I'm so excited to go to the Chesapeake Ladies' Retreat next week with eight other ladies from our church!! It will be a first-time experience of this special retreat for each of them, except Karin and me. We're so blessed to be invited and I know that the ladies are in for a huge treat. Every time I've gone with my dear old home church to this retreat I've met the Lord is life-changing ways and have been prepared for the next chapter in my life. I especially remember the year, let's see, it must've been 1996 or 97 , when I was wrestling with God and the decision whether to home school Daniel for fourth grade. I was really afraid of this decision and the Lord graciously gave me much faith and peace for it.
Another great memory is bringing my neighbor Michelle to the retreat and watching her encounter God in worship for the first time! That was powerful!!
What a tremendous privilege I have to introduce the ladies from King of Grace to sisters at Chesapeake. It's like a family reunion to me!!!
Please pray for us as we travel down in the big rossmobile! The road trip should be a blast!!
Most importantly, that we'd all meet the Lord in life-changing and refreshing ways.
Thanks!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Monday, March 05, 2007
Romans 8; Hallelujah!
We've been memorizing Romans 8 as a family and it is so life-giving and sweet to my soul! Here are some of the gems:
1-2 There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin an death.
5-9 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of Christ dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
11-15 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Jesus will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father!"
'Grace, Like Rain' is a beautiful song we sang at church yesterday and it's playing in my soul today. This version sounds a bit like Bruce Springsteen, but the classic message still comes through ~
Grace, Like Rain
1-2 There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin an death.
5-9 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of Christ dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
11-15 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Jesus will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father!"
'Grace, Like Rain' is a beautiful song we sang at church yesterday and it's playing in my soul today. This version sounds a bit like Bruce Springsteen, but the classic message still comes through ~
Grace, Like Rain
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Unworthy Servant
Luke 17:7-10
“Will any of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the fields, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”
I love to recline after serving the Lord and often feel this is my due. How lacking I am of this servant’s mindset that Jesus portrays. In fact, lately I’ve been complaining in my heart about the many nights of meetings we have scheduled.
Father, forgive me for complaining about the work you’ve called us to. Thank you for the privilege of serving You in the work of plowing fields and tending sheep. Please make me a humble servant who recognizes the privilege it is to serve You!
“Will any of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the fields, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”
I love to recline after serving the Lord and often feel this is my due. How lacking I am of this servant’s mindset that Jesus portrays. In fact, lately I’ve been complaining in my heart about the many nights of meetings we have scheduled.
Father, forgive me for complaining about the work you’ve called us to. Thank you for the privilege of serving You in the work of plowing fields and tending sheep. Please make me a humble servant who recognizes the privilege it is to serve You!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Truly Amazing Grace
Paul & I went to see the movie Amazing Grace and were very blessed! We can highly recommend this movie. It's about William Wilberforce, a godly man who abolished the slave trade in England. His life is truly provoking and inspiring. He loved the Lord passionately and served Him wholeheartedly, giving his life to the calling the Lord had for him. He struggled with serious health issues and endured intense political opposition. His wife was a match for him in every way, providing the encouragement and support he needed to heed the call of God on his life. What a great example for us!
John Piper has an audiobiography online that's great, and I hear there's a couple biographies which we will seek to read. Also, Focus on the Family has done a dramatization of his life (their series are always excellent).
Go see the movie!! It's wonderful!!
Paul & I thought the actor for William looked like Bob Kauflin! :)
John Piper has an audiobiography online that's great, and I hear there's a couple biographies which we will seek to read. Also, Focus on the Family has done a dramatization of his life (their series are always excellent).
Go see the movie!! It's wonderful!!
Paul & I thought the actor for William looked like Bob Kauflin! :)
Monday, February 19, 2007
Come and Eat!
My honey made (well heated up my) homemade chicken soup and DID make a delicious spinach garlic tomato saute thingy for dinner. I was sitting here with the laptop and said I had no appetite. He beckoned me to eat anyway. I obeyed submissively and as soon as we gave thanks I inhaled the delicious dinner. My dormant taste buds started to live again!
My coherent meditation on this is that even when we don't feel like eating. we must for our health. Even more importantly, even when we don't feel like reading the Word, we must for our spiritual health! Sometimes it may feel like taking vitamins and sometimes it may be a gourmet experience, but either way we need the Bread of Life!
My coherent meditation on this is that even when we don't feel like eating. we must for our health. Even more importantly, even when we don't feel like reading the Word, we must for our spiritual health! Sometimes it may feel like taking vitamins and sometimes it may be a gourmet experience, but either way we need the Bread of Life!
awfully sick
Well, the miracle didn't happen..meaning I did get the flu most likely from my sweet husband! This is truly the flu and I hope no more! My fever was gone but now is back which makes me suspect an infection of sorts may be brewing somewhere in my body. Pleasant, huh?
Amazing, the truffle chocolate kisses I so enjoyed last week (you've gotta try them-they're regular kisses wrapped with dark chocolate) taste awful to me right now. Interesting that our health affects our appetite and taste buds so much. Made me ponder the spiritual side of this a little bit, but not enough to write anything coherent about it.
I'm rejoicing right now though because I just heard that my friend Briana is on her way home with her new baby Isabella!!!
Praise the Lord!!
We have two pregnant ladies in our church and I think it's the best way to grow a church!!
Amazing, the truffle chocolate kisses I so enjoyed last week (you've gotta try them-they're regular kisses wrapped with dark chocolate) taste awful to me right now. Interesting that our health affects our appetite and taste buds so much. Made me ponder the spiritual side of this a little bit, but not enough to write anything coherent about it.
I'm rejoicing right now though because I just heard that my friend Briana is on her way home with her new baby Isabella!!!
Praise the Lord!!
We have two pregnant ladies in our church and I think it's the best way to grow a church!!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Valentine's Blizzard?
We're readying for a big storm that's predicted to bring about a foot of snow! It's about time. It's good timing for us, since John & Mary are down with a nasty virus and we're not going anywhere anyway! Paul introduced the virus to our family and is now in Gaithersburg for a pastoral counseling course at the Pastors' College.
We did get away to celebrate Valentine's Day early, thankfully. We stayed at a wonderful Hampton Inn in Portsmouth NH and thoroughly enjoyed our time in spite of Paul's nasty cold (thank God for medicine!). I guess it will be a miracle if I don't get this thing!
Happy Valentines to all you love birds out there..enjoy your man! I can't wait to see mine on Friday!
We did get away to celebrate Valentine's Day early, thankfully. We stayed at a wonderful Hampton Inn in Portsmouth NH and thoroughly enjoyed our time in spite of Paul's nasty cold (thank God for medicine!). I guess it will be a miracle if I don't get this thing!
Happy Valentines to all you love birds out there..enjoy your man! I can't wait to see mine on Friday!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Micki
Today is my very dear friend Micki's birthday. (She's the cutie on the right.) I thought it fitting to honor her.
Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
This verse reminds me of Micki's friendship and character. I am so blessed by our relationship. Micki's Dad was a pastor and so she has a real sensitivity to the challenges and the blessings that come with this call. God has graced her with the gifts of encouragement and wisdom, and has brought me so much good through her! She asks great questions and follows up to see how I'm doing in areas I'm struggling with.
Micki has been there through all the trials and changes that we've experienced in our church plant. (I must add that Jeff, her hubby, has been a HUGE source of encouragement and help for Paul in the ministry at King of Grace.)
Micki makes my laugh and helps me to enjoy life :)
We often say the reason God put us 30 minutes away from eachother is because we'd spend way too much time hanging out and getting nothing done but fun! I still wish we lived closer though!
Micki has had chronic migraines for 16 years now. Sometimes they're so severe she can't get out of bed for several days. I've never heard Micki complain about her suffering and am amazed at God's grace in her to sustain her and use her to serve again and again (another gift of hers is serving). I pray that God grants her the gift of healing from these headaches this year!
I could go on and on about this amazing friend; my comrade and sister. I thank God for you, Micki!!! Thank you for loving at all times. I want to be more like you. I love you!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
‘Whate’er My God Ordains in Right’
by Samuel Rodigast, is the title of Bach’s favorite hymn. I learned on Sunday from our guest speaker, Jared Mellinger, that Bach had 20 children, of whom 13 died. In the life of one who suffered so much loss, this hymn speaks of great faith in a good and great God.
In our day of comforts and convenience, we do well to prepare for inevitable suffering personally and corporately. Yet ‘we want to live our lives more aware of Christ’s suffering for us than our own suffering.’
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His holy will abideth;
I will be still whate’er He doth;
And follow where He guideth;
He is my God; though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to Him I leave it all.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path:
I know He will not leave me.
I take, content, what He hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait His day.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His loving thought attends me;
No poison can be in the cup
That my Physician sends me.
My God is true; each morn anew
I’ll trust His grace unending,
My life to Him commending.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He is my Friend and Father;
He suffers naught to do me harm,
Though many storms may gather,
Now I may know both joy and woe,
Some day I shall see clearly
That He hath loved me dearly.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking.
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to Him I leave it all.
In our day of comforts and convenience, we do well to prepare for inevitable suffering personally and corporately. Yet ‘we want to live our lives more aware of Christ’s suffering for us than our own suffering.’
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His holy will abideth;
I will be still whate’er He doth;
And follow where He guideth;
He is my God; though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to Him I leave it all.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path:
I know He will not leave me.
I take, content, what He hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait His day.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His loving thought attends me;
No poison can be in the cup
That my Physician sends me.
My God is true; each morn anew
I’ll trust His grace unending,
My life to Him commending.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He is my Friend and Father;
He suffers naught to do me harm,
Though many storms may gather,
Now I may know both joy and woe,
Some day I shall see clearly
That He hath loved me dearly.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking.
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to Him I leave it all.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Have Mercy!
Have mercy from above,
please save the ones we love!
And save our enemies
(not just the ones we please).
Lord, hear our cries today,
pour out your saving grace!
On this, your favor day,
have mercy, Lord we pray.
Use us to reach the lost,
help us to count the cost.
To redeem our every day;
and the truth boldly proclaim.
Fill us, O Spirit of God,
help us forsake our pride.
Not our will, but yours be done,
please let your kingdom come.
What a wonder, what a grace~
to be filled and used each day.
Glorify your Name, we pray
til we see you face to face.
Glory, glory to Your Name;
please increase your holy fame
in all nations, tribes and tongues~
in all those you died to love.
Come, Lord Jesus, come, we say
hasten to redeem this day.
You're our high exalted king
and the ruler of all things.
Glory, glory to the Lamb,
to the One slain for man.
We celebrate your saving grace
and are blessed to run this race.
please save the ones we love!
And save our enemies
(not just the ones we please).
Lord, hear our cries today,
pour out your saving grace!
On this, your favor day,
have mercy, Lord we pray.
Use us to reach the lost,
help us to count the cost.
To redeem our every day;
and the truth boldly proclaim.
Fill us, O Spirit of God,
help us forsake our pride.
Not our will, but yours be done,
please let your kingdom come.
What a wonder, what a grace~
to be filled and used each day.
Glorify your Name, we pray
til we see you face to face.
Glory, glory to Your Name;
please increase your holy fame
in all nations, tribes and tongues~
in all those you died to love.
Come, Lord Jesus, come, we say
hasten to redeem this day.
You're our high exalted king
and the ruler of all things.
Glory, glory to the Lamb,
to the One slain for man.
We celebrate your saving grace
and are blessed to run this race.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Growing Up
Growing up
Happens before our eyes,
One day in the cradle
The next, junior high.
When it happens to your own
It is strange indeed,
How could this boy who
I nursed, cuddled and reared
Grow into a man with a beard?!
Will he remember his appointments without my reminders?
Will he feel happy and loved without my every day hugs?
How hard it is to let go and let God take control
(as if He didn’t have it before?!)
My son’s a young man, yet still my child to me,
Lord, help me to know how to relate and to see
What will serve and what won’t; when to call, when refrain
I don’t want to let go, but I'm comforted to know
YOU will never let him go, not a moment, oh no,
You will hold him and keep him and love him each day
You’ll correct and protect and reveal your love and truth all the way.
How grateful I am to know this is true
That my young man is Your man and Your plan is good and perfect too.
Thank you for letting me mother him for so long,
Teach me to mother in new ways while that he’s gone.
Keep him safe, grant success and bless his college years
With growing wisdom, godly friends and a faith that endures.
Happens before our eyes,
One day in the cradle
The next, junior high.
When it happens to your own
It is strange indeed,
How could this boy who
I nursed, cuddled and reared
Grow into a man with a beard?!
Will he remember his appointments without my reminders?
Will he feel happy and loved without my every day hugs?
How hard it is to let go and let God take control
(as if He didn’t have it before?!)
My son’s a young man, yet still my child to me,
Lord, help me to know how to relate and to see
What will serve and what won’t; when to call, when refrain
I don’t want to let go, but I'm comforted to know
YOU will never let him go, not a moment, oh no,
You will hold him and keep him and love him each day
You’ll correct and protect and reveal your love and truth all the way.
How grateful I am to know this is true
That my young man is Your man and Your plan is good and perfect too.
Thank you for letting me mother him for so long,
Teach me to mother in new ways while that he’s gone.
Keep him safe, grant success and bless his college years
With growing wisdom, godly friends and a faith that endures.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
I got tagged and it's fun!
Lisa tagged me!
Here’s how this tag goes:
1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same
My Bible says on pg. 123, fourth line down:
"You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
The author is my Best Friend, Jesus.
I tag Briana, Daniel, and Enza!
Here’s how this tag goes:
1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same
My Bible says on pg. 123, fourth line down:
"You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
The author is my Best Friend, Jesus.
I tag Briana, Daniel, and Enza!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Friends
Being in Maryland this past weekend has me pretty nostalgic. It was so nice to see dear, old friends. The beauty of friendship is being able to pick up right where you left off, no matter how much time has passed. The wonder of godly friendship is the grace to overlook the many imperfections one has brought to the table and enjoy the many graces God bestows instead. I’m so thankful for this grace that my friends give me time and time again!!!
It is always hard to have limited time for our visits ‘down’, and sad to miss out on real visits with so many we love. This makes me look forward to heaven where we’ll be together with our extended family in Christ and have all the time in the world, I mean, in heaven to enjoy!!!
This reminds me of an oldie but goodie song:
Words: Deborah D. Smith
Music: Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes He’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It wont even seem you’ve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though its hard to let you go
In the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.
With the faith and love God’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But well keep you close as always
It wont even seem you’ve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
It is always hard to have limited time for our visits ‘down’, and sad to miss out on real visits with so many we love. This makes me look forward to heaven where we’ll be together with our extended family in Christ and have all the time in the world, I mean, in heaven to enjoy!!!
This reminds me of an oldie but goodie song:
Words: Deborah D. Smith
Music: Michael W. Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can’t believe the hopes He’s granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we’ll keep you close as always
It wont even seem you’ve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Chorus:
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though its hard to let you go
In the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.
With the faith and love God’s given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you’ll live in
Is the strength that now you show
But well keep you close as always
It wont even seem you’ve gone
cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
Sunday, January 07, 2007
sweet contentment
Here's a poem by William Cowper called 'Contentment' that's wonderful! May your year be filled with the sweet and satisfying fruit of contentment in our dear Lord Jesus!
Contentment--Philippians 4 (From The Olney Hymns)
Fierce passions discompose the mind,
As tempests vex the sea:
But calm content and peace we find,
When, Lord, we turn to thee.
In vain by reason and by rule
We try to bend the will;
For none but in the Saviour’s school
Can learn the heavenly skill.
Since at his feet my soul has sat,
His gracious words to hear,
Contented with my present state,
I cast on him my care.
“Art thou a sinner, soul?” he said,
“Then how canst thou complain?
How light thy troubles here, if weigh’d
With everlasting pain!
“If thou of murmuring wouldst be cured,
Compare thy griefs with mine;
Think what my love for thee endured,
And thou wilt not repine.
“‘Tis I appoint thy daily lot,
And I do all things well;
Thou soon shalt leave this wretched spot,
And rise with me to dwell.
“In life my grace shall strength supply,
Proportion’d to thy day;
At death thou still shalt find me nigh,
To wipe thy tears away.
Thus I, who once my wretched days
In vain repinings spent,
Taught in my Saviour’s school of grace,
Have learnt to be content.
Contentment--Philippians 4 (From The Olney Hymns)
Fierce passions discompose the mind,
As tempests vex the sea:
But calm content and peace we find,
When, Lord, we turn to thee.
In vain by reason and by rule
We try to bend the will;
For none but in the Saviour’s school
Can learn the heavenly skill.
Since at his feet my soul has sat,
His gracious words to hear,
Contented with my present state,
I cast on him my care.
“Art thou a sinner, soul?” he said,
“Then how canst thou complain?
How light thy troubles here, if weigh’d
With everlasting pain!
“If thou of murmuring wouldst be cured,
Compare thy griefs with mine;
Think what my love for thee endured,
And thou wilt not repine.
“‘Tis I appoint thy daily lot,
And I do all things well;
Thou soon shalt leave this wretched spot,
And rise with me to dwell.
“In life my grace shall strength supply,
Proportion’d to thy day;
At death thou still shalt find me nigh,
To wipe thy tears away.
Thus I, who once my wretched days
In vain repinings spent,
Taught in my Saviour’s school of grace,
Have learnt to be content.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
New Year's Resolutions
Here's some great goals from Jonathon Edward's pen, written at age 17!:
http://doctrinematters.blogspot.com/
I long to be more effective in my walk and my witness for God's glory this upcoming new year. He has filled me with joy unspeakable and I want to proclaim the GREAT NEWS of the gospel with boldness and grace regularly. Please pray for this fresh zeal to glorify God and obey Him to only grow in me and bear much fruit! Thanks!!
Happy New Year!
http://doctrinematters.blogspot.com/
I long to be more effective in my walk and my witness for God's glory this upcoming new year. He has filled me with joy unspeakable and I want to proclaim the GREAT NEWS of the gospel with boldness and grace regularly. Please pray for this fresh zeal to glorify God and obey Him to only grow in me and bear much fruit! Thanks!!
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
TREASURES
I’ve been meditating on ‘treasure’ verses lately. How I long to enjoy the finest Treasure more and more. Here are some verses I’ve been looking at:
Mtt.6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Mtt.13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
Prov. 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
2Cor.4:6-7 “God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
1Tim.6:17-19 “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hole of that which is truly life.”
Col.2:2-3 “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
May this Treasure be gloried in and enjoyed immensely by all the children of God this Christmas season and always!! We are rich indeed, in every way!
Friday, December 08, 2006
I Have No Greater Joy
I am so very thankful to the Lord for His grace upon my son Daniel! I don't think a greater joy can be found on earth than to see our children walk with God. I read this on his blog today:
Friday, December 08, 2006
"Life Ticks DownI am almost done my first semester, but it doesn't even seem real. I still feel like I'm gonna wake up one day back in my house in Maryland and realize that I've been twelve years old this whole time. Am I really a college student? Does life really go this fast? Crazy. And who knows what lies ahead? But I'm gonna make sure I serve God with my life, cause I don't wanna waste my days. What is your will for me? I just wanna trust and believe, cause I really have no other choice. I've always thought or life as one big day in which we take many naps and grow and learn. It's like a video game with a mission. We're all going to reach the end sooner than we know. I just wanna make sure that my mission gives God glory, so that when Game Over comes, I'll hear the "well done good and faithful servant" and enter into rich rewards, seeing family members and friends who I led to salvation there. I know that Christ has already won my salvation for me, but I wanna know this even more, and be compelled to live everyday not considering my life of any worth apart from serving him. I wanna sacrifice my soul, body, work, tongue. Make me like Christ!"
(Daniel is joining our church this Sunday as an official adult member :)
Friday, December 08, 2006
"Life Ticks DownI am almost done my first semester, but it doesn't even seem real. I still feel like I'm gonna wake up one day back in my house in Maryland and realize that I've been twelve years old this whole time. Am I really a college student? Does life really go this fast? Crazy. And who knows what lies ahead? But I'm gonna make sure I serve God with my life, cause I don't wanna waste my days. What is your will for me? I just wanna trust and believe, cause I really have no other choice. I've always thought or life as one big day in which we take many naps and grow and learn. It's like a video game with a mission. We're all going to reach the end sooner than we know. I just wanna make sure that my mission gives God glory, so that when Game Over comes, I'll hear the "well done good and faithful servant" and enter into rich rewards, seeing family members and friends who I led to salvation there. I know that Christ has already won my salvation for me, but I wanna know this even more, and be compelled to live everyday not considering my life of any worth apart from serving him. I wanna sacrifice my soul, body, work, tongue. Make me like Christ!"
(Daniel is joining our church this Sunday as an official adult member :)
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Barren Beauty
Barren beauty of the trees
Reminds me now of
Where You bled and died for me
Upon that awful, barren tree
Before this day, I oft would dread
When all the leaves the trees laid bare
I’d long for snow to cover them
And laden white, they’d look so fair
You opened my eyes to see the gift
The bereft trees are to my faith
For reminders are needed every day
Of that Day of Day of grace
So now I’m thankful for the trees
Though plain and stark; their beauty deep
That speaks a better word to me
Of life and death and eternity
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Thanksgiving: glorifying to God and so good for my soul!!
The other day I was struggling with weak faith. As I cried out to the Lord, alone in my room, just Him & me, I read about the thorny soil in Luke 8. The thorns represent the concerns of this world, which choke the word and make it unfruitful. The Lord showed my this was my problem-my worries were choking my faith. He also gently showed me my lack of thankfulness.
Right about the same time a dear friend came to the door to drop something off. Paul was downstairs to receive the item. I came down soon after she left to find an anniversary gift-a beautiful wreath made with sand dollars. I thanked God for Lisa’s thoughtfulness and their incredible family that’s such a blessing to our whole family and church. As I contemplated God’s goodness and my serious lack of thankfulness of late, I gazed out my bedroom window to see our friend Christopher chopping wood for us. He was working hours, serving our family with joy. He is here with the Catalyst program to serve our church in outreach as well in other ways like this day. He enjoys doing stuff on Paul’s to-do list!!! This is no small blessing to our family! I was overcome with tears of thankful joy to my gracious God. He has blessed us so much and I realize that thankfulness is the opener of my eyes and the softener of my heart.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Phil.4:4-7
My faith was built up greatly as I exercised the grace of thankfulness. I want to grow in this so much more!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Right about the same time a dear friend came to the door to drop something off. Paul was downstairs to receive the item. I came down soon after she left to find an anniversary gift-a beautiful wreath made with sand dollars. I thanked God for Lisa’s thoughtfulness and their incredible family that’s such a blessing to our whole family and church. As I contemplated God’s goodness and my serious lack of thankfulness of late, I gazed out my bedroom window to see our friend Christopher chopping wood for us. He was working hours, serving our family with joy. He is here with the Catalyst program to serve our church in outreach as well in other ways like this day. He enjoys doing stuff on Paul’s to-do list!!! This is no small blessing to our family! I was overcome with tears of thankful joy to my gracious God. He has blessed us so much and I realize that thankfulness is the opener of my eyes and the softener of my heart.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Phil.4:4-7
My faith was built up greatly as I exercised the grace of thankfulness. I want to grow in this so much more!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Abe Started It (Official Thanksgiving Day, that is!)
Proclamation of Thanksgiving
by the President of the United States of America
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
[Signed]
A. Lincoln
by the President of the United States of America
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
[Signed]
A. Lincoln
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