"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. " -Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)
Don't live to make a good impression on others. That's a strong statement in today's world. It seems everyone wants to keep up with their neighbors. I fall into that trap sometimes. I look at what others have and want, want, want. But, this year I am going to focus on making a good impression on God. That is my top priority. Walk in his steps and he will lead you down a path full of hope and love. Don't worry if you step off the path, he is still there to guide you back. "Put people first". I hope to do a lot of that this year as I look for some great agencies to volunteer my time to. After much talking last year and not starting...don't sing it, bring it, lol...I hope to get very involved with other people. I may not have a lot of material things to give but I do have my time to share. God has opened my days so that I can be faithful in his word and start putting his plan into action.
I hope you will join me this year in volunteering your time or resources to an agency or program that God has put on your heart. If you do volunteer, please comment and let me know where you volunteer and what you do. I am still looking for some places to share my time with and I would love to hear your experiences.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New Year...New Resolutions
I know a lot of people don't make resolutions because they are hard to keep and you feel bad at the end of the year when you haven't reached your goal. Well, this year I am going to make some resolutions that I can keep (hopefully)!
#1: Have a closer relationship with God and keep my faith in him.
#2: Keep up with my morning/night studies and readings in the Word.
#3: This year I am truly going to work on finding out how he wants to work through me. I want to find out what gifts he has given to me to be used for him.
#4: Volunteer in my community. I looked into this at the end of last year, but never fully committed myself.
#5: Learn to pray the right way. Well, I'm not sure there is a right way and a wrong way, but I sure want to find out!
#6: I'll just throw this in there since it's on all the lists every year, learn to eat healthy, continue the gym and all that mumbo jumbo, right? lol
So, I want to be closer to God, that's my #1 right? In order to do that, I have to have faith. Faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. No ifs, ands, or buts, it will happen.
"So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him" Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
I have faith that God will protect me and my family and provide for us. But I intend on working to keep my faith at all times. When things are going badly I lose a little faith but God always comes through. Even if he uses someone totally unexpected to send the message. My faith was restored this week and my heart is bubbling over. I totally was in a pit and something so awesome came to me last week and I was shocked, and excited. Overwhelmed actually! God knew I was at the bottom and trying to reach out of the pit and couldn't get a grip on the side. But, he gave me that little hope and now I can't wait to see what else he has planned for me.
So, Resolution #1 has started... now to move on to #2!
#1: Have a closer relationship with God and keep my faith in him.
#2: Keep up with my morning/night studies and readings in the Word.
#3: This year I am truly going to work on finding out how he wants to work through me. I want to find out what gifts he has given to me to be used for him.
#4: Volunteer in my community. I looked into this at the end of last year, but never fully committed myself.
#5: Learn to pray the right way. Well, I'm not sure there is a right way and a wrong way, but I sure want to find out!
#6: I'll just throw this in there since it's on all the lists every year, learn to eat healthy, continue the gym and all that mumbo jumbo, right? lol
So, I want to be closer to God, that's my #1 right? In order to do that, I have to have faith. Faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. No ifs, ands, or buts, it will happen.
"So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him" Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
I have faith that God will protect me and my family and provide for us. But I intend on working to keep my faith at all times. When things are going badly I lose a little faith but God always comes through. Even if he uses someone totally unexpected to send the message. My faith was restored this week and my heart is bubbling over. I totally was in a pit and something so awesome came to me last week and I was shocked, and excited. Overwhelmed actually! God knew I was at the bottom and trying to reach out of the pit and couldn't get a grip on the side. But, he gave me that little hope and now I can't wait to see what else he has planned for me.
So, Resolution #1 has started... now to move on to #2!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Ultimate Gift
This holiday season has been extremely hard in our family. If you've read other entries in my blog then you know my husband was with out a job for several, several weeks. That makes Christmas time hard. Gifts aren't cheap. As I sat down with my Christmas list trying to find a way to buy anything on it my mind kept drifting off. I kept thinking about the ultimate gift. God gave his Son.. his ONLY son for us!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NLT)
We all know that verse. It is one of the first verses we learn in Sunday School I think. God gave us his son - but do we think about what else He gave us? He gave some of us the ability to preach and teach, to help, to guide, to serve, to give encouragement, to show mercy, and to lead. God has given us these gifts to serve him.
He will "gift" us eternal life in heaven if we follow him. With all the gifts he is bestowing upon us, he is the ultimate gift giver, right? We just have to follow him. His path will guide us. My small pile of gifts seem insignificant compared to that. I can't give anyone gifts compared to what God gave. But, I can tell everyone about his awesome gifts so they can enjoy them with me.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas. On this day remember to take time to inventory the gifts you have from God, learn to use them, and give him praise.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NLT)
We all know that verse. It is one of the first verses we learn in Sunday School I think. God gave us his son - but do we think about what else He gave us? He gave some of us the ability to preach and teach, to help, to guide, to serve, to give encouragement, to show mercy, and to lead. God has given us these gifts to serve him.
He will "gift" us eternal life in heaven if we follow him. With all the gifts he is bestowing upon us, he is the ultimate gift giver, right? We just have to follow him. His path will guide us. My small pile of gifts seem insignificant compared to that. I can't give anyone gifts compared to what God gave. But, I can tell everyone about his awesome gifts so they can enjoy them with me.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas. On this day remember to take time to inventory the gifts you have from God, learn to use them, and give him praise.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Did you hear about her?
"Did you hear about Anna?"
"I don't mean to gossip but, "
"Can you believe she did that?"
"Well I heard Paul has been cheating on her for months and they are heading straight for a D-I-V-O-R-C-E!"
"But, I don't mean to gossip so let's not talk about it."
How many times have we ended a conversation like that? After we have already heard all the gossip? Gossip is everywhere. It's in schools, colleges, your work place, even in churches. When we get out of school we are so excited because we think all those years of lies, gossiping behind backs, and untruths are long gone. Then we get a job and realize that was just a dream. We hear them in the break room and they are flying through emails and telephones burning up the lines.
"What dainty morsels rumors are but they sink deep into one's heart." Proverbs 18:8 (NLT)
Gossip and rumors are hard to resist. People always want to be friends with the ones "in the know". But, we have to remember there are people associated with the rumors and hurtful words being spread about them. Someone will be hurt. We don't mean to hurt others, but we do. It always feels good to be the person everyone wants to talk to. Doesn't it feel good to walk in a room and everyone wants to run up and talk to you? Well, here is my chance to break the mold. I want to be the one everyone can't wait to run up to and share all the good things and praises about the Lord to. I want to be the one that everyone would love to share their week with. I want to spread God's word, not gossip and rumors.
"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt his name together. " Psalm 34:1-3 (NLT)
"I don't mean to gossip but, "
"Can you believe she did that?"
"Well I heard Paul has been cheating on her for months and they are heading straight for a D-I-V-O-R-C-E!"
"But, I don't mean to gossip so let's not talk about it."
How many times have we ended a conversation like that? After we have already heard all the gossip? Gossip is everywhere. It's in schools, colleges, your work place, even in churches. When we get out of school we are so excited because we think all those years of lies, gossiping behind backs, and untruths are long gone. Then we get a job and realize that was just a dream. We hear them in the break room and they are flying through emails and telephones burning up the lines.
"What dainty morsels rumors are but they sink deep into one's heart." Proverbs 18:8 (NLT)
Gossip and rumors are hard to resist. People always want to be friends with the ones "in the know". But, we have to remember there are people associated with the rumors and hurtful words being spread about them. Someone will be hurt. We don't mean to hurt others, but we do. It always feels good to be the person everyone wants to talk to. Doesn't it feel good to walk in a room and everyone wants to run up and talk to you? Well, here is my chance to break the mold. I want to be the one everyone can't wait to run up to and share all the good things and praises about the Lord to. I want to be the one that everyone would love to share their week with. I want to spread God's word, not gossip and rumors.
"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt his name together. " Psalm 34:1-3 (NLT)
Monday, December 22, 2008
More Now!
"All I am asking Lord is that my husband will get a job. Any job. We just need some income!" -For 35 days I prayed and asked others to pray for the same thing. Finally he did get a job! Not just one job, but two jobs.. I was elated! God heard and answered our prayers.
But, now I keep catching myself asking for more. How can that be? I just knew we would be ok if my husband got a job... any job... right? So why more now? Why do I feel like we need more money for stuff? We have everything we need.
"Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb." Psalm 20:9-10 (NLT)
Did you read that? His laws are fair and true. They are more desirable than gold! What he gave me is a fair amount so why am I still asking for more? More pay, some benefits, more hours, more, more, more. By asking these questions I feel like I am saying God didn't do enough. I feel like he is taunting us when I see what everyone else has when I am barely hanging on to my home and making ends meet.
"In everything you do, stay away from the complaining and arguing." Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
I am full of complaints. I was fooling myself saying they were suggestions to God. But they weren't. They were complaints. God gave me what I asked for and now I am complaining and asking for more? That isn't right. I need to step back and rethink things. If I look at my situation and list the things God has done to help me, I shouldn't complain. I have what I need and that's all I asked for. I need to look up to the Lord and praise him and trust him. He knows where I am going. He knows exactly what will happen to our future.
"In him lie hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3 (NLT)
I am challenging myself to not complain and argue. Will you join me in this challenge? I am going to be happy with what I have. I will not argue with my husband or daughter or anyone at work. I will walk away when I want to complain about why someone gets something that I don't have. I will walk away and know that in him lie all the wisdom and knowledge.
But, now I keep catching myself asking for more. How can that be? I just knew we would be ok if my husband got a job... any job... right? So why more now? Why do I feel like we need more money for stuff? We have everything we need.
"Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb." Psalm 20:9-10 (NLT)
Did you read that? His laws are fair and true. They are more desirable than gold! What he gave me is a fair amount so why am I still asking for more? More pay, some benefits, more hours, more, more, more. By asking these questions I feel like I am saying God didn't do enough. I feel like he is taunting us when I see what everyone else has when I am barely hanging on to my home and making ends meet.
"In everything you do, stay away from the complaining and arguing." Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
I am full of complaints. I was fooling myself saying they were suggestions to God. But they weren't. They were complaints. God gave me what I asked for and now I am complaining and asking for more? That isn't right. I need to step back and rethink things. If I look at my situation and list the things God has done to help me, I shouldn't complain. I have what I need and that's all I asked for. I need to look up to the Lord and praise him and trust him. He knows where I am going. He knows exactly what will happen to our future.
"In him lie hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3 (NLT)
I am challenging myself to not complain and argue. Will you join me in this challenge? I am going to be happy with what I have. I will not argue with my husband or daughter or anyone at work. I will walk away when I want to complain about why someone gets something that I don't have. I will walk away and know that in him lie all the wisdom and knowledge.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A lesson in humility
"Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty." Proverbs 28:27 (NLT)
My heart had hardened towards all the "gimmes". You know what they are. Please donate to this charity; please take an angel from the tree; please send canned goods; give clothes for the school to hand out; donate for pets, the list continues to grow. Everyone needs something all the time. It is never ending.
As I sat around ignoring them until the next check, feeling a little above them, my life crumbled around me. With my husband losing his job, with his age and small disability (that he refuses to admit) I became worried that there was no hope. I knew we would lose our home and other things if he didn't get a job or help quick. Wow, that will really take you down a notch or two, know what I mean? It made me realize not everyone who needs help are lazy or just playing the system. Sometimes life happens and we are suppose to give to others.
"But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help - how can Gods love be in that person? 1 John 3:17 (NLT)
I wasn't showing God's love. I was being greedy and self righteous. So God took it away. He gave me plenty of warning signs that I ignored. He gave me plenty of opportunities that I passed. God knew he needed something drastic to turn my heart. He did break through the barrier.
"Dear children let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions." 1 John 3:18 (NLT)
After all, having a loving, giving heart feels so much better than an ice cold heart.
My heart had hardened towards all the "gimmes". You know what they are. Please donate to this charity; please take an angel from the tree; please send canned goods; give clothes for the school to hand out; donate for pets, the list continues to grow. Everyone needs something all the time. It is never ending.
As I sat around ignoring them until the next check, feeling a little above them, my life crumbled around me. With my husband losing his job, with his age and small disability (that he refuses to admit) I became worried that there was no hope. I knew we would lose our home and other things if he didn't get a job or help quick. Wow, that will really take you down a notch or two, know what I mean? It made me realize not everyone who needs help are lazy or just playing the system. Sometimes life happens and we are suppose to give to others.
"But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help - how can Gods love be in that person? 1 John 3:17 (NLT)
I wasn't showing God's love. I was being greedy and self righteous. So God took it away. He gave me plenty of warning signs that I ignored. He gave me plenty of opportunities that I passed. God knew he needed something drastic to turn my heart. He did break through the barrier.
"Dear children let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions." 1 John 3:18 (NLT)
After all, having a loving, giving heart feels so much better than an ice cold heart.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
God keeps his promises!
"Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promises." Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
"Keep his promise" that is so hard for many of us to do in today's world. So many promise things they can't do. I know most promise with good intentions but things happen to lead them away from fulfilling their promises. I know I am guilty of it. But God keeps his promises and we can count on that when everything or everyone else fails us.
For a month now myself, my family, and my friends (thanks bunches Women's Community group) have been praying relentlessly for my husband to find a job. We weren't picky, just anything to keep a roof over our head and food on the table. Well, I am telling you now, God is great! Not only did Chris start a part time job this weekend, he starts his full time job on Monday!
"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."Psalm 37:5 (NLT)
I've committed myself to God. I trusted him and he did help us. Not only did he help us financially by having the jobs for Chris, he brought us closer to him. He taught me lessons on patience, humility, tithing, and self righteousness. He brought Chris back into the church family and showed me their is hope in our future if I just lean on him and trust His word.
"For our hearts shall rejoice in him because we have trusted in his holy name." Psalm 33:21 (KJV)
"Keep his promise" that is so hard for many of us to do in today's world. So many promise things they can't do. I know most promise with good intentions but things happen to lead them away from fulfilling their promises. I know I am guilty of it. But God keeps his promises and we can count on that when everything or everyone else fails us.
For a month now myself, my family, and my friends (thanks bunches Women's Community group) have been praying relentlessly for my husband to find a job. We weren't picky, just anything to keep a roof over our head and food on the table. Well, I am telling you now, God is great! Not only did Chris start a part time job this weekend, he starts his full time job on Monday!
"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."Psalm 37:5 (NLT)
I've committed myself to God. I trusted him and he did help us. Not only did he help us financially by having the jobs for Chris, he brought us closer to him. He taught me lessons on patience, humility, tithing, and self righteousness. He brought Chris back into the church family and showed me their is hope in our future if I just lean on him and trust His word.
"For our hearts shall rejoice in him because we have trusted in his holy name." Psalm 33:21 (KJV)
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