THOUGHTS IN THE AIR (aka cyberspace)

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?

2011-06-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought that? Or you ever thought "Why do good things happen to bad people?" Asaph did and recorded his thoughts in Psalm 73. It overwhelmed him. Ps. 73:2-3 "But I almost stopped believing; I had almost lost my faith because I was jealous of proud people. I saw wicked people doing well."

Asaph tried to live right. He tried to live the way God wanted him to but he saw the injustice of those not living for God; in fact, brag about it, getting by without any worries, no struggles, no cares. They didn't have the troubles like the rest of them or have problems like other people (vs.5). Asaph's view was understandable but something changed. He began to see it through different eyes. God's eyes. Vs. 16-17 "I tried to understand all this, but it was too hard for me to see until I went to the Temple of God. Then I understood what will happen to them." Asaph began to realize they would be destroyed by God because they did not follow God. So whatever you see here on earth. Whatever you think is fair and what is unfair, remember God has your back. He sees it all. He keeps score very well. What one sows, one will surely reap accordingly. God's word tells us we WILL have struggles, trials and tribulation here on earth. Those who struggle the most, Jesus said will be blessed the most. Asaph confesses "My body and my mind may become weak, but God is my strength. He is mine forever." (vs. 26)

Read the entire chapter of Psalm 73 for yourself by clicking here.

THERE'S GOT TO BE PROOF

2011-06-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

I've always felt and knew when one claims to be a Christian, there should be overwhelming proof that it is in fact, a true claim. I base this belief on what II Cor. 6:17 says "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclearn, And I will receive you." I believe a true Christian will live differently, participate in different activities, think differently. Their focus will be different. Their purpose will be different. I say this because this is exactly what happened in my life when I truly surrendered my life to Christ. I was a church girl, going through the motions, talking the talk but certainly not walking the walk.

I am amazed how people actually claim to be a Christian yet their lives reflect something entirely different. You may think I'm judging. Oh contrare...I'm just looking for proof. Their lives are far from God. Their's is lip service, which is generaly when it's convenient for them. Oh, how my life used to be the same. That thought grieves my spirit! And I am saddened for those I see and know well, who are playing the same game.

As I sit here and reflect on my own life, I feel much like Paul who said he was the chief sinner of all sinners. I fall so short. I feel I am the worst example of what a Christian should look like BUT...my strongest desire is to be a reflection of God. By far, the majority of what I do and think about revolves around God, fulfilling His purpose in my life, encouraging others to know God deeper and to have consistent devotion and service to God. Am I perfect? Ha! Just ask my husband and be prepared for a list of things that would prove I am not. I think he could and would also give you a list of things, knowing me better than anyone besides God, that would indicate my true heart's desire.

I mentioned II Cor. 6:17 earlier but I have recently come along another verse to support my belief which has prompted my writing this blog.

"Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God." Matthew 3:8, NLT

While we cannot look into the hearts of others, there SHOULD BE proof for us to see. You've heard the expression "if you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough proof to convict you?" Please evaluate your life as I close this post. Do you take your Christian walk seriously? Is your life truly a reflection of God's presence in your life OR do you blend in with the rest of the world? Your activities, how you spend your time? Do you need to make a new commitment? Or are you like me and realize you've never truly made that needed commitment to Christ? Do it today. Don't hesitate. Your eternity depends on it.

My greatest desire is that Jesus would be YOUR greatest desire.

FOLLOW UP

2011-05-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

This is a FOLLOW-UP on the How Can I Be Happy? post...A little while ago I spent a few minutes texting a friend who is going through a divorce. It's tough and brought up memories of how I felt back in 1985 when I found myself in similar circumstances. If you'll read my testimony on the "More About Me" page you'll see I wasted so many years not being happy. It was only after I finally. FINALLY. turned over my marital status to God. I had been single for almost 14 years so I figured that's the way it was going to be. God had other plans. I just needed to get out of the way so He could work in my life.

Jeremiah 17:7 says “Blessed (happy) are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”

The advice I gave my friend was consistent devotion and service. THAT'S how God becomes your hope and confidence. I think I'm pretty smart sometimes. :0) jk I'm just so glad I have realized what truly makes one happy.

Thank you, God, for being real in my life!

TEST

2011-05-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is a test post. I'm trying out something new.
So...how are YOU today? :o)

You've gotten this because you're an email subscriber. Thanks for doing that too, by the way.

I hope you're having an awesome day...if for no other reason than knowing God loves you so much! Keep that perspective and every day will be awesome.

Take care!!!

How Can I Be Happy?

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wow - let me know when you find the answer...just kidding, I actually already know the answer.

We're studying a David Jeremiah book in Sunday School called "God, I Need Some Answers." We all need answers, and I firmly believe God's Word is THE place to go for all our answers.

I love what King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 2:1-10. NLT "I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors."

Sounds like King Solomon thought it was all about him and would stop at nothing to ensure he got what he wanted and whatever made him happy. Solomon has an interesting opinion a few chapters further...He said in Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness. The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth – except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers.” NLT

Reminds me of the song “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places” It was in the movie URBAN COWBOY with John Travolta. That’s our problem…we’re always looking in the wrong places...for love AND for happiness.

One thing is certain - There is nothing this world has to offer that will bring lasting happiness. Interestingly, I recently received a blog update from Kevin Connell titled "Searching for Happiness." It had some good stuff. Click here to read it.

How can you be happy? It's really not very hard at all. Jeremiah 17:7 says “Blessed (happy) are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”

Put your trust, hope and confidence in God. Pretty simple. Just sayin'...

The Olivet Discourse

2011-03-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday, our SS lesson was on Mark 13. This chapter in Mark is known as The Olivet Discourse because Jesus was on the Mt. of Olives. I have been in church all my life, and I cannot remember ever having heard that term. Where have I been, I wonder??? Oh well...

Karen Farah taught the lesson, which offered several challenges; the main one being about The Tribulation. There are different opinions in "the church" whether we as Christians will have to experience the tribulation or whether we will be raptured out before it starts. Some believe, we will experience the first 3 1/2 years but will be taken out before the really bad stuff happens.

Chapter 13 is broken into six sections. It's quite the reading material. Here are the headings:
* Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
* The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age
* The Great Tribulation
* The Coming of the Son of Man
* The Parable of the Fig Tree
* No One Knows the Day or Hour

Karen was good to not disclose her opinion on what she thought about the Tribulation for us Christians. She challenged us to get in our Bibles, read commentaries, do a Google search, etc. and find out for ourselves what God's word says and ask God to show us what the truth is. We have no way of knowing what God's plans are completely on the matter but we should always be in God's word searching for ourselves and not sitting by, listening to what everyone else is saying without measuring it up to God's word and knowing what we believe. That should always be the case. Do some research...what does the Bible say about it? It's not always black and white but ask God to give you understanding and to show you what is true so you'll know what to process and what to throw out when you hear other's opinions.

Jesus gave three warnings: Take heed so you are not deceived (13:5 & 23); Do not quit (13:9); Watch and pray (13:33).

So what DO YOU believe about the Tribulation: Pre, Mid or Post? Be prepared to explain why when you decide. You can read Mark 13 HERE at www.Biblegateway.com.

WHAT'S YOUR CHOICE?

2011-03-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT

Can I just say WOW?!!!! When I saw this verse last week on Bible Gateway as Verse of the Day, it jumped off the page at me and was so full, I thought. So I will break it down - briefly - so you'll know what I thought was so awesome. Here we go...

* The Lord your God: He is MY God. He loves me. He sent His son to die for me. He's preparing a place for me in heaven. He provides for me. He cares for me. He watches me. I could go on and on but HE IS MY GOD!! I am very thankful.

* Your God is indeed God: It's true. I worship the one true, living God. He's been God since before the beginning of time, and He will always be.

* He is the faithful God: God is always faithful. He never lets me down. I may not always understand His ways because His ways are not my ways but He's never gone back on His word. The Bible is full of His promises and He has kept every single one of them.

* He keeps His covenant for a thousand generations: I just said He's never lied but He will always keep His covenant...for a thousand generations? Longer than I can count, for sure.

* Lavishes His unfailing love on those who love Him: I am very loved. I remember after I'd been divorced many years ago, I knew God would help me through it but I also remember thinking "Lord, I hope it's soon." I did get through it and saw Him work in my life in amazing ways. Over. And over. And over. I've been happily married and blessed to have Terry in my life for over 10 years. Oh yeah! God is good to me, even though I am very undeserving.

* On those who love Him and obey His commandments: Some people only want to talk about God being a loving God and He is. His love is unconditional, no matter what I've done. His love is available but His forgiveness is not automatic. There is a stipulation. We have to love Him and obey His commandments as the verse says. My mother told me recently about a lady she knows who says she doesn't believe God will send her teenage grandchildren to hell. I'm sorry but she obviously has not read the Bible because His word is clear. There is life eternal in heaven if you've trusted Jesus as your savior and asked Him to forgive your sins. There is also life eternal in hell because you've rejected Him and not accepted His gift of love and forgiveness.

Life eternal in heaven is for everyone but not everyone accepts. The choice is our's. What decision are you going with? The decision to give God control of your life or the decision to keep control? Oh, my friend...give God control. Let Him come into your life. Life will have hope, purpose and contentment. It is so worth it, and I am so grateful for His love.

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WHY COULDN'T THEY DO IT?

2011-03-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:23-29 NKJV

Jesus and his three have just come down off the mountain after Jesus' transfiguration to find his other disciples unable to cast out a demon. Earlier in chapter 6 we see that Jesus had given them the power to do so and sent them out two-by-two. So what's the problem? Why couldn't they do it? Jesus gave them the answer in vs. 29. They had failed to prepare spiritually. They had not prayed or fasted. Jesus said there was no way to cast out that kind of demon without it.

They had done battle with Satan and had failed to accomplish what was needed because they could not tap into the power Jesus had given them. We are just like them. Literally every day we do battle with Satan. He is always out to get us, to make us fail, to get us distracted by life, to get us off track from accomplishing what God wants us to do. We go in and out of every day without spending time with God, without praying and without even fasting, if that's how he leads.

What are we thinking? Don't we know without God, we can do nothing. We have no power. Our abilitly to accomplish anything for God only comes from a special touch from him, and that only comes from spending time in his presense. Just sayin'...

I would love to spend time with you on a regular basis. If you would like, subscribe and receive email updates when I write a new post. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

PERSISTENCE CAN GET YOU HEALED

2011-03-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. Mark 10:46-52 (NLT)

Are you easy to give up or do you keep on going until you get what you want? Are you a push over or are you pushy?

Bartimaeus was not going to give up. He had a problem and knew Jesus was close. He was blind. Unless someone was going to help him get to where Jesus was, he had one chance, and this was it. Not being able to see, he wasn't sure exactly where Jesus was. All he knew to do was start yelling as loud as he could. He was getting on their nerves but was not going to give up. He just yelled louder. Result? Because of his faith, he was healed...immediately.

We say we have faith. We know we can hope. But do we really believe? Do we really trust God enough? We need to be like Bartimaeus. Keep yelling OR keep asking God. I'm trusting God to heal little Luke Akerstrom. Brandi and Magnus did not ask for this. Luke was a picture of health with a promising future. I am trusting God to do something BIG. When they have exhausted all there is to be done in the medial field and there seems to be no hope, I am asking God to do a miracle. Brandi and Magnus have been faithful and continue to give God the glory. God will continue to receive the glory! Keep the faith, Brandi and Magnus.

Read about Luke's story HERE.

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READY OR NOT?

2011-03-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

I don't know how to share the gospel. What if they ask me something I don't know? I'll get embarrassed. I don't want to offend anyone. They don't want to hear that.

We can really come up with the excuses, can't we? I think my favorite excuse maker in the Bible is Moses. He said he wasn't a good speaker. God didn't really agree with him but he did give into Moses' request and allowed Aaron to go with him when he would see Pharoah.

I can understand Moses' reservation. With his background and connection to Pharoah and the fact that the entire nation of Israel was in slavery, it was a mighty big task to go before him and demand he let them go. Of course, I'm processing that with my very limited human way of thinking, mind you. Had Moses been doing it on his own, and I'm not talking about Aaron, the task would have been insurmountable, for sure. But Moses carried it out. God is always able.

So! 1 Peter 3:15 says we should always be ready. Always be ready to explain our hope. As Christians we certainly have reason to hope. Actually, because of what Christ did on the cross,we have more than hope. We have a guarantee because Christ defeated death. If we worship Christ as Lord, the guarantee is ours. Why wouldn't we be ready to share what Christ did for us? Why wouldn't we? Really!

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CONFIRMATION

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them. Mark 9:2-8 NLT

The disciples have seen a great deal from Jesus and have heard him teach. They had followed him at his request. We see times of great faith and belief and a few verses later, we see ignorance and lack of understanding. Jesus often would choose his specail three to go with him. They saw and heard things the other disciples were not privy to. God must have thought they needed some reassurance. While on the mountain top there is a huge change in Jesus' outward appearance. We see in just a moment that it's a result of being in the presence of God. He acknowleges and confirms Jesus is who he said he is.

Note to self...I'm a believer. I trust Jesus with my eternity. I've received Him in my heart. He changed my life. Because He gave me the Holy Spirit to help me live out this Christian life, I have also been in the presence of God. They are part of each other. Just like Jesus, shouldn't there be an outward change as a result of what happened inside my heart?

If people around us cannot see evidence of a change in our lives, there is something greatly wrong with our experience. We need to be telling people about how our lives were changed but most importantly our lives should show evidence of the great change that happened inside. Just sayin'...

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WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?

2011-03-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.” Mark 8:27-29 NLT

Jesus asked the disciples who people were saying He was. There were a couple different opinions but Jesus went on to ask who THEY said he was. Jesus was really interested in the opinion of his disciples. Afterall, he'd been pouring his life into them. They'd seen him heal the sick, cast out demons and perform all kinds of miracles. They'd heard him teach. They'd had private conversations with him where he would explain his parables. Peter quickly responds and declares his faith in Jesus. "You are the Messiah (the one we've been waiting for)." Matt. 16:16 records his declaration a bit differently, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Just as there were different opinions about Jesus then, there are just as many varying opinions about Jesus today. BUT there is only one right answer, and Peter gave it. Jesus is THE Christ, the Son of the living God.

So who DO you say Jesus is? More importantly, what does your life say about who Jesus is? Talk is cheap. How you live your life, the choices you make, your priorities - that really speaks about who you say Jesus is. Just sayin'...

ORDINARY PEOPLE

2011-03-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits...So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil." Mark 6:6b-7, 12-13

We've been studying the book of Mark in our Sunday School class. We often take familiar verses for granted but each week I've taught there has been at least one thing that spoke to me specifically. I'll be writing about some of those.

In the verses above what was so special about these men, his chosen disciples? Nothing really. Think about the men mentioned in the Bible...fishermen, tent makers. What was special about Moses? He said he couldn't speak well but God used him to free the Israelites from Egypt. What was special about Noah? He'd never seen rain. Didn't know what God was talking about but he built the ark, just as God had instructed and saved his family to be the next generation after the flood. What was special about Joseph or David? They were nothing but shepherd boys. One was hated by his brothers but used to save his people when there was a famine. One became a king and was guilty of adultery and murder but was said to be "a man after God's own heart."

The only thing I can figure was special about these men AND the disciples was their willingness to be obedient to God's instructions. As soon as Jesus called the disciples, they obeyed. They immediately left and followed.

Is there anything special about you? If you're like me you would say "for sure NO!!" But God wants to use you and me...just ordinary people. One thing that is most definite is when God calls you, He will equip you with everything needed to accomplish His task. So...it's perfectly fine to be "just" ordinary. God likes it that way. Just sayin'...

Ever Been Under a Cloud?

2011-02-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

I received my normal email yesterday from Stephanie Shott's blog. She was doing a little bit of cyber space PR, as she called it, and mentioning some of her favorite blogs. As I'm scrolling down the list, I SEE MY NAME. WHAT?!?!?! I haven't written anything in quite some time. (Maybe a hint from her, I think! Hmmm!) So I looked at my blog...my goodness, it's been a month already. Where does time go?

I am not a "writer." I do not have an overwhelming desire or passion to write so unless I'm in the mood or have something special to share, I just don't write. But lately, I've just been under a cloud. Actually, as I said once - or maybe Stephanie did - I've been carrying my cloud with me. (Sigh) I think possibly I've let my cloud go back in the sky, and I'm no longer carrying it with me but it seems to still be hovering. I know what triggered it, and I've moved on for the most part but stuff is still bothering me. Something else comes up here and there. I'm not depressed. It's not anything like that. I need to make a change, and I know what it is. I'm tired of feeling like this. Just sayin'...

I will leave this with you. I read it yesterday in my daily email devotional from Life Application..."Those who follow God live differently from unbelievers and, in the end, will have far greater treasures in heaven. What the unbeliever gets may last a lifetime, if he is lucky. What you get from following God last forever."

I've thought about that. Ya know, there are a lot of people who confess to follow God but it makes you wonder when you look at how they live their life. What are their passions? What do they pursue? Talk is cheap BUT God does reward those who are truly following Him. He knows the difference. He sees beyond the words. He knows how we REALLY live.

What about you? Is God convinced with your life?

What Do You Do?

2011-01-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you need to hear from God or need to see Him work in a specific situation but you can't hear or see Him? How do you keep the faith that He cares about you or hears you? How do you believe that it will all work out?

Quote from one of my older blogs by another title (12/9/08): "I was going through a situation that I was having to wait on happening and was having a hard time being patient."

Fast forward to 2/24/09, same blog...
"Still having to wait on the same situation. Was it hard? Is it hard? Yes, very much so!! ... The situation may or may not turn out as I hope but I give it to God and know it's His situation. He will choose what's best, and I accept that."

It's not easy when we can't see any change. Does that mean God isn't working? I don't believe it means that at all. It just means we can't see it. It's hard to keep the faith, to stay positive.

I introduced you to a couple of favorite devotionals I receive each day via email. It just so happens today, the same two, used the same EXACT verse, Rev. 21:4. We'll look at it in just a moment. Sunday I received another great devotional. It's title was "God is at Work."

Here are a few things they had to say...
The Mind of God Toward You
There is never a time when you're not in His thoughts, never a time without grace, never a time when He turns away from any need you face.

There is never a time when you're not in His heart, never a time without love, never a time when you're not blessed with good things from above!
Excerpt from the devotional gift book Always Loved by Roy Lessin.

The verse that was used on both blogs today was Rev. 21:4 "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

From Our Daily Bread ~ Think of a land of no sorrow, Think of a land of no fears, Think of no death and no sickness ...Think of a land of no tears. —Anon.

Today, when you don't know if you can hang in there. Today, when you think life is harder than it should be. Today, when when there's no change. THIS IS WHAT YOU DO...Keep your eyes toward heaven. Believers in Christ - We have hope!! TYJ!!
I am so very thankful!

Pray for Luke

2011-01-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

If you follow me on FaceBook, hopefully you've seen mention of Luke, the little guy in my profile picture. Today is Friday, 1/21. Exactly three weeks ago, 12/31, Luke had around a 30 minute seizure and has been in the hospital ever since. Last year Luke use to come to Gophers, our 4-5 yr old program on Wednesday nights at Promise Land. He is so sweet, pleasant and gifted. I hated that he wouldn't be coming back this year. His parents have a blog where they are telling his story since his seizure. Click here to read about Luke's story. This is Luke (on the left) and his family. They are trusting God for His healing but I can tell you, it has really been hard on them. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE continue to pray for them. Pray for the doctors and hospital staff, that God will give them wisdom and will be able to find some answers.

God is using and will continue to use Luke and his family. In God's time. We are waiting for God's healing.

Never Did Figure It Out

2011-01-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why but today was one of those days where I felt on edge or agitated. Didn't know why or figure it out. Was it hormones? Did someone say something to set me off? I HAVE NO IDEA. During lunch, I logged on FaceBook real quick, and I saw where someone posted this awesome verse...

"Be Still and Know that I am GOD." Psalm 46:10

After I'd eaten lunch I went to the kitchen to wash my dish. As I stood there I wondered what my problem was and why I was feeling the way I was today. All of a sudden that verse came to my mind. It was like God was saying to me..."Relax! It's ok. I'm still God!" I stood there for a moment contemplating that idea, took a big breath, let out a sigh and breathed in His presence.

Some people think FaceBook is a waste of time. Probably 90% of the time, I try to post a verse, something from a devotional I just read, anything that can be encouraging. I have people tell me all the time how much they appreciate it so I know God uses it, which is my point and purpose. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! And now I was also encouraged. There have been other times as well. While I never did figure out what my problem was, I certainly did appreciate God putting that verse before my eyes like He did on FB.

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU

2011-01-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

Today I want to introduce you to a couple of devotionals I subscribe to. When I got involved with Twitter, I found there are a lot of people who are bloggers, and I subscribed to quite a few, to put it mildly. I was so excited to read what other people were writing. Of course, I was soon overwhelmed with all the emails and blogs to read. So...I unsubcribed to most of them. Some were Christian in nature. Some were about life in general. Some were about food or raising children. You name it. There is such a variety in the blogging world. I wish I had time or energy to read them all. People are interesting and are from all over the country, from all walks of life. Now that I look back and think about the ones I still subscribe to, I realized that a few of my favorites are devotionals that I was subscribing to before I got interested in blogs. I want to introduce you to a couple of them now.

Late April 2009 I went to the Just Give Me Jesus conference with Anne Graham Lotz, Billy Graham's daughter. That was my first exposure to Anne. I quickly subscribed to her daily devotional. She is an awesome writer but what I think I like most is her ability to share great truths from God's word in such a small number of words. Click here to sign up for her daily devotional.

Another favorite devotional is an oldie and a goodie. It's a very familiar and well-known devotional but we're use to seeing it in paper form. Somewhere along the way, they decided to go high tech and put it on-line. I'm talking about Our Daily Bread. You know the quarterly...small booklet full of daily devotionals? It's been around forever, I'm sure, but it is a wonderful devotional. I see the paper form on my mother's side table, as a matter of fact. Click here to check it out!

There are more. I have others. I'll share them with you another day, alright? Until then, look these over and start your day off with a few minutes focused on God and His word.

Just sayin'...

BE HAPPY

2011-01-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

I heard the following on the Hallmark movie channel the other day..."To be truly happy we need two things. Love and forgiveness."

Sounds good, I thought, but something was missing so I added the following comments and posted it on FaceBook: "First we need to RECEIVE God's love and forgiveness. Second we need to GIVE our love and forgiveness. Both parts are really necessary in order to be happy. Think about it." Well, I got 10 "likes" and 2 comments. One of the comments was "The definition of love is God." So true!

God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. John 3:16 CEV

Yes, God is the absolute definiton of love. There is no better example. But isn't it crazy that we would/could receive His love and forgiveness, and not extend the same to others? We recently did a study on forgiveness in our Sunday LifeGroups. I have to tell you, I believe it was one of the best studies we've ever done. A lot of people are holding on to unforgiveness, and it is affecting them in such negative ways. Ways they don't even recognize. They will never, ever be truly happy until they can forgive and extend love to those who have hurt, betrayed or disappointed them. I was recently tested with this thing called forgiveness. God quickly reminded me that I had no choice but to forgive. Had I not been willing to do that, my life would have drastically changed and with that change, much sadness would have followed. I actually think forgiveness is more for the person who needs to extend it than the one to whom it is extended. This should actually be about FREEDOM. Until we can extend love and forgiveness, we can never completely experience freedom in Christ.

Are you holding on to hurt and unforgiveness? Ask God to release you from that. Ask Him to free you from the chains of unforgiveness; then you will be truly happy.

Just sayin'...

GOD HEARS ME

2011-01-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Listen, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Protect my life, for I am faithful. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, Lord, for I call to You all day long. Bring joy to Your servant's life, since I set my hope on You, Lord. For You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love to all who call on You. LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. I call on You in the day of my distress,for You will answer me. Lord, there is no one like You among the gods,and there are no works like Yours. PSALM 86:1-8

We recently had a tragedy in our church family and there is a little guy who use to be in our 4-5 year old group on Wednesday nights at church who is battling meningitis. It's been a sad couple of weeks, ending 2010 and starting 2011. What about for you? I need these verses, and I'm so glad I can call on God and know He hears my cry.