After needing a secondary detox yesterday in two weeks along with a few other tonics, I totally second my sons prayer last night:
Thank you God for stuffed animals to cuddle with - even though we don't really need them.
Honest prayer and gratitude for every good things is a difficult discipline to master. So, what are you grateful for today?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Julie & Julia.... & Me?
After being told by several people that I needed to see it, I watched the movie Julie & Julia. I think I really liked it!
OK, first positive point is that it didn't have a fairy-tale ending. I was really afraid that the two would meet and become the best of friends till Julia's death. (Which, by the way, I had no idea if she was even still alive. But Hollywood has a way of making the impossible happen, even in an otherwise true story.) Yet, that was not the case. I like that. It's more real.
Negative point number one: Food. God's sense of humor just never ceases.
After watching the movie and staring longingly at my pantry, I just about pulled out every single thing and place it either in the "I can eat" or the "I can eat and die" pile. Grrr. Perhaps I can start a supplementary food contest blog where I give you aspiring cooks a list/picture of the very limited things I can eat and have you figure out a recipe for me.
OK. I've steamed my lobster. Next.
That's the other thing I really enjoyed. Julie just looses it sometimes, and as sadistic as it sounds, we all need to know that. I believe that's why the Bible is filled with so many people who fail. We need the encouragement that if they can make it, we can make it. The funny thing is that as I watched the movie, I related so well with Julie's different milestones: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Why? Because Christian or not, male or female, we are all still human, and God created us to learn and relate to one another. So look around and learn!
Over all, Julie & Julia inspired me. (I'll have to make it part of my library for when serving a pity party.)
1. Just because you feel you have nothing to say doesn't mean you have nothing to say.
2. Even if she never meets Julia and I impact only one person's walk with Christ, it's worth it.
3. All the time she spent cooking made me feel better about all the time I spend writing and researching.
Perhaps that's the key. Passion.
I just wish the Bread of Life came with a little Brie...
OK, first positive point is that it didn't have a fairy-tale ending. I was really afraid that the two would meet and become the best of friends till Julia's death. (Which, by the way, I had no idea if she was even still alive. But Hollywood has a way of making the impossible happen, even in an otherwise true story.) Yet, that was not the case. I like that. It's more real.
Negative point number one: Food. God's sense of humor just never ceases.
After watching the movie and staring longingly at my pantry, I just about pulled out every single thing and place it either in the "I can eat" or the "I can eat and die" pile. Grrr. Perhaps I can start a supplementary food contest blog where I give you aspiring cooks a list/picture of the very limited things I can eat and have you figure out a recipe for me.
OK. I've steamed my lobster. Next.
That's the other thing I really enjoyed. Julie just looses it sometimes, and as sadistic as it sounds, we all need to know that. I believe that's why the Bible is filled with so many people who fail. We need the encouragement that if they can make it, we can make it. The funny thing is that as I watched the movie, I related so well with Julie's different milestones: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Why? Because Christian or not, male or female, we are all still human, and God created us to learn and relate to one another. So look around and learn!
Over all, Julie & Julia inspired me. (I'll have to make it part of my library for when serving a pity party.)
1. Just because you feel you have nothing to say doesn't mean you have nothing to say.
2. Even if she never meets Julia and I impact only one person's walk with Christ, it's worth it.
3. All the time she spent cooking made me feel better about all the time I spend writing and researching.
Perhaps that's the key. Passion.
I just wish the Bread of Life came with a little Brie...
Thursday, December 17, 2009
My And Mary's Magnificat
I have been overwhelmed by the lavish blessings of my LORD. When He gives beyond what is anticipated, I always want to make sure it is honored as best as possible. But always first - and then continuously - is to praise Him!
Perhaps the season guided my mind along with the Spirit as my heart was reminded of these verses today. I pray you will be as blessed by them as I have been. Please take the time to read them as worship to Yahweh.
Luke 1:45-55
"She who had believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!"
And Mary said:
Perhaps the season guided my mind along with the Spirit as my heart was reminded of these verses today. I pray you will be as blessed by them as I have been. Please take the time to read them as worship to Yahweh.
Luke 1:45-55
"She who had believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!"
And Mary said:
My soul proclaims
the greatness of hte Lord,
and my spirit has rejoiced
in God my Savior,
because He has looked
with favor
on the humble condition
of His slave.
Surely, from now on
all generations
will call me blessed,
because the Mighty One
has done great things
for me,
and His name is holy.
His mercy is from generation
to generation
on those who fear Him.
He has done a mighty deed
with His arm;
He has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts
of their hearts;
He has toppled the mighty
from their thrones
and exalted the lowly.
He has satisfied the hungry
with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped
His servant Israel,
mindful of His mercy,
just as He spoke
to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his
descendants forever."
Amen and Amen! Come soon, again, Lord Jesus!
ZB48FVWKEWK6
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Are You A Christian Fobbit?
No, it's not a typo. Fobbit - not Hobbit.
I was reading a very interesting Fox News article yesterday on military slang words that are brought into everyday use. Words and their definitions have always interested me, especially when their meanings have come through difficult circumstances. Those words just seem richer.
One that piqued my interest has been coined from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fobbit. This is how it was described in the article:
Now, it seems to be that the Fobbit's job requires them to stay on base, but what about their free time? Amusingly, this term is already in Wikipedia and answers that question:
I was reading a very interesting Fox News article yesterday on military slang words that are brought into everyday use. Words and their definitions have always interested me, especially when their meanings have come through difficult circumstances. Those words just seem richer.
One that piqued my interest has been coined from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fobbit. This is how it was described in the article:
Maj. Liam Kingdon, who works for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Maryland in College Park,
said he has heard fellow service members referred to as "fobbits." The word is a contraction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) and "hobbit," a creature from The Lord of the Rings known for its sedentary habits.
"It's basically a soldier, sailor or airman who never leaves the base," Kingdon said. "You've got people there
who leave the base all the time to go on patrol, and you've got people who literally just stay on the base."
Now, it seems to be that the Fobbit's job requires them to stay on base, but what about their free time? Amusingly, this term is already in Wikipedia and answers that question:
Fobbit is a derogatory term used by coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to describe
base working personnel at a Forward Operating Base (FOB). It derives from the mixing of the acronym FOB,
with the name Hobbit from J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" universe.
The implication of the term is that the individual is scared to leave the relative safety of the FOB,
by way of analogy to Hobbits that had no inclination to leave the Shire and face danger.
This started me thinking about the Church. How many of us are scared to leave the safety of our church building/complex? I have to say that getting into safety groups and singing at the nursing home is nice, but doesn't count. Making shoe boxes for impoverished children around the world is awesome, but what about the impoverished kids who need to be read to at the school in town? Going on group visitation is encouraging, but what about sharing the love of Christ with the frazzled cashier at Walmart?
We are not to be of this world (Romans 12:2), but are most certainly to be in it (Romans 10:14-17). Staying inside of our comfort zones will make our presence known to some, but we are to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), not the ends of our pews. It's time to be Frodo...
Search your actions today, and ask the Spirit to reveal it to you: "Am I a Christian Fobbit?"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Psalm Of Encouragement
I love that there is Scripture for every moment of our lives.
Yesterday was rough. As I sat there trying to decide what to post today, all I could think of was that I was the one needing encouragement. That's when I remembered Psalm 116. About a year ago this Psalm touched me while thinking of someone else, so I wrote a note next to it in my Bible that this was an excellent Psalm to give to people with some extra words of encouragement added around or after it as well.
Who knew I would be talking about myself?
Psalm 116
1. I love the LORD because He has heard my appeal for mercy.
2. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call out to Him, as long as I live.
3. The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow.
4. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "LORD, save me!"
5. The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
6. The LORD guards the inexperienced; I was helpless and He saved me.
7. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8. For You, LORD, rescued me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10. I believed, even when I said, "I am severely afflicted."
11. In my alarm I said, "Everyone is a liar."
12. How can I repay the LORD all the good He has done for me?
13. I will take the cup of salvation and worship the LORD.
14. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of His people.
15. The death of His faithful ones is valuable in the LORD's sight.
16. LORD, I am indeed Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your female servant. You have loosened my bonds.
17. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the LORD.
18. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD, in the very presence of all His people,
19. In the courts of the LORD's house - within you, Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
The gratitude of the redeemed is in salvation from our Lord. Not in the pleasantries of this lifetime. Praise Him for His faithfulness to us!
Yesterday was rough. As I sat there trying to decide what to post today, all I could think of was that I was the one needing encouragement. That's when I remembered Psalm 116. About a year ago this Psalm touched me while thinking of someone else, so I wrote a note next to it in my Bible that this was an excellent Psalm to give to people with some extra words of encouragement added around or after it as well.
Who knew I would be talking about myself?
Psalm 116
1. I love the LORD because He has heard my appeal for mercy.
2. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call out to Him, as long as I live.
3. The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow.
4. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "LORD, save me!"
5. The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
6. The LORD guards the inexperienced; I was helpless and He saved me.
7. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8. For You, LORD, rescued me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10. I believed, even when I said, "I am severely afflicted."
11. In my alarm I said, "Everyone is a liar."
12. How can I repay the LORD all the good He has done for me?
13. I will take the cup of salvation and worship the LORD.
14. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of His people.
15. The death of His faithful ones is valuable in the LORD's sight.
16. LORD, I am indeed Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your female servant. You have loosened my bonds.
17. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the LORD.
18. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD, in the very presence of all His people,
19. In the courts of the LORD's house - within you, Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
The gratitude of the redeemed is in salvation from our Lord. Not in the pleasantries of this lifetime. Praise Him for His faithfulness to us!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Family
This weekend I visited family in Kentucky. Not only was I blessed in fellowshipping with my own flesh and blood, but the Spirit reminded me of more family to visit.
My mother recently moved back up to Kentucky (In case you missed THAT story!), and thus has been attending a new church. I planned my trip this weekend to make sure I could stay for Sunday morning service and meet those she's been worshiping with. Now, as it always seems to happen when visiting a new church, there was a special service, so I was not able to hear the preacher. Yet, I was able to meet several people during Sunday School and the fellowship time.
It was at the beginning of the service though that the Spirit spoke to me. The Pastor opened up with one of my favorite Scriptures. Yes, I know I say that often, but this is one that I've even chosen to describe the women's ministry at my church. Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us... not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as some do but encouraging one another... (apx)
There were two things I learned. The first was a brief glimpse at the reality of my brothers and sisters who gather together all over the world to worship our Lord with one heart and one mind (Acts 2:46-47). I was reminded of how small the box of corporate worship I comprehend is. Though at times we may often feel alone, there are millions who join to worship Him every week. These all are my brothers and sisters. How blessed we are to have such family: What an amazing and awesome God we serve!
The second thing I learned was actually a reminder. Every Christian should visit a church for the first time at least once a year. Why? It's a good reminder. We get so busy fellowshipping with those of our local body that we love and doing our service duties that we often overlook visitors. Now, I'm not saying anything against the church I visited yesterday! They were all very sweet. However, I had forgotten how uncomfortable it is to sit there alone with so many milling around. Every minute feels like ten. I remember this being a passion of mine when joining our church because the memory was fresh. However, as time has passed, I've grown horrible at welcoming people I don't recognize.
It really doesn't take a massive number of people to make a visitor feel welcome either. In fact, if everyone would have spoke to me, I'd have been frazzled and overwhelmed. Really, just one or two people spending their time before worship talking to me with most others waving hello would have been perfect.
Honestly, I think the Lord had these people lovingly remind me of that, because I could see their love for the Lord written all over them!
When was the last time you visited a church where there was no one you knew? Have you ever? Take some time today to pray for the Spirit's prompting to be strong to you the next time you see a visitor at church. Then, make sure to take all the time you can to say hello. If you truly don't have the time, find someone who does and ask them to go chat for a while. For those who are still seeking Christ, that act of love may make all the difference.
My mother recently moved back up to Kentucky (In case you missed THAT story!), and thus has been attending a new church. I planned my trip this weekend to make sure I could stay for Sunday morning service and meet those she's been worshiping with. Now, as it always seems to happen when visiting a new church, there was a special service, so I was not able to hear the preacher. Yet, I was able to meet several people during Sunday School and the fellowship time.
It was at the beginning of the service though that the Spirit spoke to me. The Pastor opened up with one of my favorite Scriptures. Yes, I know I say that often, but this is one that I've even chosen to describe the women's ministry at my church. Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us... not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as some do but encouraging one another... (apx)
There were two things I learned. The first was a brief glimpse at the reality of my brothers and sisters who gather together all over the world to worship our Lord with one heart and one mind (Acts 2:46-47). I was reminded of how small the box of corporate worship I comprehend is. Though at times we may often feel alone, there are millions who join to worship Him every week. These all are my brothers and sisters. How blessed we are to have such family: What an amazing and awesome God we serve!
The second thing I learned was actually a reminder. Every Christian should visit a church for the first time at least once a year. Why? It's a good reminder. We get so busy fellowshipping with those of our local body that we love and doing our service duties that we often overlook visitors. Now, I'm not saying anything against the church I visited yesterday! They were all very sweet. However, I had forgotten how uncomfortable it is to sit there alone with so many milling around. Every minute feels like ten. I remember this being a passion of mine when joining our church because the memory was fresh. However, as time has passed, I've grown horrible at welcoming people I don't recognize.
It really doesn't take a massive number of people to make a visitor feel welcome either. In fact, if everyone would have spoke to me, I'd have been frazzled and overwhelmed. Really, just one or two people spending their time before worship talking to me with most others waving hello would have been perfect.
Honestly, I think the Lord had these people lovingly remind me of that, because I could see their love for the Lord written all over them!
When was the last time you visited a church where there was no one you knew? Have you ever? Take some time today to pray for the Spirit's prompting to be strong to you the next time you see a visitor at church. Then, make sure to take all the time you can to say hello. If you truly don't have the time, find someone who does and ask them to go chat for a while. For those who are still seeking Christ, that act of love may make all the difference.
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