Winter Blessings

Just wanted to write a post sharing a few things God has done for me this winter. I wrote about my getting stuck in the snow, and how 5 guys from church got me out, in my last post. I also received significant help through the snow and cold on two other occasions since then. On Monday morning, I tried to start my car outside of work only to find that I couldn't. A girl I work with tried to give me a jump to no avail. After many tries, I went ahead and called Dave, my automotive troubleshooter and mechanic. Dave came out to my work, in the very frigid negative degree weather and worked on getting my car to start. When that didn't work, Dave and his dad, Carl, towed my car to their shop to let it warm up. Carl, and his wife Carrie, invited me to their house for breakfast while we waited for my car to warm. Try to get that kind of service from your average auto shop. By the time we came back from breakfast, my car was warm enough to start, and I got to go home to my nice warm bed. :) The other occasion took place on Thursday. After a few more inches of snow had fallen the night before, I tackled the task of shoveling out my walkways and driveway. Shortly after starting to clear my drive, a man clearing the nearby apartment parking lot saw me shoveling. I have never met the man, but he drove his skid loader over and in a matter of a minute or two he cleared the driveway that would have taken me about a 1/2 hr to clear. It is amazing the way God takes care of me. All this to say: Thanks and praise, to the sovereign God, who through various life circumstances, not only provides tests and trials that produce patience and equip us for every good work (James 1), but also provides the way of escape, and the grace to go through these tests and trials to the glory and honor of His name. He even works in the heart of sinful man to will and to do His pleasure, and to accomplish His purpose, which is ultimately to bring glory to His name, and sometimes more immediately to help someone out of the snow. The interweaving of God's plan is so detailed and perfect. The God who caused the snow and the cold is the same God who provided the help to overcome it. A help out of the snow may seem pretty minor compared to many of life's trials, and in many ways it is, but the principle and the picture are the same. God's "way of escape" is sometimes harder than others, but He always provides one, and no situation is out of God's control.

Christmastime

Well, it is that time of year again. Its Christmastime. I've done all my shopping, and I'm planning to drive to my dad's when I get off work at 7am. I was thinking tonight about the complexity of the blessings and challenges of Christmas. I have been told that Jesus was most likely born in springtime, and that December 25th is just a random day that we have picked to theoretically celebrate His birthday, and with all the commercialism, Santa Clause, and plain old greediness that accompany the holiday some would argue it would be better to not celebrate the holiday. I'm going to look at the reverse side of the coin for this post. When I think of Christmas my mind goes in many different directions from the beautiful Christmas lights, to the crowded stores, to spoiled children asking for overpriced, unnecessary gifts, to families who only dream of being able to have gifts, and to children who only dream of having a family. It is a time of year when some people go out of their way to be nice, while others fight and argue and wrestle to get the last hot gift item for the year. It seems to be the best and worst time of year all rolled into one. At no other time of year do the needs and pitfalls of mankind seem so obvious, and the hurt and pain in the world is so deeply felt. The homeless and heartbroken and the over-privileged and greedy all people need the Savior. They need Jesus. While this time of year seems to bring out the worst in most people, it is such an opportunity to show God's love, to smile in the checkout line, while everyone else is grumpy and rude, to take in someone you know who has no place else to go, to cry with those who are hurting, and best of all to share the story of Christ's birth and the reason He came to earth at this one time of year when the taboo on talking about God is slightly less. Its one of the few times of the year that some people go to church, the Christmas programs and songs that give people a little nugget of God's truth and His word, and create a starting point for explaining God's gift to man. I see Christmastime as evidence of man's need for God and of God's amazing ability to turn the sinfulness of man into an opportunity to witness and bring glory to His name. So to quote the most commonly known verse from most church Christmas programs "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill to men."

Who Really Plans Your Day? (Revised)

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:1 Well, its Friday morning. We are nearing the end of the week, and I was thinking over the events of this week so far. Monday, I forgot what time I worked, and ended up being a 1/2hr late. Tuesday, I intended to print off a card to take to a visitation, but I was out of ink. Later, I went to the visitation to be a comfort and encouragement, and wound up crying more than the family, and did not have much to say. Wednesday, I tried to put ink in my printer to print off the card, and I think I managed to break my printer. (I'll have to look at it when I am not tired and frustrated to be certain.) I intended to go to a funeral on Wednesday, but after a long night of working and an hour of sleep I realized I would not be able to make it through the funeral and work. Thursday, I got off of work at 9 and intended to get up and lift weights and go to kickboxing class. Instead I slept for a few more hours, and got up in time to go meet a friend for dinner, followed by work, which I wasn't scheduled for until Thursday morning. Do you notice a pattern? As I was thinking about my week, and all my plans that had changed, and been frustrated, I was reminded that I am not the one who plans the events of my day. Similar to 2 Corinthians 1:15-22 I make plans with good intentions to follow through, but my yes is only yes if God wills, and my no, is only no, through Him. So many times I plan to accomplish my To Do List, and I fail. I am so grateful that God is the one who determines what needs to be done in a day. God's plan is perfect and never fails. No matter how many tasks are left unchecked on my list at the end of the day, His list is complete. And, He who works in us both to will and to do (Philippians 2:13), will always cause us to accomplish His will. Have you ever thought about that when you were running 10 steps behind yourself, trying to catch up, and everything seemed to be falling through the cracks? God is Sovereign. He causes all things to work together for good. Romans 8:28. He works all things after the counsel of His will. (Ephesians 1:11.) And so no matter what we did not accomplish in a day was always meant to be undone that day. We have no reason to worry, or be concerned (for you Cheryl), about the items left on the list, because God chose for us to not accomplish them. The same is true at the beginning of a long crazy day. As you look at your plans and think, "There is no way I can possibly accomplish all that I need to get done today." I would submit that we are always able a prepared to accomplish everything we need to get done in whatever day we are in, by the grace of God. Although, there is often quite a difference between what we need to do and what we think we need to do. We may have some days that our To Do List matches God's Will Be Done List, but even then it is God who works in us both to will and to do. (Philipians 2:13). "But He is unique and who can turn Him? And what His soul desires, that He does. For He performs what is appointed for me, and many such decrees are with Him." Job 23:13-14 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 And yet another change of plans. I have to go before finishing this. More to come. Additions in blue. James 4:14-15 Proverbs 16:9 (Proverbs 19:21) Psalm 33:10-11 Proverbs 16:1,3, &9

Sorrowful Blessings and Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

Wednesday night and into Thursday, I had the privilege of sitting in a hospital room as a man from my church, one of the best examples of consistent faith and love for God I have ever known, Stan, was brought home to be with God. There is nothing like the passing of a Christian. The combination of joy and sorrow. (1Thessalonians 4:13-18) Knowing that this person you have come to know and love, who has helped you to grow and to understand God and His will, and has made such an impact in the lives of others is not going to be around anymore. It is sad and sorrowful and yet joyous and beautiful to know that this same person is now with God. (2Corinthians 4:14-18 )He is face to face with the Saviour and can finally shed all the trials and struggles of this world and is like Him, because he can see Him as He is. (1John 3:2) I also had to give a little inside laugh and a smile as I heard my pastor pray, " we confess we are a little jealous."Because I had been thinking the same thing. And, I thought it many times after my mom died. How happy I was that she was there, and how much I wished I could just join them, and yet what a great joy and privelege to have opportunity to be used by God! I am so glad God has given us verses like these (2Corinthians 5:-9). I marvel at the wisdom of God. The amazing way He intertwines sorrow, joy, and peace. In our times of ease and prosperity we can and should give thanks and praise to God(1Thessalonians 5:18), and it is precious and gracious and beautiful that God allows us, sinful as we are, to praise His name. And yet, how much more amazing and precious and beautiful to see a person who has just lost the most important person in their life in the middle of their sadness and grief and tears, give thanks to God for that life. To acknowledge and praise His wisdom in both giving this life and in taking it away. I sat in that room and watched and listened as Connie, Stan's wife, talked about God's timing and power and how God was giving her peace (Philippians 4:7). As she sang with sincerity and peace about how God is not only God in happy times, but also sad, and how God makes the bad things in life good (Romans 8:28). I also witnessed this wonderful Christian woman as she stayed with her husband, despite exhaustion and lack of food. All the while encouraging the rest of us in the room to go lie down or eat something. The love God gave her for others overflowing even in her sadness (John 13:35). If you would please be in prayer for Connie, and the people around her as we grieve with her (Romans 12:15), and as we pass on our comfort to her (2Corinthians 1:3-4) And pray that God would use Stan's death to bring glory and honor to His name, just as He was gracious enough to do with Stan's life. 1Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will no fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

One Day WHEN You Are Married

Those of you who are single I have no doubt you can relate to this, even if you do not agree with me on the subject. This is one of my pet peeves. I can not count the times someone has assumed that I will get married and oftentimes that my entire life up until that point is just preparation for becoming someone's wife. Although I realize the intentions of the person are almost always good, as a friend once told me "people know you are a really cool person and they want you to be happy and have companionship." (quite possibly not an exact word for word quote, but you get the idea.) I've heard it said, and wholeheartedly agree, that the strongest human bond is husband and wife. And, the Bible teaches us that marriage is to be honored and it is a picture of Christ and the church, Ephesians 5. So, of course it makes sense that marriage would be a common topic of conversation and a large part of life, but it is not a given, 1st Corinthians 7. Living life as a single person has trials that come with it for certain, but living life as a married person comes with its own set of trials. I admit I find myself thinking of the idea of marriage often, but a growing concern I have is that too many, girls more than boys, spend so much time focusing on the idea of being someone's spouse, and what their future spouse will be like that they lose focus on God and on how they can serve Him right now, right here, just the way they are. Another concern I have, keep in mind these are concerns for myself not just others, is that between our own ponderings of these things and the people around us encouraging the idea that marriage is a certainty in our lives, what is going to happen if God has chosen a different life for us? What if His plan for our lives is to be single? What if we spend 20 or 30yrs of our life planning to someday start our life as someone's wife instead of seeking to glorify God in whatever path He chooses to lead us on? Life does not start with your wedding day! Life is here, it is now! There is nothing wrong with learning to cook and clean and take care of family, for guys either. In fact, I would encourage everyone to do so, and to use those skills to take care of everyone around you. Your parents, your siblings, and other people God brings along your path, but I would encourage you, whatever you learn, do so with the idea that you want to use this to glorify God and to serve those around you, not with the idea that you have to learn this to train for the day you will be someones wife. I realize I have a tendency to be more independant than most people, partly by choice and partly by lack of alternative options, but keep this in mind too, it is a good thing to learn to work hard and with your hands. Having a job, even a physical one, is not reserved for men. Proverbs 31:10-31 talks about the virtous woman or wife. I am sure any Christian single woman reading this is at least somewhat familiar with this passage. It is often taught as an example of how Christian women should aspire to be, and rightfully so, but what I don't understand is how often we manage to miss the fact that this godly wife on top of taking care of her family at home, she also worked with her hands in a field, sold goods at the marketplace, and girded herself with strength. Too often the idea of what a lady should be is depicted has only cooking and cleaning and watching the kids, being the 'weaker vessel' which is true, but is not equivalent with being weak and danty. I challenge any girl or woman reading this to follow the example of the virtous woman or excellent wife depending on your translation. Whether you are married or single, learn to take care of the people around you. Learn a trade of some sort. Gird yourself with strength. Whether God's plan is for you to marry or be single, it will benefit you to learn to take care of yourself and others. While we are human, and God in His mercy and graciousness often shows us that we need help from others and cannot do things all alone, we also need to learn to depend on God, not on our fathers, brothers, or Mr. Right. God has given us arms and legs and muscles that can work and can grow strong and an ability to think and reason and we need to use these things to glorify God every bit as much as any man. It is natural and even ok to think about and wonder if and to whom we will get married someday, but we must remember that we are living today. Tomorrow and all our plans are in His hands. Our paths are His choice. Our dreams are not a given. Apreciate the growth God has brought into your life, and use the things He has taught you to glorify and serve Him.

Rambling Life Observations

I have noticed that my life seems to run in stages. Of course at anytime in one's life you would at least hope to be learning and growing etc. But it seems that for me at least I am always a completely different person (with my core beliefs still in tact)in completely different circumstances from one stage to another, and every stage seems to be marked by some location or activity-job, school etc. I am sure if stated differently most can relate. Its the answer to the question what do you do?. Once I was a student, and a basketball or volleyball player. Later I was a t-ball coach a sales rep and assistant mgr. I have been the vending machine girl, the kick boxer and many other titles. Its interesting how God leads a person through life, how one day you find yourself doing things you never would have imagined yourself doing. If your wondering what my point is in this rambling mess of thought, I'm not sure that I have one, but it is curious to me to see where God has led me, to try to remember who I was and how I thought and things I've done in comparison to how things are now. I am not who I used to be. I am not the person I will be. I wonder what the next chapter of my life holds, and yet I'm glad I don't know.

Thanksgiving

Yesterday as you all know was Thanksgiving. A holiday intended to remind us all to give thanks to God. I was giving some thought to an old question that usually comes up on this day every year. What are you thankful for this year? The basic answers are usually along the lines of a roof over our heads and food on the table. And we ought to give thanks for those things. But as my pastor pointed out this Wednesday we are to be thankful for all things. Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. This is a concept I have been giving much thought to this entire year. When we look at the events in our day, how often are we truly thankful for ALL things? Are we thankful when our car doesn't start or when we stub our toe on the chair? This year, by the grace of God, I am thankful that my mom died. God brought her home to be with Him. I can't ask more for her than that. I am thankful for the opportunities to be a witness that God brought across my path as a result. I am thankful for the work He has done in my life through this. I am thankful for His mercy and comfort that He has given me to help me through. And the memory of going through this trial that is a wonderful reasource to help and comfort others in their trials. 2 Corinthians 1:4 I am thankful for my friends. They are wonderful people God has placed in my life, and they have thus far continued to talk to me no matter how completely crazy I get. I am thankful for my family. They are sometimes a handful, but I love them and through them God continues to teach me patience and understanding. I am thankful for the job that God has provided me in the past. Although I have not always been as thankful as I should. He provided me a job that paid more than I needed. I am also thankful that I was laid-off. I could continue forever I'm sure, but the point is God's plan for me isn't always easy, but its always good and always right. Through happiness and heartache, greetings and goodbyes, His plan is perfect and complete. Happy Thanksgiving!

DUH! Moment

OK, I just had one of those DUH! moments. I thought I'd share it with you. Lately, I have been praying to God about my life. Wondering what I'm supposed to do. Where exactly I fit in this world and in my church in accordance with God's plan. How I can glorify His name and be of use in others' lives. Also, I wonder how it is that I can be so dense that I constantly fall short of the standard He has set, and I don't even realize it most of the time. I have been discouraged, and I have been getting frustrated with myself. By God's grace we have verses to tell us that trials are a blessing. That they teach us patience and endurance. On top of that knowledge I learned something tonight. We were talking about humility, pride, sin and God's forgiveness, redemption etc. It amazes me how God uses our sin, evil and ill intentioned on our part, for our good "For all things work together for good to them that are the called..." When we recognize and confess our sin we are not only forgiven, but we are humbled which helps us fight pride. We are reminded of God's holiness and His Grace, of our sinfulness and our need for Him, and when we realize this we are also reminded of His sovereignty and wisdom that even this wicked sin against God, He can use for good. As I was thinking of all of this I had that duh! moment. Although my general ponderings of my particular path in life are still unanswered I realized that my not knowing what to do is a gracious gift from God. In teaching patience, yes, but also in helping me be mindful that I need God to show me my paths. I need His wisdom, I need Him. I have been praying these things, but I didn't really stop to think that my waiting is helping me to lean on Him. DUH! :) I can be so dense!-See I need God.

The Coming of Fall

I suppose it is technically fall already. School is back in session, it is colder out, and the calendar says September, but I don't consider it to be fall until the leaves change color. Man, this summer went fast. The whole year so far actually. So many things going on sure makes time fly. I have always liked summer best. Its warm, green, and sunny, but this year I am really looking forward to fall. It is a nice break to have the cool breeze and not have to run the air conditioner. I love the look of the trees as they change color. And having an excuse to wear my longsleave comfy cozy clothes. Curling up on the couch with my blanket and maybe some tea. I also hope to make it back to the park in Redwood Falls to take pictures of the paths with trees covered in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is a joy to see how God changes the look of things around us. From the green of summer to the many colors of fall, and then He blankets everything in white snow. It is a blessing to see God's order in creation.

Wasting Time

Have you ever thought to yourself I wish there were more hours in the day? Or wondered how you could get all these things done? I found it funny today, as I was putting off doing a few random things around my apt. and watching Garfield instead, the first cartoon they showed had Jon Arbuckle sitting in front of the tv telling himself of all the chores he should do today. And not moving from his seat to do them. Then a commercial came on for Supersonic Seymour, promising to help him get more done during the day, for a fee of course. Its so funny how cartoons mimic life. He payed this guy to tell him to do stuff instead of just making himself do what needed to be done in the first place. Some people really do make the most of their time, but I personally know I only don't get done what I choose to not do. If there were more hours in the day, I would just waste those too. I think we could all have a plan to help get more done in a day. Start doing something instead of nothing. And people say cartoons aren't educational.

Me and Betty Boop

-----------------Have you ever wondered what you would look like as a cartoon? Well yesterday, at work a lady came up to me and said that everytime she sees me, I remind her of Betty Boop. Something about my hairstyle and the shape of my face. I thought it was funny and decided to share it with you. So what do you think? Do I look like Betty Boop?

The Sovereignty and Omniscience of God, Topics for Kids and Adults

In the middle of a prayer I found myself saying "You know what's best for me, You know my heart and the end of my paths," and I was instantly reminded of a conversation with my niece Cassy. Back in June I had the opportunity to babysit my brothers three kids and their dog for a weekend. Instant family, just add me. Anyway, while I was there it started to rain, and Cassy told me that when it rains it is because God is crying. Obviously her thinking needed a bit of an adjustment. I told her that rain isn't God crying. That it comes from clouds, but God causes it to rain. That He is in control of all things, and that He made everything. This started a long line of did He make this thing questions, and eventually I told her not only did God make her but He knows her thoughts and He knows every word she will ever say before she says it. A look of amazement covered her face and then she asked, "what am I going to say next?" I couldn't help but laugh a little as I said,"I don't know, but God does."She thought very hard trying to come up with something unexpected to say and then settled for, "hi auntie Sarah." Its a cute story, but I find it funny that I can explain to a seven yr. old that God knows everything, and is in control of everything, and yet as simple as the concept is, it is one I have to remind myself of. When I think back over my life this far it is amazing to see how God has worked. The paths that God has lead me down are paths I would never have imagined. "He knoweth the end of each path I take" to quote a favorite song of mine, but even more awe inspiring He knows every possible path I could take and the ends they would lead me to. And He causes me to choose to path that He has planned for my life. The sovereignty of God, a complicated and yet simple concept. If you get the chance watch the expressions on a child's face as you explain that one.

God Only Faithful. God Only Wise

When your all alone in darkness, and tears run down your face. When your heart is longing for a voice, or someone to embrace, When your sure the loneliness of the night will never end, and you will never find a way to being useful once again. When life’s cares surround and you lose sight, You are not left alone to fight this fight. God only faithful. God only wise. He is the one. Who will always hear your cries. Into the darkness He sheds His light, God only faithful, God only wise. He is the friend who’s there in the night. He is the one who causes fear to take flight. In life’s saddest moments, He has a perfect plan. He knows the beginning, and He knows the end. His truth is the light to take the darkness away. His truth is the key to finding your way. God only faithful. God only wise. Who shepherds the flock, and leads even through the night.

Gifts From God

Thursday, my dad called to tell me he would be home this weekend. He is a cross-country truck driver, so we never know if he will be or not. Anyway, since he was gonna be home, and his birthday is this Wednesday, I drove down. Midnight on a Friday evening I walk through the door to find home-made pizza waiting for me. :) Always a good start. The whole weekend was nice, and it was good to spend time with my family, but what sticks with me the most was Saturday afternoon at the fair with my brother's kids. Charlie's big ketchup covered smile. Cassie, trying to keep her plate from blowing away when she picks up her pizza. Madison, bursting into tears at the thought of having to climb a net, and having the guy in charge let her out the back way. Both girls, sitting in bumper cars trying to figure out why they won't move. and Cassie spinning aroung in circles, once she found the gas pedal. Hearing my sister-in-law say that the kids get all excited when they hear we are coming over. Listening to Charlie walking around saying "hi' to everyone, except my dad, then its "Howdy Hi." The way he pronounces my name, "Sawah." And seeing my dad's face as he gets to hear Charlie say "grandpa." These are some of the gifts God gave me this weekend. We were not able to spend the past seven years with Joe and his family, long story, but what a blessing to be able to spend time with them now. I don't think anyone could top Charlie's gift to my dad. He sang"Happy Birthday." God made those kids very sweet, and if you were aware of the situation, that song coming from him was enough to melt your heart.

Life Changing Moments

Six months ago on a Sunday afternoon I met up with my mom and my brother Bob to watch a movie, and to bring her some things. After the movie and some Taco Bell I gave my mom a hug and said goodbye and that I love her, and I got in my car and left. It was the last time I would get to talk with my mom before she died. Its funny how fast life can change. One minute I was putting donuts in a vending machine just like every Wednesday morning and the next I was starting a 2hr drive to pick up my brother to drive another hour to see my mom lying in a hospital bed unconscious, by Saturday she was gone, and my life was changed forever. There are moments in life that you will never forget. Those moments that divide life into the before and the after. What a comfort to know that moments like these do not come by accident. God is always in control of every detail. When someone we love dies or leaves us. The temptation is to ask God why He would take them away from us. God did not take my mom away from me after I spent only 23yrs with her. God gave me a wonderful loving mom for the first 23yrs of my life and the time I was given with her will affect who I am, how I think, and things that I do for the rest of my life. I miss her more than I could ever explain and yet I wouldn't trade the time I spent with her for one less moment spent in tears. God is gracious. God is good. He gave me the exact mom I was supposed to have, and He took her home at the precise time that she was supposed to go. How gracious and loving God is to bring my mom out of this world of hurt and sin into His presence! And He shows His grace and mercy by comforting those of us left behind. What God's plan is for me I don't know, but I am thankful to God that He does. And that I will be taken home as soon as I have finished His plan for my life, and not one moment sooner.

God's Creation

Late Sunday afternoon, I decided I had to get out of my apartment, and do something. I decided to take a walk with my camera and see if I could find something worth taking a picture of. There it was God's beautiful sky. The sun shining rays of light through the clouds. The grace of God that we can see His beautiful creation all around us. Psalm 19:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.