A few years ago, Mike and I were in a terrible financial slump. We didn’t know how we would pay rent each month. We didn’t have money to do a lot of things. Still, we made it through that trying time because of the love and generosity of our parents and some very faithful friends.
I was a stay at home mom for almost 4 years. It was great being able to stay at home but we were now expecting baby number 3 and we were going to need the money. Because Michael, a high school student at my church, was in the class of one of my former colleagues who kept my phone number when Michael gave it to him, I was able to obtain this new teaching position.
Recently, I had 3 baby showers. All of which abundantly supplied me and the new baby with enough diapers, wipes, soap, shampoo, and lotion to last her first year (literally). That’s a blessing and it’s because of the generosity of so many people.
Today, I am a mother of 4 (almost 5) growing and maturing in the knowledge and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because of the love, support, and encouragement of my husband, I am who I am today.
Most importantly, because Jesus lives, I can do all things, I am made righteous, I have a sound mind and not a spirit of fear, I have been reconciled to God, I have victory, I have the peace that passes all understanding, I know that God will meet all my needs… need I say more. Jesus not only died for me but He rose for me! Bill Gaither said it best in his song, "Because He Lives":“and life is worth the living just because He lives."
Be blessed!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Are You Willing to Obey for Your Breakthrough?
I attended a worship service a couple of weeks ago and God met me with a special message. To give you a little background, I love sweets. Only of recent have I realized the stronghold they have been in my life. I have had a number of toothaches and emergency trips to the dentist because of my obsession with them. Sweets are like Lay’s potato chips to me, I couldn't eat just one. I would always go overboard with them. Then, on this particular evening, the pastor emphasized for us that if we did not get anything else out of his message, we needed to get the following: “Whatever is keeping you from a life of obedience to God will keep you from your breakthrough”.
That hit me like a ton of bricks. I know God was telling me that “sweets” have been an idol for me. I have been more willing to give in to them than to surrender to him. It’s like the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22-23 who asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus went on to tell him to obey the commandments and the young ruler’s response was classic- a classic example of pride. In today’s words he said, “Oh, I got that! I’ve been doing that since I was knee-high to a grasshopper!” But, Jesus wasn’t finished. He then told him, “You still lack one thing.” He told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and he would have treasures in heaven. At this the young ruler walked away sad because he was wealthy. He had a great opportunity to experience a breakthrough, but one thing stood in the way. He held his riches as more important than the gift of eternal life.
What is that one thing for you? It may not be sweets or riches, but maybe it’s tithing, serving in ministry, putting your family first. Whatever it is, take it to Jesus. What he has to offer is much more valuable and meaningful. I am glad He is renewing (yes, it is a process) my mind on “sweets”. I don’t want anything to be of greater importance in my life than my relationship with God. Are you willing to obey for your breakthrough? I hope so.
Be blessed!
That hit me like a ton of bricks. I know God was telling me that “sweets” have been an idol for me. I have been more willing to give in to them than to surrender to him. It’s like the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22-23 who asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus went on to tell him to obey the commandments and the young ruler’s response was classic- a classic example of pride. In today’s words he said, “Oh, I got that! I’ve been doing that since I was knee-high to a grasshopper!” But, Jesus wasn’t finished. He then told him, “You still lack one thing.” He told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and he would have treasures in heaven. At this the young ruler walked away sad because he was wealthy. He had a great opportunity to experience a breakthrough, but one thing stood in the way. He held his riches as more important than the gift of eternal life.
What is that one thing for you? It may not be sweets or riches, but maybe it’s tithing, serving in ministry, putting your family first. Whatever it is, take it to Jesus. What he has to offer is much more valuable and meaningful. I am glad He is renewing (yes, it is a process) my mind on “sweets”. I don’t want anything to be of greater importance in my life than my relationship with God. Are you willing to obey for your breakthrough? I hope so.
Be blessed!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A Tribute to Sister Joyce Banning
As I write this week's entry, I have just received notice that one of our Pastor's wives died last night. The news is bittersweet. She was such a great example for the women at the church. I had the privilege of visiting her about a month ago. She looked graceful, peaceful, and joyful. Here she was, even in the face of death, still modeling an example of what it's like to truly be a Christian looking forward to our heavenly home. Interesting, it takes death for many of us to recommit our lives to Christ. After all, we rediscover the brevity of life.
A scripture comes to mind as I think about her and it's found in Philippians 3:17: "...join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." I am proud to say I have had the privilege of knowing her and seeing her example. Now, I want to join in her example of loving others and following Christ. I love you, Sister Joyce!
A scripture comes to mind as I think about her and it's found in Philippians 3:17: "...join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." I am proud to say I have had the privilege of knowing her and seeing her example. Now, I want to join in her example of loving others and following Christ. I love you, Sister Joyce!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Familiarity Breeds Contempt?
I grew up in a church that firmly believed in young people. In fact, they encouraged us all the time with one particular verse in scripture that many of us memorized and could recall in our sleep. That verse is found in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." We had that scripture mounted decoratively on the church walls, we put it on our youth choir t-shirts, I mean we ate, breathed, and slept Philippians 4:13.
Isn't it interesting, however, that the more you think you know something, the less valuable that something can be to you. It's almost like we can take it for granted because it has been there all along. Then one day, that verse became alive and active in me.
I had just given birth to our son. My husband thought it was a great idea for me to stay home and take care of him. Well, it sounded good at first, but honestly I didn't know what I was doing. I had been working since I was 16. Staying at home with my son was a different world for me. I am a social butterfly and staying at home with a crying baby just wasn't my idea of fun. One afternoon when he was about 4 weeks old I remember sitting on the floor holding him and I just started crying. You might be thinking I was suffering from post-partum depression, but whatever the case may be, I was wondering what am I doing trying to be a mother. Who do I think I am? Where do I get off? Am I really cut out for this? Suddenly that scripture spoke to me loud and clear reminding me that, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." Then I laughed and cried. I laughed because it was so simple. I cried because that scripture had been there all throughout my life and because I heard it a lot I never really internalized the message until then.
Four children later, I have never felt overwhelmed with parenting my children. I mean it is a challenge, but I see it now as something that God strengthens me to do. I have ups and downs (especially now being pregnant) like everyone else. Still, I know that with Him I can do it!
Be blessed!
Isn't it interesting, however, that the more you think you know something, the less valuable that something can be to you. It's almost like we can take it for granted because it has been there all along. Then one day, that verse became alive and active in me.
I had just given birth to our son. My husband thought it was a great idea for me to stay home and take care of him. Well, it sounded good at first, but honestly I didn't know what I was doing. I had been working since I was 16. Staying at home with my son was a different world for me. I am a social butterfly and staying at home with a crying baby just wasn't my idea of fun. One afternoon when he was about 4 weeks old I remember sitting on the floor holding him and I just started crying. You might be thinking I was suffering from post-partum depression, but whatever the case may be, I was wondering what am I doing trying to be a mother. Who do I think I am? Where do I get off? Am I really cut out for this? Suddenly that scripture spoke to me loud and clear reminding me that, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." Then I laughed and cried. I laughed because it was so simple. I cried because that scripture had been there all throughout my life and because I heard it a lot I never really internalized the message until then.
Four children later, I have never felt overwhelmed with parenting my children. I mean it is a challenge, but I see it now as something that God strengthens me to do. I have ups and downs (especially now being pregnant) like everyone else. Still, I know that with Him I can do it!
Be blessed!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
How are You Doing with Your New Year's Resolutions?
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? I could definitely be doing better. Like most of you, I started off great! I spent consistent time in study and in prayer daily because I want His best for me. Still, once the cares and stresses of this life (i.e. parenting, work, family schedules, and household responsibilities) I neglected the former for the latter.
But thanks be to God, when he begins a work, He will finish what he starts! I don’t write today to make us feel guilty about not keeping our resolutions. In fact, I was encouraged as I meditated on this encouraging promise to keep on going. Yes, we may have fallen but we can still get back up. In this simple verse, we are first reminded that He began the good work. I truly believe that some of our resolutions are given to us by God. They are areas of our lives that He wants us to turn over to Him. After all, He does say in 1 Peter 5:7 “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” So, rather than worry about it, give it to him. He wants to take care of it. Secondly, He began the good work- which leads me to believe that it is a process. It may not happen overnight. It’s best for us to focus on progress instead of the end result. Then, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the work is taking place in us. Our outward attempts at losing weight, managing our time, relating better to others will end in frustration every time. We must spend time with Him so He can do the work in us. That means we must surrender to Him. Only then are we recognizing that He is the only one that can bring about lasting and true transformation. Finally, we can be encouraged that what He starts He will indeed complete. He is faithful! We can count on Him to come through. I don’t know about you but that really gets me fired up and overjoyed. Take heart, my brother and sister, He began the work, He will do the work when we turn it over to him, He will develop and nurture the work, and He will finish the work!
Be blessed!
How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? I could definitely be doing better. Like most of you, I started off great! I spent consistent time in study and in prayer daily because I want His best for me. Still, once the cares and stresses of this life (i.e. parenting, work, family schedules, and household responsibilities) I neglected the former for the latter.
But thanks be to God, when he begins a work, He will finish what he starts! I don’t write today to make us feel guilty about not keeping our resolutions. In fact, I was encouraged as I meditated on this encouraging promise to keep on going. Yes, we may have fallen but we can still get back up. In this simple verse, we are first reminded that He began the good work. I truly believe that some of our resolutions are given to us by God. They are areas of our lives that He wants us to turn over to Him. After all, He does say in 1 Peter 5:7 “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” So, rather than worry about it, give it to him. He wants to take care of it. Secondly, He began the good work- which leads me to believe that it is a process. It may not happen overnight. It’s best for us to focus on progress instead of the end result. Then, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the work is taking place in us. Our outward attempts at losing weight, managing our time, relating better to others will end in frustration every time. We must spend time with Him so He can do the work in us. That means we must surrender to Him. Only then are we recognizing that He is the only one that can bring about lasting and true transformation. Finally, we can be encouraged that what He starts He will indeed complete. He is faithful! We can count on Him to come through. I don’t know about you but that really gets me fired up and overjoyed. Take heart, my brother and sister, He began the work, He will do the work when we turn it over to him, He will develop and nurture the work, and He will finish the work!
Be blessed!
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