We started the new year with snow and it is beautiful, some is still around. The elk have been hungry and around frequently. I do enjoy living here.
I have one book to add to my previous post.
God the Reason, by Timothy Keller
Mr. Keller does an excellent job of showing the reasonableness of faith in the Creator God, and the unreasonableness of denying this God. I enjoyed this book and will return to it.
I received this book for review from the publisher.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Thursday, December 31, 2015
It's certainly been a long time sense I've blogged. but I'm ready to start again.
Lately I've read some good books on apologetics and am sharing them here for anyone that might be interested.
Thank God for Atheists by Timothy Morgan
Mr. Morgan is a man who became disillusioned with God and desired to become an true non-
believer. In this book he shares what he learned in thorough investigation of atheism and
agnosticism. He did a through job and shared his insights from history; from Friedrick Nittzsche;
Bertrand Russell; Sam Harris; and Richard Dawkins. His conclusion was that there wasn't
enough evidence for their beliefs.
I received this book from the publisher for review purposes.
The Box by Craig Biehl
This book gave good insights into how to share Biblical truth with atheists/agnostics. He used
a conversational approach which, of course, would probably never go so easily, however, it was
helpful.
I received this book from the publisher for review purposes.
Keeping Your Kids on God's Side by Natasha Crain.
Mrs. Crain is a mom and a blogger who realized that many who grew up in Christ believing
homes are walking away from their faith as young adults. She realized that many were not
teaching their children how the thing critically about what they believe. This is a book that will
guide parents into discussions with their children about why they believe what they believe. She
is through in covering topics that we should all be thinking through. I think this is a good book for
anyone to know what they believe enough to help them understand how to defend their faith.
I received this book from the publisher for review purposes
The Beckoning by Michael Minot
Mr. Minot shares what he learned in examining the Truths of God which cause him to turn from
atheism to belief in God.
Lately I've read some good books on apologetics and am sharing them here for anyone that might be interested.
Thank God for Atheists by Timothy Morgan
Mr. Morgan is a man who became disillusioned with God and desired to become an true non-
believer. In this book he shares what he learned in thorough investigation of atheism and
agnosticism. He did a through job and shared his insights from history; from Friedrick Nittzsche;
Bertrand Russell; Sam Harris; and Richard Dawkins. His conclusion was that there wasn't
enough evidence for their beliefs.
I received this book from the publisher for review purposes.
The Box by Craig Biehl
This book gave good insights into how to share Biblical truth with atheists/agnostics. He used
a conversational approach which, of course, would probably never go so easily, however, it was
helpful.
I received this book from the publisher for review purposes.
Keeping Your Kids on God's Side by Natasha Crain.
Mrs. Crain is a mom and a blogger who realized that many who grew up in Christ believing
homes are walking away from their faith as young adults. She realized that many were not
teaching their children how the thing critically about what they believe. This is a book that will
guide parents into discussions with their children about why they believe what they believe. She
is through in covering topics that we should all be thinking through. I think this is a good book for
anyone to know what they believe enough to help them understand how to defend their faith.
I received this book from the publisher for review purposes
The Beckoning by Michael Minot
Mr. Minot shares what he learned in examining the Truths of God which cause him to turn from
atheism to belief in God.
Friday, March 16, 2012
A 6 Year Old Prays for Her Enemies
Ruby Bridges
…In 1960 a federal judge ordered the all-white schools in
New Orleans to admit African American students. After several delays a black
first-grader, Ruby Bridges, entered William T. Frantz School. Each day Ruby
went into the school and left it through a howling mob. She was subjected to
violent and vile language. Foul names and curses were hurled at her. People
shook their fist, and screamed that they were going to kill her. Robert Coles,
the now-famous psychiatrist, went to the school, initially out of curiosity,
and observed the calm and dignity with which Ruby passed through the mob. He
interviewed her teacher, her parents and finally Ruby herself.
The teacher told Coles that she had seen Ruby talking to
people in the street, but when Coles asked Ruby about it she said that she
wasn’t talking to them, she was praying for them. Ruby explained that her
parents and her minister said that she ought to pray for such people because
“they needed praying for.” Coles was perplexed, but on one occasion his wife
helpfully asked: “What would you do if you were going through a mob like that
twice a day?” She construed this scenario: “What would you do if to get to the
Harvard Club in the morning and leave it in the afternoon you had to go through
those mobs and even the police wouldn’t protect you?” Coles decide that
the first thing he would do in a situation like that was to call the police.
“But Ruby couldn’t call the police. The police were on the side of the mobs.”
The second thing he thought he would do was to get a lawyer. “Ruby had no
lawyer. Ruby had not even been born at the hands of a doctor.” The third thing
Coles thought he would attempt would be to use his training, his knowledge, and
his skill with language against these people. He would expose their sickness
and marginal intelligence. “But Ruby did not have the language of sociology or
psychology to turn on this crowd. She would not even call them rednecks.” The
fourth thing Coles told his wife he might do in Ruby’s circumstances would be
to write an article about it, maybe even turn it into a book. “But Ruby was
just learning to read and write.” What Ruby did was to pray for them, not only
as she passed through their mindless rage twice a day, but at night before she
went to bed. She told Coles that she should especially be the one to pray for
them. When he asked why, she said, “Because if you go through what they are
doing to you, you’re the one who should be praying for them…The minister said
that Jesus went through a lot of trouble, and forgive them, because they didn’t
know what they’re doing.”
…In 1960 a federal judge ordered the all-white schools in
New Orleans to admit African American students. After several delays a black
first-grader, Ruby Bridges, entered William T. Frantz School. Each day Ruby
went into the school and left it through a howling mob. She was subjected to
violent and vile language. Foul names and curses were hurled at her. People
shook their fist, and screamed that they were going to kill her. Robert Coles,
the now-famous psychiatrist, went to the school, initially out of curiosity,
and observed the calm and dignity with which Ruby passed through the mob. He
interviewed her teacher, her parents and finally Ruby herself.
The teacher told Coles that she had seen Ruby talking to
people in the street, but when Coles asked Ruby about it she said that she
wasn’t talking to them, she was praying for them. Ruby explained that her
parents and her minister said that she ought to pray for such people because
“they needed praying for.” Coles was perplexed, but on one occasion his wife
helpfully asked: “What would you do if you were going through a mob like that
twice a day?” She construed this scenario: “What would you do if to get to the
Harvard Club in the morning and leave it in the afternoon you had to go through
those mobs and even the police wouldn’t protect you?” Coles decide that
the first thing he would do in a situation like that was to call the police.
“But Ruby couldn’t call the police. The police were on the side of the mobs.”
The second thing he thought he would do was to get a lawyer. “Ruby had no
lawyer. Ruby had not even been born at the hands of a doctor.” The third thing
Coles thought he would attempt would be to use his training, his knowledge, and
his skill with language against these people. He would expose their sickness
and marginal intelligence. “But Ruby did not have the language of sociology or
psychology to turn on this crowd. She would not even call them rednecks.” The
fourth thing Coles told his wife he might do in Ruby’s circumstances would be
to write an article about it, maybe even turn it into a book. “But Ruby was
just learning to read and write.” What Ruby did was to pray for them, not only
as she passed through their mindless rage twice a day, but at night before she
went to bed. She told Coles that she should especially be the one to pray for
them. When he asked why, she said, “Because if you go through what they are
doing to you, you’re the one who should be praying for them…The minister said
that Jesus went through a lot of trouble, and forgive them, because they didn’t
know what they’re doing.”
Thursday, February 23, 2012
He loves us
I've read a bit by Jan Hatmaker lately and I have to say I like this woman. She is real, honest, and loves the Lord. Her book "Ms. Understood" speaks of God's love for the women that He created.
I was encouraged and challenged by the following:
God weaves His Spirit differently through every story. He intersects the lives of His daughters with unique favor. Every woman is crowned with a special honor from Christ. He loves you in a very personal, very individual way. Where and how He stepped into you time line was for you, and only you can tell of it. Make no mistake, you are highly favored. Mary delivered the Son, but the Son delivered you. It is not possible to be more privileged than that.
Sometimes God sweeps majestically into our lives with large motions and life-saving redemption. But He also loves us in quiet, sweet ways, and we fail to notice. "I Challenge you to notice the small occurences in your life," wrote Jacqueline Jakes. "The smell of water, the scent of soap, the cleanliness of your space,the warmth of sunlight, the still of night , the sound of music, the smile of a child,and the millions of events that make this life bearable and blessed."
You'll find these paragraphs and a few more on page 186-187 of her book, she concludes with:
..In the end, love will be the victor, triumphing over sin, hatred, all that was wrecked on earth. Every movement of God ever was motivated by love. No truth will change your life more than that. You may acknowledge His sovereignty or power. You might get His strength or plans for His kingdom. But until you accept you much He loves you, you really don't know Him at all.
Her ending of the book is:
It is time to give Jesus what He paid for:you. Whole, beautiful, healthy you. He'll fight for your honor and defend your cause. You just be. You just be the amazing, stunning woman you are. Celebrate your femininity. Enjoy it. Embrace every wonderful facet God instilled in you. Cherish all that is divine about being a girl, and then tilt your face toward heaven and bless the One who created you, treasured one. You are wonderful and beloved; God adores you. The end.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
He loves us, He really does!
I was encouraged and challenged by the following:
God weaves His Spirit differently through every story. He intersects the lives of His daughters with unique favor. Every woman is crowned with a special honor from Christ. He loves you in a very personal, very individual way. Where and how He stepped into you time line was for you, and only you can tell of it. Make no mistake, you are highly favored. Mary delivered the Son, but the Son delivered you. It is not possible to be more privileged than that.
Sometimes God sweeps majestically into our lives with large motions and life-saving redemption. But He also loves us in quiet, sweet ways, and we fail to notice. "I Challenge you to notice the small occurences in your life," wrote Jacqueline Jakes. "The smell of water, the scent of soap, the cleanliness of your space,the warmth of sunlight, the still of night , the sound of music, the smile of a child,and the millions of events that make this life bearable and blessed."
You'll find these paragraphs and a few more on page 186-187 of her book, she concludes with:
..In the end, love will be the victor, triumphing over sin, hatred, all that was wrecked on earth. Every movement of God ever was motivated by love. No truth will change your life more than that. You may acknowledge His sovereignty or power. You might get His strength or plans for His kingdom. But until you accept you much He loves you, you really don't know Him at all.
Her ending of the book is:
It is time to give Jesus what He paid for:you. Whole, beautiful, healthy you. He'll fight for your honor and defend your cause. You just be. You just be the amazing, stunning woman you are. Celebrate your femininity. Enjoy it. Embrace every wonderful facet God instilled in you. Cherish all that is divine about being a girl, and then tilt your face toward heaven and bless the One who created you, treasured one. You are wonderful and beloved; God adores you. The end.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
He loves us, He really does!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
More from Larry Crabb...
A few nuggets from "66 Love Letters" by Larry Crabb.
"God, I believe, help my unbelief. I hope, help my hopelessness. I love, help my lack of love." Pg. 124
I like this because I struggle with these things daily, but I do believe, hope and trust.
My justice serves the deeper purposes of My love. Always." pg. 125
I often don't understand His justice, but I can trust in it.
"I am wispering My love to you in your pleasures as a mother quietly sings over a child in her arms. But I want you to grow up." pg. 126
I like this picture. As a mom I do enjoy comforting my child and giving him/her joy, but I also know that he/she needs to grow up and I must help in that, often more difficult, process. Of course God doesn't just help in it, He designs what is needed for my growth.
"God, I believe, help my unbelief. I hope, help my hopelessness. I love, help my lack of love." Pg. 124
I like this because I struggle with these things daily, but I do believe, hope and trust.
My justice serves the deeper purposes of My love. Always." pg. 125
I often don't understand His justice, but I can trust in it.
"I am wispering My love to you in your pleasures as a mother quietly sings over a child in her arms. But I want you to grow up." pg. 126
I like this picture. As a mom I do enjoy comforting my child and giving him/her joy, but I also know that he/she needs to grow up and I must help in that, often more difficult, process. Of course God doesn't just help in it, He designs what is needed for my growth.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Words
I got a new book recently. "The Power of words and the Wonder of God." It's essays,written by various leaders,on words. The first one is by Paul Tripp and gave me much to think on.
He mentions that the Bible is "... a story. A grand narrative of redemption." He tells us that this is to give us a "God's story mentality. This means that in the situations and relationships where God has placed us, we are to live in a way that is consistent with the plot of God's story."
I like that.
He also talks about speaking out of the kingdom of God's love or the kingdom of our own selfish desires. An interesting thing to be aware of throughout the day.
He mentions that the Bible is "... a story. A grand narrative of redemption." He tells us that this is to give us a "God's story mentality. This means that in the situations and relationships where God has placed us, we are to live in a way that is consistent with the plot of God's story."
I like that.
He also talks about speaking out of the kingdom of God's love or the kingdom of our own selfish desires. An interesting thing to be aware of throughout the day.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
...all things for His good
I recently read a short biography of John Owen and it mentioned that he expended great effort to get John Bunyon out of prison. He couldn't see what good purpose there was in his being there. He needed to be out preaching and taking care of his family. God had different plans though. It was in this imprisonment that Bunyon wrote "Pilgrim's Progress." A book that has blessed and encouraged many generations of believers.
John Piper has a quote in "The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God," that has been a continual encouragment to me. "Beware, Jamima, God is kind in ways that will not fit your mind."
At present many brothers and sisters around the world are in prison for their faith. One that has become special to me is Asia Bibi. She was imprisoned in 2009 for sharing of her faith. She is in a Pakistan prison for blasphemy. She has a husband and three children who she is not able to care for. However, she spends much time fasting and praying for her family, fellow believers, those who turned her in, those in authority, her country and believers around the world. What good purpose could God have in her circumstances? Eternity may only tell but she will one of God's sparkling jewels in Heaven.
You can Bing Asia Bibi for more of her story.
John Piper has a quote in "The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God," that has been a continual encouragment to me. "Beware, Jamima, God is kind in ways that will not fit your mind."
At present many brothers and sisters around the world are in prison for their faith. One that has become special to me is Asia Bibi. She was imprisoned in 2009 for sharing of her faith. She is in a Pakistan prison for blasphemy. She has a husband and three children who she is not able to care for. However, she spends much time fasting and praying for her family, fellow believers, those who turned her in, those in authority, her country and believers around the world. What good purpose could God have in her circumstances? Eternity may only tell but she will one of God's sparkling jewels in Heaven.
You can Bing Asia Bibi for more of her story.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Dancing with Max
I recently read "Dancing with Max" by Emily Colson and so enjoyed it. Max is her amazingly wonderful autistic son. I loved the response of their church to him. I loved her love and delight in him, and that she was real about how hard it is at times to raise him.
You will be blessed by reading this and it will help you in knowing better how to love and respond to special needs people in your life. It's also a reminder that we may see them as "special needs" but they are of great value and importance in our world.
You will be blessed by reading this and it will help you in knowing better how to love and respond to special needs people in your life. It's also a reminder that we may see them as "special needs" but they are of great value and importance in our world.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Trusting in His providence
I found this statement on the blog Radical Womanhood. It's written to singles but relevent for all of us. The journey Tim and I have been on for 2 1/2 years has not been at all what we've exected. There have been very discouraging times, it often seems hopeless. We've chosen to keep trusting that God is at work and He is good, but it's easy to fall into Naomi thinking. I am so thankful that God is faithful and sovereign and I can put my trust in Him even when I can't see what He is doing. He is God and I am not.
"It’s all about trusting God’s good provision for our lives. Encourage single men and women to read Ruth. Not because it’s a matchmaking book (it’s really not), but because we all tend to be like Naomi. We survey our circumstances and think we know exactly what God is doing. . . or not doing. But we simply have no idea that he is doing more than we can ask or imagine. His quiet providence is on display everywhere and an eagerness to look for that and praise him for it cultivates gratitude. "
I'd also recommend "A Sweet and Bitter Providence," by John Piper. This book was a wonderful valentines gift from the love of my life.
"It’s all about trusting God’s good provision for our lives. Encourage single men and women to read Ruth. Not because it’s a matchmaking book (it’s really not), but because we all tend to be like Naomi. We survey our circumstances and think we know exactly what God is doing. . . or not doing. But we simply have no idea that he is doing more than we can ask or imagine. His quiet providence is on display everywhere and an eagerness to look for that and praise him for it cultivates gratitude. "
I'd also recommend "A Sweet and Bitter Providence," by John Piper. This book was a wonderful valentines gift from the love of my life.
Friday, August 12, 2011
I must! Really?
I have an addiction to on-line mahjong! Some people serf the web or watch then tube to waste time, I play mahjong. It's a time killer I know. When I play I can block out the world and I enjoy it. Harmless, right? Anything that is addictive isn't harmless. I've tried to not play, but I keep going back to this "harmless" time waster.
Today in reading Jeremiah I saw these words, spoken by the people of Judah when confronted with their idolatry, "It's no use. I love foreign gods and I must go after them." How foolish, how short sighted, how like me. "It's no use I love mahjong and I must play it."
To emphasize the message I was also in II Cor. where Paul was talking about dying to self and death, to self, being at work in him. I clearly saw that I am refusing in this area to die to myself, my "harmless" time waster.
I want to put God first and love Him above all else. If you think of me please pray that I will humble myself before Him and truly love Him enough to die to myself.
Today in reading Jeremiah I saw these words, spoken by the people of Judah when confronted with their idolatry, "It's no use. I love foreign gods and I must go after them." How foolish, how short sighted, how like me. "It's no use I love mahjong and I must play it."
To emphasize the message I was also in II Cor. where Paul was talking about dying to self and death, to self, being at work in him. I clearly saw that I am refusing in this area to die to myself, my "harmless" time waster.
I want to put God first and love Him above all else. If you think of me please pray that I will humble myself before Him and truly love Him enough to die to myself.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Let Your Heart Rejoice!
I've been memorizing Psalm 13:5-6 and trying to discipline myself to praise God for all things, especially my salvation and then I heard a song yesterday that was such a good reminder to me.
It's a song by Annie Herring, I don't know the name of it, but it's very simple and I've always loved it.
The words are:
Never let a day go by without letting your heart rejoice,
Never let a day go by without lifting up your voice.
To thank Him for the things He's done,
for giving us His precious Son.
Never let a day go by without letting your heart rejoice.
I had an "ah ha" moment when listening to it this time that my heart was made to rejoice in God and naturally wants to but I let life distract me and often get discouraged by the distractions. I need to free up my heart to rejoice as it was designed to do.
The hard part is what does that mean. I'm letting the Spirit talk to me about it and looking forward to what He is doing in my life through this nugget of truth.
It's a song by Annie Herring, I don't know the name of it, but it's very simple and I've always loved it.
The words are:
Never let a day go by without letting your heart rejoice,
Never let a day go by without lifting up your voice.
To thank Him for the things He's done,
for giving us His precious Son.
Never let a day go by without letting your heart rejoice.
I had an "ah ha" moment when listening to it this time that my heart was made to rejoice in God and naturally wants to but I let life distract me and often get discouraged by the distractions. I need to free up my heart to rejoice as it was designed to do.
The hard part is what does that mean. I'm letting the Spirit talk to me about it and looking forward to what He is doing in my life through this nugget of truth.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Faith...
A few weeks ago we got an expected no on a job, but it was still a disappointment. We went out to celebrate God's sovereignty and goodness, but I have to admit after two years it's a bit harder to rejoice. As we were eating the Lord reminded me of the definition of faith from Hebrews 11.
"The assurance of things hoped from, the evidence of things not seen."
I felt He was reminding me that He is working and I must trust Him. I needed, and continue to need that reminder.
Thank you Lord, for being with us through this season, thank you for your faithfulness and goodness to us.
"The assurance of things hoped from, the evidence of things not seen."
I felt He was reminding me that He is working and I must trust Him. I needed, and continue to need that reminder.
Thank you Lord, for being with us through this season, thank you for your faithfulness and goodness to us.
Friday, April 08, 2011
He is Holy
I've been in Leviticus and Deuteronomy lately and it does amaze me to see the importance of God's holiness and my lack of truly understanding it.
At the end of Leviticus 9 we see God devouring the offering with a great fire and the people falling down to worship Him. In the next chapter we have the story of Nadab and Abihu offering strange fire and dying because of it. This seems pretty intense. I rarely deal with such intensity before the Lord. I want to please Him, but often do "my own thing." Why doesn't He strike me dead for it, because of His grace and mercy. I am forgiven and stand before Him in Christ's righteousness, because of the blood of the cross.
I am glad that I am living in the church age, however, at this time I think we are a bit too casual in our relationship with our God. I wonder how different our lives would be if we saw such immediate judgement.
At the end of Leviticus 9 we see God devouring the offering with a great fire and the people falling down to worship Him. In the next chapter we have the story of Nadab and Abihu offering strange fire and dying because of it. This seems pretty intense. I rarely deal with such intensity before the Lord. I want to please Him, but often do "my own thing." Why doesn't He strike me dead for it, because of His grace and mercy. I am forgiven and stand before Him in Christ's righteousness, because of the blood of the cross.
I am glad that I am living in the church age, however, at this time I think we are a bit too casual in our relationship with our God. I wonder how different our lives would be if we saw such immediate judgement.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pretend gods
The other day Sydney asked me if there are bad gods. I tried to explain to her about false gods, made in mans image and then I realized that she gets pretend better then the words I was using. She has a great imagination and often when we are doing something she will remind me that "it's just pretend." I explained to her that many people believe in pretend gods, only they don't understand that they are pretend. She got that and concluded that we believe in the true God.
I've been thinking about that lately, my Isaiah study is in some chapters that talk about idols. It helps to remember that they are pretend, and that most of ours today aren't statues but anything that replaces God in our lives or that we covet.
God points out the foolishness of making an idol out of wood that you also use for making a fire to cook with or warm yourself. He said to them, " you don't even know that what you hold in your right hand is a lie."
Children don't always differentiate between pretend and real, but as they get older the usually figure it out. Adults should get the difference, but in the case of idols, or whatever we covet, we don't always. We can be so foolish.
I've been thinking about that lately, my Isaiah study is in some chapters that talk about idols. It helps to remember that they are pretend, and that most of ours today aren't statues but anything that replaces God in our lives or that we covet.
God points out the foolishness of making an idol out of wood that you also use for making a fire to cook with or warm yourself. He said to them, " you don't even know that what you hold in your right hand is a lie."
Children don't always differentiate between pretend and real, but as they get older the usually figure it out. Adults should get the difference, but in the case of idols, or whatever we covet, we don't always. We can be so foolish.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
He is good!
Today I was reading in Matthew 6. Verses I've read so often about God providing for us and how valuable we are to Him.
These verses blessed me today by encouraging me with His love and care for us in a way they haven't before. We are in a place where we know how truly dependent we are on Him to provide--a job, food, the roof over our heads. He has been so faithful through this process, but it has been a long time and we are weary of it.
I have been battling anxiety and He has been faithful to give me peace when I go to Him with it.
We are eating a lot more soup now and truly thankful to Him for all we have. We've always said we were but when you have a paycheck coming in you tend to not understand your dependence as much.
God has provided through His people and even a food bank. It is humbling to go to one, but it also gives us an intimate understanding of where many today are. We can be satisfied in Him even when we are on the other end of giving.
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. This satisfaction doesn't depend on circumstances, it only depends on His goodness, and He is good!
These verses blessed me today by encouraging me with His love and care for us in a way they haven't before. We are in a place where we know how truly dependent we are on Him to provide--a job, food, the roof over our heads. He has been so faithful through this process, but it has been a long time and we are weary of it.
I have been battling anxiety and He has been faithful to give me peace when I go to Him with it.
We are eating a lot more soup now and truly thankful to Him for all we have. We've always said we were but when you have a paycheck coming in you tend to not understand your dependence as much.
God has provided through His people and even a food bank. It is humbling to go to one, but it also gives us an intimate understanding of where many today are. We can be satisfied in Him even when we are on the other end of giving.
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. This satisfaction doesn't depend on circumstances, it only depends on His goodness, and He is good!
Monday, February 28, 2011
God has a plan
Recently I read a book my sister gave to my husband, "The Sherlockian" by Graham Moore.
The book is a creative work that tells a present day story of solving a mystery by using Sherlock Holmes methods and a mystery from the time of Sir Arthur Conon Doyle, using Holmes methods to solve it. The book was interesting and well written, however the blessing in it was on page 149, of my copy at least.
Doyle is frustrated by the lack of progress and realizes that that is how his readers feel in the middle of his books. He makes a statement which coming from an author seems to be to be a bit proud and presumptuous, however I felt the Lord telling me this is for me from Him.
I am going to take care of you. I know it seems impossible now, but it will all work out. You cannot see where I'm going, but I can, and it will delight you in the end. Trust Me.
This is an encouragement I need at this stage or our journey. As I've continually been reminded this year in studying Isaiah, God has a plan, He is working it out and it is good (although sometimes the goodness of it is mystery).
The book is a creative work that tells a present day story of solving a mystery by using Sherlock Holmes methods and a mystery from the time of Sir Arthur Conon Doyle, using Holmes methods to solve it. The book was interesting and well written, however the blessing in it was on page 149, of my copy at least.
Doyle is frustrated by the lack of progress and realizes that that is how his readers feel in the middle of his books. He makes a statement which coming from an author seems to be to be a bit proud and presumptuous, however I felt the Lord telling me this is for me from Him.
I am going to take care of you. I know it seems impossible now, but it will all work out. You cannot see where I'm going, but I can, and it will delight you in the end. Trust Me.
This is an encouragement I need at this stage or our journey. As I've continually been reminded this year in studying Isaiah, God has a plan, He is working it out and it is good (although sometimes the goodness of it is mystery).
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Friends
I got a new book that I am enjoying. "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" by Rick Renner.
Today's verse was Eph. 1:16, I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you always in my prayers.
He asks a few questions at the end of the study and one was:
"When you pray,do you focus only on the 'problem people' who bother you and steal your peace, or do you always make certain to take the time to thank God for the faithful ones?"
I have to admit I often spend more time praying for the people I'm struggling with. I need to be in prayer about them but I also need to remember to pray for those that are a blessing to me. I spent some time thanking God for these special people and praying for His blessing on them and enjoyed it very much.
What about you?
Today's verse was Eph. 1:16, I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you always in my prayers.
He asks a few questions at the end of the study and one was:
"When you pray,do you focus only on the 'problem people' who bother you and steal your peace, or do you always make certain to take the time to thank God for the faithful ones?"
I have to admit I often spend more time praying for the people I'm struggling with. I need to be in prayer about them but I also need to remember to pray for those that are a blessing to me. I spent some time thanking God for these special people and praying for His blessing on them and enjoyed it very much.
What about you?
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Tree
I have been battling with anxiety about the lack of options for a position for Tim. This morning as I was reading I Peter I was admonished about this.
I am to cast all of my anxieties on Him and trust in His care for me.
I am to be sober minded and watchful of the enemies attempts to devour me, in this case through discouragement.
I am to resist him firm in my faith.
And...
He will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me.
What a wondrous promise.
He has given me a physical reminder of this in a tree that a friend brought over yesterday. We chose to use our tree money this year for presents for the grandkids and were fine with the decision, however, my friend felt we should have a tree.
She brought it over yesterday with all the trimmings and we had a fun time putting it up.
It's different than the trees we usually get and doesn't have any of the familiar ornaments, but this morning as I was looking at it I felt the Lord telling me, "Just as this tree is new and different and given in love, I have something new and different for you and Tim and it is something that will be given to you in My love.
What a wonderful promise and encouragement this is.
Thank you my loving, merciful, sovereign Heavenly Father.
I am to cast all of my anxieties on Him and trust in His care for me.
I am to be sober minded and watchful of the enemies attempts to devour me, in this case through discouragement.
I am to resist him firm in my faith.
And...
He will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me.
What a wondrous promise.
He has given me a physical reminder of this in a tree that a friend brought over yesterday. We chose to use our tree money this year for presents for the grandkids and were fine with the decision, however, my friend felt we should have a tree.
She brought it over yesterday with all the trimmings and we had a fun time putting it up.
It's different than the trees we usually get and doesn't have any of the familiar ornaments, but this morning as I was looking at it I felt the Lord telling me, "Just as this tree is new and different and given in love, I have something new and different for you and Tim and it is something that will be given to you in My love.
What a wonderful promise and encouragement this is.
Thank you my loving, merciful, sovereign Heavenly Father.
Friday, December 03, 2010
What Joy
I woke up this morning thinking of the glow on Jenny's face last night and the joy of the anticipation of her wedding tomorrow and was reminded of the wedding ahead for us. When I think of John's excitement and think that my bridegroom/Savior has such joy over me, it amazes me. It is so good to think of the future joy awaiting us, His bride.
These earthly reminders are wonderful.
The unexpected snow today is another reminder that it's not perfect here.
These earthly reminders are wonderful.
The unexpected snow today is another reminder that it's not perfect here.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Perspective
Traveling on miles can be a challenge. It took us 24 hrs, including layovers, to arrive in Glasgow for the wedding. I could put up with the frustrations and inconveniences by remembering the purpose of the trip. It was worth the troubles in the traveling to be here with John and Jenny and be a part of the lead up to and actual event of the wedding.
I need to remember this more in the "dailys" of life. When we get to Heaven and begin to enjoy the life that God has for us, the troubles we face now will just be unimportant blips. We can get through them, joyfully, by remembering how temporary they are and what wonders are ahead.
As Oswald Chambers said, "beware lest your forget your purpose."
I need to remember this more in the "dailys" of life. When we get to Heaven and begin to enjoy the life that God has for us, the troubles we face now will just be unimportant blips. We can get through them, joyfully, by remembering how temporary they are and what wonders are ahead.
As Oswald Chambers said, "beware lest your forget your purpose."
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