Well, back by popular demand...blogging. I know I've left it alone for quite some time, but other things became more important. I will do my best to keep 'em coming. I couldn't let today go by tho' without sharing this video with you. Some of you may have already seen this before...and that's ok. Because it should touch you again. If it doesn't, well, that's really too bad.
We all have a lot of wounds in our lives...some of those caused by our own sin. Many other wounds come from other people. And let's be honest, some of those wounds done to us are to intentionally hurt us. They aren't for good, and are not of God. Our Heavenly Father is a good Father...not wanting to bring harm, but good. We blame Him sometimes, don't we? For the wounds and the hurts done towards us? I've been there. But I don't like that place. It only hurts me and my relationship with God. And watching this video and listening to the words of this song make me realize that my wounds, my scars that may possibly never go away in this life...well, they just really can't compare. They don't compare at all to the wounds that Jesus endured because of.....me. And you. They just really don't. In fact, they are not even on the same level.
So quit your whining, stop your complaining about your wounds, stop thinking how unfair it is (I'm preaching at myself here). As you watch this, and reflect on all that our Savior Jesus suffered through because of us, if this doesn't bring you to your knees in repentance...well then, I don't know what will.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-8QdOxzh5Y
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
My Mother's Day Blessings...
My loving and kind husband and special little girls made my Mother's Day a very good day! Thanks guys! Here's a couple of highlights that I want to share...
1) The four of us ate at Chili's for lunch today, and after we paid and the waitress was leaving, she said to me..."Happy Mother's Day". I said, "Thank you". As the waitress walked away from our table, Macayla looked at me and said, "That was nice...but how does she know you're a mother?" I laughed out loud at this one...I mean, isn't it obvious since I was sitting with my two girls?
2) The girls bought me some new pajama pants at Old Navy today. Rachel went in with me to try them on. I noticed she just kept staring at me. I smiled at her and asked, "What?" She said, "I just love staring at your pretty face!" Yep, THAT made my day!!!
I love my Mother's Day blessings that God gave to me...not just today, but every day!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Soccer '09
I've been told she looks older in this picture than what she really is...
This is one of my favorite pics of all time! What a cute little athlete!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Non" (Lessons from a restaurant, Part 2)
"Non"...I have used that word a lot in my lifetime. This is not really considered a frequently used word, so you may be a little curious at this point as to why I've said it a lot. After I explain, you'll see what I mean.
Any restaurant that offers a smoking and a non-smoking section, more than likely when you give the waitress/waiter your name or if you are instantly seated, they will ask you..."Smoking or Non-Smoking"? Our answer is always, "Non". (Before you read on, don't think this is a blog to slam smokers. It's not. Just an illustration I am using to get a point across. Although it's really not good for you! :)
This got me thinking a while back about how choosing to sit with the "non" group, that we are saying to the other group, "we don't want to be anywhere near you" and that "what you do bothers me". I'll be honest, I will still say that. Because for me and my family, I don't want to be around that, and it does bother me. And that's ok. I have a right to choose to stay away from that for my family. But this is where it gets tricky.
What if we (speaking of me and of you) reacted this way everytime about everything? What if, in a group of people, we had the choice of "Christians" or "Non-Christians". That everywhere we went, the question was asked of us..."Christians" or "Non-Christians"? Once again, let me be completely honest with you. I would be wanting to choose "Christians" everytime. I wouldn't be so quick to say that "Non" word this time. That's sad to me when I think about that. It appears that I think more highly of myself than I should. Or is it that "I don't want to be anywhere near them" and "What they do bothers me"? Interesting, isn't it.
Surely you remember the story about the woman at the well. If not, look it up in John 4. Because Jews and Samaritans didn't associate together, the woman was surprised that Jesus would ask her for a drink. I love what Jesus said to her in John 4:14..."but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." As Christians, we have that message to tell others, the "Non"-Christians, what it is to have abundant life. Our goal is to share that living water with as many people as we can. But we won't be able to do that if we never associate with the "Non" group. So that means that we must get out of our comfort zone and do some of those things that make us just a little bit uncomfortable. Don't misunderstand me...I am not saying that we go and take part in sinful actions, behaviors and lifestyles so that we can better associate with the "Non" group. Absolutely not! But we are commanded to love...the sinners...and by the way, that's all of us.
Just in case you're wondering, no, my family is not going to start sitting in the "Smoking" section. No way. It's not good for us. And personally, I've become fond of being able to breathe. But I do, however, have to associate with people that choose to do this. They are people just like me, and some are "Christians" and some are "Non". And those that are "Non" need that drink of water...the water that can give eternal life.
Other than Jesus, you know yourself best. What can you do to get out of your comfort zone just a bit to reach those that are really uncomfortable to reach? What can you do to befriend others that may not be just like you? No, we may not want to be around them and we may not like what they do because it bothers us, but we are no different. Because I guarantee that I do some things from time to time that really bothers God too. And yet He still chooses to associate with me and sit with me. Let's be sure that we don't have that attitude that because we are Christians, that we are better than those who aren't...you know, the "Nons".
"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me", he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:9-13
Any restaurant that offers a smoking and a non-smoking section, more than likely when you give the waitress/waiter your name or if you are instantly seated, they will ask you..."Smoking or Non-Smoking"? Our answer is always, "Non". (Before you read on, don't think this is a blog to slam smokers. It's not. Just an illustration I am using to get a point across. Although it's really not good for you! :)
This got me thinking a while back about how choosing to sit with the "non" group, that we are saying to the other group, "we don't want to be anywhere near you" and that "what you do bothers me". I'll be honest, I will still say that. Because for me and my family, I don't want to be around that, and it does bother me. And that's ok. I have a right to choose to stay away from that for my family. But this is where it gets tricky.
What if we (speaking of me and of you) reacted this way everytime about everything? What if, in a group of people, we had the choice of "Christians" or "Non-Christians". That everywhere we went, the question was asked of us..."Christians" or "Non-Christians"? Once again, let me be completely honest with you. I would be wanting to choose "Christians" everytime. I wouldn't be so quick to say that "Non" word this time. That's sad to me when I think about that. It appears that I think more highly of myself than I should. Or is it that "I don't want to be anywhere near them" and "What they do bothers me"? Interesting, isn't it.
Surely you remember the story about the woman at the well. If not, look it up in John 4. Because Jews and Samaritans didn't associate together, the woman was surprised that Jesus would ask her for a drink. I love what Jesus said to her in John 4:14..."but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." As Christians, we have that message to tell others, the "Non"-Christians, what it is to have abundant life. Our goal is to share that living water with as many people as we can. But we won't be able to do that if we never associate with the "Non" group. So that means that we must get out of our comfort zone and do some of those things that make us just a little bit uncomfortable. Don't misunderstand me...I am not saying that we go and take part in sinful actions, behaviors and lifestyles so that we can better associate with the "Non" group. Absolutely not! But we are commanded to love...the sinners...and by the way, that's all of us.
Just in case you're wondering, no, my family is not going to start sitting in the "Smoking" section. No way. It's not good for us. And personally, I've become fond of being able to breathe. But I do, however, have to associate with people that choose to do this. They are people just like me, and some are "Christians" and some are "Non". And those that are "Non" need that drink of water...the water that can give eternal life.
Other than Jesus, you know yourself best. What can you do to get out of your comfort zone just a bit to reach those that are really uncomfortable to reach? What can you do to befriend others that may not be just like you? No, we may not want to be around them and we may not like what they do because it bothers us, but we are no different. Because I guarantee that I do some things from time to time that really bothers God too. And yet He still chooses to associate with me and sit with me. Let's be sure that we don't have that attitude that because we are Christians, that we are better than those who aren't...you know, the "Nons".
"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me", he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:9-13
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!
47 years...thanks, mom and dad, for that example of love and commitment to each other, but also to us, your kids. And not only that, but thank you for the example that you set in your relationship with God as well. I thank God that He decided to give YOU BOTH to me as my parents. You are a blessing to many people. And now as a parent myself, I am thankful that you are grandparents to our girls. They love you a lot...we all do! So Happy Anniversary mom and dad...we hope you've had a great day! Enjoy the video!!! :) (They sing it kinda slow, sorry about that. I tried to get them to speed it up just a bit, but it was before school this morning, and you know how mornings go!)
We love you!
Matt, Jenn, Macayla and Rachel
P.S. I know the highlight of your married life was probably 37 years ago...April 4, 1972. What a great day! :)
Monday, April 6, 2009
"Today's Special" (Lessons from a restaurant, Part 1)
A few weeks ago after church, I was standing in the foyer talking with a couple of friends of mine. As we were talking, I looked over and noticed our oldest daughter Macayla, was writing something on the dry-erase board. I stopped talking to focus on what she was working on. This is what it said...
Today's Special:
Worship God
My friends and I got a chuckle out of it. But I also thought it was pretty cool that she came up with that on her own. After all...that's what it's all about, right?
I don't know about you, but there are a lot of times that we will call the local pizza places around here and before we place the order, we will ask them..."Do you have any specials right now?" In other words, we want to get the best deal! Or how about when you go to a nicer restaurant. The waitress will come out and tell you about the "specials" that they have even before ordering your drinks. It could be that maybe some item is less expensive on that particular night, or maybe they just want you to try something new, something different. And you may end up choosing the "special" for that day, or you may go with something else.
It's sad that in our churches today, that the special sometimes is not just to worship God and to worship Him only. Those of you that have been in church for any length of time know what I'm talking about. It may seem a lot more like this:
Today's Special:
ME
C'mon, you know it's true. It's true for me, and it's true for you. How often do we walk through the church building to make our way to our seat, that our main focus is...me. It can be anything from what our hair looks like, clothes we put on our kids, who I'm going to sit by, who I DON'T want to sit by, wonder what drama people have heard this week, what's for lunch after church, the crying baby next to you, the hot preacher (oops, sorry, I let that slip! for those of you that don't know...I'm married to the guy! :), how tired we are, and the list goes on and on. I could add to this, but I will let you make your own list.
Let's be honest...do these things really matter? I won't say they don't matter at all, but they sure don't need to take the place of today's special...and that is to just "worship God". That's it. Nothing else. That's why we go to church, right? Well, it should be anyway. All the other things that we put our focus on...which is anything other than God, is not healthy worship to the One that gave us life. He deserves better than that.
We don't eat at Olive Garden that often anymore because my husband has diabetes and it's just not good for him. But the times that we have, I love it when they offer the "all you can eat pasta special". They don't have it all the time though. Isn't it nice to know that "Worshipping God" is not only today's special, but tomorrow's special and the day after that as well? So if all these years, you've been going to church or living your life with all the "specials" the world tempts you with, how about trying something new, something different and accepting today's special and just simply worship God. Try it...I think you'll like it.
John 4:23-24
Today's Special:
Worship God
My friends and I got a chuckle out of it. But I also thought it was pretty cool that she came up with that on her own. After all...that's what it's all about, right?
I don't know about you, but there are a lot of times that we will call the local pizza places around here and before we place the order, we will ask them..."Do you have any specials right now?" In other words, we want to get the best deal! Or how about when you go to a nicer restaurant. The waitress will come out and tell you about the "specials" that they have even before ordering your drinks. It could be that maybe some item is less expensive on that particular night, or maybe they just want you to try something new, something different. And you may end up choosing the "special" for that day, or you may go with something else.
It's sad that in our churches today, that the special sometimes is not just to worship God and to worship Him only. Those of you that have been in church for any length of time know what I'm talking about. It may seem a lot more like this:
Today's Special:
ME
C'mon, you know it's true. It's true for me, and it's true for you. How often do we walk through the church building to make our way to our seat, that our main focus is...me. It can be anything from what our hair looks like, clothes we put on our kids, who I'm going to sit by, who I DON'T want to sit by, wonder what drama people have heard this week, what's for lunch after church, the crying baby next to you, the hot preacher (oops, sorry, I let that slip! for those of you that don't know...I'm married to the guy! :), how tired we are, and the list goes on and on. I could add to this, but I will let you make your own list.
Let's be honest...do these things really matter? I won't say they don't matter at all, but they sure don't need to take the place of today's special...and that is to just "worship God". That's it. Nothing else. That's why we go to church, right? Well, it should be anyway. All the other things that we put our focus on...which is anything other than God, is not healthy worship to the One that gave us life. He deserves better than that.
We don't eat at Olive Garden that often anymore because my husband has diabetes and it's just not good for him. But the times that we have, I love it when they offer the "all you can eat pasta special". They don't have it all the time though. Isn't it nice to know that "Worshipping God" is not only today's special, but tomorrow's special and the day after that as well? So if all these years, you've been going to church or living your life with all the "specials" the world tempts you with, how about trying something new, something different and accepting today's special and just simply worship God. Try it...I think you'll like it.
John 4:23-24
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Rachel Cheyenne
Today, March 11th, is our youngest daughter's 7th birthday...I can't believe our "baby" is that old already! I still remember that day very well. Needless to say, it was a rather rough start with this one!
My doctor was keeping a close eye on her weight, hoping that she would be smaller than Macayla and that I would be able to have a natural birth this time...which I was able to! The doctor had planned on inducing me a couple of weeks before her actual due date, but a couple of days before I was to go in, I was getting nervous because I hadn't been feeling any movement anymore. And I had a throat infection, so I hadn't been feeling well anyway. It was a Sunday night and I decided to let my doctor know that movement was minimal and asked what we needed to do. He decided to go ahead and admit me in the hospital to see what was going on. Turns out, I was dehydrated from being sick, so after getting fluids in me, Rachel was back to her normal kicking! I went ahead and spent that night and planned on having a baby that next day.
Rachel was born on that Monday afternoon at 3:25...(without an epidural just so you know! :) She was determined to enter this world at her pace, which doesn't surprise me then that she started walking at 9 months and hasn't slowed down yet!) She weighed in at 6 lbs. 11 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. She had dark hair, not anywhere close to what her sister had, but Rachel ended up losing most of her hair anyway and it came back in blonde. Blonde hair and blue eyes...just like her daddy.
As I mentioned before, it was a rough start. Rachel cried...A LOT! (That's an understatement!) Matt and I were functioning (barely) on very little sleep. I think what made things worse is that she didn't want to go to anyone else besides me and Matt. So we were just exhausted! She struggled with reflux and was a very light sleeper. She ran a fever everyday for the first 9 months. We took her to doctors and specialists, had tests run, only to find nothing. Thankfully, the low grade fevers stopped. On top of that though, she also had a plugged tear duct, so she ended up having to have two eye surgeries (on the same eye) to correct it. This all took place when she was a baby. We wondered if things would ever be normal, or if she would ever feel good, or if it would get easier. Fast forward...
Things DID get better. Matt and I have been so blessed to have this little girl in our lives! Yes, even through the frustrations of her constant crying as a baby, seeing her go through pain, and the many sleepless nights. Rachel has turned into an extremely sweet natured little girl, who has a big heart, and has taken after her dad in that she is our "quieter" child. I never would have thought that after hearing her vocals! :)
Happy 7th birthday, Rachel! We thank God that He put you into our family. Everytime I look at you, I am amazed at how pretty you are...I love your sandy blonde hair, your sparkly blue eyes, your cute dimple, and the splash of freckles across your face. We love you and are proud of you...
Mommy and Daddy
(The pics above are Rachel at age 1 and now. Every year, I take my girls' b-day pics...but right now, it's too cold and the colors aren't pretty outside, so I will be taking Rach's pics in Colorado this summer. I will post some then!)
Saturday, March 7, 2009
All About Jeff...
Hey big bro...Happy Birthday! Thank you for loving our family...we are blessed to have you as our brother, bro-in-law and uncle! Love ya!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Best Of...
This is all for you Jon...so enjoy, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to an awesome brother, brother-in-law and uncle!!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Love Letters
A couple of weeks ago, I asked my daughters to write a love letter to God. I told them it could be anything...to write whatever they wanted to say to Him. So I sent them to different rooms with a notebook and pen. I wanted it to be from their heart and in their own words.
I thought with Valentine's Day being tomorrow, this would be a great time to post these! Since "Love comes from God", maybe we all need to sit down and write our own love letter to Him. Not a bad idea, huh? I hope you enjoy reading what my girls had to say. I know I did.
Things that stood out to me: "I love you so much my heart will explode!"; "You are my faithful God"; "I promise to read my Bible and devotions"...she does in fact read her devotional book we got her for Christmas every morning (mostly) before school. It's awesome to know that Macayla knows that our God is FAITHFUL!
Things that stood out to me: "XOXOXOXO"...when Rachel was smaller, she would come up to me, wrap herself tightly around me, grab my face, and kiss me on the lips over and over and over to the point I couldn't keep up with all of her kisses and then I would just start laughing! (She still does kiss me, but she's toned it down a bit! :) She's very open about saying "I love you" and one way she shows it is by her great big hugs and kisses! I see her love for God in this too. I also think it's sweet that she knows God and Jesus as her FRIEND!
"Faithful Friend"...we can go to God with anything. He's faithful and He's our friend. And you won't find a more faithful friend than Him. What is it that you want to express to God in your love letter?
"...love comes from God." I John 4:7
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Guarantees
I guarantee you that the name given to me at birth was Jennifer Dawn Stuckey. I guarantee that my name now is...ready for this...STILL Jennifer Dawn, but has changed to Bycroft.
I guarantee you I was born in Brazil.....Indiana that is.
I guarantee you that my birthday is April 4th. (Just send money...thanks for asking!)
I guarantee you that my biological parents are Larry and Pat Stuckey. (I hope so anyway...I'm gonna be "jacked up" if I find out differently!)
I guarantee I have 2 brothers...Jeff and Jon. And I claim them. ("That's nice, get out.")
I guarantee you that I have black hair and brown eyes.
I guarantee you that I have a birth mark on the right side of my face. (I used to hate it, but God put it there, so I'm fine with it now!)
I guarantee you that I have freckles.
I guarantee you that I've been in 26 states. (And yes, mom, I've been to Utah!)
I guarantee you that Corrie ten Boom is no longer living. (Well, in my world she was. Just ask Greg Comp...he knows all about it.)
I guarantee you that I coach and play tennis.
I guarantee you that I take A LOT of pictures...call to make an appointment today!
I guarantee you that I'm hilarious! (And no, it doesn't depend on who you ask!)
I guarantee you that I graduated from high school in 1990...for real, I did.
I guarantee you that I attended 3 colleges, yes 3, and graduated.....from ONE!
I guarantee you that I am married to the BEST man.....for me. His name is Matt...you can read about him here.
I guarantee you that I have the 2 most beautiful daughters in the entire world...Macayla and Rachel. (Don't argue with me on this one...you'll lose.)
I guarantee you that today, we live in Iola...correction, GAS, KS.
I guarantee you that I have the best friends ever! (For anyone that doesn't know them, well, that's just too bad for you, because they really are great!)
I guarantee you that yesterday, it was sunny and warm outside.
I guarantee you that it is raining...right now anyway.
I guarantee it was 11:14...a minute ago. Right now, it's 11:15. I can't guarantee I will make it to 11:16.
It's 11:16 now...I guarantee I made it.
There's a lot of things I can "guarantee" you about. Yet, there's a lot of things I can't. There's a lot of things that I just don't know about. And that can be frustrating and scary at times...the unknown. I just gave you a list of things that I can guarantee...by proof or just by talking to my family and friends. There's one more "guarantee" I haven't shared with you yet, and it's the most important.
I guarantee you that I love Jesus, and am a Christ--follower. I made that decision years ago, and everyday, I do my best to continue that relationship with Him...(tho' I fail so many times!) This morning as I was reading my Bible, I came across a verse that I've read before, but for some reason, I paused on it this time. It's a verse out of Ephesians. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory." (1:13-14)
I don't know about you, but that's reassuring and comforting to me! In this world, where there are so many uncertainties and "well, I can't guarantee it"...this is absolutely one thing that we, as Christians and possessors of the Holy Spirit, can guarantee. My present salvation is guaranteed, and my inheritance (Heaven) is something that I can look forward to! So in your days of the "no guarantees", just remember this verse. That's something that you can count on...I guarantee it!
Oh yeah, one more thing...
I guarantee you that this is my social security #...
(Are you crazy?? I'm not that stupid...I went to 3 colleges, remember?? :)
I guarantee you I was born in Brazil.....Indiana that is.
I guarantee you that my birthday is April 4th. (Just send money...thanks for asking!)
I guarantee you that my biological parents are Larry and Pat Stuckey. (I hope so anyway...I'm gonna be "jacked up" if I find out differently!)
I guarantee I have 2 brothers...Jeff and Jon. And I claim them. ("That's nice, get out.")
I guarantee you that I have black hair and brown eyes.
I guarantee you that I have a birth mark on the right side of my face. (I used to hate it, but God put it there, so I'm fine with it now!)
I guarantee you that I have freckles.
I guarantee you that I've been in 26 states. (And yes, mom, I've been to Utah!)
I guarantee you that Corrie ten Boom is no longer living. (Well, in my world she was. Just ask Greg Comp...he knows all about it.)
I guarantee you that I coach and play tennis.
I guarantee you that I take A LOT of pictures...call to make an appointment today!
I guarantee you that I'm hilarious! (And no, it doesn't depend on who you ask!)
I guarantee you that I graduated from high school in 1990...for real, I did.
I guarantee you that I attended 3 colleges, yes 3, and graduated.....from ONE!
I guarantee you that I am married to the BEST man.....for me. His name is Matt...you can read about him here.
I guarantee you that I have the 2 most beautiful daughters in the entire world...Macayla and Rachel. (Don't argue with me on this one...you'll lose.)
I guarantee you that today, we live in Iola...correction, GAS, KS.
I guarantee you that I have the best friends ever! (For anyone that doesn't know them, well, that's just too bad for you, because they really are great!)
I guarantee you that yesterday, it was sunny and warm outside.
I guarantee you that it is raining...right now anyway.
I guarantee it was 11:14...a minute ago. Right now, it's 11:15. I can't guarantee I will make it to 11:16.
It's 11:16 now...I guarantee I made it.
There's a lot of things I can "guarantee" you about. Yet, there's a lot of things I can't. There's a lot of things that I just don't know about. And that can be frustrating and scary at times...the unknown. I just gave you a list of things that I can guarantee...by proof or just by talking to my family and friends. There's one more "guarantee" I haven't shared with you yet, and it's the most important.
I guarantee you that I love Jesus, and am a Christ--follower. I made that decision years ago, and everyday, I do my best to continue that relationship with Him...(tho' I fail so many times!) This morning as I was reading my Bible, I came across a verse that I've read before, but for some reason, I paused on it this time. It's a verse out of Ephesians. "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory." (1:13-14)
I don't know about you, but that's reassuring and comforting to me! In this world, where there are so many uncertainties and "well, I can't guarantee it"...this is absolutely one thing that we, as Christians and possessors of the Holy Spirit, can guarantee. My present salvation is guaranteed, and my inheritance (Heaven) is something that I can look forward to! So in your days of the "no guarantees", just remember this verse. That's something that you can count on...I guarantee it!
Oh yeah, one more thing...
I guarantee you that this is my social security #...
(Are you crazy?? I'm not that stupid...I went to 3 colleges, remember?? :)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
February 4, 2007
For me, it was:
Date: August 31, 1981
What: Gave my heart and my life to Jesus Christ
Where: First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana
Who: Glen Liston was the minister and friend that baptized me
I still remember that day. It was a great day! Now as a parent myself, I know just how proud my parents were of me, making the most important decision to accept Jesus on my own, to realize that I'm a sinner in need of His forgiveness, and to do my best to live my life so that it's pleasing to God.
Two years ago today, our oldest daughter Macayla, made that important decision herself. Of course, once she started asking more questions about it, we talked to her for a couple of months. She understood what it meant and she was ready. There were 2 questions that Macayla had to answer, by herself and in her own words, and give to Matt and me prior to this day.
This was the first one... "Reasons why I want to be baptized and know that I am ready":
(Macayla's words, age 7...spelling unchanged.)
"I want to go to heven with you. be cuss heven is ware Jesus is and I want to see Jesus. Sins ar bad and I do not like to do sins be cuss thae ar bad thangs to do."
2nd question... "What Jesus did for me":
(Again, her words)
"he dide on the cross for me so that some day I cood go to heven."
I was excited for 2 main reasons that day: 1) The obvious...Macayla's decision to follow Jesus and to be baptized; and 2) Her daddy got the privilege of baptizing her. Talk about an emotional day...but all in a good way! 33 miles sings a song called, "Stand Amazed". Here's the chorus of their song...
"When all the lights go down and the world is quiet/No one is around/I wanna be the same man that'll serve you then/Like I serve you now/That my convictions never change/Oh let my need for you remain/As real as the moment I was saved/So I will always stand amazed."
The part that really sticks out for me is this... "Oh let my need for you remain, as real as the moment I was saved". That really should be our daily prayer. If you have been baptized into Jesus Christ, think back to that day. Naturally, it's a very emotional and moving day. But it's so much more than that. Following Jesus, putting your whole trust in Him, is a choice...not just an emotion whether you "feel" like it or not. A choice. It's up to us to stay committed to that...every single day. I have August 31, 1981 to look back on, Macayla has February 4th, 2007 as her most important day.
"May my need for You still remain, God, just as real as that moment that I was saved. Amen."
Notice the tear on Matt's face...
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2:38
Date: August 31, 1981
What: Gave my heart and my life to Jesus Christ
Where: First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana
Who: Glen Liston was the minister and friend that baptized me
I still remember that day. It was a great day! Now as a parent myself, I know just how proud my parents were of me, making the most important decision to accept Jesus on my own, to realize that I'm a sinner in need of His forgiveness, and to do my best to live my life so that it's pleasing to God.
Two years ago today, our oldest daughter Macayla, made that important decision herself. Of course, once she started asking more questions about it, we talked to her for a couple of months. She understood what it meant and she was ready. There were 2 questions that Macayla had to answer, by herself and in her own words, and give to Matt and me prior to this day.
This was the first one... "Reasons why I want to be baptized and know that I am ready":
(Macayla's words, age 7...spelling unchanged.)
"I want to go to heven with you. be cuss heven is ware Jesus is and I want to see Jesus. Sins ar bad and I do not like to do sins be cuss thae ar bad thangs to do."
2nd question... "What Jesus did for me":
(Again, her words)
"he dide on the cross for me so that some day I cood go to heven."
I was excited for 2 main reasons that day: 1) The obvious...Macayla's decision to follow Jesus and to be baptized; and 2) Her daddy got the privilege of baptizing her. Talk about an emotional day...but all in a good way! 33 miles sings a song called, "Stand Amazed". Here's the chorus of their song...
"When all the lights go down and the world is quiet/No one is around/I wanna be the same man that'll serve you then/Like I serve you now/That my convictions never change/Oh let my need for you remain/As real as the moment I was saved/So I will always stand amazed."
The part that really sticks out for me is this... "Oh let my need for you remain, as real as the moment I was saved". That really should be our daily prayer. If you have been baptized into Jesus Christ, think back to that day. Naturally, it's a very emotional and moving day. But it's so much more than that. Following Jesus, putting your whole trust in Him, is a choice...not just an emotion whether you "feel" like it or not. A choice. It's up to us to stay committed to that...every single day. I have August 31, 1981 to look back on, Macayla has February 4th, 2007 as her most important day.
"May my need for You still remain, God, just as real as that moment that I was saved. Amen."
Notice the tear on Matt's face...
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2:38
Thursday, January 29, 2009
"The Zapper"
You know that feeling you have when you just know that God is trying to speak to you, but you have no clue what it is He is trying to say?? Well, that's been me the past week or so. But at 3:30 this morning, He spoke to me. I'm not sure why He chose to lay this on my heart that early in the morning, because He knows I need my sleep! Anyway, I was awake for an hour with this thought. And I'm sure He's not done speaking to me yet.
I don't have an official name for these, but think about the "bug zappers" for a minute...you know, the ones that zap mosquitoes and possibly other creatures? I may not see when they get zapped, but I can sure hear it and it doesn't sound pleasant. Those "bug zappers" literally suck the life right out of those things! So in thinking about this from 3:30-4:30 this morning, I realized that this is how I have been feeling lately. Not just lately, but for a long time now. I feel "zapped"...like my joy and my passion has literally been sucked right out of me! You ever feel like that?
I can tell you why I feel this way and it's not going to sound very nice at all, (especially coming from the wife of a preacher) but I'm just being honest. Here it is: PEOPLE. Yes, you read that right...people literally suck the life, the joy, the passion right out of me at times. Now I'm not talking about just anybody, I'm only referring to those that call themselves Christians, but based on their actions, don't show that they truly are Christ-followers. Let me explain...
The past 2 years of my life have been very difficult...for many reasons, but I'm not going to go into all of that. WITH GOD'S HELP, I've been able to overcome a lot of it because I know He is right beside me through it all, and He has been my faithful God! But one thing that I am having difficulty "getting over" is the constant criticism, slander and gossip that these "Christians" are spending their time with. It has zapped me with (almost) everything that I have. It makes me feel like I need to defend myself...but then I'm reminded that there's no need for that because God is my Defender. He handles things and people way better than I ever could! I'm going to say it, though I'm sure I will have some disagree with me...can you truly call yourself a Christian if this is what you are doing?
I have been frustrated with myself for allowing my thoughts to be consumed by these people. It's really a waste of my time. I know why I allow those thoughts or people's opinions (though wrong ones) to affect me though. The following is from a book called "Abba's Child" written by Brennan Manning.
"This fear of ridicule paralyzes more effectively than would a head-on attack or an outspoken harsh criticism. How much good is left undone because of our fear of the opinion of others! We are immobilized by the thought: what will others say? The irony of all this is that the opinions we fear most are not those of people we really respect, yet these same persons influence our lives more than we want to admit. This enervating fear of our peers can create an appalling mediocrity."
The above is so true. I think I do better with a harsh word spoken to my face versus the behind-your-back slander. And by the way, what a cowardly way of doing things! I know in my own life, there's things that God wants me to do right now that would do so much good, but because of fear and the passion being zapped right out of me, I hold back. I have to get past that! Why in the world do we spend so much time on thinking about what others think of us? Especially the ones whose opinions don't matter? Let's face it...they are not trying to bring out the good in you, only harm. That's not the ways of God. And in the end, it will only hurt themselves. As long as God is proud of me, nothing else matters. Instead of focusing my energy on the negative that people say about me, I try and remember all the good that God has given me and the many friends and family I have that are so encouraging to me! (Thank you if you are one of those!)
I also was reminded this morning after finally asking God, "What is it you want to tell me? God, take this mess and do something with it."...that "the joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). It's true. I will get my strength from having joy in God. And that it's my choice to allow other people to zap or drain my joy and my passion that I have for God, people and ministry. My choice, not theirs. I forget that sometimes. And I need reminded from time to time that happiness is not the same as joy. I can still have joy even in the midst of turmoil around me. And I have joy because I know I am in God's will, doing what I know is right, even...no especially, when I'm being zapped. Satan uses people to do this...and he's pretty good at it sometimes, but my God is bigger, and my God's "zapper" is stronger than his!
I shared a little about what "zaps" me...what about you? Remember that in your days of feeling like this, where you are not sure you will ever get past it or feel whole again, God will restore you back to new life!
"...the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
I don't have an official name for these, but think about the "bug zappers" for a minute...you know, the ones that zap mosquitoes and possibly other creatures? I may not see when they get zapped, but I can sure hear it and it doesn't sound pleasant. Those "bug zappers" literally suck the life right out of those things! So in thinking about this from 3:30-4:30 this morning, I realized that this is how I have been feeling lately. Not just lately, but for a long time now. I feel "zapped"...like my joy and my passion has literally been sucked right out of me! You ever feel like that?
I can tell you why I feel this way and it's not going to sound very nice at all, (especially coming from the wife of a preacher) but I'm just being honest. Here it is: PEOPLE. Yes, you read that right...people literally suck the life, the joy, the passion right out of me at times. Now I'm not talking about just anybody, I'm only referring to those that call themselves Christians, but based on their actions, don't show that they truly are Christ-followers. Let me explain...
The past 2 years of my life have been very difficult...for many reasons, but I'm not going to go into all of that. WITH GOD'S HELP, I've been able to overcome a lot of it because I know He is right beside me through it all, and He has been my faithful God! But one thing that I am having difficulty "getting over" is the constant criticism, slander and gossip that these "Christians" are spending their time with. It has zapped me with (almost) everything that I have. It makes me feel like I need to defend myself...but then I'm reminded that there's no need for that because God is my Defender. He handles things and people way better than I ever could! I'm going to say it, though I'm sure I will have some disagree with me...can you truly call yourself a Christian if this is what you are doing?
I have been frustrated with myself for allowing my thoughts to be consumed by these people. It's really a waste of my time. I know why I allow those thoughts or people's opinions (though wrong ones) to affect me though. The following is from a book called "Abba's Child" written by Brennan Manning.
"This fear of ridicule paralyzes more effectively than would a head-on attack or an outspoken harsh criticism. How much good is left undone because of our fear of the opinion of others! We are immobilized by the thought: what will others say? The irony of all this is that the opinions we fear most are not those of people we really respect, yet these same persons influence our lives more than we want to admit. This enervating fear of our peers can create an appalling mediocrity."
The above is so true. I think I do better with a harsh word spoken to my face versus the behind-your-back slander. And by the way, what a cowardly way of doing things! I know in my own life, there's things that God wants me to do right now that would do so much good, but because of fear and the passion being zapped right out of me, I hold back. I have to get past that! Why in the world do we spend so much time on thinking about what others think of us? Especially the ones whose opinions don't matter? Let's face it...they are not trying to bring out the good in you, only harm. That's not the ways of God. And in the end, it will only hurt themselves. As long as God is proud of me, nothing else matters. Instead of focusing my energy on the negative that people say about me, I try and remember all the good that God has given me and the many friends and family I have that are so encouraging to me! (Thank you if you are one of those!)
I also was reminded this morning after finally asking God, "What is it you want to tell me? God, take this mess and do something with it."...that "the joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). It's true. I will get my strength from having joy in God. And that it's my choice to allow other people to zap or drain my joy and my passion that I have for God, people and ministry. My choice, not theirs. I forget that sometimes. And I need reminded from time to time that happiness is not the same as joy. I can still have joy even in the midst of turmoil around me. And I have joy because I know I am in God's will, doing what I know is right, even...no especially, when I'm being zapped. Satan uses people to do this...and he's pretty good at it sometimes, but my God is bigger, and my God's "zapper" is stronger than his!
I shared a little about what "zaps" me...what about you? Remember that in your days of feeling like this, where you are not sure you will ever get past it or feel whole again, God will restore you back to new life!
"...the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
"Built (Ford) Tough"
Not a lot of people know this about my husband, but he is a pretty good craftsman. I guess you could say it's a hobby of his. There are quite a few pieces of furniture in our house that he has built himself. Not only are they nice and "built tough", it saves us a lot of money doing it that way. The above piece of furniture is one that he just finished last week. I think it turned out very nice and I am impressed that he can do these things. Often times, Matt will be working out in our garage (he really would like a shed to work in...maybe he should BUILD one) and our neighbor Shawn will come over and ask, "What are you building now?"
Good question...what ARE you building?? Well, for me, I don't have the same talent as my husband does. I can't build those things...well, maybe I could "help" with it (I did do a little sanding...not much though), but to take something from scratch, to have an idea in my head of what I want to build and then actually build it...nope, not me. Matt can though, and he does a very good job.
There is something that we ALL can "build" though...and that is our faith. I don't know about you, but when hard times come, it's those times that I feel like my faith is built on sand. It's not, but I sure "feel" like that. You all remember the Sermon on the Mount that Jesus preached about the wise and foolish builders. You can find this in Matthew 7:24-27. As you read it, I can almost hear some of you singing and doing the motions, "The wise man built his house upon the rock..." I also like it as it's told in The Message.
"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit-but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
So let me ask you...what are YOU building your life on? I know that if a threatening storm came right now and destroyed my house, that this cabinet that Matt just built would most likely be destroyed along with it. It's nice, but it's not built THAT tough to be able to withstand just anything that comes its way. With God on our side though, our faith, our complete trust in Him, CAN withstand ANYTHING that comes our way. If you haven't learned that yet, well then be ready for it. God teaches many lessons in the storms of life. If we hang on to Him, He promises to never leave us. He is built tough...He is our foundation and without Him, we will become weaker and become discouraged at anything and everything that can knock us down. We have to be "built tough".
What are you "building" your life on? What are the things that need to be "built tougher" in your own life? Or what have you learned in one of your storms of life that has come your way? (Or if you just want to put your order in for a piece of furniture! :) Leave me a comment...I'd love for you to share.
By the way, we don't own a Ford...
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