So this is a followup to yesterday's post. Peter Greig in God On Mute gives several reasons why our prayers may go unanswered.
1. It was a stupid request-He gave the example of asking God to help him not run out of gas before he got to a gas station. How is God suppose to do that? Drop a filling station down from the sky?
2.Some prayer contradict other prayers-for example two teams both praying to win, or a bride asking for no rain as a farmer is asking for rain.
3.Some answered prayers would be detrimental to the world and the lives of others-Praying that God stops every storm would put the eco-system in danger and more people would ultimately be in danger than hurt in a storm.
4. Some prayers aren't answered because creation is "subjected to frustration" and has not been fully "liberated from it's bondage and decay" Romans 8:10-21
He gives a great example of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who knew God could save them, but said "But even if he does not"....they would still worship Him only.
In John 16:33 Jesus says "in this world you will have trouble", so we should actually consider blessings to be the exception to the rule instead of expecting life to be trouble free.
5. Some prayers aren't answered the way we think they should because our understanding of God is wrong-We need to believe in God more than we believe in miracles. To our faith we need to add faithfulness that regardless of what happens, we trust God. He tells a great story about a lady named Margaret that had cancer of the throat. People would say things to her indicating that it was so unfair that she should suffer "like this" She wrote a reply to give to the well meaning assessors of her situation:
'This is not the worst thing to ever happen! Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple love, shatter hope, corrode faith, eat away peace, destroy confidence, kill friendship, shut out memories, silence courage, quench the Spirit, or lessen the power of Jesus" He goes on to say that our prayers for ourselves are almost entirely aimed at getting rid of the negative at any cost rather than praying that the negatives be faced in the proper attitude.
6. Some prayers aren't answered because God has something even better for us.
7. Some prayers are not answered because they are selfishly motivated.
8. Some prayers aren't answered because God himself is a greater answer than the thing we are asking for. He wants to use our sense of need to draw us into a deeper relationship with Himself.
9. Some prayers are not answered because God will not force one to do what they do not want to do.
10. Some prayers are not answered because God's will is being directly contested by "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms"
11. Some prayers are not answered because there are areas of disobedience in our lives.
12. Some prayers are not answered because we just don't believe they will be.
I just found this chapter to be thought provoking because I have always heard that God always answers prayer with a "yes, no, or wait awhile". Perhaps as this author suggests there are times when because of the reasons above and other reasons as well, God does not answer the prayer that we are praying.
On a totally unrelated note. Anyone else bummed to see Brooke leave American Idol. I didn't just like her voice I liked her honesty and just the way she was not full of herself. I will be sad that she is no longer in the running.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
More On God On Mute
Today is the first day I picked up God On Mute since the Silent Retreat. There were just several things that really rocked my thinking that I wanted to share with you today. The chapter was entitled "Wondering Why"?.
The author Peter Greig has a wife who has suffered from epileptic seizures. After having surgery to remove a brain tumor and thinking it had been a success her seizures returned at which time he wrote the following:
"One night as I sat slumped on the sofa trying to come to terms with the effects of yet another seizure, God seemed to whisper five words in my ear 'I know how you feel.' Whether or not I had imagined the voice, it had an immediate impact on me. I replied angrily out loud, 'No, You don't!'
I was in no mood to be patronized. Especially not be a God who'd just let me down once again. 'How can you pretend to know how I feel? If you knew how this felt You'd stop these seizures!' Tears were scalding my cheeks. 'When did You ever see the face You love more than any other contorted demonically, blue and gasping for air? When did You ever have to sit there whispering the stupidest prayers that were every prayed, feeling totally and utterly helpless? God, I don't think You have any idea how it feels to be one flesh with someone and to watch that person spasm and writhe as if her bones where breaking. When did You ever experience all that?'
Silence......Brushing away the tears, my gaze settled on a a familiar postcard on the shelf above the fireplace, just a little to the left, beneath the mirror. It was Salvador Dali's depiction of the crucifixion--Christ of Saint John of the Cross. God knew where I was looking because He waited a moment before whispering just five more words: 'That's how I felt then.'
He then posts this scripture from the Phillips translation "Happy are those who know what sorrow means, for they will be given courage and comfort." Matthew 5:4
Wow! Those God moments when you hear Him whisper something to you can be amazing times! This one for sure sent chills down my spine. Perhaps you have had a time that you could bless us all by telling us about it. There is so much more in this chapter but I will post the rest tomorrow so that you don't have to read this entry all night.
The author Peter Greig has a wife who has suffered from epileptic seizures. After having surgery to remove a brain tumor and thinking it had been a success her seizures returned at which time he wrote the following:
"One night as I sat slumped on the sofa trying to come to terms with the effects of yet another seizure, God seemed to whisper five words in my ear 'I know how you feel.' Whether or not I had imagined the voice, it had an immediate impact on me. I replied angrily out loud, 'No, You don't!'
I was in no mood to be patronized. Especially not be a God who'd just let me down once again. 'How can you pretend to know how I feel? If you knew how this felt You'd stop these seizures!' Tears were scalding my cheeks. 'When did You ever see the face You love more than any other contorted demonically, blue and gasping for air? When did You ever have to sit there whispering the stupidest prayers that were every prayed, feeling totally and utterly helpless? God, I don't think You have any idea how it feels to be one flesh with someone and to watch that person spasm and writhe as if her bones where breaking. When did You ever experience all that?'
Silence......Brushing away the tears, my gaze settled on a a familiar postcard on the shelf above the fireplace, just a little to the left, beneath the mirror. It was Salvador Dali's depiction of the crucifixion--Christ of Saint John of the Cross. God knew where I was looking because He waited a moment before whispering just five more words: 'That's how I felt then.'
He then posts this scripture from the Phillips translation "Happy are those who know what sorrow means, for they will be given courage and comfort." Matthew 5:4
Wow! Those God moments when you hear Him whisper something to you can be amazing times! This one for sure sent chills down my spine. Perhaps you have had a time that you could bless us all by telling us about it. There is so much more in this chapter but I will post the rest tomorrow so that you don't have to read this entry all night.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Handling Pain
Today when I logged on my visitor count was at 7777. Hope that means this is going to be an extraordinary day!! Ha-I know with God everyday is extraordinary.
When I saw the title of this article this morning, it took me back as I don't generally think when I am in pain that it is necessarily the direct hand of God. This article gave me a lot to think about.
Tell me if it hit any cords in you.
How To Speak about God When He Hurts Us
John Piper www.desiringGod.org
The book of Lamentations is the heart-cry of Jeremiah when he and his people were being hurt by God, and by their enemies, and by their own sin. How he speaks of this divine hurting shows us some of the various ways we may speak about God in our own pain. If we affirm them all, then not one of them will be taken amiss.
The Lord directly does the hurting (2:1-4)."The Lord in his anger has set the daughter of Zion under a cloud! . . . The Lord has swallowed up without mercy all the habitations of Jacob; . . . He has cut down in fierce anger all the might of Israel; . . . he has burned like a flaming fire in Jacob, consuming all around. . . . 4 He has killed all who were delightful in our eyes in the tent of the daughter of Zion.
"The enemies have done the hurting and God has exalted their might (2:16-17)."All your enemies rail against you; they hiss, they gnash their teeth, they cry. . . . The Lord has done what he purposed; . . . he has made the enemy rejoice over you and exalted the might of your foes.
"The enemy has done the hurting, as if the Lord were not watching! (1:9-11; 3:49-50).Her fall is terrible; she has no comforter. 'O Lord , behold my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed! . . . Look, O Lord, and see, for I am despised.' . . . My eyes will flow without ceasing, without respite, until the Lord from heaven looks down and sees.
"The hurting happens as if by God's "forgetting" and "forsaking" them (5:20). "Why do you forget us forever, why do you forsake us for so many days?
"The Lord will repay the enemies who did the hurting on earth (3:64). "You will repay them, O Lord, according to the work of their hands."
The Lord will follow his hurting with compassion (3:32). "Though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love."
God's hurting us is not "from his heart"--not his deepest delight (3:33).
"He does not willingly [literally "from his heart" millibboi] afflict or grieve the children of men."
In his hurting the Lord shows mercy every morning (3:22-23). "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
God's decisive mercy is his causing the erring people to repent; he removes the cause of his own wrath (5:21). "Cause us to return (hasibenu) to yourself, O Lord, and we will return (wunasub)! Renew our days as of old."
When God is hurting us, wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord (3:26). "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him."
In and after God's hurting us, he is our only hope and portion (3:24). "'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'"Pastor
When I saw the title of this article this morning, it took me back as I don't generally think when I am in pain that it is necessarily the direct hand of God. This article gave me a lot to think about.
Tell me if it hit any cords in you.
How To Speak about God When He Hurts Us
John Piper www.desiringGod.org
The book of Lamentations is the heart-cry of Jeremiah when he and his people were being hurt by God, and by their enemies, and by their own sin. How he speaks of this divine hurting shows us some of the various ways we may speak about God in our own pain. If we affirm them all, then not one of them will be taken amiss.
The Lord directly does the hurting (2:1-4)."The Lord in his anger has set the daughter of Zion under a cloud! . . . The Lord has swallowed up without mercy all the habitations of Jacob; . . . He has cut down in fierce anger all the might of Israel; . . . he has burned like a flaming fire in Jacob, consuming all around. . . . 4 He has killed all who were delightful in our eyes in the tent of the daughter of Zion.
"The enemies have done the hurting and God has exalted their might (2:16-17)."All your enemies rail against you; they hiss, they gnash their teeth, they cry. . . . The Lord has done what he purposed; . . . he has made the enemy rejoice over you and exalted the might of your foes.
"The enemy has done the hurting, as if the Lord were not watching! (1:9-11; 3:49-50).Her fall is terrible; she has no comforter. 'O Lord , behold my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed! . . . Look, O Lord, and see, for I am despised.' . . . My eyes will flow without ceasing, without respite, until the Lord from heaven looks down and sees.
"The hurting happens as if by God's "forgetting" and "forsaking" them (5:20). "Why do you forget us forever, why do you forsake us for so many days?
"The Lord will repay the enemies who did the hurting on earth (3:64). "You will repay them, O Lord, according to the work of their hands."
The Lord will follow his hurting with compassion (3:32). "Though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love."
God's hurting us is not "from his heart"--not his deepest delight (3:33).
"He does not willingly [literally "from his heart" millibboi] afflict or grieve the children of men."
In his hurting the Lord shows mercy every morning (3:22-23). "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
God's decisive mercy is his causing the erring people to repent; he removes the cause of his own wrath (5:21). "Cause us to return (hasibenu) to yourself, O Lord, and we will return (wunasub)! Renew our days as of old."
When God is hurting us, wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord (3:26). "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is laid on him."
In and after God's hurting us, he is our only hope and portion (3:24). "'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'"Pastor
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Best Laid Plans
First of all, I am not my mother. Any time we ever had company when I was growing up, if my mom invited you to dinner at 6:00 you walked in the door sat down and began to eat. She was always so organized. I try really hard to be that organized, but still never have everything read when everyone walks in the door. Last night was no exception. I was still cutting avocado's, onions and bell pepper when everyone arrived and then I sliced my finger really good and had blood gushing like I had actually cut it off, when all I really did was just slice it. So in the end dinner was ready at 5:50 instead of 5:30 (which was okay since some guest didn't arrive until 5:45) AND we didn't get to play Buzzword :(
The good news is there was healthy conversation for 3 hours so there wasn't a need to play a game. So, that is okay we will have to invite others over another time just to play games. In fact our Life Group is doing that tonight since it isn't a regular meeting night but we can't go because we are going to the Senior Banquet.
I couldn't help but laugh this morning as they were presenting the seniors when I thought about Devin Lee who is moving the furthest by going to a school in Rhode Island to study culinary arts.
This is the same kid that the first year he went to camp with me had to sleep on a pallet next to my bed because he would not stay in the dorm with the other boys because he was homesick.
How times change! Then Matthew Nelson is going to study filmaking and has a desire to make documentaries in the mission field. I remember as 8th grader he filmed a LTC drama for me. It is indeed one of the blessings of being able to watch kids grow up, watching them come into their own faith and seeing where God leads them. Who knows one day they may be outstanding in their field and I will say "I knew them when....."
The good news is there was healthy conversation for 3 hours so there wasn't a need to play a game. So, that is okay we will have to invite others over another time just to play games. In fact our Life Group is doing that tonight since it isn't a regular meeting night but we can't go because we are going to the Senior Banquet.
I couldn't help but laugh this morning as they were presenting the seniors when I thought about Devin Lee who is moving the furthest by going to a school in Rhode Island to study culinary arts.
This is the same kid that the first year he went to camp with me had to sleep on a pallet next to my bed because he would not stay in the dorm with the other boys because he was homesick.
How times change! Then Matthew Nelson is going to study filmaking and has a desire to make documentaries in the mission field. I remember as 8th grader he filmed a LTC drama for me. It is indeed one of the blessings of being able to watch kids grow up, watching them come into their own faith and seeing where God leads them. Who knows one day they may be outstanding in their field and I will say "I knew them when....."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Buzzword Is The Game
So...because Steve is a punster and enjoys words, I chose a word game for tomorrow night. It is called Buzz Word. Has anyone played it? I have once. You have a word like "ball" and then there are phrases that are clues and all the answers have to have ball in them. Like:
Found on top of spaghetti (meatball), The entire thing, maybe with bees (the whole ball of wax),
backhanded at Wimbledon (tennis ball), a pearl on green felt (cue ball), etc. Hope it will be fun.
Just wanted to also let readers know that I purchased one of those discount books yesterday from a salesman I could not say "no" to at Staples and here are some coupons I will never use and I will be glad to give them to whoever asks for them first. If you don't want to put it here on the blog then you can email me at lynnleaming@gmail.com. The coupons all expire Dec. 2008.
Adventure Landing (Coit in Plano)- Buy One Laser tag get one free, buy one game of golf, get one free, One go cart ride, one free, 100 free gameroom tokens
Explode Rock Climbing (Midway in Carrollton)-purchase of one day pass gets you one free
These golf courses buy one green fee/get one free:
The Lakes Course or the Old Course-600 W. Campbell, Garland
Westridge, Cotton Ridge Road-McKinney
Plantation Golf Club in Frisco
Lake Park in Lewisville
Indian Creek in Carrollton
Woodbridge in Wylie
The Bridges in Garland (Blackburn Rd.)
Town East Executive Golf Course-Sunnyvale
Celebration Station in Mesquite-one day pass/one free; one laser tag/one free; 40 tokens/40 free
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame-Fort Worth-one admission/one free
Dick's Sporting Goods-$10.00 off a $50.00 purchase (there are 6 of these)
Champs-same as above (6 of these)
Foot Locker- Same as above (4 of these)
Foot Action-same as above (2 of these)
Enterprise Rent a car-10% off or free upgrade or double upgrade
Planet Pizza (Coit in Plano)-free unlimited ride and softplay stamp with purchase of the same; buy 20 tokens get 20 free
Strikz Bowling in Frisco- 2 for 1 bowling
Cowtown Cattlepen Maze-buy one get one free
The Ice at Stonebriar-Frisco-buy one get one free
Dallas Stars-buy one get one free (six of these) Expire Dec 2008
Hawaiin Falls-One regular day pass/get one child free (2 of these); one lunch combo/one free (3 of these); season pass/one free (only one);
At Hawaiin Falls in Lewisville-one island golf/one free; one pipeline race course ride/one free;
50 tokens/50 free
There are lots of restuarants I will not go to either, but way too many to list, so if you have a favorite, let me know and I will see if it is there.
I only paid $20.00 for this book and it was fund raiser for Miles of Smiles. Definitely a better bargain than the $60.00 makeup kit he tried to get me to buy first.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Found on top of spaghetti (meatball), The entire thing, maybe with bees (the whole ball of wax),
backhanded at Wimbledon (tennis ball), a pearl on green felt (cue ball), etc. Hope it will be fun.
Just wanted to also let readers know that I purchased one of those discount books yesterday from a salesman I could not say "no" to at Staples and here are some coupons I will never use and I will be glad to give them to whoever asks for them first. If you don't want to put it here on the blog then you can email me at lynnleaming@gmail.com. The coupons all expire Dec. 2008.
Adventure Landing (Coit in Plano)- Buy One Laser tag get one free, buy one game of golf, get one free, One go cart ride, one free, 100 free gameroom tokens
Explode Rock Climbing (Midway in Carrollton)-purchase of one day pass gets you one free
These golf courses buy one green fee/get one free:
The Lakes Course or the Old Course-600 W. Campbell, Garland
Westridge, Cotton Ridge Road-McKinney
Plantation Golf Club in Frisco
Lake Park in Lewisville
Indian Creek in Carrollton
Woodbridge in Wylie
The Bridges in Garland (Blackburn Rd.)
Town East Executive Golf Course-Sunnyvale
Celebration Station in Mesquite-one day pass/one free; one laser tag/one free; 40 tokens/40 free
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame-Fort Worth-one admission/one free
Dick's Sporting Goods-$10.00 off a $50.00 purchase (there are 6 of these)
Champs-same as above (6 of these)
Foot Locker- Same as above (4 of these)
Foot Action-same as above (2 of these)
Enterprise Rent a car-10% off or free upgrade or double upgrade
Planet Pizza (Coit in Plano)-free unlimited ride and softplay stamp with purchase of the same; buy 20 tokens get 20 free
Strikz Bowling in Frisco- 2 for 1 bowling
Cowtown Cattlepen Maze-buy one get one free
The Ice at Stonebriar-Frisco-buy one get one free
Dallas Stars-buy one get one free (six of these) Expire Dec 2008
Hawaiin Falls-One regular day pass/get one child free (2 of these); one lunch combo/one free (3 of these); season pass/one free (only one);
At Hawaiin Falls in Lewisville-one island golf/one free; one pipeline race course ride/one free;
50 tokens/50 free
There are lots of restuarants I will not go to either, but way too many to list, so if you have a favorite, let me know and I will see if it is there.
I only paid $20.00 for this book and it was fund raiser for Miles of Smiles. Definitely a better bargain than the $60.00 makeup kit he tried to get me to buy first.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Family Watchdog
I did not know that there was site where you could see if any offenders lived in your neighborhood. www.FamilyWatchDog.us It was developed by John Walsh from Americas Most Wanted .
When you visit this site you can enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as a small icon. There will be red, blue and green dots surrounding your entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a criminal will appear with his or her home address and the description of the crime he or she has committed.
One street over from me is a man who committed burglary. Two sex offenders live close to the church building (one male, one female). Interesting that there are not many offenders in Sachse, Wylie, Rockwall, but oh my...look at South Garland.
While I think this is an important tool to help keep children safer, I could not help but think what it would look like if there was a box over my house for everyone to see my sins. I am glad there isn't!
When you visit this site you can enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as a small icon. There will be red, blue and green dots surrounding your entire neighborhood. When you click on these dots a picture of a criminal will appear with his or her home address and the description of the crime he or she has committed.
One street over from me is a man who committed burglary. Two sex offenders live close to the church building (one male, one female). Interesting that there are not many offenders in Sachse, Wylie, Rockwall, but oh my...look at South Garland.
While I think this is an important tool to help keep children safer, I could not help but think what it would look like if there was a box over my house for everyone to see my sins. I am glad there isn't!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Expelled
First of all thanks to all who responded about possible games to play. Looks like Apples to Apples is a favorite.
Today Steve and I went to see Ben Stein's movie Expelled. It was very interesting although I found some of it hard to follow. If you don't know, the movie is about Evolution vs. Intelligent Design. The premise being that we are losing the freedom in America to teach Intelligent Design and those that have done so have been fired from the colleges and universities they were at. He traveled from coast to coast and oversees and interviewed people on both sides of the debate.
I don't claim to be any kind of expert in the scientific realm. I do know that when I worked as a librarian at the Superconducting Super Collider in the early 90's that I came in contact with some of the smartest scientist in the world. I was responsible for talking with them and then finding the articles and books they needed for their research. It was the first time that I had actually had conversations with evolutionist. I did come to realize that whether you are a creationist, theist, proponent of intelligent design or evolutionist they all take faith in something.
I just choose to put my faith in God who I believe created all things. But I cannot explain where God came from and therefore cannot be intolerant of thinking that says we all came from a Big Bang or as one man says in Expelled we all came from a group of protons on a crystal. They have no proof either, just theories and that is where their faith lies.
After seeing this movie I am not sure what my response should be. I do know if I was a parent I would be reading my children's science books to see what they are being taught. We should make sure that intelligent design dialogue is not being stifled and we are welcome to share our beliefs without fear of repercussions. If you want to examine both sides a little closer you can look at http://www.expelledthemovie.com or http://www.expelledexposed.com.
Today Steve and I went to see Ben Stein's movie Expelled. It was very interesting although I found some of it hard to follow. If you don't know, the movie is about Evolution vs. Intelligent Design. The premise being that we are losing the freedom in America to teach Intelligent Design and those that have done so have been fired from the colleges and universities they were at. He traveled from coast to coast and oversees and interviewed people on both sides of the debate.
I don't claim to be any kind of expert in the scientific realm. I do know that when I worked as a librarian at the Superconducting Super Collider in the early 90's that I came in contact with some of the smartest scientist in the world. I was responsible for talking with them and then finding the articles and books they needed for their research. It was the first time that I had actually had conversations with evolutionist. I did come to realize that whether you are a creationist, theist, proponent of intelligent design or evolutionist they all take faith in something.
I just choose to put my faith in God who I believe created all things. But I cannot explain where God came from and therefore cannot be intolerant of thinking that says we all came from a Big Bang or as one man says in Expelled we all came from a group of protons on a crystal. They have no proof either, just theories and that is where their faith lies.
After seeing this movie I am not sure what my response should be. I do know if I was a parent I would be reading my children's science books to see what they are being taught. We should make sure that intelligent design dialogue is not being stifled and we are welcome to share our beliefs without fear of repercussions. If you want to examine both sides a little closer you can look at http://www.expelledthemovie.com or http://www.expelledexposed.com.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Game Suggestions
Saturday night we are having a few friends over to dinner to celebrate Steve's retirement. They don't all know each other. Anyone have a fun group game to reccomend that we play? Steve isn't much of a game player, but I don't know what else to do besides dinner. So...tell me
your ideas of what you would do with an evening of friends coming over. I would appreciate
the help.
your ideas of what you would do with an evening of friends coming over. I would appreciate
the help.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Is It Just Me?
Is it just me or does it seem sacreligious to mention the Father and Son and Holy Ghost in this song? And....why are Father and Son not capitalized but Holy Ghost is AND would not it have meant more to say "like I need the Father, Son and Holy Ghost"
I didn't think I heard it right and had to look it up and sure enough.
I Need You by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
I wanna drink that shot of whiskey
I wanna smoke that cigarette
I wanna smell that sweet addiction on my breath
I wanna ride across West Virginia in the back seat of a Cadillac
You know some cowboys like me go out like that
So I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
And I need you
Like a lighthouse on the coast
Like the father and the son need the Holy Ghost
I need you
I wanna get lost in some corner booth, Cantina Mexico
I wanna dance to the static of an AM radioI
wanna wrap the moon around us, lay beside you skin on skin
Make love til the sun comes up, til the sun goes down again
Cause I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
I need you
Like a lighthouse on a coast
Like the father and the son need the Holy Ghost
I need you, OOH I need you
I didn't think I heard it right and had to look it up and sure enough.
I Need You by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
I wanna drink that shot of whiskey
I wanna smoke that cigarette
I wanna smell that sweet addiction on my breath
I wanna ride across West Virginia in the back seat of a Cadillac
You know some cowboys like me go out like that
So I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
And I need you
Like a lighthouse on the coast
Like the father and the son need the Holy Ghost
I need you
I wanna get lost in some corner booth, Cantina Mexico
I wanna dance to the static of an AM radioI
wanna wrap the moon around us, lay beside you skin on skin
Make love til the sun comes up, til the sun goes down again
Cause I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
I need you
Like a lighthouse on a coast
Like the father and the son need the Holy Ghost
I need you, OOH I need you
Friday, April 18, 2008
Steve's Retirement Day
Steve retired today after working 24 years for the City of Dallas. I was blessed to go and be a part of his party. I know that I am his wife, but I was taken back from all the good wishes that were poured out on Steve today. One thing that was very obvious in the comments that were made about Steve is that people knew of his faith and it was not that he just talked about it he lived out a servant's heart among his peers.
These two men do not work for the City anymore, but they had hired Steve 24 years ago, so they came back to see him. The one in the blue shirt said that hiring Steve was the best thing he ever did. 
There were so many people there they were all out in the hallway during the speeches. Several people said that Steve's new bosses (who he had less than a year) had no idea the scope of Steve's influence, so they did not book a large enough room.
They presented Steve with a nice plaque and a picture of City Hall signed by all of his commrades.
Don't know if you can see it very clear, but his cake had an airplane on it because of Steve's love
This is Steve's co-worker Trafton. They have worked together since 1986. Trafton is the only one I know who actually puts in more hours than Steve. It was so sweet because he said he was so sad to see Steve leaving that he could not eat any of the snacks they were serving because his stomach hurt.Steve what a blessing it was hearing so many people talk about what an influence you had been in their lives. I am the one that is going to be blessed now more than ever having you home so much more. I can't wait to see what God is going to do with us next!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Tax Funny
Hope you all got your taxes filed so you can get your Economic Stimulus check. How are you going to spend your money. If you are like me it is already spent.
Praising God Anyway
One of the things that God continues to do with me is show me other people who have managed to live life well in spite of their disabilities. Alot of you may have already seen this video, but I just recieved it in an email this week. Nick Vujicic is amazing and inspiring.
http://www.wretch.cc/video/ritahsia&func=single&vid=2282608&o=time_d&p=0
You can discover much more about him at http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
I can only pray that God will continue to prompt me to live life praising Him for what I do have and not focusing on my limitations. May I just empty myself of me and allow Him to use me for His glory
http://www.wretch.cc/video/ritahsia&func=single&vid=2282608&o=time_d&p=0
You can discover much more about him at http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
I can only pray that God will continue to prompt me to live life praising Him for what I do have and not focusing on my limitations. May I just empty myself of me and allow Him to use me for His glory
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Hymn Story
I love reading the stories behind hymns that have been written. I read this one in God On Mute and had never heard it before, so thought I would share it.
"In 1842, and Irishman named Joseph Scriven graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, and promptly fell head over heels in love with a girl from his hometown. They got engaged and, with great excitement, planned their wedding and began dreaming about their future together as husband and wife.
The eve of their wedding arrived at last, and Joseph's fiancee saddled a horse to go and see him. Tragically, it was one of the last things she would ever do. A little later, Joseph saw his bride-to-be riding toward him, and he grinned. But suddenly, just as she was crossing the bridge over the river, her horse bucked and threw her like a rag-doll down into the river below. In blind panic, Joseph ran to the river, calling out her name. He plunged into the key waters, but it was too late. His bride was already dead.
Heartbroken, Joseph emigrated to Canada, where eventually he fell in love again. In 1854, Joseph was due to marry Eliza Roche, but she fell ill and grew progressively worse. The wedding was repeatedly postponed until, three years later, Eliza died. Joseph Scriven would never again give his heart to another.
Back home in Ireland, Joseph's mother was deeply concerned for heartbroken son, and he in turn was concerned for her. One night, Joseph penned a poem to comfort here, little knowing that it would become one of the best-loved songs of all time. Several years later, a friend found it in a drawer at Joseph's house and was deeply moved. "The Lord and I wrote it together," Joseph explained. That poem, forged out of so much disappointment and pain, continues to call millions of people in their own Gethsemane's to admit their grief, their trials and temptations, their sorrows and their every weakness to Jesus in the privilege of prayer.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bare!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
Oh what peace we often forfeit,
Oh what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer."
"In 1842, and Irishman named Joseph Scriven graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, and promptly fell head over heels in love with a girl from his hometown. They got engaged and, with great excitement, planned their wedding and began dreaming about their future together as husband and wife.
The eve of their wedding arrived at last, and Joseph's fiancee saddled a horse to go and see him. Tragically, it was one of the last things she would ever do. A little later, Joseph saw his bride-to-be riding toward him, and he grinned. But suddenly, just as she was crossing the bridge over the river, her horse bucked and threw her like a rag-doll down into the river below. In blind panic, Joseph ran to the river, calling out her name. He plunged into the key waters, but it was too late. His bride was already dead.
Heartbroken, Joseph emigrated to Canada, where eventually he fell in love again. In 1854, Joseph was due to marry Eliza Roche, but she fell ill and grew progressively worse. The wedding was repeatedly postponed until, three years later, Eliza died. Joseph Scriven would never again give his heart to another.
Back home in Ireland, Joseph's mother was deeply concerned for heartbroken son, and he in turn was concerned for her. One night, Joseph penned a poem to comfort here, little knowing that it would become one of the best-loved songs of all time. Several years later, a friend found it in a drawer at Joseph's house and was deeply moved. "The Lord and I wrote it together," Joseph explained. That poem, forged out of so much disappointment and pain, continues to call millions of people in their own Gethsemane's to admit their grief, their trials and temptations, their sorrows and their every weakness to Jesus in the privilege of prayer.
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bare!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
Oh what peace we often forfeit,
Oh what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer."
Sunday, April 13, 2008
My God of Humor
First of all, Stacy T. if you read this please email me as I lost all my email addresses when my computer crashed and I want to email you.
Now to my weekend at the Ladies Retreat. It is always interesting the different reactions you get from people when you mention a Silent Retreat. So many women we talked to said "I could just never do that." Why is it that so many of us (me included) find it difficult to just stop and be quiet before the Lord? We had 32 Ladies at this retreat and for about 18 of the ladies it was their first experience. Over and over we heard how surprised they were at how quickly the time went by. Some really great stories about their God encounters. Not free to share their encounters but I will share mine.
Since I could not really get out and walk around the grounds, or take a hike to the river. I stayed on the wrap around porch of the lodge. It was very wooded. A few years ago another woman had told us about an awesome encounter with a bird, so I prayed to God that I would know that He was with me if I could see a rabbit. In the meantime I was reading a book entitled "God On Mute". About 3 hours went by and I then read this prayer:
"Abba Father. I know all this stuff about your love in my head, but my heart gets hard to it and I'm tired. Please do whatever You've got to do (and I mean whatever) to unclinch my fists. Pry open my eyes to that I can see Your tears and soften my heart so that it moves me deeply. I don't understand why You don't just answer my prayers, but I do choose to trust that You have heard me, that you actually do care and that you're somewhere out there on my case. Abba, Father, thank you for all the ways You have blessed me. I honestly don't know what I'd do, where I'd be or even who I'd have become without you. Abba Father, I am going to try to trust you today. Amen."
As soon as I said that prayer I saw two ladies leaving the lodge and walking across the field and I cried out to God "do you really care that I can't walk across the field or that to hear the river I am having to listen to a water CD on my headphones?" Immediately, I heard God sing over me "Oh, yes I care, you know I care, my heart is touched with your grief. When you're way grows weary your long nights dreary just know I dearly care". After recovering from a cry, I then said "well maybe there are no rabbits in this area. I had heard some birds but could not see them, I said "just send some thing from your nature for me to see" Within a couple of minutes a wasp was flying around me. I just started laughing and said "Funny God, why am I not surprised that you would choose to show me again that your ways are not my ways". No sooner had the wasp flown away than a bee came. Now remember for 3 1/2 hours prior I had seen neither or anything else. About 30 minutes later I was still reading and looked down on my notebook and there was the tiniest worm I have ever seen crawling on my notebook. Only about 1/2 inch and it would crawl by pulling up his back and go a step, pull up his bach and go another step and on and on it went and I thought it was as if God was saying to me, "if I can care for this tiny, tiny creature, I definitely care for you." When I told some others this story one of the ladies said "He was also telling you to just keep walking forward one inch at a time." I pray I can be faithful to do just that. Thank you God for our time together, I look forward to many more.
Now to my weekend at the Ladies Retreat. It is always interesting the different reactions you get from people when you mention a Silent Retreat. So many women we talked to said "I could just never do that." Why is it that so many of us (me included) find it difficult to just stop and be quiet before the Lord? We had 32 Ladies at this retreat and for about 18 of the ladies it was their first experience. Over and over we heard how surprised they were at how quickly the time went by. Some really great stories about their God encounters. Not free to share their encounters but I will share mine.
Since I could not really get out and walk around the grounds, or take a hike to the river. I stayed on the wrap around porch of the lodge. It was very wooded. A few years ago another woman had told us about an awesome encounter with a bird, so I prayed to God that I would know that He was with me if I could see a rabbit. In the meantime I was reading a book entitled "God On Mute". About 3 hours went by and I then read this prayer:
"Abba Father. I know all this stuff about your love in my head, but my heart gets hard to it and I'm tired. Please do whatever You've got to do (and I mean whatever) to unclinch my fists. Pry open my eyes to that I can see Your tears and soften my heart so that it moves me deeply. I don't understand why You don't just answer my prayers, but I do choose to trust that You have heard me, that you actually do care and that you're somewhere out there on my case. Abba, Father, thank you for all the ways You have blessed me. I honestly don't know what I'd do, where I'd be or even who I'd have become without you. Abba Father, I am going to try to trust you today. Amen."
As soon as I said that prayer I saw two ladies leaving the lodge and walking across the field and I cried out to God "do you really care that I can't walk across the field or that to hear the river I am having to listen to a water CD on my headphones?" Immediately, I heard God sing over me "Oh, yes I care, you know I care, my heart is touched with your grief. When you're way grows weary your long nights dreary just know I dearly care". After recovering from a cry, I then said "well maybe there are no rabbits in this area. I had heard some birds but could not see them, I said "just send some thing from your nature for me to see" Within a couple of minutes a wasp was flying around me. I just started laughing and said "Funny God, why am I not surprised that you would choose to show me again that your ways are not my ways". No sooner had the wasp flown away than a bee came. Now remember for 3 1/2 hours prior I had seen neither or anything else. About 30 minutes later I was still reading and looked down on my notebook and there was the tiniest worm I have ever seen crawling on my notebook. Only about 1/2 inch and it would crawl by pulling up his back and go a step, pull up his bach and go another step and on and on it went and I thought it was as if God was saying to me, "if I can care for this tiny, tiny creature, I definitely care for you." When I told some others this story one of the ladies said "He was also telling you to just keep walking forward one inch at a time." I pray I can be faithful to do just that. Thank you God for our time together, I look forward to many more.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Anniversary Thoughts
Today is the 3rd anniversary of my accident. Before I go there, I have a couple of other observations.
First, there are a lot of you who read this blog that don't make comments even when I ask for them. Is it a time issue? But thanks to those that did.
Secondly, did anyone watch Oprah yesterday? She was talking about the New Earth book I posted about a few days ago. She said she was a Christian and said that she had made the conclusion that Jesus dying on the cross wasn't just so that we could go to heaven, but it was to leave a Jesus consciousness, so that the rest of us would know how to live life. I found that interesting.
Third, did anyone watch American Idol gives back last night? I teared up listening to them sing "Shout To The Lord". I was so surprised that they were allowed to sing that song with millions of people watching! Yeah God!
Now, to my anniversary date. I guess this will always be a marker in my life. It does continue to amaze me that it has already been three years. Just doesn't seem possible. I was telling Steve this morning that the piece of the puzzle I will never have is what it was like for him and my family and friends to go three weeks without knowing if I would be okay and not having any response from me. My mom did tell me today that one day she was out in the hall praying and just asked God to give her a sign that I was okay and then when she came in my room and took my hand I squeezed her hand really hard. She asked me a couple of questions to which I shook my head "no" and then she called Steve in, but I would no longer respond. I just can't imagine how difficult it must have been but can only imagine by putting myself in their shoes and thinking how I would have felt if it were one of them.
I continue to have my struggles in understanding why I didn't receive total healing, but constantly try to keep it all in perspective. Today I walked Albertson's again and while I came home exhausted I did walk Albertson's, so those are the things I have to remind myself of and try to keep a positive thought process instead of the negative. Focusing on what I have not what I don't. What I do know is I cannot even imagine how I would have made it through the past three years if it were not for God and my faith in Him. I am so thankful that I have Hebrews 13:5 to cling to.
Tomorrow is the Ladies Silent Retreat. I cannot tell you how many people have ribbed us saying how can women be silent. The 32 ladies going on this retreat will be blessed by just the quiet time they get to spend in communion with God. I wish more could experience that blessing.
So won't be blogging again until Sunday. Everyone have a blessed weekend.
First, there are a lot of you who read this blog that don't make comments even when I ask for them. Is it a time issue? But thanks to those that did.
Secondly, did anyone watch Oprah yesterday? She was talking about the New Earth book I posted about a few days ago. She said she was a Christian and said that she had made the conclusion that Jesus dying on the cross wasn't just so that we could go to heaven, but it was to leave a Jesus consciousness, so that the rest of us would know how to live life. I found that interesting.
Third, did anyone watch American Idol gives back last night? I teared up listening to them sing "Shout To The Lord". I was so surprised that they were allowed to sing that song with millions of people watching! Yeah God!
Now, to my anniversary date. I guess this will always be a marker in my life. It does continue to amaze me that it has already been three years. Just doesn't seem possible. I was telling Steve this morning that the piece of the puzzle I will never have is what it was like for him and my family and friends to go three weeks without knowing if I would be okay and not having any response from me. My mom did tell me today that one day she was out in the hall praying and just asked God to give her a sign that I was okay and then when she came in my room and took my hand I squeezed her hand really hard. She asked me a couple of questions to which I shook my head "no" and then she called Steve in, but I would no longer respond. I just can't imagine how difficult it must have been but can only imagine by putting myself in their shoes and thinking how I would have felt if it were one of them.
I continue to have my struggles in understanding why I didn't receive total healing, but constantly try to keep it all in perspective. Today I walked Albertson's again and while I came home exhausted I did walk Albertson's, so those are the things I have to remind myself of and try to keep a positive thought process instead of the negative. Focusing on what I have not what I don't. What I do know is I cannot even imagine how I would have made it through the past three years if it were not for God and my faith in Him. I am so thankful that I have Hebrews 13:5 to cling to.
Tomorrow is the Ladies Silent Retreat. I cannot tell you how many people have ribbed us saying how can women be silent. The 32 ladies going on this retreat will be blessed by just the quiet time they get to spend in communion with God. I wish more could experience that blessing.
So won't be blogging again until Sunday. Everyone have a blessed weekend.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Are you Hungry
A Hunger To Know Jesus Christ
Am I? I read this article earlier this week in my daily devotional book "The Journey" and found it thought provoking. Hope you do too.
"The first evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life is a new hunger to know Jesus Christ. When the Holy Spirit is working in some one's life is that Jesus Christ begins to be seen as attractive. He ceases to be detached and mystical but becomes real. It is the Holy Spirit, who makes that happen.
Recently, I was in the south of England for a series of meetings in a church. A family brought an eighteen-year old girls who was living with them for a time and who had never been exposed to the Gospel in this way before. God began to work in her life and she borrowed a Bible and spent the whole of one day reading from it. At the meetings we held, she drank in everything that was said but found it difficult to understand why no one seemed to want to talk about Christ after the service was over. People stayed for coffee and talked about the weather or their holidays, but no one seemed to want to talk about Christ! There are some super people in that church, many of them very godly, and this young woman's observation was a generalization perhaps, yet what she observed is so often true. When there is not a hunger for Christ and a longing to know Him better and deeper, the Spirit of God is either absent or He is being quenched and grieved. The Christian life is not just an experience or feelings, it is not just knowing what we believe, but in the words of Paul, it is knowing whom we believe (2 Timothy 1:12) Knowing Him better is the expression of the Spirit's life within us."
By Charles Price (www.livingtruth.ca)
Am I? I read this article earlier this week in my daily devotional book "The Journey" and found it thought provoking. Hope you do too.
"The first evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life is a new hunger to know Jesus Christ. When the Holy Spirit is working in some one's life is that Jesus Christ begins to be seen as attractive. He ceases to be detached and mystical but becomes real. It is the Holy Spirit, who makes that happen.
Recently, I was in the south of England for a series of meetings in a church. A family brought an eighteen-year old girls who was living with them for a time and who had never been exposed to the Gospel in this way before. God began to work in her life and she borrowed a Bible and spent the whole of one day reading from it. At the meetings we held, she drank in everything that was said but found it difficult to understand why no one seemed to want to talk about Christ after the service was over. People stayed for coffee and talked about the weather or their holidays, but no one seemed to want to talk about Christ! There are some super people in that church, many of them very godly, and this young woman's observation was a generalization perhaps, yet what she observed is so often true. When there is not a hunger for Christ and a longing to know Him better and deeper, the Spirit of God is either absent or He is being quenched and grieved. The Christian life is not just an experience or feelings, it is not just knowing what we believe, but in the words of Paul, it is knowing whom we believe (2 Timothy 1:12) Knowing Him better is the expression of the Spirit's life within us."
By Charles Price (www.livingtruth.ca)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
One Answer
15 of you have read my post yesterday and only one person commented with my question "What would you say?". I really am interested in other's thoughts here. But in the meantime, today in one of my devotional readings this is what Max Lucado says and I thought it was perfect.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
"Innocence slaughtered. Goodness murdered. Heaven's tower of strength pierced. Mother's wept, evil danced and the apostles had to wonder, When all that good falls apart, what can good people do?
God answered their question with a declaration. with the rumble of the earth and the rolling of the rock, He reminded them, 'The Lord sits on His throne in heaven'.
And today, we must remember: he still is. He is still in His temple, still on His throne, still in control. And He still makes princes out of prisoners, counselors out of captives, and Sundays out of Fridays. What He did then, He will do still. It falls to us to ask Him to do so."
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
"Innocence slaughtered. Goodness murdered. Heaven's tower of strength pierced. Mother's wept, evil danced and the apostles had to wonder, When all that good falls apart, what can good people do?
God answered their question with a declaration. with the rumble of the earth and the rolling of the rock, He reminded them, 'The Lord sits on His throne in heaven'.
And today, we must remember: he still is. He is still in His temple, still on His throne, still in control. And He still makes princes out of prisoners, counselors out of captives, and Sundays out of Fridays. What He did then, He will do still. It falls to us to ask Him to do so."
Monday, April 07, 2008
What Would You Say?
Today I was having a conversation with someone who said "I really wish I could say that God intervenes, but I don't think he does." When I disagreed they began to cite various instances such as: a boy that went blind, a man with Alzheimers, a baby that died, a woman with cancer, my accident, children who are abused, etc. and they asked how did God intervene? I looked up the definition of "intervene"
1. to come between disputing people, groups, etc.; intercede; mediate.
2.to occur or be between two things.
3.to occur or happen between other events or periods
4.(of things) to occur incidentally so as to modify or hinder
So maybe I was wrong and perhaps God doesn't intervene but instead He intercedes. The definition of "intercede" is:
1.to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition
2.to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups; mediate.
I think I have come to the point in my life where I know that there are just some mysteries about God that I will never understand. He has told me "His ways are not my ways", and while I wish it was all more black and white, somehow it excites me to know that one day the mysteries will all be known. But to not think that God is involved in every detail of our lives leaves us with no hope and no reason to pray. So what would you say to someone who thinks that God does not intervene in life circumstances?
1. to come between disputing people, groups, etc.; intercede; mediate.
2.to occur or be between two things.
3.to occur or happen between other events or periods
4.(of things) to occur incidentally so as to modify or hinder
So maybe I was wrong and perhaps God doesn't intervene but instead He intercedes. The definition of "intercede" is:
1.to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition
2.to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups; mediate.
I think I have come to the point in my life where I know that there are just some mysteries about God that I will never understand. He has told me "His ways are not my ways", and while I wish it was all more black and white, somehow it excites me to know that one day the mysteries will all be known. But to not think that God is involved in every detail of our lives leaves us with no hope and no reason to pray. So what would you say to someone who thinks that God does not intervene in life circumstances?
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Vengeance
I admit I am a vengeful person. I am always hoping that a policeman will come by and catch the perpetrator. Today it was a guy that blatently ran a red light. He was at least 3 car lengths behind me and I stopped at yellow and he just kept barreling through. I so hoped that a policeman would have seen him and given him a ticket. But lass, he got away. That vengeful spirit also raises it's head when people are speeding. I just want them to get caught!! Where are the police when you want them?
Saturday, April 05, 2008
How Should We Respond?
I am sure a lot of you have seen this Youtube footage of Oprah and some of the things she is promoting through the book New Earth by Eckart Tole. If you have not seen it you can view it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA.
This is my question. How should we as Christians respond to things like this? I am afraid if most are like me, we just tend not to get involved. When I first saw this I was very disturbed and then I started thinking perhaps it would be better to get involved in the discussion. I am still processing my thoughts. There is a danger that lies in getting involved as it gives an opening to Satan to suck me into false teaching, but on the other hand do I trust the strength of the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth? By not getting involved in the discussion we do not have the opportunity to speak truth into the discussion. When those around us are discussing the New Earth we have nothing to contribute. Instead, if we actually read the book too then we could better counteract the lies with truth. Here is the dilemma for me Proverbs 16:17 says "The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life" and I Thessalonians 5:21-22 says "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. " So to me that verse could be contradictory because I don't know how you test everything but avoid evil. Then if you read the same verse in the King James it actually says to "abtain from the very appearance of evil". Then add to the equation Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." The dictionary defines avoid as: to keep away from; keep clear of; shun.
I guess the bottom line for me is that I don't have to roll around in the mud to know that it is actually dirty. I am not sure why we use the logic that we must participate in order to be relevant? So...I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. It is so broad because it is the same standard I set for myself for books that I read, movies I watch, music I listen to, etc. But at the same time, I don't want to appear to be "holier than thou", even though I know I Peter 1:16 says "be holy as I am holy". So how do we relate to the world around us but not be of the world around us? Tell me how you walk the tight rope.
This is my question. How should we as Christians respond to things like this? I am afraid if most are like me, we just tend not to get involved. When I first saw this I was very disturbed and then I started thinking perhaps it would be better to get involved in the discussion. I am still processing my thoughts. There is a danger that lies in getting involved as it gives an opening to Satan to suck me into false teaching, but on the other hand do I trust the strength of the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth? By not getting involved in the discussion we do not have the opportunity to speak truth into the discussion. When those around us are discussing the New Earth we have nothing to contribute. Instead, if we actually read the book too then we could better counteract the lies with truth. Here is the dilemma for me Proverbs 16:17 says "The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life" and I Thessalonians 5:21-22 says "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. " So to me that verse could be contradictory because I don't know how you test everything but avoid evil. Then if you read the same verse in the King James it actually says to "abtain from the very appearance of evil". Then add to the equation Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." The dictionary defines avoid as: to keep away from; keep clear of; shun.
I guess the bottom line for me is that I don't have to roll around in the mud to know that it is actually dirty. I am not sure why we use the logic that we must participate in order to be relevant? So...I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. It is so broad because it is the same standard I set for myself for books that I read, movies I watch, music I listen to, etc. But at the same time, I don't want to appear to be "holier than thou", even though I know I Peter 1:16 says "be holy as I am holy". So how do we relate to the world around us but not be of the world around us? Tell me how you walk the tight rope.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Marriage Bliss
Marcie sent this in an email today. We are going out tonight to celebrate my parent's anniversary, so I thought it was an appropriate post for today. May we all love our spouses just a little bit more today and cherish the love that the Lord has blessed us with.
This is article is from the Fort Worth Star Telegram on Wednesday, April 2nd.
They kept their wedding vows for 75 years, through the deaths of their own children, the lives of three new generations and the inevitable changes in each other.
"He was 120 pounds at most, ever," Ms. Grimm said. "She was a fat granny."
While Josie was described as a talker, JC said little.
"He couldn't hear real well and he didn't talk much anyway," said Marla Williamson, another granddaughter. "That was his way of socializing with you was to share Dr Pepper."
The fridge is still loaded with Dr Pepper. The little Fort Worth house unchanged.
"They stayed together the whole time," Ms. Williamson said. "They slept in this bed."
Mrs. Cox insisted on being JC’s sole caregiver, even up until the moment they entered a nursing home last month.
"She was still ironing his clothes three weeks ago," Ms. Williamson said. “She was going to make sure, even though he never went anywhere, his clothes were going to be starched.”
The granddaughters said their intimacy was apparent until the moment they died. A few days ago, Mr. Cox took Mrs. Cox's hand and he slipped away.
"Holding hands, and that's how they died," Ms. Williamson said. "Pa died holding onto Granny."
Just five hours later, she let go too as her family whispered to her.
"Your children are waiting for you, and Pa is waiting for you," Ms. Grimm said. "It's OK. You can let go and we'll all be OK together. And a minute later, she passed."
This is article is from the Fort Worth Star Telegram on Wednesday, April 2nd.
They kept their wedding vows for 75 years, through the deaths of their own children, the lives of three new generations and the inevitable changes in each other.
"He was 120 pounds at most, ever," Ms. Grimm said. "She was a fat granny."
While Josie was described as a talker, JC said little.
"He couldn't hear real well and he didn't talk much anyway," said Marla Williamson, another granddaughter. "That was his way of socializing with you was to share Dr Pepper."
The fridge is still loaded with Dr Pepper. The little Fort Worth house unchanged.
"They stayed together the whole time," Ms. Williamson said. "They slept in this bed."
Mrs. Cox insisted on being JC’s sole caregiver, even up until the moment they entered a nursing home last month.
"She was still ironing his clothes three weeks ago," Ms. Williamson said. “She was going to make sure, even though he never went anywhere, his clothes were going to be starched.”
The granddaughters said their intimacy was apparent until the moment they died. A few days ago, Mr. Cox took Mrs. Cox's hand and he slipped away.
"Holding hands, and that's how they died," Ms. Williamson said. "Pa died holding onto Granny."
Just five hours later, she let go too as her family whispered to her.
"Your children are waiting for you, and Pa is waiting for you," Ms. Grimm said. "It's OK. You can let go and we'll all be OK together. And a minute later, she passed."
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Word Of God Speak
First of all Happy 39th Anniversary to my mother and dad! God has been so gracious and kind to grant them another year together. We give Him thanks and praise. They have been blessed with such a great marriage and we have been blessed to have them model for us what a marriage centered in God's love looks like.
This morning as I was going out to buy them a card I heard an old familiar song on the radio, but in leiu of yesterday's post it had new meaning.
Word of God Speak by Mercy Me
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
[CHORUS]Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to seeYour majesty
To be still and knowThat You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
I pray that more and more each day I will fall deeper and deeper in love with the Word of my Father and find great joy in meeting Him there.
If you want to hear the song you can click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
This morning as I was going out to buy them a card I heard an old familiar song on the radio, but in leiu of yesterday's post it had new meaning.
Word of God Speak by Mercy Me
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say
[CHORUS]Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to seeYour majesty
To be still and knowThat You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness Word of God speak
I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice
I pray that more and more each day I will fall deeper and deeper in love with the Word of my Father and find great joy in meeting Him there.
If you want to hear the song you can click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Wednesday Blessing
Today was Ladies Bible class day. We are currently in a study by John Ortberg called "God Is Closer Than You Think". This is only the 2nd week, but boy does this study have some rich tidbits to think about. I wish that I had read the book 2 years ago because I think it would have made my journey just a little bit easier. What I am learning more and more everyday is that even though there are days I cannot sense God's presence like I would like He is always there. It is like a storm covered sky that we all watch in anticipation of the sun breaking through. We cannot see the sun, but it is there. Dark cannot penetrate light, but light will always penetrate the dark. We learned today that the promise "I will never leave you" is the promise God makes the most in the Bible. I wonder why I tend to forget that?? Ortberg talks about the different kind of days that we encounter: A rainbow day (where God is easy to see), An ordinary day (where we have to look a little harder, but God is there), don't look at me God day (where I think I can hide my sin from him) a.nd Mystery days (where it is difficult to know what God is up to). If we always had Rainbow Days we would find that we become complacent and there would be no more amazement at what God can do. Instead we now appreciate the recognition of His presence as a gift and something we have to cultivate. It was just so refreshing to me to realize that there is nothing wrong with me if everyday is not a Rainbow Day!
On the way home, as God often does with me, I heard this song on the radio which went right along with what He was trying to speak into my heart today (don't know that I had ever heard of Big Daddy Weave before?):
You can listen to it on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w70xy8sPEE4
I am sure all of heaven’s heard me cry
As I tell You all the reasons why
This life is just too hard
But day by day
Without fail
I’m finding everything I need
And everything that You areTo me
Chorus:
Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it’s true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You
Now how could I after knowing One so great
Respond to You in any way
That’s less than all I have to give
But by Your grace I want to love You not with whatI say
But everydayIn a way that my life is lived
Wrapped in Your mercy I want to live and never leave
I am held by how humble
Yet overwhelmed by Your majesty
Captured by grace and now I’m finding I am free
You are marvelous God
And knowing You is everything
On the way home, as God often does with me, I heard this song on the radio which went right along with what He was trying to speak into my heart today (don't know that I had ever heard of Big Daddy Weave before?):
You can listen to it on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w70xy8sPEE4
I am sure all of heaven’s heard me cry
As I tell You all the reasons why
This life is just too hard
But day by day
Without fail
I’m finding everything I need
And everything that You areTo me
Chorus:
Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it’s true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You
Now how could I after knowing One so great
Respond to You in any way
That’s less than all I have to give
But by Your grace I want to love You not with whatI say
But everydayIn a way that my life is lived
Wrapped in Your mercy I want to live and never leave
I am held by how humble
Yet overwhelmed by Your majesty
Captured by grace and now I’m finding I am free
You are marvelous God
And knowing You is everything
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Ongoing Technical Difficulties
I know that when we deal with an electronic world that nothing lasts forever. Computers are wonderful when they work but when they don't? Major frustration. So you may remember 3 weeks ago(tomorrow) my computer just quit working. Dell replaced it with another computer since it was still under warranty. Unfortunately they did not replace it with the same model. My previous computer was an Inspirion, this one is a Vostro which means that the hard drives are not compatible. So I hired Brian Vaughn to retrieve the records on my old hard drive and put them on the new computer. So that is done. Now? They did not give me the software that I had on my old computer so I can't access any of my old emails or any of my documents that were created in Office. So back on the phone with Dell today for over 45 minutes.
I am sorry if I come across as intolerant here, but you would think when you are in need of techinical support that you could speak to people that you can understand. Perhaps I just need to spend more time with people of Indian decent so that I can be more familiar with the accent. (Side bar: I had the same problem with several of my nurses in the hospital) Anyway...
the final result? There is nothing they can do. Guess the software was included with the original order and since I still don't have the disks we could not reload it. I don't have the disks because the computer was a gift from friends, church and family when I was first in my accident so I would have computer access at the hospital. The box was at the house but when friends packed up my house for the remodeling project we don't know where the box and disks ended up. Told the representative from Dell my story, he said he talked to his supervisor and because they no longer have the 2003 edition they could not give me the new edition free. So I am back to square one. I did download a trial version and can access some documents so that works for the next 60 days anyway.
The irony in all this? The representative's name was Angel....somehow the experience today did not seem very angelic!
Then this afternoon the Maytag repairman came and told me we have a broken seal on the washing machine and it will cost $350.00 to repair it. So guess we will just buy a new one. The humbling thing about his visit is he had one of the neuromuscular diseases and his body was so twisted and he walked on the edges of his feet. I was so humbled and once again found strength in realizing whatever I think my handicap is, it is nothing compared to what some people live life with. This man could very easily be living on disability and here he was repairing Maytag appliances. May I continue to be grateful for what I do have and think less of what I don't.
I am sorry if I come across as intolerant here, but you would think when you are in need of techinical support that you could speak to people that you can understand. Perhaps I just need to spend more time with people of Indian decent so that I can be more familiar with the accent. (Side bar: I had the same problem with several of my nurses in the hospital) Anyway...
the final result? There is nothing they can do. Guess the software was included with the original order and since I still don't have the disks we could not reload it. I don't have the disks because the computer was a gift from friends, church and family when I was first in my accident so I would have computer access at the hospital. The box was at the house but when friends packed up my house for the remodeling project we don't know where the box and disks ended up. Told the representative from Dell my story, he said he talked to his supervisor and because they no longer have the 2003 edition they could not give me the new edition free. So I am back to square one. I did download a trial version and can access some documents so that works for the next 60 days anyway.
The irony in all this? The representative's name was Angel....somehow the experience today did not seem very angelic!
Then this afternoon the Maytag repairman came and told me we have a broken seal on the washing machine and it will cost $350.00 to repair it. So guess we will just buy a new one. The humbling thing about his visit is he had one of the neuromuscular diseases and his body was so twisted and he walked on the edges of his feet. I was so humbled and once again found strength in realizing whatever I think my handicap is, it is nothing compared to what some people live life with. This man could very easily be living on disability and here he was repairing Maytag appliances. May I continue to be grateful for what I do have and think less of what I don't.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)