Well ladies,
I knew it would happen sooner or later
and was surprised that it took so long to happen.
It happened Wednesday night on the way to Bible Study. I was driving North on Henderson Highway soon to turn onto Devries. Just before the turn I started complaining about my most recent frustration to God. I was quite upset. It was then I focused (has that ever happened to you? You wonder exactly how it was that you got somewhere?) and talk about well timed humor, I looked up and saw that I was passing by the church....from the perimeter.
It took me a moment to realize what I had done...and then I laughed sooo hard.
My frustration. Well, the good laugh made me rethink how I was handling the situation. The anger did actually subside and determination to work this thing out set in. I know this isn't an easy thing for me to work through because forgiveness is involved but laughter definitely was the best medicine.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Keep On!
I just want to take a few lines to encourage all of you in your study. I know you are working hard and desiring to spend time building your relationship with God and taking it to a new level of intimacy with God. I continue to pray Hebrews 6:7 for you;
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.
After hearing how God's word is alive and active in so many people's lives this morning in church (and knowing that God is the One who brings about any good thing in my own life) I am convinced more than ever that God wants to show off in each of our lives and grow in every one of us a great story which we are to share. And not just one great story to tell for one time but to tell after each chapter and possibly even after each paragraph. Maybe yours will be a collection of short stories or poems. Or like we heard and sang about this morning - maybe yours is a song complete with verses, chorus and bridge.
But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you - from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
1 Peter 2:9 (Message)
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.
After hearing how God's word is alive and active in so many people's lives this morning in church (and knowing that God is the One who brings about any good thing in my own life) I am convinced more than ever that God wants to show off in each of our lives and grow in every one of us a great story which we are to share. And not just one great story to tell for one time but to tell after each chapter and possibly even after each paragraph. Maybe yours will be a collection of short stories or poems. Or like we heard and sang about this morning - maybe yours is a song complete with verses, chorus and bridge.
But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you - from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
1 Peter 2:9 (Message)
Monday, October 19, 2009
I was enjoying the work it part of the lesson so much today that I was moved to write a pray it before I moved on through the rest of the study. Hmm, this is reminding me of dessert appetizer!
My Psalm 127
Through our day to day endeavors I am constantly working at building our family. What kinds of resources am I using to grow my children? How am I protecting them? Am I guiding well their choices of cultural and media intake? Is God the God of these choices. Am I being overprotective? Are they being given the chance to know appropriate and character building consequences? Am I building opportunity for them to know and love God in a lasting way?
What drives my work? Why do I stay up later than I should? What drives me to get up early? or sleep in? Is God the God of every hour? How am I observing Sabbath?
Children are our reward. Rest is lovingly created and sanctioned.
How do I reconcile building and working long hours with loving and enjoying my family? Is God the God of this reconciliatory process?
My Psalm 127
Through our day to day endeavors I am constantly working at building our family. What kinds of resources am I using to grow my children? How am I protecting them? Am I guiding well their choices of cultural and media intake? Is God the God of these choices. Am I being overprotective? Are they being given the chance to know appropriate and character building consequences? Am I building opportunity for them to know and love God in a lasting way?
What drives my work? Why do I stay up later than I should? What drives me to get up early? or sleep in? Is God the God of every hour? How am I observing Sabbath?
Children are our reward. Rest is lovingly created and sanctioned.
How do I reconcile building and working long hours with loving and enjoying my family? Is God the God of this reconciliatory process?
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Pilgrimage to Love
In yesterday's study Beth had us reflect on Psalm 116:1-7 and compare it to Psalm 125. What struck me were the Psalmist's opening words; I Love the Lord, for He has heard my voice.
A number of years back while visiting my sister and her family we were all gathered around the kid's sleeping area. Sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses were everywhere. Every child was under the age of 12. We bowed to pray together and at the end of my niece's prayer she said, "I love you Jesus very much, Amen." It was simple and heartfelt and I didn't know if I could end my prayer that way and mean it. It started me on a quest. I wanted to honestly be able to say "I love you very much Jesus. Amen." I started praying that God would show me how to love Him more.
Journaling and reflecting has played a huge role in growing my love for Jesus. Remembering God daily, pointing out God sightings, asking questions like; "What might have happened with [my] life if the LORD had not been on [my] side" (study page 56) and knowing and believing in who God is and what He promises.
It is very clear in the Psalms that we are not removed from trouble. We go through the hard, the sad, the unfair, and the depressing just as we go through the good, beautiful, and inspiring. Eugene Peterson in his book A Long Obedience, says, "[Through the ups and downs of Israel's history], God is steadfastly with them, in mercy and judgment, insistently gracious. We get the feeling that everything is done in the sure, certain environment of the God who redeems his people. And as we learn that, we learn to live not by our feelings about God but by the facts of God."
God is good. He is everything that I want and need.
I love the LORD, for He heard my voice;
He heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned His ear to me,
I will call on Him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1-2
A number of years back while visiting my sister and her family we were all gathered around the kid's sleeping area. Sleeping bags, pillows and mattresses were everywhere. Every child was under the age of 12. We bowed to pray together and at the end of my niece's prayer she said, "I love you Jesus very much, Amen." It was simple and heartfelt and I didn't know if I could end my prayer that way and mean it. It started me on a quest. I wanted to honestly be able to say "I love you very much Jesus. Amen." I started praying that God would show me how to love Him more.
Journaling and reflecting has played a huge role in growing my love for Jesus. Remembering God daily, pointing out God sightings, asking questions like; "What might have happened with [my] life if the LORD had not been on [my] side" (study page 56) and knowing and believing in who God is and what He promises.
It is very clear in the Psalms that we are not removed from trouble. We go through the hard, the sad, the unfair, and the depressing just as we go through the good, beautiful, and inspiring. Eugene Peterson in his book A Long Obedience, says, "[Through the ups and downs of Israel's history], God is steadfastly with them, in mercy and judgment, insistently gracious. We get the feeling that everything is done in the sure, certain environment of the God who redeems his people. And as we learn that, we learn to live not by our feelings about God but by the facts of God."
God is good. He is everything that I want and need.
I love the LORD, for He heard my voice;
He heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned His ear to me,
I will call on Him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:1-2
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thanksgiving Appetizer!
Today we hosted Dave's family for Thanksgiving. It was a really nice time together.
We had been planning and preparing ahead and this morning realized that we were well ahead of schedule. So, we kept making things! I didn't have to prepare dessert but am quite fond of cranberries in baking. Dave made a great citrus cranberry sauce; he made enough that I could use some for a Cranberry Swirl coffee cake recipe I found. When Dave asked when I would serve it I said, "well... as an appetizer."
I put out a cheese spread with crackers as well as punch (cranberry based also!). And it was thoroughly enjoyed as an appetizer!
And just in case you're interested in using your leftover cranberry sauce for an appetizer!!...
I am so thankful for my family, for good food, and starting new traditions. Even more, I am thankful for a God who is enthroned above and is who He says He is.
Exodus 34: 6 - 7a
And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. "
We had been planning and preparing ahead and this morning realized that we were well ahead of schedule. So, we kept making things! I didn't have to prepare dessert but am quite fond of cranberries in baking. Dave made a great citrus cranberry sauce; he made enough that I could use some for a Cranberry Swirl coffee cake recipe I found. When Dave asked when I would serve it I said, "well... as an appetizer."
I put out a cheese spread with crackers as well as punch (cranberry based also!). And it was thoroughly enjoyed as an appetizer!
And just in case you're interested in using your leftover cranberry sauce for an appetizer!!...
Cranberry Swirl Coffee Cake – Thanksgiving 2009
1/3 c chopped walnuts
½ c butter or margarine, softened
1c sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp Almond extract
2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 c sour cream
1 can (16 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce, divided
GLAZE:
¾ c confectioners' sugar
2 T milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkle walnuts into a greased 10” fluted tube pan. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in almond extract. Combine the dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Spread half of the batter over walnuts. Top with half of the cranberry sauce. Repeat layers.
Bake at 350 for 50 – 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients until smooth; drizzle over cake. Yield 12-16 servings.
I am so thankful for my family, for good food, and starting new traditions. Even more, I am thankful for a God who is enthroned above and is who He says He is.
Exodus 34: 6 - 7a
And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. "
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Songs for our Journey
The other day as I was walking the dog I realized that the song I was listening to on my IPOD was moving me so much that...I was singing out loud! I always get a kick out of watching my young kids being swept away by a song with their earphones on. Music has the power to move us!
The song was devotion sung by Jon Buller. (We listened to it last night during the opening of the evening.) Beth mentioned in the video that composers can often sing what we have been trying to say. I believe that about this song. As I am working on laying aside my pride and asking God to be my EVERYTHING, this song captures my imagination, engages my mind and resonates with my spirit. It causes me to bow in reverence.
Devotion
You are Boundless Mercy, You are Endless Grace,
You are Sweet Forgiveness, Ceaseless Faithfulness,
Washing over me.
You are Sovereign Father, You are Healing King,
You are Saviour, Righteous Offering,
Poured out for me.
I surrender to You,
Lord I'm yielding all I am to You,
You have captivated me,
And I come to give my devotion.
What praise and worship song tops your chart these days and causes you to sharpen your focus on the decisions of God? Please be sure to include the name of the song and the artist or composer.
The song was devotion sung by Jon Buller. (We listened to it last night during the opening of the evening.) Beth mentioned in the video that composers can often sing what we have been trying to say. I believe that about this song. As I am working on laying aside my pride and asking God to be my EVERYTHING, this song captures my imagination, engages my mind and resonates with my spirit. It causes me to bow in reverence.
Devotion
You are Boundless Mercy, You are Endless Grace,
You are Sweet Forgiveness, Ceaseless Faithfulness,
Washing over me.
You are Sovereign Father, You are Healing King,
You are Saviour, Righteous Offering,
Poured out for me.
I surrender to You,
Lord I'm yielding all I am to You,
You have captivated me,
And I come to give my devotion.
What praise and worship song tops your chart these days and causes you to sharpen your focus on the decisions of God? Please be sure to include the name of the song and the artist or composer.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Cause to smile
I was just thinking of you all this afternoon wondering where your initial quiet times with Psalm 120 and 121 have led you.
My spirit was particularly moved when I read the following on page 21 (Day 2);
If we're willing, God will teach us. He will use His Word, He will use His Spirit, and on a good day He will use His people.
The quote caused me to smile. The fact that a reliable God chooses to work with people like me who seem to have such a short and flighty attention span is beyond me - a true gift of grace.
Through the good, bad and ugly; though I am surrounded by Meshech and Kedar, I pray for willingness, for a repentant attitude when God through the Holy Spirit calls to my attention an area where I need to be taught. And maybe, if my pride doesn't get in the way I will respond to others in such a way that will be proof to them that God is in the business of renewing and working through His people in the everydayness of our lives.
What quote or verse has caused you to smile or reflect on the direction of your journey?
My spirit was particularly moved when I read the following on page 21 (Day 2);
If we're willing, God will teach us. He will use His Word, He will use His Spirit, and on a good day He will use His people.
The quote caused me to smile. The fact that a reliable God chooses to work with people like me who seem to have such a short and flighty attention span is beyond me - a true gift of grace.
Through the good, bad and ugly; though I am surrounded by Meshech and Kedar, I pray for willingness, for a repentant attitude when God through the Holy Spirit calls to my attention an area where I need to be taught. And maybe, if my pride doesn't get in the way I will respond to others in such a way that will be proof to them that God is in the business of renewing and working through His people in the everydayness of our lives.
What quote or verse has caused you to smile or reflect on the direction of your journey?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to my first attempt at writing a Blog!
I am excited to tell you that the books have arrived! Hopefully everyone is able to start in on the study.
My hope is that this Blog will be a spot where we can share our God sitings, the rain falling often, as you are working through your homework in the days and weeks to come.
Something that struck me as I was working through Psalm 120 was that my life is not free from conflict and hardship, nor will it ever be. The Psalmist knows he can cry out to God about it. There is confidence that God will answer. This has been such a stark reminder of my need to cry out to God for absolutely everything. I try to hang on to some things and forget that God is the God of everything. And then I wonder why I fall back into old patterns of behavior.
Eugene Peterson in his book, "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" says "the usual biblical word describing the no we say to the world's lies and the yes we say to God's truth is repentance." He also goes on to say;
I am excited to tell you that the books have arrived! Hopefully everyone is able to start in on the study.
My hope is that this Blog will be a spot where we can share our God sitings, the rain falling often, as you are working through your homework in the days and weeks to come.
Something that struck me as I was working through Psalm 120 was that my life is not free from conflict and hardship, nor will it ever be. The Psalmist knows he can cry out to God about it. There is confidence that God will answer. This has been such a stark reminder of my need to cry out to God for absolutely everything. I try to hang on to some things and forget that God is the God of everything. And then I wonder why I fall back into old patterns of behavior.
Eugene Peterson in his book, "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" says "the usual biblical word describing the no we say to the world's lies and the yes we say to God's truth is repentance." He also goes on to say;
Repentance is not an emotion. It is not feeling sorry for your sins. It is a decision. it is deciding that you have been wrong in supposing that you could manage your own life and be your own god; it is deciding that you were wrong in thinking that you had, or could get, the strength, education and training to make it on your own; it is deciding that you have been told a pack of lies about yourself and your neighbors and your world. And it is deciding that God in Jesus Christ is telling you the truth. Repentance is a realization that what God wants from you and what you want from God are not going to be achieved by doing the same old things, thinking the same old thoughts. Repentance is a decision to follow Jesus Christ and become the pilgrim in the path of peace.
So how about you. What are you mining from your first day at it?
So how about you. What are you mining from your first day at it?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
