The if/then of unity....
If...
-encouragement
-comfort
-unity in the Spirit
-tenderness, compassion
Then....unite in love, spirit and mind...be united not going it alone. Work together, caring for others, their interests...be Christlike, giving up all His glory to serve us, die for us...
Servanthood, a hard lesson to learn...but, the rewards are out of this world...into another for Christ's sake ...
Paul teaches it, lived it, exemplified it, but hard for us to do...
We have received instructions, by reading through the gospels, then the espistles...daily lessons on living a Christlike life...by the power of the Spirit...
I know I can't do it alone...my human flesh is strong in wanting its way...
Thank YOU for your example, your life, your tenderness, your compassion...
Help me in Your power to follow in the way you have prepared...
Philippians 2:1-11 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
if any comfort from his love,
if any common sharing in the Spirit,
if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
This is my story...
This is my story...
Several years ago, several women and myself did the study, "this is my story" by Lisa Whelchel. It included a scrapbooking project as the study...I bought two kits so that my husband and I could do it together. It seemed like a pain at the time, but am so glad we did it together ...we even copied them and put them together and gave as a Christmas present to our children....a legacy of faith...
I noticed you can still get the leaders guide and the kits in Amazon, even at better prices than when I got them...
It made us think back into childhood experiences that molded us, our parents, our stories....how God entered our lives...
Yes, it was well worth the time...
Thank YOU for the puzzle pieces you have placed into our lives which make us who we are...thank YOU as well for prompting us to do things we might pass by ....
Proverbs 13:22a A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.....
https://www.amazon.com/This-Story-Scrapbook-Album-Elements/dp/1415832013
Several years ago, several women and myself did the study, "this is my story" by Lisa Whelchel. It included a scrapbooking project as the study...I bought two kits so that my husband and I could do it together. It seemed like a pain at the time, but am so glad we did it together ...we even copied them and put them together and gave as a Christmas present to our children....a legacy of faith...
I noticed you can still get the leaders guide and the kits in Amazon, even at better prices than when I got them...
It made us think back into childhood experiences that molded us, our parents, our stories....how God entered our lives...
Yes, it was well worth the time...
Thank YOU for the puzzle pieces you have placed into our lives which make us who we are...thank YOU as well for prompting us to do things we might pass by ....
Proverbs 13:22a A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.....
https://www.amazon.com/This-Story-Scrapbook-Album-Elements/dp/1415832013
Challenges...to the end of the earth..l
Challenges...to the ends of the earth...
I just finished reading the book "Undaunted" by Christine Caine. I came away challenged, overwhelmed, and a little depressed...I know so many people who are "out there" doing myriads of things for the kingdom...visibly working...and I admit I felt a little jealous...my role seems to be so behind the scenes and has always been..encouraging those out front, giving to those on the "battlefield", facilitating resources that God has so graciously bestowed, standing in the gap between needs and availability, listening and praying for those hurting in life...quietly, silently....in my place of service...in the place that God has placed me....
So go away, jealousy...You Have no place here...ours is not to compare our path with another, but to enjoy my path...to be challenged in my path...making sure that my path is filled, my purpose is filled....following the lead of my Savior, who has a purpose laid out just for me...not comparing !!!
Thank YOU for searing my heart yet again from foolish thoughts, bringing friends along who speak truth..about your love and my place in your world...help me and anyone to find that path which You have prepared for us, not comparing or "shopping" around ....that perfect way... Walking worthy of the call....
Philippians 1:27a whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
The following scriptures were sited as challenges and reminders, in "Undaunted" of who we are and more importantly whose we are...
1 John 4:11, 19 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
We love because he first loved us.
Ephesians 1:4a for he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. ..
Colossians 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Luke 15
1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
John 6:28-35 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Challenges...to the end of the earth..l
Challenges...to the ends of the earth...
I just finished reading the book "Undaunted" by Christine Caine. I came away challenged, overwhelmed, and a little depressed...I know so many people who are "out there" doing myriads of things for the kingdom...visibly working...and I admit I felt a little jealous...my role seems to be so behind the scenes and has always been..encouraging those out front, giving to those on the "battlefield", facilitating resources that God has so graciously bestowed, standing in the gap between needs and availability, listening and praying for those hurting in life...quietly, silently....in my place of service...in the place that God has placed me....
So go away, jealousy...You Have no place here...ours is not to compare our path with another, but to enjoy my path...to be challenged in my path...making sure that my path is filled, my purpose is filled....following the lead of my Savior, who has a purpose laid out just for me...not comparing !!!
Thank YOU for searing my heart yet again from foolish thoughts, bringing friends along who speak truth..about your love and my place in your world...help me and anyone to find that path which You have prepared for us, not comparing or "shopping" around ....that perfect way... Walking worthy of the call....
Philippians 1:27a whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
The following scriptures were sited as challenges and reminders, in "Undaunted" of who we are and more importantly whose we are...
1 John 4:11, 19 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
We love because he first loved us.
Ephesians 1:4a for he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. ..
Colossians 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Luke 15
1 Peter 2:24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
John 6:28-35 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Saturday, July 2, 2016
God bless the USA...
God Bless the USA...
I have to admit I like listening to these guys with their mellow blending voices ...
http://www.coolestone.com/media/14975/Lee-Greenwood---God-Bless-The-USA---Home-Free-Cover---A-Cappella/#.V3evApBHaK2
As we ran in the pool yesterday, the music was a medley of patriotic songs, one after another, ending with "God bless the USA". Actually, many of us hummed along or sang the words as we jogged, huffing and puffing...was a good way to make at the time go more quickly, the rigors of the running softened by the feeling of patriotism ...memories of flags flying and folded, fireworks, 21 gun salutes, people in combat for our freedom...
Thank YOU for the country You have given us, let us not waste the blessing you have bestowed...
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
I have to admit I like listening to these guys with their mellow blending voices ...
http://www.coolestone.com/media/14975/Lee-Greenwood---God-Bless-The-USA---Home-Free-Cover---A-Cappella/#.V3evApBHaK2
As we ran in the pool yesterday, the music was a medley of patriotic songs, one after another, ending with "God bless the USA". Actually, many of us hummed along or sang the words as we jogged, huffing and puffing...was a good way to make at the time go more quickly, the rigors of the running softened by the feeling of patriotism ...memories of flags flying and folded, fireworks, 21 gun salutes, people in combat for our freedom...
Thank YOU for the country You have given us, let us not waste the blessing you have bestowed...
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Watermelon salad....
There are recipes that remind me of certain people....with our modern transportation, we can "summer" foods year around, but the first watermelon in the summer just is special...
Over thirty years ago, I tried a new watermelon recipe when we had company and I have been making ever since...the other family and our like the recipe, especially my long time friend...I just made it again in memory of her...we both enjoyed it those many years ago and every time I make it, I remember our comments, laughter, fun that we had together...our families bonded in geology, field camps, KOA's, children's activities, garage sales, months of map coloring, geology office work, can collection, dump ( dumps used to be open to pick through ) diving, Good News clubs, couponing, over innumerable meals In our cozy travel trailers....
Although we lived on opposite sides of the country, we could pick up the phone and carry on a conversation as if we saw each other everyday... ( we should have done it more). We even wore similar clothing that we picked up on opposite sides of the USA , arriving at her son's wedding with the same outfit...( I quickly changed mine)...
She battled valiantly the cancer that finally took her to her heavenly home, she was able to say hello to any who were won to Jesus by her smile, her dedication to Child Evangelism...and those who loved and knew her who had gone before...she paves the way and will stand welcoming those who come after...
Thank YOU for friends who bring a smile, even from their heavenly home...who are remembered by a recipe that bring many wonderful memories....
melon salad...
A small watermelon, diced
One half cantaloupe, diced
One or two tomatoes, diced,
Either a small fresh onion, diced or one teaspoon dried, minced
A spring of fresh mint or a tea bag of mint tea
A tablespoon of oil.
Juice of one lime
Mix and chill...eat and enjoy .....
Optional, you can add one half honey dew melon, seeded cucumber, diced jicama as well...
1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.
Proverbs 17:17a A friend loves at all times,......
Locker room jokes....
Locker room jokes....
Getting ready for water fitness is funny. But this morning, one woman was joking about not looking like her mother "at this age". Here we are a bunch of woman in a locker room, some sixty year olds, but most 70+, baggy skin, most overweight, gray hair, wrinkles in every imaginable place....amongst us are teen girls just finishing their workouts for one of the local swim teams, slender, not an ounce of flab anywhere, fit, trim, wonderful long hair, no wrinkles....quite a contrast to say the least....
One woman pipes up saying, " I remember thinking I am never going to look like "that", my mother ...." As she stares looking into the mirror..." And here I am, looking at her!" We all chuckle...thinking we have said the same thing...and here we all are, looking at our mothers...as the teens walk out saying the same thing we have in the past, "I am never going to look like that"....
Age....it does give perspective....and laughter...for those of us who have lost our mothers to another world, we are joyous and sad at the same time, missing them and rejoicing that they are in a Better place...
We carry on, the matriarchs of our families...hoping that we can give wisdom, time, joy to those coming behind as we gathered from our mothers...
We do look like our moms...I want to be remembered for a smile or encouragement, not the wrinkles that are quickly invading my life...
thank YOU for mothers, mine and so many more who bring joy to their families...maybe I do want to look like her after all...
Proverbs 31:26, 28-31 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Getting ready for water fitness is funny. But this morning, one woman was joking about not looking like her mother "at this age". Here we are a bunch of woman in a locker room, some sixty year olds, but most 70+, baggy skin, most overweight, gray hair, wrinkles in every imaginable place....amongst us are teen girls just finishing their workouts for one of the local swim teams, slender, not an ounce of flab anywhere, fit, trim, wonderful long hair, no wrinkles....quite a contrast to say the least....
One woman pipes up saying, " I remember thinking I am never going to look like "that", my mother ...." As she stares looking into the mirror..." And here I am, looking at her!" We all chuckle...thinking we have said the same thing...and here we all are, looking at our mothers...as the teens walk out saying the same thing we have in the past, "I am never going to look like that"....
Age....it does give perspective....and laughter...for those of us who have lost our mothers to another world, we are joyous and sad at the same time, missing them and rejoicing that they are in a Better place...
We carry on, the matriarchs of our families...hoping that we can give wisdom, time, joy to those coming behind as we gathered from our mothers...
We do look like our moms...I want to be remembered for a smile or encouragement, not the wrinkles that are quickly invading my life...
thank YOU for mothers, mine and so many more who bring joy to their families...maybe I do want to look like her after all...
Proverbs 31:26, 28-31 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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