Jerral's Blog On...

Enlightened Perspective

2008-08-23T18:46:00.003-05:00

Kathy Partridge emailed this reading to me and I love it so much I just had to post it.
If you will take the time to read these. I promise you'll come away with an enlightened perspective.

The subjects covered affect us all on a daily basis:They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done

Guarding Your Heart

2007-07-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

Guarding Your Heart

While I was checking my email this morning I read a wonderful devotion by Gail Rodgers who writes for Retirement With A Purpose. Some of these thoughts are hers...some are mine. I loved her thought provoking little sermon.

Are you overwhelmed with too many responsibilities? Most of us have too much to do and not enough time to pay attention to what's going on within our spirits.

Poverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart for it is the well spring of life."
How in the world do we do that? Most of us have things coming at us from every direction but God's Word does actually spell out some specific steps.

1. Pay attention to what is causing you to feel anxious in your thoughts. What has made your shoulders tense up?

2. Talk to God about it just as you would talk to your best friend. Make an actual request to Him for His help, strength, wisdom or insight.

3. Don't stop there. Find something to thank Him for.

You will start to experience His peace and calm. He promises this... "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petittion, 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." Philippians 4:6&7

-Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your understanding care of me. I know that sometime today anxiety will steal its way into my heart and mind but will you remind me to pay attention and talk You about it. Guard my heart and mind with Your peace. Help me to be ever thankful....in Jesus' name, amen.

2007-06-20T15:09:00.000-05:00

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
I memorized this verse years ago because I needed to do so. Anyone who says they always say the right thing is a liar. I fail, you fail, and we all fail in this area of watching our words.
Words are invisible to the eye yet they are the most powerful things we can use to encourage or disparage someone. Don't you love to have someone tell you how nice you look? Well, all of sudden our day is a little brighter and we feel pretty good about ourselves. Yet if someone says truthful or untruthful things that reveals a flaw we "feel" like dying.
Someone's words should not have this kind of power over us but they do! I heard a preacher say that our words should pass through the gates of: is it true? is it needful? is it hurtful?. That sure lessens all my talking...how about you?
The book of James in the New Testament also talks about the tongue being so powerful. He says it can set the world on fire or change the course of a ship. The tongue is a small part of our bodies yet it can destroy...or remember it can build!
Sometimes women are encouraged to do little talking because they're of the female gender. Yet I would dare say if women took that to heart our churches, businesses, hospitals, schools and government would be in dire need for the work to get done. Men can rattle of the book of Timothy when they're afraid a woman might be right.
If I as a woman use the words of my mouth to please God I don't have to worry about the hurt or destruction they cause to those around me. The last part of the Psalm says, "my Rock (strength) and my Redeemer." Forgiveness is always found but look close...my Strength wants to help me say the right things...good things, helpful things, loving things and blessings.
If you've said hurtful words go make it right with man and God. Forgiveness is just a few words away!

What Did You Say?

2007-05-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

Photo of Katie, me and Sara.

I was sitting in the Detroit airport last night around 8:00 trying to read my Bible. My hubby has had another yearly Bible reading for our church so I feel compelled to read that and usually get a great blessing inspite of my reservations.

Judges 12,13&14 were on the list to read...I'm a little ahead...and landed (no pun intended) on some truths that made me laugh out loud.

In chapter 12 the Gileadites and Ephraimites were battling over land. When any of the Ephraimites wanted to cross certain land they had to prounounce the word 'Shibboleth' properly. Their accent would give their true identity.

Chapter 13 brings Sampson onto the scene. His dad Manoah asked the Lord to come to him and share the words He had shared with his wife Zorah. It happened. They both were told of Sampson's birth and how he should be cared for as a future Nazarite serving his people.

Then in chapter 14 Sampson is grown and his words bring him trouble. He is trying to impress the Philistines to whom he was trying to marry into. He winds up losing the lady and killing 30 men. You might want to read this chapter in particular, but Sampson was clearly trying to marry and impress people he had no business associating with.

Now I said, "Jerral, how many times have your words reveal where your heart truly resides? How many times have you asked the Lord to reveal His plans for your future? How many times have you let your words lead you to people and place God does not want you to visit?"

Isn't it quite easy to judge these characters without looking closely at our own lives?

Watch and Learn

2007-03-29T12:10:00.000-05:00

Next Tuesday, April 2, my friend, Rebecca faces the third anniversary of her beautiful daughter's life here with us. Yes, Bethany is with our Lord but I know she is dearly missed.
I was thinking of Rebecca and how couragously she faced this tragedy and how I took strength in watching her faith. She and I walked, talked, cried and prayed through the weeks and months that followed and I was inspired to write the following song which I wholly dedicate to Rebecca.

VERSE Today my friend lost her child
She couldn't find her for awhile
But then she knew the Lord had called her home.
Today I watched this pain and loss
My words were few I felt so tossed;
But my friend shard her heart… she's not alone.

CHORUS: Watch and learn the pain will grow
Into a thing of beauty
Watch and learn and you will know
You'll never be the same
For God will use this life to change your world
Watch and learn.

VERSE On the cross God lost Son
He couldn't see Him for awhile
But God knew that His Son would soon be home.
Many watched this pain and loss
Their words were few they felt so tossed.
But my Friend shared His heart
And gave His life…I'm not alone.

Bridge: Life is hard but there is beauty in the ashes
Life is hard but winter turns to spring
Life is hard but darkness turns to light someday
If you watch and learn…If you…( repeat chorus)

Worship in Times of Trouble

2007-03-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

Just as I'm beginning to write this the phone rang here at church. One of our families called for prayer because they have no heat. The pipes are frozen so the basement is flooded because the pipes burst. The husband lost one of his jobs, their phone won't ring in and their house is infested with lice!

I've had two other people in touch with me yesterday and today with family problems. One of them is struggling so painfully she cannot even talk about specifics.

Maybe it's the time of year but it seems there are many struggles right now.

This next Sunday I plan to gather our worship team together for prayer, fellowship and some study of what we do "worship." I bought a little book called Worship Celebration to trigger some interaction with our group and the first thing I read was about longing for God in times of trouble.

Psalm 63 finds David in the Desert of Judah separated from his beloved Jerusalem and the sanctuary of worship. It was his own son that betrayed him and set him on of course of hiding to save his life. David could have raised his fist to the Lord and distanced himself from His presence. David did not but notice what he did...

1. sought the Lord vs. 1

2. longed for God vs. 1

3. knew God loved him vs. 3

4. praised the Lord vs. 4 -5

5. found satisfaction in God vs. 5

6. thought about God during sleeplessness vs. 6

7. found protection in God vs. 7

8. found strength to go on in God. vs. 8

9. found confidence in God vs. 9-10

10. saw future joy in God vs. 11

We can know of God's presence when life is at its worst!!! Let me encourage you to invite the Lord into your difficult situation. Pray and seek the one who knows your struggle. Think on Him and you will not be disappointed.

You may ask what about you Jerral? Where have you struggled? What's your burden right now? Oh...I have them! We have family struggles too. Some health problems that may require future surgery as well. I've lost loved ones to death's bed and we are dealing with aging parents as I write. Life is a STRUGGLE...but along with Job we can say as he fell to the ground in worship, "Naked I came from my mother's womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised."

Shame on You!

2007-02-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

Shame...I'm trying to get a handle on the meaning and what's good and bad about it. One definition I read says that shame is an intense feeling of anguish the make you wish you could evaporate. Sometimes we use words like guilt or condemnation but they are not the same meaning at all. Guilt comes from realizing you have done something wrong. Condemnation is being convicted for doing wrong.
Society doesn't have much shame anymore. Everything is acceptable and God help you if you say anything against a life-style or practice. The Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 6:5 "I say this to shame you." The Corinthian church was taking other believers to court and they had tremendous moral laxity.
We should never feel shame because of something that has been done to us. Abuse and rape are examples of the something done to us that causes undue shame. To the abuser and rapist we must say "shame on you!"
God help me to be ashamed when I 1) put others before God 2) put anthing before God 3) misuse God's precious Name 4) do no prioritize His day 5) do not honor my parents 6) murder someone 7) commit adulty 8) steal 9) give a false testimony 10) want my neighbor's house, husband, work or anything that belongs to them. These Ten Commandments were given to us for good reason. They show us all Christ died to forgive and there is no room for shame when we deal with it before the cross of Christ.
Jesus took all our shame on Calvary's cross. Hebrews 12:2 say; "...For He Himself endured a cross and thought nothing of its shame because of the joy He know would follow his suffering..." Every time I fail/sin I can go back to that wonderful cross and find Jesus bearing my shame. He always forgives for He want to say "Joy on you."
If you have a shame burden, please do not carry it long...it is too heavy for you but not for Jesus. The way free up the load of sin is to leave it at the cross. As Jesus said, "Go and sin no more!"

Love Notes

2007-02-06T12:30:00.000-05:00

As I was walking past our church library today I noticed a book called Love Notes. One of the quotes in it comes from Saint Augustine, "God loves each one of us, as if there was only one of us." That kind of love is what each and every one of us have looked for.
A couple of weeks ago I was teaching a ladies class at church and gave them one on my quotes. "Most women do everything possible to make themselves perfect for the love of an imperfect man when the one who loves us most, just the way we are, is perfect."
I love the thought that Jesus loves me just as I am. He nevers knocks on my door and ask me how I'm feeling about Him or if I've done anything that displeases Him in order to rate His love for me.
Sheila Walsh says in her book God Has A Dream For Your Life that a friend of hers asked her how she would feel if there were a movie made of her life for everyone to view? Not just the good stuff but every thought and every action she has ever had would be recorded for all to see. Her friend stated that God has seen her movie and loves her anyway.
God is love...

What are you afraid of?...

2007-01-25T11:04:00.000-05:00

We all have fears to face. Some are just short temporary fears and some are over the long haul of life that debilitates and take the joy of living God wants us to have.

What are your fears? While looking over the internet for a list I found a list 13 1/2 pages long. I never new there were so many!!!

I used to be terribly afraid of heights. Just getting up on a ladder frightened me. So I did something drastic about it and climbed Mt. Katadin. Quite a few years ago I went with a college group and with God's help and friends encouragement I was with made it to the top. Now I can handle a ladder.

Throughout the Bible we can read about fear. We are to fear (respect) God only as believers. Abraham recognized in his travels that some cities had no fear of God. Moses wanted Israel to have a healthy respect for God. Since he had seen the lack of it in Egypt, Moses knew God's people needed to understand where sin would take them if they turned back. Job feared God and David said, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

In the New Testament Paul addresses Timothy who is a young pastor about fear. II Tim. 1:7 says, "God has not given us a spirit of fear but of peace, love and a sound mind." That made me think a little...about the love thing in this verse...what's going on with that?

I Cor. 13 says love is the greatest thing. How in the world can love help my fears? Well, I John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." God has given us the ability to have a perfect love...His love...and with that love we understand His care for us. Fear keeps us from living and reaching out...love drives us to do and be all God wants us to be. If we get closer to the Lord we embrace and understand all the more just how much He loves us and will take care of us. Fear of people, places and things are NOT necessary for the believer! Go live your life for Him!

Me? Emotional?

2007-01-03T14:10:00.000-05:00

This coming Sunday I start a class for the Senior High young ladies and all other ladies interested. Most every year our church takes a few weeks to strengthen the families of our church and this year is proving to be no exception.
This year I was led to look at the emotions we women face. The eight week class is not going to begin to cover this vast topic but we'll look at some basics. What are good and bad emotions? How do we weed out the bad ones and embrace the good ones? We are also going to take a couple of weeks to look at the emotional abuse that is prevalent in many homes...sad to say Christian homes.
I experienced the emotion of sadness this last Wednesday as I said goodbye to my daughter Katie. We visited her over Christmas and I won't get to give her a hug until May when she comes home. God gives me His incredible grace to have her so far away.
Are you emotionally down after the Christmas holiday? I was...just something about the build up to Christmas and in one day...it's all over. Maybe you went on impulse and spent to much? There is always something to learn from our emotions...good or bad! God once again can give you His grace to deal with the after Christmas mess.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks and I'll give you my ideas (some I've learned the hard way) on how to deal with emotions.
The picture attached is of Katie and me on Christmas day!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-14T15:09:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! What wonderful wonderful words. Everyone is looking to be merry in all sorts of ways. Some are good for us and some are not so good.
The Rockwell makes merry this Christmas season by trying to spend more time together with friends and family. We eat too much!!! We sing...listen to songs...watch favorite Christmas movies...
Christmas can be wonderful and horrible at the same time. My thoughts always go to the ones who are trying to find "merry" in a bottle (liquid or solid). Jesus said those who drink of Him will never thirst again. Only Jesus can satisfy. Some are trying to find "merry" in purchases they can't afford. If we seek Jesus first we will have all our needs met and He will give the wisdom to know the difference. Others try to find "merry" in the unhealthy/unholy relationships. Once again, it is Jesus who fills our hearts with a perfect love. God loves us so much that He gave...He gave it all!
I wrote a little song this season that says it for me this year...

The years will change your holiday plans
your family will come and go.
But with Jesus in the center
you will never be alone.
Everything about the season
with our Lord has much more meaning
Oh...I love Christmas.

I felt like quitting...

2006-11-30T11:06:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt like quitting? Well I have!!! Honesty is the be policy for us all so why don't you just admit that you've felt that way?
My husband forwarded me an article by Rick Warren that was a real encouragement. Even though I have felt like quitting I haven't...yet...and by God's grace I will not.
Rick Warren had some great thoughts to spur me on to do the work of my life mission. He said, "Great people are reaqlly just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination. Great people don't know how to quit." Now, I want to be one those "great" people don't you?
A verse that Rick Warren used from Habbakuk 2:3 God says, "These things I plan (for your life) won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient. They will not be overdue a single day."
Every human heart faces challenges and struggles. The only way to purpose and victory is to keep working at whatever your doing.
Is your marriage struggling...give a little more. Is your checkbook empty...learn to manage you money a little better and God's way. Is your job difficult...work to do what you love to do. Are your children a dissappointment...pray a little harder. Don't quit!!!
You can read Rick Warren's full article on his web-site. It sure was a blessing to me.

Praying friends...

2006-11-16T10:52:00.000-05:00

Thursday is a special prayer day for me. The last 4 years on Thursday Kay Olenki and I have met to pray over Family Bible Church's prayer list. In our attempt to have others join us we have advertised, offered coffee & donuts and even prayed others would join us but it is still Kay and me.
Prayer is a priority for me (I know how much I need it) and having another prayer partner is such a blessings. Also, we have seen such great answers to prayer. Many who know we're praying stop me at church to let me know what the Lord is doing with their concern that's on the list.
I just bought my grandsons a great book that explain's the Lord's Prayeron their level. As I read the book I was reminded of how simple prayer can be...even a child can understand it and talk to the Lord. God does want to hear from us. First of all we need to recognize His holiness when we approach Him in prayer. He does want us to pray for His Kingdom to come...that all the world will know Him. Doing His will is important so...we must pray for His guidance to know it and His strength to do it. He will meet our daily needs...notice I say daily...
When we ask for forgiveness of our sin it helps us to see how we need to forgive others who've hurt us. Hasn't the Lord been gracious to forgive us of so much!!! God will also guide us on the road to good things instead of the wickedness and evil of this world. In prayer we are reminded that it all belongs to God and that He made everything that is or ever will be. What an incredible way to end our prayer...praising our wonderful God!
Well, you may ask what the picture is all about. I bring my Charlie (dog) to church with me the days I work and Kay is now bring her Shazam to our prayer time. Charlie and Shazam have become the best of friends! Every day Charlie runs to the prayer room to see if she is there. I've used this to remind myself of my need to run to the prayer room to find the best friend this world or the next can offer. As the Psalm says, "there is a friend whose is sticks closer than a brother." May you find the Lord to be your friend in prayer today!

The Power of Love...

2006-10-31T10:28:00.000-05:00

There are so many ways we talk of love today. Love is easly mistaken for an attraction or sexual feelings, but love in its purest form must not take on an immoral definition.
One of my favorite verses is Ephesian 5:2 which says, "...and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Wow! That is a powerful verse and one that takes a life time to understand and/or live out.
At my wonderful age of (shh) fifty...I realize loving the best way is just to love. Love your family and friends unconditionally. Love the unlovly when they're at their worst. You see loving when everything is great is quite easy.
The God-man Christ Jesus loved us as He walked amongst us and saw all our unlovable ways. He loved us so much he went all the way to Calvry's cross. He really sees us as we are...yet He loves us where we are. That's what the Lord wants us to do...live a life of love just like Jesus did. He changed the world...you can change your corner of it too.

The moral majority of Psalm 15...

2006-10-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

After I read Habakkuk 1 this morning I ventured to my daily Psalm which happened to be 15 today. Habakkuk started with an "oracle" which is not a good thing. An oracle being pronouned meant, in Jerral's words..."a verbal warning right from God." The prophet asked the questions we all ask about wickedness and injustices and even why God would use wicked people to punish His very own. Anyway...that's not what I want to address today but this reading has some great stuff to chew on!
When I arrived in Psalm 15, which is one of my favorites, I wanted to share with you how I apply this to me each time I pass through these five verses.
David asks the question of who can dwell in God's presence (vs1) and proceeds to give us this list. If you are: 1) trying to live right 2) a truthful person 3) does the right thing for the people around you 4) hates evil and 5) loves God 6) gives money to those who need it 7) doesn't take a bride to hurt others. This is quite a list but I love that it has seven things which is the number of perfection. And really is just good basic living!
Now how does this look in comparison to the New Testament teachings. We know that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). So this would have nothing to do with our salvation. But I do believe our moral standing does affect our relationship to God and how we STAND in His presecnce. Peter tell husbands to treat their wives with respect...so nothing will hinder thier prayer requests (1 Peter 3:7). Timothy says we should live up HOLY hands in prayer (1 Timothy 2:8). The only way we can do that is by confession and as the rest of verse 8 says, "without anger and disputing." Jesus taught much about prayer. He told us (Matt. 6:5) to not pray like the hypocrits who loved to be seen praying. And He also gave us in the same chapter the model of prayer. Jesus continued in verse 14 telling us to also have the act of forgiveness towards those who need to be forgiven and if we don't we will NOT find forgiveness from God.
Paul tell the church at Corinth that they are spiritual babies because they have not grown and are still "worldly." Chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians he tells them they will loose rewards when they STAND before God in the Day of judgement. I could go on and on...
My moral standing does matter...If I want to have God's ear in prayer I do need to pay attention to the things that matter to Him. Is God just my religion or is He my Holy Father, Friend and Guide? God saves us to grow us up to be mature in Him and being like Him is just like the requirements of Psalm 15!!!

A daughter turning 30...

2006-09-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

Keeping Sara's surprise party a surprise wasn't easy. Her husband Tony had to handle all the legistics of making it happen because we were away on the mission trip.
The difficult part is having your baby turn 30!!! Yet, this is supposed to be a celebration. So, what can I celebrate? I am celebrating that I have lived to see my children grown and to see two wonderful grandsons! I am celebrating that while I was away this beautiful daughter led our church worship. I am celebrating her life and the struggles that have and are making her a stronger and more beautiful woman.
Solomon in all his wisdom wrote in Ecclesiastes 3: 1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." And in verse 11: "He has made everything beautiful in its time." I have lived to see this beautful baby grow to this beautiful woman...in His time.

Monday at Kabankalan

2006-09-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

It is around noon time here and children's ministry is winding down for the morning. The medical will be busy all day. There are so many people, I don't want to guess at, waiting to be seen by the medical team. Many of the music team helped with the children's ministry this morning and I'm thankful we have been able to see these two ministries in action before the band leaves tomorrow.
Rick's blog will fill you in on his blog with some of the details of what we've done. Really though ministry is just getting started but we are all learning a whole lot about ourselves as things change and schedules not being what they were ten minutes ago.
If you get a chance to read this before tonight please pray that I have my voice tonight at 7:00 for the concert...For some reason it's not doing well.
Everyone is feeling OK...I had a migraine adjusting to the humidity but everyone else is well. We've enjoyed spending some ministry time with everyone but having Katie and Dan with us has been great.
I miss you all, but especially Dylan and Evan...here's a big smooch for the grandchildren.
Lee, if you're reading this call mom and tell her I'm doing good.
Sara, Mom loves you and wishes your voice was a part of this tremendous opportunity. I'm so thankful to have you take charge back home and get things done.!!! Katie says hi too.
Love you all!

Before we leave...

2006-09-12T08:27:00.000-05:00

Tonight we leave for the Philippines and I must say I AM EXCITED!!! This moring I was up at 3:00 AM and not able to sleep so I finished packing, had some devotional time and got a little excercise.
While reading Psalm 9 my heart was drawn to the first three verses. I will sing...I will tell...I will be glad...I will sing. What at wonderful theme for me and all the members of the Union River Band and we go to share the Lord's music on the island of Negros.
Verse 10 tell us the Lord will never forsake those who seek Him. My heart's prayer is that God will clearly be praised and shared as we minister to thousands who need Him. Verse 3 tells us our enemies turn back...they stumble and perish before God. Our enemy is not liking what we are about to do but we have a God who will go before us. I have not doubt that we will have a prosperous journy! I AM EXCITED!!!

In Excess...

2006-08-23T08:47:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 23 happened to be on my devotional journey this morning. As I was sitting again in the comforts of the deck, sun and swing I journied through its 35 verses. I was very comfortable until the thought of "excesses" hit me full in the mind and heart!
These are a few of the excesses that can actually kill. If you eat in access your health may get so bad you die...if you say too much a friend or foe may have you killed or you just may kill your good name. If you drink too much wine you may kill your finances or your body. If sex is your driving force you may drive yourself right into the grave.
My devotion time is my time with God so He was faithful to speak to me. I am having a few issues with my heart...the physical one...that requires me to loose all my weight. So do I struggle with an excess? Yes! So pray for me in this struggle and let me know if you are struggling with an excescs and I will pray for you too.
The picture of my dog...Charlie.

Personal stuff...

2006-08-14T06:50:00.000-05:00

It is Monday morning and I am having a nice lazy morning. A cup of coffee in hand and headed to the back deck to enjoy the sun is not a bad way to start the week. I'm very thankful to have the day off!
I'm wondering what my life would have been like if I hadn't accepted Christ? And what if my husband had not become a minister of the gospel? There have been some difficult days...even difficult years...but everyone has hard times.
It is so easy to think of all the negatives. Yet, this morning I want to share with you the great things that have happened as a result of our lives given over to Christ.
I wish I had kept a list of all the people who have come to know the Lord as a result of our ministry...God has so we'll check in with Him one day. Many are finding their purpose in life through their ministry. Yesterday I was reminded of the many children who have received so many Bible lessons in Sunday School. The Lord also has allowed us to be in a church that has backed our mission work. In four weeks we head to the Philippines once again to minister through medical, childrens and crusade ourtreach. We are truly blessed!
This Saturday I turn 50! I'm thankful my life's verse is still my driving passion. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you."

Psalm 119:49-56

2006-08-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

The devotion work I did on the section of Psalm 119 was on June 11, 2006. Things were going quite well for me two months ago. In the time since then I've gone through some personal struggles with my health. Really, not knowing what was wrong until yesterday.
This section of the Word is all about hope and comfort. Verse 50 says, "My comfort in my sufering is this: Your pr0mise preserves my live." Verse 49, "Remember Your word to your servant, for you have given me hope."
Most everyone around the world wants these two things! The end of most of what we do is about hope. My husband was working with a man from church today on a work project on our house and I was hoping it would all come out OK :). We go to school with hopes for a great job. We will go to church tomorrow with hopes to have God speak to us. And when God speaks He brings His comfort to our our lives. People can say nice things that give us comfort and God wants us to comfort one another but God also wants to be that source. In 1 Corinthians chapter 1 God encourages us to comfort one another with the comfort He has comforted us. God is the source of real comfort. Comfort brings hope...hope for all the tomorrows to come.

Psalm 119...part 2

2006-08-02T12:59:00.000-05:00

The second paragraph of Psalm 119 covers verses 9 – 16. The blessing of God is found as we memorize and meditate on God’s Word. I remember someone saying, “Sin keeps me from the Word or the Word keeps me from sin.”
My husband and I were praying together this morning and he said…”Garbage in garbage out,” referring to what’s on TV these days. Now if we put a positive spin on this thought by putting in the in good things (the Word) and you will find yourself thinking and doing right things (righteousness). Not only will you react properly but verse 14 says you’ll have a good time doing so!

Psalm 119

2006-08-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

God has always blessed me as I’ve read and studied Psalm 119. Everything you want to know about what His Word will do for you are written in these 176 verses. Usually I’ll read 2-3 sections at a time and write down what each section is telling the Word will do in me and through me.
So many times we flippantly throw out to people that God is gonna bless them if they do this or that…NOT TRUE…God will bless you and me as we do our best to live blameless lives in obedience to His Word.
This section (vs. 1-8) make it very clear…Blessings from God are given from a desire to obey to His Word. This Psalmist had times of struggles and sin but went to God with a desire to know what is sin, repent and learn to overcome…obey!
If you want a blessing look at your heart today…ask the Lord if what you see is a sin…seek His forgiveness and strength to overcome. God will bless the life that seeks to obey! Stay tuned…next week we’ll look at another aspect of God’s blessings.