So, I'm making a blog to track my weight loss and beginning a running regiment.
Pray for me because I'm going from the couch to the track.
Here I come healthy self.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
-*-On the Road-*-
Well, I'm embarking on a new journey. I'm motivated and ready to get rid of some excess baggage - well ALOT!
So, I'm making a blog to track my weight loss and beginning a running regiment.
Pray for me because I'm going from the couch to the track.
Here I come healthy self.
So, I'm making a blog to track my weight loss and beginning a running regiment.
Pray for me because I'm going from the couch to the track.
Here I come healthy self.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Right Now
I'm tired.
I'm under.
I'm drowning.
I'm struggling.
I'm complacent.
I'm ruined.
I'm dry.
I'm cracked.
I'm back where I started.
I'm just . . . blank.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Late Night Introspection
There are late night moments in my life that really end up meaning something. Tonight is one of those nights for me. I have a deep sense of contentment. I sit in a quiet house and I feel the peace. There is peace here.
We, as a family, have our blow ups. Our fight-club moments but at the end of the day my home is peaceful. Having never grew up in a peaceful home this means more to me than most people realize. It's having a home where you know that it is safe and all is well. I grew up with the complete opposite in my home. You never knew what was going to happen once the sun went down. And let me tell you, that made for a very light night of sleeping. As a child I perfected the art of nervous sleep! It's as hard as it sounds trust me.
But here in this moment at the ripe ol' age of 37, I am content to know that my home is filled with love, peace, kindness, goodness, and sometimes self control. We are a loud family - anyone that knows us well can testify to that. Perhaps we are too loud sometimes. We are a verbal family. There is always a conversation, a disagreement, a challenge or a "No way!" floating in the air. Sometimes, we are an obnoxious bunch - everyone knowing more than anyone else in the room. (That is a hereditary trait passed on by my hubby btw).
We are a tight knit family. We care deeply for one another. We are close. Our boys have grown up knowing that dad and mom are always there for them. We are their biggest fans and champions. We have always told our boys there is nothing they can't achieve with Christ on their side. We are not perfect parents by any means - trust me, we have made some big mistakes but we are active parents. We are there 100% for these two young men that God entrusted to us 17 yrs ago.
I could write volumes on each one of them . . . the men in my family. My husband, my eldest and my youngest. I could write poetry and love songs to them. They are my world. They love me unconditionally. The have always loved me for me. They never cared that I was fat, that I wore glasses or that I am completely silly. They have always laughed at my jokes and wiped my cheeks when I cried. These three people can make me laugh harder than any comedian. These are 'My" guys! I would lay down my life for them without a second thought and I know they would do the same for me.
So, forgive me if I am a bit melancholy tonight. As I sit in this silent house I know that time is rushing by. Soon, I'll be writing of their adventures in their own lives. I'll be telling you of their children and how proud I am that they are Godly husbands. For now I am content to just tell you that all is well in this house and Christ is the reason.
Goodnight my sweet Princes. I love you.
We, as a family, have our blow ups. Our fight-club moments but at the end of the day my home is peaceful. Having never grew up in a peaceful home this means more to me than most people realize. It's having a home where you know that it is safe and all is well. I grew up with the complete opposite in my home. You never knew what was going to happen once the sun went down. And let me tell you, that made for a very light night of sleeping. As a child I perfected the art of nervous sleep! It's as hard as it sounds trust me.
But here in this moment at the ripe ol' age of 37, I am content to know that my home is filled with love, peace, kindness, goodness, and sometimes self control. We are a loud family - anyone that knows us well can testify to that. Perhaps we are too loud sometimes. We are a verbal family. There is always a conversation, a disagreement, a challenge or a "No way!" floating in the air. Sometimes, we are an obnoxious bunch - everyone knowing more than anyone else in the room. (That is a hereditary trait passed on by my hubby btw).
We are a tight knit family. We care deeply for one another. We are close. Our boys have grown up knowing that dad and mom are always there for them. We are their biggest fans and champions. We have always told our boys there is nothing they can't achieve with Christ on their side. We are not perfect parents by any means - trust me, we have made some big mistakes but we are active parents. We are there 100% for these two young men that God entrusted to us 17 yrs ago.
I could write volumes on each one of them . . . the men in my family. My husband, my eldest and my youngest. I could write poetry and love songs to them. They are my world. They love me unconditionally. The have always loved me for me. They never cared that I was fat, that I wore glasses or that I am completely silly. They have always laughed at my jokes and wiped my cheeks when I cried. These three people can make me laugh harder than any comedian. These are 'My" guys! I would lay down my life for them without a second thought and I know they would do the same for me.
So, forgive me if I am a bit melancholy tonight. As I sit in this silent house I know that time is rushing by. Soon, I'll be writing of their adventures in their own lives. I'll be telling you of their children and how proud I am that they are Godly husbands. For now I am content to just tell you that all is well in this house and Christ is the reason.
Goodnight my sweet Princes. I love you.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Julie & Julia - the movie
Well, I just finished watching the movie "Julie & Julia". It is about a woman cooking for 365 days through Julia Child's French cookbook! As an amatuer foodie I absolutely loved this movie!
What touched me the most about it though was the glimpse into Julia Child's marriage and how much she and her husband loved each other. She wasn't the typical magazine beauty by any means. She was too tall and big boned! Yet her husband loved her as if she were the most beautiful woman on earth - and she was to him. That is all that matters I suppose. He supported her in all her endeavors. He loved to watch her cook. He told her she could when she felt like she couldn't. He was her champion - her best fan and friend.
My husband loves me that way. He sees me like noone else does. He looks at me as if I were the most exquisite model on a magazine cover. I'm tall and I'm fat. Hefty. Big boned. Overweight. Whatever. I'm not a size 6 by any means but I am loved beyond measure by a man who has taken care of me for 18 years.
This movie did something in my heart towards my husband. It has made me glad to have him. It has made me love him all the more. And it has made me want to cherish that love more than anything else in the world.
I love you honey.
Mar
What touched me the most about it though was the glimpse into Julia Child's marriage and how much she and her husband loved each other. She wasn't the typical magazine beauty by any means. She was too tall and big boned! Yet her husband loved her as if she were the most beautiful woman on earth - and she was to him. That is all that matters I suppose. He supported her in all her endeavors. He loved to watch her cook. He told her she could when she felt like she couldn't. He was her champion - her best fan and friend.
My husband loves me that way. He sees me like noone else does. He looks at me as if I were the most exquisite model on a magazine cover. I'm tall and I'm fat. Hefty. Big boned. Overweight. Whatever. I'm not a size 6 by any means but I am loved beyond measure by a man who has taken care of me for 18 years.
This movie did something in my heart towards my husband. It has made me glad to have him. It has made me love him all the more. And it has made me want to cherish that love more than anything else in the world.
I love you honey.
Mar
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Lavish Feast
(This is an older post I made a few years ago - reposted here)
Dear Beloved,
I am watching Bizarre Foods and the host is having a "lavish meal" with a group of Shikh Muslims. They meal apparently has 36 courses! The cooks use every piece of a slaughtered lamb. There isn't one inch of the animal that is wasted.
This feast takes alot of time and preparation. In this feast one member of the family must not eat, he must serve the rest of the family. Wow, the Biblical application here just sort of jumps out at you. The fact that they use the lamb in every single course of the feast shows me a picture of how we should "ingest" Christ into every segment of our daily lives.
Can you imagine living on a steady diet of Jesus? An aroma of Christ that permeates every part of our lives and leaves it's scent on everyone we meet. The thought of eating a meal with 36 different courses is pretty unattractive to me, to be completely honest! Perhaps that is how we view a daily diet of Christ. Maybe the "thought" of covering every aspect of our lives with Christ is just too tiresome, too out of reach, to unattainable . . . sort of like eating a 36 course meal!
I find it extremely interesting that the cooks use every single bit of the lamb. They don't go for the best bits of meat and leave the more "undesireable" cuts in the garbage. They find a use for even the eyeballs and other unappealing parts of the animal.
"Waste not, want not." Hmm, Do I settle on the most appealing, easily digestible aspects of my walk with Christ and leave the "harder to swallow" expectations of the Lord by the wayside? Do I seek out those things in His Word that tickle my ears? Those things that look tasty and are easy to follow? Am I just tossing those harder lessons to the side and dooming myself to repeat habits and sins over and over again because I threw away a piece of the meat that didn't appeal to me? How many of us pick apart the Lamb of God and only consume those parts of Him that appeal to our flesh? Woe to us and our shallow feasting.
Now my last observation was that at least one member of the family didn't eat because he chose instead to serve the family this extravagant meal. Jesus said that He would not partake of the fruit of the vine again until we were together in heaven. He chooses not to "drink" or eat for that matter until we are all served and given a chance to accept the free gift of salvation.
At some point this small feast will end and Jesus will call us home. Then we will begin that amazing Marriage Feast in the presence of Christ and He will eat and drink with us! That is what I consider, withtout equal, a lavish feast.
-M
Dear Beloved,
I am watching Bizarre Foods and the host is having a "lavish meal" with a group of Shikh Muslims. They meal apparently has 36 courses! The cooks use every piece of a slaughtered lamb. There isn't one inch of the animal that is wasted.
This feast takes alot of time and preparation. In this feast one member of the family must not eat, he must serve the rest of the family. Wow, the Biblical application here just sort of jumps out at you. The fact that they use the lamb in every single course of the feast shows me a picture of how we should "ingest" Christ into every segment of our daily lives.
Can you imagine living on a steady diet of Jesus? An aroma of Christ that permeates every part of our lives and leaves it's scent on everyone we meet. The thought of eating a meal with 36 different courses is pretty unattractive to me, to be completely honest! Perhaps that is how we view a daily diet of Christ. Maybe the "thought" of covering every aspect of our lives with Christ is just too tiresome, too out of reach, to unattainable . . . sort of like eating a 36 course meal!
I find it extremely interesting that the cooks use every single bit of the lamb. They don't go for the best bits of meat and leave the more "undesireable" cuts in the garbage. They find a use for even the eyeballs and other unappealing parts of the animal.
"Waste not, want not." Hmm, Do I settle on the most appealing, easily digestible aspects of my walk with Christ and leave the "harder to swallow" expectations of the Lord by the wayside? Do I seek out those things in His Word that tickle my ears? Those things that look tasty and are easy to follow? Am I just tossing those harder lessons to the side and dooming myself to repeat habits and sins over and over again because I threw away a piece of the meat that didn't appeal to me? How many of us pick apart the Lamb of God and only consume those parts of Him that appeal to our flesh? Woe to us and our shallow feasting.
Now my last observation was that at least one member of the family didn't eat because he chose instead to serve the family this extravagant meal. Jesus said that He would not partake of the fruit of the vine again until we were together in heaven. He chooses not to "drink" or eat for that matter until we are all served and given a chance to accept the free gift of salvation.
At some point this small feast will end and Jesus will call us home. Then we will begin that amazing Marriage Feast in the presence of Christ and He will eat and drink with us! That is what I consider, withtout equal, a lavish feast.
-M
Give Me a Revelation
Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
Cause I can't seem to find my way
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing with You
(Third Day)
There are times in a Believer's life when you have to take a step back and examine your life without rose colored glasses on. Taking a real hard look at your spiritual life, at your true life commitment to Christ, at your dedication to the Cause of His Kingdom. You have to push aside all the fluffy "feel good" things that you try to distract yourself with and get to the nitty gritty. The down deep, serious, adoration of your heart.
Where is it? What do you see when you part the curtain and see the real "man" behind it?
I'm not liking what I see at all. I'm realizing as I stand there with the parted curtains in my hand that I am looking at an empty room. Dust covering the floor as small particles waft around me in the dim light. There are shelves of books, from floor to ceiling, looking very scholarly but completely covered in a filthy grime. There are two chairs and a floor lamp between. In another light it would be so inviting for two people. Two people who want to sit and chat, to talk deeply about life, love and faith.
My room behind the curtain is a museum to my faith. A show piece for myself and everyone else around me. It looks nice but really isn't serving a function. It's a jelly filled donut with no jelly!
Scanning the two comfortable chairs I notice that one looks like it just came off the show room floor. No scratches in the wood, no dents in the seat. There isn't a well worn feel to it. It hasn't been used alot but the other chair, now that is a different story. The second chair is worn in a comfortable inviting way. There are indentations in the seat as if someone sits there everyday and has made their mark on the leather. There is no dust covering this chair. It is being used.
In my heart I realize that the well worn, comfy inviting chair is my Master's chair. This is where Jesus resides and waits for me to come visit Him. Day after day. Month after month. Oh, how long has He waited in the darkness of that room for me? How many times have I passed by and not even glanced inside? More times than I can admit without crying.
In the house that is my life, the one place, the one room that should have no dust and should be warm and inviting - I have made it cold and desolate. There is no fire in the fireplace, not warm cups of coffee on the table, no laughter between a King and His Daughter. No tender mercies or words shared. No love and adoration given to the Maker of the Universe. No exploration of His Word to glean out wisdom and comfort. I have left this room in ruin. Covered in the dust of my sin and waywardness. I have left my Jesus covered in that same dust.
So my sweet Lord, I ask humbly and with all seriousness in my soul
Give me a revelation.
Show me what to do.
I keep trying to find my way - I haven't got a clue.
I'm pulling the curtains back now. Going to let the sun shine gloriously into this room and He built for me. I'm going to clean up the dust. More importanly, I am going to sit right down and wait for Him to arrive . . . oh wait, He was here the whole time!
Jesus, Me and the Shock Collar
I talked to Jesus for a while last night @ church. Kneeling down at the altar I fought with myself for a minute how to "open" my prayer as if I were giving a presentation at a board meeting! Finally I just relaxed, took a deep breath and simply said:
"Lord Jesus, you need to put a shock collar on me. You know, like those ones we use on dogs to keep them in line and teach them to behave?"
And that was how my talk with Jesus began. I was fully enjoying my talk with Him because I was just being me. It was the first time that I had prayed to my Savior that way and it felt good - natural.
I told him how I felt like a dog following his master. A dog will get off track and zigzag around the country while you walk in a simple straight line to the destination (this was a point that my dear hubby made during his Sunday sermon). As I was praying the image of me running behind Jesus in a zigzag pattern, examining every rock, crevice and object along the way was comical and more than a bit sad to me.
You see while I was zigzagging along behind Jesus - His patience was unwavering. In that image I saw just how kind, merciful and loving He really is towards me when I am so unfocused on Him and the path He has laid out for me.
So, I am asking myself today . . . what is so interesting about all that stuff to the right and left of my path? Why do I jump so eagerly off the clearly marked trail that Jesus leaves for me into briars, thorns, bushes and rocks?
When I asked the Lord of the Universe to use a shock collar on me in a joking way last night I didn't realize this morning that I would be serious about it! A shock collar set on 10. Let's move past the little warning beep or the gentle #1 setting that gives you a tiny buzz.
Lord, put it all the way up and shock the living daylights out of me. Make it hurt. Get my attention because I am so wayward that a little buzz behind the ear isn't working. Press the button and hold it down until I am fully committed and focused on Your path.
Your Zigzag Lovin' Daughter,
Mar
"Lord Jesus, you need to put a shock collar on me. You know, like those ones we use on dogs to keep them in line and teach them to behave?"
And that was how my talk with Jesus began. I was fully enjoying my talk with Him because I was just being me. It was the first time that I had prayed to my Savior that way and it felt good - natural.
I told him how I felt like a dog following his master. A dog will get off track and zigzag around the country while you walk in a simple straight line to the destination (this was a point that my dear hubby made during his Sunday sermon). As I was praying the image of me running behind Jesus in a zigzag pattern, examining every rock, crevice and object along the way was comical and more than a bit sad to me.
You see while I was zigzagging along behind Jesus - His patience was unwavering. In that image I saw just how kind, merciful and loving He really is towards me when I am so unfocused on Him and the path He has laid out for me.
So, I am asking myself today . . . what is so interesting about all that stuff to the right and left of my path? Why do I jump so eagerly off the clearly marked trail that Jesus leaves for me into briars, thorns, bushes and rocks?
When I asked the Lord of the Universe to use a shock collar on me in a joking way last night I didn't realize this morning that I would be serious about it! A shock collar set on 10. Let's move past the little warning beep or the gentle #1 setting that gives you a tiny buzz.
Lord, put it all the way up and shock the living daylights out of me. Make it hurt. Get my attention because I am so wayward that a little buzz behind the ear isn't working. Press the button and hold it down until I am fully committed and focused on Your path.
Your Zigzag Lovin' Daughter,
Mar
Friday, January 29, 2010
A Powerful Prayer
(Colossians 1:9-14)
This is a powerful prayer you should pray for the people in your life. Be prepared for God to work these things in your life when you do! (Heard on Turning Point today)
Pray that you/they will :
1.) Be filled with the knowledge of God's will, spiritual wisdom and understanding. (vs 9)
2.) Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ. (vs 10)
*Examine your life against the life of Christ. How are you measuring up?
3.) Obey and be fully pleasing to Him in all things (vs 10)
*The desire of our hearts should be to obey Him @ all times.
*Is the bottom line in your life: "What does God want?"
4.) Bear fruit in every good work. (vs 10)
*Service, activity, involvement
*Has given your life made an eternal impact in anyone's life?
5.) Increase in the knowledge of God. (vs 10)
*The knowledge of God is knowing who He is and how He operates in your life.
*The more you know god's ways the more valuable you are to family, friends, the church and God's eternal plans.
6.) Be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. (vs 11)
*God gives you enough power to fulfill what He requires of you. He has given you ALL you need for this lifetime.
* This is strength only in God's power not man's.
*Walking in the Lord's energy and strength
7.) Have a life that is a joyous expression of thanksgiving for the work of Grace through Jesus. (vs 11)
*We are redeemed and forgiven and that should evoke a spirit of thanksgiving
Remember when you pray that:
We are privileged to talk to the Creator God of the Universe.
You are loved and listened to at all times by Him.
He desire only the best for you.
He wants to meet with you every day.
He wants to hear and answer your prayers.
He will answer your prayers.
He adores you.
This is a powerful prayer you should pray for the people in your life. Be prepared for God to work these things in your life when you do! (Heard on Turning Point today)
Pray that you/they will :
1.) Be filled with the knowledge of God's will, spiritual wisdom and understanding. (vs 9)
2.) Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ. (vs 10)
*Examine your life against the life of Christ. How are you measuring up?
3.) Obey and be fully pleasing to Him in all things (vs 10)
*The desire of our hearts should be to obey Him @ all times.
*Is the bottom line in your life: "What does God want?"
4.) Bear fruit in every good work. (vs 10)
*Service, activity, involvement
*Has given your life made an eternal impact in anyone's life?
5.) Increase in the knowledge of God. (vs 10)
*The knowledge of God is knowing who He is and how He operates in your life.
*The more you know god's ways the more valuable you are to family, friends, the church and God's eternal plans.
6.) Be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. (vs 11)
*God gives you enough power to fulfill what He requires of you. He has given you ALL you need for this lifetime.
* This is strength only in God's power not man's.
*Walking in the Lord's energy and strength
7.) Have a life that is a joyous expression of thanksgiving for the work of Grace through Jesus. (vs 11)
*We are redeemed and forgiven and that should evoke a spirit of thanksgiving
Remember when you pray that:
We are privileged to talk to the Creator God of the Universe.
You are loved and listened to at all times by Him.
He desire only the best for you.
He wants to meet with you every day.
He wants to hear and answer your prayers.
He will answer your prayers.
He adores you.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tender Mercies and Grace
There are things in this life and humble a heart. The face of a child, the smile of a senior citizen, the laugh of your friends. Sometimes it's just a feeling.
I read a message today from someone I really didn't expect to hear from and their words pricked my heart and showed me that God's mercy and grace are everlasting and overflowing.
By the world's standards this person should never have replied to me and held a grudge. Not because of my actions but actions of a family member who hurt them so deeply. It happened at a time in my life when I wasn't a child of God and I didn't do everything I could to help. In my selfishness I let that person down and it's a deep regret that I have.
But her words healed something in my heart concerning that whole situation and her graciousness was admirable. I know that I am not responsible for the hurt but being related to someone who has a habit of hurting everyone around them has a stigma attached to it.
Because I walk with Christ now I have such a heart for the damage this person has done. It breaks my heart to think of the children and the ex-wives that have been traumatized and then abandonded. It hurts me that he couldn't be the father and husband he needed to be - the man that God calls all men to be.
I am ashamed of him. It has built a huge wall up in my heart concerning him and I know that I have to forigve him. It seems impossible right now especially after talking to a victim of his devestation.
I am so happy for the contact and the ability to just say "Hi" and wish them the best. It's a small thing but it's a huge start. I know that I cannot fix what he did to her or anyone else but I can tell them I am sorry for what he did. I can stand in the gap and give them some sort of apology even though I know it doesn't mean alot and it doesn't take away his responsibility.
I know that God blessed me today with her reply and I am so thankful.
I read a message today from someone I really didn't expect to hear from and their words pricked my heart and showed me that God's mercy and grace are everlasting and overflowing.
By the world's standards this person should never have replied to me and held a grudge. Not because of my actions but actions of a family member who hurt them so deeply. It happened at a time in my life when I wasn't a child of God and I didn't do everything I could to help. In my selfishness I let that person down and it's a deep regret that I have.
But her words healed something in my heart concerning that whole situation and her graciousness was admirable. I know that I am not responsible for the hurt but being related to someone who has a habit of hurting everyone around them has a stigma attached to it.
Because I walk with Christ now I have such a heart for the damage this person has done. It breaks my heart to think of the children and the ex-wives that have been traumatized and then abandonded. It hurts me that he couldn't be the father and husband he needed to be - the man that God calls all men to be.
I am ashamed of him. It has built a huge wall up in my heart concerning him and I know that I have to forigve him. It seems impossible right now especially after talking to a victim of his devestation.
I am so happy for the contact and the ability to just say "Hi" and wish them the best. It's a small thing but it's a huge start. I know that I cannot fix what he did to her or anyone else but I can tell them I am sorry for what he did. I can stand in the gap and give them some sort of apology even though I know it doesn't mean alot and it doesn't take away his responsibility.
I know that God blessed me today with her reply and I am so thankful.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
New Bible Cover
Well today I bought a new Bible cover.
Scanning the rows of Bible covers I searched for just the right one. I knew the size and had an idea of what color I wanted. I wanted something cute, something feminine, something to carry my Bible comfortably.
I must have picked up a dozen or so covers. My eyes scanned over many more than that. The selection was impressive - there was a cover for just about every taste.
Decisions. Decisions.
It's important to have the "right" cover. You don't want to waste your money on a cover you will hate when you get home. It's a serious decisions right?
So, I went with a cute green cover that has a flower. It's the right size and I really like it.
As I stood at the kitchen table shoving my XL Bible into the cover I felt rather satisfied with myself. I made a good selection and I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed.
A little while later as I glanced at the cover in passing the Lord laid this upon my heart:
"I like that cover you chose Daughter. You spent so much careful time picking it out to protect your Word and I appreciate that. I can't help but wonder why you don't seek Me out with that much tenacity and care? Do you think you can come meet with me in the Word that is now neatly covered in that pretty green cover? I miss you and I love you."
Broken.
Humbled.
Saddened by my weakness of flesh.
Determined to make it right.
Thank you Jesus for making my brand new Bible cover a lesson I will never forget because I'll remember it everytime I see the green cover with that pretty flower.
Your daughter.
Scanning the rows of Bible covers I searched for just the right one. I knew the size and had an idea of what color I wanted. I wanted something cute, something feminine, something to carry my Bible comfortably.
I must have picked up a dozen or so covers. My eyes scanned over many more than that. The selection was impressive - there was a cover for just about every taste.
Decisions. Decisions.
It's important to have the "right" cover. You don't want to waste your money on a cover you will hate when you get home. It's a serious decisions right?
So, I went with a cute green cover that has a flower. It's the right size and I really like it.
As I stood at the kitchen table shoving my XL Bible into the cover I felt rather satisfied with myself. I made a good selection and I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed.
A little while later as I glanced at the cover in passing the Lord laid this upon my heart:
"I like that cover you chose Daughter. You spent so much careful time picking it out to protect your Word and I appreciate that. I can't help but wonder why you don't seek Me out with that much tenacity and care? Do you think you can come meet with me in the Word that is now neatly covered in that pretty green cover? I miss you and I love you."
Broken.
Humbled.
Saddened by my weakness of flesh.
Determined to make it right.
Thank you Jesus for making my brand new Bible cover a lesson I will never forget because I'll remember it everytime I see the green cover with that pretty flower.
Your daughter.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A Parable: Saving Lives
A Parable: Saving Lives
by Charles R. Swindoll
Colossians 4:2-6; Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 5:1-33
On a dangerous seacoast notorious for shipwrecks, there was a crude little lifesaving station. Actually, the station was merely a hut with only one boat . . . but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the turbulent sea. With little thought for themselves, they would go out day and night tirelessly searching for those in danger as well as the lost. Many, many lives were saved by this brave band of men who faithfully worked as a team in and out of the lifesaving station. By and by, it became a famous place.
Some of those who had been saved as well as others along the seacoast wanted to become associated with this little station. They were willing to give their time and energy and money in support of its objectives. New boats were purchased. New crews were trained. The station that was once obscure and crude and virtually insignificant began to grow. Some of its members were unhappy that the hut was so unattractive and poorly equipped. They felt a more comfortable place should be provided. Emergency cots were replaced with lovely furniture. Rough, hand-made equipment was discarded and sophisticated, classy systems were installed. The hut, of course, had to be torn down to make room for all the additional equipment, furniture, systems, and appointments. By its completion, the life-saving station had become a popular gathering place, and its objectives had begun to shift. It was now used as sort of a clubhouse, an attractive building for public gatherings. Saving lives, feeding the hungry, strengthening the fearful, and calming the disturbed rarely occurred by now.
Fewer members were now interested in braving the sea on lifesaving missions, so they hired professional lifeboat crews to do this work. The original goal of the station wasn't altogether forgotten, however. The lifesaving motifs still prevailed in the club's decorations. In fact, there was a liturgical lifeboat preserved in the Room of Sweet Memories with soft, indirect lighting, which helped hide the layer of dust upon the once-used vessel.
About this time a large ship was wrecked off the coast and the boat crews brought in loads of cold, wet, half-drowned people. They were dirty, some terribly sick and lonely. Others were black and "different" from the majority of the club members. The beautiful new club suddenly became messy and cluttered. A special committee saw to it that a shower house was immediately built outside and away from the club so victims of shipwreck could be cleaned up before coming inside.
At the next meeting there were strong words and angry feelings, which resulted in a division among the members. Most of the people wanted to stop the club's lifesaving activities and all involvements with shipwreck victims . . . ("it's too unpleasant, it's a hindrance to our social life, it's opening the door to folks who are not our kind"). As you'd expect, some still insisted upon saving lives, that this was their primary objective—that their only reason for existence was ministering to anyone needing help regardless of their club's beauty or size or decorations. They were voted down and told if they wanted to save the lives of various kinds of people who were shipwrecked in those waters, they could begin their own lifesaving station down the coast! They did.
As years passed, the new station experienced the same old changes. It evolved into another club . . . and yet another lifesaving station was begun. History continued to repeat itself . . . and if you visit that coast today you'll find a large number of exclusive, impressive clubs along the shoreline owned and operated by slick professionals who have lost all involvement with the saving of lives.
Shipwrecks still occur in those waters, but now most of the victims are not saved. Every day they drown at sea, and so few seem to care . . . so very few.
Do you?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Widow
I found out last night that a person from my past died in his home yesterday. Tim was in my life while I was very young, around 16 y.o. Eventually he married a friend named Christi and they had two children.
Yesterday Tim died at home and I am so sad in my heart for Christi and her children. He was only 37. I think about Christi and the struggles she will have in becoming a widow with her husband I want to cry for her.
She and Tim basically grew up together in their marriage - much like Teddy and I have done. Marrying young tends to do that to you. The amazing thing is that if you hold on through the tough times that always happen in the early years - you end up with this wonderful love and friendship. (That's what happened for me I hope it happens for others as well).
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. (II Corinthians 4:17)
Christie and I were friends at one point in our teen years. We have known each other since 6th grade but lost close contact nearly 20 yrs ago. But even though there was a time issue when I heard her husband died I was emotional.
So now I can only think about the state of her life. Does she know Christ? Was her husband a Christian? Is she going to have the comfort of the Loving Savior with her during this awful time of mourning and learning to live again?
I'm going to the viewing and the funeral. I want so badly to jump to the front of the line and take her by the shoulders and ask about her salvation. I would never do that but I am going to pray actively that God allows me a chance to minister to her. That He shows me a way to leave her my information so we can have contact.
So, today I am sad for Christie. A widow at such a young age.
-In Christ Alone,
Mar
Yesterday Tim died at home and I am so sad in my heart for Christi and her children. He was only 37. I think about Christi and the struggles she will have in becoming a widow with her husband I want to cry for her.
She and Tim basically grew up together in their marriage - much like Teddy and I have done. Marrying young tends to do that to you. The amazing thing is that if you hold on through the tough times that always happen in the early years - you end up with this wonderful love and friendship. (That's what happened for me I hope it happens for others as well).
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. (II Corinthians 4:17)
Christie and I were friends at one point in our teen years. We have known each other since 6th grade but lost close contact nearly 20 yrs ago. But even though there was a time issue when I heard her husband died I was emotional.
So now I can only think about the state of her life. Does she know Christ? Was her husband a Christian? Is she going to have the comfort of the Loving Savior with her during this awful time of mourning and learning to live again?
I'm going to the viewing and the funeral. I want so badly to jump to the front of the line and take her by the shoulders and ask about her salvation. I would never do that but I am going to pray actively that God allows me a chance to minister to her. That He shows me a way to leave her my information so we can have contact.
So, today I am sad for Christie. A widow at such a young age.
-In Christ Alone,
Mar
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Stephen and the Stoning
Currently, I am reading in Acts. I just read about the stoning of Stephen and it always leaves a lump in my throat. I am amazed at how serene and calm Stephen was in the face of his accusers. It even says that those accusing him noticed he had the face of an angel. They noticed something heavenly about him and yet still went forward with their intent to kill.
Stephen was so brave and strong during that whole ordeal. Faced with a mob who wanted his blood he boldly spoke and what came out of his mouth was power. It was power to accuse the accuser and set their hearts ablaze with shame and conviction. They knew in their heart of hearts that they had slaughtered the Christ and they hated Stephen for showing them that.
Next came death by stoning. So, I thought I'd research death by stoning a bit more closely. I want to know what he faced. What he saw in the moments before he was received into heaven. What does it take to throw a stone at another human being with the intent to kill? Were they small or large? Did it take many to end his life? Was his suffering very long?
Here is what I found out about stoning:
*It is perhaps the oldest form of execution known to man.
*It is not practiced in the U.S. but is actively practiced today in many Muslim countries.
*Example - A 13 yr old girl was stoned in 2004 for being raped by her own brother
*It is primarily enforced by fundamentalist "sharia" law
*The prisoner is buried either up to his waist (if male) or up to her shoulders (if female) and then pelted with stones by a crowd of volunteers until obviously battered to death. Under the terms of most fundamentalist courts, the stones must be small enough that death cannot reasonably be expected to result from only one or two blows, but large enough to cause physical harm. The average execution by stoning is extremely painful, lasting at least 10 to 20 minutes.
To stone a person you have to be completely committed to the act. It's up close and personal. How filled with hate do you have to be, as a human being, to be a part of this kind of murderous act?
Thinking about Stephen, the first martyr for Christ, humbles me to the core. It's as if the shiny, glass monument I have built to myself in honor of my "great" religious deeds just comes crumbling down in the face of his man's sacrifice for the cause of Christ. What have I sacrificed in my entier Christian life that is even slightly in comparison to what Stephen gave?
Easy answer - nothing. Not a single thing.
Big shoes to fill that my dear brother Stephen left behind for us all. Shoes that are canyons wide and oceans deep! Even as he was dying from the stones being thrown at his broken body he pleaded for mercy from God. Mercy for those killing him. Just like his Savior did on a cross. Mercy to the murderers. It's almost incomprehensible really.
As I was writing this tonight I had one more thought of Stephen. A wonderous, amazing, brilliant thought!
Stephen was the very first voice that God heard as a Martyr! It is Stephen's voice that shouts out the loudest and longest among all the Martyrs at the throne of God, right now! Right now as I type these words that will be forgotten in a day or two, the great crowd of Martyrs around the Almighty Throne of God are calling out for justice and our dear Stephen was there first!!
As he gazed up into heaven, seeing into the throne room, can you imagine what he must have seen? He said he saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, that much we know. But there has to be so much more to it! Well, that's what my finite mind thinks anyway but now that I re-read my words..........Jesus was enough. Jesus was enough for him to see and have a face of rapture and beauty. Jesus was enough for him to glance upon and just know that he's bound for glory.
It had to be the sight of Jesus that gave him the strength to go through the horrendous death. I believe that Stephen, once he saw Jesus, felt nothing else after that. He was caught up in the ecstasy of seeing His Savior waiting for him in Heaven. Perhaps, when Stephen saw the very throne of God he saw the place he would sit and wait. Maybe he knew before he left his body to be with the Lord that his place was right at the feet of the throne.
I wonder how he felt when more souls of the Martyrs began to join him there. Oh, I am sure he cried out so loudly by himself but can you imagine how much more he would have put into his cries with another voice? And another, another and then millions upon millions more?
I'll go to bed tonight and dream of Stephen and the martyrs I hope. Dream of the wonders that the book of Acts has in store for me. Dream of my place in heaven and what I'll do when I'm there.
Dream of my Jesus - smiling at me and running with me in a field of brilliantly colored flowers. Just me and Him. But don't worry dear Beloved, He'll have time for you too! :)
With the Eternal, Jubilant Love of Christ,
Mar
Stephen was so brave and strong during that whole ordeal. Faced with a mob who wanted his blood he boldly spoke and what came out of his mouth was power. It was power to accuse the accuser and set their hearts ablaze with shame and conviction. They knew in their heart of hearts that they had slaughtered the Christ and they hated Stephen for showing them that.
Next came death by stoning. So, I thought I'd research death by stoning a bit more closely. I want to know what he faced. What he saw in the moments before he was received into heaven. What does it take to throw a stone at another human being with the intent to kill? Were they small or large? Did it take many to end his life? Was his suffering very long?
Here is what I found out about stoning:
*It is perhaps the oldest form of execution known to man.
*It is not practiced in the U.S. but is actively practiced today in many Muslim countries.
*Example - A 13 yr old girl was stoned in 2004 for being raped by her own brother
*It is primarily enforced by fundamentalist "sharia" law
*The prisoner is buried either up to his waist (if male) or up to her shoulders (if female) and then pelted with stones by a crowd of volunteers until obviously battered to death. Under the terms of most fundamentalist courts, the stones must be small enough that death cannot reasonably be expected to result from only one or two blows, but large enough to cause physical harm. The average execution by stoning is extremely painful, lasting at least 10 to 20 minutes.
To stone a person you have to be completely committed to the act. It's up close and personal. How filled with hate do you have to be, as a human being, to be a part of this kind of murderous act?
Thinking about Stephen, the first martyr for Christ, humbles me to the core. It's as if the shiny, glass monument I have built to myself in honor of my "great" religious deeds just comes crumbling down in the face of his man's sacrifice for the cause of Christ. What have I sacrificed in my entier Christian life that is even slightly in comparison to what Stephen gave?
Easy answer - nothing. Not a single thing.
Big shoes to fill that my dear brother Stephen left behind for us all. Shoes that are canyons wide and oceans deep! Even as he was dying from the stones being thrown at his broken body he pleaded for mercy from God. Mercy for those killing him. Just like his Savior did on a cross. Mercy to the murderers. It's almost incomprehensible really.
As I was writing this tonight I had one more thought of Stephen. A wonderous, amazing, brilliant thought!
Stephen was the very first voice that God heard as a Martyr! It is Stephen's voice that shouts out the loudest and longest among all the Martyrs at the throne of God, right now! Right now as I type these words that will be forgotten in a day or two, the great crowd of Martyrs around the Almighty Throne of God are calling out for justice and our dear Stephen was there first!!
As he gazed up into heaven, seeing into the throne room, can you imagine what he must have seen? He said he saw the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God, that much we know. But there has to be so much more to it! Well, that's what my finite mind thinks anyway but now that I re-read my words..........Jesus was enough. Jesus was enough for him to see and have a face of rapture and beauty. Jesus was enough for him to glance upon and just know that he's bound for glory.
It had to be the sight of Jesus that gave him the strength to go through the horrendous death. I believe that Stephen, once he saw Jesus, felt nothing else after that. He was caught up in the ecstasy of seeing His Savior waiting for him in Heaven. Perhaps, when Stephen saw the very throne of God he saw the place he would sit and wait. Maybe he knew before he left his body to be with the Lord that his place was right at the feet of the throne.
I wonder how he felt when more souls of the Martyrs began to join him there. Oh, I am sure he cried out so loudly by himself but can you imagine how much more he would have put into his cries with another voice? And another, another and then millions upon millions more?
I'll go to bed tonight and dream of Stephen and the martyrs I hope. Dream of the wonders that the book of Acts has in store for me. Dream of my place in heaven and what I'll do when I'm there.
Dream of my Jesus - smiling at me and running with me in a field of brilliantly colored flowers. Just me and Him. But don't worry dear Beloved, He'll have time for you too! :)
With the Eternal, Jubilant Love of Christ,
Mar
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