How long have I been blind? How could I not see this sooner? I've wasted years thinking that I need to find what You want me to do and be...the bigger plan for my life. I'm finding that You've been doing Your work all along without my awareness, and, unfortunately, without my enjoyment.
It is good to have you here. I have always been working in your life, bringing you to the life I have for you. Now it is time that you know it and cooperate with Me. Your life is no longer yours. It has belonged to Me for quite some time now, and that is why there are things that seem to go against your grain. You have failed to apply the truth that you have been crucified with Me and your life is no longer your own. You no longer have a right to your own preferences, plans, or personality. Your place is to be an empty vessel for Me to form, fill, and flow through.
Every moment comes to you from Me and is a gift, a grace of My love. Open your eyes to see the gift and your hands to receive the life and grace moment by moment. It is when you enter the moment, see My hand, receive My gift with thanksgiving and the miracle of My life in yours becomes a reality that bears fruit and results in joy. Learn to let everything I bring into your daily grind be an opportunity to see Me, thank Me, and commune with Me. Trust that each moment is the best of My sovereign plan and purpose for your life and My glory. Trust. Me.
Let go of your grip. I hold it all in My hand. Everything is grace and life as you receive it from Me. Let Me fill your life with Mine and just give thanks and rejoice. When things are hard, hold My hand, feel the nail prints, and see your name inscribed on My palm. Enter My rest and trust My love.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
This Book, That Book
Hmmm. I've been rolling this around for a while now. Let's see if I can put it into words. If you know me well, you know that I love to read. And that I love to read books that challenge me, stretch me, lead me to God, and make me think.
What I've been thinking lately is that pursuing that sort of reading is a two-edged sword. I have been greatly encouraged and helped by SO many wonderful authors and books, but something is becoming more clear to me. God speaks to different people along different lines. If you are William Wilberforce or Abraham Lincoln the highest expression of your faith is to abolish slavery. A Dawson Trotman finds memorizing Scripture to be the bedrock of sustaining a walk with God. Mother Teresa finds God closest in giving herself away to the neediest she can find. The faith of Smith Wigglesworth finds expression in being an instrument of healing, while Joni Eareckson Tada extols the value of suffering with joy. Andrew Murray's works are often based on the truth of living in union with Christ. Ann Voskamp writes that giving thanks is the secret that undergirds all prayer and joy in this life. Hannah Whitall Smith sums up the happy Christian life in two words, surrender and trust. There are others whose entire focus is on worship and music as the gateway to His presence. Some minister to many through their powerful call to serious discipleship, while others use humor to show the face of God. E.M. Bounds brings all of life under the canopy of prayer at all times for all people. John Eldredge tells us to follow our heart in order to find our life, while others tell us we must lay our own plans and agendas aside in order to follow and obey God. Evangelism, tithing, fasting, church participation, and the list of topics and seeming contradictions goes on and on.
The truth is none of them are wrong, and each view has its followers. God has wired us each differently, making us each a unique individual. He, alone, knows our heart and how to reach it. He has made us each in His image, but how large and multi-faceted is His image? We will never know Him from every side, and He always has more of Himself to share with us. So, while reading all these things may be helpful and eye-opening, it can also pull us off track.
I am more convinced than ever that what is best is to focus simply on the Word of God and on Him, Himself. Spending time in His Word and in prayer with Him will open the "secret" that our own heart needs to see to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We may think that what we find is the key for everyone, but it probably isn't. It may well be helpful to some, but not one of us can stand in the place of God in someone else's life and tell them "here's what you need to do". That's His job, and if we will take time with Him He will be faithful to do it.
Because God is so multi-faceted it takes all of us to even begin to show the world Who He is. They will see in each of us only a small piece and part of the whole, but let us be true to Him in the way that He has led us. And let us allow each other to follow Christ as He has revealed Himself to us. There is much to learn while still living authentically as God's child and handiwork.
P.S. If I have given you a book to read, I still want you to read it. If it doesn't resonate with you, put it down till another time. God has much to show you.
What I've been thinking lately is that pursuing that sort of reading is a two-edged sword. I have been greatly encouraged and helped by SO many wonderful authors and books, but something is becoming more clear to me. God speaks to different people along different lines. If you are William Wilberforce or Abraham Lincoln the highest expression of your faith is to abolish slavery. A Dawson Trotman finds memorizing Scripture to be the bedrock of sustaining a walk with God. Mother Teresa finds God closest in giving herself away to the neediest she can find. The faith of Smith Wigglesworth finds expression in being an instrument of healing, while Joni Eareckson Tada extols the value of suffering with joy. Andrew Murray's works are often based on the truth of living in union with Christ. Ann Voskamp writes that giving thanks is the secret that undergirds all prayer and joy in this life. Hannah Whitall Smith sums up the happy Christian life in two words, surrender and trust. There are others whose entire focus is on worship and music as the gateway to His presence. Some minister to many through their powerful call to serious discipleship, while others use humor to show the face of God. E.M. Bounds brings all of life under the canopy of prayer at all times for all people. John Eldredge tells us to follow our heart in order to find our life, while others tell us we must lay our own plans and agendas aside in order to follow and obey God. Evangelism, tithing, fasting, church participation, and the list of topics and seeming contradictions goes on and on.
The truth is none of them are wrong, and each view has its followers. God has wired us each differently, making us each a unique individual. He, alone, knows our heart and how to reach it. He has made us each in His image, but how large and multi-faceted is His image? We will never know Him from every side, and He always has more of Himself to share with us. So, while reading all these things may be helpful and eye-opening, it can also pull us off track.
I am more convinced than ever that what is best is to focus simply on the Word of God and on Him, Himself. Spending time in His Word and in prayer with Him will open the "secret" that our own heart needs to see to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We may think that what we find is the key for everyone, but it probably isn't. It may well be helpful to some, but not one of us can stand in the place of God in someone else's life and tell them "here's what you need to do". That's His job, and if we will take time with Him He will be faithful to do it.
Because God is so multi-faceted it takes all of us to even begin to show the world Who He is. They will see in each of us only a small piece and part of the whole, but let us be true to Him in the way that He has led us. And let us allow each other to follow Christ as He has revealed Himself to us. There is much to learn while still living authentically as God's child and handiwork.
P.S. If I have given you a book to read, I still want you to read it. If it doesn't resonate with you, put it down till another time. God has much to show you.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Father, Caregiver, Babysitter
Babysitting!! So much fun! Greg and Megan were gone Friday morning till Saturday evening to Kansas City for her work, and we went to babysit with Oskar. It went really well. We all had a good time, and it was hard to tell who was more tired this morning, Oskar or us. He was happy to see his mommy and daddy last night, but had never fussed for us a bit. I just needed to get his food to him quickly enough when he got into his high chair :)
Just a couple of weeks ago we got to stay with Bria and Emmy while Kelli and Jon were in Iowa City for her surgery. Also a wonderful experience, though completely different. We got them to and from school, to a library activity, and Grandpa Jon and Daddy Jon took Bria to her very first art showing in a gallery in Davenport! How exciting for her!!!
It's soon time to have Tre and Tru overnight again...it's been a while. They were here last Saturday and just hung out, played computer, and played with the remote control truck while Jon, Tabbi, and I reorganized the basement. It's always fun to have them here!
It's hard to imagine sometimes that our "little girls" are now mommies, but it is SUCH a blessing to watch. We are so thankful to be a part of all three girls' lives. Megan just had a birthday and we have several others coming soon, so we're hoping to get everyone together for a meal maybe in Des Moines....still in the works.
Thought for the day
God is my Father (Caregiver, Babysitter), and He is the best. Trust me, He has His hands full. What I am most keenly aware of is that His mercies are new every morning. I am awed by His grace, provision, protection, and presence in our lives. We could go day to day, week to week, year to year without realizing how He has had His hand in our lives. I never want to do that. I don't know that I ever go on even a short road trip without realizing and appreciating that I returned home safely and that it could have been very different. It's the same with the kids and with Jon at work. Every time they arrive safely I remember that God's hand was in it. It's not something I've trained myself to do, it is just there. I am so grateful. I want that to spread to every area of my life. I want to never take anything for granted, but receive EVERYTHING, moment by moment, from His hand of mercy and grace. You are my Father and the Caregiver in every aspect of my life, and I want to realize that more and more each day. Give me that kind of heart, Lord, in all things.
Just a couple of weeks ago we got to stay with Bria and Emmy while Kelli and Jon were in Iowa City for her surgery. Also a wonderful experience, though completely different. We got them to and from school, to a library activity, and Grandpa Jon and Daddy Jon took Bria to her very first art showing in a gallery in Davenport! How exciting for her!!!
It's soon time to have Tre and Tru overnight again...it's been a while. They were here last Saturday and just hung out, played computer, and played with the remote control truck while Jon, Tabbi, and I reorganized the basement. It's always fun to have them here!
It's hard to imagine sometimes that our "little girls" are now mommies, but it is SUCH a blessing to watch. We are so thankful to be a part of all three girls' lives. Megan just had a birthday and we have several others coming soon, so we're hoping to get everyone together for a meal maybe in Des Moines....still in the works.
Thought for the day
God is my Father (Caregiver, Babysitter), and He is the best. Trust me, He has His hands full. What I am most keenly aware of is that His mercies are new every morning. I am awed by His grace, provision, protection, and presence in our lives. We could go day to day, week to week, year to year without realizing how He has had His hand in our lives. I never want to do that. I don't know that I ever go on even a short road trip without realizing and appreciating that I returned home safely and that it could have been very different. It's the same with the kids and with Jon at work. Every time they arrive safely I remember that God's hand was in it. It's not something I've trained myself to do, it is just there. I am so grateful. I want that to spread to every area of my life. I want to never take anything for granted, but receive EVERYTHING, moment by moment, from His hand of mercy and grace. You are my Father and the Caregiver in every aspect of my life, and I want to realize that more and more each day. Give me that kind of heart, Lord, in all things.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
One Week To Go
Christmas is one week away. We are getting closer to being ready. Tabbi took over pretzel detail, and today I wrapped most of the gifts...waiting for one more mail delivery to finish up. I've gotten the peanut blossoms and cinnamon rolls done, so most of everything else will have to wait.
It's been a little tougher getting ready this year. We are still trying to recover our energy since Mom's funeral. The fatigue didn't hit me till about a week later, and now I'm starting to function better again. We've had a few other bumps in the road to deal with the last week. One night just as we were getting ready to go to bed we discovered the floor in the middle room of the basement was wet, and there was water coming in the window of the computer room, as well. Our new roof, the 45-year one, was leaking less than a year after being completed. We still don't know the measures taken solved the problem...we won't know till we have another rain or melting snow on the roof. Two nights later we found that our furnace had stopped working. Fortunately, that was fixed the next morning...needed a new ignitor. Tonight Jon's dad was taken to the ER with a TIA and severe bladder infection.
In better news, Oskar had tubes put in his ears on Tuesday and got along great. It seems he already feels and hears better. So thankful for that.
Thought for the day
Life is fragile. We've become keenly aware how quickly and drastically life can change. We value those we love highly, and want them each to know it. We want to never miss an opportunity to tell them and show them that we love them. At the same time, we place them in God's hands for His purposes and will to be worked out in them for their good and His glory. Jesus, we trust You and love you above all.
It's been a little tougher getting ready this year. We are still trying to recover our energy since Mom's funeral. The fatigue didn't hit me till about a week later, and now I'm starting to function better again. We've had a few other bumps in the road to deal with the last week. One night just as we were getting ready to go to bed we discovered the floor in the middle room of the basement was wet, and there was water coming in the window of the computer room, as well. Our new roof, the 45-year one, was leaking less than a year after being completed. We still don't know the measures taken solved the problem...we won't know till we have another rain or melting snow on the roof. Two nights later we found that our furnace had stopped working. Fortunately, that was fixed the next morning...needed a new ignitor. Tonight Jon's dad was taken to the ER with a TIA and severe bladder infection.
In better news, Oskar had tubes put in his ears on Tuesday and got along great. It seems he already feels and hears better. So thankful for that.
Thought for the day
Life is fragile. We've become keenly aware how quickly and drastically life can change. We value those we love highly, and want them each to know it. We want to never miss an opportunity to tell them and show them that we love them. At the same time, we place them in God's hands for His purposes and will to be worked out in them for their good and His glory. Jesus, we trust You and love you above all.
My Mom
My mom passed into her next life almost two weeks ago on Monday, December 5. Her condition changed very quickly and she mercifully went home in just a few days. We were each able to say goodbye in our own ways, and it is a blessing to know that she is with Dad and Jesus. If they celebrate Christmas there, that would be the place to be!!
So Merry Christmas, Dad and Mom, we love you!
So Merry Christmas, Dad and Mom, we love you!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Getting Ready
I've been getting ready for Thanksgiving. We won't be having it until next Saturday so I will be able to get lots of the food ready on Thursday. I've done the major cleaning, baked rolls, baked cinnamon rolls, and gotten the bulk of the groceries. I'm still debating whether to use the china or the Chinet I bought. The jury is still out. My back is holding up well so far so I'm hoping for a good run. Tonight there was a potluck at church for Thanksgiving and that was fun. Worked in the kitchen and brought home a little extra pie.
Tomorrow night we are going to Bible study at Mike and Colleen's house. They are studying books by Andrew Murray!!! YAY!!! I'm so excited to maybe have a group to be part of again.
Tomorrow night we are going to Bible study at Mike and Colleen's house. They are studying books by Andrew Murray!!! YAY!!! I'm so excited to maybe have a group to be part of again.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Keep Asking
Harvest is basically over here. We're still getting some corn in day by day, but not so fast and furious. Being gone on Friday put me behind and hoping to get caught up by tomorrow. Today Harlan played Decorah at the dome in football semifinals and got beat 35-14. That also meant there weren't many people at work today, so it was a little crazy.
Thought for the day
So how do we navigate the line between accepting whatever comes as God's will from God's hand and trusting God for healing? I asked Doc and Nancy this question yesterday and they gave wonderful insight with an emphasis on reality. People tend to want instant healing, and it is usually a process. They suggested I keep on asking and asking until I get an answer one way or another about my back. Doc said, "Make God tell you no." In the meantime, get closer, listen harder, trust more.
Thought for the day
So how do we navigate the line between accepting whatever comes as God's will from God's hand and trusting God for healing? I asked Doc and Nancy this question yesterday and they gave wonderful insight with an emphasis on reality. People tend to want instant healing, and it is usually a process. They suggested I keep on asking and asking until I get an answer one way or another about my back. Doc said, "Make God tell you no." In the meantime, get closer, listen harder, trust more.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Redneck Shopping
The Honda needed a visit to the shop for a recall issue, so we drove to Omaha today with both vehicles. After dropping off the van we did some shopping. I found a memory box for my mom's baby dress that I want to display. We met Doc and Nancy at Village Inn for lunch and had a wonderful visit. Love those two to pieces!!
After that our shopping took a redneck turn and I realized after getting home that we spent the bigger portion of our money today on a big flat screen for guy TV and ammo. And we called it Christmas. Pretty scary, I know!!
Thought for the day
It was such a blessing to be with Murdoch's today. I wish I could put it all in a bottle and get it out to replay over and over. They are a wealth of wisdom, insight, and encouragement. It would be amazing to someday be that kind of influence and encouragement to other people. A couple of gems to remember..."I have put you in a dry place, but I will nourish you from within." "Make God tell you no."
After that our shopping took a redneck turn and I realized after getting home that we spent the bigger portion of our money today on a big flat screen for guy TV and ammo. And we called it Christmas. Pretty scary, I know!!
Thought for the day
It was such a blessing to be with Murdoch's today. I wish I could put it all in a bottle and get it out to replay over and over. They are a wealth of wisdom, insight, and encouragement. It would be amazing to someday be that kind of influence and encouragement to other people. A couple of gems to remember..."I have put you in a dry place, but I will nourish you from within." "Make God tell you no."
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Jon Turns....
In other birthday news....today is Jon's! He was born in 52...you do the math. He is the best and I'm SO lucky to be married to him!!!
Oskar Turns One!!!!
We had a wonderful weekend! Oskar turned one on Sunday, and we went to his house to celebrate! On Friday night Rich and Julie came to our house and stayed the weekend. They had to go to a wedding in Omaha on Saturday, but we had a great visit with them. They drove with us to Des Moines on their way home and stopped in to crash the party and see all our girls. They couldn't stay long, but it was a special treat.
I'm very aware today how blessed we all were through the weekend having safe travel. There was a fatal accident just south of town today...3 people killed. I am just so grateful... Praying for the families...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Master's Indwelling
Well, here I am again. It's been a really busy week. I've been helping Tabbi with some craft projects. She's got some really great stuff...it will all be a big hit!
I'll be busy the next couple of nights getting house ready for some company. Rich and Julie will be arriving Friday night and will be here till Sunday morning with some time out for a wedding on Saturday. We are so excited to have them here!!
Thought for the day
I finished "The Master's Indwelling" by Andrew Murray last week and decided to reread it immediately, so I'm a couple of chapters in. So much truth and clarity...makes it seem crazy that we allow the distractions we do that pull us down to a lower level of living. I'm really wanting to do this better than I ever have, yet the key to doing that is becoming less and less and abiding in the death of Christ.
I'll be busy the next couple of nights getting house ready for some company. Rich and Julie will be arriving Friday night and will be here till Sunday morning with some time out for a wedding on Saturday. We are so excited to have them here!!
Thought for the day
I finished "The Master's Indwelling" by Andrew Murray last week and decided to reread it immediately, so I'm a couple of chapters in. So much truth and clarity...makes it seem crazy that we allow the distractions we do that pull us down to a lower level of living. I'm really wanting to do this better than I ever have, yet the key to doing that is becoming less and less and abiding in the death of Christ.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Check It Out
Check out the new look!!! They have some new layouts at blogger, and they are really fun to play with! I want to get started again with more blogging and I thought a new layout would help me get started. Will you come along for the ride???
Monday, May 30, 2011
Holiness and Wholeness
Lord, I’m learning to trust You
in a new way. I’m realizing that
the salvation You provided is not
only for my soul, but for my body.
I’m seeing the results of Your
redemption in being free of several
health challenges I was facing. So
far, however, some remain. I trust
You for this process and growth in
faith. My greatest concern is to
please You and let You have Your
perfect will in being made not only
well, but holy.
I am so pleased that you are seeking Me. You do well to seek not only My benefits, but My purifying presence. It is always My plan to make My people holy. I spoke of it many times, and it is a major part of My total purpose in the cross and resurrection. Forgiveness is yours, of course, but sanctification is higher and brings you closer to My heart. It requires intimate communion for you to be purified and made whole. The intimacy that results from your search is as great a prize as the result of wholeness in body and soul.
It is so important that you seek spiritual wholeness even more than physical health. I died to provide both for you and am glorified as each is made evident in your life. Do not hide what I do. Do not be afraid to both declare what I have done and be honest about the process you are still experiencing. My reputation is My responsibility, not yours.
Let Me have My way with your time and interests. Hold every moment that you may spend in My presence as precious. Listen to My voice. I am with you always, but you must be aware of Me to commune with Me. Allow no mindless distraction to steal the very treasure that I died for…fellowship with you. You must engage your mind in your work and daily living, but I am to be the home of your in-between moments, your down time, your spare time, your free time, and all those minutes and hours you think belong to you. They are Mine. You lose so much when you waste them and let them slip away.
Following My lead will bring us a level of intimacy that will result in a holy life lived moment by moment drawing on Me for that holiness, wholeness, strength, and health that will glorify Me. You are Mine, and I am yours. We are woven together in a way that cannot be undone, but can be strengthened and made ever deeper throughout life and eternity as you believe the words I have spoken to you. I keep every one of My promises as you lean hard on Me. Learn what I have said and dare to trust that I am true to My word.
in a new way. I’m realizing that
the salvation You provided is not
only for my soul, but for my body.
I’m seeing the results of Your
redemption in being free of several
health challenges I was facing. So
far, however, some remain. I trust
You for this process and growth in
faith. My greatest concern is to
please You and let You have Your
perfect will in being made not only
well, but holy.
I am so pleased that you are seeking Me. You do well to seek not only My benefits, but My purifying presence. It is always My plan to make My people holy. I spoke of it many times, and it is a major part of My total purpose in the cross and resurrection. Forgiveness is yours, of course, but sanctification is higher and brings you closer to My heart. It requires intimate communion for you to be purified and made whole. The intimacy that results from your search is as great a prize as the result of wholeness in body and soul.
It is so important that you seek spiritual wholeness even more than physical health. I died to provide both for you and am glorified as each is made evident in your life. Do not hide what I do. Do not be afraid to both declare what I have done and be honest about the process you are still experiencing. My reputation is My responsibility, not yours.
Let Me have My way with your time and interests. Hold every moment that you may spend in My presence as precious. Listen to My voice. I am with you always, but you must be aware of Me to commune with Me. Allow no mindless distraction to steal the very treasure that I died for…fellowship with you. You must engage your mind in your work and daily living, but I am to be the home of your in-between moments, your down time, your spare time, your free time, and all those minutes and hours you think belong to you. They are Mine. You lose so much when you waste them and let them slip away.
Following My lead will bring us a level of intimacy that will result in a holy life lived moment by moment drawing on Me for that holiness, wholeness, strength, and health that will glorify Me. You are Mine, and I am yours. We are woven together in a way that cannot be undone, but can be strengthened and made ever deeper throughout life and eternity as you believe the words I have spoken to you. I keep every one of My promises as you lean hard on Me. Learn what I have said and dare to trust that I am true to My word.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend
Jon is taking some extra days off over this Memorial Day weekend, and I'm taking off Tuesday as well. So far this weekend I worked on Saturday morning, we worked at my mom's house Saturday afternoon, and we kept Tre and Tru overnight Saturday night. Tabbi came over today for church then they all went home later this afternoon. I've done some cleaning, laundry, and saw my mom for a little while. Tomorrow we'll take off as soon as Jon as willing to go to see Greg, Megan, and Oz for a while then head over to see Jon, Kelli, Bria, and Emmy overnight. We'll spend Tuesday there so we can go to Bria's softball game in the afternoon and head home that night. Busy, busy, busy!!! Jon's working away in the garage tonight.
Thought for the day
I'm still wrestling with health and wholeness issues. My acid reflux is gone entirely, and I'm doing just fine without any Singulair. I need some blood work anyway, so I'll get my blood pressure and thyroid checked as well. However, I'm still not sure how I'm going to get along without an nsaid. One day well, next day not, next day in between. Lord, teach me. Help my unbelief. I trust You.
Thought for the day
I'm still wrestling with health and wholeness issues. My acid reflux is gone entirely, and I'm doing just fine without any Singulair. I need some blood work anyway, so I'll get my blood pressure and thyroid checked as well. However, I'm still not sure how I'm going to get along without an nsaid. One day well, next day not, next day in between. Lord, teach me. Help my unbelief. I trust You.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
A Challenge
Thought for the day
I've been challenged lately along a particular line of thinking. I was reading a book entitled "Divine Healing" and Andrew Murray points out that the salvation Christ offers us is not for our souls only, but for our bodies as well. It makes me think about all the things that we commonly consider as benefits of our salvation...peace, comfort, wisdom, strength, healing, joy, right standing with God, and so on. But what exactly was God's intent and purpose in saving us?? The Bible teaches that we are to become the righteousness of God in Christ. We are to be holy as He is holy. Now I'm not advocating a performance theology, but the question is put to me... Do I want what Jesus died to provide for me? That's easy to answer in terms of joy, peace, wholeness, comfort, forgiveness, and so on...sign me up!!!
But if He died and rose again that I may be holy, is that what I want? Do I want Him to have His way and put His finger on ANY and ALL areas of my life? Or do I only want holiness up to the level of my comfort and I'll settle for forgiveness for the rest??? Do I have the right to dictate what parts of Christ's salvation I want and will accept and submit to? Do I want only the parts that feel good and make me comfortable, or do I want Him to have His way (which, of course, will be the most blessed state for me as well)?
I'm certainly in no way pointing fingers at anyone, but I think we could all benefit from asking ourselves these questions. What parts and pieces of our personality, temperament, and preferences do we hang on to and feel we have a right to? Those are likely the very things that Christ would free us from in order to make us holy. Are we willing?
I've been challenged lately along a particular line of thinking. I was reading a book entitled "Divine Healing" and Andrew Murray points out that the salvation Christ offers us is not for our souls only, but for our bodies as well. It makes me think about all the things that we commonly consider as benefits of our salvation...peace, comfort, wisdom, strength, healing, joy, right standing with God, and so on. But what exactly was God's intent and purpose in saving us?? The Bible teaches that we are to become the righteousness of God in Christ. We are to be holy as He is holy. Now I'm not advocating a performance theology, but the question is put to me... Do I want what Jesus died to provide for me? That's easy to answer in terms of joy, peace, wholeness, comfort, forgiveness, and so on...sign me up!!!
But if He died and rose again that I may be holy, is that what I want? Do I want Him to have His way and put His finger on ANY and ALL areas of my life? Or do I only want holiness up to the level of my comfort and I'll settle for forgiveness for the rest??? Do I have the right to dictate what parts of Christ's salvation I want and will accept and submit to? Do I want only the parts that feel good and make me comfortable, or do I want Him to have His way (which, of course, will be the most blessed state for me as well)?
I'm certainly in no way pointing fingers at anyone, but I think we could all benefit from asking ourselves these questions. What parts and pieces of our personality, temperament, and preferences do we hang on to and feel we have a right to? Those are likely the very things that Christ would free us from in order to make us holy. Are we willing?
Saturday, May 21, 2011
End of the World???
It's Saturday, May 21 and, according to someone the rapture is supposed to happen today. Which, of course, means that it won't. However, it was the last day for Logan. She ran off a couple of times last Monday, and we think she may have been hit on the road. She came back stiff as usual, but has gotten worse all week. Poor girl couldn't even get up from lying on the floor by herself and stay on her feet. It was impossible for her to get up or down steps by herself and even turning a corner meant stopping to adjust or falling down. She was panting hard constantly which also is an indication of being in pain. She's been too good a dog to let that continue. So we said goodbye...that was a tough one. We all have only great memories of her which is as it should be.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Easter Weekend
We had a very nice weekend. It started early when Kelli, Bria, and Emmy arrived around 12:30 a.m. on Friday. After a short night's sleep they left for Muscatine on Friday leaving North Dakota behind for the last time! They are staying in Jon's apartment there till their truck arrives with their furniture next week.
Friday evening Megan, Greg, and Oz were here by suppertime and stayed until early afternoon on Sunday. On Saturday Megan's, Tabbi and boys, Connie's, Alan, Shawn's, Loren, and Kent's all met at Mom's house and we spent the day going through her things and dividing things up. It was really a special time. Everyone was glad to get things, eager to know the history and meaning of what they were taking home. We all enjoyed each other's company and the memories we shared.
On Sunday we went to Easter services along with Megan, Greg, and Oz. Jon was called out after waffles with strawberries briefly, but was back to see them off. Connie and I went to see Mom late in the afternoon and told her what we had done on Saturday. I think she was relieved...a little hard to tell.
Today it's back to everyday life. Not so bad either....
Thought for the day
I'm really loving reading through the book of Romans in The Message. Today I was reading chapter 9. A few pickings....
"Israelite identity was never racially determined by descent, but it was God-determined by promise."
"God told Moses, 'I'm in charge of mercy. I'm in charge of compassion.' Compassion doesn't originate in our bleeding hearts or moral sweat, but in God's mercy."
"Salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn't count us; he calls us by name. Arithmetic is not His focus."
"All those people who didn't seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as He straightened out their lives. And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it. How? Because instead of trusting God, they took over. They were so absorbed in their 'God projects' that they didn't notice God right in front of them, like a huge rock in the middle of the road."
Friday evening Megan, Greg, and Oz were here by suppertime and stayed until early afternoon on Sunday. On Saturday Megan's, Tabbi and boys, Connie's, Alan, Shawn's, Loren, and Kent's all met at Mom's house and we spent the day going through her things and dividing things up. It was really a special time. Everyone was glad to get things, eager to know the history and meaning of what they were taking home. We all enjoyed each other's company and the memories we shared.
On Sunday we went to Easter services along with Megan, Greg, and Oz. Jon was called out after waffles with strawberries briefly, but was back to see them off. Connie and I went to see Mom late in the afternoon and told her what we had done on Saturday. I think she was relieved...a little hard to tell.
Today it's back to everyday life. Not so bad either....
Thought for the day
I'm really loving reading through the book of Romans in The Message. Today I was reading chapter 9. A few pickings....
"Israelite identity was never racially determined by descent, but it was God-determined by promise."
"God told Moses, 'I'm in charge of mercy. I'm in charge of compassion.' Compassion doesn't originate in our bleeding hearts or moral sweat, but in God's mercy."
"Salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn't count us; he calls us by name. Arithmetic is not His focus."
"All those people who didn't seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as He straightened out their lives. And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it. How? Because instead of trusting God, they took over. They were so absorbed in their 'God projects' that they didn't notice God right in front of them, like a huge rock in the middle of the road."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Experiment
So what's up with my blog??? Last time I posted it wouldn't let me make paragraphs or leave blank lines between sections. I hope this experimental post will work the way it's supposed to.
Thought for the day
Again, I hope this works.
Thought for the day
Again, I hope this works.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Good Times!
Good times! This morning Jon went turkey hunting with Loren and Trever. I went to the movie "Rio" with Tabbi and the boys. Then we were together for lunch with Tom, Joanne, Erika, Shelby, Ben, and Scott. They are in Iowa for a few days and were able to fit us into a FULL schedule of visits. We got to spend a few hours with them, and it was great. It was SO good to see them all. They look great, and the kids are getting so big!! Of course, I forgot to take any pictures....grrr. We will see them again on Monday night, so maybe I can remember to take them then, but don't count on it!! This next week Kelli has movers coming to pack and load, and she and the girls will be coming down here on Thursday sometime before heading to Muscatine on Friday. They are so excited! And SO ARE WE!!!!!! Thought for the day "Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That's what Jesus did. That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time---remember, you've been raised from the dead"---into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God." This is Romans 6:11-14 in The Message. There is such powerful truth in this passage. Is there ever a time when we grasp it fully and live in its blessings? I'm so impressed by the instruction do not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. It's so easy to excuse sin as being just personality, temperament, or circumstances. It is freeing to realize that I have a choice. I can choose to not allow sin to have its way, but let God live His life using me as a channel.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Saying Goodbye...Sort Of
Today we celebrated Pat's life. She was a very kind woman and will be greatly missed. This was the kind of "goodbye" that was easier to say, because we were only truly saying "see you later". Pat leaves big shoes to fill, and I'm not sure anyone is up to the task. She was definitely one-of-a-kind. It makes me realize that we each bring something unique to life and relationships and each of us deserves to be valued and cherished. I need to do better at appreciating the people around me. God, give me Your heart and eyes for them...
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