The best things in life aren't things.
This saying holds more truth in my life right now than it ever has before. I have made the life-altering decision to resign my full-time job and stay at home for awhile. It is time for me to spend time looking after my family and yes, even my friends.
There have been so many things that I've wanted to accomplish lately and never seem to have the time to even start them. Everything gets put on the back burner because I have a full-time job and with the added commute every day, time just slips by too quickly. I am too tired when I get home to do more than cook a quick meal and crawl into bed.
I spent a week and a half in Ft. Mc. last month and I realized how much my family could use my help. I can't ignore it any longer. I have a sister in Kelowna and every time we talk she asks when I'm coming for a visit. She has come to visit us at least once a year since her babies were born and she sends updated pictures regularly. God bless her for that because otherwise, they would be growing up without me knowing them. My niece is now 9 and my nephew is 7. The last time I made the trip to Kelowna, Daniel was about 2 months old. Shame on me!
It's time for me to get my priorities straight.
The first reaction of everyone that I've told has asked "Can you afford to do that?". I don't know... can I afford not to? Ok... so I'll have to make some changes in my life. Isn't that why I'm quitting in the first place? What do we need other than the basic necessities of life? I know God will provide what we need. He tells me He will in Philippians 4:19 which says "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". Wow... according to His riches? What could I possibly need that he can't afford to give me?
My Dad and I have had this discussion because he is my father and Jesus is the Father of both of us. Dad has always been there for me my whole life. It doesn't matter how many times I've disappointed him or done something wrong, he's forgiven me and we've moved on. He has never seen me go hungry, or without warm clothes, or without a home to live in. We didn't always have full cupboards... I don't remember having designer clothes (at least not on a regular basis), I shared a bedroom with my sisters until they grew up and moved out on their own. But like our heavenly Father, Dad supplied our needs according to his riches. We didn't appear to others to be rich... but we were. We had two loving parents. Our Mom stayed at home and looked after everything. I don't remember ever missing a meal. Over the years, the more God blessed my Dad, the more our family had. Each and every time we moved, it was to a better, bigger, warmer house. His jobs went from "just barely making it" and "hardly ever home" to owning his own successful company through which he is still blessing our family. We're not 'children' anymore but we will always be his children. Jesus treats us just the same... we are His children. Once we are His children, we will always be His children. That doesn't mean we cannot be disinherited... but my earthly father could do the same if I turn my back on him.
John 6:35 says, "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst". As long as my Mom & Dad are alive, I will be loved and in times of need, I will be provided for. As long as I remain a child of God... my needs will be met by Him too!
So... as I started to say in the beginning, 'the best things in life aren't things'. The best things in my life are
my walk with God,
my family,
my friends,
my marriage,
my peace,
my health,
my spiritual well-being,
my relationships,
my happiness,
having tranquility in my home,
taking care of my family,
helping my friends,
having time to make a quilt,
taking time to plant a garden,
watching my nieces and nephews grow,
taking time to take pictures,
having time to phone my friends to 'chat',
sitting on the deck in the summer,
and in front of the fireplace in winter,
influencing a child in a positive way,
keeping in contact with old friends,
sunsets,
sunrises,
being a supportive wife,
being a loving mom,
saying grace,
taking long walks in the country,
... loving God... and loving people!... (not things!)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
What time of day are you?
You Are Sunrise |
 You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be. |
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Back to Basics...
My favorite things right now are the things that remind me of my parents, grandparents and my childhood. I went to an antique sale in Red Deer recently and I've discovered that things from my childhood are now being sold as antiques! As much of a shock as that was, it was worth going just for the walk down memory lane. I was reminded of my Grammy's house, I was reminded of our skating parties and sleigh rides, I was reminded of the times when people used fine china for everyday meals. I don't believe that your best plates should be saved for special occasions. Use them while you can and celebrate each day that God gives us. I regularly drink milk out of a stemmed glass and I find the prettiest china plates at thrift stores. I don't pay a lot, so if it gets broken from daily use... oh well!
I thank God for my parents. We were not rich in world's standards... but we were rich in family. We had the basics growing up. I don't remember ever washing dishes where we had to extra careful because "Mom paid a lot of money for that". The kids did the dishes, the parents relaxed. My parents made every effort to create memories for us and they succeeded. I'll always remember the skating parties, the sleigh rides, the corn roasts, the days spent at the beach, the kickball games, the 4seater swings full of us kids, the homemade cookies and breads, the fellowship... and the friendship.
Let's get back to the basics! Let's spend more time loving and less time striving for 'things' that don't mean a single thing in the grand scheme of life. Let's love each other despite our differences and accept each other for who we are. Let's take the time to bake cookies and bread and to go skating and visit each other and take care of each other.
I love you all and I pray that God blesses each and every one of you in an awesome way!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Share our Burdens...
I've read the following quote somewhere... I don't EVEN remember where, so I'm unable to give credit to it's author... but it goes like this:
IF WE COULD ALL HEAR ONE ANOTHER'S PRAYERS, GOD MIGHT BE RELIEVED OF SOME OF HIS BURDENS
I am blessed to have an understanding and praying family, both biological and church. It's probably a good thing for me that I'm the type of person that opens up to just about anyone. I've always felt that getting something off my chest is a benefit and if someone can share the burden, it makes my portion that much lighter. I have always known this, but have not always followed through. I went through a stage in my life where I bottled things up and tried to handle them on my own. I destroyed a valuable relationship and nearly destroyed my life in the process. I thought I was strong enough... or maybe that the people around me had enough of their own struggles to deal with... or maybe that no one would understand... or one of many other possible reasons. Thank God I've learned that I can lighten my burdens by sharing them with people who care.
I know that some of my sisters will read this and I just want to tell each and every one of you, 'Thank You!'. From the bottom of my heart... 'THANK YOU!!!'... for your prayers, for your ears, for your strength, for your understanding, for your support, for your comfort, for your arms, for your tissues. But more than all that... for walking with me... for listening to me... for not passing judgment... for asking me if there's anything you can do... for doing things without being asked... for making me laugh when I felt like crying... for letting me cry when I'd rather be laughing.
God says in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in MY name, there am I in the midst of them." How simple does that scripture state that we are not to stand alone? Pastor King preached the other night that we are all a part of The Body and when one of us is hurting, The Body feels it. We are to bind together and help each other heal. If you cut your finger and the rest of your body did nothing to heal it, it would eventually die and fall off. As a result, the 'infection' may spread throughout the whole body.
I was talking to one of our sisters the other night and she is struggling. Emotionally, physically, financially... but spiritually, she's fighting! She just kept telling me that she was giving everything to God and let Him deal with it! I promised I would not repeat any of our conversation but I'm asking that we hold her up in prayer. God knows who she is and He knows her needs. If we all bind together, I know that He is faithful to heal this wounded saint.
Oh! I thank God that He is there to pick us up when we are down, brush the dust off and set us back on the path. I am 100% sure that I would not be where I am today without God. Without his infinite Grace and Mercy... I would be nothing! Even when I was back-slidden and living in the world... He never forgot me. I walked the floor many, many nights and I prayed. I cried, and I prayed... I prayed hard and He heard me EVERY TIME! I'll never forget one night in particular... I was sitting on the floor in the hallway of my apartment. I was all alone and I felt every bit of it! I was pacing up and down my hallway and I finally got to the point where I couldn't walk any more. I crumbled to the floor and I called on Jesus! He didn't make me beg... He didn't make me promise a whole bunch of things I couldn't possibly live up to at the time... He didn't make me feel guilty... He just surrounded me with His loving arms and held me. I literally felt the peace flow over me from head to toe.
So... along with all of the other things I've said tonight... have faith for your children that may have strayed from Shepherd... He hasn't strayed from them. They are still within reach of his arms and He's just waiting for them to call on Him. I did... and He answered. No questions, no hesitation.
Thank You Jesus! For Your Mercy... and Grace... and an awesome praying family!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
IF WE COULD ALL HEAR ONE ANOTHER'S PRAYERS, GOD MIGHT BE RELIEVED OF SOME OF HIS BURDENS
I am blessed to have an understanding and praying family, both biological and church. It's probably a good thing for me that I'm the type of person that opens up to just about anyone. I've always felt that getting something off my chest is a benefit and if someone can share the burden, it makes my portion that much lighter. I have always known this, but have not always followed through. I went through a stage in my life where I bottled things up and tried to handle them on my own. I destroyed a valuable relationship and nearly destroyed my life in the process. I thought I was strong enough... or maybe that the people around me had enough of their own struggles to deal with... or maybe that no one would understand... or one of many other possible reasons. Thank God I've learned that I can lighten my burdens by sharing them with people who care.
I know that some of my sisters will read this and I just want to tell each and every one of you, 'Thank You!'. From the bottom of my heart... 'THANK YOU!!!'... for your prayers, for your ears, for your strength, for your understanding, for your support, for your comfort, for your arms, for your tissues. But more than all that... for walking with me... for listening to me... for not passing judgment... for asking me if there's anything you can do... for doing things without being asked... for making me laugh when I felt like crying... for letting me cry when I'd rather be laughing.
God says in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered together in MY name, there am I in the midst of them." How simple does that scripture state that we are not to stand alone? Pastor King preached the other night that we are all a part of The Body and when one of us is hurting, The Body feels it. We are to bind together and help each other heal. If you cut your finger and the rest of your body did nothing to heal it, it would eventually die and fall off. As a result, the 'infection' may spread throughout the whole body.
I was talking to one of our sisters the other night and she is struggling. Emotionally, physically, financially... but spiritually, she's fighting! She just kept telling me that she was giving everything to God and let Him deal with it! I promised I would not repeat any of our conversation but I'm asking that we hold her up in prayer. God knows who she is and He knows her needs. If we all bind together, I know that He is faithful to heal this wounded saint.
Oh! I thank God that He is there to pick us up when we are down, brush the dust off and set us back on the path. I am 100% sure that I would not be where I am today without God. Without his infinite Grace and Mercy... I would be nothing! Even when I was back-slidden and living in the world... He never forgot me. I walked the floor many, many nights and I prayed. I cried, and I prayed... I prayed hard and He heard me EVERY TIME! I'll never forget one night in particular... I was sitting on the floor in the hallway of my apartment. I was all alone and I felt every bit of it! I was pacing up and down my hallway and I finally got to the point where I couldn't walk any more. I crumbled to the floor and I called on Jesus! He didn't make me beg... He didn't make me promise a whole bunch of things I couldn't possibly live up to at the time... He didn't make me feel guilty... He just surrounded me with His loving arms and held me. I literally felt the peace flow over me from head to toe.
So... along with all of the other things I've said tonight... have faith for your children that may have strayed from Shepherd... He hasn't strayed from them. They are still within reach of his arms and He's just waiting for them to call on Him. I did... and He answered. No questions, no hesitation.
Thank You Jesus! For Your Mercy... and Grace... and an awesome praying family!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
My "Diet" Personality... or my everyday personality???
Lisa, Your Diet Personality Summary
Your eating personality is Steady Snacker
Steady Snackers have a diet of unplanned snacking throughout the day and night, whether they're hungry or not. In addition to eating regular meals, you've developed a habit of not being able to turn down food that's within your easy reach. You see others pass up a plate of cookies, a bowl of nuts or a nearby vending machine and wonder if you'll ever be able to do the same.
Your exercising personality is Uneasy Participant
Uneasy Participants are overly aware of their body size in motion (ha ha... I love this expression!) and are forever comparing themselves to others. This keeps you from joining a gym or signing up for an exercise class. You know you need to get yourself in better shape but these feelings paralyze you and prevent you from taking action.
Your coping personality is Persistent Procrastinator
Persistent Procrastinators talk endlessly about needing to lose weight but can't make it happen. Things get in the way - like work projects, family vacations, or even dentist appointments. You see others starting new weight loss programs and wonder if your time will ever come.
I completed a survey online at www.diet.com and I laughed when I received the results above. It didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. But!... the problem is, I know all of this and yet have such a hard time doing anything about it... probably because I'm a "Persistent Procrastinator". Really??? Not me!... hahaha! That coupled with "forever comparing themselves to others" and "these feelings paralyze you and prevent you from taking action". This is me! If anyone didn't know me... you do now.
But it's time for things to change! My Dad has recently been hospitalized due to numerous health issues but the biggest part of the problem is his weight and lack of exercise which has been a problem all of his adult life. I'm sure he thought the same thing that I do... "I'm active. I go to work every day. I hardly have time to sit down and relax because I have so many things to do. Isn't that active enough?" Dad's health is not my excuse for my weight... nor is it an explanation. It is a wake-up call! I don't want to go through what he's going through and have the doctors baffled at how to help because my health is in such a precarious position.
So... I'm blogging this for one reason only. For accountability. Maybe if I see it every day and suffer in public instead of in private... maybe that will help.
I am today... starting a new lifestyle.
One of my sisters from church commented one time that 'we follow the standards of the church so willingly... we don't cut our hair or wear pants, we don't wear make-up or jewellery, we do not watch movies or have TV's in our homes. Why can't we do the same thing with chocolate and bad eating? Just make up our minds that we don't do that any more and don't do it!' When she said this, I looked at her with I'm sure was wonder in my eyes. That revelation was so simple and yet so profound.
So... I am now adding this to my "standards". As I comb out my long hair every morning and pull on my skirt and long-sleeve shirt to go off to work, I will also make a conscious effort to live a better lifestyle. I will work to get thinner, more active and all-around physically healthier! After all, our bodies are God's temple and I certainly haven't been looking after this temple like I should have or in the way I'm sure God intended.
So... keep me in your prayers. I will be praying that God walks beside me in this as He does in everything else I've ever done. With His strength, I can do ANYTHING!!!
Your eating personality is Steady Snacker
Steady Snackers have a diet of unplanned snacking throughout the day and night, whether they're hungry or not. In addition to eating regular meals, you've developed a habit of not being able to turn down food that's within your easy reach. You see others pass up a plate of cookies, a bowl of nuts or a nearby vending machine and wonder if you'll ever be able to do the same.
Your exercising personality is Uneasy Participant
Uneasy Participants are overly aware of their body size in motion (ha ha... I love this expression!) and are forever comparing themselves to others. This keeps you from joining a gym or signing up for an exercise class. You know you need to get yourself in better shape but these feelings paralyze you and prevent you from taking action.
Your coping personality is Persistent Procrastinator
Persistent Procrastinators talk endlessly about needing to lose weight but can't make it happen. Things get in the way - like work projects, family vacations, or even dentist appointments. You see others starting new weight loss programs and wonder if your time will ever come.
I completed a survey online at www.diet.com and I laughed when I received the results above. It didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. But!... the problem is, I know all of this and yet have such a hard time doing anything about it... probably because I'm a "Persistent Procrastinator". Really??? Not me!... hahaha! That coupled with "forever comparing themselves to others" and "these feelings paralyze you and prevent you from taking action". This is me! If anyone didn't know me... you do now.
But it's time for things to change! My Dad has recently been hospitalized due to numerous health issues but the biggest part of the problem is his weight and lack of exercise which has been a problem all of his adult life. I'm sure he thought the same thing that I do... "I'm active. I go to work every day. I hardly have time to sit down and relax because I have so many things to do. Isn't that active enough?" Dad's health is not my excuse for my weight... nor is it an explanation. It is a wake-up call! I don't want to go through what he's going through and have the doctors baffled at how to help because my health is in such a precarious position.
So... I'm blogging this for one reason only. For accountability. Maybe if I see it every day and suffer in public instead of in private... maybe that will help.
I am today... starting a new lifestyle.
One of my sisters from church commented one time that 'we follow the standards of the church so willingly... we don't cut our hair or wear pants, we don't wear make-up or jewellery, we do not watch movies or have TV's in our homes. Why can't we do the same thing with chocolate and bad eating? Just make up our minds that we don't do that any more and don't do it!' When she said this, I looked at her with I'm sure was wonder in my eyes. That revelation was so simple and yet so profound.
So... I am now adding this to my "standards". As I comb out my long hair every morning and pull on my skirt and long-sleeve shirt to go off to work, I will also make a conscious effort to live a better lifestyle. I will work to get thinner, more active and all-around physically healthier! After all, our bodies are God's temple and I certainly haven't been looking after this temple like I should have or in the way I'm sure God intended.
So... keep me in your prayers. I will be praying that God walks beside me in this as He does in everything else I've ever done. With His strength, I can do ANYTHING!!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Live with purpose...
Walk to the edge...
Listen hard...
Have fun...
Practice healthy habits...
Laugh...
Risk...
Continue to learn...
Appreciate your friends...
Choose with no regret...
Stand by your family...
Celebrate the holidays that make sense...
Stand for your beliefs...
Follow a leader...
Be an example...
Do what you love...
Love what you do...
Live as if this is all there is...
Read your Bible...
Call your Mom...
Send cards and letters...
Hug...
Spend quiet moments just listening... to the quiet...
Jump in puddles...
Walk through the leaves...
Take pictures...
Obey the law...
as long as they line up with THE law...
Forgive...
Learn a new hobby...
Wear your favorite color...
Pray for your Pastor...
Appreciate your grandparent's struggle...
Ask your Dad for help...
Hold hands...
Cry...
Smile at a stranger...
Make eye contact with a homeless person...
Sit by a fire...
Roast marshmallows...
Bake a birthday cake...
Visit the elderly...
Give gifts...
Ride a train...
Overcome a fear...
Decorate your table for dinner...
Go for ice cream...
...add chocolate...
Make something with your hands...
Count the stars...
Pay attention...
Give something you didn't think you could part with, to someone who really needs/wants/admires it...
Believe in angels...
Accept that people are different...
Love them anyway...
Rock a baby to sleep...
Wear pretty shoes...
Obey your Pastor...
Join in...
Come up with new ideas...
Play a game...
Pray hard...
Praise...
Worship...
Hope...
Love...
Believe...
... and never regret anything that creates a smile every time you recall it
Walk to the edge...
Listen hard...
Have fun...
Practice healthy habits...
Laugh...
Risk...
Continue to learn...
Appreciate your friends...
Choose with no regret...
Stand by your family...
Celebrate the holidays that make sense...
Stand for your beliefs...
Follow a leader...
Be an example...
Do what you love...
Love what you do...
Live as if this is all there is...
Read your Bible...
Call your Mom...
Send cards and letters...
Hug...
Spend quiet moments just listening... to the quiet...
Jump in puddles...
Walk through the leaves...
Take pictures...
Obey the law...
as long as they line up with THE law...
Forgive...
Learn a new hobby...
Wear your favorite color...
Pray for your Pastor...
Appreciate your grandparent's struggle...
Ask your Dad for help...
Hold hands...
Cry...
Smile at a stranger...
Make eye contact with a homeless person...
Sit by a fire...
Roast marshmallows...
Bake a birthday cake...
Visit the elderly...
Give gifts...
Ride a train...
Overcome a fear...
Decorate your table for dinner...
Go for ice cream...
...add chocolate...
Make something with your hands...
Count the stars...
Pay attention...
Give something you didn't think you could part with, to someone who really needs/wants/admires it...
Believe in angels...
Accept that people are different...
Love them anyway...
Rock a baby to sleep...
Wear pretty shoes...
Obey your Pastor...
Join in...
Come up with new ideas...
Play a game...
Pray hard...
Praise...
Worship...
Hope...
Love...
Believe...
... and never regret anything that creates a smile every time you recall it
Monday, November 3, 2008
This one speaks for itself...
'I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful; but I never read in either of them: "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden" '
St. Augustine
St. Augustine
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Happy Birthday Sis!
Happy Birthday to my sweet sister, Sharon.
Sharon is my sister but more than that, she is my best friend. We grew up very close together and it was only when she moved out of the province that distance seperated us. But... no matter how many miles are between us, we are still as close as ever. We don't talk as much as we used to but I know that when I pick up the phone, she's there. She is a wonderful wife and mother... and she loves God.
I thank God for my sister and wanted to take this opportunity to tell her... I love you!!! I miss you!!! and I wish you were here!!!
Happy Birthday Sis!!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy??? Halloween???
How can the word 'happy' be associated with Halloween? What is 'happy' about a day created to celebrate death? I never really thought about the whole Halloween thing as much as I have this year. It really bothers me that people are so quick to celebrate something that they don't truly understand.
To put it simply... Halloween is the worship of the dead.
The only death that produced any result for anyone was the death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Society is very quick to ignore that death and sacrifice. My church sign desk calendar today said it very well... "Heaven is not a trick, and hell is not a treat." If people realized what Halloween is all about, they would be shocked. There are places even today, that human sacrifices are performed and prayers are offered to the devil.
For some reason, Halloween has been turned into a kid's day... or so everyone would like to think. I heard on the radio on my way to work the other day that Halloween is not for kids any more. It's adults that celebrate this day. I admit... I used to like seeing the tiny little kids dressed in their costumes. They were SO cute! Most of them are so young, they don't even know why they are going from house to house... and they're never going to eat the treats put in their baskets. This is all for the adults! Some were so tiny that they are unable to climb the front steps of the houses... do we really need to take them out?
I skimmed the surface of the meaning of Halloween the other day through the internet. In a nutshell, this is a celebration of the dead. People would go up to a mountain top to offer a sacrifice to this "god". On their way up the mountain, they would stop at each of their neighbors houses and collect food as an offering to be presented at their destination. Once the sacrifice ceremony was complete, they would make their way back down the mountain to go home. On the way back down, they would carry gourds with candles in them to light their path. Because they were afraid of the evil spirits they may meet on their journey down the mountain, they would wear a disguise so that the spirits may not recognize them and they would cut scary faces in the sides of their gourd "lanterns" to try to scare off any evil forces.
Why would anyone want to follow in this tradition? I work in an office building downtown and you wouldn't believe how many "crazy" people I met today. The trains were busier, the traffic was atrocious and everyone was generally 'weird'. I couldn't wait to get home, build a fire in my fireplace and curl up with a book.
The Bakers will probably come over later so that we can pray for the city. We will pray that the evil forces that have such a hold on our society will be destroyed. We will pray that the city is loosed and people will turn to THE GOD... not 'a' god, but THE GOD! We do not 'celebrate' His death... we celebrate that He is alive and living today and every day. We are thankful for His mercy and grace. Without Him, we can do nothing... but with Him, WE CAN DO ANYTHING!!!
Happy?? Halloween... I don't think so!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Appreciate your Pastor
October is Pastor Appreciation Month around the world and I want to honor our leadership, but especially our Pastor King and his sweet wife. We are truly blessed to have the leaders that we do.
Pastor King preached yesterday morning about trusting God... with everything. The message preached from Matthew 10:26-31 and Hebrews 13:5-6 was so clear and easily understood. I have learned (most times, the hard way) to put my trust in Him and to cast my cares upon Him... for He cares for me. What more can a person ask for? Our sweet Lord and Master has time to care for each and every one of us as individuals. He cares enough to know the number of hairs on our head... what makes us think He doesn't care about what we go through?
So... having said that, yesterday's message hit home with me. We have been struggling with some family issues for the past few months but when I left the altar yesterday, I knew that God had it under control and I could safely walk away and leave it in His hands! Thank you Jesus!!!
Getting back to our Pastor and Sister King. They are the sweetest, most soft spoken, understanding people I've ever had contact with. They are anchored in the Lord and their life reflects it. I have a little "church signs" desk calendar on my desk in my office and every day I tear off a page to reveal a new sign. Last Wednesday's sign was "A good example has twice the value of good advice." Pastor and Sister King are the epitomy of good example. We can learn from them because their teaching comes straight from the Bible. I never have any doubt about how I should dress, how I should treat people or how I should act. If I ever start to doubt, I just have to watch them. They mean the world to me and I just wanted to let anyone who cares to listen (or read... :)), just how much I love them both.
God Bless you Pastor & Sis. King! We love you!!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
What does 'busy' mean to you?
SATAN'S MEETING: (Read even if you're busy)
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their saviour. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.
"So let them go to their churches, let them have their covered dish dinners... BUT, steal their time so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
"This is what I want you to do," said the devil, "Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend and borrow, borrow, borrow.
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to
work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families
fragment, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive.... to keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays worldly music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so they will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and their husbands will become dissatisfied with their wives. Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children about the birth of Jesus. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about His resurrection and power over sin and death.
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy, busy!
"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences.
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."
"It will work!"
"It will work!"
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. Having little time for God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!
Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
Lord, let us never be too BUSY!!!
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their saviour. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.
"So let them go to their churches, let them have their covered dish dinners... BUT, steal their time so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
"This is what I want you to do," said the devil, "Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend and borrow, borrow, borrow.
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to
work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families
fragment, soon their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive.... to keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays worldly music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so they will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and their husbands will become dissatisfied with their wives. Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children about the birth of Jesus. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about His resurrection and power over sin and death.
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead. Keep them busy, busy, busy!
"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences.
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."
"It will work!"
"It will work!"
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. Having little time for God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!
Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
Lord, let us never be too BUSY!!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Lord is my Shepherd
My Dad has taught this to me during one of our many phone calls. It is so much fun and every time we talk, he shares another revelation with me. I truly appreciate my Dad and Mom and their faith in God. Please keep them in prayers as Dad is still in the hospital. The latest word is that they will do the gall bladder surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week... in Jesus' name, he'll come through it ok!
The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!
I shall not want
That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters
That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul
That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That's Guidance!
For His name sake
That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That's Testing!
I will fear no evil
That's Protection!
For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil
That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over
That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That's Security!
Forever
That's Eternity!
Is there... or isn't there
It has always amazed me and upset me to hear so many people say that they don't believe in God. I worked with a girl in the past that believed in Satan and satanic powers but refused to believe in God. One day I asked her, "Where did you find Satan if he wasn't found in the Bible? And, if you found Satan there, you must also have found God there. You cannot believe in one without believing in the other." She really had no response so every once in awhile I would send her the "forward" e-mails that ended with "I'm praying for you" etc. She replied to one telling me that if those type of e-mails were coming from anyone else, she would be terribly upset at that person but coming from me, she would accept them. Shortly thereafter, she wrote that she was going through some things at the time and that if I really had a "higher power", that she could use a little help. I prayed for her as soon as I received the e-mail and I let her know that that's what I was doing. Within 2 days, the problem she was encountering turned around completely and God truly showed her a miracle. I pray for her to this day that she will choose to see... because it is our own choice.
God is so awesome that he leaves no room for doubt. You can choose to look the other way and pretend He doesn't exist, but if you are true to yourself, you will see Him.
People that claim there is no God have never read the Bible. They have not looked into a babies eyes or felt the grip of their hand on their finger. They have never sat with a loved one at a hospital when doctors have given up hope only to have the healing touch of God turn things around and baffle the medical profession. They have never watched leaves turn to red, orange and yellow in the fall. They have never looked closely at a snowflake on their sleeve. They have never seen the Rocky Mountains, the Grande Canyon or Niagra Falls. They have never watched a mama bird feed her young. They have never seen a baby take their first steps or say their first word. They have never loved or been loved. They have never felt warm rain or jumped in puddles. They have never looked at a rainbow, cloud or star. They have never looked closely at the veins in a leaf or the petals of a rose. They have never tasted chocolate. They have never been called "Mom" or "Dad" or "Auntie" or "Uncle", "Sister", "Brother"... or "friend". They have never listened to the birds sing or seen an eagle fly. They have never sang "Amazing Grace... how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me". They have never watched the tide go out nor explored the wet sand left behind. They have never seen a dolphin, giraffe or caterpillar. They have never sat quietly and listed to their own heart beat. They have never witnessed anyone receiving the awesome powerful gift of the Holy Ghost. They have never seen a lightning storm or heard thunder roll. They have never seen a hummingbird or a bumblebee. They have never gone ice skating or ridden a horse. They have never been healed or received a blessing. They have never heard a 3 year old sing "Jesus Loves Me".... They have not looked, or listened... or tasted, or felt... or smelled. Mmmm... smelled my Mom's house when she's making dinner for our family.
I am not ashamed... I believe in God and I am truly thankful for His ever-present power in my life. Without Him, I can do nothing... but with Him, I can do ANYTHING!!!
God is so awesome that he leaves no room for doubt. You can choose to look the other way and pretend He doesn't exist, but if you are true to yourself, you will see Him.
People that claim there is no God have never read the Bible. They have not looked into a babies eyes or felt the grip of their hand on their finger. They have never sat with a loved one at a hospital when doctors have given up hope only to have the healing touch of God turn things around and baffle the medical profession. They have never watched leaves turn to red, orange and yellow in the fall. They have never looked closely at a snowflake on their sleeve. They have never seen the Rocky Mountains, the Grande Canyon or Niagra Falls. They have never watched a mama bird feed her young. They have never seen a baby take their first steps or say their first word. They have never loved or been loved. They have never felt warm rain or jumped in puddles. They have never looked at a rainbow, cloud or star. They have never looked closely at the veins in a leaf or the petals of a rose. They have never tasted chocolate. They have never been called "Mom" or "Dad" or "Auntie" or "Uncle", "Sister", "Brother"... or "friend". They have never listened to the birds sing or seen an eagle fly. They have never sang "Amazing Grace... how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me". They have never watched the tide go out nor explored the wet sand left behind. They have never seen a dolphin, giraffe or caterpillar. They have never sat quietly and listed to their own heart beat. They have never witnessed anyone receiving the awesome powerful gift of the Holy Ghost. They have never seen a lightning storm or heard thunder roll. They have never seen a hummingbird or a bumblebee. They have never gone ice skating or ridden a horse. They have never been healed or received a blessing. They have never heard a 3 year old sing "Jesus Loves Me".... They have not looked, or listened... or tasted, or felt... or smelled. Mmmm... smelled my Mom's house when she's making dinner for our family.
I am not ashamed... I believe in God and I am truly thankful for His ever-present power in my life. Without Him, I can do nothing... but with Him, I can do ANYTHING!!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Oh No!!! She's Awake
I received this in an e-mail from a co-worker a few weeks ago and I've seen it on Sis. Tina's blog site as well, but it is soooo true and gives me strength when I see it on my cubicle wall...
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says...
"OH NO!!! SHE'S AWAKE!!!"
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says...
"OH NO!!! SHE'S AWAKE!!!"
Did I do this right?
Well, here goes nothing... my first attempt at blogging.
I was just telling Sis. Sherri last night how I doubted I would set up a blog site as I really didn't have much to say that would be interesting to anyone else. Then I read Sis. Janell's blog and her comments regarding Sis. King's latest ladies prayer. It struck me that there are things that God has revealed to me that I would definitely love to share. Some are simple things and some more complicated... but all revealed from God just the same.
So, as this is just a test, I will save this post for now and write more later. If anyone knows me, you know I'm sure to ramble on and on... but hopefully, something I write may be a blessing to someone out there!
I was just telling Sis. Sherri last night how I doubted I would set up a blog site as I really didn't have much to say that would be interesting to anyone else. Then I read Sis. Janell's blog and her comments regarding Sis. King's latest ladies prayer. It struck me that there are things that God has revealed to me that I would definitely love to share. Some are simple things and some more complicated... but all revealed from God just the same.
So, as this is just a test, I will save this post for now and write more later. If anyone knows me, you know I'm sure to ramble on and on... but hopefully, something I write may be a blessing to someone out there!
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