I want to take some time to say what I thank God for everyday. I have been blessed beyond measure by God for some reason. I don't really see what he sees in me, but I'm glad I've caught his eye. I kind of feel like I'm walking around with a super power behind me. Not that I don't have problems or am invincible, but because he brings me through everything.
Recently I had some concerns that were weighing on me and I was actually visited by my deceased Father in my dreams from heaven. Of all my dreams of him that I remember, he is always visiting me and never just in a random dream. He gave me some valuable advise and I just felt like God allowed me to hear Him through my Dad. I was so excited that I woke myself up and was trying to go back to sleep so I could see him again. He was so beautiful in my dream and he was tickled to see me too. What a gift!?
First I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Son of God, and his blessed Holy Spirit which resides in me daily. Without him, I would have absolutely nothing. I am thankful for my husband who loves me without end. He is my rock in all my craziness and he puts up with me which is no small task. He is organized and I'm not, he is thrifty (i'm being kind:-)) and I'm not, he is private and I'm not. I was watching Joyce Meyer once and she spoke a word that hit the spot for me. God gives us what we need for often the pair is better than the individuals. I think that is true for us. We balance each other.
I am thankful for my gorgeous, smart, sweet, and funny girls. They are my world and brighten my world. They teach me everyday and make me a better person. I am thankful for my Mom. She would do anything for me and she's my best friend ever. Thanks for being the only one that probably reads this, but since you love it, that's enough for me. She's always been my biggest fan. I'm thankful for all my family and friends. I've been so blessed by them.
I'm also thankful for our jobs, health, food, and my time spent with family and friends. I would have nothing without God's grace and blessings. I am also thankful for the opportunity to live in the greatest country ever.
All glory to God and peace to his people on earth. I look forward to a wonderful Christmas season. God bless you all!!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tonights Bible Study - Prophets Isaiah, Elijah, Amos
Tonight's Bible study was a good one filled with spirited discussion. We are studying Amos, Ahab, Elijah, Elisha, and Isaiah. The main questions were what makes someone a prophet? Do we have prophets today and who do we think they are? Why don't they perform miracles anymore and if they do would we still be skeptical? Would we listen to them if they spoke to us? What does God want us to do here? What were the Isrealites doing to make God so angry to send the prophets to warn them.
Our pastor Jodi leads this study and she brings all kinds of insight, language and history to the Bible that really makes things come together to give you a better understanding of it all. It something extra you just can't get reading alone. I know it's helped me a lot. Some of my friends seem impressed by what I have learned, but along with reading the Bible on my own, studies like this help to go a little deeper. The discussion is also a great way to hear what others get and then talk it through. I love it and Jodi does too. She's not afraid of spirited discussion. That's what I love about my church.
I also like leading others to a relationship with Jesus Christ by living a Christ filled life and showing others what he has done for us and maybe they will want what we have. That to me is so much more effective than brow beating someone into believing what you say. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk. I don't mean living a perfect life because we all know that is not possible. Even Moses and David sinned and they were very much annointed by God. God has shown all through the Bible how he works through ordinary, even sinful people to do his will. Just look at Paul who persecuted Christians and stood by while Stephen was stoned to death. I think the most important thing is to remember we are sinners and can do nothing without the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are called to love God above all other things and to love others.
This brings me back to our study tonight. The two things that prophets are opposed to is paganism (not putting God first in our lives) and injustice (lack of consideration for others and compassion for the weak). This sounds a lot like Jesus' summary of the 10 Commandments. The greatest commandment to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind". Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22 : 37 - 40 I learned this from our Pastor Jodi so I can't take credit for the insight, but I thought it was cool enough to share.
Do we have prophets today? Yes, we certainly do. Acts 2: 17 - 19 "in the last days, God says. I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughter will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy. " The last days are from the time Jesus ascended into Heaven until he returns again. I believe there are many prophets alive and active today. I also believe that our Lord is performing miracles everyday. But just like Ahab after Isaiah tested their Baal gods and proved that God was indeed the one true God, he still didn't believe. How could you not believe after that great miracle? But they didn't and I know many of us see miracles and rationalize them away. We need to open our eyes and minds to see them.
The Israelites had grown so far away from God and their convenant with him. They were worshipping Baal and so concerned with maintaining their cushy, comfortable life that they were not concerned with the needy and even worse were mistreating them terribly. When I read God's warning to them through the prophets, I thought well THEY were terrible sinful people and deserved it, but then I started thinking and realized we are just like they were to some extent. We don't worship "Idols" per say, but we do put many things before God. We may not knowingly hurt the needy, but we don't always do what we can. I'm right there with everyone else on this one. I don't do all I can. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us strength to do what is right in God's eyes. We can all do better.
So what are we supposed to do, we are called to put God first above all things and then love others as ourselves; in other words be prophets for God. Heaven's filled with great people for a reason. We are in training for Heaven. To love during this life so that we can move on to perfection and be ready to love in the next.
Our pastor Jodi leads this study and she brings all kinds of insight, language and history to the Bible that really makes things come together to give you a better understanding of it all. It something extra you just can't get reading alone. I know it's helped me a lot. Some of my friends seem impressed by what I have learned, but along with reading the Bible on my own, studies like this help to go a little deeper. The discussion is also a great way to hear what others get and then talk it through. I love it and Jodi does too. She's not afraid of spirited discussion. That's what I love about my church.
I also like leading others to a relationship with Jesus Christ by living a Christ filled life and showing others what he has done for us and maybe they will want what we have. That to me is so much more effective than brow beating someone into believing what you say. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk. I don't mean living a perfect life because we all know that is not possible. Even Moses and David sinned and they were very much annointed by God. God has shown all through the Bible how he works through ordinary, even sinful people to do his will. Just look at Paul who persecuted Christians and stood by while Stephen was stoned to death. I think the most important thing is to remember we are sinners and can do nothing without the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are called to love God above all other things and to love others.
This brings me back to our study tonight. The two things that prophets are opposed to is paganism (not putting God first in our lives) and injustice (lack of consideration for others and compassion for the weak). This sounds a lot like Jesus' summary of the 10 Commandments. The greatest commandment to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind". Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22 : 37 - 40 I learned this from our Pastor Jodi so I can't take credit for the insight, but I thought it was cool enough to share.
Do we have prophets today? Yes, we certainly do. Acts 2: 17 - 19 "in the last days, God says. I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughter will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy. " The last days are from the time Jesus ascended into Heaven until he returns again. I believe there are many prophets alive and active today. I also believe that our Lord is performing miracles everyday. But just like Ahab after Isaiah tested their Baal gods and proved that God was indeed the one true God, he still didn't believe. How could you not believe after that great miracle? But they didn't and I know many of us see miracles and rationalize them away. We need to open our eyes and minds to see them.
The Israelites had grown so far away from God and their convenant with him. They were worshipping Baal and so concerned with maintaining their cushy, comfortable life that they were not concerned with the needy and even worse were mistreating them terribly. When I read God's warning to them through the prophets, I thought well THEY were terrible sinful people and deserved it, but then I started thinking and realized we are just like they were to some extent. We don't worship "Idols" per say, but we do put many things before God. We may not knowingly hurt the needy, but we don't always do what we can. I'm right there with everyone else on this one. I don't do all I can. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us strength to do what is right in God's eyes. We can all do better.
So what are we supposed to do, we are called to put God first above all things and then love others as ourselves; in other words be prophets for God. Heaven's filled with great people for a reason. We are in training for Heaven. To love during this life so that we can move on to perfection and be ready to love in the next.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Retreat that Changed My Life
I recently went to a spiritual retreat meant to prepare you to be disciples for Christ. It was a life changing experience to say the least. Before I went, everyone was telling me how wonderful it was and that I would love it. I have to tell you, I was pretty nervous. I didn't know what to expect and I don't like that much. My sponsor, the beautiful angel that she is, had gone to great lengths to arrange for me to get there, she checked on my family while I was gone, she picked me up, and she has been an all around spiritual advisor and friend before during and after the retreat. The big slogan that everyone says before this thing was "don't anticipate".
When we arrived, it was at a dude ranch type of facility. It was clean and fairly new. When our sponsors finally left, I felt like crying...Mommy! don't leave!!!! I don't know these people!!!! Did I mention that even though most people that know me don't realize it, I have a little of a social anxiety disorder or you could say I am very uncomfortable in those types of situations. The weekend went well. It was a lot of listening to talks and interacting with others. We laughed and we cried. We woke up early and went to sleep late. The accomodations were freaking me out a little. I never went to camp as a child because that was for rich kids. LOL But we slept in a bunk house with about 20 bunk beds, 3 showers, 2 toilets, 2 sinks, and 2 electrical outlets. I was with about 20 women in this room and wouldn't you know it, I got beside a snorer. I couldn't sleep and I was slightly uncomfortable with the lack of privacy and downtime. There was very little downtime and no privacy. We weren't allowed to have phones, watches, or any electronic devices. I was kind of ready to get out of there. I kept wondering when the great part would happen.
I can honestly say that every day is better than the last and by the last day, it had some memorable and amazing moments. I had entered this retreat with several things weighing heavily on me. I had prayed to God that he would lead me and do with my life what he wanted and to make his will, mine. God does amazing and miraculous things and he was at work there. Even though we weren't allowed to discuss our profession until the end, I was placed next to a person that happened to specialize in an area that concerned me and she was a blessing to sit with me and answer tons of questions for me. What a blessing she was! Also I had a woman come over to me and say she felt she was supposed to share a parable with me and she did. It was a very profound answer to a question I didn't know I had, but it made sense. Lastly, on my ride home with my lovely sponsor whom I adore, she said she had a dream about me and I was wrestling with God and that I was injured just like Jacob and that I would be forever injured to remind me. Well I would have to say that sometimes God speaks in a whisper, but sometimes he hits you with a brick and that seemed like a pretty big brick to me. When I returned home, I must of seemed different and I know my husband was concerned. But I am so amazed at how the Lord works. I always have vivid dreams (more on that at another time), but my husband never remembers his. But about a week later, he asked me who all I spoke with while I was at the retreat. I asked why and he said he had a dream that kind of freaked him out. A faceless woman came to him and said that he needed to support me and be there for me. He wasn't sure what to make of it. All I can think is that my wonderful and loving God was taking care of me...unworthy me. This is why I think God's miracles are all around us. We just have to look for them.
After it all, I can say that I didn't actually love the retreat, but it did change my life. I guess a little retrospect is what I needed to realize that. I would recommend it to anyone. Yet, I would say the devil was at work when I returned home because about three days later as I was watching the evening news, I recognized one of the pastors that led the retreat. I was shook up. He had been arrested for child pornography and was under investigation for months. I couldn't believe some of the charges. Completely discusting!!!! I didn't actually interact with this pastor much because I asked him a question during the week and I didn't agree with him so I didn't feel we were on the same page. Also, I look back now and I feel that something about him didn't seem right. All I know is that I can't believe I spent a whole weekend in the presence of such a sick person. I know we all sin and I know that clergy is not above sin, but this was different. This was sick stuff. I'm definately not worthy to be clergy and even I can't imagine the things he did. He did plead guilty.
This could have shook my belief of what I had learned, but I realized that it didn't. I couldn't allow that. God is good and he is forever reminding me of that. I wake up everyday with complete and total gratitude for all that I have. I am not worthy of it, but I am thankful he has blessed me. I only hope that he can use me to bless others. That's my prayer anyway.
I'm feel like I'm overflowing with love. Gots ta share it!!! May you see what God has in store for you. Ask Him and He will tell you. Blessings!
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/092608dnmetpastor.26ea14a.html
When we arrived, it was at a dude ranch type of facility. It was clean and fairly new. When our sponsors finally left, I felt like crying...Mommy! don't leave!!!! I don't know these people!!!! Did I mention that even though most people that know me don't realize it, I have a little of a social anxiety disorder or you could say I am very uncomfortable in those types of situations. The weekend went well. It was a lot of listening to talks and interacting with others. We laughed and we cried. We woke up early and went to sleep late. The accomodations were freaking me out a little. I never went to camp as a child because that was for rich kids. LOL But we slept in a bunk house with about 20 bunk beds, 3 showers, 2 toilets, 2 sinks, and 2 electrical outlets. I was with about 20 women in this room and wouldn't you know it, I got beside a snorer. I couldn't sleep and I was slightly uncomfortable with the lack of privacy and downtime. There was very little downtime and no privacy. We weren't allowed to have phones, watches, or any electronic devices. I was kind of ready to get out of there. I kept wondering when the great part would happen.
I can honestly say that every day is better than the last and by the last day, it had some memorable and amazing moments. I had entered this retreat with several things weighing heavily on me. I had prayed to God that he would lead me and do with my life what he wanted and to make his will, mine. God does amazing and miraculous things and he was at work there. Even though we weren't allowed to discuss our profession until the end, I was placed next to a person that happened to specialize in an area that concerned me and she was a blessing to sit with me and answer tons of questions for me. What a blessing she was! Also I had a woman come over to me and say she felt she was supposed to share a parable with me and she did. It was a very profound answer to a question I didn't know I had, but it made sense. Lastly, on my ride home with my lovely sponsor whom I adore, she said she had a dream about me and I was wrestling with God and that I was injured just like Jacob and that I would be forever injured to remind me. Well I would have to say that sometimes God speaks in a whisper, but sometimes he hits you with a brick and that seemed like a pretty big brick to me. When I returned home, I must of seemed different and I know my husband was concerned. But I am so amazed at how the Lord works. I always have vivid dreams (more on that at another time), but my husband never remembers his. But about a week later, he asked me who all I spoke with while I was at the retreat. I asked why and he said he had a dream that kind of freaked him out. A faceless woman came to him and said that he needed to support me and be there for me. He wasn't sure what to make of it. All I can think is that my wonderful and loving God was taking care of me...unworthy me. This is why I think God's miracles are all around us. We just have to look for them.
After it all, I can say that I didn't actually love the retreat, but it did change my life. I guess a little retrospect is what I needed to realize that. I would recommend it to anyone. Yet, I would say the devil was at work when I returned home because about three days later as I was watching the evening news, I recognized one of the pastors that led the retreat. I was shook up. He had been arrested for child pornography and was under investigation for months. I couldn't believe some of the charges. Completely discusting!!!! I didn't actually interact with this pastor much because I asked him a question during the week and I didn't agree with him so I didn't feel we were on the same page. Also, I look back now and I feel that something about him didn't seem right. All I know is that I can't believe I spent a whole weekend in the presence of such a sick person. I know we all sin and I know that clergy is not above sin, but this was different. This was sick stuff. I'm definately not worthy to be clergy and even I can't imagine the things he did. He did plead guilty.
This could have shook my belief of what I had learned, but I realized that it didn't. I couldn't allow that. God is good and he is forever reminding me of that. I wake up everyday with complete and total gratitude for all that I have. I am not worthy of it, but I am thankful he has blessed me. I only hope that he can use me to bless others. That's my prayer anyway.
I'm feel like I'm overflowing with love. Gots ta share it!!! May you see what God has in store for you. Ask Him and He will tell you. Blessings!
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/religion/stories/092608dnmetpastor.26ea14a.html
Monday, November 17, 2008
Kenmore Appliances Stink
I will not buy anymore Kenmore appliances and as much as my husband loves Craftsman's tools, he won't be buying those either. We built our home three years ago and used all Kenmore appliances. Our refrigerator, dishwasher, and now our dryer have all required service with the purchase of a computer panel about $200 per pop. Now we have been waiting to get our dryer fixed which apparently we received the wrong instructions for our dryer so no repairman can run the diagnostic codes except Sears. They can't seem to find the part and my husband has tried to order it himself and it is all back ordered. One minute they will tell me it is in the mail and then when it never arrives I find out they can't find it. This has happened several times. We went 3 months and then they had the nerve to stand me up after making me be home from 8 to 5 to wait on them to come. Then they rescheduled for the next Monday and no one showed. I finally decided to cancel our call and buy another dryer, but that day a technician called and said he could come in 30 minutes. He came and was very nice. He tried several things and then tracked down the part in Fort Worth and drove all the way out there and back the same day to get it taken care of. He was great no thanks to Sears.
Sears was horrible. I kept getting several calls from different departments and no one knew what the other was doing. I wrote letters to Corporate and I tried to talk to a manager, but was informed by the agent that she was the manager and no one above her was available. Right!! I kept saying, I haven't had a dryer in 3 months...does this sound okay? No one seemed to care. I got so mad that I boycotted laundry in my house. My husband did laundry and hung dry clothes for about 2 months. FYI, towels that havn't been dryed are SCRATCHY. Now it is fixed and life is back to normal. Thank God!!!!
They don't make things the way they used to. My parents basic appliances lasted 20 years. My nice front load $700 dryer didn't last 3 years. Even though the front load washer works, it stinks. Literally!!! What they don't tell you is that the gasket stays filled with water after a load and you have to wipe it out routinely. It is black yuck. Gag!!! You also have to run empty bleach loads to sanitize it. For some reason my towels still stink like mildew. One day, I may just buy a good old fashioned washer. What a shame.
So the moral of this story is to not buy Kenmore appliances. The Kenmore dryer is actually a Frigidaire repackaged so don't buy that either.
Sears was horrible. I kept getting several calls from different departments and no one knew what the other was doing. I wrote letters to Corporate and I tried to talk to a manager, but was informed by the agent that she was the manager and no one above her was available. Right!! I kept saying, I haven't had a dryer in 3 months...does this sound okay? No one seemed to care. I got so mad that I boycotted laundry in my house. My husband did laundry and hung dry clothes for about 2 months. FYI, towels that havn't been dryed are SCRATCHY. Now it is fixed and life is back to normal. Thank God!!!!
They don't make things the way they used to. My parents basic appliances lasted 20 years. My nice front load $700 dryer didn't last 3 years. Even though the front load washer works, it stinks. Literally!!! What they don't tell you is that the gasket stays filled with water after a load and you have to wipe it out routinely. It is black yuck. Gag!!! You also have to run empty bleach loads to sanitize it. For some reason my towels still stink like mildew. One day, I may just buy a good old fashioned washer. What a shame.
So the moral of this story is to not buy Kenmore appliances. The Kenmore dryer is actually a Frigidaire repackaged so don't buy that either.
Friday, November 14, 2008
God's Purpose in My Life
We are studying Beth Moore's "To Live in Christ" Life and Ministry of Paul at our weekly bible study. I love the way she teaches the bible. She makes you learn where to find things that is for sure. She has you flippin all over the place. Actually, I don't have many talents, but one of them that seems to impress people (I'll take all I can get) is I learned the books of the Bible in Sunday school when I was 8 and I can sing them. Although, it does gets strangle looks in church when we are trying to find a book and I seem to have to sing them. (Come on and admit that we do that too when we alphabitize things. Oh really...so I'm the only one. Oh well I don't do that either - never mind.) Beth Moore also makes you think and apply the lesson to our lives. This week we were asked what do we think God's purpose for our life is? That's a big one. Many wait their whole lives to figure that one out. I think I know, but I'm open to hear God's voice in case I'm wrong. I am truly a disciple in training. All I really know is that I can do nothing good without God and his support. I can do lots of stupid things without his help, but all good things come from him who gives me strength. I have to remind myself daily about that.
On to the question of what is God's purpose in my life. In the last year or so I have seen God do some amazing, supernatural things. I feel it is my purpose to share those with others. I hear people say why doesn't God do miracles like he did in the Old Testament or healings like in the New Testament and I believe it is because we don't look for it and we are not open to it. For those of you that know what I'm talking about, you may be thinking I'm not saying anything new. But I know there are many that don't see it ever. I want them to know he is active and well performing miracles everyday for those that believe and maybe for those that don't. For now that is all, I have to go play hangman with my beautiful daughter. TBC (to be continued)
On to the question of what is God's purpose in my life. In the last year or so I have seen God do some amazing, supernatural things. I feel it is my purpose to share those with others. I hear people say why doesn't God do miracles like he did in the Old Testament or healings like in the New Testament and I believe it is because we don't look for it and we are not open to it. For those of you that know what I'm talking about, you may be thinking I'm not saying anything new. But I know there are many that don't see it ever. I want them to know he is active and well performing miracles everyday for those that believe and maybe for those that don't. For now that is all, I have to go play hangman with my beautiful daughter. TBC (to be continued)
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