Ok, so I go for days/weeks without blogging, and then every once and awhile I do several - they've been in my mind for days/weeks but I just haven't had time to put my thoughts down until now.
This one is actually new today.
I get my jump start in the mornings from Days of Praise. Sometimes I learn something new, sometimes I'm reminded of something I knew somewhere along the way.
Today it reminded me that The word "amen" is transliterated directly from the Hebrew into Greek in the New Testament, then Latin adn English, etc. so is pretty much a universal word.
It is almost identical, to the Hebrew word "believe" (aman) or "faithful". Unsurprisingly it has come to mean "sure" or "truly", and is even often translated into those words in the New Testament. It is also an expression of absolute trust and confidence as when we say "Amen", or "so be it" to God's promises, or end our prayers with "Amen".
It is even a title of Christ Himself. Revelation 3:14 says, "These things saith the Amen..."
Then, Revelation 22:21 ends in "Amen", assuring everyone who reads the Word that the whole Book is absolutely true and trustworthy.
I like the sign language for Amen...a right hand fist pounds a flat left hand emphatically!
Our Family
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Living Beyond Myself
I really enjoyed and learned alot from our recent ladies Bible study on the fruit of the spirit.
Things got busy and I missed the last class becasue of being on vacation, and I've been a long time since writing in my blog, but have been excited to finish these thoughts up.
I realize how much of the time I'm stuck in my box, and how much I need to live outside the boy, beyond mself, to enjoy the richness of all God wants to bless me with.
Love keeps us afloat. Self-control keeps us anchored.
Love gives us liberty. Self-control gives boundaries where love can abound.
The quality of self-control secures our freedom to love, experience joy, know peace, respond with patience, have a kind disposition, act out of goodness, step out in faith, and agree with gentleness.
Lack of self-control is an open invitation to the enemy.
Victorious living is living in Him, outside of ourselves.
When we find it difficult to accept our lot we need to remember only God can give us a heart of acceptance. Only God can make us happy. But only we can allow God to work contentment in us.
He knows our needs, our vulnerabilities, what we can endure.
Matthew 6:32-34
"...your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself..."
I often have found myself making up things in my mind by not focusing on God, causing myself all sorts of grief.
II Corinthians 10:5 has been a verse I have often turned to to remind me what's what. It's what I need to remember every day.
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of God."
I Peter 1:3-8
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue;
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye mght be parakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you hat ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Sounds like good companion verses to Galatians 5:22 & 23!
Things got busy and I missed the last class becasue of being on vacation, and I've been a long time since writing in my blog, but have been excited to finish these thoughts up.
I realize how much of the time I'm stuck in my box, and how much I need to live outside the boy, beyond mself, to enjoy the richness of all God wants to bless me with.
Love keeps us afloat. Self-control keeps us anchored.
Love gives us liberty. Self-control gives boundaries where love can abound.
The quality of self-control secures our freedom to love, experience joy, know peace, respond with patience, have a kind disposition, act out of goodness, step out in faith, and agree with gentleness.
Lack of self-control is an open invitation to the enemy.
Victorious living is living in Him, outside of ourselves.
When we find it difficult to accept our lot we need to remember only God can give us a heart of acceptance. Only God can make us happy. But only we can allow God to work contentment in us.
He knows our needs, our vulnerabilities, what we can endure.
Matthew 6:32-34
"...your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself..."
I often have found myself making up things in my mind by not focusing on God, causing myself all sorts of grief.
II Corinthians 10:5 has been a verse I have often turned to to remind me what's what. It's what I need to remember every day.
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of God."
I Peter 1:3-8
"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue;
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye mght be parakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you hat ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Sounds like good companion verses to Galatians 5:22 & 23!
Random Thoughts on The Fruit of the Spirit Gentleness
Gentleness = submission = life surrendered to Real Power = calmness in the storms.
Inward grace of the soul = acceptance of God's dealing in our life / surrender to God's will and way in our life = power and strength created from submitting to God's will.
Also humility - a correct estimation of ourselves, born on bent knee - supernatural result of being rightly related to God.
Inward grace of the soul = acceptance of God's dealing in our life / surrender to God's will and way in our life = power and strength created from submitting to God's will.
Also humility - a correct estimation of ourselves, born on bent knee - supernatural result of being rightly related to God.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Watering and Weeds
I stepped out my front door this morning and looked at my hopefully butterfly/hummingbird garden and smiled as I noticed that God had watered it for me over night.
The next thought that went through my head was, "Could you pull the weeds too?"
Actually, that would have been a great time to pull weeds with the ground wet, but alas, I was on my way to work.
Just think, once upon a time the garden grew without any weeding or worry about watering, and it was beautiful without any work.
So why, father Adam and mother Eve did you have to sin to make our gardens so much work?!
Well, I'm thankful their sin and impending separation and death had a cure, and I guess I can put up with the weeding and hoping to see a beautiful garden knowing that because of what Jesus did for me on the cross I will someday be able to enjoy all of God's beauty and blessings without any concerns.
The next thought that went through my head was, "Could you pull the weeds too?"
Actually, that would have been a great time to pull weeds with the ground wet, but alas, I was on my way to work.
Just think, once upon a time the garden grew without any weeding or worry about watering, and it was beautiful without any work.
So why, father Adam and mother Eve did you have to sin to make our gardens so much work?!
Well, I'm thankful their sin and impending separation and death had a cure, and I guess I can put up with the weeding and hoping to see a beautiful garden knowing that because of what Jesus did for me on the cross I will someday be able to enjoy all of God's beauty and blessings without any concerns.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
God's 26 Soldiers
Ok, this is not original with me, but when I heard it I knew I had to share it.
Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them later'? Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?' Read the following story it may it change the way that you think about prayer, and also the way you pray.
A missionary on furlough told this story while visiting his home church in Michigan. 'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point. On one of these journeys I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two day journey back to the field hospital. Upon arrival in the city I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord. I then traveled the two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident. Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: 'On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?'
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him. If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it, you don't know what it can mean to that person.
I believe there are God's (guardian) angels all around us. (Ok, now this is me speaking.) Not the kind of angels t.v. tries to get us to believe, but true ministering spirits of the Lord. I believe prayer puts them at our disposal. Sometimes in difficult times I believe I have felt their protection.
II Kings 6:15-17, "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us aremore than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the moutain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them later'? Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?' Read the following story it may it change the way that you think about prayer, and also the way you pray.
A missionary on furlough told this story while visiting his home church in Michigan. 'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point. On one of these journeys I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two day journey back to the field hospital. Upon arrival in the city I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord. I then traveled the two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident. Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards, my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone.'
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: 'On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?'
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up. The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him. If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it, you don't know what it can mean to that person.
I believe there are God's (guardian) angels all around us. (Ok, now this is me speaking.) Not the kind of angels t.v. tries to get us to believe, but true ministering spirits of the Lord. I believe prayer puts them at our disposal. Sometimes in difficult times I believe I have felt their protection.
II Kings 6:15-17, "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us aremore than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the moutain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Everybody Has One Of Those Days...
Ok, I have to admit it, I'm having one of those days...it's been several days, actually...
Just feeling down...Bunch of "little" things. But Satan, as he is wont to do, is trying to really get me down, telling me his lies, making more out of things than they are.
I just keep praying to God to help me keep my ears tuned to Him instead, keep my eyes on Him and my heart focused on Him. I know He knows everything that's going on so much better than I do, that He has a plan in it all (for His glory!), and that He just wants me to trust Him, obey Him, and let Him do His work.
Nothing is terrible, just concerns over Mike's health and well being, finances, the family...
There's been some times lately where I have felt almost overwhelmed and stretched to my limit...ah, but when I am weak, He is strong.
I am so thankful for the promises of God, enough to pull me out of the pit and keep me going.
Just feeling down...Bunch of "little" things. But Satan, as he is wont to do, is trying to really get me down, telling me his lies, making more out of things than they are.
I just keep praying to God to help me keep my ears tuned to Him instead, keep my eyes on Him and my heart focused on Him. I know He knows everything that's going on so much better than I do, that He has a plan in it all (for His glory!), and that He just wants me to trust Him, obey Him, and let Him do His work.
Nothing is terrible, just concerns over Mike's health and well being, finances, the family...
There's been some times lately where I have felt almost overwhelmed and stretched to my limit...ah, but when I am weak, He is strong.
I am so thankful for the promises of God, enough to pull me out of the pit and keep me going.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Spring Has Sprung, The Grass Has Riz...
Well, here it is May 1, and I mowed the grass for the first time this spring! Wish I could remember when I started last year. It seems later this year, which means maybe less times to mow? That would be nice.
My Hostas are just starting to sprout and unfold. Seems like they had done so earlier last year. Same with some of my other flowering friends. I have planted and replanted my butterfly/hummingbird garden the last 2 years, hoping this time everything will come up and bring the flutterbys and birdies.
Here it is May 1 and we still haven't been able to keep the heat off. I think one day we're going to wake up and have to turn it off and the air conditioning on the same day. Yuk. I want a month or so with neither!
I definitely like the different seasons...spring is nice to turn from muddy to green...summer's nice, although I prefer not-too-hot, I really like fall, and I like winter...as long as I don't have to brave icy roads and bad weather. I don't think I'd like to live somewhere where there weren't four distinct seasons. I'm sure glad God thought to make it like this. :)
My Hostas are just starting to sprout and unfold. Seems like they had done so earlier last year. Same with some of my other flowering friends. I have planted and replanted my butterfly/hummingbird garden the last 2 years, hoping this time everything will come up and bring the flutterbys and birdies.
Here it is May 1 and we still haven't been able to keep the heat off. I think one day we're going to wake up and have to turn it off and the air conditioning on the same day. Yuk. I want a month or so with neither!
I definitely like the different seasons...spring is nice to turn from muddy to green...summer's nice, although I prefer not-too-hot, I really like fall, and I like winter...as long as I don't have to brave icy roads and bad weather. I don't think I'd like to live somewhere where there weren't four distinct seasons. I'm sure glad God thought to make it like this. :)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sonic, Hu Hot, ...
Something old and something new.
I am a long time fan of Sonic and am so excited we have one in our area now. Whenever we've gone where there is one I have stopped for my Cherry Limeaide fix. And now I don't have to go so far or wait so long inbetween! YEAH!
That's the something old for me.
The something new is Hu Hot. I've heard it's praises sang for several months and have finally experienced it for myself. To sum it up...YUM! I can hardly wait to go back!
Isn't it funny the things that make us happy?
What else...
My family, spending quality time with them. Just being in the same room with them and watching them enjoy each other. Having the grandkids over, one by one, or all together. Having Hannah home, whether we just chill or do something. Seeing my husband feel better. Spending time with my parents and brother and sister-in-laws and mother and father-in-law.
My friends, any communication with them. Wish I could see them and be with them more often, but it's so nice to know they're "there".
God, definitely not the least, and the many wonders of Him. His Word, His love, the joy He give, the peace He gives, His patience, His gentleness, goodness. Faith in Him.
Other things I enjoy: taking a walk, reading, watch t.v., playing Wii, playing Uno or Scrabble or Chinese Checkers, etc.
Alot of something olds.
And, even Hu Hot will soon be a someting old!
It's nice to know there's always soemthing new that can come along and turn into something old. :)
I am a long time fan of Sonic and am so excited we have one in our area now. Whenever we've gone where there is one I have stopped for my Cherry Limeaide fix. And now I don't have to go so far or wait so long inbetween! YEAH!
That's the something old for me.
The something new is Hu Hot. I've heard it's praises sang for several months and have finally experienced it for myself. To sum it up...YUM! I can hardly wait to go back!
Isn't it funny the things that make us happy?
What else...
My family, spending quality time with them. Just being in the same room with them and watching them enjoy each other. Having the grandkids over, one by one, or all together. Having Hannah home, whether we just chill or do something. Seeing my husband feel better. Spending time with my parents and brother and sister-in-laws and mother and father-in-law.
My friends, any communication with them. Wish I could see them and be with them more often, but it's so nice to know they're "there".
God, definitely not the least, and the many wonders of Him. His Word, His love, the joy He give, the peace He gives, His patience, His gentleness, goodness. Faith in Him.
Other things I enjoy: taking a walk, reading, watch t.v., playing Wii, playing Uno or Scrabble or Chinese Checkers, etc.
Alot of something olds.
And, even Hu Hot will soon be a someting old!
It's nice to know there's always soemthing new that can come along and turn into something old. :)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Faith Is Just Believing What God Says
Once again Beth Moore has hit the nail on the head..."Faith is not an action; it is a response." We need to "learn to trust in His faithfulness (to) grow and develop our own". Faith is "firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, ... reality or faithfulness."
Remember that children's Sunday School song, "Faith is just believing what God said He would do. He will never leave us, His promises are true. If we but believe Him, His children we become..." That's what faith is, believing in God's believaility!
True faith isn't based on what God does, it's based on who He is! If we try and base our faith on what we perceive God is doing we're going to struggle every time He doesn't do what we think He should the way we think He should. How much better to believe in who He is and know He's always going to do things for His honor and glory and according to His plan even if it doesn't make sense to us. We must remember His ways are higher than ours! (Faith is believing God can even we He doesn't...because the doesn't in our eyes, not His all knowing ones.)
Think about Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Faith isn't always easy, but it always brings the result desired by God.
The opposite of faith is fear, and fear gets in the way of our faith.
We need to be in prayer for increased faith. Prayer cuts a window in a wall. (Remember Daniel 6:3-11).
The enemy is mostly mouth (like the lions whose mouths God shut for Daniel).
Our life motto should well be "through faith" (as in Hebrews 11:33).
God will always see us through when we put our faith in Him, and beyond the victory is a promise fulfilled.
We fight through with faith.
We need to agree with God and give to Him our weaknesses so He can help us through them.
We need to continually rehearse God's faithfulness to help remind us what He has brought us through and that He can bring us through whatever it is we are facing at the time.
We need to be busy praising the Lord for His goodness and mercy and faithfulness.
And! We please God with our faith. We were created to please Him!
Boy have I needed this lesson this week.
We know when we are tired or worn down or worn out or discouraged that the enemy will attack us and try to get victory over us. At times like these we need to especially rehearse our history of faith in the faithfulness of God.
Remember that children's Sunday School song, "Faith is just believing what God said He would do. He will never leave us, His promises are true. If we but believe Him, His children we become..." That's what faith is, believing in God's believaility!
True faith isn't based on what God does, it's based on who He is! If we try and base our faith on what we perceive God is doing we're going to struggle every time He doesn't do what we think He should the way we think He should. How much better to believe in who He is and know He's always going to do things for His honor and glory and according to His plan even if it doesn't make sense to us. We must remember His ways are higher than ours! (Faith is believing God can even we He doesn't...because the doesn't in our eyes, not His all knowing ones.)
Think about Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Faith isn't always easy, but it always brings the result desired by God.
The opposite of faith is fear, and fear gets in the way of our faith.
We need to be in prayer for increased faith. Prayer cuts a window in a wall. (Remember Daniel 6:3-11).
The enemy is mostly mouth (like the lions whose mouths God shut for Daniel).
Our life motto should well be "through faith" (as in Hebrews 11:33).
God will always see us through when we put our faith in Him, and beyond the victory is a promise fulfilled.
We fight through with faith.
We need to agree with God and give to Him our weaknesses so He can help us through them.
We need to continually rehearse God's faithfulness to help remind us what He has brought us through and that He can bring us through whatever it is we are facing at the time.
We need to be busy praising the Lord for His goodness and mercy and faithfulness.
And! We please God with our faith. We were created to please Him!
Boy have I needed this lesson this week.
We know when we are tired or worn down or worn out or discouraged that the enemy will attack us and try to get victory over us. At times like these we need to especially rehearse our history of faith in the faithfulness of God.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Spring Walk
Ok, so first Rebecca says we should take a walk after dinner, and then Mike says we should take a walk after dinner - I'm outnumbered! So, we took a walk after dinner!
Seriously, I've been wanting to walk but just bogged down and don't get it done, but it felt so good! It was refreshing. Hopefully I'll be inspired to keep it up now. I do enjoy taking walks.
I've been sitting looking out my home workstation window and the bright yellow sportscar and the robins pulling earthworms out of my yard, etc., etc., etc., and I've really been getting spring fever! (I even got up this morning and swept and dusted my bedroom and upstairs bathroom and hallway and cleaned the downstairs bathroom and laundry room and kitchen before I started work this morning!)
Well, that's the exciting thing on my mind today!
Seriously, I've been wanting to walk but just bogged down and don't get it done, but it felt so good! It was refreshing. Hopefully I'll be inspired to keep it up now. I do enjoy taking walks.
I've been sitting looking out my home workstation window and the bright yellow sportscar and the robins pulling earthworms out of my yard, etc., etc., etc., and I've really been getting spring fever! (I even got up this morning and swept and dusted my bedroom and upstairs bathroom and hallway and cleaned the downstairs bathroom and laundry room and kitchen before I started work this morning!)
Well, that's the exciting thing on my mind today!
Robins
Ok, so today I'm at my home workstation, and what catches my eye, unlike the manmade bright yellow sportscar, are the God-made robins!
They are out there in droves on my lawn pulling up what I assume to be earthworms.
It is so fascinating!
Even when I'm working away I can't help but see out of the corner of my eye flitting around.
It just makes me smile that God created such a lovely way to tell us spring is here.
They are out there in droves on my lawn pulling up what I assume to be earthworms.
It is so fascinating!
Even when I'm working away I can't help but see out of the corner of my eye flitting around.
It just makes me smile that God created such a lovely way to tell us spring is here.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Bright Yellow Sportscar
Ok, so I'm looking out my window of my home office today. I notice the sun is shining, the sky is blue with fluffy white clouds, and it doesn't seem too breezy. I decide I have to take a break to check the temperature, and it's as close to 60 as you can get if it's not.
Then, as I sit back down at my work station I take one last glace out my windows before focusing on the work at hand, and I see a brght yellow sportscar pass by on the corner adjacent to my street!
Now, yellow IS my favorite color, and I've been telling my husband my next car WILL BE yellow, and so it's natural that it made me smile and lifted my spirits.
It made the sun shine a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the clouds a little fluffier. Somehow that dash of bright yellow just called attention to the beautiful spring day.
So, even man made things can't help but bring out the beauty of God made things.
Makes you think of those verses in the Bible where the trees of the field shall clap their hands, etc.
Then, as I sit back down at my work station I take one last glace out my windows before focusing on the work at hand, and I see a brght yellow sportscar pass by on the corner adjacent to my street!
Now, yellow IS my favorite color, and I've been telling my husband my next car WILL BE yellow, and so it's natural that it made me smile and lifted my spirits.
It made the sun shine a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the clouds a little fluffier. Somehow that dash of bright yellow just called attention to the beautiful spring day.
So, even man made things can't help but bring out the beauty of God made things.
Makes you think of those verses in the Bible where the trees of the field shall clap their hands, etc.
There Has To Be Balance
Kindness and Goodness...Why there has to be a balance.
"Without kindness, goodness becomes harsh and self-righteous. Without goodness, kindness becomes indulgent tolerance."
Ever thought of it that way?
Kindness is a tender heart and a nurturing spirit.
Goodness is an active good. The purpose of goodness is to do or bring that which is most beneficial, whether or not it is that which is most popular.
Kindness provides safeguard for misguided goodness.
If God puts it to us to confront someone it had better be done in the Spirit devoid of self and full of kindness. It had better be the prompting of the Holy Spirit and not of our own prideful heart.
Once before in these lessons by Beth Moore we were confronted with a similar idea when we talked about peace.
There's a difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. We have to be careful not to be deceived into thinking we are a good peacekeeper if we attempt to keep peace at any cost, because that only brings a false peace if it only covers up or keeps a problem at bay. We have to trust in the Lord and pray for wisdom and strength to face turmoil sometimes to bring real peace.
We also have to be willing to be spirit filled to put goodness to our kindness so we can be effective when the Lord call us to be used of Him in this way.
This is a lesson I struggle with. I want to keep peace. I want to be kind. I want everyone to be happy. But, covering up and ignoring things doesn't make that happen. It really takes listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying Him, doing things in His time and His way (Oh! Here is patience popping up too!). (Of course, thank you Sarah E., it's all one fruit so it should intertwine!)
God calls us to do good works for Him. That's why He saves us (not how He saves us -- our good works don't save us and don't come before salvation, they come after, when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and work through us). And the only way we can do good works in Him is if we let His kindness guide us.
If we feel empty, it's because of too much inward looking and not enough outward looking, and doing. Doing good often is outside of our comfort zone. We have to be stretched outside of ourselves to do many things God has planned for us.
"Without kindness, goodness becomes harsh and self-righteous. Without goodness, kindness becomes indulgent tolerance."
Ever thought of it that way?
Kindness is a tender heart and a nurturing spirit.
Goodness is an active good. The purpose of goodness is to do or bring that which is most beneficial, whether or not it is that which is most popular.
Kindness provides safeguard for misguided goodness.
If God puts it to us to confront someone it had better be done in the Spirit devoid of self and full of kindness. It had better be the prompting of the Holy Spirit and not of our own prideful heart.
Once before in these lessons by Beth Moore we were confronted with a similar idea when we talked about peace.
There's a difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. We have to be careful not to be deceived into thinking we are a good peacekeeper if we attempt to keep peace at any cost, because that only brings a false peace if it only covers up or keeps a problem at bay. We have to trust in the Lord and pray for wisdom and strength to face turmoil sometimes to bring real peace.
We also have to be willing to be spirit filled to put goodness to our kindness so we can be effective when the Lord call us to be used of Him in this way.
This is a lesson I struggle with. I want to keep peace. I want to be kind. I want everyone to be happy. But, covering up and ignoring things doesn't make that happen. It really takes listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying Him, doing things in His time and His way (Oh! Here is patience popping up too!). (Of course, thank you Sarah E., it's all one fruit so it should intertwine!)
God calls us to do good works for Him. That's why He saves us (not how He saves us -- our good works don't save us and don't come before salvation, they come after, when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us and work through us). And the only way we can do good works in Him is if we let His kindness guide us.
If we feel empty, it's because of too much inward looking and not enough outward looking, and doing. Doing good often is outside of our comfort zone. We have to be stretched outside of ourselves to do many things God has planned for us.
Monday, April 13, 2009
You Have How Many Children?!
Yep, I have 13 kids.
From the age of 16-31.
Timothy Michael McCloud, Peter Dennis McCloud, Hannah Ruth McCloud,
Eena "McCloud" from Indonesia,
Henriikka "McCloud" from Finland,
Adriana "McCloud" from Colombia,
Chieko "McCloud" from Japan,
Juan "McCloud" from Chile,
Christin "McCloud" from Germany,
Francie "McCloud" from Taiwan,
Katharina "McCloud" from Germany,
Bonnie "McCloud" from Taiwan,
and Rebecca "McCloud" from Taiwan.
I have 2 daughter-in-laws and 2 son-in-laws.
Renee McCloud, April McCloud,
Tatang (Eena's husband),
Matti (Henriikka's husband).
And 7 grandchildren.
Abby, T.J., Joey, Marshall, Cody and Tim McCloud,
Kalisha, Eena's daughter -- and twins coming this fall to make it 9.
How blessed am I!
How fun it has been to have my own dear children and their spouses and their children in my life, along with foreign exchange children, some of who are now married, and grandchildren that way too.
And then there's been all the other innumerable exchange students that have either been a part of our household for a few days or weeks or months, or who we have enjoyed as part of the group we supervise each year.
Some of these supervised students are nearly like our own as well from time they have spent with us, like Bjorn and Martin.
What fun it has been and is!
From the age of 16-31.
Timothy Michael McCloud, Peter Dennis McCloud, Hannah Ruth McCloud,
Eena "McCloud" from Indonesia,
Henriikka "McCloud" from Finland,
Adriana "McCloud" from Colombia,
Chieko "McCloud" from Japan,
Juan "McCloud" from Chile,
Christin "McCloud" from Germany,
Francie "McCloud" from Taiwan,
Katharina "McCloud" from Germany,
Bonnie "McCloud" from Taiwan,
and Rebecca "McCloud" from Taiwan.
I have 2 daughter-in-laws and 2 son-in-laws.
Renee McCloud, April McCloud,
Tatang (Eena's husband),
Matti (Henriikka's husband).
And 7 grandchildren.
Abby, T.J., Joey, Marshall, Cody and Tim McCloud,
Kalisha, Eena's daughter -- and twins coming this fall to make it 9.
How blessed am I!
How fun it has been to have my own dear children and their spouses and their children in my life, along with foreign exchange children, some of who are now married, and grandchildren that way too.
And then there's been all the other innumerable exchange students that have either been a part of our household for a few days or weeks or months, or who we have enjoyed as part of the group we supervise each year.
Some of these supervised students are nearly like our own as well from time they have spent with us, like Bjorn and Martin.
What fun it has been and is!
Why Do I Have A Blog?
It sounds like a fun thing to do, to blog. But it seems like it really takes knowing what you want your purpose is to make it a "success". I'm doing this for me right now. Reinforcing lessons I'm being taught. Or a place to smile to myself, maybe even at myself. It would be nice if it would take on a life of it's own. If anyone else were to read what I write, what would benefit them? I guess I would like to make people think and make them smile. I like to write poems, and I've often thought it would be neat to be able to write something thought provoking and witty and to inspire people, but I just don't know that I've got what it takes to do that.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Aarg, I'm sick!
Drat, Mr. Cold has come to visit. (He is not one of my favorite people!)
He brought along a few things with him on his visit to share with me...a scratchy throat, a runny nose, a headache, and a churny tummy - blah.
Hope Mr. Cold doesn't stay too long anyway. I'm sure I didn't invite him in the first place.
I don't even feel like being polite to him. Is that bad?
Well, I hope he stays away from your place! I sure won't send him over!
He brought along a few things with him on his visit to share with me...a scratchy throat, a runny nose, a headache, and a churny tummy - blah.
Hope Mr. Cold doesn't stay too long anyway. I'm sure I didn't invite him in the first place.
I don't even feel like being polite to him. Is that bad?
Well, I hope he stays away from your place! I sure won't send him over!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Such A Great Weekend!
My birthday weekend was absolutely great!
Daughter Hannah got home in time for supper and we grilled out hotdogs and hamburgers DESPITE the fact that it was COLD and wintery (even though it's spring)!
Then we watched a movie, "Mad Money". How funny!
Saturday we got up and the girls dressed us to match - pink and black. We went shopping and out to lunch at Red Lobster. Rebecca and Hannah and I had so much fun.
When we finally got home we were tired and still too full for supper.
We did prepare dinner for Sunday (Hannah made her recipe of ham balls), as well as my icecream birthday cake.
Then watched another movie, "The Visitor". Very interesting.
After church on Sunday middle son Pete and family joined us for lunch, and oldest son Tim and family called from Arizona.
It was just one of the best weekends ever.
(And you're only as old as you want to be!)
Daughter Hannah got home in time for supper and we grilled out hotdogs and hamburgers DESPITE the fact that it was COLD and wintery (even though it's spring)!
Then we watched a movie, "Mad Money". How funny!
Saturday we got up and the girls dressed us to match - pink and black. We went shopping and out to lunch at Red Lobster. Rebecca and Hannah and I had so much fun.
When we finally got home we were tired and still too full for supper.
We did prepare dinner for Sunday (Hannah made her recipe of ham balls), as well as my icecream birthday cake.
Then watched another movie, "The Visitor". Very interesting.
After church on Sunday middle son Pete and family joined us for lunch, and oldest son Tim and family called from Arizona.
It was just one of the best weekends ever.
(And you're only as old as you want to be!)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Almost Friday!
Well, it's ALMOST Friday (Thursday night, 9:30 p.m.), and my daughter Hannah is coming home tomorrow (Friday) afternoon to celebrate my birthday with me, which is on Sunday this year, but we always try to make it stretch over the whole weekend. I'm so excited! I'm so glad to have a daughter-friend! We always have such a good time together, whether it's doing something or just being together.
And this year we have Rebecca, my Taiwanese exchange student daughter, to share it with us too. The three of us always have fun together too.
(Interestingly! Rebecca's mom, Teresa, and I share a birthday - same year and everything! How cool is that?! Rebecca always says we are EXACTLY the same - two totally different countries and cultures and yet we always tell her the SAME THING! Poor girl!)
In May, for Mother's Day, the past 2 or 3 years Hannah and I and my two daughter-in-laws, Renee and April, have planned a McCloud girls weekend where we try to go spend the night in a hotel and go out to eat and go shopping somewhere. That has been alot of fun too.
I just enjoy my girls!
Including my (one out of six grandchildren) granddaughter, Abby!
And this year we have Rebecca, my Taiwanese exchange student daughter, to share it with us too. The three of us always have fun together too.
(Interestingly! Rebecca's mom, Teresa, and I share a birthday - same year and everything! How cool is that?! Rebecca always says we are EXACTLY the same - two totally different countries and cultures and yet we always tell her the SAME THING! Poor girl!)
In May, for Mother's Day, the past 2 or 3 years Hannah and I and my two daughter-in-laws, Renee and April, have planned a McCloud girls weekend where we try to go spend the night in a hotel and go out to eat and go shopping somewhere. That has been alot of fun too.
I just enjoy my girls!
Including my (one out of six grandchildren) granddaughter, Abby!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Always Learning
Ok, so we're down to L O N G S U F F E R I N G -- i.e. PATIENCE.
I have been amazed how much I have learned about love, joy and peace, things I thought I knew about. And now patience (which I obviously need to keep learning about, as anyone who knows me can tell! :) is opening up things I never thought about before.
Wow, imagine, refusing to allow circumstances or the behavior of others spoil my day.
The Greek word "hupomone" means patience, "to persevere, remain under...bearing up under...refers to the quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succub under trial." It is "endurance-patience" in relation to things or circumstances.
It is associated with hope, "the desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it", or biblically, "a positive outlook toward an expected end." Hope inspires this kind of patiene.
Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
FURTHERMORE! Romans 8:29, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn of many brethren."
Hope in our lives that God is at work and is transforming us to be conformed to the image of Christ!
Then there's the Greek word "makrothumia", also patience, "to be long-suffering", "forebearance...self-restraint before proceeding to action", "the quality of a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so." This is patience in respect to people rather than circumstances.
Hmmm...This "patience" is the fruit of the Spirit inspired by mercy. God's mercy! "Mercy-patience!"
We need "hupomone" in responding to circumstances, and "makrothumia" in responding to people!
We can pray for "endurance-patience" in circumstances, but we need "mercy-patience" for people, and that can only come from being filled with the Holy Spirit! Allowing the Holy Spirit to express His patience through us!
God's Word is so amazing! One can be a Christian for (35) years and still be learning! It just never gets old!
I have been amazed how much I have learned about love, joy and peace, things I thought I knew about. And now patience (which I obviously need to keep learning about, as anyone who knows me can tell! :) is opening up things I never thought about before.
Wow, imagine, refusing to allow circumstances or the behavior of others spoil my day.
The Greek word "hupomone" means patience, "to persevere, remain under...bearing up under...refers to the quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succub under trial." It is "endurance-patience" in relation to things or circumstances.
It is associated with hope, "the desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it", or biblically, "a positive outlook toward an expected end." Hope inspires this kind of patiene.
Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
FURTHERMORE! Romans 8:29, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn of many brethren."
Hope in our lives that God is at work and is transforming us to be conformed to the image of Christ!
Then there's the Greek word "makrothumia", also patience, "to be long-suffering", "forebearance...self-restraint before proceeding to action", "the quality of a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so." This is patience in respect to people rather than circumstances.
Hmmm...This "patience" is the fruit of the Spirit inspired by mercy. God's mercy! "Mercy-patience!"
We need "hupomone" in responding to circumstances, and "makrothumia" in responding to people!
We can pray for "endurance-patience" in circumstances, but we need "mercy-patience" for people, and that can only come from being filled with the Holy Spirit! Allowing the Holy Spirit to express His patience through us!
God's Word is so amazing! One can be a Christian for (35) years and still be learning! It just never gets old!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Time
My goodness time flies. There's so many things to do in a day or a week.
I have a wonderfully full life filled with God, family, friends, a job I really like, and things I like to do. Finding time for everything isn't always easy. Prioritizing is sometimes really hard for me.
But I know God definitely has to come first, and when He does everything else runs so much smoother!
So, what's on my mind? We're having a really good study on the fruit of the Spirit in Bible study. We're on Peace right now. Have to have peace with God (through salvation) to have the peace of God (in the midst of the many faces of life). So glad I have peace with God, and thanful for the peace of God. Don't know how I'd face life without it or Him.
Last time was joy. Being able to have joy in any situation because of a personal relationship with God.
And that joy goes right along with peace. A great combination.
And all that because of love, the love of God that makes it all possible!
I love the body of Christ. I love sharing the Word, sharing needs, and sharing laughter, and even tears.
I have a wonderfully full life filled with God, family, friends, a job I really like, and things I like to do. Finding time for everything isn't always easy. Prioritizing is sometimes really hard for me.
But I know God definitely has to come first, and when He does everything else runs so much smoother!
So, what's on my mind? We're having a really good study on the fruit of the Spirit in Bible study. We're on Peace right now. Have to have peace with God (through salvation) to have the peace of God (in the midst of the many faces of life). So glad I have peace with God, and thanful for the peace of God. Don't know how I'd face life without it or Him.
Last time was joy. Being able to have joy in any situation because of a personal relationship with God.
And that joy goes right along with peace. A great combination.
And all that because of love, the love of God that makes it all possible!
I love the body of Christ. I love sharing the Word, sharing needs, and sharing laughter, and even tears.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Shall Not
I had an interesting devotional yesterday. The "Shall Not"s of Scripture.
We often hear that people don't want to become a Christian for all they think they'll have to give up with their idea of all the "thou shalt not"s in the Bible such as the Ten Commandments.
Those of us who are Christians know that if God gives us a "thou shalt not" He surely gives us something far better to replace it.
But I never stopped to think of this view of the "shall not"s!
Ps. 34:10 "...they that seek the LORD SHALL NOT want any good thing."
Ps. 23:1 "The LORD is my Shepherd, I SHALL NOT want."
John 5:24 "He that heareth my Word, and believeth on Him that sentme, hath everylasting life, and SHALL NOT come into condemnation."
John 8:12 "He that followth Me SHALL NOT walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Psalm 16:8 "The LORD...is at my right hand, I SHALL NOT be moved;..."
Psalm 37:24 "Though he fall, SHALL NOT be utterly ast down: for the LORD upholdeth himj with His hand."
Isaiah 43:2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they SHALL NOT overflow thee."
Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words SHALL NOT pass away."
Mathew 16:18 "Upon this Rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell SHALL NOT prevail against it."
Romans 6:14 "Sin SHALL NOT have dominion over you."
I think these "shall not"s outweigh anything thing one might have to give up, don't you?
Pretty amazing isn't it?
We often hear that people don't want to become a Christian for all they think they'll have to give up with their idea of all the "thou shalt not"s in the Bible such as the Ten Commandments.
Those of us who are Christians know that if God gives us a "thou shalt not" He surely gives us something far better to replace it.
But I never stopped to think of this view of the "shall not"s!
Ps. 34:10 "...they that seek the LORD SHALL NOT want any good thing."
Ps. 23:1 "The LORD is my Shepherd, I SHALL NOT want."
John 5:24 "He that heareth my Word, and believeth on Him that sentme, hath everylasting life, and SHALL NOT come into condemnation."
John 8:12 "He that followth Me SHALL NOT walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Psalm 16:8 "The LORD...is at my right hand, I SHALL NOT be moved;..."
Psalm 37:24 "Though he fall, SHALL NOT be utterly ast down: for the LORD upholdeth himj with His hand."
Isaiah 43:2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they SHALL NOT overflow thee."
Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words SHALL NOT pass away."
Mathew 16:18 "Upon this Rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell SHALL NOT prevail against it."
Romans 6:14 "Sin SHALL NOT have dominion over you."
I think these "shall not"s outweigh anything thing one might have to give up, don't you?
Pretty amazing isn't it?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Relationships
Today, after church, we had lunch with some old friends and some new friends. The new and the old hadn't met before, but it was fun to see how with God in common there is no barrier. We enjoyed laughing together.
Relationships, fellowship with other believers, is such a wonderful gift from God.
To be able to laugh together, share what God has and is doing, it's all just such a blessing.
A taste of heaven? A time when we're together with all the saints from time past to time future, where we all have one major bond that gives us instant friendship. And Jesus in the midst of us. Amazing thought!
I'm just so thankful for all my friendships, at all levels, and the joy of fellowship.
Relationships, fellowship with other believers, is such a wonderful gift from God.
To be able to laugh together, share what God has and is doing, it's all just such a blessing.
A taste of heaven? A time when we're together with all the saints from time past to time future, where we all have one major bond that gives us instant friendship. And Jesus in the midst of us. Amazing thought!
I'm just so thankful for all my friendships, at all levels, and the joy of fellowship.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Realization
Today was the funeral of a good friend's mother-in-law. As I saw her and talked with her and went through the service I was reminded of what friendship is...laughing with oneanother, and crying with oneanother. Wanting to be there for the other one to lean on.
As I left the church I felt so tired and drained, and I think of how much more so she must feel.
She and her mother-in-law have a very special relationship, as do I and my mother-in-law, and I told her that was gift, because not every woman has that. I know we are both thankful for that and for the loving memories we'll always have.
I am fortunate that my mother-in-law is still alive, although 90 years old. It makes me sad she's so far away, 8 hours, and I so want to go spend some time with her, and with my own mom.
You can never spend enough time with those you love, not your parents, not your siblings, not your spouse, not your children, not you grandchildren, not your friends.
You can never tell them enough that you love them and appreciate them.
As I left the church I felt so tired and drained, and I think of how much more so she must feel.
She and her mother-in-law have a very special relationship, as do I and my mother-in-law, and I told her that was gift, because not every woman has that. I know we are both thankful for that and for the loving memories we'll always have.
I am fortunate that my mother-in-law is still alive, although 90 years old. It makes me sad she's so far away, 8 hours, and I so want to go spend some time with her, and with my own mom.
You can never spend enough time with those you love, not your parents, not your siblings, not your spouse, not your children, not you grandchildren, not your friends.
You can never tell them enough that you love them and appreciate them.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Another day
A typical day, busy day at work, then Rebecca, our Taiwenese exchange student daughter fixed a yummy Taiwenese supper. I love it when she cooks! What am I ever going to do when she goes home in June?! Not just the food, I just enjoy her. She's funny and loveable, and I enjoy it when we have Bible study together.
Then the three oldest grandsons came over for a couple hours this evening. My, how fast they grow. It's hard to look at them and figure out how they got to be 7, 7, and 8, when just the other day they were babies. I remember feeling that way about my kids as well. Still do I guess! When did they become grown ups, two boys with wives and children, and a daughter living on her own. Wow, wow, wow.
I often have flashbacks of special memories with my kids. And I enjoy building memories with my grandchildren.
I'm so thankful for my children knowing the Lord and following him, and for Christian wives for my sons, and that the 5 oldest grandchildren have all accepted Christ as well. As I pray for their growth in faith I pray for the baby's salvation at an early age like his siblings.
I pray for wisdom for my sons as they find the path God has for them, that they'll have jobs they like that provide for them, and that they'll be good Christian husbands and fathers.
I am so fortunate, a loving God, loving parents, loving parent-in-laws, a husband who loves me, and children and grandchidlren I am proud of.
Thank you Lord for this day to say thank you!
Then the three oldest grandsons came over for a couple hours this evening. My, how fast they grow. It's hard to look at them and figure out how they got to be 7, 7, and 8, when just the other day they were babies. I remember feeling that way about my kids as well. Still do I guess! When did they become grown ups, two boys with wives and children, and a daughter living on her own. Wow, wow, wow.
I often have flashbacks of special memories with my kids. And I enjoy building memories with my grandchildren.
I'm so thankful for my children knowing the Lord and following him, and for Christian wives for my sons, and that the 5 oldest grandchildren have all accepted Christ as well. As I pray for their growth in faith I pray for the baby's salvation at an early age like his siblings.
I pray for wisdom for my sons as they find the path God has for them, that they'll have jobs they like that provide for them, and that they'll be good Christian husbands and fathers.
I am so fortunate, a loving God, loving parents, loving parent-in-laws, a husband who loves me, and children and grandchidlren I am proud of.
Thank you Lord for this day to say thank you!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Here I Go
Here I go, trying to blog. Wonder if I'll find anything noteworthy to blog about...Someone from church recently said that God gives us enough hours in every day to do what He wants us to do. That's my big challenge, to prioritize and get everything done that I should get done in a day, and figure out what those things are, and what things are waste.
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