Hello, have I been gone too long that now, when I finally blog again, will anyone care? LOL
It has been almost a year since my last post. I have not really felt much like writing for the past year or so. In fact, I haven't even written much music for over a year. It seems that I have lost something, my passion for writing, songwriting, blogging, Facebook, tweeting, even just picking up the phone and talking to friends and family. I have been pretty introverted for some time now and I am actually getting sick of myself, my problems, frustrations, lack of joy, faith, etc.
So whether I feel much like writing, I am going to try and share at least one blog a month. I am ready to return to a joyful state of mind where sorrows, frustrations, and disappointments are just temporary; return to a place where I am no longer just surviving but living life to the fullest; return to the place where JOY lives, fervently bubbling out of the soul, splashing over into every aspect of my life, my husband's life, my children's lives, and the lives of my family and friends!
The Bible says, "weeping may endure for the night but Joy comes in the morning" and instead of 'sleeping' through the sunrise and only living in the shadows, I am ready to let the SON shine in on my soul, illuminating the dark places, dispelling the gloom, and lighting up every corner of my mind, heart, and soul!
Shine Jesus, shine! Light me up like a Christmas tree! Make me sparkle again...happy with whatever comes my way!
Restore unto me the JOY of my salvation, cleanse me again. Restore unto me the FAITH of my fathers, help my unbelief and dispel my doubt about where and what you want me to be. Restore my SONG, make it new and may it reverberate through my soul. Restore the FRIENDSHIPS that I have allowed to grow fallow. Restore FAMILY connections, make them stronger than ever before.
Hopefully someone will actually read this ;-) and be encouraged to strive for JOY in every aspect of your life. Perhaps you have struggled with a lack of faith, joy, and peace in your life lately. Be encouraged to know that we HAVE JOY available to us, if we just seek HIS face every morning and allow HIM to carry our troubles and sorrows. It is just that easy. Join me in pulling ourselves up out of the muck and mire, and let's let the SONshine in!!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Joy Potentially
Speaking with someone yesterday about their skill level on the piano, she stated that she wasn't confident enough to play keyboard for church yet. This beautiful, anointed, and gifted lady has been playing for years, was a music director for a number of years, and yet she is struggling with her level of ability. As we were talking, I revealed my heart to her and shared that I too struggle with my level of skill. She was shocked (not sure why since I am not the best pianist on the planet) that I feel that way. I am the music minister at a medium (and quickly growing larger) church where music is important but not really emphasized. In other words, we focus (where is rightly should be) on the WORD of God rather than really focusing on and promoting our music department.
We are abundantly blessed with talented musicians, singers, songwriters, etc at our church. So, please don't think I am complaining about our music department. I do think we could push ourselves to worship more freely, blend our voices and instruments better, and generally improve our skill level as a department. But during this conversation, I discovered that I and my dear sister feel like we are inadequate. I am sure there are others who feel this way as well. The lady I was speaking with did point out that she doesn't practice that often and knows she needs to be more diligent in that area.
We both confessed that we are struggling, as long time singers, musicians, and songwriters, with even just sitting down at the keyboard at home and just playing/practicing. I realized that I have moved so far "away" from music in my every day life and I honestly feel like that might be one of the reasons I am struggling. See, for years, I played every day. It was part of my daily worship to my creator. It was a channel of close communion with the Lord. And now, I find myself going weeks without touching the keyboard at home for anything other than to practice a specific song in preparation for a service.
As we spoke, I was discouraged by our lack of faith in our ability to play skillfully for the Lord. I was discouraged that we seemed to doubt that gift given to us by the Lord. And I tried to encourage my fellow musician and tell her that she can play better than she thinks she can. We finished our conversation as we walked into the sanctuary, we played for the song service, and did alright. No major mess ups, the Holy Ghost moved through the song, the anointing was there, and then we got ready for the preaching.
"Preach the Word" we shouted as the evangelist took the pulpit. And he did. He spoke about "Satan's Secret Fear". The evangelist told us satan fears the WORD of God, the NAME of God - JESUS -, and he fears the BLOOD of God which erases all Satan's work in our lifes! BUT...satan has a secret fear and tries his best to keep us from realizing what that is and how much he fears it.
As the minister preached, I realized my dear sister and I had been discussing the one thing satan tries to pretend he isn't afraid of and does everything he can to make us doubt where we stand. Satan is afraid of our POTENTIAL in doing things for the Lord. If he can keep us doubting our ability to teach Bible studies or Sunday School, to preach the Word of God, to witness to those who are seeking a better life, to sing or play with anointing and skill, etc. And here I was, moaning and groaning about how I feel so inadequate and question (often) my gift of music. I was allowing the satan to prod me and poke me and ultimately hinder me.
NO MORE satan!!!! I am determined to strike out today with Holy Ghost anointing and do whatever it takes to move beyond my lack of faith and move into a new realm of potential in God! I will do my best to spend time every day on the piano and singing. I will do my best to learn something new each week and to apply it to my ministry, either for myself or for those who work with me. I will unleash the POTENTIAL in me to teach Bible studies, to learn sign language better so I can help make our deaf saints feel more a part of the body of Christ, to be a better wife, mother, saint, prayer warrior.
I am thanking God for the message He sent our way last night! And I challenge all of us...reach for your FULL potential in God!!! Do whatever you have to do to overcome your doubts and fears about the gifts/talents God has placed in your life. Allow Him to do a perfect work in you and to make you what He KNOWS you can be for His kingdom!
POTENTIAL UNLEASHED...puts satan on the run!
We are abundantly blessed with talented musicians, singers, songwriters, etc at our church. So, please don't think I am complaining about our music department. I do think we could push ourselves to worship more freely, blend our voices and instruments better, and generally improve our skill level as a department. But during this conversation, I discovered that I and my dear sister feel like we are inadequate. I am sure there are others who feel this way as well. The lady I was speaking with did point out that she doesn't practice that often and knows she needs to be more diligent in that area.
We both confessed that we are struggling, as long time singers, musicians, and songwriters, with even just sitting down at the keyboard at home and just playing/practicing. I realized that I have moved so far "away" from music in my every day life and I honestly feel like that might be one of the reasons I am struggling. See, for years, I played every day. It was part of my daily worship to my creator. It was a channel of close communion with the Lord. And now, I find myself going weeks without touching the keyboard at home for anything other than to practice a specific song in preparation for a service.
As we spoke, I was discouraged by our lack of faith in our ability to play skillfully for the Lord. I was discouraged that we seemed to doubt that gift given to us by the Lord. And I tried to encourage my fellow musician and tell her that she can play better than she thinks she can. We finished our conversation as we walked into the sanctuary, we played for the song service, and did alright. No major mess ups, the Holy Ghost moved through the song, the anointing was there, and then we got ready for the preaching.
"Preach the Word" we shouted as the evangelist took the pulpit. And he did. He spoke about "Satan's Secret Fear". The evangelist told us satan fears the WORD of God, the NAME of God - JESUS -, and he fears the BLOOD of God which erases all Satan's work in our lifes! BUT...satan has a secret fear and tries his best to keep us from realizing what that is and how much he fears it.
As the minister preached, I realized my dear sister and I had been discussing the one thing satan tries to pretend he isn't afraid of and does everything he can to make us doubt where we stand. Satan is afraid of our POTENTIAL in doing things for the Lord. If he can keep us doubting our ability to teach Bible studies or Sunday School, to preach the Word of God, to witness to those who are seeking a better life, to sing or play with anointing and skill, etc. And here I was, moaning and groaning about how I feel so inadequate and question (often) my gift of music. I was allowing the satan to prod me and poke me and ultimately hinder me.
NO MORE satan!!!! I am determined to strike out today with Holy Ghost anointing and do whatever it takes to move beyond my lack of faith and move into a new realm of potential in God! I will do my best to spend time every day on the piano and singing. I will do my best to learn something new each week and to apply it to my ministry, either for myself or for those who work with me. I will unleash the POTENTIAL in me to teach Bible studies, to learn sign language better so I can help make our deaf saints feel more a part of the body of Christ, to be a better wife, mother, saint, prayer warrior.
I am thanking God for the message He sent our way last night! And I challenge all of us...reach for your FULL potential in God!!! Do whatever you have to do to overcome your doubts and fears about the gifts/talents God has placed in your life. Allow Him to do a perfect work in you and to make you what He KNOWS you can be for His kingdom!
POTENTIAL UNLEASHED...puts satan on the run!
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Big D
I recently posted a quote from Carl Sandburg on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. It said, "Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep." That same day, I had a layer peeled and a few tears fell. I went in for results on some tests I had gotten done before Christmas and found that tests revealed I have Diabetes. The Big D as my pastor said last night when he asked me if I "really had the Big D" and then he stated he HATES this disease.
I do too. I lost my Uncle Harold to it at age 54. My Aunt Edna lived with it for many excrutiating years that included dialysis before she passed away 13 years ago. My parents both have it. My father-in-law has it. My Uncle Johnny has it and it is really trying to take him down. I have friends who have it. It is all around me. And I guess thought I was invincible since I didn't learn from them how to avoid being diagnosed myself!
So, last night in church I claimed my healing from the Big D and I believe God is going to do great things this year. For one, my husband, our children, and I are now eating healthier, exercising, and are going to learn how to avoid this disease. I am determined to lose a substantial amount of weight so that after my healing I will be in a much healthier place and can avoid a rediagnosis somewhere in the future.
In other words, the onion was peeled back and revealed a new layer of life for me and mine. Tears were shed in disbelief, fear, and anguish. In the future, tears may be shed in prayer as I stand on the Word of God that says "by His stripes we are healed" but I refuse to shed any more tears or fret over the possibilities of this disease.
The Big D is going DOWN and my family is going UP in health and wellness in 2012!
I beseech each of you who read this blog post, do yourself a favor today, read about Diabetes and then make sure to live a healthy life that keeps you from ever being diagnosed with the Big D.
Happy New Year and God bless you!!!
I do too. I lost my Uncle Harold to it at age 54. My Aunt Edna lived with it for many excrutiating years that included dialysis before she passed away 13 years ago. My parents both have it. My father-in-law has it. My Uncle Johnny has it and it is really trying to take him down. I have friends who have it. It is all around me. And I guess thought I was invincible since I didn't learn from them how to avoid being diagnosed myself!
So, last night in church I claimed my healing from the Big D and I believe God is going to do great things this year. For one, my husband, our children, and I are now eating healthier, exercising, and are going to learn how to avoid this disease. I am determined to lose a substantial amount of weight so that after my healing I will be in a much healthier place and can avoid a rediagnosis somewhere in the future.
In other words, the onion was peeled back and revealed a new layer of life for me and mine. Tears were shed in disbelief, fear, and anguish. In the future, tears may be shed in prayer as I stand on the Word of God that says "by His stripes we are healed" but I refuse to shed any more tears or fret over the possibilities of this disease.
The Big D is going DOWN and my family is going UP in health and wellness in 2012!
I beseech each of you who read this blog post, do yourself a favor today, read about Diabetes and then make sure to live a healthy life that keeps you from ever being diagnosed with the Big D.
Happy New Year and God bless you!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wonder
I wonder as I ponder how much time I have squandered
Minutes that faded away while I chose to play rather than pray
Moments I can never recover now in my past
Filled with momentary pleasure rather than things that would last
Now I determine no more to waste what is given
Instead I endeavor to live a life worth livin'
Prayer is the key, faith is the door,
His Word the light to my path as I travel this world
Value once placed on my whims Now firmly placed on Him
No more squander as I ponder His wonder
Minutes that faded away while I chose to play rather than pray
Moments I can never recover now in my past
Filled with momentary pleasure rather than things that would last
Now I determine no more to waste what is given
Instead I endeavor to live a life worth livin'
Prayer is the key, faith is the door,
His Word the light to my path as I travel this world
Value once placed on my whims Now firmly placed on Him
No more squander as I ponder His wonder
Friday, March 11, 2011
Imperfect Joys of the Shepherd and Saint - Discounted Hands of Peace
This post is a disjointed effort to share something God has shown me through recent circumstances.
To those who have been damaged by a Shepherd: I am not giving this as an excuse...but there is none, no not one, perfect except Christ Jesus.To those who have been damaged by a Saint: Again, not given as an excuse....but there is none, no not one, perfect except Christ Jesus.
Yes, even those shepherds who have been given care of the flocks/church are just imperfect human beings trying to do right...and sometimes they fail. Sometimes they fail to see beyond the obvious. Sometimes they fail to extend grace and mercy toward one of their own flock who has fallen into the wolf's den. Sometimes, rather than help heal those that have fallen, they break them against the rocks and leave them laying there without help or care. Sometimes. they are carrying their own bitterness and pain and fail to see beyond themselves. Simply put, sometimes they fail....
Yet...
Sometimes, WE, the saint, fail to see when the shepherd or another saint is hurting. Sometimes, we fail to see our own fault and failure. Sometimes, we simply will not admit to our sin and want things to continue as before. Sometimes, we fail to see beyond the obvious. Sometimes, we fail to extend grace and mercy toward our shepherd or our fellow saint who has hurt us. Simply put, sometimes we fail...
Through my 40+ years being raised in church, I have seen ministers and saints alike fall into sin...adultery, fornication, bitterness, unforgiveness, lying, hatred, gossip, etc. I have seen many of them make it back to the throne of grace but more often, I saw them eaten alive by the very flock they were trying to shepherd or the very shepherd they were trying to follow. Chewed up, spit out, cursed, reviled, maligned, and kicked to the curb without hope, I still saw many stand up, confess their faults, and do their best to make it back into church. I, myself, have sinned and struggled to be restored to the faith.
How did some make it and some not? It falls on the sinner, whether they wore the mantle of shepherd or saint, to confess their sins, to ask forgiveness, to plead the blood of Christ, and to forgive themselves. If we are away from God, even if it is a temporary moment of willfulness, then WE must do whatever it takes to get right with God again. WE must read the Word. WE must pray. WE must seek the face of God UNTIL we get the answer we need. AND, we must listen to HIS Word and follow HIS ordinances...not man-made rules...but GOD'S laws. If we do that, then shepherd nor saint can remove us from the hand of God and his forgiveness.
When we are right with God, then we can stand on Romans 8:35-39:
"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Only you or I can take ourselves out of God's hand. When we fall into sin and are mishandled, or even fall and are given every opportunity to make things right, it still is our responsibility to search out our own salvation. I am not advocating the circumventing of ministry, we need them to preach the Word and to help us make heaven. The local shepherd of God's flock have much responsibility for our salvation but ultimately WE must be right, even if the shepherd isn't. We must set our eyes on Christ and follow Him only. Man will fail us.
Here's the disjointed part:
Sometimes, we ask for a hand to reach out and help us and they do but we fail to see it.
Be careful to acknowledge when those hands are being extended. Sometimes it may only be a friend who is holding you up in prayer and encouraging you. And it can be easy to discount that hand as unimportant because the Ministry, the Shepherd, the one you want to notice, isn't the one reaching. Maybe the earthly shepherd will never reach for you....but will you discount the hands of those God is sending your way? Will you discount His hand?
As I am writing this, a song by Casting Crowns comes to mind that deals with this scenario:
"It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
Jesus is the way
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgemental glances tell him that his chances
Are better out on the road "
Will we be the hands that reach, whether we be saint or shepherd? Will those that need to be reached discount our reaching hands because we aren't what they want? Will I do my part to reach for the lost, no matter who they are?
God is coming back soon....are you ready? Are you reaching? Or are you part of the body who is just simply failing God, the ministry, the saints, and the sinner? Oh, God please help me to do my part and to be ready for your soon return!
To those who have been damaged by a Shepherd: I am not giving this as an excuse...but there is none, no not one, perfect except Christ Jesus.To those who have been damaged by a Saint: Again, not given as an excuse....but there is none, no not one, perfect except Christ Jesus.
Yes, even those shepherds who have been given care of the flocks/church are just imperfect human beings trying to do right...and sometimes they fail. Sometimes they fail to see beyond the obvious. Sometimes they fail to extend grace and mercy toward one of their own flock who has fallen into the wolf's den. Sometimes, rather than help heal those that have fallen, they break them against the rocks and leave them laying there without help or care. Sometimes. they are carrying their own bitterness and pain and fail to see beyond themselves. Simply put, sometimes they fail....
Yet...
Sometimes, WE, the saint, fail to see when the shepherd or another saint is hurting. Sometimes, we fail to see our own fault and failure. Sometimes, we simply will not admit to our sin and want things to continue as before. Sometimes, we fail to see beyond the obvious. Sometimes, we fail to extend grace and mercy toward our shepherd or our fellow saint who has hurt us. Simply put, sometimes we fail...
Through my 40+ years being raised in church, I have seen ministers and saints alike fall into sin...adultery, fornication, bitterness, unforgiveness, lying, hatred, gossip, etc. I have seen many of them make it back to the throne of grace but more often, I saw them eaten alive by the very flock they were trying to shepherd or the very shepherd they were trying to follow. Chewed up, spit out, cursed, reviled, maligned, and kicked to the curb without hope, I still saw many stand up, confess their faults, and do their best to make it back into church. I, myself, have sinned and struggled to be restored to the faith.
How did some make it and some not? It falls on the sinner, whether they wore the mantle of shepherd or saint, to confess their sins, to ask forgiveness, to plead the blood of Christ, and to forgive themselves. If we are away from God, even if it is a temporary moment of willfulness, then WE must do whatever it takes to get right with God again. WE must read the Word. WE must pray. WE must seek the face of God UNTIL we get the answer we need. AND, we must listen to HIS Word and follow HIS ordinances...not man-made rules...but GOD'S laws. If we do that, then shepherd nor saint can remove us from the hand of God and his forgiveness.
When we are right with God, then we can stand on Romans 8:35-39:
"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Only you or I can take ourselves out of God's hand. When we fall into sin and are mishandled, or even fall and are given every opportunity to make things right, it still is our responsibility to search out our own salvation. I am not advocating the circumventing of ministry, we need them to preach the Word and to help us make heaven. The local shepherd of God's flock have much responsibility for our salvation but ultimately WE must be right, even if the shepherd isn't. We must set our eyes on Christ and follow Him only. Man will fail us.
Here's the disjointed part:
Sometimes, we ask for a hand to reach out and help us and they do but we fail to see it.
Be careful to acknowledge when those hands are being extended. Sometimes it may only be a friend who is holding you up in prayer and encouraging you. And it can be easy to discount that hand as unimportant because the Ministry, the Shepherd, the one you want to notice, isn't the one reaching. Maybe the earthly shepherd will never reach for you....but will you discount the hands of those God is sending your way? Will you discount His hand?
As I am writing this, a song by Casting Crowns comes to mind that deals with this scenario:
"It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
CHORUS
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
Jesus is the way
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgemental glances tell him that his chances
Are better out on the road "
Will we be the hands that reach, whether we be saint or shepherd? Will those that need to be reached discount our reaching hands because we aren't what they want? Will I do my part to reach for the lost, no matter who they are?
God is coming back soon....are you ready? Are you reaching? Or are you part of the body who is just simply failing God, the ministry, the saints, and the sinner? Oh, God please help me to do my part and to be ready for your soon return!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Flowin' Joys
Recently, I was in a service at Teen Challenge, Riverside, and the staff member who was leading the service made a statement about an intern "flowin'" with the thought they had presented at the beginning of the service. He was excited about how that young man's thought "flowed" into the same thought this leader felt God wanted himself to share with the men. The staff member said it was "off the hook" how the things were "flowin'." My girls and I kind of giggled because it was such a "hip" way of saying God's anointing had led each of these men to share HIS message of the evening.
I have jokingly used this phrase several times since that service but today it hit me that this is what is SUPPOSED to be happening when we share God with others. His message should flow out of us like rivers of living water! We should be so full of God that he oozes out of our every conversation, out of our very thoughts.
When I am called upon to select music for a worship service or for a group to sing there should be a flowing of anointing that helps those songs to smoothly usher the congregation into the presence of our Almighty and prepares their hearts for the Word of God that will be preached. I almost always know when the "flow" was happening correctly...for if it isn't, I leave the platform discouraged or I notice that the congregation is not as attentive to the preaching as it could be. I know ministers probably love it when the worship service and the special music flow along with the idea/thought/message that they have received from God. As saints we have experienced services where everything just "flowed" so perfectly together and when it was all said and done, we left the service refreshed, revived, and ready to continue our quest to live for God.
My goal is to continue to strive for a relationship with God that enables that flow. God, please let songs flow out from to bless others. Please let words of knowledge and wisdom flow from my heart when a brother or sister is in need. God, let Your Holy Ghost anointing fall on me and burn away all the chaff of my doubts and fears.
Lord, help me to be a vessel worthy of the call you have on my life. I surrender everything to You, use me as You WILL, and flow from me into others who need more of You.
I want to be "flowin'" "off the hook!"
I have jokingly used this phrase several times since that service but today it hit me that this is what is SUPPOSED to be happening when we share God with others. His message should flow out of us like rivers of living water! We should be so full of God that he oozes out of our every conversation, out of our very thoughts.
When I am called upon to select music for a worship service or for a group to sing there should be a flowing of anointing that helps those songs to smoothly usher the congregation into the presence of our Almighty and prepares their hearts for the Word of God that will be preached. I almost always know when the "flow" was happening correctly...for if it isn't, I leave the platform discouraged or I notice that the congregation is not as attentive to the preaching as it could be. I know ministers probably love it when the worship service and the special music flow along with the idea/thought/message that they have received from God. As saints we have experienced services where everything just "flowed" so perfectly together and when it was all said and done, we left the service refreshed, revived, and ready to continue our quest to live for God.
My goal is to continue to strive for a relationship with God that enables that flow. God, please let songs flow out from to bless others. Please let words of knowledge and wisdom flow from my heart when a brother or sister is in need. God, let Your Holy Ghost anointing fall on me and burn away all the chaff of my doubts and fears.
Lord, help me to be a vessel worthy of the call you have on my life. I surrender everything to You, use me as You WILL, and flow from me into others who need more of You.
I want to be "flowin'" "off the hook!"
Thursday, January 27, 2011
31 Reasons Why
Tonight my pastor taught about something that we as Christians, people who are striving to be like Christ, should not have as part of our lives. Yes, he spoke about television and the movie industry. No, he did not just give us examples or simply admonish us to refrain. He took the time and gave us scriptural reasons we should refrain. Oh, and the bible study he taught was not something he put together himself. It was originally put together by an Assemblies of God minister back in the 60's. The scriptures are still the same, God is still the same, but television is DEFINITELY different than it was back then! There are people of great intelligence who have chosen to refrain from having a television in their homes. They feel it is a waste of time and can "dumb down" a child that is exposed to it. Psychologists have said that children are being numbed by the violence they see. That children's psyche are being adversely affected. In fact, many of Hollywood's own stars do not allow their own children to watch television or the movies they themselves are a part of. Why? Because there is too much violence, sex, mayhem, gossip, etc. that they don't want their children to be damaged by.
I am not judging anyone who has a television. Instead, I challenge all of us to study the scriptures that were given tonight and honestly seek God's will about this topic. If you are interested, you can listen to the Bible Study at http://inlandlighthouse.com on the Sermons tab. The title of the Bible Study is "Scriptural Reasons Why Television and Hollywood are Unacceptable to a Christian."
My husband took down the scripture references and reason from each scripture while our pastor spoke. Here is the list he compiled:
Deut 7;26
Do not bring an abomination into your house
Psalms 1:1-2
It puts viewers in the seat of the scornful.
Psalms 101 2-3
No wicked thing before my eyes
2 Cor 6:14
Fellow-shipping with works of darkness
Phil 4:5
It pollutes righteous thoughts
2 Cor 6 16-17
Touching the unclean things
Rev 21;2 Luke 1:17
Unsuited for the someone preparing him/herself to be the "bride" of Christ.
Eph 5: 14-16
We are not to waste time but to redeem it.
Eph 5: 3-13
Do not partake of idols with the children of disobedience
.
Amos 6: 1-3-4-6
Viewers are sitting in the seat of violence, which take away the grief for sin. Fences are deadened
Romans 12: 1-2
Does not renew your mind, in Godly thinking
1 Cor 5 6-7
Represents the leaven of the world
It should be purged from the home.
Col 3:1-6
Mortify all things ungodly.
Don't set your affection on things beneath.
Col 3:8
Put off filthy communications
1 Thess 2:10-12
Not walking worthy of God, it is unholy
1 Thes 3:4-7
Viewers are not keeping themselves holy.
James 3:10-12
It is a polluted fountain
Jeremiah 8:12
It takes away the blush of sin.
Rev 3:18
Jesus calls us to anoint our eyes.
Do not poison our eyes
2 Cor 7:1
Cleanse ourselves.
2 Cor 4 1-2
Renounce the hidden things of dishonesty
Psalms 97:7
Idols that confuse and confound
Mark 9:42
It offends children and causes them to stumble.
Psalms 19 7-14
Viewing becomes presumptuous sin
In your face sins!! Let them not have dominion over me!!
Rom 13: 12-14. And 1 John 3:3
We need to cast off works of darkness. Put on Jesus Christ.
Deut 7 5-6
God commands us to tear down unholiness, idols.
James 4: 3-4
Friendship with the world is enmity with God
1 Pet 3 10- 13
Hate evil, eschew evil. Love life and see good days.
2 Pet 3:13-17
Is it only a spot on your garment?
It is still wrong!!
1 John 2 15-17
Fulfills the lust of the flesh, pride of life!!
Hosea 14-8
Overcomers who have seen Jesus do not need it!!!
I am not judging anyone who has a television. Instead, I challenge all of us to study the scriptures that were given tonight and honestly seek God's will about this topic. If you are interested, you can listen to the Bible Study at http://inlandlighthouse.com on the Sermons tab. The title of the Bible Study is "Scriptural Reasons Why Television and Hollywood are Unacceptable to a Christian."
My husband took down the scripture references and reason from each scripture while our pastor spoke. Here is the list he compiled:
Deut 7;26
Do not bring an abomination into your house
Psalms 1:1-2
It puts viewers in the seat of the scornful.
Psalms 101 2-3
No wicked thing before my eyes
2 Cor 6:14
Fellow-shipping with works of darkness
Phil 4:5
It pollutes righteous thoughts
2 Cor 6 16-17
Touching the unclean things
Rev 21;2 Luke 1:17
Unsuited for the someone preparing him/herself to be the "bride" of Christ.
Eph 5: 14-16
We are not to waste time but to redeem it.
Eph 5: 3-13
Do not partake of idols with the children of disobedience
.
Amos 6: 1-3-4-6
Viewers are sitting in the seat of violence, which take away the grief for sin. Fences are deadened
Romans 12: 1-2
Does not renew your mind, in Godly thinking
1 Cor 5 6-7
Represents the leaven of the world
It should be purged from the home.
Col 3:1-6
Mortify all things ungodly.
Don't set your affection on things beneath.
Col 3:8
Put off filthy communications
1 Thess 2:10-12
Not walking worthy of God, it is unholy
1 Thes 3:4-7
Viewers are not keeping themselves holy.
James 3:10-12
It is a polluted fountain
Jeremiah 8:12
It takes away the blush of sin.
Rev 3:18
Jesus calls us to anoint our eyes.
Do not poison our eyes
2 Cor 7:1
Cleanse ourselves.
2 Cor 4 1-2
Renounce the hidden things of dishonesty
Psalms 97:7
Idols that confuse and confound
Mark 9:42
It offends children and causes them to stumble.
Psalms 19 7-14
Viewing becomes presumptuous sin
In your face sins!! Let them not have dominion over me!!
Rom 13: 12-14. And 1 John 3:3
We need to cast off works of darkness. Put on Jesus Christ.
Deut 7 5-6
God commands us to tear down unholiness, idols.
James 4: 3-4
Friendship with the world is enmity with God
1 Pet 3 10- 13
Hate evil, eschew evil. Love life and see good days.
2 Pet 3:13-17
Is it only a spot on your garment?
It is still wrong!!
1 John 2 15-17
Fulfills the lust of the flesh, pride of life!!
Hosea 14-8
Overcomers who have seen Jesus do not need it!!!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Joy of Things Past
We, as knowledge seeking humans, are forever looking over our shoulders at "What Could Have Been's", "What Should Have Been's", "Oh, My Why Did I??'s", and a host of other ruminations about what has happened in our lives. Looking back can give you insight but most often it simply re-condemns you for things you allowed to happen or did to others and yourself. Oh, sure there are good things that happen in life, Thank the Lord, and those are always nice to pull out of the mental filing cabinet and reminisce on the happiness and joy you felt. But more often than not, we find ourselves reminiscing about the "one that got away", the sins we committed before coming to know Jesus, or more likely, the sins we committed AFTER coming to know Jesus.
The sneaky little snake that has been around since Eden likes to remind us of the failures and sins of our pasts. He likes to point out how many times we fell, how many people we hurt, how many times we disappointed God. But I just want to take a moment today to say, "Snake, you conniving little devil, get thee behind me!" My sins, my failures of past days have been repented of, forgiven by my Father, washed in the blood of the Lamb, and when God looks at me today, He only sees a forgiven child striving to do her best to live for Him. He only sees the red stain that blots out the black sins once written in The Lamb's Book of Life. And me? I choose to look toward the future and the glorious things God has in store for my life.
What happened in the past, stays in the past. I am an overcomer through Christ and I choose to only see the Joy of Things Past!
The sneaky little snake that has been around since Eden likes to remind us of the failures and sins of our pasts. He likes to point out how many times we fell, how many people we hurt, how many times we disappointed God. But I just want to take a moment today to say, "Snake, you conniving little devil, get thee behind me!" My sins, my failures of past days have been repented of, forgiven by my Father, washed in the blood of the Lamb, and when God looks at me today, He only sees a forgiven child striving to do her best to live for Him. He only sees the red stain that blots out the black sins once written in The Lamb's Book of Life. And me? I choose to look toward the future and the glorious things God has in store for my life.
What happened in the past, stays in the past. I am an overcomer through Christ and I choose to only see the Joy of Things Past!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Joy To The World - Time To Blog Again
Shock! Gasp! The blogger still lives? It's only been 4 months since her last post!?! Where has she been? And why is she back? LOL
Joy To The World, I have finally "found" time to blog again. Perhaps more accurately put, I have found the "inspiration and want-to" to blog again. The time was always there if I really had wanted to write. Why has it been so long since my last post? To tell the truth, I think I just lost my oomph, my inspiration, my desire, my willingness to write. Life is busy, yes, but not really any busier than it was before. A different format of busy-ness but busy none the less. Nothing HUGE has happened in the last 4 months that compelled me to run to the computer, or much less paper, and write about it. God has been good and merciful towards us. Jessica has recovered from her appendicitis and appendectomy. Marissa continues to create FABULOUS meals for us to enjoy. Justin continues to waste a lot of time in front of the computer and yet still wow us with his knowledge of all things historical or scientific. Mark continues to drive up and down the Cajon Pass just so that his family is taken care of financially.
And myself? I continue to home-school the kids, work for the church in Music Ministry, and now have 20+ piano and voice students that are a joyous way to supplement our income. Teen Challenge is a larger part of my work week as I now work with the Worship Team as well as continuing to work with the choir each week. Nostalgia Singers is a larger part of my week as well as I am now the Director AND accompanist. Oh, and I am working on a CD project, FINALLY, and should have the first song released on iTunes real soon. I am working with Norris Evans of Fire Crew Productions and Doug Wayne of Genesis Music and God's Talent Inc. Both of these gentlemen are incredibly talented and their arrangements of my songs make me want to weep with joy! All the songs are original songs written under the inspiration of God. We are recording the album at a new recording company, High Tower Records. There are very talented people in the "camp" who are or will be working with me on this project.
My plans for 2011? I don't want to call them resolutions per se but I am resolute in my passion to fulfill them. My plan: To be a Christian in everything I do and say...especially OUTSIDE the church. To strive to be like Christ in every reaction to life; to love unconditionally, to be forgiving, to reach for those who are hurting, to simply be Christian.
How am I going to do this?
*Prayer, daily, continually, with fervor.
*Reading the Word, often, and with an open heart and spirit for direction.
*Following the directions for a Christian life without hesitation or question.
*Accepting the challenges found in life and learning life lessons the first time I go through it.
*Heeding His call through the scriptures and being willing to go where He leads.
*Reaching out to others through conversations, music, witnessing, and encouraging them to know God in a deeper and more profound way.
In recent days my girls have been drawn deeper into prayer and consecration. This has been an answer to prayer for my hubby and me! Both of the girls felt "sad" and a "heavy" feeling and they spent over an hour in prayer, possibly intercessory, when they responded to that feeling. I look forward to watching their prayer lives develop even deeper and more powerful in the coming year. In fact, I look forward to everything this new year will bring!!
Happy New Year to my friends and family who take a moment to check out my blog from time to time! Love you all!
Joy To The World, I have finally "found" time to blog again. Perhaps more accurately put, I have found the "inspiration and want-to" to blog again. The time was always there if I really had wanted to write. Why has it been so long since my last post? To tell the truth, I think I just lost my oomph, my inspiration, my desire, my willingness to write. Life is busy, yes, but not really any busier than it was before. A different format of busy-ness but busy none the less. Nothing HUGE has happened in the last 4 months that compelled me to run to the computer, or much less paper, and write about it. God has been good and merciful towards us. Jessica has recovered from her appendicitis and appendectomy. Marissa continues to create FABULOUS meals for us to enjoy. Justin continues to waste a lot of time in front of the computer and yet still wow us with his knowledge of all things historical or scientific. Mark continues to drive up and down the Cajon Pass just so that his family is taken care of financially.
And myself? I continue to home-school the kids, work for the church in Music Ministry, and now have 20+ piano and voice students that are a joyous way to supplement our income. Teen Challenge is a larger part of my work week as I now work with the Worship Team as well as continuing to work with the choir each week. Nostalgia Singers is a larger part of my week as well as I am now the Director AND accompanist. Oh, and I am working on a CD project, FINALLY, and should have the first song released on iTunes real soon. I am working with Norris Evans of Fire Crew Productions and Doug Wayne of Genesis Music and God's Talent Inc. Both of these gentlemen are incredibly talented and their arrangements of my songs make me want to weep with joy! All the songs are original songs written under the inspiration of God. We are recording the album at a new recording company, High Tower Records. There are very talented people in the "camp" who are or will be working with me on this project.
My plans for 2011? I don't want to call them resolutions per se but I am resolute in my passion to fulfill them. My plan: To be a Christian in everything I do and say...especially OUTSIDE the church. To strive to be like Christ in every reaction to life; to love unconditionally, to be forgiving, to reach for those who are hurting, to simply be Christian.
How am I going to do this?
*Prayer, daily, continually, with fervor.
*Reading the Word, often, and with an open heart and spirit for direction.
*Following the directions for a Christian life without hesitation or question.
*Accepting the challenges found in life and learning life lessons the first time I go through it.
*Heeding His call through the scriptures and being willing to go where He leads.
*Reaching out to others through conversations, music, witnessing, and encouraging them to know God in a deeper and more profound way.
In recent days my girls have been drawn deeper into prayer and consecration. This has been an answer to prayer for my hubby and me! Both of the girls felt "sad" and a "heavy" feeling and they spent over an hour in prayer, possibly intercessory, when they responded to that feeling. I look forward to watching their prayer lives develop even deeper and more powerful in the coming year. In fact, I look forward to everything this new year will bring!!
Happy New Year to my friends and family who take a moment to check out my blog from time to time! Love you all!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Appendectomy Joys and Lessons Learned
"Why me Mom?" This is a question I heard several times this week. The healthiest of my children, who has never had to visit the ER, woke up in pain Sunday am and by the end of the day she had been operated on to remove her appendix. Jessica was in shock to find that her very first visit to the ER included surgery and a three day hospital stay. This was a great learning time for Jessica and our family
We were exhausted from an 11 hour day sitting in the ER waiting for tests, results, and for the surgeon to finally take Jessica for the appendectomy. But those long hours taught us some valuable lessons. My son, Justin, learned to be more patient and that he CAN survive without the internet, Nintendo, or PSP to entertain him. It was a good lesson for him to learn and I pray he will continue to learn it as time goes on. Marissa, my oldest, learned that she doesn't like to see her sister in pain and that she is pretty sure she does NOT want to be in the medical field when she grows up. :-) So, I guess her chosen path of culinary school was reaffirmed this weekend. Mark and I learned not to assume that our children are exaggerating their pain level! We thought she just had a stomach ache and if she had not insisted that her Daddy understand how bad she was hurting, life could have been much worse. We learned that Jessica had a deeper faith in God than we thought. And Jessica learned the most lessons.
She learned that even when you pray and you expect God to answer a certain way (in this case no surgery, no appendicitis) and he answers differently, it is still under His control and His ways are best even when it doesn't make sense. Jessi also learned that she truly is loved by many people. See, like all young people (ok, make that MOST people) she though she was not really cared for by anyone outside of her immediate family. She was shown differently. We received so many calls and texts from our church family as the day progressed and people heard about her situation. Then she received several visitors who brought her favorite things; Dr. Pepper, Oreos, and BK Chicken Sandwich. She got flowers from our church and pastor. In fact, she was blessed to have him come and pray for her, not just once, but twice while she was in the hospital. She learned that she is tough and can survive unknown situations with a wonderful prayerful attitude. She learned that although her brother and sister can bug her to death sometimes, they were shook up by her pain and suffering and truly do love her.
We are finally home and able to rest more comfortably. And we are still learning lessons each day. This has definitely brought Jessi and I closer than we were. Constant attendance to her every ache, pain, and needs helped Jessica to know I truly do love her and that she is more important to me than (and please do not misunderstand this statement) church, the music department, and busy schedules. Those are all great things but Jessica and our family is more important. I was able to ensure they all knew that this week. ILC had had a choir clinic this last weekend and the choir was singing both services Sunday. When Jessi had to go to ER, I dropped everything, arranged for someone else to take care of the altar call and evening service, and ran to her side. I learned that lesson too. I am a true mom who will do whatever needs to be done to make sure her babies are taken good care of.
Appendectomies are scary events, but with God on our side, we endured, learned, and won the prize: a closer relationship with each other and God!
We were exhausted from an 11 hour day sitting in the ER waiting for tests, results, and for the surgeon to finally take Jessica for the appendectomy. But those long hours taught us some valuable lessons. My son, Justin, learned to be more patient and that he CAN survive without the internet, Nintendo, or PSP to entertain him. It was a good lesson for him to learn and I pray he will continue to learn it as time goes on. Marissa, my oldest, learned that she doesn't like to see her sister in pain and that she is pretty sure she does NOT want to be in the medical field when she grows up. :-) So, I guess her chosen path of culinary school was reaffirmed this weekend. Mark and I learned not to assume that our children are exaggerating their pain level! We thought she just had a stomach ache and if she had not insisted that her Daddy understand how bad she was hurting, life could have been much worse. We learned that Jessica had a deeper faith in God than we thought. And Jessica learned the most lessons.
She learned that even when you pray and you expect God to answer a certain way (in this case no surgery, no appendicitis) and he answers differently, it is still under His control and His ways are best even when it doesn't make sense. Jessi also learned that she truly is loved by many people. See, like all young people (ok, make that MOST people) she though she was not really cared for by anyone outside of her immediate family. She was shown differently. We received so many calls and texts from our church family as the day progressed and people heard about her situation. Then she received several visitors who brought her favorite things; Dr. Pepper, Oreos, and BK Chicken Sandwich. She got flowers from our church and pastor. In fact, she was blessed to have him come and pray for her, not just once, but twice while she was in the hospital. She learned that she is tough and can survive unknown situations with a wonderful prayerful attitude. She learned that although her brother and sister can bug her to death sometimes, they were shook up by her pain and suffering and truly do love her.
We are finally home and able to rest more comfortably. And we are still learning lessons each day. This has definitely brought Jessi and I closer than we were. Constant attendance to her every ache, pain, and needs helped Jessica to know I truly do love her and that she is more important to me than (and please do not misunderstand this statement) church, the music department, and busy schedules. Those are all great things but Jessica and our family is more important. I was able to ensure they all knew that this week. ILC had had a choir clinic this last weekend and the choir was singing both services Sunday. When Jessi had to go to ER, I dropped everything, arranged for someone else to take care of the altar call and evening service, and ran to her side. I learned that lesson too. I am a true mom who will do whatever needs to be done to make sure her babies are taken good care of.
Appendectomies are scary events, but with God on our side, we endured, learned, and won the prize: a closer relationship with each other and God!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Servant's Heart
With my children being home-schooled, they do not get much exposure to the "world" and it's sad estate. That being said, they also don't get much opportunity to be a witness to the "lost." We have a tendency to be confined to our little box of home and church. This bothers me as I want to be a soul winner (and yes, I know that I my primary goal is to "win" my children) and to see my children become soul winners. How do we accomplish that in our "limited" exposure?
One way is to find something that puts us in direct contact with people who may be hungry for God. So, my children and I have decided that we need to more diligently pursue a servant's heart. Now we are looking for ideas for being a servant to our community. We will be doing some research over the next few weeks to find something we can each do individually, as well as something we can do as a family. I feel strongly that this will help my children to be more thankful for the blessings they have in their lives and will help develop them into giving and generous people.
Whatever we find to do, we pray God's blessings on the endeavor. We want to help, be a blessing, and walk through any open doors in which we can minister, witness, and win souls who are hungry for more of God. I truly believe we will learn more about ourselves as we grow through servant-hood. My prayer is that my children become less self-involved and more like Jesus. I also pray that we will encounter someone, even if it is ONLY ONE, who wants to know Jesus and get to see them receive the Holy Ghost and become an integral part of the body of Christ, the Church.
Please keep us in your prayers as we start this journey of self-discovery, learning to humble ourselves, and outreach.
One way is to find something that puts us in direct contact with people who may be hungry for God. So, my children and I have decided that we need to more diligently pursue a servant's heart. Now we are looking for ideas for being a servant to our community. We will be doing some research over the next few weeks to find something we can each do individually, as well as something we can do as a family. I feel strongly that this will help my children to be more thankful for the blessings they have in their lives and will help develop them into giving and generous people.
Whatever we find to do, we pray God's blessings on the endeavor. We want to help, be a blessing, and walk through any open doors in which we can minister, witness, and win souls who are hungry for more of God. I truly believe we will learn more about ourselves as we grow through servant-hood. My prayer is that my children become less self-involved and more like Jesus. I also pray that we will encounter someone, even if it is ONLY ONE, who wants to know Jesus and get to see them receive the Holy Ghost and become an integral part of the body of Christ, the Church.
Please keep us in your prayers as we start this journey of self-discovery, learning to humble ourselves, and outreach.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Night of a First
My beautiful, gorgeous, shy, scaredy-cat daughter had a first last night!
Back at the end of January, Marissa told me that she wanted to sing a special...not a solo with the Youth Choir....a solo for regular church services. WHAT? This is the girl who doesn't want to stand on the front row of our 50 voice choir. WHAT? She told me she wanted to sing a song called "It's My Desire"; not the one in the Sing Unto The Lord songbook but another song on an album we got at Christmas.
So, fast-forward to the end of February when I and Sarah made the calendar for March. Sarah was going to schedule someone who has a great voice but doesn't believe in herself too much yet to sing a solo for the March youth service. In discussing the calendar, Sarah told me that she wanted to schedule the young lady but was afraid that the girl would bail on us. So, we put Marissa on that service.
When Marissa found out, she said, "Okay. But I think I might want to do a different song." I was shocked that she didn't do what we thought the other young lady would do!!! Marissa chose "Rend" by Jimmy Needham and we practiced, changed the key, discussed her voice, discussed her diction, etc. She sounded good and then it was time to go to church for the scheduled Youth service.
As the service progressed, Marissa got more nervous and more nervous. She kept looking at me and saying, "I don't think I can do it, Mom." We prayed with each other during the song service and I kept encouraging her to just do her best. Then it was time to go onto the platform...we started forward only to have Marissa turn to me and say, "I can't. I can't." I hugged her, put my arm across her back, propelled her forward, and said, "Yes, you can." We got onto the platform. Marissa went into a hallway off the side. I told her to get back in there and she said, "I am going to run away." LOL I asked her, "Who are you singing for? The audience or Jesus?" She answered correctly and said Jesus. Then it was time.
She walked nervously across the platform to the pulpit (which is HUGE and helped "hide" her...) picked up the mic, and started to sing. She told me later that she freaked out a little when she heard herself through the monitors and that was why she had pulled the mic away for a second. She also pointed out that she muffed the words on the first chorus.
BUT she DID it. She sang her first solo...in front of 200 people or so...and she did well. Very well for a shy, scaredy-cat. In fact, I think the scaredy-cat part of her personality is getting removed slowly through each time she conquers her fears and allows God to use her for His glory!!! Yep, I have a feeling we will be seeing a more confident Marissa in the future and hearing more of her God-given beautiful voice!!
Oh, and the song she sang was about rending your heart from the world. Allowing yourself to become a broken vessel to be used of God. And Pastor Booker preached about what a difference a line can make when it comes to the World of Sports. He taught about tearing away from the worldly things and focusing on God. How cool is that to be in tune with the leading of God the first time you choose a song and sing a solo????
Yup, I am a very Holy Ghost proud mommy!!!!
Sing for the Lord, Riss....Don't get caught up in the "applause"....Be careful to stay in tune with God's anointing and give Him all the glory!!!
Back at the end of January, Marissa told me that she wanted to sing a special...not a solo with the Youth Choir....a solo for regular church services. WHAT? This is the girl who doesn't want to stand on the front row of our 50 voice choir. WHAT? She told me she wanted to sing a song called "It's My Desire"; not the one in the Sing Unto The Lord songbook but another song on an album we got at Christmas.
So, fast-forward to the end of February when I and Sarah made the calendar for March. Sarah was going to schedule someone who has a great voice but doesn't believe in herself too much yet to sing a solo for the March youth service. In discussing the calendar, Sarah told me that she wanted to schedule the young lady but was afraid that the girl would bail on us. So, we put Marissa on that service.
When Marissa found out, she said, "Okay. But I think I might want to do a different song." I was shocked that she didn't do what we thought the other young lady would do!!! Marissa chose "Rend" by Jimmy Needham and we practiced, changed the key, discussed her voice, discussed her diction, etc. She sounded good and then it was time to go to church for the scheduled Youth service.
As the service progressed, Marissa got more nervous and more nervous. She kept looking at me and saying, "I don't think I can do it, Mom." We prayed with each other during the song service and I kept encouraging her to just do her best. Then it was time to go onto the platform...we started forward only to have Marissa turn to me and say, "I can't. I can't." I hugged her, put my arm across her back, propelled her forward, and said, "Yes, you can." We got onto the platform. Marissa went into a hallway off the side. I told her to get back in there and she said, "I am going to run away." LOL I asked her, "Who are you singing for? The audience or Jesus?" She answered correctly and said Jesus. Then it was time.
She walked nervously across the platform to the pulpit (which is HUGE and helped "hide" her...) picked up the mic, and started to sing. She told me later that she freaked out a little when she heard herself through the monitors and that was why she had pulled the mic away for a second. She also pointed out that she muffed the words on the first chorus.
BUT she DID it. She sang her first solo...in front of 200 people or so...and she did well. Very well for a shy, scaredy-cat. In fact, I think the scaredy-cat part of her personality is getting removed slowly through each time she conquers her fears and allows God to use her for His glory!!! Yep, I have a feeling we will be seeing a more confident Marissa in the future and hearing more of her God-given beautiful voice!!
Oh, and the song she sang was about rending your heart from the world. Allowing yourself to become a broken vessel to be used of God. And Pastor Booker preached about what a difference a line can make when it comes to the World of Sports. He taught about tearing away from the worldly things and focusing on God. How cool is that to be in tune with the leading of God the first time you choose a song and sing a solo????
Yup, I am a very Holy Ghost proud mommy!!!!
Sing for the Lord, Riss....Don't get caught up in the "applause"....Be careful to stay in tune with God's anointing and give Him all the glory!!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
RIP Layla Grace Marsh-Lessons Learned
Yesterday my daughter, Marissa, came across a blog, laylagrace.org , about this incredibly beautiful 2 year old princess who was fighting Neuroblastoma. The pictures of this precious jewel are incredible. Especially the photos that the family was able to have done just before Layla got really bad. We read the entire blog, 10 months worth of posts, in one sitting (no, we do NOT normally do things like this) and shed many, many tears. The smiles she shared with her family and friends are incredible. She was a fighter and a VERY smart little girl. There are video clips of her showing her incisions, getting tickled by her daddy and laughing the most precious laugh, and telling her mommy just how she felt about bedtime during one hospital stay.
This morning we found out that little Layla had gone to be with Jesus.
My heart is broken for the Marsh family. I keep thinking about how I would be feeling if this had been one of my children. I truly feel that God has used this little girl and her family's wonderful but painful journey of her life to remind me that the world doesn't revolve around me, my family, my church, my immediate surroundings. There is a great big world out there where so many people are hurting, dying, losing loved ones, and suffering through their own trials.
I am burdened anew for deeper prayer and intercession for the world. Marissa has been deeply affected as well and is determined to pray more. Mark and I spoke this morning for a while about how so many recent developments, circumstances, painful trials, and physical ailments have been directing us once again to the throne of God. I am not saying that we haven't been praying...it just isn't enough any more. God is wanting more of us. And I believe it is because of His soon return. His people, His church need to be in intercession for the lost and hurting so that they too can come to know Jesus in the fullness of truth.
If you get a moment, remember Layla's family during this dark hour of sorrow. And take a little longer to pray for others as well. Pray for my family and me too, please!
God bless you, my friends. I am praying for you!
This morning we found out that little Layla had gone to be with Jesus.
My heart is broken for the Marsh family. I keep thinking about how I would be feeling if this had been one of my children. I truly feel that God has used this little girl and her family's wonderful but painful journey of her life to remind me that the world doesn't revolve around me, my family, my church, my immediate surroundings. There is a great big world out there where so many people are hurting, dying, losing loved ones, and suffering through their own trials.
I am burdened anew for deeper prayer and intercession for the world. Marissa has been deeply affected as well and is determined to pray more. Mark and I spoke this morning for a while about how so many recent developments, circumstances, painful trials, and physical ailments have been directing us once again to the throne of God. I am not saying that we haven't been praying...it just isn't enough any more. God is wanting more of us. And I believe it is because of His soon return. His people, His church need to be in intercession for the lost and hurting so that they too can come to know Jesus in the fullness of truth.
If you get a moment, remember Layla's family during this dark hour of sorrow. And take a little longer to pray for others as well. Pray for my family and me too, please!
God bless you, my friends. I am praying for you!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Making Old Memories Become New, Revised Versions
The following was copied from my friend Bekki's blog. It fit my thoughts for the evening and I wanted to share it with you.
Memories...
“Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember. We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future.” -Lewis B. Smedes************************************************************************************
We must be careful with our words, with our actions, with our choices, and with essentially everything we do...lest it create a memory of pain and grief; a memory that cannot be erased by forgiveness. Yes, healing can occur but in the recesses of our mind, the memory will live on. If not dealt with properly through forgiveness, true repentance, and a new way of looking at the hurt, it WILL come back to haunt you and try to steal the peace forgiving had brought.
I am reminded of a story that my sister shared with me recently. I will not go into details about the circumstances but a very, very terrible thing had happened in a family. It resulted in jail time for one member and immense bitterness from several others. It resulted in a blended family being torn apart by the bitterness and ugliness of the betrayal. Yet, in the midst of this tragedy was a person who admitted their wrong, paid their due to society, all the while, leaning on the everlasting Father whom they had come to know after the offense had occurred. This person lived for God the whole time they served their 5+ year sentence.
After the sentence had been served, the person tried to reconcile with the family only to repeatedly be rejected because the other family members were so bitter And then one night, the person came to the church for a special service and this time the sibling who had been so tragically hurt by the person, came to them, took them by hand, and together they went to the altar. They knelt together and prayed. Healing took place that evening. Forgiveness was offered and received, not only from each other but also from God.
By the end of the altar call, the whole family had joined these siblings and were weeping and praying together. A family healed. But the memory of the offense will live on and could come back to hurt them again...if....they don't surrender their bitterness and their futures to God. To look back won't help them now. They must look forward to see what God can do through them to help others who face their same dilemma. In other words, create a new way of remembering and let God take care of the future.
If you have experienced hurt and have painful memories of the past, I challenge you to talk with God, surrender your bitterness, and then go to the offender and offer them forgiveness. Make a new future of HOPE...don't let the devil steal your joy because of a painful circumstance...be healed, renewed, and grind the devil under your feet as you walk in a glorious future of reconciliation, restoration, and joy.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2010
Happy New Year....to anyone who still is interested in this blog after such a long dry spell (4 months!!) :-)
2009 is gone and a new year has begun. We had a wonderful time visiting with family this last week and got home in the wee hours of today. Driving home was an interesting experience.
I haven't driven in fog for several years now. Luckily, we have missed most of it in our cross-Cali travels. Driving last night, we encountered a very heavy fog along the I-5 corridor. It was so heavy that I was driving 45-50 mph at times. I could see taillights of cars that flew past us but only for a few seconds as they quickly were swallowed up by the fog. As it got thicker, I was praying constantly and it would lift slightly for a few moments. Then it got super thick and when the kids noticed how slow we were going, they finally noted the fog. They immediately got worried and I told them just to pray and ask God to lift the fog for us. Within less than a minute of them doing so, the fog lifted and never returned! The kids were so excited to see instant answer to prayer! Thank you, Lord for doing so and increasing their faith!
This morning as I recalled the events of the evening, I thought about how life mirrors this story. So many of us go along through life seeing clearly and trusting God to see us through. Then we encounter a "foggy stretch" and can't seem to find our way. Some, like the speed demons who flew past us last night, keep trucking and hoping that they won't hit anything in their path. They barrel through life with little regard to the fact that they can't see clearly. Some make it through without incident. Occasionally, the fog hides obstacles until it is too late and a crash occurs. Some come out of their wrecked situation damaged. Some survive with minor scratches and have a new respect for life. Some don't survive and perhaps even take innocent lives as a result of their crash.
Then you have those like me who slow down and realize it is time to call on God to see them through to safety. The fog slows them down and makes them look at life more carefully. And when God, as He ALWAYS does, brings them through to the other side, their faith is renewed and their eyes see more clearly than before. They avoid wrecked lives by fully relying on God's promises to protect them and guide them.
I pray that in 2010 when foggy situations arise, I will be reminded to slow down, call on my Father, and allow Him to lead me through to a new understanding and a clear view of the road ahead.
May God bless and keep you in His hand throughout the coming year.
2009 is gone and a new year has begun. We had a wonderful time visiting with family this last week and got home in the wee hours of today. Driving home was an interesting experience.
I haven't driven in fog for several years now. Luckily, we have missed most of it in our cross-Cali travels. Driving last night, we encountered a very heavy fog along the I-5 corridor. It was so heavy that I was driving 45-50 mph at times. I could see taillights of cars that flew past us but only for a few seconds as they quickly were swallowed up by the fog. As it got thicker, I was praying constantly and it would lift slightly for a few moments. Then it got super thick and when the kids noticed how slow we were going, they finally noted the fog. They immediately got worried and I told them just to pray and ask God to lift the fog for us. Within less than a minute of them doing so, the fog lifted and never returned! The kids were so excited to see instant answer to prayer! Thank you, Lord for doing so and increasing their faith!
This morning as I recalled the events of the evening, I thought about how life mirrors this story. So many of us go along through life seeing clearly and trusting God to see us through. Then we encounter a "foggy stretch" and can't seem to find our way. Some, like the speed demons who flew past us last night, keep trucking and hoping that they won't hit anything in their path. They barrel through life with little regard to the fact that they can't see clearly. Some make it through without incident. Occasionally, the fog hides obstacles until it is too late and a crash occurs. Some come out of their wrecked situation damaged. Some survive with minor scratches and have a new respect for life. Some don't survive and perhaps even take innocent lives as a result of their crash.
Then you have those like me who slow down and realize it is time to call on God to see them through to safety. The fog slows them down and makes them look at life more carefully. And when God, as He ALWAYS does, brings them through to the other side, their faith is renewed and their eyes see more clearly than before. They avoid wrecked lives by fully relying on God's promises to protect them and guide them.
I pray that in 2010 when foggy situations arise, I will be reminded to slow down, call on my Father, and allow Him to lead me through to a new understanding and a clear view of the road ahead.
May God bless and keep you in His hand throughout the coming year.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Poem For Your Enjoyment
I recently joined a Writer's Workshop and have been blessed by the quality of writers who attend. At one of the meetings, I told them of my decision I have made regarding my home. The next week, one of the writers, Mr. Robert Louis Covington aka Bob, who has been published several times and writes incredible poetry told me he had written a poem in my honor. When Bob told us the title, one of the ladies commented that perhaps I should wait and hear the poem before accepting it as an honor. We all got a chuckle out of that.
As soon as he started reading the poem, I knew what he was referring to but noticed several others took a little longer to figure it out. Let's see if you can figure out what it is about.
Did you figure it out? Let me know what you think it is about and I will reveal the title of this wonderfully written poem in a future post. Hint: The title is found in the last stanza.
As soon as he started reading the poem, I knew what he was referring to but noticed several others took a little longer to figure it out. Let's see if you can figure out what it is about.
Twenty-four seven, the modern way
Time fixed, lots to weigh, to convey
Whatever network one may choose
Blabber similar blues of breaking news
Thriving on the sensational, any prey
Luminary iniquity, overkill every day
Guys and girls, competitive sites speak
The suave, sophisticated, the chic
News flashes, vicissitudes bemoaned
To entities widespread, industry, homes
Few stories told with truth, full of facts
Naive eyes and ears with imprudence act
Myriad images, futuristic turbo HD
Concocted in cahoots for you and me
Beckoning all day, only the foolish cling
After thirty minutes, it didn't say anything
That blabbering box, ranting with clout
Most of which the wise can do without
Copyrighted 2009 Robert Louis Covington
Time fixed, lots to weigh, to convey
Whatever network one may choose
Blabber similar blues of breaking news
Thriving on the sensational, any prey
Luminary iniquity, overkill every day
Guys and girls, competitive sites speak
The suave, sophisticated, the chic
News flashes, vicissitudes bemoaned
To entities widespread, industry, homes
Few stories told with truth, full of facts
Naive eyes and ears with imprudence act
Myriad images, futuristic turbo HD
Concocted in cahoots for you and me
Beckoning all day, only the foolish cling
After thirty minutes, it didn't say anything
That blabbering box, ranting with clout
Most of which the wise can do without
Copyrighted 2009 Robert Louis Covington
Did you figure it out? Let me know what you think it is about and I will reveal the title of this wonderfully written poem in a future post. Hint: The title is found in the last stanza.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Uniformity and Surprises
Have you ever had someone answer your query about their day with the phrase "Oh, it's just the same-old-same-old?" How quickly we humans choose to sum up our lives in soundbites that negate the true impact each day brings. There is no same old uniform life to be lived. No matter whether you do essentially the same pattern of work each day, there will always be something that makes that day unique.
Our task, should we choose to accept it, is to look beyond the daily drudgery, climb out of the morass of uniformity, and actively search for the surprises each day offers. Whether they be small and inconsequential or largely monumental, happy and exciting or sadly devastating, we should anticipate these revelatory moments. Then take our pen and capture our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. This is the fabric of a writer's life.
Our task, should we choose to accept it, is to look beyond the daily drudgery, climb out of the morass of uniformity, and actively search for the surprises each day offers. Whether they be small and inconsequential or largely monumental, happy and exciting or sadly devastating, we should anticipate these revelatory moments. Then take our pen and capture our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. This is the fabric of a writer's life.
Uniform never
New day, fresh, yet unwritten
Presents surprises
New day, fresh, yet unwritten
Presents surprises
Of Love Unworthy
Poem I wrote back in 1986 and which won an award at my secular public high school.
This is a message of Jesus' true love
Called by the prophet a heavenly dove
Hundreds of years ago, he came to Earth
To provide for man a plan of rebirth.
Born to a virgin, a mere baby boy
Grew up a child with a favorite toy
Infinite wisdom to scholars he showed
Miracles amazing in Him abode
Teardrops filled footprints up Calvary's road
As blood from His wounded side freely flowed
His voice cried out and His body grew still
And storm clouds gathered with thunderings shrill
Our Heavenly Father gave up the ghost
To redeem from sin those whom he loved most
Copyright 1986 Jana McVay
This is a message of Jesus' true love
Called by the prophet a heavenly dove
Hundreds of years ago, he came to Earth
To provide for man a plan of rebirth.
Born to a virgin, a mere baby boy
Grew up a child with a favorite toy
Infinite wisdom to scholars he showed
Miracles amazing in Him abode
Teardrops filled footprints up Calvary's road
As blood from His wounded side freely flowed
His voice cried out and His body grew still
And storm clouds gathered with thunderings shrill
Our Heavenly Father gave up the ghost
To redeem from sin those whom he loved most
Copyright 1986 Jana McVay
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Illumination
The room was dark and cold
Yet she really felt quite bold
Tonight her nightmares she would banish
Her fears and tears she would vanquish
No more would she cower
Like a spineless, wilting flower
So from her bed she arose
'Crept 'cross the floor on tiptoes
Shivers ran down her spine
What, she wondered, would she find?
Shadows loomed dark and fierce
The monsters grew larger as she neared
In an instant filled with dread
She almost turned back to her bed
Her face was pale, her lips were white
Yet determined onward she marched to fight
Suddenly a moonbeam shined thru
Dispelling darkness from the room
Illuminated now in the light
Was this what had tormented her nights?
Giggling aloud she danced with joy
Those monsters were simply...toys
Yet she really felt quite bold
Tonight her nightmares she would banish
Her fears and tears she would vanquish
No more would she cower
Like a spineless, wilting flower
So from her bed she arose
'Crept 'cross the floor on tiptoes
Shivers ran down her spine
What, she wondered, would she find?
Shadows loomed dark and fierce
The monsters grew larger as she neared
In an instant filled with dread
She almost turned back to her bed
Her face was pale, her lips were white
Yet determined onward she marched to fight
Suddenly a moonbeam shined thru
Dispelling darkness from the room
Illuminated now in the light
Was this what had tormented her nights?
Giggling aloud she danced with joy
Those monsters were simply...toys
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dry Spell Over?
After a long self-imposed/spirit imposed separation from an intimate time of music each day with God, I took the first step back to reconnecting with the special anointing, song-writing, composing, etc. that I once had. For years (almost ALL my life), I spent time EVERY day at the piano, mostly just playing, worshiping, praying and having special communion with God. Out of those times came close to 100 God-given choruses and songs of which I have sung and played almost all (at some point over the last 21 years) in church. Some were just special choruses of praise that I shared only with God. Others were for choirs, worship choruses and special songs.
Yet, there came a time where I didn't spend as much time in communion with Him and as a result, some things happened in my life. Things I allowed to separate me from God's anointing. This was a very short time but it has had lasting repercussions for the last three or so years. Talking yesterday to someone who is becoming a VERY good friend and who encouraged me SOO much, I confessed some fears that I had.
I was fearful that when I finally sat down at the piano again for those special moments, that I would feel nothing. That the special anointing that I had felt would no longer be there. See, I have played for services, sang songs, learned new music someone else had written and which I HAD to learn, and felt a smidge of the former anointing that I had had. I know that I have JUST been FULFILLING an OBLIGATION to the call on my life to minister through song. And while doing so, I was questioning whether God would ever use me like he had, would I ever re-obtain the former glory, would I ever be inspired by a message and write a chorus as the minister/pastor was calling me to play for altar call? I had just been praying enough, playing enough to get by.
My friend reminded me of a message my pastor preached on Sunday. He had mentioned that some of us were scared of making those first steps back to deeper communion, that our past mistakes and failures to do so were hindering us. He said, "Take it one step at a time." Just take a moment and pray, even if we don't feel what we think we should or it doesn't last as long as we want it to. One step. Just one.
So, this morning, I arose, checked my emails and instead of taking "refuge" in surfing the net, answering e-mails, etc. I stood up and took the first step. I walked to my piano, sat down, put my fingers on the keys and let my soul cry out to my maker. IMMEDIATELY, I felt the anointing I had longed for, the special communion I had thirst for, the chills that encompass your whole being when God shows up in a special way. One step. That was all it took!
As tears streamed down my face, I began to play and sing my heart's cry. Out of that first step came a song...yes, the first time in 3 years of famine a song was birthed. It is not complete. I believe that is so I will return again tomorrow for a second step. So, as I continue on this journey back to where I belong, please pray for me. I will be praying for you to take that first step too.
Yet, there came a time where I didn't spend as much time in communion with Him and as a result, some things happened in my life. Things I allowed to separate me from God's anointing. This was a very short time but it has had lasting repercussions for the last three or so years. Talking yesterday to someone who is becoming a VERY good friend and who encouraged me SOO much, I confessed some fears that I had.
I was fearful that when I finally sat down at the piano again for those special moments, that I would feel nothing. That the special anointing that I had felt would no longer be there. See, I have played for services, sang songs, learned new music someone else had written and which I HAD to learn, and felt a smidge of the former anointing that I had had. I know that I have JUST been FULFILLING an OBLIGATION to the call on my life to minister through song. And while doing so, I was questioning whether God would ever use me like he had, would I ever re-obtain the former glory, would I ever be inspired by a message and write a chorus as the minister/pastor was calling me to play for altar call? I had just been praying enough, playing enough to get by.
My friend reminded me of a message my pastor preached on Sunday. He had mentioned that some of us were scared of making those first steps back to deeper communion, that our past mistakes and failures to do so were hindering us. He said, "Take it one step at a time." Just take a moment and pray, even if we don't feel what we think we should or it doesn't last as long as we want it to. One step. Just one.
So, this morning, I arose, checked my emails and instead of taking "refuge" in surfing the net, answering e-mails, etc. I stood up and took the first step. I walked to my piano, sat down, put my fingers on the keys and let my soul cry out to my maker. IMMEDIATELY, I felt the anointing I had longed for, the special communion I had thirst for, the chills that encompass your whole being when God shows up in a special way. One step. That was all it took!
As tears streamed down my face, I began to play and sing my heart's cry. Out of that first step came a song...yes, the first time in 3 years of famine a song was birthed. It is not complete. I believe that is so I will return again tomorrow for a second step. So, as I continue on this journey back to where I belong, please pray for me. I will be praying for you to take that first step too.
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