We had a Good Friday service at church. I loved it! There was Scripture read, hymns sung and then communion. One of the hymns that we sang was "The Old Rugged Cross".
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Chorus:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
'til my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me.
To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then He'll call me some day to my home far away,
where His glory forever I'll share.
There are times when it hits me how much Jesus did for me on the cross. This was one of those times. The chorus made me want to cry, but I didn't.
Without the cross, we would be lost in our sin.
Without the cross, we would have no hope.
Without the cross, we would never experience His love for us.
Without the cross, we would be separated from Him forever.
Those are some scary thoughts! I couldn't help but think as I sang that chorus, how grateful I am for the cross. It means so much to know that I can cling to the cross until He calls me home. Because of the cross, I will be able to spend eternity at His feet, worshiping my Creator!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Musings
I've had lots of possible blog posts recently, but haven't gotten around to actually writing them down. I need to be more disciplined in that, since this is my journal.
The first subject that has been on my mind is thankfulness.
I am thankful for lots of things, but specifically thankful for the trials that God has put in my life. I think I have said it in the past, however, I have really taken it to heart lately. I know I am opening myself up by saying this but I almost prefer going through hardships. I have no choice but to depend on the Lord during those times. I'm thankful for them because I have learned so much about myself and how to help others. I've learned with God in control, I don't have to worry, I need to trust. I've learned that God can take a bad situation and have good come out of it. I've learned that sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is just tell them you are praying for them. Prayer changes hearts! I've learned that God is always there even when it seems that everything is out of control. I've learned that all I really need is Him. Do I remember all of these things, no, but I'm getting better!
Secondly. I've really been thinking a lot about the reason God chose to save me and place me where I am right now. I feel overwhelmed when I think about it. Why did He choose to use little ol' me?! I have no idea, but He did. I spend so much time thinking about the future (I'm a planner) that I fail to live in the moment. I'm in a hurry and I don't look for opportunities to stop and smile at someone or talk with them about their life/struggles. I will admit, I'm not a people person, I would be a hermit if I could sometimes! However, God has called us to be the salt and light to the world, I can't do that if I close myself off. I listened to a couple tell their "story" a couple of weeks ago, telling of the struggles that they had had in their marriage and how God has changed their lives. They now help teach the marriage classes! I was talking with her after wards and I was telling her how encouraging it was for me. She got this look on her face and said, "look at your beautiful story, you should tell yours." My gut feeling, no way could I do it. The reason, I feel like I barely held on, not always doing the grief process well. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that isn't right. I was encouraged by their story because they were real, they told of the struggles. They didn't focus on not doing it well they focused on how when they were struggling, God met them where they needed Him to. They knew that God was the only thing that helped them. I too can attest to that, without Him, I wouldn't have held on, just barely making it. He is the only thing I could hold onto and get me through those difficult times. It wasn't me, He gets the glory. Will I start telling my story, perhaps, but I want it to be for His glory alone.
I am doing well. No major things going on, just life in general. I'm never bored and there is always something going on. I get to go on vacation in the next week or so, so I'm excited for the break. It is warming up here in Texas and I'm so glad! We just need some rain, badly! I guess God knows that though.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
That just makes me smile!
The first subject that has been on my mind is thankfulness.
I am thankful for lots of things, but specifically thankful for the trials that God has put in my life. I think I have said it in the past, however, I have really taken it to heart lately. I know I am opening myself up by saying this but I almost prefer going through hardships. I have no choice but to depend on the Lord during those times. I'm thankful for them because I have learned so much about myself and how to help others. I've learned with God in control, I don't have to worry, I need to trust. I've learned that God can take a bad situation and have good come out of it. I've learned that sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is just tell them you are praying for them. Prayer changes hearts! I've learned that God is always there even when it seems that everything is out of control. I've learned that all I really need is Him. Do I remember all of these things, no, but I'm getting better!
Secondly. I've really been thinking a lot about the reason God chose to save me and place me where I am right now. I feel overwhelmed when I think about it. Why did He choose to use little ol' me?! I have no idea, but He did. I spend so much time thinking about the future (I'm a planner) that I fail to live in the moment. I'm in a hurry and I don't look for opportunities to stop and smile at someone or talk with them about their life/struggles. I will admit, I'm not a people person, I would be a hermit if I could sometimes! However, God has called us to be the salt and light to the world, I can't do that if I close myself off. I listened to a couple tell their "story" a couple of weeks ago, telling of the struggles that they had had in their marriage and how God has changed their lives. They now help teach the marriage classes! I was talking with her after wards and I was telling her how encouraging it was for me. She got this look on her face and said, "look at your beautiful story, you should tell yours." My gut feeling, no way could I do it. The reason, I feel like I barely held on, not always doing the grief process well. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that isn't right. I was encouraged by their story because they were real, they told of the struggles. They didn't focus on not doing it well they focused on how when they were struggling, God met them where they needed Him to. They knew that God was the only thing that helped them. I too can attest to that, without Him, I wouldn't have held on, just barely making it. He is the only thing I could hold onto and get me through those difficult times. It wasn't me, He gets the glory. Will I start telling my story, perhaps, but I want it to be for His glory alone.
I am doing well. No major things going on, just life in general. I'm never bored and there is always something going on. I get to go on vacation in the next week or so, so I'm excited for the break. It is warming up here in Texas and I'm so glad! We just need some rain, badly! I guess God knows that though.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
That just makes me smile!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
He always provides
I am so glad I have a different mindset than I did a couple of years ago. The things that I've learned and hopefully can retain have helped so much! A week or so ago, slab leak number two happened. Today it is supposed to be fixed. Yeah, it has been an inconvenience, but thankfully, it has been minor. The amazing thing is that God already provided the money to get it fixed. Would I have liked to keep that "extra" money in savings? Of course, but my mindset now is that it is only money and if that is the worst thing in my life this year, I'm all for it! :) If you ever doubted that God is faithful and doesn't always provide for His children, I'm living proof that He does. He always knows exactly what I need and when I need it. I love that about Him! It just makes me smile to be His child and know that He is my Provider!
P.S. He also provided people who can take out cabinets!
P.S. He also provided people who can take out cabinets!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Seek Him first
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek His face always. I Chronicles 16:11
I read a mini devotional this morning. It said this, (written as if God were speaking)
Save your best striving for seeking My face. I am constantly communicating with you. To find Me and hear My voice, you must seek Me above all else. Anything that you desire more than Me becomes an idol. When you are determined to get your own way, you blot Me out of your consciousness. Instead of single-mindedly pursuing some goal, talk with Me about it. Let the Light of My Presence shine on this pursuit, so that you can see it from My perspective. If the goal fits into My plans for you, I will help you reach it. If it is contrary to My will for you, I will gradually change the desire of your heart. Seek Me first and foremost; then the rest of your life will fall into place, piece by piece.
Ouch! I am notorious for trying to handle things on my own. I will try to figure out how to handle something myself before first praying about it. I need to be better at seeking Him first in everything! His ways are always the best anyway.
I read a mini devotional this morning. It said this, (written as if God were speaking)
Save your best striving for seeking My face. I am constantly communicating with you. To find Me and hear My voice, you must seek Me above all else. Anything that you desire more than Me becomes an idol. When you are determined to get your own way, you blot Me out of your consciousness. Instead of single-mindedly pursuing some goal, talk with Me about it. Let the Light of My Presence shine on this pursuit, so that you can see it from My perspective. If the goal fits into My plans for you, I will help you reach it. If it is contrary to My will for you, I will gradually change the desire of your heart. Seek Me first and foremost; then the rest of your life will fall into place, piece by piece.
Ouch! I am notorious for trying to handle things on my own. I will try to figure out how to handle something myself before first praying about it. I need to be better at seeking Him first in everything! His ways are always the best anyway.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Stopping In
It has been almost a month since my last post. You have probably figured out that when I don't post, things are going well and that has been the case for the past month.
A few changes in my life:
We began four church services at the church that I both attend and work. It makes for a long day on Sundays, but it is worth it! I enjoy being here and seeing what God is doing in this place. We've had a few more kids in our Children's ministry than we had been having, so it makes it worthwhile!
I have a nicely painted kitchen. We (me and my roommate) tore the beautiful apple wallpaper border down a few weeks ago. It came down well, but we still needed to paint. After that was removed, everything in the kitchen was some shade of brown. Boring. Last week, we painted the walls a nice green, kinda sage, but much lighter. I'll have to take a picture. Looking forward to doing some other minor home improvements soon!
I am older than I was in the last post. My birthday was this week and I had a great one. In fact, I had a fabulous day! So much better than last year when I was a basket case and miserable. I'm thankful for the friends that God has brought into my life who take me out for my birthday. Also thankful for my family and more friends that threw me a nice party with great food. We grilled out in 70 degree temps, didn't do that too much when I lived in WI! God is so good to me, I am truly one blessed woman!
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. ~ Psalm 149:4-5
A few changes in my life:
We began four church services at the church that I both attend and work. It makes for a long day on Sundays, but it is worth it! I enjoy being here and seeing what God is doing in this place. We've had a few more kids in our Children's ministry than we had been having, so it makes it worthwhile!
I have a nicely painted kitchen. We (me and my roommate) tore the beautiful apple wallpaper border down a few weeks ago. It came down well, but we still needed to paint. After that was removed, everything in the kitchen was some shade of brown. Boring. Last week, we painted the walls a nice green, kinda sage, but much lighter. I'll have to take a picture. Looking forward to doing some other minor home improvements soon!
I am older than I was in the last post. My birthday was this week and I had a great one. In fact, I had a fabulous day! So much better than last year when I was a basket case and miserable. I'm thankful for the friends that God has brought into my life who take me out for my birthday. Also thankful for my family and more friends that threw me a nice party with great food. We grilled out in 70 degree temps, didn't do that too much when I lived in WI! God is so good to me, I am truly one blessed woman!
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. ~ Psalm 149:4-5
Monday, January 31, 2011
Satisfaction
I am in a good place right now, life is good. It seems like most of the time I am running around like a crazy person, but lately life has been calm. I'm not talking about my busyness, believe me, that still exists, I'm talking about the calmness of my soul. The things I have been struggling with are still there, but God has been working on me. I began the Beth Moore "Breaking Free" Bible study with some friends. I had it in my mind that this study was for women who had horrid lives/pasts that they needed to break free from. I have had a good life so I wasn't certain how much it would pertain to me. Well, I've already been shown many things and we are only a couple of weeks into it. (This week is partly on pride, oops!) Last week's lesson was on the "benefits" of having Christ in our lives. A couple of those things were the peace and joy that we can only find it Him, but the one that caught my attention was that only through Him can we have complete satisfaction. A day or two after that lesson, I was listening to my iTunes and the song playing was One More Day by Diamond Rio. Part of that song is:
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you
Chorus:
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
So glad I can listen to some of my favorite songs without bursting into tears! I digress......
I think one of the reasons that there is a calmness in my soul is I do feel satisfied in Christ. Lately, I have felt like He has become everything to me. So often I feel that if I could have that one more thing that I would then be satisfied. That one more thing could be anything, but as the song says it would leave me wishing for more. Realizing the satisfaction I can have in Him has made me so much happier. I have found that all the other things like joy and peace fall right into place because I am satisfied. I am not striving for things that in the long run mean nothing. I am content in Him, knowing that I want for nothing with Him as my Savior and Lord.
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake. ~ Psalm 17:15
For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good. ~ Psalm 107:9
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you
Chorus:
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
So glad I can listen to some of my favorite songs without bursting into tears! I digress......
I think one of the reasons that there is a calmness in my soul is I do feel satisfied in Christ. Lately, I have felt like He has become everything to me. So often I feel that if I could have that one more thing that I would then be satisfied. That one more thing could be anything, but as the song says it would leave me wishing for more. Realizing the satisfaction I can have in Him has made me so much happier. I have found that all the other things like joy and peace fall right into place because I am satisfied. I am not striving for things that in the long run mean nothing. I am content in Him, knowing that I want for nothing with Him as my Savior and Lord.
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake. ~ Psalm 17:15
For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good. ~ Psalm 107:9
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