Can you find this link?: http://www.guidetopsychology.com/forgive.htm
I hope you can just go to it. I don't know what I'm doing or how to do it. So, if you can't get there you can go to "Plan B" and find it the way I did. Google in forgiveness, and when the page comes up, then click on "forgiveness, psychology, and mental health" - about half way down the page. A great article and I do believe it would be very helpful for all of us to read. I know it seemed helpful for ME. Let me know what you think.
I am also snail-mailing you another article on forgiveness that I thought was excellent. I hope you have enough time to read this and what i sent.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Forgiveness
Go to http://www.guidetopsychology.com/forgive.htm and read this wonderful article about forgiveness.
(I hope you can get it, as I have no idea what I am doing!)
Mom
(I hope you can get it, as I have no idea what I am doing!)
Mom
Saturday, February 20, 2010
How our thoughts control our lives
During the course of a single day, thousands of thoughts flow through our minds. Some of them give us life as they build us up, while others tear us down and steal our hope.
You were not created to be ruled by negative thoughts. God's desire for you is to take control of your thoughts and live life to the fullest, experiencing His goodness, favor and blessings no matter what you're facing.
You can't always control which thoughts come…but you can decide which ones you allow to stay around.
The Bible says that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). It's so important to understand that our actions are determined by the way we think.
So many times, we replay the same negative thoughts over and over. When negativity and doubt set in and stay in your mind, it is nearly impossible to set a course toward God's best plans for your life.
In Psalm 77, the psalmist cries out to God as he wrestles with his thoughts. He says he's in deep trouble, he's overwhelmed with longing for God's help, he can't sleep and he feels rejected.
We all struggle at one point or another with thoughts that take us down the wrong path. But God wants us to start thinking on positive things – things that give hope and life. When we do this, we'll begin to experience greater victory and see ourselves rising to new levels.
Remember, when you take control of your thoughts, you ultimately take control of your life. This is just the beginning of what God wants to do in you and through you. He's got a great plan for your life to make a mark in this world
You were not created to be ruled by negative thoughts. God's desire for you is to take control of your thoughts and live life to the fullest, experiencing His goodness, favor and blessings no matter what you're facing.
You can't always control which thoughts come…but you can decide which ones you allow to stay around.
The Bible says that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). It's so important to understand that our actions are determined by the way we think.
So many times, we replay the same negative thoughts over and over. When negativity and doubt set in and stay in your mind, it is nearly impossible to set a course toward God's best plans for your life.
In Psalm 77, the psalmist cries out to God as he wrestles with his thoughts. He says he's in deep trouble, he's overwhelmed with longing for God's help, he can't sleep and he feels rejected.
We all struggle at one point or another with thoughts that take us down the wrong path. But God wants us to start thinking on positive things – things that give hope and life. When we do this, we'll begin to experience greater victory and see ourselves rising to new levels.
Remember, when you take control of your thoughts, you ultimately take control of your life. This is just the beginning of what God wants to do in you and through you. He's got a great plan for your life to make a mark in this world
Thursday, February 18, 2010
God's message to me
God said, "I AM"
NOT "I was" or " I will be"
HE is here RIGHT NOW wanting to do something great in your life, RIGHT NOW!
Your thoughts have to catch up with the way God thinks.
You know what God does with the past?
He forgets it.
You know what God does with our sins?
Forgets them, and forgives them.
God forgives us the First TIME we ask him to.
Now you need to forgive yourself.
If you don't forgive yourself, you are not RECEIVING the
FORGIVENESS that God has for you.
god wants you to move on.
It is time to move on.
It is time to move past the offenses, abandonments, hurt, abuse, betrayal. The unfair things that have happened to you. IT is time to move past that and start saying
AGGRESSIVELY
SOMETHING GOOD IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME!!
NOT "I was" or " I will be"
HE is here RIGHT NOW wanting to do something great in your life, RIGHT NOW!
Your thoughts have to catch up with the way God thinks.
You know what God does with the past?
He forgets it.
You know what God does with our sins?
Forgets them, and forgives them.
God forgives us the First TIME we ask him to.
Now you need to forgive yourself.
If you don't forgive yourself, you are not RECEIVING the
FORGIVENESS that God has for you.
god wants you to move on.
It is time to move on.
It is time to move past the offenses, abandonments, hurt, abuse, betrayal. The unfair things that have happened to you. IT is time to move past that and start saying
AGGRESSIVELY
SOMETHING GOOD IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday
I don't think Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday fall within the same week too often - at least I don't remember it. Valentine's Day is about hearts, flowers and love. But just 3 days later (Sunday to Wednesday) comes all those ashes. Such a difference a few days brings. On Valentine's day we show people how much we love them, give gifts, hugs, cards - go out to dinner and movies - celebrate our love for each other! Then here we are at Ash Wednesday in the morning. We will be starting into the 40 days of lent, a time of repentance and remembering the sacrifices of our Lord, Jesus on our behalf. We go into a few days of fasting (giving up something) and meditations and our own "way of the cross".
For many years of my life I lived in the world of tensions between belief and doubt, not understanding why or what I was doing this for. Is there really a God, and a Jesus who cares about me, and a Holy Spirit who guides my life? Is there a trinity, is the Bible really God's word and His love letter to me? Then my glorious, merciful God shoved me over the line to a place of no doubt. And now I live in the tensions between my passionate love of life and desire to cling to it as long as possible, and awareness that life may be taken from me before I'd wish.
Acceptance of that tension creates the most magnificent beauty and spiritual awareness. It makes me wonder why we all don't let go of anger and resentments and fall to the ground in wonder of God's great gifts. I don't believe God cares a bit about religious and political differences. According to Jesus' greatest commandments, life ultimately is about loving God and each other. Matthew 22:38-40.
Now-a-days I look at it this way - Pondering over my many decades of life (7+ of them), I think of how fast time goes by. How things that happened seem like just yesterday. Life is a heartbeat, a nano-second of earthly being. Why would I waste any of it with negative thoughts and actions? (I've certainly done too much of that in my lifetime!)
The heart of Lent and St. Valentine's Day is that Jesus went willingly to the cross to bring life everlasting to us believers. That includes making life beautiful and joyful here and now by learning not to fear death. By willingly and with love in our hearts, picking up the crosses life throws our way, we learn to live in God's presence and how to spread God's love to others.
Dad and I plan to attend our Ash Wednesday service. As the ashes are put on my forehead in the form of a cross, to remind me of what lent is all about - "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel." As lent begins, the 40 days of repentance and spiritual growth before Easter, I want to live those words in the tension between my love of life and my slightly shaky physical being.
I want to celebrate my continuing conversion to the Lord's ways. He has sent us many valentines. He says "I love you, Lonnie" in so many ways every day. His word - the Bible - is His Love Letter to me. This is for you, too!
I keep hearing these verses in new ways, always full of grace and love:
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
For many years of my life I lived in the world of tensions between belief and doubt, not understanding why or what I was doing this for. Is there really a God, and a Jesus who cares about me, and a Holy Spirit who guides my life? Is there a trinity, is the Bible really God's word and His love letter to me? Then my glorious, merciful God shoved me over the line to a place of no doubt. And now I live in the tensions between my passionate love of life and desire to cling to it as long as possible, and awareness that life may be taken from me before I'd wish.
Acceptance of that tension creates the most magnificent beauty and spiritual awareness. It makes me wonder why we all don't let go of anger and resentments and fall to the ground in wonder of God's great gifts. I don't believe God cares a bit about religious and political differences. According to Jesus' greatest commandments, life ultimately is about loving God and each other. Matthew 22:38-40.
Now-a-days I look at it this way - Pondering over my many decades of life (7+ of them), I think of how fast time goes by. How things that happened seem like just yesterday. Life is a heartbeat, a nano-second of earthly being. Why would I waste any of it with negative thoughts and actions? (I've certainly done too much of that in my lifetime!)
The heart of Lent and St. Valentine's Day is that Jesus went willingly to the cross to bring life everlasting to us believers. That includes making life beautiful and joyful here and now by learning not to fear death. By willingly and with love in our hearts, picking up the crosses life throws our way, we learn to live in God's presence and how to spread God's love to others.
Dad and I plan to attend our Ash Wednesday service. As the ashes are put on my forehead in the form of a cross, to remind me of what lent is all about - "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel." As lent begins, the 40 days of repentance and spiritual growth before Easter, I want to live those words in the tension between my love of life and my slightly shaky physical being.
I want to celebrate my continuing conversion to the Lord's ways. He has sent us many valentines. He says "I love you, Lonnie" in so many ways every day. His word - the Bible - is His Love Letter to me. This is for you, too!
I keep hearing these verses in new ways, always full of grace and love:
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Praying for Your Adult Children - Stormie Omartian
I am having a bit of a hard time figuring out how to get this on here. I am not sure if it's okay to post the pages from the book here. Am I allowed to do that, I wonder? If anyone knows, please tell me. In the meantime, I'd like to encourage everyone to purchase this book, if you are able to. If you would like a copy I have a couple of extras I would be willing to give you. Just let me know. Karen - I am sending you a copy already. The whole thing is so appropriate and timely. A good guide and a good, easy book to read. I've read it through once, and am now in the process of going through it and praying however the Holy Spirit is leading me to pray it. I was excited when I read what Karen had written about the Lord speaking to her. It was the same as what I had been praying out of this book - and the name I filled in in the blank was Karen's. I considered that a confirmation that God hears us and is answering the prayers! Praise God!
If you should happen to get this book, look at page 128, the prayer at the end of Chapter 7 - "Have a Sound Mind and a Right Attitude".
At the end of the prayer it reads: "Lord, draw my adult children to Your Word so that it will be a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" every time they read it (see Hebrews 4:12). Reveal to them any wrong thinking or beliefs. Make Your thoughts to be their thoughts. Help them to have the "mind of Christ" at all times (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Where my adult children are struggling in their minds or emotions, I pray that You would extend peace to them like a river (Isaiah 66:12). To my adult children I pray that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . and be thankful" (Colossians 3:15).
In Jesus' name I pray.
If you should happen to get this book, look at page 128, the prayer at the end of Chapter 7 - "Have a Sound Mind and a Right Attitude".
At the end of the prayer it reads: "Lord, draw my adult children to Your Word so that it will be a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" every time they read it (see Hebrews 4:12). Reveal to them any wrong thinking or beliefs. Make Your thoughts to be their thoughts. Help them to have the "mind of Christ" at all times (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Where my adult children are struggling in their minds or emotions, I pray that You would extend peace to them like a river (Isaiah 66:12). To my adult children I pray that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . . and be thankful" (Colossians 3:15).
In Jesus' name I pray.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Happy Birthday, Kay
To my big seester, Kay...I hope your day is very special. You deserve it. You always do special things for everyone and it is your turn. Happy, Happy Birthday, Kay.
Love ya lots,
Your little seester
Karen
Love ya lots,
Your little seester
Karen
Sunday, January 24, 2010
From Sharon
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Don't worry about anything.
Worrying doesn't change anything. It's stewing without doing. There's no such thing as born worriers; worry is a learned response. You learned it from your parents. You learned it from your peers. You learned it from experience. That's good news. The fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned. Jesus says, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34, NLT)
Pray about everything.
Next use the time you've been worrying for praying. If you prayed as much as you worried, you'd have a whole lot less to worry about. Some people think God only cares about religious things, such as how many people I invite to church or my tithing. Is God interested in car payments? Yes. He's interested in every detail of your life. That means you can take any problem you face to God.
Thank God in all things.
Whenever you pray, you should always pray with thanksgiving. The healthiest human emotion is not love -- but gratitude. It actually increases your immunities; it makes you more resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness. People who are grateful are happy. But people who are ungrateful are miserable because nothing makes them happy. They're never satisfied; it's never good enough. So if you cultivate the attitude of gratitude, of being thankful in everything, it reduces stress in your life.
Think about the right things.
If you want to reduce the level of stress in your life, you must change the way you think; the way you think determines how you feel. And the way you feel determines how you act. So if you want to change your life, you need to change what you're thinking about.
This involves a deliberate conscious choice where you change the channels. You choose to think about the right things: focus on the positive and on God's word.
Why? Because the root cause of stress is the way I choose to think.
When we no longer worry, when we pray about everything, when we give thanks, when we focus on the right things, the Apostle Paul tells us the result is, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What a guarantee! He is guaranteeing peace of mind.
Don't worry about anything.
Worrying doesn't change anything. It's stewing without doing. There's no such thing as born worriers; worry is a learned response. You learned it from your parents. You learned it from your peers. You learned it from experience. That's good news. The fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned. Jesus says, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." (Matthew 6:34, NLT)
Pray about everything.
Next use the time you've been worrying for praying. If you prayed as much as you worried, you'd have a whole lot less to worry about. Some people think God only cares about religious things, such as how many people I invite to church or my tithing. Is God interested in car payments? Yes. He's interested in every detail of your life. That means you can take any problem you face to God.
Thank God in all things.
Whenever you pray, you should always pray with thanksgiving. The healthiest human emotion is not love -- but gratitude. It actually increases your immunities; it makes you more resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness. People who are grateful are happy. But people who are ungrateful are miserable because nothing makes them happy. They're never satisfied; it's never good enough. So if you cultivate the attitude of gratitude, of being thankful in everything, it reduces stress in your life.
Think about the right things.
If you want to reduce the level of stress in your life, you must change the way you think; the way you think determines how you feel. And the way you feel determines how you act. So if you want to change your life, you need to change what you're thinking about.
This involves a deliberate conscious choice where you change the channels. You choose to think about the right things: focus on the positive and on God's word.
Why? Because the root cause of stress is the way I choose to think.
When we no longer worry, when we pray about everything, when we give thanks, when we focus on the right things, the Apostle Paul tells us the result is, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What a guarantee! He is guaranteeing peace of mind.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
God has a sense of humor, for sure!
I have been praying for everyone for the trials we are all facing at this time. As I was praying especially hard for Linda and her court date set for Monday, I came across Psalm 78. Verses 65 and 67 stood out to me, and I'm sure they are meant for her (and anyone else who feels they are meant for them): (quoted from the Jeruselum Bible)
"Then, like a sleeper, like a hero, the Lord woke up to strike his enemies on the rump and put them to everlasting shame."
************************************************************************************
The book of Joshua is filled with good stuff. But chapter 1, verses 6-9, are good for all of us to take to heart. In my Jeruselum bible the heading to these verses is - Faithfulness to the Law (I interpret that to mean the Bible) is a condition of God's aid
"Be strong and stand firm, for you are the one to give this people possession of the land that I swore to their fathers I should give to them. (I feel these words in this prayer of mine are saying to us that we CAN win over our troubles). Only be strong and stand firm and be careful to keep all the Law (read your bibles, and know it is the word of God you read, and keep His words close). Never swerve from this to right or left, and then you will be happy in all you do. Have this book always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may carefully keep everything that is written in it (in your heart, and on your lips, and in your mind). Then you will prosper in your dealings, then you will have success. HAVE I NOT TOLD YOU: BE STRONG AND STAND FIRM? BE FEARLESS THEN, BE CONFIDENT, FOR GO WHERE YOU WILL, YAHWEH YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU."
"Then, like a sleeper, like a hero, the Lord woke up to strike his enemies on the rump and put them to everlasting shame."
************************************************************************************
The book of Joshua is filled with good stuff. But chapter 1, verses 6-9, are good for all of us to take to heart. In my Jeruselum bible the heading to these verses is - Faithfulness to the Law (I interpret that to mean the Bible) is a condition of God's aid
"Be strong and stand firm, for you are the one to give this people possession of the land that I swore to their fathers I should give to them. (I feel these words in this prayer of mine are saying to us that we CAN win over our troubles). Only be strong and stand firm and be careful to keep all the Law (read your bibles, and know it is the word of God you read, and keep His words close). Never swerve from this to right or left, and then you will be happy in all you do. Have this book always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may carefully keep everything that is written in it (in your heart, and on your lips, and in your mind). Then you will prosper in your dealings, then you will have success. HAVE I NOT TOLD YOU: BE STRONG AND STAND FIRM? BE FEARLESS THEN, BE CONFIDENT, FOR GO WHERE YOU WILL, YAHWEH YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU."
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Luke 2:1-52
In this chapter of Luke, Luke gives an account of the birth of Jesus and his early life. In his time and culture, boys were considered responsible adults around the age of 12. It was not, therefore, irresponsible of Joseph and Mary to accidentally leave Jesus behind. As you all know, I have done that with you kids a time or two, haven't I? It's too embarrassing to go into the story of that any more than that. It wasn't that I was irresponsible so much, either. And, for sure, I loved each of you with a mother's heart and would never have left you on purpose. I bet Mary and Joseph each thought he was with someone else.
God's only son became a person and lived with us for awhile. During his life he was sad, happy, excited, and disappointed. God knows what life on earth is like.
The name "Immanuel" means "God with us". The name "Immanuel" is both comforting and unsettling. Comforting, because He has come to share the danger as well as the drudgery of our everyday lives. He desires to weep with us and to wipe away our tears. And Jesus, the Son of God, longs to share in and to be the source of the laughter and the joy we all too rarely know.
Unsettling because it is one thing to know God as this judge with the long white beard and hair and the book of life - sitting up there in the skies looking down on us from above. But quite another to think and know "He is with us"! He is here with us . . .
And when we think of the times we KNOW He is with us in the midst of our daily, routine lives, in the middle of cleaning the house, or driving somewhere, and He stops us . . . in our tracks and makes his presence known, boy is that ever incredible. Often it is in the middle of the most mundane task that He lets us know He is there with us. I can think of one time in particular when I knew and felt "God with me" "Immanuel". I had brought home this ugly Christmas tree, and had just gotten it put up with a big nail in the wall and tied up there with fish line. I stepped back to look at it and commented to myself how beautiful it looked. At that moment I felt the presence of God. It seemed like a glowing light all around the room. Next I knew I was on my knees, praising Him! I couldn't have been doing a more mundane task than that! We realize when stuff like this happens, that there can be no "ordinary" moments for people who live their lives with Jesus.
Jesus paid a huge price to be with us. Certainly the cross was the most obvious cost. But there is more -
We focus so much on the fact that Jesus died for us, we sometimes forget that He also LIVED for us and lives for us still. If Jesus had simply come as Himself, and not as one of us, the Bible makes it quite clear that we could not have stood the sight of His presence, any more than Moses could have directly looked at the face of God.
Imagine what it would be like to be at the Father's side one moment and struggling to sleep in a cattle trough the next. Imagine what it would be like to hear the angel's praising God one day, and then to the awful taunts of stupid men. We can hardly begin to understand the incredible value of the gift God the Father gave through His only son!
Take a moment and reflect on what "Immanuel - - God with us" means to you in your daily life. Make it a point to seek God even in the mundane tasks of everyday life.
Please share here what and when you have felt this in your life!
God's only son became a person and lived with us for awhile. During his life he was sad, happy, excited, and disappointed. God knows what life on earth is like.
The name "Immanuel" means "God with us". The name "Immanuel" is both comforting and unsettling. Comforting, because He has come to share the danger as well as the drudgery of our everyday lives. He desires to weep with us and to wipe away our tears. And Jesus, the Son of God, longs to share in and to be the source of the laughter and the joy we all too rarely know.
Unsettling because it is one thing to know God as this judge with the long white beard and hair and the book of life - sitting up there in the skies looking down on us from above. But quite another to think and know "He is with us"! He is here with us . . .
And when we think of the times we KNOW He is with us in the midst of our daily, routine lives, in the middle of cleaning the house, or driving somewhere, and He stops us . . . in our tracks and makes his presence known, boy is that ever incredible. Often it is in the middle of the most mundane task that He lets us know He is there with us. I can think of one time in particular when I knew and felt "God with me" "Immanuel". I had brought home this ugly Christmas tree, and had just gotten it put up with a big nail in the wall and tied up there with fish line. I stepped back to look at it and commented to myself how beautiful it looked. At that moment I felt the presence of God. It seemed like a glowing light all around the room. Next I knew I was on my knees, praising Him! I couldn't have been doing a more mundane task than that! We realize when stuff like this happens, that there can be no "ordinary" moments for people who live their lives with Jesus.
Jesus paid a huge price to be with us. Certainly the cross was the most obvious cost. But there is more -
We focus so much on the fact that Jesus died for us, we sometimes forget that He also LIVED for us and lives for us still. If Jesus had simply come as Himself, and not as one of us, the Bible makes it quite clear that we could not have stood the sight of His presence, any more than Moses could have directly looked at the face of God.
Imagine what it would be like to be at the Father's side one moment and struggling to sleep in a cattle trough the next. Imagine what it would be like to hear the angel's praising God one day, and then to the awful taunts of stupid men. We can hardly begin to understand the incredible value of the gift God the Father gave through His only son!
Take a moment and reflect on what "Immanuel - - God with us" means to you in your daily life. Make it a point to seek God even in the mundane tasks of everyday life.
Please share here what and when you have felt this in your life!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas brings the gift of hope
Why would God decide to be born as a tiny infant?
I am pondering this, as I sit here looking out my window at the beautiful white world around us. Cold, and lots of ice, but it's beautiful. And how sparkly the snow is that has not been walked on yet with the sun shine on it. The sparrows - lots of them - skitter in and out of the bushes to scratch and peck for something to eat.
Here is a world, Lord, that is full of innocence, hope - and violence. Sometimes it's hard to hold on to hope or see value in innocence when I find so much war, greed and selfishness when I read the newspaper or watch the news of the world we live in.....
and in my own heart, too.
Why, I wonder, into this world would God send this Holy Child, an infant, a tiny, defenseless newborn baby - a picture of both innocence and hope?
I have some memories of World War II. I remember the planes flying over, way high in the sky, and thinking (or hearing) they had bombs in those planes - I sure do hope they don't drop them here. I remember giving up all our luxuries - candy, sugar, extra food, rubber, new cars, new shoes - lots and lots of sacrifices - so our soldiers and military could have what they needed to win a war. I was scared. I feared that Daddy would be drafted and would have to go to war, like Uncle Pat and Uncle Buddy did. That worried me so much. But Daddy always assured me he wouldn't have to go. "They don't need old guys like me (he wasn't old, either) over there, and I am more needed here at home to be available at the barber shop for people to gather and talk about all their fears and losses". His younger brother, Pat, was killed in the final days of the war. I'll never, ever forget that fear and sorrow and sacrifice and doing without.
War is so terrible. Everybody suffers. And, you know what? These awful wars and fights have been going on since before Cain slew Abel. Into this God sent a helpless newborn to lead and inspire. And yes, to save us, though sometimes I think the saving part is as much about saving us from ourselves as anything else.
At that time I'm amazed God didn't look at our world in disgust, revoke his rainbow and send another great flood. But of course He already knew the flood hadn't really improved human behavior.
So God, with grace and goodness far beyond anything I can understand, sent the Baby Jesus. Our Christ Child, Emanuel, God in human form.
God's great generosity and faithfulness boggles my mind. How can I understand?
This year, as always, the Holy Child's message is love. Pure, unbounded love. Only love. And trust. God trusted us to lay eyes on this Child, kneel in awe and receive Him.
Let us gather again at the manger. Rejoice, God loves us beyond my ability to comprehend. God has not given up on us, and we cannot give up on each other. I also remember well the day the war was ended. Such rejoicing and celebrating. We all ran downtown to be a part of it all. America had the victory! We do know that God loved us so much, that He sent His only son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life! This is the "Reason for the Season"! Pray for each other. Pray for our military. Pray for America.
Hope is born anew. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
I am pondering this, as I sit here looking out my window at the beautiful white world around us. Cold, and lots of ice, but it's beautiful. And how sparkly the snow is that has not been walked on yet with the sun shine on it. The sparrows - lots of them - skitter in and out of the bushes to scratch and peck for something to eat.
Here is a world, Lord, that is full of innocence, hope - and violence. Sometimes it's hard to hold on to hope or see value in innocence when I find so much war, greed and selfishness when I read the newspaper or watch the news of the world we live in.....
and in my own heart, too.
Why, I wonder, into this world would God send this Holy Child, an infant, a tiny, defenseless newborn baby - a picture of both innocence and hope?
I have some memories of World War II. I remember the planes flying over, way high in the sky, and thinking (or hearing) they had bombs in those planes - I sure do hope they don't drop them here. I remember giving up all our luxuries - candy, sugar, extra food, rubber, new cars, new shoes - lots and lots of sacrifices - so our soldiers and military could have what they needed to win a war. I was scared. I feared that Daddy would be drafted and would have to go to war, like Uncle Pat and Uncle Buddy did. That worried me so much. But Daddy always assured me he wouldn't have to go. "They don't need old guys like me (he wasn't old, either) over there, and I am more needed here at home to be available at the barber shop for people to gather and talk about all their fears and losses". His younger brother, Pat, was killed in the final days of the war. I'll never, ever forget that fear and sorrow and sacrifice and doing without.
War is so terrible. Everybody suffers. And, you know what? These awful wars and fights have been going on since before Cain slew Abel. Into this God sent a helpless newborn to lead and inspire. And yes, to save us, though sometimes I think the saving part is as much about saving us from ourselves as anything else.
At that time I'm amazed God didn't look at our world in disgust, revoke his rainbow and send another great flood. But of course He already knew the flood hadn't really improved human behavior.
So God, with grace and goodness far beyond anything I can understand, sent the Baby Jesus. Our Christ Child, Emanuel, God in human form.
God's great generosity and faithfulness boggles my mind. How can I understand?
This year, as always, the Holy Child's message is love. Pure, unbounded love. Only love. And trust. God trusted us to lay eyes on this Child, kneel in awe and receive Him.
Let us gather again at the manger. Rejoice, God loves us beyond my ability to comprehend. God has not given up on us, and we cannot give up on each other. I also remember well the day the war was ended. Such rejoicing and celebrating. We all ran downtown to be a part of it all. America had the victory! We do know that God loved us so much, that He sent His only son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life! This is the "Reason for the Season"! Pray for each other. Pray for our military. Pray for America.
Hope is born anew. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Psalm 32
Psalm 32 is worth the advent read and meditation.
It records the relief and joy David found in God's forgiveness. The last verse of it calls all of the people to praise and thank God, as does Psalm 33.
God forgives the sins of those who repent. Confession brings relief.
To say "I believe in Jesus" is not enough. You must be willing to acknowledge Him as the most important person in your life. You must be willing to say "I will do what He wants me to do above all else and above any demands that others may place upon me." You must say, and really believe it "Jesus is Lord"! If you will make that decision, I have great news for you -- I can promise you a very positive self-image. When Jesus is the most important person in your life, you will soon come to define yourself in the same way that Jesus defines you. You will begin to think of yourself as He thinks of you. And here's more good news: Jesus thinks you're great! He thinks you're terrific. He really does. He wants us to realize that once we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, we stand before Him as perfect! The bible says that my sin is blotted out. It is buried in the deepest sea - it is remembered no more.
What sin haunts your mind? Have you repented? If so . . . God forgives you. Now forgive yourself.
It records the relief and joy David found in God's forgiveness. The last verse of it calls all of the people to praise and thank God, as does Psalm 33.
God forgives the sins of those who repent. Confession brings relief.
To say "I believe in Jesus" is not enough. You must be willing to acknowledge Him as the most important person in your life. You must be willing to say "I will do what He wants me to do above all else and above any demands that others may place upon me." You must say, and really believe it "Jesus is Lord"! If you will make that decision, I have great news for you -- I can promise you a very positive self-image. When Jesus is the most important person in your life, you will soon come to define yourself in the same way that Jesus defines you. You will begin to think of yourself as He thinks of you. And here's more good news: Jesus thinks you're great! He thinks you're terrific. He really does. He wants us to realize that once we accept Him as our Savior and Lord, we stand before Him as perfect! The bible says that my sin is blotted out. It is buried in the deepest sea - it is remembered no more.
What sin haunts your mind? Have you repented? If so . . . God forgives you. Now forgive yourself.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Christmas is a time of joyful Advent
Today is the beginning of the season of advent. It is a time of waiting - as Mary, the mother of God waited for the birth of her child. All of us remember the waiting for our children to be born.
Christmas is coming! Over the years I've experienced an incredible range of feelings about Christmas. As a child, I absolutely loved the presents, the Christ child nearby and angels singing. I love midnight mass with all the happy people, the beautiful music, the decorations, the food . . . and the presents!
As a mother, I wanted my children to have everything. I went overboard, as Phil occasionally pointed out.
Then, as they grew older, and eventually left home, each year it got to be really hard to have a "celebration" with some missing. Each year it felt more and more like chores, instead of fun!
Then I accepted Jesus as my Lord, invited Him into my heart, and He was real! The light returned and everything changed. Advent became my time of soul-searching, anticipation, actively waiting in prayer, meditation and study, learning more and more about the depths of His love for me and all of us!
Oh, it's my best season.
Christmas isn't about the presents and the hoop-la and all the glitter that seems to take over. It is the coming of hope and light into the world. Advent is our time to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah. Let's await Him with joy and peace.
Christmas is coming! Over the years I've experienced an incredible range of feelings about Christmas. As a child, I absolutely loved the presents, the Christ child nearby and angels singing. I love midnight mass with all the happy people, the beautiful music, the decorations, the food . . . and the presents!
As a mother, I wanted my children to have everything. I went overboard, as Phil occasionally pointed out.
Then, as they grew older, and eventually left home, each year it got to be really hard to have a "celebration" with some missing. Each year it felt more and more like chores, instead of fun!
Then I accepted Jesus as my Lord, invited Him into my heart, and He was real! The light returned and everything changed. Advent became my time of soul-searching, anticipation, actively waiting in prayer, meditation and study, learning more and more about the depths of His love for me and all of us!
Oh, it's my best season.
Christmas isn't about the presents and the hoop-la and all the glitter that seems to take over. It is the coming of hope and light into the world. Advent is our time to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah. Let's await Him with joy and peace.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Some wonderful scriptures from the book of Tobit.
I am reading the book of Tobit during my prayer time these days. Be sure to read it someday if you can find a Greek translation of the bible, as it is not in the Hebrew translations. (Greek translations = The New American Catholic, or the Jeruselum versions, I think. Hebrew translations = King James versions, I think.) It is worth looking for and reading. Quite an interesting story. Tobit, the story of a dutiful son who is given miraculous help by an angel, is part of the Apocrypha - the 5 books (or parts of books) that are included in some bibles and not in others. (Tobit, Judith, Macabees 1st and 2nd books, and Ecclesiasticus.)
Here are a couple of verses from Tobit I wanted to share with all of you . . . .
4:7 - "Never turn your face from any poor man and God will never turn His from you."
I thought about this for quite some time, and realized that I have turned my
face from the poor!
And how Mickey that day we were having our dinner and party
at the park, took lots of that food and water and gave it to those poor,
homeless people who showed up. I don't think I could ever have done that! God
does not turn His face from you, Mickey.
4:23 - "Do not be afraid if you have grown poor. You have great wealth if you know
God (Jesus?) and if you shun every kind of sin and if you do what is pleasing
to the Lord your God." In other words, our greatest treasure and riches are
the ones we have in eternity with our God. Does anyone remember that
scripture, and where it is - one of the gospels. In these times we are facing
a future of uncertainty - here in this world - but, if we build up our
treasures in heaven, then we have everything! We are rich in our blessings!
And this next scripture is what I received for Josh as he is going off to training
for Afghanistan in a couple of weeks:
5:21 - "My child, prepare what you need for the journey, and set off with your
brothers. (your unit) May God in heaven protect you abroad and bring you all
back safe and sound! May His angel go with you and protect you, my child.
5:22 - The
son left the house to set out and kissed his father and mother. The father
said "Happy journey! His mother burst into tears and said 'Why must I send
my child away? The way of life God had already given us was good enough!'
'Do not think such thoughts. Going away and coming back, all will be well
with your child. On the day of his homecoming you will see for yourself how all is still well with him. Do not think such thoughts; do not worry on his account.
A good angel will go with him; he will have a good journey and come back well and happy." 6:1 "And she dried her tears."
I bought Joshua a small bible with a "marines" cover on it. It has a couple of pages in the front to write a message for him. I am going to write 5:21 there, along with other words of encouragement for him.
Here are a couple of verses from Tobit I wanted to share with all of you . . . .
4:7 - "Never turn your face from any poor man and God will never turn His from you."
I thought about this for quite some time, and realized that I have turned my
face from the poor!
And how Mickey that day we were having our dinner and party
at the park, took lots of that food and water and gave it to those poor,
homeless people who showed up. I don't think I could ever have done that! God
does not turn His face from you, Mickey.
4:23 - "Do not be afraid if you have grown poor. You have great wealth if you know
God (Jesus?) and if you shun every kind of sin and if you do what is pleasing
to the Lord your God." In other words, our greatest treasure and riches are
the ones we have in eternity with our God. Does anyone remember that
scripture, and where it is - one of the gospels. In these times we are facing
a future of uncertainty - here in this world - but, if we build up our
treasures in heaven, then we have everything! We are rich in our blessings!
And this next scripture is what I received for Josh as he is going off to training
for Afghanistan in a couple of weeks:
5:21 - "My child, prepare what you need for the journey, and set off with your
brothers. (your unit) May God in heaven protect you abroad and bring you all
back safe and sound! May His angel go with you and protect you, my child.
5:22 - The
son left the house to set out and kissed his father and mother. The father
said "Happy journey! His mother burst into tears and said 'Why must I send
my child away? The way of life God had already given us was good enough!'
'Do not think such thoughts. Going away and coming back, all will be well
with your child. On the day of his homecoming you will see for yourself how all is still well with him. Do not think such thoughts; do not worry on his account.
A good angel will go with him; he will have a good journey and come back well and happy." 6:1 "And she dried her tears."
I bought Joshua a small bible with a "marines" cover on it. It has a couple of pages in the front to write a message for him. I am going to write 5:21 there, along with other words of encouragement for him.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sharon
Pray for Sharon tonight and tomorrow. She has another treatment in the morning. (Tues)
Father God, we know Your Word has become a part of her. It is flowing in her bloodstream. It flows to every cell of her body, restoring and transforming her body. For You sent Your Word and healed her. (see Psalm 107:20)
Your Word is manifest in her body, and will cause growths to disappear. These tumors and this cancer are a thing of the past. We make this demand on her cells and blood and bones: that they function properly, in Jesus' Name. (see Matthew 17:20 and Mark 11:23).
Heavenly Father, as we give voice to Your Word, the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus makes her free from the Spirit of Death. And Your Life is energizing every cell of her body.
Cancer, you must GO! Sicknesses from the treatments MUST FLEE! Tumors cannot exist in her, for the Spirit of God is upon her and the Word of God is within her. Sickness, fear and oppression have NO power over her for God's Word is what we claim for her, and it is what she believes! (again, Mark 11:23).
We praise you and we thank you, in Jesus' name (God's Word) for what you are doing in her body as we ask. Amen
Father God, we know Your Word has become a part of her. It is flowing in her bloodstream. It flows to every cell of her body, restoring and transforming her body. For You sent Your Word and healed her. (see Psalm 107:20)
Your Word is manifest in her body, and will cause growths to disappear. These tumors and this cancer are a thing of the past. We make this demand on her cells and blood and bones: that they function properly, in Jesus' Name. (see Matthew 17:20 and Mark 11:23).
Heavenly Father, as we give voice to Your Word, the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus makes her free from the Spirit of Death. And Your Life is energizing every cell of her body.
Cancer, you must GO! Sicknesses from the treatments MUST FLEE! Tumors cannot exist in her, for the Spirit of God is upon her and the Word of God is within her. Sickness, fear and oppression have NO power over her for God's Word is what we claim for her, and it is what she believes! (again, Mark 11:23).
We praise you and we thank you, in Jesus' name (God's Word) for what you are doing in her body as we ask. Amen
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Follow Jesus' Example
"We have around us many people (cloud of witnesses, some have passed on, and some are still with us - a cloud of saints!) whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began, inspires, our faith and who makes it perfect. For the sake of the joy which lay before Him he endured the cross, heedless of its shame. And now is sitting at the right side of God's throne! (the highest honor). Remember how He endured the opposition of sinners; hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle." (Never give up!) Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1-3
Jesus hears all the voices of all the people who follow Him. And He sees you! From the very first man (Adam) to the infant born as you are reading these words. He sees and He hears them all! (Read Hebrews chapter 11)
And you can be sure of this: Among the voices that found their way to Him who is seated at the right hand of the Father, was your voice . . .
And not only did He hear you, He saw you. He saw your face beaming the hour you first knew Him. He saw your face in shame the hour you first fell. The same face that looked back at you from this morning's mirror, looked at Him. And it was enough to kill Him! He died a torturous death on the cross because of YOU! He could not bear the sight of sinfulness and evil in the world, He could not bear the thought of your hopelessness - so He took it all to the cross, where it all died with Him! And he does this every day! He saved YOU, and all of us, and all who are willing Follow Jesus' Example! It wasn't easy for Him, and for sure, it's not easy for us. But the Joy that follows is worth it all!
Look for joy in difficult times. As Sharon tells us often - laugh every day! How can others benefit from your struggle? Look beyond the pain and struggles and find God's purpose for your life. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Then pay attention - because He will show you.
Hebrews 13:15 - "So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak His name. Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God." And verses 20-21 - "I pray that the God of peace will give you every good thing you need so you can do what He wants. I pray that God will do in us what pleases Him, through Jesus Christ, and to Him be glory forever and ever. Amen"
Be sure to read Psalm 126 - it's a short one.
Let's share with each other here - ways we've found joy in our difficult times. What brought us to tears and what did we find of joy in those tears?
Have you realized the purpose of your struggles and pain? What is it? I know my purpose is not any grandiose thing like I thought it was supposed to be when I first accepted Jesus into my life. One day I heard loud and clear the saying I'd heard so many times: BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!!! God wanted me to teach my own family and those I come in contact with so often. This reading from Hebrews was very eye-opening to me as I grew in the Lord. There are so many "saints" around me, both in the heavens now, and living around me, who were great examples of Jesus and how He intends for us to live. And then He showed me all the people around me who really didn't know Jesus and He wanted me to introduce them to Him. That is my purpose. My "Mission Field". Another purpose I think for my life is intercessory prayer. So important. There are so many people and circumstances to pray for, and it seems like God puts them right in my world, and brings them to mind when I need to pray. At times I don't really even know the people I am praying for, but God puts them in my mind, so I pray! I don't understand that part so much, but I do it. And, of course, we all need to pray for America. She needs God's help and protection more now than ever before. Another time I'll share some of how these unknown people and unknown circumstances prayers are answered. Can you share, too?
God bless you all.
Jesus hears all the voices of all the people who follow Him. And He sees you! From the very first man (Adam) to the infant born as you are reading these words. He sees and He hears them all! (Read Hebrews chapter 11)
And you can be sure of this: Among the voices that found their way to Him who is seated at the right hand of the Father, was your voice . . .
And not only did He hear you, He saw you. He saw your face beaming the hour you first knew Him. He saw your face in shame the hour you first fell. The same face that looked back at you from this morning's mirror, looked at Him. And it was enough to kill Him! He died a torturous death on the cross because of YOU! He could not bear the sight of sinfulness and evil in the world, He could not bear the thought of your hopelessness - so He took it all to the cross, where it all died with Him! And he does this every day! He saved YOU, and all of us, and all who are willing Follow Jesus' Example! It wasn't easy for Him, and for sure, it's not easy for us. But the Joy that follows is worth it all!
Look for joy in difficult times. As Sharon tells us often - laugh every day! How can others benefit from your struggle? Look beyond the pain and struggles and find God's purpose for your life. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Then pay attention - because He will show you.
Hebrews 13:15 - "So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak His name. Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God." And verses 20-21 - "I pray that the God of peace will give you every good thing you need so you can do what He wants. I pray that God will do in us what pleases Him, through Jesus Christ, and to Him be glory forever and ever. Amen"
Be sure to read Psalm 126 - it's a short one.
Let's share with each other here - ways we've found joy in our difficult times. What brought us to tears and what did we find of joy in those tears?
Have you realized the purpose of your struggles and pain? What is it? I know my purpose is not any grandiose thing like I thought it was supposed to be when I first accepted Jesus into my life. One day I heard loud and clear the saying I'd heard so many times: BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!!! God wanted me to teach my own family and those I come in contact with so often. This reading from Hebrews was very eye-opening to me as I grew in the Lord. There are so many "saints" around me, both in the heavens now, and living around me, who were great examples of Jesus and how He intends for us to live. And then He showed me all the people around me who really didn't know Jesus and He wanted me to introduce them to Him. That is my purpose. My "Mission Field". Another purpose I think for my life is intercessory prayer. So important. There are so many people and circumstances to pray for, and it seems like God puts them right in my world, and brings them to mind when I need to pray. At times I don't really even know the people I am praying for, but God puts them in my mind, so I pray! I don't understand that part so much, but I do it. And, of course, we all need to pray for America. She needs God's help and protection more now than ever before. Another time I'll share some of how these unknown people and unknown circumstances prayers are answered. Can you share, too?
God bless you all.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Heloooo!
Hello out there in blogasphere - anybody there? I am wondering if anyone is reading this sight. If so, could you please put comments on the blog post? I hope you're out there. I'll publish some more thoughts if I think anyone is following.....and maybe I will even if no one is! Just a short comment will do. I just want to know someone is interested. Even if you disagree with what I write, I would like to hear those comments, too!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
God's standards
I used to wonder how to remember all the commandments of God. When I was a kid I memorized the Ten Commandments in catechism. But there are so many other commandments in the Bible - - hundreds of them. Then I discovered a wonderful fact - that the first and greatest commandment is to love God . . .
So it isn't as complicated as I had thought! Love God completely, and love your neighbor as yourself. Do to your neighbor as you, in your best moments, want him or her to do to you. If we obey only these two basic laws, we will be obeying all the others, too.
It is wonderful of God to tell us what He allows and what He prohibits, what He likes and dislikes, for we might otherwise be unsure of ourselves and unsure whether or not we are loving God by obeying Him. We all need rules to guide and protect us. If you are a parent, God has set the example, and He has set that same example for all people:
LOVE!!!! God has set clear, fair guidelines and He expects us to stay within those guidelines. Just like a parent, He will be firm in implementing them.
Read Mark, Chapter 12, verses 30 and 31. And the book of Proverbs has lots of wise commands from the Lord. Here are two: Prov. Chapter 28, verse 23 - "Those who correct others will later be liked more than those who give false praise", and Chapter 29, verse 25 - "Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the Lord, you will be safe."
So it isn't as complicated as I had thought! Love God completely, and love your neighbor as yourself. Do to your neighbor as you, in your best moments, want him or her to do to you. If we obey only these two basic laws, we will be obeying all the others, too.
It is wonderful of God to tell us what He allows and what He prohibits, what He likes and dislikes, for we might otherwise be unsure of ourselves and unsure whether or not we are loving God by obeying Him. We all need rules to guide and protect us. If you are a parent, God has set the example, and He has set that same example for all people:
LOVE!!!! God has set clear, fair guidelines and He expects us to stay within those guidelines. Just like a parent, He will be firm in implementing them.
Read Mark, Chapter 12, verses 30 and 31. And the book of Proverbs has lots of wise commands from the Lord. Here are two: Prov. Chapter 28, verse 23 - "Those who correct others will later be liked more than those who give false praise", and Chapter 29, verse 25 - "Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the Lord, you will be safe."
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