What a Season!

Our church enjoyed several seasonal events.  As a whole they summed up the essence of the season for me...from our annual Christmas All-Church Party, to traveling and viewing a live nativity scene (and pausing for a meal along the way...plus, the fellowship that comes from 15 people traveling in one van!), to our Second Annual Christmas Play, to my Sunday School's Christmas Luncheon, to shopping, packing, and delivering 14 food boxes, to our annual Candle Lighting Service...yes, as a whole, all this summed up lots of fun, food, and fellowship, all centered on Jesus.  Wonderful!

Then, the Sunday evening after all this, last evening, 16 gathered for a new study of the Ten Commandments.  Before we left, we had scheduled another fellowship...we are going to have a Chili Cook-off and watch in two parts (so that means a Soup Night, also!) the Charlton Heston version of the Ten Commandments.

None involved have indepthly studied the Ten Commandments, so we are looking forward to the next three months...or so.  Last night's intro was extended at least through next week, as their leader (yes, that would be myself) always plans far too much discussion.  Good stuff!

During the hour-long study, several devil's advocates performed very well as they role-played defending the purpose of the Ten Commandments in our lives, for some do argue that because of their location in the Old Testament, these commandment belong in Law.  As we began to conclude, the Ten Commandments came down to Love, as so much of our relationship with God does.  Yes!  We honor them, we obey them out of love for our Heavenly Father.

Then, a group of ladies met to take down the Christmas decorations and celebrated four birthdays.  These ladies are just beautiful to me.  Some time ago, I asked the Lord for more girl friends.  He answered that prayer...so for these ladies, I am especially thankful; all ages they are.  Isn't that how He works?  Sending answers in His Perfect Will.

Following this, we met to plan for 2016, agreeing that in all we do that those involved should be drawn ever closer to Him.  Yes, may His will be done.

All in all, what a season!  I do hope yours was blessed in Him, Our Lord and Savior.

A Merry Christmas to Me

Just have to pause and reflect on yesterday...a day spend with my church family.  What a blessing they are to me.

First, Sunday School...right now this a gathering of three classes, which seems to be working for all involved.  Currently, we are using the Gospel Project Curriculum.  Love it...especially the weekly connections we study that between the Old Testament and the New.

Yesterday's lesson focused on John 1:14-18.  What beautiful words:  "grace unto grace."  Never will we be able to outdo our Lord.

Following the morning service, our Sunday School had Christmas lunch together downstairs...with a few additional friends invited.  May many more meals such as this occur throughout 2016!  Fellowship is so important:  words of encouragement given, testimonies shared, laughter heard...and, yes, bellies full!  Such good people.

Then, we organized and several volunteered their time to help complete the buying of a grocery list to ensure 14 families in our community received a Christmas food box.  Fun we had, blessed we were to fill at least 10 shopping buggies, which then filled a truck bed, which then overloaded several tables, which then were transferred back into boxes and bags to be delivered...after prayers were prayed.  My favorite moments?

• I asked a very shy young lady to deliver a food box.  Her immediate answer, "Yes."  No coaxing from me.  No cheerleading needed.  Just, "Yes."  That one word equaled a miracle, for a year ago, she could not have accomplished this.  In that year, though, I have witnessed the Lord teaching her, reassuring her, as she accepts His Grace, becoming more assured, more comfortable within herself because of Him.  Truly, a miracle.
• My most favorite moment...standing outside on a very cool, gray December afternoon, joining hands with those partaking in these special moments, and praying that He bless these packed and loaded boxes, that He bless the families, that He receive the Glory.  He did.  He will.

Completing the day was a Candle Light Service.  Through scriptures and the lighting of candles, the Nativity Story was re-told.  Beautiful.  When everyone had left, singing "Silent Night," only the candle representing Jesus was still aglow.  How appropriate, for His Light still shines so brightly.

Yes, I blew out that candle, taking with me, though, more of His Light, due in part to all the time spent with my church family throughout this day.

I so encourage you to gain a church family, to be involved with that family, to appreciate how God will use that family to bless you abundantly.

Blessings...and Merry Christmas!

'Tis the Season, People!

It's that time of the year!  Today feels like Christmas!  My tree is lit, warms scents are in the air, and today we host our annual  Christmas Party at church, an event that excites me this year.

Sort of Scrooge-ish to admit that sometimes these events are just work...and not that exciting?  This week, though, we have meet several evenings...yes, "we"...have had lots of elves assisting.  Those times have been fun with lots of laughs and jokes and minds coming together on all the decoration ideas.  The Spirit there as been so present.  Good times.

Tonight's theme is Express Yourself, as we are using the Polar Express movie/decorations as our motif.  How cute!  Our focus word is "Believe," and what better time of the year to share that message than this...or any day, as far as that goes.  

Tonight kicks off a series of Christmas events for our little country church...next week dinner and a tour of a live nativity scene in a nearby town, our second annual Christmas Play, a candlelight service...just that time of the year for continual reminders to exist to encourage us to remember the true meaning and reason for this season.

I, also, just finished Debbie Macomber's Christmas Comes to Cedar Grove.  Her novels are always light with gentle messages and references to our Godly beliefs.  I hope to read at least one Christmas novel a week this month.  Next up...Richard Paul Evans' The Mistletoe Inn.  I always enjoy his novels.

I do hope you are finding time for you this season...after all, isn't the gift of time one of the most precious gifts we receive?  Jesus gave us that gift, spending time here on earth, leaving with us His Holy Spirit who always has time for me...for you...for that soul just waiting to receive Him.

My prayer for you is that season be real to you as The Gift of His Salvation is ever renewed within you.

Merry Christmas!

Feeling a Little Tension, Anyone?

In my chronological read (not book by book...but day by day, year by year) of the Bible (I had hoped to read the entire Bible in a year...am just going to complete the Old Testament...but what a blessing this journey has been.  Please consider such a read!)...

Let's begin again, shall we?!

In my chronological read of the Bible, I came across a grouping of Psalms that caught my attention for two reasons:

1. Angela Thomas' study Stronger focused on such a Psalm, a study we just completed a month or so ago, resulting in some powerful reminders from that study.
2. The word tension snagged at my soul, for there...right there...I am...

In the descriptor just above Psalm 120, there rested these words:

THEME:  A prayer for deliverance from false accusers.  All believers must live with the tension of being in the world but not belonging to it.

Now, within my workplace, so much tension resides.  Paper rationing.  Ever-changing expectations. Unclaimed mountains...yet mountains that must be climbed, which we are...yes, one step at a time...except...under the load, we often stumble backwards for every one forward, finding little success.

Tension.

In this world, we will feel tension, for our souls rival with the sin natures within ourselves, our peers, our families, myself.

As a seamstress, as a want-to-be crocheter, I know, though, that some tension is a very good thing.  Lines stay straighter; stitches remain concise...all because a bit of stress is placed on that thread.  Interesting, yes?

I do know this...that the times that I have experienced the most tension in my life, my relationship with God was never closer, lining me up, stitching me close.  Not always pleasant...yes, those punctures hurt!...always better put together, though, for what we...yes, God and I...have experienced.

In this series of Psalms, these pilgrims are on a journey to the Temple for the annual festivals.  I, too, am on a journey to the Great Temple...step by step, experiencing tension along the way, drawing me ever closer to Him.  I am a part of that remnant.

If you are experiencing "tension" today, this week in your spiritual walk, I encourage you to remember that if life is a thread, then He is the Guide that determines how much tension you need to keep those stitches together, binding you and Him into a garment that will not unravel.  For as Psalm 120:7 states, "I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer."

Amen.

Praying for Paris...and Us...and You

The past few weeks in my English 12 classes, we have been asking questions in preparation for each selecting an Inquiry Project.  One question we  have asked regarding ISIS is...Why is violence a necessity to such groups?

Then, they attack Paris.  Such violence.

Our models are in the Bible, back to where we must go as a nation, for we have drifted...much too far from that Biblical shore, for as I have been reading the Bible in a chronological order, I have read of much violence, and, without fail, when God was sought, He intervened.

“The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is His name … Your Right Hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces. And in the greatness of Your excellence you have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath which consumed them like stubble.” (Exodus 15:3,6)

Our model is the the Bible...may we pray that we don't just drift to that shore but that we rush with the tide of deliverance, knowing He is pushing those undercurrents?

Yes, let's pray....

Out of the Box...

This week, the kids, Mrs. Brenda, and I put together 15 boxes for Samaritan Shoeboxes.  This was a blessed time as I watched the kids pack the boxes and then literally lay hands on the boxes and pray that God touch of these receiving children in a mighty way.

As I work with the children, if I teach them nothing else, I hope they learn to pray.  My method is simple:  I say the words; they repeat them.  We pray praises; we lay requests at His feet; we lift one another up.

This is especially important in groups of kids such as we have...nearly 100% of them coming from broken homes, many coming without their parents.  They need us.  These kids need us more than the adults do.  I believe that.  Could that be one of the reasons Jesus Himself focused on the children so much?  "Let the little children come unto me." - Matthew 19:14

The older I get...yes, happening every day!...I ever learn the power of prayer.  Answered prayers are just a win-win...the answer is sweet, yet more importantly is the faith that He continues to build as these prayers are answered.  Yes, definitely, a win-win.

I want our children to experience the headiness of answered prayers.  I want them to experience the building of faith through answered prayers.  How else can that occur unless we teach them to pray?  We must teach them to pray.

How do you teach your children in church to pray?

The Voices of the Girls

Last Friday night, 14 of us attended a Chris Tomlin Concert; eight of those 14 were teenage girls, their excitement tangible, their voices and arms raised, all praising the Lord. As our pastor's wife proclaimed, "I just enjoyed watching the young people."

Taking these people on that trip was just a blessing, for in our busy lives, taking time out for the Lord, unfortunately, becomes a "job" within itself, or as our pastor would say, then this becomes law, for we are "making" ourselves do it.  This evening, though, a time of fellowship, food, and praises, became that time away from our real lives.

Over the years, music has been such a tremendous avenue of praise for me.  As I grew up, I learned a bit here and there about playing the piano, spending time as my ear heard the songs, my fingertips found the exact keys, the Lord just taking over.

I have been careful over the years to play what I hope glorifies Him, mainly gospel songs, for church, weddings, and funerals, not taking pay for such events, for the Lord gave this gift.  I just give it back to Him.

Also, over the years, I have witnessed the shift in the "old" hymns to the more contemporary ones, have listened to those who enjoy one or the other more, have come to appreciate both.  As I continue to mature, I am learning that often a blend of the extremes is the answer.

Voices raised in praise to Him, in what ever form or fashion, just has to be pleasing to our Lord.

God's Mercy...He Would That All Would Repent

Having just finished reading the book of Jonah (a very short book!), I have to wonder was Jonah saved?

God questions, "Is it right for you to be angry about this [saving Nineveh]?"  Then a bit later, "Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?"

I ask this of Jonah's salvation based on our Sunday School study of Genesis 4, when God questioned Cain about his reactions. "Why are you so angry? Who do you look so despondent?"  Then a bit later, "Where is your brother?" Where is Abel?"

If asking these questions of Cain were God's mercy towards Cain, representing his desire for Cain to repent, then do the questions posed to Jonah not represent that same desire for Jonah to repent of his anger also?

I realize that the stories are based on two responses:

• 1) Jonah ran but then did respond to God and go to Nineveh shouting God's message, to which the people did respond..which made Jonah angry!
• 2) Cain always seemed angry.

What is interesting in both of these lessons is that God intervenes, speaking to us, asking us to repent.  He does that for each of us, also.  As was pointed out in yesterday's lesson, before each sinful action comes the desire to do that action.  For instance, before I dress inappropriately, I have the desire of wanting to be noticed.  Before I gossip, I desire that feeling of power of know more than another.  Before I react in anger, first my self-righteousness flares.

Between that desire and the action?  Right there is God.  Speaking to me. Asking me.  Wanting that I should repent of the desire and never commit the action.

The take-away?  God is merciful.  Right there he is, always mindful of me...you.

Thoughts?  

Sweet 16

Today, my daughter turned 16. 

Sixteen reasons to celebrate...for she is who she is. 

1.  My first and only born.

2.  Named Holly...which means holy. 

3.  Named after her Auntie Gayle. 

4.  So proud to become a Gillmore. 

5.  A teacher's kid. 

6.  A niece, cousin, sister, friend. 

7.  A Christian...saved. 

8.  So many girl times.

9.  Trips to Cleveland...three. 

10. Trips to ACH and Chunkie Cheese's. 

11. Phones and phone cases.

12. A Pioneer.

13. Love and loyalty she gives. 

14. Loved by so many...right, Gran Gran?

15. Prayed for by everyone of them. 

16. A miracle. 

A blessing she is to me. Every day. Every year. 

Happy birthday, Holly!

No Hate

No, I don't hate anyone.  I do disagree with you.  Furthermore, my stepson is currently serving in the military to ensure those that accuse me of hate may do so.  Oh, the irony of life!

I do know this:

• God is love.
• God is strong.
• God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
• God is never wrong.
• God is love.

Yes, I believe my Bible speaks rather strong against the Supreme Court's decision yesterday.  Very strongly...in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Salvation, though, comes down to this:  you and God.  No one else.

When I first heard this announcement yesterday, my soul tensed just a bit, for as our country continues to turn its back on the Bible Truths, so will He turn against our country, not against the Christians within the country, but, yes, against this country.

Then, my next thought, "Yes, He really is coming soon."  This is just another indicator of that.  I know we have heard this all our lives, but He is coming soon.  Thus, no, we cannot hate, for God is love.  We can pray, love, pray, love...and take that stand for those Biblical Truths with love as needed.

Never have I wanted to hang out with people who do not like me, nor would I think do others.  Therefore, to those who say "Love Conquers Hate," I do not hate you.  I cannot.  

This hate word is a work of Satan, who wants Christians to act out with hate, to be seen as hypocrites who cannot live up to His Word.  Thus, we as Christians are being tried...we have to be careful to show God's love.  I can completely disagree with a person and feel no hate.  I can feel sorry for them for their lack of revelation and feel no hate.  I can pray for them without any hate.

Love conquers hate.  Yes, God, who is love, will conquer hate.  He will.  We already know how this story ends.

New Book Study Begins

This evening, I meet with a very special group of ladies; sometimes, of whom, there are two, five...even as many as 11.  Always glad, I look forward to this time of fellowship around God's Word...and a glass of iced tea.  Yes!

This will be our fourth study, having now completed three of Beth Moore's studies:  I and II Thessalonians, Esther, and Breaking Free.  All very powerful.  May I just pause and reflect here?  I went into Breaking Free, thinking this one, while full of great reminders, was probably not for me, for over the last few years, I have experienced such a time of rejuvenation in my spiritual life...and felt that way until about week nine.  Then, the Lord began dealing with me about some more...yes, more!...strongholds over me...and, sadly, where I might be the stronghold to or against others.  Amazing how alive His Word remains, speaking to me, even when the brain exudes too many topics, thoughts, and theories.

Yes, Lord, speak Life!

For our next study, we have chosen Angela Thomas' Stronger, based on two of us having attended the Women of Joy Conference in March and having listened to her speak during that conference.  So far, twelve ladies have purchased the book.  What does that say?  One, ladies are seeking girl-time and God-time.  Two, some feel the pull of weaknesses...yet that gentle sweet Spirit saying, "Come unto me."  He is the strong one.

I so encourage you to become involved in a Bible study.  About a year ago, when Beth Moore's study of I and II Thessalonians came out, I just "felt"...you know, that nudge you get from the Lord?...that I should host this study at our church and invite all my friends, just in hopes that one, maybe two, would join me, for I felt the need.  I wasn't sure if the timing was for me or for the other ladies whose hearts God was preparing, nurturing, healing.

Amazing testimonies have come out of this group:  we prayed a son would call his mom...the phone rang just as we finished praying...yes, the son was calling his mom; another lady asked for prayer, for she was just about ready to give up...that evening's message was on the topic rest.  The Spirit was so strong that evening, for we all knew He had shown up and was speaking directly to this precious lady.  All through Him.  Amen.

This study, as the ones before were, are video-based.  When we gather (around that iced tea, of course) we share prayer requests and prayer, comment on the study, and then dive right into the video and what the Lord has to say to us.  I arrive just as everyone else does...ready to listen and learn.

Looking forward to this day that our Lord has made for our Bible Study.

Be blessed!

What? It's Over Already?

You plan and work and plan..and plan...then, the event is over in a heartbeat!

This past weekend, our church hosted a women's retreat:  Thrive!  I enjoyed it so much.  Pictured at the right is my favorite advertisement.  These colors just make me happy!

I was amazed as I worked with printing the documents for the ladies at how all the speakers' topics, the songs...all of it merged and flowed.  This, within itself, became a God-Thing.  He is the mighty director of these orchestrated events, isn't He?

The event began, for me, before the kick-off time, as we sat and chatted and texted and prayed about the theme, the agenda, the menus, the decorations...girls having girl time, having fellowship around an event planned to Glorify Him...not us...but God.

That's right...we cannot outdo God, for every step of the way He was blessing us with closer relationships with our girlfriends, with fellowship around His Word.

My friend Joyce and I had discussed for the last couple of years the idea of hosting another retreat.  Then, when we were blessed with the opportunity to attend Women of Joy Conference, there we had time to nurture and cultivate the seed of the retreat.

One highlight of the weekend was the guests who attended.  So exciting to see women interested worshiping and wanting to thrive more in The Word.  We had hoped that some women from a rehab unit would be allowed to attend, but that fell through, so I am praying that God ministers to them in another way.

Two nuggets I gleaned from two of the speakers were...

• "I'll be okay when I can pray."  Words spoken from a mom a few hours after learning of the passing of her son.  My friend Peggy is an inspiration to so many because of the extreme tests that God has walked with her.  Isn't that a powerful statement?
• "Life's disappointments become God's appointments."  Our pastor's wife Lisa spoke these words as she was expressing her thoughts on what she had expected her mission trip to Uganda to be, as she learned what God had in store for her instead, for out of their trip came a desire for the missionaries there to remain on the mission field. Very powerful!

Yes, we are thriving!  So much so that we already planning for next year's event!  Same weekend, same place, same excitement, same God!

Redeemed, How I Love to Claim It

In today's study of What Happens When Young Women Say Yes to God, a study I am continuing and participating (this makes my involvement much more active!) with The Girl, we are asked to name Your Extraordinary Story (YES).  I did.  Then, I had a few more thoughts about that title.

I hope you enjoy this acrostic!

Redeemed, How I Love to Claim It
Yes, this is a variation of a title...changed proclaim to claim.  I just caught that as I was humming it.  True though, I do love to claim it!)

Resting in Jesus is becoming my goal,
Especially as I
Dive into His Word that speaks Life,
Especially as I listen,
Ever learning...and learning... more from spiritual leaders:
Moore, Minter, Thomas, Terkeurst, the Craftons.
Everything within me truly
Desires to be like

Him,
Onward, leaving sins, chains, strongholds behind,
While ever claiming my Salvation, a gift from Him.

I love you, too, Jesus.

Loving to praise ever more through prayer and music,
Over and over, repeating the lyrics,
Valuing that time with Him,
Established on the firm foundation,

Totally surrendering to the revival,
Only trusting Him.

Claiming, proudly, my Salvation,
Loving, resting, securely.
Always true He is to me.
I love you, too, Jesus.
More every day,

I rest.
To the cross, I do cling.

Your Extraordinary Story

Yes = Your Extraordinary Story

Tonight, I sat down to work on some upcoming events for my church:  women's retreat, Bible studies, Sunday School,...and in the midst of all that, I remembered this book I had purchased in the spring of 2014 and began reading on April 8 -- I know because I dated it.

I had also bought a copy of this book for The Girl...that study then hardly started before we quit.  Busy lives.  Busy. Busy. Busy.

Tonight, I could have said, "No."  So many studies going on already:

• Breaking Free...then begin Stronger
• What Love Is
• Seamless
• Sunday School:  I, II, III John and Revelation
• Late in July...Not I, But Christ

But, no, I said, "Yes."

I got up to look for this book.

There, it sat...right on top.  Yes.

I then asked The Girl if she still had her copy.  No, she could not even remember our beginning the book.  

There, it sat...in plain view...in her bookcase.  Yes.

She, too, said, "Yes."  She wants to do the study to "fill up her time this summer."

We agreed to read to page 15 and meet for coffee at our dining table,,,in the morning.

Amazing!

Loved Lysa' story about giving away her Bible.  Amazing.  Extraordinary.  How hard...in an easy sort of way...that must have been to give her own precious Bible away.

Today, The Girl wanted me to buy her a new Bible.

No, I did not buy her one.  She has a very nice study Bible...still practically brand new.

She wants another one because she has seen all the Bibles I have. She wants to be like me.

I want her to be like me...ever more actively involved in The Word.  Yes!

Praise You, Jesus!

I love you, too.

_________________

PS  This post?  I typed it from my journal.  Yes, The Girl wants us to journal as we read this book.  This is an extraordinary story, and I am excited!

A Poetic Approach

April is National Poetry Month; thus, I am attempting to write a poem a day throughout this month.  Interestingly (at least to me!), two of them relate to faith.  May I  share (both first published here at Treasure Chest of Thoughts)?

Taking a Stand

Have you heard?
I am woman.
Respect I deserve.
Respect I expect.
Respect I obtain.

Have you heard?
My friend?  She is woman.
Respect she deserves.
Respect she expects.
Respect she obtains.

Have you heard?
We are Jesus Girls.
We pray,
knowing His Peace,
following His Lead,
heeding His Will,
accepting His Answer.

I wrote this one today as I ponder and pray for a girlfriend of mine who experiencing some tribulation on her job.  As I tell her, God's got this.  In His time.  

This friend?  She is a Jesus Girl, one who welcoming our Lord and Savior within her soul.  I just know He is going to honor her.


Then They Remembered

A few women,
Scurrying to arrive.
In time? 

An opened-entry tomb.
Scurrying to arrive.
No time.

Alarmed they are.
Angels they see.
What?  Out of time?

How could they have forgotten?
One day spent accepting.
The next spent grieving.
How could they have forgotten?

Handed to sinners.
Crucified.
Risen.
Then they remembered.

He's alive!
No need for expensive spices.
No need for visitors this day.
No need to keep quiet.

He's alive!
They had remembered.
He's alive!
Spread the Good News.
Quell back disbelief.
Spread the Good News.
Tell to one and all.
He's alive!

This day we remember.
May we always remember.
Yes, He's alive!

This poem I wrote last evening, following a day spent celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Yesterday's Sunday School lesson took us to Luke 24, to the women, the caring women, who went on the first day of the week to bring their precious spices to one who more than deserved them...only to find Him gone.  That's right...you know how this one ends!  He had risen!  Praise the Lord!

Happy National Poetry Month...are you a poet?!

Good Times UPdate

Isn't this a busy time of the year?  Don't I say that about every season?

First, may I backtrack?  To last weekend and my first Women of Joy conference?  Oh, my!  What a blessing!  My friend Rose contacted me in January to see if I might be interested in an extra ticket she had.  Yes!  Just a few highlights from the weekend...in no certain order...

• I so enjoyed visiting with former schoolmate Rose.  We graduated in the same year, our birthdays are days a part...yes, we may be twinkies!  Definitely soul sisters!
• I also enjoyed spending time with the third lady who went with us...a lady from my church.  Always so good to have fellowship.
• The speakers were wonderful:  Margaret Feinberg, Lysa Terkeurst, Liz Curtis Higgs, Angela Thomas.  I know!  Isn't that an exciting line-up?!  Such powerful women of God, all with wonderful testimonies. I appreciated all they had to say...took home something from each woman.  
• The most special time for me was when Angela Thomas asked those not saved to raise their hands.  Based on her verbal response as we all stood with eyes closed, 50...or 60 ..or more admitted, believed, and confessed.  I suppose I assumed too much...that everyone going there was saved.  That was the most humbling moment...to stand  and know God was performing the most dramatic change that can ever happen to a person, sharing the most precious gift that one will ever receive...salvation.  What a might moment!
• Another outcome was that two of us continued to plot and plan a Women's Retreat for our area...with the third being invited...then maybe our going to help her have one at her church.  God wants to fill these women up with joy...to be all they can be for Him.  He wants strong women for Him.
• Find a conference!  Go!

Then, yesterday, our church hosted our Easter Outing at the local park...and the people did come! Many more than I had planned!  Just love it when God shows up!  We had the best time...good fellowship, fun games, grilled hotdogs...did I mention God showed up!  I truly believe He did, for several of those people that I had never seen before...came to church this morning!  Wow!  

Our Making Choices Bible Study Group is Breaking Free...entering week three of Beth Moore's study.  I am already hearing testimonies from women in need who are finding answers, whose chains are breaking.  I really look forward to this two hours each week.  Please let me tell you:  fellowship is a must, for He says, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be there, too."  He is always faithful. 

My reading of the Bible chronologically remains such a blessing. Sometimes, I get behind and then spend an extended time diving into the stories and commentary.  Guess what?  I learn something every time I read His Word.  Every time!  Imagine that!  As I have read the book of Judges, I noted several of them are listed in Hebrews' Hall of Fame.  Now, wouldn't that be an interesting study...to become immersed in those who earned rank in that chapter?

God is working in our community; He is working in me.  Very excited to be a part of that movement.

Several upcoming activities planned...a Spring Fling Social, Youth Lock-in, VBS, that above-mentioned Women's Retreat, Bible studies. God is stirring souls.  That is a good thing!

Blessings this week...I am sure your life remains busy, also.  Find that time, though, for Him.  He will meet you there.  Together...He will teach you.  There, He will speak life into you.  

Please enjoy this song:

Moses: As Strong as Ever

I am still reading the Bible through chronologically and am enjoying this experience...very much.  This method I would recommend to everyone, for most of the Bible is not in chronological order; thus, I am learning much history also.

Today, Moses died.  At the age of 120.  "...yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone."  (Deut.  34:7)

That just stands out to me.  Did his eyes not age?  Did being in the presence of the Lord strengthen him?  Was his body preparing for entry into Heaven?

Maybe this is a spiritual reference?  He had spent so much time with the Lord face to face.  His spiritual eyes were strong, as with his spiritual strength.  What a life he had experienced!

Plus, for a man who had to have someone speak for him due to his stuttering, he certainly overcame that challenge, speaking much, continually reiterating the Israelite's history and issuing challenges to continually love the Lord with all their hearts and all their souls.

Did Moses welcome going to Heaven once the Lord foretold him what decisions the Israelites would make?  That had to be a bit discouraging to have gone through all they had to only learn these people would turn their backs again on the Lord.  Surely that made missing out on the land of milk and honey not quite so disappointing, for, after all, he was entering THE land of milk and honey!

Lots of questions about Moses!  One day, yes, one day...we will have time to sit down and have all these questions answered!  Until then, I want those eyes that are not weak, that strength that is not weakened.

Not about Myself

Again, God continues to amaze me...I am sure you can also testify to this!

At church, I am involved in three studies:

• Sunday School - the minor prophets
• Sunday Evening - The Persistence of Prayer 
• Weekly - Beth Moore's Breaking Free

Amazingly, these three seem to support one another in a timely manner, all three for three groups of people wanting simply to be closer to the Lord.  Yes, He is responding.

Focusing on the minor prophets for the first time, I am learning so much about the Day of the Lord and rivalries between the Southern and Northern Kingdoms, realizing that these prophecies could have been written for our day, for our country.  

The study of prayer is a completion of Lifeway's Masterwork study for the Fall 2014.  We had taken a much-needed break during the months of January and February from our Discipleship training class.  Concerned about who would return for this study, I am learning that God had a group whose hearts He had been preparing for just such a time as this, a group who is hungry for revival, a prayer request of mine:  that He break out a revival in each person in my church.  A seemingly impossible request?  That, my friend, is why I am asking, for through Him?  Yes, all things are HIMpossible. 

May I share one nugget?  God wants us to pray alone.  Not too profound, uh?  When I began this study, I thought to myself...I'll begin a little initiative "Fifteen for Fifteen," with my inviting church friends to join me for fifteen minutes before church begins on Sunday morning, praying for 15 new souls.  Isn't that a great idea?  Then, every scripture I read began to point out that my prayer time should be private, alone...just me and Him.  

I shared the above with my class.  I wish you could have seen the initial response to "Fifteen for Fifteen"!  Others liked it also!  Then, I shared...I won't be hosting or leading that endeavor, for this is not about me or any glory I might receive.  This is about Him, to His Glory.  He is going to give us those souls.  This time, though, it will be all to His Glory. 

Then, last week, at our study of Beth Moore's Breaking Free, we began with nine in attendance, with four more planning to attend...and now maybe more.  This is such a God thing.  About a year ago, I felt to begin having such a study when Beth Moore hosted Children of the Day.  Felt strongly to do so and to host at our church...even if it meant meeting by myself.  God is sending those who need these studies, and I need all of them! From teacher friends to former students to those they themselves are beginning to invite...they are coming.  Want to participate online?  I attempt to post somewhat regularly here at a Facebook group entitled Making Choices for Him.  You are welcome to join us!

What a blessing!  One day I will testify about more that God is going here.  Just know...God is good...all the time.

How Inspiring!

Just a week late...to add my reflective thoughts on this year's growing Inspire Conference; numbers were up by 100.  Picture it:  500 women praising and worshiping. Yes, it was inspiring!

This year, again, three of us attended and had such a good time.  Good music, wonderful breakout sessions, and an excellent featured speaker.

Speaker Debbie's Stuart's message still resonates with me today as she explained a "time in the wilderness," a time not meant as punishment, though, a time meant for growth.  

As I ponder on my last few years in my career, this expression "time in the wilderness" so explains it, yet what a different perspective when I remove the punishment factor.  I like this statement from the Word of God website...as Jim Gerrish explains,

In Hebrew, the word for wilderness is midbar.  It is surely interesting that the root ofmidbar has the meaning of “speak” or “word.”  God speaks to us in the wilderness.  God also humbles and proves us in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2).  The wilderness period can last days, or years, depending on how quickly we learn its lessons.

I have said many times that going this "wilderness" was the only way in which I could have learned lessons, ones by experiencing them.  Spouting words of wisdom can come quite easily and sound so sympathetic.  Words of experience, though, come through the voice of empathy.  When I look back, I had several lessons in humility that had to be experienced.  May I say?  Humility is a hard lesson!

I have also learned I am a slow learner!  How long do the wilderness experiences last?  Times vary...remember Abraham? David?  Elijah?  Jesus?  They last as long as it takes.

Isn't the experience more durable, though, when viewed not as a punishment.  A time of spiritual growth.  A precious time.  (Just so you know...I have only been able to call it these nicer names in the last year or so!  Let's face it...those times are hard.)  But...such growth does occur.

Been to, in, through a wilderness?  Have you come out of the wilderness?  Yes, you are about to have a growth spurt...a spiritual growth spurt!

A Thematic Approach to March

Please take a moment and check out the picture at the right.  Notice a theme amongst the books?  Yes.  Prayer.

He wants my attention.  He is teaching me.

He has my attention.  I am attempting to learn.

Here's the amazing thing:  two of those books are for an online book club; three are for a new discipleship training class beginning this upcoming Sunday evening; one is our Sunday School literature.  Who but God could have known they would all come together at exactly the same time in my life?  Amazing!

Why am I still amazed at how great He his?  I know!  He simply amazes me.  Still!

I hope to share nuggets I am learning throughout this month.  As Michael Catt of The Power of Persistence says...He takes the impossible and makes it HIMpossible.  I really like that.

Here's another amazing thing:  The Prayer Box (my book review here), also, addresses the topic of grace that our Pastor has been preaching for months. They Found the Secret, in the first chapter, centers on the topic of rest, again, a topic on which our Pastor have been preaching for months.

Yes, Lord, I am listening.

Here's another amazing thing:  this past Tuesday, while at Bible study, as we opened in prayer, we brought before the Lord a prayer request for one of the lady's sons, asking Him to have the son call her.  Before finishing the prayer, her phone began to buzz.  She checked it.  Yes, her son was calling.  Amazing, He is.  So ever mindful of His children.

I am in much anticipation of what the Lord is going to do as we begin this new study on prayer at church.  I can feel it.  He is going to do something simply amazing for those, for someone who is attending that study.  I just know it.  He has given me the faith.  Yes, he has.

Thank you, Lord.

Pondering on Scripture...and Jealousy...and...

This year, I am attempting...and for the most part succeeding...in reading the Bible through chronologically with a group of ladies online.  Very powerful!

This morning's read (was actually for yesterday...one day behind!) caused me to stop and ponder.  Here's what I posted for the Facebook online discussion:

The Test for an Unfaithful Wife: Numbers 5:11-31...wow! So many lessons there...purity, humility, faithfulness, respect. Certainly a test.

The storyteller in me wonders...a husband could bring the woman before to be tested if he were just jealous with no proof...this then solidified marriages?...because the jealously was unfounded?

It is just so easy for me to put myself in the place of that woman...and wonder how would I feel? Then, again, I would not want my husband to ever be jealous for these kinds of reasons...just as I don't want to live with those jealousies about him in my heart. This all goes back to keeping myself holy...for my husband...for my Lord.

One of the reminders, also, that I am taking away from this passage: God is mindful and takes care of the innocent, removing all doubt from her/his accusers.

Again, I am reminded...so thankful to live under grace, so thankful for what Jesus Christ did for me...and you.

AND, as the commentary in my Bible noted, "Worshiping our Holy God must not be taken lightly."

PS Please don't think I am "holier than thou"! I had a lot of thoughts on this passage that I had to think through before I typed up the above! So many thoughts! That is the beauty of this study...pausing, thinking, meditating, learning, growing...all so good! Again, thanks Mrs. Joanna Weaver for hosting!

Thoughts?

SSMT: Week 4 - My Work Commitment

Wow...week four already of Beth Moore's Siesta Sister Memory Team, and I have been so blessed to focus on the previous three.  I do look forward to what lesson the Lord has for me with this chosen scripture.

I like to think these scriptures choose me, for I wait until I feel that pull, that tug; that this is the one for me.

Right now, I see this as a two-part scripture:

1. Commit your work to the Lord.
2. Plans will be established.

In my independence and in self-sufficient ways, I hear the message to pray more about decisions that I make within my work, turning to Him first.  Also, the glory that comes from this work should be for Him.  I have worked very diligently within my career, hoping, desiring, wishing always to advance, only most often to be told He wants me right where I am, advancing for Him, not for me.

I do not know the "plans" He has for me beyond this year, not even sure I know from day to day.  Should we?  If He directs our footsteps, that path may change, even from day to day.

We shall see how this scripture leads.  

My previous scripture selection became a warning...in a positive way, one I heeded...hopefully, for He was teaching my daughter and myself humility, to keep that focus on Him, not us.

What is your scripture focus?  How is He speaking to you through this scripture?

Online Christian Bible Book Clubs

Blogging this morning about Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury (and her online Facebook discussion of her book) resulted in my thinking about upcoming book reads.

Want to read along?

Women's Bible Cafe hosts at least two reads a month, and I am in anticipation of March's choices, for I am seeing a theme in my life:  Prayer.

• Nonfiction:  A Busy Woman's Guide to Prayer by Cheri Fuller (author of 42 books!)
• Fiction:  The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate
• A prequel to The Prayer Box, The Seaside Sisters is available here for $2.51.  Yes, I just bought it.
• February's Fiction:  The County Fair...I actually checked this book out at our county library.  I am sooooo proud of myself, as I may be addicted to books.  I am enjoying in participating in the online discussion..fun!  (Yes, I have purchased all three books pictured here.  Woe...and happy...is I!)

As leader of our Discipleship Training class, I have the privilege of choosing the study for that class.  Last fall, I came across the Masterwork series available at Lifeway. Each quarter, two author's books/studies are chosen to feature in a more in-depth manner.  So far, we have studied Dr. David Jeremiah's Facing Your Giants in Your Life, and now, after a short winter break, we will soon begin Michael Catt's The Power of Persistence, which emphasizes prayer.  See that theme again?

Also, I am enjoying reading the Bible chronologically along with a group led by author Joanne Weaver here on Facebook.  Reading the other's comments is so interesting, for without a doubt, we each walk away with something different.  How is that for inspired word?  Currently, we are in Leviticus...love all the nuggets hidden in all these reminders of the importance of worship.

Lent began yesterday. Last year, I attempted to participate in an online study and doing so again.  (Attempt is the word...I have decided to never be too harsh on myself over what I do not complete...for whatever I do absorb is so good.)  This time...I am joining Margaret Feinberg's reading of the gospels...in a very colorful way!  I even purchased new pens just for this study.  Due to our snow/ice days and not being able to get to a printer, I am a day behind annotating, for I need to print the scriptures.  

What is God leading you to read these cold winter days?

Faithfulness That Is NOT Mundane

Nearly daily, Kara Tippetts blogs here at Mundane Faithfulness as she shares her life with a cancer that to some seems to be wining.  Personally, I see this cancer as the door through which God has chosen for her to enter into our Heavenly Home, a door through which we all must pass; our doors just look different, depending on the one He chooses.

As I continue to check in on her life, I  so appreciate her peaceful approach to meeting her...our...Lord and Savior.  Through her, God sends me a dose of peace, for this is how easing into Heaven should be.  She, as few I have witnessed, appreciates life...both here and the one to which she has to look forward.

You may also meet her here on Facebook.

I hope you visit with her today...she will bless your soul.

A Must Read...

No commentary needed...please take a few minutes to read this...

• The Wake-Up Call That Is ISIS:  Who in the Church Is Answering?

Still in Love with Myself

Yesterday, I commented on an application of the commandment "Love they neighbor as thyself."  Today, that commandment still rumbles in my soul, especially as I came across the Facebook post about ISIS beheading 21 Christians and this story about hundreds of children being released from child slavery.

I sit here, realizing that I am beyond measure blessed.  Blessed.

Yesterday, our pastor asked, "Will be accountable for what we don't know?"

I have to think that, yes, we will.  

The more we are blessed, the blinder we seem to become, taking all these blessings for granted, expecting them to always continue.  That, though, is not the covenant that God has made with us:  that the blinder we become, the more He will bless us.  Not, not at all.

Please consider this scripture from Ezekiel:

59“ ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. 60 Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. 61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant with you. 62 So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. 63 Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’ ”

Then, from yesterday's Sunday School literature, Nehemiah 9:32-39:

32“Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes—the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. 33In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.34Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our ancestors did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the statutes you warned them to keep. 35Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways.  36“But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our ancestors so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. 37Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.38“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.”

Side Note:  Re-read the above scripture and, instead of Israelites and Jerusalem, substitute Americans and the USA.  Almost scary, right?

What can I do?  What can you do?  We can pray.  Just call on His Name. For as James 2:19 states: "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror."  That, my friends, is what we need. We need the enemy, the devil to tremble in terror.

The example for us in scripture after scripture is that the people have to return to where they left God; that begins with prayer.  Then deeds.

When read in context, this scripture in James 2 expects "deeds" to go along with that faith.  I do not have all the answers to which deeds need to be taken.  God does.  He will lead us.  If we return to Him.  That is the covenant.

Love Thy Neighbor...as Thyself

Love thy neighbor...especially if that person is in a burning car...as thyself, for who wouldn't want someone to run to his/her rescue in such a scene?

This past Thursday morning on the way to school, I slowed down for a bus a few cars ahead of me which was picking up some students for school.  When we heard that sound...the sound of two...or three...(or four we later learned)...cars colliding.  By the time my eyes made it to the rearview mirror to investigate that sound, two of the cars were aflame. In my enlightened state, I told The Daughter there had been a wreck, told her to call 911, pulled the car to the side of the road, put it in park, and exited, running to the flaming cars...so did The Daughter, not that I realized this until later.

I ran to the second car where I could see a lady trying to get out of the passenger side..the driver side had born the brunt of the wreck. (The people in the first car were exiting).  I am not sure why the lady could not get out:  maybe she was panicking, maybe the door was locked...but when I reached for the handle, it opened as easily as I ever opened a door.  God was there.

The Daughter had run around to the other car, the driver a classmate of hers, and assisted her, with the aid of the driver of the third car, out of the vehicle which was quickly becoming engulfed in flames.  Thankfully (?) this young lady did not have on a seatbelt, for I am not sure what the outcome would have been had she had one on that would not come unfastened. God was there.

If you are like me, you may have wondered how you would react in such circumstances.  You just do.

In the time since then, I have had many minutes of reflection.  This, I have concluded...

• No, The Daughter and I are not heroines.  We only did what countless other people would have done in that very situation.  This is the culture in which I have raised my daughter.  Maybe it's because I am a teacher.  Maybe it's because I am a mom.  Maybe it's because I have such tremendous giving role models in my life.  Maybe it's because I would want someone to save me from a burning car.  Maybe it's because I am a Christian.  Yes.
• Saving people from burning cars has its consequences; number one, of which, is the inability to shut off the images, the sounds, the adrenaline.  Neither The Daughter nor I slept very well that night.  I lived that scene over and over, this time imagining all the what-if's.  
• God closes doors to ensure that we will be in the perfect place at the perfect time to do His Perfect Will.  Had I not been a teacher going to school, I might not have traveled that road that morning.  
• Raising your children to do go for others will reap endless rewards.  I have never been prouder of The Daughter than I was that morning.  She remained cool, calm, and, oh, so collected as she did what had to be done.  She felt bad later; she dropped her friend after pulling her out. That was okay.  The alternative was so much worse.  
• Adrenaline will push you farther than you even knew you were capable.  I ran.  Holly pulled.  I am so out of shape it is ridiculous.  Holly has had four heart surgeries, and while healthy, is not in super shape herself.  I don't remember being out of breath, panting, breathless...all was well.
• My true personality came shining through.  You see...I am bossy.  That morning I bossed everyone.  Even the police officers.  I did attempt to so in the form of questions!  I hope, despite that bossiness ("...find a coat for this young lady,"  "...move back; those cars may explode,: "...clear the way for the hurt girls' arriving mother"....I know I really was bossy, wasn't I?!)...I do hope despite that bossiness that others saw me as a servant leader, for that is one of the lessons I learned that morning.  I enjoy leadership, but I truly love servant leadership roles.  A true servant leader will not ask anyone else to what she is not willing to also do herself. 
• Had we not been there, God would have had someone else, for He is not finished with the ladies in the wrecked cars.  His plan for them has not been fulfilled, for they could so easily have been taken that morning, for from the time of the wreck until that car was fully engulfed was just minutes.  I do thank Him that He used us as a part of the plan for their lives.
• Finally, I have been a bit concerned by how many drove away.  Dear friends, we have to love our neighbor as ourselves, not just when the timing is convenient or when the situation is not scary or when we won't be late for work.  You see the cars in front of me drove away.  The cars between me and the wreck drove away.  Some of the cars behind had to have driven around us, for no one came to help me with the lady in the SUV.  No one other than another lady in the third car came to help The Daughter.  It must have been the timing, for it all happened in just minutes.  Surely, more people believe in helping his/her neighbor during the moment of crisis...and just later standing around watching the aftermath.  Surely.

I just could not leave that scene until I had chatted and checked on everyone in that wreck.  When I knew everyone was okay, we left.  Our car was still idling, one door open, waiting.  My job awaited, classes of seniors, willing to listen as I bossed them, too, telling them to not speed, not to tail-gate.

As I drove away, The Daughter began to have a bit of a melt-down, for images of the could-have's began to flash within our brains.  She had been so close she could feel the heat of the flames.  I saw that inflated airbag and smelled the burning vehicles.  

Hug your babies, appreciate what you have...and stop and help people when they are struggling to get out of a burning car.  That's right...that's just who we are...people loving our neighbors.

Something Bigger

This past week our community suffered the loss of two young ladies.  Such sadness.

Every cup, though, is either half empty...or half full. I want to focus on the half full one, for through these gatherings, I have spent some time with former students and peers and have been gently reminded that family is family...no matter how many weeks, months, or years may pass between each visit.

A common thread through the conversations I have had with these former students has been inviting them to church.  Three for three...none currently attend church on a regular basis.  I feel that pull...you know...that tug, a vision that my "kids" will one day go to church with me...or somewhere, for fellowship is just so important.

Today, in Sunday School, we studied Nehemiah 11, where once the wall was rebuilt around Jerusalem, Nehemiah's next pull, his next tug was to bring the people back into the walls.  As the commentator noted, the people did not resist, for they seemed to realize they were a part of something bigger.

We, too are a part of something bigger.

Following one of the two funerals I attended last week, I noted a post to one of the young lady's mother.  The writer shared that following the funeral, she left and went to her jail ministry, where she shared the testimony of this family and of the young lady Rachel, where two of those ladies in jail gave their lives to Jesus Christ.  Yes, we are a part of something bigger.  Praise God!

Nehemiah was a part of something bigger.  He was a vessel heeding God's calling, restoring fellowship within the walls of Jerusalem, bringing the people together for praise and worship.

I have just a touch of Nehemiah's dream, his calling.  Do you?

1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

SSMT: Verse 2

As I visited several blogs I follow (Feedly is an awesome Reader), this scripture chose me for the next two weeks or so for Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team:

The scripture's background refers to when God was sending the plagues up0n Pharaoh and the people, to when God was reminding Moses that He could have totally wiped out the Israelites, also, but, no, there was a plan...a plan that included you and me.

Aren't you thankful?

Sometimes, in our day-to-day lives, when we want to question, "Why me, Lord?", this scripture contains the words upon which to rest.

Just last week in one of my classes and then later with my colleagues, I shared that when I obtained my master's degree in secondary administration and curriculum, I felt driven, led...a God-chosen decision...to obtain that particular master's degree.  Since then, though, every time I have applied for any administrative or curriculum position, I have never been selected.  Not once.  None.  I remain in the classroom; this is my 24th year, 15 years after earning and receiving that degree.

Could it be that I obtained that degree to be able to give that very testimony?

For then, I had to finish it.  Still, deep in my soul, when I get very still and listen, I still feel that affirmation that I (or we...yes, a God-led decision) made the right degree choice.  Yes, the peace returns even now.  I pray that in that setting of education that the testimony built within my narrative spoke to even just one person.

If I travel back to Moses' time, I just have to think that he must have thought a time...or two...or three..."Why me, Lord?"  Think about all that he went through...a man, a stutterer, lacking confidence, dealing with an upset King and a group of excited people (at first), then a group of very discontented people. Very irritated at times, they were.

Please don't take this wrong, for I love...dearly...the Bible, but many of the narratives leave out some of the human details what Moses (and others) went through to obtain their mighty testimonies.  Yes, I am looking forward to having the time to sit and listen to all these great heroes and heroines stories!  Won't that be fun!

At 24 years in education, my career is more than half completed.  I want Exodus 9:16 fulfilled within me:  that His Purpose, His Power, His Name Proclaimed be fulfilled through me, that I be at Peace with His Decisions for me, that, while I may knock on doors, that He open only that keep me in His Perfect Will.

Would love to hear to hear from you...where are you in this journey of life to remain in His Perfect Will?

Blessings to you today!