Faith is recognizing that God is the LORD of TIME when my idea of timing doesn’t agree with His. Pamela Reeve
Have you ever been there? Waiting and wondering why things aren't moving along the way you think they should? You've done the studying, the homework, the legwork, and you are expecting the next step. So, why isn't anything happening?
Our idea of time and God's may not exactly be the same.
Isn't that frustrating? When we think we have answered a call in our lives and are simply doing what seems to be the right thing, then we get stuck. No matter what we do to try and move forward, we stay stuck.
It's God's way of saying "Not yet. Be patient." I don't know about you, but patient has never been used to describe me! But we often have to take a deep breath, sit back, and continue to pray for God's will to be done.
"God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:40
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. my Parallel Bible
2. iTunes
3. incense
4. smelling Spring
5. my vaccum cleaner back from the shop
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Letting Go
Raising children is a joy. But at times, when they hit those "tween" years, you want to trade them in!
The age we live in is so different than when we were kids. I remember going off all day long on my bike with my friends and calling that an awesome Saturday. Nowadays it's all about the video games and the computer. My oldest is not a big athlete so getting him interested in other things is hard to do.
Even work ethic is not the same. With our "push button" generation, kids expect things to happen with the click of a mouse. Not when practicing an instrument! Hard work is the only thing that will make you successful in the musical arena. My oldest has been learning that lesson the hard way. I admit that I get very frustrated with him. I expect him to be as good at something as I was when I was growing up, and that's just not fair. He is his own person. I have to let that go.
At 12 years old I am already seeing that I have to let go of my little boy. Before I know it he will be going off to college.
I have to let go a little bit everyday and just pray that I am steering him in the right direction. It's like that with God. He has let us go and is praying that through our free will we are making good choices. I pray daily that I am for my son and myself.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. the quiet before everyone wakes up
2. the Lenten season
3. nail polish
4. puzzles
5. magazines
The age we live in is so different than when we were kids. I remember going off all day long on my bike with my friends and calling that an awesome Saturday. Nowadays it's all about the video games and the computer. My oldest is not a big athlete so getting him interested in other things is hard to do.
Even work ethic is not the same. With our "push button" generation, kids expect things to happen with the click of a mouse. Not when practicing an instrument! Hard work is the only thing that will make you successful in the musical arena. My oldest has been learning that lesson the hard way. I admit that I get very frustrated with him. I expect him to be as good at something as I was when I was growing up, and that's just not fair. He is his own person. I have to let that go.
At 12 years old I am already seeing that I have to let go of my little boy. Before I know it he will be going off to college.
I have to let go a little bit everyday and just pray that I am steering him in the right direction. It's like that with God. He has let us go and is praying that through our free will we are making good choices. I pray daily that I am for my son and myself.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. the quiet before everyone wakes up
2. the Lenten season
3. nail polish
4. puzzles
5. magazines
Monday, February 23, 2009
Loneliness
I have discovered something as a ministry wife. Life can get lonely. "How can you be lonely with two active sons?", you ask? It makes no sense. But I am getting there.
We all long for relationships. For deep, meaningful relationships. I have one friend who I have that with here, she is in ministry as well, but she also has children, and responsibilities at home and at church.
I long for fellowship among women my age and I thought there was a glimmer of hope with a new Sunday School. But, after class yesterday, it sounds like it may be a bit too "fundamentalist" in thought. (Someone made the comment that part of The Shack was heresy and others were in agreement...that's when I knew I was in trouble).
Sometimes I wonder if my beliefs and thinking are not lined up with a specific denomination of church. That I tend to think too broadly. But that may also be because I still consider myself new in study. I am trying to find my way.
I know one relationship that I have that is deep and meaningful and that is my relationship with God. I can tell Him anything. He knows how I feel before I do. He knows the innermost workings of my heart. I rely on Him daily. Before my feet even hit the ground I speak to Him.
Do you know Him?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. my snoring dog
2. black clothes
3. pictures
4. lessons learned the hard way
5. my friend Beth
We all long for relationships. For deep, meaningful relationships. I have one friend who I have that with here, she is in ministry as well, but she also has children, and responsibilities at home and at church.
I long for fellowship among women my age and I thought there was a glimmer of hope with a new Sunday School. But, after class yesterday, it sounds like it may be a bit too "fundamentalist" in thought. (Someone made the comment that part of The Shack was heresy and others were in agreement...that's when I knew I was in trouble).
Sometimes I wonder if my beliefs and thinking are not lined up with a specific denomination of church. That I tend to think too broadly. But that may also be because I still consider myself new in study. I am trying to find my way.
I know one relationship that I have that is deep and meaningful and that is my relationship with God. I can tell Him anything. He knows how I feel before I do. He knows the innermost workings of my heart. I rely on Him daily. Before my feet even hit the ground I speak to Him.
Do you know Him?
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. my snoring dog
2. black clothes
3. pictures
4. lessons learned the hard way
5. my friend Beth
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Faith Friday's
I've decided to dedicate Friday's to posting about Faith. My faith wavers from time to time, especially when I start to doubt myself and when I get anxious and worry about things out of my control. So, here's to faith!
Faith is rejecting the feeling of panic when things seem out of control – His control. Pamela Reeve
This has been a struggle for me lately. Worry that leads to panic. Now what good is that going to do? Will it solve my problems? Will it make me feel better? Will it bring glory to God?
I am only human and I tend to react before I think about God sometimes. How do I honor Him in these situations? I need to put Him first, pray and know that He has a perfect plan for me.
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
Throughout my life I have seen doors open and shut (sometimes slam) in my face and yet God always opens another one for me. It's usually a big window. A window leading to brand new opportunities
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. writing
2. friendships
3. de cluttering
4. possibilities
5. trying something new
Faith is rejecting the feeling of panic when things seem out of control – His control. Pamela Reeve
This has been a struggle for me lately. Worry that leads to panic. Now what good is that going to do? Will it solve my problems? Will it make me feel better? Will it bring glory to God?
I am only human and I tend to react before I think about God sometimes. How do I honor Him in these situations? I need to put Him first, pray and know that He has a perfect plan for me.
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
Throughout my life I have seen doors open and shut (sometimes slam) in my face and yet God always opens another one for me. It's usually a big window. A window leading to brand new opportunities
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. writing
2. friendships
3. de cluttering
4. possibilities
5. trying something new
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Relaxing Day
I took a day off and stayed home with my men. We slept in, the boys made pancakes and we went on a hike at Rockhound State Park. I played on Facebook way too much and am finishing dinner. It's been such a relaxing day.
I think we don't do that often enough. You know, throw up the white flag and just surrender.
In order to live a complete life in Christ we have to surrender to Him everyday. I try to start my day, before my feet even hit the ground, by surrendering to God. I pray that all I do is for His glory. I fall short of the mark often, but when I do give everything up to Him, my days are better.
I am struggling with worry. It can be crippling when the Enemy sneaks in and grabs you where you are most vulnerable.
God has not left me hanging out to dry yet. I have to keep telling myself and beleiving and praying that His will be done.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. a recipe by Emeril
2. apple pie
3. the outdoors
4. Bear in the Big Blue House
5. snuggling
I think we don't do that often enough. You know, throw up the white flag and just surrender.
In order to live a complete life in Christ we have to surrender to Him everyday. I try to start my day, before my feet even hit the ground, by surrendering to God. I pray that all I do is for His glory. I fall short of the mark often, but when I do give everything up to Him, my days are better.
I am struggling with worry. It can be crippling when the Enemy sneaks in and grabs you where you are most vulnerable.
God has not left me hanging out to dry yet. I have to keep telling myself and beleiving and praying that His will be done.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. a recipe by Emeril
2. apple pie
3. the outdoors
4. Bear in the Big Blue House
5. snuggling
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Boots
When I was about three years old, I had a pair of cowboy boots. They were black with red and white stitching and I wore them everywhere. With jeans, with shorts, it just did not matter, as long as I had my boots. I still have them. The front tips are pointed upward, from when I would sit on my knees to watch television.
They are sitting in the front living room by the fireplace and the other night my little three year old found them. Right now he's all about stick horses and cowboys (like his mom was) and he wanted to put them on. They fit perfectly. It's his big treat every so often to put on my little boots. He looks just precious in them.
It's funny how God works. When my parents bought me those boots they had no idea their grandson would find joy in them. (And also that I would find joy in seeing him in those boots.) It flooded my heart with memories of my Dad who nurtured my love of horses. I miss him desperately.
The little things in life are so important. We pass by them everyday without a thought, until something special happens and we see the enormity of what those little things mean.
God has created this world for us to enjoy and to love. Look around today and find joy in the little things.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. the opportunity to speak
2. a boss who fights for her team
3. plants
4. stick horses
5. boots
They are sitting in the front living room by the fireplace and the other night my little three year old found them. Right now he's all about stick horses and cowboys (like his mom was) and he wanted to put them on. They fit perfectly. It's his big treat every so often to put on my little boots. He looks just precious in them.
It's funny how God works. When my parents bought me those boots they had no idea their grandson would find joy in them. (And also that I would find joy in seeing him in those boots.) It flooded my heart with memories of my Dad who nurtured my love of horses. I miss him desperately.
The little things in life are so important. We pass by them everyday without a thought, until something special happens and we see the enormity of what those little things mean.
God has created this world for us to enjoy and to love. Look around today and find joy in the little things.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. the opportunity to speak
2. a boss who fights for her team
3. plants
4. stick horses
5. boots
Monday, February 09, 2009
All I Can Say....
All I can say today is given in scripture.
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34 The Message
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. my job
2. different versions of the Bible
3. grape juice
4. quiet time on a Sunday afternoon
5. compassion
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34 The Message
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. my job
2. different versions of the Bible
3. grape juice
4. quiet time on a Sunday afternoon
5. compassion
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
I've Been Accepted!
Well, I received some great news today. I've been accepted to Asbury Seminary's Masters Program! I will be starting my Master's in Christian Ministries, with the possible end result of becoming a Deacon in the Methodist Church.
Classes start next week and I may just make registration and be able to get started.
I looked at the syllabus today and got a little overwhelmed. I mean, I haven't been to school since 1990 and it certainly wasn't online. I know it's Satan working on me. He's good at spreading doubt.
I've always wanted to get a Master's degree, but I never felt led in any certain area. I have a BME and I really didn't have a desire to get another music degree. I contemplated an MBA, but my heart wasn't in it.
I know this is the route I want to go. Even if I decide to not pursue becoming a Deacon, I want the degree. I want to study and dive into the Word. I know there are other ways to dive into the word, but I truly feel God leading me down this path.
The older I get, the more in tune I am with the Lord. I am so thankful. I hope my eyes and ears stay opened to where He is leading me.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. exercise
2. teachers
3. news via email
4. the blue, New Mexico sky
5. checkmarks on my list
Classes start next week and I may just make registration and be able to get started.
I looked at the syllabus today and got a little overwhelmed. I mean, I haven't been to school since 1990 and it certainly wasn't online. I know it's Satan working on me. He's good at spreading doubt.
I've always wanted to get a Master's degree, but I never felt led in any certain area. I have a BME and I really didn't have a desire to get another music degree. I contemplated an MBA, but my heart wasn't in it.
I know this is the route I want to go. Even if I decide to not pursue becoming a Deacon, I want the degree. I want to study and dive into the Word. I know there are other ways to dive into the word, but I truly feel God leading me down this path.
The older I get, the more in tune I am with the Lord. I am so thankful. I hope my eyes and ears stay opened to where He is leading me.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. exercise
2. teachers
3. news via email
4. the blue, New Mexico sky
5. checkmarks on my list
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Idea on Prayer
Well, my life has been crazy since my son's appendectomy. It looks like he will be going back to school tomorrow! Oh, to be back on schedule....
My son was so covered in prayer throughout his illness that it just emphasized to me the power of prayer. When you receive it and feel it, it is amazing.
I am trying something new, since my quiet time has been almost non existent for the past week. I am writing my prayer requests on my bathroom mirror with an Expo marker. It's really working out great! I pray in the morning and in the evening. It feels so good to actually follow through with your prayers for others. You know what I mean? It's so easy to say, "I'll pray for you." But following through is another story sometimes.
Prayer is a powerful thing.
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Great results on medical tests
2. New Mexico sunshine
3. webcams
4. tea
5. anything leopard
My son was so covered in prayer throughout his illness that it just emphasized to me the power of prayer. When you receive it and feel it, it is amazing.
I am trying something new, since my quiet time has been almost non existent for the past week. I am writing my prayer requests on my bathroom mirror with an Expo marker. It's really working out great! I pray in the morning and in the evening. It feels so good to actually follow through with your prayers for others. You know what I mean? It's so easy to say, "I'll pray for you." But following through is another story sometimes.
Prayer is a powerful thing.
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. Great results on medical tests
2. New Mexico sunshine
3. webcams
4. tea
5. anything leopard
Monday, January 26, 2009
100th Post!
I actually made it to my 100th post! Do I have anything awe inspiring to share today? Unfortuately not, but I do have a reminder to myself.
I am human.
I get scared.
I get stressed out.
I get angry.
God uses me regardless.
My oldest had surgery last Thursday and is now home and doing very well. (When you have a bleeding disorder, surgery can be even more stressful than usual.)
The funny thing is that everything came to a head yesterday. I felt all the stress, the anger and the exhaustion of staying in the hospital for 4 days straight. I was in the worst mood ever! At least I could see it and admitted it, but I hated how I felt.
I started questioning everything in my life. "How could God call me to be a Christian speaker? How can I lead a womens ministry at my church? I am being such a lousy mom because I am so short tempered...a "good, Christian woman" would never be this way..............." I know, I know. It's Satan taking advantage of me.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. getting things done
2. copy machines
3. prayer warriors
4. my own pillow
5. my "laundress" aka mother in law!
I am human.
I get scared.
I get stressed out.
I get angry.
God uses me regardless.
My oldest had surgery last Thursday and is now home and doing very well. (When you have a bleeding disorder, surgery can be even more stressful than usual.)
The funny thing is that everything came to a head yesterday. I felt all the stress, the anger and the exhaustion of staying in the hospital for 4 days straight. I was in the worst mood ever! At least I could see it and admitted it, but I hated how I felt.
I started questioning everything in my life. "How could God call me to be a Christian speaker? How can I lead a womens ministry at my church? I am being such a lousy mom because I am so short tempered...a "good, Christian woman" would never be this way..............." I know, I know. It's Satan taking advantage of me.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. getting things done
2. copy machines
3. prayer warriors
4. my own pillow
5. my "laundress" aka mother in law!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
God is Good
God is good, all the tiime! Surgery went great and my son is doing very well. It was a long, exhausting, stressful day, but in the end everything turned out even better than expected.
As we were waiting to go down to the operating room the phone rang. It was our hematologist. He called to say "Good morning" and and that he "prayed for my son earlier that morning." How amazing is that? That is the sign I needed to know we were definitely in the right place.
I truly believe God leads us in the right direction, we just have to be open and listen to Him with our hearts. Sometimes listening to God is really hard and we try to make our circumstances "fit" into what we think is perfect. That's usually a BIG mistake.
Thank you for your prayers. God is so good.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. nurses
2. doctors
3. apple juice
4. new pillows
5. the love I have for my sons
As we were waiting to go down to the operating room the phone rang. It was our hematologist. He called to say "Good morning" and and that he "prayed for my son earlier that morning." How amazing is that? That is the sign I needed to know we were definitely in the right place.
I truly believe God leads us in the right direction, we just have to be open and listen to Him with our hearts. Sometimes listening to God is really hard and we try to make our circumstances "fit" into what we think is perfect. That's usually a BIG mistake.
Thank you for your prayers. God is so good.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. nurses
2. doctors
3. apple juice
4. new pillows
5. the love I have for my sons
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Prayer Please
Please lift up my oldest son in prayer. We are in Albuquerque in the hospital and he will have surgery tomorrow at 8:30 am to remove his appendix.
Please pray for a speedy recovery and that his bleeding is kept under control. Also, please pray for the doctors and all involved in his care.
I'll be back with an update Thursday.
Thank you, so much!
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. sugar cookies
2. colleagues who speak the "corporate" language
3. wonderful nurses
4. my son's heart and humor
5. flat screen tv's
Please pray for a speedy recovery and that his bleeding is kept under control. Also, please pray for the doctors and all involved in his care.
I'll be back with an update Thursday.
Thank you, so much!
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. sugar cookies
2. colleagues who speak the "corporate" language
3. wonderful nurses
4. my son's heart and humor
5. flat screen tv's
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Humbling Work
I worked a Chrysalis event this past weekend. I was a member of the "support team." It was held at Sacramento Methodist Assembly and it is a little piece of heaven on earth. Located in the mountains of Sacramento, New Mexico, I would guess you could see every possible star in existence at night. It is breathtaking.
Our team was responsible for setting up for each event, organizing and distributing material, moving boxes, keeping the food tables set up and praying for the various speakers throughout the weekend (that was my favorite task).
When you are up several thousand feet in altitude, walking hills and climbing stairs, you tend to get tired. It was hard work. I worked with a great team of people, but in the beginning there was one person who was definitely not there to serve the Lord. He made me truly put myself in perspective and reevaluate my reasons for working. I didn't want to be selfish like he was and work with an angry heart. (He did get better by the last day :)
I've never worked in that capacity. There were times I didn't think I would make it through the weekend. There is one scripture that summed up my experience this weekend.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24.
Many lives were touched throughout the weekend and something as simple as keeping water in the ice chest made a difference and glorified God.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. sleeping in my own bed
2. the Inaguaration
3. camp food
4. being surprised
5. shooting stars
Our team was responsible for setting up for each event, organizing and distributing material, moving boxes, keeping the food tables set up and praying for the various speakers throughout the weekend (that was my favorite task).
When you are up several thousand feet in altitude, walking hills and climbing stairs, you tend to get tired. It was hard work. I worked with a great team of people, but in the beginning there was one person who was definitely not there to serve the Lord. He made me truly put myself in perspective and reevaluate my reasons for working. I didn't want to be selfish like he was and work with an angry heart. (He did get better by the last day :)
I've never worked in that capacity. There were times I didn't think I would make it through the weekend. There is one scripture that summed up my experience this weekend.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24.
Many lives were touched throughout the weekend and something as simple as keeping water in the ice chest made a difference and glorified God.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. sleeping in my own bed
2. the Inaguaration
3. camp food
4. being surprised
5. shooting stars
Monday, January 12, 2009
For Everyday
I recently came across this and hope that I can keep this in the front of my mind and heart daily.
"I will waste not even a precious second today in anger or hate or jealousy or selfishness. I know that the seeds I sow I will harvest, because every action, good or bad, is always followed by an equal reaction. I will plant only good seeds this day." Og Mandino
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. hot tea
2. a new blouse
3. the smell of firewood burning
4. an unexpected visit
5. meeting a deadline
"I will waste not even a precious second today in anger or hate or jealousy or selfishness. I know that the seeds I sow I will harvest, because every action, good or bad, is always followed by an equal reaction. I will plant only good seeds this day." Og Mandino
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. hot tea
2. a new blouse
3. the smell of firewood burning
4. an unexpected visit
5. meeting a deadline
Thursday, January 08, 2009
No Words
I got up this morning and went through my usual routine. When I let the dogs out, I sit for a few minutes outside (bundled up) and pray. I have so many thoughts going on in my mind and heart that I just knew I would be able to pray with ease.
Not a word came to my mind.
I didn't know what to say to God. Have you been there? Finally, I came up with, "Lord, be with me."
The wonderful thing is that even when we don't know our hearts desire, He does.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. orange juice
2. my mother-in-law
3. warm, fuzzy socks
4. great music
5. a long, overdue visit with a friend
Not a word came to my mind.
I didn't know what to say to God. Have you been there? Finally, I came up with, "Lord, be with me."
The wonderful thing is that even when we don't know our hearts desire, He does.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. orange juice
2. my mother-in-law
3. warm, fuzzy socks
4. great music
5. a long, overdue visit with a friend
Monday, January 05, 2009
I Just Want to Get Home!
I am supposed to be home. Our quick surprise visit to my mother-in-law in Houston turned out to be a few days longer. My oldest had an appendicitis attack. The doctors kept going back and forth as to whether or not to operate (due to his hemophilia we think they were not wanting to perform surgery), and finally we decided it was not going to happen.
He is doing great, with no pain and we are meeting with our hematologist and surgeon in Albuquerque in the next few weeks.
It's scary being away from home and needing medical attention. (Even when you are in one of the biggest cities in the country.)
Never let a doctor run over you and take your voice away. Stand up for your rights as a patient/parent. Doctors do not know everything. Sometimes they need to be questioned, not just in their diagnosis, but in the way they treat people.
It was a rough situation, but I thank God that my son is doing well.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. my son's health
2. speaking up (not just for myself, but for others)
3. family
4. the New Year
5. nurses
He is doing great, with no pain and we are meeting with our hematologist and surgeon in Albuquerque in the next few weeks.
It's scary being away from home and needing medical attention. (Even when you are in one of the biggest cities in the country.)
Never let a doctor run over you and take your voice away. Stand up for your rights as a patient/parent. Doctors do not know everything. Sometimes they need to be questioned, not just in their diagnosis, but in the way they treat people.
It was a rough situation, but I thank God that my son is doing well.
Today I Am Thankful For:
1. my son's health
2. speaking up (not just for myself, but for others)
3. family
4. the New Year
5. nurses
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