tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74475829435932074122024-03-13T15:06:59.462-07:00Grace NotesFinding Grace in BabylonDJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-67516697310352602242017-10-17T07:09:00.002-07:002017-10-17T07:09:55.192-07:00ComfortThat's what I'm seeking. I am sorry now that I didn't keep up writing in this blog. The previous post I wrote 3 years ago. A lot has happened since then, and now I wish I had recorded it.<br />
<br />
I don't know why I decided to write today, I guess because when I am hurting it seems cathartic to write things down. So...here I am. I re-read the earlier posts and I'm amazed that they were actually helpful for me today. Those words I wrote about Eddie and Tyler are resounding in my ear, because I'm writing today about another young person who has touched my life who is lying in a hospital bed, waiting. While I continue to pray for healing (though in my head I've been told there is no hope of healing medically speaking) my heart is heavy. I believe the Lord can and does miraculous healing. I want him to with all my heart. But I've been down this road before. I refuse to be angry with God, though I truly question His ways.<br />
<br />
This time I am praying desperately because I know someone I love with all my heart is going to be devastated if this young person leaves this earth. My only child, my son, has found a lovely lady who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. I couldn't have found a more perfect mate for him if I tried. That's the beauty of God, His timing is perfect, and if we wait and pray for the right person, our lives are so much richer and more fulfilling. And so Ben waited. He didn't date all through High School. He has always had this knack of surrounding himself with good people, quality people, who help shape and mold him into the man he is today. A good man, like his Dad. A compassionate man, like his Dad. Kind and caring, like his Dad. (And when I waited for the perfect mate, I was given the same kind of man....God really does know best!) Katie has Cystic Fibrosis. She has battled this her whole life. She is brave, and thinks of others before herself. Even now, lying in a hospital bed, she cares that people are eating, where they are sleeping, and will pick herself up and carry on conversations even though I know she feels terrible and just wants to sleep, because she cares what they will remember when she is gone. I love Katie. She is the daughter-in-law I hoped for. One who loves Ben with all her heart. She is the one I prayed for....and God delivered. I don't understand why God would choose this path for Ben's heart to follow, but from experience I know that something positive will come from all this heartache. Whether it be that he grows in the direction God has planned, or he is being prepared to help someone else, I know that God's will is to prosper us and not to harm us. While I know this, it still hurts like crazy. I am close to tears all the time. But it doesn't mean I'm weak, or that I don't trust God. It only means that my heart hurts at the thought of this great loss. <br />
<br />
Katie's Mom and Dad are great with her. They are loving parents to her and their strength is amazing. I don't know how they are holding up so well while I sit here in a puddle of tears. I couldn't be so composed if she were my child. Please pray for them that they find comfort in The Lord while they go through this difficult time.<br />
<br />
So I'll end here with some verses the Lord gave me the other day. These have been and will be my prayer...<br />
<br />
“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.<br />
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.<br />
I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to
your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your
law is my delight.<br />
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have
put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the
night, that I may meditate on your promises.<br />
May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word.”<br /> Psalm 119:28, 50, 58, 76-77, 147-148, 169 NIV</div>
DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-90695197227624502792017-10-17T06:26:00.000-07:002017-10-17T06:26:21.829-07:00StrengthI had someone tell me today they wanted to be strong like me...honestly I don't see where that comes from because I don't see myself as strong. Where my perceived strength comes from is in the knowledge that I know where I'm one day going. It will be perfect, a true heaven, surrounded by a heavenly host and I will see Jesus. All that comes before that is just a pathway, a journey, a means to an end. I am not perfect. I am forgiven. And that, in itself, is a journey. It is something I choose to do on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. I choose to ask forgiveness, I choose to ask The Lord for refinement, I choose to seek His face, His grace, and His redemption. It doesn't mean I'm not going to slip up from time to time, because I am human and I will make mistakes...and often do. It's a process, and I am far from the end of my journey.<br />
<br />
I am His child, and because I am His child, I have freedom. Freedom to choose the right path, no matter what the circumstances. If I am in pain, sick or hurting, I choose the path of seeking His help. He comforts me, sometimes heals me, but always loves me. If I am angry, I choose to seek forgiveness, and He is faithful to forgive. Not only does He forgive, He forgets my sin!! I am once again clean, spotless, and white as snow. If I am confused, I seek His guidance, and once again, He is faithful to direct my path. With that freedom, we can (and I often do) make wrong choices. Hopefully, with time and practice, I will begin to make more right choices than wrong. Thankfully, He is a forgiving God!<br />
<br />
I choose to seek Him every day. This means reading His word. I have reading plans that I follow, but sometimes afterward I just choose a passage and start reading. I read until He gives me a passage that makes me think, gives me direction, encourages me, or reminds me of someone else. Then I write verses on Facebook as a reminder to me what He tells me that day. This also means praying. When I say I will pray for you, I do! Sometimes I write out my prayers in a journal. Often I've gone back and seen answers to prayer that astound me. Not that He HAS answered, because I believe He is faithful and will answer, but in the WAY He answers. His ways are so much better than our ways. And because of my experience, I have learned to trust Him when I can't always see the direction He is taking.<br />
<br />
I'm a firm believer that we go through trials in this life, and they are either for our benefit, to strengthen us and our faith, or to help others who will later go through similar circumstances. I don't believe God makes these things happen, I believe He can deliver us from them if He chooses, but sometimes I think He joins us in our journey through them for a greater purpose. His plans are to help us, not to harm us. So with that in mind, I journey through things with the thought in mind that one day, if I persevere, I will know what He was teaching me, or others who were watching me.<br />
<br />
So...do not envy my "strength", because I believe it is available to everyone who chooses to accept the Lord as their Savior. It is His strength you see through me...and hopefully the calm assurance that He is my Savior, my ever present help through this journey called life.DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-4222460640683901372014-06-05T06:19:00.000-07:002017-10-17T06:26:53.679-07:00PeacePeace<br />
by Sarah Young, from Jesus Calling<br />
<br />
The Peace that I give you transcends your intellect.<br />
<br />
When most of your mental energy goes into efforts to figure things out, you are unable to receive this glorious gift. I look into your mind and see thoughts spinning round and round: going nowhere, accomplishing nothing. All the while, My Peace hovers over you, searching for a place to land.<br />
<br />
Be still in My Presence, inviting Me to control your thoughts.<br />
<br />
Let My Light soak into your mind and heart, until you are aglow with My very Being. This is the most effective way to receive My Peace.<br />
<br />
2 Thessalonians 3:16; Job 22:21<br />
<br />
I've been asked how I stayed positive and confident when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There were times when I lost my focus, especially when it seemed that "things" kept happening. There are times now when I feel my prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. I still (after four years) run into issues caused from the cancer and the treatment I endured that have been scarey and uncomfortable. I don't always understand His ways, and question, but eventually I remember that His ways are higher than my ways, He has a plan to prosper us not to harm us. This I have learned...no matter what the circumstances, good or bad, if you allow yourself to rest in Him, you will find peace. We can't control our circumstances...we live in a fallen world that will bring chaos and pain, but we can control how we allow it to affect us. He doesn't promise we will never have trouble in this world, in fact he warns us that it WILL happen. What He promises is that He will walk with us and encourage us, and redeem the bad circumstances to create something beautiful if we allow Him to. I hope this helps those in my circle who are struggling with very serious issues in your life right now. I am praying for you!!DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-66702039205931268792014-05-22T08:05:00.002-07:002014-05-22T08:15:10.568-07:00Raffle for KenyaDays like today I feel totally inadequate, but in my devotional reading
today I was reminded that a shepherd boy defeated a giant and became
king, a stutterer spoke to a mighty ruler and help set the captives
free, a teenager gave birth to a savior, and a small boy gave a few
fishes and loaves of bread and with God's help, fed thousands. Many of
you know my church is sending a team to Kenya to help build a well. I
can't go with them as much as I would love to...so I donated a few
things to a raffle to raise funds for the team...and I'm praying The
Lord will use them to help the team do great things for God in Kenya.
Will you pray with me for the health and safety for the team, that this
raffle will raise immeasurably more funds than we dreamed possible, and
that He prepares the hearts and minds of the people in Kenya to hear the
good news?<br />
<br />
Here are the items up for raffle:<br />
<br />
Two tickets to a preseason football game, Ravens vs. Redskins, Saturday, August 23, 2014, 7:30 PM at M&T Bank stadium. <br />
<br />
Two tickets to a baseball game, Orioles vs. Angels, Tuesday, July 29, 2014, 7:05 PM Camden Yards.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXZvov5G9PQ/U34OcPLcC3I/AAAAAAAAE18/Er_sgbNCsp8/s1600/O%27s+vs+LA+tx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXZvov5G9PQ/U34OcPLcC3I/AAAAAAAAE18/Er_sgbNCsp8/s1600/O's+vs+LA+tx.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Signed baseball and card by Al Bumbry<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0UP6m5wEn8/U34Og1mtXVI/AAAAAAAAE2E/E6Qa33pBsI0/s1600/al+bumbry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0UP6m5wEn8/U34Og1mtXVI/AAAAAAAAE2E/E6Qa33pBsI0/s1600/al+bumbry.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Signed baseball and card by Joe Orsulak<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yC7acDFQZXE/U34OlU_nBLI/AAAAAAAAE2M/kchpgnybGTE/s1600/joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yC7acDFQZXE/U34OlU_nBLI/AAAAAAAAE2M/kchpgnybGTE/s1600/joe.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Signed baseball and card by Fred Valentine<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BoCnQEzW9U/U34OpYXMW3I/AAAAAAAAE2U/eg_6ieivpfY/s1600/fred+valentine+good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BoCnQEzW9U/U34OpYXMW3I/AAAAAAAAE2U/eg_6ieivpfY/s1600/fred+valentine+good.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Signed baseball by Al Bumbry, Joe Orsulak, Boog Powell, and Fred Valentine<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqoFZmBDXaM/U34OxDIsQYI/AAAAAAAAE2c/RxLZdfKpIeU/s1600/4+sigs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqoFZmBDXaM/U34OxDIsQYI/AAAAAAAAE2c/RxLZdfKpIeU/s1600/4+sigs.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
A batch of buckeye balls: peanut butter, rice krispies rolled into balls and dipped in chocolate.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cukWZ7lajEg/U34O08DrLMI/AAAAAAAAE2k/TkijL0bxaCc/s1600/buckeye+cert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cukWZ7lajEg/U34O08DrLMI/AAAAAAAAE2k/TkijL0bxaCc/s1600/buckeye+cert.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Spread the Love of God, Framed cross stitch<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9o8-UaGeyY/U34PEawlaGI/AAAAAAAAE2s/JnC5ksFIsmQ/s1600/spread+the+love+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9o8-UaGeyY/U34PEawlaGI/AAAAAAAAE2s/JnC5ksFIsmQ/s1600/spread+the+love+framed.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hands to Work, Framed cross stitch <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXDrRTktaKE/U34PIgHi7II/AAAAAAAAE20/piUakPI0L-8/s1600/Hands+to+work+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXDrRTktaKE/U34PIgHi7II/AAAAAAAAE20/piUakPI0L-8/s1600/Hands+to+work+framed.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tickets are $1.00 each or $10.00 for 12 tickets. 100% of the proceeds go to help fund the missions team to Kenya. The frames were donated from Frames Galore Inc. and the football tickets were donated by Pastor Ajay Vyas. There are other possible donations, I will update the pictures and post again on Facebook when there is an update. When you donate for the tickets your name and phone number will be written on the back. You may purchase as many tickets as you would like. You may place individual tickets in containers of your choice or put them all in one container if that is the only item you would like. The winners will be chosen randomly by an impartial person during a night of worship on June 29, 2014. You do not need to be present to win, but we would love to have you there to worship with us!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, if you are interested please leave a message here or contact me on Facebook.<br />
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<![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-2545621095283706172014-04-30T06:56:00.000-07:002014-04-30T06:56:21.246-07:00Learning to praise you in this storm...Sometimes it's so hard to fathom God's ways. I know His ways are higher than our ways, and His intentions are for our benefit and His glory, still some days are so very hard.<br />
<br />
For months I have been praying for a young man, Eddie. He was 24 and diagnosed with lymphoma. He endured months of chemotherapy, lost his hair, lost a lot of weight, found out who his friends were, and those who were not, found that prayer is powerful, found a Savior, and was baptized. He told his Pastor he wasn't afraid, he knew where he was going, but was worried about his family. He lost his battle on Monday. He is in a better place, he is out of pain and free of all the things irritating him from all the toxins in his body. A young girl in our church says angels are singing welcoming songs and dancing with Jesus is occurring. Out of the mouths of babes.... Still I can't help feeling sad, and a little disappointed, and my heart is so very heavy.<br />
<br />
For more than a week prior I had been reading verses pertaining to healing, and reading devotionals that gave me hope, and yet, Eddie still went to be with the Lord and left a hole in the hearts of many. I wonder why the Lord lifted my hopes, only to dash them in a little over a week. And I fear there are others close to Eddie who felt the same way. How do you comfort them? Encourage them? Show your love for them?<br />
<br />
Ironically the past few days have been near constant rain. As if even the heavens are mourning Eddie's passing. I find myself close to tears often....and forever reminded of Tyler who passed away a year ago last month. Too young, so much potential, and both lives drew so many to Jesus, in the way that they met their illnesses so courageously, and spiritually. <br />
<br />
Today I was given a few verses...<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22 NIV)</span> <br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I am
with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you
back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have
promised you.” (Genesis 28:15 NIV)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Praise
be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. You,
God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and
strength to his people. Praise be to God! (Psalm 68:19, 35 NIV)<br /> <br /> So thankful He bears my burdens...some days would be too hard if He didnt!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">After months of praying for Eddie's healing, it now turns to prayers for comfort, peace and strength for his family and loved ones. I'm still praying for the others who are sick and facing difficult challenges in our church and among our friends. I'm also lifting those who have lost loved ones and belongings in the terrible storms that have marched across the Midwest and South. I still believe his promises, even though I don't understand his methods. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text Jer-29-11" id="en-NIV-19647">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV</span> </span> </span>DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-47177063873173850592014-04-21T06:22:00.001-07:002014-04-21T06:22:54.391-07:00Stinkin' Thinkin'<div class="mbs _5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: large;">For
though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The
weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary,
they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments
and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2
Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm learning the power of negative
thoughts...and how important it is to listen to words of truth and not
the lies we tell ourselves in our head. I am a child of God, He loves
me, not by anything I have done but because I choose to be believe He
is who He says He is... The same is true of others who believe.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I hear it from my own thoughts, the negative things that beat me up. I hear others chanting them to themselves also. Sometimes I think we are our own worst enemy, just by the thoughts we hold captive in our minds. I'm involved in a new Bible Study called Crash the Chatterbox, and already I've learned so much. I almost missed going to church Sunday because of a little voice in my head that had me running in fear. And the wonderful thing about going yesterday is that I was uplifted in so many ways by my church family. Not only was the sermon wonderful and meaningful to me in so many ways, the fellowship and hugs and encouraging words yesterday gave me renewed "strength" to walk in His ways. I can't even begin to express my thanks to those who had such kind things to say. I never really understood the "going to church" part of our walk. If the whole meaning of being a Christian was to have a relationship with Jesus, and I do read my Bible and pray faithfully, what was the whole going to church part about anyway? I love reading my Bible, doing studies, reading books about Christian beliefs, what was the big deal about skipping church? Yesterday taught me a lesson...we need to build the body up, with words, kindness, and acts of love. I know there were areas where they needed workers yesterday, but if my church family could only know that the fellowship I experienced yesterday changed me tremendously.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The biggest lesson I've learned is...that if it's important enough for God to mention it in His book, it's important enough to believe and obey it.</span>DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-27282884898428571712014-04-20T18:38:00.001-07:002014-04-20T18:40:29.373-07:00Resurrection changes everything!He is risen! He is risen indeed!<br />
<br />
I had a blessed Easter, I hope you did too! And I'll be honest...I almost missed it! It's funny how you can twist things in your head, and when someone told me they were hoping to see me in church today I kind of panicked. I wasn't sure why they said that...and in typical DJ fashion...my mind began to twist and turn. Finally last night I had decided that after helping at the spring fling, and being a bit sore (gotta love arthritis!!), no one would miss me anyway, besides I wouldn't miss the message because I would just listen to the pod cast...no big deal.<br />
<br />
I woke up late this morning...still enough time to get ready, but determined I was going to stay home. And then my son said he didn't want to sit in church alone (I used that excuse many times to entice him to come with me...payback can be a bummer...LOL) so I thought to myself, suck it up buttercup, and went to take my shower. We were a few minutes late, but in time to catch the sermon...and what a sermon it was!!<br />
<br />
I had never heard the resurrection story told from this point of view. Not from the typical Easter story of Jesus on the cross, and then the empty tomb...but from the perspective of Thomas, Mary and Martha and of course, Lazarus. Yep...remember him? He was resurrected too!! Not on his own power though...Jesus had a hand in that!<br />
<br />
Reading from John 11 we hear the story of how Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that "the one you love is sick". Jesus did nothing...for two days. There's that waiting game again. The disciples were freaking out while Jesus was hanging out...sound familiar? How many times have we waited...on His perfect timing...but still, waiting is HARD!! And something I've learned is that it may not be for our benefit that we wait...but for someone else...and ALWAYS for his glory!<br />
<br />
Finally, after two days, Jesus decides to go...and Thomas begins to doubt. Thomas was dead in his doubt.<br />
<br />
Mary was dead in her discouragement, she wouldn't even go to meet Jesus when he did arrive. Lazarus had been dead for 4 days...it was a cultural belief in that time that the soul hovered close by for three days after someone died so in Mary's mind, Lazarus was beyond any hope at all.<br />
<br />
Martha was dead in the delay. She believed Jesus would have healed him but now he was beyond any help at all.<br />
<br />
What we need to remember is...God's delays are not God's denials. All things are possible with God. Jesus rolled the stone away and told them to take off the grave clothes and let him go. And doesn't he do that for us when we are dead in our sins? When we are frozen in our doubt? When we seek his forgiveness? The voice that called Lazarus also calls us! Resurrection is not an event - it is a person. It is not WHAT He does, it is WHO He is....and the Resurrection changes everything.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful He overcame Satan whispering in my ear, filling me with doubts and fear. I'm so glad I listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and attended church. I had the opportunity to hug my brothers and sisters in Christ, to offer encouraging words to those who are hurting, and those fears I had...were answered with encouraging words from the person hoping to meet up with me at church. I am truly humbled by what happened today...and encouraged to face the "stinking thinking" that rolls around in my head. I hope you had a blessed Easter as well. And if you want to hear the sermon you can got to <a href="http://connectionschurch.cc/connections-podcasts">http://connectionschurch.cc/connections-podcasts</a> and click on I Am Jesus series. It may take a day or two to be posted, but Pastor Ajay has a wonderful way of presenting the Gospel, they are definitely worth a listen!<br />
<br />
<br />DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-79937900156079288542014-04-19T05:35:00.002-07:002014-04-19T05:35:25.066-07:00Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eoeQYfKLh2g/U1JtPEJB7WI/AAAAAAAAEt0/5VKmoEiIC9Q/s1600/10150618_10151969780691594_5361207486828999360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eoeQYfKLh2g/U1JtPEJB7WI/AAAAAAAAEt0/5VKmoEiIC9Q/s1600/10150618_10151969780691594_5361207486828999360_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I wrote...it's Friday, but Sunday's coming. But...today is
Saturday...the day between darkness and light. The "day" between
fervent, desperate prayer, deep despair, pain, heartache, and the
rescue, the release, the long awaited answer. It's Saturday...the "day"
of uncertainty and insecurity...the "day" after the bad news, but the
'day" before the good news. God always has a reason! There was a
reason the Easter story has three days. It is to show us that there are
"Saturdays" in our lives when we must wait. The question now, is how
will you spend your Saturday?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think
about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from
me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be
with you. " </span>(Philippians 4:4-9 NIV) DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-45749026356501600512014-04-18T06:39:00.001-07:002014-04-18T07:09:35.736-07:00It's Friday but Sunday's coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5APXrSDvA8U/U1Ex2fA9XYI/AAAAAAAAEtg/xsU_VhQ_UWA/s1600/by+his+wounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5APXrSDvA8U/U1Ex2fA9XYI/AAAAAAAAEtg/xsU_VhQ_UWA/s1600/by+his+wounds.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
It's Good Friday...isn't it wonderful that our lives are cyclical, and that once every 365 days we get to celebrate again the holidays and milestones from years ago? I think this was not an accident! Many times in the Bible, God asked to have an altar built so we could revisit the many miracles, milestones, lessons and memories our ancestors experienced and remember what God does in our lives. I'm thankful that once a year we can be reminded that our savior came to this earthly plain to experience our lives...the joy, the heartache, the pain, the fear...all our emotions, the good and the bad, so that He can understand us on such a personal level! It amazes me that someone could love us so much that he would be willing to suffer the extreme pain, the humiliation, the undeserved burden of our sins, so that we could have a relationship with Him!!<br />
<br />
It's a great week to really focus on what He went through, but I must admit it makes me take a closer look at how far short I fall from His righteousness. I don't deserve his forgiveness, but thankfully He forgives me anyway. I don't deserve His love, but thankfully He loves me anyway. I don't deserve His grace, but thankfully he gives me this precious gift anyway. I am so far from perfect...but he continually works to create perfection in me. Sometimes it's a painful process when I realize how much I must disappoint Him.<br />
<br />
Years ago I heard a sermon about it's Friday, but Sunday's coming! <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> How
the world seemed dark and depressing to the disciples the Friday that
Jesus was crucified...but thankfully we know the end of the story!
Times may be hard right now, but we have a hope and a future...our
Sunday will come because He has already won the victory! Praise God!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="mbs _5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
Because
of the Lord ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions
never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22, 23 NIV)<br />
So grateful for His love and Forgiveness!</div>
DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-90018586815437750742014-04-09T12:04:00.002-07:002014-04-09T12:04:20.780-07:00Freedom<i>I saw a bumper sticker on the way home... For those who fight for it, freedom has a flavor the protected can never know.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I am the spouse of a retired Army man. I have a special place in my heart for the military, they sacrifice so much for people who mistreat them, and then defend their right to do so. I knew a lot of Christians who were in the military who I admire greatly. I am in awe of their strength of character, their integrity, and their love for their fellow man. And to me, they understand the "flavor the protected can never know".</i><br />
<br />
<i>I think it's not a mistake that there is an analogy drawn between Christians and soldiers and that we are called to "put on the full armor of God". We are called to "fight the good fight" and to "arm ourselves with the gospel". We receive the freedom from sin, the peace that passes understanding and rest for the weary when we ask for it. </i><br />
<br />
<i>For those who ask God, forgiveness has a flavor that the lost can never know. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTgLmG2-QTE/U0WZmZZf4fI/AAAAAAAAEsg/I15vvLVzl_s/s1600/forgivenss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTgLmG2-QTE/U0WZmZZf4fI/AAAAAAAAEsg/I15vvLVzl_s/s1600/forgivenss.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<br />DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-22941310351709472962014-04-01T15:31:00.001-07:002014-04-01T15:31:37.463-07:00Pivotal Circumstances<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>I recently took a Bible study class. It was on a book by Andy Stanley and I think the title was 5 Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith. One of those ways was Pivotal Circumstances. We were asked in the class if we had one to share. I have many, but the biggest one was my breast cancer diagnosis.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>On this day, 4 years ago, I got my breast cancer diagnosis. It has been
a wild ride since then. I've learned a lot of hard lessons along the
way, who my true friends are, that my body can endure a lot more than I
ever thought it could, and that people you thought you should be able to
depend on aren't as reliable as you thought. But the biggest lesson I
learned, was that God is there in the big and small things and you CAN
depend on Him. If you think I'm a little fanatical because of that,
than you will just have to live with it because I am forever changed. I
would never wish it on my worst enemy, but I would wish that people
would know Jesus the way that I do now and know there is no other way I
would have gotten to know Him. It is the reason I share Bible verses,
and other things on Facebook. Yes, I'm passionate about it...but I hope
when I leave this earth that people will say, she truly lived her
faith.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>I've learned that when I'm faced with a situation that seems insurmountable my first thought should be to pray. My second thought should be, hang on, let's see how God's going to handle this one!! I've kept a prayer journal for many years now, and have witnessed so many unusual and jaw-dropping answers to prayer. Our God is creative, sensitive, strong, sometimes stern but always just. He is tender, gentle, but does mean what He says so we have to be ready for his correction and direction.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Through my experience I've learned to be an encourager and a prayer warrior. I've also learned to tell the truth and sometimes people are not prepared to hear the truth. It's not an easy balance, and I'm still learning with the Lord's help.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Are you dealing with tough issues in your life? Issues that have you feeling somehow it's your fault? It's easy to fall in the trap of feeling we are somehow responsible for bad things that happen in our lives. I'm here to tell you that God doesn't want us to live in a state of guilt. </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>God has a plan! Yes He corrects us, but
He doesn't want us to suffer...His Grace is sufficient. The extreme
guilt you may be experiencing is Satan!! He seeks to destroy you from
within and rob you of your joy. You need to renew your mind and dwell
on thoughts of His promises so you can turn your eyes on how He is taking care of this situation that will ultimately expose His Glory. God loves you...sees
your anguish and your contrite heart and seeks to lift your burden if
you trust in Him. You
can't change the past. God has already forgiven you. Please forgive yourself and rest in God at this moment. Trust
Him to take care of your future, and do your best to serve Him right
where you are. Guilt and fear are from Satan...conquer him with your
trust in God...He has already won the victory!! </i></span>DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-833442777756941382014-03-26T07:24:00.001-07:002014-03-26T07:24:43.987-07:00Praying!!<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>"Sometimes God delivers us from our problems; sometimes God delivers us through our problems."</i></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br />
"The primary purpose of prayer is not to change circumstances; the
primary purpose of prayer is to change us! But either way, the chief
objective remains the same: to glorify God in any and every situation."</i></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br />
These are quotes from a Daily Devotional I have sent to my email each
day. Ever since beginning a prayer journal many years ago, I've learned
that His answers come in various ways...not always as we hoped, but far
better than we imagined and always for our benefit. He always knows
what is best for us, even when we can't see it. Sometimes the lesson is
so very hard, but He is always there to see us through it!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>I saw this through my journey through breast cancer treatment, through side effects from various medications, through medical anomalies that occurred during (a nearly ruptured gal bladder), and through medical conditions that occurred since. The answer isn't always the one we hope for, but He can use any circumstance to help us grow, or to help others on their journey. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>My most heart breaking prayer experience came while watching a young man named Tyler struggle through leukemia. He always had a smile on his face, always encouraged others, his mother is the strongest person I know, and glorified God in every circumstance of his life and his death. There were miracles along the way, and he did eventually die, but the number of people who came to Jesus through Tyler and who strengthened their faith is amazing. No struggle, no prayer, no act of faith is ever wasted, and the work done through Tyler's influence continues on today.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>I began praying for a friend's marriage while I was in the midst of my battle with breast cancer. Now she and her husband in are the midst of a cancer battle of their own, and their marriage is the strongest it has ever been. I keep praying for a miracle, that he will be healed from stage four cancer, but in my eyes one has already happened. They have grown together through this tragedy, drawn closer to God, and continue to carry on through some very difficult days. I've seen my friend grow so much in her faith, the transformation is amazing. And through watching God work in this situation, my faith has grown by leaps and bounds, and my prayer life has never been so strong. Yes, God works in mysterious ways...not always as we would hope, but always for our benefit. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Prayer is amazing! So is our God! </i></span>DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7447582943593207412.post-63584338974372731972014-03-12T03:36:00.000-07:002014-03-12T03:36:11.641-07:00Born to write<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> I sometimes think I was born to write. I tried when I was younger, loved it really, but it was empty because the subject matter was pretty juvenile...just like me. Now I've found something of importance to me, something with real substance that I truly want to share with others. And that is my love for my Savior. You see, I've been a Christian for a very long time...I would grow for a time, then reach a plateau and so on. I never really understood that it was about relationship, one that needs to be fed and nurtured and cultivated each and every day until a few years ago. Now I hate going even one day without meeting with My Lord, learning about Him, praying for others, and seeking His guidance. It's truly a love relationship. And I haven't been the same since.</i></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> I started posting things on Facebook and people would "like" what I had to write, or share, but one day someone posted saying she liked reading what I posted and it was usually something she needed to hear that day or something she thought someone else needed to hear, so I got this crazy idea of starting this "journal" so I could revisit my thoughts and share my thoughts with others in a less chaotic way. And if this helps someone else on their journey then my "gift" hasn't been wasted. I welcome constructive and encouraging comments and prayerfully hope that you will find peace and inspiration to help you along your journey as well.</i></span></div>
DJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11608484065356946891noreply@blogger.com0