough emphasizing rejection of peer pressure but what about when you're an adult? Do you jump on that band wagon simply because a popular author supports it? Perhaps a celebrity or a well known doctor?
Just because someone says it or agrees with it or supports does not make it right. The gauge for whether it is right is the Word of God.
Our sitcoms, music, videos, and social media promote agendas that are so contrary to God's Word. Our society, the kids, the next generation need to be solid and grounded in what God's Word says about issues. This is not about comfort and tolerance, this is about staying true to His Word.
David Jeremiah once said "We serve deliberately not apologetically." So take a few minutes to think about that statement. Which side of serving are you on? I do not apologize for my love of Christ. I do not apologize for my belief in his Holy Word and I do not apologize for serving the one who sacrificed his life for me.
We live in a country where we have the freedom to choose. We don't have to support that which we do not stand for. The choice is yours. But you do have to make that choice...deliberate or apologetic?
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love th other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Even Exchange?
This morning, I think I can deliver my message with the following scripture. As we approach a new season in electing a leader, I would challenge everyone to consider the issues seriously.
Paul told the Corthians:
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8
In Rome he said:
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore, God gave them over in their sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity, for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the creator-who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:21-25
I wouldn't call that an even exchange....if that's the case, you lose.
Paul told the Corthians:
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8
In Rome he said:
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore, God gave them over in their sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity, for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the creator-who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:21-25
I wouldn't call that an even exchange....if that's the case, you lose.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Did you call?
Yesterday I was cleaning up getting ready to leave the house on an errand. As I was getting dressed, I was listening to music. A Christian radio station was playing throughout the house on our intercom system.
Being in my dressing area, I had the music turned up because it is difficult to hear in that room. As I was applying my make-up, I thought I heard something. I thought I heard the faint sound of a duck.
You see, my son's ringtone is a duck and if I hear it throughout the day it means he needs something. He either needs lunch money, running shoes, an extra t-shirt...something! You know what I found? I found that I didn't want to miss that call.
I dropped what I was doing and ran to where my phone was to pick it up. Through the noise, the low volume on the phone and the distraction of getting dressed, I thought I heard his ring tone.
As it turns out, it was not him. It was not my phone at all but it did stop me in my tracks as this thought ran through my head. Why? Why did I think I heard his ringtone?
My only response is that I want to be there when he calls. I have tuned and conditioned my ears to listening for that specific ringtone throughout the day. I have been surrounded with Seniors and them leaving for college that I have gravitated towards my son even more.
I am listening! I am listening for the ringtone. I want to the be the one that answers his call. I want to be the one that hears him when he calls.
I soon thought of Isaiah 6. Who is willing to do it? Who can I send? I have to wonder "Am I that in tune with God that I will hear his voice when he calls?" Do I want to be the one that goes when He calls? Will I hear His voice or will I be so distracted by outside noise that I miss it? Are my ears and heart "conditioned" to hearing if he calls me? I can only be conditioned if I have such a close relationship with him that I recognize His voice when he calls.
I was listening for my son's ringtone because I wanted to be there for him. I had alot of exposure this weekend to seniors who will be leaving for college. I know my time is short and I want to be there when he needs me. Like an eager puppy panting I am asking "you need me, you need me, what do ya need, what do ya need?" I pray that I have that same commitment and dedication when God calls.
I want to ask "Father what can I do, what do you need me to do." I don't want to miss it and have to ask "Did you call."
Then I heard the vioce of the lord syaing, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I, Send me." Isaiah 6:8
Being in my dressing area, I had the music turned up because it is difficult to hear in that room. As I was applying my make-up, I thought I heard something. I thought I heard the faint sound of a duck.
You see, my son's ringtone is a duck and if I hear it throughout the day it means he needs something. He either needs lunch money, running shoes, an extra t-shirt...something! You know what I found? I found that I didn't want to miss that call.
I dropped what I was doing and ran to where my phone was to pick it up. Through the noise, the low volume on the phone and the distraction of getting dressed, I thought I heard his ring tone.
As it turns out, it was not him. It was not my phone at all but it did stop me in my tracks as this thought ran through my head. Why? Why did I think I heard his ringtone?
My only response is that I want to be there when he calls. I have tuned and conditioned my ears to listening for that specific ringtone throughout the day. I have been surrounded with Seniors and them leaving for college that I have gravitated towards my son even more.
I am listening! I am listening for the ringtone. I want to the be the one that answers his call. I want to be the one that hears him when he calls.
I soon thought of Isaiah 6. Who is willing to do it? Who can I send? I have to wonder "Am I that in tune with God that I will hear his voice when he calls?" Do I want to be the one that goes when He calls? Will I hear His voice or will I be so distracted by outside noise that I miss it? Are my ears and heart "conditioned" to hearing if he calls me? I can only be conditioned if I have such a close relationship with him that I recognize His voice when he calls.
I was listening for my son's ringtone because I wanted to be there for him. I had alot of exposure this weekend to seniors who will be leaving for college. I know my time is short and I want to be there when he needs me. Like an eager puppy panting I am asking "you need me, you need me, what do ya need, what do ya need?" I pray that I have that same commitment and dedication when God calls.
I want to ask "Father what can I do, what do you need me to do." I don't want to miss it and have to ask "Did you call."
Then I heard the vioce of the lord syaing, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I, Send me." Isaiah 6:8
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