Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice."
How can you and I Rejoice in the Lord always? As I think about this question my thoughts immediately go back to a teacher I had in college, Mrs. Marlene Evans. She seemed to ALWAYS be rejoicing even through her time with cancer, she rejoiced.
Why did she rejoice? Well, these are a few things I have thought of that gave Mrs. Evans a reason to rejoice:
1. She was saved
2. She loved the Lord and wanted to rejoice in Him
3. She was faithful to her Lord
4. She loved not only the Lord but others
5. She didn't let life rule her, she ruled life and made the Best of anything.
These are just a few things that Mrs. Evans, through her life taught me. As we, you and I, face things in life why don't we try to be like Mrs. Evans. One of her favorite verses was Phil. 4:4, in the short time that I knew her; she truly lived this verse. She rejoiced in the Lord and she rejoiced again and again.
So friend how can you rejoice?
In thinking about my life I know I can rejoice in:
1. my salvation
2. my family
3. my church - church family, Pastor and his wife
4. my friends
5. I can rejoice in the fact that I love the Lord and others.
Just to name a few!
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Friday, September 4, 2015
Are you a stumbling block?
Romans 14:13 "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fail in his brother's way."
We are constantly being looked to, asked questions etc. by those who are younger than us sometimes even by our piers and older people. So as you go through life are you being a stepping stone or a stumbling block?
As we go through our life the way we live, what we say, how we dress, our faithfulness to church, our lives in general will either cause one to stumble or it will provide a stepping stone for one to follow in your foot steps. You say, "I don't want anyone following in my steps." Friend I'm sorry but there are people all over that are watching and deciding one of two things:
1. I want to be like that person or even follow in the same direction.
2 OR I would never follow him/her!
Which are you?
Who is in your life that was a stepping stone for you? stumbling block?
I personally would want to be a stepping stone. Why?
I have 5 children whom I've been raising 1 is now married and 2 are in Bible college, while 2 are still at home. Do I want to live my life so that I would possibly cause them to stray from what we've tried to teach and train them? Or do I want to make sure all I say and do is Christ honoring so that they have a better chance of staying on the right path so to speak.
This is just an example of why I don't want to be a stumbling block.
Your choice --- make the right one.
We are constantly being looked to, asked questions etc. by those who are younger than us sometimes even by our piers and older people. So as you go through life are you being a stepping stone or a stumbling block?
As we go through our life the way we live, what we say, how we dress, our faithfulness to church, our lives in general will either cause one to stumble or it will provide a stepping stone for one to follow in your foot steps. You say, "I don't want anyone following in my steps." Friend I'm sorry but there are people all over that are watching and deciding one of two things:
1. I want to be like that person or even follow in the same direction.
2 OR I would never follow him/her!
Which are you?
Who is in your life that was a stepping stone for you? stumbling block?
I personally would want to be a stepping stone. Why?
I have 5 children whom I've been raising 1 is now married and 2 are in Bible college, while 2 are still at home. Do I want to live my life so that I would possibly cause them to stray from what we've tried to teach and train them? Or do I want to make sure all I say and do is Christ honoring so that they have a better chance of staying on the right path so to speak.
This is just an example of why I don't want to be a stumbling block.
Your choice --- make the right one.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Protecting Your Spirit
I'm amazed how many things and people try and in some cases do hurt our spirit. I'm not remembering where I heard it but, We are to protect our spirit so we can protect our family. I've not quoted this exact but I believe you get the idea.
II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Through God we can protect our spirit through power, love and sound mind. He doesn't give us a spirit of fear. As we move forward in a new chapter of our lives, if we weren't careful fear could slip in. Not knowing exactly what the Lord is going to do in our lives. Instead we move on with the Power of the Holy Spirit, the Love of God and keeping our mind sound by staying in his word daily, praying and being faithful to Him.
One of the ways we stay faithful is by attending church and growing through the preaching! The fellowship helps to encourage us, the friendships that become new and or stronger. What more could I ask other than the Lord helping me to protect my spirit as well as my family!
This isn't a long post, however, we as Christians in a world that is in danger, need to work even harder to protect our family and their spirit as well as our own spirit.
II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Through God we can protect our spirit through power, love and sound mind. He doesn't give us a spirit of fear. As we move forward in a new chapter of our lives, if we weren't careful fear could slip in. Not knowing exactly what the Lord is going to do in our lives. Instead we move on with the Power of the Holy Spirit, the Love of God and keeping our mind sound by staying in his word daily, praying and being faithful to Him.
One of the ways we stay faithful is by attending church and growing through the preaching! The fellowship helps to encourage us, the friendships that become new and or stronger. What more could I ask other than the Lord helping me to protect my spirit as well as my family!
This isn't a long post, however, we as Christians in a world that is in danger, need to work even harder to protect our family and their spirit as well as our own spirit.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Be a Soul Winner!
III John 3 "I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth."
What greater joy is there than to hear of one being saved?! I have been saved for 27 yrs. and I get excited when I hear of someone being saved! When one realizes that they are a sinner and that need the Saviour not only am I excited but the angles in Heaven sing!
Just recently I had the privilege of leading a 9 yr old, 2 - 17 yr olds an a 18 yr old, to the Lord. It was so precious and sweet to see these young people stand there and listen to the gospel. Then bow their heads and ask the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts. What Greater Joy is there?
Christians we can't be afraid to tell of others of Christ! We need to take a stand for what we believe! Today as I was teaching Government to my boys Freedom of Speech was the topic. Do we really have Freedom of Speech? I asked my boys this very question and I was amazed at their answers.
One of them said, We use to but now if we admit we're Christian or try to witness we're told we can't. Even though we still do and some have died for this.
The other replied - Is Freedom of Speech really a freedom anymore? People can mock and burn our flag but yet a flag that's part of History is being forced to be removed. Or at least put in a case for "safe" keeping.
These two teen boys realize that America is in trouble, so as we can and the Lord leads; we NEED to tell others of Christ and have that Joy of knowing we walk in truth!
What greater joy is there than to hear of one being saved?! I have been saved for 27 yrs. and I get excited when I hear of someone being saved! When one realizes that they are a sinner and that need the Saviour not only am I excited but the angles in Heaven sing!
Just recently I had the privilege of leading a 9 yr old, 2 - 17 yr olds an a 18 yr old, to the Lord. It was so precious and sweet to see these young people stand there and listen to the gospel. Then bow their heads and ask the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts. What Greater Joy is there?
Christians we can't be afraid to tell of others of Christ! We need to take a stand for what we believe! Today as I was teaching Government to my boys Freedom of Speech was the topic. Do we really have Freedom of Speech? I asked my boys this very question and I was amazed at their answers.
One of them said, We use to but now if we admit we're Christian or try to witness we're told we can't. Even though we still do and some have died for this.
The other replied - Is Freedom of Speech really a freedom anymore? People can mock and burn our flag but yet a flag that's part of History is being forced to be removed. Or at least put in a case for "safe" keeping.
These two teen boys realize that America is in trouble, so as we can and the Lord leads; we NEED to tell others of Christ and have that Joy of knowing we walk in truth!
Thursday, August 27, 2015
4 Days Late
"But my God shall supply ALL my Need according to his riches...."
This is exactly what He has done! I could complain and grip about all the moving and all the packing and unpacking but what good would that do you or me? So instead I'm going to share how over the last month God has supplied all my need according to his riches. See our timing isn't God's timing and no matter what God is NEVER late! There's a song sung by a group at Commonwealth Baptist College called, "4 Days Late" It talks about Lazarus and how if He'd only been "on time" he wouldn't have died. BUT our 4 days late is the Lord's on time!
Yes it was 4 days late to my time but God provided a wonderful a trailer for us!
Yes it was 4 days late to my time but God provided the perfect town when it came to church and my husbands work.
Yes it was 4 days late to my time, when I was sick and trying to move. 4 days earlier I was feeling fine.
BUT people from our church couldn't have been a blessing to us if our time had of been "on time." Instead God's "4 days late" made it where men, teens and ladies from our church could be a blessing to us! A total of 13 teens 4 ladies and 4 or 5 men helped us in a time that WAS God's time!
So friend next time you want to complain that God's always late, that he's not meeting your need. Remember God's time is always On time even if 4 days late!
This is exactly what He has done! I could complain and grip about all the moving and all the packing and unpacking but what good would that do you or me? So instead I'm going to share how over the last month God has supplied all my need according to his riches. See our timing isn't God's timing and no matter what God is NEVER late! There's a song sung by a group at Commonwealth Baptist College called, "4 Days Late" It talks about Lazarus and how if He'd only been "on time" he wouldn't have died. BUT our 4 days late is the Lord's on time!
Yes it was 4 days late to my time but God provided a wonderful a trailer for us!
Yes it was 4 days late to my time but God provided the perfect town when it came to church and my husbands work.
Yes it was 4 days late to my time, when I was sick and trying to move. 4 days earlier I was feeling fine.
BUT people from our church couldn't have been a blessing to us if our time had of been "on time." Instead God's "4 days late" made it where men, teens and ladies from our church could be a blessing to us! A total of 13 teens 4 ladies and 4 or 5 men helped us in a time that WAS God's time!
So friend next time you want to complain that God's always late, that he's not meeting your need. Remember God's time is always On time even if 4 days late!
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Prayer Warriors
I Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
Do you pray for others? Or Do you pray for what, me, myself an I, want? Well, it's ok to pray for your personal needs, desires and wants but first and foremost I believe we should pray for others first. There's this song I learned in high school and I love it!!
J - is for Jesus he is the way
O - is for others tell (pray) today
Y - is for you my friend why don't you come to him
Joy is the way you feel when you let him in!
When I went to college I would every now and then put pray today on O. Because I knew more people for one and praying for their needs and rejoicing with them in their answered prayers, somehow made me feel better and think differently. Then when I did pray about my needs it didn't seem quite so important. Even though my school bill needed to be paid, and I had desires and wants when you put others first your own will not seem as big.
So for a challenge - If you don't pray for others why not for the whole month of August, starting today of course (don't put off tomorrow what you can do today) pray without ceasing, for Others, then yourself. :)
Just a thought for the day :)
P.S.
Do you pray for others? Or Do you pray for what, me, myself an I, want? Well, it's ok to pray for your personal needs, desires and wants but first and foremost I believe we should pray for others first. There's this song I learned in high school and I love it!!
J - is for Jesus he is the way
O - is for others tell (pray) today
Y - is for you my friend why don't you come to him
Joy is the way you feel when you let him in!
When I went to college I would every now and then put pray today on O. Because I knew more people for one and praying for their needs and rejoicing with them in their answered prayers, somehow made me feel better and think differently. Then when I did pray about my needs it didn't seem quite so important. Even though my school bill needed to be paid, and I had desires and wants when you put others first your own will not seem as big.
So for a challenge - If you don't pray for others why not for the whole month of August, starting today of course (don't put off tomorrow what you can do today) pray without ceasing, for Others, then yourself. :)
Just a thought for the day :)
P.S.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Trying of your Faith worketh Patience....
Well, I can tell you right now that I'm not a person with a lot of patience! I have however learned not to ask for patience simply because when you do trials and tribulations seem to pop up everywhere.
James 1:3 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
So with all that is happening in the world, in your (my) life right now is your Faith being tried?
Think about friends, so many area's that we as Christians need to take a stand on that is WORTH fighting for we're not. Have we asked for patience to deal with our own faith or for Patience to deal with what is happening in America! I'm not one to make a lot of commotion about something's but If you are going to tell me that as Fundamental Independent Baptist I can't do this or that, you are trying my Faith! You may ask what does Patience have to do with what you're writing about, well, I don't have patience with those who try to destroy the country I live in, my faith, or anything else that goes against God.
I believe the Bible, I believe in Man and Woman marrying, I believe that a child is a child at conception not some molecule, I believe that the Flag of United States of America should be flown and NEVER EVER walked on, or burned. I believe in our Military, The Coast Guard, The Army, The Air Force, The Marines and The Navy! I believe in the rights to bear arms.
If you read this an are offended by it you no longer have to read my blog. You know longer have to receive the e-mails.
James 1:3 "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
So with all that is happening in the world, in your (my) life right now is your Faith being tried?
Think about friends, so many area's that we as Christians need to take a stand on that is WORTH fighting for we're not. Have we asked for patience to deal with our own faith or for Patience to deal with what is happening in America! I'm not one to make a lot of commotion about something's but If you are going to tell me that as Fundamental Independent Baptist I can't do this or that, you are trying my Faith! You may ask what does Patience have to do with what you're writing about, well, I don't have patience with those who try to destroy the country I live in, my faith, or anything else that goes against God.
I believe the Bible, I believe in Man and Woman marrying, I believe that a child is a child at conception not some molecule, I believe that the Flag of United States of America should be flown and NEVER EVER walked on, or burned. I believe in our Military, The Coast Guard, The Army, The Air Force, The Marines and The Navy! I believe in the rights to bear arms.
If you read this an are offended by it you no longer have to read my blog. You know longer have to receive the e-mails.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Confused?
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. I Corinthians 14:33
Remember that the Lord is not the author of confusion!
Just a thought and something for us all to think on.
Remember that the Lord is not the author of confusion!
Just a thought and something for us all to think on.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Abiding in God's Word
For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat commeth, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:8
As we read the Bible it speaks of a time to plant in Ecclesiastes 3:2. After you have been through a rough time, for instance severe weather sometimes a flower bed will be destroyed or a crop. What do we do? We go out and we save what we can but we have to wait for the time to plant. But as Christians we are to be growing daily and drawing life from the Word of God.
In todays society if we are going to make a difference we NEED to stay in the Bible and prayer and make God our first priority and get our "roots deeply grounded". The roots that you establish aren't seen by others physically but by your life, your standards, the way you obey the Bible, God, your parents, authority in your life.
Did you know that, the impact of your ministry (life) to people will be in direct proportion to the time you spend with God. There was a Christian leader that said, you cannot be with people all the time and a ministry to people. You have to have alone time, in Prayer, Bible Reading, studying, getting closer to the Lord. We are such a busy people that sometimes we all forget at times to Abide in God's Word.
Looking back to the tree planted by the water they store the food needed for the tree. Your roots in the word store what you need also. Think about it.....
*Shall be like a tree planted by the waters -- we are planted by the Bible
*which spreads out it's roots by the river -- we spread our roots into the Bible, reading, learning, growing then sharing what we've learned and what we're taught.
*and will not fear when heat comes -- when that battle comes in your life. When that hard time comes. Because we are human we do fear but we have God by our side!
*but it's leaf will be green -- as you come through the fire/heat you are purified
*and will not be anxious in the year of drought -- God always provides
*nor will cease from yielding fruit -- You will be able to stand and go tell others how they too can have what you have.
Roots deep into God's truth are definitely needed as reserve when times are rough!
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7
As we read the Bible it speaks of a time to plant in Ecclesiastes 3:2. After you have been through a rough time, for instance severe weather sometimes a flower bed will be destroyed or a crop. What do we do? We go out and we save what we can but we have to wait for the time to plant. But as Christians we are to be growing daily and drawing life from the Word of God.
In todays society if we are going to make a difference we NEED to stay in the Bible and prayer and make God our first priority and get our "roots deeply grounded". The roots that you establish aren't seen by others physically but by your life, your standards, the way you obey the Bible, God, your parents, authority in your life.
Did you know that, the impact of your ministry (life) to people will be in direct proportion to the time you spend with God. There was a Christian leader that said, you cannot be with people all the time and a ministry to people. You have to have alone time, in Prayer, Bible Reading, studying, getting closer to the Lord. We are such a busy people that sometimes we all forget at times to Abide in God's Word.
Looking back to the tree planted by the water they store the food needed for the tree. Your roots in the word store what you need also. Think about it.....
*Shall be like a tree planted by the waters -- we are planted by the Bible
*which spreads out it's roots by the river -- we spread our roots into the Bible, reading, learning, growing then sharing what we've learned and what we're taught.
*and will not fear when heat comes -- when that battle comes in your life. When that hard time comes. Because we are human we do fear but we have God by our side!
*but it's leaf will be green -- as you come through the fire/heat you are purified
*and will not be anxious in the year of drought -- God always provides
*nor will cease from yielding fruit -- You will be able to stand and go tell others how they too can have what you have.
Roots deep into God's truth are definitely needed as reserve when times are rough!
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7
Friday, June 26, 2015
Break Down
Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...."
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear...."
Have you ever felt that you were just having a break down? Not in your car, which I have felt that if I didn't park or get off the road my car would leave me stranded. *smile I'm talking an emotional, physical, mental or even spiritual break down. We are all human and we all have things we are going through now I don't know about you but I've always been one (right or wrong) that holds things in till I either blow or break down.
On the way to church last Sunday I started crying and couldn't explain why. Then on the way home after the morning service same thing the tears just flowed. Again going back to church and home that evening. Now if you know me, generally speaking if I'm asked how I'm doing, I try to look at the positive that is happening and will many time with a smile say, "I'm ok". Am I lying? Not really because at that point I've decided that yes, I am fine. Why do I do this? Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ...." This past Sunday and well all week I have not been exactly..... Mrs. Perky.
Friend, what "break down" has you down?
Is it Ministry?
Is it a change coming in the family?
Is it finances?
Is it health?
Is it ___________________ you put in the break down.
As I had, what I call my complete melt down last night, with buckets of tears and lots of talking with my wonderful husband who sat and listened and gave scripture and loved on me I realized several things:
Yes we have some health issues, but we don't have a daughter who had 1/2 her brain removed. We don't have a baby who is in and out of the hospital. We don't a new born with a whole in her heart.
Yes - we have to move in a just over a month. But we weren't evicted, we have a roof over our heads and we are fervently searching for a new house.
Yes my husband is out of work for at least 5 more weeks - BUT God has supplied all our need according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus.
These are just a few things of a very long list of things that we as a family are facing or have to go through. However we know that through Christ we will make it. He will give us the strength we need to make it. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us.
Lastly is, the Lord hasn't given us the spirit of fear. You may be thinking what is she afraid of? Friend if you have followed my blogs you know we've been through a lot the last 7 months. There is a fear that we aren't in God's will or that we'll make a mistake and be out of God's will. As we know, God doesn't give what we can't handle and he also brings us through what he brought us to.
However, I am human! I am weak and I sometimes as everyone, allow the flesh to take over. Do I want to do that? No and through Christ who strengthens me I don't do it often.
So my friend what is your break down? Are you fearful? Are you trusting in God?
Just a thought and showing that we are people, we are human and we all need a reminder occasionally to simply, TRUST IN GOD!!
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear...."
Have you ever felt that you were just having a break down? Not in your car, which I have felt that if I didn't park or get off the road my car would leave me stranded. *smile I'm talking an emotional, physical, mental or even spiritual break down. We are all human and we all have things we are going through now I don't know about you but I've always been one (right or wrong) that holds things in till I either blow or break down.
On the way to church last Sunday I started crying and couldn't explain why. Then on the way home after the morning service same thing the tears just flowed. Again going back to church and home that evening. Now if you know me, generally speaking if I'm asked how I'm doing, I try to look at the positive that is happening and will many time with a smile say, "I'm ok". Am I lying? Not really because at that point I've decided that yes, I am fine. Why do I do this? Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ...." This past Sunday and well all week I have not been exactly..... Mrs. Perky.
Friend, what "break down" has you down?
Is it Ministry?
Is it a change coming in the family?
Is it finances?
Is it health?
Is it ___________________ you put in the break down.
As I had, what I call my complete melt down last night, with buckets of tears and lots of talking with my wonderful husband who sat and listened and gave scripture and loved on me I realized several things:
Yes we have some health issues, but we don't have a daughter who had 1/2 her brain removed. We don't have a baby who is in and out of the hospital. We don't a new born with a whole in her heart.
Yes - we have to move in a just over a month. But we weren't evicted, we have a roof over our heads and we are fervently searching for a new house.
Yes my husband is out of work for at least 5 more weeks - BUT God has supplied all our need according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus.
These are just a few things of a very long list of things that we as a family are facing or have to go through. However we know that through Christ we will make it. He will give us the strength we need to make it. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us.
Lastly is, the Lord hasn't given us the spirit of fear. You may be thinking what is she afraid of? Friend if you have followed my blogs you know we've been through a lot the last 7 months. There is a fear that we aren't in God's will or that we'll make a mistake and be out of God's will. As we know, God doesn't give what we can't handle and he also brings us through what he brought us to.
However, I am human! I am weak and I sometimes as everyone, allow the flesh to take over. Do I want to do that? No and through Christ who strengthens me I don't do it often.
So my friend what is your break down? Are you fearful? Are you trusting in God?
Just a thought and showing that we are people, we are human and we all need a reminder occasionally to simply, TRUST IN GOD!!
Monday, April 13, 2015
Are you seeking the Lord?
Psalms 143:8 "Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning: for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee."
A few weeks ago I was talking with someone about the way I was feeling and trying to sort things out, and she made a statement that really hit home. Basically what she said to me was get back to your Bible morning and evening. At first I was hurt, but over the past week I realized she wasn't trying to hurt me, she was being the person she should be and telling me like it was. We have a Bible that was written by our heavenly Father and we need to use it!
If she is reading this I want to say thank you!
Well, then I hear a sermon and if you're on Facebook you may have seen my question this morning. "Are you applying the preaching of God's word to your life?" I knew that what my dear, dear friend said to me and then the sermon that was preached was saying ok your down, your struggling, your going through a healing process but God's hasn't gone anywhere! His word hasn't changed one bit! So what are you waiting for?!
Then this morning I read Ps 143:8 WOW!! He's waiting to show us the way, his loving kindness is new every morning, we just need to lift up our souls to him! What a great way to start your morning.
This is just a little nugget from God's word I wanted to share with you.
A few weeks ago I was talking with someone about the way I was feeling and trying to sort things out, and she made a statement that really hit home. Basically what she said to me was get back to your Bible morning and evening. At first I was hurt, but over the past week I realized she wasn't trying to hurt me, she was being the person she should be and telling me like it was. We have a Bible that was written by our heavenly Father and we need to use it!
If she is reading this I want to say thank you!
Well, then I hear a sermon and if you're on Facebook you may have seen my question this morning. "Are you applying the preaching of God's word to your life?" I knew that what my dear, dear friend said to me and then the sermon that was preached was saying ok your down, your struggling, your going through a healing process but God's hasn't gone anywhere! His word hasn't changed one bit! So what are you waiting for?!
Then this morning I read Ps 143:8 WOW!! He's waiting to show us the way, his loving kindness is new every morning, we just need to lift up our souls to him! What a great way to start your morning.
This is just a little nugget from God's word I wanted to share with you.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the Lord...."
As I sit here this evening, and I think of the things I have posted over the years and especially the last 4 months, I know that through the years I have waited on the Lord and done all I could to be positive here.
I waited for him to show me the college to attend.
I waited for Him to show me the man I was to marry.
I waited for Him when things were rough while in college.
I, with my husband waited on the Lord while on deputation from 2003 through 2007.
We waited on the Lord when we didn't understand why, and ended up in WV.
We though hard waited on the Lord when all seemed to be falling apart and we had to move Maine in 2012. I said had, because at the time that was what it seemed to be. Then we got here and through the love and help of some very dear people we made it through a very rough time.
Then November 2014 came, yes I know I have mentioned this before and I won't labor on it, but after a counseling session the other day, lose of sleep and lots of prayer I believe sharing the following with you may help someone out there who, as I, feel you are failing. Or maybe you feel as I do, that you have let people down or been a disappointment. Maybe you feel as I do, that I'm constantly having to say I'm Sorry (which I'm not saying to one particular friend cause I'll get in trouble :) ) Have I waited on the Lord through all this? Probably not as I should have but I did cont to serve him through the church he's allowed us to join and be a part of.
Friend when you have been through anything no matter how painful it may be. As I finally figured out I Needed help! Yes, the former Missionary wife, the former pastor wife needed help. We are all human and we all at times need to step back and say, "please help me".
If you are reading this and if you know me, you know that I'm not a complainer, I don't whine about my life and the last I thing I want anyone to think as they read this is that I'm whining or complaining. That is not how I'm wanting it to come across. I simply want to say, if you have been, are or in some cases you could end up going through a life changing situation. Remember to Wait on God. Isaiah 40:31 was put in the Bible for a purpose. Now let me say, I'm NOT a patient person. I don't wait patiently and as I learned from my counseling session I have to be patient with myself as well.
I've not arrived by no means -- I'm still healing from a situation. That is why I finally asked my Pastors wife for help. Yes, it took me 4 months but that's not because I didn't trust her, or feel she could help I honestly didn't want to share things at the time. Others can jump right in and say, this is wrong, this is the situation and care for it immediately. Don't judge one who make take longer.
Our lives are all so very different if you have lost a loved one, a friend, gone through loosing a church, loosing your pastor, being told you won't ever make it in the ministry or whatever it is..... It takes time to heal. God is good and as His children he is there for us all the time.
Now I don't know how much of this will help anyone and if you are reading this I decided to post this. There are things I'll never share here and there are things that if I'm asked privately I may open up for discussion. I just want you to know as a blogger I want to be a help and encouragement to my readers not a discouragement.
May God bless you and know you are Loved by our Heavenly Father.
As I sit here this evening, and I think of the things I have posted over the years and especially the last 4 months, I know that through the years I have waited on the Lord and done all I could to be positive here.
I waited for him to show me the college to attend.
I waited for Him to show me the man I was to marry.
I waited for Him when things were rough while in college.
I, with my husband waited on the Lord while on deputation from 2003 through 2007.
We waited on the Lord when we didn't understand why, and ended up in WV.
We though hard waited on the Lord when all seemed to be falling apart and we had to move Maine in 2012. I said had, because at the time that was what it seemed to be. Then we got here and through the love and help of some very dear people we made it through a very rough time.
Then November 2014 came, yes I know I have mentioned this before and I won't labor on it, but after a counseling session the other day, lose of sleep and lots of prayer I believe sharing the following with you may help someone out there who, as I, feel you are failing. Or maybe you feel as I do, that you have let people down or been a disappointment. Maybe you feel as I do, that I'm constantly having to say I'm Sorry (which I'm not saying to one particular friend cause I'll get in trouble :) ) Have I waited on the Lord through all this? Probably not as I should have but I did cont to serve him through the church he's allowed us to join and be a part of.
Friend when you have been through anything no matter how painful it may be. As I finally figured out I Needed help! Yes, the former Missionary wife, the former pastor wife needed help. We are all human and we all at times need to step back and say, "please help me".
If you are reading this and if you know me, you know that I'm not a complainer, I don't whine about my life and the last I thing I want anyone to think as they read this is that I'm whining or complaining. That is not how I'm wanting it to come across. I simply want to say, if you have been, are or in some cases you could end up going through a life changing situation. Remember to Wait on God. Isaiah 40:31 was put in the Bible for a purpose. Now let me say, I'm NOT a patient person. I don't wait patiently and as I learned from my counseling session I have to be patient with myself as well.
I've not arrived by no means -- I'm still healing from a situation. That is why I finally asked my Pastors wife for help. Yes, it took me 4 months but that's not because I didn't trust her, or feel she could help I honestly didn't want to share things at the time. Others can jump right in and say, this is wrong, this is the situation and care for it immediately. Don't judge one who make take longer.
Our lives are all so very different if you have lost a loved one, a friend, gone through loosing a church, loosing your pastor, being told you won't ever make it in the ministry or whatever it is..... It takes time to heal. God is good and as His children he is there for us all the time.
Now I don't know how much of this will help anyone and if you are reading this I decided to post this. There are things I'll never share here and there are things that if I'm asked privately I may open up for discussion. I just want you to know as a blogger I want to be a help and encouragement to my readers not a discouragement.
May God bless you and know you are Loved by our Heavenly Father.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Mark 16:15
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Are you sharing the gospel with others? Part of living on the bright side is sharing the gospel so that others also may know the Love of God and have eternal life.
Are you sharing the gospel with others? Part of living on the bright side is sharing the gospel so that others also may know the Love of God and have eternal life.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Jeremiah 33:3
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
Have a need? Do as Jeremiah 33:3 says and call upon the Lord.
Have a need? Do as Jeremiah 33:3 says and call upon the Lord.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Nehemiah 8:10
"Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Always remember God is your strength no matter what the day may bring.
Always remember God is your strength no matter what the day may bring.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Acts 26:18 "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light...."
1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour, And life more abundant and free!
Chorus:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
As I was reading this morning I came across Acts 26:18 and this song came to mind. Then I looked in our hymn book and that verse was at the top of this song. No matter your trial you can turn your eyes upon Jesus.
3. His word shall not fail you He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
This is so very true God's promises never fail! We may not always see them as we should at first but Praise the Lord they don't fail.
1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour, And life more abundant and free!
Chorus:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
As I was reading this morning I came across Acts 26:18 and this song came to mind. Then I looked in our hymn book and that verse was at the top of this song. No matter your trial you can turn your eyes upon Jesus.
3. His word shall not fail you He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
This is so very true God's promises never fail! We may not always see them as we should at first but Praise the Lord they don't fail.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Children - Living on the Bright Side of Life
Can you believe we're in Feb already?! Where did January go??
You children are wonderful people doesn't matter if they are infants, toddlers, children, teens, young adults or adults. They are YOUR children they are loaned to you for a reason, for a purpose, for us to lead, guide and show the way. In the end it is up to each child how they go but prayerfully they will not depart from their teaching and training.
We have 5 children as many of you know. Praise the Lord thus far each of our children have followed their training. What can you do to help your children Live on the bright side of life and cont to live that way even after they are on their own.
1. Be an example - If you live for God on Sunday and live like the world Monday through Saturday. You aren't being a good example. The Bible tells us "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8
We are too live as God would live - be Christ like. Live for God not 1, not 2, not 4, BUT 7 days a week!! When your children see you living on the bright side of life they will be more likely to do the same.
2. Faithfulness - Do your children see you being faithful or do they see you being hit and miss. Faithful to what you ask? Your Bible reading, Your Prayer life, Your ministry, Your church, Your wife/husband, your children. Yes we need to faithful in ALL areas of life. In I Corinthians 4:17 we are told, "For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which in Christ...."
Are you faithful? Faithfulness is a sure fire way of living on the bright side of life.
Friend it doesn't matter if you are single parent, divorced, separated, or married YOU as a parent can teach YOUR children to be and to live on the bright side of life. We need to be their instructor. We need to as parents be their illustration. If you aren't sure how to do this, go to the Word of God, go to your Pastor, Youth Pastor etc. You can raise children who live on the bright side of life.
You will receive the strength you need to help these dear precious children grow in the Lord.
Colossians 1:10 - 11 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
Lets do all we can to Live on the bright side and be the example, be faithful, be their instructor to the best of our ability.
You children are wonderful people doesn't matter if they are infants, toddlers, children, teens, young adults or adults. They are YOUR children they are loaned to you for a reason, for a purpose, for us to lead, guide and show the way. In the end it is up to each child how they go but prayerfully they will not depart from their teaching and training.
We have 5 children as many of you know. Praise the Lord thus far each of our children have followed their training. What can you do to help your children Live on the bright side of life and cont to live that way even after they are on their own.
1. Be an example - If you live for God on Sunday and live like the world Monday through Saturday. You aren't being a good example. The Bible tells us "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8
We are too live as God would live - be Christ like. Live for God not 1, not 2, not 4, BUT 7 days a week!! When your children see you living on the bright side of life they will be more likely to do the same.
2. Faithfulness - Do your children see you being faithful or do they see you being hit and miss. Faithful to what you ask? Your Bible reading, Your Prayer life, Your ministry, Your church, Your wife/husband, your children. Yes we need to faithful in ALL areas of life. In I Corinthians 4:17 we are told, "For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which in Christ...."
Are you faithful? Faithfulness is a sure fire way of living on the bright side of life.
Friend it doesn't matter if you are single parent, divorced, separated, or married YOU as a parent can teach YOUR children to be and to live on the bright side of life. We need to be their instructor. We need to as parents be their illustration. If you aren't sure how to do this, go to the Word of God, go to your Pastor, Youth Pastor etc. You can raise children who live on the bright side of life.
You will receive the strength you need to help these dear precious children grow in the Lord.
Colossians 1:10 - 11 "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"
Lets do all we can to Live on the bright side and be the example, be faithful, be their instructor to the best of our ability.
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