Those attending NewPointe Community Church have been invited to be a part of the 28 day fast leading up to Easter Sunday. If you click on the NPCC link it will take you to the fasting and prayer guidelines. I hope you want to participate. I hope you want to grow and discover the plans that God has for your life.
Today I had been thinking about what I was going to give up for this fast. Although I'm fasting every Monday I wanted to be able to also make another sacrifice. It was really too late to give up any particular food. We had just returned from my grandson Joshua's birthday party and well ... what can I say Josh did real good in picking his birthday meal.
Upon arriving at home I really wanted to take some time and play Dr. Mario with Len. I thought out loud "Hey, that's what I can give up...Dr. Mario." My son-in-law, Aaron, had just come into the house and heard me mention that and said "Well, why don't you give up FaceBook." He no sooner said it then I was like in my mind "NO" ... "Ugghh, I don't want to be away from FaceBook for 28 days!" I said I'd have to think about that...but immediately, I knew by that internal response that would be the best sacrifice I could make. Aaron's pretty perceptive and he hit the nail right on the head.
Drat, you Aaron !! Your timing of coming in the house - too perfect. :-)
So, fb, I'll see you in 28 days. I'm going to take the fb application off my BB Storm and file it away. Remove the temptation. I'll still be on Yahoo if you want to check in with me.
I am looking forward to surrendering and yielding my life so I experience life change.
We all need it.
What are you giving up in preparation to be refreshed, renewed....changed ?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tearing it down so it can be rebuilt
Presently I'm doing a couple of book studies with two different groups of people with the book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness. We are just getting into chapters 3 & 4 dealing with pride. Dwight spoke on this part of the book on Monday at our SWAT (staff) meeting. He had given each of the staff this book as a gift at Christmas.
Today in a meeting with Lorrie, one of my apprentices in The ReignForest, she made a very good analogy. She talked about how swimmers have to get in shape for competition. For weeks before the competition they workout breaking down their muscle groups so that they can build them back up so they will be stronger.
When I look at it in the same way as an athlete does at building muscles it sure makes sense.
I don't like discovering pride in my life. I need the Holy Spirit to convict me of those pride issues so that God will draw near to me.
This process is difficult - change is difficult...but I can't continue the same way I am for where God wants me to go.
Today in a meeting with Lorrie, one of my apprentices in The ReignForest, she made a very good analogy. She talked about how swimmers have to get in shape for competition. For weeks before the competition they workout breaking down their muscle groups so that they can build them back up so they will be stronger.
When I look at it in the same way as an athlete does at building muscles it sure makes sense.
I don't like discovering pride in my life. I need the Holy Spirit to convict me of those pride issues so that God will draw near to me.
This process is difficult - change is difficult...but I can't continue the same way I am for where God wants me to go.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
NewPointe Community Church Staff and The 90 Day Challenge
Our staff at NewPointe is in yet another weight competition entitled THE 90 DAY CHALLENGE. We keep scorecards of points we accumulate for: pounds lost, walking, cardio, weights, drinking water 63> and vitamins. You also can lose points i.e., for eating junk food. Another twist is that it's possible to steal points from someone if you catch them eating junk food.
Here is an interesting part: kangaroo court can be held at SWAT meeting on Monday's. Yes, in front of your peers you can make the claim that you are not guilty.
This staff is quite competitive and we are having a lot of fun with it.
Drinking the water is one of the hardest parts for me! I'm gittin'er done!
Here is an interesting part: kangaroo court can be held at SWAT meeting on Monday's. Yes, in front of your peers you can make the claim that you are not guilty.
This staff is quite competitive and we are having a lot of fun with it.
Drinking the water is one of the hardest parts for me! I'm gittin'er done!
Friday, January 16, 2009
dayz fly by
here it is coming upon the end of another week. today i mentioned to amy, a volunteer in the reignforest, the longer i work in a day the more it seems i have to do. did you ever feel that way? well sometimes i forget - - ok, i may often forget, that i will never ever ever get it all done. that's my brave courageous statement for today. yes, for some of us who are more "structure oriented" we like to have everything done or try to. i can't really say i've accomplished that, but some days i feel i do better than others.
perhaps i'm feeling this way because i'm making time to work on relationships - you know they take a big chunk of time...well it could be. you know i don't think our enemy (you know horns, red cape..? wants us to take time to build relationships. however, i think GOD is very happy when we focus more on relationships then tasks. well now that makes me feel better. guess i'm on my way to a changed mindset about getting everything done.
now i'm off to bed...i can rest "with the undone of the day".
perhaps i'm feeling this way because i'm making time to work on relationships - you know they take a big chunk of time...well it could be. you know i don't think our enemy (you know horns, red cape..? wants us to take time to build relationships. however, i think GOD is very happy when we focus more on relationships then tasks. well now that makes me feel better. guess i'm on my way to a changed mindset about getting everything done.
now i'm off to bed...i can rest "with the undone of the day".
Friday, January 9, 2009
being stretched
i need "courage"... who was the character in the "wizard of oz" that needed courage... do you remember?
yeah, the lion, that's right. well, my pastor, dwight mason, last year all that man seemed to be asking for when i'd ask him how i could pray for him, would be to ask for three things one of which was that God would give him courage.
it seems like a crazy thing to ask for when your leader of a church that's over 2,500 people...who you'd believe to have had to arrive at this point with a lot of courage...well if you've gotten that far, one would think. well, perhaps, i don't know for sure, but perhaps, you just need so much more of it each year because the risks are bigger, the stakes are higher, the enemy is licking your heels more often. You just need more....so that's what you keep asking for.
yes, he is wise and strives for purity (i believe those are the other two).
this year i want to strive to exercise courage...do more for God, take risks, live on that edge, be real, be vulnerable, all these things are going to take a lot more courage than i had last year....all so I can be changed.
who wants to be the same as they were in 2008 .... that's so boring - come on let's live dangerously for God.
please pray for me to have courage. it could be that i come in contact with the one who needs to hear Jesus Christ loves you and He died so you can have eternal life.
yeah, the lion, that's right. well, my pastor, dwight mason, last year all that man seemed to be asking for when i'd ask him how i could pray for him, would be to ask for three things one of which was that God would give him courage.
it seems like a crazy thing to ask for when your leader of a church that's over 2,500 people...who you'd believe to have had to arrive at this point with a lot of courage...well if you've gotten that far, one would think. well, perhaps, i don't know for sure, but perhaps, you just need so much more of it each year because the risks are bigger, the stakes are higher, the enemy is licking your heels more often. You just need more....so that's what you keep asking for.
yes, he is wise and strives for purity (i believe those are the other two).
this year i want to strive to exercise courage...do more for God, take risks, live on that edge, be real, be vulnerable, all these things are going to take a lot more courage than i had last year....all so I can be changed.
who wants to be the same as they were in 2008 .... that's so boring - come on let's live dangerously for God.
please pray for me to have courage. it could be that i come in contact with the one who needs to hear Jesus Christ loves you and He died so you can have eternal life.
Monday, January 5, 2009
I love facebook. It's so easy to connect with people who have touched your life in various ways. There is a pitfall to it though...because it's so easy to jump from friend to friend, I find it easy - very easy to spend more time there than..say like writing on my blog.
It's not that I mean to ignore blogging, I just don't find it as connective as facebook. The one thing I do find here is that I can be more expressive which at times is either too rambling or struggling to express myself at what I'm experiencing.
So, all that to say this...I REALLY REALLY like facebook. If you don't have a facebook account, get it, but fair warning - it can be addictive.
It's not that I mean to ignore blogging, I just don't find it as connective as facebook. The one thing I do find here is that I can be more expressive which at times is either too rambling or struggling to express myself at what I'm experiencing.
So, all that to say this...I REALLY REALLY like facebook. If you don't have a facebook account, get it, but fair warning - it can be addictive.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A New Year
It was a most satisfying Christmas this year. We accomplished giving less gifts to each other this year and we focused more on appreciation of the day and what it means to us.
We had our annual New Year's Eve party with lots of appetizers and friends over. The time went by so fast with fixing sauerkraut balls together, eating, talking and laughing that before we knew it, it was time to watch the ball drop in Times Square, toast each other with our bubbly sparkling grape juice while ushering in the New Year.
So now with the holidays over and a new year before us my thoughts have turned to reflection of the past year and toward planning vacations, birthdays and family events...oh and of course making those New Year resolutions.
My number 1 resolution- it is to not be the same person I was last year. I know I can't personally accomplish this resolution in and of my own strength. It will take more time reading God's Word and meditating on it. It will take more prayer and submitting to the very likeness of Christ. It will take dying to self daily.
Happy New Year and may God Bless you as you pursue meeting your New Year's resolutions.
We had our annual New Year's Eve party with lots of appetizers and friends over. The time went by so fast with fixing sauerkraut balls together, eating, talking and laughing that before we knew it, it was time to watch the ball drop in Times Square, toast each other with our bubbly sparkling grape juice while ushering in the New Year.
So now with the holidays over and a new year before us my thoughts have turned to reflection of the past year and toward planning vacations, birthdays and family events...oh and of course making those New Year resolutions.
My number 1 resolution- it is to not be the same person I was last year. I know I can't personally accomplish this resolution in and of my own strength. It will take more time reading God's Word and meditating on it. It will take more prayer and submitting to the very likeness of Christ. It will take dying to self daily.
Happy New Year and may God Bless you as you pursue meeting your New Year's resolutions.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas Music Spectacular
Len and I went to see this musical at the Akron Civic Theatre. It was advertised as family friendly and it sure was. So refreshing. The variety and talent of the show was really impressive. We received tickets from Larry Wilgus, music director, of the production. During the show, Larry had some people talk about what they do each year as Christmas traditions, this was a nice engagement of the audience. He also had the audience sing a couple of times together and they did, it was very very nice. I told my son-in-law when we returned home that it would be a great tradition to start attending this as a family next year. Especially if the production takes place at NewPointe Community Church. I don't know if that will happen but I sure think it would be a great event for our community and our family.
The Akron Civic Theatre is really something to behold. WOW! They restored this place around 12 years ago and it's impressive. Len and I had been there in the early 90's to attend a Newsboys concert and the theatre was in need of repair. They sure did an outstanding job. The detailed architecture is worth making the trip up there.
After the show we while waiting for people to file out of the balcony we were surprised to see a couple of other NewPointer's, Dave & Miriam. We all were impressed with the ceiling, the constellation of stars imbedded in the ceiling and the moving clouds; lighting just the overall beauty of the place. I told Dave I really would like to do the sky like that in North Canopy in The ReignForest at NewPointe. He said he could do that. He had done something like this for another place. WOW, That would be sooo coool!!! I know our preschoolers, volunteers and guests would be in awe. And you know, there's nothing like the wonder of God's beautiful heavens, the work He did on the fourth day, to put you in awe of His majesty and handiwork. Cool beans!
Well, you still have a chance to see this show since it will be playing still on Sunday, December 14th. You won't regret making the trip up to Akron to take this in.
Oh, another cool thing Akron has going on is the outside ice skating rink. It sure was great to see all the families there having a good time in downtown Akron. It kind of makes me want to get out the old ice skates. It's been awhile but it's probably like riding a bike ... right? ha ha ha, Just to be safe I'd better strap a pillow on the backside if you know what I mean.
Enjoy the holidays.
The Akron Civic Theatre is really something to behold. WOW! They restored this place around 12 years ago and it's impressive. Len and I had been there in the early 90's to attend a Newsboys concert and the theatre was in need of repair. They sure did an outstanding job. The detailed architecture is worth making the trip up there.
After the show we while waiting for people to file out of the balcony we were surprised to see a couple of other NewPointer's, Dave & Miriam. We all were impressed with the ceiling, the constellation of stars imbedded in the ceiling and the moving clouds; lighting just the overall beauty of the place. I told Dave I really would like to do the sky like that in North Canopy in The ReignForest at NewPointe. He said he could do that. He had done something like this for another place. WOW, That would be sooo coool!!! I know our preschoolers, volunteers and guests would be in awe. And you know, there's nothing like the wonder of God's beautiful heavens, the work He did on the fourth day, to put you in awe of His majesty and handiwork. Cool beans!
Well, you still have a chance to see this show since it will be playing still on Sunday, December 14th. You won't regret making the trip up to Akron to take this in.
Oh, another cool thing Akron has going on is the outside ice skating rink. It sure was great to see all the families there having a good time in downtown Akron. It kind of makes me want to get out the old ice skates. It's been awhile but it's probably like riding a bike ... right? ha ha ha, Just to be safe I'd better strap a pillow on the backside if you know what I mean.
Enjoy the holidays.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Thinking about opportunities of conflict
Today I had a great opportunity to talk with a young mother about baby dedication, being new to the church she is just getting engaged with a small group and I was excited to hear about that. Discussing baby dedication always offers me a segway to serving opportunities.
How exciting it was to engage with her about the variety of serving options we have at NewPointe. Did you know that in The ReignForest we have serving opportunities that are only 35 minutes long or that a serving opportunity can be 2 or 3 times a year ? She was so excited to find out that she could get engaged in a lower commitment serve that has a big impact.
She also asked some specific questions about baby dedication about the questions we ask. Since her husband is not a believer or follower of Jesus Christ. I still encouraged her to have him attend the parent meeting. You see I believe this could be an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to stir a conflict or cause an opportunity for a conversation.
I am so fortunate to work with Kevin West who is a down-to-earth communicator, and explains well the questions we ask at the parents meeting for baby dedication. It takes courage to ask parents to wait to have their little ones dedicated and often that opens a different conversation or possibly conflict.
I don't believe that is a bad thing because 1) The Holy Spirit causes conflict within ourselves as he convicts us of sin 2) Without the conflict of the Holy Spirit we would not recognize our need of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.
This causes me to filter conflict through a biblical perspective.
Just thinkin' about: Do I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life to face conflict courageously so that life change is genuine? or Do I only want change when it accomodates my lifestyle or fits my viewpoint.
What are your thoughts about changes that take place in your life?
How exciting it was to engage with her about the variety of serving options we have at NewPointe. Did you know that in The ReignForest we have serving opportunities that are only 35 minutes long or that a serving opportunity can be 2 or 3 times a year ? She was so excited to find out that she could get engaged in a lower commitment serve that has a big impact.
She also asked some specific questions about baby dedication about the questions we ask. Since her husband is not a believer or follower of Jesus Christ. I still encouraged her to have him attend the parent meeting. You see I believe this could be an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to stir a conflict or cause an opportunity for a conversation.
I am so fortunate to work with Kevin West who is a down-to-earth communicator, and explains well the questions we ask at the parents meeting for baby dedication. It takes courage to ask parents to wait to have their little ones dedicated and often that opens a different conversation or possibly conflict.
I don't believe that is a bad thing because 1) The Holy Spirit causes conflict within ourselves as he convicts us of sin 2) Without the conflict of the Holy Spirit we would not recognize our need of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.
This causes me to filter conflict through a biblical perspective.
Just thinkin' about: Do I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life to face conflict courageously so that life change is genuine? or Do I only want change when it accomodates my lifestyle or fits my viewpoint.
What are your thoughts about changes that take place in your life?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving
Yesterday was a great day of feasting, if your able to enjoy the wonderful sights, smells. I wasn't enjoying it as much as I would have liked to. Unfortunately due to a virus I was on the downside of loving all the turkey smells, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, gravy and sides. Now that isn't to say I didn't have any of the wonderful delights. No, I'm not that strong, even thought I was under the constant call of the porcelain chamber.
Today however, I am feeling so much better and am truly enjoying some sweet leftovers.
May prayer for you is that you were able to enjoy a wonderful day of fellowship and thanksgiving with family, friends and that you enjoyed good food and good health.
Today however, I am feeling so much better and am truly enjoying some sweet leftovers.
May prayer for you is that you were able to enjoy a wonderful day of fellowship and thanksgiving with family, friends and that you enjoyed good food and good health.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A laid back day.
Today I took time to enjoy one of the most "laid back days" before the craziness of the holidays. I could have done so many chores today and kept myself busy preparing for the holidays. Sometimes though you must let yourself have a day of not being pushed by a schedule and just take the day off "guilt-free". That is probably one of the most challenging things to do. Driven people operating off of schedules and to do lists often don't experience downtimes without paying with a price of guilt.
I must say I enjoyed catnapping and leisure TV watching. I hope you can enjoy a day like this from time-to-time.
I must say I enjoyed catnapping and leisure TV watching. I hope you can enjoy a day like this from time-to-time.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Checking in
Wow, I'm finding it harder and harder to get back into "blog world". When I have time to surf or write, it's usually in facebook or on twitter. It just seems to be easier to check in and say what I'm doing quickly..and I absolutely love checking out other people's updates and looking at their photo albums.
Here's the skinny on what I'm reading and an update on book studies:
"Wild Goose Chase" continues, one more meeting. What a book, it's really awesome.
I started reading "The Power of the Rubberband" by Nancy Ortberg. Proving to be a good read.
I'm listening to a book when in transit entitled "Secret Believers" - excellent for missions
Lastly, in a book study with co-workers "Becoming a Person of Influence". I've read it before but am really gleaning a lot more through this study.
OK..so that's the easy stuff. Recently, my grand-daughter came to live with me along with her mommy, daddy is staying in Columbus until the house sales. So I have this great joy of picking up Charlotte 3-4 nights each week. My life schedule has really changed. She is so sweet though. Len (Big Papa) and I are very much enjoying her. Seeing her smile, making her laugh and comforting her (she's teething) as I dance with her, talk baby talk, be silly is not only good for her, it's good for me. The absolute best is that I get to pray over her and whisper in her ear that God made her, God loves her and Jesus wants to be her friend forever.
May God bless you. Don't forget that this truth is for you also.
Here's the skinny on what I'm reading and an update on book studies:
"Wild Goose Chase" continues, one more meeting. What a book, it's really awesome.
I started reading "The Power of the Rubberband" by Nancy Ortberg. Proving to be a good read.
I'm listening to a book when in transit entitled "Secret Believers" - excellent for missions
Lastly, in a book study with co-workers "Becoming a Person of Influence". I've read it before but am really gleaning a lot more through this study.
OK..so that's the easy stuff. Recently, my grand-daughter came to live with me along with her mommy, daddy is staying in Columbus until the house sales. So I have this great joy of picking up Charlotte 3-4 nights each week. My life schedule has really changed. She is so sweet though. Len (Big Papa) and I are very much enjoying her. Seeing her smile, making her laugh and comforting her (she's teething) as I dance with her, talk baby talk, be silly is not only good for her, it's good for me. The absolute best is that I get to pray over her and whisper in her ear that God made her, God loves her and Jesus wants to be her friend forever.
May God bless you. Don't forget that this truth is for you also.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Chicago
Two little girl's dream shopping trip at the American Girl store in Chicago. What a fun time.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Book Study
Len and I are doing this book study "Wild Goose Chase" written by Mark Batterson. In chapter Four titled "Eight Foot Ceilings", I came face-to-face with my regression to a childhood developmental problem. I'm pretty sure other adults face this but don't want to admit it. Mark is talking about God instructing Abraham to go out of his tent and look up at the stars in the sky. He was having his focus, attention, perspective redirected. It was clear that God wanted Abraham to unobscure his vision. As long as Abraham held on to his obscured vision it would keep God's promises from his sight. Mark refers to this as "undeveloped psychological capacity in children known as object permanence: out of sight, out of mind. We lose perspective when we lose sight of the promises of God."
I don't know about you, but I confess that I am guilty of object permanence. Yep, sometimes I forget just how big God is. I need to go stargazing and "get a grip" on how small I am. I need to stop putting Eight Foot Ceilings on what God can do in the world around me and wants to do an amazing work in me too.
This book is excellent. Mark says he has prayed for you even before you begin to read this book.
Hey thanks Mark for responding to my note in facebook and I'm glad my word pre-prayers earned a :-) with you. It's good to know your real small-just like me.
Pick it up, I think you'll like the insights God has given to him to share with us.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Unendurable endurance
Today in my one-on-one with my boss I expressed how over the past month I realized my test may have been one of endurance. It had been a long long time since I had faced such a time of depression and turmoil in my life. Somehow, Thank God-he uses times like these to draw me close to Him.
This place was familiar to me with it's sensation of spinning and spiraling. It was a place from the past-not a place I really wanted to visit again. For over 20 years, early on in my marriage, I had suffered with the life-draining beast of depression. At times it had gotten so bad that I thought I must be losing my mind. Turning to doctors and medication I would do different programs and prescriptions but they never seemed to be the answer for me.
People often try to encourage you with wisdom of their own or using God's Word to help "bring you to your senses". You know, "What have you got to be depressed about?" "You need to count your blessings." and on and on. All valid sayings, all justifiable things to do. But perhaps one should consider an option of just being supportive with offering to remember them in prayer, to simply sit by them, walk with them or just be a friend rather than focusing on trying to fix the person or their problem. You can never ever go wrong by remembering a person in your prayers.
This place where I was residing was what I refer to as "the funnel". Imagine yourself living life outside the funnel and all of a sudden you find yourself on a slick slanted surface swirling around and downward into a spiral and as you go lower and lower it gets darker and darker.
This is a dark, lonely, unfriendly place.
It's a place filled with imaginary conversations.
Tell me, is it realistically a place someone would purposely journey to?
I have not been able to blog about this because it's been difficult to understand what the struggle was all about. I'm pretty sure I most likely was suffering burnout. My energy level was so low that I didn't even have fumes to smell. One thing I knew I had to regain margin in my life, like my life depended on it ..because it really did.
So how is it turning around...I've experience some good margin over the past few weeks, setting time to be quiet, enjoy vigorous activity in nature and depending on God's ability to cover me with His wings of protection and teach me His secret of glory-strength endurance. Currently I'm counting more good days than bad ones. It's doesn't looke like it's going to be a 20 year event. Praise God!!
Thank you God for your ability to cover me, provide shelter and your faithful promise of armor and protection.
Psalm 91:4 (New Living Translation)
4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Colossians 1:10-12 (The Message)
9-12Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
My prayer for you today if you are in a dark place is to allow someone to walk beside you, sit with you or pray for you. Then endure the unendurable so you will find the glory-strength that only God can give.
Thanks for reading a little bit about my recent journey.
This place was familiar to me with it's sensation of spinning and spiraling. It was a place from the past-not a place I really wanted to visit again. For over 20 years, early on in my marriage, I had suffered with the life-draining beast of depression. At times it had gotten so bad that I thought I must be losing my mind. Turning to doctors and medication I would do different programs and prescriptions but they never seemed to be the answer for me.
People often try to encourage you with wisdom of their own or using God's Word to help "bring you to your senses". You know, "What have you got to be depressed about?" "You need to count your blessings." and on and on. All valid sayings, all justifiable things to do. But perhaps one should consider an option of just being supportive with offering to remember them in prayer, to simply sit by them, walk with them or just be a friend rather than focusing on trying to fix the person or their problem. You can never ever go wrong by remembering a person in your prayers.
This place where I was residing was what I refer to as "the funnel". Imagine yourself living life outside the funnel and all of a sudden you find yourself on a slick slanted surface swirling around and downward into a spiral and as you go lower and lower it gets darker and darker.
This is a dark, lonely, unfriendly place.
It's a place filled with imaginary conversations.
Tell me, is it realistically a place someone would purposely journey to?
I have not been able to blog about this because it's been difficult to understand what the struggle was all about. I'm pretty sure I most likely was suffering burnout. My energy level was so low that I didn't even have fumes to smell. One thing I knew I had to regain margin in my life, like my life depended on it ..because it really did.
So how is it turning around...I've experience some good margin over the past few weeks, setting time to be quiet, enjoy vigorous activity in nature and depending on God's ability to cover me with His wings of protection and teach me His secret of glory-strength endurance. Currently I'm counting more good days than bad ones. It's doesn't looke like it's going to be a 20 year event. Praise God!!
Thank you God for your ability to cover me, provide shelter and your faithful promise of armor and protection.
Psalm 91:4 (New Living Translation)
4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Colossians 1:10-12 (The Message)
9-12Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
My prayer for you today if you are in a dark place is to allow someone to walk beside you, sit with you or pray for you. Then endure the unendurable so you will find the glory-strength that only God can give.
Thanks for reading a little bit about my recent journey.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Quick Hello
Wow-it's been a long time..sorry. Lots has happened since the birth of my lovely little "peanut" Charlotte. (She's not a peanut anymore, but becoming a giant cashew.)
I was intensely involved in helping to prepare a team to go to Egypt to organize VBS for about 2,000 children and Sunday school teacher training for about 100 leaders. That took an immense portion of my time. Actually it seemed to own my life. It was an important investment. This is something I loved to do. I had hoped to catch up a little bit and blog while in Egypt but I did not have any time or connectability. When first landing in Cairo it looked like I had a window to connect but it was soon closed and then we traveled to Suhag/Akmeem in Upper Egypt, (seven hours south of Cairo by train) there definitely was not a moment when we had availability or access to the internet.
Hey, I've hit the ground running before but this has been a marathon. Don't you usually rest after one of those?
So...here I am finally back. I'll give you glimpses of the past 2-12/ months over the next week.
Thanks to all of you who have been checking and saying something to me about getting back...you are a great encouragement to me.
Coming soon - more pictures of the team and trip to Egypt.
Here is a picture of a couple of wonderful friends from Egypt.
Pastor Raulf, me, Dr. Hany.
I miss you guys !!
I was intensely involved in helping to prepare a team to go to Egypt to organize VBS for about 2,000 children and Sunday school teacher training for about 100 leaders. That took an immense portion of my time. Actually it seemed to own my life. It was an important investment. This is something I loved to do. I had hoped to catch up a little bit and blog while in Egypt but I did not have any time or connectability. When first landing in Cairo it looked like I had a window to connect but it was soon closed and then we traveled to Suhag/Akmeem in Upper Egypt, (seven hours south of Cairo by train) there definitely was not a moment when we had availability or access to the internet.
Hey, I've hit the ground running before but this has been a marathon. Don't you usually rest after one of those?
So...here I am finally back. I'll give you glimpses of the past 2-12/ months over the next week.
Thanks to all of you who have been checking and saying something to me about getting back...you are a great encouragement to me.
Coming soon - more pictures of the team and trip to Egypt.
Here is a picture of a couple of wonderful friends from Egypt.
Pastor Raulf, me, Dr. Hany.
I miss you guys !!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
A new addition to the Family
Yesterday morning my daughter, Erica, gave birth to our fourth grandchild. It was her first child and she did a marvelous job during the labor process. Her husband, Aaron, was a fantastic coach and was attentive to her every need.
Len and I were able to be in the birthing room when Charlotte arrived. We had never participated in the birthing process as spectators and it was a very special time. Dublin Methodist hospital is fantastic...it reminds you of a Hilton Hotel with it's serene atmosphere, Zen gardens with and state of the art capabilities.
Here's a couple of pictures.. 
"Thank you God for so many great blessings. One of which is the process of new life. We are grateful that we were able to witness the birth of our fourth grandchild and marvel at the wonder of your creation. We thank you for her health and for being with Erica during the labor process.
May her life and her parents lives be lived to bring glory and honor to God. Amen."
May her life and her parents lives be lived to bring glory and honor to God. Amen."The speed of God
I'm amazed - I shouldn't be, but I am.
At what? Well, how quickly God can bring things together. This week I watched an amazing transaction of trust and connectivity come together for this year's Impact Middle East VBS team travelling to Upper Egypt. You see, we have a very short time to prepare and become a "team". Normally this would be stressing me out - but it's not. I've given this over to God. This is definitely a God thing - WOW, I'm so glad that I've released control over to Him.
This team has some high goals - over 2,000 children in 6+ villages. In addition to modeling VBS we doing teacher training and equipping them with relevant curriculum in Arabic. Yep, it's in the process now, the translation is soon to begin.
It's going to be an amazing ride.
I've got to pinch myself - Is there anything better than watching the hand of God move to bring about His purposes.
WATCH FOR IT - His hand moving in lives causing lifechange
EXPECT IT - His glory will be revealed through lives changed
BE A PART OF IT - Take action get engaged by serving, praying and giving
***click here NewPointe.org so you too can personally experience lifechange.
Life is way cool when engaged for His glory.
At what? Well, how quickly God can bring things together. This week I watched an amazing transaction of trust and connectivity come together for this year's Impact Middle East VBS team travelling to Upper Egypt. You see, we have a very short time to prepare and become a "team". Normally this would be stressing me out - but it's not. I've given this over to God. This is definitely a God thing - WOW, I'm so glad that I've released control over to Him.
This team has some high goals - over 2,000 children in 6+ villages. In addition to modeling VBS we doing teacher training and equipping them with relevant curriculum in Arabic. Yep, it's in the process now, the translation is soon to begin.
The challenge to raise the funds with the $500 increase per ticket, the team needs to raise $17,000. This makes it even more interesting to see what God is going to do.
It's going to be an amazing ride.
I've got to pinch myself - Is there anything better than watching the hand of God move to bring about His purposes.
WATCH FOR IT - His hand moving in lives causing lifechange
EXPECT IT - His glory will be revealed through lives changed
BE A PART OF IT - Take action get engaged by serving, praying and giving
***click here NewPointe.org so you too can personally experience lifechange.
Life is way cool when engaged for His glory.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Grace
Tonight while working out at Super Fitness I got so energized by a book I am rereading and a song by Chris Tomlin that I was listening to on my ipod. The book, I've mentioned before is Captivated by Grace by Dr. David Jeremiah. I'm telling you the second time through I'm getting so much more out of it. It may be because I believe I've really grown a lot this year in my relationship with God and I'm doing a better job at listening to His "still voice".
Anyway, this book has helped increase my appreciation of grace by reminding me of the many benefits of grace that is provided through my friend and Savior Jesus Christ.
Here's what was getting my juices flowing so much until I had to start running on the treadmill....or I was going to get off of it and start dancing...that would have looked strange.
Here's what Dr. Jeremiah writes: "The grace-driven believer disciplines his passions as a military leader would discipline his troops. And what passions? Eating, sleeping, talking, playing. The Spirit of God will point you to the specific issues of your own life."
I see hope in discipline.
I'm learning that as I continue my plan with Thin & Healthy for eating and exercising. There is such a strong correlation between our spiritual journey and the discipline of taking care of our body.
The beginning of Titus 2:12 says "We should live soberly..." I always thought of that word in a negative way - Whoa, did I have that wrong...a good translation of the word would be "with self-control". Well, how do you take care of your body...yes, it must be soberly. And your relationship with God? Yes, soberly, so you can exercise sound mind and judgement in all your passions and desires.
Wow - this stuff is life changing.
Read the words of "His Grace Is Enough" by Chris Tomlin or go get it on iTunes
Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner's heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Great is Your love and justice
God You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me (x2)
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Your grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your grace is enough for me
God i see your grace is enough
I'm covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me
For me
Anyway, this book has helped increase my appreciation of grace by reminding me of the many benefits of grace that is provided through my friend and Savior Jesus Christ.
Here's what was getting my juices flowing so much until I had to start running on the treadmill....or I was going to get off of it and start dancing...that would have looked strange.
Here's what Dr. Jeremiah writes: "The grace-driven believer disciplines his passions as a military leader would discipline his troops. And what passions? Eating, sleeping, talking, playing. The Spirit of God will point you to the specific issues of your own life."
I see hope in discipline.
I'm learning that as I continue my plan with Thin & Healthy for eating and exercising. There is such a strong correlation between our spiritual journey and the discipline of taking care of our body.
The beginning of Titus 2:12 says "We should live soberly..." I always thought of that word in a negative way - Whoa, did I have that wrong...a good translation of the word would be "with self-control". Well, how do you take care of your body...yes, it must be soberly. And your relationship with God? Yes, soberly, so you can exercise sound mind and judgement in all your passions and desires.
Wow - this stuff is life changing.
Read the words of "His Grace Is Enough" by Chris Tomlin or go get it on iTunes
Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner's heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Great is Your love and justice
God You use the weak to lead the strong
You lead us in the song of Your salvation
And all Your people sing along
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me (x2)
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your promise Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Your grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your grace is enough for me
God i see your grace is enough
I'm covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me
For me
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