As I reflect on this Valentines day I am reminded of what
"True Love"really is:
Love is Longsuffering
Love is kind
Love is not jealous
Love is not boastful
Love is not arrogant
Love is not rude
Love is not selfish
Love is not resentful
Love does not think evil of others
Love rejoices in the truth
Love bears all things
Love believes all things
Love hopes all things
Love endures all things 1 Cor 13: 1-13
"For God so LOVED this world that He gave his only son, that whoever believes in Him will
not perish but have everlasting life" John 3 :16
Christs death on the cross for our sins is the upmost example of "True Love" Pass it ON!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Our Nations Unborn, Will you be a voice for them!
With all the devastation and horror that has happened in Haiti my heart is heavy. They are saying over 200,000 plus now killed from this horrific disaster! I heard on the news the other day that our natural disasters have doubled in the last 10 years. We are definitely in the last days. The Lord tells us in Matthew that they will become like a women in labor, closer and closer together and more painful. Thank you Jesus that we know the end of the story and as believers we know you are in total control and our eternal destiny is in your hands.
We just recognized "Sanctity of Life Sunday" " The 37th Anniversary of "Woe vs Wade", the decision that is now responsible for the killing of over 50 million babies in our country alone. Just to put this in perspective: As horrible as the deaths are in Haiti we as Americans are loosing the lives of around 125,000 unborn babies every 25 days! What can we do? We can be a voice for them by calling and supporting a bill to overturn legalized abortion in the state of Florida.
This bill birthed by Florida State Representative Charles VanZant needs our voice so that Florida can lead the way in saving the lives of our nations unborn. Will you be a voice for the voiceless?
Psalm 139: 14-15 " You knew me before I was formed in my mothers womb, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. marvelous are your works oh Lord."
We just recognized "Sanctity of Life Sunday" " The 37th Anniversary of "Woe vs Wade", the decision that is now responsible for the killing of over 50 million babies in our country alone. Just to put this in perspective: As horrible as the deaths are in Haiti we as Americans are loosing the lives of around 125,000 unborn babies every 25 days! What can we do? We can be a voice for them by calling and supporting a bill to overturn legalized abortion in the state of Florida.
This bill birthed by Florida State Representative Charles VanZant needs our voice so that Florida can lead the way in saving the lives of our nations unborn. Will you be a voice for the voiceless?
Psalm 139: 14-15 " You knew me before I was formed in my mothers womb, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. marvelous are your works oh Lord."
Monday, January 11, 2010
IM BACK ! Radical Faith in 2010
Well, as we are embarking on a new year, how do you feel? Do you want to make changes or are you content to stay just as you are? Do you want a different job maybe or place of residence and or circle of friends? When I think of a new year I think of new goals and decisive life changes. Im not sure why it is these feelings surface except for the fact that "newness" in any form or fashion represents change. My personal feelings are a reflection of "What do I want my life to count for?" What changes do I need to make to more forward with the Lords plan for me. Am I available and flexible to CHANGE ? What I am saying is that with each passing year the things that were once so important to me become less important. My focus changes to building relationships , spending time with those I love and seeking out more ways of serving and furthering the cause of Christ. This is living out RADICAL FAITH! Trusting and living in a way that is not the norm. Standing up for our convictions in a way that rubs most of the world the wrong way. Living SET APART lives! I truly believe this is Gods call on our lives as we begin 2010. Are we willing to change our lifestyles, place of residence, circle of friends and or current jobs, in other words leave our comfort zones to further His kingdom? HERE AM I LORD SEND ME!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Christmas is Here Again
Well, we are about to celebrate our 30th Christmas together. I cant believe it. What a year it has been for our family. We sold our home in January and moved on February 1st. Our daughter was married on June 6th. Our first grandchild was adopted on October 21st. These are just a few milestones that have happened in our family this year. How about yours? With each passing year our circumstances and or place of residence or maybe even number of family members can change. Christmas time for me always marks the end of a year and causes me to reflect on all Gods blessings. I think of past Christmas's and what they remind me of as our family has grown and changed. For example our family of 7 is now 10! Our children now have families of their own. We are grandparents, wow, where has the time gone. Through all of this one thing remains the same. God sent his son to this world through the virgin Mary to live a sinless life and then die on a cross for our sins that we might have eternal life. This is why we celebrate this season. Yes, the presents, lights and parties are all fun but JESUS is truly the reason for Christmas. We celebrate his birthday, the greatest gift of all! It is so important that we teach and share this truth with our children so they can grow up knowing the real meaning of the season. Teaching them to know and come to a saving knowledge of Him is the greatest gift we can ever give them!
Do they see Jesus in us day in and day out? Do we tell them often of His love for them ? Reminding them of how he came to this earth ,lived and died so that we might LIVE! If we do not then we are withholding the the truth of Christmas! Let us be so careful to plan our activities in a way that keep our focus on why we celebrate! This is what our children will remember,not the gifts but the GIVER of life. Happy Birthday JESUS!
Do they see Jesus in us day in and day out? Do we tell them often of His love for them ? Reminding them of how he came to this earth ,lived and died so that we might LIVE! If we do not then we are withholding the the truth of Christmas! Let us be so careful to plan our activities in a way that keep our focus on why we celebrate! This is what our children will remember,not the gifts but the GIVER of life. Happy Birthday JESUS!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
CHOICES
I am often reminded that our life's journey is about the choices we make. I was once told "It is not the chosen few but the few who choose" We often think that our circumstances are just happen-chance but that is a mis-conception. Our circumstances are a result of our daily choices.
When I hear someone say "I just don't have time to do that" what they are really saying is "I'm choosing to do something else with my time ". You may be asking "where is she going with all this?" Well , I strongly feel that what we deal with day in and day out is a result of our own choices. Our choices whether good or bad don't just affect us but everyone around us. For example love is not just a feeling but an act of the will. It is a choice we make to love our husband, children and extended family members and so forth. After the choice is made the feelings will follow. For instance, you don't just stop loving someone , you choose to stop loving them.
As wives and mothers we choose to love and serve the Lord. We choose to have a servants heart towards our family. We choose to repond in a quiet and patient manner. We choose to put others needs before our own. We don't always feel like making these choices but if we seek Gods wisdom in making the right choices His strength and grace will follow. Lord, please help us ,as women after your own heart , to make the right choices despite our feelings. May our choices be those that are pleasing to you. Help us to live above mediocre happen-chance and instead live "on purpose" lives resulting from Godly choices that will inturn enable us to make a difference in the lives of others. Ask yourself " What am I choosing to do or say this very minute and will it bring honor and glory to God . Remember that our legacy will be a direct result of the choices we make on a daily bases. Start by choosing to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and the rest is his-story! John 3:16
When I hear someone say "I just don't have time to do that" what they are really saying is "I'm choosing to do something else with my time ". You may be asking "where is she going with all this?" Well , I strongly feel that what we deal with day in and day out is a result of our own choices. Our choices whether good or bad don't just affect us but everyone around us. For example love is not just a feeling but an act of the will. It is a choice we make to love our husband, children and extended family members and so forth. After the choice is made the feelings will follow. For instance, you don't just stop loving someone , you choose to stop loving them.
As wives and mothers we choose to love and serve the Lord. We choose to have a servants heart towards our family. We choose to repond in a quiet and patient manner. We choose to put others needs before our own. We don't always feel like making these choices but if we seek Gods wisdom in making the right choices His strength and grace will follow. Lord, please help us ,as women after your own heart , to make the right choices despite our feelings. May our choices be those that are pleasing to you. Help us to live above mediocre happen-chance and instead live "on purpose" lives resulting from Godly choices that will inturn enable us to make a difference in the lives of others. Ask yourself " What am I choosing to do or say this very minute and will it bring honor and glory to God . Remember that our legacy will be a direct result of the choices we make on a daily bases. Start by choosing to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and the rest is his-story! John 3:16
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"Trusting" when the Future is Uncertain
Trusting, what does it really mean? It is very easy to say but how do we live it out? Over the last few weeks I have been challenged in this area. I went for a regular doctor visit and was diagnosed with thyroid disease. I was sent for a ultra sound in which the doctors saw something they did not like. Over the next few weeks I had another ultra- sound and then a Cat scan and finally a biopsy on a cyst located behind my thyroid. It was difficult at times to not get anxious or caught up in the worry and "what ifs".
I was often reminded in my daily time with the Lord that He was in total control and I need not worry. It was amazing the peace I experienced over those weeks of uncertainty. Trusting our Lord and Savior is not just a feeling, it is the act of not allowing our emotions to swirl out of control. It is realizing His sovereignty and omni-presence in every situation we face. It is an unexplainable joy followed by a strength the world cannot understand. It is knowing that nothing happens to us that is not filtered through Gods hands first. The more heavenly minded
we are the less important these earthy trials seem. As Christians we know the end of the story , we know where our eternal destiny lies and the victory we posses as believers. We are over- comers in Christ Jesus and the things of this world cannot defeat us. Even in these uncertain and turbulent times in our country ,it is important that we live victoriously! We are children of a RISEN LORD who has overcome this old world! 'The JOY of the Lord is our Strength"Neh 8:10. Well, there is a good ending to the story. My cyst was not malignant ,praise God, but more importantly trusting God and giving Him the honor and Glory no matter what the outcome is the real lesson here and as I said before, we know how the story ENDS!! Don't keep it to yourself, go and tell the GOOD NEWS!
I was often reminded in my daily time with the Lord that He was in total control and I need not worry. It was amazing the peace I experienced over those weeks of uncertainty. Trusting our Lord and Savior is not just a feeling, it is the act of not allowing our emotions to swirl out of control. It is realizing His sovereignty and omni-presence in every situation we face. It is an unexplainable joy followed by a strength the world cannot understand. It is knowing that nothing happens to us that is not filtered through Gods hands first. The more heavenly minded
we are the less important these earthy trials seem. As Christians we know the end of the story , we know where our eternal destiny lies and the victory we posses as believers. We are over- comers in Christ Jesus and the things of this world cannot defeat us. Even in these uncertain and turbulent times in our country ,it is important that we live victoriously! We are children of a RISEN LORD who has overcome this old world! 'The JOY of the Lord is our Strength"Neh 8:10. Well, there is a good ending to the story. My cyst was not malignant ,praise God, but more importantly trusting God and giving Him the honor and Glory no matter what the outcome is the real lesson here and as I said before, we know how the story ENDS!! Don't keep it to yourself, go and tell the GOOD NEWS!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The JOY of raising TEENS
Well, as I am writing this I am raising my 5th and final teenager. She is 12 and a full blown "TWEEN". (A term referring to the transition between child and teenager)
What a fun time of life! As parents we must have the right perspective and attitude during this transitional time in our child's life. I truly believe that 90% of the difficulty we as parents experience during this time could be eliminated if our perspective and outlook on this period of life was different. First, let me say that God created this period of every child's life and it is part of His design for a healthy transition into adulthood. One way you can ward off alot of conflict is to "Not sweat the small stuff and save your No's for really big issues". Remember they are testing out their independence so we have to let go and allow them to grow into this next stage of life. I am by no means an expert but simply sharing from my personal experiences. Things I have learned over the years are : 1. Have fun with them, laugh out loud and purpose to stay lighthearted. Plan fun outings together. Time is your greatest gift to your children. 2. Stay consistent in reading Gods word together as a reminder that God and God alone is their source of help and strength and has a special plan for their lives. 3. Help them by memorizing Gods word together. This is a gift that they can draw from for a lifetime. 4. Get to know their friends and have them over frequently. Don't hesitate to restrict time with friends you don't have a peace about."Bad company corrupts good character". 5. Tell them you love them often, physical touch from both father and mother are so important during this stage of life even if they resist it don't stop. If they don't get it at home they will seek it out somewhere else. (This is especially important for girls to receive from their fathers) 6.Be their friend but maintain and re-enforce your role as their "parental authority" responsible for their training and protection while under the same roof. Remember ,as I said in the beginning it is 90% outlook and attitude that will define the outcome of this exciting time in your child's life. Choose to enjoy and embrace it.
I am only 1 child away from an empty nest and I am treasuring each and every day! I pray you will commit this short period of time in your child's life to God and ask daily for His wisdom and guidance in the decisions and actions that will shape your teen into the adult God has designed for him or her to be. Remember that they are "unique individuals" and will make their own choices . We can only do our best then leave and trust the outcome to God. Enjoy the journey for it is all too short!
What a fun time of life! As parents we must have the right perspective and attitude during this transitional time in our child's life. I truly believe that 90% of the difficulty we as parents experience during this time could be eliminated if our perspective and outlook on this period of life was different. First, let me say that God created this period of every child's life and it is part of His design for a healthy transition into adulthood. One way you can ward off alot of conflict is to "Not sweat the small stuff and save your No's for really big issues". Remember they are testing out their independence so we have to let go and allow them to grow into this next stage of life. I am by no means an expert but simply sharing from my personal experiences. Things I have learned over the years are : 1. Have fun with them, laugh out loud and purpose to stay lighthearted. Plan fun outings together. Time is your greatest gift to your children. 2. Stay consistent in reading Gods word together as a reminder that God and God alone is their source of help and strength and has a special plan for their lives. 3. Help them by memorizing Gods word together. This is a gift that they can draw from for a lifetime. 4. Get to know their friends and have them over frequently. Don't hesitate to restrict time with friends you don't have a peace about."Bad company corrupts good character". 5. Tell them you love them often, physical touch from both father and mother are so important during this stage of life even if they resist it don't stop. If they don't get it at home they will seek it out somewhere else. (This is especially important for girls to receive from their fathers) 6.Be their friend but maintain and re-enforce your role as their "parental authority" responsible for their training and protection while under the same roof. Remember ,as I said in the beginning it is 90% outlook and attitude that will define the outcome of this exciting time in your child's life. Choose to enjoy and embrace it.
I am only 1 child away from an empty nest and I am treasuring each and every day! I pray you will commit this short period of time in your child's life to God and ask daily for His wisdom and guidance in the decisions and actions that will shape your teen into the adult God has designed for him or her to be. Remember that they are "unique individuals" and will make their own choices . We can only do our best then leave and trust the outcome to God. Enjoy the journey for it is all too short!
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