Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
This Has God Written All Over It!
I have two friends on Facebook that I have never met in person but I'm certain that when I meet them it will be like we've known each other for years.
These girls, Kat and Natosha, are my friends because of my friendship with Mandy. Mandy got me started with blogging and I got connected with her friends.
Blogging for me is like reality tv. I don't watch reality tv at all
but I will read blogs of people and get totally enthralled with their lives. For instance, Kat adopted a baby girl. I followed her story
from the beginning of the adoption process, went through the ups and
downs of her not getting chosen and then finally seeing her bring
little Whitney home. And now, watching her grow. And Mandy is an
ocean away but with blogging, we don't miss a moment of little
Brooklyn. We get to see her as if she is still in Lafayette. I wish
she were:(. But...I'll take the blog:) I have friends who tell me they feel like these girls too because their blogs are linked to mine.
My point of this is that I have made some very dear friends through
blogging with whom I then connect on Facebook as well.
So this week, these girls put out a post on Facebook that caught my
attention. One of their friends was in need; in need of prayer and more!
Her name was Annie.
Their post was something like this:
Please pray for Annie, 28 years old. On Friday, she delivered her
third son, Colton at 28 weeks. On Thursday she was diagnosed with stage
IV melanoma. She has a one year old and three year old at home.
Can you imagine? That broke my heart! I don't know her but she
hasn't left my mind.
So then another post went out asking if anyone had connections to
University of Colorado. Please post this as your status.
I knew I didn't and I couldn't think of anyone off the top of my head
but I figured I'd post it for them. After all, they have been so good
as to pray for my friends. Natosha was always posting JD's
Caringbridge posts. She didn't know him but believed in the power of
prayer. And they all pray for Teresa and ask about her. So now it is
my turn to pray for their friend and hopefully more!
I was surprised to see that a few people responded that they had
contacts to U of C but this morning when I got on Facebook, I had an
email from one of Cameron's classmates moms. She had grown up with a
military family in Colorado. She had contacts at U of C. Not just
contacts, she knew the director of clinical affairs. And she had
cancer when her little boy was a baby. She told me she had a soft spot
for Annie and that she wanted her to be able to see her children grow
up. So she was going to do everything she could to contact this friend and try to help Annie.
These girls, Kat and Natosha, are my friends because of my friendship with Mandy. Mandy got me started with blogging and I got connected with her friends.
Blogging for me is like reality tv. I don't watch reality tv at all
but I will read blogs of people and get totally enthralled with their lives. For instance, Kat adopted a baby girl. I followed her story
from the beginning of the adoption process, went through the ups and
downs of her not getting chosen and then finally seeing her bring
little Whitney home. And now, watching her grow. And Mandy is an
ocean away but with blogging, we don't miss a moment of little
Brooklyn. We get to see her as if she is still in Lafayette. I wish
she were:(. But...I'll take the blog:) I have friends who tell me they feel like these girls too because their blogs are linked to mine.
My point of this is that I have made some very dear friends through
blogging with whom I then connect on Facebook as well.
So this week, these girls put out a post on Facebook that caught my
attention. One of their friends was in need; in need of prayer and more!
Her name was Annie.
Their post was something like this:
Please pray for Annie, 28 years old. On Friday, she delivered her
third son, Colton at 28 weeks. On Thursday she was diagnosed with stage
IV melanoma. She has a one year old and three year old at home.
Can you imagine? That broke my heart! I don't know her but she
hasn't left my mind.
So then another post went out asking if anyone had connections to
University of Colorado. Please post this as your status.
I knew I didn't and I couldn't think of anyone off the top of my head
but I figured I'd post it for them. After all, they have been so good
as to pray for my friends. Natosha was always posting JD's
Caringbridge posts. She didn't know him but believed in the power of
prayer. And they all pray for Teresa and ask about her. So now it is
my turn to pray for their friend and hopefully more!
I was surprised to see that a few people responded that they had
contacts to U of C but this morning when I got on Facebook, I had an
email from one of Cameron's classmates moms. She had grown up with a
military family in Colorado. She had contacts at U of C. Not just
contacts, she knew the director of clinical affairs. And she had
cancer when her little boy was a baby. She told me she had a soft spot
for Annie and that she wanted her to be able to see her children grow
up. So she was going to do everything she could to contact this friend and try to help Annie.
That's no coincidence...That's God!
Annie was not my Facebook friend so I sent her a message requesting
contact information and telling her what connection I possibly had and how I knew of her. I then became her Facebook friend and she sent me a message with contact info
and said she was thankful for anything I could do to help get her moved up
on a list.
I just see God's hand all over this. I pray this all works out for Annie.
Please join me in praying for my new friend.
Annie was not my Facebook friend so I sent her a message requesting
contact information and telling her what connection I possibly had and how I knew of her. I then became her Facebook friend and she sent me a message with contact info
and said she was thankful for anything I could do to help get her moved up
on a list.
I just see God's hand all over this. I pray this all works out for Annie.
Please join me in praying for my new friend.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Get Out of the Way!
I'd like to thank Kelly Stanley for waking me up at 3am:) Yesterday she blogged about Christianity and how people can get turned off by it. I thought about that starting at 3am and never went back to sleep. I can't blame it all on Kelly. Part of it has to do with all that water I drank right before bedtime!
I got up this morning and responded to Kelly's questions. My response was this:
I woke up at 3am thinking about this. After reading the different responses, and knowing what I hear from other people myself, I think people get confused by people, society and churches. I think the most important thing to remember is that the absolute truth comes from God's word. No church is perfect, no pastor or Christian is perfect. But the Bible is God's inspired word (2 Tim 3:16), alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and it never changes and never will. God will speak to you through His word and ultimately it is about a relationship with Him, not people in a church or a pastor or anyone else. I pray that people don't lose hope in the Christian faith because of a few people who try to get in the way of the Gospel:(
Two things came to mind. Two songs actually. Casting Crowns songs. The Word is Alive and What this World Needs.
Looking out from His throne, the Father of light and of men
Chose to make Himself known and show us the way back to Him
Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings
He began to unveil the Word that would change the course of all things
With eyes wide open, all would see
The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth, it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive
Simple strokes on a page
Eternity's secrets revealed, carried on from age to age
It speaks Truth to us even still
And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns
Lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit You deserve
With eyes wide open, let us see
The Word is alive
His Word is alive
(Spoken) The bible was inscribed over a period of 2000 years
In times of war and in days of peace
By kings, physicians, tax collectors, farmers, fishermen, singers and shepherds
The marvel is that a library so perfectly cohesive
Could have been produced by such a diverse crowd
Over a period of time which staggers the imagination
Jesus is it's grand subject our good is designed and the Glory of God is its end
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
What this world needs
Is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind,
Another two bit politician peddlin` lies,
Another three ring circus society.
What this world needs
Is not another sign wavin` super saint that's better than you,
Another ear pleasin` candy man afraid of the truth,
Another prophet in an Armani suit.
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love them in their time of need.
A Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love,
That's what this world needs.
What this world needs
Is for us to care more about the inside than the outside.
Have we become so blind that we can't see?
God's gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt.
What this world needs
Is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance.
Blendin` in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free.
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love them in their time of need.
A Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love,
That's what this world needs.
(Spoken)
People aren't confused by the gospel,
They're confused by us.
Jesus is the only way to God,
But we are not the only way to Jesus.
This world doesn't need
My tie, my hoodie,
My denomination, or my translation of the Bible,
They just need Jesus.
We can be passionate about what we believe,
But we can't strap ourselves to the gospels.
Because we're slowing it down
Jesus is going to save the world,
But maybe the best thing we can do
Is just get out of the way.
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love them in their time of need.
A Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love,
That's what this world needs.
Jesus is our Savior,
That's what this world needs
Father's arms around you,
That's what this world needs
That's what this world needs
I think what stands out for me is we think we are right. We think our denomination is right. We think our church does things right. We think our worship style is the right style but really I think all of that gets in the way and messes it up. I see so many people say on facebook that God is great but they don't like organized religion. The lyrics, actually the spoken part of that second song that stand out to me are:
People aren't confused by the gospel,
They're confused by us.
Jesus is the only way to God,
But we are not the only way to Jesus.
and
We can be passionate about what we believe,
But we can't strap ourselves to the gospels.
Because we're slowing it down
Jesus is going to save the world,
But maybe the best thing we can do
Is just get out of the way.
I got up this morning and responded to Kelly's questions. My response was this:
I woke up at 3am thinking about this. After reading the different responses, and knowing what I hear from other people myself, I think people get confused by people, society and churches. I think the most important thing to remember is that the absolute truth comes from God's word. No church is perfect, no pastor or Christian is perfect. But the Bible is God's inspired word (2 Tim 3:16), alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and it never changes and never will. God will speak to you through His word and ultimately it is about a relationship with Him, not people in a church or a pastor or anyone else. I pray that people don't lose hope in the Christian faith because of a few people who try to get in the way of the Gospel:(
Two things came to mind. Two songs actually. Casting Crowns songs. The Word is Alive and What this World Needs.
Looking out from His throne, the Father of light and of men
Chose to make Himself known and show us the way back to Him
Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings
He began to unveil the Word that would change the course of all things
With eyes wide open, all would see
The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade
But His truth, it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive
Simple strokes on a page
Eternity's secrets revealed, carried on from age to age
It speaks Truth to us even still
And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns
Lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit You deserve
With eyes wide open, let us see
The Word is alive
His Word is alive
(Spoken) The bible was inscribed over a period of 2000 years
In times of war and in days of peace
By kings, physicians, tax collectors, farmers, fishermen, singers and shepherds
The marvel is that a library so perfectly cohesive
Could have been produced by such a diverse crowd
Over a period of time which staggers the imagination
Jesus is it's grand subject our good is designed and the Glory of God is its end
2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
What this world needs
Is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind,
Another two bit politician peddlin` lies,
Another three ring circus society.
What this world needs
Is not another sign wavin` super saint that's better than you,
Another ear pleasin` candy man afraid of the truth,
Another prophet in an Armani suit.
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love them in their time of need.
A Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love,
That's what this world needs.
What this world needs
Is for us to care more about the inside than the outside.
Have we become so blind that we can't see?
God's gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt.
What this world needs
Is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance.
Blendin` in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free.
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love them in their time of need.
A Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love,
That's what this world needs.
(Spoken)
People aren't confused by the gospel,
They're confused by us.
Jesus is the only way to God,
But we are not the only way to Jesus.
This world doesn't need
My tie, my hoodie,
My denomination, or my translation of the Bible,
They just need Jesus.
We can be passionate about what we believe,
But we can't strap ourselves to the gospels.
Because we're slowing it down
Jesus is going to save the world,
But maybe the best thing we can do
Is just get out of the way.
What this world needs
Is a Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love them in their time of need.
A Savior who will rescue,
A Spirit who will lead,
A Father who will love,
That's what this world needs.
Jesus is our Savior,
That's what this world needs
Father's arms around you,
That's what this world needs
That's what this world needs
I think what stands out for me is we think we are right. We think our denomination is right. We think our church does things right. We think our worship style is the right style but really I think all of that gets in the way and messes it up. I see so many people say on facebook that God is great but they don't like organized religion. The lyrics, actually the spoken part of that second song that stand out to me are:
People aren't confused by the gospel,
They're confused by us.
Jesus is the only way to God,
But we are not the only way to Jesus.
and
We can be passionate about what we believe,
But we can't strap ourselves to the gospels.
Because we're slowing it down
Jesus is going to save the world,
But maybe the best thing we can do
Is just get out of the way.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled
You know, I can get so worked up by what other people do, think, believe, etc. But last week while listening to a James McDonald sermon on Relationships, I had an epiphany!
This overlaps what I talked about in my post about relationships but I need to carry this on to other posts. I may even need to put it on my sidebar to remind me daily. It was this: Don't let your heart get into turmoil over how other people live or act.
In other words, don't worry about it. It's not my life. It's none of my business.
I think I have 530 friends on Facebook. I have friends who are gay, straight, liberal, conservatives, atheists, Christians, Buddhists and many in between. I see a lot of "stuff", a lot of dirty laundry, a lot of cries for help, posted that I think, "you know, if you just had God in your life, if you had a Biblical worldview, your life wouldn't be so troubled". I keep my mouth shut but it bothers me. I have to get rid of my Biblical list of do's and don'ts for other people and just keep it for myself.
We are to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15) If I post my opinion on politics, religion, or whatever or post scripture that "preaches" against what someone is doing, how loving is that?
This is what I realized. I don't have to stand before God for what you or anyone else has done. I have to stand before God for how I have lived MY life. So I will keep on truckin' along, doing what I am doing and I'll keep praying for those people.
2 Peter 3:9 says The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
At the same time, I don't think we are to be silent.
Matthew 5:13-16 says 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
James 2:17 NLT says So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
So you see, we can't just go out and say, "oh well, they don't get it...too bad." We have to let our lives show Christ's love with non-judgemental attitudes. Yikes...easier said than done but..
So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 2 Cor 5:9
This overlaps what I talked about in my post about relationships but I need to carry this on to other posts. I may even need to put it on my sidebar to remind me daily. It was this: Don't let your heart get into turmoil over how other people live or act.
In other words, don't worry about it. It's not my life. It's none of my business.
I think I have 530 friends on Facebook. I have friends who are gay, straight, liberal, conservatives, atheists, Christians, Buddhists and many in between. I see a lot of "stuff", a lot of dirty laundry, a lot of cries for help, posted that I think, "you know, if you just had God in your life, if you had a Biblical worldview, your life wouldn't be so troubled". I keep my mouth shut but it bothers me. I have to get rid of my Biblical list of do's and don'ts for other people and just keep it for myself.
We are to speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15) If I post my opinion on politics, religion, or whatever or post scripture that "preaches" against what someone is doing, how loving is that?
This is what I realized. I don't have to stand before God for what you or anyone else has done. I have to stand before God for how I have lived MY life. So I will keep on truckin' along, doing what I am doing and I'll keep praying for those people.
2 Peter 3:9 says The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
At the same time, I don't think we are to be silent.
Matthew 5:13-16 says 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
James 2:17 NLT says So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
So you see, we can't just go out and say, "oh well, they don't get it...too bad." We have to let our lives show Christ's love with non-judgemental attitudes. Yikes...easier said than done but..
So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 2 Cor 5:9
Vapor in the Wind
I woke up at 5:29 this morning with this verse on my mind and the "To Be Continued" part from last night's blog forming in my mind. I knew that God was stirring me to get up and write.
James 4:14 says Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
A few weeks ago, Cameron was working on a school project. It was a timeline of his life. So we were going through all of our pictures to figure out when certain events happened in his life. I came to this conclusion: my how time flies!
As I was going through the pictures, I was blown away by the thoughts of Christen being 4, almost 5. Seems like she was just a baby. Brian's dad passed away almost 5 years ago. My friend Teresa, last year at this time she was fine and then two months later she got a diagnosis that turned her life upside down. Cali is almost 11. Cameron is 9. Brian and I have been married for almost 14 years. How does that happen? Days go by, weeks, months and then a year. The next thing you know, several years have gone by.
One of our favorite groups is Casting Crowns. This song, Who Am I is about being a vapor in the wind.
Don't put off what you should do today!
James 4:14 says Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
A few weeks ago, Cameron was working on a school project. It was a timeline of his life. So we were going through all of our pictures to figure out when certain events happened in his life. I came to this conclusion: my how time flies!
As I was going through the pictures, I was blown away by the thoughts of Christen being 4, almost 5. Seems like she was just a baby. Brian's dad passed away almost 5 years ago. My friend Teresa, last year at this time she was fine and then two months later she got a diagnosis that turned her life upside down. Cali is almost 11. Cameron is 9. Brian and I have been married for almost 14 years. How does that happen? Days go by, weeks, months and then a year. The next thing you know, several years have gone by.
One of our favorite groups is Casting Crowns. This song, Who Am I is about being a vapor in the wind.
Don't put off what you should do today!
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