*As I wrote in my blog yesterday, I am unwrapping one of God’s gifts to me every day during Advent. I want to receive God’s gift, hear what He says about me, and be transformed by it.
And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he [Moses] said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (Exodus 33:14-15)
I opened my first Advent gift this morning and it was the gift of His presence. What a marvelous gift! His presence surrounds me, envelops me. The Bible says in Psalm 139 that there is nowhere I can go to get away from His presence.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
Every step I take, He takes with me. Everywhere I go, everything I do, He is there.
LeeAnn Payne wrote an excellent book years ago titled “Practice His Presence.” The book is about exactly what the title says – practicing the presence of God. One would think, as Christians, we would be aware of His presence and not have to “practice” having Him present. But that is usually not the case-at least for me. I get so busy – so involved in the task of the moment – that I do forget His presence. I think that is why He gave me His presence as the first gift – to remind me that-no matter what-He is always here with me and with you.
Abba Father, thank you for my first gift of Advent – the gift of your presence. Help me to always be aware of Your presence and to walk in it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(c) December 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The Gifts of Advent
I read an excellent article in Pray!, an online news magazine, just a few days ago. I was so impressed by it that I want to share parts of it with you.
The article was titled “Unwrapping God’s Gifts” and the author was Cynthia Bezek, editor of the magazine. Ms. Bezek wrote about Advent, which begins today, and her article focused on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her reaction to the news that she would be the Mother of the Messiah. The article spoke of how Ms. Bezek was impressed with Mary’s “ability to receive the affirmation and blessing God was giving her,” and how Mary “received God’s affirmation with both humility and confidence and praised Him, saying:
My soul magnifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me –
Holy is His name. (Luke 1:46-49)
Ms. Bezek continues, “I want to be like Mary – a person who hears what God says about her, receives it, and is transformed by it. One who believes He loves and delights in and favors her. Who confidently accepts what He says about her as true and doesn’t argue, bargain, deny, or come unglued when He invites her to partner with Him to accomplish impossible-sounding things.”
She then reveals her plan for the season of Advent. “I intend to unwrap one of God’s gifts for me each day and ask Him to help me to intentionally receive it and believe and live differently because of it. I don’t know what specific gift the Holy Spirit will invite me to unwrap each day, but there are myriad possibilities, life changing gifts such as:
• His promises: presence, hope, redemption, restoration, help, comfort, wisdom, forgiveness
• His deliverance: from fear, condemnation, despair, defeat, confusion, depression
• His victory: over temptation, besetting sins, spiritual attacks, doubt
• His Spirit’s fruit: love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, and so on”
How wonderful it would be to be transformed during this season of Advent! To unwrap a gift from God each day and truly experience His love and all of His good gifts He has selected just for you! He stands ready to lavish His love upon you, to pour the oil of healing into your heart, soul and mind and to give you all He has for you.
I encourage you to join with Ms. Bezek and me and unwrap a gift from God every day during the Advent Season. I am positive that the gifts you open have been selected and wrapped just for you!
I’d love to hear about your gifts! Please leave a comment anytime during the Advent Season. I may not blog everyday about my gifts, but feel free to leave your comments anyway!
Maranatha!
(c) Edwina Cowgill
December,2009
The article was titled “Unwrapping God’s Gifts” and the author was Cynthia Bezek, editor of the magazine. Ms. Bezek wrote about Advent, which begins today, and her article focused on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her reaction to the news that she would be the Mother of the Messiah. The article spoke of how Ms. Bezek was impressed with Mary’s “ability to receive the affirmation and blessing God was giving her,” and how Mary “received God’s affirmation with both humility and confidence and praised Him, saying:
My soul magnifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for He has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me –
Holy is His name. (Luke 1:46-49)
Ms. Bezek continues, “I want to be like Mary – a person who hears what God says about her, receives it, and is transformed by it. One who believes He loves and delights in and favors her. Who confidently accepts what He says about her as true and doesn’t argue, bargain, deny, or come unglued when He invites her to partner with Him to accomplish impossible-sounding things.”
She then reveals her plan for the season of Advent. “I intend to unwrap one of God’s gifts for me each day and ask Him to help me to intentionally receive it and believe and live differently because of it. I don’t know what specific gift the Holy Spirit will invite me to unwrap each day, but there are myriad possibilities, life changing gifts such as:
• His promises: presence, hope, redemption, restoration, help, comfort, wisdom, forgiveness
• His deliverance: from fear, condemnation, despair, defeat, confusion, depression
• His victory: over temptation, besetting sins, spiritual attacks, doubt
• His Spirit’s fruit: love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, and so on”
How wonderful it would be to be transformed during this season of Advent! To unwrap a gift from God each day and truly experience His love and all of His good gifts He has selected just for you! He stands ready to lavish His love upon you, to pour the oil of healing into your heart, soul and mind and to give you all He has for you.
I encourage you to join with Ms. Bezek and me and unwrap a gift from God every day during the Advent Season. I am positive that the gifts you open have been selected and wrapped just for you!
I’d love to hear about your gifts! Please leave a comment anytime during the Advent Season. I may not blog everyday about my gifts, but feel free to leave your comments anyway!
Maranatha!
(c) Edwina Cowgill
December,2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Miracles, Gifts and Talents
The theme for this week has been Thanksgiving, and those people in my life for whom I am so very thankful. God has given me amazing people who have a significant role in my life and I am and always will be thankful for each one of them!
There are things in my life that God has done that I consider miracles. To Him, it’s probably ordinary, everyday occurrences, but to me, they were miracles. Like the time many years ago He had a friend come by with a few groceries. It was a difficult time financially and I needed the encouragement as much as I needed the groceries. I had been crying out to God earlier that day for a word, a sign – anything – to remind me that He was still with me and I would be okay. Within the hour, my doorbell rang and there stood a dear friend with two bags of groceries in her hand. I will always be thankful that Linda was obedient when God spoke to her telling her to bring the groceries. The groceries were appreciated but the encouragement she brought was priceless.
There were also the years that I did not have any medical insurance. I worked for a church who did not offer health insurance to its employees because we had a small staff and everyone was able to obtain insurance through their spouse’s policy. Except me. Six years out of the nine I was employed, I did not have medical coverage. During those six years, my children and I were not sick – not one time. There were no typical children’s illnesses or broken bones, and I did not have any medical issues. When I left the church to accept a position with a large corporation I did receive health insurance as part of the benefits. Within the first three months of employment, I needed the coverage for one of my children. You will never be able to convince me that God did not protect us from illness and injuries during those six years. It was not a coincidence. It was a miracle.
God has also given me gifts and talents. It is with all the humbleness and humility I have that I even bring this topic up. Yet, I am very thankful that God has bestowed these gifts upon me and I would be remiss if I did not publically express my thankfulness.
God has given me the gift of administration and this gift has the key to every job I’ve ever held. I’ve always worked in the administrative (read secretary) field. I’m in my 14th year as a Church Business Administrator and believe me, if there is an area that needs lots of organization and administrative skills, it’s in the church! I love administration and all that it involves and I am thankful for this gift.
When I was six years old, my family and I came home from church one Sunday and while my Mom was preparing lunch, I went to the piano, sat down, and “picked out” the melody of the special song the choir had sang that day. “A Star is Born!” NOT! But it was quite amazing to realize that I could, at age six, play the piano “by ear.” For those not familiar with that term, it simply means that I can hear a song, sometimes only once, and immediately can play it. It is a talent that only God could have instilled in me, along with a great love for music, and I am truly grateful. Music, and playing the piano, has brought me great joy and comfort throughout the years.
I have always said that I am not creative – that God gave me a double portion of administration skills and no creativity skills! However, almost two years ago, God called me to a life of creativity. He reminded me of how creative He is (look at the beauty of nature) and because He resides in me, I have that same creativity. I’m not bragging here because I’ve yet to realize the full meaning of ‘having the same creativity as God.’ In a time of study and prayer, God spoke to me about creativity in the areas of writing, drawing, photography, singing and dancing. DANCING??? He must have been rolling on the floor laughing when He said that! Since that time, I’ve been concentrating on writing. Writing is something I’ve always wanted to do, but never thought I could do, especially as a ministry to others. Yet, that is exactly what God is having me do.
You see, God knew the desires of my heart. He knew that I wanted to be able to minister to women through writing and even though I didn’t believe that would ever come about, He is making that happen. And He’s doing the same thing in the area of photography. Singing and dancing? Well, the jury is still out on those two! The point is God knew and HE is giving me the desires of my heart.
There are so many things that God has done and is doing in my life for which I am thankful that I could fill up 100 pages and still not cover it all. I am sure there are people I failed to mention earlier this week, miracles that, somehow, I’ve forgotten (like the fact that I wake up each morning and I can move and see and breathe), and talents that may be rusty from lack of use, but are still there. In a thousand years, I would not be able to thank God enough for these blessings, but that won’t stop me from trying!
I hope that in some small way, the blogs this week have encouraged you and helped you to realize your blessings. I pray that we will all carry this thankful attitude into the coming season of Advent. Speaking of Advent, we will be doing something different through my blogs, so stay tuned!
Maranatha!
There are things in my life that God has done that I consider miracles. To Him, it’s probably ordinary, everyday occurrences, but to me, they were miracles. Like the time many years ago He had a friend come by with a few groceries. It was a difficult time financially and I needed the encouragement as much as I needed the groceries. I had been crying out to God earlier that day for a word, a sign – anything – to remind me that He was still with me and I would be okay. Within the hour, my doorbell rang and there stood a dear friend with two bags of groceries in her hand. I will always be thankful that Linda was obedient when God spoke to her telling her to bring the groceries. The groceries were appreciated but the encouragement she brought was priceless.
There were also the years that I did not have any medical insurance. I worked for a church who did not offer health insurance to its employees because we had a small staff and everyone was able to obtain insurance through their spouse’s policy. Except me. Six years out of the nine I was employed, I did not have medical coverage. During those six years, my children and I were not sick – not one time. There were no typical children’s illnesses or broken bones, and I did not have any medical issues. When I left the church to accept a position with a large corporation I did receive health insurance as part of the benefits. Within the first three months of employment, I needed the coverage for one of my children. You will never be able to convince me that God did not protect us from illness and injuries during those six years. It was not a coincidence. It was a miracle.
God has also given me gifts and talents. It is with all the humbleness and humility I have that I even bring this topic up. Yet, I am very thankful that God has bestowed these gifts upon me and I would be remiss if I did not publically express my thankfulness.
God has given me the gift of administration and this gift has the key to every job I’ve ever held. I’ve always worked in the administrative (read secretary) field. I’m in my 14th year as a Church Business Administrator and believe me, if there is an area that needs lots of organization and administrative skills, it’s in the church! I love administration and all that it involves and I am thankful for this gift.
When I was six years old, my family and I came home from church one Sunday and while my Mom was preparing lunch, I went to the piano, sat down, and “picked out” the melody of the special song the choir had sang that day. “A Star is Born!” NOT! But it was quite amazing to realize that I could, at age six, play the piano “by ear.” For those not familiar with that term, it simply means that I can hear a song, sometimes only once, and immediately can play it. It is a talent that only God could have instilled in me, along with a great love for music, and I am truly grateful. Music, and playing the piano, has brought me great joy and comfort throughout the years.
I have always said that I am not creative – that God gave me a double portion of administration skills and no creativity skills! However, almost two years ago, God called me to a life of creativity. He reminded me of how creative He is (look at the beauty of nature) and because He resides in me, I have that same creativity. I’m not bragging here because I’ve yet to realize the full meaning of ‘having the same creativity as God.’ In a time of study and prayer, God spoke to me about creativity in the areas of writing, drawing, photography, singing and dancing. DANCING??? He must have been rolling on the floor laughing when He said that! Since that time, I’ve been concentrating on writing. Writing is something I’ve always wanted to do, but never thought I could do, especially as a ministry to others. Yet, that is exactly what God is having me do.
You see, God knew the desires of my heart. He knew that I wanted to be able to minister to women through writing and even though I didn’t believe that would ever come about, He is making that happen. And He’s doing the same thing in the area of photography. Singing and dancing? Well, the jury is still out on those two! The point is God knew and HE is giving me the desires of my heart.
There are so many things that God has done and is doing in my life for which I am thankful that I could fill up 100 pages and still not cover it all. I am sure there are people I failed to mention earlier this week, miracles that, somehow, I’ve forgotten (like the fact that I wake up each morning and I can move and see and breathe), and talents that may be rusty from lack of use, but are still there. In a thousand years, I would not be able to thank God enough for these blessings, but that won’t stop me from trying!
I hope that in some small way, the blogs this week have encouraged you and helped you to realize your blessings. I pray that we will all carry this thankful attitude into the coming season of Advent. Speaking of Advent, we will be doing something different through my blogs, so stay tuned!
Maranatha!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thankful for My Family
When I think of people for whom I am thankful, my family is first and foremost.
God gave me two parents who raised my sister and me in a Christian home. They instilled in us Christian values that have guided us all of our lives. We lived very close to the church where we were members and every time the door was opened, we were there. Even today, though they are physically unable to attend church, they faithfully watch their church’s television broadcast of the weekly service on TV. Every morning they have their quiet time and Bible reading and every night they pray out loud together. If you are visiting overnight, you are “invited” to join with them.
My parents have been married for over sixty years and through those years, they have had their ups and downs as all marriages do. They have demonstrated faithfulness, trust, respect and love to all who know them.
As a teenager, and even as an adult, I have not always agreed with my parents. They have respected my opinions and decisions and I respect and love them for that.
I grew up with a wonderful sister. Marie is six years older than me. Growing up, six years was just enough difference in age for me to want to hang out with her and her friends all the time and for her to consider me the “pesky little sister.” When I reached adulthood, we became best friends. She was and still is my protective big sister. I love her and there is nothing I would not do for her and I'm sure she feels the same way about me.
Almost six years ago, God brought the most wonderful Christian man into my life. It was only a few short weeks after we first met when I knew not only was he a gift from God, but also the man with whom I would spend the rest of my life. I think Dave knew this, too. We celebrated our fifth anniversary this past September and every day Dave demonstrates to me what a marriage created by God should be. He loves me, protects me, puts my interests and needs above his own. He also allows me to be me – to pursue those things that I believe God has called me to and those things that interest me. He is my best friend, my soul mate. Every day, I thank God for Dave.
My children, Kim and Kyle, have brought me great joy since their birth. Kim was born in November, 1978. It was so much fun having a daughter. We would play dress up and dolls. I even have a picture of her, when she was five years old, standing on a stool, putting makeup on me. She has grown into a beautiful adult woman who is smart, kind and a great mom. She works full time in a managerial position and is going to school at night to get her Bachelor’s degree but always finds time to spend with her son, her family and friends. I consider Kim one of my best friends.
Kyle was born in March, 1984. He took his own sweet time in coming into this world – three weeks late - but well worth the wait. Once he arrived, he demanded attention! He was colicky for several weeks and he and I got to know one another quite well during that time! Fortunately, he outgrew that and was a healthy, happy baby. Kyle has grown into a man who is loyal, trustworthy and highly respected in his chosen field.
My children and I went through a lot as a family – the three of us – and though it was extremely difficult at times, we made it. Today, Kim and Kyle are successful adults, stronger for all they went through and compassionate towards others who find themselves in the midst of similar situations. I am proud of them both (in case you couldn’t tell) and excited to see what God has in store for them!
I have a wonderful grandson who lights up the room every time he walks in and he has done that since he was an infant. Mackenzie is a joy to know and have in my life. Everyone always compliments him to me about how polite and well-mannered he is. He is respectful and yet, is a typical teenager, interested in video games, girls and music. Did I mention girls?? I am looking forward to his future and seeing the manifestation of God’s call in his life.
Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins are also important to me, as well as “family” who are not blood related, but just as close to me. I cannot thank all of these people enough for the role they have played and continue to play in my life. I love them dearly and I pray God’s richest blessings upon them every day.
God gave me two parents who raised my sister and me in a Christian home. They instilled in us Christian values that have guided us all of our lives. We lived very close to the church where we were members and every time the door was opened, we were there. Even today, though they are physically unable to attend church, they faithfully watch their church’s television broadcast of the weekly service on TV. Every morning they have their quiet time and Bible reading and every night they pray out loud together. If you are visiting overnight, you are “invited” to join with them.
My parents have been married for over sixty years and through those years, they have had their ups and downs as all marriages do. They have demonstrated faithfulness, trust, respect and love to all who know them.
As a teenager, and even as an adult, I have not always agreed with my parents. They have respected my opinions and decisions and I respect and love them for that.
I grew up with a wonderful sister. Marie is six years older than me. Growing up, six years was just enough difference in age for me to want to hang out with her and her friends all the time and for her to consider me the “pesky little sister.” When I reached adulthood, we became best friends. She was and still is my protective big sister. I love her and there is nothing I would not do for her and I'm sure she feels the same way about me.
Almost six years ago, God brought the most wonderful Christian man into my life. It was only a few short weeks after we first met when I knew not only was he a gift from God, but also the man with whom I would spend the rest of my life. I think Dave knew this, too. We celebrated our fifth anniversary this past September and every day Dave demonstrates to me what a marriage created by God should be. He loves me, protects me, puts my interests and needs above his own. He also allows me to be me – to pursue those things that I believe God has called me to and those things that interest me. He is my best friend, my soul mate. Every day, I thank God for Dave.
My children, Kim and Kyle, have brought me great joy since their birth. Kim was born in November, 1978. It was so much fun having a daughter. We would play dress up and dolls. I even have a picture of her, when she was five years old, standing on a stool, putting makeup on me. She has grown into a beautiful adult woman who is smart, kind and a great mom. She works full time in a managerial position and is going to school at night to get her Bachelor’s degree but always finds time to spend with her son, her family and friends. I consider Kim one of my best friends.
Kyle was born in March, 1984. He took his own sweet time in coming into this world – three weeks late - but well worth the wait. Once he arrived, he demanded attention! He was colicky for several weeks and he and I got to know one another quite well during that time! Fortunately, he outgrew that and was a healthy, happy baby. Kyle has grown into a man who is loyal, trustworthy and highly respected in his chosen field.
My children and I went through a lot as a family – the three of us – and though it was extremely difficult at times, we made it. Today, Kim and Kyle are successful adults, stronger for all they went through and compassionate towards others who find themselves in the midst of similar situations. I am proud of them both (in case you couldn’t tell) and excited to see what God has in store for them!
I have a wonderful grandson who lights up the room every time he walks in and he has done that since he was an infant. Mackenzie is a joy to know and have in my life. Everyone always compliments him to me about how polite and well-mannered he is. He is respectful and yet, is a typical teenager, interested in video games, girls and music. Did I mention girls?? I am looking forward to his future and seeing the manifestation of God’s call in his life.
Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins are also important to me, as well as “family” who are not blood related, but just as close to me. I cannot thank all of these people enough for the role they have played and continue to play in my life. I love them dearly and I pray God’s richest blessings upon them every day.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Kreativ Blogger Award
Another award I would like to pass on to the following bloggers:Deborah M http://www.deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com/
Carman http://www.continuousdelight.blogspot.com/
Robin Lee Hatcher http://www.robinlee.typepad.com/
Lena Nelson Dooley http://www.lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com/
Megan diMaria http://www.megandimaria.blogspot.com/
Michelle Sutton http://www.edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/
Lisa Harris http://www.myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/
Congratulations!
Giving Blog Awards
I was so honored to receive this blog! When receiving it, I agreed to award the blog to ten others. Do you know how hard it was to select just 10? I've not met any of these women, but have been impressed by their generosity in sharing their knowledge of the writing field, by their openness in their blogs and by their witness for God. Here are the ten winners and their blog sites - I encourage you to check out their blogs:
Cathy Bryant http://www.wordvessel.blogspot.com/
K. Dawn Byrd http://www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/
Missy Tippens http://www.lifewithmissy.blogspot.com/
Melanie Dickerson http://www.melaniewrites.blogspot.com/
Carman http://www.continousdelights.blogspot.com/
Andrea http://www.arise2write.blogspot.com/
Sharlene MacLaren http://www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com/
Nora St.Laurent http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com/
Tricia Goyer http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/
Sharon A. Lavy http://www.sharonalavy.blogspot.com/
Congratulations to all!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thankful for God
This is the week of Thanksgiving, 2009. It is a time of cooking and baking, getting together with family and friends, feasting and football, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and last, but definitely not least, being thankful.
This year, as in all previous years, I have much for which to be thankful. Today, I want to look at the most important person in my life, Jesus Christ.
Without His sacrifice of death on the cross that covered my sins in His rich, red blood, I would not be assured of eternal life. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, when my spirit leaves my body it will immediately be in heaven with the other saints and angels, praising God! What a glorious day that will be! Maranatha!
This year, as in all previous years, I have much for which to be thankful. Today, I want to look at the most important person in my life, Jesus Christ.
Without His sacrifice of death on the cross that covered my sins in His rich, red blood, I would not be assured of eternal life. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, when my spirit leaves my body it will immediately be in heaven with the other saints and angels, praising God! What a glorious day that will be! Maranatha!
His death on the cross not only means eternal life in heaven, it also means abundant life here on earth. The Bible says in John 10:10: “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” I believe that abundant living can be found in knowing who God is and walking in that knowledge every day. Here are just a few of God’s names and their meanings as just one way to get to know Him better:
El Shaddai – Lord God Almighty
El Elyon – The Most High God – above Him there is no other!
El Olam – The Everlasting God – ageless, eternal, from age to age still the same, and forever!
Elohim – God
Qanna – Jealous – He is jealous for me and for you.
Adonai – Lord, Master – as we allow Him to be Lord in our life, He blesses us and enriches our lives
Yahweh – Lord, Jehovah
Jehovah Nissi – The Lord My Banner – Exodus 17:15 “Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is My Banner.”
Jehovah Raah- The Lord is My Shepherd – Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want.”
Jehovah Kaddesh – The Lord Who Forgives – Psalm 103:3a “who forgives all your sins”
Jehovah Rapha – The Lord That Heals – Psalm 103:3B “and heals all your diseases”
Jehovah Shammah – The Lord Is There – From Ex. 48:35 and understood to mean that God will not abandon us.
Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness – Psalm 103:6 “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.”
Jehovah Mekoddishkem – The Lord Who Sanctifies You – The Lord Who Sets You Apart
Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide – Psalm 103:5a “who satisfies your desires with good things”
Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is Peace – From Judges 6:24; peace is translated as “absence from strife”
Jehovah Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts – This name denotes His universal sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly. The Lord of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth. (Psalm 24:9-10; Psalm 84:3; Isaiah 6:5)
How can I not be thankful when I realize that God is all of the above names to me and more? He is my Peace, my Righteousness, my King, my Master, my Healer, my Forgiver, my Savior.
My heart is overwhelmed. There are no words in the English language that could adequately describe my thankfulness.
Maranatha!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Another Blog Award
I love it! I've received another blog award - Kreativ Award - from Cathy Bryant! Thanks Cathy!
I am supposed to list seven of my favorite things:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Spending time with family and friends
4. Piano playing
5. Cross stitch
6. Fire in fireplace on cold nights
7. Snuggling with my sweet hubby!!
I will be posting who this blog is forwarded to soon!!
I am supposed to list seven of my favorite things:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Spending time with family and friends
4. Piano playing
5. Cross stitch
6. Fire in fireplace on cold nights
7. Snuggling with my sweet hubby!!
I will be posting who this blog is forwarded to soon!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
BLOG AWARDS
I'm so excited! I'm sure you've noticed I have two blog awards, the Honest Scrap Award given to me by one of my followers, Carman. She has a great website at: http://continuousdelights.blogspot.com.
For this award, I am to share 10 things with you that you may not know about me:
1. I play the piano.
2. I love to teach Christian classes to adults.
3. I have been a Church Administrator for a total of 14.5 years.
4. I collect recipe books - but don't use most of them!
5. I have one sister and no brothers.
6. I am a chocoholic.
7. I am a Licensed Lay Liturgical Minister.
8. I am a Commissioned Minister in the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
9. Even though I play the piano, I have no rhythm and can't dance.
10. I'm a wonderful singer - in the shower and in the car!! :)
I have also received the One Lovely Blog Award from Deborah M., another follower. Deborah's website is also a great one to visit: http://www.deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com. This award is given to new bloggers and I must pass it on to 15 bloggers - I'm not sure I know that many - but I will try! I will post the winners in another blog!!
Thanks again, Carman and Deborah!!
MARANATHA!!
For this award, I am to share 10 things with you that you may not know about me:
1. I play the piano.
2. I love to teach Christian classes to adults.
3. I have been a Church Administrator for a total of 14.5 years.
4. I collect recipe books - but don't use most of them!
5. I have one sister and no brothers.
6. I am a chocoholic.
7. I am a Licensed Lay Liturgical Minister.
8. I am a Commissioned Minister in the Charismatic Episcopal Church.
9. Even though I play the piano, I have no rhythm and can't dance.
10. I'm a wonderful singer - in the shower and in the car!! :)
I have also received the One Lovely Blog Award from Deborah M., another follower. Deborah's website is also a great one to visit: http://www.deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com. This award is given to new bloggers and I must pass it on to 15 bloggers - I'm not sure I know that many - but I will try! I will post the winners in another blog!!
Thanks again, Carman and Deborah!!
MARANATHA!!
The Strength of God
The strength of God is impossible to see in my life when I try to do things on my own. One would think, after all these years as a Christian, I would know better. But nooooooo……
So what makes me think I can do whatever I need and/or want to do without God’s help?
First, it’s that independent streak in me that’s wider than the Chattahoochee River. I developed this independent streak, which can also be called stubbornness, many years ago. I discovered that many people cannot be depended upon and if I wanted something done, and done correctly, I needed to do it myself. At least if the result was less than what I expected, I had no one to blame but myself. But what if God wanted to have that person perform the task in order to bless them or teach them something? I’ve just robbed that person of God’s blessing, His leading and teaching.
Tied into that independent streak is pride. “Look at me! I did this all by myself!” Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before a fall…” Sometimes whatever I did “all by myself” falls apart and takes my pride with it!
I’m not a patient person, although I’m better than in years past. I will get tired of waiting on others, and on God, to do what I think needs to be done. I do whatever needs to be done, only to realize that it’s all wrong. I’ve moved ahead of God and royally messed up.
Then I come to the more serious spiritual issue of trust – or the lack thereof. Do I really believe that I cannot trust God, whose thoughts and ways are far better than anything I could ever imagine? This is not to say that I don’t trust God at all, ever. He has brought me through too many situations over the years and proven Himself strong on my behalf more times than I can remember. Maybe I should call my problem “selective trust.” In some situations, I trust Him, but in others, I don’t. Why? There are times I don’t have the faith or trust to believe in miracles. For example, when I hear of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and is already past Stage One, I have a hard time believing they will be healed. I pray for their healing, but my practical side raises up and points out the “reality” of the situation to me. I allow myself to be swayed by the doctor’s diagnosis and comments, other people’s opinions, my own very small amount of knowledge. I never fully look to the Healer with trust in His healing abilities.
My practical side really causes me problems when it comes to trusting God. It prevents me from believing for healing, finances, etc., for others and for me.
As I typed this blog, I remembered a wonderful old hymn we sang in the Baptist church where I grew up called “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
and to take him at his word;
just to rest upon his promise,
and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!
2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
just to trust his cleansing blood;
and in simple faith to plunge me
neath the healing, cleansing flood!
(Refrain)
3. Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
just from sin and self to cease;
just from Jesus simply taking
life and rest, and joy and peace.
(Refrain)
4. I'm so glad I learned to trust thee,
precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
and I know that thou art with me,
wilt be with me to the end.
I must admit that remembering these words and singing through this song has made me ashamed of my lack of trust in God. Starting today, I will trust Him more!
Abba Father, I ask that you forgive me for the times when I’ve not trusted in You, but moved ahead of You to do what I thought was needed. Forgive me for my impatience and for my lack of dependence on You. I ask that You give me “grace to trust You more.” Please allow my trust in You to be a witness to others. I ask this in Your most precious and holy name, Amen.
What about you? Are you having trust issues today? Or perhaps you can offer others your experiences on increasing your trust. Please feel free to leave a comment!
So what makes me think I can do whatever I need and/or want to do without God’s help?
First, it’s that independent streak in me that’s wider than the Chattahoochee River. I developed this independent streak, which can also be called stubbornness, many years ago. I discovered that many people cannot be depended upon and if I wanted something done, and done correctly, I needed to do it myself. At least if the result was less than what I expected, I had no one to blame but myself. But what if God wanted to have that person perform the task in order to bless them or teach them something? I’ve just robbed that person of God’s blessing, His leading and teaching.
Tied into that independent streak is pride. “Look at me! I did this all by myself!” Proverbs 16:18 says “Pride goes before a fall…” Sometimes whatever I did “all by myself” falls apart and takes my pride with it!
I’m not a patient person, although I’m better than in years past. I will get tired of waiting on others, and on God, to do what I think needs to be done. I do whatever needs to be done, only to realize that it’s all wrong. I’ve moved ahead of God and royally messed up.
Then I come to the more serious spiritual issue of trust – or the lack thereof. Do I really believe that I cannot trust God, whose thoughts and ways are far better than anything I could ever imagine? This is not to say that I don’t trust God at all, ever. He has brought me through too many situations over the years and proven Himself strong on my behalf more times than I can remember. Maybe I should call my problem “selective trust.” In some situations, I trust Him, but in others, I don’t. Why? There are times I don’t have the faith or trust to believe in miracles. For example, when I hear of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and is already past Stage One, I have a hard time believing they will be healed. I pray for their healing, but my practical side raises up and points out the “reality” of the situation to me. I allow myself to be swayed by the doctor’s diagnosis and comments, other people’s opinions, my own very small amount of knowledge. I never fully look to the Healer with trust in His healing abilities.
My practical side really causes me problems when it comes to trusting God. It prevents me from believing for healing, finances, etc., for others and for me.
As I typed this blog, I remembered a wonderful old hymn we sang in the Baptist church where I grew up called “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”
'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
and to take him at his word;
just to rest upon his promise,
and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!
2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
just to trust his cleansing blood;
and in simple faith to plunge me
neath the healing, cleansing flood!
(Refrain)
3. Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
just from sin and self to cease;
just from Jesus simply taking
life and rest, and joy and peace.
(Refrain)
4. I'm so glad I learned to trust thee,
precious Jesus, Savior, friend;
and I know that thou art with me,
wilt be with me to the end.
I must admit that remembering these words and singing through this song has made me ashamed of my lack of trust in God. Starting today, I will trust Him more!
Abba Father, I ask that you forgive me for the times when I’ve not trusted in You, but moved ahead of You to do what I thought was needed. Forgive me for my impatience and for my lack of dependence on You. I ask that You give me “grace to trust You more.” Please allow my trust in You to be a witness to others. I ask this in Your most precious and holy name, Amen.
What about you? Are you having trust issues today? Or perhaps you can offer others your experiences on increasing your trust. Please feel free to leave a comment!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
When Things Go Wrong
Elvis Presley is credited with saying, “When things go wrong, don’t go with them.” Such a simple, yet eye-opening statement.
I skimmed over this sentence the first time I read it and my mind flitted right past it to its next thought. But something (the Holy Spirit?) prompted me to go back and read it again and again, allowing it to penetrate my mind and heart.
I wish I could say that I never go with the things that go wrong, but I do. In the past, I had a 100% success rate of following the things that go wrong! (That’s not exactly something to brag about.) Now, my success rate is probably about 60% of following the things that go wrong, and 40% of turning those situations over to God. (Still not bragging!) That is what we are supposed to do – turn all of those things that go wrong over to God.
So if we are supposed to turn all of those things over to God, why don’t we? Or better said, why don’t I?
When something goes wrong in my life – minor or major problem – the conversation sometimes goes like this:
Carnal Edwina: “Oh great! Another problem!”
Spiritual Edwina: “It’s not a problem.”
Carnal Edwina: “Oh??? Who made you the expert?”
Spiritual Edwina: “No one. I just know that you can turn this over to God…”
Carnal Edwina: “He doesn’t want to mess with this stupid little problem.”
Spiritual Edwina: “Of course He does. He loves you and whatever concerns you concerns Him. Wait a minute. It’s not that you think He doesn’t want to 'mess with this stupid little problem,' you think He can’t solve this problem or He won’t.”
BUSTED!!
Why do I think that God can’t or won’t solve my problems? Or give me the wisdom and direction on what to do about said problems? Do I think He is not capable? Do I believe He is not wise enough? Or is it that I want the problem resolved in a certain way by a certain time and I think He will not solve it to my satisfaction? And if that’s the case, who am I to think that I know better than God?
The Scripture says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is. 55:8-9) Of course, I don’t know better than God. His desires for me and for you far exceed anything we could possibly want or dream.
Beginning today, and every day hereafter, when things go wrong, I am determined I will not follow them but rather will look to Jesus for wisdom and guidance.
What do you do when things go wrong? Feel free to leave your comments!
I skimmed over this sentence the first time I read it and my mind flitted right past it to its next thought. But something (the Holy Spirit?) prompted me to go back and read it again and again, allowing it to penetrate my mind and heart.
I wish I could say that I never go with the things that go wrong, but I do. In the past, I had a 100% success rate of following the things that go wrong! (That’s not exactly something to brag about.) Now, my success rate is probably about 60% of following the things that go wrong, and 40% of turning those situations over to God. (Still not bragging!) That is what we are supposed to do – turn all of those things that go wrong over to God.
So if we are supposed to turn all of those things over to God, why don’t we? Or better said, why don’t I?
When something goes wrong in my life – minor or major problem – the conversation sometimes goes like this:
Carnal Edwina: “Oh great! Another problem!”
Spiritual Edwina: “It’s not a problem.”
Carnal Edwina: “Oh??? Who made you the expert?”
Spiritual Edwina: “No one. I just know that you can turn this over to God…”
Carnal Edwina: “He doesn’t want to mess with this stupid little problem.”
Spiritual Edwina: “Of course He does. He loves you and whatever concerns you concerns Him. Wait a minute. It’s not that you think He doesn’t want to 'mess with this stupid little problem,' you think He can’t solve this problem or He won’t.”
BUSTED!!
Why do I think that God can’t or won’t solve my problems? Or give me the wisdom and direction on what to do about said problems? Do I think He is not capable? Do I believe He is not wise enough? Or is it that I want the problem resolved in a certain way by a certain time and I think He will not solve it to my satisfaction? And if that’s the case, who am I to think that I know better than God?
The Scripture says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is. 55:8-9) Of course, I don’t know better than God. His desires for me and for you far exceed anything we could possibly want or dream.
Beginning today, and every day hereafter, when things go wrong, I am determined I will not follow them but rather will look to Jesus for wisdom and guidance.
What do you do when things go wrong? Feel free to leave your comments!
Monday, November 16, 2009
A New Lifestyle: The Beginning
*I started this blog on October 28, 2009.
When I first began my sabbatical, God told me that I needed to get my life in shape physically. I am overweight, out of shape, Type II Diabetic, high cholesterol…those are just the main physical problems I have. I’ve been on sabbatical for several months and have yet to do anything about changing my lifestyle. God has said “now is the time.”
I love everything about food. I love the colors, the textures and of course, the taste. I am an emotional eater. I eat when I’m happy, I eat when I’m sad, I eat when I’m angry. Name any emotion you can think of and I’m sure I eat because of said emotion.
I was talking with a friend the other day about eating and dieting. She said to me, “I don’t know how to celebrate without food. We always had food at any occasion when I was growing up. And I don’t know how to entertain without food.” I had to agree with her. Every birthday, every holiday, every major event and most minor events are celebrated with food in my family. Each family member is taken to the restaurant of their choice for their birthday. Holidays are all about baking, cooking, eating and entertaining.
God has said, “Now is the time.” I stepped on the scales this morning and faced the ugly truth. And it was very ugly. I weigh more now than I’ve ever weighed in my life, including when I was pregnant with my second child and gained 30 pounds.
Joining:
October 29: I joined Weight Watchers tonight. I decided that I would have to be accountable to someone every week to be successful in losing weight. Also, spending money to do this is an incentive. When I weighed in at the meeting, it was the same weight as it was at home. At least I know my scales are right.
First Week:
…was an absolute disaster! I ate everything I could get my hands on! I was in total rebellion! “Why do I have to do this?” “I don’t want to do this!” “Look at her – she’s overweight, happy and no health problems.” I thought of every excuse possible and justified every bite that went into my mouth. It was not a good week.
Second Week:
When I weighed in Thursday night, I told the meeting leader and receptionist that I was probably the first person in history to gain weight in their first week of belonging to WW. The meeting leader laughed and said, “Oh no. We have a member who is now a meeting leader. She gained every week for the first five weeks of her membership.” OK, so now I don’t feel quite as bad!! As it turns out, my weight remained the same as the previous week.
The other good thing about this night was that Kim, my daughter, joined. It is much easier to do this with a partner.
Third Week:
Woo-Hoo! Weighed in at WW 2.6 pounds lighter! OK – so maybe with God’s help I can do this!
One thing that has been incredibly helpful is a daily devotion called “I Must Decrease” by Janice Hanna Thompson. I’m not sure this book is still in print, but if it is –buy it! The same friend I mentioned earlier found a copy for me and it has been instrumental in getting me started and keeping me on track.
I promise I won’t bore you every week with an update on my progress. But this is an important part of what God is doing in my life right now, so periodic updates will be posted.
When I first began my sabbatical, God told me that I needed to get my life in shape physically. I am overweight, out of shape, Type II Diabetic, high cholesterol…those are just the main physical problems I have. I’ve been on sabbatical for several months and have yet to do anything about changing my lifestyle. God has said “now is the time.”
I love everything about food. I love the colors, the textures and of course, the taste. I am an emotional eater. I eat when I’m happy, I eat when I’m sad, I eat when I’m angry. Name any emotion you can think of and I’m sure I eat because of said emotion.
I was talking with a friend the other day about eating and dieting. She said to me, “I don’t know how to celebrate without food. We always had food at any occasion when I was growing up. And I don’t know how to entertain without food.” I had to agree with her. Every birthday, every holiday, every major event and most minor events are celebrated with food in my family. Each family member is taken to the restaurant of their choice for their birthday. Holidays are all about baking, cooking, eating and entertaining.
God has said, “Now is the time.” I stepped on the scales this morning and faced the ugly truth. And it was very ugly. I weigh more now than I’ve ever weighed in my life, including when I was pregnant with my second child and gained 30 pounds.
Joining:
October 29: I joined Weight Watchers tonight. I decided that I would have to be accountable to someone every week to be successful in losing weight. Also, spending money to do this is an incentive. When I weighed in at the meeting, it was the same weight as it was at home. At least I know my scales are right.
First Week:
…was an absolute disaster! I ate everything I could get my hands on! I was in total rebellion! “Why do I have to do this?” “I don’t want to do this!” “Look at her – she’s overweight, happy and no health problems.” I thought of every excuse possible and justified every bite that went into my mouth. It was not a good week.
Second Week:
When I weighed in Thursday night, I told the meeting leader and receptionist that I was probably the first person in history to gain weight in their first week of belonging to WW. The meeting leader laughed and said, “Oh no. We have a member who is now a meeting leader. She gained every week for the first five weeks of her membership.” OK, so now I don’t feel quite as bad!! As it turns out, my weight remained the same as the previous week.
The other good thing about this night was that Kim, my daughter, joined. It is much easier to do this with a partner.
Third Week:
Woo-Hoo! Weighed in at WW 2.6 pounds lighter! OK – so maybe with God’s help I can do this!
One thing that has been incredibly helpful is a daily devotion called “I Must Decrease” by Janice Hanna Thompson. I’m not sure this book is still in print, but if it is –buy it! The same friend I mentioned earlier found a copy for me and it has been instrumental in getting me started and keeping me on track.
I promise I won’t bore you every week with an update on my progress. But this is an important part of what God is doing in my life right now, so periodic updates will be posted.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
I'm Still Here!!
I haven't gotten lost - truly. This past week has been incredibly busy! I took a few days off in the hopes of getting some things done, including writing. "The best laid plans..." So far, I've not done anything of what I had hoped to accomplish!
Still, it has been a wonderful week. A dear friend had a precious baby girl on Wednesday; my sister, daughter and I had lunch and went shopping on Thursday; and yesterday I did my usual Friday tasks of grocery shopping for my parents, carried them to the doctor's office for lab work, grocery shopping for my family and laundry for my parents and my family. I get tired again just thinking about it.
I am grateful that I can do these things. I am thankful that my family is a close-knit family and that we enjoy spending time together.I am grateful for the new baby, Lila Grace McGee and that she and her mom are doing great. I am thankful that my health is good and I'm able to run errands for my parents. I am thankful that my husband is so supportive of me and allows me to do the things I want/need to do. I am thankful for my children and grandson - that all of them are healthy and safe.
Hopefully, with this blog, I am back on track and won't miss an entire week anymore. I must find time every day to write - blogs, current manuscript, contest entries. It is as essential as breathing to me.
Still, it has been a wonderful week. A dear friend had a precious baby girl on Wednesday; my sister, daughter and I had lunch and went shopping on Thursday; and yesterday I did my usual Friday tasks of grocery shopping for my parents, carried them to the doctor's office for lab work, grocery shopping for my family and laundry for my parents and my family. I get tired again just thinking about it.
I am grateful that I can do these things. I am thankful that my family is a close-knit family and that we enjoy spending time together.I am grateful for the new baby, Lila Grace McGee and that she and her mom are doing great. I am thankful that my health is good and I'm able to run errands for my parents. I am thankful that my husband is so supportive of me and allows me to do the things I want/need to do. I am thankful for my children and grandson - that all of them are healthy and safe.
Hopefully, with this blog, I am back on track and won't miss an entire week anymore. I must find time every day to write - blogs, current manuscript, contest entries. It is as essential as breathing to me.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Choices and Forgiveness
I had planned on blogging about “choices” today. To remind all of us that we have a choice in everything we do and say. Everything requires a choice, even our attitudes. We choose to be happy, angry, and patient. Every day we choose what to wear, what to eat. Our days, weeks – our life – are made up of choices. Before I began writing, I realized that this is information that everyone already knows.
I was looking through my folder of blog topics and saw an entry on a calendar that I keep on my desk at work:
“Forgive and forget. Refusing to forgive fosters anger and
resentment, which makes your own life miserable. Let go
and put your energy into something positive so that you
can be happier. Who can you forgive today?”
Even the secular world “gets it.” If you don’t forgive the person who hurt you, forget the hurt and move forward, you will become bitter and the bitterness will eventually develop into resentment. Someone once said, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” In other words, the unforgiveness you hold in your heart towards the other person is hurting you far more than the person who hurt you.
What does this have to do with choices? Everything! We choose to forgive or not to forgive. And yet, as Christians, do we really have that choice? Not if we want God to forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Unforgiveness in our heart puts a wedge between us and God. It robs us of the intimate relationship with God that our heart so strongly desires. It interferes with our worship, our prayer time and our Bible study-if we even do those things because unforgiveness will give us a guilty conscience so we will eventually stop worshiping, praying and studying.
Not only does our unforgiveness affect our relationship with God, but it also affects our relationship with others. The anger that we harbor in our hearts, the bitterness and resentment that develop will roll over onto our spouses, our children, our co-workers and people we come into contact with that we don’t even know. Think about it – when you snapped at the woman working the register at the grocery store, who were you angry at?
The obvious solution to this problem is, of course, to forgive the person who hurt you. But that’s not always easy. Sometimes the wound is so deep that forgiveness is not easy or immediate. I heard a teaching on this exact point many years ago by a dear friend of mine. She shared that when she found it hard to forgive, she would ask God to help her “to be willing to be willing to forgive.” In other words at that point she was not willing to forgive and was asking God to help her just to be willing to be willing to forgive. After praying that for a period of time, she was able to pray “help me to be willing to forgive.” Again, after praying that for a while, she prayed “help me to forgive” until she could honestly say “I forgive.” I don’t know that you will find that method in the Bible, and yet the Bible does say that God looks on our heart. He knows that we are not able to forgive on our own, that we are not even willing to forgive at times. So why not pray honestly and ask him to help you be willing to be willing to forgive? It’s not like He doesn’t already know that you are not able to forgive at that time. And speaking of time, this is obviously a process. It will take time. It took me two years to forgive my ex-husband when he left me and our children. But once I did, the healing I needed began to manifest itself almost immediately.
Are you willing to be willing to forgive? Who can you forgive today?
I was looking through my folder of blog topics and saw an entry on a calendar that I keep on my desk at work:
“Forgive and forget. Refusing to forgive fosters anger and
resentment, which makes your own life miserable. Let go
and put your energy into something positive so that you
can be happier. Who can you forgive today?”
Even the secular world “gets it.” If you don’t forgive the person who hurt you, forget the hurt and move forward, you will become bitter and the bitterness will eventually develop into resentment. Someone once said, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” In other words, the unforgiveness you hold in your heart towards the other person is hurting you far more than the person who hurt you.
What does this have to do with choices? Everything! We choose to forgive or not to forgive. And yet, as Christians, do we really have that choice? Not if we want God to forgive us according to Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Unforgiveness in our heart puts a wedge between us and God. It robs us of the intimate relationship with God that our heart so strongly desires. It interferes with our worship, our prayer time and our Bible study-if we even do those things because unforgiveness will give us a guilty conscience so we will eventually stop worshiping, praying and studying.
Not only does our unforgiveness affect our relationship with God, but it also affects our relationship with others. The anger that we harbor in our hearts, the bitterness and resentment that develop will roll over onto our spouses, our children, our co-workers and people we come into contact with that we don’t even know. Think about it – when you snapped at the woman working the register at the grocery store, who were you angry at?
The obvious solution to this problem is, of course, to forgive the person who hurt you. But that’s not always easy. Sometimes the wound is so deep that forgiveness is not easy or immediate. I heard a teaching on this exact point many years ago by a dear friend of mine. She shared that when she found it hard to forgive, she would ask God to help her “to be willing to be willing to forgive.” In other words at that point she was not willing to forgive and was asking God to help her just to be willing to be willing to forgive. After praying that for a period of time, she was able to pray “help me to be willing to forgive.” Again, after praying that for a while, she prayed “help me to forgive” until she could honestly say “I forgive.” I don’t know that you will find that method in the Bible, and yet the Bible does say that God looks on our heart. He knows that we are not able to forgive on our own, that we are not even willing to forgive at times. So why not pray honestly and ask him to help you be willing to be willing to forgive? It’s not like He doesn’t already know that you are not able to forgive at that time. And speaking of time, this is obviously a process. It will take time. It took me two years to forgive my ex-husband when he left me and our children. But once I did, the healing I needed began to manifest itself almost immediately.
Are you willing to be willing to forgive? Who can you forgive today?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
EXTRAVAGANT WITH HIM
Earlier this week, I wrote “Extravagant with Us,” – how God lavishes His love upon us extravagantly. If you missed it, click on ‘older posts’ and you should find it there.
That post and this one are based on the statement “If He can be extravagant with us, why can’t we be extravagant with Him?”
What is preventing us from being extravagant with Him? Maybe we think we are being extravagant. After all, we pray a quick prayer before falling asleep at night and we try to give a little extra in our offering at Christmas time. It’s not enough.
Perhaps we have been wounded so deeply in our past by a parent(s) or significant other that we hold a part of ourselves – a part of our heart – separate from everyone – including God. Because we are afraid of being hurt like that again, we protect our hearts and ourselves. It’s not enough.
It’s possible that you do not see yourself in either of the above scenarios, yet, you know that your relationship with God is not where it should be. It’s more of an acquaintance than friendship. More of a friendship than Father and child. More of a Father and child than lovers. Yes, lovers. Read the Song of Solomon, as I suggested on Monday. It is the love story between Christ the Bridegroom and His Church, the Bride. Solomon writes in his Song, “I [you, me, the Church] am my Beloved’s [God] and He is mine.”(explanation: mine) What better way to explain the relationship between God and His Church? But does it explain our relationship—our current relationship? If it doesn’t, what’s missing?
In his book, The Sacred Romance, John Eldredge answers this question: “What He is after is us—our laughter, our tears, our dreams, our fears, our heart of hearts. Remember his lament in Isaiah, that though his people were performing all their duties, ‘their hearts are far from me’ (Is. 29:13). How few of us truly believe this. We’ve never been wanted for our heart, our truest self, not really, not for long. The thought that God wants our heart seems too good to be true.”
The way to be extravagant with Him is to give Him everything—ourselves—our heart. We can trust Him. He is not out to “get us or get even with us.” He wants us to participate with Him in the greatest love story ever written. And when we do, that longing, lovesick feeling we have in our hearts will be there no more.
My prayer for each of us today is that we will surrender ourselves and everything about us to Him and that we will truly recognize and experience His love for us every day for as long as we live.
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 Eldredge, John, The Sacred Romance. Page 91.
That post and this one are based on the statement “If He can be extravagant with us, why can’t we be extravagant with Him?”
What is preventing us from being extravagant with Him? Maybe we think we are being extravagant. After all, we pray a quick prayer before falling asleep at night and we try to give a little extra in our offering at Christmas time. It’s not enough.
Perhaps we have been wounded so deeply in our past by a parent(s) or significant other that we hold a part of ourselves – a part of our heart – separate from everyone – including God. Because we are afraid of being hurt like that again, we protect our hearts and ourselves. It’s not enough.
It’s possible that you do not see yourself in either of the above scenarios, yet, you know that your relationship with God is not where it should be. It’s more of an acquaintance than friendship. More of a friendship than Father and child. More of a Father and child than lovers. Yes, lovers. Read the Song of Solomon, as I suggested on Monday. It is the love story between Christ the Bridegroom and His Church, the Bride. Solomon writes in his Song, “I [you, me, the Church] am my Beloved’s [God] and He is mine.”(explanation: mine) What better way to explain the relationship between God and His Church? But does it explain our relationship—our current relationship? If it doesn’t, what’s missing?
In his book, The Sacred Romance, John Eldredge answers this question: “What He is after is us—our laughter, our tears, our dreams, our fears, our heart of hearts. Remember his lament in Isaiah, that though his people were performing all their duties, ‘their hearts are far from me’ (Is. 29:13). How few of us truly believe this. We’ve never been wanted for our heart, our truest self, not really, not for long. The thought that God wants our heart seems too good to be true.”
The way to be extravagant with Him is to give Him everything—ourselves—our heart. We can trust Him. He is not out to “get us or get even with us.” He wants us to participate with Him in the greatest love story ever written. And when we do, that longing, lovesick feeling we have in our hearts will be there no more.
My prayer for each of us today is that we will surrender ourselves and everything about us to Him and that we will truly recognize and experience His love for us every day for as long as we live.
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 Eldredge, John, The Sacred Romance. Page 91.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIM!
I remember the day as if it were yesterday. Physically, I had felt great all week long. I had more energy than I'd had in a long time. My house was clean, dinner cooking in the oven. It was two days after Halloween and my husband was taking down the Halloween decorations. (This was before we realized the connotations of Halloween - another blog for another time.) I Iaid down to rest and my water broke! Finally, after nine months of (im)patiently waiting, my baby was coming!
After quite a few hours of labor, Kimberly Anne Bond was born on November 3, 1978 - 31 years ago today. It has been an extremely fast 31 years!
Kim has grown into a beautiful woman - not just on the outside - but inside as well. People may not readily see this, but Kim has a deep compassion for the hurting and wounded. She understands where they're coming from.
She is an incredibly strong and courageous woman. Kim stands up for herself, her rights and the rights of others. She won't take any junk from anybody, but at the same time, if you're right, she will support you with everything she has. I wish I had an ounce of her courage.
Kim is a great mom! I would like to think she inherited her "mom skills" from me - but rather, I suspect her mom skills come from not doing what I did in raising her! :)
In case you haven't figured this out by now, I am incredibly proud of my daughter!
Kim, if I could have chosen who to have as a daughter, I would have chosen you! You are a delight and you have always brought me great joy! I know that God has great plans for you - listen and watch - He will show you.
Have a wonderful and blessed birthday!
I love you,
MoM
After quite a few hours of labor, Kimberly Anne Bond was born on November 3, 1978 - 31 years ago today. It has been an extremely fast 31 years!
Kim has grown into a beautiful woman - not just on the outside - but inside as well. People may not readily see this, but Kim has a deep compassion for the hurting and wounded. She understands where they're coming from.
She is an incredibly strong and courageous woman. Kim stands up for herself, her rights and the rights of others. She won't take any junk from anybody, but at the same time, if you're right, she will support you with everything she has. I wish I had an ounce of her courage.
Kim is a great mom! I would like to think she inherited her "mom skills" from me - but rather, I suspect her mom skills come from not doing what I did in raising her! :)
In case you haven't figured this out by now, I am incredibly proud of my daughter!
Kim, if I could have chosen who to have as a daughter, I would have chosen you! You are a delight and you have always brought me great joy! I know that God has great plans for you - listen and watch - He will show you.
Have a wonderful and blessed birthday!
I love you,
MoM
Monday, November 2, 2009
EXTRAVAGANT WITH US
“If He can be extravagant with us, why can’t we be extravagant with Him?” I don’t know where I read this statement so my apologies to the original owner for not being able to give credit where credit is due.
I went on my usual word definition search and here is what I found:
Extravagant: extremely or unreasonably high in price
Lavish: expended or produced in abundance
Profuse: pouring forth liberally
Extravagant…extravagance – the words have a richness, an elegance that the most people cannot associate with themselves because these words usually apply to the wealthy and famous—certainly not to me and the average Joe and Jane Citizen.
But when ‘extravagant,’ ‘lavish,’ and ‘profuse’ are considered in light of the first sentence of this blog, these words do apply to all of us.
God was extravagant towards us because He did pay an extremely and unreasonably high price for us. He gave up His most precious Son to die on the cross as the payment for our sins. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Can you imagine what God went through to see His son beaten, broken, nailed to a cross and left to die? Given vinegar to drink, His side pierced? The pain and agony must have been unbearable for them both. And yet, His love for us was, and always will be, so extravagant that God and His Son willingly paid that extremely high price.
Not only is God’s love for us extravagant, but it is lavish and profuse. He pours out his love to us in abundance every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is not a moment, a millisecond, that God’s love is not being lavished upon us. Jeremiah 31:3 says "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
The Song of Solomon is probably the most ignored book of the Bible. It is not very often that one hears a sermon or a teaching from that book. Yet, it is a beautiful love story. There are two main characters in this book: the Bridegroom is God and the Bride is the church – every person who has accepted Jesus as their Savior. Yes, that includes you. And you…all of us.
There is a richness, an extravagance about the entire Song of Solomon that would take many, many blogs to discuss. However, there is one verse I want to mention here, found in chapter 4, verse 9: “You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride; you have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes.” Do you understand what God is saying here? With just one glance from us, His heart is ravished (overcome with joy and delight). It is amazing to me that I can merely “glance” at God and He is overcome with joy and delight. Amazing, but true. He loves me and you so much and desires to have an intimate, loving relationship with us that when we give Him something as small as a glance that lasts less time than a heartbeat, He is overcome with joy.
If He is this extravagant with us, can we do no less than to be extravagant with Him? Part 2 coming soon!
I went on my usual word definition search and here is what I found:
Extravagant: extremely or unreasonably high in price
Lavish: expended or produced in abundance
Profuse: pouring forth liberally
Extravagant…extravagance – the words have a richness, an elegance that the most people cannot associate with themselves because these words usually apply to the wealthy and famous—certainly not to me and the average Joe and Jane Citizen.
But when ‘extravagant,’ ‘lavish,’ and ‘profuse’ are considered in light of the first sentence of this blog, these words do apply to all of us.
God was extravagant towards us because He did pay an extremely and unreasonably high price for us. He gave up His most precious Son to die on the cross as the payment for our sins. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Can you imagine what God went through to see His son beaten, broken, nailed to a cross and left to die? Given vinegar to drink, His side pierced? The pain and agony must have been unbearable for them both. And yet, His love for us was, and always will be, so extravagant that God and His Son willingly paid that extremely high price.
Not only is God’s love for us extravagant, but it is lavish and profuse. He pours out his love to us in abundance every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is not a moment, a millisecond, that God’s love is not being lavished upon us. Jeremiah 31:3 says "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”
The Song of Solomon is probably the most ignored book of the Bible. It is not very often that one hears a sermon or a teaching from that book. Yet, it is a beautiful love story. There are two main characters in this book: the Bridegroom is God and the Bride is the church – every person who has accepted Jesus as their Savior. Yes, that includes you. And you…all of us.
There is a richness, an extravagance about the entire Song of Solomon that would take many, many blogs to discuss. However, there is one verse I want to mention here, found in chapter 4, verse 9: “You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride; you have ravished my heart with one look of your eyes.” Do you understand what God is saying here? With just one glance from us, His heart is ravished (overcome with joy and delight). It is amazing to me that I can merely “glance” at God and He is overcome with joy and delight. Amazing, but true. He loves me and you so much and desires to have an intimate, loving relationship with us that when we give Him something as small as a glance that lasts less time than a heartbeat, He is overcome with joy.
If He is this extravagant with us, can we do no less than to be extravagant with Him? Part 2 coming soon!
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