There is so much to be thankful for again this year. Having a family that loves to gather around the table together and share a good meal, play games together and remember good times. Another blessing we have this year is to add a couple of new family members to our table, namely Tobias Leoard and Caroline "Cookie". A first Thanksgiving for both of them.
From our family to yours we are wishing you a most Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday !
Friday, November 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Halloween
In my opinion I believe Halloween is an opportunity:
1) 300 little people are coming to our house - an opportunity to spread the light of Jesus Christ.
2) We encourage a positive experience - an opportunity to love rather than condemn.
3) I love giving away treats to beggars - an opportunity to be generous to neighbors and strangers.
4) Seeing my neighborhood come alive with so many people is electrifying - an opportunity to embrace life.
5) My grandkids love coming to our house for trick or treat night and help hand out goodies - an opportunity to teach.
6) Give the best treat bags with a life message or invitation to church - an opportunity to invite.
Hank Hanegraaff (the Bible Answer man) says:
"...Halloween represents not just satanic oppression but a strategic opportunity."
read his article:
http://www.equip.org/articles/halloween-for-christians-oppression-or-opportunity
I was glad to also read a repost by Tony Morgan:
http://tonymorganlive.com/2010/10/17/8-reasons-why-im-a-fan-of-halloween/
"..Make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:4-6
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4:4-6&version=NIV
1) 300 little people are coming to our house - an opportunity to spread the light of Jesus Christ.
2) We encourage a positive experience - an opportunity to love rather than condemn.
3) I love giving away treats to beggars - an opportunity to be generous to neighbors and strangers.
4) Seeing my neighborhood come alive with so many people is electrifying - an opportunity to embrace life.
5) My grandkids love coming to our house for trick or treat night and help hand out goodies - an opportunity to teach.
6) Give the best treat bags with a life message or invitation to church - an opportunity to invite.
Hank Hanegraaff (the Bible Answer man) says:
"...Halloween represents not just satanic oppression but a strategic opportunity."
read his article:
http://www.equip.org/articles/halloween-for-christians-oppression-or-opportunity
I was glad to also read a repost by Tony Morgan:
http://tonymorganlive.com/2010/10/17/8-reasons-why-im-a-fan-of-halloween/
"..Make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:4-6
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4:4-6&version=NIV
Monday, October 18, 2010
Prayer
Today we were challenged in SWAT (Staff working as a team) by our lead pastor, Dwight Mason, to confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops. James 5:16-18 NLT
As we met in groups and confessed to one another true prayer could be participated in around each table. Even a church staff can find it challenging to confess to each other their sins, admit their weaknesses and miss an opportunity to be authentic. We can gather and "chit chat" and talk about surface things and go through the motions of praying for each other.
I was challenged in our time this morning to revisit those disciplines that contribute to an earnest prayer life. I want to live a life that produces great power and wonderful results. I know it doesn't happen by the work of my hands but rather the bending of my knees. Giving private time to God must remain a priority if I want to change my story and change the world.
As we met in groups and confessed to one another true prayer could be participated in around each table. Even a church staff can find it challenging to confess to each other their sins, admit their weaknesses and miss an opportunity to be authentic. We can gather and "chit chat" and talk about surface things and go through the motions of praying for each other.
I was challenged in our time this morning to revisit those disciplines that contribute to an earnest prayer life. I want to live a life that produces great power and wonderful results. I know it doesn't happen by the work of my hands but rather the bending of my knees. Giving private time to God must remain a priority if I want to change my story and change the world.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Not sure about blogging anymore...
Reading my last post was funny...because the time passing really picked up speed. I can hardly believe the time between my last post and this one.
Here's the "skinny" of what's happened since the last blog and my recent thoughts about blogging.
In February, my husband Len and I went on a mission trip to Egypt for the first time together. We went with 6 other awesome people. We then connected with 5 more team members in Egypt. It was an amazing trip. Our team became like family to each other and we loved meeting together. We miss each other. We miss our Egyptian family and friends.
When we returned Len and I continued talking with three young women we met while there in Egypt. Two of them had accepted my invitation to be our translators. I had met them 2-1/2 years ago through Facebook when I prayed for them as they suffered the unexpected death of their father. In Egypt it's a very very difficult thing to be without your father, he is their mediator and protector. Len and I became their parents with the approval of Isis, their mother. She is a wonderful and gracious woman and shares her daughter's love with us. One of the girls will be coming to spend 3-1/2 months with us to gain culture and work experience. We are looking forward to welcoming Cookie into our home. We love these girls and Isis very very much.
My daughter, Erica and her husband, are expecting their 2nd child and our 5th grandchild in early October. We are blessed abundantly by our grandchildren. They are the best and I love them so much.
Ok, so there's the "skinny" leaving a lot out but that's ok.
Now here's what I've been thinking about blogging: Is it really beneficial? Is it worth it to blog when there's Facebook, Twitter, emailing, and texting. Hey! What about old fashioned calling people on the phone to chat and what about scheduling time to sit down and have coffee or tea together? Remember time is flying by!
No doubt blogging has lost a priority and perhaps a discipline in my life.
I'm just wondering...do people still read blogs ?
or
Maybe..it's just become more like open journaling.
Here's the "skinny" of what's happened since the last blog and my recent thoughts about blogging.
In February, my husband Len and I went on a mission trip to Egypt for the first time together. We went with 6 other awesome people. We then connected with 5 more team members in Egypt. It was an amazing trip. Our team became like family to each other and we loved meeting together. We miss each other. We miss our Egyptian family and friends.
When we returned Len and I continued talking with three young women we met while there in Egypt. Two of them had accepted my invitation to be our translators. I had met them 2-1/2 years ago through Facebook when I prayed for them as they suffered the unexpected death of their father. In Egypt it's a very very difficult thing to be without your father, he is their mediator and protector. Len and I became their parents with the approval of Isis, their mother. She is a wonderful and gracious woman and shares her daughter's love with us. One of the girls will be coming to spend 3-1/2 months with us to gain culture and work experience. We are looking forward to welcoming Cookie into our home. We love these girls and Isis very very much.
My daughter, Erica and her husband, are expecting their 2nd child and our 5th grandchild in early October. We are blessed abundantly by our grandchildren. They are the best and I love them so much.
Ok, so there's the "skinny" leaving a lot out but that's ok.
Now here's what I've been thinking about blogging: Is it really beneficial? Is it worth it to blog when there's Facebook, Twitter, emailing, and texting. Hey! What about old fashioned calling people on the phone to chat and what about scheduling time to sit down and have coffee or tea together? Remember time is flying by!
No doubt blogging has lost a priority and perhaps a discipline in my life.
I'm just wondering...do people still read blogs ?
or
Maybe..it's just become more like open journaling.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
It's the end of the first month of 2010
Can you believe it !! One month into 2010. Do you feel like it is going to be a special year? Something you are anticipating...something's coming. Well, a couple of the women I meet with each week feel it too. I hope that it is a great year of personal growth in my life. I'm looking forward to it. Are you?
Let me know if you are anticipating a great year and what it is you are looking forward to.
Let me know if you are anticipating a great year and what it is you are looking forward to.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Time passes quickly - Hello Journal
It's too long since I last posted. How can this be? Time slips by and before you know it months pass. I am trying to journal everyday in order to recognize and appreciate the time I am blessed to enjoy life.
I have tried journaling on and off over the years but usually it fizzles after so many weeks. Since March, 2009 I challenged a couple of young women I was meeting with to journal along with me. It was that accountability that seemed to get me over the hump.
In leading people, as I have the privilege to do at NewPointe Community Church, I really sensed that I enjoy a freedom to pray and spend time with God, to begin a day fresh. It was something I was guilty of taking too lightly without great appreciation. I'm not brilliant nor the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to journaling. I rarely write down the events of the previous day. For me, I usually focus on what I am going to commit to God for the day. With that I might mention prayers, petitions, struggles, sins needing confessed, trust issues I have which I know God cares and wants to help me with. Sometimes I use my own format and sometimes I ramble.
Whatever you do in 2010 - try to write it down. It will be a special year for you to review the time you spent on earth.
The bottom line is every day just try and before you know it you will be like me. You will get over the hump.
I have tried journaling on and off over the years but usually it fizzles after so many weeks. Since March, 2009 I challenged a couple of young women I was meeting with to journal along with me. It was that accountability that seemed to get me over the hump.
In leading people, as I have the privilege to do at NewPointe Community Church, I really sensed that I enjoy a freedom to pray and spend time with God, to begin a day fresh. It was something I was guilty of taking too lightly without great appreciation. I'm not brilliant nor the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to journaling. I rarely write down the events of the previous day. For me, I usually focus on what I am going to commit to God for the day. With that I might mention prayers, petitions, struggles, sins needing confessed, trust issues I have which I know God cares and wants to help me with. Sometimes I use my own format and sometimes I ramble.
Whatever you do in 2010 - try to write it down. It will be a special year for you to review the time you spent on earth.
The bottom line is every day just try and before you know it you will be like me. You will get over the hump.
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