Time management...

Some days I shake my head because I honestly don't know where the time goes. I have good intentions on accomplishing so much and then I look back over my day and I ask myself, why didn't I get those things accomplished? It bothers me when I have days like that.

You know, the Lord talks a lot about being good stewards. And, for many of us I think we tend to associate being a good steward with managing our finances well. But, there is also the aspect of being a good steward of our time. That can really bite me when I least expect it! How can I settle for anything less than the best in the matter of how I utilize those precious minutes of time which God has entrusted to my care? When I change my focus to view my time in this manner, then I am amazed at what all I can accomplish.

I think there needs to be a healthy balance where every minute is not scheduled with something. For me, I need to allow time for flexibility to be available for God to use in ministry. And, often as not, ministry never seems to be 'convenient.' However, I want to be available to be used of God if He so chooses.

Time is a precious commodity. One that is to be valued. I love having an organized home...in fact, I find that I am much more mellow when my home is 'in order.' However, I find that I value the time I can spend in relationships. Spending time with one another, encouraging one another, lifting up one another's burdens, laughing and crying together are important. May I wisely use the time the Lord has given me in pursuing things with an eternal value. That vertical perspective is so important but often times it is easy to fall into the horizontal perspective. May I be alert for when that occurs!

Mmmm...Banana Bread

First thing this morning I baked some banana bread. I've had bananas that have just been yelling at me that it was 'time.' My whole house smells wonderful! My recipe is from my Mom and is very old. As James would say, "It's ancient." The reasoning he is basing that on is my recipe is older than I am, and I am 51 years old. This recipe is the first dessert that I made as a young girl while we were living in Germany. So I think I was about 8 years old. My sister grew up making this same recipe and since she is older than I maybe she could tell me if the recipe was already 'in the family' when she became old enough to begin baking.

After eating pumpkin bread with mini chocolate chips given to me by a friend many years ago, I thought that I could do that with my banana bread recipe. It was an instant success! Since I am diabetic I don't make banana bread as often as everyone would like. It is too hard for me to resist.

As I have been smelling the aroma of the baking bread I have thought about how we, as Christians, are "the sweet aroma of Christ." Second Corinthians 2:15-16 states, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life." As I share the Good News with people, some will be drawn to it, hungry to share in it, while others will be repulsed by it. The ones being called by God recognize the life-giving fragrance while to the others, it smells foul, like death. And it is death for them, their own.

New Contacts!

It's just like riding a bicycle, once you know how to put them in the eyes, you never forget. If you do, it must take longer than 11 years! What a joy it has been for me to begin wearing lenses again! Everything is so sharp and clear, especially my peripheral vision. I'm up to 7 hours of wearing. I increase each day by an hour. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of wearing them again!

Where to begin in response...

Well, where to begin? I guess to begin with we need to understand the purpose of the Church. The ultimate goal and end of every created thing is to bring glory to the Creator (Psalm 100:1-3). All of us exist for the glory of God (Colossians 1:16; Romans 11:36; Revelation 5). As one looks at the previous statements it could be stated that the church needs to "magnify the excellency of a great and marvelous God" (Ephesians 3:10,21).

The church has been created to fulfill two major roles or functions, though they can't ultimately be separated. One role is in relation to itself while the other is in relation to the world. What is meant is with respect to itself, the church functions to promote growth in brotherly love and holiness so that it may reach the "measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-13), to the glory of God. With respect to the world, the church functions as Christ's witnesses in the proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20), to the glory of God. By the church assembling together it provides an environment that is specifically suited for the building up of the body of Christ in true love and holiness. This enables the church to fulfill its role in relation to itself. When the church is dispersed in the world, then this is the ideal and primary context for evangelism. It is God's appointed setting for the fulfillment of the church's role in relation to the world.

There are some key ingredients in gathering together with worship of God at the heart of each assembly.

1. Prayer (Matthew 21:13; Acts 2:42; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 25; 1 Timothy 2:1, 8).
2. Fellowship (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 10:24-25)
3. Singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)
4. Reading, teaching and exhortation from the Word (Acts 2:42; 11:26; 1 Timothy 4:13; 5:17; Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27)
5. The Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:17-33)
6. Evangelism may happen as the unbeliever observes the reality of God in the midst of the church body (1 Corinthians 14:23-25). God's presence is especially evidenced as the assembly demonstrates a genuine love for God, for one another (John 13:34-35) and for the unbeliever.

The biblical assembling of a group of believers is getting together to do things that only believers can do! An unbeliever cannot worship the Lord in song, he cannot participate in true fellowship with the body of Christ, he cannot engage in prayer, and he cannot understand or appreciate the truths of God's Word (1 Corinthians 2:14). Often times, an unbeliever finds it distasteful or at the very least uninteresting. That doesn't mean that we are to make it our goal to be repulsive to the unbeliever! Just the opposite, we should seek to be as attractive as possible to the unbeliever without sacrificing the biblical nature of the assembly. The assembly is not so much the place to bring an unbeliever to hear the gospel and get saved as it is the place to bring the unbeliever to see and experience the sincere love that Christians have for one another and for God. We must be careful not to sacrifice the biblical doctrines of the assembly in order to be more attractive and/or comfortable for the unsaved.

In the New Testament, evangelism took place in everyday life as believers interacted with the world around them. It was the natural outworking of the believers' life in Christ. So as we mature in Christ, we should desire to "excel still more".

After living here in Utah for over 24 years I am well acquainted with the problems that can arise between Christianity and other religions. I agree that it is important to be able to sit down together and to share and talk respectfully with one another about the differences between one's beliefs. However, as a Christian, your goal is not to just discuss the beliefs but to show another his need for a Savior. All other conversation pales in comparison to this truth. Whereas, it's good to know information about other religions, the real importance of that is not the knowledge, but the facts that are different from the absolute Truth found in the Bible.

Now, returning to the original subject matter, a Christian church has no business bringing on staff, a Muslim cleric, or anyone whose views would be antithetical to that of the church body and Biblical truth.

Thank you to each of you who participated in the discussion. I have to say it was very stimulating!

????

What are people thinking? This was passed on to me by a friend of mine.

From: The Berean Call
To: updates@lists.thebereancall.org
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2005 8:18 AM
Subject: TBC Today : Ecumenical Echoes
Episcopal Church Hires Muslim Cleric
The newest staff member at St. John's Episcopal Church in Denver, Colorado, is a Muslim Imam. Ibrahim Kazerooni was formally installed on November 14, 2004 as the director of the church's Abrahamic Initiative, a bridge-building effort among Christians, Jews, and Muslims ("Reaching Out, church hires Muslim," "The Denver Post," November 11). This is probably the first time in history that a Muslim cleric has become a staff member in a church. Church representative Greg Movesian said, "We hope this appeals to people who don't look upon people of other religions as a target for conversion but rather potential partners in maintaining a civil society" (O Timothy, Vol. 22, No.1).
[TBC: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12).

Crosses and Evangelism....

This morning, Kim, at The Upward Call wrote about wearing a cross. It reminded me of the story about how the Lord used a cross to bring my grocery checker into His family. In Utah, one does not see very many crosses because the mormons don't like to 'focus' on the cross. Not always, but usually, when you see someone wearing a cross, it just takes a question or two, to confirm that they are indeed, saved.

On this particular spring day, I was in the check out line at the grocery store and the checker, Phyllis, saw my cross and commented on it. She asked if I was Catholic and I smiled and told her, "I'm a born again Christian." She asked which church I went to and I shared that I went to this particular Bible church. After that initial contact, whenever I returned to the store I made sure I went through Phyllis' checkout station. Over the next several months she always had a question or two, or maybe just a comment.

One day, several of the gals were talking about a 'tragic incident.' I asked if something had happened. Phyllis shared with me that one of the ladies that worked there had lost her husband the night before. I agreed that was sad. She looked at me and asked me if I felt like there was a specific time for people to die. My response to her was that the Bible says that our days are numbered and God alone knows how many they are. That is why it is so important for a person to be right with God, because one never knew when they were going to die and have to stand before God. Phyllis shared that she had been widowed some 16 years ago and she felt the same way...that there weren't any "accidents" when it came to a person dying.

On another visit she shared with me how she has a severely handicapped son, along with 2 other children who are older than Brad. I shared with her that I had had a brother who had Down Syndrome. There was talk about finding purpose in all of that and I reached out and touched her arm and told her that there definitely was a purpose for Brad being born. She told me that she couldn't understand what it was. I told her that even if she never knew what his purpose was, God did. I asked her if she had a Bible, to which she replied that she did. "Read Psalm 139, especially verses 11 through 16." I told her that she must be a very special person for the Lord to have blessed her with Brad.

Each time I went to the store I went through her line and over 7 months we had these little divine snippets of conversation. I prayed mightily that the Lord would enable me to give her just the right verse for encouragement. I asked her to come join us for our ladies Bible study on her day off. As the conversations progressed I asked the ladies in my Bible study to begin praying for her salvation. My husband, Jim, began praying, James was praying, my ladies prayer group began praying for her salvation, people at church began praying for her.

Well, right before Thanksgiving (2003) I was picking up a few last minute things and I went through her line. She made a comment to me, "You know, Claire, when one is right with God then everything else falls into place." I was so taken aback! My reply to her was, "Yes, Phyllis, that is true, when one is right with God, things fall into place." Then she said, "I am so glad that I made that decision!" She kept right on talking but I didn't really hear her because I was so fixated on the word "decision." "Decision?" I asked. "Oh yes!" she gushed. So, I sought to qualify, "Was there a specific time, or a day, or date that she could pin point for her decision?" "Oh most definitely! November 10th!" she shared. I just about dropped my bag of groceries as I repeated back to her, "November 10th?" "Oh yes! That's the best day of my whole life!" I looked at her and said, "Phyllis, that is the same day that James' friend and lab partner accepted the Lord! She came out of mormonism!" Phyllis said, "I came out of mormonism, too, and it all began with that cross of yours!!" I then shared that my spiritual birthday was November 6, 1972 at which her eyes got really big and she said, "God has certainly been busy in November, hasn't he? November is the very best month!" I agreed and left the store. As soon as I got out of the store I burst into tears, happy, joyful, tears. And, I called our son first, because Jim was still sleeping, to share the good news, then I began calling all the other people who had been praying for her.

Later, she shared with me how she had been seeking. In fact, she had asked so many questions of so many people in her search to know Truth. It wasn't until she saw my cross and began asking me questions that she thought maybe she was on the right track.

She has joined our ladies Bible study and just loves it and is growing in her relationship with the Lord. It was such a privilege to be used by God to bring Phyllis into His family!

Seeing the Lord work, personally....

Like you, I am sure that you can name numerous times when you have seen the Lord work personally in your family. We have so many stories. Stories that always point to the faithfulness of God and of His provision.

Something has happened recently which made me think back to an incident that took place back in the early 1990's. My husband was to have the first of two shoulder surgeries and I was quitting work to stay home and take care of him and to be a full time Mom again. It was major surgery, because once they got in, they discovered there wasn't anything holding his shoulder in place. They had to reattach with pins and screws etc.

Well, it took a long time for the disability money to kick in. We were quickly going through our savings. But, Jim had told me that this paycheck that was coming would be enough to pay the house payment. Well, payday arrived and Jim told me his check stub was in his work apron. He went to bed and went to sleep. (He worked the night shift.) I tip toed in and pulled out his 'stub' and returned to the kitchen to make the housepayment. I looked down and the amount is over half less than what I expected. Now, I admit, I immediately sank deep into the "pit." It was so dark but the thing that I remember the most was the smell...it smelled like sulfur! I couldn't believe that satan hooked me so easily. Of course, I panicked. I began to moan and cry to the Lord. In my mind, I began to ask questions...such as, "Claire, name one time when I have not been faithful, just one time." Well, I sat there softly crying and trying to think of when the Lord had never been faithful. Right, you've got it! Naturally, there has never been a time when the Lord has not been faithful. Never, ever!!! He cannot be unfaithful!

I finally got up from the table, still not understanding how it was all going to work out but knowing that somehow it would. I slowly tip toed back into the bedroom to replace Jim's paystub in his work apron pocket. As I reached to put the stub back in, I noticed another stub. I looked at the stub in my hand, then back to the apron. I reached for the stub in the apron and pulled out another pay stub!!! The stub I had was from the previous pay day. I quickly crept back out of the room, into the light and looked down at the "new" stub. I'm sure you can imagine the elation and thankfulness as I saw the full amount that would cover our housepayment!! I immediately knelt and asked for the Lord's forgiveness and wept for joy over His provision.

That incident was a "faith changing" moment in my life. I'm sure there have been short moments of doubt, but all it takes is a moment of my recalling the smell of sulfur and I am back, fully recognizing that God is in control, faithful as always. I've come a long way (at least in this area) from that time.

Now, jump forward to the end of March 2001. I gave my two week notice to quit my job (which was a wonderful job if I had to work) because my parents had moved in with us (fall of 1999) and my Dad had just had his hip replaced, and I was needed at home. His eyes were deteriorating so he didn't want to drive anymore and all those types of things that factor into decisions that needed to be made. Well, one week after giving my notice, my Dad died, very unexpectedly. I thank the Lord my sister was here at the time! But, that was a big financial adjustment and, my husband, bless his heart, kept telling me the Lord knows our situation and it will be okay. And, it has been!

Now, this present time....we have found out that because our insurance premiums went up drastically, our present net, take home income has decreased by $250.00 a month! Imagine my shock when we figured out the loss! Now, like most of you, we can't afford a loss of $250.00 in spendable income. The big difference between now and back then is that I am NOT smelling the sulfur!!! I cannot see how logically it will work on paper, however, I do know that the Lord is faithful! He has provided over and over again! Now, when something like this happens, it is actually exciting to see how He will provide!!! Oh, we are making cuts, drastic cuts. My mother is pretty much a recluse, but she does like to go out to eat dinner. We have our favorite restaurants that we make the rounds. But, that has come to a screeching halt. Once a payday, we take her out to eat, not more than that.

Our family has seen the Lord work in such personal ways. Very personal ways. I would not want to trade that for anything! In fact, when we had come into a little money, I told Jim that we needed to really look, each day, and notice how God was working within our family. I didn't want to ever not see His hand in our life! Well, we continue to get our wish! He is continuing to deal directly with us and, as a result, we continue to be stretched and pulled, all for His glory! But, by His interceding on our behalf, we always have something to share with our unsaved friends that points right back to our great and awesome God!

Interview...

Kate, at Under The Sky, is participating in the Interview Game and I am the chosen lucky one! If others are interested then here are the rules for the first five to comment:

1. Leave me a comment saying "interview me."
2. I will respond by asking you five questions.
3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. (Write your own questions or borrow some from other sites.)

Okay, here are Kate's questions and my answers!

What two fiction books have affected your life in such a way as to make a difference?

The first book I would list would be This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti. It really caused me to re-evaluate the importance of prayer and what an impact our prayers have on the world around us.

The second book that I am listing is Deadline by Randy Alcorn. I read this a little while after my father had passed away. Deadline fed both my mind and my heart. What a perspective of heaven Randy Alcorn has!!

If you could transport yourself into any particular time period, but had to stay there forever with your family, where would you go, and what kind of person would you be?

Wow! What a question! My first thought would be that I would want to go on ahead to heaven! There I would be myself, as I am supposed to be, without that ugly sin nature that always seems to get in my way! And, since my whole family is saved they would be right there with me!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?

Well, I suppose it would be that I modeled, bridesmaids and wedding dresses, during my highschool days for extra money. I also did 'Tea Room' modeling and some photography modeling.

If you could make a public announcement for everyone to hear, what would you say?

I am very shy so I can't really imagine my getting up in front of people and making an annoucement. If God so moved me, and gave me the words, then I would share about His love and our need.

Why do you blog?

This one is easy! I originally began blogging because I have a nephew who didn't respond to emails unless they were dealing with computers. As I talked with my niece, Claire, (his sister)she mentioned that she checked his blog every few days. I asked what a blog was and she told me. Well, after reading his, I thought, "I can do this! What a great way to stay in touch with family, etc." So I took the plunge, then so did my niece. From there it has just mushroomed as I have visited with so many nice people from all over the world.

Aerobatic solo...

It is so exciting to talk to James! Especially since we have been praying for the Lord to fill his mind with the knowledge, skill and ability to fly that plane! Well, he had his aerobatic solo on Friday and just loved it! He has shared that no one is enjoying flying right now, for many reasons...the stress, the difficulty, they always seem to be doing something wrong and the list goes on. However, I do believe that there are certain times when they do enjoy flying, at least for James, and that is when he is soloing! To be up, going through his loops, his rolls and all his other manuevers, sixty miles away, without an IP (instructor pilot) sitting behind him was just pure elation! He did great and seems to have developed a lot more confidence. You can hear it in his voice! That makes me smile...in fact, it brings great joy to my heart, as I have seen God's faithfulness throughout these months. I don't know who's faith has been built up more, James' or his parents! :) I guess it really doesn't matter, does it? The important thing is that the Lord is lifted up!

A Miracle...

I am in awe! Oh yes, I have had an inkling for a little over a year now but it is just now, today, beginning to sink in! It all goes back to when I was 40. That was a very traumatic year for me, health wise, especially my eyes. I had been having some severe problems and had to discontinue wearing my contact lens, which I had worn since my early teens. In the midst of all the problems I was also diagnosed with glaucoma.

Eventually, my doctor retired and I made a switch to a new and younger doctor. He, too, confirmed my glaucoma and kept me on the eye drops that I had been on for years. Because I am diabetic I need to make sure I go in and have my eyes checked every year. About two years ago I was in for my yearly eye exam. The young doctor was taking a very long time, without saying anything, which made me extremely nervous. Finally, I got up enough courage to ask him what he was looking at. He still didn't answer me right away and then he said, "It's more about what I am not looking at." It turns out that he could see no evidence of my glaucoma, glaucoma which he, himself, had confirmed on several yearly visits. Well, I was very skeptical. In my mind, I questioned his credentials. How could this be? So, I made an appointment with another opthamologist and, lo and behold, he told me the same thing. However, he had me continue the drops for several more months and then I went back in to see him, at which time, things still looked great. Hope was beginning to blossom. After my last visit, he said to discontinue the drops and come back in a year. Today was that visit.

He again confirms that there is no evidence of glaucoma and he cannot understand why!! He truly has not ever heard of it reversing itself. Two years now, I am cleared, totally, of my glaucoma!!! I praise God above, who works all things to His Glory!!!

The other exciting item is that I am going back into contacts! Well, I am hoping to return to wearing contacts. After 11 years he is having me try a sample pair to see how I do with them. You cannot imagine my joy if it is possible to return to wearing contacts! O Glory be!!!

Worship...

I was reading another blog several days ago and she commented on how 'daily' a mother's day can be...not monotonous, just daily. I've thought about that quite a bit since I read it because I no longer have any children around the house to keep things 'spiced' up rather nicely. At times I feel like I have nothing to write about because it seems to be the same, day in and day out. Oh, yes, I do get out everyday, it seems, to run errands etc. And I would love to have a day when I don't have to go anywhere but, if it isn't an errand then it is an appointment.

However, as I thought about the 'dailyness' of my day the Lord impressed on me that it still belongs to Him and He is the one who has given me my day...my very next breath in fact! I've known that but I think I just needed to be reminded. Everything I do I need to remember is my worship being offered to my King! Worship isn't just on Sunday when I am sitting in church but rather, throughout my day, each task I do should be done in such a way that it brings honor and glory to Him...."do it as unto the Lord."

One of the verses that I seem to be 'meditating' on this week is "taking each thought captive." I find as I do this it helps me to focus, redirect my thoughts, if needed. I'm making sure that my thoughts are offering worship to my Most High God!

I need to remind myself, also, that I never know when the Lord will involve me in a personal way in His work. The checker at my grocery store, Phyllis, came to know Him as her personal Savior, through our everyday conversations. So, I look, always prepared to share the hope that is within me. And recognizing that my next breath may not come so I want to make sure my last breath was pleasing to Him!

Happy Valentine's Day...

The hearts of family and friends seem bigger than anyone else's to me.

I wonder why that is?

Could it be because you make room for all of my joys, tears and triumphs?

Or could it be the way you listen to me and understand what I am saying,

in special ways, that let me know that God hears too.

All I know is that your love and friendship is a gift in my life

And I count each of you as one of the most wonderful blessings He's given to me.

Just a note to wish Happy Valentines' Day to all my family and friends! I love each and every one of you! May the Lord richly bless your day today!

Claire

Exodus 35:30-31, 36:1

"Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..." (Exodus 35: 30-31).

"So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded" (Exodus 35:1).

My husband and I are reading through the Bible in a year together. On this past Monday we were reading in Exodus 35-37 when these verses jumped out at me. I've read this passage many times before but never under the conditions that 'we' are under now with our son in flight training. I was struck by the phrases "...has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in..." and "...the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work..."

As I reread those phrases I thought, "That's it! That's how to pray for James!" I may not understand all that is required to learn how to fly the aircraft but I know the One who does!!! It was the Lord who enabled the people to follow His instructions. He put it into their minds how to accomplish His work. Well, I firmly believe that it is the Lord who has placed James where he is right now. That being the case, then the Lord knows how to fly that aircraft and He knows the academics that need to be learned....all the things that are required for it all to become second nature to James. So my prayer has now been that the Lord would infuse James' mind with the necessary knowledge for academics and enable James to fly the aircraft with the skill and ability and knowledge which the Lord will provide to him.

I know this will be James' longest year ever in his life, as it is for his father and me! Already it seems like we have lived a lifetime since October! I am reminded daily to pray for him and to continually be lifting him up before our Lord's throne. The stress is unbelievable but I know that the Lord is with James in the midst of the "fire." As a mother, I wish it could be easier. Would that be better? No. And I realize that. And truly, if this is what it takes then I really don't want it any easier. James is experiencing first hand the faithfulness of his Lord in a very real and personal way. No parent could ask for more.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]" 1 Corinthians 15:58. Amplified Bible

Comment Box...

I just went in and checked again...and lo and behold, my Comment Box is 'normal'. By that I mean, it is just like my niece's. So, I don't feel so 'out there', like I have something wrong with me. How did it happen? I have no idea. This could stress me if I let it, but I'm not going to. Obviously, it is beyond my control. I guess I'm just glad it's Friday and the weekend is beginning! Praise the Lord!

Commenting...

Sometimes I am just plain slow. Now, I smile when I type this because I can hear my son teasingly saying, "Sometimes?" with a grin on his face. I was visiting my niece's blog yesterday and clicked on 'Comment'. To my surprise, a new window popped up from what she originally had for 'Comments'. So I ask her, "Why did you change your 'comment' area?" Well, imagine my surprise this morning when I went to comment on my own blog! My 'Comments' have changed too! And, not like a normal size box but this narrow little thing that I can only type one, two, maybe three words in before it scrolls to the next line. What is going on? How can I change my box to a more 'normal' size box? If anyone has any suggestions (Dan?) then I would love to hear!!! It makes me mad when 'someone' just arbitrarily changes something on me without letting me know or without giving me a choice. I could live with my niece's style of commenting but I don't want to keep what I was given. Thanks for getting me clued in whatever is going on *music of Twilight Zone*.

Nehemiah 4...

I have been thinking this week, as I studied Nehemiah chapter 4, what my reaction tends to be when someone opposes me or a project that I might be involved in. Usually, I tend to get my hackles up or my feathers ruffled. I may even second guess myself. I have my immediate "reaction" then, I pray. Oh how I desire to pray first, then respond, rather than react.

In Nehemiah there began to be opposition to the rebuilding of the wall. The people were threatened...not with just harm but death. Some of the people were afraid. But Nehemiah combined prayer, preparation and planning in meeting the opposition. I love how Nehemiah reminds the Lord of His covenant with Israel. Then he prays for justice to be done by God.
He also takes steps to have his people armed. He grouped them by families...I find this intriguing. Someone may not necessarily defend another person as aggressively as he would if it was someone in his family. Throughout Nehemiah I see a lot of sound psychology!

Nehemiah also reminded the people that God would fight for them. I need to remember this too. When the Lord has called me to do something for Him and there is opposition, He will be there with me. Opposition is a good thing. Yes, it can notify us that we are upsetting satan but it can also cause us to grow. Warren Wiersbe said, "Opposition is not only an evidence that God is blessing, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow..."God had one Son without sin," said Charles Spurgeon, "but He never had a son without a trial."

It was wise of Nehemiah to redirect the discouraged people from their overwhelming opposition to their omnipotent Lord! May I do the same thing. When I am discouraged may I redirect my focus away from my problem to my omnipotent Lord! When I have a proper view of God then all my difficulties are put in the correct perspective! Over the years, I have said many times, "If someone is complaining then they are not praying." And, it is true. How can I complain if I am taking it to the Lord in prayer?

"Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome..." (Nehemiah 4:14)

Happy...

I'm so excited because our plans are beginning to take shape for our visit to see our son in May! Family and friends are truly a gift from the Lord! I know I have mentioned my sister in the past on my blog but I am truly blessed. Not only is she my sister by blood but she is also my sister in the Lord! I cannot fathom a better sibling relationship than that! She will be coming out to stay with Mom while Jim and I make our trip. Then there is Judy who is a dear friend and it is through her that we are able to fly on her buddy passes which saves us a ton of money. It never fails to excite me when I see the Lord provide so personally in such a variety of ways.

Other good news....I've been hobbling around for a week after some laser surgery on the bottom of my foot. I had my post-op check today and now only have a bandaid. Yea!!! I am back in shoes! It has been challenging to get around without one shoe during our snowiest time of the year!

The sun has been shining so brightly today! I have a song in my heart! The Lord is Good!

The big Congrats!! Our James is on the left! 

Three! 

One...two... 

Getting ready for the big 'solo dunk'. 

Waiting for James to get out after first solo. 

James getting out of plane after first solo. 

Super Bowl

Yea!!! The Patriots won the Super Bowl! I was the only one out of 10 other people who rooted for the Patriots (well maybe Jim did, he did predict they would win). We had a great time, regardless! We were all glad that it was a close game, and on the whole, the commercials were tons better than last year. The house where we watched the game had a fairly new large tv screen with the HDTV, along with the wide screen you felt like you were right there! It is wonderful to watch sports on something like that.

Answered Prayer...

It is so exciting to me when I see answered prayer! Our prayer for our son before he ever left home in October was for the Lord to provide another Christian young man, one who is actively walking with the Lord and has things in common with our son. Well, a couple of Sundays ago, James went back to one church he had visited in the past. He attended the singles class, the worship service and went back for the Sunday evening service. In the singles class he met two other officers who are in UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training). Steve is a few weeks ahead of James in the program while Ryan is a few weeks behind James. After church they went out for pizza and met up with some of the others from that singles class. Steve talked about a Bible study/prayer time that he was trying to get going.

Yesterday while James was working out, his SRO (Senior Ranking Officer) struck up a conversation with him. From my understanding, it began with mormonism but turned into just a plain religious discussion with Luke asking questions of James. They are all struggling with the pressures of being in UPT and the incredible demands it makes on them. Luke is looking for 'something more' out of life. Anyway, it was an exciting time as James was able to share some of his faith with Luke. Later, Steve (from Sunday school) called James and said the Bible study was going to meet for the first time that night (last night, Friday). James called Luke and asked him if he wanted to come. He said sure.

Well, James said there were four Christians that showed up along with Luke and a friend he brought with him (also from UPT) named Kevin. James believes Kevin is a Christian who is struggling in his walk, waffles back and forth, not living for the Lord. Finally, before they got too far along, Steve's roommate, Jared (who is actually in James' UPT class) came on down and joined them. They began sharing where they were and what they wanted out of this group.

James shared that he had been reading in 1 Peter 2. He began with how the Lord had really impressed on him several verses out of chapter 2. Verses 1 -3 state "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." Also, verse 9 says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." And then, finally, verse 23b: "Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." James shared how these verses had struck him---in verse 1, 'all' meaning all, not just partial, not just some. That he should be striving to rid himself of 'all'. James also shared how acutely aware he is that it is God who has allowed him to come this far, it is God who has placed him where he is today. And, it will be God, and God alone, who gets James through UPT. James acknowledged that they are there, learning to be pilots and eventually to be pilots, but truly, as a believer, he is there for an even higher calling, that is, to be a witness for God in the pilot community (vs. 9). Finally, he is very open in class or giving a briefing, admitting that he doesn't know or understand something completely, and is willing to take the consequences for that, trusting that the Lord is in complete control of the whole situation. For James knows that Capt. ---- cannot do anything to him unless it has passed through the Lord's hands first (vs 23b).

They also shared how they were all desiring a prayer time, where they can support and uphold one another during the difficult times. No one understands what they are going through, unless one has already been through it, or, are going through it themselves. They feel the need to lift and encourage each other through prayer.

After the get-together Luke went out to James' car with him and they continued talking. Luke continuing to ask James questions and James directing him back to the Bible with his answers.

It is so exciting to be involved (by prayer) in our son's life as he seeks to serve his country, but more importantly, as he seeks to serve his Lord and Savior. Will you join with us in prayer for Luke, as we see the Lord pulling him to Himself. Pray that his heart and mind would be open to the Holy Spirit and may his ears, eyes and mind begin to comprehend his need before God. Pray that satan would be bound, not able to snatch the Truth which James is sharing with him and pray, too, that Luke would have a hunger to be in God's Word. Also, pray for Jared. I don't know if there is any interest there, but he did come and join them and since I don't believe in coincidences but in God-incidences, then, there was a reason for him being there too. And, pray for Kevin, that he will be convicted to stand firm in his faith, desiring to live for the Lord in all areas of his life. Finally, would you please pray that this group would be faithful to meet once a week, and faithful to uphold one another in prayer. It would be so easy to say they don't have time or something else is more important. May the Holy Spirit cause them to see the bigger picture...that being, if God is number one in their priorities then all the other will fall into place.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:21)

Time with the Lord...

Have you ever noticed when you love someone all you want to do is spend time with them, or talk with them for hours on end? You cannot seem to have enough time together, ever. When someone else calls to do something, you have to check your schedule to see when you are supposed to have time together with the one you love. The one I love takes precedence over everyone else. If that is so, then why does it seem so difficult sometimes to 'find' time to be with the Lord? Do you ever have that problem? Where the 'jumble of life' seems to crowd out the important things? He is my all consuming passion but, I have to confess, there are times when I feel like it isn't so. Those are the times when I have jumped up and begun my day without meeting with Him first. Oh! The whole timbre of my day is off when I do that. If Christ Himself met with the Father to pray, how much more do I need to? There were times when Christ prayed all night! May I always put Him first and foremost in my life, ahead of all else!

Love Tips...Explained by kids

This list came in a brochure from one of the Christian radio stations that I listen to. Seeing that this is February and Valentines Day is just around the corner I thought you could use a laugh or two.

Q. What is the proper age to get married?
A. "Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife."--Tom, age 5

Q. The Great Debate: Is it better to be single or married?
A. "It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. The boys need somebody to clean up after them!"--Lynette, age 9
"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble."--Kenny, age 7

Q. Why does love happen between two people?
A. "No one is sure why it happens but I heard it has something to do with the way you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular."--Jan, age 9

Q. Is love truly the most important thing in the world?
A. "Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too."--Greg, age 8

Q. What is it like when you are falling in love?
A. "Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life."--Roger, age 9
"If falling in love is anything like learning your spelling words, I don't want to do it. It takes too long."--Leo, age 7

Q. Are good looks important in falling in love?
A. "It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything, and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet."--Gary, age 7

Q. Why do people who are in love hold hands?
A. "They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them."--Dave, age 8

Q. Where do you find love?
A. "Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me."--Bobby, age 8
"I'm not rushing into love...4th grade is hard enough for me!"--Regina, age 10

Q. What are the qualifications necessary to be a good spouse?
A. "Sensitivity doesn't hurt."--Ava, age 8

Q. What is a surefire way to make people fall in love with you?
A. "Yell out at them at the top of your lungs that you love them--and don't worry if their parents are standing right there."--Alonzo, age 9

Q. "What are most people thinking when they say, "I love you?"
A. "The person is thinking , 'yeah, I really do love him, but I hope he showers at least once a day.'"--Michelle, age 9

Q. How was kissing invented?
A. "I know one reason that kissing was created. It makes you feel warm all over, and they didn't always have electric heat or fire places or even stoves in their houses."--Gina, age 8

Q. How does a person learn to kiss?
A. "You learn it right on the spot when the gooshy feeling gets the best of you."

Q. When is it okay to kiss someone?
A. "If it's your mother, you can kiss her anytime. But if it's a new person, you have to ask permission."--Roger, age 6

Q. How do you make love endure?
A. "Don't forget your wife's name...That will mess up the love."--Roger, age 8

Q. What is a love ballad you can sing to your beloved...
A. "Hey, Baby, I don't like girls but I'm willing to forget you are the one!"--Will, age 7


I am reminded of my son and his favorite babysitter. Her name was Julie and she loved bugs and stuff, as well as rats and snakes etc. When my son was about 5 he gave her the highest compliment there was, "Julie is the next best thing to being a boy!" That's love!

Seven consequences of sin...

Psalm 51:1-17 "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. / Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. / Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. / Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. / Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. / Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. / Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. / Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. / Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. / Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. / Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. / Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. / Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. / O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. / You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. / The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

As I read through this passage again this morning I am reminded of consequences of sin:

1. Sin soils your soul and body (vs. 1 and 2)
2. Sin saturates your mind (vs. 3)
3. Sin stings the conscious (vs. 4)
4. Sin saddens the heart (vs. 8, 12)
5. Sin sickens the body (vs. 8)
6. Sin sours the spirit (vs. 10)
7. Sin seals one's lips (vs 13, 15)

It would be much easier to go before the Lord with a sacrifice, I think. We poor humans are conditioned to 'do' something to make things right. How much harder it is for me to offer God my broken spirit and repentant heart. To me, that is much harder to do, I guess because it means humbling myself before the Lord and acknowledging my sin and weakness. All sin has some element of pride in it, don't you think? May I continually call on Him to sustain me and give me the power to flee from sin!

Magazine...

Moms and daughters, check out a new Christian teen magazine that is starting up. Two gals, one whom is a very dear friend (Tricia), have a vision for reaching young teen gals and giving them a quality magazine with a Christian focus. Check out their site and see what you think. It's www.realiteenmagazine.com. Take a look throughout the different subject matters. I think you'll get excited! There's even a place to sign up for a free trial issue. What have you got to lose? If you like it, then pass the word on to your friends and your youth pastor. They are trying to reach as many different people as possible. Also, would you please pray for them? The next few weeks are extremely busy as their first issue goes to press.

James is 2nd from right. 

Our James is the 3rd from the left.

How do you prepare?

How do you prepare for ministry? It doesn't have to be full time ministry, or on the mission field. It could be just a short project of some sort. How would you go about preparing for it? Do you put in a lot of preparation for it, or do you just fly by the seat of your pants? Well, I'm studying Nehemiah right now and I am enjoying it so much! The study guide that I am using is one of Donna Partow's called Extracting the Precious From Nehemiah. Anyway, she lists seven principles that can be pulled from Nehemiah 2.

• "Ministry begins in God's heart. Authentic transformation, of an individual, a church or a society always flows down from above." Do you ever find yourself thinking that whatever you are desiring to do, you are wanting to do it for God, not realizing that it really is something that God is wanting to do through you?
• "See the importance of a quiet season of preparation. Nehemiah spent time in prayer and fasting, seeking God's perspective and wisdom before doing anything else." Donna points out how for Moses it was 40 years and David waited 15 years before taking the throne.
• "Preparation begins with prayer, but it doesn't stop there. When you begin preparations in prayer, God will bring thngs to your attention that you might have missed otherwise. You'll be more efficient."
• "You can be bold when you've spent time with God and are confident you've heard from Him."
• "Nehemiah knew that only fools rush in." He evaluated the situation for three full days, then he recruited, and he gave people credit.
• "Nehemiah also discovered that even with God as the architect, it doesn't mean you won't face opposition."
• Finally, Nehemiah publicly acknowledged God's gracious hand and that it was He alone who accomplished the task.

I have had such wonderful examples of Nehemiah's 'way' in my sister and brother-in-law who are in full time Christian ministry. They have "Pray and Plan" meetings, they are in prayer, they seek others to pray along with them, they wait on the Lord and, most of all, they give the Lord all the credit. But, I found myself looking at this from a totally different light. What about when I feel led to do something...maybe it's to do a project at church, or maybe it's to minister to another person in some way...that isn't something that I'm just 'conjuring up', rather, that is something that God is placing in my heart, from His heart. So even these "little" things should be afforded prayer and preparation. Some things may 'appear' to be 'spur of the moment', like inviting someone to share dinner with you, but if you have been meeting daily with your Savior and fellowshipping in prayer with Him, then I think you are prepared to be obedient when the Spirit leads. For example, being prepared to invite someone to dinner just means that I need to make preparation when I'm preparing my shopping lists...to keep a few staples on hand that can quickly be added to stretch things. And then, when the Lord lays it upon my heart to do something 'spontaneous' I'll be prepared.

An Air Force C130 releasing flares to repel heat seeking missles. The pattern formed by these "decoys" is how they got their name 'angel decoy'. 

Solo...

Praise the Lord!!! Our son just called to let us know that he has finished his first solo!!! How thankful I am that it is the Lord who is the wind beneath his wings!!!

Humorous thoughts for the day...

This has been around a number of times but for those of you who may have missed it, or might need a laugh to begin your day, here it is again.

Accept that some days you're the pigion, and some days you're the statue.

Always keep your words soft and sweet just in case you have to eat them.

Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

Drive carefully. It's not only cars than can be recalled by their maker.

Eat a live toad in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you for the rest of the day.

If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

If you lend someone $20, and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

Never buy a car you can't push.

Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you don't have a leg to stand on.

Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

The early worm gets eaten by the bird, so sleep late.

When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.

Ever notice that the people who are late are often much jollier than the people who have to wait for them?

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened.

We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors but they all have to learn to live in the same box.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.

Have a terrific day, and know that someone has thought about you today.

2 Corinthians 12:9...

"My grace is sufficient" 2 Corinthians 12:9. How do you read that sentence? Do you read it just like it is written or have you ever read it, "My grace IS sufficient." Sometimes I just need to adjust my thinking and in the process I'm reminded of God's provisions anew.

• Grace--unmerited favor. I bring Christ what I have, which is my sin. He takes my sin and gives me His righteousness. This is the meaning of Grace!
• Is--the present, always.
• Sufficient--enough and with plenty to spare!

Charles Spurgeon once referred to God's grace this way "To think that our little cups could exhaust the ocean of His grace."

Ta da!!!

I am ecstatic because I figured out how to do a 'link' in my blogs AND actually list something in my sidebar! Now, I understand that for many of you this is no big deal but for someone (me) who is mentally challenged by a computer it is rather a daunting task to take on something so
huge! The other exciting item is that when one clicks on the links they actually work! I emailed my nephew who is a computer genius (in my eyes and my niece's eyes) and told him that his aunt's brain cells are still functioning! You know, I am grateful when the Lord allows me happy moments like these! I notice my niece now has her sidebar lists up and going. Way to go, Claire!

Women4God Blogs

I think this will be a good thing. Check out Women4God Blogs.

Ahhh...

For me, there is something immensely satisfying in having a clean home. Granted, it is work but I find joy in working toward my goal. I like to put on some praise and worship music and then, as my grandmother used to say, "Pop my coat tails!" I find that having my home clean, neat and orderly allows me to relax. It is a major stress reducer!

I'm the kind of person who finds mess terribly distracting. In fact, I cannot cook if my kitchen is messed up. I will take the time to clean my kitchen, put away things, load the dishwasher if needed, etc. before I begin to cook. I try to clean up as I go along. My mother was just the opposite when she cooked. She didn't clean up as she went along and then there was always a huge mess at the end...and somewhere in all of that I ended up cleaning the mess. *sigh* Maybe that is what made me almost fanatical about cleaning as I go along. :)

Once my home is clean I am always drawn to rewarding myself by sitting down with a good book or maybe a magazine. Today was a wonderful day to clean because it was so grey and dreary outside. We have been in an inversion (where the cold air is trapped underneath, with all the pollution, under the warm air) for weeks and haven't seen the sun. If one were to drive just a little way up the canyon in the mountains you rise above all the gunk and the sun is shining and it is quite warm. All I lack is 2 loads of laundry which I will probably do tomorrow unless I decide to do them tonight while Jim is at BSF.

I was 'talking' (emailing) with my niece's husband who is also doing Bible Study Fellowship again this year. He commented on how much he was enjoying his discussion group. Jim is too. I think this is Jim's 6 or 7th year and he has thoroughly enjoyed each study. They have asked him to be a leader several times but with his work schedule, and his home schedule he has told them it just isn't the right time. He isn't opposed to being a leader but he would have to actually take vacation time every Saturday morning to make it to the Leader's meeting. And, that would also mean he wouldn't get to bed to sleep until quite late. With only sleeping 3-4 hours on Saturday morning anyway.... He looks at it as this isn't the season in his life to do that. And, with his involvement in Evangelism Explosion he felt he would be stretched too thin.

As I cleaned today, I was reminded that working wasn't part of the Curse. Work was part of God's original plan. God himself is a worker. Jesus said, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working" (John 5:17). The Curse is what made work menial, tedious and frustrating. "God is the primary worker and as his image bearers, we were made to work. We create, accomplish, set goals, and fulfill them---to God's glory" (Heaven by Randy Alcorn). Won't that be wonderful, in heaven, to find that our work will never be drudgery? That we will have a very satisfied feeling of accomplishment without bringing sin into the picture? How wonderful to know that our work will be joyful and fulfilling, giving all glory to God! It doesn't get any better than that!

A conversation...

We were together with friends of ours this weekend and we had an interesting discussion. Please pray for her because I could see a light begin to come on. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will open her eyes to understand what I was sharing from the Bible. Our discussion centered around faith and works. I have another friend who just had a conversation along these same lines with the father of her friend. While she was visiting the story about this little girl and a new bicycle which she wanted was told. I'm copying and pasting it into this blog.

In this story, written by Stephen E. Robinson, a young girl approaches her father about the possibility of buying her very own bike. Her father explains to her that having a bike is a very big responsibility and that a bike would cost a lot of money. However, he hugs her tightly and tells her that a goal is a good thing to have. He encourages her to try to earn what she needs to buy a new bike. The young daughter begins sweeping the porch, helping her mother pull weeds in the garden, and clean her bedroom in earnest. After working hard, she comes to her father with the money she has earned, hoping to be able to buy a new bike. Her father responds, "Let's go see what we can find out." When they enter the bicycle shop the young girl sees the most beautiful bike she could've ever imagined...but when she sees the price tag she begins to weep. When the little girl settles down, her father wipes her tears away and says, "How about this? How much money do you have?" "Sixty-one cents," she answers. "Then I'll tell you what," he says. "Let's try a different arrangement. You give me everything you've got--the whole sixty-one cents--and a hug and a kiss, and the bike is yours. I'll make up the difference." This little, heartwarming story honestly and truly makes my heart...sick! You see, this parable describes exactly the way my LDS friends believe they will be redeemed. They believe that they need to meet Christ half-way with their sixty-one cents...

My friend, too, mentioned this story in her explanation. I shared how the New Testament consistently emphasizes that salvation (eternal life) comes by placing personal faith in Jesus Christ. There are close to 200 times in the New Testament where salvation is said to be done by faith alone, with no works in sight. I'll list just a few: John 3:15, John 5:24, John 11:25, John 12:46. Jesus explains the 'works' of God in John 6:27-29.

I am in agreement that works are important but they do not save!! Christians work from salvation, not for salvation. We do good works not to receive salvation, but because we have already received it (salvation). We are saved by faith but for works. Works are not the condition of our salvation, but a consequence of it. James 2 tells us we are saved not by works but by the kind of faith that produces works.

I will not argue, but when the Lord presents an opportunity, I need to be obedient and share, in love, the truth from His Word. Again and again, I share how important it is for anyone who believes they are following truth, to check it against the sure foundation of God's Word, just as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11, "...They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

You see, since God is outside of time, then there isn't any way that He can contradict Himself on down the line. Any "new" commandment will always line up with what He has already stated in His Word. If it doesn't, then one can be sure that it is false, leading one away from the truth.

The Trinity...

I was listening to the third talk which Ravi Zacharias gave when he was here in Salt Lake City. Jim and I were able to attend the first two but not his last. We purchased the DVD which has all three talks on it, plus the question and answer sessions, as well as audience comments. But, I digress. He gave a wonderful illustration for the Trinity, one which I had never heard before. He began with one dimension. In dealing with one dimension you get a straight line. The straight line can go from right to left, left to right, up or down but it is still a straight line. When you add a second dimension it's not just lines but one gets figures, such as a triangle, a square, etc. When you add a third dimension you now have objects and depth. With each added dimensions, the basic dimension still remains intact. With each dimension added you add the possibility of complexity without losing its simplicity. Ravi went on to say, "I believe if you take an uncaused being who is eternal, an infinite being who lives beyond time, and you take one who is the Creator of the universe, you have added so many different dimensions to infinitude that it is not at all impossible for Him to be one, in one sense, and three in another."

Isaiah 9:6

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6.

I've used this verse many times in witnessing to my mormon friends, mainly in discussing the names of Christ. "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father" show how Christ is God, not one of three gods. But, something else struck me the other night from this verse in particular. Christ has always been...in other words, he was never born, being eternal. So a baby was born, but a son was given. In other words, Christ who has always eternally existed was given to us...it wasn't Christ that was born. I think this is a very important distinction, especially here in the area in which I live.

God and the alphabet...

Every so often I like to work through the alphabet to think of words relating to God, or His attributes, etc. It's one of my favorite ways to lift praises to Him, acknowledging my need of Him, and reminding myself of my proper place before Him. No two times are alike and I am only hindered by my lack of vocabulary.

A - Awesome, adoring, amazing, All-Sufficient, Adonai, Alpha, You arrayed the heavens

B - Beyond my comprehension, brave, you bind the brokenhearted, your banner is over me, bountiful, blessed, beautiful

C - Comforter, Conqueror, caring, Creator, covenant God, Christ, Cross

D - Delightful, destroyer of evil, Designer of all

E - Eternal, exalted, Elohim, El Elyon, my everything, enthroned above the heavens, you did not excuse us but provided the way of escape

F - Faithful, forgiving, a fortress, freedom, you fulfill your promises, you first reached out to us

G - Great, good, you gather us to you, giver of every good and perfect gift

H - Holy, humble, Higher than the heavens, highest praises are yours alone, healer

I - I Am, you intended for us to have a relationship, integral part of us, interaction with us on a daily basis, we are free to inquire of you

J - Jehovah Jireh, Joy, you will dwell with us in the new Jerusalem, Justifier

K - Kind, Kinsman Redeemer, King of Kings

L - Lord of Lords, loving, loyal, lavish, you look out for us in our ignorance

M - Majestic, mighty, meek

N - Name above all names, we are nothing, you are all we need

O - Omnipotent, over all, omnipresent, one of a kind, Other

P- Promised One, precious, Peace, perfect will, praiseworthy, priestly, powerful

Q - You alone are qualified to be our Savior, quiet

R - Royal, ruler over all, Redeemer, redeeming

S - Steadfast, sufficient, Savior, sanctifier, Shepherd, Self-Existent, Holy Spirit

T - Triune God, There, tomb could not hold you

U - Unequal, unwavering, unchanging, utmost, uplifting, unique

V - Victorious, virtuous, no varying

W - Wise, wonderful, thank you for your written Word, you alone deserve worship, worthy

X - (words that sound like 'x') Exalted, extol your virtures

Y - Yaweh, You alone, You above all,

Z - You bring zest to my life, may my zealousness for you be tempered with love and humility, covered in wisdom from Your Word.

A great day...

Like my niece, Claire, I too, dislike change. I love being in a routine and getting things accomplished. Today was just one of those great days! The sun was shining and we were warm (unseasonably) so my errands were a joy to complete. I came back to a neat and tidy house so I didn't feel 'ugh' when I walked through the door. I also got my hair cut which is the next best thing to getting it permed when you are one or two weeks overdue for a perm...do you know the feeling I'm talking about? Now, Claire, with her naturally curly hair, has no idea but it is a wonderful feeling to think your hair doesn't look all droopy, limp or shaggy. It is a wonderful day to praise the Lord and to thank Him for the joy of my salvation!!!

Blog titles...

I've been doing a little more thinking, Dan, regarding new Blog names... Texas Loco, Dallas Trading Post, Texas Roundup, Dallas (or Texas) Jukebox, Big D Roundup. Have you had any great ideas?

Grieving...

My heart is so very heavy after a phone call which I received today. My cousin's husband died Saturday, very unexpectedly from a heart attack. The funeral will be Wednesday. Now, what is especially grievious to me is that a few years ago my Aunt informed my Mom that her daughter and husband had joined the mormon church. After living here for twenty years you can imagine my shock and horror when I heard that news! I grieved and mourned for days, weeks. I began praying immediately for believers to come across their path, that they would see the errors in the mormon theology. I also called and talked with my sister. There was a time when my sister
was able to stop and visit briefly with them on one of their travels. They hadn't seen each other in years. Of course, that visit was covered heavily in prayer, however, there wasn't any opportunities to speak of spiritual things. I have been to many LDS funerals and they are so cold, lifeless and hopeless. Oh, they talk about what a great person he was, and what fun, etc. They list all the good things that person has accomplished and tell stories about his life. They honor the person. But how different a believing Christian's funeral is! We have assurance of where our loved one is. We know that we will be united again with them in heaven. Not some heaven where one can become a "god and have their own planet with their spirit wives to procreate their own little world." No, we will be united with God Almighty, our Lord and Savior, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenants, the Lord who created EVERYTHING, heaven, the earth, the billions of galaxies, mankind, and our tears. My sister and I talked tonight about how to reach out in love. Distance is such a terrible thing during a time like this. However, I will write and share about finding comfort in the arms of God, sharing biblical verses that meant a lot to me when my own father died so unexpectedly 3 years ago. Then I will pray that the Holy Spirit will take what I share and use it to bring her to Him, not the false god of mormonism. Everyday I am reminded more and more how important prayer is and how I fall short. I would call myself a praying woman and others have called me that too. But, when I really examine God's Word, the truth truly shines back at me and I see clearly my need for improvement.

It's like I always believed in sharing my faith with others that they may know the Lord but it didn't really hit home how fragile life was until my brother was killed in 1988. I looked at his body and thought how a short while before, 30 years of age seemed old, and I was 34 at the time. But, when I looked at his body I realized that 30 years wasn't any time at all....it was a mere speck in light of eternity. It was at that exact point that I realized how important it was to find out where people stood for eternity. And, if there was any way that I could be used of God to help bring them into His kingdom, then praise the Lord!!! Now you have to understand that I am a very shy and reserved person. So, when I speak out for the Lord, I know it isn't me but the Holy Spirit that is leading, guiding and directing. Sometimes I am so surprised what comes out of my mouth. But, you know, that brings immense comfort to me because I don't have to worry about what to say, or how to say it. I know that the Lord is in control of all of that. Meanwhile, I turn to my Bible..."He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" Psalm 91:1.

Prayers...

Have you ever read Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 1? If you haven't I would highly encourage it. It truly is a model for us as believers. If we only had this one prayer to study and learn from it could actually make any other books on prayer obsolete! This prayer is rich in its awareness of God's character and His promises. He begins by acknowledging who God is and His position then Nehemiah moves on to confessing his sin and also the nation's sins. Finally he presents his request based upon the principles and promises of God's Word. I am a firm believer in being specific in my praying. I think that Nehemiah was specific and bold without being outcome based. Now, I don't mean specifically how I want the Lord to answer my prayer but to list the specific requests. It's exciting when one has a personal connection with God. It opens up whole new vistas as He responds to you in such a personal, caring way. We need to be open with laying out our requests before the Lord, but then we need to allow Him to handle the details as He sees fit.

Birthdays and other 'stuff'...

It's arrived...I can't believe it, and actually, it isn't so bad. No it's not the big 50, it's the next one, the 51! I would like to think that I have acquired more wisdom, which that statement assumes that I have some wisdom to begin with. If one goes by the amount of gray hair then I am not nearly as wise as my dear sister. And for that matter, even if she didn't out do me hairwise she has always been much wiser than I am. That's one reason I love her so.

I am slipping a little (and I am sure that the "pilot" would tell me it is exactly because of my age) (and he would do it with a sly smile) in that I usually begin celebrating several days before and go for several days after. But, I did not actually begin celebrating until the big day yesterday. It is continuing through tonight as well as tomorrow night.

I have been reading a book on Heaven. The Lord constantly reminds me that I need to keep my heavenly perspective...forever focused upward, vertically, rather than horizontially. When I am focused on the eternal then everything that happens to me takes on new meaning. Even when it would seem like just a "chance" meeting with a stranger. (Look what transpired with a chance meeting with a stranger...Phyllis came to know that Lord!) That means when I am home alone with just Jim and Nana, my interactions will be having eternal consequences. Now, I've known this...it isn't new to me but often I need to be reminded and how thankful I am that He is faithful to remind me. I certainly can't take anything physical with me when He calls me home but there are many things that I will be able to take with me, things that I am storing up ahead of my arrival, so to speak.

Bible study began again today. What a privilege to study God's Word! To dig deep into it and glean new truths, to be reminded of old truths, to be convicted in areas that need improvement and fellowship around the binding Word. I am excited about this new study. It's also encouraging to see how God has answered prayer over the holiday break for so many of the women! Our prayer time today was one of praises to the Most High God! And how encouraged our newest member, Phyllis, was to see the Lord's faithfulness in answering prayer---her's included. Hers involved making sure that she would have Thursdays off from work so she could attend.

One last thought to leave you with. This came from the accts News (www.accts.org) There was a small little blurb mentioned that gave me pause to think. Quote...A Matter of Perspective
Are you having a good day? Whether it's a good day or a bad day can be just a matter of perspective. Lt. Paul Galanti, who was a prisoner of war for 6 1/2 years in North Vietnam, has stated, "There's no such thing as a bad day when there's a doorknob on the inside of the door." End quote.

Choosing a new blog name....

Personally, I think since one particular person is getting ready to check out of the Hotel California I think it is only fair that he post some of the new names he is thinking of for when he moves to the Big D. Then we could have imput on the choices that are available or come up with a choice for 'witw' to consider. What do you all think? I'm sure there are others out there, that aren't family, that would want to give 'witw' some new BIG Texas names to ponder over.

Enjoy....

When our son was a baby I thought I never wanted the 'baby' stage to end. I loved to snuggle and cuddle with him. There is just something about that baby smell...all powdery and clean after their bath. Then, there was almost an imperceptable thought that began to arise...wouldn't it be nice if he could just sit by himself, unattended. Not long before I never wanted the baby stage to end. Once he sat, I could not imagine wanting anything more...this then became my 'favorite' stage. And, once again, when I couldn't even hardly think about moving on, there came the thought, won't it be neat when he can walk and toddle around? How I loved the toddler years! How expressive they are with their face and the excitement in their voice! Never would I believe that I would be excited for him to begin school. This pattern continued all the way to "now." I found that I loved each stage of child rearing enormously! Each stage brought different elements, but that was okay. Just when I thought I couldn't stand to leave whatever stage I was in, the good Lord always readied me for the next stage, so that I embraced it as I went into it. It is kind of reminiscent of Pslam 119:105 which says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." God illuminates just so far ahead. A lamp doesn't show what is way on down the path in front of you, but rather, just what is ahead. Enjoy where you are right now and allow the Lord to ready you for what is ahead and when the time comes and the light exposes whatever is there, you will be ready for it.

No Christian is greater than his prayer life...

The church has many organizers, but few agonizers; many who pay, but few who pray; many resters, but few wrestlers; many who are enterprising, but few who are interceding. People who are not praying are playing.

Two prerequisites of dynamic Christian living are vision and passion, and both of these are genereated in the prayer closet. The ministry of preaching is open to a few. The ministry of praying is open to every child of God.

Don't mistake action for unction, commotion for creation, and rattles for revivals.

The secret of praying is praying in secret. A worldly Christian will stop praying and a praying Christian will stop worldliness.

When we pray, God listens to our heartbeat. Hannah's "lips" moved, but her voice was not heard (1Samuel 1:12, 13). When we pray in the Spirit, there are groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).

Tithes may build a church, but tears will give it life. That is the difference between the modern church and the early church. Our emphasis is on paying, theirs was on praying. When we have paid, the place is taken. When they had prayed, the place was shaken (Acts 4:31).

In the matter of effective praying, never have so many left so much to so few. Brethren, let us pray. --Author unknown

Prayer...

I am totally amazed when I see God work in such a personal way in one's life. And, by His working in one particular person's life it ripples out and affects others. When there is a need, a call goes out asking for prayer...then that is followed immediately with prayer requests going out to other faithful prayer warriors, and the throne room is stormed on behalf of this individual. When the prayers are answered, everyone's faith is strengthened. They have participated in putting aside their needs to pray for another.

It is such a vivid reminder that we should be "praying without ceasing!" There is nothing wrong with "quickie" prayers lifted upward at a needed time. However, I am more convinced than ever that sustained prayer is the foundation that is needed. How fragile is everything in our life...even the most common things that we take for granted. And, then something so "simple" can change everything in an instant.

Sometimes whatever is happening may be the Lord's way of redirecting a person in to a new direction. But, when the signs have been so clear, actually, quite miraculous, that one has been placed in the position one is in and you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is because God alone has placed you there, then I think there is some other reason the Lord is allowing this "trial." One reason is to make sure one understands that it is God alone who controls our destiny. He has a plan for each of us. And His will, will be accomplished through us. Also, I think He allows these trials so that we know and understand that we are completely reliant upon Him. When we understand that, our humility grows by leaps and bounds. He is the one who gets ALL the glory because we understand that we arrive where we need to be only because of Him!!!

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. " (1 Timothy 1:17)

Holiness...

Without exceptions God has called every Christian to a holy life. He hasn't called me to be like other people but to be like Himself. To be holy means to conform to the character of God. All of His thoughts and actions are consistent with His holy character. Oh how I wish for that consistency!! But, I do not always act consistently with my character. Holiness is God's crown. It is the perfection of all His other attributes. His power is holy, His mercy is holy, His wisdom is holy. Because of who He is He demands that I be holy in all that I do. I need to cultivate in my own heart the very same hatred of sin which God has. God's holiness is an exceedingly high standard, a perfect standard, but it is a standard that He holds me to. He can do no less. Praise the Lord that He does accept me solely through the merit of Christ, but His standard for my attitudes, affections, and actions is, "Be holy, because I am holy."

Praying for the areas hit by the tsunami

This from my niece which I am passing along to those interested....


Praying for the areas hit by the tsunami
We got this email from our friend Bruce with Operation Reveille who is a former missionary to Indonesia. If you are unsure how to pray for the areas hit by the tsumani, he gives some direction. Dear friends, I want to share with you what you aren’t getting in the popular media about the recent tsunami disaster in Indonesia that I perceive from having lived on Sumatra for nearly seven years. Aceh is to the country of Indonesia what the city of Falusia has been toIraq, what the strip of Gaza has been to Israel, and what the country of Afghanistan was to the world before 9-11. The Indonesians call Aceh “the veranda of Mecca.” Since the democratizing of Indonesia’s government with the downfall of former President Suharto, Aceh has been much more than just Indonesia’s most fundamentalist Muslim province. As Indonesia’s only province under sharia Muslim law, it has been an inspiration to the extremist movements which are cleansing villages on the islands of Ambon and Sulawesi of their Christians, and it has been a safe haven for Taliban style training of Indonesia’s own insurgency. I would never say that this natural disaster falling upon Aceh is a “judgement” from God, but the unreported reality staring us in the face is how this “act of God” will forever change the exportability of extremism from Aceh. Pray not just about the delivery of aid to this stricken region but also about the lasting spiritual and social changes that will come. As you give, consider the advantage Christian organizations have for stimulating these kind of changes over secular ones. -Bruce Sidebotham Director, Operation Reveille Here are some organizations he recommends: Asia Harvest: http://www.asiaharvest.org/ International Mission Board (Southern Baptist): http://www.imb.org/core/default.asp Lampstand Partnership: http://www.partnersintl.org/welcome/ Mission to the World (PCA): http://www.pioneers.org/

Check it out...

I was perusing the news items today and came across this interesting article. Thought you all might enjoy it, especially Dan. Check it out... Powerlineblog.com

Focus on Friends...

The whirlwind of Chirstmas is behind us now. Hopefully you survived...everything in tact! One of my favorite parts of the holidays is the time I get to spend with friends, whether it's going to a party, taking in a special event together or just catching up with those who live far away via telephone calls or our Christmas letters. Friends play an important part in our lives and, in my opinion, they are one of the precious gifts God has given us!

I'm sure you can recall many moments in your life when the words, gesture or actions of a friend made all the difference in the world to you. Our friends have the power to help us and heal us through the ups and downs of our lives. I do beleive that God puts specific people in our lives at very specific times. If that's the case, then it's also true that God puts me (or you) in somebody's life at a specific time. So then we have to ask ourselves..."Who is it that I need to be a friend to, right now?"

Friendship is a precious thing and if we're not careful, despite all of of our good intentions, it can go by the wayside. Before the "busy-ness" of 2005 takes over, I want to encourage you to look for ways to strengthen your friendships. Tell your friends how important they have been and/or continue to be in your life, write them a note expressing your appreciation to them or pray for them on a regular basis. But let's not stop there! I want to challenge you (as I'm challenging myself) to intentionally look for ways to bring new people into your personal circle. God may have a new special friend out there for you, but you may have to take the initiative to nurture and develop the relationship. Most importantly, God wants us to share with those around us how they can find the "ultimate" friend--through a relationship with Jesus. Think about who in your life needs your friendship and the friendship of a loving Savior!

On a more personal note, thank you for your friendship to me. You continually minster to me through your thoughtful words, actions and prayers and because of that I am a rich woman indeed!

"I thank my God at every remembrance of you" Phillipians 1:3.