Saturday, August 30, 2008

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Today has really been a pretty good day, until the bad and the ugly set in. It always scares me when they say my football team is predicted to win. Well the game has started off bad and gotten U G L Y and fast. So I've resorted to crashing in the bedroom with no TV on and occasionally getting the bad news update from my son. I'll be glad when this one is over! K has already fallen asleep. Think I'll take my cue from him.

If something has to be U G L Y at least it's a football game - which in the scheme of things really doesn't matter. Don't tell that to 90% of the state of South Carolina, but it's the truth. How many times do we get all worked up over things that have no bearing on the true meaning of life? I don't mean just ball games, but things we worry about that never happen or having the best house, car, job?

Guess it's time to go back into the den and try to cheer up D. Yeah, he'll get ragged at school about it. But in the scheme of things - what does it matter? It all goes in a cycle anyway. What goes up must come down and down goes up, eventually. It's the waiting it out that's tough!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Hearing a Word

You've already heard about some of my frustrations with work lately. Well, let me tell you a blessing I get each week. I proof the scripture readings for each bulletin - just to make sure I didn't accidentally cut off a word, stop short on the scripture or copy the wrong readings. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've heard God speak to me or my situation or my state of mind through the readings for that week.

This week was a tough word, but one that I think God was speaking in love. I also think it's a word that we can all benefit from at one time or another. So curl up those toes or pick up your feet, here it comes. "Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.'" (Jeremiah 15:19) Did you catch it? Did you see my Word? I have been wondering if I've been hearing God's direction for a couple projects. Well..in proofing this scripture, I found my problem, "If you utter worthy, NOT WORTHLESS, words, you will be my spokesman." OUCH!!! That Word stepped all over my toes!

How many times a day do I utter worthless words? More often than I care to admit. You see, we know we are called to repent, but I think sometimes we're thinking we're called to repent of the really big sins - you know: stealing, cheating, betrayal, abuse, drug use. And then we think, I'm not doing the really big sins - so, I'm OK. When the truth is, no we're not - or at least I'm not.

How often have I stolen, cheated or betrayed someone because of a piece of gossip I've repeated...maybe not even gossip. Maybe I've given an opinon on something when I should have kept my mouth shut. Not that I don't have a right to have an opinion or to recognize when things are not right, but there's a proper way to handle it. God didn't tell Jeremiah to be silent, He told him to use worthy words, not worthless words.

God really did "knock me upside the head" with this one. I have too often used worthless words when I need to use worthy. I have used words that tear down instead of building up. There are times when I need to be silent, and there are times when I need to speak up. But when I do, I need to use worthy words.

I started that day trying to recognize and get rid of the worthless words, and that very day, I felt I heard a word from God about those projects I was telling you about. When God disciplines us, it is for our good. When we get a word from Him and begin to act on it, I believe he blesses us.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

How's Work?

In John 5:17, Jesus says to the Jews, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

My question for you this morning is: How's work going? Now any of y'all that may know me, know that mine has been trying lately. Can I get an AMEN from those of you that were at church this past Sunday! 'Nuf said!

The thing is right now my work is a little tedious. We're switching to new services and trying to keep all the settings, responses, liturgy in the right places is nerve racking to me - and to be honest, not my favorite thing to do. Yesterday, I felt God knock me up side the head - not literally - but I heard Him ask me why I had such an attitude when I was doing His work. Truly doing HIS work - helping to develop a tool that will make worshiping HIM more meaningful. How do we handle that? When we have to do something that's not really what we enjoy, but the result directly impacts the way others worship or think about God.

Even though I'm doing it with something directly related to organized worship, if we call ourselves Christian, don't we all impact the way others think about/worship God with our attitudes and work ethics? I think so. The thing is we don't readily recognize it. If we gossip, do others think, "Is that how Christians talk." If we get angry quickly, do they think, "Is that how Christians react?" If we curse, do others think, "Is that what they think about God's name?" If we complain about our jobs, do others think, "Do Christians think they're better than the rest of us?" Not a very powerful witness, is it?

What are we to do, then? The Apostle Paul gives us valuable advice in 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." We need to give ourselves over to the Lord and His work - recognizing that what we do and say and how we react have an impact on others. And God sees our work..,it will not be in vain...especially when we are doing the work of the Lord...and isn't it all God's work, anyway?

Friday, August 22, 2008

Routine

With the beginning of school, we fall back into our "school routine," of course. It was so nice to get my Fridays back. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE summertime and having the boys home. But...I also love going for my Friday morning walks, cleaning house (well, I don't love that, but I do like having time to clean), and having lunch with my girlfriends. I saw a friend at the gym today, and she felt the same way. She said she even got up early yesterday morning in anticipation of the day!

I woke up early today myself. It's taken me all day to wash clothes, but I did get the vacuuming and mopping done. But best of all I had girlfriend time. We had lunch together today for the first time in about a month, and it was so much fun. And then bestest of all is time with my hubby when I get home from lunch...time to chill and talk before D gets home from school.

There's a lot to be said for routine. Yep, I love my Fridays!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Where God Is

Today is the first day of school for our town which in the last month has experienced some tragic events...fatal vehicle accidents...fatal shooting...deaths of high school students. My most recent prayers to God have been centered around peace for these families, peace at our schools, peace in our community. I have asked God to provide a hedge of protection for our children as they begin a new school year, and today is the day. With tears in my eyes and fear in my heart, I am trying to believe and trust in my God who loves all of us.

In my morning devotions God led me to Exodus 20:19-24 with the main verse being the second half of verse 21: "And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was." Sometimes there are terrible dark times in our lives, but that doesn't mean God isn't with us. In this section of scripture, the people were too afraid to go near to God...they wanted Moses to do it. Think about how Moses may have felt. Every version of the text I read this morning said that God was in the thick darkness. How scary must that have been to be approaching someone with a voice like a trumpet, with lightening all around and the thick darkness.

In some ways I have felt like that lately. I know God is good, but life can throw us some AWFUL curves. He reminded me this morning, that He is with us in these terrible times. That when we have trouble seeing Him, sometimes He is right there in the thick darkness. Will I (we) have faith to trust Him? And I must trust Him. Part of this portion of scripture talks about how God was proving/testing the Israelites. I think that in the midst of difficult times, there can be a test to see will we trust God or not.

So this morning I choose to trust Him. I will pray ALL DAY for the safety of our children...I will draw near unto the thick darkness where God is...I will not wait for someone else to do it for me...with a trembling and trusting heart, I hope to prove to be faithful.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

One Week to Go!

Can you believe it? In only one week, school will be starting. Seems like summer just started. I do think D is ready. He's been helping with ROTC, and already has plans for next Friday afternoon with some school friends. I believe he's missed his buds. Summers are so busy any more, that you don't really get to hang out as much as you think you will.

You know, I think I'm about ready, too. Sometimes it's good to get back into a routine. But we will enjoy the next week ... a week of sleeping in...staying up late(r)...no homework...no projects...in general-laziness.

I'm also ready for a little more serious Bible study...more in-depth study...cooler weather...coffee drinking...porch stiting...Friday walks... I guess what I'm saying is that I love the change in seasons. Not only the changes in the weather, but sometimes the changes in our personal seasons. I'm ready to get out of this suggish season I seem to be in. I want a little more passion, more energy, but for the next week...one last little bit of the season of laziness! LOL!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Hope

Life can change on a dime, the saying goes. And unfortunately, we all experience that at one time or another. Sometimes it's for the better, but not all the time. Tragedy strikes each of us at some time. We morn with each other, cry with each other and pray with each other. That's what community is all about. I saw this link recently on the All Access blog and was able to watch it today. It is an interview ABC did recently with Stephen Curtis Chapman and his family on the loss of his daughter, Maria. In the midst of tragedy it is a message of hope...hope that we will all need at some point in time.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)

Friday, August 8, 2008

Home

It's good to be home. This last week we've been vacationing at Cherry Grove, and it was WONDERFUL! The weather was great...the first time it rained was Thursday night. When we got up this morning it was overcast, which was good since it was time to head home.

If you couldn't tell, I only opened my laptop 1 time, and I couldn't keep the connection long enough to do anything. So I promptly packed it away and never touched it again until tonight. So I've been catching up with some of my fave blogs. Don't know if too many people stay tuned here, but thought I would touch base before I head to bed. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.

As we finish our week, I always ask K & D what their favorite time was at the beach. One of my faves was just being on the beach. But another favorite is my morning routine of doing Bible study on the porch. I can see a little bit of the ocean between condos a block away on the beach. It's such a blessing to have coffee and Bible study and watch the ocean all at the same time. God's been speaking to my heart this week. I realized afresh this morning how much God has truly blessed me...how much He has changed my heart and my life...and how much I still want Him to change. Even on the way home I goofed and realized how much more I need God to keep on changing me.

So as I celebrate a great, relaxing vacation, I also celebrate a great and awesome God who speaks if I will just listen...who changes hearts...and loves me as He heals me along the way.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

A Word - THE WORD!

Y'all!!! Such a powerful weekend in the Word of God. I can't even begin to express it. This morning Trav and the Team sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing which ended with a refrain on revival. I think this is what I needed - a revival of my soul. Summer tends to lead me towards some laziness. Revival --- I prayed for a word, and I was given THE WORD. The first point Beth made last night was Treasure the Wonder. Do you realize the wonder in our hands when we open the Bible? God equips us through His word. Don't take it for granted!

Speaking of wonder, my child is having a WONDERFUL day. He has spent time at home, with friends and with his girlfriend. Tonight, we'll share a meal together and then give him a final surprise gift! Tomorrow we head to the beach to enjoy our last summer outing before school begins. Can you say, time flies?!

I started the weekend with anticipation, and I have not been disappointed. I'm hanging on to that anticipation. God is good...all the time, and all the time...God is good. Yes, He is! Yes, He is! Yes, He is!

Friday, August 1, 2008

A Word

Remember that when you ask God for a word, He delivers a WORD! The very first thing I MUST mention from tonight's LPL simulcast is that to the right of me was a young mom with her newborn baby. In one arm her baby, and her other hand was lifted in praise to her God. An AWESOME sight.

Tonight's session of the simulcast was AWESOME! (I'm using that word a lot!) It started with Travis. He said things like,"Try Living, New Beginnings, Come to God, Surrender." All words that I've been hearing lately in one form or another. God had my attention. Beth is teaching on Luke 8:1-16, and I mean she is T-E-A-C-H-I-N-G. She is bringing a 100-fold word through a very familiar parable of the seed and the differnt soils and hearers. All to 70,000 people in 715 locations, every state except New Hampshire and several foreign countries representing 23 denominations. AWESOME!

I have heard God speaking - through Beth, to my heart, through worship & praise. Did I mention that Trav and the praise band are AWESOME?! One time tonight Beth said that we need to have anticipation of the word. I have had anticipation all day! Is God speaking or what?

I can't wait for tomorrow's session. I'm sure it will be - you've got it - AWESOME!

Anticipation

******UPDATE********

I am so EXCITED! The day has progressed very well since I last blogged. I called and got Pelicans ticket so we can see Tom Glavine pitch. YES! I called i-tunes, and it was a simple procedure to re-authorize my computer (since we had to replace the mother board). YES! But most of all, I talked to my baby. He was so excited. He was glad to be coming home, but had an absolute blast at camp. He has tons of stories to tell us. YES! YES! YES! The only slightly aggravating thing is all the decisions we have to make about our small remodeling project that seems to be growing! Oh, well. I might see if I can catch a few z's before we pick Drew up. But I think I'm too pumped to sleep.....

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I woke up this morning with a spirit of anticipation for several reasons. Then I went to purchase a song on i-tunes and an issue came up that just made me blow my top. (Satan was right there cheering me on, too.) I'm still hot. Can't even call them because they're on Pacific Time. I had to go face down on the floor for some patience and perspective. Whew! I am slowly coming back to my spirit of anticipation.

The first reason I'm excited is that by BABY (15 though he is) will be coming home from camp today. Can't wait to see him. If you haven't guessed, he really doesn't go to that many camps. In fact when he was younger camp was a four-letter word to him. Well, it technically is a four-letter word, but you know what I mean. Then he went to Campfirmation last year at Lutheridge and had a GREAT time. His counsellor, Herb, made all the difference. This year, he went to Pisgah for ROTC Camp through CHS. The only time we heard from him, he was having a blast.

The second reason I'm excited is that this weekend is the Living Proof Live Simulcast. I can't wait to get a word from God. I am anticipating this like crazy. I was hoping to go to Deeper Still in Atlanta, but the calendar would not cooperate. So this is my only (so far) event of this kind this year. I totally expect a mountain top experience.

The third reason for my anticipation is Drew's 15th birthday tomorrow. Even though he technically has his b/day present, we have a few surprises. Hope he likes them!

Fourth, we are heading to the beach on Sunday for our last summer adventure before school starts. We usually go somewhere around Drew's birthday, and this year it's a bonus week at the beach. A lot of times we'll go to Charleston, but not this year. We will miss that trip, though. First summer we haven't been to the Holy City in years. But we have always had a relaxing fun time at Cherry Grove. Drew's taking a friend, and last night as I was watching the Braves game I heard where Glavine is pitching for the Pelicans on Monday night as he progresses off the DL list. WE ARE THERE! Yes!

So you see the many reasons for my excitement. In fact I went to bed anticipating today. And then i-tunes happened. I think the devil was anticipating this little ploy to spoil my excitement. Have to put things in perspective - what's 83 songs! 83 that I can't play on my i-pod all of a sudden. Don't get me started again! I'll call this afternoon and get it all straightened out. And if not, what difference does it make in the grand scheme of things? Not a hill-of-beans! Except that they're some of my FAVORITE songs....there I go again!

OK, OK...Let me bring an end to this double-minded post. Don't let Satan steal your joy, excitement and anticipation. We all need a little perspective on things sometime. I have reclaimed my anticipation. Can't wait to see my baby. Can't wait till tonight's session from Beth. Can't wait for another word tomorrow morning. Can't wait for a birthday celebration. Can't wait for the beach. When things are going good, and you have every reason to rejoice, don't let the aggravations of life get in the way. Hang on to your excitement. Don't let go!