Monday, August 31, 2009

Beth Moore

This past Friday and Saturday I attended the Beth Moore simulcast at my church ... along with 516 other host sites, in 45 states, 8 countries .... 90,000 women and some men. She is an anointed teacher. SO very powerful.
Following that event, I made a call to my new friend and sister in Christ. She is a soon to be new mom facing a Trisomy 13 diagnosis - just like me. My heart and prayers go out to this family. And it was my first opportunity to share Jeremy's story and not turn into a blubbering idiot, and I feel that I did some good. PRAISE THE LORD!

I wanted to share the commission from Beth Moore ... at the end of her teaching ... so powerful, I pray even if you did not hear the teaching you will also be encouraged (guys too!)

My Dear Sister
God has not overlooked you
He has not ignored you
He hears every petition
And intimately knows
The heart beneath it.
Give Him full access
To all your longings
Pray every single day
To become a person who delights in Him.
When it seems to disappear
Remember to check your JAW
Are you jealous?
Are you angry?
Are you worried?
Roll it all on Jesus
He's strong enough to carry it
Big enough to handle it.
Trust God with all your heart
Now leave this place
And go into the world
And do some GOOD.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

love this word ...

For Your Sake

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake…"(2 Peter 3:9, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria It doesn't take very long to discover that God's timing is not always our timing. It's easy to question and wonder why you've been waiting for your breakthrough for 15 years and your neighbor got their breakthrough in 15 minutes! In the Bible, Abraham waited 20 years for his promise, and in the upper room they waited about ten days. I don't know how long you'll have to wait, but you've got to understand that God has your best interest at heart. He is being patient for your sake. He's aligning things and waiting for the exact right moment! If you'll just continue waiting with the right attitude, then at the right time, God will bring it to pass.

Remember, God is always working behind the scenes for your good. Just because you don't see any changes taking place doesn't mean they aren't happening. Keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping because you're breakthrough is coming for your sake!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY "Father in heaven, today I choose to surrender all my questions, all my fears, and all my doubts. I know that You have only my best interest at heart. I trust You and believe that You are working behind the scenes for my sake. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

GRACE AND PEACE!


Tuesday, August 25, 2009

swirling thoughts

In the last 5 days Aaron and I have had two requests to share Jeremy's story. My thoughts are swirling - it is too soon, will it always be too soon, are our wounds still oozing, could we share without turning into blubbering idiots? Then I think about what are my motives for sharing - will they glorify God - or would it be for me to make others feel sorry for us, to feel the pain that comes and goes? I am open to talk, if it will bring Glory to Our Father - am I there? Please pray for discernment as we consider these opportunities to share Jeremy, knowing that sometimes you have to open a wound for it to mend stronger. I was greeted this morning with a reassuring word from Joel .... of course:

Twice as Much

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "Return to your fortress, o prisoners of hope, even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you" (Zechariah 9:12, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria God wants to bring to pass everything that He's promised to you! He longs to give you the deepest desires of your heart. He wants to restore to you twice as much as what's been stolen from you! But you have to do your part and stay filled with hope. That means that no matter how long you've been in that negative situation, no matter how many setbacks you've suffered; you've got to get up each day with the attitude that this could be the day God turns it all around!

The Bible says that the Name of the Lord is a strong tower. When you put your trust and hope in Him, you are in a fortress of strength. Nothing can steal your joy, peace, or enthusiasm. You are positioned for victory! You are positioned for power! And you are positioned to receive everything God has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY "Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for Your promise to restore every area of my life. I choose to be a prisoner of hope trusting in Your Name alone. I bless You today and always. In Jesus' Name. Amen."


GRACE AND PEACE!



Friday, August 21, 2009

Proverbs 3:5

Aaron and I finished a 12 week bible study last night ... Life Principles of Worship from the Tabernacle. This has been a great study, bridging the importance of the Old Testament (many chapters describing in detail the tabernacle) and Jesus in relation to how we have been taught to worship. It was a great time of study for Aaron and I to share together.

One of the final applications .... Using the commands from Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart" [a command] Are things getting in the way of your trust? What helps you trust or walk in faith? What helps your heart ("all your heart") focus on the Lord and the things of God?

"Do not lean on your own understanding" 'lean' means 'to depend upon' for support. Are you relying on God's wisdom? Are you guarding against depending only on your own understanding and opinions? [Note: this command does not say, "do not use your own understanding." it SAYS "do not LEAN on" it] Are you spending time in God's Word (His understanding)? Are there any situations you are facing which you are tempted to handle on your own?

"In all your ways acknowledge [know] Him" [ a command] Are you knowing or experiencing God in all your ways? What are some of the 'ways' of your life in which you have seen God at work? What are some of your 'ways' that need His touch? Are you spending time in prayer giving Him those 'ways'?

Some things to ponder today, this weekend on a Proverb that I have read and studied many times over the years - now in a deeper way. Great questions to reflect upon.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Why do I have to create titles?

From God Calling
You must be as one who runs a race, stumbles and falls, rises and presses on to the goal. What avails it if he stays to examine the spot where he fell, to weep over the delay, over the shortsightedness that prevented his avoiding the obstacles?
So with you, and I lay it on you as a command - NO looking back. Give yourself, and all you have ever met a fresh start today.

I read yesterday the Parable of the 10 Minas ... Luke 19:11-26.

I am still reflecting and pondering the implications ... What am I doing to grow the gifts the Lord has entrusted to me. He has been preparing and equipping me to help advance the Kingdom - am I really doing my part?
Which servant would I be right now - would the Lord be pleased with me and provide more - or would he take the small parts he trusted me with and pass them on to someone else.
I do not want to be the servant that went to bury all that the Lord has provided for me. I need to be intentional about putting feet to my education, my training, my gifts - to build the Kingdom. I want a 10 fold return for the Lord.
I have a tendency, looking just this past week, to create resistance and push back - I ask the Lord boldly to humble me and continue to work me into the person of God that I was born to be.

Much work still needs to be done. I need to get my fleshy self out of the way!
Which brings me to the reading from God Calling ... Fresh Start TODAY! Praise God.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Smiles

This morning in my reading I came across the Parable if the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8). When considering yesterdays post I just loved the prayer offered by Stormie following the verse:
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a God who is moved by persistent prayer and You hear me when I cry out to You day and night. Because of that I will always pray and not give up.

I have been working intentional on my prayer life. I know at this time last year and through my pregnancy with Jeremy I was in the word as much as possible. Recently I have noticed that I am lacking in my study and have not been talking with God through out the day - like I was. I have been asking the Lord to open my heart and ears to Him through the day so our relationship will continue to grow. This past weekend as I heard the cries of my Brothers and Sisters it was clear that I need to step it up a notch. I can do better, the Father desires for me to do better.
Please Pray for me on that regard.

On a different tangent ... I was asked to be a part of a one day fair in Noblesville ... to sell my work. EXCITING! I have not committed 100% yet, Aaron and I will talk more about it this week, but we are leaning toward the event. It is pretty exciting! Details to follow.

Yesterday Northview had their annual Staff Day o'Fun .... This is a day that the church staff goes out with the intention of fellowship with each other and spouses and family join in. This was the first year I participated in the full day. Each person had the choice of a morning activity: golf, breakfast @ LePeep or a bike ride from Carmel to Broad Ripple on the Monon with lunch as Bazbeux. Aaron and I selected the bike ride. It was about a 45min ride - GREAT! Unfortunately when your bike has a rock hard seat ... today I am hurting. But it was a great time, with wonderful people. Aaron works with great people!! The day concluded with a pitch in at a family "Barn". I use the term barn loosely, because it is not a barn that holds animals - but a wonderful gathering place. Something you just need to see to understand.
(I look forward to getting my Dad out sometime - he has 8 acres up undeveloped land on 116th street ... this could be an option. )

Today I will be working at Brookside to reconfigure office space ... we pray for wisdom in using the large amount of space the most efficient! I am guessing this will be a multi day task ...

GRACE AND PEACE!

Monday, August 17, 2009

prayers please

Seeking Prayers ....
over the weekend I talked to many brothers and sisters that need healing and urgent prayers. I do not want to go into specifics - but it became very clear to me that the Church is being attacked on a physical level. There are so many brothers and sisters battling right now with health issues and emotional issues. They need our urgent healing prayers. We must pray for the doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel they encounter for wisdom, knowledge and insight to helping each individual. After hearing from these brothers and sisters the first step was to express the need for prayer and healing - now it is up to us to pray for those suffering - physically, emotionally and spiritually.

FROM STORMIE:
In God's presence there is healing. When we praise God, it invites His presence into our lives in a powerful way. Praising God for His presence and healing power in the midst of our sickness, pain, weakness or misery opens up a channel through which His healing presence can penetrate our lives to help or to sustain us as He sees fit. That is the hidden power of praising God.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Jack has done it!

My nephew Jack, 10 years old just started 5th grade last week is now officially taller then my 5'2" mom. We knew that it was going to happen, my mom took it pretty well. I suppose because she has 6 other grandchildren all shorter then her for now.

they are both barefoot for an accurate measure, standing flatfooted ....

The close up certainly gives Jack the advantage:)

Fun family times!


Friday, August 14, 2009

Rest - Relaxation - Removal

In a simple two and half hour drive Aaron and I were able to take a step away from the day to day ministry operations.
We headed north to Lake Wawasee ... we have some friends that have a house up there and they graciously allowed for us to stay in their place. AWESOME! The area was so quite. We arrived on Sunday, late afternoon. Most folks were packing up to head home. Thursday afternoon we were heading home, the house around us were waking back up, and boat traffic picked up dramatically. We had a great time for the most part being quite - we both read books, listened to music, talking and napping. The weather was great, one afternoon with thunderstorms - but I think that was so I would not completely fry:)

It was great to be removed from our routine. I am surprised how I get into routines, that must just be our nature. Just a few images ... taken on the PHONE!:)

Lake Wawasee from the NORTH

Lake Wawasee from the SOUTH (behind the kiss:)Not a bad "self" shot.

Am I walking on water?

Aaron napping ....
Aaron working on catching dinner, we ended up having brats.

We had a wonderful time, just what was needed.

GRACE AND PEACE!



Test post from phone

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Continuing to use technology

This week has been a week of advancing with technology ....
on monday Aaron and I upgraded our phones.
We had been planning to redo our floors in our home, hardwood - laminate ... but when we got the $10,000 price tag (920 sq ft) from Empire (yes, that was 60% off??) - we opted to just have the carpets deep cleaned and do some trim painting. ($300, big difference!)
We began to do some research on phones and plans ... we now both have iPhones and I just love it. One of my favorite features is the "notes" it is like a sheet of paper, i can type notes then send them to my email and print ... VERY COOL! I am sure as time goes on I will find more and more apps to enjoy.

After attending The Leadership Summit 2009, a simulcast held at Grace Community Church and sitting next to a dear fiend I became very interested in Twitter ... so I have now joined that community. I am following quite a few people already. I have a link over to the left if you want to follow that. I am still learning about that technology.

Tonight is the North Central Class of 1989 20 year reunion ... Aaron and I are attending. About to attack my closet and see if my little black dress will work - I am sure it will! But my sister, who graduated with Aaron opted out and is out of town with her husband. Please pray for my mother, she is watching the 4 kiddos!

maybe I will tweet from the reunion ... hum that will give me something to do:)

GRACE AND PEACE!




Friday, August 7, 2009

so good

Walk Through

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me…"(Psalm 23:4, NKJ)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria In the Bible, David went through some dark times in his life. But notice in this verse that he didn´t say,"I´m going to sit in this dark, challenging place, this shadow of death, and have myself a pity party." No he said, "I´m not staying here! I´m going to walk right through this situation because God is with me!" Are you going through a dark time right now? If you´ll make up your mind and be determined to walk through, knowing that God is with you, you will see things turn around in your favor.

Oftentimes, those difficult situations don´t make sense. We can have a lot of questions. Sometimes those questions get answered, and sometimes they don´t. But that´s when we have to be willing to trust God and know that He is with us. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us, especially in the dark times. So be encouraged today because God is on your side and by your side. He is your light in dark places. As you trust in Him, He will lead and guide you into the wonderful place of blessing He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY "Father in Heaven, today I choose to follow You, knowing that you make Your Word a lamp to my feet and a light upon my path. I will be bold and not afraid, knowing that You are always with me even when it´s difficult for me to see. Thank you for the courage to keep walking even through the darkest times. I thank You for Your comfort and presence to guide me into the life of abundant blessing and victory you have for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen."

GRACE AND PEACE!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

2 choices

we always have two choices regarding how we face each day.
to be blah or to be a blessing ...
thanks for the reminder Joel:

Be a Blessing to Someone Today

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed"(Proverbs 11:25, NIV).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria Do you need strength and encouragement to make it through a difficult time? Maybe you´ve been through a big disappointment or going through a situation right now that´s just not really fair. I challenge you today, don´t sit around feeling sorry for yourself or allow that circumstance to overwhelm you. One of the best things you can do is to go help somebody else in need.

The Bible tells us, "God turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends." Isn´t it interesting, Job didn´t see breakthrough by sitting around feeling sorry for himself. He didn´t get healed when he prayed for himself. And we should pray for ourselves and present our requests to God, but if you really want to see things change, go out and be a blessing to someone else. Look for ways to refresh the people around you and watch how your own soul becomes refreshed in return. As you give, it will be given back to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, thank You for Your Word which is life to my soul. Show me ways I can be a blessing to others, help me refresh those around me today. Thank You for refreshing me by Your Spirit. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.


GRACE AND PEACE!