For he himself is our peace... Ephesians 2:14a NIV
There it was on the calendar almost taunting me. Really, I tried not to think about it but then there it would be bugging me an instant reminder. It's not that I dread going to the dentist. It doesn't bother me at all. That could be that I went a lot as a teenager; I had braces.
The last few years though haven't been much fun. Every time they try to do x-rays, I have a problem I gag. It's not that I mean too, it just sort of happens. So of course when I see the schedule appointment on the calendar my mind starts to think about the dreaded x-rays.
Sure I block it out because I don't want to be nervous and cause it which is not my fault. A few days before the appointment the thought comes again, but I quickly dismissed. The night before the thought crosses my mind again. This time though I talked to God about it. He after all got me through my eye doctor appointment a few months back by helping me with the air puff in the eye. Another thing I have trouble with.
I left it with God, and trust in Him to help me get through the x-rays. The day comes for my cleaning, I didn't really think about gagging and the x-rays. Then as I'm about to go in my wonderful husband says, "they're all ready for the lady who can't take x-rays. I prepared them for you." Gee, thanks.
Slowly I crept to the room with the chair. The dental hygienist says, "We're only going to do two today. I'll be quick."
"I'll be fine," I think. She gets it ready, when I discover it's the adult size x-rays not the kid size. Not good! Not good!
She puts the first one in and I managed to get it done. Sure the stuff was out of my mouth by the time she returned, but I was successful.
Side number two was a different story. The gagging began a lot sooner and she was not able to get it. "Alright we'll try again." She tried to rush me, but I was still gagging and felt as though it would begin again any second.
"I'll let you know when I'm ready."
That's when I noticed it. The dentist office has glass doors in each room, so we're able to look outside. As I gazed out the door, I saw a butterfly, a peaceful reminder that the Lord is with me. I gathered my courage, "I'm ready." Side two was a success, again the stuff was spit out before she reentered the room.
The Lord was with me and gave me peace. Now I don't have to do that again for six months.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Holy Ground
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
Last week I had the chance to get away from the world. Of course sickness tried to keep me away, but the Lord won. I began the journey weak and tired, but it's a journey worth going on.
During the summer there is a lot of craziness that goes on while on this holy ground. With the craziness though comes a longing and a calling from God. Some children start off frightened and unsure about the week ahead. Most of them are not only away from home, but away from family as well.
Loud Christian music plays while tweens and teens dance like crazy and shout out praises to God. Seeing God here is easy since all the distractions are left at home. The morning begins with a devotion, two times a day small groups meet to learn more about God together, there's praise time, worship, and the evening ends with devotions. Of course fun games and different activities are thrown in throughout the day.
By the end of the week no one really wants to go home even those who were unsure at first. After all spending time with God is relaxing. Somehow the stress of life at home seems to be lifted. Burdens are left at the altar. Some hear God calling them to a new path. Some are reminded of what God wants us to do for him.
Reality begins to hit the day before we have to return to the world. How can we keep this feeling of closeness to God? How can we answer the calling? By continually making time for the Lord our self. Taking time in the morning to seek God out, listening to Christian music, reading our Bible, ending the day seeking God out.
God promises to give us rest if we just come to him.
Last week I had the chance to get away from the world. Of course sickness tried to keep me away, but the Lord won. I began the journey weak and tired, but it's a journey worth going on.
During the summer there is a lot of craziness that goes on while on this holy ground. With the craziness though comes a longing and a calling from God. Some children start off frightened and unsure about the week ahead. Most of them are not only away from home, but away from family as well.
Loud Christian music plays while tweens and teens dance like crazy and shout out praises to God. Seeing God here is easy since all the distractions are left at home. The morning begins with a devotion, two times a day small groups meet to learn more about God together, there's praise time, worship, and the evening ends with devotions. Of course fun games and different activities are thrown in throughout the day.
By the end of the week no one really wants to go home even those who were unsure at first. After all spending time with God is relaxing. Somehow the stress of life at home seems to be lifted. Burdens are left at the altar. Some hear God calling them to a new path. Some are reminded of what God wants us to do for him.
Reality begins to hit the day before we have to return to the world. How can we keep this feeling of closeness to God? How can we answer the calling? By continually making time for the Lord our self. Taking time in the morning to seek God out, listening to Christian music, reading our Bible, ending the day seeking God out.
God promises to give us rest if we just come to him.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Rain, Rain Go Away
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me. Psalm 23:4 NIV
Before we left on our voyage I was unable to check the weather in the area we were staying, so I was quite surprised when I heard. "Just came in today so I can check out our site because the weather will only get worse as the week goes on."
No problem I thought, I'll just watch the weather and then take it up with the Lord. Which I proceeded to do. There was a strong chance of rain all day for over half of our vacation. God will take care of us.
The second night there we noticed water on the floor. Not a good thing. A little creek inside the camper, paper towels and figuring out where it came from was a big help. We realized the window behind the kitchen sink was dripping and the water filled up the slide out. Of course the water needed to come out somewhere this is why we had the creek.
The next morning thought a tarp would take care of the problem, so my husband put one over the window and half of the slide out. This seemed to help the creek stop or at least become just a puddle. Paper towels were constantly changed as the rain decided to stay.
Thankful that we discovered the leak because this was happening when the camper was in storage as well, we pressed on. The Lord let the rain come at night most of the time instead of during the day, allowing us to do the things we planned. Even though we got soaked to the bone while riding horses.
The worst happened the day before we were to leave. The skies just opened up and now a waterfall fell inside as well as the creek. Tears filled my eyes, it isn't suppose to rain inside. One of my cabinets filled with a half inch of water. Not fun. The tarp was removed and the slide out put in. Eventually the water fall and creek dried up the rain though outside lingered on. The water damage inside the camper is evident. I was so ready for sunshine again.
Three hours after our voyage home began we saw it, the bright shiny thing in the sky. It was so nice to see the sun after not seeing it for days. My husband even insisted we picnic in the sun, not the nice shady picnic tables. No, the one right in the sun.
Sadly as I looked back on our vacation I wondered why did this happen? Why did it have to rain so much? Why did it need to leak inside? I wondered why God had this as his plan for us? Was He even there?
As we unpacked the camper a surprise was found. Something shiny caught my eye as I emptied my closet, what in the world was that? My cross necklace! Seriously, I lost it over a year ago and don't remember losing it in the camper.
God sending me His love. "See I am with you always even when it seems dark, I got this." God shared with me. He will lead me in the way I need to go even if that means I have to deal with a mess. God took care of us.
Before we left on our voyage I was unable to check the weather in the area we were staying, so I was quite surprised when I heard. "Just came in today so I can check out our site because the weather will only get worse as the week goes on."
No problem I thought, I'll just watch the weather and then take it up with the Lord. Which I proceeded to do. There was a strong chance of rain all day for over half of our vacation. God will take care of us.
The second night there we noticed water on the floor. Not a good thing. A little creek inside the camper, paper towels and figuring out where it came from was a big help. We realized the window behind the kitchen sink was dripping and the water filled up the slide out. Of course the water needed to come out somewhere this is why we had the creek.
The next morning thought a tarp would take care of the problem, so my husband put one over the window and half of the slide out. This seemed to help the creek stop or at least become just a puddle. Paper towels were constantly changed as the rain decided to stay.
Thankful that we discovered the leak because this was happening when the camper was in storage as well, we pressed on. The Lord let the rain come at night most of the time instead of during the day, allowing us to do the things we planned. Even though we got soaked to the bone while riding horses.
The worst happened the day before we were to leave. The skies just opened up and now a waterfall fell inside as well as the creek. Tears filled my eyes, it isn't suppose to rain inside. One of my cabinets filled with a half inch of water. Not fun. The tarp was removed and the slide out put in. Eventually the water fall and creek dried up the rain though outside lingered on. The water damage inside the camper is evident. I was so ready for sunshine again.
Three hours after our voyage home began we saw it, the bright shiny thing in the sky. It was so nice to see the sun after not seeing it for days. My husband even insisted we picnic in the sun, not the nice shady picnic tables. No, the one right in the sun.
Sadly as I looked back on our vacation I wondered why did this happen? Why did it have to rain so much? Why did it need to leak inside? I wondered why God had this as his plan for us? Was He even there?
As we unpacked the camper a surprise was found. Something shiny caught my eye as I emptied my closet, what in the world was that? My cross necklace! Seriously, I lost it over a year ago and don't remember losing it in the camper.
God sending me His love. "See I am with you always even when it seems dark, I got this." God shared with me. He will lead me in the way I need to go even if that means I have to deal with a mess. God took care of us.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Green Sludge
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed." John 8:34-36 NIV
The green in the pool was pretty bad. We began the process of getting it clean: turn the filter on 24 hours a day, add the chlorine, brush the pool down. There was hope the next day the green shade was a little lighter, so chlorine was added again. The next day though the pool was as green as before.
The process was done again and again. Water samples were taken to the pool supply store. They sent home directions on exactly how to get the water clear. Occasionally, there was hope a glimmer of blue and then right back to green. A new filter was bought and a pool vacuum.
Next, some water was drained off and replaced in hopes that a foot of new water would help. Again the chemical process was done and once again it failed. Finally, the decision was made to completely drain and refill the pool. There was hope as it refilled and looked clear. Unfortunately, once it was completely filled there was once again a hint of green. Why was this happening still? Somehow though, it cleared up and the pool is usable once again.
Having a green pool made me think of a time of when I held my secret from God. Was there something I wasn't doing or admitting? How could I hide my sin away from Him or anyone else? I could try to clean it up, but still it lingered there taunting me. It wasn't until I admitted my problem to Him, that it was finally completely gone and cleaned up.
Now I am truly free indeed.
The green in the pool was pretty bad. We began the process of getting it clean: turn the filter on 24 hours a day, add the chlorine, brush the pool down. There was hope the next day the green shade was a little lighter, so chlorine was added again. The next day though the pool was as green as before.
The process was done again and again. Water samples were taken to the pool supply store. They sent home directions on exactly how to get the water clear. Occasionally, there was hope a glimmer of blue and then right back to green. A new filter was bought and a pool vacuum.
Next, some water was drained off and replaced in hopes that a foot of new water would help. Again the chemical process was done and once again it failed. Finally, the decision was made to completely drain and refill the pool. There was hope as it refilled and looked clear. Unfortunately, once it was completely filled there was once again a hint of green. Why was this happening still? Somehow though, it cleared up and the pool is usable once again.
Having a green pool made me think of a time of when I held my secret from God. Was there something I wasn't doing or admitting? How could I hide my sin away from Him or anyone else? I could try to clean it up, but still it lingered there taunting me. It wasn't until I admitted my problem to Him, that it was finally completely gone and cleaned up.
Now I am truly free indeed.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sometimes I'd Rather be a Hippo
Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4 NIV
A trip to the zoo can be rather interesting. The smells, the sounds, the seeing the different animals...it was an enjoyable day.
The kids had lots of questions and were very good as we walked and walked. Most of them experienced touching a string ray, and it was quite amusing as the manatee seemed to be drawn to our bright orange shirts. We even witness an orangutan getting dressed.
After a lunch break we continued our voyage. There was still much to see. The prairie dogs were busy at work as usual. Their diligence brought about new holes and a lot of business that I don't quite understand. At times I feel busy. I set about on a task that I know needs completed and keep at it until it's done. Business that no one quite understands but me.
Then we saw the hippo. At first, we thought he was hiding somewhere since we didn't see him. To our surprise he was in the water right under our feet, napping away completely unaware of our presence. It was very hot and I thought "how wonderful it would be, to be in the cool water relaxing away." The hippo seemed rather content to be lazy. At times it's nice to be lazy. Laying around not worrying about anything.
There are times when I need to be busy. It's a lot easier to get the things done when they need to be rather than putting it off and adding undo stress in my life. It's when things get piled up that I tend to be more stressful and grumpy. There are also times when it's OK to be lazy. God does want us to take a day of rest at least once a week.
Now where is my swimsuit and raft? It's time to relax and enjoy the coolness of the water.
A trip to the zoo can be rather interesting. The smells, the sounds, the seeing the different animals...it was an enjoyable day.
The kids had lots of questions and were very good as we walked and walked. Most of them experienced touching a string ray, and it was quite amusing as the manatee seemed to be drawn to our bright orange shirts. We even witness an orangutan getting dressed.
After a lunch break we continued our voyage. There was still much to see. The prairie dogs were busy at work as usual. Their diligence brought about new holes and a lot of business that I don't quite understand. At times I feel busy. I set about on a task that I know needs completed and keep at it until it's done. Business that no one quite understands but me.
Then we saw the hippo. At first, we thought he was hiding somewhere since we didn't see him. To our surprise he was in the water right under our feet, napping away completely unaware of our presence. It was very hot and I thought "how wonderful it would be, to be in the cool water relaxing away." The hippo seemed rather content to be lazy. At times it's nice to be lazy. Laying around not worrying about anything.
There are times when I need to be busy. It's a lot easier to get the things done when they need to be rather than putting it off and adding undo stress in my life. It's when things get piled up that I tend to be more stressful and grumpy. There are also times when it's OK to be lazy. God does want us to take a day of rest at least once a week.
Now where is my swimsuit and raft? It's time to relax and enjoy the coolness of the water.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Standing Strong
Finally, be strong on the Lord and his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 NIV
Over and over again this week I've needed to be strong in the Lord. I've needed to step back and watch Him come through again and again.
A store I usually go to was out of something I needed. Sure there are other stores around here that I could of gone to and checked to see if they had it. I decided to go a different route though. I came home and located the item online. It promised that I could have it by Tuesday, so I went ahead and ordered it. That would give me several days to complete the job I needed to do with it.
Realization came when it was time to pay for express shipping, I was willing to until my $90 bill ended up $440. It wanted to charge me $350 for shipping. There was a problem there, so I went back to the free shipping. Now I'd have to trust in God to get it here in time. If not there wouldn't be any shirts until half way through Bible school. Not a good plan.
I asked others to pray and wouldn't you know it, the items arrived a day ahead of the original expected delivery day.
Time and time again I have had things come up. Some have made me frustrated, others have left me confused. When I began it my way it wasn't going well. Luckily, I realized it and soon I stood strong in the Lord and the problem seemed to solve itself.
God keeps showing me again and again His mighty power and how good it is to stand strong in His strength.
Over and over again this week I've needed to be strong in the Lord. I've needed to step back and watch Him come through again and again.
A store I usually go to was out of something I needed. Sure there are other stores around here that I could of gone to and checked to see if they had it. I decided to go a different route though. I came home and located the item online. It promised that I could have it by Tuesday, so I went ahead and ordered it. That would give me several days to complete the job I needed to do with it.
Realization came when it was time to pay for express shipping, I was willing to until my $90 bill ended up $440. It wanted to charge me $350 for shipping. There was a problem there, so I went back to the free shipping. Now I'd have to trust in God to get it here in time. If not there wouldn't be any shirts until half way through Bible school. Not a good plan.
I asked others to pray and wouldn't you know it, the items arrived a day ahead of the original expected delivery day.
Time and time again I have had things come up. Some have made me frustrated, others have left me confused. When I began it my way it wasn't going well. Luckily, I realized it and soon I stood strong in the Lord and the problem seemed to solve itself.
God keeps showing me again and again His mighty power and how good it is to stand strong in His strength.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Trust Is Sometimes Hard
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5 NIV
Why again Lord? I mean you know I trust you, so why I am being put in a situation again to prove that I trust you.
As summer approaches, I begun to worry(just a little). I wondered will I have enough kids to help the bills stay paid? Will there be enough money for vacation? Will everyone do what they promised to do?
It came at no surprise that two of the children I care for will not be here for the summer. One is moving and the other is getting tutored and staying with a cousin. So the concern of money came to my mind. I mean I trust the Lord to provide for our needs, I just don't want to go crazy and spend to much money.
He assured me though. For months I wrote out our budget and figured everything out. At the beginning of the year I kind of stopped because everything was basically the same, so as long as I spent the same as the other months it'd be fine. Now the thought of being down $400 plus for the next few months was a little scary. So finally after I sat down and did the budget for the next four weeks. Everything seem to work out with a small adjustment to the amount spent on groceries, and no date nights. I was comforted. Even though I'm more worried about the four weeks that follow these four weeks, but I trust it will be fine.
Then yesterday worry filled me again as something didn't happen that I planned on happening. The worry thoughts consumed me. I tried not to go there, but my brain kept doing it anyway. Even if my heart was trying to assure me it'd be fine. After sharing with the lovely ladies at Bible study, I was comforted.
Another obstacle popped up over the weekend. The store where I usually buy supplies to make T-shirts didn't have what I needed. Sure I could have ran from store to store searching for what I needed. Instead I came home and searched over the Internet. I found what I needed and I could have had the merchandise in two days or even overnight. I requested that and was shocked when my bill went over $400. I looked and the shipping for two day was $350, "no way" I said. So then I changed it back to regular and now I have to trust that it will get here in time, so I can make 30 t-shirts for Vacation Bible School. I'm probably bugging God as I keep asking Him to get the shipment here in time. But I also trust Him to work it out.
Trust is placing confidence in one. So now I will once again place confidence in the one who created me and has the power to do amazing things. With God all things are possible.
Why again Lord? I mean you know I trust you, so why I am being put in a situation again to prove that I trust you.
As summer approaches, I begun to worry(just a little). I wondered will I have enough kids to help the bills stay paid? Will there be enough money for vacation? Will everyone do what they promised to do?
It came at no surprise that two of the children I care for will not be here for the summer. One is moving and the other is getting tutored and staying with a cousin. So the concern of money came to my mind. I mean I trust the Lord to provide for our needs, I just don't want to go crazy and spend to much money.
He assured me though. For months I wrote out our budget and figured everything out. At the beginning of the year I kind of stopped because everything was basically the same, so as long as I spent the same as the other months it'd be fine. Now the thought of being down $400 plus for the next few months was a little scary. So finally after I sat down and did the budget for the next four weeks. Everything seem to work out with a small adjustment to the amount spent on groceries, and no date nights. I was comforted. Even though I'm more worried about the four weeks that follow these four weeks, but I trust it will be fine.
Then yesterday worry filled me again as something didn't happen that I planned on happening. The worry thoughts consumed me. I tried not to go there, but my brain kept doing it anyway. Even if my heart was trying to assure me it'd be fine. After sharing with the lovely ladies at Bible study, I was comforted.
Another obstacle popped up over the weekend. The store where I usually buy supplies to make T-shirts didn't have what I needed. Sure I could have ran from store to store searching for what I needed. Instead I came home and searched over the Internet. I found what I needed and I could have had the merchandise in two days or even overnight. I requested that and was shocked when my bill went over $400. I looked and the shipping for two day was $350, "no way" I said. So then I changed it back to regular and now I have to trust that it will get here in time, so I can make 30 t-shirts for Vacation Bible School. I'm probably bugging God as I keep asking Him to get the shipment here in time. But I also trust Him to work it out.
Trust is placing confidence in one. So now I will once again place confidence in the one who created me and has the power to do amazing things. With God all things are possible.
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