Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, March 14, 2011
Small faith in a Big God
Yesterday in The ReignForest at NewPointe Community Church I shared with the volunteers the truth of something Jesus told his disciples. From Mark 11:22 he simply said "Have faith in God". Often many Christians have faith in faith rather than faith in God. When facing trials, they agonize to attain moutain-size faith. But Jesus taught that faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient, if planted in the soil of God's greatness.
What is your mountain today? As soon as you plant your mustard seed of faith in God, your mountain becomes His responsibility-and you can rest in His faithfulness.
What is your mountain today? As soon as you plant your mustard seed of faith in God, your mountain becomes His responsibility-and you can rest in His faithfulness.
HAVE FAITH IN GOD - NOT FAITH IN FAITH
Dear God today I want to focus on how great you are. You care for each life on this planet and you care about each problem I am experiencing. You are not a God who is far away and distant. You want me to have a personal relationship with you. Today Father, I choose to practice using my mustard seed of faith in the soil of your greatness. In Exodus 34:5-7 I find the traits of your character which helps me focus on your greatness. Great is your compassion, grace, slowness to anger, love, faithfulness and forgivenss. Thank you as I choose to see your greatness today. Amen.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving
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 !
From our family to yours we are wishing you a most Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday !
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.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
But baby, it's cold outside
This week was the initiation in Ohio that "brrr...winter is here". Ice storms hitting on Sunday's are always a challenge,
For some, it will keep them coming out to church, for others, nothing short of shutting the doors will keep them from church. What drives you in situations like that? Are you concerned for your own safety being on the road or is it that comfort zone? Whatever your position is, you still have the opportunity to draw close to God today. Don't let the day slip away without coming close to the One who loved you first and who loves you the most.
If your at our Millersburg campus, hope to see you there.
Stay warm, stay dry, be blessed.
For some, it will keep them coming out to church, for others, nothing short of shutting the doors will keep them from church. What drives you in situations like that? Are you concerned for your own safety being on the road or is it that comfort zone? Whatever your position is, you still have the opportunity to draw close to God today. Don't let the day slip away without coming close to the One who loved you first and who loves you the most.
If your at our Millersburg campus, hope to see you there.
Stay warm, stay dry, be blessed.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A kid story
Here's a story from this past Sunday in The ReignForest.
A little girl comes in with her mom for the first time. She is not happy, she doesn't want to be here (unusual for us to hear that). She crosses her arms stomps her feet, puts out her lip and says, while crying, I want to go back to my old church. Her mom tries to calm her but she can't. The little girl takes her name tag off crumples it and throws it to the ground. I gently encourage the mom and daughter out of the hallway and into an empty room. She continues her verbal outrage at being at this church. Within a minute I encourage mom that she will be alright and to go ahead and go. Mom, very wisely, quickly exits the room. The little girl is now crying loudly and stomping and verbally telling me "I want my mom and I want her now!!!" After quite a few questions about playing with this toy or the sandbox I ask her if she attends preschool. She says she does. She attends "StrLt". Really, I tell her, that is where my granddaughter goes. Her eyes get big and she says that "She's my friend." Really I say, well you know she just came in 5 minutes ago and is in Canopy right now. Would you like to go sit with her?" No! she says. Ok, well maybe you would like to go peek at her through the window. She's alright with that and she sees my grand-daughter but still does not want to go in. I tell her that's ok we can wait out here for her. In just a few minutes my grand-daughter comes out holding the rope with her little table friends. The little girl beside me says "Hello T...." My grand-daughter just looks at her like Who are you? Great I think to myself...this might not work. We follow my grand-daughter to her room and I ask the little girl, "would you like to wear your name badge so they will know who you are?" She takes it from my hand and sticks it on her dress, walks in and sits down at the table beside my grand-daughter. I know there was Angels singing "Alleluia" at that moment. Somedays there are situations where even the angels must hold their breath wondering who is stronger, the grown-up or the child.
A little girl comes in with her mom for the first time. She is not happy, she doesn't want to be here (unusual for us to hear that). She crosses her arms stomps her feet, puts out her lip and says, while crying, I want to go back to my old church. Her mom tries to calm her but she can't. The little girl takes her name tag off crumples it and throws it to the ground. I gently encourage the mom and daughter out of the hallway and into an empty room. She continues her verbal outrage at being at this church. Within a minute I encourage mom that she will be alright and to go ahead and go. Mom, very wisely, quickly exits the room. The little girl is now crying loudly and stomping and verbally telling me "I want my mom and I want her now!!!" After quite a few questions about playing with this toy or the sandbox I ask her if she attends preschool. She says she does. She attends "StrLt". Really, I tell her, that is where my granddaughter goes. Her eyes get big and she says that "She's my friend." Really I say, well you know she just came in 5 minutes ago and is in Canopy right now. Would you like to go sit with her?" No! she says. Ok, well maybe you would like to go peek at her through the window. She's alright with that and she sees my grand-daughter but still does not want to go in. I tell her that's ok we can wait out here for her. In just a few minutes my grand-daughter comes out holding the rope with her little table friends. The little girl beside me says "Hello T...." My grand-daughter just looks at her like Who are you? Great I think to myself...this might not work. We follow my grand-daughter to her room and I ask the little girl, "would you like to wear your name badge so they will know who you are?" She takes it from my hand and sticks it on her dress, walks in and sits down at the table beside my grand-daughter. I know there was Angels singing "Alleluia" at that moment. Somedays there are situations where even the angels must hold their breath wondering who is stronger, the grown-up or the child.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Where Does Time Go?....ah to facebook
So many days have passed since I blogged. Why? two small letters fb ... yes, my friends I tell you there is so much that can take place on facebook that it leaves little time left to blog. I look forward to getting back to blog world...but not right now. Chat with you on fb friends.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Back in the saddle again
WOW-here I am back on the horse, the regular routine...well maybe not after yesterday's power outage that sent us out the emergency doors at a time when parents are picking up their kiddies. The good, the bad and the ugly: We didn't lose any little ones, it happened during parent pick-up time and the ugly is that we know our weak spots or what we need to work on....OK that's not really ugly is it ? Actually, I was very thankful for the opportunity to know how an emergency exiting would go. I was hugely, immensely thankful that no children were mis-matched or lost - that would have been worse than ugly (don't even want to go there).
Last week I was at Orange Conference in Atlanta, Ga. where we collectively (churches)focus on mobilizing the next generation. It was a time of rethinking and relearning as we look at relevant opportunities. We looked at leadership and how the younger generation is redefining their look of faith. It’s an opportunity to network, learn new ideas and share what works in our ministry areas. Finally our family ministry team has an opportunity to get to know each other and fellowship at a level that supersedes anything that could take place back home.
Thanks to all who support family ministry and allow us to get away to hone and craft our ministry skills so we can be better at what we do each week-end.
Not to us, but to YOU Lord be the glory.
Last week I was at Orange Conference in Atlanta, Ga. where we collectively (churches)focus on mobilizing the next generation. It was a time of rethinking and relearning as we look at relevant opportunities. We looked at leadership and how the younger generation is redefining their look of faith. It’s an opportunity to network, learn new ideas and share what works in our ministry areas. Finally our family ministry team has an opportunity to get to know each other and fellowship at a level that supersedes anything that could take place back home.
Thanks to all who support family ministry and allow us to get away to hone and craft our ministry skills so we can be better at what we do each week-end.
Not to us, but to YOU Lord be the glory.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Cleaning it up
Well the bug has bitten me and I hope this one hangs on for a few weeks. Yep, that Spring housecleaning bug got me.
I like the smell of Murphy's Oil Soap, Lysol disinfectant, Windex and the fresh flower, trees, grass breeze coming in through the windows. My biggest dilemna has been, time and the energy to make it happen.
Well, I think I have found someone to come along beside me and help me. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and seek help.
My task has been overwhelming me since my daughter, husband and grand-daughter moved in with Len and I. It's been going well relationally but sometimes the "stuff" (and a lot of it's my stuff) gets me bogged down and stifles me.
This past Tuesday I took a personal day off and with the help of a younger set of hands we set in motion "gittin' er done". What a difference.
I know that tomorrow we will make another significant breakthrough and it will continue. It gives me hope.
This change is going to be good!
Do you ever get overwhelmed by your housework?
Coming soon: Confessions of a Packrat
I like the smell of Murphy's Oil Soap, Lysol disinfectant, Windex and the fresh flower, trees, grass breeze coming in through the windows. My biggest dilemna has been, time and the energy to make it happen.
Well, I think I have found someone to come along beside me and help me. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and seek help.
My task has been overwhelming me since my daughter, husband and grand-daughter moved in with Len and I. It's been going well relationally but sometimes the "stuff" (and a lot of it's my stuff) gets me bogged down and stifles me.
This past Tuesday I took a personal day off and with the help of a younger set of hands we set in motion "gittin' er done". What a difference.
I know that tomorrow we will make another significant breakthrough and it will continue. It gives me hope.
This change is going to be good!
Do you ever get overwhelmed by your housework?
Coming soon: Confessions of a Packrat
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
He's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands
What an awesome Easter day. Our new series at NewPointe is so relevant. It's easy to forget with the downturn in the economy and everyday life ups and downs that God is in control. You can get too busy with life and miss the 7,000 promises in the Bible or forget to take time to realize that God does keep his Word and his promises. These promises can keep you balanced in the crazy times of life.
On Saturday night as I finished some preparations for Sunday I knew Easter was going to be a big "crazy" kind of day. We were kicking off a third service at 12:50 and we were expecting a big turnout...well it could be enough to keep you awake. I shared with my ReignForest volunteers in our Sunday morning huddletime the last item on my list which I made the night before.
#8 "Don't have a nervous breakdown - Trust God".
We all had a good laugh. I think they could relate. You wouldn't think you would have to be reminded that God is in control and you should just trust him, but at that moment when my mind wouldn't calm down...I really needed to act upon that confession. I was struggling with nerves and I needed to fess up and then affirm my action to "Trust God". After writing that last item and releasing my life to God, I went to sleep and slept well.
Easter attendance was 4,516. Almost 2,000 more than the previous year. Attendance in The ReignForest with just birth - 5 year olds 324 plus nearly a couple hundred volunteers.
Yep, I know who's in control and it's good to remember.
We can Trust God.
He is in control.
He's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands.
If it helps to remember it I'll write it down every day "Trust God".
On Saturday night as I finished some preparations for Sunday I knew Easter was going to be a big "crazy" kind of day. We were kicking off a third service at 12:50 and we were expecting a big turnout...well it could be enough to keep you awake. I shared with my ReignForest volunteers in our Sunday morning huddletime the last item on my list which I made the night before.
#8 "Don't have a nervous breakdown - Trust God".
We all had a good laugh. I think they could relate. You wouldn't think you would have to be reminded that God is in control and you should just trust him, but at that moment when my mind wouldn't calm down...I really needed to act upon that confession. I was struggling with nerves and I needed to fess up and then affirm my action to "Trust God". After writing that last item and releasing my life to God, I went to sleep and slept well.
Easter attendance was 4,516. Almost 2,000 more than the previous year. Attendance in The ReignForest with just birth - 5 year olds 324 plus nearly a couple hundred volunteers.
Yep, I know who's in control and it's good to remember.
We can Trust God.
He is in control.
He's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands.
If it helps to remember it I'll write it down every day "Trust God".
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Life in the fast lane
Have you ever felt like your life is like speeding down the fast lane of a highway? Sometimes it can be like that as a staff person here at NewPointe Community Church. This is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as you take time to exit at roadside rest areas. Those areas for me are my quiet times with God, spending time in reflecting on His Word and my life is being filtered through it. I hope that you are spending time getting off the rest exit if your life is similar to a busy highway right now.
Here's some verses that the Holy Spirit has brought to my remembrance:
Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:1-2
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Here's some verses that the Holy Spirit has brought to my remembrance:
Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:1-2
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Hit it on the head !
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 ?
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 ?
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.
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