Ok, so I'm getting things done around the house and I decide to play a DVD and the last one in the player was the Disney Movie "Ratatouille". I've seen it before and really I was just looking for something to watch while I ate my lunch. So then there is this one line in the movie that just hasn't stopped replaying in my mind. The line of the movie was actually some advice being given to the rat. It went kind of like this "If you are only thinking about what you've left behind you will never see what is ahead of you."
Well, it was words that I really needed to hear at that moment and every time I am tempted to dwell on what I'm leaving or have left behind I hear it replayed in my mind and it snaps me out of sadness and my pity party. I know of a verse that is the authority on this subject of forgeting what is behind and looking to what is ahead;
Philippians 3:12-14 "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Freedom In Trying
Better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all.
The real growth is in the trying and life lessons are gained on the
journey. Knowing that we tried has brought so much freedom to my heart.
We never cut you out of our hearts.....if you only knew the depth of longing
for so many of you.....but the Lord's ways are higher than ours. I'm believing that the pruning in our lives will produce much fruit. May we all experience the freedom and peace as we trust Him for the days ahead.
The real growth is in the trying and life lessons are gained on the
journey. Knowing that we tried has brought so much freedom to my heart.
We never cut you out of our hearts.....if you only knew the depth of longing
for so many of you.....but the Lord's ways are higher than ours. I'm believing that the pruning in our lives will produce much fruit. May we all experience the freedom and peace as we trust Him for the days ahead.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Anonymous Trap.
So I’ve been contemplating how a person is supposed to reconcile or take steps to making things right when they are dealing with comments from people who want to remain anonymous.
This anonymous trap has had me in bondage in the past and once again threatens to put me back in bondage again. The bondage is the turmoil in my spirit as I wonder how to make things right with the sources of the anonymous complaints/concerns. You feel like you are only getting a portion of the picture and you are supposed to guess at figuring out the entire picture. After seeing the fruit this practice of anonymity produces I am totally against doing things anonymously if they have a negative slant or a critical purpose.
For one thing you do not know who it is that is making the accusations or complaints/concerns. At times when I’ve found out whom the anonymous source was I could then understand the situation better because I knew source. Often I could then understand where I had gone wrong or what I had done wrong and I could try to do my part and make it right. When you know up front who is bringing concerns/hurts/criticism about you then you can know if this person has a past history of such behavior and clear patterns can be seen in their life that are contributing to the situation.
I believe hiding behind anonymity is in some cases being false and we are to set aside falsehood and in love speak truth. Remaining anonymous for what ever excuse makes it easy to not be held accountable for our words and actions thus making it almost impossible for there to be reconciliation and restoration.
I felt affirmed when I heard how one of Andrea’s Bible College Profs felt about anonymous surveys and/or evaluations in the church. He was quite forceful about his opinion that this was very wrong and not Biblical and went on to explain why to his class.
Anyway, my own journey having experienced this has been one of many battles but I have come to the conclusion that I can’t chase after anonymous people because it is futile and a waste of time. Does this mean that there is no truth to be found in anonymous comments? Of course not but when it has to do with a person being hurt by something you’ve said or done then how can you possibly reconcile with them while they are hiding in anonymity?
The devil also uses this to do damage to God's church. Because you don't know who you are dealing with suspicion and doubt are the enemy's tools to break down unity and reconciliation. Everyone suffers the consequences.
Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
This anonymous trap has had me in bondage in the past and once again threatens to put me back in bondage again. The bondage is the turmoil in my spirit as I wonder how to make things right with the sources of the anonymous complaints/concerns. You feel like you are only getting a portion of the picture and you are supposed to guess at figuring out the entire picture. After seeing the fruit this practice of anonymity produces I am totally against doing things anonymously if they have a negative slant or a critical purpose.
For one thing you do not know who it is that is making the accusations or complaints/concerns. At times when I’ve found out whom the anonymous source was I could then understand the situation better because I knew source. Often I could then understand where I had gone wrong or what I had done wrong and I could try to do my part and make it right. When you know up front who is bringing concerns/hurts/criticism about you then you can know if this person has a past history of such behavior and clear patterns can be seen in their life that are contributing to the situation.
I believe hiding behind anonymity is in some cases being false and we are to set aside falsehood and in love speak truth. Remaining anonymous for what ever excuse makes it easy to not be held accountable for our words and actions thus making it almost impossible for there to be reconciliation and restoration.
I felt affirmed when I heard how one of Andrea’s Bible College Profs felt about anonymous surveys and/or evaluations in the church. He was quite forceful about his opinion that this was very wrong and not Biblical and went on to explain why to his class.
Anyway, my own journey having experienced this has been one of many battles but I have come to the conclusion that I can’t chase after anonymous people because it is futile and a waste of time. Does this mean that there is no truth to be found in anonymous comments? Of course not but when it has to do with a person being hurt by something you’ve said or done then how can you possibly reconcile with them while they are hiding in anonymity?
The devil also uses this to do damage to God's church. Because you don't know who you are dealing with suspicion and doubt are the enemy's tools to break down unity and reconciliation. Everyone suffers the consequences.
Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Importance of Learning From My Mistakes
I have written so many blogs that haven't made it to being published. This past year has been one of much reflecting and learning. Years ago, when Andrea would come home from school with a quiz or test she had written and she wasn't happy with her mark I remember asking her "Do you understand what you did wrong?" and I'd also say, "The important thing isn't that you made mistakes but that you learned from them." I remember trying to teach her that mistakes are victories if you learn from them. If you've learned from your mistakes then you can be thankful for them and move on. It is all a part of the learning process and growing up.
I can only hope and pray that I am able to practice what I've preached. Mistakes are costly and some mistakes cost us more than others. I am trying really hard these days to keep focused on what I've learned from my mistakes and what I'd do different in the same situations. Also, I'm asking myself if I have extended grace and showed mercy to those who have made mistakes that affect me? I thank God for His patience and long suffering with me and I pray that I will learn to extend that same grace and mercy He has so lavishly extended to me.
Romans 8:26-28
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
I can only hope and pray that I am able to practice what I've preached. Mistakes are costly and some mistakes cost us more than others. I am trying really hard these days to keep focused on what I've learned from my mistakes and what I'd do different in the same situations. Also, I'm asking myself if I have extended grace and showed mercy to those who have made mistakes that affect me? I thank God for His patience and long suffering with me and I pray that I will learn to extend that same grace and mercy He has so lavishly extended to me.
Romans 8:26-28
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Another song touches my heart today...
Casting Crowns "Who Am I" (2003)
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You're
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Encouraged
Wow, what a whirlwind this year has been. So many changes and so many surprises.
Surprise #1 - OUR DAUGHTER IS ENGAGED TO A GODLY MAN WHO LOVES THE LORD AND OUR DAUGHTER DEEPLY!!! This union is such an answer to prayer.
As of this past week we've been unexpectedly encouraged from two sources that we'd of never even expected it from.
My only mother's day plans were to talk to my girl and then hang out for the afternoon and evening with my family. When I showed up to my sister's I was met with flowers from my little "sis" and her husband. It was so sweet and totally unexpected and encouraged me greatly.
Harley has been waiting on the Lord for direction and in this time of seeking direction he has been blessed with a job that is helping to sustain our financial needs. Harley has been upfront with his boss about the seeking process we are in and his boss declared yesterday that "he hopes God answers his prayers and that Harley is called to stay working for him". That and other encouraging words from his boss have really been an affirmation and encouragement to Harley.
I think a new season has started in our lives and I'm thankful that it has. I was ready for it and thank God for it.
Surprise #1 - OUR DAUGHTER IS ENGAGED TO A GODLY MAN WHO LOVES THE LORD AND OUR DAUGHTER DEEPLY!!! This union is such an answer to prayer.
As of this past week we've been unexpectedly encouraged from two sources that we'd of never even expected it from.
My only mother's day plans were to talk to my girl and then hang out for the afternoon and evening with my family. When I showed up to my sister's I was met with flowers from my little "sis" and her husband. It was so sweet and totally unexpected and encouraged me greatly.
Harley has been waiting on the Lord for direction and in this time of seeking direction he has been blessed with a job that is helping to sustain our financial needs. Harley has been upfront with his boss about the seeking process we are in and his boss declared yesterday that "he hopes God answers his prayers and that Harley is called to stay working for him". That and other encouraging words from his boss have really been an affirmation and encouragement to Harley.
I think a new season has started in our lives and I'm thankful that it has. I was ready for it and thank God for it.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Cry out for this nourishment!
What a battle to get to church yesterday. Some Sunday mornings it is like a battlefield in our house. My thoughts are "Lord, this is not what today is all about! It is time to focus on You and worship You and be drawn to You!" Really all week long this is our mandate as Christians but for some reason Sunday mornings seem much more intense a battle. Now I know that I could list off all the things that set the tone for Sunday morning but it would be a feeble attempt to make myself feel better and excuse my part in the tension that existed.
What does make me feel better is to focus on the Lord's goodness and long suffering and remember that He is faithful. Despite the start to our morning, on our way to church under the leadership of my dear husband we were able to pray together as a family. I felt the heaviness in my heart lift as Harley prayed. Then, as I engaged in the service and heard a sermon that cut right into my heart I knew why it was such a battle Sunday morning to keep us from focusing on the Lord. That sweet pure fellowship with the Lord is something to be craved; we are to "cry out for this nourishment". We need it to survive as His children. Worshipping the Lord and praising Him is one avenue of nourishment. The battles are to keep us from worshipping Him. Part of the Scripture Harley preached from that spoke to my heart was
1 Peter 2:1-3 NLT "So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness."
I heard from the Lord yesterday and really appreciated Harley's faithfulness in preaching from the source that offers "pure spiritual milk". I so long to "grow into a full experience of salvation" as Scripture puts it. Thank you Lord for You and Your love expressed in and through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and Your Living Word. And thank you for using Harley to speak to me and others Sunday morning.
What does make me feel better is to focus on the Lord's goodness and long suffering and remember that He is faithful. Despite the start to our morning, on our way to church under the leadership of my dear husband we were able to pray together as a family. I felt the heaviness in my heart lift as Harley prayed. Then, as I engaged in the service and heard a sermon that cut right into my heart I knew why it was such a battle Sunday morning to keep us from focusing on the Lord. That sweet pure fellowship with the Lord is something to be craved; we are to "cry out for this nourishment". We need it to survive as His children. Worshipping the Lord and praising Him is one avenue of nourishment. The battles are to keep us from worshipping Him. Part of the Scripture Harley preached from that spoke to my heart was
1 Peter 2:1-3 NLT "So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness."
I heard from the Lord yesterday and really appreciated Harley's faithfulness in preaching from the source that offers "pure spiritual milk". I so long to "grow into a full experience of salvation" as Scripture puts it. Thank you Lord for You and Your love expressed in and through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and Your Living Word. And thank you for using Harley to speak to me and others Sunday morning.
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