God's Not in a Hurry

From my journal on 9/20/24:

"It seems God is speaking to me today about His timing.  Nicky and I are at a couples getaway with our church in Glen Rose.  This afternoon while riding around with another couple, she and I were talking about how busy we always are. I shared with her something I had read recently in a time management Bible Study about how Jesus was always busy but never in a hurry. In Mark 11:11 Jesus went into the temple courts, looked around, but since "it was already late" he waited until the next day to drive out the money  changers.  She brought up how Jesus didn't go to Lazurus' house until Lazarus had already died. He then went to the tomb and commanded he come out. Tonight at "The Promise", a reenactment of Jesus' life, there was a scene where Jairus asked Jesus to come to his house and heal his daughter. On the way, Jesus was talking with  and healing others. Jairus' daughter died before Jesus got there. Jesus continued to his house and healed her. There was also the scene of Jesus bringing Lazarus from the dead. I was so moved by these scenes. The Holy Spirit was impressing on me so strongly that Jesus does everything  in His time! Even when it seems too late. Lazarus was already dead, Jairus' daughter was already dead, Jesus  didn't seem to hurry to get there, everything happened according to His plan and His timing. Death was not the end, it just wasn't His time yet. And like Karen Wheaton's podcast a friend sent me this morning said, when it seems like things are darker than they have ever been, like all hope is gone, that is when Jesus shows up on the scene. It's not that He's not coming... it's just not time for His miracle yet!!

Who Are "Your People""

 I love this devotional from Katie Majors blog...

Thursday, Romans 16

I love the way Paul loves his people. I found myself asking myself as I was reading: Do we love people this much? 

This is how it should be. Not only does Paul love his people but he acknowledges their shared ministry – Paul cannot share the Gospel like he does without the help of all his beloved friends and co-ministers. These people have worked hard and some even risked their lives for the sake of the Gospel and Paul honors them. Paul acknowledges that it hasn’t been his effort alone that has advanced the Gospel, but the collective work of many who have gone before him, walked beside him, or who will come behind him.

Because of our current circumstance, God has been impressing this on my heart often lately. The amazing friends-turned-family we left in Uganda for this season not only continue to share the Gospel with our community, but have encouraged me in the Gospel on countless occasions. Ministry wasn’t meant to be done alone, but in community. And as I think of our church and as I think of Paul, I know this is how I want to love and minister no matter where God sends us – together. With His people. With our people.

If you left your workplace, your church, your school, or your community right now, do you have a list like Paul of those you would send greetings to, those you would honor, those who helped you along the way?

First of all, if the answer for any of us is no, I pray we would be encouraged by Paul’s example to cultivate a lifestyle and community where we could begin to have a long list like this.

If your answer is yes like mine is (by the grace of God alone – thank you Jesus for our people!), reach out today to your people. Remind them of how they have loved you, encouraged you, spurred you on. Remind them of how you couldn’t do it without them.

Spend some time thanking Jesus for His body. The Gospel goes forth in community."

This got me thinking... "Who are my people?" A lady at church last night let me know she was praying for my son, I thought, she is "my people". I began to think of others who have made an impact on my life or who I have close relationships with. Those who have helped me in some way, those who when I have had to move I have truly missed. I am about to start my own list.

Who are your people?

Holy Conversation

I read once of a young lady who was just getting off work as a nurse, and was walking down the street behind a man and wife who had just come from church service. The couple were talking about Jesus and his uttermost salvation. The nurse was so filled with desire to save souls that she left her work and became a missionary. There is power in holy conversation...we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. May our words be full of Life today.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 "The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools."

Hospitality Site

https://acandle.wildapricot.org/
I found this hospitality site on-line. Have you ever used this type of resource, or do you have any others of this type to share?

Heaven

   This morning I've been thinking about Heaven. Last night my husband and I stayed up late watching The Gaither Homecoming, and it was highlighting Howard and Vestal Goodman. Almost every song they sang, if not every song, was about going to Heaven. It was so beautiful and inspiring! I got to thinking about how few of the new songs of our day, talk about Heaven. It reminded me of the words of the sermon I heard last Sunday, by Jason Morris. He said "...the fewer sermons that are preached about holiness, the fewer are preached about Heaven." A person is not very likely to want to think about the coming of the Lord, or where they will go when they die, if they are not living life sold out to God.
   As I sat on the couch and listened to song after song about the day God calls us home, my spirit was so uplifted and encouraged just to keep drawing nearer to Him.

2 Timothy 4:8 "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."

Precious to God

"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
Psalm 139:17-18

Take Time to be Holy

Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord.
Abide in Him always, and feed on His word:
Make friends of God's children, Help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on
Spend time in secret with Jesus alone
By looking to Jesus like Him thou shalt be
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be Holy, let Him be thy guide,
And run not before Him whatever betide;
In joy or in sorrow still follow thy Lord,
And looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.

Take time to be holy, Be calm in thy soul;
Each thought and each motive beneath His control
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

The devotional that I am reading right now is titled "Take time to be Holy". It reminded me of this old hymn, which I've been meditating on a lot lately. It does take time to be holy, to become more like Jesus. But if you're pressed for time, it's just the few minutes here and there that we take to say a prayer, read a scripture, sing a song of worship, speak a word of praise, that keep us in His presence all day long. Take the time, all of the time, "to be holy".

My Purpose on Earth

This morning as I was reading my Bible, I read across the scripture John 4, where Jesus had been ministering to the woman at the well. When he was finished, his disciples told Him to eat. But, Jesus says, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish His work." In the next verse He explains what is on His heart..."look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." As I was contemplating this, I was reminded of the message that Pastor Baker gave Sunday about how important our perception of our purpose in this life is. We are to be a revelation of Jesus Christ on this earth. His purpose should be our purpose. If His heart, purpose, and what gives Him more satisfaction than food itself, is to see lost and hurting people ministered to and offered salvation, then this should be our passion, our purpose also. Is our purpose on this earth daily, to do the will of the Father and finish His work in this world? As I thought about how to do this in a practical sense, I went back to what Jesus was doing. He went to the well to rest, because He was tired from His journey. When the Samaritan woman came to the well, He asked her for a drink. This very simple act, led to an opportunity to minister to this woman's spiritual need. " In my daily life, Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me and to offer them living water. Help me to place myself in places deliberately, where there are opportunities to minister to people the love of Jesus and be an example of You in this earth. Help me to do the will of Him who sent me, and finish His work."

John 4:34, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."

Passionate About My Role As Wife

A few evenings ago, my husband and I were watching some talent show on TV. One comment that you often heard the contestants make as they were interviewed was how passionate they are about their music and how wonderful it is to be able to be doing something that they love and are passionate about. As I listened to these comments, I began to wonder, "What am I passionate about? I wish I could truly spend my time, energy, and even make money, doing something I am passionate about." As an empty nest mom, often it seems like we are teenagers again, trying to figure out what we really want to do with the rest of our lives. The part of our lives that we poured so much of our passion, time, and energy into is now over and it is so easy to feel lost and like we are floundering around trying to find our niche. We do a lot of things trying to fill our time and be useful, but as hard as we try we don't always feel fulfilled and passionate about our obligations. As I was considering these young peoples comments, yearning and praying for a passion of my own, I was reminded that the most important role that I have right now is that of being a wife. My passion should be directed at being the best wife that I can possibly be to my husband. Instead of searching elsewhere for fulfillment, and enjoyment, become consumed with the man in your life. Read, study, pray, about how to be the best wife you can be to him, and put these things into practice. Pray earnestly for him and for your relationship with him and how to personally make it better. Become excited and consumed with this adventure of being the best wife you can be.

Reaching Beyond Our Four Walls

As homemakers, sometimes it can be very easy to become consumed with "our" family, "our" house, "our" selves and forget to reach out to others. Once upon a time I copied this note down from somewhere and it has been a great reminder to me to not be so self centered. I thought I'd share it with you:
"Never let one day pass when you have not reached out an arm of love to someone out side your home (and in) with a note, a letter, a visit, help in some way."

Meet My Family

Finally, got the whole family together for a photo!

Jonathan (black sweater), oldest son, Worship Pastor. Ryan (red shirt) youngest,Medic in Army. Kara, daughter, full time mom, and wife, and Adrian, son-in-law, student preparing for full time ministry, with their two little ones, Nolan and Jordyn, who bring us all tons of joy.

My Alltime Favorite Prayer

Nolan (3) and I were having a snack one day and this was his prayer over our food:

"Oh, God! How did You make this food be so good?! How did You do it God? How did You?!
Amen."

Through the Eyes of a Child

While eating out at Fuzzy's with the family, Nolan, my 3 year old grandson, saw a lady walk in and sit down at a table near us. Nolan said in a very concerned little voice, "That lady is all alone!" He continued to talk about this, asking his mom if she (his mom) liked to be all alone. So, his mom asked if he would like to go talk to the lady. He replied "Yes", so whenever he finished eating, she let him down to go say hi. He wanted someone to go with him, so my husband went with him (I must admit I was hesitant to just go up and start talking to a stranger). He said "Hi", then the lady had to do most of the talking, because he didn't really know what else to say. He told her "Merry Christmas" as we were leaving and she said he had made her day.
While thinking back on this, I am reminded of the need, especially this time of year when we get so busy and wrapped up with our own agenda, to take time to look at the people around us as people, to look at those around us with eyes of compassion, truly caring about them and whether they have needs. And, not just seeing the needs, but caring enough to do something about it.
Let's slow down and look at the world through the eyes of a child!

side note: this picture is not from Fuzzy's, but from nostaligic hometown hamburger joint called,"Oma's".

Hurry Up and Wait

Ever heard the phrase "Hurry Up and Wait"? It's been known to be an unofficial motto for the army. We are in Kansas awaiting the arrival of our youngest son, Ryan to arrive from Iraq. My husband and I rushed to make it here by Friday and my oldest son, Jonathan, drove from NM and met us here on Monday. We were told originally that if we got here on Thursday (last Thursday) we would be safe to be here when he arrived, for they would be coming starting Thurs. evening through Monday. Well, it's Wed. morning and we are still waiting. We received a call this morning saying he would be arriving Thursday morning at 2 a.m. Every day they push it forward, but hopefully they won't extend it any further, because his brother has to leave Fri. morning to head back home. Lord, help me to remember that our days are in Your hands and everything will happen according to your perfect timing.

Feed Bag Turned Tote Bag (last nights project)

This was my first try at making a feed bag tote. Not perfect, but it's a fun way to use up all the feed bags we use up around here. I'm not good enough at explaining how I did it to do a tutorial, but there are lots out there if you google "how to make a tote bag from a feed bag". Curbly.com has a cute one from a bird seed bag, and there's a cute one from a chicken feed bag on instruct ables.com. The one tip I will give is: when cutting the bag, make sure you measure and cut so that the picture you want on the front is centered and cut out the way you want it, allowing for seams and room to box the bottom of the bag. My friend made a bag from a deer corn bag and used matching material to line the top of the bag and for the handles. It turned out really cute. Go ahead try it!

Tips for Memorizing Scripture

I'm not going to give up! Today I'm going to start (again) working on memorizing scripture. I've been reading the book (again) "Before You Hit the Wall" by Danny Lehmann. It's about establishing spiritual disciplines in your life. The chapter I read this morning was on the importance of the commitment to memorize God's Word. So, in my effort to begin a discipline of memorizing the Bible (again), I googled tips for memorizing scripture and this web page had some good tips: Grace Community Church of Glen Rose, TX - Tips for Memorizing Scripture so I thought I'd put it on my blog as a reminder to myself and maybe it will motivate someone else at the same time to start hiding God's word in your heart.
Does anyone else have any tips to share?

My Cleaning Apron

I finished my cleaning apron today! A few days ago a friend of mine invited me to a sewing class at her church and this was the project we did this week. Flylady says we can clean much faster if we have all of our supplies with us, so this has 6 pockets for supplies (works good for keeping track of my glasses also), and 2 loops for spray bottles. I think I'll go clean something now!

The Proverbs Woman

Proverbs 31:26 "...in her tongue is the law of kindness." Have you said something kind to someone today? ...to your husband, to your children? Don't just do kind things for them, but like the Proverbs woman, let kind words come from your mouth.

What's for Supper?

Ground Turkey & Vegetable Stew and cornbread is what's for supper at my house tonight. I have a big container of some really good leftover broth from my chicken and dumpling soup that I made a couple of nights ago that I hated to see go to waste. So, I decided I would add some ground turkey to it along with some zucchini and potatoes and have it for supper. I love using leftovers up, and this should make for a pretty easy meal which is always good on Wednesday nights since we have church. I'll let you know how it turns out.


By the way, the leftover broth was made from homemade chicken broth and I had added some onions, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, salt & pepper, basil, and a bay leaf to it. Oh, and some fresh oregano leaves.

Update: It was really good!

Our Help Comes From The Lord

In "The Power of Positive Thinking", Norman Vincent Peale tells of traveling to a certain city where he meets a committee of people who whisk him from one event to another. There are autograph signings to go to, crowds to speak to, VIP's to meet, and then he is rushed to the hotel to hurriedly change clothes for dinner. He receives a phone call rushing him to dinner and as he runs out the door he almost forgets to lock it. He suddenly stops and asks himself what he is doing, goes back in and places a phone call to let the people know he will be late to dinner. He then He then sits down and begins to meditate on Psalm 121 and pray. It ends with the words "the Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this day forth..." After spending 20 minutes with the Lord, he went down to dinner feeling like a new man. How often do we get so busy we forget to stop and spend time with God who is our source of help. Before we know it we are feeling anxious, and stressed, not knowing if we are coming or going. If only we will make time for Him in our day, He will direct our steps. Psalm 121:2 says "Our help comes from the Lord." Stop and let Him give you the help you need each and every day.