Friday, September 28, 2007

Celebrate

Is today just an ordinary day to you? I know, Fridays can be a little more special because of the excitement of the weekend. But maybe you have a job where you work on Saturday and Sunday; maybe you're alone or feel alone on weekends. Maybe for you, work is where you have that social interaction.



This is a time of the year where we may be busy with work, school or sports, but there's no formal, universal time of celebration such as Christmas, Easter, end of school, vacation - you get my drift? Labor Day was our last holiday, and it seems so long until Thanksgiving! Today, for me at least, is an ordinary day. But I've come to tell you that we have no ordinary God. He is a God of celebration! Did you see that full moon this week? Do you feel the coolness in the morning air, see the leaves changing color; feel the anticipation of a new season? I feel so strongly today that our God can bring change and celebration in the ordinariness (is that a word?) of our days. Maybe it's not a physical change, but a change of the soul, heart or spirit. Isn't that the true miracle anyway? Changing the down cast soul into one of praise; softening a hard heart; exchanging a spirit of bitterness for a spirit of joy! The only way that can be done is through an extra-ordinary God. And ya'll, we have one. If you're having trouble celebrating this routine day - then celebrate a God who is anything but routine! If your soul needs a jump start, read Psalm 145 - "They (I) will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." (vs. 7)



I've also come to give you a glimpse into this week's Sunday school lesson. If you want to get a head start, then I encourage you to read John 4:1-30; 39-42. Then come on Sunday to CELEBRATE an extra-ordinary God in the midst of our ordinary day!



"My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever." (Psalm 145:21)


Thursday, September 27, 2007

Have I arrived?

Do you think this 50-year-old woman has finally arrived? I can't even imagine how easy it is to create a blog. Now managing it might be a little more difficult. :>) God told the prophet in Isaiah 43:19, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" I believe blogging is a new thing, Ladies!

This morning in my quiet time, I asked God to let me hear His voice. I did not want to be like the Israelites who were afraid to hear Him. "They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.'.... The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was." (see Exodus 20:18-21) I pray that I am hearing His voice correctly as I embark on this new blogging adventure. Sometimes we have to go into the darkness of the unknown to find God. And that applies to much more than blogging. Can I get an AMEN?

I would like to use this space to post Bible study happenings, ideas, suggestions, and devotions. I'll let you know about WOW Bible Study events and some of what's on my mind. Please feel free to post a response. But (I know I shouldn't have to say this) please remember that ANYONE can see what you post --- so be careful and think about what you say.

Let's see what happens next!

Susan B.