You can NOT curse and thank God in the same breath.
Its impossible to do.
Yet, in all things we are called to give thanks.
Why is it so much easier when life is good?
When things are going smoothly?
When you know whats going on, and why?
Did God say we'd have answers all the time?
No.
Did He say He was going to enlighten you that your "difficult" time is to bring Himself glory in this specific way, with these certain people, at this particular time?
No.
He said- "Give thanks in everything" 1 Thes. 5:18
I have been on a journey. Sometimes I have good days, walking in the SOnlight, but I have some days where I allow myself to to shuffle along, wallowing in self-pity, under gray clouds of, "This isnt fair!"
Why I deprive myself of the better? Beats me.
I am still learning.
Tonight I got a reminder lesson in being thankful. Even in the times I dont know, understand, like, or see through, I need to give thanks.
I broke. I had to tell Dad I was mad at Him.
I had to tell Him I was thankful.
Thankful--- for being single.
For being right where I am, right now.
For not being able to see tomorrow, or know whats going to happen next.
For the ladies who have journeyed through life a little longer than I have, giving me wisdom, knowledge, and advice.
For going through lessons to become more like His Son.
For Him not giving up on me.
It was hard- but you know what, I meant it.
I am thankful for where I am right now, singleness and all!
God is bringing some amazing things across my path that I am privileged to work on and invest in. I am excited about all He has in store for me. I am thankful for today, that I have been given one more!
Tomorrow looks like it is going to be a beautiful day, and I am going to enjoy walking and basking in the Son!
I typed "give thanks" on a search engine for Biblegateway. There are pages that contain this combination of words, all tied in to the action of giving thanks. However, this verse stuck out like a neon llama:
"Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD, for it is good." Psalm 54:6
Whoa. There is a ton to chew on here! I think I am going to take some time and mull it over, really savoring every bit! Here are some highlights that hit me right off though....
Willingly I will sacrifice... A sacrifice of something you love?
Something you long for?
Something you miss?
Something you are promised?
Yet willingly placed on the alter in an act of worship, a letting go and true surrender to the Lord.
I will GIVE THANKS to Your name,--- why?
Because it is good.
Besides being told to give thanks, do you need any other reason than this? But not only is His name good, HE is good, all the time!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Celebrity for a moment
Ever wonder what the movie stars feel like?
Any place they go, people swarm their car trying to get a glimpse, a touch, a picture, anything to say they had.
Today, I was a celebrity.
I arrived decked out in my garb, and as my car rolled to a stop, someone spotted me.
The realization of who I was crossed her face as a shriek escaped her.
Soon my door was clamored by tons of people wanting to get to me.
They gave me some space, but as soon as I got out of the door, I was surrounded.
Hugs. Waves. Phone pics and yes even an autograph!
I could not believe it, but they loved me! Of course, who doesnt love the
Chick-fil-A cow?
Any place they go, people swarm their car trying to get a glimpse, a touch, a picture, anything to say they had.
Today, I was a celebrity.
I arrived decked out in my garb, and as my car rolled to a stop, someone spotted me.
The realization of who I was crossed her face as a shriek escaped her.
Soon my door was clamored by tons of people wanting to get to me.
They gave me some space, but as soon as I got out of the door, I was surrounded.
Hugs. Waves. Phone pics and yes even an autograph!
I could not believe it, but they loved me! Of course, who doesnt love the
Chick-fil-A cow?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Hanging on for Isaac
So I have been doing some thinking, reading, studying and meditating.
My first train of thought went in the direction of Abraham in his sacrifice of his son.
You see, I too have been asked to sacrifice something that I love- my husband. I know him not, but daily, I have to sacrifice the desire and dream to be with him. I have to be willing to obey God's calling on my life where I am now.
As I studied though, I went back a few years in Abraham's life and realized that my similarities with him were even deeper.
Abraham was promised to be the "Father of a Great Nation" God did not lay out this plan, with a detailed timeline or synopsis of people and dates. He simply promised it would happen.
God placed a dream in my heart several years ago. I would be a wife and mom, one day. I have not been given a daily plan or agenda telling me who to meet and when, I just have to wait.
Abraham was convinced to "help God out" - thus having Ishmael. Ishmael could have been the father of A great nation, (and he was later) but, was he who God had in mind for THE Great Nation? No. I am sure that Abraham loved and enjoyed being a dad to him... his concern for his welfare was evident later when Ishmael and his mother were sent away- but Ishmael was not who God had in mind, and Abraham had to wait.
I have met plenty of Ishmaels. Guys that were fun, seeming to be what God would have for me, but they arent. I dont want an Ishmael. I want to hang on for Isaac.
Abraham was finally told that within a year he would have a son.
I have not been given a set time like that, but I am in that waiting stage. I have been promised and Isaac, and I am waiting for him.
I pray that my love for God is shown through my obedience in a way that I would have the faith of Abraham talked about in Hebrews 11...
11- By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.
12- And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
My first train of thought went in the direction of Abraham in his sacrifice of his son.
You see, I too have been asked to sacrifice something that I love- my husband. I know him not, but daily, I have to sacrifice the desire and dream to be with him. I have to be willing to obey God's calling on my life where I am now.
As I studied though, I went back a few years in Abraham's life and realized that my similarities with him were even deeper.
Abraham was promised to be the "Father of a Great Nation" God did not lay out this plan, with a detailed timeline or synopsis of people and dates. He simply promised it would happen.
God placed a dream in my heart several years ago. I would be a wife and mom, one day. I have not been given a daily plan or agenda telling me who to meet and when, I just have to wait.
Abraham was convinced to "help God out" - thus having Ishmael. Ishmael could have been the father of A great nation, (and he was later) but, was he who God had in mind for THE Great Nation? No. I am sure that Abraham loved and enjoyed being a dad to him... his concern for his welfare was evident later when Ishmael and his mother were sent away- but Ishmael was not who God had in mind, and Abraham had to wait.
I have met plenty of Ishmaels. Guys that were fun, seeming to be what God would have for me, but they arent. I dont want an Ishmael. I want to hang on for Isaac.
Abraham was finally told that within a year he would have a son.
I have not been given a set time like that, but I am in that waiting stage. I have been promised and Isaac, and I am waiting for him.
I pray that my love for God is shown through my obedience in a way that I would have the faith of Abraham talked about in Hebrews 11...
11- By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.
12- And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Well God must still be working...
Were you ever told, in your days of waiting for your mate that-
"Well God must still be working on him, maybe hes not ready for you yet..."
My friend's response to this saying says it all...
"Well he better be pretty dang perfect by the time I get him, with all the waiting Ive had to do for him!"
Love ya Bec! Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!
"Well God must still be working on him, maybe hes not ready for you yet..."
My friend's response to this saying says it all...
"Well he better be pretty dang perfect by the time I get him, with all the waiting Ive had to do for him!"
Love ya Bec! Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!
Monday, June 07, 2010
The best part of waking up. . .
. . .is the Folgers in your cup!
Its a jingle thats been around for years.
You sing the first part and there is bound to be someone near by who can finish it!
It wasnt enough just for the jingle to get to you, so a few years back they started in on the Hallmark-type commercials that just make you go "Aww," as you sip your coffee.
From kids home from school, or soldiers overseas, they have marketed their coffee to pull on the 'Aww' strings of your heart. (well at least for me, I think they are cute)
Tonight I saw a new one. I could not find it on the web, but be on the look out! For it is precious and goes back the way things should be.
You see a father and older daughter talking in the kitchen as he is making coffee. She mentions something about not being sixteen anymore and that her dad will no longer have to do this thing they were talking about. He stops and asks why? She smiles big and holds out her left hand... engaged!
Ok, small aww factor there, but in my mind I was like- really? Thats cute and all but her dad should have already known b/c the guy should have asked his permission. Before I could voice my own opinion on how the commercial could be better the dad says, "You know Todd is a lucky guy,... thats what I told him last week when we talked."
There you go! BIG time "Aww!!!!"
THATS the way it should be.
The girl at home.
The boy talking to her dad before he proposes.
The surprise and happiness that is evident on the girl as the look of being cherished washes over her.
I hope you are able to catch it. I am going to keep looking for it, and then maybe I can post it in here! =)
Its a jingle thats been around for years.
You sing the first part and there is bound to be someone near by who can finish it!
It wasnt enough just for the jingle to get to you, so a few years back they started in on the Hallmark-type commercials that just make you go "Aww," as you sip your coffee.
From kids home from school, or soldiers overseas, they have marketed their coffee to pull on the 'Aww' strings of your heart. (well at least for me, I think they are cute)
Tonight I saw a new one. I could not find it on the web, but be on the look out! For it is precious and goes back the way things should be.
You see a father and older daughter talking in the kitchen as he is making coffee. She mentions something about not being sixteen anymore and that her dad will no longer have to do this thing they were talking about. He stops and asks why? She smiles big and holds out her left hand... engaged!
Ok, small aww factor there, but in my mind I was like- really? Thats cute and all but her dad should have already known b/c the guy should have asked his permission. Before I could voice my own opinion on how the commercial could be better the dad says, "You know Todd is a lucky guy,... thats what I told him last week when we talked."
There you go! BIG time "Aww!!!!"
THATS the way it should be.
The girl at home.
The boy talking to her dad before he proposes.
The surprise and happiness that is evident on the girl as the look of being cherished washes over her.
I hope you are able to catch it. I am going to keep looking for it, and then maybe I can post it in here! =)
Friday, June 04, 2010
Its ok to Cry
Lessons can be tough to learn.
Things that you think you have down can be painful to go through,...again.
Situations will either bitter you or better you, its your choice.
But,
Sometimes you need to cry.
I was reminded of this by my sister/friend this morning. This song is sung by a brother/sister duo called LaRue. I tried to find a sound clip, but I could not. The lyrics are encouraging, and I hope that if you are going through something not so fun, talk to Daddy, and remember, its ok to cry. . .
Ok to Cry
Words and Music by
Phillip LaRue and Natalie LaRue (explanation below)
God will save you, boy
You just have to believe
That beautiful things will come
From broken times
Just like these, just like these
God could save you, girl
In this desert time of need
Just lay your ashes down
In hope of what you'll receive, you'll receive
CHORUS
And it's OK to cry, it's OK to Cry
It's OK to wonder
And as your tears fall down,
They heal the ground
A place that once was dry
It's Ok to Cry
God will save us now
Let His presence bring us peace
Lay your burdens down
Let them fall His feet
REPEAT CHORUS
The fears are great in your mind
Your heart just aches for a sign
But there is hope and there is grace
In these gray skies
REPEAT CHORUS
It's OK to cry
Explanation:
"As I went through the incident, I kept asking, why me, why did this happen? Here I am the leader on a missions trip: I was the one scheduled to give the main last devotion, and this whole situation completely breaks me."-Phillip
"There can be hope in falling apart. There is peace and hope in realizing you are weak. It's then you realize. God saves you in spite of yourself." -Natalie
Things that you think you have down can be painful to go through,...again.
Situations will either bitter you or better you, its your choice.
But,
Sometimes you need to cry.
I was reminded of this by my sister/friend this morning. This song is sung by a brother/sister duo called LaRue. I tried to find a sound clip, but I could not. The lyrics are encouraging, and I hope that if you are going through something not so fun, talk to Daddy, and remember, its ok to cry. . .
Ok to Cry
Words and Music by
Phillip LaRue and Natalie LaRue (explanation below)
God will save you, boy
You just have to believe
That beautiful things will come
From broken times
Just like these, just like these
God could save you, girl
In this desert time of need
Just lay your ashes down
In hope of what you'll receive, you'll receive
CHORUS
And it's OK to cry, it's OK to Cry
It's OK to wonder
And as your tears fall down,
They heal the ground
A place that once was dry
It's Ok to Cry
God will save us now
Let His presence bring us peace
Lay your burdens down
Let them fall His feet
REPEAT CHORUS
The fears are great in your mind
Your heart just aches for a sign
But there is hope and there is grace
In these gray skies
REPEAT CHORUS
It's OK to cry
Explanation:
"As I went through the incident, I kept asking, why me, why did this happen? Here I am the leader on a missions trip: I was the one scheduled to give the main last devotion, and this whole situation completely breaks me."-Phillip
"There can be hope in falling apart. There is peace and hope in realizing you are weak. It's then you realize. God saves you in spite of yourself." -Natalie
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