This is what the LORD Almighty says, "Give careful thought to your ways." Haggai 1:7 NIV
"Why am I here?" I thought as I stood in a dark alley witnessing a cloth placed over a body.
"Someone must be dead," my thoughts continued. "Why is Sue Thomas FBI here and her gang, and Monica that's strange. She must be about to tell them that God loves them." Then I woke up.
That was a strange dream. Funny, how it blended two shows I like to watch together. So what I watch does register in my brain then plays out sometime later in the shows in my head at night. Most of the time I don't remember what I dream, but occasionally I am awoken by some strange dream.
As a teenager I ended up watching one of those horror movies, and let me tell you the horror in that movie stayed with me for years. Sometimes now the thought reenters my brain and scares me half to death. I've heard it said, "It doesn't affect me, not at all. I can watch whatever I want." I have a feeling he/she are lying, because I am sure in some way it does affect them.
My mechanical son as a young boy would often wake in the middle of the night with a nightmare of falling down a hole. I had no idea why, and would reassure him he was OK and quickly he'd fall back asleep. Finally, I realized where his nightmare was coming from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" a movie he liked to watch. In one scene Tom falls down a hole, once he stopped watching the movie the nightmares ended.
Another thing that change his and my atheletic son's behavior was when they'd watch "Power Rangers". As soon as the show was over there would be a lot of karate chopping, hitting, and shooting going on. Once I didn't allow them to watch the show anymore, it was back to their normal active boy behavior.
So does it matter or not what we watch? I have enough experience to believe it does. Why else would God tell us to give careful thought to our ways? Need proof. Try not watching anything violent or playing anything violent or scary for a few weeks and just wait for results.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Block 15 Lot 6
"So they can have a home of their own" 2 Samuel 7:10b
It seemed so impersonal, just an identification number. Not a place where love and nurturing take place. Not a place one can always come back to when feeling lost or overwhelmed by the world. Just a block and lot assignment.
Our estimated property tax came this week. Sure one of the things I take notice of is how much I am going to have to pay in taxes. This year though the number at the top made me take notice of how insignificant our home must seem to the county.
Little do they realize that we have a history at block 15 lot 6. How on moving day, I slammed the bathroom door because I was in a rush only to realize that there was no door knob to help me get back out. The door mechanism was there, but no door knob. With everybody else busy unloading a moving truck, how was I going to ever get out? Eventually I figured it out and soon there was a doorknob.
How we brought home three kids home from the hospital and have raised them here. How our door is a revolving one where different kids have come in and made our home their home away from home. Some have been with me from birth until the fifth grade, and how they will always be a part of me. Even if I hadn't given birth to them and no matter how long they stay with me.
How there have also been difficult times. Times where we almost lost block 15 lot 6 due to unwise choices. How I surrendered my sin to the Lord right here at block 15 lot 6, and asked Him to save our home. Which He did and now my life is all about serving Him.
So thank you property tax appraisers office for helping me realize that block 15 lot 6 is more than a place. It's my home!
It seemed so impersonal, just an identification number. Not a place where love and nurturing take place. Not a place one can always come back to when feeling lost or overwhelmed by the world. Just a block and lot assignment.
Our estimated property tax came this week. Sure one of the things I take notice of is how much I am going to have to pay in taxes. This year though the number at the top made me take notice of how insignificant our home must seem to the county.
Little do they realize that we have a history at block 15 lot 6. How on moving day, I slammed the bathroom door because I was in a rush only to realize that there was no door knob to help me get back out. The door mechanism was there, but no door knob. With everybody else busy unloading a moving truck, how was I going to ever get out? Eventually I figured it out and soon there was a doorknob.
How we brought home three kids home from the hospital and have raised them here. How our door is a revolving one where different kids have come in and made our home their home away from home. Some have been with me from birth until the fifth grade, and how they will always be a part of me. Even if I hadn't given birth to them and no matter how long they stay with me.
How there have also been difficult times. Times where we almost lost block 15 lot 6 due to unwise choices. How I surrendered my sin to the Lord right here at block 15 lot 6, and asked Him to save our home. Which He did and now my life is all about serving Him.
So thank you property tax appraisers office for helping me realize that block 15 lot 6 is more than a place. It's my home!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Bitterness Will Make One Bitter
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. Proverbs 14:10 NIV
The evening started as usual we sat in our familiar places and awaited a fun night of bowling. Sure my side of the table was filled with a tissue box and hand sanitizer due to a cold that began earlier that day, but it could still be a fun night. We got our ten minutes to warm up and that went well.
As it turns out one on the other team hadn't arrived yet, he has a couple frames to arrive no big deal. So a little teasing began to occur. Unfortunately, one on their team didn't take it very well. She got rather loud and obnoxious. The teasing ended long before her tirade ended.
It's customary at the end of bowling three games to let the other team know by a handshake or words that it was good bowling with them. This bowler refused to shake hands and became even ruder than before.
This got me thinking why is she so bitter? Has she not experience true forgiveness? When have I been bitter and let something eat at me? The truth is plenty of times.
There have been times when I've been hurt or upset by someone. I admit there have been times when I've wanted to hold onto that hurt or pain. When I do this all it does is tare me up inside, my joy soon disappears. I act differently towards the person who has hurt me.
Luckily though it doesn't last too long. Soon I remember my Father's love for me and His forgiveness then I'm able to forgive the offense and move on.
My hope is that each of us can experience what true forgiveness is like. Then we'll be able to forgive as He has forgiven us.
The evening started as usual we sat in our familiar places and awaited a fun night of bowling. Sure my side of the table was filled with a tissue box and hand sanitizer due to a cold that began earlier that day, but it could still be a fun night. We got our ten minutes to warm up and that went well.
As it turns out one on the other team hadn't arrived yet, he has a couple frames to arrive no big deal. So a little teasing began to occur. Unfortunately, one on their team didn't take it very well. She got rather loud and obnoxious. The teasing ended long before her tirade ended.
It's customary at the end of bowling three games to let the other team know by a handshake or words that it was good bowling with them. This bowler refused to shake hands and became even ruder than before.
This got me thinking why is she so bitter? Has she not experience true forgiveness? When have I been bitter and let something eat at me? The truth is plenty of times.
There have been times when I've been hurt or upset by someone. I admit there have been times when I've wanted to hold onto that hurt or pain. When I do this all it does is tare me up inside, my joy soon disappears. I act differently towards the person who has hurt me.
Luckily though it doesn't last too long. Soon I remember my Father's love for me and His forgiveness then I'm able to forgive the offense and move on.
My hope is that each of us can experience what true forgiveness is like. Then we'll be able to forgive as He has forgiven us.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Can We Just Have a Few Days to Dry Out, Please?
"and I will send rain on the land." 1 Kings 18:1c NIV
Mud, damp carpets, puddles...it's the same thing every time it rains. Truthfully, I don't mind the rain. It's important for the environment and provides us with water to drink. In fact, an afternoon storm helps bring the temptature back down.It's just there's been so much we need time to dry out.
Last week there was a little reprieve in the daily rain. My back porch finally didn't have water on it, the puddles dried up, and and the mud resembled dirt again. Then the rain came back leaving 2 to 3 inches almost every time. The carpet on my porch though has been soaked since June.
The dog has no dry place to rest her head. She continually looks for one and lets us know that she hasn't been successful. She resists going out and has made my glass door resemble the muddy backyard. There's no point in cleaning it at least not until a dry out is complete. Trust me, I've cleaned it only to have it stay that way for maybe ten mins.
Summer time is here and that usually means the kids get to play out for awhile and get all that vent up energy out. Unfortunately, we've been in more than out this summer. Which makes for a lot of fun and a memorization of the order of the rainy indoor activities. Bouncy off the walls has become the norm. It is a wonder that there is any hair left on my head.
So Lord, if there's anyway can we just have a few days to dry out, please? Thanks so much.
Mud, damp carpets, puddles...it's the same thing every time it rains. Truthfully, I don't mind the rain. It's important for the environment and provides us with water to drink. In fact, an afternoon storm helps bring the temptature back down.It's just there's been so much we need time to dry out.
Last week there was a little reprieve in the daily rain. My back porch finally didn't have water on it, the puddles dried up, and and the mud resembled dirt again. Then the rain came back leaving 2 to 3 inches almost every time. The carpet on my porch though has been soaked since June.
The dog has no dry place to rest her head. She continually looks for one and lets us know that she hasn't been successful. She resists going out and has made my glass door resemble the muddy backyard. There's no point in cleaning it at least not until a dry out is complete. Trust me, I've cleaned it only to have it stay that way for maybe ten mins.
Summer time is here and that usually means the kids get to play out for awhile and get all that vent up energy out. Unfortunately, we've been in more than out this summer. Which makes for a lot of fun and a memorization of the order of the rainy indoor activities. Bouncy off the walls has become the norm. It is a wonder that there is any hair left on my head.
So Lord, if there's anyway can we just have a few days to dry out, please? Thanks so much.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Peace Is Given
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.
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 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.
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