He has RISEN - What a glorious, wonderful, beautiful thing! Christ the Lord has risen. The grave could not hold him, he conquered death and sin. He paid my debt. This is a glorious day!
Lent has been a pretty amazing time for me this year. I really feel like God spoke to me and called me out in a number of different areas. I am not the same person I was 40 days ago. I'm enjoying silence and the peace that can come with it. I feel my mind renewed has over this past 40 days it has been filled things above.
As well during these 40 days so much has happened in mine and Tim's life. We went to Los Angeles, we moved, we announced our resignation to our family at WLA, we launched our website and we continue to prepare for our move to Detroit and then on to Toronto. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about there is some information about all this at our website ) As well during this time I was sick. I came down with a nasty cold that held on to me for about 3 weeks. Its sounds strange but I am so thankful that I was sick. God really pushed me into relying on HIS strengthen and power. There came a point were I stopped praying to be healed and started to pray that I would learn the lessons that He had for me during this time. That was an amazing prayer. God began to teach me and grow in me a stronger desire to live my life in complete surrender to Him.
I feel God calling me into another challenge for these next forty days. So if you are interested in joining me and seeing what I'm to I'll be blogging about this all on our website www.luvisaverb.com
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Day 2 - April 11
Today is actually the official end of Lent. Tomorrow we get the honour of celebrating the fact that Christ rose from the dead with millions of other people around the world. Tomorrow I'll wrap up what God has been teaching me during these 40 days. Thank you so much for journeying with me.
Take time in this next 24 hours to remember what Christ did on the cross. If you don't know or don't understand what He did start on this journey. Ask questions, do some seeking out of truth. There is a hope great then all your circumstances.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Day 3 - April 10
This was a dark night for the disciples 2000 years ago. This night they thought their hope was gone and their dreams dashed. Peter had denied, Judas had betrayed, and the rest ran in fear. Not only was this the night they lost their Lord and King, it was a night where they were filled with shame and guilt to go along with their immense sorrow. Have you been there? That dark night where you thought your hope was gone. Or that moment you fell again.
Fast forward to Sunday. Fast forward to Christ walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. The darkness they felt was lifted. Christ light of the world appeared, forgave, encouraged and became not only their King but their Saviour. Take heart if you are in this dark place or if guilt and shame seem to be chasing you. Remember if you believe in Christ you have the light of the world, you have forgiveness and freedom from guilt. The darkness will lift and your Sunday will come.
Fast forward to Sunday. Fast forward to Christ walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. The darkness they felt was lifted. Christ light of the world appeared, forgave, encouraged and became not only their King but their Saviour. Take heart if you are in this dark place or if guilt and shame seem to be chasing you. Remember if you believe in Christ you have the light of the world, you have forgiveness and freedom from guilt. The darkness will lift and your Sunday will come.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day 4 - April 9
I heard this song the other day and it had a deep impact on me and I wanted to share it with you. It's worth the time.
I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends
While the road we walk is difficult indeed
I couldn't not ask for more than what you've already been
Only that you would say these prayers for me
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in
May your strenght all be spent upon the weak
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet
May you find every step to be harder than the last
So your character grows greater every stride
May your company be of human insignificance
May your weakness be your only source of pride
What you do unto others may it all be done to you
May you meet the One who made us
And see Him smile when life is through
May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they'd be
And when you look upon the broken
May mercy show you what you could not see
May you never be sure of any plans you desire
But you'd learn to trust the plan He has for you
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire
May you fight with all your life for what is true
I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends
But what I wish is more than I could eever speak
As the way wanders on I'll long to see you once again
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would pray for me
I will pray for you now, for you have been my faithful friends
While the road we walk is difficult indeed
I couldn't not ask for more than what you've already been
Only that you would say these prayers for me
May your heart break enough that compassion enters in
May your strenght all be spent upon the weak
All the castles and crowns you build and place upon your head
May they all fall, come crashing down around your feet
May you find every step to be harder than the last
So your character grows greater every stride
May your company be of human insignificance
May your weakness be your only source of pride
What you do unto others may it all be done to you
May you meet the One who made us
And see Him smile when life is through
May your blessings be many but not what you hoped they'd be
And when you look upon the broken
May mercy show you what you could not see
May you never be sure of any plans you desire
But you'd learn to trust the plan He has for you
May your passions be tried and tested in the holy fire
May you fight with all your life for what is true
I have prayed for you now all my dear and faithful friends
But what I wish is more than I could eever speak
As the way wanders on I'll long to see you once again
Until then, would you pray these prayers for me?
Oh, that you would pray for me
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Day 5 - April 8
Last week I had what I thought was a great complement from someone. They thought I was only 20! HAHA what great thing. I'm 28 soon to be 29 and next year 30 will be here. Then I was thinking why was it such a great complement? Why is getting older a negative thing? For those of us who follow Christ getting older should be a glorious thing! Everyday is another day closer to when we get to see and be with Jesus. And if I am to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind one day getting to being with Jesus should be so exciting to me. We have this hope for eternity.
But I know why it was such a great complement and why I/we have a desire to stay young it's because I/we do not have an eternity mind set. My eyes so often are focused just on the world around me. I mean it's easy to do. It's easy to look at the problems around me or focus in on my worries or troubles. But when I put on the filter of eternity do those problems, worries, troubles or even pleasures seem to mater as much? If I could keep my eyes focused on the end of race it will force me to remain in the race. So yay for age and this little lines around my eyes and those gray hairs that are starting already. Bring on 30, 40 , 50 or how ever many days or years God grants me. "For me to live is Christ and to die to gain"
So while I am here on this earth and in light of eternity I need to remain focused on things that God has called me too. Being a wife, raising Layla, being apart of a church family, and sharing Christ's love with all that might meet(with words and with action)
In light of eternity this should effected my decisions. How I spend my time (like I mentioned above)as well as how I spend money. In light of eternity do I need the car that I drive or to buy the latest clothing for me or Layla - hmmm I struggle with that last one. In light of eternity do I need another pair of shoes or a new decor item for our house? hmmmm I seem to struggle with all these... I'm not saying that we shouldn't make our houses feel welcoming or we should dress in rags and just hand me downs but I think I really need to take stock in what I need in light of eternity and what I just get sucked into buying because my eyes are only focused on this world.
In light of eternity what will your day look like?
But I know why it was such a great complement and why I/we have a desire to stay young it's because I/we do not have an eternity mind set. My eyes so often are focused just on the world around me. I mean it's easy to do. It's easy to look at the problems around me or focus in on my worries or troubles. But when I put on the filter of eternity do those problems, worries, troubles or even pleasures seem to mater as much? If I could keep my eyes focused on the end of race it will force me to remain in the race. So yay for age and this little lines around my eyes and those gray hairs that are starting already. Bring on 30, 40 , 50 or how ever many days or years God grants me. "For me to live is Christ and to die to gain"
So while I am here on this earth and in light of eternity I need to remain focused on things that God has called me too. Being a wife, raising Layla, being apart of a church family, and sharing Christ's love with all that might meet(with words and with action)
In light of eternity this should effected my decisions. How I spend my time (like I mentioned above)as well as how I spend money. In light of eternity do I need the car that I drive or to buy the latest clothing for me or Layla - hmmm I struggle with that last one. In light of eternity do I need another pair of shoes or a new decor item for our house? hmmmm I seem to struggle with all these... I'm not saying that we shouldn't make our houses feel welcoming or we should dress in rags and just hand me downs but I think I really need to take stock in what I need in light of eternity and what I just get sucked into buying because my eyes are only focused on this world.
In light of eternity what will your day look like?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Day 6 - April 7
Lent has been a pretty amazing experience for me this year. As we enter into Passion week I want my heart to remain sensitive to all that God is doing around me. I think with any holiday/celebration season we can get lost in the busyness of getting things done instead of sitting at the feet Jesus. For me, to often I'm Martha. Doing, going, busying myself with tasks instead of being Mary who chose to sit and quiet her heart and learn from her saviour. This next week is busy and there simply are things that have to be done. However I really want to take time to "Be still and know that I am God". I want to focus on what Jesus - the King, the creator, the ruler of all did for me. I want to pull my eyes of these earthly things and keep my eyes focused on eternity. I encourage you to take that time. Focus - "the cross before me, the world behind me"
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Day 12 - April 1
So I've been out of the blogging world for the past couple of days. Tim, Layla and moved this weekend. Ever tried to move with a cold? I think everyone should try it sometime, in fact my parents are doing that right now. You learn what your made of - basic weakness and then you learn what God is made of - strength. The two go together quite well.
Friday night I'm lying in bed and I can't get to sleep because I'm so excited about our move. I emailed my mom the next morning and said "I just know that I know we are following God's will and that this is the next step that we are to take." We moved from out 2 1/2 storey house to an apartment - a basement apartment - a basement bachlor apartment. Huh? you say. There are any different reasons for this move which I won't get into right now. So we move! Saturday was an interesting day. The move itself went well. The place we are staying is really nice newly redone suite that is bright and has this huge yard for our dog. Speaking of the dog, thats when the day started to turn. Our dog, who we love (I think), chewed through the seat belts on the Uhual rental van while we were unloading the van. Just a note to keep in mind, insurance doesn't cover dog chewed belts your visa does. Then later that night we can not get our sweet little girl to settle and go to sleep. SO it 3am Layla is crying and we are exahusted. And hear God wispher "Do you know that you know?"
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all
At that moment I had to rely on the fact that less then 24 hours before had no doubt that I moving in the direction that God was asking us to move and hold on to that.
In those moments where you feel like the path is clouded and your afflications will over take you go back and remember what God had called you to and hold on to that.
Friday night I'm lying in bed and I can't get to sleep because I'm so excited about our move. I emailed my mom the next morning and said "I just know that I know we are following God's will and that this is the next step that we are to take." We moved from out 2 1/2 storey house to an apartment - a basement apartment - a basement bachlor apartment. Huh? you say. There are any different reasons for this move which I won't get into right now. So we move! Saturday was an interesting day. The move itself went well. The place we are staying is really nice newly redone suite that is bright and has this huge yard for our dog. Speaking of the dog, thats when the day started to turn. Our dog, who we love (I think), chewed through the seat belts on the Uhual rental van while we were unloading the van. Just a note to keep in mind, insurance doesn't cover dog chewed belts your visa does. Then later that night we can not get our sweet little girl to settle and go to sleep. SO it 3am Layla is crying and we are exahusted. And hear God wispher "Do you know that you know?"
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all
At that moment I had to rely on the fact that less then 24 hours before had no doubt that I moving in the direction that God was asking us to move and hold on to that.
In those moments where you feel like the path is clouded and your afflications will over take you go back and remember what God had called you to and hold on to that.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Day 16 - March 27
Do you ever feel alone? Feel that no one out there could possibly understand what you are going through. That you life really isn't going in the direction that you planned. You feel weak, inadequate, overwhelmed.
Don't believe the lie that you are alone. There are people who love you. We are all weak and inadequate and we all feel overwhelmed at times. You are not alone in this feeling. The amazing thing is that God, the creator of the world, the creator of you, came into this world through Jesus Christ. God loves his creation so much that he provides for us. When we are weak He gives us His strength, we are inadequate so are given grace and when the feelings that overwhelm us come He gives us peace that passes all understanding. If you feel alone just reach your hand up, pray. Speak out to those in your life that direct you towards truth.
Don't believe the lie that you are alone. There are people who love you. We are all weak and inadequate and we all feel overwhelmed at times. You are not alone in this feeling. The amazing thing is that God, the creator of the world, the creator of you, came into this world through Jesus Christ. God loves his creation so much that he provides for us. When we are weak He gives us His strength, we are inadequate so are given grace and when the feelings that overwhelm us come He gives us peace that passes all understanding. If you feel alone just reach your hand up, pray. Speak out to those in your life that direct you towards truth.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Day 18 - March 25
Matt 22:37-39 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the great and first commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself"
We focus a lot on the first commandment and we should. If you follow Christ this is what it is all about. All of our lives should flow in and out and through and around this commandment. And the second is like it. I follow Christ and I'm learning how to love God with all my heart, soul and mind. I will be learning this my whole life. And the second is like it. I want to grow in this area. I want to desire to God with all that I am. And the second is like it. I read books and blogs about growing closer to God. I have amazing conversations with my husband and my friends about how to love God deeper and how He is continuing to refine me. And the second is like it.
What am I, what are we doing about the second. The love your neighbour as yourself. Dwell on that for a bit. What would that mean if I truly loved the people I meet that interact with as myself?
We focus a lot on the first commandment and we should. If you follow Christ this is what it is all about. All of our lives should flow in and out and through and around this commandment. And the second is like it. I follow Christ and I'm learning how to love God with all my heart, soul and mind. I will be learning this my whole life. And the second is like it. I want to grow in this area. I want to desire to God with all that I am. And the second is like it. I read books and blogs about growing closer to God. I have amazing conversations with my husband and my friends about how to love God deeper and how He is continuing to refine me. And the second is like it.
What am I, what are we doing about the second. The love your neighbour as yourself. Dwell on that for a bit. What would that mean if I truly loved the people I meet that interact with as myself?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Day 20 - March 23
For the past 7 years one of the most awkward questions I get asked when I meet someone new is "so do you have any siblings?". Completely innocent, just getting to know you kinda question. I always answer with a reserved yes or no depending on the time I have to explain to my story. Yes, I have a sibling. For 21 years I had my wonderful sister Stacy. She past away 7 years ago from MS. Tonight I find myself missing her. We are going through and packing up our house again and I came to the beautiful hand crafted chest that sits under my window in our bedroom. This chest was Stacy's. In I have a number of different things that belonged to her. I hadn't gone through the chest in awhile and I couldn't quiet remember what was in it.
I was sharing with Tim tonight that for the past number of years I've kept these items put away. I didn't want to continue to dwell in the death of my sister. She followed Christ and I have a greater hope. As I went through these things tonight I so badly wanted to see her. Introduce her to Layla and see them cuddle together. I miss her. But I have hope and faith.
Out of this chest I pulled out a poem that I had written to her when I 15 and she was moving out of the house on to her own. It's encased in a really cheap dollar store frame that I bought for it 15 years ago and beside the poem are pictures of me and her. So I think I'll stop by the store and pick out a little better frame and hang it in my house. One day when Layla is a bit bigger she'll ask me about it. I can share Auntie Stacy stories with her and I can share with Layla the hope that Stacy had in Christ and how one day she'll be able to meet her.
This doesn't have much to do with Lent, I guess I'm just feeling sentimental.
I was sharing with Tim tonight that for the past number of years I've kept these items put away. I didn't want to continue to dwell in the death of my sister. She followed Christ and I have a greater hope. As I went through these things tonight I so badly wanted to see her. Introduce her to Layla and see them cuddle together. I miss her. But I have hope and faith.
Out of this chest I pulled out a poem that I had written to her when I 15 and she was moving out of the house on to her own. It's encased in a really cheap dollar store frame that I bought for it 15 years ago and beside the poem are pictures of me and her. So I think I'll stop by the store and pick out a little better frame and hang it in my house. One day when Layla is a bit bigger she'll ask me about it. I can share Auntie Stacy stories with her and I can share with Layla the hope that Stacy had in Christ and how one day she'll be able to meet her.
This doesn't have much to do with Lent, I guess I'm just feeling sentimental.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Day 21 - March 22
Faith - Good Deeds. James 2:14-20
How do I show my faith. How do I show the world that hurting, that needs to know there is a Saviour, needs to know that Christ took upon Him all our sin, our hurt, our shame that I have faith in this God. This God that is kind, that is loving, that is just, that cares for the details of my life. By my good deeds. By my actions. By my love. I can't just be all talk, all words. I can't just type that I have faith and that I want people to know Christ. I have to hop of my hiney and it put into action.
I don't want to discount what I do or what many of us do. Some of us we're mothers, we do dishes and change poopy diapers. I know I have good deeds. But lots of people have good deeds. Oprah, Ellen, Gandhi, Ty Pennington (I wonder how Gandhi feels about being put into the same category as this other folks hmmmm) they have or had good deeds. But what were these deeds born out of and what is the eternal value of them?
So its about my attitude, about my heart. Am I serving, am I doing these good deeds because of my faith? Or am I grumbling my way through these good deeds? I do I first think -God gave me life, gave me grace, gave me forgiveness and because of new life life in me I must serve? This needs to pour out of me. Christ gave all, thing about that - ALL. So if the way that I show this faith that is given to me is by good works, by actions, by loving people it is simply what I have to to do.
So the next step?......
How do I show my faith. How do I show the world that hurting, that needs to know there is a Saviour, needs to know that Christ took upon Him all our sin, our hurt, our shame that I have faith in this God. This God that is kind, that is loving, that is just, that cares for the details of my life. By my good deeds. By my actions. By my love. I can't just be all talk, all words. I can't just type that I have faith and that I want people to know Christ. I have to hop of my hiney and it put into action.
I don't want to discount what I do or what many of us do. Some of us we're mothers, we do dishes and change poopy diapers. I know I have good deeds. But lots of people have good deeds. Oprah, Ellen, Gandhi, Ty Pennington (I wonder how Gandhi feels about being put into the same category as this other folks hmmmm) they have or had good deeds. But what were these deeds born out of and what is the eternal value of them?
So its about my attitude, about my heart. Am I serving, am I doing these good deeds because of my faith? Or am I grumbling my way through these good deeds? I do I first think -God gave me life, gave me grace, gave me forgiveness and because of new life life in me I must serve? This needs to pour out of me. Christ gave all, thing about that - ALL. So if the way that I show this faith that is given to me is by good works, by actions, by loving people it is simply what I have to to do.
So the next step?......
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Day 24 - March 19
So the whole family is sick right now minus the dog. So maybe this is cheating today but trying to type while blowing my nose isn't very fun. Take a read through James 2:14-20.
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
I'll do some blogging about this passage over the next few days.
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
I'll do some blogging about this passage over the next few days.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Day 26 - March 17
OK so blogging really has some down sides. On Day 28 I talked about my last words and how I want my last words to my husband to be full of love and kindness and how I should treat all my words as my last words because we don't know when our lives will end. SO what do I do today, just two simple days after I write that - I'm short tempered and unkind. Don't read into this that Tim did something and I reacted. It's not even that justifiable. I was grouchy and feeling stressed out about our up coming move and I aloud my emotions to control my actions and my attitude.
My friend and I where chatting on Sunday about what Paul writes in Romans 7:15 "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." How is that I can know what I want to do and what I should do and then allow myself so easily to fall into the trap of my emotions and do what I hate? In Luke 6:45 it is says "For out the overflow his heart his mouth speaks" hmmmm so this is how I really see the state of my heart I look at my words.
I am very, very thankful for gracious God . The last part of 2 Cor 6:2 says "now is the day of salvation" I am so glad that I can repent. I can see my actions and see my heart and ask God to change me. Today. Today I can continue to receive Christ salvation, the payment for my sins. God continues to save me from myself, from my sinful nature. I am thankful that salvation is a continuing act, that "we continue to work out our salvation" (Phil 2:12)
I am also thankful for a very patient husband.
My friend and I where chatting on Sunday about what Paul writes in Romans 7:15 "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." How is that I can know what I want to do and what I should do and then allow myself so easily to fall into the trap of my emotions and do what I hate? In Luke 6:45 it is says "For out the overflow his heart his mouth speaks" hmmmm so this is how I really see the state of my heart I look at my words.
I am very, very thankful for gracious God . The last part of 2 Cor 6:2 says "now is the day of salvation" I am so glad that I can repent. I can see my actions and see my heart and ask God to change me. Today. Today I can continue to receive Christ salvation, the payment for my sins. God continues to save me from myself, from my sinful nature. I am thankful that salvation is a continuing act, that "we continue to work out our salvation" (Phil 2:12)
I am also thankful for a very patient husband.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Day 28 - March 15
Over the past few days God has really been focusing me on my words. The words that leave my lips hold so much. Tonight I was thinking about my last words. Maybe this is a bit extreme but I was thinking about what my last words to my husband, Tim will be. None of us know how many days have been assigned to us. I don't know who will go to see Jesus first Tim or me. I am trying to plan it out that we both pass away when we are about 96 in each others arms. However I have a feeling that it might not happen that way. The thought of Tim passing away almost breaks me. I don't think of it often so please don't think I'm too morbid. Again though tonight I was thinking of what my last words will be. I really don't want them to be angry or biting like they can be. Or critical, Or harsh, Or selfish. So what if in my conversations with Tim I treated the words I speak with the thought in my mind that I don't know what the day holds so I better choose my words with care and with love. Because I know what I would say if I was sitting by his bedside or him by my bedside with the last breath in my chest. My words would be filled with hope, with love, with kindness.
What would my words look like if I took this thought to the other relationships in my life. With my family and my friends. My words would be much different. They would be filled with grace. The little annoyances would be over looked. I would simply love them and lay down my selfishness.
What would my words look like if I took this thought to the other relationships in my life. With my family and my friends. My words would be much different. They would be filled with grace. The little annoyances would be over looked. I would simply love them and lay down my selfishness.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Day 29 - March 14
Ephesians 4:26
"Be angry and do not sin"
How do you do this? How do I be angry at something or someone and not sin? There has to be away but I haven't seemed to figure it out yet. Because as soon as I'm upset I want to "vent"... Venting is okay right? Just sharing your feelings with your friend...hmmmm then I speak all of sudden I'm speaking poorly about someone, I slander.
Romans 1:29-31
29They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Look at this list that Paul writes to the Romans. Slander and murder, gossips and haters of God. Oh what a list. When I slander and when gossip leaves my lips I am put into the same list as murders and haters of God. I over look these sins but the truth is that they separate me from God. I can't compare myself to anyone. I can't look at the "bad" person and say I'm good. The only person I can compare myself to is Jesus and compared to him I am like Paul - the chief of all sinners.
And then I remember that Jesus went to the cross. He took my sin, my slander, my gossip, my strife, my foolishness and paid the price. So as I walk through this life I need to take seriously what we would call "little" sins and realize that they are not okay. That I need to take every thought and word captive, even when I am angry, when someone sins against me. I need to offer that same forgiveness to them that Christ gives to me everyday.
"Be angry and do not sin"
How do you do this? How do I be angry at something or someone and not sin? There has to be away but I haven't seemed to figure it out yet. Because as soon as I'm upset I want to "vent"... Venting is okay right? Just sharing your feelings with your friend...hmmmm then I speak all of sudden I'm speaking poorly about someone, I slander.
Romans 1:29-31
29They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Look at this list that Paul writes to the Romans. Slander and murder, gossips and haters of God. Oh what a list. When I slander and when gossip leaves my lips I am put into the same list as murders and haters of God. I over look these sins but the truth is that they separate me from God. I can't compare myself to anyone. I can't look at the "bad" person and say I'm good. The only person I can compare myself to is Jesus and compared to him I am like Paul - the chief of all sinners.
And then I remember that Jesus went to the cross. He took my sin, my slander, my gossip, my strife, my foolishness and paid the price. So as I walk through this life I need to take seriously what we would call "little" sins and realize that they are not okay. That I need to take every thought and word captive, even when I am angry, when someone sins against me. I need to offer that same forgiveness to them that Christ gives to me everyday.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Day 30 - March 13
Well I think I've sat down to blog everyday this week and the busyness of each day just seemed to override it. Don't worry I didn't fall of the wagon and spend my days vegging out in front of the TV. Tim, Layla and I moving back into London in a few weeks so I've been packing.
I feel like I've been learning a lot this week. I've been listening to some podcast sermons as I've been packing and I'm really trying to put into practice these things that I am learning. One of the podcast that I listening to was all about us "taming the tongue" OK so I talk WAY to much! Sometime I'll say something and as the words are leaving my mouth I wish I could some how grab them and put them back in. If you have that problem too THINK before you speak
T - True - is what you are about say the truth
H - Helpful - so it may be true but is helpful to say it
I - Inspirational - is this going to help people move forward in there life
N - Necessary - OK this is the big one for me and self explanatory
K - Kind- Are my words kind
So if what you are about say meets these qualifications go ahead speak it out. If it doesn't maybe hold onto those words.
"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?"
James 3:2-11
I feel like I've been learning a lot this week. I've been listening to some podcast sermons as I've been packing and I'm really trying to put into practice these things that I am learning. One of the podcast that I listening to was all about us "taming the tongue" OK so I talk WAY to much! Sometime I'll say something and as the words are leaving my mouth I wish I could some how grab them and put them back in. If you have that problem too THINK before you speak
T - True - is what you are about say the truth
H - Helpful - so it may be true but is helpful to say it
I - Inspirational - is this going to help people move forward in there life
N - Necessary - OK this is the big one for me and self explanatory
K - Kind- Are my words kind
So if what you are about say meets these qualifications go ahead speak it out. If it doesn't maybe hold onto those words.
"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?"
James 3:2-11
Monday, March 9, 2009
Day 34 - March 9
I think the older I get the less I know. I swear when I was 16 I had it all figured out, well I least I thought I did. Maybe I should give myself more credit, I mean I do *know* things - I know how to make a mean batch of Chocolate chip, peanutbutter oatmeal cookies, how to smile while serving drinks during turbulence and as of recently I now know how to put 8 kids to bed with the help of a very wise 10 year old.
I know I can't go back in time, but I really wish I could impart some of the things I do know now to that 16 year old, or 8 year old or even that 22 year old. I would tell myself as an 8 year old to say thank you to my mom and dad way more. I love being a parent and I love watching my parents be grandparents. As child and up until you have your own kids you really can't understand the sacrifices that a parent makes for you. I'm not trying to boast myself up here. I'm learning how much my parents loved and love me because of how much I love Layla.
To the 16 year old I would just tell her to relax a bit. And say thank you to my mom and dad! To the 22 year old I would tell that the accumulation of things and of debt to buy those things is not what will make you satisfied. Serve, serve as much as you can. Pour your heart into serving people. Live a simpler life. Desire God and serve.
Even as my pastor spoke on Sunday about service it was such a reminder. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. As I spend the last 18 months of my 20's I really want them to marked by service and by learning how to serve.
I know I can't go back in time, but I really wish I could impart some of the things I do know now to that 16 year old, or 8 year old or even that 22 year old. I would tell myself as an 8 year old to say thank you to my mom and dad way more. I love being a parent and I love watching my parents be grandparents. As child and up until you have your own kids you really can't understand the sacrifices that a parent makes for you. I'm not trying to boast myself up here. I'm learning how much my parents loved and love me because of how much I love Layla.
To the 16 year old I would just tell her to relax a bit. And say thank you to my mom and dad! To the 22 year old I would tell that the accumulation of things and of debt to buy those things is not what will make you satisfied. Serve, serve as much as you can. Pour your heart into serving people. Live a simpler life. Desire God and serve.
Even as my pastor spoke on Sunday about service it was such a reminder. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. As I spend the last 18 months of my 20's I really want them to marked by service and by learning how to serve.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Day 35 - March 8
What I learned today... A day spent with friends is a well spent day. Short, simple and true.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Day 36 - March 7
Dictionary.com has the definition of the word abundant as the following:
1. present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient:
2. well supplied;
3. richly supplied:
One could easily read John 10:10 and assume that an abundant life means many possessions or money in the bank or some sort of material item or even a relationship like marriage or kids. Yet when we look at what means to have an abundant life and follow Christ it doesn't necessarily mean physical blessings. When I look at this definition however I realize that I do have an abundant life. I have the grace of God that is present in great quantity. I am well supplied for this life and for eternity through what Jesus did on the cross. And I am richly supplied through the mercy, love and hope that I get to live in everyday. AND on top of all this God has blessed me with a marriage, a child, a home and so many other numerous blessings. Life is not easy and there is no promise of that in Bible. So in those moments when life feels like it might just break me this time I need to remember that because I walk with the Creator I can have joy because I have a Saviour. I don't need things to have an abundant life I just need Jesus. HIS grace is sufficient for me.
1. present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient:
2. well supplied;
3. richly supplied:
One could easily read John 10:10 and assume that an abundant life means many possessions or money in the bank or some sort of material item or even a relationship like marriage or kids. Yet when we look at what means to have an abundant life and follow Christ it doesn't necessarily mean physical blessings. When I look at this definition however I realize that I do have an abundant life. I have the grace of God that is present in great quantity. I am well supplied for this life and for eternity through what Jesus did on the cross. And I am richly supplied through the mercy, love and hope that I get to live in everyday. AND on top of all this God has blessed me with a marriage, a child, a home and so many other numerous blessings. Life is not easy and there is no promise of that in Bible. So in those moments when life feels like it might just break me this time I need to remember that because I walk with the Creator I can have joy because I have a Saviour. I don't need things to have an abundant life I just need Jesus. HIS grace is sufficient for me.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Day 37 - March 6
In 1979, just a year before I was born, Gloria Gaynor topped the charts with "I will Survive". I think all of us have belted this song out. Those catchy lyrics will get you every time. Even as I type the song is rolling around in my head. However, I really am not a fan of the word survive. So often we hear or say "All I need to do is survive today". Yet if you are a Christ follower we are really called to much more then just surviving. In John 10:10 Jesus said "The thief comes only to steal , and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Today I caught myself simply just trying to survive and make it to tomorrow. I had a long to-do list, Layla was fussy, sleep was short the night before and I was feeling strangely alone. The first part of the John 10:10 verse was very applicable in my life today and I allowed it to happen. I allowed the thief to come in and steal my joy, kill my peace and destroy my focus. I was dragged into guilty, self pity state that left me in tears and feeling completely inadequate. I am so thankful that Jesus did not end the verse there. He came that we might have LIFE and not just any life but life in abundance. So I am still working this out in my brain and in my heart. So I think I will leave this here tonight and do some more processing tomorrow about the second part of this verse. Tomorrow I do not want to simply survive, tomorrow I want to live and live abundantly.
Today I caught myself simply just trying to survive and make it to tomorrow. I had a long to-do list, Layla was fussy, sleep was short the night before and I was feeling strangely alone. The first part of the John 10:10 verse was very applicable in my life today and I allowed it to happen. I allowed the thief to come in and steal my joy, kill my peace and destroy my focus. I was dragged into guilty, self pity state that left me in tears and feeling completely inadequate. I am so thankful that Jesus did not end the verse there. He came that we might have LIFE and not just any life but life in abundance. So I am still working this out in my brain and in my heart. So I think I will leave this here tonight and do some more processing tomorrow about the second part of this verse. Tomorrow I do not want to simply survive, tomorrow I want to live and live abundantly.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Day 38 - March 5
We just got back yesterday from a great vacation with my parents. Tim, Layla, Grandma, Grandpa and I headed to the Los Angeles area to simply hang out for a few days in the warm sunshine and escape from winter. We had a great time. One of my favorite moments of the trip happened on the day we arrived. We were walking at an outdoor outlet mall. Tim, Layla and my mom were walking ahead of my dad and me. I asked my dad "So how does it feel to see Layla" (my parents adore their only grandchild) he replied "Oh it makes my life". hmmmm that brought me to tears.
I am really learning how important people are. Relationships. Life really does come down to simply that. Relationship with Christ - which is amazing that we get to have that- Relationship with your spouse, with your kids, with your family, with your friends.
Possessions, nice house in the right neighbourhood, a nice car, the right title at work all these things really don't matter especially if you have to sacrifice relationship to achieve any of these things.
There is a Sara Groves song that I love (well one of many) Its called "Just One More Thing". The line I love is : "The end of your life your relationships are all you've got"
It so true. So I want to invest in people, in relationships, in experiences with my family. Cheese ball as its sounds I want those memories that last a life time. Those inside jokes with your friends and family. You know those jokes where all you have to do is say one line and you all crack up in laughter (Mom & Dad - "I can't feel my legs" )
I hope you enjoy this video
Thanks Tim, Mom and Dad for putting all the one things on hold for the past few days and for making memories that we can treasure and one day share with Layla
Here are the lyrics to "Just One More Thing'
There's always just one more thing
There's always another task
There's always I just have one more small favor to ask
And everything is urgent and everything is now
I wonder what would really happen if I stopped somehow
I'll be there in a minute
Just a few places to go
You wake up a few years later and your kids are grown
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you're got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing
and sayI've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
There will never be an end to
The request upon your time
It's your place to stand up and tell the world
You've got to rest awhile
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you've got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing and say
I've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
I am really learning how important people are. Relationships. Life really does come down to simply that. Relationship with Christ - which is amazing that we get to have that- Relationship with your spouse, with your kids, with your family, with your friends.
Possessions, nice house in the right neighbourhood, a nice car, the right title at work all these things really don't matter especially if you have to sacrifice relationship to achieve any of these things.
There is a Sara Groves song that I love (well one of many) Its called "Just One More Thing". The line I love is : "The end of your life your relationships are all you've got"
It so true. So I want to invest in people, in relationships, in experiences with my family. Cheese ball as its sounds I want those memories that last a life time. Those inside jokes with your friends and family. You know those jokes where all you have to do is say one line and you all crack up in laughter (Mom & Dad - "I can't feel my legs" )
I hope you enjoy this video
Thanks Tim, Mom and Dad for putting all the one things on hold for the past few days and for making memories that we can treasure and one day share with Layla
Here are the lyrics to "Just One More Thing'
There's always just one more thing
There's always another task
There's always I just have one more small favor to ask
And everything is urgent and everything is now
I wonder what would really happen if I stopped somehow
I'll be there in a minute
Just a few places to go
You wake up a few years later and your kids are grown
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you're got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing
and sayI've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
There will never be an end to
The request upon your time
It's your place to stand up and tell the world
You've got to rest awhile
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you've got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing and say
I've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Day 45 - February 26
Almost 6 1/2 years ago I said "I do". Tim is an amazing and caring husband. I am continually thankful each day that God brought us together. Tim and I are in the process of learning more and more about communication with one another. With no TV to distract us for the 45 days I think it will a great time to learn more about communication in marriage.
This is the first year of marriage that we have really taken the time to "work" on our marriage. We try and keep Monday mornings set aside to spend time together focused on this. We've been watching a marriage podcast together and spent time asking each other the hard questions that followed. Over the past number of weeks though we've strayed from our Monday mornings together and have allowed schedule or sickness to get in the way with out replacing that time later in the week. Last night we both really noticed how our communication with each other has suffered and how working on your marriage always needs to happen regularly. One thing I want to learn during Lent and of course continuing on after is how to lay down my selfishness in my marriage. I am so quick to desire to be served or to get my way or have all of my many opinions heard.
Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
In my life I need to consider Tim and Layla better than my self. I need to lay down my selfish desires and serve. OK - so easy to type , so hard to live out. I just thank God that He is not done with and that He and Tim have much forgiveness for me when I turn on the selfish switch.
This is the first year of marriage that we have really taken the time to "work" on our marriage. We try and keep Monday mornings set aside to spend time together focused on this. We've been watching a marriage podcast together and spent time asking each other the hard questions that followed. Over the past number of weeks though we've strayed from our Monday mornings together and have allowed schedule or sickness to get in the way with out replacing that time later in the week. Last night we both really noticed how our communication with each other has suffered and how working on your marriage always needs to happen regularly. One thing I want to learn during Lent and of course continuing on after is how to lay down my selfishness in my marriage. I am so quick to desire to be served or to get my way or have all of my many opinions heard.
Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
In my life I need to consider Tim and Layla better than my self. I need to lay down my selfish desires and serve. OK - so easy to type , so hard to live out. I just thank God that He is not done with and that He and Tim have much forgiveness for me when I turn on the selfish switch.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Day 46 - February 25
My house has been wonderfully peaceful today. I think I'm addicted to noise. I normally have the TV on or my IPOD blaring but today for the most part the house has been quiet. With this quietness has come peace. I've just felt a sweet calmness that I haven't really had this winter.
Anyways, the noise that was in the house today came from Francis Chan. I was listening to a podcast of his called Intimacy With God. In one section he was talking about how BIG our universe is. Francis listed and explained different facts about vastness of our galaxy and the universe.
So, Did you know that it would take you 100 thousand light years to travel across our galaxy. Wow huh? That's big and that's just our galaxy. There are hundreds of billions of galaxies that we can see the Hubble Space Telescope. Just trying to wrap my mind around how big that is and how small I am almost leaves me speechless... but that would make for a boring blog. So I'm sitting here contemplating this and then looking at my daughter who is banging a block on the tray of her highchair. God created hundreds of billions of galaxies and he then created my daughter, He created me. God CREATOR. WOW. That is pretty humbling to me. God creates me and then chooses to allow me to have a relationship with Him and calls me His daughter. WOW.
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Layla at 26 weeks in my womb
Layla at about 2 minutes old
Anyways, the noise that was in the house today came from Francis Chan. I was listening to a podcast of his called Intimacy With God. In one section he was talking about how BIG our universe is. Francis listed and explained different facts about vastness of our galaxy and the universe.
So, Did you know that it would take you 100 thousand light years to travel across our galaxy. Wow huh? That's big and that's just our galaxy. There are hundreds of billions of galaxies that we can see the Hubble Space Telescope. Just trying to wrap my mind around how big that is and how small I am almost leaves me speechless... but that would make for a boring blog. So I'm sitting here contemplating this and then looking at my daughter who is banging a block on the tray of her highchair. God created hundreds of billions of galaxies and he then created my daughter, He created me. God CREATOR. WOW. That is pretty humbling to me. God creates me and then chooses to allow me to have a relationship with Him and calls me His daughter. WOW.
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb
Layla at 26 weeks in my womb
Layla at about 2 minutes old
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Day 47 - February 24
Okay, we'll here goes nothing or something. I've decide that I would observe Lent this year. Lent is the 40 days (plus the 6 Sundays throughout the 40 days which actually make it 46 days) before Easter Sunday. For 2009 Lent falls from February 25 to April 11. Lent is suppose to be a time for a person to prepare themselves for the Easter season. Repenting of sin, fasting and prayer. I've been taking stock of what my days look like over the past little while and the one huge obstacle for me at times is the big box that sits in the corner of my living room and pumps me full of entertainment. So confession - I watch way to much TV! Since I've been home on Mat leave, its been even worse. (I think I enjoy the adult conversation.) So can you see where I'm going.... I feel like I should fast from TV for the next 46 days. I should spend that time where I would normally just veg out actually getting some house work done, spending time with Tim and Layla, reading way more or the most important thing
~ Spending time with God~
So why share this with all of you? Well I'm pretty lousy at this. I make commitments to do stuff like this and them break them the next day. I figure if I put this out there now I'll be way more committed because people actually know. So if you would like to follow along with me over this next 46 days lets go, bad grammar and all. I'm going to try and blog everyday (I already know that there are few days I'll miss because we are out of town) I'm really excited to see where God takes me over this next weeks. Don't get me wrong I'm a bit sad about missing LOST and 24 but I then remember " ahh yes real life more important"
Away we go....
~ Spending time with God~
So why share this with all of you? Well I'm pretty lousy at this. I make commitments to do stuff like this and them break them the next day. I figure if I put this out there now I'll be way more committed because people actually know. So if you would like to follow along with me over this next 46 days lets go, bad grammar and all. I'm going to try and blog everyday (I already know that there are few days I'll miss because we are out of town) I'm really excited to see where God takes me over this next weeks. Don't get me wrong I'm a bit sad about missing LOST and 24 but I then remember " ahh yes real life more important"
Away we go....
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