Christmas Tree Shops
Whoo~Hoo!!!
Yup, I got to go there today - and as a bonus, one of my favorite people came with me.
We had a great day of shopping and talking.
A collection of random thoughts designed to keep you up to date with what God is doing in my life!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sweet Sunday
I attended service at Hawthorne Gospel this morning. It was exciting to be back amongst familiar faces, and getting hugs from people who have been praying for and encouraging me. There were baptisms and a good message about Heaven (which I would like to share with you but my brain's a little fuzzy now - why, oh why, do I wait until late at night to write these blogs?).
I also helped out with the 4 year old Sunday School class that I was a helper with before I left. They are getting ready for their Christmas presentation. It's next Sunday night at 6 if you want to come!
After church was lunch with some of my favorite girls. It was a sweet time of starting to catch up with each other. Even for as long as I have been away (only 6 months) we just fell back into our usual chit-chat routine. Such a blessing : )
I also helped out with the 4 year old Sunday School class that I was a helper with before I left. They are getting ready for their Christmas presentation. It's next Sunday night at 6 if you want to come!
After church was lunch with some of my favorite girls. It was a sweet time of starting to catch up with each other. Even for as long as I have been away (only 6 months) we just fell back into our usual chit-chat routine. Such a blessing : )
Saturday, November 28, 2009
A Super Saturday
Today I enjoyed a nice quiet day at home in my jammies: did laundry, finished unpacking, ate taylor ham & egg on a bagel, "helped" Kathy put up the Christmas tree, watched tv, read magazines, and took a nap.
Tonight I went out to dinner with the guys (something I have definately missed), then played Wii games. Even though I did not do well at bowling, I am the CHAMPION of sword fighting. Oh yea!
Tonight I went out to dinner with the guys (something I have definately missed), then played Wii games. Even though I did not do well at bowling, I am the CHAMPION of sword fighting. Oh yea!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Black Friday
The following devotional is from Ron Hutchcraft Ministries.
http://www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-mission/grabbing-opportunities-5969
It looks long, but it's definately worth the read!
Try to picture it. Maybe you don't have to picture it. Maybe you've been there. It's the Friday morning after Thanksgiving, just before doors open at Wal-Mart. It's still dark, but a lot of people are lined up, anxiously waiting to enter. It's the day of those fabulous sales that stores like this have to encourage early Christmas shopping. And for a short time after doors open, there are some absolutely amazing prices on many popular items. But you have to move quickly to find them and scoop them up. One year recently, the crush of people was so great, at one store a lady was nearly trampled to death when the doors opened. And at another store, another year, a man actually was trampled to death. Once you're in the store, you know what to do. No browsing. No chatting. Just look for those sales opportunities and you grab them while you can!
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Grabbing Opportunities."
Aggressively seizing opportunities because time is short - that's not just a picture of a sale day shopper. That's supposed to be the picture of every follower of Jesus Christ. Not just browsing and cruising through our days, but really making them count...really making a difference with your life.
If you read our word for today from the Word of God in the original language of the New Testament, you can see just that kind of urgency and intensity. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but as wise" - now here's God's definition of what it means to "live smart" - "making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil." The original Greek conveys the idea of aggressively buying up every opportunity you have to do something about the darkness around you.
Near the end of this letter that Paul wrote from a prison cell, probably chained to a Roman guard, he gives us a living example of this "make a difference" mindset in action. He says, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel...pray that I will declare it fearlessly, as I should." In another letter, we learn that there were believers ultimately in Caesar's household; likely some of those soldiers Paul spent so much time with. He saw his imprisonment, not so much as an ordeal, but as an opportunity to tell people there about Jesus and to rescue them from evil.
Life is full of life-saving opportunities for those with eyes to see them; for those who understand that we're supposed to be looking for them, wherever we are. When one of our family was in the hospital lately, the reason seemed clear. This was a patient who left a trail of Jesus all through that hospital. There just to get well? No. They were also there positioned by God to help spiritually rescue some of the people there.
If you want to make the greatest possible difference with the rest of your life, if you want to help some people be in heaven with you, if you want to obey your Savior, then each morning pray for natural opportunities to bring up your Jesus. Then look for those opportunities to open up. Buy them up like an alert shopper.
When someone shares a burden or a concern with you, don't just promise to pray for them. Ask if you can pray with them right there. Chances are they have never heard their name in a prayer in all their life! I've never had anyone turn down that offer. And if God opens the door, tell them after you pray that you weren't always able to talk to God like that because there was a wall between you and Him that Jesus took down. Look for opportunities to share your personal hope story - the story of the difference Jesus has made for you in a particular need or life situation.
Look for those opportunities. Pray for those opportunities. Grab those opportunities. Why? Because God is putting people in your life so they can have a chance at Jesus...and a chance at heaven. That's an opportunity you must not miss.
http://www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-mission/grabbing-opportunities-5969
It looks long, but it's definately worth the read!
Try to picture it. Maybe you don't have to picture it. Maybe you've been there. It's the Friday morning after Thanksgiving, just before doors open at Wal-Mart. It's still dark, but a lot of people are lined up, anxiously waiting to enter. It's the day of those fabulous sales that stores like this have to encourage early Christmas shopping. And for a short time after doors open, there are some absolutely amazing prices on many popular items. But you have to move quickly to find them and scoop them up. One year recently, the crush of people was so great, at one store a lady was nearly trampled to death when the doors opened. And at another store, another year, a man actually was trampled to death. Once you're in the store, you know what to do. No browsing. No chatting. Just look for those sales opportunities and you grab them while you can!
I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Grabbing Opportunities."
Aggressively seizing opportunities because time is short - that's not just a picture of a sale day shopper. That's supposed to be the picture of every follower of Jesus Christ. Not just browsing and cruising through our days, but really making them count...really making a difference with your life.
If you read our word for today from the Word of God in the original language of the New Testament, you can see just that kind of urgency and intensity. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise, but as wise" - now here's God's definition of what it means to "live smart" - "making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil." The original Greek conveys the idea of aggressively buying up every opportunity you have to do something about the darkness around you.
Near the end of this letter that Paul wrote from a prison cell, probably chained to a Roman guard, he gives us a living example of this "make a difference" mindset in action. He says, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel...pray that I will declare it fearlessly, as I should." In another letter, we learn that there were believers ultimately in Caesar's household; likely some of those soldiers Paul spent so much time with. He saw his imprisonment, not so much as an ordeal, but as an opportunity to tell people there about Jesus and to rescue them from evil.
Life is full of life-saving opportunities for those with eyes to see them; for those who understand that we're supposed to be looking for them, wherever we are. When one of our family was in the hospital lately, the reason seemed clear. This was a patient who left a trail of Jesus all through that hospital. There just to get well? No. They were also there positioned by God to help spiritually rescue some of the people there.
If you want to make the greatest possible difference with the rest of your life, if you want to help some people be in heaven with you, if you want to obey your Savior, then each morning pray for natural opportunities to bring up your Jesus. Then look for those opportunities to open up. Buy them up like an alert shopper.
When someone shares a burden or a concern with you, don't just promise to pray for them. Ask if you can pray with them right there. Chances are they have never heard their name in a prayer in all their life! I've never had anyone turn down that offer. And if God opens the door, tell them after you pray that you weren't always able to talk to God like that because there was a wall between you and Him that Jesus took down. Look for opportunities to share your personal hope story - the story of the difference Jesus has made for you in a particular need or life situation.
Look for those opportunities. Pray for those opportunities. Grab those opportunities. Why? Because God is putting people in your life so they can have a chance at Jesus...and a chance at heaven. That's an opportunity you must not miss.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:13
There is always something for which to be thankful.
Charles Dickens
What are YOU thankful for?
Have you praised God for His goodness to you?
1 Chronicles 29:13
There is always something for which to be thankful.
Charles Dickens
What are YOU thankful for?
Have you praised God for His goodness to you?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
the end is near
Soon I will be making the final part of my journey. I have mixed emotions about this.
I already am missing my friends and life in Montana.
I'm having a great time visiting my friends in Pennsylvania.
It will be nice to stop living out of suitcases and my car.
There's a lot of good friends in New Jersey that I am eager to spend time with.
Through it all I am certain that God is in control.
He has blessed me in so many ways, and I know that there is much more to come.
Deuteronomy 2:7 (Hannah Version )
The LORD my God has blessed me in all the work of my hands. He has watched over my journey. All these years the LORD my God has been with me, and I have not lacked anything.
I already am missing my friends and life in Montana.
I'm having a great time visiting my friends in Pennsylvania.
It will be nice to stop living out of suitcases and my car.
There's a lot of good friends in New Jersey that I am eager to spend time with.
Through it all I am certain that God is in control.
He has blessed me in so many ways, and I know that there is much more to come.
Deuteronomy 2:7 (Hannah Version )
The LORD my God has blessed me in all the work of my hands. He has watched over my journey. All these years the LORD my God has been with me, and I have not lacked anything.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
TRUST and OBEY
I enjoyed visiting a friends' church for their Thanksgiving supper and service tonight.
The song leader encouraged us to not only sing the words which we may already know so well, but to really think about what they say.
This hymn was my favorite of the night because God has been teaching me a lot lately about trusting and obeying. They sound like such simple things to do, but putting them into practice can be scary and hard. The promised rewards are truly worth it though.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain
This song gives a simple, clear explanation of living the Christian life. The title expression was used in a testimony meeting, following an evangelistic crusade in Brockton, Massachusetts, by Dwight L. Moody. A young man stood to speak, and it soon became clear he knew little Christian doctrine. But he finished by saying, “I’m not quite sure—but I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.” Daniel Towner, who was in the meeting, jotted down the words, and gave them to John Sammis, who developed the lyrics from them.
(info and lyrics from http://www.cyberhymnal.org/)
What's your current favorite hymn?
Why do the lyrics stand out to you?
The song leader encouraged us to not only sing the words which we may already know so well, but to really think about what they say.
This hymn was my favorite of the night because God has been teaching me a lot lately about trusting and obeying. They sound like such simple things to do, but putting them into practice can be scary and hard. The promised rewards are truly worth it though.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain
This song gives a simple, clear explanation of living the Christian life. The title expression was used in a testimony meeting, following an evangelistic crusade in Brockton, Massachusetts, by Dwight L. Moody. A young man stood to speak, and it soon became clear he knew little Christian doctrine. But he finished by saying, “I’m not quite sure—but I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.” Daniel Towner, who was in the meeting, jotted down the words, and gave them to John Sammis, who developed the lyrics from them.
(info and lyrics from http://www.cyberhymnal.org/)
What's your current favorite hymn?
Why do the lyrics stand out to you?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Life Lesson
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Pray...
listen...
obey...
be blessed...
give thanks!
Friday, November 20, 2009
kid fun
Fed some pigs...
Saw doughnuts being made...
Played games at Chuckie Cheese...
Lunch at McDonalds...
Chicken Tacos for dinner...(because no one wraps them as good as I do)
Movie and Popcorn...
Bedtime!
YUP, a good day was had by all!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Family Time : )
This evening I arrived in Saegertown, PA to spend a few days with the Huizings.
Whoo-Hoo!!!
What could be more fun than that? Not much, I tell ya.
Whoo-Hoo!!!
What could be more fun than that? Not much, I tell ya.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Moving Right Along
The drive is always easier when there's a friend at the other end!
Right now I am in Indianapolis, Indiana visiting with my good friend Lisa. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. It was good to catch up with her, share stories and laughs, and encourage one another. Her family was gracious in offering for me to stay overnight as well, and it's been fun getting to know them.
Lisa makes wonderful purses and wallets. Her 10 year old nephew showed me an amazing power point presentation he made of their business plan. This kid's got a future in marketing for sure! And I have the privilege of saying I was her 1st customer.
Right now I am in Indianapolis, Indiana visiting with my good friend Lisa. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and dessert at the Cheesecake Factory. It was good to catch up with her, share stories and laughs, and encourage one another. Her family was gracious in offering for me to stay overnight as well, and it's been fun getting to know them.
Lisa makes wonderful purses and wallets. Her 10 year old nephew showed me an amazing power point presentation he made of their business plan. This kid's got a future in marketing for sure! And I have the privilege of saying I was her 1st customer.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Just in time
With the approaching time change from Central to Eastern, I stopped driving with time enough to get a blog done today. It's 11:00 here in Geneseo, Illinois (1o pm in Montana, and midnight in NJ).
I have finally figured out the secret to successful night driving! At 8pm...
Contacts Out
Mocha Cappuccino - double caffeine blend! In
Newsboys On
Fear Off
Around 9:30 I started talking to myself. Out loud. Just little phrases of encouragement to keep up the good driving and that I (we?) were doing just fine. And singing too. Maybe double caffeine was not such a good idea after all.
I forgot my camera out in the car, so no pictures tonight. But here's something else for you to enjoy instead. And it will give you some idea of what humors me at times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnFY9jMKYcQ
I have finally figured out the secret to successful night driving! At 8pm...
Contacts Out
Mocha Cappuccino - double caffeine blend! In
Newsboys On
Fear Off
Around 9:30 I started talking to myself. Out loud. Just little phrases of encouragement to keep up the good driving and that I (we?) were doing just fine. And singing too. Maybe double caffeine was not such a good idea after all.
I forgot my camera out in the car, so no pictures tonight. But here's something else for you to enjoy instead. And it will give you some idea of what humors me at times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnFY9jMKYcQ
Monday, November 16, 2009
Pictures
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=121760&id=757198519&l=1dd7743a8a
Wyoming and Nebraska (so far)
The problem with these w i d e states out West is that I don't feel like I am making much progress driving. Should get better after today though. This time of year it starts getting dark early (4:30!) which makes driving much less fun too. But I have plenty of CDs to help pass the time.
Thanks for the prayers. God hears and answers!
Wyoming and Nebraska (so far)
The problem with these w i d e states out West is that I don't feel like I am making much progress driving. Should get better after today though. This time of year it starts getting dark early (4:30!) which makes driving much less fun too. But I have plenty of CDs to help pass the time.
Thanks for the prayers. God hears and answers!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
What a great day!
The service we attended this morning was very nice. Jim and Andrea Hawthorne (camp directors) gave a presentation about camp and also their personal stories. One of their main objectives was to encourage obedience.
Car Shadow : )
See the rocks on sides of the highway?
That's what most of Wyoming looked like today.
Night-time picture
I was pulled over with my high-beams on
We were warmly welcomed by the church members. There was soup and sandwiches for lunch and we enjoyed some good conversations with the folks there. The Q&A time that I prepared for ended up not happening (not sure why) but at least now I have a good start on presentations that I can give at home.
Thanks for all the prayers, especially for safety - please keep 'em coming. The roads were bad during last night's travel. Route 80 closed just after our exit.
Praise the Lord that He took good care of us during the trip.
Happy to say that I am now in Nebraska! Looking forward to another long day of driving tomorrow. There's plenty of good sight-seeing and shopping nearby.
I don't have any pictures from being in Idaho yesterday because I was following the camp van in my car, and the roads were not in good condition for the quick-stop that's necessary for proper road trip pictures anyway.
There's a few pictures from Wyoming that I will post on Facebook soon.
In the meantime:
Car Shadow : )
See the rocks on sides of the highway?
That's what most of Wyoming looked like today.
Night-time picture
I was pulled over with my high-beams on
Saturday, November 14, 2009
On the Road Again!
Today is the first day of my road trip back to NJ. First stop will be Evanston, Wyoming.
YAA has been invited to attend and present at their missions conference tomorrow. Luncheon to follow. That's always a bonus : )
Please pray for safe travels and that I don't mess up too badly when I speak tomorrow.
Look here for updates. I'll try to keep posting daily.
See ya soon!!!
YAA has been invited to attend and present at their missions conference tomorrow. Luncheon to follow. That's always a bonus : )
Please pray for safe travels and that I don't mess up too badly when I speak tomorrow.
Look here for updates. I'll try to keep posting daily.
See ya soon!!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Feedback Friday!
I think it will be fun to dedicate one day a week of my blog to asking for your feedback about a subject that has been on my mind. This week's discussion topic comes from the following verse:
1 Samuel 12:24 Be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.
My question: What great things has God done for you lately?
Please share your stories here - they will be an encouragement to me and to others who read them. We serve a great and mighty God. Don't be shy in giving Him praise!!!
And, just for fun, some snow day pictures.
The sky is bright and clear today.
The front of my house, with our tubing hill to the right.
I hope to get out on it later tonight.
My car - after I dug out just enough to get in and grab the camera.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
...in the meadow we can build a snowman...
Such a beautiful sight
I'm happy tonight
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Well, it's not quite Winter yet but you would not believe it from the weather out here. The snow started sometime after I went to bed at midnight and when I woke up today at 7 there was already a foot on the ground. 10 hours later, the snowfall just stopped. Total accumulation of about 2 feet!
I very much wanted to post a nice picture so you can share in the beauty with me, but my camera is in the car, and the car is BURIED under all the snow.
This picture was taken with my web cam so it may not show up too large or clear. Anyways, if you can see it well, look to the left of the house and that's my car. At least I think it's mine. Hard to tell from just a mirror!
Here's hoping Santa brings me snow pants and a Subaru!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Speak Up : ()
1 Peter 3:15b Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
One of the "perks" of my job here is that I get the opportunity to tell people what Christ is doing in my life. It's not an easy thing to do. Not because there's nothing to share (because God is doing great and wonderful things!) but because of my own shyness and insecurities.
Facebook updates are quick and painless, and blogging here has become easier and even fun to do.
It's the face-to-face stuff that freezes me in my tracks sometimes.
Please pray for me to have extreme BOLDNESS in my daily life and interactions with others, and that God will give me the words I need to be an effective communicator.
One of the "perks" of my job here is that I get the opportunity to tell people what Christ is doing in my life. It's not an easy thing to do. Not because there's nothing to share (because God is doing great and wonderful things!) but because of my own shyness and insecurities.
Facebook updates are quick and painless, and blogging here has become easier and even fun to do.
It's the face-to-face stuff that freezes me in my tracks sometimes.
Please pray for me to have extreme BOLDNESS in my daily life and interactions with others, and that God will give me the words I need to be an effective communicator.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Looking Up
One of the many benefits of living out here in Big Sky Country is the big sky. From the camp's location I have a great view of the heavens above. Tonight is very clear and there are billions of bright stars shining down on me.
Psalm 147: 3-5
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Psalm 147: 3-5
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Coolest Shirt Ever (so far)
What makes this shirt very cool is not only the subtle black-on-black pirate ship detail, but the fact that the skull, swords, and words...get this...GLOW IN THE DARK! I tried to get a picture of that, I really did but it was not clear enough to see.Yup, that was $2. well spent at WalMart's after Halloween clearance.
*Public Service Announcement*
Please be over 21 if you plan on using rum to make yourself into a pirate.
Thank You.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wasting Time
Yesterday I started reading "I Dare You: Embrace Life With Passion" by Joyce Meyer.
Now, she is not one of my favorite authors (although she does have some good things to say) but the title sounded interesting and the book was on clearance and I had a B&N gift card to use so I decided to purchase it.
Chapter 7 is called Eight Ways to Waste Your Time.
First sentences: "There is a Web site you can visit called Bored.com. Its whole purpose is to offer 'fun stuff while you are bored.'"
That's as far as I got in the book (so far). I'm wondering if I am the only one who (at least temporarily) gave up the book to check out that webiste.
Not to leave you hanging, I skimmed ahead to find her list of 8 wastes of time:
~worry
~guilt
~trying to change what only God can change
~complaining
~anger
~fear
~blame
~comparisons
I wonder if I multi-task and do several of these at once if it is still a waste of time? LOL j/k
No worries... I will continue the reading until the book is done!
**Special note to my literary friends: I am sorry for any incorrect puncuation in this posting. Titles and quotes and lists - oh my!
Now, she is not one of my favorite authors (although she does have some good things to say) but the title sounded interesting and the book was on clearance and I had a B&N gift card to use so I decided to purchase it.
Chapter 7 is called Eight Ways to Waste Your Time.
First sentences: "There is a Web site you can visit called Bored.com. Its whole purpose is to offer 'fun stuff while you are bored.'"
That's as far as I got in the book (so far). I'm wondering if I am the only one who (at least temporarily) gave up the book to check out that webiste.
Not to leave you hanging, I skimmed ahead to find her list of 8 wastes of time:
~worry
~guilt
~trying to change what only God can change
~complaining
~anger
~fear
~blame
~comparisons
I wonder if I multi-task and do several of these at once if it is still a waste of time? LOL j/k
No worries... I will continue the reading until the book is done!
**Special note to my literary friends: I am sorry for any incorrect puncuation in this posting. Titles and quotes and lists - oh my!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Achievement
It's nice to have my talents noticed and appreciated.
This certificate is going to be framed and hung for display.
THANK YOU, ANDREA!!!
11/8/09 UPDATE
The certificate is now
framed and hanging.
I don't like the way
he is looking at me!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
If I Only Had the Nerve
The Wizard of Oz...classic movie that I'm sure we have all enjoyed many times.
Rememberly the cowardly lion as they all prepare to approach the wizard?
(no, I'm not a movie dork - I copied this off a website but forgot to copy the website's address so proper credit will have to wait)
Cowardly Lion: Wait a minute, Fellows. I was just thinking. I really don't want to see the Wizard this much. I'd better wait for you outside.
Scarecrow: What's the matter?
Tin Woodsman: Oh, he's just a scared again.
Dorothy: Don't you know the Wizard's going to give you some courage?
Cowardly Lion: I'd be too scared to ask him for it. [sobs]
Dorothy: Well then, we'll ask him for you.
Cowardly Lion: I'd sooner wait outside.
Dorothy: Why? Why?
Cowardly Lion: Because I'm still scared. [sobs]
He had come so far, with this one goal in mind, and now that the end was near he was going to chicken out because he did not have enough courage to ask for courage!
This popped into my head in a spiritual way today, as I come to terms with some of my own fears. The Bible talks a lot about having courage; and men and women who, despite their fears or weaknesses, obeyed courageously.
A dear friend (love you S.B.) recently told me that "courage is faith in the face of fear".
Is my faith stronger than my fears? Can I look beyond my weaknesses to God's strength? Am I willing to start down a path when even the first step is scary? Will I keep my eyes on Jesus long enough to walk on water? Do I trust that He will close the mouths of lions I encounter, or that the fiery furnaces I enter will not burn me? Can I pick and choose which promises/blessings I will claim as my own and which I will still doubt? Will I go all the way to obedience, or just close enough that it does not become hard?
KUTLESS has a great song on their new "It is Well" CD (available at the Bible House, of course).
The song is called What Faith Can Do and it talks about taking the small everyday steps of faith. You can view a video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7elxC8LXfzE
What was the last big stop on your faith journey? I would love to hear the story!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Root Root Root for the home team
I have not watched tv since May (or really missed it too much).
The only newspaper I have read recently is the local town one (and only occasionally).
Yes, I am more than a little out of many loops. Including sports.
It has come to my attention that the world series is going on - and even possibly ending tonight.
So...to all my dear friends in NY/NJ/PA who care about such things, let me just say....
LET'S GO YANKEES!!!!
win it all in your new stadium
wOOt wOOt
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
I'm tired
Yes, I'm tired. *sigh*
Not so much a physical tired, but more of a mental or emotional kind of tired.
Perhaps weary is a better word.
Ever have one of those days when there's so much on your mind and no answers to the questions/problems/maybes running around in your head? Then you know how I feel.
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
I have no solutions to my situations. God does and I'm sure they are very good ones. He only ever wants the best for me. Yet I still seem to waste time worrying and what-ifing and wallowing in self pity. What does that accomplish? NOTHING! No wonder I'm weary. Time to pray and enjoy God's peace.
Not so much a physical tired, but more of a mental or emotional kind of tired.
Perhaps weary is a better word.
Ever have one of those days when there's so much on your mind and no answers to the questions/problems/maybes running around in your head? Then you know how I feel.
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
I have no solutions to my situations. God does and I'm sure they are very good ones. He only ever wants the best for me. Yet I still seem to waste time worrying and what-ifing and wallowing in self pity. What does that accomplish? NOTHING! No wonder I'm weary. Time to pray and enjoy God's peace.
Monday, November 2, 2009
How Much is Enough?
Luke 12:48b says "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."
I heard a message in church last week that has been on my mind quite often since then. Pastor challenged us to ask God how we can use what He has given us a lot of. So I started thinking about what it was I had a lot of:
Money...Time...Clothes...Food...Love...Compassion...Talent...
How will I go about using these abundances to bless others?
Why do I still find myself craving MORE when I already have so much?
The thoughts hit me hard yesterday as I was packing up and feeling convicted by the visual reminder of just how much STUFF I have. Not that stuff is bad in and of itself, but my deisre to hold on to so much of it is not so good.
I was listening to music while I worked and this song came on. Very appropriate and I thank God for His timing. Sit still and listen to it. Reflect on the words. Will you let God be ENOUGH for you? Please pray that I do!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI9RIbaa87I&feature=related
(if this does not work as a link, copy and paste in your browser)
I heard a message in church last week that has been on my mind quite often since then. Pastor challenged us to ask God how we can use what He has given us a lot of. So I started thinking about what it was I had a lot of:
Money...Time...Clothes...Food...Love...Compassion...Talent...
How will I go about using these abundances to bless others?
Why do I still find myself craving MORE when I already have so much?
The thoughts hit me hard yesterday as I was packing up and feeling convicted by the visual reminder of just how much STUFF I have. Not that stuff is bad in and of itself, but my deisre to hold on to so much of it is not so good.
I was listening to music while I worked and this song came on. Very appropriate and I thank God for His timing. Sit still and listen to it. Reflect on the words. Will you let God be ENOUGH for you? Please pray that I do!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI9RIbaa87I&feature=related
(if this does not work as a link, copy and paste in your browser)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Happy NaBloPoMo
What exactly is NaBloPoMo? I asked myself the very same question just this morning when I read about it on a friend's blog. NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month! And since I have been recently reminded several times of my neglect of this blog (sorry, friends) I decided to jump on the bandwagon and commit to writing EVERY DAY this month. Who knows...the habit just may stick past the end of November. I would not start holding your breath just yet though ; )
October was filled with wonderful adventures here in Montana. I learned how to set and empty mouse traps and how to skin a deer. Both very practical skills to have.
We had about 4 feet of snow total so far, with some very warm days in-between. The snow looks absolutely beautiful on the mountains! We get quite a bit more here in the canyon than the center of town gets. Thankfully my car only got stuck once - on a camp road. Unfortunately, the early cold and snow meant that there was not much in the way of Fall foliage to enjoy. Not that they get a lot of pretty colors here anyway, but all there was this year was brown. Thanks to everyone who posted their East Coast Fall pictures on FB for me to enjoy!
We have had guests here almost every weekend, which is great. I enjoy planning menus (especially for the ladies) and doing their cooking. I am very blessed to have such great co-workers who jump in to help out with dish washing. I really could not do my job well at all without them, and we have fun together!
During the weeks I had the opportunity to take several day-trips for sightseeing. I have lots of pictures of the beauty of God's creation. Pictures only show a fraction of how amazing everything looked.
These two are from Yellowstone National Park (which is technically in Wyoming, but it still counts as a Montana adventure to me). The 1st one is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The 2nd one is Old Faithful in the middle of an eruption.
So now you are a little more caught up with my life. Tune in tomorrow for more!
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