Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
I have a few minutes before I have to get ready for work and thought I might touch base with you. I had three days off in a row, so I feel like I had a mini vacation. Kinda hard to get motivated to go back to work when you just want to stay home with your family.
It is Monday, so back to the grind...
Savanna is working on her spelling, she declares the world is unfair and life is hard because she is going to be 8 years old in 3 days and she should not have to do any homeschool this week. To make matters worse she still has to do her math. On second thought, maybe going to work is not so bad, haha
Hey, if you want to check out a great blog go to http://www.livingwaters.com/ and check out Rays blog. I believe it is called Rays Comfort Food. I had a great time just reading the comments. It really makes you think.
A friend of ours stopped by last evening. We really enjoyed his visit. We got to talking about the things of God, which is always fun. We shared what each of us is struggling with and there was a common theme, funny....we were struggling with the same things. Maybe not the same details, but you know what I mean. It makes me think, we all struggle with stuff, no matter how long we have walked with God.
The great news is, though our circumstances change and the struggles change, God does not. If confusion is starting to set up camp, it is because we have allowed him in by neglecting our time alone with God and in fellowship with other believers. We can be filled with head knowledge and still not really believe.
Working in the secular world, it is hard sometimes. Often I feel like a bullseye for the demons of hell. I thank God that He is faithful. Just a short visit with friends, can strengthen us, when Jesus is the center. We have each other to remind us that we are not alone.
Let's stop being so busy with "life" and get busy with LIFE! I am talking to myself here. It is a lonely road to travel when we cut ourselves off from other believers.
Well, I have had a thousand and one distractions while writing this. I must go check the girls papers and get ready for work.
Hope you are having a great day!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Comfort in Sorrow
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
Hello friends. Sad news. The little girl I told you about in my last blog went home to be with Jesus. Her name was Alyvia, she was only 8 years old. Her funeral is tomorrow, so please keep her family in your prayers.
I did not know this little girl or her family personally, yet my heart breaks for her family. I could not sleep last night. I watched my little girl, who is also 8 years old, sleep peacefully between me and her father. I imagined the nightmare Alyvias mother must be going through (I am not overlooking her father, I am writing as a mom) and all I could do was pray for her and cry for her.
Did you ever have one of those days that your kids were just plucking your last nerve and you were counting down the minutes until bedtime? Then when they are finally asleep, they look so peaceful that you just want to wake them up. I want to encourage you right now to stop and look at what the Lord has done for you.
Perhaps you are in a time of trial or going through a great struggle and you are feeling like you are alone. And perhaps one of you have expeienced a loss of a loved one and you are grieving as Alyvias family is grieving.
Maybe you are thinking to yourself that it all sounds good, but you do not have anything to be thankful for. Then this is for you my friend, the Lord, the lifter of your chin, says He has not forgotten you and He has not forsaken you and He will never leave you.
When you feel that you have nothing left to hold onto, hang on to Jesus! He will bring you through. He is the reason of your hope.
Romans 8:18 says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
and Romans 8: 24,25 says, "For we are saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perserverance."
I leave you with this parting word, stay in the faith, the faith in Jesus Christ, and may His love that passes all understanding fill your hearts to overflowing and bring comfort to those who are grieving.
Agree with me now, Jesus, You have come to heal the brokenhearted. It is the name of Jesus that You, Father, comfort Alyvias family now, because You have loved them and have given them an everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.
I love you guys!
Hebrews 10:23
Hello friends. Sad news. The little girl I told you about in my last blog went home to be with Jesus. Her name was Alyvia, she was only 8 years old. Her funeral is tomorrow, so please keep her family in your prayers.
I did not know this little girl or her family personally, yet my heart breaks for her family. I could not sleep last night. I watched my little girl, who is also 8 years old, sleep peacefully between me and her father. I imagined the nightmare Alyvias mother must be going through (I am not overlooking her father, I am writing as a mom) and all I could do was pray for her and cry for her.
Did you ever have one of those days that your kids were just plucking your last nerve and you were counting down the minutes until bedtime? Then when they are finally asleep, they look so peaceful that you just want to wake them up. I want to encourage you right now to stop and look at what the Lord has done for you.
Perhaps you are in a time of trial or going through a great struggle and you are feeling like you are alone. And perhaps one of you have expeienced a loss of a loved one and you are grieving as Alyvias family is grieving.
Maybe you are thinking to yourself that it all sounds good, but you do not have anything to be thankful for. Then this is for you my friend, the Lord, the lifter of your chin, says He has not forgotten you and He has not forsaken you and He will never leave you.
When you feel that you have nothing left to hold onto, hang on to Jesus! He will bring you through. He is the reason of your hope.
Romans 8:18 says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
and Romans 8: 24,25 says, "For we are saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perserverance."
I leave you with this parting word, stay in the faith, the faith in Jesus Christ, and may His love that passes all understanding fill your hearts to overflowing and bring comfort to those who are grieving.
Agree with me now, Jesus, You have come to heal the brokenhearted. It is the name of Jesus that You, Father, comfort Alyvias family now, because You have loved them and have given them an everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.
I love you guys!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
LAY ASIDE THE REGRETS & FOCUS ON THE BLESSING
While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the teacher." But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." Then her spirit returned and she arose immediately.
Luke 8:49,50,52,53,54,55
Today is my son's 22nd birthday. It is a bitter sweet day for me. He is in NYC and I am here, three states away. Hard to believe my first baby is now a man. The little boy who wanted to grow up and be Micheal Jackson (yikes) or David Copperfield is now about to graduate college.
Those that know me well, know this is a tough day for me. It would be too emotionally exhausting to go into details now.
As I had my morning cup of coffee, I thought of my son and wondered what he was going to do to celebrate his birthday and how long it has been since I was able to celebrate his birthday with him and I almost began to do the mental inventory of the list of "what if's" and "I should have's".
Then a small voice said, "Stop it! Look at what you have today". I have three beautiful daughters, 8, 12 and 18, a very funny step son and beautiful step daughter. I have a home (which is for sale by the way) a hard working husband, wonderful friends and most importantly a relationship with Jesus.
So I think about my "what if's" and "should have's" and I marvel how God turned my twisted past and turned it into this. Though He still has a lot of work to do in me, He was not limited by my mistakes and hurts.
There is an e mail that I received about a little girl and her mother who was in a car accident recently. The mother, though banged up, is doing well, but the little girl is critical, her little body is broken and she is bleeding from every spot that can bleed. As I pray for this little girl and her family, I cry. I can not imagine what this little girls family must be going through right now. It is ok, if you should pause for a moment now and pray for her.
An EMS worker said it was amazing that everyone was in place when this accident happened. I say, God yes, God is amazing. Nothing is a surprise to Him. He knows what is going to happen and He makes a way.
My littlest girl likes to cuddle. She is a Mommy's girl for sure. Every time I leave for work, she stands in our yard and waves to me until I am out of sight. I know I will soon miss these days, because she will grow up. I told her she will always be my little girl, although it might look kinda silly when she is 16 and sitting on my lap.
People are funny. Why do we get so wrapped up in the now and not take time to really notice the beautiful gifts we have? How easy it is to take our focus off God and put it on things that depress or overwhelm us. When we do this, we begin to take for granted the gifts that God has given us, specifically our family and our friends.
Randy Carlson, (from Parent Talk) talks about intentional living. Now that is a revolutionary idea!
So will you purpose with me, to not just float threw life, being tossed to and fro' with every wave this life wants to throw at you and purpose to take the time to love someone, encourage someone, celebrate someone, laugh with someone, cry with someone, help someone, hug someone and keep your focus on the ONE who loves you and wants to love others through you.
I gotta run now, my littlest angel is calling for her mommy.
Love you guys!
Luke 8:49,50,52,53,54,55
Today is my son's 22nd birthday. It is a bitter sweet day for me. He is in NYC and I am here, three states away. Hard to believe my first baby is now a man. The little boy who wanted to grow up and be Micheal Jackson (yikes) or David Copperfield is now about to graduate college.
Those that know me well, know this is a tough day for me. It would be too emotionally exhausting to go into details now.
As I had my morning cup of coffee, I thought of my son and wondered what he was going to do to celebrate his birthday and how long it has been since I was able to celebrate his birthday with him and I almost began to do the mental inventory of the list of "what if's" and "I should have's".
Then a small voice said, "Stop it! Look at what you have today". I have three beautiful daughters, 8, 12 and 18, a very funny step son and beautiful step daughter. I have a home (which is for sale by the way) a hard working husband, wonderful friends and most importantly a relationship with Jesus.
So I think about my "what if's" and "should have's" and I marvel how God turned my twisted past and turned it into this. Though He still has a lot of work to do in me, He was not limited by my mistakes and hurts.
There is an e mail that I received about a little girl and her mother who was in a car accident recently. The mother, though banged up, is doing well, but the little girl is critical, her little body is broken and she is bleeding from every spot that can bleed. As I pray for this little girl and her family, I cry. I can not imagine what this little girls family must be going through right now. It is ok, if you should pause for a moment now and pray for her.
An EMS worker said it was amazing that everyone was in place when this accident happened. I say, God yes, God is amazing. Nothing is a surprise to Him. He knows what is going to happen and He makes a way.
My littlest girl likes to cuddle. She is a Mommy's girl for sure. Every time I leave for work, she stands in our yard and waves to me until I am out of sight. I know I will soon miss these days, because she will grow up. I told her she will always be my little girl, although it might look kinda silly when she is 16 and sitting on my lap.
People are funny. Why do we get so wrapped up in the now and not take time to really notice the beautiful gifts we have? How easy it is to take our focus off God and put it on things that depress or overwhelm us. When we do this, we begin to take for granted the gifts that God has given us, specifically our family and our friends.
Randy Carlson, (from Parent Talk) talks about intentional living. Now that is a revolutionary idea!
So will you purpose with me, to not just float threw life, being tossed to and fro' with every wave this life wants to throw at you and purpose to take the time to love someone, encourage someone, celebrate someone, laugh with someone, cry with someone, help someone, hug someone and keep your focus on the ONE who loves you and wants to love others through you.
I gotta run now, my littlest angel is calling for her mommy.
Love you guys!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Marital Bliss?
"Haven't you read the scriptures?" Jesus replied. "They recorded that from the beginning 'God made them male and female' and He said 'this explains why a man leaves his mother and father and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one seperate them, for God has joined them together."
"Not everyone can accept this statement," Jesus said "only those whom God helps."
Matthew 19:4,5,6,11
Well my laptop is down. My husband was using it whie I was at work (even though he has his own and I asked him to not use mine). Even though it was not his fault, I implied that it was because he should not have been on it. Never mind that it has been giving me troubles, but I over reacted. (by the way, I am accepting donations for a new laptop, haha)
Sharing this with you brings me to my topic that I want to ramble about today, MARRIAGE.
It is not always easy is it? Especially when two imperfect people insist that they are perfect.
There is a young couple I know that are engaged to be married. Aaah, young love....
It has been my observation that they both have different ideas about the wedding day. He wants to do this and she wants to do that. We all have our own dillusions on the perfect wedding, the perfect marriage, the perfect children, the perfect home, the perfect in-laws(or outlaws) and the perfect pets, etc...Our expectations are not always reality, because we seem to forget that we are not perfect.
So I say to the bride to be, "take a good long look and hear my words" then in slow motion, I say "Foooooorrrrreeeeeevvvveeeerrrrr, until death do you part and he might live a long long time, do you love him enough? Can you committ to that? Divorce can never be an option and you will not always "feel" like you love him."
"Geeesh Stacey," she said. "you really bumbed me out."
Bumbing her out was not my intention, but I hope it causes her to think.
Our society is not marriage and family friendly is it? Without Jesus Christ being the center, I do not know how anyone can endure marriage. It certainly is not for the weak.
I did everything backwards. I did not have a relationship with Jesus when I married. How blesed are those who put Christ the center right from the beginning (living a sexual pure life will be a topic discussed later)
I love my husband, it is not always easy, but I thank God for him. One of the things that I have learned, am still learning, is that one person can not complete you. Only Jesus can do that. Knowing this, why do I still get frustrated? Could it be my own imperfections? Ouch!
Marriage should be a celebration because it is Gods gift to us. There is no such thing as "We should not have been together". Maybe you should not have, but you are now,and it has not caught God by surprise, He knew from the beginning.
So if you have doubts in your head and you find yourself looking for a way of escape, REMEMBER this,
divorce is not an option and neither is a dead marriage. So revive what you have and start with yourself.
Get alone with God and let Him do a work in you and He will take care of yur spouse.
Love each other and serve each other as unto God, even if it hurts.
Your reward will come from God. Who knows...maybe you will find you have a gem but did not even notice because you were too caught up in costume jewelry to recognize the real thing.
Love you!
"Not everyone can accept this statement," Jesus said "only those whom God helps."
Matthew 19:4,5,6,11
Well my laptop is down. My husband was using it whie I was at work (even though he has his own and I asked him to not use mine). Even though it was not his fault, I implied that it was because he should not have been on it. Never mind that it has been giving me troubles, but I over reacted. (by the way, I am accepting donations for a new laptop, haha)
Sharing this with you brings me to my topic that I want to ramble about today, MARRIAGE.
It is not always easy is it? Especially when two imperfect people insist that they are perfect.
There is a young couple I know that are engaged to be married. Aaah, young love....
It has been my observation that they both have different ideas about the wedding day. He wants to do this and she wants to do that. We all have our own dillusions on the perfect wedding, the perfect marriage, the perfect children, the perfect home, the perfect in-laws(or outlaws) and the perfect pets, etc...Our expectations are not always reality, because we seem to forget that we are not perfect.
So I say to the bride to be, "take a good long look and hear my words" then in slow motion, I say "Foooooorrrrreeeeeevvvveeeerrrrr, until death do you part and he might live a long long time, do you love him enough? Can you committ to that? Divorce can never be an option and you will not always "feel" like you love him."
"Geeesh Stacey," she said. "you really bumbed me out."
Bumbing her out was not my intention, but I hope it causes her to think.
Our society is not marriage and family friendly is it? Without Jesus Christ being the center, I do not know how anyone can endure marriage. It certainly is not for the weak.
I did everything backwards. I did not have a relationship with Jesus when I married. How blesed are those who put Christ the center right from the beginning (living a sexual pure life will be a topic discussed later)
I love my husband, it is not always easy, but I thank God for him. One of the things that I have learned, am still learning, is that one person can not complete you. Only Jesus can do that. Knowing this, why do I still get frustrated? Could it be my own imperfections? Ouch!
Marriage should be a celebration because it is Gods gift to us. There is no such thing as "We should not have been together". Maybe you should not have, but you are now,and it has not caught God by surprise, He knew from the beginning.
So if you have doubts in your head and you find yourself looking for a way of escape, REMEMBER this,
divorce is not an option and neither is a dead marriage. So revive what you have and start with yourself.
Get alone with God and let Him do a work in you and He will take care of yur spouse.
Love each other and serve each other as unto God, even if it hurts.
Your reward will come from God. Who knows...maybe you will find you have a gem but did not even notice because you were too caught up in costume jewelry to recognize the real thing.
Love you!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Living For A Perfect God Imperfectly
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
Matthew 13:47
Ok, maybe this is just a woman thing (though I do not think so) but is there anyone else who is tired of being ruled by their emotions. Why do we think everything has to be perfect? Humor me, just nod and smile, do not tell me I am the only one that deals with this issue.
How many times I wanted to do something for God and stopped because I fell into the religious bondage that I had to have everything else in order for God to use me. I was a mess! Just when everything was looking good (to me) I would say, "Ok God, You may use me now, because I can do it now" hahaha Then sure enough something else would know on my door. I would get a bad attitude with my husband, yell at my kids, etc... then right back I would go, putting restrictions on God, forgetting that without Him I can do nothing. I was not living in sin, I just was not perfect. Do you know what that was? That was religion!
I was just talking to my friend Loretta on the phone today. I shared with her how I use to struggle with my job, never thought my pulpit would be at a bar. I wanted to be in full-time ministry, and yet here I was, waitressing and bartending, because we have bills that need to be paid. I thought I missed Gods call on my life, because certainly if I had to go to work, especially this kind of work, I would not have time to be used by Him. I am just so glad His ways are not mine. I am amazed how often He gives me an opportunity to share Him with others. I told my friend I am really struggling with lonliness, I miss the fellowship with my Christian brothers and sisters and how several have made it clear how they felt about my job, as though I have fallen into a backslidden state. I must even confess I was afraid of how others would think about me. Fear of man is a road leading to death for sure!
There is a regular who comes into the restaraunt. I talk with him and his wife often about my faith. Now do not get the impression that I go in and beat people up with my faith, I do not. This gentleman comes from a pentecostal background and has walked away from his faith in God because of hurts by the church. Since he has walked away from God he has done some things that he knows is not pleasing to God. I really believe he wants to come back to God, but is afraid of the mess he thinks he has to clean up first and what will others think of him. I told him that he does not have to be perfect, God loves him and died for him on the cross, because without His death and resurection, there could be no pardon for our sins, our transgressions against His law, and that is the only way to eternal life, through Jesus Christ. Yea sure, there may be some music that he may have to face, but he will not be facing it alone, God promises to be with him. I do hope he remembers that.
Remember, God calls us to be holy, not perfect. We will not be perfected until we are face to face with our Creater. He calls us to be holy and since He says to be holy, then we can be holy, because He would not set us up for failure, we must remind ourselves that we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us.
Well, it is time to stop rambling. My daughter has a friend on her way over to play, so I must get ready.
I thank God for you and I thank Him that who the Son sets free, is free indeed. Are you free?
Matthew 13:47
Ok, maybe this is just a woman thing (though I do not think so) but is there anyone else who is tired of being ruled by their emotions. Why do we think everything has to be perfect? Humor me, just nod and smile, do not tell me I am the only one that deals with this issue.
How many times I wanted to do something for God and stopped because I fell into the religious bondage that I had to have everything else in order for God to use me. I was a mess! Just when everything was looking good (to me) I would say, "Ok God, You may use me now, because I can do it now" hahaha Then sure enough something else would know on my door. I would get a bad attitude with my husband, yell at my kids, etc... then right back I would go, putting restrictions on God, forgetting that without Him I can do nothing. I was not living in sin, I just was not perfect. Do you know what that was? That was religion!
I was just talking to my friend Loretta on the phone today. I shared with her how I use to struggle with my job, never thought my pulpit would be at a bar. I wanted to be in full-time ministry, and yet here I was, waitressing and bartending, because we have bills that need to be paid. I thought I missed Gods call on my life, because certainly if I had to go to work, especially this kind of work, I would not have time to be used by Him. I am just so glad His ways are not mine. I am amazed how often He gives me an opportunity to share Him with others. I told my friend I am really struggling with lonliness, I miss the fellowship with my Christian brothers and sisters and how several have made it clear how they felt about my job, as though I have fallen into a backslidden state. I must even confess I was afraid of how others would think about me. Fear of man is a road leading to death for sure!
There is a regular who comes into the restaraunt. I talk with him and his wife often about my faith. Now do not get the impression that I go in and beat people up with my faith, I do not. This gentleman comes from a pentecostal background and has walked away from his faith in God because of hurts by the church. Since he has walked away from God he has done some things that he knows is not pleasing to God. I really believe he wants to come back to God, but is afraid of the mess he thinks he has to clean up first and what will others think of him. I told him that he does not have to be perfect, God loves him and died for him on the cross, because without His death and resurection, there could be no pardon for our sins, our transgressions against His law, and that is the only way to eternal life, through Jesus Christ. Yea sure, there may be some music that he may have to face, but he will not be facing it alone, God promises to be with him. I do hope he remembers that.
Remember, God calls us to be holy, not perfect. We will not be perfected until we are face to face with our Creater. He calls us to be holy and since He says to be holy, then we can be holy, because He would not set us up for failure, we must remind ourselves that we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us.
Well, it is time to stop rambling. My daughter has a friend on her way over to play, so I must get ready.
I thank God for you and I thank Him that who the Son sets free, is free indeed. Are you free?
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