Several of you have commented on how proud Jim and I must be of our son and how difficult to see him choosing this type of work. I've thought about this a lot....actually, once he began talking about joining the Air Force.
As I think back over the course of events that lead to him being where he is now, I am totally awed by how the Lord moved and orchestrated everything. Most mothers (and fathers) are pretty good at reading the 'bent' in their children. And from early on I always thought James would excel in the military. He is very disciplined and focused. Also, he strives to his highest level especially when there is competition. Pressure seems to cause him to thrive. There is an element of him that likes the adrenalin rush that comes from intense situations. He also likes order.
When he was 5 years old, in kindergarten, we visited the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co. James was so taken with the whole place, eyes wide with excitement! He turned to me and said, "Mom, I'm going to go here to school next year!" I laughed and told him that maybe when he was ready for college that might be a possibility. Well, a little time passes and something else edged into his life that he grew equally passionate about. It was basketball, now to be forever called b-ball. Like I said, he had a passion for it. That seemed to sideline any other thoughts about what he might want to do in life as an adult. As a result, the AFA did not feature prominently during high school.
He went to Idaho for his first year of college because he got a scholarship and could play b-ball. But in the back of his mind he was still toying with a military career. He began the process of submitting his application to the Air Force Academy and, at the same time, he also applied to ROTC for scholarships. It was an incredibly stressful year for him. Basketball took up so much of his time, and there was a major time committment that he needed to make with his upper math courses.
One afternoon I received a phone call from James telling me he had talked with his coach and he dropped out of the basketball program to focus totally on getting into the AFA. For James, dropping the basketball was the highest commitment he could make. He had essays to write and meetings with his senators which required him to fly down here quite often. Of course, we never complained of the time he was able to spend at home! :) But, whenever he flew down, it always entailed him missing a class, and in college, that is something to be avoided, if possible.
In April of 2001 my dad died very unexpectedly. James flew out to Colorado Springs for the funeral. My dad had been in the Air Force for 33 years, as a pilot. My brother-in-law graduated from the AFA and became a navigator. My sister's daughter, Claire, married an AFA graduate. You can say it is in our blood! Even my husband's father served his 20 years in the Air Force. My husband was the odd one out; he served his 4 years in the Army.
When we arrived home from the funeral James received his letter notifying him that he had not been selected for the AFA. Soon after that he received another letter telling him that he had been awarded a full scholarship to a school in Alabama, with the emphasis on his joining the Army. That summer, he left to go down and check out the school and do a basic training type thing. However, his mind began thinking and processing. It was during that time period that he began asking himself exactly what he wanted to do. Did he want to go the Army route or did he want to go the Air Force route? He decided he wanted to do the Air Force, if he could fly. (This was music to Momma's ear's because I would much rather he fly over a war than to walk through the war!)
So, he left Ft. Knox and headed home to UT with the idea he would do ROTC. He contacted USU and finished up the paper work. We were told he most likely had missed the window of opportunity for a scholarship but the Sgt. would go ahead and process it to see what happened. James only had 4 days to the deadline. Also, the Sgt asked him if he wanted to keep his major in History or did he want to change it to a technical degree? James thought about it for a minute or so and replied that he wanted to keep it History. Now, less than 1% of ROTC scholarships are given to non-technical degrees and James got one! He was able to begin that fall with the scholarship.
Another big moment arrived 9/7/01. James called with second thoughts about accepting the monthly stipend. He was to have enlisted but there had been a snag in the paper work which allowed him time to rethink his decisions. That is one of those times when I was so glad his father could talk with him, giving him things to consider and pray about. I was frustrated, wanting him to 'get going'. Dear hubby told him to call and let us know what his decision was. Then, the morning of 9-11. James and I talked on the phone as it was happening. He was so confident, so sure of himself. He told me, "I don't know what happened on Friday, Mom, I just sort of lost my focus. But, I'm focused now, and this is what I am supposed to do. When they call, I'm going." He called back at noon to tell me he was on his way over to enlist in the Air Force. Now, I have to admit, as a mother on Tuesday, I thought, "I'm so glad he hasn't enlisted!" Then we have our discussion and I begin to pray. It was so clear to me that the Lord has had a plan for James, leading and directing each step of the way. Did I believe the Lord had a plan on Friday? Yes. What makes me think His plan had changed on Tuesday? So I bowed my head and committed our son, all over again, to the Lord, asking for forgiveness for trying to 'take control.'
The next three years he grew and matured. There was one very key semester which everything really hung on, at least as far as being chosen for a pilot slot. Through all the hoops, the ups and downs, the Lord has made it very apparent that it is He, and He alone, who has opened the doors for James. There were numerous physicals, and retakes of physicals, and then more physicals. Finally, the day arrived when we received the phone call from James telling us he had been given a pilot slot. Then, there were tons more tests...psychological, physicals, physical fitness tests and apptitude tests which still could knock him out at any given time.
He commissioned as an officer in April of last year and began working in a fighter squadron at Hill AFB, only 45 minutes away from us!! That was a gift beyond any measure for us as parents. It had never crossed our minds to pray for Hill but it goes to show that the Lord blesses beyond our wildest dreams.
Then, in October, he moved out of his apartment and headed for Georgia. During his time in Georgia, the Lord has continued to impress on all of us, that it still is He who is bringing James through his training. Without a doubt, the Lord has accomplished many things, causing James to be stretched beyond his imagination. His first 6 months are winding down and he will head for his final six months of flight training.
His dad and I, as well as our whole family, are so proud of him! We would be proud no matter what he chose to do. But, for us, his parents, I think what keeps us grounded is we know that the Lord has placed James in the position he is in. It is He who has instilled in James the desire to fly and it was He who instilled a very strong sense of patriotism. We have always tried to instill in James a heart attitude that was sensitive to the Lord's leading and direction. And, an obedience to obey that call. I may have fleeting moments, when I take my eyes off the Lord, and I could allow myself to be worried. But, we never want James to be outside of the Lord's leading and direction. It would be MUCH scarier if James was living outside of His will. So, I truly think that is what brings me the most peace. Knowing our son is right where God has placed him which means he is in the palm of His hand and nothing is touching him that hasn't passed through God's hands first. In Him I can rest, no matter what the future holds!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Splurging...
Today was a fun day! I normally do not like to go shopping, for a lot of different reasons. But, today I enjoyed it. Maybe one big reason was I found a lot of things that were on sale and sales always helps my mood, as well as my dear hubby's mood! :) Everything which I bought today was on sale. I went in and conquered! My son, James, would be so proud of me!!! :)
We are getting ready to go South...just about the most southern part of Georgia! I needed a few things that I could wear in the hot and humid weather of the lovely south. It's been awhile since I've shopped and I noticed a few things. People just aren't as happy as they once were. They just seem to be so focused on themselves; they are almost rude to others. That makes me quite sad. Mothers were impatient with their children and that made me sad, too. I am always aware of my surroundings, looking for an opportunity to share Christ...not necessarily in words, but mostly in actions. My eyes seemed to see an unusually large number of hurting people today. I sometimes look out over the crowds and wonder if we look like ants scurrying around to God. He is so immense and we are so little....All kinds of people going about their 'normal' activities totally oblivious to what the Lord may have in store for them just around the corner.
Tonight, I have a wedding shower to attend for our pastor's daughter. They had six children, with number 5 due to be married at the end of May. That will leave one daughter who is still in college. It should be fun. These types of things always make me reflect back over the years to when I was getting married almost 30 years ago. I look in the mirror and I am always shocked to see a much older woman looking back at me! For years, I felt like I was still 19! But, several years ago I was around quite a few 19 year olds and I realized I was no where like them at all!! They probably would have been aghast at the thought of my even thinking of myself like them! So, I revamped my age because I don't feel like I'm 51 and married all these years. I feel much younger! As for being married, it seems like forever (which is wonderful) yet, not very long at all! Does that make any sense?
Anyway, 18 days till we leave...he is almost through with this part of his flying! We can hardly wait! And, only 11 days till Marsha arrives! Yea!!!
We are getting ready to go South...just about the most southern part of Georgia! I needed a few things that I could wear in the hot and humid weather of the lovely south. It's been awhile since I've shopped and I noticed a few things. People just aren't as happy as they once were. They just seem to be so focused on themselves; they are almost rude to others. That makes me quite sad. Mothers were impatient with their children and that made me sad, too. I am always aware of my surroundings, looking for an opportunity to share Christ...not necessarily in words, but mostly in actions. My eyes seemed to see an unusually large number of hurting people today. I sometimes look out over the crowds and wonder if we look like ants scurrying around to God. He is so immense and we are so little....All kinds of people going about their 'normal' activities totally oblivious to what the Lord may have in store for them just around the corner.
Tonight, I have a wedding shower to attend for our pastor's daughter. They had six children, with number 5 due to be married at the end of May. That will leave one daughter who is still in college. It should be fun. These types of things always make me reflect back over the years to when I was getting married almost 30 years ago. I look in the mirror and I am always shocked to see a much older woman looking back at me! For years, I felt like I was still 19! But, several years ago I was around quite a few 19 year olds and I realized I was no where like them at all!! They probably would have been aghast at the thought of my even thinking of myself like them! So, I revamped my age because I don't feel like I'm 51 and married all these years. I feel much younger! As for being married, it seems like forever (which is wonderful) yet, not very long at all! Does that make any sense?
Anyway, 18 days till we leave...he is almost through with this part of his flying! We can hardly wait! And, only 11 days till Marsha arrives! Yea!!!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Prayer Update on Rylee....
An email update from our pastor and his wife regarding their daughter-in-law, Rylee:
"Our son Nathan and his wife, RyLee, celebrated their 4-month wedding anniversary on Monday by RyLee getting discharged from the hospital! She gets around with a walker (to keep her balance) and is recovering at home. She says she feels better every day. Please keep praying for her cranial nerves to recover so she can regain the functions of the left side of her face. She will have some physical therapy to help with the equilibrium problem. She can read with her right eye if she covers the left. She and Nathan are keeping a positive outlook, and waiting on the Lord. Nathan graduates from the university on May 6 and is seeking a good job with excellent health coverage--this is another prayer request. "This is the Lord; we have waited for Him. We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation" (Is. 25:9). We feel so blessed by all our family and friends who are sharing this burden with us. Love, Ken and Marcia"
"Our son Nathan and his wife, RyLee, celebrated their 4-month wedding anniversary on Monday by RyLee getting discharged from the hospital! She gets around with a walker (to keep her balance) and is recovering at home. She says she feels better every day. Please keep praying for her cranial nerves to recover so she can regain the functions of the left side of her face. She will have some physical therapy to help with the equilibrium problem. She can read with her right eye if she covers the left. She and Nathan are keeping a positive outlook, and waiting on the Lord. Nathan graduates from the university on May 6 and is seeking a good job with excellent health coverage--this is another prayer request. "This is the Lord; we have waited for Him. We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation" (Is. 25:9). We feel so blessed by all our family and friends who are sharing this burden with us. Love, Ken and Marcia"
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Update...
We have received the phone call from our son, the pilot! God was so good...James only had to fly twice today instead of three times! Yea!
As for the formation flying: scary and exciting... A little nerve racking to be that close to another aircraft but he got his first and second flight over....
He lacks two low level flights, flying 500 ft off the ground....that is considered "cool".
Tomorrow he is scheduled for one flight and then hopefully he will have "two-a-days" next week. He would really like to be able to take his check ride by the end of next week but rather thinks it will be the week after. The Lord is in control...
As for me...I'm glad he is the one doing all the maneuvers and not me! :)
As for the formation flying: scary and exciting... A little nerve racking to be that close to another aircraft but he got his first and second flight over....
He lacks two low level flights, flying 500 ft off the ground....that is considered "cool".
Tomorrow he is scheduled for one flight and then hopefully he will have "two-a-days" next week. He would really like to be able to take his check ride by the end of next week but rather thinks it will be the week after. The Lord is in control...
As for me...I'm glad he is the one doing all the maneuvers and not me! :)
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Answered Prayer!
James called tonight to say that he passed his check ride (final test flight over a particular block of instruction, i.e. Instruments) today! This means just one more check ride to finish out this section of training! Yea!!!
Now, this opens up a whole new area of prayer as he will begin formation flying. In the next 10 days he will learn how to fly within 10 feet of another aircraft and take his solo flight doing that very thing! After reading one of the other pilot's blog and finding out just how "exciting" (*scary*) it can be when one flys within 3 feet rather than 10 feet, this Momma is definitely calling all prayer warriors to pray for protection, as well as for skill and ability to do what will be required. Thank you!
Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be a loooonnnng day as he will be 'triple turning', which means James will have 3 flights. He will be very tired tomorrow.
I gratefully lift up my praises for His faithfulness in sustaining, protecting, and strengthening our son as he goes about his flying each day! He truly is the power under our son's wings!
Now, this opens up a whole new area of prayer as he will begin formation flying. In the next 10 days he will learn how to fly within 10 feet of another aircraft and take his solo flight doing that very thing! After reading one of the other pilot's blog and finding out just how "exciting" (*scary*) it can be when one flys within 3 feet rather than 10 feet, this Momma is definitely calling all prayer warriors to pray for protection, as well as for skill and ability to do what will be required. Thank you!
Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be a loooonnnng day as he will be 'triple turning', which means James will have 3 flights. He will be very tired tomorrow.
I gratefully lift up my praises for His faithfulness in sustaining, protecting, and strengthening our son as he goes about his flying each day! He truly is the power under our son's wings!
Another Happy Birthday AND Happy Anniversary!
Happy Birthday, Dan!!! I knew I should have posted your Birthday greeting last night like I did your Uncle Jim's, knowing full well that I would be non-stop today. However, I didn't and now that UJ has left for his BSF study I want to wish you a wonderful year!
Your mom outdid herself when she had both of her children! With Claire's birthday on our brother's birthday, and yours on Uncle Jim's, it makes it ever so nice for us forgetful people to be able to remember. Actually, I don't think I have too much of a problem since you are a terrific nephew!
Now, I do have to admit to spacing out your anniversary! How could I have done that? But, I would like to think that is just because it is still so new and fresh in my memory...not like your birthday of 29 years!!! Have you and Melinda celebrated by doing something fun? Have you bought your new car yet?
We all wish we could be nearer so we could help you celebrate! I do have a little something that I will get dropped in the mail this week. I decided to go ahead and send it for your birthday since I didn't get it sent for Christmas. There is a distinct possibility you will no longer have any use for it, unless you can generate the same type of enthusiasm where you now are. Laugh at me if you want. I am laughing at myself!
Anyway, hope your day has been great! Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!
Your mom outdid herself when she had both of her children! With Claire's birthday on our brother's birthday, and yours on Uncle Jim's, it makes it ever so nice for us forgetful people to be able to remember. Actually, I don't think I have too much of a problem since you are a terrific nephew!
Now, I do have to admit to spacing out your anniversary! How could I have done that? But, I would like to think that is just because it is still so new and fresh in my memory...not like your birthday of 29 years!!! Have you and Melinda celebrated by doing something fun? Have you bought your new car yet?
We all wish we could be nearer so we could help you celebrate! I do have a little something that I will get dropped in the mail this week. I decided to go ahead and send it for your birthday since I didn't get it sent for Christmas. There is a distinct possibility you will no longer have any use for it, unless you can generate the same type of enthusiasm where you now are. Laugh at me if you want. I am laughing at myself!
Anyway, hope your day has been great! Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to my dear sweet hubby! He is a real trooper for he blazes the trail for me, bravely entering into years that I can only dream about. I love his heart for God, his tenderness for hurting people. I also love his boldness in stepping out in faith to share Christ with the lost and hurting souls the Lord brings across his path. He has been a terrific father to our only child, James. The one or two times, when I just wanted to throw my hands up in frustration, the Lord used him in powerful ways to communicate with our son. He always makes me laugh, his sense of humor is grand! And, I do believe his humor continues to improve with age! The Lord created a wonderful man 55 years ago and I am so thankful I have had the privilege of being married to him for almost 30 years. Here's to many, many more happy birthdays, honey! I love you!
Monday, April 18, 2005
The BEST news!
A year ago my husband went to KY for more advanced training with Evangelism Explosion (EE) so he would be able to teach the program through our church. Then, in the fall, he began with one group, which consisted of my husband, a gal named Dione, and Kevin. Dione and Kevin completed the 13 week training course and Dione came on board as a trainer this year. So now Jim has a team of two and Dione has a team of two. One of the ladies being trained is Barb, who is the wife of Kevin.
Jim and I received a phone call today soon after arriving home from errands. It was from Barb. She shared the BEST news with us! Barb has used this guy, Tony, to shoe her horses for over 11 years now. She has tried to reach out to him and share Christ on several occasions but without success. However, today she basically followed her outline that she has been learning and engaged Tony in conversation regarding his eternal destination. As they talked, and she shared examples and Tony asked questions (and answered questions) the Holy Spirit was moving and working within Tony's heart! And, this afternoon, April 18th, Tony became a new child of Christ! We truly could not tell who was more excited, Barb or Tony, but excitement there was! He is so excited to come to church this Sunday! Would you please join with us in prayer that nothing would keep Tony from attending church on Sunday? He is very eager to begin being discipled and Barb's husband, Kevin, has agreed to disciple him. Yea!!!
On another note, Rylee, mentioned in my previous post is improving slightly...ever so slowly. She has been able to chew without losing her food out of her mouth. And, she was able to reach for an object and grab hold of it. She is still throwing up anytime she has to stand, the facial muscles are still drooping and the right side still does not feel any pain. Her spirits are up! They truly believe that most of this will be temporary but that 'temporary' may last up to a year. It sounds very similar to Bells palsy and I guess it is, since it involves the cranial nerve. Also, the doctors are telling her that her hearing will not come back. It seems if one loses one's hearing for longer that 5 days or so, it won't return. I was not aware of that tidbit of information but I do know that if the Lord so chooses, Rylee's hearing will be retored. If I can be cured of glaucoma, her hearing can be restored! Amen!
Another answered prayer is James is back on flying status after his ear infection. He was hoping to fly today or tomorrow and then be able to take his check ride (kind of like a final over this particular block of instruction, i.e. instruments). Once this check ride is complete he will only have one more!!! And, it is only 3 weeks away till we get to see him! And, only 3 weeks away from being half way through flight training!!! I'll keep ya'll posted on what he will get to fly!
Today is rainy and cold after our warm sunny high of 77 yesterday! It just jars a person's system to have to fluctuate between warm and cold! I was hoping for extremely nice weather for tomorrow since it is Jim's birthday but I do believe it will still be rainy and cool. Well, we aren't going to let any weather dampen our high spirits in regards to our celebrating!
Jim and I received a phone call today soon after arriving home from errands. It was from Barb. She shared the BEST news with us! Barb has used this guy, Tony, to shoe her horses for over 11 years now. She has tried to reach out to him and share Christ on several occasions but without success. However, today she basically followed her outline that she has been learning and engaged Tony in conversation regarding his eternal destination. As they talked, and she shared examples and Tony asked questions (and answered questions) the Holy Spirit was moving and working within Tony's heart! And, this afternoon, April 18th, Tony became a new child of Christ! We truly could not tell who was more excited, Barb or Tony, but excitement there was! He is so excited to come to church this Sunday! Would you please join with us in prayer that nothing would keep Tony from attending church on Sunday? He is very eager to begin being discipled and Barb's husband, Kevin, has agreed to disciple him. Yea!!!
On another note, Rylee, mentioned in my previous post is improving slightly...ever so slowly. She has been able to chew without losing her food out of her mouth. And, she was able to reach for an object and grab hold of it. She is still throwing up anytime she has to stand, the facial muscles are still drooping and the right side still does not feel any pain. Her spirits are up! They truly believe that most of this will be temporary but that 'temporary' may last up to a year. It sounds very similar to Bells palsy and I guess it is, since it involves the cranial nerve. Also, the doctors are telling her that her hearing will not come back. It seems if one loses one's hearing for longer that 5 days or so, it won't return. I was not aware of that tidbit of information but I do know that if the Lord so chooses, Rylee's hearing will be retored. If I can be cured of glaucoma, her hearing can be restored! Amen!
Another answered prayer is James is back on flying status after his ear infection. He was hoping to fly today or tomorrow and then be able to take his check ride (kind of like a final over this particular block of instruction, i.e. instruments). Once this check ride is complete he will only have one more!!! And, it is only 3 weeks away till we get to see him! And, only 3 weeks away from being half way through flight training!!! I'll keep ya'll posted on what he will get to fly!
Today is rainy and cold after our warm sunny high of 77 yesterday! It just jars a person's system to have to fluctuate between warm and cold! I was hoping for extremely nice weather for tomorrow since it is Jim's birthday but I do believe it will still be rainy and cool. Well, we aren't going to let any weather dampen our high spirits in regards to our celebrating!
Friday, April 15, 2005
Prayer request...
Back in October/November our pastor's son's then fiancee, Rylee, collapsed at work. It was determined that she has an AVM on the left side of her brain. This is a jumble of blood vessels that must either be reduced or removed. They went ahead with the wedding. Since then, she has gone in twice for a proceedure in which they seal off the blood vessels a few at a time, eventual surgery will be performed when it is deemed safe. On the 12th of April Rylee went in for the third treatment and there was a problem. Here is the email from our pastor and his wife. Will you please join in praying for Nathan and Rylee? Thank you!
RyLee's angiogram on Tues was successful in blocking some of the blood supply, but another MRI today revealed there is still another artery that will need blocked in the future after her brain recovers from this last procedure. Something went wrong at the end because RyLee had sudden pain and cried out, "Something's wrong!" (she has to be awake during the procedure for just this sort of thing.) By this last MRI it has been determined that some of the blocking material (glue) went where it was not supposed to and has lodged against a vein, restricting it from draining properly and from nourishing cranial nerves properly. Two things to be thankful for: 1 - it did not lodge against an artery, which would have caused a stroke 2 - the nerves are palsied not killed. This means there is hope for recovery. The glue cannot be removed but the vein can grow a new flow pattern around it over time. Meantime, the left side of RyLee's face is not working: 1 - hearing gone on the left side 2 - equilibrium affected - she has not been able to stand up yet. 3 - left eye not moving properly, and not in tandem with right eye. Even when she wears a patch on the left eye, she has distorted vision, but that did improve some today. Still, she cannot focus to either read or watch TV, as the objects she focuses on appear to keep moving. 4 - left eye tear ducts not working 5 - left side of mouth non-functioning as if it has been novacained by the dentist. This means she will have to learn to eat without the food falling from her mouth. No problem with swallowing, which is very good. She also has no pain-sensing function in her right arm and leg. I don't know what has caused this. She can use them and feel other stimuli--just not pain. (I told her to make sure all her IV's and blood draws go in the right arm.) There is hope that some of these symptoms are caused by localized brain swelling, which can be expected to decrease fairly soon, and she's on medication for that. She will be in the hospital until she can walk on her own--perhaps by Sunday? So we are praying for these conditions to be temporary, not permanent and of course for God to grant healing and complete recovery. She and Nathan are hopeful and seem to have a positive attitude. Nathan has only 2 final exams before he graduates from the university. All his papers are done. Monday will be their 4-month wedding anniversary.You have been praying for RyLee since last November, so please keep it up. We all appreciate it. Love, Ken and Marcia
RyLee's angiogram on Tues was successful in blocking some of the blood supply, but another MRI today revealed there is still another artery that will need blocked in the future after her brain recovers from this last procedure. Something went wrong at the end because RyLee had sudden pain and cried out, "Something's wrong!" (she has to be awake during the procedure for just this sort of thing.) By this last MRI it has been determined that some of the blocking material (glue) went where it was not supposed to and has lodged against a vein, restricting it from draining properly and from nourishing cranial nerves properly. Two things to be thankful for: 1 - it did not lodge against an artery, which would have caused a stroke 2 - the nerves are palsied not killed. This means there is hope for recovery. The glue cannot be removed but the vein can grow a new flow pattern around it over time. Meantime, the left side of RyLee's face is not working: 1 - hearing gone on the left side 2 - equilibrium affected - she has not been able to stand up yet. 3 - left eye not moving properly, and not in tandem with right eye. Even when she wears a patch on the left eye, she has distorted vision, but that did improve some today. Still, she cannot focus to either read or watch TV, as the objects she focuses on appear to keep moving. 4 - left eye tear ducts not working 5 - left side of mouth non-functioning as if it has been novacained by the dentist. This means she will have to learn to eat without the food falling from her mouth. No problem with swallowing, which is very good. She also has no pain-sensing function in her right arm and leg. I don't know what has caused this. She can use them and feel other stimuli--just not pain. (I told her to make sure all her IV's and blood draws go in the right arm.) There is hope that some of these symptoms are caused by localized brain swelling, which can be expected to decrease fairly soon, and she's on medication for that. She will be in the hospital until she can walk on her own--perhaps by Sunday? So we are praying for these conditions to be temporary, not permanent and of course for God to grant healing and complete recovery. She and Nathan are hopeful and seem to have a positive attitude. Nathan has only 2 final exams before he graduates from the university. All his papers are done. Monday will be their 4-month wedding anniversary.You have been praying for RyLee since last November, so please keep it up. We all appreciate it. Love, Ken and Marcia
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Drug Problem...
This sent to me by a friend today....
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?'' I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place. ~author unknown~
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?'' I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed. Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place. ~author unknown~
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Thank you, Lord!
After hearing about my nephew's wife's car wreck I cringed when I heard James telling about his evening ride last night. It seems that the man in front of James slammed on his brakes and came to a stop. Our son slammed on his brakes and came to a stop. Whew! The person behind James slammed on his brakes and James wondered if he was going to be able to stop. But, he did, stopping about a foot or so from James' car. It was the man behind THAT man that was the problem. He came barreling along and tried to swerve and miss the man behind James but was unable to do so. This particular man was in a SUV and ended up hitting the car behind James. From what I can understand the SUV swerved and by doing so, the SUV's left front end hit the car. By all intents and purposes it should have caused the car to hit James' car, however, the car was totally pushed out into the other highway lane! It didn't touch James' car at all! Both of the people in the respective cars that were involved were able to get out and walk and didn't appear to be hurt. I imagine there will be some soreness of muscles but I praise the Lord, for it could have been much worse with the high rate of speed the SUV was going.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Psalm 63:3...
"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You" (Psalm 63:3).
Do I really believe this verse? Oh, I profess it, but do I really live like I believe it? Where is my joy ultimately coming from? I know that ultimate joy is found in obeying my living God. Am I willing to sacrifice my life to know God and His pleasure? I would love to think that I would but when I think about my choices, each and every day, I begin to cringe. Is God's steadfast love and mercy really sweeter to me than life? I've been pondering this thought for a few days. As I looked at this verse I kept being drawn back to the word "life." What if I substituted other words for 'life?' What would I think then?
Is it better than a new job for my husband? Is it better than having more money? Is it better than my friendships? Is it better than my health? Is it better than my marriage? Is it better than having obedient children? Is His love the greatest source of pleasure, happiness, or good?
The Lord knew that joy was found only in obedience and fellowship with His Father. Surely it was with thoughts of God's pleasure, "the joy set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2), that Jesus endured the Cross. Otherwise, how did He endure? What drove Him to withstand the beatings, the betrayal of Judas, the mocking? What did He hold on to as He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" What was so desirable to Jesus that He endured the Cross and separation from His Father? That is what I want...I desire it with all my heart!
Peter must have 'got' it. In Acts 2:28 he says, "You will make me full of gladness with Your presence." And, David seemed to have grasped it pretty well when he wrote, "In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever" (Psalm 16:11). I believe they both knew the joy that was more valuable and desirable than life. Consider for just a moment, wholly worshipping Him without any weakness or sin!! I know....I can hear you saying it, "Not on this side of heaven!"
Delighting to do God's will means I have to turn from the deception that joy lies outside of obedient fellowship with Him. Think about Eve. Why did she choose to disobey God? Look at Genesis 3:6, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate." The words "good, delight and desirable" are some of the motivations behind her (and most definitely, my) actions. My choices are predicated upon what I think is "good," what I think I would "delight in," and what I find most "desiring." Now, I don't know about you, but I always choose what I believe to be for my best good. I will always choose what I believe will bring me the most delight. Are you like that at all? Even a smidgen? I am NOT saying that I always choose what is morally good, for then I would have no sin and I KNOW that isn't the case. What I am trying to get across is that I go through my day making choices on what I believe is best...what will bring me happiness. Even though I purposely choose to disobey God, just like Eve did, I always do so because I believe that is the best choice at the time. Just like Eve thought that eating the forbidden fruit was her best, most delightful and desirable choice. She believed that disobedience was better than life. She totally forgot God's sweet lovingkindness. When we sin it's because of our belief in its goodness. Richard Baxter writes in A Christian Directory, "The will never desires evil as evil but as ....seeming good."
This really hits home with me in this example. I need to exercise. Exercise promotes better health. Health is good, delightful, and desirable. I know that God desires for me to take care of my body. I even think about how wonderful it will be to lose the extra pounds and to have more energy, strength and vitality. I am definitely going to exercise!! Oooohh, the struggle begins when my alarm goes off in the morning. Some days my schedule is so full that I have to get up early to get my exercising in for the day. However, when my alarm rings I see another good; the pleasure of the warmth and comfort of my bed. Those blankets are soooo cozy! All of a sudden something else seems more desirable to me...the good of staying in bed and getting more rest. What seems like good to me in the early morning was not good but had the appearance of it. I chose to stay in my bed because, at the time, it was the best choice. It held the highest good for me, at the time. Was it the best choice? Probably not. If it becomes habitual, then I will suffer the consequences. What appeared good to me at the time was not.
Now, I'm back to my original thoughts. I create images out of my thoughts of my highest good or happiness. And whether I realize it or not, those images are the driving force in my life. They direct my worship, either toward God or away from Him. Those same thoughts tell me that I should cherish more than Him. Where do I turn to change my thoughts? I turn to God. He alone can teach me that He is my highest good. He is the One who can show me that all my happiness is in Him. It is the Holy Spirit whom can illuminate my heart and cause me to grow in my esteem of Christ and at the same time, create disdain for the charms and allures of this world. As long as I define joy and happiness as God does then I can pursue to my heart's content! And, I'll never be disappointed. I need to remember that my goal is to be able to say, along with David, "Nothing, not even life, brings me more happiness than Your love!"
Do I really believe this verse? Oh, I profess it, but do I really live like I believe it? Where is my joy ultimately coming from? I know that ultimate joy is found in obeying my living God. Am I willing to sacrifice my life to know God and His pleasure? I would love to think that I would but when I think about my choices, each and every day, I begin to cringe. Is God's steadfast love and mercy really sweeter to me than life? I've been pondering this thought for a few days. As I looked at this verse I kept being drawn back to the word "life." What if I substituted other words for 'life?' What would I think then?
Is it better than a new job for my husband? Is it better than having more money? Is it better than my friendships? Is it better than my health? Is it better than my marriage? Is it better than having obedient children? Is His love the greatest source of pleasure, happiness, or good?
The Lord knew that joy was found only in obedience and fellowship with His Father. Surely it was with thoughts of God's pleasure, "the joy set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2), that Jesus endured the Cross. Otherwise, how did He endure? What drove Him to withstand the beatings, the betrayal of Judas, the mocking? What did He hold on to as He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" What was so desirable to Jesus that He endured the Cross and separation from His Father? That is what I want...I desire it with all my heart!
Peter must have 'got' it. In Acts 2:28 he says, "You will make me full of gladness with Your presence." And, David seemed to have grasped it pretty well when he wrote, "In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever" (Psalm 16:11). I believe they both knew the joy that was more valuable and desirable than life. Consider for just a moment, wholly worshipping Him without any weakness or sin!! I know....I can hear you saying it, "Not on this side of heaven!"
Delighting to do God's will means I have to turn from the deception that joy lies outside of obedient fellowship with Him. Think about Eve. Why did she choose to disobey God? Look at Genesis 3:6, "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate." The words "good, delight and desirable" are some of the motivations behind her (and most definitely, my) actions. My choices are predicated upon what I think is "good," what I think I would "delight in," and what I find most "desiring." Now, I don't know about you, but I always choose what I believe to be for my best good. I will always choose what I believe will bring me the most delight. Are you like that at all? Even a smidgen? I am NOT saying that I always choose what is morally good, for then I would have no sin and I KNOW that isn't the case. What I am trying to get across is that I go through my day making choices on what I believe is best...what will bring me happiness. Even though I purposely choose to disobey God, just like Eve did, I always do so because I believe that is the best choice at the time. Just like Eve thought that eating the forbidden fruit was her best, most delightful and desirable choice. She believed that disobedience was better than life. She totally forgot God's sweet lovingkindness. When we sin it's because of our belief in its goodness. Richard Baxter writes in A Christian Directory, "The will never desires evil as evil but as ....seeming good."
This really hits home with me in this example. I need to exercise. Exercise promotes better health. Health is good, delightful, and desirable. I know that God desires for me to take care of my body. I even think about how wonderful it will be to lose the extra pounds and to have more energy, strength and vitality. I am definitely going to exercise!! Oooohh, the struggle begins when my alarm goes off in the morning. Some days my schedule is so full that I have to get up early to get my exercising in for the day. However, when my alarm rings I see another good; the pleasure of the warmth and comfort of my bed. Those blankets are soooo cozy! All of a sudden something else seems more desirable to me...the good of staying in bed and getting more rest. What seems like good to me in the early morning was not good but had the appearance of it. I chose to stay in my bed because, at the time, it was the best choice. It held the highest good for me, at the time. Was it the best choice? Probably not. If it becomes habitual, then I will suffer the consequences. What appeared good to me at the time was not.
Now, I'm back to my original thoughts. I create images out of my thoughts of my highest good or happiness. And whether I realize it or not, those images are the driving force in my life. They direct my worship, either toward God or away from Him. Those same thoughts tell me that I should cherish more than Him. Where do I turn to change my thoughts? I turn to God. He alone can teach me that He is my highest good. He is the One who can show me that all my happiness is in Him. It is the Holy Spirit whom can illuminate my heart and cause me to grow in my esteem of Christ and at the same time, create disdain for the charms and allures of this world. As long as I define joy and happiness as God does then I can pursue to my heart's content! And, I'll never be disappointed. I need to remember that my goal is to be able to say, along with David, "Nothing, not even life, brings me more happiness than Your love!"
Monday, April 04, 2005
Hill AFB...
What a day! Praise the Lord, we remembered that we had to get Nana's I.D. card renewed before the 11th. Jim had told me he would go with us which meant we had to go on a Monday. This was the Monday.
Oh, what a rainy, miserable day to be out with an 88 year old mom! Of course, I didn't bring the wheelchair because we could park right in the front with the handicapped plates...NOT! We found out upon arriving that they (Hill AFB personnel) are involved in an "Exercise." So, no one could park within 25 feet or so of the building. Once we are inside the building, and get to the room where new ID's are issued, there are tons of people waiting. We pull one of the 'numbers' and Jim finds a seat for Nana. We are number 57 and they are on 10. The lady sitting next to Nana had '29' and she had been there since 9:00. It was now 10:30! The major problem that I could determine was that anytime active duty personnel came in, they took precedence over the retirees and dependents. Then if you combine the active duty people with the slow computers, you have one big clogged drain. About 11:30 I remind Jim that we have a 2:00 appointment back home...should we cancel and reschedule? He tells me to wait a little bit longer...we are now on number 18...at 11:30!!! Then, the Lord sends us a present! About noon, Jim comes up and opens his hand. Cupped in his palm is one of those number pulls that says 30! Thirty?!?!?!! My eyes got huge! By now we were on 28 and the lady next to us was 29 and then it would be 30's turn! I looked at Jim and smiled!
He had been standing back by the door where the trashcan just happened to be. Well, several people were so frustrated with the long wait. Due to the Exercise, they pulled 2 of the 3 people that usually work in that office. So this one gal was doing it all. As Jim stood there, he watched as several people just crumpled up their number and threw it in the trash. There was one that missed the trash and fell on the floor right next to it. Jim reached down and picked it up and straightened it out...and saw number 30! Someone else had given his number, once he decided not to wait, to the person sitting next to him and she had come in after us.
So, we were able to get done and back to the car and on the road by 12:30 and home by 1:30 so Jim and I could make our appointment at 2:00. Even in the midst of clouds, the Lord causes the sun to shine!
Oh, what a rainy, miserable day to be out with an 88 year old mom! Of course, I didn't bring the wheelchair because we could park right in the front with the handicapped plates...NOT! We found out upon arriving that they (Hill AFB personnel) are involved in an "Exercise." So, no one could park within 25 feet or so of the building. Once we are inside the building, and get to the room where new ID's are issued, there are tons of people waiting. We pull one of the 'numbers' and Jim finds a seat for Nana. We are number 57 and they are on 10. The lady sitting next to Nana had '29' and she had been there since 9:00. It was now 10:30! The major problem that I could determine was that anytime active duty personnel came in, they took precedence over the retirees and dependents. Then if you combine the active duty people with the slow computers, you have one big clogged drain. About 11:30 I remind Jim that we have a 2:00 appointment back home...should we cancel and reschedule? He tells me to wait a little bit longer...we are now on number 18...at 11:30!!! Then, the Lord sends us a present! About noon, Jim comes up and opens his hand. Cupped in his palm is one of those number pulls that says 30! Thirty?!?!?!! My eyes got huge! By now we were on 28 and the lady next to us was 29 and then it would be 30's turn! I looked at Jim and smiled!
He had been standing back by the door where the trashcan just happened to be. Well, several people were so frustrated with the long wait. Due to the Exercise, they pulled 2 of the 3 people that usually work in that office. So this one gal was doing it all. As Jim stood there, he watched as several people just crumpled up their number and threw it in the trash. There was one that missed the trash and fell on the floor right next to it. Jim reached down and picked it up and straightened it out...and saw number 30! Someone else had given his number, once he decided not to wait, to the person sitting next to him and she had come in after us.
So, we were able to get done and back to the car and on the road by 12:30 and home by 1:30 so Jim and I could make our appointment at 2:00. Even in the midst of clouds, the Lord causes the sun to shine!
Thursday, March 31, 2005
You just never know...
Who would ever think...? Several nights ago I was reading Maurice's blog and I clicked on comments. There was a young woman commenting and I clicked on her name to see where it would lead me. It lead me here. I read her profile and found out she is from Mississippi (yea!) and is a HUGE Mississippi State fan! My roommate in college was a HUGE Mississippi State fan! So I begin reading a couple of her blogs and their comments. Well, one guy seemed pretty funny so I clicked on him to read about his blog. As I read I saw part of an entry that talked about a NEMCC reunion. He also mentions Tupelo and Baldwin. I stared at that for a minute and thought, "Tupelo, Mississippi, Baldwin, MS." NEMCC stands for Northeast Mississippi Community College, located in Booneville, Mississippi. I went there for my first year of college, in 1972-73, when it was Northeast Mississippi Jr. College. I left a comment stating that and how my grandmother had been from Booneville. I return to his blog the next day and he mentions his aunt, Eudora Kent, who was teaching English during the time that I was there. I took English from his aunt my second semester. My first semester I had Vessie Ferrel for English and she retired at the end of the 1st semester, hence, my moving over to Mrs. Kemp's English class.
I have chuckled over how small this world is. Who would have ever thought that I would link on to a stranger's blog, then link to another and find someone related to my college English prof in a relatively small town of Booneville (which has probably grown considerably since I was last there over 30 years ago).
It was a great town! My dad was stationed at Colorado Springs, CO after leaving Germany. We came back to the US on the SS United States....a big ocean liner, in the middle of December. My dad was going to go to Stillwater, OK to finish up his BS while we (the fam) stayed with my grandmother in Booneville. I went to school in Booneville for one semester before moving to Colorado Springs.
My highschool was huge back then, over 4000 students and I was just a number. A very shy young girl who turned kind of rebellious. The summer before I graduated I went on a trip with my girlfriend, Chris, next door to visit her grandmother. Chris' mom, Chris and I drove up to Fairbanks, Minnesota and stayed a week. It was such a beautiful small town on a lake with lots of trees. I thought about how much I enjoyed the pace of a small town. So, when I was trying to decide about where to go to college, and not knowing what I wanted to do exactly, but knowing that I wanted to get f---a----r away, I thought about NEMJC.
So, I ended up there, rooming with my best friend from that last semester of 5th grade. I was able to see and visit my grandmother often. And, I made it up to visit my aunts and uncles in Memphis, TN. It was a great year! One where I came to know the Lord. Booneville holds many dear memories for me!
I have chuckled over how small this world is. Who would have ever thought that I would link on to a stranger's blog, then link to another and find someone related to my college English prof in a relatively small town of Booneville (which has probably grown considerably since I was last there over 30 years ago).
It was a great town! My dad was stationed at Colorado Springs, CO after leaving Germany. We came back to the US on the SS United States....a big ocean liner, in the middle of December. My dad was going to go to Stillwater, OK to finish up his BS while we (the fam) stayed with my grandmother in Booneville. I went to school in Booneville for one semester before moving to Colorado Springs.
My highschool was huge back then, over 4000 students and I was just a number. A very shy young girl who turned kind of rebellious. The summer before I graduated I went on a trip with my girlfriend, Chris, next door to visit her grandmother. Chris' mom, Chris and I drove up to Fairbanks, Minnesota and stayed a week. It was such a beautiful small town on a lake with lots of trees. I thought about how much I enjoyed the pace of a small town. So, when I was trying to decide about where to go to college, and not knowing what I wanted to do exactly, but knowing that I wanted to get f---a----r away, I thought about NEMJC.
So, I ended up there, rooming with my best friend from that last semester of 5th grade. I was able to see and visit my grandmother often. And, I made it up to visit my aunts and uncles in Memphis, TN. It was a great year! One where I came to know the Lord. Booneville holds many dear memories for me!
God Centered Living...
Think about the book of Genesis and how it is the record of God accomplishing His purposes through Abraham. It isn't the record of Abraham's walk with God. There is a difference of focus there. Now, think about how that same thing applies to sin. The essence of sin is a shift from a God-centeredness to a self-centeredness. Here are some descriptions:
Self-centered:
Self-centered:
- life focused on self
- proud of self and self's accomplishments
- self confidence
- depending on self and one's own abilities
- affirming self
- seeking to be acceptable to the world and its ways
- looking at circumstances from a human perspective
- selfish and ordinary living
God-centered :
- confidence in God
- dependence on God and His ability and provision
- life focused on God and His activity
- humble before God
- denying self
- seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
- seeking God's perspective in every circumstance
- holy and godly living
Oh how subtle self-centeredness is. We can be doing well one minute and fall into with the very next breath. As John 12:23-25 says God-centeredness requires a daily death of self and submission to God. What must one do to live a God-centered life? We must focus our life on God's purposes rather than our own plans. That means to seek to see every situation from God's perspective rather than from our own distorted human perspective. Think about it. When God has wanted to do something, He has always taken the initiative. Remember the flood, God came to Noah. When He was ready to demolish Sodom and Gomorrah, He came to Abraham. God came to Gideon. God came to Saul when He was ready for the gospel to be carried to the Gentiles. The perspective of us thinking up what we want to accomplish for God and then call God in and ask Him to help us accomplish it isn't scriptural. Scripture shows us a pattern in that we submit ourselves to God and 1) wait until God shows us what He is about to do or 2) we watch and see what God is doing around us and join Him.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Covenant signing...
If you are anything like us, you have signed your fair share of contracts; a loan for your home, a car loan, your marriage certificate, if you don't own a home, then a rental contract. I am still studying Nehemiah and today I have been in chapter 10. But, the 'kicker' actually comes in chapter 9, verse 38, "Now because of all this We are making an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our leaders, our Levites and our priests." After the Israelites listened to the reading and explanation of the Law, then obeying it, they signed a written covenant with God. In my mind that is a very serious commitment! As J.I. Packer noted, "Israel's overall commitment was thus something very much to admire. It was an expression of radical repentance, which meant a change of mind, heart, and life; a gesture of full consecration, which meant being separated from other people of God; and a gateway into the life of faith, in which God would be relied on for everything."
That list of signers is in Nehemiah 10:1-27. Talk about accountability! I would like to think that all churches today are strong in accountability, but I don't believe that to be the case. It is so easy for people to become lulled into complacency today. There is no accountability unless you actively seek it! Look at how many people claim to be "born again" Christians yet our society becomes increasingly more decadent each passing day. You know what is so frightening about that? The average Christian is literally indistinguishable from their non-Christian neighbor or co-worker. That can be really evident in my 'neck of the woods' because the predominant religion here is very big into good works to get into heaven.
It is so important for each of us to have accountability. Who knows you inside and out? Who will be faithful and ask you tough questions? That takes courage. Have you ever given a person the opportunity (and the permission) to get that close to you? I would highly encourage you to, if you haven't already.
There are many thought provoking statements and commitments throughout this chapter. Verse 28 states, "...who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God..." Think about that happening today...that is not a politically correct move in this day and age! I don't think that means you think that you are 'too good' for certain people. Not at all. I believe it is talking more about not spending time with those people who would literally lead you into sin. Like AA, for example. I have a friend who is an alcoholic and they told her, "Do not spend time with active alcoholics. In fact, don't even hang with your old buddies, even if they have given up drinking." It is just too risky.
Another thing, the Israelites pledged to carefully "obey all the commands, regulations and decrees of God our Lord" (vs. 29). Now there is another unpopular concept today, obedience! Besides being a requirement of our Holy God, it is the secret to spiritual power.
They were very serious about their commitment. In verse 32 they assume responsibility to give to God's house and to keep up the maintenance. They gave their firstfruits before they even knew if their second fruits would come in.
Then, in verse 39 they "will not neglect the house of our God." If you are a believer, then we (you and I) are the house of God. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. I had to ask myself when was the last time the temple had a thorough cleaning? A spiritual cleansing. That means I need to keep my soul and spirit clean. First John 1:9 comes to mind, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV).
So what does it all mean? Renewed dedication comes back to confession and repentance. The purpose and outcome of accountability is cleansed, purified lives that glorify God!
That list of signers is in Nehemiah 10:1-27. Talk about accountability! I would like to think that all churches today are strong in accountability, but I don't believe that to be the case. It is so easy for people to become lulled into complacency today. There is no accountability unless you actively seek it! Look at how many people claim to be "born again" Christians yet our society becomes increasingly more decadent each passing day. You know what is so frightening about that? The average Christian is literally indistinguishable from their non-Christian neighbor or co-worker. That can be really evident in my 'neck of the woods' because the predominant religion here is very big into good works to get into heaven.
It is so important for each of us to have accountability. Who knows you inside and out? Who will be faithful and ask you tough questions? That takes courage. Have you ever given a person the opportunity (and the permission) to get that close to you? I would highly encourage you to, if you haven't already.
There are many thought provoking statements and commitments throughout this chapter. Verse 28 states, "...who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God..." Think about that happening today...that is not a politically correct move in this day and age! I don't think that means you think that you are 'too good' for certain people. Not at all. I believe it is talking more about not spending time with those people who would literally lead you into sin. Like AA, for example. I have a friend who is an alcoholic and they told her, "Do not spend time with active alcoholics. In fact, don't even hang with your old buddies, even if they have given up drinking." It is just too risky.
Another thing, the Israelites pledged to carefully "obey all the commands, regulations and decrees of God our Lord" (vs. 29). Now there is another unpopular concept today, obedience! Besides being a requirement of our Holy God, it is the secret to spiritual power.
They were very serious about their commitment. In verse 32 they assume responsibility to give to God's house and to keep up the maintenance. They gave their firstfruits before they even knew if their second fruits would come in.
Then, in verse 39 they "will not neglect the house of our God." If you are a believer, then we (you and I) are the house of God. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. I had to ask myself when was the last time the temple had a thorough cleaning? A spiritual cleansing. That means I need to keep my soul and spirit clean. First John 1:9 comes to mind, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV).
So what does it all mean? Renewed dedication comes back to confession and repentance. The purpose and outcome of accountability is cleansed, purified lives that glorify God!
Sprinter...
Even though the calendar says it is spring, and I have seen evidence of spring...like new buds bursting forth, yellow forsythia in a burst of color, willows with green limbs, and even warm, sunny days. But today is winter. We are having a significant snow storm and I have a fire in the fireplace as I work on my Bible study. I am settled in and cozy, the elements may do as they wish outside! Since I can see spring and I can definitely see winter today the operative word must be a combination of the two---Spri-nter. The nice thing about this time of year is the storms can come but they will melt really fast!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Being a Servant...
Matthew 20:26-28 "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Philippians 2:5-8 "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of eat, even death on a cross."
What is your definition of a servant? Better yet, what would the world's definition of a servant be? Would it be something like a person asking his master what he wanted done? Then the master would tell him what he wanted accomplished and the servant would go off by himself and do it.
But look with me at Jeremiah 18:3-6 "Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. The the word of the LORD came to me saying, 'Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?' declares the LORD. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel."'
Could there be a definition of a servant tucked away in these verses? I see the clay having to do two things. One it has to be molded, thereby making the clay responsive to the potter. This allows the potter to fashion any instrument he so chooses. Two, it needs to remain in the Potter's hand. Think about a bowl or a cup that has been made. Once it is made and set aside, it has no ability to do anything whatsoever by itself. It will just sit there unless the potter uses the bowl or cup. So it needs to remain in the potter's hands, so the potter can use that vessel in any way he chooses.
When you or I come to God as His servant He is desirous for us to allow Him to mold and shape us into the instrument of His choosing. Then He can take our lives and put them where He wills and work through them to accomplish His purposes. Just like that piece of pottery, you and I have no ability to do the command of the Lord except to be where He wants us to be.
When God is working through His servants, we can do anything God can do. Think about the potential there...unlimited! We need to be obedient and, at the same time, remember who is accomplishing the work---God. In other words, we don't necessarily get our orders from God, like in the worldly concept, and then go out and do them. We relate to God, respond to Him, and adjust our lives to Him so that He can do whatever He wants to do through us.
Our relationship with God must come first, then, find out where the Master is. That is where you and I need to be. There definitely will be a difference between the quality of service and the quantity of lasting results when God is working than when it is just us working!
Philippians 2:5-8 "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of eat, even death on a cross."
What is your definition of a servant? Better yet, what would the world's definition of a servant be? Would it be something like a person asking his master what he wanted done? Then the master would tell him what he wanted accomplished and the servant would go off by himself and do it.
But look with me at Jeremiah 18:3-6 "Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. The the word of the LORD came to me saying, 'Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?' declares the LORD. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel."'
Could there be a definition of a servant tucked away in these verses? I see the clay having to do two things. One it has to be molded, thereby making the clay responsive to the potter. This allows the potter to fashion any instrument he so chooses. Two, it needs to remain in the Potter's hand. Think about a bowl or a cup that has been made. Once it is made and set aside, it has no ability to do anything whatsoever by itself. It will just sit there unless the potter uses the bowl or cup. So it needs to remain in the potter's hands, so the potter can use that vessel in any way he chooses.
When you or I come to God as His servant He is desirous for us to allow Him to mold and shape us into the instrument of His choosing. Then He can take our lives and put them where He wills and work through them to accomplish His purposes. Just like that piece of pottery, you and I have no ability to do the command of the Lord except to be where He wants us to be.
When God is working through His servants, we can do anything God can do. Think about the potential there...unlimited! We need to be obedient and, at the same time, remember who is accomplishing the work---God. In other words, we don't necessarily get our orders from God, like in the worldly concept, and then go out and do them. We relate to God, respond to Him, and adjust our lives to Him so that He can do whatever He wants to do through us.
Our relationship with God must come first, then, find out where the Master is. That is where you and I need to be. There definitely will be a difference between the quality of service and the quantity of lasting results when God is working than when it is just us working!
Monday, March 28, 2005
What Happens When You Pray?
If you begin asking God for one thing and something different happens, how do you respond? Do you immediately respond to what begins to happen? I was looking at Ephesians 3:20-21 the other day which says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations." Look at the little phrase "who is able to do immeasurably more." That is what jumped out at me. I cannot even begin to think a prayer that comes close to what God wants to give me. Think about that for a minute. Only the Spirit of God knows what God is doing or purposing in my life or your life.
Sometimes I think I pray and then never relate anything that happens to my praying. After we pray it is vitally important to turn on our "spiritual concentration." If I have prayed in a certain direction then I should anticipate the activity of God in answer to my prayer. Think through the Scriptures and remember the times when God's people prayed, He responded.
Sometimes, after I have prayed, things start to happen during the course of my day that may not be 'normal' for me. Often times, I see them as distractions and might try to get rid of them. I fail to connect them with what I've just prayed. I've learned though, to immediately begin to watch for what happens next, and I try to be prepared to make adjustments in my life, if needed.
There are times when I feel like God is silent. When that happens, I go back to God and His Word. Maybe there is a lesson to be learned in His silence. Think about when Lazarus died and Mary and Martha were upset because Christ waited to come. But, if He had not waited then the opportunity for Christ to disclose more of Himself to Mary and Martha would not have been known. So sometimes the silence of God means that He is ready to bring into my life more revelation of Himself than I have ever known.
My response should be to have an expectation...an eagerness to see what God is revealing to me. It could be as simple as a deeper understanding of His faithfulness or something much more complex. I just know that He will answer.
Sometimes I think I pray and then never relate anything that happens to my praying. After we pray it is vitally important to turn on our "spiritual concentration." If I have prayed in a certain direction then I should anticipate the activity of God in answer to my prayer. Think through the Scriptures and remember the times when God's people prayed, He responded.
Sometimes, after I have prayed, things start to happen during the course of my day that may not be 'normal' for me. Often times, I see them as distractions and might try to get rid of them. I fail to connect them with what I've just prayed. I've learned though, to immediately begin to watch for what happens next, and I try to be prepared to make adjustments in my life, if needed.
There are times when I feel like God is silent. When that happens, I go back to God and His Word. Maybe there is a lesson to be learned in His silence. Think about when Lazarus died and Mary and Martha were upset because Christ waited to come. But, if He had not waited then the opportunity for Christ to disclose more of Himself to Mary and Martha would not have been known. So sometimes the silence of God means that He is ready to bring into my life more revelation of Himself than I have ever known.
My response should be to have an expectation...an eagerness to see what God is revealing to me. It could be as simple as a deeper understanding of His faithfulness or something much more complex. I just know that He will answer.
Friday, March 25, 2005
A Lamb Slain...
This came to me today from a dear friend and I thought I would share it with you all. It's a powerful reminder to us for what He has done. I pray your Easter is a blessed one!
A Lamb Slain
Ralph Wood, professor of theology and literature at Baylor University, once asked a group of seminary students to compare two scenes: an astute collegian who tells you insistently that sin and the fall of man are fallacies invented by the superstitious, and a young pagan in a remote village whom you find in the woods sacrificing a chicken on a makeshift altar. "Which man is farther from the truth?" he asked. The students hemmed and hawed but hesitantly agreed that the pagan boy, however primitively, understood something the other did not. There is a need in our lives for atonement. There is a need for blood. The depravity of man is at once the most unpopular of the Christian doctrines and the most empirically verifiable. We have within us a basic sense of our desperate condition. We are aware, or often reminded, that we not quite what we were intended to be. Something went wrong, something we yearn to see made right, but somehow find ourselves incapable of restoring. For generations, the Israelites labored to follow laws that were meant to atone for their sin and restore them to the presence of God. "And you shall provide a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to the LORD daily; morning by morning you shall provide it" (Ezekiel 46:13). The language of sacrifice and offering was found throughout Near Eastern culture. But the blood of Israel's sacrifices was not like the blood shed by those attempting to appease and approach the gods they feared and followed. The prophets sent throughout Israel's history were forever insisting that God wanted more than the empty performance of sacrifice. He desired the offerings to exemplify the heart of a worshiper, one yearning to be in the presence of Him who created us, drawing nearer through the blood of a spotless lamb. When Scriptures speak of Christ as the Lamb of God, it is easy to think of it as something like symbolic code. Each time we read of the lamb or the lion in Scripture, it is easy to move through the text with an instantaneous recognition: The lamb is Christ. The lion is Christ. But Oxford scholar John Lennox reminds us that these passages tell us not only who it is, but what it is. It's Christ as the lamb, the spotless lamb whose blood my life requires. The description moves well beyond symbolism. He is the Lamb whose blood atones my depravity, the Lamb who moves me forever into the presence of God. When John describes his vision of heaven in the book of Revelation, the Lamb is found in the center of a singing multitude. "Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders" (Rev. 5:6). Asks Lennox, "But how can a slain lamb stand?" On this Good Friday, it is an image that poses much for our hearts and minds. The Lamb who bore my sins, forever bears the scars of my atonement, even as he stands. As the Lamb, Christ has reached a need we could not. He has become the sacrifice we could not give. He is the Lamb who was slain so that we could bow and sing in the presence of God. The hymnist declares the glory of Christ, the only one who is worthy: Behold the Lamb of God! Into the sacred flood of Thy most precious blood my soul I cast: Wash me and make me clean within, And keep me pure from every sin, Till this life be past. Behold the Lamb of God! The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Cornerstone, the Shepherd, our Advocate has bowed to death and overcome. The Slain Lamb stands.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Your Bible...
Are you one to write in your Bible? Some people would never choose to do so, which is fine for them. But me, I write! For instance where there are verses that have been made into music or choruses I put a couple of musical notes by the verse. For instance, Isaiah 55:12 "For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Right in my margin are my little musical notes to remind me that this has been made into a chorus.
Then in my margins I also have notes of things that have struck me, or impressed me during a sermon etc. Often times I do different color ink for different years. And, on many of them, I have significant dates written down. For instance, besides Psalm 139: 14-16 I have my brother's name written (he was born with Downs), along with his date of birth and his death. In that same section, just a little earlier, beside the verses 11-12 I have his coma noted. What a comfort that was to my sister and me. I have thought of this verse often regarding Terri Shiavio. Psalm 139:11-12 says, "If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." So, even though my brother was in a coma, God Himself, ministered to him in those farthest, innermost areas of his soul.
There is one verse that seems to have numerous dates written over the years by it. That is because whenever I encounter a physical problem I go to this verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 which says, ""And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." In my margin there, I have the dates 1/92: melanoma; 8/93: glaucoma; 10/98: asthma; 5/99: diabetes; 7/02/02: 1st stroke; 7/31/02: 2nd stroke. I haven't decided completely but I think I will use the verse in James 1:17 about "every good and perfect gift is from above..." for when my glaucoma was healed. So, I will be adding a new date beside that verse if it ends up the final verse chosen.
There are many prayers in the Bible that I have made notes beside as I pray these prayers for my family. For instance, Ephesians 3:16-19 is one I have prayed over and over again for our son, James, since he was about 5 (and I haven't let up yet). So as I read through, I substitute James' name and some notes. Like this: "That he would grant you, James, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (then I lay out items for character development). That Christ may dwell in James' heart by faith; that you, James, would be rooted and grounded in love, (I throw in nourishment, stability, experientially comprehensive understanding of the love of Christ). James, may you be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled (that your goal, James would be spiritual maturity) with all the fulness of God."
In the front of my Bible I have written this: Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my time, my all, utterly to You to be Yours forever. Fill me and seal me with Your Holy Spirit. Use me as You would, send me where you will, work out Your whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever. 3/98. I am glad that I have this written down because I can refer to it over and over again when my resolve weakens or I stumble. Devotion to Jesus Christ should be the grand preoccupation of my life!!! Amen? Amen!!!
Then in my margins I also have notes of things that have struck me, or impressed me during a sermon etc. Often times I do different color ink for different years. And, on many of them, I have significant dates written down. For instance, besides Psalm 139: 14-16 I have my brother's name written (he was born with Downs), along with his date of birth and his death. In that same section, just a little earlier, beside the verses 11-12 I have his coma noted. What a comfort that was to my sister and me. I have thought of this verse often regarding Terri Shiavio. Psalm 139:11-12 says, "If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." So, even though my brother was in a coma, God Himself, ministered to him in those farthest, innermost areas of his soul.
There is one verse that seems to have numerous dates written over the years by it. That is because whenever I encounter a physical problem I go to this verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 which says, ""And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." In my margin there, I have the dates 1/92: melanoma; 8/93: glaucoma; 10/98: asthma; 5/99: diabetes; 7/02/02: 1st stroke; 7/31/02: 2nd stroke. I haven't decided completely but I think I will use the verse in James 1:17 about "every good and perfect gift is from above..." for when my glaucoma was healed. So, I will be adding a new date beside that verse if it ends up the final verse chosen.
There are many prayers in the Bible that I have made notes beside as I pray these prayers for my family. For instance, Ephesians 3:16-19 is one I have prayed over and over again for our son, James, since he was about 5 (and I haven't let up yet). So as I read through, I substitute James' name and some notes. Like this: "That he would grant you, James, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (then I lay out items for character development). That Christ may dwell in James' heart by faith; that you, James, would be rooted and grounded in love, (I throw in nourishment, stability, experientially comprehensive understanding of the love of Christ). James, may you be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled (that your goal, James would be spiritual maturity) with all the fulness of God."
In the front of my Bible I have written this: Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my time, my all, utterly to You to be Yours forever. Fill me and seal me with Your Holy Spirit. Use me as You would, send me where you will, work out Your whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever. 3/98. I am glad that I have this written down because I can refer to it over and over again when my resolve weakens or I stumble. Devotion to Jesus Christ should be the grand preoccupation of my life!!! Amen? Amen!!!
Neat wording...
My AMCF Newsletter (Association of Military Christian Felloships) came today. As I read through it I came across this short little blurb:
Leading in Times of Change
"These are truly challenging times. A time of change, not only in the world, in our country, but also in the SAF [Singapore Armed Forces]," writes LTC Ngien Hoon Ping in the MCF of Singapore's magazine, "Onward Soldiers."
"As leaders, we will in one way or another be involved in leading, or supporting changes. [Leaders should] hold dear to the second commandent of the Lord: that is, to love Him and honour Him with all our hearts and to love others as we love ourselves. This must include a genuine desire to love and serve the soldiers under our charge, to do our very best for them, with their interest uppermost in our minds and hearts...Soldiers [should] pray for our leaders to have the peace and wisdom of God, whether they are believers or pre-believers. This is because God has placed all authority above us and it is our duty to pray for our leaders."
Now, what struck me is his use of the little word "pre-believers." That really jumped out at me when I read that. I kind of rolled it around in my head and then even said it out loud. Weren't we all 'pre-believers' at some point in our lives? I just really liked his outlook I guess, and had never heard it put quite this way. Altering my perception just a little can allow me to have a fresh perspective on the people the Lord brings across my path.
Leading in Times of Change
"These are truly challenging times. A time of change, not only in the world, in our country, but also in the SAF [Singapore Armed Forces]," writes LTC Ngien Hoon Ping in the MCF of Singapore's magazine, "Onward Soldiers."
"As leaders, we will in one way or another be involved in leading, or supporting changes. [Leaders should] hold dear to the second commandent of the Lord: that is, to love Him and honour Him with all our hearts and to love others as we love ourselves. This must include a genuine desire to love and serve the soldiers under our charge, to do our very best for them, with their interest uppermost in our minds and hearts...Soldiers [should] pray for our leaders to have the peace and wisdom of God, whether they are believers or pre-believers. This is because God has placed all authority above us and it is our duty to pray for our leaders."
Now, what struck me is his use of the little word "pre-believers." That really jumped out at me when I read that. I kind of rolled it around in my head and then even said it out loud. Weren't we all 'pre-believers' at some point in our lives? I just really liked his outlook I guess, and had never heard it put quite this way. Altering my perception just a little can allow me to have a fresh perspective on the people the Lord brings across my path.
The Proverbs 31 Man...
Back in the late summer my brother-in-law sent a site to my husband to check out. Actually, he sent it to numerous men that he thought would be interested in it. My two guys were on the list. They found it very interesting and thought provoking. We have always heard of the Proverbs 31 Woman but we had never thought of approaching it from the man's perspective. My husband thought this was a very good devotional. It is a bit long for a quick glance so I suggest you go to the web site and print the page. Pass it on to your husband and let him read it as he has time. My understanding is that there is a book called the Proverb 31 Man and this site is a summary of the book. Go here to read the article. We would be interested in any feedback you might want to give. Maybe some of your husbands have heard and/or read this already but it was new to us.
In-N-Out response...
Most likely my response from the In-N-Out people was pretty much like yours, Dan. Now I guess we just wait and see how long it takes them, if ever, to open one up in either of our places! Here is part of my response from them:
In-N-Out Burger® is a privately held, family operated business which first opened in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948. As we continue to expand, we are always careful not to open a new location until we can guarantee the same quality food and service as we provide in our existing locations. Although we are unable to confirm a site in Salt Lake City at this time, In-N-Out Burger® plans on expanding as far as we can, and particularly into areas in which our customers have expressed interest. As such, we are happy to let our Real Estate Department know that you would like us to open an In-N-Out Burger® location in Salt Lake City.
There you have it...
In-N-Out Burger® is a privately held, family operated business which first opened in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948. As we continue to expand, we are always careful not to open a new location until we can guarantee the same quality food and service as we provide in our existing locations. Although we are unable to confirm a site in Salt Lake City at this time, In-N-Out Burger® plans on expanding as far as we can, and particularly into areas in which our customers have expressed interest. As such, we are happy to let our Real Estate Department know that you would like us to open an In-N-Out Burger® location in Salt Lake City.
There you have it...
Monday, March 21, 2005
Worldwide Church of God...
I have always understood the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) to be a cult. Living in Utah makes one very suspicious of people 'claiming' to be Christians. When Ravi Zacharias came to speak in Salt Lake City at the Mormon tabernacle, November 14, it was for a gathering of Christian evangelicals and Mormons. A gathering where a dialogue could begin, a sharing of one another's beliefs in a civilized manner. We are sitting in the pews through the announcements etc., when Pastor Greg Johnson of Standing Together announced that Mr. Tkach ( I believe that was the man's name) from the WCG would lead us in the opening prayer. I have to admit, I was very uncomfortable and wondered if this whole thing was just a huge mistake. I looked at my husband and my friend, Lana, as they looked back at me. We bowed our heads in prayer. I listened very intently to his prayer. There was nothing wrong, doctrinally, with his prayer.
However, my alarms were going off in my head. Having lived around and dealt with a false religion for over 24 years I decided to do some checking. My first query began with Standing Together and it was there that I first heard that the Worldwide Church of God had renounced their past teachings and come full circle to believe as evangelical Christians. I got a little excited, for this would be the first known cult group, that I was aware of, coming to Jesus Christ and rejecting their past doctrinal stances. I was cautiously excited.
It always intrigues me to see the Lord work. A few months ago, a couple with several children moved to our area and began attending our church. He had attended seminary for a couple of years before deciding that the Lord was leading them in a different direction, whereas, he left seminary and finished getting his degree in mechanical engineering. My husband and I met with them and began to get to know them. Imagine my surprise when he said he "had come out of a cult" and that cult was WCG (before he became a Christian). In fact, he had been born on their college campus in the infirmary. He was very open about how the church leadership had begun to see doctrinal errors and how they had decided to meet it 'face on', so to speak. They were not going to hide or cover up their past doctrinal errors but would move forward, instructing and explaining why the 'old' had to be discarded (because it did not line up with biblical teaching) and the Truth embraced. This man went on to explain that there were a number of people who did not see 'the Light' and chose to break off from the Worldwide Church of God. If you are interested in reading about their history and their transformation to an evangelical church read this.
There are days, I have to admit, when I get discouraged in my witnessing with mormons. So many times I feel like I am hitting my head on a brick wall. I have to stop and remind myself of people like Michelle and Phyllis (my November archives have their stories). As I have pondered the changes that have taken place in WCG I am again encouraged that there is not anything that is too big for God! His power is limitLESS!!! There is nothing He can't accomplish! So, fortified anew, I press on, always looking for opportunities to share the Good News with whomever the Lord pleases to put in my path.
However, my alarms were going off in my head. Having lived around and dealt with a false religion for over 24 years I decided to do some checking. My first query began with Standing Together and it was there that I first heard that the Worldwide Church of God had renounced their past teachings and come full circle to believe as evangelical Christians. I got a little excited, for this would be the first known cult group, that I was aware of, coming to Jesus Christ and rejecting their past doctrinal stances. I was cautiously excited.
It always intrigues me to see the Lord work. A few months ago, a couple with several children moved to our area and began attending our church. He had attended seminary for a couple of years before deciding that the Lord was leading them in a different direction, whereas, he left seminary and finished getting his degree in mechanical engineering. My husband and I met with them and began to get to know them. Imagine my surprise when he said he "had come out of a cult" and that cult was WCG (before he became a Christian). In fact, he had been born on their college campus in the infirmary. He was very open about how the church leadership had begun to see doctrinal errors and how they had decided to meet it 'face on', so to speak. They were not going to hide or cover up their past doctrinal errors but would move forward, instructing and explaining why the 'old' had to be discarded (because it did not line up with biblical teaching) and the Truth embraced. This man went on to explain that there were a number of people who did not see 'the Light' and chose to break off from the Worldwide Church of God. If you are interested in reading about their history and their transformation to an evangelical church read this.
There are days, I have to admit, when I get discouraged in my witnessing with mormons. So many times I feel like I am hitting my head on a brick wall. I have to stop and remind myself of people like Michelle and Phyllis (my November archives have their stories). As I have pondered the changes that have taken place in WCG I am again encouraged that there is not anything that is too big for God! His power is limitLESS!!! There is nothing He can't accomplish! So, fortified anew, I press on, always looking for opportunities to share the Good News with whomever the Lord pleases to put in my path.
In-N-Out
Okay, Dan, I have entered the fray!! I, too, submitted my plea for the In-N-Out franchise coming to Salt Lake City on their website. I will keep you updated on their response to my email. Wouldn't it be wonderful to get a specific target date of when they plan to open in SLC? Maybe I could put in a word with them to have you and Melinda come up for the GRAND OPENING and you could wear your very own name tag. I think it would behoove them to have you say a few words since you are probably their MOST loyal customer! Good PR and all that stuff....
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Happy Anniversary!
Today marks my sister and her husband's 38th year of marriage! I pray that their day will be extra blessed even though they are in the throes of getting a house ready to put on the market!
They have been such an encouragement to Jim and myself over the years. Their love, faithfulness and devotion to one another is truly inspiring. I watched them as they became Christians and then Jim and I have watched (and learned) as they stepped out in obedience to their Lord through childrearing, teenage years, Claire and Dan's college years, the marriages of their children to godly mates, the handling of their empty nest and finally, their grandparenting stage (four, as of now, and I am sure, still counting).
Through it all they have faithfully served our Lord during a military career and then, stepping out in faith, when God called them to serve full time with the international military community.
My sister has nurtured our relationship (she being older by 8 1/2 years). She has made me feel so loved. I can remember her teaching me to outline in coloring when I was four years old. We were sitting at the dining room table one afternoon coloring, and I distinctly remember looking at her picture and how much neater it was than mine! I commented about that and she, with patience, showed me how to outline. When we moved from NY to VA we rented a home with 3 bedrooms. One of the bedrooms was a big attic room with a window looking down over the side of the house. The other was a much smaller room where my brother was going to sleep. To this day, I do not know how she did it, but she gave me the choice of rooms (like she was ever going to share a room with my brother, who was only 4 years younger than I) and I chose to share the room with my brother! And, I felt great about it!! LOL! One of the bargaining chips she used was that she would invite me up to spend the night in her room. What a treat that was for me! She had so many nice things that she would let me play with! I can truly say that my sister and I have never had a fight or disagreement. There was one time when I pestered her and she chased me around the dining room table while we were living in Germany. We look back on that and laugh. She was obviously the more 'mature' of us! :) The sun rose and set in my sister and so you can imagine when Vic came on the scene! But, I couldn't have picked a better husband for my sister if I had tried! Vic was the perfect match!
They met in Germany one summer. I can't remember if it was the summer before she left for Vasser or a summer between her college years. Vic was fabulous! He was in school at the Air Force Academy and would go on to graduate and become a navigator. Theirs was a long distance romance through letters. Not only did they communicate with each other by letters but Vic wrote letters (plural) to ME (all of which I still have)! He shared of his love for her and how they looked forward to being married and how he would love it when I could come visit them in their new home.... He told me about his old Model T (?-it's an old car) that he had restored and the events that were going on in his life, all this while at the Academy and then early in his career. I look back on that now, as a parent with a son in flight school, who has NO time, and I just marvel how Vic saw a little girl, who adored her sister, and took the time to cultivate a relationship with her! They weren't long letters (but I didn't realize that until much later--LOL) but they were long enough to show me that he cared about me.
Both of them have been instrumental in developing and cultivating Jim's and my Christian walk. The Lord has used them over and over again for prayer support, for wisdom, and encouragement as we stepped out in marriage, childrearing, college and then releasing our son into the military. In fact, Vic was the person who James chose to swear him into the Air Force when he was commissioned last year.
So, I hope as they go about their day, they know how much we love them! Here's to many, many more wonderful years together!
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 "Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it; If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly despised."
They have been such an encouragement to Jim and myself over the years. Their love, faithfulness and devotion to one another is truly inspiring. I watched them as they became Christians and then Jim and I have watched (and learned) as they stepped out in obedience to their Lord through childrearing, teenage years, Claire and Dan's college years, the marriages of their children to godly mates, the handling of their empty nest and finally, their grandparenting stage (four, as of now, and I am sure, still counting).
Through it all they have faithfully served our Lord during a military career and then, stepping out in faith, when God called them to serve full time with the international military community.
My sister has nurtured our relationship (she being older by 8 1/2 years). She has made me feel so loved. I can remember her teaching me to outline in coloring when I was four years old. We were sitting at the dining room table one afternoon coloring, and I distinctly remember looking at her picture and how much neater it was than mine! I commented about that and she, with patience, showed me how to outline. When we moved from NY to VA we rented a home with 3 bedrooms. One of the bedrooms was a big attic room with a window looking down over the side of the house. The other was a much smaller room where my brother was going to sleep. To this day, I do not know how she did it, but she gave me the choice of rooms (like she was ever going to share a room with my brother, who was only 4 years younger than I) and I chose to share the room with my brother! And, I felt great about it!! LOL! One of the bargaining chips she used was that she would invite me up to spend the night in her room. What a treat that was for me! She had so many nice things that she would let me play with! I can truly say that my sister and I have never had a fight or disagreement. There was one time when I pestered her and she chased me around the dining room table while we were living in Germany. We look back on that and laugh. She was obviously the more 'mature' of us! :) The sun rose and set in my sister and so you can imagine when Vic came on the scene! But, I couldn't have picked a better husband for my sister if I had tried! Vic was the perfect match!
They met in Germany one summer. I can't remember if it was the summer before she left for Vasser or a summer between her college years. Vic was fabulous! He was in school at the Air Force Academy and would go on to graduate and become a navigator. Theirs was a long distance romance through letters. Not only did they communicate with each other by letters but Vic wrote letters (plural) to ME (all of which I still have)! He shared of his love for her and how they looked forward to being married and how he would love it when I could come visit them in their new home.... He told me about his old Model T (?-it's an old car) that he had restored and the events that were going on in his life, all this while at the Academy and then early in his career. I look back on that now, as a parent with a son in flight school, who has NO time, and I just marvel how Vic saw a little girl, who adored her sister, and took the time to cultivate a relationship with her! They weren't long letters (but I didn't realize that until much later--LOL) but they were long enough to show me that he cared about me.
Both of them have been instrumental in developing and cultivating Jim's and my Christian walk. The Lord has used them over and over again for prayer support, for wisdom, and encouragement as we stepped out in marriage, childrearing, college and then releasing our son into the military. In fact, Vic was the person who James chose to swear him into the Air Force when he was commissioned last year.
So, I hope as they go about their day, they know how much we love them! Here's to many, many more wonderful years together!
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 "Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, Nor will rivers overflow it; If a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly despised."
Love is:
Permanent
Possessive
Powerful
Perservering
Priceless
Friday, March 18, 2005
Confession...
I don't know anyone who has an easy time confessing their sins. I know I don't. When I get right down to it, I think it's hard to admit that I am proud and self-sufficient. Neither one of which I am happy about. I don't want to be that way but it seems to come so very easy!
I am constantly encouraged as I read in the Bible, time after time, when Israel sinned then sought repentance, God forgave. Thankfully He is faithful to do that with me, also. Along with confession there needs to be repentance. Repent...taking responsibility for my sin and its consequences. Ouch!
Back in the early 1800's Charles Finney, who many regard as the greatest revival preacher in church history, led more than half a million people to Christ! What is significant about this is that the people were actually converted. His preaching turned entire communities upside down. It was not uncommon for bar gatherings to be transformed into prayer meetings and for courthouses to be left without any cases to put on trial. How would that be today? Often today, there may be a revival in a city but that city is left largely unchanged. *sigh*
Finney explained exactly what he meant by confession and repentance:
We are so rich yet, rather than being grateful for God's provisions, so often I find us discontented and constantly clamoring for more. Finney goes on to list common sins with the first being ingratitude. He mentioned neglecting the Bible, prayer, and such other "means of grace" as public worship; lack of compassion in general and unconcern for the lost, specifically; and last but not least, selfishness and a complete disregard for Christ's command and example of self-denial. From the sins of omission Finney turned his attention to the sins of commission: pride, envy, slander (gossip), lying, cheating, robbing God by withholding your tithe, squandering your time in vain pursuits, and temper. You know what is amazing? He doesn't even mention the sins that we would think of as "biggies". Finney focused on nice, polite church sins...the sins of the heart. *Ouch!*
Remember though, God's objective isn't to make us cry. Look at 2 Corinthians 7:9-11, "...Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done."
Oh we may begin with tears but soon that turns to great joy. "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6).
I am constantly encouraged as I read in the Bible, time after time, when Israel sinned then sought repentance, God forgave. Thankfully He is faithful to do that with me, also. Along with confession there needs to be repentance. Repent...taking responsibility for my sin and its consequences. Ouch!
Back in the early 1800's Charles Finney, who many regard as the greatest revival preacher in church history, led more than half a million people to Christ! What is significant about this is that the people were actually converted. His preaching turned entire communities upside down. It was not uncommon for bar gatherings to be transformed into prayer meetings and for courthouses to be left without any cases to put on trial. How would that be today? Often today, there may be a revival in a city but that city is left largely unchanged. *sigh*
Finney explained exactly what he meant by confession and repentance:
Look back over your past history. Take up your individual sins one by one,
and look at them. I do not mean that you should just cast a glance at your
past life, and see that it has been full of sins, and then go to God and
make a sort of general confession, and ask for pardon. That is not the way.
You must take them up one by one. It will be a good thing to take a pen and
paper, as you go over them, and write them down as they occur to you. Go
over them as carefully as a merchant goes over his books; and as often as a
sin comes before your memory, add it to the list. General confessions of sin
will never do. Your sins were committed one by one; and as far as you can
come at them, they ought to be reviewed and repented of one by one. Charles G. Finney, Lectures on Revivals of Religion: How to Promote a Revival.
We are so rich yet, rather than being grateful for God's provisions, so often I find us discontented and constantly clamoring for more. Finney goes on to list common sins with the first being ingratitude. He mentioned neglecting the Bible, prayer, and such other "means of grace" as public worship; lack of compassion in general and unconcern for the lost, specifically; and last but not least, selfishness and a complete disregard for Christ's command and example of self-denial. From the sins of omission Finney turned his attention to the sins of commission: pride, envy, slander (gossip), lying, cheating, robbing God by withholding your tithe, squandering your time in vain pursuits, and temper. You know what is amazing? He doesn't even mention the sins that we would think of as "biggies". Finney focused on nice, polite church sins...the sins of the heart. *Ouch!*
Remember though, God's objective isn't to make us cry. Look at 2 Corinthians 7:9-11, "...Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done."
Oh we may begin with tears but soon that turns to great joy. "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5-6).
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Breaking free....
Yesterday was a big day for me. Oh, most people would probably just say, "So what's the big deal? Get over it." But it was a healing moment for me. What was this "big" thing, you ask? Well, I cooked a recipe that I haven't made since my Dad died...to be more exact, since our family (all 13 of us) was together at Christmas 2000. I better give you some background...
It was time for my parents to get closer to either my sister in Ohio or myself here in UT. We gave them the option, leaving it totally up to them on where they would like to settle in. Dad and Mom decided to come live with Jim and me. They made the move in the fall of 1999.
My Dad loved to help me in the kitchen. He was so fun to make plans with. If I was having a Super Bowl party, a Progressive dinner, a dinner party, a get together, a holiday meal, or all of the family for two plus full weeks, he helped me plan the menu, do the shopping and even, bless his heart, would chop onion and celery and anything else that needed chopping! Our menu planning would require lots of discussions and then there would be some changes perhaps, until we felt like we had arrived at just the right things. He became such an integral part of my kitchen! It's a wonder I ever managed to put on a decent meal before they moved in with me! LOL!!
We have a very special memory of my niece's son, Nathan, and Papa, helping in the kitchen. I was making Swiss steak to cook in my crock pot. Papa was sitting at the table, pounding the meat with the tenderizer while Nathan (who was on a stool helping Aunt Claire) and I would drag the pounded slices through flour. Nathan decided he didn't want his hands all messed up with the flour so he thought his job should be to take the meat back and forth between Papa and myself. As he stood on the stool at the counter, he looked across the counter to the table where Papa sat pounding and offered encouragement saying, "What a mighty fine job you are doing, Papa! What a good helper you are!! Yes, indeed, a very good job you are doing, Papa!!" My dad and I are burst out laughing and, in turn, told Nathan what an excellent job he was doing, too!
The kitchen was always such a happy place to be and so much living took place in and around that area. My kitchen and upstairs family room are all combined and so my Dad's recliner was right there, too. After he died, it was so very hard for me begin cooking again. My heart sure wasn't in it. In fact, so many of my recipes are written by him (and by my sister). So, when I would pull out a recipe...it was just plain hard. Well, eventually, I managed to get 'back in the kitchen' but it hasn't held the joy that it once did. But, it is easier now. There have been several recipes that I haven't even touched just because it brought back too many memories. However, yesterday I stepped forth and made my Cranberry Pork Chops in my crockpot. Not a big thing to other people, but for me, a huge step!
I thank the Lord for being faithful to heal the sore spots in our heart. Thank goodness the loss of someone dear doesn't mean that our abundant, joyful life as a Christian comes to an end. Joy and effectiveness may seem to pause for awhile as grief runs its course. But, for those of us in Christ, we will experience the joy and goodness again. As Beth Moore says, "Perhaps the most profound miracle of all is living through something we thought would kill us. And not just living, but living abundantly and effectively."
She goes on to share how "...the life of a Christian is never about sameness. It's always about change. That's why we must learn to survive and once again thrive when change involves heartbreaking loss. We're being conformed to the image of Christ. When our hearts are hemorrhaging with grief and loss, never forget that Christ binds and compresses it with a nail-scarred hand. Life will not ever be the same, but I have the invitation from Christ to rise to a new life--a more compassionate life, a wiser life, a more productive life. And, yes, even a better life. Sound impossible? It is without Christ." (from Breaking Free by Beth Moore)
It was time for my parents to get closer to either my sister in Ohio or myself here in UT. We gave them the option, leaving it totally up to them on where they would like to settle in. Dad and Mom decided to come live with Jim and me. They made the move in the fall of 1999.
My Dad loved to help me in the kitchen. He was so fun to make plans with. If I was having a Super Bowl party, a Progressive dinner, a dinner party, a get together, a holiday meal, or all of the family for two plus full weeks, he helped me plan the menu, do the shopping and even, bless his heart, would chop onion and celery and anything else that needed chopping! Our menu planning would require lots of discussions and then there would be some changes perhaps, until we felt like we had arrived at just the right things. He became such an integral part of my kitchen! It's a wonder I ever managed to put on a decent meal before they moved in with me! LOL!!
We have a very special memory of my niece's son, Nathan, and Papa, helping in the kitchen. I was making Swiss steak to cook in my crock pot. Papa was sitting at the table, pounding the meat with the tenderizer while Nathan (who was on a stool helping Aunt Claire) and I would drag the pounded slices through flour. Nathan decided he didn't want his hands all messed up with the flour so he thought his job should be to take the meat back and forth between Papa and myself. As he stood on the stool at the counter, he looked across the counter to the table where Papa sat pounding and offered encouragement saying, "What a mighty fine job you are doing, Papa! What a good helper you are!! Yes, indeed, a very good job you are doing, Papa!!" My dad and I are burst out laughing and, in turn, told Nathan what an excellent job he was doing, too!
The kitchen was always such a happy place to be and so much living took place in and around that area. My kitchen and upstairs family room are all combined and so my Dad's recliner was right there, too. After he died, it was so very hard for me begin cooking again. My heart sure wasn't in it. In fact, so many of my recipes are written by him (and by my sister). So, when I would pull out a recipe...it was just plain hard. Well, eventually, I managed to get 'back in the kitchen' but it hasn't held the joy that it once did. But, it is easier now. There have been several recipes that I haven't even touched just because it brought back too many memories. However, yesterday I stepped forth and made my Cranberry Pork Chops in my crockpot. Not a big thing to other people, but for me, a huge step!
I thank the Lord for being faithful to heal the sore spots in our heart. Thank goodness the loss of someone dear doesn't mean that our abundant, joyful life as a Christian comes to an end. Joy and effectiveness may seem to pause for awhile as grief runs its course. But, for those of us in Christ, we will experience the joy and goodness again. As Beth Moore says, "Perhaps the most profound miracle of all is living through something we thought would kill us. And not just living, but living abundantly and effectively."
She goes on to share how "...the life of a Christian is never about sameness. It's always about change. That's why we must learn to survive and once again thrive when change involves heartbreaking loss. We're being conformed to the image of Christ. When our hearts are hemorrhaging with grief and loss, never forget that Christ binds and compresses it with a nail-scarred hand. Life will not ever be the same, but I have the invitation from Christ to rise to a new life--a more compassionate life, a wiser life, a more productive life. And, yes, even a better life. Sound impossible? It is without Christ." (from Breaking Free by Beth Moore)
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Happy Birthday!
Today was a dear friend's birthday! He turned 71. His wife threw him the grandest party...it was a Square Dance party! What fun! They had a caller who gave lessons to all of us who have two left feet! I don't know which there was more of, laughter or dancing! Not everyone danced but most people gave it a shot for a couple of the dances, even if they didn't dance them all. I think I counted about 30 people or so there.
Jim and Pauline are the neatest couple. It is so evident they love their Lord and each other. But, that love spills over to all whom they come in contact. My Jim and I always glean new insight or understanding when we are blessed to sit under Jim's teaching. It is always a joy to be around them, they are so young in spirit! Their children are all grown. One son, and his wife, is a missionary doctor in Nigeria, another son was a youth pastor in a church for many years but now teaches at a Christian school in Texas and the other son is a CPA and very active in his church. The couple in Nigeria have one son in college here in Utah, with the next oldest coming this summer to begin school in the fall.
I thank the Lord for godly examples that He has surrounded us with. They are such an encouragement to Jim and me as the Lord blesses us with more years (age wise and marriage wise!). Happy 71st Birthday Jim! May the Lord bless you with many more!
And, a mighty Happy Birthday to Magvou today, too! I hope your day has been extra special!
Jim and Pauline are the neatest couple. It is so evident they love their Lord and each other. But, that love spills over to all whom they come in contact. My Jim and I always glean new insight or understanding when we are blessed to sit under Jim's teaching. It is always a joy to be around them, they are so young in spirit! Their children are all grown. One son, and his wife, is a missionary doctor in Nigeria, another son was a youth pastor in a church for many years but now teaches at a Christian school in Texas and the other son is a CPA and very active in his church. The couple in Nigeria have one son in college here in Utah, with the next oldest coming this summer to begin school in the fall.
I thank the Lord for godly examples that He has surrounded us with. They are such an encouragement to Jim and me as the Lord blesses us with more years (age wise and marriage wise!). Happy 71st Birthday Jim! May the Lord bless you with many more!
And, a mighty Happy Birthday to Magvou today, too! I hope your day has been extra special!
Monday, March 14, 2005
Whew!
Here it is Monday and I feel like we haven't even experienced the weekend. I've wanted to sit down to blog but never seemed to have enough time.
Saturday we went to a wedding! Our pastor's oldest son got married! Pastor and his wife have 6 children and over the last year and a half 5 of the 6 will be married. The fifth wedding will take place in May. Their children have waited to find the right one and have married later in life. The wedding on Saturday was beautiful and a wonderful time of worship. There were three pastors involved with different aspects of the wedding ceremony. Jim and I came away joyful. We worshiped along with the happy couple. They included congregational singing and corporate prayer as a body praying for the new husband and wife. She is just perfect for him as he is for her!
Sunday is always extremely busy for us. Besides our Sunday school and worship time, my husband heads up Evangelism Explosion for our church which meets on Sunday afternoons for training. Right now, he is training two teams. That finishes up just in time for us to head out the door for our Sunday evening Bible study group. On the way home we try to stop and pick up a hot fudge chocolate milkshake for my Mom. :) We arrive home about 9 p.m.
Today, I took Mom up to Hill AFB to pick up her meds and for her to pick up a few items at the BX. I totally spaced her wheelchair so she sat in the car while I went into the BX for her. We filled up her car with gas and then went and picked up her meds. Now, the highlight for her (and for me) was stopping at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants called Garcias. They have great food and because it is so far away from us, the only time we eat there is when we have made a trip to Hill AFB. It was a beautiful day to make the trip. Not as warm as it has been but the sun was shining, the sky was so blue and the snow covered mountains were just breathtaking!
Tomorrow I meet with my book group. That is always so fun! Our next book is going to be Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I've already been reading it. One word of warning...don't read it if you are not willing to be convicted!
We haven't had a looooong detailed call from James since he arrived home from his cross country flight but we do know, because of bad weather, he had to change his flight plans. One of the bases he flew into, and spent Saturday night, was Maxwell AFB right outside of Montgomery, AL. So he called up his cousins from Auburn, Jack and Margaret, and they were able to meet him and see the plane and, I think, go out for dinner together. James said that it was a lot of hard work but a great time. Tomorrow is his check ride which is a 'biggy.' Pray for him tomorrow, please! Hopefully, once that is over and done with, he will have some time to call and talk with us. His dad will want to know all the 'facts', while I will want to know all about the 'experience.' LOL! Hopefully, he will read this before he calls so he will have a 'heads up' on what is expected! :)
Jim and I are reading through the Bible in a year together. Right now we are in Joshua. One of the things that mormons do not believe in is 'original sin.' They cannot grasp that even if we were never to sin after being born (which is impossible) we are still guilty of sin because of Adam's sin. And thus, they don't believe that God would hold us accountable. Their babies are not born into sin...they do not begin to sin until they are older. In our discussions with friends we have shared how we did not have to teach our child to want his own way, to say 'no', to throw tantrums, to disobey us... just like we know they did not have to teach their children those very same things. However, we had to work diligently to train them up to be obedient, to say 'thank you', to share their things with others, etc. Whenever we have that conversation it always leaves them with food for thought. I know that the Bible is very clear about our sin nature and the guilt that we have. As I read the other day about Achan's sin in Joshua 7 I was reminded once again how God held the nation of Israel guilty for one man's sin.
As I was reading some of my favorite blogs today I came across The Science and Christianity Showcase at Allthings2all. I haven't had time to peruse the different articles but look forward to taking some time this evening to do some more reading. Check it out!
Saturday we went to a wedding! Our pastor's oldest son got married! Pastor and his wife have 6 children and over the last year and a half 5 of the 6 will be married. The fifth wedding will take place in May. Their children have waited to find the right one and have married later in life. The wedding on Saturday was beautiful and a wonderful time of worship. There were three pastors involved with different aspects of the wedding ceremony. Jim and I came away joyful. We worshiped along with the happy couple. They included congregational singing and corporate prayer as a body praying for the new husband and wife. She is just perfect for him as he is for her!
Sunday is always extremely busy for us. Besides our Sunday school and worship time, my husband heads up Evangelism Explosion for our church which meets on Sunday afternoons for training. Right now, he is training two teams. That finishes up just in time for us to head out the door for our Sunday evening Bible study group. On the way home we try to stop and pick up a hot fudge chocolate milkshake for my Mom. :) We arrive home about 9 p.m.
Today, I took Mom up to Hill AFB to pick up her meds and for her to pick up a few items at the BX. I totally spaced her wheelchair so she sat in the car while I went into the BX for her. We filled up her car with gas and then went and picked up her meds. Now, the highlight for her (and for me) was stopping at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants called Garcias. They have great food and because it is so far away from us, the only time we eat there is when we have made a trip to Hill AFB. It was a beautiful day to make the trip. Not as warm as it has been but the sun was shining, the sky was so blue and the snow covered mountains were just breathtaking!
Tomorrow I meet with my book group. That is always so fun! Our next book is going to be Idols of the Heart: Learning to Long for God Alone by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I've already been reading it. One word of warning...don't read it if you are not willing to be convicted!
We haven't had a looooong detailed call from James since he arrived home from his cross country flight but we do know, because of bad weather, he had to change his flight plans. One of the bases he flew into, and spent Saturday night, was Maxwell AFB right outside of Montgomery, AL. So he called up his cousins from Auburn, Jack and Margaret, and they were able to meet him and see the plane and, I think, go out for dinner together. James said that it was a lot of hard work but a great time. Tomorrow is his check ride which is a 'biggy.' Pray for him tomorrow, please! Hopefully, once that is over and done with, he will have some time to call and talk with us. His dad will want to know all the 'facts', while I will want to know all about the 'experience.' LOL! Hopefully, he will read this before he calls so he will have a 'heads up' on what is expected! :)
Jim and I are reading through the Bible in a year together. Right now we are in Joshua. One of the things that mormons do not believe in is 'original sin.' They cannot grasp that even if we were never to sin after being born (which is impossible) we are still guilty of sin because of Adam's sin. And thus, they don't believe that God would hold us accountable. Their babies are not born into sin...they do not begin to sin until they are older. In our discussions with friends we have shared how we did not have to teach our child to want his own way, to say 'no', to throw tantrums, to disobey us... just like we know they did not have to teach their children those very same things. However, we had to work diligently to train them up to be obedient, to say 'thank you', to share their things with others, etc. Whenever we have that conversation it always leaves them with food for thought. I know that the Bible is very clear about our sin nature and the guilt that we have. As I read the other day about Achan's sin in Joshua 7 I was reminded once again how God held the nation of Israel guilty for one man's sin.
As I was reading some of my favorite blogs today I came across The Science and Christianity Showcase at Allthings2all. I haven't had time to peruse the different articles but look forward to taking some time this evening to do some more reading. Check it out!
Friday, March 11, 2005
Check it out...
I was over visiting Kim at the Upward Call today and ran across this blog recommendation from her: 3:17. Check it out. It's a great one!
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Rebuilding...to..Revival...
Today I was studying in Nehemiah 8. It's all about how the people had finished rebuilding the wall and they all gathered at the square in front of the Water Gate and asked Ezra to read the book of the law of Moses. It struck me that just as the people had rebuilt the wall, now they were trying to 'rebuild' their spiritual lives.
It is inspiring to me when I read that they all stood as Ezra read the entire law...from "early morning until midday" and they were attentive to it. They listened. As Ezra read they answered, "Amen, Amen!" and raised their hands and bowed before the Lord in worship. It goes on to describe how they were weeping and mourning when they heard the words of the law. Just think how long it had been since they had heard God's Word. I imagine there were young children and even young people who had not ever heard the law. In their mind, I imagine they were thinking that everything was fine in their lives...look, they had just finished rebuilding the wall. But as they listened to God's Word being read and translated so they could understand it...the Lord moved within their hearts. I think their eyes were opened to what they had been doing and how it was not pleasing to the Lord. Conviction set in. They began crying because of their failure to keep the law, crying for their sin. The focus was on themselves. But, Nehemiah and Ezra and the Levites said to the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep....for this day is holy to our Lord, Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Their focus then needed to move from themselves to the Lord. It is in the Lord's strength that their joy, and our joy comes from. When I read the above verse in Nehemiah it brought to mind the verse in 1 Peter 1:8, "...and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." (Emphasis mine.)
The people were experiencing a revival! A heart revival! Many in our country have prayed for revival. So often, I believe, people think we need more controls, more laws etc to 'legislate morality', so to speak. But, you know what? First of all, one cannot expect Christian behavior from non-Christian people. A revival has absolutely nothing to do with lost sinners. Dead people can't be revived; only dying people can be. Revival is for believers. We, as Christians, should look inwardly and assess how we are living for the Lord. Are we walking with Him in close fellowship, desiring to be obedient? He desires our obedience more than sacrifices.
Weeping is a necessary starting point for revival but it shouldn't remain there. But, thanks be to God for His grace and mercy that He pours out on us. That should make our tears turn to shouts of joy!! As Donna Partow says, "A faith comprised solely on tears and guilt trips is misguided; true faith is characterized by celebration." I say a hearty "Amen" to that!
It is inspiring to me when I read that they all stood as Ezra read the entire law...from "early morning until midday" and they were attentive to it. They listened. As Ezra read they answered, "Amen, Amen!" and raised their hands and bowed before the Lord in worship. It goes on to describe how they were weeping and mourning when they heard the words of the law. Just think how long it had been since they had heard God's Word. I imagine there were young children and even young people who had not ever heard the law. In their mind, I imagine they were thinking that everything was fine in their lives...look, they had just finished rebuilding the wall. But as they listened to God's Word being read and translated so they could understand it...the Lord moved within their hearts. I think their eyes were opened to what they had been doing and how it was not pleasing to the Lord. Conviction set in. They began crying because of their failure to keep the law, crying for their sin. The focus was on themselves. But, Nehemiah and Ezra and the Levites said to the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep....for this day is holy to our Lord, Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Their focus then needed to move from themselves to the Lord. It is in the Lord's strength that their joy, and our joy comes from. When I read the above verse in Nehemiah it brought to mind the verse in 1 Peter 1:8, "...and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." (Emphasis mine.)
The people were experiencing a revival! A heart revival! Many in our country have prayed for revival. So often, I believe, people think we need more controls, more laws etc to 'legislate morality', so to speak. But, you know what? First of all, one cannot expect Christian behavior from non-Christian people. A revival has absolutely nothing to do with lost sinners. Dead people can't be revived; only dying people can be. Revival is for believers. We, as Christians, should look inwardly and assess how we are living for the Lord. Are we walking with Him in close fellowship, desiring to be obedient? He desires our obedience more than sacrifices.
Weeping is a necessary starting point for revival but it shouldn't remain there. But, thanks be to God for His grace and mercy that He pours out on us. That should make our tears turn to shouts of joy!! As Donna Partow says, "A faith comprised solely on tears and guilt trips is misguided; true faith is characterized by celebration." I say a hearty "Amen" to that!
Every doctrine that makes man the center of God's attention
rather than God the center of man's devotion hinders
Revival....Revival can come...but it will only start
when we reject the "me" centered gospel preached so
prevalently and realize that the call of God is to serve rather than
to be served, to give rather than to get, to lay down our lives rather
than to save them. It will come when we begin to pour our hearts
out to God in earnest, desiring only His will rather than our will
disguised as some "blessing" from above!" - Jonathan Duttweiler
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Ahhh....differences...
Husbands are so funny. Well, maybe it's men in general. Tonight my sweetie came and said he wanted to talk with me about something. And I told him, "Sure." It seems he wanted me to wear my good perfume for just when we are going out and buy something else that I love just as much, to wear everyday. Kind of like he does with his aftershave lotion. So, I rephrased his comments back to him so I would know for sure I was understanding exactly what he was asking of me.
"You are wanting me to only wear my good perfume when I am out with you and buy something else to wear for everyday?" I asked.
"Yes, exactly!" he replied.
"Some days I don't wear perfume at all," I said.
"Well, what did you wear before Poem came into being?"
"Estee," I replied. "Are you wanting me to cut down my use to save money? Because I am already doing that. But, I don't want to wear two different scents, UNLESS you are wanting my good stuff to be JUST for you. If that is the case, I just won't wear any perfume."
"Well, I think maybe...men and women must think a little differently about this," he said after a pause.
"You know, I think we should just forget we even had this discussion because I didn't realize that women had a 'particular' scent that was just 'her'," he laughingly said.
Again, I reiterated that I would not wear it as often, in essence, just when we went out together. To which he wanted to know how I would smell nice if I didn't wear any perfume. I looked at him and said, "Soap."
"Soap?" he asked kind of incredulously.
"Yes, soap," I replied.
"No, like I said before, let's forget I even mentioned it."
Now, tell me, ladies. Do you all have a 'scent' associated with you? I know my sister does. I have other friends who do...but maybe that isn't very representative of the majority of women out there. Tell me what you think....
"You are wanting me to only wear my good perfume when I am out with you and buy something else to wear for everyday?" I asked.
"Yes, exactly!" he replied.
"Some days I don't wear perfume at all," I said.
"Well, what did you wear before Poem came into being?"
"Estee," I replied. "Are you wanting me to cut down my use to save money? Because I am already doing that. But, I don't want to wear two different scents, UNLESS you are wanting my good stuff to be JUST for you. If that is the case, I just won't wear any perfume."
"Well, I think maybe...men and women must think a little differently about this," he said after a pause.
"You know, I think we should just forget we even had this discussion because I didn't realize that women had a 'particular' scent that was just 'her'," he laughingly said.
Again, I reiterated that I would not wear it as often, in essence, just when we went out together. To which he wanted to know how I would smell nice if I didn't wear any perfume. I looked at him and said, "Soap."
"Soap?" he asked kind of incredulously.
"Yes, soap," I replied.
"No, like I said before, let's forget I even mentioned it."
Now, tell me, ladies. Do you all have a 'scent' associated with you? I know my sister does. I have other friends who do...but maybe that isn't very representative of the majority of women out there. Tell me what you think....
Monday, March 07, 2005
Whew...what a day!
I feel like I have accomplished a lot but when I actually put it down in writing, it will look like nothing.
As I blogged earlier, I am back in contact lenses. Yea!! However, they made one, teensy weenie tiny mistake. They gave me both lenses for distance which means I couldn't see diddly right in front of me. I couldn't see the computer, my dinner plate and read a book? Not on your life!!! So I called them last week and they were quite surprised that it had happened but then the gal said to me, "Well, you could just use reading glasses." I just wanted to strangle her right through the phone, right then and there! Grrr.... I politely told her that the whole point of going back into contacts was NOT to wear ANY type of glasses. So they ordered a new lens so I now have one for distance and one for up close and it works perfectly! I can read! :) They called me on Friday to tell me the single lens was in which meant that I had to go today to pick it up.
I did go today but I had made other plans for today, so in the midst of everything else, I had to stop and go pick up the lens. My plans were to wash all my curtains and windows in my kitchen and dining area. All three windows have double valances. Even without having had 2 strokes I would not have been able to do these by myself. No way. How grateful I am that my dear sweet hubby, who still needed to finish his BSF for Bible study tomorrow night, helped me. I could not have gotten the rods off, nor put back up with out his help. It has taken all day, but they are washed, dried, ironed and hung back up. The big window still needs to be 'stuffed' so it is puffy. The two smaller windows just need to be adjusted in their puffiness. But, I decided I needed to rest my arms and shoulders before finishing the stuffing.
Hubby grumbled a little about what a pain this all was, to which I replied I will gladly wait and schedule it much farther out next time. How does 5 years sound? :) Seriously, when he gets to a point where he can't do the 2 windows in the corner at the sink then, I'll either have to hire someone to come in and do it, or buy new curtains that are easier to put up and take down.
The only reason I chose to do them now, was because we have had 2 weeks of sunny warm days and I just get in that spring cleaning mode. And, if I need Jim's help, I have to schedule him on a Monday because of his schedule. Anyway, one major chore done, another one to be started on Wednesday. Perseverance is the key!
As I blogged earlier, I am back in contact lenses. Yea!! However, they made one, teensy weenie tiny mistake. They gave me both lenses for distance which means I couldn't see diddly right in front of me. I couldn't see the computer, my dinner plate and read a book? Not on your life!!! So I called them last week and they were quite surprised that it had happened but then the gal said to me, "Well, you could just use reading glasses." I just wanted to strangle her right through the phone, right then and there! Grrr.... I politely told her that the whole point of going back into contacts was NOT to wear ANY type of glasses. So they ordered a new lens so I now have one for distance and one for up close and it works perfectly! I can read! :) They called me on Friday to tell me the single lens was in which meant that I had to go today to pick it up.
I did go today but I had made other plans for today, so in the midst of everything else, I had to stop and go pick up the lens. My plans were to wash all my curtains and windows in my kitchen and dining area. All three windows have double valances. Even without having had 2 strokes I would not have been able to do these by myself. No way. How grateful I am that my dear sweet hubby, who still needed to finish his BSF for Bible study tomorrow night, helped me. I could not have gotten the rods off, nor put back up with out his help. It has taken all day, but they are washed, dried, ironed and hung back up. The big window still needs to be 'stuffed' so it is puffy. The two smaller windows just need to be adjusted in their puffiness. But, I decided I needed to rest my arms and shoulders before finishing the stuffing.
Hubby grumbled a little about what a pain this all was, to which I replied I will gladly wait and schedule it much farther out next time. How does 5 years sound? :) Seriously, when he gets to a point where he can't do the 2 windows in the corner at the sink then, I'll either have to hire someone to come in and do it, or buy new curtains that are easier to put up and take down.
The only reason I chose to do them now, was because we have had 2 weeks of sunny warm days and I just get in that spring cleaning mode. And, if I need Jim's help, I have to schedule him on a Monday because of his schedule. Anyway, one major chore done, another one to be started on Wednesday. Perseverance is the key!
Friday, March 04, 2005
Bearing our Cross...
A long time ago I read a story in a Christian magazine about a man who was 'bearing a cross.' Oh, it was so heavy and he was so tired as he went about his business. Eventually he came to a small town and as he was groaning under the weight of his cross he sees a shop where he can exchange his cross. "That's what I need," he thinks. So he pushes on toward the little shop.
He enters the shop and he is standing in an empty room but within just a minute there was a quiet gentleman who came in and asked how he could be of service. Well, the man shared how burdened he was because of his cross and how he had begun thinking, once he saw the sign for this shop, how he might be able to exchange his cross for another one that wouldn't be quite so large and heavy.
"Oh, yes, by all means!" exclaimed the gentleman. "I do believe that we can help you in that area. Here let me help you with that cross. Please wait right here and I will return." In just a few minutes the shop owner returned saying, "Come this way with me, and I'll show you what I have."
The man was almost giddy with excitement at the thought of having a lesser cross to bear. One that wouldn't be so heavy and troublesome. He followed the shop owner into another room. Oh my!! What an array of crosses there were! All sizes were before his eyes. He had never seen so many crosses in one place before! Many of the crosses were huge! He had never seen any so big before. His eyes searched all around and way back, in the farthest corner, stood this very tiny cross.
"That's the one!" he thought. That's the cross I'll choose. The shopowner, looking at him, asked, "Have you made your decision?" "Oh, yes!" said the man. "I want that small cross, way over in that corner."
"Excellent choice, sir!" replied the shopowner. "That's the one you brought in to exchange."
Now, of course, this isn't biblical but it should cause us to pull up short and re-evaluate whatever 'cross' the Lord is allowing us to carry. We are to give all our burdens over to the Lord for Him to carry. That way, when things are just unbearable, what do others see? They see Christ because it is He that is enabling us to move forward with the proper attitude and joy regardless of our situation.
May I be faithful to lay all my burdens at the foot of His Cross!
He enters the shop and he is standing in an empty room but within just a minute there was a quiet gentleman who came in and asked how he could be of service. Well, the man shared how burdened he was because of his cross and how he had begun thinking, once he saw the sign for this shop, how he might be able to exchange his cross for another one that wouldn't be quite so large and heavy.
"Oh, yes, by all means!" exclaimed the gentleman. "I do believe that we can help you in that area. Here let me help you with that cross. Please wait right here and I will return." In just a few minutes the shop owner returned saying, "Come this way with me, and I'll show you what I have."
The man was almost giddy with excitement at the thought of having a lesser cross to bear. One that wouldn't be so heavy and troublesome. He followed the shop owner into another room. Oh my!! What an array of crosses there were! All sizes were before his eyes. He had never seen so many crosses in one place before! Many of the crosses were huge! He had never seen any so big before. His eyes searched all around and way back, in the farthest corner, stood this very tiny cross.
"That's the one!" he thought. That's the cross I'll choose. The shopowner, looking at him, asked, "Have you made your decision?" "Oh, yes!" said the man. "I want that small cross, way over in that corner."
"Excellent choice, sir!" replied the shopowner. "That's the one you brought in to exchange."
Now, of course, this isn't biblical but it should cause us to pull up short and re-evaluate whatever 'cross' the Lord is allowing us to carry. We are to give all our burdens over to the Lord for Him to carry. That way, when things are just unbearable, what do others see? They see Christ because it is He that is enabling us to move forward with the proper attitude and joy regardless of our situation.
May I be faithful to lay all my burdens at the foot of His Cross!
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
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.
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.
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