Saturday, December 29, 2007
"Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. Psalm 43:3NLT
It's not about coming up with ways to serve God - what pleases Him is that you obey Him. He doesn't want a relationship with you based on regulations - rather, He expects its foundation to be love. Though it's easier to follow a set of spiritual rules, that's not what God has called you to. That's why sometimes when you're doing everything "right," God sets you on a darkened path - he's showing you how to rely upon Him completely."
Today we had a wonderful time, once again, at our monthly caregivers get together. The above is partly what Ida shared as our devotional. Yes, God spoke...God moved...we were refreshed. We had a wonderful time of eating, drinking and fellowshipping. Once again, this proves that "isolation" is not what God intended for any one of us, but that we fellowship and carry each others burdens. We missed some of the "regulars", but welcomed a new member. Prayerfully in the coming year we will be able to see more caregivers come and be refreshed by the Lord and each other.
It's not about coming up with ways to serve God - what pleases Him is that you obey Him. He doesn't want a relationship with you based on regulations - rather, He expects its foundation to be love. Though it's easier to follow a set of spiritual rules, that's not what God has called you to. That's why sometimes when you're doing everything "right," God sets you on a darkened path - he's showing you how to rely upon Him completely."
Today we had a wonderful time, once again, at our monthly caregivers get together. The above is partly what Ida shared as our devotional. Yes, God spoke...God moved...we were refreshed. We had a wonderful time of eating, drinking and fellowshipping. Once again, this proves that "isolation" is not what God intended for any one of us, but that we fellowship and carry each others burdens. We missed some of the "regulars", but welcomed a new member. Prayerfully in the coming year we will be able to see more caregivers come and be refreshed by the Lord and each other.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
This morning as I was cooking I heard this song called "Christmas Shoes". I continued to cook, but I started to choke up. The love for a mother that comes through this song simply caught me off guard. You see, I've heard this song before, but for whatever reason it did something to me today. As I heard the song my mind began to wonder...I looked over at the table and saw my own mother sitting at the table busy working on her puzzle and I busy cooking (my how the roles have changed). I wondered how many people are missing their mom this day...how many moms are wayward, or maybe have already passed away. How many moms are still alive and longing for a relationship with their children, yet life has happened and wounds have been inflicted and so their is a break in the relationship. How many moms long to receive some gift from their children, yet are ignored altogether. How many moms get thoughtful gifts from their children, yet they ignore their gift. How many children long to hug their mommie, yet they can't. How many moms long to hug their children, yet they can't. Some are right next to you, yet the distance between you is so vast. Yet others are so far, far away, yet they feel so near. No I don't think this was the way it was intended to be. Sin has raked havoc upon earth. It continues to deteriorate. YET, Praise be to God that HE WILL MAKE ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL IN HIS TIME. God touch the wounded, the broken, the discouraged, the down-trodden, that child, that mom...You are the Healer, the Comforter...YOU DO ALL THINGS WELL.
A Father's Love
My husband loves his kids. There is not a thing that he wouldn't do for them. My husband loves his kids unconditionally and grants them so much grace it amazes me. When I am ready to kick or smack, he gently moves and does, no need for words. He works hard and long hours in order to provide for his family. If I don't buy stuff for him, he never gets anything for himself. I remember one Christmas that was really tight and we weren't going to get Christmas presents. Last minute he got a Christmas bonus. Where do you think he spent it ALL? On his kids. In fact, that year he bought our son the best catcher's gear in town - I was amazed. This past Saturday he worked (he seldom works on Saturdays). I could see that he was visibly tired. He got home from work and just sat. I asked him, "why did you work today?" He smiled and said, "to get the stuff for the kids." (kids? their adults!!!...sorry, side note). So the other day we went to the music store and he bought our daughter a piano and it's accessories. You could see he was so joyful. We came home and while our daughter was out, he assembled it for her with such enthusiasm. Sometimes I wonder...I get a glimpse of a "Father's Love". I think, "if an earthly father can love like this, how wide, how long is Our Heavenly Father's Love." Every good and perfect gift comes from above. God's mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness unto us. And yes, Our Heavenly Father, gave the most precious thing He had for you and for me. He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting love. How great is the Father's Love...how wide, how long, how high, how deep? We cannot grasp this immenseness this side of heaven.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Huh?!?! >:O
I think the seaweed is a little tight around my head. I think my circulation is being cut short. My thoughts don't match my action or something like that. Last week I forgot my gloves at church...days passed before I realized I'd lost my gloves. Thankfully someone saw them and I recovered them. Then Angie loses her small Bible. Again (Praise God) she gets it back (o and now she lost her other Bible, but I think she left it in a friend's car). Then the other day I went to KFC (this in and of itself is a testing of my patience. I normally go through the drive thru, you know, so much faster and easier. I've waited up to 45 minutes, if not more, in the drive thru...hey isn't this supposed to be fast-food, quicker, get it on the run kind of place...don't worry I'm okay). Okay, so this is my order: Variety Bucket, with two mashed potatoes, small coleslaw and corn-on-the-cob - easy enough. I waited and waited and waited. Finally our turn at the window. Pay, get my food, off to have dinner. Now home...I start taking out the food and figured I'd gotten more (and I do mean more) than I'd ordered. 5 large mashed potatoes, 5 gravies, 1 large coleslaw and 1 small one too, and of course the chicken...no corn, no biscuits, but tons of potatoes. Went back, they were swamped with people. The lady at the counter was not nice, took the extras and tossed them and fixed my order...NEXT!!! Yesterday I went to get hamburgers...my order: shrimp dinner and 2 hamburger specials. Drove home and what did I get you ask - shrimp dinner and 1 hamburger, 1 french fries and 2 drinks...go figure. I almost collapsed. My husband had told me after the chicken incident to always check my order before leaving the place, I didn't check and once again I was...whatever!!! Mom got her shrimp dinner and my son got his hamburger and I got my drink, hey, I do want to loose wait, huh? Now today I took Mom to get a haircut at Fantastic Sams (we were there last week and waited almost 2 hours before we had to leave without a haircut...rrrr!). Thankfully they took her right in and we were home in no time to give her her bath. All was going smoothly until she asked me for her glasses. "Your glasses, what glasses?" "The ones I gave you to hold at the haircut place." ...rrrrr... I left them on a counter, so I gritted my teeth and off I went to get her glasses. Yes, they, thankfully, were there. Am I on dry land yet? In all this I still know that HE IS STILL FAITHFUL.
In The Belly of The Fish
Jonah 2 - Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish - surrounded by darkness, hopelessness, doubts, fear, failure, despondency, despair, discouragement - totally overwhelmed by his "circumstances", no apparent way out. And, yes, from a human standpoint/point of view, there was no way out. This was the depth of despair if there ever was one. YET...we see that even though, to a great degree, Jonah was responsible for what was going on, STILL God was in TOTAL CONTROL. Jonah 1:17 says, "...the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah..." However, there was a reason, there was a purpose for this pit-experience.
There was so much that God had to break and change in Jonah, that we are told that Jonah was in the belly of the fish 3 days and 3 nights. Only after 3 days and 3 nights did Jonah pray to the Lord his God. Why didn't Jonah pray right away? Was Jonah wallowing? Was he upset about his circumstances wondering, "is this what I get for so many years of service, etc." You can put your own questions and thoughts of your own pit-experience(s). Yet we see when Jonah finally cries out in his despair and brokenness - GOD HEARS. (on a side note: there is a song by Twila Paris that is called "Every Heart That Is Breaking". It says, For the young abandoned husband left alone without a reason, for the pilgrim in the city where there is no home, for the son without a father, for his solitary mother, I have a message, HE SEES YOU, HE KNOWS YOU, HE LOVES YOU, HE LOVES YOU, Every heart that is breaking tonight, is the heart of a child that He holds in His sight and o how He longs to hold in His arms every heart that is breaking tonight, For the precious fallen daughter, for the devastated father, for the prodigal who's dying in a strange new way, for the child who's always hungry, for the patriot with no country, I have a message, HE SEES YOU, HE KNOWS YOU, HE LOVES YOU, JESUS LOVES YOU.)
Okay back to the story...In Chapter 2:4 there is hope in his prayer; 2:7 Jonah becomes resolute to look up; 2:9 Jonah worships (in the midst of despair and darkness, his circumstances haven't changed yet Jonah decides to worship. Jonah didn't wait to worship when he was free, Jonah worshiped while still in the midst of seeming despair. 2 Chronicles 20 talks about a people who in the midst of great danger and fear prayed and praised. In v. 22 it says, "Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of (the enemy) and they were defeated." It is Gods battle...He will win! Praise Him in the beauty of Holiness.)
Jonah has come full circle. Whatever God wanted to do through this pit-experience has been accomplished and so we see then that God speaks to the fish and the fish vomits Jonah onto dry land. Yes, I know, it is not a pretty picture, yet Jonah is out in the light once again. On a side note, isn't it interesting that the fish obeys the Lord immediately? Everything is subject to the Hand of God and creation seems to obey more readily than we humans.
What circumstance(s) are you in that is so difficult and hard to understand? Maybe you even put yourself in it. Know that even in the "belly of that fish" (your circumstance) God still SEES, God still CARES, God still HEARS. He is still in control, still on the throne. He DOES ALWAYS work ALL THINGS for the good to those that love Him and are the called according to His purpose.
Keep praying, keep worshiping...you will end on dry land. Praise be to God who alone does great things!!!
("Keep Singing", by Mercy Me - Another rainy day, I can't recall having sunshine on my face, all I feel is pain, All I wanna do is walk out of this place, but when I am stuck, I can't move, when I don't know what I should do, when I wonder if I'll ever make it through, but I gotta keep singing, I gotta keep praising Your name, You're the one that's keeping my heart beating, I gotta keep singing, I gotta keep praising Your name, that's the only way that I'll find healing, can I climb up in Your lap, I don't wanna leave, Jesus sing over me, I gotta keep singing)
There was so much that God had to break and change in Jonah, that we are told that Jonah was in the belly of the fish 3 days and 3 nights. Only after 3 days and 3 nights did Jonah pray to the Lord his God. Why didn't Jonah pray right away? Was Jonah wallowing? Was he upset about his circumstances wondering, "is this what I get for so many years of service, etc." You can put your own questions and thoughts of your own pit-experience(s). Yet we see when Jonah finally cries out in his despair and brokenness - GOD HEARS. (on a side note: there is a song by Twila Paris that is called "Every Heart That Is Breaking". It says, For the young abandoned husband left alone without a reason, for the pilgrim in the city where there is no home, for the son without a father, for his solitary mother, I have a message, HE SEES YOU, HE KNOWS YOU, HE LOVES YOU, HE LOVES YOU, Every heart that is breaking tonight, is the heart of a child that He holds in His sight and o how He longs to hold in His arms every heart that is breaking tonight, For the precious fallen daughter, for the devastated father, for the prodigal who's dying in a strange new way, for the child who's always hungry, for the patriot with no country, I have a message, HE SEES YOU, HE KNOWS YOU, HE LOVES YOU, JESUS LOVES YOU.)
Okay back to the story...In Chapter 2:4 there is hope in his prayer; 2:7 Jonah becomes resolute to look up; 2:9 Jonah worships (in the midst of despair and darkness, his circumstances haven't changed yet Jonah decides to worship. Jonah didn't wait to worship when he was free, Jonah worshiped while still in the midst of seeming despair. 2 Chronicles 20 talks about a people who in the midst of great danger and fear prayed and praised. In v. 22 it says, "Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of (the enemy) and they were defeated." It is Gods battle...He will win! Praise Him in the beauty of Holiness.)
Jonah has come full circle. Whatever God wanted to do through this pit-experience has been accomplished and so we see then that God speaks to the fish and the fish vomits Jonah onto dry land. Yes, I know, it is not a pretty picture, yet Jonah is out in the light once again. On a side note, isn't it interesting that the fish obeys the Lord immediately? Everything is subject to the Hand of God and creation seems to obey more readily than we humans.
What circumstance(s) are you in that is so difficult and hard to understand? Maybe you even put yourself in it. Know that even in the "belly of that fish" (your circumstance) God still SEES, God still CARES, God still HEARS. He is still in control, still on the throne. He DOES ALWAYS work ALL THINGS for the good to those that love Him and are the called according to His purpose.
Keep praying, keep worshiping...you will end on dry land. Praise be to God who alone does great things!!!
("Keep Singing", by Mercy Me - Another rainy day, I can't recall having sunshine on my face, all I feel is pain, All I wanna do is walk out of this place, but when I am stuck, I can't move, when I don't know what I should do, when I wonder if I'll ever make it through, but I gotta keep singing, I gotta keep praising Your name, You're the one that's keeping my heart beating, I gotta keep singing, I gotta keep praising Your name, that's the only way that I'll find healing, can I climb up in Your lap, I don't wanna leave, Jesus sing over me, I gotta keep singing)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The End is Glorious
In my morning reading, I've been reading the book of Revelation. This morning I sat and envisioned this whole scene that is being shown to us through God's Holy Word. It is simply glorious and worth hanging on to this glorious hope.
Revelation 7:10-12, 15-17 - ..."Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."...Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (See also, Isaiah 25:8, 40:10; Psalm 23:1-2; Ezekiel 34:23)
I'm also reminded of a song that is called "All Who Are Thirsty" (All who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the fountain, Dip your heart in the stream of life, Let the pain and the sorrow, Be washed away, In the waves of His mercy, As deep cries out to deep, Come Lord Jesus Come, Holy Spirit Come). Yes come to the fountain and receive refreshment to your soul. Knowing what is to come, makes today easier to live. Even so come Lord Jesus.
Revelation 7:10-12, 15-17 - ..."Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen."...Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (See also, Isaiah 25:8, 40:10; Psalm 23:1-2; Ezekiel 34:23)
I'm also reminded of a song that is called "All Who Are Thirsty" (All who are thirsty, All who are weak, Come to the fountain, Dip your heart in the stream of life, Let the pain and the sorrow, Be washed away, In the waves of His mercy, As deep cries out to deep, Come Lord Jesus Come, Holy Spirit Come). Yes come to the fountain and receive refreshment to your soul. Knowing what is to come, makes today easier to live. Even so come Lord Jesus.
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Maidservant of the Lord
I read this devotional today. You know that I have been really "________" about my circumstances. I am so thankful that God gives us brothers and sisters that help us to see things differently. He is always so faithful to not allow me to WALLOW in one area for too long. Go forward...keep on, keeping on...
From "Our Daily Bread" Devotional:
(Please read the whole Scripture - Luke 1:24-38)
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."
It seems that most of our struggles revolve around wanting something we don't have or having something we don't want. Our deepest longings and our greatest challenges are deeply rooted in trying to see the hand of God in these two facts of life. This is where Luke's account of the birth of Jesus begins. The aging Elizabeth longed for a baby. For the young and engaged Mary, however, pregnancy should have been a disgrace. But when both learned they would have a child, they accepted the news with faith in the God whose timing is perfect and for whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:24-25, 37-38). As we read the Christmas story, we may be struck by the real-life context of the people whose names have become so familiar. Even while Zechariah and Elizabeth suffered their culture's stigma of childlessness, they were described as "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord" (v. 6). And the angel told Mary she had found favor with God (v. 30). Their example shows us the value of a trusting heart that accepts the mysterious ways of God and the presence of His mighty hand, no matter how perplexing our circumstances may be. - David McCasland
Though you cannot see the outcome, trust the Lord - He knows what's best; be assured He sees your trial, and He's with you in your test. - Hess
For the Christian, testing cannot be separated from trusting.
From "Our Daily Bread" Devotional:
(Please read the whole Scripture - Luke 1:24-38)
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."
It seems that most of our struggles revolve around wanting something we don't have or having something we don't want. Our deepest longings and our greatest challenges are deeply rooted in trying to see the hand of God in these two facts of life. This is where Luke's account of the birth of Jesus begins. The aging Elizabeth longed for a baby. For the young and engaged Mary, however, pregnancy should have been a disgrace. But when both learned they would have a child, they accepted the news with faith in the God whose timing is perfect and for whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:24-25, 37-38). As we read the Christmas story, we may be struck by the real-life context of the people whose names have become so familiar. Even while Zechariah and Elizabeth suffered their culture's stigma of childlessness, they were described as "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord" (v. 6). And the angel told Mary she had found favor with God (v. 30). Their example shows us the value of a trusting heart that accepts the mysterious ways of God and the presence of His mighty hand, no matter how perplexing our circumstances may be. - David McCasland
Though you cannot see the outcome, trust the Lord - He knows what's best; be assured He sees your trial, and He's with you in your test. - Hess
For the Christian, testing cannot be separated from trusting.
So Far to Go
The Lord has been speaking to me to have love and compassion for those who are so hard to love, those who have hurt me and "my better judgment" says, "I will not open myself up to be slapped (not literally) again". That is one of the reasons the poem that my friend shared with me really hit home. In part it says, "...to love like you've never been hurt...". As the Lord continues to mold and shape me (I would like to think that I am maturing) I followed through, by His strength, on something He asked me to do. Sure enough, days after this action what I feared would happen happened. I was already in a discouraged mood and so this just added to the whole "pit" thing. In my mind I'm all saying, "see I told you...I knew this would happen, etc." The Lord didn't let me wallow in this mood for long. On Thursday in my Our Daily Bread Devotion He gives me the Scripture He always give me when I am in this mood - Luke 6:27-36. The whole Scripture speaks loud and clear about this issue(s). But this one part really pricked my heart, "...bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you..." O Lord, you keep showing me this over and over and it simply doesn't stick. Thanks be to God for His long-suffering and patience (more than I have for anyone around me I hate to say). Then towards the end of my reading this words hit me like a ton of bricks, "...HE is kind to the unthankful and evil..." What?!?! O Lord, I have so far to go. So much work for Him to do. Praise be to God that HE started the work and HE will complete it in me. And HE reminds me that HE loved me even when I was a sinner totally not wanting anything to do with HIM. Thank you Jesus for not giving up on me and continuing the work. Create in me a clean heart o God and renew a right spirit within me.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
All About JESUS - this is what matters
God's Word is a lamp unto my feet, it is my compass, my comfort, my strength, my wisdom...the only TRUTH, it never changes, it will endure forever, everything else comes and goes and is so fickle...
God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? - Numbers 23:19
For You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and set me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me; so my feet did not slip. - 2 Samuel 22:29-37
Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed. - 1 Peter 2:6
"Only be strong and very courageous...do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:7-9
Enough said...thank you Jesus for you Eternal Word.
God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? - Numbers 23:19
For You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and set me on my high places. He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me; so my feet did not slip. - 2 Samuel 22:29-37
Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed. - 1 Peter 2:6
"Only be strong and very courageous...do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:7-9
Enough said...thank you Jesus for you Eternal Word.
All About ME - fickle
Yesterday was a day to remember (I've been having lots of "days to remember" lately). I finally managed to get up and going to work-out. This weather is doing a number on my body and it takes more effort to get going so early. I'm thinking of maybe changing this routine - sorry, I deviated. Anyhow, it was a good start, once I got going. Then I went into my Mom's room to give her her morning meds. Ay Caramba-what happened here!!! There was puzzle pieces all over the place. The board for the puzzle looked like it had been smashed and crushed, etc., etc. Mom was sitting in her chair with a look on her face. I guess she saw the look on my face and said, "I fell down." Okay...what were you doing?! She at times does things thinking she can still do them and of course there are accidents. I'm already thinking, man do I have to sleep in her room now in order to keep an eye on her during the night? Don't worry, she is fine. Morning routine continues...through this out, clean this up, fix this, etc., etc. Then Angie and I are off to her piano lesson (all this and it is only 8:30a.m.). I with my bright mind figured, hey I'll drop Angie off at her lesson (in Rialto) then I will drive to Arrowhead Medical Center (in Colton) to drop off some "samples" at the lab (sounds like a good plan, don't you think?). Okay, I'm off to Colton...I got totally lost (I get lost alot) then all of the sudden I hear this beep out of nowhere. Oh my gas tank is going on empty in the middle of nowhere, at least nowhere I know. I finally see Mt. Vernon...Mt. Vernon!!! isn't this in San Bernardino. So I turn, I can't find a gas station, I'm praying, no gas station, I'm praying...o gas station - thank you Jesus! Yes, I made it to the hospital, to pick up Angie (late), to grocery shopping - forget it! Home to a stinky house cause someone forgot I did not need anymore "samples"...OMG can this get any worse?! I won't go on cause I'm getting a stomach ache just thinking about it...Yes, when it is all about me, as a friend said I AM GIGANTIC and all else is so small and bugs me to no end - God I'm so glad there is another view to this...
Sunday, December 9, 2007
From "Our Daily Bread" - BLUE CHRISTMAS
Isaiah 53:1-6 - Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs an carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten b y God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
A growing number of churches are holding annual Blue Christmas services for those faced with grief and loss. The holiday season's emphasis on happiness and good cheer often makes people who are dealing with heartbreak feel even worse. An Associated Press article quoted a pastor who described the Blue Christmas service as "an opportunity for people to come and be in the presence of God and acknowledge their grief and despair and loneliness and give it to God." One participant added, "And it's a good place to have a cry and no one will mind." During the Christmas season, we often read Isaiah's prophecies of the coming Messiah who would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (9:6). But perhaps we should also include the words of Isaiah 53: "He is...a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief...Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...And by His stripes we are healed" (vv. 3-5). The psalmist reminds us that "[The LORD] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). If you're hurting this Christmas, remember: Jesus came to save us, to help us, and to heal us. - David McCasland
Whenever darkness grips your soul and you are tempted to despair, remember Christ's unfailing love, and trust His faithful, tender care. - Sper
Jesus provides an oasis of grace in the desert of grief.
My heart for a while has had this sadness within. I can't really tell you what all it entails, but one thing is simply remembering those loved ones that are no longer with us. There is so many other things that come to my mind, but the Lord put in my heart to do this in remembrance of those whom I love and miss. They were part of my life and I cannot simply go on without thinking and remembering them with a longing in my heart.
Isaiah 53:1-6 - Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs an carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten b y God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
A growing number of churches are holding annual Blue Christmas services for those faced with grief and loss. The holiday season's emphasis on happiness and good cheer often makes people who are dealing with heartbreak feel even worse. An Associated Press article quoted a pastor who described the Blue Christmas service as "an opportunity for people to come and be in the presence of God and acknowledge their grief and despair and loneliness and give it to God." One participant added, "And it's a good place to have a cry and no one will mind." During the Christmas season, we often read Isaiah's prophecies of the coming Messiah who would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (9:6). But perhaps we should also include the words of Isaiah 53: "He is...a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief...Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...And by His stripes we are healed" (vv. 3-5). The psalmist reminds us that "[The LORD] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). If you're hurting this Christmas, remember: Jesus came to save us, to help us, and to heal us. - David McCasland
Whenever darkness grips your soul and you are tempted to despair, remember Christ's unfailing love, and trust His faithful, tender care. - Sper
Jesus provides an oasis of grace in the desert of grief.
My heart for a while has had this sadness within. I can't really tell you what all it entails, but one thing is simply remembering those loved ones that are no longer with us. There is so many other things that come to my mind, but the Lord put in my heart to do this in remembrance of those whom I love and miss. They were part of my life and I cannot simply go on without thinking and remembering them with a longing in my heart.
Christmas Dinner
Here we are at our church Christmas Dinner. Everyone seemed to have a great time. My sister-in-law and her three daughters were able to make it. Even Alaiza made it to the dinner. It's feeling more and more like Christmas.
New Addition to the Family
Alaiza Jay was born on December 1, 2007 to my niece, Maribel and her husband Hector. Congratulations!!!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
For three days my home/living room has been a complete mess. My precious daughter absolutely loves Christmas and all its decorations. I have not been feeling good and have totally put decorating off indefinitely. She finally gave up on me and took the task upon herself. I can tell you that being how I am (I like to start a task and finish it the same day even if it knocks me down for several days) this was driving me crazy. Yet, to see my daughters joy and excitement is priceless. I managed to stay away from the mess and fixing it myself - I have a tendency of doing this. She was such a trooper, being that I have been in an incredibly ho-hum-bug mood. So here are the pictures to show her handy-work. Thank you baby-girl for all your hard work. It wouldn't be Christmas in my house without you. When the Lord gives you your family, you are going to be a great Mommie. I love you!!!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
A Day of Celebration
Yesterday was a day filled with activity - good activity. My hubby surprised me and took the day off-work for our anniversary. My daughter, Angie, agreed to stay with Mom and do lunch for her (thank you Angie for this break:)). Morning was hectic, and to be honest with you, I almost called our outing off. Simply too much "preparation" just to get out. Thankfully, the Lord helped me to put all "feelings" aside and my hubby and I managed to get out - yeah!!! We drove around and enjoyed each others company. Then we ended up at Victoria Gardens. We walked around hand-in-hand. It was so nice to slowly-walk by the hand of my love, not really doing anything and emptying my mind of "everything". We sat and had lunch together. At times we sat in silence, simply enjoying each others company. We walked some more and ended up at Jamba-Juice. My hubby chatted this time - this was nice. We drove home and got busy making ceviche (my sons favorite dish).
At night we enjoyed the company of my nephews Jose R. and Jose B. and their precious families. Jaime's girlfriend, Sandra, joined us and brought along a delicious ice-cream cake...isn't pretty! (Thank you Sandra! We enjoyed having you over.) Everyone enjoyed themselves. I truly enjoyed seeing everyone enjoy the food and company. I wonder if this is the way my Mom and Sister felt after they'd prepare an incredible-tasty meal for the family? It is so neat to see those you love gather around the table and enjoy...I bet Mom misses this - wow, these thoughts...
Thank you Jesus for the simple things in life that bring joy to our hearts and make beautiful memories.
At night we enjoyed the company of my nephews Jose R. and Jose B. and their precious families. Jaime's girlfriend, Sandra, joined us and brought along a delicious ice-cream cake...isn't pretty! (Thank you Sandra! We enjoyed having you over.) Everyone enjoyed themselves. I truly enjoyed seeing everyone enjoy the food and company. I wonder if this is the way my Mom and Sister felt after they'd prepare an incredible-tasty meal for the family? It is so neat to see those you love gather around the table and enjoy...I bet Mom misses this - wow, these thoughts...
Thank you Jesus for the simple things in life that bring joy to our hearts and make beautiful memories.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Happy 23rd Birthday Son!
Twenty-three years ago our first child was born. By this time we had two babies in heaven and we tried not to get excited - AGAIN - cause we didn't know what would happen with this pregnancy. A tough pregnancy to say the least...I lost 40 pounds and was very weak. Lots of bed-rest because I was prone to miscarriages. My sister, bless her heart, took really good care of me. On December 2 my hubby and I wanted to go out to dinner...my water broke - I didn't know what this was. I called my sister (my bedside-doctor) and she said, "do you have contractions? do you feel okay", "yes" "yes"...so we went to dinner. Thanks goodness it was dark in that place cause I made a mess (I'll leave it to your imagination). We came home and for the first time since I got pregnant I felt good and had absolutely no pain. I actually slept all night. December 3rd I had my doctor's appointment at 8:00 a.m., I picked up my sister and off we went to the doctors. When the doctor checked me, I had no am bionic fluid and the baby's heart beat was very low. The doctor sent me straight to the hospital. Lots of emotions and very scary. The baby's heart beat was getting less and less. I was induced and here was my baby boy!!! A premie weighing 7lbs. 5oz. I know...the doctor said that if the baby was full term, he would have been a very big baby...I'd say!!! Zoom forward 23 years later...my son is a very handsome, smart man. He is 6'1" and probably 220lbs. It amazes me to remember how he came into this world and to remember all that he has gone through, yet I know God has an incredible plan for him. My hubby and I love him to pieces and treasure the times that we get to spend with him.
24th Anniversary
Twenty-four years ago my hubby and I had to get married. We had gotten pregnate and so my parents made us get married (btw the baby went to heaven before we got married, but we had to go through with it). Neither one of us were ready for this mayor-commitment in our lives. And so we made many, many mistakes. By God's grace, He reached down and redeemed each one of us individually and then turned a broken marriage into an incredible love-affair. I've heard people say that God repairs and renews - and He does. But for us He had to make the foundation, then He had to build from nothing. All I can say is "thanks be to God for His incredible grace and mercy". We married in 1983 and the Lord made us new in 1993. So today I celebrate with my precious husband 24 years of incredible growth and challenges. Today I can tell you that I love my husband with all my heart and enjoy spending time with him. He is so caring and considerate. Thank you Jesus for your miracle work in our lives.
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