Today Mr. and Mrs. Macikas played Mr. and Mrs. Macikas in a game of bags. Mr. and Mrs. Macikas won even though Mrs. Macikas is still mending from total knee replacement.
Bags is a game anyone can play. Unlike "Boggle", "Scrabble" or "Pictionary" it does not involve thought, which for some people thinking and fun are mutually exclusive activities. It is also an equalizer, a fit and trim person and a full in body person with one good knee can both play. We obtained the game years ago for friends and family use because it is my belief when people feel that they are "of equal value" with others they can be in a relationship with them. God made us for community, relationships. In good relationships we are challenged and grow. Growth is good and I am all for helping others to be their best so call me when you want to lose in bags. :)
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Prayer
Every so often I am reminded of the obvious, I need to have a better prayer life. Even Jesus prayed, yes the Creator of the world, the Son of God felt the need to pray. My pastor said a few weeks ago "Nothing great has ever happened to advance the kingdom of God without prayer."
I have the opportunity to advance the kingdom of God at my place of employment but it will require much prayer. As you may know I work at a high school. My cover is campus supervisor but I am really there to minister to those who feel disenfranchised. While my "target group" is black and brown girls, I am open to all and have chosen a white boy to encourage. I do not know anyone who has a good thing to say about this young man but I know God and his parents love him. I have met the parents and have let them know that I know that he is a piece of work. The mission, some say an impossible mission I have accepted, is to show this young man that there is someone in the school that cares for him even though he displays no likable qualities. If he changes for the better everyone will know that it was only by the grace of God.
Using Colossians 1:9-11ESV as a basis, my prayer is that I may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. That I may be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.
I've come to realize that any worldly accomplishments that I may achieve are meaningless if I am not fulfilling God's unique purpose for me. I welcome your prayer support.
I have the opportunity to advance the kingdom of God at my place of employment but it will require much prayer. As you may know I work at a high school. My cover is campus supervisor but I am really there to minister to those who feel disenfranchised. While my "target group" is black and brown girls, I am open to all and have chosen a white boy to encourage. I do not know anyone who has a good thing to say about this young man but I know God and his parents love him. I have met the parents and have let them know that I know that he is a piece of work. The mission, some say an impossible mission I have accepted, is to show this young man that there is someone in the school that cares for him even though he displays no likable qualities. If he changes for the better everyone will know that it was only by the grace of God.
Using Colossians 1:9-11ESV as a basis, my prayer is that I may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. That I may be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.
I've come to realize that any worldly accomplishments that I may achieve are meaningless if I am not fulfilling God's unique purpose for me. I welcome your prayer support.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Better late than never?
When older beloved joined the football team as a freshman in 2002, I found out about the Varsity Mother’s night. The mothers of the varsity players wore their sons jersey and received hugs from the boys on the field. I said to myself, “Self, you have two years to lose enough weight to be able to get into that jersey”. Older beloved decided not to play his junior and senior year. A year later younger beloved joined the freshman football team. So I said to myself, “Self, you have two years to lose enough weight to be able to get into that jersey”. I did not lose any weight by Mother’s Night of his junior year but I did lose a couple of pant sizes by the time of his senior year. However, it was not enough to wear the jersey. I will say that there were several moms who could not wear their son’s jersey. Younger beloved graduated FIVE years ago and not until now can I wear the jersey.
As I reflect on the regrets that I have over postponing weight loss, I try to meditate on these two verses when dealing with the past.
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)
In applying these verse to my life experiences, I need to let go of any negative emotions of past experiences yet learn the lessons from them. When we learn, we grow and growth leads to transformation.
I want to live a transformed life.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Enlarge my territory
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV)
In the 90's the prayer of Jabez was big. You would see it on cups, plates, t-shirts, bookmarks everything. Almost always the text was misapplied and was used as a name it and claim it verse. Bless me, protect me and give me stuff.
But Bruce Wilkinson in The Prayer of Jabez, Breaking Through to the Blessed Life gives a different application. He suggests "enlarge my territory" could be prayed like "please expand my opportunities and impact in such a way that I touch more lives for your glory. Let me do more for You!"
While I may not take full advantage of it, I believe my opportunity to work in the public school has expanded my potential impact on others. There are staff, students and parents that I interact with daily who are from a variety of ethnicities, religious beliefs and socio-economic levels. My goal is to positively impact others, but sometimes others positively impact me. A couple of years ago I had a co-coach on the step team, a cute, twenty-something, Italian babe ( not even dark Italian) whose pants size is in the single digits. Not me, except for the cute part. I thought the only thing we would have in common would be the step team, I was wrong.
I have come to see for myself that you can have quality life affirming relationship with someone who is not like you. So I had to think about some things differently because of this relationship and this thinking has given me the opportunity to grow as a person. I think growth is good, especially at my advanced age. She has renewed my interest in crocheting, silk ribbon embroidery, sewing, jewelry making, and painting. I even thought for a minute about canning after she gave me a jar of mango-chia sugar free fruit spread that she made just for me.
When all is said and done, I hope she will say "Susan touched my life in such a way that I know God loves me and He can transform lives".
In the 90's the prayer of Jabez was big. You would see it on cups, plates, t-shirts, bookmarks everything. Almost always the text was misapplied and was used as a name it and claim it verse. Bless me, protect me and give me stuff.
But Bruce Wilkinson in The Prayer of Jabez, Breaking Through to the Blessed Life gives a different application. He suggests "enlarge my territory" could be prayed like "please expand my opportunities and impact in such a way that I touch more lives for your glory. Let me do more for You!"
While I may not take full advantage of it, I believe my opportunity to work in the public school has expanded my potential impact on others. There are staff, students and parents that I interact with daily who are from a variety of ethnicities, religious beliefs and socio-economic levels. My goal is to positively impact others, but sometimes others positively impact me. A couple of years ago I had a co-coach on the step team, a cute, twenty-something, Italian babe ( not even dark Italian) whose pants size is in the single digits. Not me, except for the cute part. I thought the only thing we would have in common would be the step team, I was wrong.
I have come to see for myself that you can have quality life affirming relationship with someone who is not like you. So I had to think about some things differently because of this relationship and this thinking has given me the opportunity to grow as a person. I think growth is good, especially at my advanced age. She has renewed my interest in crocheting, silk ribbon embroidery, sewing, jewelry making, and painting. I even thought for a minute about canning after she gave me a jar of mango-chia sugar free fruit spread that she made just for me.
When all is said and done, I hope she will say "Susan touched my life in such a way that I know God loves me and He can transform lives".
Sunday, September 7, 2014
There's a new guy in town
My husband thought today's sermon was pretty good. He does not pass out good marks casually. He is the kind of guy who anytime he reads Scripture he uses at least two translations, often the Greek is nearby. He has a score of Bibles on the bookcase on his side of the bed. If money were no object, he would go to seminary just for the fun of it.
So it was a very good thing that he thought the sermon today was pretty good for we have a new pastor. Today was his first sermon with us. I noticed the parking lot was fuller when we drove up. People wanted to see and hear the new guy. I am at the Welcome Center for the second service every first Sunday, a great place to feel the excitement in the air today.
Will this prove to be true? "When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord." (Acts 11:23-24 ESV)
It is my belief that churches grow when people are excited about their church. I'm expecting growth, soon we may need a shuttle bus for those who must use remote parking. :)
So it was a very good thing that he thought the sermon today was pretty good for we have a new pastor. Today was his first sermon with us. I noticed the parking lot was fuller when we drove up. People wanted to see and hear the new guy. I am at the Welcome Center for the second service every first Sunday, a great place to feel the excitement in the air today.
Will this prove to be true? "When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord." (Acts 11:23-24 ESV)
It is my belief that churches grow when people are excited about their church. I'm expecting growth, soon we may need a shuttle bus for those who must use remote parking. :)
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Just starting my journey
I have been overweight, obese or morbidly obese for fifty years. Even when I achieved triple digit weight loss 25 years ago, I was still considered overweight. During that weight loss journey, I remember saying to a group at church that if I had the same struggle with crack as I did with food, My husband would not have been permitted to be a deacon. I think because there were others in the room with food issues no one agreed with me. I will say however, after that discussion our Sunday night fellowships started to include veggie trays along with the cookies.
Evangelicals are often hard on crack heads, alcoholics, weed and tobacco users but seem to be ok with obese pastors. I Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." How should we apply this verse to our lives? It is very much understood that we do not need crack, beer and weed to live but we do need food. But friends, we do not need Cinnabonns, kettle potato chips, fried Mac & cheese or white rice with chicken fat sweetened with white sugar to live. Those of us who have food addiction have processed foods and/or sugar in our diet.
We are not saved by works, eating a whole food diet, but we should make choices as those who have transformed lives. I Peter 1:15 "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do".
My friends, I know I need to change the way that I view food. There are some foods I may never have again but that is ok. A McRib will not add quality to my life but kale, avocado, hemp seeds, chia seeds and raw almonds will. God has been gracious to me already with improvements in my blood pressure and blood sugar. I can testify that in less than a week I did not have the hunger pains that I had when I was limiting my calories but still including processed foods.
I have a dear friend who has coached, encouraged me through a reduction of three pants sizes over the years. A couple of years ago he suggested that I rethink my diet. I was not ready to receive the wisdom. It took unbearable knee pain for me to see the light. I have just started my journey along the road of healthy eating and would love to talk more about it with you.
Evangelicals are often hard on crack heads, alcoholics, weed and tobacco users but seem to be ok with obese pastors. I Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." How should we apply this verse to our lives? It is very much understood that we do not need crack, beer and weed to live but we do need food. But friends, we do not need Cinnabonns, kettle potato chips, fried Mac & cheese or white rice with chicken fat sweetened with white sugar to live. Those of us who have food addiction have processed foods and/or sugar in our diet.
We are not saved by works, eating a whole food diet, but we should make choices as those who have transformed lives. I Peter 1:15 "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do".
My friends, I know I need to change the way that I view food. There are some foods I may never have again but that is ok. A McRib will not add quality to my life but kale, avocado, hemp seeds, chia seeds and raw almonds will. God has been gracious to me already with improvements in my blood pressure and blood sugar. I can testify that in less than a week I did not have the hunger pains that I had when I was limiting my calories but still including processed foods.
I have a dear friend who has coached, encouraged me through a reduction of three pants sizes over the years. A couple of years ago he suggested that I rethink my diet. I was not ready to receive the wisdom. It took unbearable knee pain for me to see the light. I have just started my journey along the road of healthy eating and would love to talk more about it with you.
Monday, September 23, 2013
My second year as head step coach is underway! There was tough love dished out and I hope all of us will grow from our challenges.
As you may know I work at a high school. My cover is campus supervisor but I am really there to minister to those who feel disenfranchised. In 2006, I had a conversation with the principal in which he told me that the black students ( 3-4% of the student body in an upper middle class community) did not have many staff that looked like them and some felt that no one there understood them or cared about them. I wanted to spend the second half of my life "giving back" to the black community and saw the campus supervisor position as way to get into the school so I could do that.
My first year, the principal gave me opportunities to interact with the students so they felt that I was an advocate. My second year he asked that I focus on the blacks in the sophomore class. While we had some success, I felt an all girls group would be less challenging. Partnering with the two other African American women on staff and one year with a non African American woman, we had a girls group. We met weekly to discuss subjects like the importance of embracing education, boyfriends, dealing with female drama, self esteem and respecting others. We had black female professionals come in to share on their careers. After a couple of years, one of my partners retired and the other's job assignment no longer allowed her to help out. Next, there was a directive to discontinue serving food due to food allergies, food was a big draw. The group stopped meeting.
A couple of years ago I was asked to work with the step team, I saw this as a way for my ministry to continue. Many of these girls feel this is the only activity available to them as other groups have people with different races, social economic levels and interests. My connection to this team helps me to meet other students not just black, who feel like they do not fit in. My goal is to show them unconditional love and support and help them see that they can have higher dreams than what they currently see around them.
Being with these girls helps me to grow as a woman as I try to practice patience and discipline to restore and not just punish. I am blessed to have a godly young woman working with me this year. She is not African American but she can actually step. She also helps me to see things from another angle which makes me think and that makes me grow. Pray that God will use me to be the encourager that these girls need.
As you may know I work at a high school. My cover is campus supervisor but I am really there to minister to those who feel disenfranchised. In 2006, I had a conversation with the principal in which he told me that the black students ( 3-4% of the student body in an upper middle class community) did not have many staff that looked like them and some felt that no one there understood them or cared about them. I wanted to spend the second half of my life "giving back" to the black community and saw the campus supervisor position as way to get into the school so I could do that.
My first year, the principal gave me opportunities to interact with the students so they felt that I was an advocate. My second year he asked that I focus on the blacks in the sophomore class. While we had some success, I felt an all girls group would be less challenging. Partnering with the two other African American women on staff and one year with a non African American woman, we had a girls group. We met weekly to discuss subjects like the importance of embracing education, boyfriends, dealing with female drama, self esteem and respecting others. We had black female professionals come in to share on their careers. After a couple of years, one of my partners retired and the other's job assignment no longer allowed her to help out. Next, there was a directive to discontinue serving food due to food allergies, food was a big draw. The group stopped meeting.
A couple of years ago I was asked to work with the step team, I saw this as a way for my ministry to continue. Many of these girls feel this is the only activity available to them as other groups have people with different races, social economic levels and interests. My connection to this team helps me to meet other students not just black, who feel like they do not fit in. My goal is to show them unconditional love and support and help them see that they can have higher dreams than what they currently see around them.
Being with these girls helps me to grow as a woman as I try to practice patience and discipline to restore and not just punish. I am blessed to have a godly young woman working with me this year. She is not African American but she can actually step. She also helps me to see things from another angle which makes me think and that makes me grow. Pray that God will use me to be the encourager that these girls need.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
GIFTS
We’re not big in Christmas gift-exchanges at my house. My husband and I have not exchanged gifts for birthdays or Christmas for years. However, I do ask my sons to give me gifts because they should be in the habit of giving gifts to the woman in their life. Most women like gifts. I would be doing them a disservice otherwise.
Receiving gifts is not my love language; time is mine. Gifts are alright, but give me some time via face or phone. Yet, the gifts that I enjoy most are items I would not buy for myself, such as Christmas décor, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, theatre tickets, and restaurant gifts cards.
There is one gift I have received that is priceless, the gift of Salvation. I am so glad that the way to heaven cannot be earned because I am convinced I could never earn it. How could I possibly do all the right things to make God happy when I cannot do all the right things to make me happy? I disappoint myself all the time, daily.
Realizing the value of this eternal gift and the price tag for us (while it cost Jesus His life, it is free to us.), I want to tell others. Don’t you tell others when you find a great deal? The great deal God offers is this: accept the fact that you cannot earn your way to heaven on your own effort, but you can be reconciled to God by accepting what Jesus has done for you. He can do all the right things to make God happy.
This Christmas let’s spend some time reflecting on what we’re celebrating. Let me know if you want to talk about it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Receiving gifts is not my love language; time is mine. Gifts are alright, but give me some time via face or phone. Yet, the gifts that I enjoy most are items I would not buy for myself, such as Christmas décor, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, theatre tickets, and restaurant gifts cards.
There is one gift I have received that is priceless, the gift of Salvation. I am so glad that the way to heaven cannot be earned because I am convinced I could never earn it. How could I possibly do all the right things to make God happy when I cannot do all the right things to make me happy? I disappoint myself all the time, daily.
Realizing the value of this eternal gift and the price tag for us (while it cost Jesus His life, it is free to us.), I want to tell others. Don’t you tell others when you find a great deal? The great deal God offers is this: accept the fact that you cannot earn your way to heaven on your own effort, but you can be reconciled to God by accepting what Jesus has done for you. He can do all the right things to make God happy.
This Christmas let’s spend some time reflecting on what we’re celebrating. Let me know if you want to talk about it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
THOUGHTS ON MY BIRTHDAY
Each year as my birthday approaches, I assess where I am along the road of my life goals. I have shared about wanting to be a Titus 2 woman, see my blog dated March 24, 2009. Each week at the high school where I work, two other ladies and I meet with a group of 15 - 20 young ladies. Our goal is to encourage them to make good choices. My prayer is that I will be led by the Holy Spirit when I stand before these young ladies. I want to be a Titus 2 woman to them.
As I advance in age, I also want to advance in spiritual maturity, wisdom. Wisdom does not just come, it requires yielding to the Holy Spirit so that our minds can be renewed, transformed through Bible reading, Bible study, prayer and hearing the Word of God. One shows that she has wisdom when she knows when to listen, when to speak and what to say. I really need to work on this.
I want to have a positive impact on the people in my life. I want make them think, because you grow when you think. I want being around me to be a pleasant experience so I want to make people laugh. I want to live a life worthy of the Gospel that I have received.
As I advance in age, I also want to advance in spiritual maturity, wisdom. Wisdom does not just come, it requires yielding to the Holy Spirit so that our minds can be renewed, transformed through Bible reading, Bible study, prayer and hearing the Word of God. One shows that she has wisdom when she knows when to listen, when to speak and what to say. I really need to work on this.
I want to have a positive impact on the people in my life. I want make them think, because you grow when you think. I want being around me to be a pleasant experience so I want to make people laugh. I want to live a life worthy of the Gospel that I have received.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
HAIR
Hair is such a big deal in our culture but this is not something new. In the 1st century A.D., Peter cautioned women that their beauty should not come from the adornment of their hair (1Peter 3:3). Is anyone listening to Peter today on this issue? Hair care products are a multi-billion dollar industry. We color our hair. If we have curly hair, we want straight hair. If we have straight hair, we want curly hair. If we have thick hair, we have it thinned. If we have short or thin hair, we add hair. We buy hair and have it added on by combs, sewing or glue. (It is not recommended that one use glue but it is cheaper that having it sewn in.)
Sistahs sometimes have additional issues to deal with. Our natural styles may not look “professional “to some. Our hairstyles can also appear to be making a political statement when one is not intended. I do not know any Black woman who straightens her hair to “be like a White woman” but so that her hair is easier to manage and to have more options. That is why I relaxed my hair for the past 30 years, but now I am transitioning to my natural hair. It is time for a change. After all, isn’t it common for women my age to “change” :)
PS This transistion will take months.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
FRIEND, WILL YOU MARRY ME?
A couple of months ago a co-worker’s son told me that he had been ordained as a minister. I thought this was a little surprising and asked what church body was “overseeing” him and his ministry. He told me none, he was “ordained” by filling out a form online and paying a small fee. He is going to officiate the wedding of his grandmother.
The Wedding Report, a research firm, says last year one out of every seven weddings in the U.S. was performed by a friend of the couple. From what I see on the internet and in magazines, this seems to be a growing trend. State laws tell us who can legally get married and who can officiate the marriage vows. They permit or allow clergy to be a part of the process, if the couple so chooses. My guess is they do not question who or how one is ordained because of the “separation of church and state” stuff. Anyone can become “ordained” so they may officiate a wedding.
I do not have a problem with a couple wanting a friend or relative to officiate their wedding, I have a problem with the person getting “ordained” to do it. The online process trivializes what it means to be a clergyperson. For those who have not practiced a faith and have no plans on doing so, getting married by a clergyperson is not really meaningful.
Some feel that marriage is a sacrament like baptism or Holy Communion. I won’t comment on that, but I believe that Scripture tells us: that we should prepare for marriage, it is OK to have a large celebration after the wedding, that we should not be unequally yoked, and the reasons for divorce are limited. There are a number of passages that discuss how husbands and wives should treat each other. The church’s relationship to Jesus is described as a marriage. If our desire is to have a Christ centered marriage, we often choose to be married in a church and definitely have a minister as a part of the service. But do we always have to have clergy present when we do certain things? I know of people who partake in the Lord's Supper at midnight at their New Year's Eve party with no pastor or priest present and without the pastor or priest doing the bread and wine prep. I also know of people who want the person who shared the Gospel with them to be the one who baptizes them, be it pastor, friend or parent.
With that being said, marriage is a state of the heart and mind. Someone may be legally married in the eyes of the state, but in the heart and mind he or she may be very much single. We’ll let God decide if they are really married or not. Some people have been baptized and have partaken in Holy Communion and have never had a heart or mind change. We’ll let God decide if they are Christian or not.
Please share your thoughts.
The Wedding Report, a research firm, says last year one out of every seven weddings in the U.S. was performed by a friend of the couple. From what I see on the internet and in magazines, this seems to be a growing trend. State laws tell us who can legally get married and who can officiate the marriage vows. They permit or allow clergy to be a part of the process, if the couple so chooses. My guess is they do not question who or how one is ordained because of the “separation of church and state” stuff. Anyone can become “ordained” so they may officiate a wedding.
I do not have a problem with a couple wanting a friend or relative to officiate their wedding, I have a problem with the person getting “ordained” to do it. The online process trivializes what it means to be a clergyperson. For those who have not practiced a faith and have no plans on doing so, getting married by a clergyperson is not really meaningful.
Some feel that marriage is a sacrament like baptism or Holy Communion. I won’t comment on that, but I believe that Scripture tells us: that we should prepare for marriage, it is OK to have a large celebration after the wedding, that we should not be unequally yoked, and the reasons for divorce are limited. There are a number of passages that discuss how husbands and wives should treat each other. The church’s relationship to Jesus is described as a marriage. If our desire is to have a Christ centered marriage, we often choose to be married in a church and definitely have a minister as a part of the service. But do we always have to have clergy present when we do certain things? I know of people who partake in the Lord's Supper at midnight at their New Year's Eve party with no pastor or priest present and without the pastor or priest doing the bread and wine prep. I also know of people who want the person who shared the Gospel with them to be the one who baptizes them, be it pastor, friend or parent.
With that being said, marriage is a state of the heart and mind. Someone may be legally married in the eyes of the state, but in the heart and mind he or she may be very much single. We’ll let God decide if they are really married or not. Some people have been baptized and have partaken in Holy Communion and have never had a heart or mind change. We’ll let God decide if they are Christian or not.
Please share your thoughts.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
MEMOIRS
Last weekend, we attended a family reunion in Atlanta. Friday night was game night, Saturday a picnic, Saturday night talent show and Sunday morning brunch and worship. The worship time was in the hotel banquet room complete with songs, prayer, scripture reading, testimony sharing and a short sermon. Several who shared gave earwitness testimony of hearing our grandmother pray while visiting her home. My paternal grandfather died in 1980 and my grandmother 1981, yet their faithfulness to God is still being told.
On two occasions, I shared from my memoir, my blog entries. I consider my blog and the journal that I now keep to be my memoirs. Some may think it vain or being controlling, but I want to leave my children and their children something to remember me by in my own words. I think it is interesting to watch a documentary of someone famous and see their grandchildren speak of their loved one’s values, thoughts, dreams and goals. You really know a person when you know their values, thoughts, dreams and goals. I want my descendants to really know me and that includes the value I place on having a relationship with Jesus. As Christ followers, we should do good works and be obedient to Christ’s teachings. I want them to know that good works do not save you, but having a relationship with Jesus does.
I got a couple of chuckles when I said that I was reading from my memoirs, but that is OK. The hearers now know me better :)
Read my post on "attending a family reunion is like looking in a mirror".
On two occasions, I shared from my memoir, my blog entries. I consider my blog and the journal that I now keep to be my memoirs. Some may think it vain or being controlling, but I want to leave my children and their children something to remember me by in my own words. I think it is interesting to watch a documentary of someone famous and see their grandchildren speak of their loved one’s values, thoughts, dreams and goals. You really know a person when you know their values, thoughts, dreams and goals. I want my descendants to really know me and that includes the value I place on having a relationship with Jesus. As Christ followers, we should do good works and be obedient to Christ’s teachings. I want them to know that good works do not save you, but having a relationship with Jesus does.
I got a couple of chuckles when I said that I was reading from my memoirs, but that is OK. The hearers now know me better :)
Read my post on "attending a family reunion is like looking in a mirror".
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Attending a family reunion is like looking in a mirror.
Think about this, attending a family reunion is like looking in a mirror. Why do we look in the mirror? To verify that we look good, to correct any minor imperfections or to discover the look that we were going for is not working!
At a family reunion when we see our grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins, we may see that we do in fact look good, we may see some minor personality issues, flaws if you will, that need correction or some major flaws we see in each other that we may realize that we ourselves have that must be corrected.
James 1:22 -25 says Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. NIV
Let’s learn and grow from what we see in our family, know that you are special and precious, worthy to love and be loved, though imperfect we can be made perfect in Jesus Christ.
At a family reunion when we see our grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins, we may see that we do in fact look good, we may see some minor personality issues, flaws if you will, that need correction or some major flaws we see in each other that we may realize that we ourselves have that must be corrected.
James 1:22 -25 says Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. NIV
Let’s learn and grow from what we see in our family, know that you are special and precious, worthy to love and be loved, though imperfect we can be made perfect in Jesus Christ.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
Have you ever read a book, other than the Bible, or a magazine article that lead to a breakthrough moment? Well, I have. I used to think that "carrying one's cross" was enduring some some unpleasant situation like dealing with a boss that you did not like or dealing with a chronic illness. My thinking changed when I read an article in the March/April 1998 issue of Moody magazine, “Freedom in Surrender”, by William D. Watkins. In the article Watkins writes what message the Roman Empire gave to the on-lookers at a crucifixion.
“Crucifixion was not a sentence handed our primarily for retribution: that purpose was secondary. The main reason for crucifying a person was deterrence. The Roman Empire tolerated a great deal of diversity of belief and practice, but it refused to put up with activities it deemed subversive. The state’s authority had to be upheld at all costs.
So rebels against the state were forced to submit publicly to the state’s final authority in order that others would think twice before opposing Rome. And what better way to do this than display the rebel’s submission through death by crucifixion - one of the most humiliating and excruciating forms of capital punishment?
Indeed, the rebel’s visible submission to Roman rule began even on the way to the execution site. Victims were forced to wear tablets around their necks stating the reason for their conviction. The condemned was also made to carry the crossbeam through public areas until he reached the execution site, which was also in public view. Once the condemned was hung on the cross, the conviction notice was nailed above his head so everyone could plainly see the fatal consequence of rebelling against Rome.
In other words, to people in Jesus’ day, cross-bearing and crucifixion meant submitting to the authority one had rebelled against. When Jesus used this imagery, the authority He had in mind was not Rome but heaven, not the Emperor but the Father, not Caesar but Jesus Christ himself. ….”
It was impressed upon me how important it was for the Roman government that the public had to know to whom the victim was submitting. Does the public know to whom we as believers are submitting?
Let’s look at Mark 8:34 -37 with these ideas of Watkins in mind.
Mark 8:34And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37For what can a man give in return for his soul? ESV
Mark 8:34-37Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? MSG
Denying yourself means ceasing to rebel against God, letting Him be in charge, or as the Message says letting God be in the driver’s seat. Denying ourselves allows us to discover our true selves, the unique ones that God wants us to be.
Tell me what you think.
“Crucifixion was not a sentence handed our primarily for retribution: that purpose was secondary. The main reason for crucifying a person was deterrence. The Roman Empire tolerated a great deal of diversity of belief and practice, but it refused to put up with activities it deemed subversive. The state’s authority had to be upheld at all costs.
So rebels against the state were forced to submit publicly to the state’s final authority in order that others would think twice before opposing Rome. And what better way to do this than display the rebel’s submission through death by crucifixion - one of the most humiliating and excruciating forms of capital punishment?
Indeed, the rebel’s visible submission to Roman rule began even on the way to the execution site. Victims were forced to wear tablets around their necks stating the reason for their conviction. The condemned was also made to carry the crossbeam through public areas until he reached the execution site, which was also in public view. Once the condemned was hung on the cross, the conviction notice was nailed above his head so everyone could plainly see the fatal consequence of rebelling against Rome.
In other words, to people in Jesus’ day, cross-bearing and crucifixion meant submitting to the authority one had rebelled against. When Jesus used this imagery, the authority He had in mind was not Rome but heaven, not the Emperor but the Father, not Caesar but Jesus Christ himself. ….”
It was impressed upon me how important it was for the Roman government that the public had to know to whom the victim was submitting. Does the public know to whom we as believers are submitting?
Let’s look at Mark 8:34 -37 with these ideas of Watkins in mind.
Mark 8:34And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37For what can a man give in return for his soul? ESV
Mark 8:34-37Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? MSG
Denying yourself means ceasing to rebel against God, letting Him be in charge, or as the Message says letting God be in the driver’s seat. Denying ourselves allows us to discover our true selves, the unique ones that God wants us to be.
Tell me what you think.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
BIRTHDAY RELECTIONS
According to my mother, I made my debut at 11:45pm, February 20, 1959. I am blessed. How do I know this? I was born into a loving family where people feared God, loved God and sought to serve God. When I call my mother or brothers, I can hear them smile over the phone. Daddy went home to be with Lord February 18, 2001. I am blessed to have a loving husband. A number of our friends who have been married for decades are going through some very tough times right now, yet my husband has reaffirmed that he will be with me until death separates us. I have two sons who want to be Godly men by word and deed. I have all of this by grace, I have not earned it.
I think I can say that I am over the half way point in my life. From this point on I pray that I will become wiser. Aren’t old ladies are supposed to be wise?
This verse stood out to me today: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 NIV .The editor’s note in The Quest Study Bible for this verse is “Wellspring of life, a metaphor for the heart, believed at that time to be the source of intelligence and the place where life-changing decisions were made. Just as a source of water could go bad, one’s thinking could become corrupted if it was not guarded.”
I fully realize that even at my advanced age I still need to be vigilant about guarding my heart. I still have life-changing decisions to make as I go through the Change. I still have opportunities to impact the lives of others. I still have the responsibility to impact the lives of others, for Christ. How do I plan to guard my heart? By continuing to study the Word of God.
I think I can say that I am over the half way point in my life. From this point on I pray that I will become wiser. Aren’t old ladies are supposed to be wise?
This verse stood out to me today: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 NIV .The editor’s note in The Quest Study Bible for this verse is “Wellspring of life, a metaphor for the heart, believed at that time to be the source of intelligence and the place where life-changing decisions were made. Just as a source of water could go bad, one’s thinking could become corrupted if it was not guarded.”
I fully realize that even at my advanced age I still need to be vigilant about guarding my heart. I still have life-changing decisions to make as I go through the Change. I still have opportunities to impact the lives of others. I still have the responsibility to impact the lives of others, for Christ. How do I plan to guard my heart? By continuing to study the Word of God.
Friday, January 1, 2010
HOLY LIVING
I admit that I am one who so sometimes makes New Year’s resolutions. Usually they are the eat right, exercise more, read the Bible more variety. But in recent weeks I have been thinking more about holy living. If I lived a life of holy living, I would never have to make a New Year’s resolution again.
First, I must say that I am mighty grateful to God that ” … we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law” Romans 3:28 NLT. After 50 years of living, I am convinced that if salvation was based on obeying everything I should do in the Bible that I would be on my way to H-E-double hockey sticks. With that being said, I think we should have a different mind set as believers.” Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT. When we change the way we think our actions should change.
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:14-18 NLT
I will show you my faith by my good deeds. What is a good deed? I will say, how does the deed line up with a WWJD check. I am going to call that holy living, making choices with our renewed, Christlike mind, guided by the Holy Spirit. “But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy” 1 Peter 3:15 -16 AMP
So if I apply the above scriptures to my daily living, in all my conduct and manner of living, all choices and decisions should be made with my renewed mind of Christ. This, of course, is a goal that I cannot completely achieve this side of glory, but one that I should strive. I should not let my times of missing the mark get me down because I will keep in mind that my salvation is from faith and not by works.
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2a
First, I must say that I am mighty grateful to God that ” … we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law” Romans 3:28 NLT. After 50 years of living, I am convinced that if salvation was based on obeying everything I should do in the Bible that I would be on my way to H-E-double hockey sticks. With that being said, I think we should have a different mind set as believers.” Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT. When we change the way we think our actions should change.
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” James 2:14-18 NLT
I will show you my faith by my good deeds. What is a good deed? I will say, how does the deed line up with a WWJD check. I am going to call that holy living, making choices with our renewed, Christlike mind, guided by the Holy Spirit. “But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy” 1 Peter 3:15 -16 AMP
So if I apply the above scriptures to my daily living, in all my conduct and manner of living, all choices and decisions should be made with my renewed mind of Christ. This, of course, is a goal that I cannot completely achieve this side of glory, but one that I should strive. I should not let my times of missing the mark get me down because I will keep in mind that my salvation is from faith and not by works.
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2a
WHAT MY FRIENDS THINK ABOUT HOLY LIVING
Holy (holiness) is defined as: set apart, sanctified, devoted to God, having a unique purity.
So holy living would be living lives that set us apart from “the world” in such a way that those who observe us would see Christ in us.
How does that look?
1 Peter 1:15-16, we are to be holy like the Holy One who called us…..
Col. 3:12-13, we should have hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience…….
Ephesians 4: 24-32, we are to put on the new self that has been created in the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness of truth…..our conduct is described in the following verses.
1 John 2:15
Sounds great, right? But how on earth do we do all this???
John 15: we are to abide(remain) in Christ. If we abide in Him, His words will abide in us and we will bear fruit(the visible expression of Christ working in us).
1 John 4:13-15 if we are His children, He abides in us and we in Him
Gal. 5: we have to walk by the Spirit in order to live holy lives
==================================================================================
Holy living is living a life after God's on heart. Being like Christ! "Be holy, for I am holy." I Peter 1:15
It looks like peace in the midst of a storm; it's joy in the midst of oppositions; it's love in the midst of hatred; it's patience's in the midst of immaturity; it's faith in the midst of fear; it's intergrity in the midst of deception; and so on.
===================================================================================
To me “Holy Living” is living each day by the Word. You allow God’s Word to guide your every step. The best example I can think of in living by God’s Word is someone who demonstrates the fruits of the spirit in each and every aspect of his or her life. These are my thoughts and interpretations and are no means the entire answer to your question.
==================================================================================
This is not easy. I believe Holy Living is living according to God's word. It is trying day by day to do what the good book tells us to do. Especially to love one another and try very hard to get along with each other and to watch our tongue. I could go on and on, but again it is not easy to completly explain holy living.
===================================================================================
well no one is completely good at living the perfect life. But, trying to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord - - - giving over our desires and letting Him live in and through us is my quick answer. I'm still in process.
====================================================================================
Living having morals and being spiritual in your walk. This is hard!
===================================================================================
Holy living is wholly living for the Lord and it looks like Jesus, who always sought out His Father's will. He never went off doing what he wanted to do. It looks like Mary, when she accepted the motherhood of Christ. If we truly want to be like Jesus we have to do the will of the Father in our own lives. This can mean many things depending on the person. It can mean staying in a dead end job or being extra nice to people you don't like. It depends on what God says to you to do. Jesus said,"Whoever does God's will is my borther and sister and mother."
====================================================================================
I think my easy answer would be to live so that when people look at you they see and know Jesus.
====================================================================================
Let me give you my gut reaction, which I pray the Spirit will lead you to embrace or reject based how accurate or inaccurate I am. I do know that the idea of "holy" is being set apart, which leads me to idea that a Christian who is living holy--even (or especially) if that Christian is in and among the world--is so always in tune with what is of the Spirit and of Truth and what is not that this individual makes the right choices. Often that person will be so different from others that others want to be like that person (who is being like Christ); other times the difference will make others reject and scorn that person just as Christ Himself was scorned. Regardless, the person who is living holy will not let the reaction of other people dissuade him from living as he knows God would have him live.
====================================================================================
To me holy living is seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Everything else falls into place after that.
Short, but that's what I think.
====================================================================================
Holy Living is...
Knowing and acknowledging that I constantly need forgiveness.
Humbly worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ knowing full well that I don't deserve to be able to.
Loving God with all my heart mind and soul.
Loving my neighbor as I would want to be loved.
Using the Bible as my guide for daily living.
Giving my best for HIM.
Having a attitude of thankfullness.
===================================================================================
I have been reading and meditating on a book by David Timms entitled “Living the Lord’s Prayer” (Bethany House). I highly recommend it! In his chapter on the phrase “Hallowed Be Your Name” Mr. Timms first states that “hallowed be your name” simply expresses the fact that God’s character and person is wholly separate from us. However, he goes on to state that the phrase also expresses the plea or prayer “Lord, may you be honored by the way we live.” Mr. Timms says to glorify the Father means to show forth his character, not just announce it. We “hallow” the name of the Lord through words of adoration and lives of obedience and surrender.
Mr. Timms goes on to acknowledge that to live a life that brings glory to God will be anti-culture, challenged by others as exclusive & judgmental and just plain very hard. He reminds us that Jesus himself told us it would be “taking up our cross” and dying to ourselves daily”.
I encourage you to read the chapter in its entirety as you contemplate writing about Holy Living. Copies can be purchased on amazon.com for under $10.00.
=====================================================================================
While continuing to meditate on "Holy Living," I came across a pattern throughout scripture using the word "walk." The references below all parallel (and thereby define) holy living as walking with God.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly
Psalm 89:15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD,
in the light of Your countenance.
Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “ This is the way, walk in it,”
whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the LORD: “ Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me
shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
2 John 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment,
that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
After all these examples, any definition I attempt just doesn't make it any clearer!
So holy living would be living lives that set us apart from “the world” in such a way that those who observe us would see Christ in us.
How does that look?
1 Peter 1:15-16, we are to be holy like the Holy One who called us…..
Col. 3:12-13, we should have hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience…….
Ephesians 4: 24-32, we are to put on the new self that has been created in the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness of truth…..our conduct is described in the following verses.
1 John 2:15
Sounds great, right? But how on earth do we do all this???
John 15: we are to abide(remain) in Christ. If we abide in Him, His words will abide in us and we will bear fruit(the visible expression of Christ working in us).
1 John 4:13-15 if we are His children, He abides in us and we in Him
Gal. 5: we have to walk by the Spirit in order to live holy lives
==================================================================================
Holy living is living a life after God's on heart. Being like Christ! "Be holy, for I am holy." I Peter 1:15
It looks like peace in the midst of a storm; it's joy in the midst of oppositions; it's love in the midst of hatred; it's patience's in the midst of immaturity; it's faith in the midst of fear; it's intergrity in the midst of deception; and so on.
===================================================================================
To me “Holy Living” is living each day by the Word. You allow God’s Word to guide your every step. The best example I can think of in living by God’s Word is someone who demonstrates the fruits of the spirit in each and every aspect of his or her life. These are my thoughts and interpretations and are no means the entire answer to your question.
==================================================================================
This is not easy. I believe Holy Living is living according to God's word. It is trying day by day to do what the good book tells us to do. Especially to love one another and try very hard to get along with each other and to watch our tongue. I could go on and on, but again it is not easy to completly explain holy living.
===================================================================================
well no one is completely good at living the perfect life. But, trying to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord - - - giving over our desires and letting Him live in and through us is my quick answer. I'm still in process.
====================================================================================
Living having morals and being spiritual in your walk. This is hard!
===================================================================================
Holy living is wholly living for the Lord and it looks like Jesus, who always sought out His Father's will. He never went off doing what he wanted to do. It looks like Mary, when she accepted the motherhood of Christ. If we truly want to be like Jesus we have to do the will of the Father in our own lives. This can mean many things depending on the person. It can mean staying in a dead end job or being extra nice to people you don't like. It depends on what God says to you to do. Jesus said,"Whoever does God's will is my borther and sister and mother."
====================================================================================
I think my easy answer would be to live so that when people look at you they see and know Jesus.
====================================================================================
Let me give you my gut reaction, which I pray the Spirit will lead you to embrace or reject based how accurate or inaccurate I am. I do know that the idea of "holy" is being set apart, which leads me to idea that a Christian who is living holy--even (or especially) if that Christian is in and among the world--is so always in tune with what is of the Spirit and of Truth and what is not that this individual makes the right choices. Often that person will be so different from others that others want to be like that person (who is being like Christ); other times the difference will make others reject and scorn that person just as Christ Himself was scorned. Regardless, the person who is living holy will not let the reaction of other people dissuade him from living as he knows God would have him live.
====================================================================================
To me holy living is seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Everything else falls into place after that.
Short, but that's what I think.
====================================================================================
Holy Living is...
Knowing and acknowledging that I constantly need forgiveness.
Humbly worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ knowing full well that I don't deserve to be able to.
Loving God with all my heart mind and soul.
Loving my neighbor as I would want to be loved.
Using the Bible as my guide for daily living.
Giving my best for HIM.
Having a attitude of thankfullness.
===================================================================================
I have been reading and meditating on a book by David Timms entitled “Living the Lord’s Prayer” (Bethany House). I highly recommend it! In his chapter on the phrase “Hallowed Be Your Name” Mr. Timms first states that “hallowed be your name” simply expresses the fact that God’s character and person is wholly separate from us. However, he goes on to state that the phrase also expresses the plea or prayer “Lord, may you be honored by the way we live.” Mr. Timms says to glorify the Father means to show forth his character, not just announce it. We “hallow” the name of the Lord through words of adoration and lives of obedience and surrender.
Mr. Timms goes on to acknowledge that to live a life that brings glory to God will be anti-culture, challenged by others as exclusive & judgmental and just plain very hard. He reminds us that Jesus himself told us it would be “taking up our cross” and dying to ourselves daily”.
I encourage you to read the chapter in its entirety as you contemplate writing about Holy Living. Copies can be purchased on amazon.com for under $10.00.
=====================================================================================
While continuing to meditate on "Holy Living," I came across a pattern throughout scripture using the word "walk." The references below all parallel (and thereby define) holy living as walking with God.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly
Psalm 89:15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD,
in the light of Your countenance.
Isaiah 2:5 O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the LORD.
Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “ This is the way, walk in it,”
whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the LORD: “ Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me
shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
2 John 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment,
that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
After all these examples, any definition I attempt just doesn't make it any clearer!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
I will make a confession
I am hooked on “blue crack”. If it is a school day, I have to talk to a police officer. I became hooked in 2006 when I started working as a campus supervisor. The school resource officer, SRO, was a great guy who helped me to have a better understanding of the cast of characters that I have to deal with on a daily basis. As his term expired, I wondered how I was going to survive. There was no need to fear however, for his replacement is also a great guy. I am able to get my daily fix.
This past Friday, we had a “situation” where additional police were needed. I had the opportunity to see my SRO do his job well in an emergency situation. He did his thing while being cool, calm and collected all the time. Never did I feel afraid. It is a comfort to know that Naperville’s finest respond quickly.
But let me be clear, I do not trust in chariots and in horses or the Naperville Police, but trust in the Name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
ps. In case you are not sure, I am joking about the "blue crack".
This past Friday, we had a “situation” where additional police were needed. I had the opportunity to see my SRO do his job well in an emergency situation. He did his thing while being cool, calm and collected all the time. Never did I feel afraid. It is a comfort to know that Naperville’s finest respond quickly.
But let me be clear, I do not trust in chariots and in horses or the Naperville Police, but trust in the Name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
ps. In case you are not sure, I am joking about the "blue crack".
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Special Memories
The only nice vacations that I have experienced have been my honeymoon in 1985, the tri-city trip to NY, Atlantic City and Philadelphia in 1987 and our trip to Disney World in 2001.We have made a few trips for family reunions but we haven’t even done that in a few years. This being the case, I do not want our special memories to be focused on vacations because we would not have many special memories. Instead, I just enjoy the time when we just sit and have conversation around the dinner table and laugh. Or, going to baseball games or football games to watch our boys sit on the bench, or stand on the sideline or actually play in the game. We like playing poker with chips but not money. I like winning at Boggle or Scrabble :) As we pinch our pennies, we watch the $1 movies from Redbox together. This past weekend I experienced two memorable moments. Saturday when I came home from shopping ,the two beloveds, ages 21 and 18, were watching the Walt Disney Classic, Aladddin together. Monday when I came home from school they were watching Disney’s Toy Story together. Both times I joined them and reflected upon the seasons of my life and their ages when the movies were released. Aladdin was released in 1992 with their ages being 4 and 1. Babies in car seats. We lived in Country Club Hills. Toy Story was released in 1995 with their ages being 7 and 4. Rear seat riders only with a buster seat. Only one in school. We were in Naperville. Now they are both drivers and I am comfortable enough to sleep while they drive! The best memories are free or should I say priceless?
Ecclesiastes 3:1(NIV) 1 There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1(NIV) 1 There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven:
Saturday, September 19, 2009
I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF
I saw Tyler Perry's today, LOVED IT! I think it is the best of his movies and I will purchase it when it come on DVD. I would even go see it again in the movie theater and that is saying something for someone who lately has only gotten her movies from Redbox for a dollar.
The "church going" people are real, not "fake holy". Those who are not "church people" don't claim to be anything other than what they are. All of Tyler's movies have a moral message but admittedly sometimes I have a problem with the way that he presents the message. In this film it is clear, a relationship God is a must have for a fulfilling life. Even the self admitted non Christian Madea knows that "Peter could walk on water if he focused on Jesus but when he took his eyes off Jesus, he sank".
Go see the movie and tell me what you think.
The "church going" people are real, not "fake holy". Those who are not "church people" don't claim to be anything other than what they are. All of Tyler's movies have a moral message but admittedly sometimes I have a problem with the way that he presents the message. In this film it is clear, a relationship God is a must have for a fulfilling life. Even the self admitted non Christian Madea knows that "Peter could walk on water if he focused on Jesus but when he took his eyes off Jesus, he sank".
Go see the movie and tell me what you think.
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