There remains then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his work, just as God did from his. Hebrews 4:9-10 NIV
Not quite sure how it happened...after lunch on Saturday it seemed as if naps were going to occur. Four of the five of us had managed to fallen asleep. I vowed this wasn't going to be me because if I nap during the day sometimes it's very hard to fall asleep at night.
I grabbed my Nook and headed outside. After struggling to find the fan and a table to put it on, I opened my chair and got comfortable so I could read. Soon though my head began to bob and my eyelids felt heavy before I knew it I had succumb to a nap. Occasionally, I peeked to see what was going on-everything was still quiet so once again I fell back asleep. It did feel nice.
Sunday we had company, so it was easier to stay awake. Monday it was time to head home. After unloading and some lunch. I was drawn to my couch where I turned on the TV and zoned out for awhile (the rest of the day). My head bobbed again and the eyelids shut tight, a nap was on the agenda again.
Sure there were chores calling my name. I mean my closet could use a good clean up again. Not to mention the mess in the utility room. Instead though I rested. I felt guilty as I wasn't even motivated to lead Bible study last night. I wanted to rest and veg out instead.
Does this make me a bad person? Did I not do the right thing? Should I have fought the urge to rest and done the things that needed to be done?
I guess I could have, but sometimes it's OK just to rest. If it was alright for God to rest, then on occasion it must be alright for me to rest. He did make it a point to mention it in the Ten Commandments. Now I am refreshed and ready to begin again.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Being Out of My Comfort Zone Wasn't So Bad
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:8-9 NIV
A couple of weeks ago I shared that God was calling me to something. Something that was not in my plan, and I really never saw myself doing. This past Sunday though I did it, and if it wasn't for the Lord I wouldn't have.
When I woke up Sunday morning I felt fine. Of course the task of what God called me to do was on my mind, but I wasn't nervous. In fact, I had peace. Then we arrived at church and soon the butterflies danced in my stomach.
The friend who first suggested the idea came up early to hug and encourage me. She was unable to be there later because she just started a job five days sooner. I had time by myself in the sanctuary where the butterflies disappeared leaving me with peace once again.
I went about my usual routine, well pretty much we had a cover dish following service and there was stuff to do to prepare for that. Funny how God affirmed the message I was to give with the Sunday School lesson for the kids.
Service began as usual, there were a few returners since it was the 119th birthday of the church. After passing of the peace and the next song the butterflies returned. I looked to another friend to let her know I was nervous and she mouthed "You can do it", to me.
My husband introduced me and I proceeded to the pulpit. Funny how that short walk left me with peace once again. I shared the message God called me to share and before I knew it the task was completed.
God and His power is what got me through. I'm not quite sure why He called me to give the message on this particular day. All I know is when I hear His call I need to obey. For it is by His grace that I have been saved and through Him all things are possible. Even if I have to come out of my comfort zone.
A couple of weeks ago I shared that God was calling me to something. Something that was not in my plan, and I really never saw myself doing. This past Sunday though I did it, and if it wasn't for the Lord I wouldn't have.
When I woke up Sunday morning I felt fine. Of course the task of what God called me to do was on my mind, but I wasn't nervous. In fact, I had peace. Then we arrived at church and soon the butterflies danced in my stomach.
The friend who first suggested the idea came up early to hug and encourage me. She was unable to be there later because she just started a job five days sooner. I had time by myself in the sanctuary where the butterflies disappeared leaving me with peace once again.
I went about my usual routine, well pretty much we had a cover dish following service and there was stuff to do to prepare for that. Funny how God affirmed the message I was to give with the Sunday School lesson for the kids.
Service began as usual, there were a few returners since it was the 119th birthday of the church. After passing of the peace and the next song the butterflies returned. I looked to another friend to let her know I was nervous and she mouthed "You can do it", to me.
My husband introduced me and I proceeded to the pulpit. Funny how that short walk left me with peace once again. I shared the message God called me to share and before I knew it the task was completed.
God and His power is what got me through. I'm not quite sure why He called me to give the message on this particular day. All I know is when I hear His call I need to obey. For it is by His grace that I have been saved and through Him all things are possible. Even if I have to come out of my comfort zone.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Ten Butterflies All Safe and Sound
Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing glory to his name; make his praise glorious! Psalm 66: 1-2 NIV
A little over a week and a half ago, our caterpillars arrived in the mail. The kids knew they were coming and kept asking, "Ms. Diana, are they here yet?"
So you can imagine their joy when they finally arrived. They'd watch the two cups containing our little caterpillars. I explained what would happen next and not to scare them by shaking or tapping their cup. We began praying for ten beautiful butterflies.
Then it happened soon they made it to the top of the cup and formed their cocoons. It happen rather quickly. Next came the part I was scared to do, I was so afraid I'd hurt one of them. My daughter even laughed at me when I carefully carried one container over to the pavilion where they would live as butterflies.
The plan was to open the cups and remove this lining that the cocoons were attached to. Once that was done then you'd pin it to the side of the netting. Remarkably, it went rather smoothly. Really, there was nothing to fear since the paper they were attached to was made for them to stay secure.
Finally, a few days later the first butterfly made it's appearance. Quickly followed by the second. Four more came during the night. Then one more later that morning. One more the next night and the final two sometime Sunday morning. All ten of them made it!
Praise God! It's been amazing to watch His glories emerge, and His beauty put on each butterfly. Just as he puts His beauty on each of us.
A little over a week and a half ago, our caterpillars arrived in the mail. The kids knew they were coming and kept asking, "Ms. Diana, are they here yet?"
So you can imagine their joy when they finally arrived. They'd watch the two cups containing our little caterpillars. I explained what would happen next and not to scare them by shaking or tapping their cup. We began praying for ten beautiful butterflies.
Then it happened soon they made it to the top of the cup and formed their cocoons. It happen rather quickly. Next came the part I was scared to do, I was so afraid I'd hurt one of them. My daughter even laughed at me when I carefully carried one container over to the pavilion where they would live as butterflies.
The plan was to open the cups and remove this lining that the cocoons were attached to. Once that was done then you'd pin it to the side of the netting. Remarkably, it went rather smoothly. Really, there was nothing to fear since the paper they were attached to was made for them to stay secure.
Finally, a few days later the first butterfly made it's appearance. Quickly followed by the second. Four more came during the night. Then one more later that morning. One more the next night and the final two sometime Sunday morning. All ten of them made it!
Praise God! It's been amazing to watch His glories emerge, and His beauty put on each butterfly. Just as he puts His beauty on each of us.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Out of My Comfort Zone
If we are distressed, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 2 Corinthians 1:6 NIV
Relaxing on my couch with my feet up, now that's what brings me comfort. When I sit with a good book chilling in my folding chair by my camper now that brings me comfort. Following my routine and everything going smoothly now that's what brings me comfort. Yes, even holding one of my teddy bears brings me comfort.
This past Sunday one of my friends suggested something. Something that would put me out of my comfort zone. When she first suggested I thought she went completely nuts for a moment. I mean how could I possibly do what she asked? Besides my husband wouldn't think it was a good idea or would he?
On our drive home from church, I shared what this friend suggested. He not only thought it was a good idea, but told me I'd be good at it. Now what kind of supportive husband is that, LOL.
"Well I'm going to pray about it," I replied. Surely God won't think this is a good idea.
So yesterday before I even had the chance to pray and ask God if He thought this was a good idea. He put an idea in my head. One that would work really well. Oh dear.
Then when I shared with my small group this idea, they all cheered me on and said "Go for it."
So with all this-um, support. I guess in a couple weeks I will get out of my comfort zone, and do something I never planned on doing.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Relaxing on my couch with my feet up, now that's what brings me comfort. When I sit with a good book chilling in my folding chair by my camper now that brings me comfort. Following my routine and everything going smoothly now that's what brings me comfort. Yes, even holding one of my teddy bears brings me comfort.
This past Sunday one of my friends suggested something. Something that would put me out of my comfort zone. When she first suggested I thought she went completely nuts for a moment. I mean how could I possibly do what she asked? Besides my husband wouldn't think it was a good idea or would he?
On our drive home from church, I shared what this friend suggested. He not only thought it was a good idea, but told me I'd be good at it. Now what kind of supportive husband is that, LOL.
"Well I'm going to pray about it," I replied. Surely God won't think this is a good idea.
So yesterday before I even had the chance to pray and ask God if He thought this was a good idea. He put an idea in my head. One that would work really well. Oh dear.
Then when I shared with my small group this idea, they all cheered me on and said "Go for it."
So with all this-um, support. I guess in a couple weeks I will get out of my comfort zone, and do something I never planned on doing.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Everything is Beautiful
He has made everything beautiful in his time. Ecclesiastes 3:11a
Some mornings when I get up and see myself in the mirror, I wonder "what happened?" I mean my hair is all over, druel is stuck to my face, and sometimes there is crusties in my eyes. How in the world am I even suppose to think I'm beautiful yet alone pretty?
God began our world by creating light-the sun, the moon, and stars. One of the most beautiful sights is watching the sunset. I've had the pleasure of sitting at the beach as the sun kisses the water. The beautiful colors of orange and yellow spread through the sky as the sun says "Good Night."
Then God gave us the sky. The sky some days is my favorite shade of blue. It's enjoyable to just sit and watch the white puffy clouds go by. Sometimes they even form shapes, and as soon as you figure out what it is; it changes. The night sky can be just as pretty; when away from the lights of the city. The sky is filled with stars. It's hard to even count how many stars fill the sky. The moon is amazing too when it shines down on me peeking through my blind.
Next God made the land and vegetation. Have you ever had a chance to voyage to the top of a mountain and just stand there gazing out at the wonder of it all? One of my favorite spots to visit is the mountains. It never ceases to amaze me how far I can see when on top of a mountain. The trees, the cleared land, the flowers are all so beautiful and peaceful. God's hand at work.
After this God created animals, birds, and sea life. He filled up his wonderful land with creatures to enjoy it. Once when I was camping as a young girl, I had a chance to sit and wait to see what creatures I could see. Finally, they came. I got to look across a field with binoculars and see a family of deer. They were beautiful and well worth the wait.
Then God made it most unique creation-man and woman made in the image of Him. He made us to look like Him. Nothing else He made was as unique as us. He formed Adam and then Eve with His hands. He still forms each of us when we are in our mother's womb. He takes the time to create each of us. Now if God can make this world beautiful then how much more beautiful can He make each of us- freckles and all.
God sees you as good, He made you beautiful. So the next time I wake up in a shambles, I just need to remind myself "God made me, and God doesn't make any junk. I am beautiful and wonderfully made." The same can be said of you.
Some mornings when I get up and see myself in the mirror, I wonder "what happened?" I mean my hair is all over, druel is stuck to my face, and sometimes there is crusties in my eyes. How in the world am I even suppose to think I'm beautiful yet alone pretty?
God began our world by creating light-the sun, the moon, and stars. One of the most beautiful sights is watching the sunset. I've had the pleasure of sitting at the beach as the sun kisses the water. The beautiful colors of orange and yellow spread through the sky as the sun says "Good Night."
Then God gave us the sky. The sky some days is my favorite shade of blue. It's enjoyable to just sit and watch the white puffy clouds go by. Sometimes they even form shapes, and as soon as you figure out what it is; it changes. The night sky can be just as pretty; when away from the lights of the city. The sky is filled with stars. It's hard to even count how many stars fill the sky. The moon is amazing too when it shines down on me peeking through my blind.
Next God made the land and vegetation. Have you ever had a chance to voyage to the top of a mountain and just stand there gazing out at the wonder of it all? One of my favorite spots to visit is the mountains. It never ceases to amaze me how far I can see when on top of a mountain. The trees, the cleared land, the flowers are all so beautiful and peaceful. God's hand at work.
After this God created animals, birds, and sea life. He filled up his wonderful land with creatures to enjoy it. Once when I was camping as a young girl, I had a chance to sit and wait to see what creatures I could see. Finally, they came. I got to look across a field with binoculars and see a family of deer. They were beautiful and well worth the wait.
Then God made it most unique creation-man and woman made in the image of Him. He made us to look like Him. Nothing else He made was as unique as us. He formed Adam and then Eve with His hands. He still forms each of us when we are in our mother's womb. He takes the time to create each of us. Now if God can make this world beautiful then how much more beautiful can He make each of us- freckles and all.
God sees you as good, He made you beautiful. So the next time I wake up in a shambles, I just need to remind myself "God made me, and God doesn't make any junk. I am beautiful and wonderfully made." The same can be said of you.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Zap, Not Again
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
Trouble at home: the day began fine. Then it seemed to unravel. First, for some strange reason the toilet took an hour to refill after each flush. Kind of a problem when so many of us need to use it. Then while fixing dinner I heard a "zap". I wasn't sure what it was, but it did make me want to stand away from my appliances. When I took the peas out of the microwave and they were still frozen that's when I realized what had happened. The microwave gave up.
Trouble at work: Some days work is great. Other days work is tough. Dealing with children is a joy, but also at times a challenge. Some challenges don't come from the kids at all, but the different inspection agencies that have to come in. They can totally disrupt my day. Sometimes they can be very demanding even worse then the kids. Then there are times when I have to wait for a payment and wait and wait. This can be challenging when I have to pay my bills with these payments.
Trouble in our town: Sure there are a lot of good days, but sometimes crime seems to launch at an all time high. There are beggars at every major intersection. Accidents are on the rise.
Trouble in our country: A bombing, an explosion, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes.
One gets the idea: there is trouble all around us. How do we deal with these troubles? Do we throw in the towel? Do we let our anger rise and get the best of us?
Sure some days there seems to be more troubles then other days. At times it can be a bit overwhelming. This is when I need to take it to God, and trust Him to work it out.
He knows troubles will arise after all we live in a fallen world. He has overcome these troubles. He has gained the victory.
One day we will all gain the victory as long as we trust Him. One day we will have no more troubles only perfect peace.
Trouble at home: the day began fine. Then it seemed to unravel. First, for some strange reason the toilet took an hour to refill after each flush. Kind of a problem when so many of us need to use it. Then while fixing dinner I heard a "zap". I wasn't sure what it was, but it did make me want to stand away from my appliances. When I took the peas out of the microwave and they were still frozen that's when I realized what had happened. The microwave gave up.
Trouble at work: Some days work is great. Other days work is tough. Dealing with children is a joy, but also at times a challenge. Some challenges don't come from the kids at all, but the different inspection agencies that have to come in. They can totally disrupt my day. Sometimes they can be very demanding even worse then the kids. Then there are times when I have to wait for a payment and wait and wait. This can be challenging when I have to pay my bills with these payments.
Trouble in our town: Sure there are a lot of good days, but sometimes crime seems to launch at an all time high. There are beggars at every major intersection. Accidents are on the rise.
Trouble in our country: A bombing, an explosion, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes.
One gets the idea: there is trouble all around us. How do we deal with these troubles? Do we throw in the towel? Do we let our anger rise and get the best of us?
Sure some days there seems to be more troubles then other days. At times it can be a bit overwhelming. This is when I need to take it to God, and trust Him to work it out.
He knows troubles will arise after all we live in a fallen world. He has overcome these troubles. He has gained the victory.
One day we will all gain the victory as long as we trust Him. One day we will have no more troubles only perfect peace.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
"You Want Me to do, What?"
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 paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
"I'm going to stand here and I want you to just fall back. Don't worry I'll catch you." I dared the kids one Sunday during Children's Church.
They looked at me a little strange, but one by one they came forward taking a chance. A chance, I'm not sure I would take with one of them. Mainly because most of them are a good 18 inches shorter and probably 100 pounds lighter than me.
As each one went and the others could see that I'd catch them. It made it easier for the next one to go. After the last one went, my daughter who was graciously helping me volunteers to catch me. "Are you sure?" I looked at her. So in order to prove our lesson on trust, I have to fall into my daughter's arms. I recall the couple of falls I've had in the last few years...followed by the four weeks of physical therapy. Is she serious?
She stands behind me, my back is to her and I do it...I fall. She catches me of course and I breath a sigh of relief.
TRUST- at times, it can be such a hard thing. Other times though-it's easy. We all trust in gravity, I mean we don't even have to even think about it. We get it up-it's there. We walk across the floor-it's there. We don't all of a sudden begin to float away--nope we pretty much stick to the ground.
We also trust in other drivers. The light is red, we believe that the people going in the other direction are going to stop. Same thing when we come to a four-way stop. We trust that the driver's approaching that stop sign are going to do what he/she was taught.
So why do we find it so difficult to TRUST in the one who created us? I mean He knows all, He's all powerful, He's every where, He doesn't make mistakes. Today I was reminded once again that He knows the number of hairs on my head. I mean I don't even know that. God's plans for us are for good. He doesn't want bad things to happen to us. After all He loves us.
Isn't it time for us to fall into His loving arms and TRUST He will work it out?
"I'm going to stand here and I want you to just fall back. Don't worry I'll catch you." I dared the kids one Sunday during Children's Church.
They looked at me a little strange, but one by one they came forward taking a chance. A chance, I'm not sure I would take with one of them. Mainly because most of them are a good 18 inches shorter and probably 100 pounds lighter than me.
As each one went and the others could see that I'd catch them. It made it easier for the next one to go. After the last one went, my daughter who was graciously helping me volunteers to catch me. "Are you sure?" I looked at her. So in order to prove our lesson on trust, I have to fall into my daughter's arms. I recall the couple of falls I've had in the last few years...followed by the four weeks of physical therapy. Is she serious?
She stands behind me, my back is to her and I do it...I fall. She catches me of course and I breath a sigh of relief.
TRUST- at times, it can be such a hard thing. Other times though-it's easy. We all trust in gravity, I mean we don't even have to even think about it. We get it up-it's there. We walk across the floor-it's there. We don't all of a sudden begin to float away--nope we pretty much stick to the ground.
We also trust in other drivers. The light is red, we believe that the people going in the other direction are going to stop. Same thing when we come to a four-way stop. We trust that the driver's approaching that stop sign are going to do what he/she was taught.
So why do we find it so difficult to TRUST in the one who created us? I mean He knows all, He's all powerful, He's every where, He doesn't make mistakes. Today I was reminded once again that He knows the number of hairs on my head. I mean I don't even know that. God's plans for us are for good. He doesn't want bad things to happen to us. After all He loves us.
Isn't it time for us to fall into His loving arms and TRUST He will work it out?
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