Americans are BIG. We have big houses and drive big cars compared to other places in the world. We build big buildings and big stadiums. We have big movie stars who make big money. They throw big parties and spend their big money.
We eat Big Macs with our big super sized combos and then we are big in size. We have big government and big egos. We are just BIG!
That big mentality spills over into our attitudes and desires, even if we aren’t one of those big movie stars with big money. All of this BIG has caused us to think, even the smallest of us, that bigger is better. I read a children’s book this summer by Will Hobbs titled Go Big or Go Home. I think that sums up our attitude. If it isn’t big enough, we don’t want it and the little things don’t matter any more. It is a shame, but I think that is where we are in our attitudes.
This “big” thing began to dawn on me while I was deep in my Esther study the other day. Beth Moore has been talking about our personal destinies so, of course, I’ve been thinking, “What is my personal destiny? What am I supposed to be doing?” I’ve asked the Lord this for a long time now and I get a little bit of an idea along the way. He has been good to give me direction but I’ve never felt like “This is it!” Maybe it's just never been BIG enough for me to say, "Okay. That's it."
So, I started questioning my motive about wanting to know. I’ve been praying every morning, “Lord search my heart and keep my intentions pure,” and He has been faithful to do that. I’ve been questioning a lot about myself lately and I know it is because of that prayer. Most of the time I don’t like what I see and this big thing is no exception. It suddenly dawned on me that I want my destiny to be BIG. A big book to write or a big Sunday School class to teach or big attendance to some place I speak or . . . I don’t know . . . just BIG. Oh, the shame of my motive - but it is true.
I have fallen victim to the BIG mentality of America. Go BIG or go home! If it isn’t big, we don’t want it. If it is going to happen to us, we want it to be big. What is up with that? I’m not a big person, in terms of sphere of influence, nor do I really want to be. My house is small, by American standards. My car is small. (We won’t talk about my truck.) My circle of friends is small. And you know what? I like it that way. Why am I thinking about the BIG?
Really, "the BIG thing" is what I wanted in my heart when I asked the Lord about my destiny. I wanted the BIG. I’ve been trained to think that way – television, movies, news reports, seeing big houses and big cars and hearing about other people’s big stories. The world has influenced me. But, I must remember . . . I am not of this world. I am a child of God and I should see things differently. God’s economy is not the world’s economy.
May the Word of God remind me of what He has said to me.
Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”
John 15:19: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world . . .”
1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. . .”
1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 Peter2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
John 3:30: “He must become greater. I must become less.”
I am chosen out of this world, not to be a part of it but to be a child of God. It is not good for me to gain the world, for the world’s wisdom is foolishness to God. When I love the things of the world, desiring what it offers and feeling full of pride, I am not loving my Lord for he is not part of the world. His will should be my desire, not my own. He is greater. I am less.
Oh LORD, I understand that something very small here on earth could be HUGE in your sight. I understand that substitute teaching my very small Sunday School class could be the very thing you have called my to do, even though it doesn’t seem very big to my eyes. I understand that sending someone a note of encouragement or a $20 bill could be BIG in your economy. I understand that I am called to do Your will, not my own and that my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. (Isaiah 55) Give me a desire to do Your will. Make me content to do whatever it may be, no matter how small. Let me think about the small things as if they are monumental . . .because really they just might be the one huge thing that makes a difference in someone’s spiritual life. Give me eyes to see things Your way, LORD. Give me a sense of purpose, even when I’m doing something that seems miniscule to me. Bigger is not better in Your eyes, LORD. Remind me that Your thoughts are different. Faith. Build my faith, so that I will seek Your will and not my own. In Jesus’ mighty name I ask these things . . .
And on a more personal note . . . David, I hope these words were wise enough for you this morning! Thanks for being a faithful reader and making me post something new. Keep reminding me. Of course, you could make a comment every now and then.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday
It's Saturday! And a beautiful Saturday at that. I love lazy Saturdays.
Nothing special going on here today. I have no devotionals to post. No particular news to tell. Just glad it is Saturday.
My guys went hunting this morning. I had breakfast waiting on them when they got back. Jeffrey had a football game. We lost 38 to 0 but Jeffrey played a good game. He really excels out on the field and I'm not just being a mom when I say that. I love to watch him play - no matter what sport it is - football, baseball - it doesn't matter. I'm just thrilled to watch.
After the game we came home. I cleaned house while the guys slept. Then we went out to eat. They asked me to go hunting with them this evening, but I said no. I haven't gotten over the chiggers from last week. Drove me crazy all week. So they won't be back till late tonight.
Looks like a walk with the dog, a quick pedicure with new nail color and a second viewing of Beth Moore's Esther video #4. (I'm avoiding the 6 stacks of papers I have to grade before Monday. Can you tell?)
I love lazy Saturdays! Sigh . . .
Nothing special going on here today. I have no devotionals to post. No particular news to tell. Just glad it is Saturday.
My guys went hunting this morning. I had breakfast waiting on them when they got back. Jeffrey had a football game. We lost 38 to 0 but Jeffrey played a good game. He really excels out on the field and I'm not just being a mom when I say that. I love to watch him play - no matter what sport it is - football, baseball - it doesn't matter. I'm just thrilled to watch.
After the game we came home. I cleaned house while the guys slept. Then we went out to eat. They asked me to go hunting with them this evening, but I said no. I haven't gotten over the chiggers from last week. Drove me crazy all week. So they won't be back till late tonight.
Looks like a walk with the dog, a quick pedicure with new nail color and a second viewing of Beth Moore's Esther video #4. (I'm avoiding the 6 stacks of papers I have to grade before Monday. Can you tell?)
I love lazy Saturdays! Sigh . . .
Monday, September 14, 2009
Scripture That Guards
Earlier this year, I made a commitment to memorize two Bible verses each month. The verses could be of my choosing but I had to report my choices on the 1st and 15th of the month to my accountability partners.
I had never attempted to memorize scripture at a consistent pace before. Maybe I’d memorized a few, but really, I thought it was something I couldn’t do. I remember even writing that down in one of my old journals. “I’m not good at memorizing scripture.”
Well let me just tell you that was a lie Satan wanted me to believe. He just wanted me to think I couldn’t do it. Sounds pretty reasonable if you look at it from his point of view. The Word is my sword according to Ephesians 6:17. It is the weapon I can defend myself with. Why would he want me to sharpen my sword and have it ready? He wouldn’t, of course! That is why he kept telling me I couldn’t remember scripture! And for a while, I believed his lies.
I know the truth now, and the truth is I am hungry for God’s word. I can memorize it quickly and it comes to my mind and my mouth just when I need it. I cannot begin to tell you how often I have been in a situation, feeling defeated or feeling uncertain or even feeling joyful when BAM - there is it – in my mind and on my tongue. God’s Word is awesome!
Take for example my recent situation. There has been an area of my life that has not gone the way I wanted it to go. I’ve done everything I know to do. I’ve handled it the way the LORD has directed me, but still my prayers are unanswered and the situation looks bleak from here.
Needless to say, I’ve been very anxious about the outcome. But every time I started getting to that really anxious place – the place where I knew I was just going to emotionally lose it, my memory verse came to mind.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That was me. I was anxious. So I would offer up to my Lord thanksgiving. (I’d already done a whole lot of prayer and petition.) And I would rest in the fact that He had it under control, even if it didn’t look that way to me.
You know, this verse doesn’t tell us that we’ll get what we asked for – maybe because He knows better than us and whatever we’re asking for might not be the best way to solve the situation. Nope. It doesn’t promise us answered prayers. It promises peace – a peace that is beyond understanding. It promises the kind of peace that doesn’t make sense. Others might look at you in the middle of your peace and think . . .”Why isn’t she upset?” Or, “I don’t see how she is holding up right now.” The LORD’s peace goes beyond understanding.
The other thing I find interesting about this verse is that this peace stands guard over your heart and your mind. Interesting. You would only need a guard if there was a threat, right?
In my case, I became anxious every time I was reminded of the situation. That could be many times in a day. So each time, it was presented, I would begin to start worrying and here would come my verse. I would say the verse out loud (didn’t have to look it up because it was in my memory) and I would remember to trust my MORD and her would come my peace – the peace that stood guard and didn’t allow all those anxious, negative thoughts to consume me.
The peace of God has been guarding my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. I sure have been under attack, but I’m feeling pretty good because I know that LORD has posted peace to be my guard. I do not need to be anxious – all I need to do is pray and thank my LORD.
I don’t know what part of this you needed to hear today. Maybe you too have believed Satan’s lie that you can’t memorize scripture. To you I would say . . . grab hold of the truth. Take up your sword and defeat the lie. Find some verses that speak to you and some friends that will hold you accountable. You’ll be glad you did.
Maybe you needed to hear that God’s peace will guard your heart and your mind. Maybe you are in the middle of some kind of battle and you needed to know this. To you I would say . . . write this verse (Phil. 4:6-7) on a card and carry it around with you. Repeat it over and over until it is hiding in your heart. Speak it every time you begin to feel anxious. Let it remind you that God is in control and He has sent peace to guard over you. Thank Him – for He is good.
Dear LORD, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that You have given it to us to teach us, protect us, comfort us, encourage us and much more. I thank You that You have shown me the truth. I thank You that You have equipped me with a mind that is able to memorize Your Word. And, I thank You for the hunger I have for Your Word and Your presence in my life. Fill me up LORD. Fill me up with You. I want to know You more and more each day. Thank You. In Jesus name . . .
I had never attempted to memorize scripture at a consistent pace before. Maybe I’d memorized a few, but really, I thought it was something I couldn’t do. I remember even writing that down in one of my old journals. “I’m not good at memorizing scripture.”
Well let me just tell you that was a lie Satan wanted me to believe. He just wanted me to think I couldn’t do it. Sounds pretty reasonable if you look at it from his point of view. The Word is my sword according to Ephesians 6:17. It is the weapon I can defend myself with. Why would he want me to sharpen my sword and have it ready? He wouldn’t, of course! That is why he kept telling me I couldn’t remember scripture! And for a while, I believed his lies.
I know the truth now, and the truth is I am hungry for God’s word. I can memorize it quickly and it comes to my mind and my mouth just when I need it. I cannot begin to tell you how often I have been in a situation, feeling defeated or feeling uncertain or even feeling joyful when BAM - there is it – in my mind and on my tongue. God’s Word is awesome!
Take for example my recent situation. There has been an area of my life that has not gone the way I wanted it to go. I’ve done everything I know to do. I’ve handled it the way the LORD has directed me, but still my prayers are unanswered and the situation looks bleak from here.
Needless to say, I’ve been very anxious about the outcome. But every time I started getting to that really anxious place – the place where I knew I was just going to emotionally lose it, my memory verse came to mind.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That was me. I was anxious. So I would offer up to my Lord thanksgiving. (I’d already done a whole lot of prayer and petition.) And I would rest in the fact that He had it under control, even if it didn’t look that way to me.
You know, this verse doesn’t tell us that we’ll get what we asked for – maybe because He knows better than us and whatever we’re asking for might not be the best way to solve the situation. Nope. It doesn’t promise us answered prayers. It promises peace – a peace that is beyond understanding. It promises the kind of peace that doesn’t make sense. Others might look at you in the middle of your peace and think . . .”Why isn’t she upset?” Or, “I don’t see how she is holding up right now.” The LORD’s peace goes beyond understanding.
The other thing I find interesting about this verse is that this peace stands guard over your heart and your mind. Interesting. You would only need a guard if there was a threat, right?
In my case, I became anxious every time I was reminded of the situation. That could be many times in a day. So each time, it was presented, I would begin to start worrying and here would come my verse. I would say the verse out loud (didn’t have to look it up because it was in my memory) and I would remember to trust my MORD and her would come my peace – the peace that stood guard and didn’t allow all those anxious, negative thoughts to consume me.
The peace of God has been guarding my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. I sure have been under attack, but I’m feeling pretty good because I know that LORD has posted peace to be my guard. I do not need to be anxious – all I need to do is pray and thank my LORD.
I don’t know what part of this you needed to hear today. Maybe you too have believed Satan’s lie that you can’t memorize scripture. To you I would say . . . grab hold of the truth. Take up your sword and defeat the lie. Find some verses that speak to you and some friends that will hold you accountable. You’ll be glad you did.
Maybe you needed to hear that God’s peace will guard your heart and your mind. Maybe you are in the middle of some kind of battle and you needed to know this. To you I would say . . . write this verse (Phil. 4:6-7) on a card and carry it around with you. Repeat it over and over until it is hiding in your heart. Speak it every time you begin to feel anxious. Let it remind you that God is in control and He has sent peace to guard over you. Thank Him – for He is good.
Dear LORD, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that You have given it to us to teach us, protect us, comfort us, encourage us and much more. I thank You that You have shown me the truth. I thank You that You have equipped me with a mind that is able to memorize Your Word. And, I thank You for the hunger I have for Your Word and Your presence in my life. Fill me up LORD. Fill me up with You. I want to know You more and more each day. Thank You. In Jesus name . . .
Friday, August 14, 2009
Promises from God
I’ve had a situation in my life for quite a few years now that requires a lot of prayer and often results in tears. The LORD has given me a promise in this area of my life. As I wept one day, pointing out some things he said in Psalms and begging Him to give me assurance of those things, He spoke a promise to my heart. I knew He had heard me. I knew there was no more that needed to be said or asked. He had spoken His word to me and it was a promise.
So, I’ve held on to that promise. When things don’t look too positive, I’ve had to be reminded of His promise. “Do you trust me?” was the feeling I kept getting one day – which, I think, means we’ve got some troubled roads ahead of us before His promise is fulfilled. I guess the recent situation is one of those roads.
As I cried yesterday, I told God that He needed to keep reminding me of His promise. “Don’t let me forget,” I begged. God is good! And, He listens! And, He is sweet to me.
Jeffrey and I cleaned his room after my cry. We had several bags of trash after emptying his bookbag, so we took the bags out to the can and then rolled the can to the front – since today is trash day.
While I was positioning the can, Jeffrey said, “Look! There’s a rainbow!” Yep! There is was – a big, beautiful reminder of His promises. Now, you just tell me . . . .Who can manipulate the clouds and the sun and the rain into just the right place, at just the right time, so that I could see it perfectly in the biggest open spot around? Only my Father in Heaven!
That rainbow was just for me yesterday. I know it. It was my Father saying, “Here! Remember my promise to you. You are important to me and I hear your cries.”
I thanked God right away for putting that rainbow there and I told Jeffrey what I had prayed earlier. He said, “Well, I guess He really did hear you.” Not only that, but He responded!
My God is good! He is the Alpha and Omega. He holds all of creation in His hand. His love is everlasting. And, I am His!
But here is the thing that gets me . . . Isn’t it neat to know that God is the kind of Father that would set something sweet up just for you? Actually, I think He likes setting up little surprises for us – especially if we’re the kind of child that notices. And, He’s personal too. He does things for us individually. Yeah, everyone around saw that rainbow but I was the one who asked to be reminded of His promise and the rainbow represents His promises. That rainbow was for me! Thank you, LORD!
May I always have my eyes open to see how my LORD is working around me. I don’t want to overlook a thing.
I sing praises to you, my LORD!
So, I’ve held on to that promise. When things don’t look too positive, I’ve had to be reminded of His promise. “Do you trust me?” was the feeling I kept getting one day – which, I think, means we’ve got some troubled roads ahead of us before His promise is fulfilled. I guess the recent situation is one of those roads.
As I cried yesterday, I told God that He needed to keep reminding me of His promise. “Don’t let me forget,” I begged. God is good! And, He listens! And, He is sweet to me.
Jeffrey and I cleaned his room after my cry. We had several bags of trash after emptying his bookbag, so we took the bags out to the can and then rolled the can to the front – since today is trash day.
While I was positioning the can, Jeffrey said, “Look! There’s a rainbow!” Yep! There is was – a big, beautiful reminder of His promises. Now, you just tell me . . . .Who can manipulate the clouds and the sun and the rain into just the right place, at just the right time, so that I could see it perfectly in the biggest open spot around? Only my Father in Heaven!
That rainbow was just for me yesterday. I know it. It was my Father saying, “Here! Remember my promise to you. You are important to me and I hear your cries.”
I thanked God right away for putting that rainbow there and I told Jeffrey what I had prayed earlier. He said, “Well, I guess He really did hear you.” Not only that, but He responded!
My God is good! He is the Alpha and Omega. He holds all of creation in His hand. His love is everlasting. And, I am His!
But here is the thing that gets me . . . Isn’t it neat to know that God is the kind of Father that would set something sweet up just for you? Actually, I think He likes setting up little surprises for us – especially if we’re the kind of child that notices. And, He’s personal too. He does things for us individually. Yeah, everyone around saw that rainbow but I was the one who asked to be reminded of His promise and the rainbow represents His promises. That rainbow was for me! Thank you, LORD!
May I always have my eyes open to see how my LORD is working around me. I don’t want to overlook a thing.
I sing praises to you, my LORD!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Praise from the Mission Field
Our mission trip was such a blessing from God! I wish I could tell you everything that happened during the week, but, alas, I would be here a very long time doing that. So, I guess I'll just hit the hightlights.
Highlight #1: It rained almost all week. Very wet. Very muddy. We had never had to deal with rain during our camp week before and I guess God just threw that in to kick it up a notch. I think we rose to the occassion though. Nobody really complained about it. The youth did a great job being flexible with the schedule and doing extra cabin time when we were forced to go to bed early because of thunderstorms and tornado warnings. All in all the rain was a blessing because it kept it from being so hot.
Highlight #2: I didn't really get to work with the kids very much because my focus was the mom's retreat. That didn't start until Thursday, so I had two days to just help out where I could. I helped with crafts, which is always fun. I helped the children carry their food trays during meal time and I acted as waitress to get drinks and napkins and second helpings. Little Joseph was such a sweetie. He stole my heart last year when he was in my group. One night I was helping him carry his food and I spilled a little of his lemonade into his ketchup. I offered to go get him more ketchup but he wouldn't let me. "No, it won't change the way it tastes," he kept insisting. So sweet and never a complainer. Mr. Charlie, (one of the men form my church who came to help in the kitchen) noticed how Joseph was limping around one day and asked why. Joseph said his feet hurt so Mr. Charlie took off his shoes and quickly realized his shoes were way too small for his feet. So Mr. Charlie traced Joseph's feet and promptly went to town to buy him some new shoes. They were fast friends after that and Joseph could often be found by Mr. Charlie's side. Mr. Charlie cried about that little boy. How often do you see that?
Highlight #3: I did get asked to do a Bible study with the teenage group. One night after worship and the message, I stopped by the Purple Team to see how they were doing. I answered a few questions and offered a few verses and sent the youth leaders in the right direction. Later, some of the youth leaders from that group came to me and said they had noticed that many members of their group had no respect for their bodies. They wanted to do a Bible lesson that would show their group members how God viewed them and why it was important to respect God by respecting themselves. This was really a touchy subject for them and I'm guessing the leaders felt uncomfortable with the subject. So, I talked with Michael, one of the youth ministers there with us and we came up with a good road map through the Bible on the subject. He talked with the boys and I talked with the girls. What a thrill! I had the best time talking to those young girls. And, oh, I know they listened. God's word was very well received by each of them. Later that week, one of those girls made a profession of faith and was baptized in the lake. I knew she would. I could see it in her eyes and I could hear it in her questions. And as for the others, seeds were planted and I feel sure that some day they will grow. Praise the LORD!
Highlight #4: I got to work with the moms! We had a blast! The fellowship was good - 6 moms from last year's retreat came back. The food was good - chocolate fountain was a hit! The Word was just what they needed. Our theme was "Facing Our Giants" and we had made a giant Goliath out of foam board as a display. We had a great time writing our personal giants on little notecards, tacking them all over Goliath and then finding Bible verses that defeated our giants and tacking those over the the giants we had posted. Very cool and we all walked away with sharpened swords to wield in the face of our personal giants. The moms were a hoot and we are already looking forward to next year.
Highlight #5: Kimberley! She was a mom that came last year. She didn't want to be there - only came because she thought she had to since her daughter was at our camp. She was very bitter and she captured my heart immediately last year. She won a study Bible as a door prize last year. "Go figure," she said. "Who can I give it to?" But before she left she asked each of us - me, Wanda and Katrina - to write our favorite verses in the front. We did and the good news is she didn't give that Bible away. She read our verses and she wanted to read more and more and before long she wasn't the Kimbereley we knew anymore. She was a new creation. The old had gone and the new had come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 - which was our theme verse last year.) We prayed for her all year. When I saw her this year, I knew! She had Jesus written all over her face and her words were warm and sweet. She hugged us tight! She waited for our retreat to make a public profession of faith, but really, she already had Jesus in her heart. She was baptized in the lake on Saturday morning. Praise the LORD!
God's word is powerful! He promises us that His word will never come back to Him empty and that it will always accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) That is big! All we have to do is plant the seeds and water them. God will make them grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
I am so blessed to be able to serve my LORD and Savior. I am so blessed to not only be a part of the planting but also that He allowed me to be a part of the harvest. What a thrill! Thank you LORD, for the opportunities you have given me to serve You. Thank you LORD, for leading me to this place where I can see Your beautiful work being accomplished. I sing praises to You, LORD! Thank you!
Highlight #1: It rained almost all week. Very wet. Very muddy. We had never had to deal with rain during our camp week before and I guess God just threw that in to kick it up a notch. I think we rose to the occassion though. Nobody really complained about it. The youth did a great job being flexible with the schedule and doing extra cabin time when we were forced to go to bed early because of thunderstorms and tornado warnings. All in all the rain was a blessing because it kept it from being so hot.
Highlight #2: I didn't really get to work with the kids very much because my focus was the mom's retreat. That didn't start until Thursday, so I had two days to just help out where I could. I helped with crafts, which is always fun. I helped the children carry their food trays during meal time and I acted as waitress to get drinks and napkins and second helpings. Little Joseph was such a sweetie. He stole my heart last year when he was in my group. One night I was helping him carry his food and I spilled a little of his lemonade into his ketchup. I offered to go get him more ketchup but he wouldn't let me. "No, it won't change the way it tastes," he kept insisting. So sweet and never a complainer. Mr. Charlie, (one of the men form my church who came to help in the kitchen) noticed how Joseph was limping around one day and asked why. Joseph said his feet hurt so Mr. Charlie took off his shoes and quickly realized his shoes were way too small for his feet. So Mr. Charlie traced Joseph's feet and promptly went to town to buy him some new shoes. They were fast friends after that and Joseph could often be found by Mr. Charlie's side. Mr. Charlie cried about that little boy. How often do you see that?
Highlight #3: I did get asked to do a Bible study with the teenage group. One night after worship and the message, I stopped by the Purple Team to see how they were doing. I answered a few questions and offered a few verses and sent the youth leaders in the right direction. Later, some of the youth leaders from that group came to me and said they had noticed that many members of their group had no respect for their bodies. They wanted to do a Bible lesson that would show their group members how God viewed them and why it was important to respect God by respecting themselves. This was really a touchy subject for them and I'm guessing the leaders felt uncomfortable with the subject. So, I talked with Michael, one of the youth ministers there with us and we came up with a good road map through the Bible on the subject. He talked with the boys and I talked with the girls. What a thrill! I had the best time talking to those young girls. And, oh, I know they listened. God's word was very well received by each of them. Later that week, one of those girls made a profession of faith and was baptized in the lake. I knew she would. I could see it in her eyes and I could hear it in her questions. And as for the others, seeds were planted and I feel sure that some day they will grow. Praise the LORD!
Highlight #4: I got to work with the moms! We had a blast! The fellowship was good - 6 moms from last year's retreat came back. The food was good - chocolate fountain was a hit! The Word was just what they needed. Our theme was "Facing Our Giants" and we had made a giant Goliath out of foam board as a display. We had a great time writing our personal giants on little notecards, tacking them all over Goliath and then finding Bible verses that defeated our giants and tacking those over the the giants we had posted. Very cool and we all walked away with sharpened swords to wield in the face of our personal giants. The moms were a hoot and we are already looking forward to next year.
Highlight #5: Kimberley! She was a mom that came last year. She didn't want to be there - only came because she thought she had to since her daughter was at our camp. She was very bitter and she captured my heart immediately last year. She won a study Bible as a door prize last year. "Go figure," she said. "Who can I give it to?" But before she left she asked each of us - me, Wanda and Katrina - to write our favorite verses in the front. We did and the good news is she didn't give that Bible away. She read our verses and she wanted to read more and more and before long she wasn't the Kimbereley we knew anymore. She was a new creation. The old had gone and the new had come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 - which was our theme verse last year.) We prayed for her all year. When I saw her this year, I knew! She had Jesus written all over her face and her words were warm and sweet. She hugged us tight! She waited for our retreat to make a public profession of faith, but really, she already had Jesus in her heart. She was baptized in the lake on Saturday morning. Praise the LORD!
God's word is powerful! He promises us that His word will never come back to Him empty and that it will always accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) That is big! All we have to do is plant the seeds and water them. God will make them grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
I am so blessed to be able to serve my LORD and Savior. I am so blessed to not only be a part of the planting but also that He allowed me to be a part of the harvest. What a thrill! Thank you LORD, for the opportunities you have given me to serve You. Thank you LORD, for leading me to this place where I can see Your beautiful work being accomplished. I sing praises to You, LORD! Thank you!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Mission Trip 09
Well, the time has come!
I leave tomorrow morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM, to go on our mission trip to Tennessee. I can't wait!
We'll be hosting a camp for children of single moms and then on Thursday the moms get to come for a mom retreat. We have exciting stuff planned like a spa day - complete with nails and facials, relaxing music and a chocolate fountain - of course. Wanda made a little card with a verse about the fountain of life (can't remember the reference right now) to post beside the fountain. She's so funny! The most important part of our day will be our Bible study. (Still working on that. Pray for me please.)
And, Amy Stephens will be coming to speak on Friday night. Can't wait! I haven't met her yet but I've been very encouraged by her enthusiasm for God from our phone conversation and emails. What a blessing that will be!
Our theme is "Facing Our Giants" this year. The kids down at Creekside will be doing all kinds of football things. I guess we'll be the homecoming queens.
Anyway, I'm so very excited and doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight.
I'll try to post some pictures during the week.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill Deer Run up - "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" - full up! Pray that women will be saved a God's wonderful love will be revealed. I'm praying for BIG things!
I leave tomorrow morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM, to go on our mission trip to Tennessee. I can't wait!
We'll be hosting a camp for children of single moms and then on Thursday the moms get to come for a mom retreat. We have exciting stuff planned like a spa day - complete with nails and facials, relaxing music and a chocolate fountain - of course. Wanda made a little card with a verse about the fountain of life (can't remember the reference right now) to post beside the fountain. She's so funny! The most important part of our day will be our Bible study. (Still working on that. Pray for me please.)
And, Amy Stephens will be coming to speak on Friday night. Can't wait! I haven't met her yet but I've been very encouraged by her enthusiasm for God from our phone conversation and emails. What a blessing that will be!
Our theme is "Facing Our Giants" this year. The kids down at Creekside will be doing all kinds of football things. I guess we'll be the homecoming queens.
Anyway, I'm so very excited and doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight.
I'll try to post some pictures during the week.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill Deer Run up - "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" - full up! Pray that women will be saved a God's wonderful love will be revealed. I'm praying for BIG things!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Unexpected Messengers
Sometimes God sends the most unexpected messengers.
For over 2 years I’ve been dealing with a watery right eye. Well, its not just watery; its full of puss sometimes and hurts a good deal of the time. I’ve been to all kinds of eye doctors. Every doctor would say, “If this doesn’t work, you may have to see an eyelid specialist – one who deals with tear ducts.” It was the worst case scenario threat.
This week I went to see him. Dr. Mather – educated in all the right medical schools, highly recommended, well respected in the medical community and one of only 200 eyelid specialists in our country.
Anyway, Dr. Mather explained what he thought and what he was going to do before he began to probe my tear duct. He told me we were looking for something that was blocking it, usually that was a little stone, crystallized matter that had built up. He would clear it out and that would be it. All done; I’d be better. He said, “99% of the time this works.”
I knew right then I was the 1% and sure enough I was right. No stones. So, now what? Wait. That’s what he said. We could do surgery but that would compound some other eye issues I have and he didn’t want to do that unless he absolutely had to. So, we’re waiting.
Now, I’ve prayed for healing of my eye for these 2 years, especially since March or so, when it started to get really painful. My husband has even put his hand over my eye everyday and prayed. So, a lot of verbal prayers have been lifted up. But, some silent prayers have been lifted up too. After my visit, I sent up one of those silent prayers. “Give me something, Lord. Tell me what to do.”
The next evening I was watering my potted plants in the backyard. My driveway is really long and goes all the way to the backyard and then opens into a patio. Most people who know us will pull all the way down the drive but those who don’t will stop near the front door.
I’m watering away when I notice an old yellow Mercedes – driven by an old black man slowly pulling down the drive. I didn’t know the man so I yelled at Jeff that someone was here. Sometimes people from his work will come by and bring him something to fix. He’s very clever with small engines. I just assumed Jeff knew the man. He didn’t.
By the time the yellow Mercedes had come to a stop, Jeff and I were both standing at the back edge of the house and the man had driven all the way down our drive – all the way to the backyard. We were curious.
Then, thick with old Charleston accent, the man started talking.
“I’m just doin’ me some drive-by healin’. Yeah, our preacher said lots of folks in this world need healin’. He sent us out. So, I’m just doin’ drive-by healin’.”
Drive-by healin’? I was floored. How many years had I been praying for healin’ of my eye? Didn’t I just go to my last hope doctor? Didn’t he just say I was the 1% and we could wait and hope for the best? Didn’t I place my hope in the LORD?
I was ready to burst out, “Pray for my eye!” But Jeff said, “That’s very nice of you. Thank you sir.” And with that, the old man mumbled again, “I’m doin’ drive-by healin’,” and began to back out the drive.
I watched him creep slowly down the street. I suppose he was praying for healin’, being led by the spirit to where healin’ was needed, but he didn’t pull into anyone else’s drive. Jeff and I watched him disappear around the corner – speechless. Then, he looked at me and said, “Drive-by healin’? I never heard of such a thing.”
“He was an answer to prayer,” I shouted. “He was sent by my Lord to give me a message! Honey, I got me some drive-by healin’! Praise the LORD!” I laughed and laughed with joy at the message my Lord had sent me.
Later, I went inside and knelt in thanksgiving before my Lord. I began to realize what an unexpected messenger He had sent. He knew I needed more than a word of encouragement from family or friend. I needed something other than a Bible verse. He knew I needed words of hope from an unexpected messenger. Its amazing how fast an unexpected messenger will get our attention, isn’t it.
I marveled at how my Lord weaves our lives into something beautiful. I marveled at His messenger – an old black man, sent out from church, choosing a very white neighborhood, driving down my drive to tell us he was doing drive-by healin’. I marveled at how God uses His people. The man never asked if I needed healing. He never asked to pray for me. That wasn’t what he was there for. He was a messenger –sent to give hope. And, this side of heaven, he’ll never know what he did for me that night because I never told him.
“but those who hop in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I don’t know what awaits me and my eye in the future. Maybe like Elijah my messenger was sent to give me bread and nourishment because the journey ahead of me is long and difficult. Or, maybe he was a messenger of good news like the 3 visitors sent to tell Abram and Sarah they would have a son. (If so, I’m glad I didn’t laugh in doubt like she did.)
Time will tell. But for now, I’m pleased to feel encouraged by my Lord. It’s just another way He shows me I am chosen and loved and strengthened by Him. Thank you, LORD!
For over 2 years I’ve been dealing with a watery right eye. Well, its not just watery; its full of puss sometimes and hurts a good deal of the time. I’ve been to all kinds of eye doctors. Every doctor would say, “If this doesn’t work, you may have to see an eyelid specialist – one who deals with tear ducts.” It was the worst case scenario threat.
This week I went to see him. Dr. Mather – educated in all the right medical schools, highly recommended, well respected in the medical community and one of only 200 eyelid specialists in our country.
Anyway, Dr. Mather explained what he thought and what he was going to do before he began to probe my tear duct. He told me we were looking for something that was blocking it, usually that was a little stone, crystallized matter that had built up. He would clear it out and that would be it. All done; I’d be better. He said, “99% of the time this works.”
I knew right then I was the 1% and sure enough I was right. No stones. So, now what? Wait. That’s what he said. We could do surgery but that would compound some other eye issues I have and he didn’t want to do that unless he absolutely had to. So, we’re waiting.
Now, I’ve prayed for healing of my eye for these 2 years, especially since March or so, when it started to get really painful. My husband has even put his hand over my eye everyday and prayed. So, a lot of verbal prayers have been lifted up. But, some silent prayers have been lifted up too. After my visit, I sent up one of those silent prayers. “Give me something, Lord. Tell me what to do.”
The next evening I was watering my potted plants in the backyard. My driveway is really long and goes all the way to the backyard and then opens into a patio. Most people who know us will pull all the way down the drive but those who don’t will stop near the front door.
I’m watering away when I notice an old yellow Mercedes – driven by an old black man slowly pulling down the drive. I didn’t know the man so I yelled at Jeff that someone was here. Sometimes people from his work will come by and bring him something to fix. He’s very clever with small engines. I just assumed Jeff knew the man. He didn’t.
By the time the yellow Mercedes had come to a stop, Jeff and I were both standing at the back edge of the house and the man had driven all the way down our drive – all the way to the backyard. We were curious.
Then, thick with old Charleston accent, the man started talking.
“I’m just doin’ me some drive-by healin’. Yeah, our preacher said lots of folks in this world need healin’. He sent us out. So, I’m just doin’ drive-by healin’.”
Drive-by healin’? I was floored. How many years had I been praying for healin’ of my eye? Didn’t I just go to my last hope doctor? Didn’t he just say I was the 1% and we could wait and hope for the best? Didn’t I place my hope in the LORD?
I was ready to burst out, “Pray for my eye!” But Jeff said, “That’s very nice of you. Thank you sir.” And with that, the old man mumbled again, “I’m doin’ drive-by healin’,” and began to back out the drive.
I watched him creep slowly down the street. I suppose he was praying for healin’, being led by the spirit to where healin’ was needed, but he didn’t pull into anyone else’s drive. Jeff and I watched him disappear around the corner – speechless. Then, he looked at me and said, “Drive-by healin’? I never heard of such a thing.”
“He was an answer to prayer,” I shouted. “He was sent by my Lord to give me a message! Honey, I got me some drive-by healin’! Praise the LORD!” I laughed and laughed with joy at the message my Lord had sent me.
Later, I went inside and knelt in thanksgiving before my Lord. I began to realize what an unexpected messenger He had sent. He knew I needed more than a word of encouragement from family or friend. I needed something other than a Bible verse. He knew I needed words of hope from an unexpected messenger. Its amazing how fast an unexpected messenger will get our attention, isn’t it.
I marveled at how my Lord weaves our lives into something beautiful. I marveled at His messenger – an old black man, sent out from church, choosing a very white neighborhood, driving down my drive to tell us he was doing drive-by healin’. I marveled at how God uses His people. The man never asked if I needed healing. He never asked to pray for me. That wasn’t what he was there for. He was a messenger –sent to give hope. And, this side of heaven, he’ll never know what he did for me that night because I never told him.
“but those who hop in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I don’t know what awaits me and my eye in the future. Maybe like Elijah my messenger was sent to give me bread and nourishment because the journey ahead of me is long and difficult. Or, maybe he was a messenger of good news like the 3 visitors sent to tell Abram and Sarah they would have a son. (If so, I’m glad I didn’t laugh in doubt like she did.)
Time will tell. But for now, I’m pleased to feel encouraged by my Lord. It’s just another way He shows me I am chosen and loved and strengthened by Him. Thank you, LORD!
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