I would so love to be apart of this sometime! This video is hilarious!!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Just for a quick testimony, my husband has been out of work for 2 months now (laid off). He was the main "bread winner" of the family so this was going to hit hard. However, a month before all this, we had prayed and agreed in prayer to totally 100% trust the Lord in our finances. God loves to give us these opportunities doesn't He! So here we are, having to now trust Him 100% to provide for us. At first, I was ok. Then I hit a spell of worry and trying to figure it all out myself, then I had to swallow my pride that I didn't realize was there and learn its ok to ask those around you for help. And now, to trusting the Lord to work miracles or things are going to start getting shut off and such. So now, in this place of trusting for our everything, I prayed 2 weeks ago, laying it all down at the feet of my Savior. I've never felt such peace in the middle of such turmoil.
Last week (here's the amazing God part....are you ready???) I received an envelope in the mail at work addressed specifically to me. Thinking it was work related, I set it aside for a moment. Then, feeling the tug of the Lord, I open it...finding a cashiers check in it made out to ME FOR $1000!!!!! I wanted to cry, faint, jump up and down, shout to the Lord of Lords all at the same time! There was nothing on the envelope or inside stating who it could’ve been from. All that was with the cashiers check was scriptures stating to give without expecting anything in return and when you give to not let your right hand know what your left is doing. When I showed my husband, he was in utter awe of God's greatness. You see, the word of the Lord says in Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? ". I had been telling myself for weeks, muttering under my breath, "I'm more important than the birds" just to help keep my mind on the love of Christ. This check and so many other blessings have truly shown that I am more important than the birds. :) We are still in the middle of this trial, but I have trust in the love of my Father that He has something amazing planned out for us.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The story behind this song is amazing. I'm putting the video of the song up first - then watch the story after. You'll want to go back and worship with the first video again I'm sure. God is good, so good. Sorry I haven't been blogging much. Jeff's still laid off (2 months now) and most of my energy has been towards my family and their needs. God is so so so good though. He's been meeting our needs for the past 2 months through different people and differnt situations. Please though as you think of us, keep us in your prayers.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Beautiful way to begin summer break!
It was a beautiful day. Thursday's are my half day so after I finished work, I headed out to La Jolla beach. I had been there before to go kayaking (which I totally loved0 and thought it would be good just to hang out there as well. The day couldn't have been more beautful! the waves were a decent height, not too big to make a mom worry too much (although there were a few times I couldn't see my guys and had a panic attack just to find out they were right in front of me...hehehehehehe)
Ethan made this wonderful sand creation - volcano with little pools all around to catch the lava...and some houses and such that were destroyed and villages gone, little shell people in devistation....you know how the little boys mind works. :) It was cool to look at and it's a good thing I snapped this picture just before a wandering 1 1/2 year old came over and decided to stick 2 fists right through the top of the volcano. I could almost feel my son's pain but he carefully and nicely lifted the child off his volcano, as the not-paying -attention mother came over and was like "Oh, silly boy...hahahahahahaha". I was thinking "HELLO! Are you even WATCHING your child that's RIGHT BY THE OCEAN!!!!!" Goodness. Ethan rebuilt, good as new.
Then Garret decided to take up skim boarding. That was cool to watch. He didn't do too well at first, got a little frustrated then kinda got the hang of it towards the end. It probably would've been easier for him earlier in the day but the tide was coming up and not giving good conditions for skim boarding. Also, there was this cute little kid that was stuck to his side and didn't give him much room to throw out the board, but Garret made a break for it every so often.
It was a bright, bright sunshiny day let me tell ya. I'm a bit crispy, but ok (don't have pic's for that part, sorry). There was a bright glare off the ocean and even though I applied, and REAPPLIED the lotion, it was to no avail. Hoping it'll turn into a beautiful tan and not a peely mess. Thank you Lord for providing a wonderful day for my family to enjoy your beauty.
It was a beautiful day. Thursday's are my half day so after I finished work, I headed out to La Jolla beach. I had been there before to go kayaking (which I totally loved0 and thought it would be good just to hang out there as well. The day couldn't have been more beautful! the waves were a decent height, not too big to make a mom worry too much (although there were a few times I couldn't see my guys and had a panic attack just to find out they were right in front of me...hehehehehehe)
Ethan made this wonderful sand creation - volcano with little pools all around to catch the lava...and some houses and such that were destroyed and villages gone, little shell people in devistation....you know how the little boys mind works. :) It was cool to look at and it's a good thing I snapped this picture just before a wandering 1 1/2 year old came over and decided to stick 2 fists right through the top of the volcano. I could almost feel my son's pain but he carefully and nicely lifted the child off his volcano, as the not-paying -attention mother came over and was like "Oh, silly boy...hahahahahahaha". I was thinking "HELLO! Are you even WATCHING your child that's RIGHT BY THE OCEAN!!!!!" Goodness. Ethan rebuilt, good as new.
Then Garret decided to take up skim boarding. That was cool to watch. He didn't do too well at first, got a little frustrated then kinda got the hang of it towards the end. It probably would've been easier for him earlier in the day but the tide was coming up and not giving good conditions for skim boarding. Also, there was this cute little kid that was stuck to his side and didn't give him much room to throw out the board, but Garret made a break for it every so often.
It was a bright, bright sunshiny day let me tell ya. I'm a bit crispy, but ok (don't have pic's for that part, sorry). There was a bright glare off the ocean and even though I applied, and REAPPLIED the lotion, it was to no avail. Hoping it'll turn into a beautiful tan and not a peely mess. Thank you Lord for providing a wonderful day for my family to enjoy your beauty.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
My big guy graduated!! He's officially a Jr HighER!!! YAY!!!!!!
I can't say enough how proud I am of Ethan. He worked really hard this year and it's paid off. I know he struggled a lot but he pulled through. We're really looking forward to Jr. High. Here's a few snap shots of the big guy on his bug day. :)
Here's a good family shot - my mom and dad, Jeff, Garret, Ethan and me. :)
Me and him afterwards.
Him seeing his grad present - a nice BMX bike and helmet.
Him on his awesomely cool bike
Just him. He's the coolest let me tell ya. :)
I can't say enough how proud I am of Ethan. He worked really hard this year and it's paid off. I know he struggled a lot but he pulled through. We're really looking forward to Jr. High. Here's a few snap shots of the big guy on his bug day. :)
Here's a good family shot - my mom and dad, Jeff, Garret, Ethan and me. :)
Me and him afterwards.
Him seeing his grad present - a nice BMX bike and helmet.
Him on his awesomely cool bike
Just him. He's the coolest let me tell ya. :)
Monday, June 09, 2008
What a GREAT ending to an AMAZING Pony League baseball season!!!!
The day started with Ethan's team playing the Rangers. Even though they lost, I have to say they played some great ball and every single one of them advanced in their own skills from when they first started back in February. Here's some highlights of Ethan's playing:
His first up to bat, first pitch the guy hit a double into left field!!!! It was an awesome wonderful solid hit and got an RBI from it as well. Great job Ethan!
Then in the last inning he finally got the nerve up to play 2nd base, and he did a great job. Although one of the throws was from Brandon who throws like 80 miles and hour. It tipped of Ethan's glove right into his left eye. Praise the Lord no major damage and he shook it off nicely and finished the game like a trooper.
In between their game and the closing ceremony, Josh Bard from the San Diego Padres came out to encourage the kids and so some autographs. It was really enjoyable and he had a great spirit about him (real laid back and polite). Here's some pic's of my guys with Josh Bard.
Then the ceremonies began. Garret's team got first place in their Pinto Division.
Here's Garret with his daddy. :)
Over all this was a great time and had a wonderful season. Looking forward to my boys contuning and improving their skills over the summer for next spring season. :)
The day started with Ethan's team playing the Rangers. Even though they lost, I have to say they played some great ball and every single one of them advanced in their own skills from when they first started back in February. Here's some highlights of Ethan's playing:
His first up to bat, first pitch the guy hit a double into left field!!!! It was an awesome wonderful solid hit and got an RBI from it as well. Great job Ethan!
Then in the last inning he finally got the nerve up to play 2nd base, and he did a great job. Although one of the throws was from Brandon who throws like 80 miles and hour. It tipped of Ethan's glove right into his left eye. Praise the Lord no major damage and he shook it off nicely and finished the game like a trooper.
In between their game and the closing ceremony, Josh Bard from the San Diego Padres came out to encourage the kids and so some autographs. It was really enjoyable and he had a great spirit about him (real laid back and polite). Here's some pic's of my guys with Josh Bard.
Then the ceremonies began. Garret's team got first place in their Pinto Division.
Here's Garret with his daddy. :)
Over all this was a great time and had a wonderful season. Looking forward to my boys contuning and improving their skills over the summer for next spring season. :)
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Dirt even looks rich to me....
Good title of a book? I was thinking of the saying "Poorer than dirt" and that title came to me. Not that our family is there yet, God has been merciful. Just with all my recent events lately (Jeff got laid off) I've been trying to think of some great money saving tips and more specifically, fun free things for us to do as a family during the summer. Sooooo, I'm going to start looking and blogging and writing some cost effective, free events families can do during this time of recession. :) Here's a few fun ideas I have for free events (or very low cost) for the summer:
1. Check with your local church - There's always something going on there for kids and families. Especially with summer upon us there's VBS, summer camps (sometimes the church sponsors kids to go free).
2. Right in your own backyard - Ok, you're already paying for that chunk of land you live on (and if you're in California you're REALLY paying for that chunk). Use it to it's fullest. Can't afford gas right now so put the car keys away and set up camp in your back yard. Good weather permitting you can just sleep under the stars, pull out the BBQ and make some smores :)
3. Family nights - This is a great way to either ramp up what you got going or start it up. Grab some old favorites and even some new ones and pop some pop corn. Don't have any board games? Can afford any new ones?? This is where it gets fun. Get together with some friends or neighbors and work on the board game swap. Every week trade what you have with theirs and try out some different types of games without having to spend a dime. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors better as they may have to teach you how to play the new game. :)
4. Go for a walk. Yeah sounds simple but when was the last time you did it? Might see some things have changed around you, even for the better. It's 100% free and good for your health as well.
5. EAT AT HOME!! I can't begin to tell you how much money I've saved since doing this and how much more healthier my family is because of it. We still go out every once in a while and that's ok, but now it's to better restaurants with healthier choices. It's great to share a meal as well - good on the pocket book and the belly. America's portions are out of control and one meal out is really enough for two. :)
6. Go to the park, beach, mall, etc. Yeah, you're thinking "Hey, that costs money" - not really. Most communities have a park within a few miles from where you live. It won't even take you one gallon of gas to get there an back and guess what, yup..it's FREE to play there. Some of us are blessed to live near the beach and again, it's FREE. "What about parking??" Ok, STOP COMPLAINING! :) Park where it's free and walk. Again, great for the pocket book and your belly (and other parts of the body). :)Window shopping at the mall is always fun and I found it safest to do when I was lowest on money. Easy to say no when you got nothing anyways. Malls are also air conditioned so you can save some money by enjoying their air, not yours that you pay for at home.
7. Schools - A lot of schools have summer programs that include crafting, hobbies, sports, etc. Some even offer low cost or free lunches. Check with your local district and see what's on schedule for the summer.
8. Community - Oh yeah, right where you live there's SOMETHING going on. for example, where I live there's always some kind of sport to watch (Pony baseball, soccer, etc.) and they're free to attend. You may not be watching Adrian Gonzales hit his next home run, but you could be seeing the next Padre play right in front of you. A lot of communities also have concerts in the park, dog shows, arts and crafts, car shows, ALL KINDS of things to keep revenue coming in for the city. The events themselves are free (or very very cheap). Just keep in mind not to get to close to the vender's, they're not free. :)
9. Story time - Even though the imagination is priceless, it won't actually cost you money out of your budget. Sit around and start a story, then pass it to the next person, then after a few thoughts, they pass it along, and so on and so on until you get this hilarious monstrous story that you and your family will be laughing about for years to come. Creating memories are always the best things money can't buy.
10. Giving - yeah yeah yeah, you're thinking I'm talking money again. Silly people. I'm talking about giving of time. See how you can help volunteer at a local school, organization or your community, It's all local so you may even be able to walk there (and NOT use the gas up) and your time will benefit so many lives. Making a difference in this life is also a wonderful thing that costs you nothing, but gives SO MUCH. It's such a blessing to see your children giving as well and it'll help get them to understand the "bigger picture" in this life.
Ok well there's just a few that were rattling around in my noggin. I think I'll go home tonight and see which one my guys want to start off with. :) If any of you have some great ideas, please send them my way and share them with others as well. :)
Good title of a book? I was thinking of the saying "Poorer than dirt" and that title came to me. Not that our family is there yet, God has been merciful. Just with all my recent events lately (Jeff got laid off) I've been trying to think of some great money saving tips and more specifically, fun free things for us to do as a family during the summer. Sooooo, I'm going to start looking and blogging and writing some cost effective, free events families can do during this time of recession. :) Here's a few fun ideas I have for free events (or very low cost) for the summer:
1. Check with your local church - There's always something going on there for kids and families. Especially with summer upon us there's VBS, summer camps (sometimes the church sponsors kids to go free).
2. Right in your own backyard - Ok, you're already paying for that chunk of land you live on (and if you're in California you're REALLY paying for that chunk). Use it to it's fullest. Can't afford gas right now so put the car keys away and set up camp in your back yard. Good weather permitting you can just sleep under the stars, pull out the BBQ and make some smores :)
3. Family nights - This is a great way to either ramp up what you got going or start it up. Grab some old favorites and even some new ones and pop some pop corn. Don't have any board games? Can afford any new ones?? This is where it gets fun. Get together with some friends or neighbors and work on the board game swap. Every week trade what you have with theirs and try out some different types of games without having to spend a dime. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors better as they may have to teach you how to play the new game. :)
4. Go for a walk. Yeah sounds simple but when was the last time you did it? Might see some things have changed around you, even for the better. It's 100% free and good for your health as well.
5. EAT AT HOME!! I can't begin to tell you how much money I've saved since doing this and how much more healthier my family is because of it. We still go out every once in a while and that's ok, but now it's to better restaurants with healthier choices. It's great to share a meal as well - good on the pocket book and the belly. America's portions are out of control and one meal out is really enough for two. :)
6. Go to the park, beach, mall, etc. Yeah, you're thinking "Hey, that costs money" - not really. Most communities have a park within a few miles from where you live. It won't even take you one gallon of gas to get there an back and guess what, yup..it's FREE to play there. Some of us are blessed to live near the beach and again, it's FREE. "What about parking??" Ok, STOP COMPLAINING! :) Park where it's free and walk. Again, great for the pocket book and your belly (and other parts of the body). :)Window shopping at the mall is always fun and I found it safest to do when I was lowest on money. Easy to say no when you got nothing anyways. Malls are also air conditioned so you can save some money by enjoying their air, not yours that you pay for at home.
7. Schools - A lot of schools have summer programs that include crafting, hobbies, sports, etc. Some even offer low cost or free lunches. Check with your local district and see what's on schedule for the summer.
8. Community - Oh yeah, right where you live there's SOMETHING going on. for example, where I live there's always some kind of sport to watch (Pony baseball, soccer, etc.) and they're free to attend. You may not be watching Adrian Gonzales hit his next home run, but you could be seeing the next Padre play right in front of you. A lot of communities also have concerts in the park, dog shows, arts and crafts, car shows, ALL KINDS of things to keep revenue coming in for the city. The events themselves are free (or very very cheap). Just keep in mind not to get to close to the vender's, they're not free. :)
9. Story time - Even though the imagination is priceless, it won't actually cost you money out of your budget. Sit around and start a story, then pass it to the next person, then after a few thoughts, they pass it along, and so on and so on until you get this hilarious monstrous story that you and your family will be laughing about for years to come. Creating memories are always the best things money can't buy.
10. Giving - yeah yeah yeah, you're thinking I'm talking money again. Silly people. I'm talking about giving of time. See how you can help volunteer at a local school, organization or your community, It's all local so you may even be able to walk there (and NOT use the gas up) and your time will benefit so many lives. Making a difference in this life is also a wonderful thing that costs you nothing, but gives SO MUCH. It's such a blessing to see your children giving as well and it'll help get them to understand the "bigger picture" in this life.
Ok well there's just a few that were rattling around in my noggin. I think I'll go home tonight and see which one my guys want to start off with. :) If any of you have some great ideas, please send them my way and share them with others as well. :)
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ok, I promise, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth....well, not totally. :)
Crazy times int he life, don't always have time to blog and fill the world in. Here's some happenings of this life. Let's see, where to start....BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Had an AWESOME birthday this year. Went to a Padres game Saturday April 26th and they won (one of the few they actually won this year). It was wonderful. Sunday on my actual birthday our church did something called Faith in Action. We basically met at the church but then went out into the community and did different projects around our area. I decided to help out at the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. We planted about 20 oak trees, it was great. :)
Then, a few days after on a Wednesday, my bestest friend EVER kidnapped me and we went hiking Mt. Woodson. Then after that amazing constant UPHILL hike, we went for facials, massages and pedi's at a local day spa. Ahhhhhhhhhh. I was told though my husband planned the day and had my friend carry it out. :) Thank you all for a wonderfully planned birthday.
More life moment's to come...next up will be mother's day. :)
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Oh wow, totally haven't updated in forever. I wonder if anyone even reads these things. If you are all still out there, please comment and let me know you're reading.
Ok, latest adventure. I have been desiring to go hiking for the past year now. I live in a very beautiful place that has a ton of hiking trails right in my back yard (figuratively speaking of course cause I currently live in an apartment...wish I had a back yard). A few weeks ago, I had Good Friday off and so did my boys. My son, my best friend Christy and I decided today is the day to check out Iron Mountain. We had no idea what we would find.
It was beautiful. On Friday we went about 1/2 the way (I had some little legs behind me). Last minute my oldest son's tummy wasn't feeling good so he stayed home but my youngest went. I was so proud of him. He didn't complain really. Only at the very end and we were all ready for the car that day - it was our first hike and it had gotten a little bit warm.
So my husband, my best friend and I had off the following Monday. This was the day to make it to the top. We set out at about 7am (cause we didn't want to get caught in the heat) This was my husband's first hike ever and mine and my best friends as far as going all the way to the top. Riley Christy's dog joined us as well - he has this terrible habit of eating all the cats food and thus is a little thick in the middle. He needed this as much as the rest of us. :)
Here Are some photos of us almost to the top (2 mile mark). Getting excited cause I know the view is going to be wonderful!!!
I have to say I'm hooked on hiking. Ready for the next trail. There's so much of God's creation to marvel at that sitting on the sofa just won't do anymore.
Ok, latest adventure. I have been desiring to go hiking for the past year now. I live in a very beautiful place that has a ton of hiking trails right in my back yard (figuratively speaking of course cause I currently live in an apartment...wish I had a back yard). A few weeks ago, I had Good Friday off and so did my boys. My son, my best friend Christy and I decided today is the day to check out Iron Mountain. We had no idea what we would find.
It was beautiful. On Friday we went about 1/2 the way (I had some little legs behind me). Last minute my oldest son's tummy wasn't feeling good so he stayed home but my youngest went. I was so proud of him. He didn't complain really. Only at the very end and we were all ready for the car that day - it was our first hike and it had gotten a little bit warm.
So my husband, my best friend and I had off the following Monday. This was the day to make it to the top. We set out at about 7am (cause we didn't want to get caught in the heat) This was my husband's first hike ever and mine and my best friends as far as going all the way to the top. Riley Christy's dog joined us as well - he has this terrible habit of eating all the cats food and thus is a little thick in the middle. He needed this as much as the rest of us. :)
Here Are some photos of us almost to the top (2 mile mark). Getting excited cause I know the view is going to be wonderful!!!
I have to say I'm hooked on hiking. Ready for the next trail. There's so much of God's creation to marvel at that sitting on the sofa just won't do anymore.
Monday, March 17, 2008
So excited!!!!
Ok, I'm finally telling about this here (so much keeps happening in life and I just don't have enough time to write it all for you to see.) Well, here's the latest. We've been praying and working towards starting the ministry God birthed in our hearts years ago. Now, with my husband and my best friend, we have offically started Totally Committed Ministries!!!!! Oh yeah, it's final. All that's left is this BIG OL fee to the IRS to finalize the 501c3. Please visit our website at www.totallycommittedministries.org . We're all very excited to see where God wants to take it all. Please continue to lift us up in prayer regarding financial support and speaking engagements. More to come on the personal life I promise....
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Oh my goodness, oral surgery. Just had it Friday. Can actually function today but yesterday was a different story. I was feeling better today until I talked with my oral surgeon and he actually explained all that he did in my mouth. With all the bone taking out and then bone re grafting, I'm wondering how I am not more a mess than I am. Thank the Lord he was able to save to much and help me prepare for a healthier tomorrow regarding my mouth.
I was so nervous going into it all. You can ask those that were around me, the fear about consumed me. My husband got on the Ransomed Heart forums and got a prayer thread goin for me. My best friend prayed over me, my kids, a lot of people. But then, I found myself the morning of my surgery totally scared. "Why Lord, why should I be scared?" No reason really. My best friend put it so plainly to me the night before. She said the Lord doesn't warn us out of fear. Fear is a devise of the enemy. God does give us warning but not using fear as a tactic. He will warn but with a sense of peace behind it all. So I evaluated where this feeling of dread was coming from. Fear. So that ruled out God's warning and showed me really, its just Satan taking a stab at my heart, AGAIN.
9:30am, Friday morning. They're strapping all the electrodes to my body and monitoring my heart before the general anaesthesia is given to me. Then I realized something significant, something amazing...PEACE. I had no worry, no fear, NOTHING. It was just me and my Lord there for about an hour, talking. I was filled with so much peace and had a wonderful nap to boot. :)
HOWEVER after the nap, it's been icky. Yesterday was the worst and I'm getting better but still very swollen. So please continue the prayer and remember, God's way isn't through fear, but peace. :)
I was so nervous going into it all. You can ask those that were around me, the fear about consumed me. My husband got on the Ransomed Heart forums and got a prayer thread goin for me. My best friend prayed over me, my kids, a lot of people. But then, I found myself the morning of my surgery totally scared. "Why Lord, why should I be scared?" No reason really. My best friend put it so plainly to me the night before. She said the Lord doesn't warn us out of fear. Fear is a devise of the enemy. God does give us warning but not using fear as a tactic. He will warn but with a sense of peace behind it all. So I evaluated where this feeling of dread was coming from. Fear. So that ruled out God's warning and showed me really, its just Satan taking a stab at my heart, AGAIN.
9:30am, Friday morning. They're strapping all the electrodes to my body and monitoring my heart before the general anaesthesia is given to me. Then I realized something significant, something amazing...PEACE. I had no worry, no fear, NOTHING. It was just me and my Lord there for about an hour, talking. I was filled with so much peace and had a wonderful nap to boot. :)
HOWEVER after the nap, it's been icky. Yesterday was the worst and I'm getting better but still very swollen. So please continue the prayer and remember, God's way isn't through fear, but peace. :)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Thursday, December 20, 2007
I love getting these little clips I get from Randsom Heart Ministries, This is a snip-it from the book "Sacred Romance". With all the hurts I've endured over the past few years, this spoke volumes to my heart. I wanted to pass it along hoping it will encourage all of you as well.
I Wonder What God Is Up To?
Several years ago I went through one of the most painful trials of my professional life. The story involves a colleague whom I will call Dave, a man I hired and with whom I had labored several years in ministry. We spent many hours on the road together, speaking to churches about the Christian life. A point came when I needed to confront Dave about some issues in his life that were hurting his own ministry and the larger purposes of our team. In all fairness, I think I handled it poorly, but I was totally unprepared for what happened next. Dave turned on me with the ferocity of a cornered animal. He fabricated lies and spread rumors in an attempt to destroy my career. His actions were so out of proportion it was hard to believe we were reacting to the same events. He went to the head pastor in an attempt to have me dismissed. The attempt failed, but our friendship was lost, and several others were hurt in the process.
In the midst of the crisis, I spoke with Brent one afternoon about the turn of events and the awful pain of betrayal. He said, "I wonder what God is up to in all this?"
"God?" I said. "What's he got to do with it?" My practical agnosticism was revealed. I was caught up in the sociodrama, the smaller story, completely blind to the true story at that point in my life. Brent's question arrested my attention and brought it to a higher level. In fact, the process of our sanctification, our journey, rests entirely on our ability to see life from the basis of that question. As the poet William Blake warned long ago, "Life's dim window of the soul distorts the heavens from pole to pole, and leads you to believe a lie, when you see with, not through, the eye."
(The Sacred Romance , 146–47)
I Wonder What God Is Up To?
Several years ago I went through one of the most painful trials of my professional life. The story involves a colleague whom I will call Dave, a man I hired and with whom I had labored several years in ministry. We spent many hours on the road together, speaking to churches about the Christian life. A point came when I needed to confront Dave about some issues in his life that were hurting his own ministry and the larger purposes of our team. In all fairness, I think I handled it poorly, but I was totally unprepared for what happened next. Dave turned on me with the ferocity of a cornered animal. He fabricated lies and spread rumors in an attempt to destroy my career. His actions were so out of proportion it was hard to believe we were reacting to the same events. He went to the head pastor in an attempt to have me dismissed. The attempt failed, but our friendship was lost, and several others were hurt in the process.
In the midst of the crisis, I spoke with Brent one afternoon about the turn of events and the awful pain of betrayal. He said, "I wonder what God is up to in all this?"
"God?" I said. "What's he got to do with it?" My practical agnosticism was revealed. I was caught up in the sociodrama, the smaller story, completely blind to the true story at that point in my life. Brent's question arrested my attention and brought it to a higher level. In fact, the process of our sanctification, our journey, rests entirely on our ability to see life from the basis of that question. As the poet William Blake warned long ago, "Life's dim window of the soul distorts the heavens from pole to pole, and leads you to believe a lie, when you see with, not through, the eye."
(The Sacred Romance , 146–47)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Letter from Jesus about Christmas --
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset
that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've
forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and
that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My
birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I
do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can
probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been
blessed with children of your own.. I don't care what you call the
day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE
ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you
that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My
birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put
in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My
followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the
town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling
the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I
who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree.
Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one
in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each
of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My
birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the
way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love
and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and
lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to
know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares
about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the
wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you
write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this
year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you
can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them
the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here.
Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and
forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt
to take their own life this season because they feel so alone
and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is,
try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the
difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in
your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work
there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't
allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you
from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the
store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let
their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a
missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to
those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole
families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree,
but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you
don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to
the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and
they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about
your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't
do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people
know by your actions (rather than your words) that you are one of
mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.
Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of
all the rest.
Check out the list above and get to work; time is
short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a
most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
This was passed along to me by my husband. Reading this helped build up my spirit again knowing that I AM needed and I matter. Sometimes I forget that I play an irreplaceable role. I pray this encourages you as well. :)
Eve Is Essential
When God creates Eve, he calls her an ezer kenegdo. "It is not good for the man to be alone, I shall make him a [ezer kenegdo]" (Gen. 2:18 Alter). This phrase is notoriously difficult to translate. The various attempts we have in English tend to be "helper" or "companion" or the notorious "help meet." Why are these translations so incredibly wimpy, boring, flat …disappointing? What is a help meet, anyway? What little girl dances through the house singing "One day I shall be a help meet?" Companion? A dog can be a companion. Helper? Sounds like Hamburger Helper. Hebrew scholar Robert Alter is getting close when he translates it "sustainer beside him."
The word ezer is used only 20 other places in the entire Old Testament. And in every other instance the person being described is God himself, when you need him to come through for you desperately.
God is your only hope. Your ezer. If he is not there beside you…you are dead. A better translation therefore of ezer would be "life-saver." Kenegdomeans alongside, or opposite to, a counterpart.
You see, the life God calls us to is not a safe life. Ask Joseph, Abraham, Moses, Deborah, Esther – any of the friends of God from the Old Testament. Ask Mary and Lazarus, ask Peter, James and John, ask Priscilla and Aquila – any of the friends of God in the New Testament. God calls us to a life involving frequent risks and many dangers. Why else would we need him to be our ezer? You don't need a life-saver if you're mission is couch potato. You need an ezer when your life is in constant danger.
That longing in the heart of a woman to share life together as a great adventure – that comes straight from the heart of God, who also longs for this. He does not want to be an option in our lives. He does not want to be an appendage, a tag-along. Neither does any woman. God is essential. Eve is essential. She has an irreplaceable role to play.
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