Got Baggage?

When you go on a trip you pack up your luggage with everything that you will need while you are away. A lot of the times you end up packing more than you will ever need but if you are like me, I want to be prepared for anything! The term luggage came from the verb lug-that which needs to be lugged about. Baggage is normally just another word used for luggage-synonymously used in traveling. But if you look up the word baggage it also contains another definition-"something that encumbers your development or progress."

I have two train of thoughts when this picture came to my mind. One-we can become too comfortable with living here on earth and gathering as much "stuff" as we can. It will cause our focus to remain on ourselves and we will forget the purpose for which we are here-to share the gospel with those around us. 

Temporal things will pass-only what's done for eternity will last.

2 Corinthians 4:18

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Don't get me wrong-it isn't wrong to have money and nice things-but they can become "baggage" and can hold us back from serving the Lord effectively if our priorities aren't correct.

Matthew 19:24

 "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

1 Timothy 6:10

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

There are those that God has blessed with money and other wonderful earthly items and they are used for His ministry and glory-Praise the Lord! We all should strive to use whatever we have been given for God's service. Are we willing to give up what we have to the One who gave it to us in the first place?

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” 

― Jim Elliot

Luke 21:2-3

"And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:"

The other thought that I had was the way that the word is used in the comment-"Oh, that person has so much baggage". It is used a lot when talking about relationships. You know what? We all have baggage...we are all born sinners and we all make mistakes. Sometimes there are consequences that are far reaching and have lasting effects but thankfully, if you come to the cross and ask for forgiveness and turn from your sins, they are all covered under the blood. You can leave that baggage at the cross and Christ will help you as you learn to live to your fullest because of His grace, one day at a time.

When you Walk Through the Fire

It's so neat when God works in our own life and so encouraging when others share how God has worked in their lives as well. 

Because of social networking we are connected to a lot of people that otherwise we may not have contact with for years at a time. I love being able to keep in touch, to pray for needs and burdens that others have, and be able to rejoice when God answers!

We, as Christians, know that while we live here on earth we will go through trials.

Isaiah 43:2

"When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

But we know that God will not give us more than we can handle. I do believe though that the trials will be challenging though because in order to grow more like Christ we need to lean on Him through them all and learn from them.

My life verse is Job 23:10-"For He knows the way that I take, when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

No one wants to be put in a "fire". I don't' know anyone that says, "Bring on the next trial!"

But the only way that gold can be purified is to be put into the fire. We must go through to come out purer.

I am in awe of the aspect of God as the Refiner. I am thankful that He doesn't give up on me and continues to guide and direct me as I live one day at a time, through the fiery trials. And I continue to be amazed at what we become as we allow God to mold us and make us into who He wants us to be.

The Refiners Fire 

by Steve Green

"There burns a fire with sacred heat

White hot with holy flame

And all who dare pass through its blaze

Will not emerge the same

Some as bronze, and some as silver

Some as gold, then with great skill

All are hammered by their sufferings

On the anvil of His will.

The Refiner's fire

Has now become my souls desire

Purged and cleansed and purified

That the Lord be glorified

He is consuming my soul

Refining me, making me whole

No matter what I may lose

I choose the Refiner's fire.

I'm learning now to trust His touch

To crave the fire's embrace

For though my past with sin was etched

His mercies did erase

Each time His purging cleanses deeper

I'm not sure that I'll survive

Yet the strength in growing weaker

Keeps my hungry soul alive"

Where are your Roots?

Where are your roots? I'm sure at some point in your life you have been asked that question. Most of us can trace back our heritage quite a few generations. It can be fun and interesting to see where your family is traced back to nationality wise. There are some traditions that we carry on that have been passed down and we consider part of our "roots"-maybe a certain food served at specific holiday, or a special tradition carried on during Christmas.

So, if you are asked from the biblical standpoint-where are your roots, what would you say? Are you rooted and able to stand and defend your faith as you are living one day at a time?

 Roots are important for a tree. They stabilize and provide nutrition for the tree. If a tree has healthy roots it will allow the tree to grow. We should be rooted in Christ. If we allow Christ to rule our lives then we will strive to be rooted in the qualities that will produce fruit in our lives and help us grow more like Christ.

Ephesians 3:17

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,"

Colossians 2:7

"Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."

Roots must be nurtured and fed properly and they will develop. It reminds me of the parable of the seed. Christ talks about how the seed lands on different types of ground and the results are very different. It is the same in our lives. If we only take a cursory glance into God's Word once a month you will not grow. If we choose to live our lives OUR way then most likely you will live to please only self and not God. Only by being in the Word, praying, having fellowship with other believers, attending a bible believing church, and striving to become more like Christ will we establish strong roots that will allow us to produce fruit in our lives for Christ.

Luke 8:5-8

" A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold."

Don't be discouraged as roots don't take hold overnight. You must persevere and continue on. Once the roots have become grounded then you must nurture them so that they remain healthy. 

2 Peter 3:18

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."

Faster, Higher, Stronger

 

Last night the Olympics held their opening ceremonies in London and I captured this picture off of my television.

If you watched the entire ceremonies you may have heard this slogan...How High, How Far, how Fast in motion can we extend the very measure of who we can be...

The athletes that are participating have been honing their skills and working on their techniques for the last four years in hopes of earning a medal for their country.  As the countries file in on the March of the Nations each country is proud of who they are associated with...from carrying their nation's flag to their uniforms.

Are we as proud of our Christian heritage? Do we walk with other Christians proud of who we serve or do we try to walk as close to the world as possible? As we are living one day at a time we need to walk as Christ walked-sharing the gospel and making a difference-to those around us and in our own lives.

Matthew 5:14-16

 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
In order to be the best that we can be and do the most we can do we must train. Training takes perseverance and commitment and patience.

1 Corinthians 9:24
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."

Hebrews 12:1
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."
An athlete pushes themselves and asks...how much faster, how much higher, how much stronger can I be? We also can ask these questions of ourselves concerning any and all aspects or our lives knowing that the answer lies in Christ. We can be all of those things through Him.

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Progression

Tonight we took part in a progressive dinner...so much fun!

If you look up the definition of progression it says movement from one series to another-advancing from one thing to another. And that's exactly what we did-we moved from one house to another. At each house we enjoyed another course-all making up one delicious meal.

Appetizer and salad

Main-Baked potato bar

And Dessert!!

As Christians we should be progressing through life, living one day at a time. Progressing...moving forward...we should not allow our life to stagnate. Most of the time we know how that happens and what we can do to prevent it but knowing and doing are sometimes two very different things. As we travel through life we can become comfortable in our surroundings. We must remember that this world is only our temporary home. One day Christ will come for us and we will spend eternity worshiping Him.

We should progress in becoming more like Christ. Be in God's Word-reading and studying and learning as much as you can. Talk to the Lord-praise and worship Him in prayer.

Matthew 13:23
"But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

John 8:31
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;"
Don't be content to sit back and stay where you are in your Christian walk with Christ. Put Christ first. Don't focus on yourself.
1 Timothy 4:12

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Luke 9:23
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

Do you enjoy taking pictures? Do you post them around your home?  

Why do we take pictures? Why do we use the adage "a picture's worth a thousand words"?

The saying has been defined as a notion that a complex idea can be conveyed with a single still image.

You take a picture to have a memory. You can look back at that picture and it tells an entire story.

I love pictures!! I love to take pictures so that not only I but all of those that were with me can have a tangible memory.

My mind takes me a couple of different directions with this picture.

I love this verse:

Proverbs 25:11

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

What we say and how we say it can leave quite an impression. Some people are wonderful story tellers. When they tell a story they are descriptive in their words and you can "picture" it clearly in your mind. Christ was a wonderful story teller. He always had a large group of people that followed Him and listened to Him teach and preach. He shared a lot of different parables in the Bible.

Luke 15:1-10

"Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eateth with them.

 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

 And when he hath found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he comes home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calls her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."

As we live one day at a time and take pictures to help us remember the special events in our lives as well as some of the normal, mundane, repetitive events we should strive to live our lives in a way that if someone took a picture it would tell the story of redemption and love. We need to let Christ shine through us.

The Rock

Sometimes words are not adequate...

Sometimes the thoughts and feelings that are in your heart can not be articulated.

All of the time scripture can stand alone when words fail.

Psalm 18:46
"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!"

Sometimes situations are overwhelming and your soul seems to sink.

There is One who is stronger than me

Psalm 71:3
"Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress."

Psalm 18:2
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

I do not know what tomorrow will hold and today may seem dismal.

Matthew 6:34
"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

You can go to the Rock that is stronger than we are.

Psalm 40:2
"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

Do not fear or think that you are alone. God is always there. Let Him be your 

"Rock of Ages"

a hymn that was written in the 1700s by a man caught in a gorge during a storm and found a cleft in which to hide. Remember that the storm may rage around us-as long as we are here on earth there will always be a storm in someone's life. How we allow the storm to affect us will determine our testimony as we live one day at a time. We can hide in the Rock, God, and rest assured that He will protect us through the storm.

A rock is a mineral that is solid. The larger the rock the harder it is to move it.

Christ is the ultimate Rock. He cannot be moved. Rest in Him~

Nineteen years in the Blink of an Eye

Nineteen years ago today this little beauty was born into our little family as our firstborn child and daughter.

She was a joy. She would eat, sleep, smile and was so much fun!!

It was hard to believe when we celebrated her first birthday...

...and yet here we are celebrating her 19th birthday! And it seems as if those other pictures were just yesterday. Bethany has grown up into a beautiful young woman who loves the Lord and is following His will for her life. We are thrilled that we can quote 3 John 4:

" I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

The passage of time...as we get older it seems that time goes by faster.

Have you ever sat and thought about the Bible characters that we have read time and time again? What would Joseph say about the world today? I think he would have a plan that could over a certain number of years eliminate famine in a lot of our 3rd world countries. I think Solomon would make a wonderful supreme court justice. I believe Paul would be astounded at how quickly he could get from country to country and how his letters would be able to reach so many more people. So much has happened on earth since the first day that God breathed life into Adam and placed him and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

God has been present and has watched as we have all lived one day at a time and yet we are told in 

Psalm 90:4

"For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."

God has been, is, and always will be. He sees time differently than we do. I believe God has given us our time here on earth to worship Him and share the gospel with those around us. We may only have so many years here but those that have accepted Christ as their personal Savior will be able to spend an eternity in Heaven where Peter tells us...

2 Peter 3:8

"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." Time will not be the same nor will it matter.

We need to make the most of the time we are given here on earth. We are not promised tomorrow and we do not know when Christ will return. We only know that according to 1 Corinthians 15:52:

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!! We are so proud of you and thankful for the blessing you have been in our lives. Continue to live for Jesus and make the most of the life with which He has blessed you.

Always....

Psalm 100:4

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

Colossians 3:15

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

There are times in my life when it was or is easy to be thankful. I'm sure that you can list those times as well. We think about safe births or new jobs or safety in traveling. 

But there are times that all of us go through at some point in our lives that it would be difficult to be thankful.

Some have been touched by disease or tragedy or death.

And yet we have been told by God that as we live one day at a time, through the good or the bad, we need to be thankful. God allows us to go through both good and bad times. He never leaves us.

Isaiah 43:2

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

If you cannot come up with anything else then you can be thankful that through it all-GOD NEVER LEAVES YOU!

He doesn't give us more than we can handle. 

1 Corinthians 10:13

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Because of this I am so thankful!

When things look overwhelming or when we feel as if we can't go on, we need to stop and thank the Lord for what He has given us and ask Him to show us what He wants us to learn.

Coming Home

When I take a trip it's always exciting to get to the destination. You usually have picked the location because of family to visit or special sights you want to see. When vacation is over it's sometimes hard to pack up and leave but there is normally nothing as wonderful as coming home!

I think of our troops that leave their family and friends to go to other countries to protect our freedom. The reunions that take place when they "come home" are so touching and endearing. It's hard to be separated from our loved ones. Separation comes due to different reasons-trips, military, work, or school. Yet in most cases when these situations have come to an end each of those involved come home.

It makes me think about how at some point in our lives, if we are a christian, we all made the decision to "come home".

A song has been coming to my mind all day and I have been singing it and that it became today's post.

William Kirkpatrick who lived in the 1800s led music at Camp Revival meetings. He said that during one revival he noticed one of the soloists never stayed for the sermon. He started praying for him and the words to this hymn were written. He asked the man to sing it the next evening. The young man was so moved that he stayed for the entire meeting, heard the gospel, and went forward to accept Christ as his Savior.

"Coming home, coming home,

Nevermore to roam,

Open wide Thine arms of love,

Lord, I'm coming home.

I've wandered far away from God,

Now I'm coming home;

The paths of sin too long I've trod,

Lord, I'm coming home.

I've wasted many precious years,

Now I'm coming home;

I now repent with bitter tears,

Lord, I'm coming home.

I'm tired of sin and straying, Lord,

Now I'm coming home;

I'll trust Thy love, believe Thy Word,

Lord, I'm coming home.

My soul is sick, my heart is sore,

Now I'm coming home;

My strength renew, my hope restore,

Lord, I'm coming home.

My only hope, my only plea,

Now I'm coming home;

That Jesus died, and died for me.

Lord, I'm coming home.

I need His cleansing blood, I know,

Now I'm coming home;

O wash me whiter than the snow,

Lord, I'm coming home."

In the scheme of life, there isn't a better "coming home" trip than seeing someone accept Christ as their personal Savior. 

Christ shared a parable in Luke 15:11-32 on the prodigal son. It's all about coming home!

"And he said, A certain man had two sons:

 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found."

As Christians we are temporarily here on earth living one day at a time until our "journey" is complete and then we will be "coming home" to be forever with Christ in heaven. It will be the ultimate trip home and one in which we should want everyone to be able to participate. Take every opportunity and share the gospel with those you love and those who cross your path. I can't think of a better phrase than being able to tell someone that you are "coming home".

Choices

We each have choices to make every day of our life-(like which cupcake will I eat?) Sometimes we make them without even thinking about it. There are other choices that take deliberate thought on which one you will pick. You go to a restaurant, you have to choose which meal you will eat. You get up in the morning, you have to choose the outfit you will wear. 

Some choices may be easier to make-which route will you take to work-the one that is fastest. Other choices may be difficult to make depending on finances or preferences or availability.

When making an important choice in your life what factors did you consider when coming to the final decision. We may consider colleges or jobs or homes or mates. These are all choices. We may think about locations and price or responsibilities or compatibility. We can make bad or good, better, or best choices.

It may help to sit down and make a list of pros and cons for each choice. Other times you may just have to make a choice based on a "gut feeling" or experience. 

I'm sure that each of us would admit that at some point in our life we made a poor choice. Hopefully we learn from them and when we are given the opportunity to make another choice we don't repeat it.

There is a particular choice that everyone is given and how you choose will forever change your life.

Salvation is a gift offered by God to all of us. We must choose to take it though. We must admit we are sinners, turn from our sin, and ask Christ to be our Savior. If you choose salvation then you have chosen eternal life with Christ. It is the best choice to make. You can make a list: life with Christ or life without Him.

Romans 10:9

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

In today's world you will have to make a choice on which side you will stand. Will you defend your faith and stand for right or will you be quiet and let others influence you and those you come in contact with? It may be tough but it is well worth it-exactly how Joshua thought back in Bible time.

Joshua 24:15

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Psalm 25:12

"What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."

Be deliberate. Make choices for the best in your life. Choose Christ to be your Savior and then choose Him to be the One who will help you live your best one day at a time while still here on earth.

Half Full or Half Empty?

What was your first thought when you looked at this picture and read my title? Which one did you say? It's half full!! There are some of you that would have said half empty. There are two ways of looking at it and if you stopped to think about it-how you answer a question like that gives you an idea of your perspective on things-positive or negative. I look at the day and say-I still have half of a day to go-not well, half the day is over. People go on vacation and you might hear some of them say, "we only have -- days left." I love to say-"Wow!! We still have -- days left!"  How you look at situations or time will help your attitude toward them. If you are pessimistic then you will only find the negative and things will look dismal. But, if you are optimistic then you will find the positive and things will look hopeful. You may not realize you are always negative and just need a gentle reminder. No one wants to hang around with someone who is always a "negative Nelly".

As Christians we should strive to be optimistic. How can we do this? Or if we have the tendency to lean toward the pessimistic side then how can we change? Asking the Lord to help us and a lot of practice.

Psalm 5:3

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

Start in the morning as soon as you wake up. Start with prayer and thanking the Lord for a beautiful day. Even if it is cold, gray, and raining, God tells us to rejoice in it!

Psalm 118:24

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

We have HOPE. We don't have to "hope", we can know.

Psalm 43:5

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

God knows what is going on with each of us and He is always with us. We are not going through any of this alone and we can rest in that promise as we live one day at a time.

Take a moment to sit and think of where you are and what you are going through-from the optimistic viewpoint. Thank the Lord for whatever it is and dwell on some scripture that will encourage you. 

Colossians 3:15

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

O Give Thanks unto the Lord

I am so thankful that film was invented. Digital photography is a wonderful upgrade!

I love having pictures of family and friends all over my house.

 I love taking pictures. I love spending time with family and friends.  I  also love to spend time talking to God in prayer. Having pictures out where I see them often keeps them on my mind and I can pray for them.  I have been reading through the Bible and have come across scripture about prayer

Psalm 105:1

"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people."

Psalm 106:1

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."

Philippians 1:3

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,"

Psalm 55:16

"As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me."

Psalm 145:18

"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth."

I pray for family and friends as they come to my mind or as I talk with them or if I know that they are going through a difficult time. I also praise the Lord when something exciting happens in their life.

There are times in our lives that we go through trials and being able to talk to the Lord about it is comforting. God is always there. He never sleeps.

Psalm 121:3

"He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber."

We can talk to him at 11 in the morning or at 3 a.m. It doesn't matter. He never goes on vacation or takes the phone off the hook.

Family and friends will let us down at one time or another because we are only human. Thanks be to God for His unshakable character and His inability to sin! As we live one day at a time strive to spend more time in prayer and start off with thanking God for all the blessing He has given us. 

Psalm 9:1

"I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works."

I am thankful for my salvation and godly heritage that He blessed me with-2 parents that love the Lord and serve Him.

I am thankful for a wonderful christian husband who loves me, provides for our family, and is a wonderful father.

I am thankful for two children who have professed salvation at an early age and are growing up into wonderful adults. 

I am thankful for a great church-a godly pastor and family and a lot of great Christian friends to worship with on a weekly basis.

I am thankful for so many Christian friends to spend time with or talk to by phone or be able to keep in touch by letters.

I am thankful for a beautiful home and transportation and job...and the list goes on and on...

and then I know that I can pour out the burdens of my heart to Him as well-I can ask for forgiveness to clear the slate and restore the fellowship between God and I and then I am able to bring all my requests to Him.

Psalm 51:1-7

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

Take time to pray! And pray for your family and friends. It is one of the highest privileges to be able to pray for someone.

Too Busy to Pray?

Our lives are busy. We have a lot of things going on as we live one day at a time with our families and church and friends and jobs.

Ever look at your calendar and you feel as if you can't find a blank spot in the month? Sometimes I feel as if I'm pulled in two different directions at the same time. 

Tonight I was reminded of a couple of different things about busyness and my prayer life.

Jesus led a busy life. He was always teaching and preaching as well as healing and sharing with all of those He came in contact. And yet the busier He was the more time He took in prayer.

Luke 6:12

 "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."

Martin Luther said that the busier he got the more he needed to spend time in prayer.  We normally would think that the busier we are the less time we would have for God but it should be the opposite-we should spend more time with God. We are told in I Thessalonians 5 to pray without ceasing. It can be short prayers just asking God for wisdom or the right words to say before going into a situation.

We can rest assured that if we come to God and talk to Him, He will hear us and has promised to answer.

Jeremiah 33:2-3

"Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name;

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Christ was God and yet He took the time to pray. As I go from appointment to appointment or am involved in an event I want to be sure to take the time in the middle of the busyness (and at the beginning and the end of it) to spend some time with my Lord.  God is always there and willing to listen. He knows our burdens and want to carry them for us- I Peter 5:7-"Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you." Christ made us so that we would worship Him and want to fellowship with Him. Make a commitment to spend some time talking with God. Keep a prayer journal so that you can write down requests and be able to pray about them. It is also exciting to be able to go back and mark down the date that God answers them.

There are a lot of great hymns of the faith that have been written about prayer.

"Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;

This is my heart-cry day unto day;

I long to know Thy will and Thy way;

Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.

Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me,

Constant abiding, this is my plea;

Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,

  Power with men and power with Thee."

Sweet Hour of Prayer

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

That calls me from a world of care,

And bids me at my Father's throne

Make all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief,

My soul has often found relief,

And oft escaped the tempter's snare

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Oh that this may be a priority in our lives. We will only come away better for the sweet fellowship that we have had with Christ.

Only One Life

Genesis 2:7
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
God created us out of nothing more than dust. Amazing! Then He thought that we were important enough that He sent His Son to take all of our sins so that we can live with Him forever if we have accepted Him as our personal Savior.
John 3:16
" For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
If God made us and then had His Son give His own life for us don't you think that He considers us extremely important and special?!
God is the author of life. Where I am going next may be controversial for some people but it is what I believe based on God's Word and science. I am pro-life. I believe that life begins at conception.
Psalm 139:14-16

 "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."
Our town is fortunate enough to have a pregnancy center that can help girls make an educated decision and offer an alternative to abortion. I toured the office today and saw the ultrasound machine that was donated to the center. Four girls were able to hear their baby's heartbeat today-an amazing sound!! Babies are a miracle from God. I'm sure that as we live one day at a time we may at some point cross paths with someone who has had an abortion or it contemplating one. We should be there to encourage them and share Christ's love

I Promise!

Two words that should be hard to say and yet if they are said two words that should be followed through on no matter how difficult it may seem. Sometimes we say words flippantly. We may not think of how they will impact the person we say them to or how it may be impossible to follow through on.

A promise is a commitment to do or not do something. We are only humans, which means we are not perfect. We will not be able to follow through on every promise that is made. It should make us stop and think before we promise-weigh the results and how you can follow through-what it will take and if you are able to do it. We have all been disappointed or let down by someone who promised us something and then failed to follow through on that promise.

I think that a lot of times in the society that we live in, we don't take promises or vows seriously. Marriage is a serious commitment-you are making a promise to your spouse to be with them the rest of your life-through good or bad-yet it is so easy to get a divorce. Parents make promises to their children and yet they are human and sometimes let them down by going back on their word. It reminds me of a bible story in 

Judges 11:30-31,34-35

 "And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back."

His response was amazing. He didn't even think of going back on his word to the Lord. And her response to the situation is amazing too-it told me that she knew her father's character and we aren't told that she tries to talk him out of it.

Judges 11:36-39

"And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the Lord hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.

 And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.

And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.

And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed:"

There is one who never fails in His promises! God is one we can always depend on and trust and know that whatever He has said-He will follow through on.

A rainbow was given as a promise to Noah after the flood. God promised that he would never destroy the earth again by flood. I think of that promise each time I see a rainbow in the sky.

Genesis 9:12-16

 "And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:

And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."

God is God and He will do what He says!

Romans 4:21

"And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

As we live one day at a time, we need to watch our words-we should not be flippant in making promises. If we say we are going to do or not do something then we should commit to follow through, thus trying to be more like Christ in character. Make your word be worth it when it is spoken. Be one on whom others can depend.

Siblings!!

I have one brother. We are three years apart. When he was born I was so excited. I thought my mom had him just so I could have a live baby doll. As we grew up there were times that he was a royal pain but now we are best friends and I can't imagine not having him as my brother! I am so thankful for his love and concern and prayers. Even though we are 1200 miles apart we keep in touch and I wouldn't trade him for anyone else!

I now have 2 children (the top picture) and they are only 22 months apart. They got along really well when they were little. There were a few trials as we went through the teen years but now that my oldest has been off to college one year it is neat to see how well they get along.

The bottom two pictures are girls from our church that are siblings. I love watching them interact with each other. I know I don't see them 24/7 in their homes and I'm sure there is some rivalry but these sisters love each other and it shows.

This topic came to my mind because of the series that we are going through right now in church on Sunday nights. Our pastor has been preaching on the life of Joseph out of Genesis. He had eleven brothers. His father showed him favor and his brothers hated him.

Genesis 37:3-4

 "Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.

 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him."

His brothers hated him so much that they threw him in a pit and sold him. He led a very different and difficult life as we read about him working for Potiphar but then ending up in jail.

Genesis 39:1-4, 19-21

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.

 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.

 But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison."

But even when he was in jail the Lord used him and he eventually became second in command in Egypt and was the one who saved Israel from starvation during the seven year drought. Even through the anger of his brothers the Lord used it all for good in Joseph's life.

Genesis 45:4

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt,"

Genesis 50:20

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

Thankfully those brothers were able to reconcile and God used all the circumstances for good in the end.

There are times that if you have siblings they may annoy you but as we live one day at a time we need to love our siblings. We are not promised tomorrow and there may not be time to fix a broken relationship. Some of you may have siblings that you are estranged from or they may not be saved. Pray for them and ask the Lord to open the door for you to talk to them. There is nothing more wonderful in a family then to have siblings that enjoy each other and get along and love each other.

"To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time."

~Clara Ortega

Fish Camp Food!

Tonight we went to a new restaurant (new to us-it has been around awhile) in our area with some friends. It is Owens Fish Camp located in the artsy part of downtown Sarasota. It is a small restaurant that is an old house turned into a neat restaurant-Old Florida flair with great food!

The history of Fish Camps (you didn't think you could read this without a little history in it did you?!) goes back at least 50 years. Men would get together and fish all day catching catfish, perch, and carp. The young boys started joining their dads and at the end of the day a fish fry would follow. It was a great social event. There were many men that started their own restaurants out of a fish camp passion so that everyone could enjoy the taste of fish.

This little restaurant is tucked in a back lane off the main road. I might not have gone there except that a friend highly recommended it and she was right! The food was great!

As I think of an analogy about fishing in the Bible my mind immediately goes to when Christ chose His disciples. Some of them were fishermen. They may have been fishermen because it was their passion or it may have just been a career they chose because that was what their father had done. 

Mark 1:16-20

 "Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him."

Christ told them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men. A fisherman would provide food to feed people and take care of a human need. Christ wanted to teach them how to lead others to the saving knowledge of Him so that they would have eternal life-taking care of them from the spiritual need.

Matthew 4:19

"And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

When Christ approached some of the men like Andrew and Philip they in turn were so excited that they  went and found others to bring to Christ and share what they had heard!

 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John 1:41-45

"He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

When you hear something that is worth repeating you want to share with everyone around you. This is how we should be as we live our lives one day at a time here on earth-sharing the love of Jesus Christ! This is the best message ever told and it can fill your spiritual need!