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Wow...what a crazy two weeks! God continues to reign, and it's a good thing because He's the only One who can. It happens every Christmas I think; we forget that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Cliche', right? TRUE, but very cliche'.
I was listening to K-Love Radio (http://www.klove.com/) on my way to work this morning. Michael Jr. was on the Lisa & Eric Show and he was telling everyone about his youtube video short called Mark's Birthday. It's not quite five minutes long, but it is worth the five minutes!
I watched Mark's Birthday with my youngest daughter, Brittany. Brittany said, "I don't get it." So we discussed it for a second; I asked a couple of questions (that she knew the answers to) and you could see the lightbulb turn on in her head. Do you remember that Jesus is right there with you as you celebrate His birth? As you're opening your gifts, do you think about your relationship with Jesus? Because that is what He desires from us!
The youth minister at church tonight (yes, I'm talking about Jamie) encouraged the youth to sacrifice the one thing they really wanted for Christmas in order that each of their families could remember others who are less fortunate and contribute the monies to a worthwhile cause. I know that several of our kids will do just as they've been challenged to do - not because they feel guilty or "obligated," but because they WANT to! What a great testament that is to their faith in and love for Jesus!! Truly a blessing to me...
I just want to say that I will be praying for each of you this Merry Jesus's Birthday Season (thanks Michael Jr.) that you will have a very blessed holiday! If you don't know Jesus Christ on a personal level I encourage you to find someone that can introduce you to Him. The really cool thing about meeting Jesus is that YOU get to decide whether or not you want to continue your relationship with Him. When you choose to walk with Jesus and give yourself wholly to Him, you will NEVER regret it! Jesus is the One that remains a constant; He will never change, He will never leave you or forsake you, and He will ALWAYS love you - unconditionally. How can that be wrong?
Thanks for letting me bore you for a minute! Please have a safe and joy-filled Jesus's Birthday celebration this Christmas. :o)
P.S. - I thanked Michael Jr. in the paragraph above. When Lisa asked Michael Jr. this morning about whether or not he said "Merry Christmas" when he greeted someone, his answer was, "No, I always say 'Merry Jesus's Birthday!'" That is WAY cool! What better way to remember the season and get others thinking about the true meaning of Christmas celebrations. So, again, thanks Michael Jr.; may God continue to bless you and keep you throughout your career and beyond.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
BLESSED...
Why do we wait until Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter roll around to reflect on the blessings we've been given? Shouldn't we reflect daily? After all, each morning that we take a breath is a blessing, isn't it? Okay, so some of us have it better than others...
This morning when I stopped at the United States Post Office in Jackson, MS, I met a man named O'Neill. O'Neill is homeless. He wore tennis shoes with no toes in them. He had on an old, faded black leather jacket, short dreadlocks, knit hat, and old, worn-out khakis. O'Neill asked me for some change, to which I replied I didn't have any - and I didn't (not on me anyway).
I got the mail from our box and I walked back out to my car. My thoughts were still with O'Neill. I knew he was going to be asked to leave the post office pretty soon. I also knew that my decision to help O'Neill was going to have to be one of faith; my initial thoughts were that he would use any money I gave him to buy cigarettes or alcohol or drugs. But who am I to judge? For all I know he could've walked to McDonald's and gotten himself a hot meal! My responsibility was to help my brother in need.
I took $3 from my wallet and I walked back inside to where O'Neill was sitting. I asked his name and I handed him the $3. Then I asked him if I could pray for him. He said that was ok. I also asked if I could put my hand on his arm; he said his shoulder was hurting but that it was also okay. So I prayed for O'Neill and left.
I've been thinking about O'Neill since then...can't get him out of my head. I don't know where he'll sleep or what he'll eat. Even if he did get some breakfast this morning, where is he going to eat for lunch and for supper? Will he be warm enough to sleep peacefully? Will he be safe? Keep in mind, O'Neill is not a young person - he's probably in his late 40's or early 50's. But he is a broken man and there was a sense of pride (mixed with shame) when he held his head up as we prayed. I will trust the Lord to keep his hand on O'Neill throughout this day and for the coming days.
In the meantime, we don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to appreciate our very many blessings. We don't have to wait for Christmas. We don't have to wait for anything! Everyday is a blessing and we need to share our "wealth" of time, money, and resources to help those less fortunate than us.
If you find yourself feeling less-than-fulfilled this holiday season - use the resources below to find and help one of the Jackson area shelters in feeding, clothing, and/or caring for the men and women using their facilities. God will receive the glory, our fellow brothers and sisters will be blessed, and you will find a great joy in serving others.
Case Management Housing Support Services (601)355-8634
748 N. President Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Stewpot Community Services (601)353-2759
1100 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39203
Gateway Rescue Mission (601)353-5864
328 S. Gallatin Street
Jackson, MS 39207
Hinds County Human Resource Agency (601)923-1775
258 Maddox Road
Jackson, MS 39212
God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving season!
This morning when I stopped at the United States Post Office in Jackson, MS, I met a man named O'Neill. O'Neill is homeless. He wore tennis shoes with no toes in them. He had on an old, faded black leather jacket, short dreadlocks, knit hat, and old, worn-out khakis. O'Neill asked me for some change, to which I replied I didn't have any - and I didn't (not on me anyway).
I got the mail from our box and I walked back out to my car. My thoughts were still with O'Neill. I knew he was going to be asked to leave the post office pretty soon. I also knew that my decision to help O'Neill was going to have to be one of faith; my initial thoughts were that he would use any money I gave him to buy cigarettes or alcohol or drugs. But who am I to judge? For all I know he could've walked to McDonald's and gotten himself a hot meal! My responsibility was to help my brother in need.
I took $3 from my wallet and I walked back inside to where O'Neill was sitting. I asked his name and I handed him the $3. Then I asked him if I could pray for him. He said that was ok. I also asked if I could put my hand on his arm; he said his shoulder was hurting but that it was also okay. So I prayed for O'Neill and left.
I've been thinking about O'Neill since then...can't get him out of my head. I don't know where he'll sleep or what he'll eat. Even if he did get some breakfast this morning, where is he going to eat for lunch and for supper? Will he be warm enough to sleep peacefully? Will he be safe? Keep in mind, O'Neill is not a young person - he's probably in his late 40's or early 50's. But he is a broken man and there was a sense of pride (mixed with shame) when he held his head up as we prayed. I will trust the Lord to keep his hand on O'Neill throughout this day and for the coming days.
In the meantime, we don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to appreciate our very many blessings. We don't have to wait for Christmas. We don't have to wait for anything! Everyday is a blessing and we need to share our "wealth" of time, money, and resources to help those less fortunate than us.
If you find yourself feeling less-than-fulfilled this holiday season - use the resources below to find and help one of the Jackson area shelters in feeding, clothing, and/or caring for the men and women using their facilities. God will receive the glory, our fellow brothers and sisters will be blessed, and you will find a great joy in serving others.
Case Management Housing Support Services (601)355-8634
748 N. President Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Stewpot Community Services (601)353-2759
1100 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39203
Gateway Rescue Mission (601)353-5864
328 S. Gallatin Street
Jackson, MS 39207
Hinds County Human Resource Agency (601)923-1775
258 Maddox Road
Jackson, MS 39212
God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving season!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Hmmm....
In the last few months, I haven't been attending church. Well, except for a few sporadic Wednesday night meetings/Bible sessions with the youth group. I've allowed myself to use my physical pain and depression as a "reason" (*cough, cough* excuse) for not going, but then the guilt comes. So, to alleviate the guilt, rather than to pray and search God's word for the answer, my first instinct is to run away (or withdraw). I'm really good at that! Stress brings on pain, which brings on headaches, which elevates my depressive mood, and the cycle continues - so I run away. (Hmmm...not the right answer.)
My second instinct is to say, "I don't feel at home there. People judge me because I haven't been in so long. Let's just go to a new church." Jeff and I have talked about visiting other churches - but we always come back to "our church" - we're members of the church God has led us to. Based on our Christian beliefs, that should be the end of these feelings and thoughts, right? (Hmmmm....it's not.)
So basically, when I feel like I've exhausted every option to make myself feel better, it finally hits me - IF GOD ISN'T IN CONTROL, I can't do anything to feel better! DUH!
The Bible tells us that God will provide for all our needs (Genesis 22:14), that God will never leave us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5), that God loves us so much that He sent his only son, Jesus, to die a horrible death on the cross for us (John 3:16), and finally, GOD HAS ALREADY WON (Matthew 28)! The only thing we have to do is believe in Him and trust in Him and have faith that He will keep His promises to us. Why is that so hard to do? It sounds simple enough. God will do all these things; He's proved it time and again throughout the Bible times and throughout all of mankind, which is His own creation. Yet we struggle - I struggle.
Unfortunately, Satan is allowed to place the darkest, and often most enticing, temptations in front of us, but ultimately it's our selfish desire that causes us to sin. Figuring that out is very scary! Sin is dark and ugly and evil - everything that God is not. But the joy and the peace and the hope that comes from repentance of our sins WILL bring us back into the Light; full of joy, peace, hope and love that is not comparable to anything found on this earth. Amazingly enough, these wonderful things are available to us at no charge! (Hmmm....That's exciting!)
"It takes ____ weeks/months to relearn a good/healthy habit." (You can insert whatever number in that blank that you'd like - it all means the same.) It only takes ONE time to fall back into an old bad one, though. Missing church the first time made it easier to miss the second time and so on. Doing so has caused more heartache, bad choices, and sin than I care to recount. But, please don't misunderstand - the church isn't my saving grace. Going to church will not get me into heaven. Going to church will not magically transform my life into something greater than non-church-goers have. But going to church will surround me with like-minded believers that are only human, like me; they have the same issues I have and they have the same desire I have to draw nearer to God and remove the stain of sin from our lives.
I apologize to my church family for letting you down and giving into myself...because I was selfish and felt some sense of entitlement - I tried to blame it all on you for the reason things weren't going my way. What I should have been doing all along was talking to God, all day every day, believing that He placed all of you in my life for a reason, lifting you up in encouragement, and finally, most importantly, LISTENING TO WHAT HE WAS - and still is - SAYING!
I have a lot of growing up to do - spiritually speaking. And the first thing I need to work on is my prayer life; it isn't healthy. So, I will begin the day with prayer and Bible study immediately. I will pray hard and often, not just for others, but for myself as well - both are equally important. Next item on the list is to step out of my comfort zone and speak up when the opportunity presents itself - whether at home, on the soccer field, in the workplace, or even in the church (Yes, the church. We are made up of a bunch of humans and sometimes we don't handle things the right way the first time.). Finally, I'm going to work on not using "I" so much. Everything about Jesus was love and service for (and to) others. There's no reason to be focused on ME all the time. The selfish "clothes" are coming off. I want people to remember me for the love of Jesus that was shown to them, rather than for the selfish things I did for myself.
For those of you that don't know Jesus, the time has come for you to stand up and take note. You won't have a second opportunity when you're standing at the Pearly Gates. The Bible says in Revelation 20:12-15, "12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire."
Hell is a very real place. If you do not understand what the three verses above mean, then I invite you to email me at ghardin72@gmail.com and ask whatever questions you may have. I do NOT have all the answers, but will most certainly get the divinely-inspired answers for you - from the Bible, from my pastor, from those that have studied the Bible longer and more fervently than I have. For those who are sincere in their quest, their hearts, minds, and ears will be opened by the Holy Spirit and they will know the truth as it comes from the one true God.
Finally, I leave you with these thoughts from dcTalk, one of my favorite all-time Christian artists,
"What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus freak? What will people do when they find out it's true? I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak; there ain't no disguising the truth!" Jesus Freak by dc Talk
My second instinct is to say, "I don't feel at home there. People judge me because I haven't been in so long. Let's just go to a new church." Jeff and I have talked about visiting other churches - but we always come back to "our church" - we're members of the church God has led us to. Based on our Christian beliefs, that should be the end of these feelings and thoughts, right? (Hmmmm....it's not.)
So basically, when I feel like I've exhausted every option to make myself feel better, it finally hits me - IF GOD ISN'T IN CONTROL, I can't do anything to feel better! DUH!
The Bible tells us that God will provide for all our needs (Genesis 22:14), that God will never leave us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5), that God loves us so much that He sent his only son, Jesus, to die a horrible death on the cross for us (John 3:16), and finally, GOD HAS ALREADY WON (Matthew 28)! The only thing we have to do is believe in Him and trust in Him and have faith that He will keep His promises to us. Why is that so hard to do? It sounds simple enough. God will do all these things; He's proved it time and again throughout the Bible times and throughout all of mankind, which is His own creation. Yet we struggle - I struggle.
Unfortunately, Satan is allowed to place the darkest, and often most enticing, temptations in front of us, but ultimately it's our selfish desire that causes us to sin. Figuring that out is very scary! Sin is dark and ugly and evil - everything that God is not. But the joy and the peace and the hope that comes from repentance of our sins WILL bring us back into the Light; full of joy, peace, hope and love that is not comparable to anything found on this earth. Amazingly enough, these wonderful things are available to us at no charge! (Hmmm....That's exciting!)
"It takes ____ weeks/months to relearn a good/healthy habit." (You can insert whatever number in that blank that you'd like - it all means the same.) It only takes ONE time to fall back into an old bad one, though. Missing church the first time made it easier to miss the second time and so on. Doing so has caused more heartache, bad choices, and sin than I care to recount. But, please don't misunderstand - the church isn't my saving grace. Going to church will not get me into heaven. Going to church will not magically transform my life into something greater than non-church-goers have. But going to church will surround me with like-minded believers that are only human, like me; they have the same issues I have and they have the same desire I have to draw nearer to God and remove the stain of sin from our lives.
I apologize to my church family for letting you down and giving into myself...because I was selfish and felt some sense of entitlement - I tried to blame it all on you for the reason things weren't going my way. What I should have been doing all along was talking to God, all day every day, believing that He placed all of you in my life for a reason, lifting you up in encouragement, and finally, most importantly, LISTENING TO WHAT HE WAS - and still is - SAYING!
I have a lot of growing up to do - spiritually speaking. And the first thing I need to work on is my prayer life; it isn't healthy. So, I will begin the day with prayer and Bible study immediately. I will pray hard and often, not just for others, but for myself as well - both are equally important. Next item on the list is to step out of my comfort zone and speak up when the opportunity presents itself - whether at home, on the soccer field, in the workplace, or even in the church (Yes, the church. We are made up of a bunch of humans and sometimes we don't handle things the right way the first time.). Finally, I'm going to work on not using "I" so much. Everything about Jesus was love and service for (and to) others. There's no reason to be focused on ME all the time. The selfish "clothes" are coming off. I want people to remember me for the love of Jesus that was shown to them, rather than for the selfish things I did for myself.
For those of you that don't know Jesus, the time has come for you to stand up and take note. You won't have a second opportunity when you're standing at the Pearly Gates. The Bible says in Revelation 20:12-15, "12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire."
Hell is a very real place. If you do not understand what the three verses above mean, then I invite you to email me at ghardin72@gmail.com and ask whatever questions you may have. I do NOT have all the answers, but will most certainly get the divinely-inspired answers for you - from the Bible, from my pastor, from those that have studied the Bible longer and more fervently than I have. For those who are sincere in their quest, their hearts, minds, and ears will be opened by the Holy Spirit and they will know the truth as it comes from the one true God.
Finally, I leave you with these thoughts from dcTalk, one of my favorite all-time Christian artists,
"What will people think when they hear that I'm a Jesus freak? What will people do when they find out it's true? I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak; there ain't no disguising the truth!" Jesus Freak by dc Talk
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Pity-Party
It's funny how God works. He knows just what we need, exactly when we need it. He continually shows us His grace, forgiveness and mercy and we continue, I continue, to forget; perhaps I should anticipate His surprises?
Every once in a while, Carol, one of my co-workers and a very dear friend, will send me "Today's Gift" from Hazelden. Carol is very smart, a self-starter, energetic, picks up the pieces when necessary, and she is a recovering addict. (She wouldn't mind me telling you that. Really, she wouldn't!) I digress...
The last time Carol forwarded "Today's Gift" to me, it was so profound that I chose to sign up for the daily emails. Keep in mind that these emails typically follow the 12-step template. In an effort to not offend anybody, "a Higher Power" is used for the individual's spiritual god of choice. In my case, there is only one God - and I know He works in mysterious ways!
Today's Gift from Hazelden was about choices - specifically, Misery. I don't enjoy misery; I enjoy laughing with Jeff, watching the kids play soccer or do tumbling, singing, worshipping, spending time with the people I love. And I have allowed Satan to sneak in and take away my joy. NO MORE!!!
Below is Today's Gift from Hazelden for 10/12/2010:
I hope my friends, family, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and everyone else I've come in contact with will forgive me for choosing to be miserable. I've thrown myself a three- or four-month pity party and it has ended. (Disclaimer: I am still a moody woman with hormones that are out of whack! You may have to remind me on occasion that I can choose to be happy! *smile*)
I love you guys and I'm thankful that God placed you in my life - even when we don't see eye-to-eye. Have a blessed and prosperous, joy-filled day!
Every once in a while, Carol, one of my co-workers and a very dear friend, will send me "Today's Gift" from Hazelden. Carol is very smart, a self-starter, energetic, picks up the pieces when necessary, and she is a recovering addict. (She wouldn't mind me telling you that. Really, she wouldn't!) I digress...
The last time Carol forwarded "Today's Gift" to me, it was so profound that I chose to sign up for the daily emails. Keep in mind that these emails typically follow the 12-step template. In an effort to not offend anybody, "a Higher Power" is used for the individual's spiritual god of choice. In my case, there is only one God - and I know He works in mysterious ways!
Today's Gift from Hazelden was about choices - specifically, Misery. I don't enjoy misery; I enjoy laughing with Jeff, watching the kids play soccer or do tumbling, singing, worshipping, spending time with the people I love. And I have allowed Satan to sneak in and take away my joy. NO MORE!!!
Below is Today's Gift from Hazelden for 10/12/2010:
Today's thought from Hazelden is:
Misery is optional.
My pastor has been preaching on choices for as many years as I've known him. It's funny how easily the choice to be miserable can creep in and take over - even when you don't really want it to! Beginning in this moment, I will choose to be joyful! God created me for His purpose, to spread His Word, to fellowship with Him, and to love others!!! What is there not to be joyful about?
We may have learned to be miserable, but we can choose to unlearn it. Though we can't control what happens to us, we can determine how we will interpret and react to what happens. We can moan about the things we don't like, using them as excuses for self-pity ("poor me"), or we can implement the Serenity Prayer, accepting what we can't change and changing what we can.
In the past, we often made ourselves miserable by over-doing things. Now, how often do we continue to invite misery by thinking we ought to be able to control other people? What part do unrealistic expectations play in the creation and continuation of our misery?
When we're hurting, we need to do something about it. A physical hurt may require a doctor; an emotional pain may call for a therapist or friend, and spiritual distress may indicate the need for more prayer and meditation, closer contact with a Higher Power (GOD). We can accept responsibility for our feelings, become willing to go to any lengths to get well, and choose not to be miserable.
Responding with misery is not on my list of options for today.
Inner Harvest by Elisabeth L.
I hope my friends, family, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and everyone else I've come in contact with will forgive me for choosing to be miserable. I've thrown myself a three- or four-month pity party and it has ended. (Disclaimer: I am still a moody woman with hormones that are out of whack! You may have to remind me on occasion that I can choose to be happy! *smile*)
I love you guys and I'm thankful that God placed you in my life - even when we don't see eye-to-eye. Have a blessed and prosperous, joy-filled day!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friends, WWW, and Career
there is always something happening at work, or with friends, or with family - changes come. sometimes it's shocking, sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's scary! we just never know what's coming next.
as stated in a previous blog (change IS inevitable), i spoke of the pride i have for my sister, and the love i have for her, and her bold move to raleigh, north carolina, to pursue her dream job!
at work, we're going through "growing pains" - but in the opposite direction. it's very stressful. there are people whom i've grown to love that will no longer be with our organization. it's hard for me as the human resources department, and i can feel what they're feeling because i've been there before, but it's so much harder to be in their shoes.
and on the world wide web, you can find anything; good, bad, ugly, beautiful, filth, treasures... it's all there to be found. it's such a great tool, but it's a tool that can build you up or tear you down.
so, what is my point? we all have choices to make; everything we do and say comes down to choice. a friend of mine made the comment, "I agree with the notion that social media is here to stay, like it or not. So, you either be part of it or get left behind. " as much as i hate to admit it, he's right! with friends and family or in your career, social media equals progress. and social media starts on the WWW. how you choose to use the tool provided to you can mean the difference between having and maintaing friends or losing them, keeping in touch with family or falling out of touch, and building or hindering your career. what will your choice be?
by the way, the friend i quoted above would like to share some valuable information with you. please visit one or all of these links to find out more: Tavco, Tavco Blog, Facebook Tavco.
as stated in a previous blog (change IS inevitable), i spoke of the pride i have for my sister, and the love i have for her, and her bold move to raleigh, north carolina, to pursue her dream job!
at work, we're going through "growing pains" - but in the opposite direction. it's very stressful. there are people whom i've grown to love that will no longer be with our organization. it's hard for me as the human resources department, and i can feel what they're feeling because i've been there before, but it's so much harder to be in their shoes.
and on the world wide web, you can find anything; good, bad, ugly, beautiful, filth, treasures... it's all there to be found. it's such a great tool, but it's a tool that can build you up or tear you down.
so, what is my point? we all have choices to make; everything we do and say comes down to choice. a friend of mine made the comment, "I agree with the notion that social media is here to stay, like it or not. So, you either be part of it or get left behind. " as much as i hate to admit it, he's right! with friends and family or in your career, social media equals progress. and social media starts on the WWW. how you choose to use the tool provided to you can mean the difference between having and maintaing friends or losing them, keeping in touch with family or falling out of touch, and building or hindering your career. what will your choice be?
by the way, the friend i quoted above would like to share some valuable information with you. please visit one or all of these links to find out more: Tavco, Tavco Blog, Facebook Tavco.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Change IS inevitable...
Kim, me, and Fran
My baby sister, Fran, will be leaving this week for Raleigh, NC, to pursue a career in her chosen field of study, Architecture, for which she has a degree from the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University. Fran has had a few bumps in the road, but she has persevered. She's always been independent, without going too far (thank goodness), and we've always been able to catch her if she felt she was going to fall.
When Ethan came into the picture, Fran became even more inspirational to me as a friend, sister, mom, aunt, and confidante. I knew what she was going through as a soon-to-be-mom without a spouse. I knew her concerns and frustrations and excitement at bringing a wonderful baby into the world for the first time. But during that time, most of all, I was inspired and encouraged as I watched her make it through, despite being a single mother, an additional two years of school and achieve a milestone in her life that I still haven't managed to accomplish!
But even that isn't the inevitable change that I'm speaking of! The change comes in that Fran won't be "just" two hours down the road now; she's going to be thirteen hours away from Kim and I. We aren't going to be able to meet her halfway to get Ethan while she prepares for a big project, and we won't be able to plan an overnight road trip to visit with her this time. It finally hit me last night that my baby sister is going to be a LONG way away from "home." I'm going to have a hard time dealing with her and Ethan being gone. I tend to withdraw when I know someone is going to leave me... This time I can't! Ethan will start kindergarten next week and I'm going to have to know how it went. And when Fran feels like she's gonna fall, I'm just gonna have to extend my love a little bit further - it can be done!!!
Having said all that, praise God for email, Skype, unlimited nationwide calling, digital voice phone service, etc., etc. I plan on blowing up a cell phone, computer, and whatever electronic device available to talk with them at least twice a week! :)
Be sure to keep up with Fran on her blog too! http://frandinsky.blogspot.com/ (same as the link above) I'm sure she'll get back to posting on a regular basis about her adventures in North Carolina. I can only say that I love you, Fran, and I'm so very proud of you! I will miss you terribly, but I know this is a fantastic move for your family. We're here when you're ready to come visit - and I will definitely be planning a visit with you too.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Why Fight?
Jeff and I are active participants (chaperones, confidantes, etc.) for our youth at Meadow Grove Baptist Church. (http://www.meadowgrove.org/) On Wednesday nights we hear Jamie Walley speak. This particular message touched me in such a way that I wanted to share it with you. (Please remember that these are the notes I took during Jamie's message; the outline itself came directly from Jamie - and he got it from God.)
Why Fight?
As presented by Jamie Walley at MGBC to the youth on 2/17/2010
You have to have a strategy in a fight! 1 John 3:7-8 says, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (NIV) Christ came to earth to do battle; Christianity is a battle - daily!
James 1:14-15 says, "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (NIV) Matthew 26:41 says, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (NIV)
For me, it was an eye-opening evening straight from God. I'm evil by nature and I need help to be righteous. Even though I really want to do the right thing all the time, my human nature is not strong enough to back up my spirit. That's where Jesus rescues us. Jesus is my salvation; He is righteous!
The Outline:
I. THE BATTLEFIELD - Christianity is one movement with two parts; moving away from something (the things that keep us from God) and moving toward something (intimacy with God). 2 Timothy 2:22 reads, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (NIV) The battlefield is in our heart and in our minds. We have to remove the thoughts and the desires that move us away from God and we have to embrace and reach out with faith, love and peace, with a pure heart!
II. OUR ENEMY - What are we up against?
A. Satan has tools. (The flesh - lust, envy, etc.)
B. Satan knows the target. (He knows how we're wired and what are weaknesses are.)
C. Satan knows the terrain.
D. Satan knows his own tactics. (Temptation)
We (Christians) fight because our lives are on the line!! REMOVE TEMPTATION: "What we think about is what we care about. And what we care about, we chase." (Unknown, but Jamie brought it to my attention.)
What are you thinking about? If your thoughts don't come from God, then we are allowing the devil - OUR ENEMY - to defeat us!
III. THE STRATEGY
A. Read the Bible daily!
B. Prayer
C. Listen to the right kind of music.
D. Friends - surround yourself with friends that hold you accountable for your actions.
E. Scripture memorization. When faced with a temptation, have scripture readily available for recall!
I am a sinner! I did not pursue righteousness like I should have. Jesus Christ bridged the gap (created by my sin) between God and I when He died on the cross in my place. I don't just believe that, I try daily to live it. And I fail miserably all the time. But I hope that my relationship with Him continues to grow as I learn more and more.
The MGBC Youth are being armed with weapons from the Holy Spirit every time they come to worship services, Bible drill, Bible study, etc. Jamie and Stephanie don't apologize for their faith in Christ and their belief in the Word of God. The Bible is taught and the Holy Spirit speaks through Jamie every time he gets up to teach the youth. Thank you, Jamie, for allowing God to use you and your family to further His ministry - and for equipping our youth to go out and fight.
Why Fight?
As presented by Jamie Walley at MGBC to the youth on 2/17/2010
You have to have a strategy in a fight! 1 John 3:7-8 says, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (NIV) Christ came to earth to do battle; Christianity is a battle - daily!
James 1:14-15 says, "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (NIV) Matthew 26:41 says, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (NIV)
For me, it was an eye-opening evening straight from God. I'm evil by nature and I need help to be righteous. Even though I really want to do the right thing all the time, my human nature is not strong enough to back up my spirit. That's where Jesus rescues us. Jesus is my salvation; He is righteous!
The Outline:
I. THE BATTLEFIELD - Christianity is one movement with two parts; moving away from something (the things that keep us from God) and moving toward something (intimacy with God). 2 Timothy 2:22 reads, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (NIV) The battlefield is in our heart and in our minds. We have to remove the thoughts and the desires that move us away from God and we have to embrace and reach out with faith, love and peace, with a pure heart!
II. OUR ENEMY - What are we up against?
A. Satan has tools. (The flesh - lust, envy, etc.)
B. Satan knows the target. (He knows how we're wired and what are weaknesses are.)
C. Satan knows the terrain.
D. Satan knows his own tactics. (Temptation)
We (Christians) fight because our lives are on the line!! REMOVE TEMPTATION: "What we think about is what we care about. And what we care about, we chase." (Unknown, but Jamie brought it to my attention.)
What are you thinking about? If your thoughts don't come from God, then we are allowing the devil - OUR ENEMY - to defeat us!
III. THE STRATEGY
A. Read the Bible daily!
B. Prayer
C. Listen to the right kind of music.
D. Friends - surround yourself with friends that hold you accountable for your actions.
E. Scripture memorization. When faced with a temptation, have scripture readily available for recall!
I am a sinner! I did not pursue righteousness like I should have. Jesus Christ bridged the gap (created by my sin) between God and I when He died on the cross in my place. I don't just believe that, I try daily to live it. And I fail miserably all the time. But I hope that my relationship with Him continues to grow as I learn more and more.
The MGBC Youth are being armed with weapons from the Holy Spirit every time they come to worship services, Bible drill, Bible study, etc. Jamie and Stephanie don't apologize for their faith in Christ and their belief in the Word of God. The Bible is taught and the Holy Spirit speaks through Jamie every time he gets up to teach the youth. Thank you, Jamie, for allowing God to use you and your family to further His ministry - and for equipping our youth to go out and fight.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Weight Loss...
So, I'm on week three of my weight loss program. I'm doing the liquid program, OUTLOOK, hosted by Baptist Medical Center. Each Wednesday I go weigh in and attend a 30-minute class that teaches me how to eat properly, exercise properly, and for general support with my classmates. There were a lot of people in class this week; it was nice to see so many people in the same boat as me. :) So far I've lost six pounds! That doesn't seem like a lot (especially since Jeff has lost 68 since October 1st), but it's a start and I'm happy about it. (If you haven't seen Jeff lately, it's worth taking a look - he looks fantastic!)
Anyway, I went for my "assessment" at the Baptist HealthPlex (gym) yesterday and begin working out this morning. I got there at 8, did 20 minutes on the NuStep Machine and got to work by 9, give or take a few minutes. I'm excited about this new lifestyle change. Please pray for me that I'll continue to do well and that I will be able to teach my children a healthier choice of eating and exercising habits. I know they take their cues from me...SCARY!!!!
Happy dieting everybody...have a great weekend and I'll see you on the flip side.
G
Anyway, I went for my "assessment" at the Baptist HealthPlex (gym) yesterday and begin working out this morning. I got there at 8, did 20 minutes on the NuStep Machine and got to work by 9, give or take a few minutes. I'm excited about this new lifestyle change. Please pray for me that I'll continue to do well and that I will be able to teach my children a healthier choice of eating and exercising habits. I know they take their cues from me...SCARY!!!!
Happy dieting everybody...have a great weekend and I'll see you on the flip side.
G
Inspiration...
"Daily Word" provides a daily inspirational email that a co-worker receives; she sent it to me - I had to share it with all of you! Today's message from God is just too true and too good not to hear!
Friday, January 22, 2010
No Worries: I am faith-filled, fearless and free!
Today I remember the truth of my being: I am a radiant child of God. Fear and worry have no power over me. Worry is simply the habit of focusing on what I do not want. So today, I envision Jesus standing beside me, reminding me to have faith.
Faith is the activity of seeing life with the vision of the Christ. Rather than worry, I say, "See this as Jesus does." From this higher perspective, worry is transformed into faith. I receive divinely inspired solutions and take right actions, knowing all my needs are met.
Through a daily practice of living by the example of Jesus, my Way Shower, I find my worries dissolve into nothingness. I am faith-filled, fearless and free!
Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink. ... Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?--Matthew 6:25
Friday, January 22, 2010
No Worries: I am faith-filled, fearless and free!
Today I remember the truth of my being: I am a radiant child of God. Fear and worry have no power over me. Worry is simply the habit of focusing on what I do not want. So today, I envision Jesus standing beside me, reminding me to have faith.
Faith is the activity of seeing life with the vision of the Christ. Rather than worry, I say, "See this as Jesus does." From this higher perspective, worry is transformed into faith. I receive divinely inspired solutions and take right actions, knowing all my needs are met.
Through a daily practice of living by the example of Jesus, my Way Shower, I find my worries dissolve into nothingness. I am faith-filled, fearless and free!
Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink. ... Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?--Matthew 6:25
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Befuddled...
So, I have friends that are single, friends that are married, friends that are separated, and friends that are going through divorce (or have already suffered those final 60 days of marriage). It's always a relief when I only know one side of the equation because it can be awkward talking to either party. (Yes, I know that's selfish...)
To my single friends my advice is that you wait until GOD presents you with the perfect mate (and you'll know he/she is the perfect mate because he/she will feel the same way).
To my married friends, please keep GOD in the center of your relationship! Talk to each other and show your love to one another daily. When you can't speak to one another anymore, it's too late! (Oh, and don't get your friends involved in the middle of your affairs; even the friends that "want" to know and continue to ask questions - don't tell them anything! In the end it's just simply not fair to your friends.)
To my separated friends, I pray that you will be able to work things out and get back to that place where you once loved each other and everything was fresh! GOD can help you do that if you'll let Him.
And to my divorced friends, I do not judge you now, nor will I ever judge you. But it is also not fair for you to judge me for choosing to remain neutral concerning your relationship with your ex. Further, if I choose to remain friendly with both parties, that should be okay too. I can assure you that I won't discuss either of you with the other party.
This post wasn't aimed at any one person/couple in particular...I've just realized how blessed I am to have a husband that loves me unconditionally (warts and all) and I'm sad for my friends that rush into something they're not really ready for, and for my friends that are ready to rush out of something they're not really ready for. That's all!
If you noticed, the common theme in this post was "GOD." I do believe that He is capable and WILLING to heal any marriage, strengthen any soul, and unite the man and woman that are made for each other! We just have to be smart enough (and close enough in our walk with Jesus) to know when to ask for it...
To my single friends my advice is that you wait until GOD presents you with the perfect mate (and you'll know he/she is the perfect mate because he/she will feel the same way).
To my married friends, please keep GOD in the center of your relationship! Talk to each other and show your love to one another daily. When you can't speak to one another anymore, it's too late! (Oh, and don't get your friends involved in the middle of your affairs; even the friends that "want" to know and continue to ask questions - don't tell them anything! In the end it's just simply not fair to your friends.)
To my separated friends, I pray that you will be able to work things out and get back to that place where you once loved each other and everything was fresh! GOD can help you do that if you'll let Him.
And to my divorced friends, I do not judge you now, nor will I ever judge you. But it is also not fair for you to judge me for choosing to remain neutral concerning your relationship with your ex. Further, if I choose to remain friendly with both parties, that should be okay too. I can assure you that I won't discuss either of you with the other party.
This post wasn't aimed at any one person/couple in particular...I've just realized how blessed I am to have a husband that loves me unconditionally (warts and all) and I'm sad for my friends that rush into something they're not really ready for, and for my friends that are ready to rush out of something they're not really ready for. That's all!
If you noticed, the common theme in this post was "GOD." I do believe that He is capable and WILLING to heal any marriage, strengthen any soul, and unite the man and woman that are made for each other! We just have to be smart enough (and close enough in our walk with Jesus) to know when to ask for it...
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