What is abundant life? According to the Websters New World Dictionary, abundant means very plentiful; more than sufficient; ample. It also means well-supplied; rich. So, again I ask what is abundant life?
Is there more than one choice: the choice of life or death? God says we can have abundant life and so there must be more than just living. Life is a precious gift. Jesus offers us the gift of a choice to live abundantly or deficient. The abundance comes from relationship with Him. If we choose not to have relationship with Him, we live a less than sufficient life.
There are times when I walk through a valley of emotions. I struggle with life issues and stumble over thoughts that push me down. In those times, I must make an extra effort to open my life to Jesus. Patrick and I go through those tough places too. When we do, it is our choice to reach out to one another and to take time to be together in relationship. Jesus is my Bridegroom for eternity. His promise to me has always been more than just an ordinary life. Tough times can bring depth and fullness just as much as the mountain top experiences.
Jesus, Lover of my soul, You alone supply abundantly the life I long for! You give me riches even in the valleys. I am so sorry that I grumble and complain about those long hard days and nights! Please forgive me. Thank You for making all things work out for my good!
Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Friday, October 8, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Money
Money is an exchange medium. Paper, metal, or whatever is valuable to the people involved can be used as an exchange. Money holds value because of the precious treasure it has ultimately been used for as exchange.
Many years ago, Patrick and I sat with a salesman in our dining room. When he finished his pitch, he thanked us for letting him come. He said that he counted it a privilege that we would give him a part of our lives. WOW! That statement has made a deep impression on me over the years. From his simple yet profound statement I realized that the exchange of our time equals the exchange of our lives. Our precious and treasured life.
One of the ways we exchange our time and life is at our jobs for a pay check. That money is then exchanged for valuable goods we need to sustain our lives and to help others live better lives. The truth is now evident to me that the money I spend is my life and sometimes others lives. For example, my husband works to provide for our family. He has exchanged his life for the money it takes to do that.
I can choose to throw away my life on petty items, poor food choices, useless entertainment, and unnecessary clothing, or use my life (my money) to build a life glorifying to God. It is so easy to spend my life on that which is foolish. It is a hard decision to daily place my life (my money) under the authority, wisdom and love of God.
Living God, you have asked us to choose life! You want to give us life abundantly! You are a living God who dwells within me. I fall so easily into the trap of squandering my life away by the misuse of my money. I want to do better! I want to give You glory through spending my life for You. Thank You for opening my eyes. Thank You for teaching me and giving me the opportunity to repent. I choose life! I choose You, Lord!
Many years ago, Patrick and I sat with a salesman in our dining room. When he finished his pitch, he thanked us for letting him come. He said that he counted it a privilege that we would give him a part of our lives. WOW! That statement has made a deep impression on me over the years. From his simple yet profound statement I realized that the exchange of our time equals the exchange of our lives. Our precious and treasured life.
One of the ways we exchange our time and life is at our jobs for a pay check. That money is then exchanged for valuable goods we need to sustain our lives and to help others live better lives. The truth is now evident to me that the money I spend is my life and sometimes others lives. For example, my husband works to provide for our family. He has exchanged his life for the money it takes to do that.
I can choose to throw away my life on petty items, poor food choices, useless entertainment, and unnecessary clothing, or use my life (my money) to build a life glorifying to God. It is so easy to spend my life on that which is foolish. It is a hard decision to daily place my life (my money) under the authority, wisdom and love of God.
Living God, you have asked us to choose life! You want to give us life abundantly! You are a living God who dwells within me. I fall so easily into the trap of squandering my life away by the misuse of my money. I want to do better! I want to give You glory through spending my life for You. Thank You for opening my eyes. Thank You for teaching me and giving me the opportunity to repent. I choose life! I choose You, Lord!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Light My fire
Last night after dinner, Patrick and I continued to celebrate our anniversary with reading our vows to each other as we do every year. We then drove home and decided to do something new. We dug out the extra fireworks from the Fourth of July and lit them! It was fun!
Lighting the fireworks took preparation and effort from both of us. We needed a bucket of water and a working lighter. Then trying to light them with the wind blowing was a bit tricky. When the fuse finally took, it wasn't long before we enjoyed the sparkles, crackles and whistles!
It was much like marriage. Preparations are made for the ceremony and every couple can benefit from the preparation for the uniting of their two lives. Discussing the tough issues is not always fun, but necessary. It is best to get a good start on those talks before the vows are said. In every marriage each person needs to be willing to light the spark of romance and love. We also need to make sure we are prepared to douse out the flames of arguments before they get out of control. Preparing for the party is only part of what engagements are about.
There is plenty of opposition to lighting the spark of love each day. Yes, every day the choice must be made to light the fire of love between spouses. Just like the wind last night, the world and the enemy can swiftly make that decision difficult if not impossible! Busyness, irritations, selfishness, and much more can whip up the winds of adversity that fight the flame, and your best efforts. Last night Patrick and I had to huddle together to get most of the fuses lit. We even had to get a new lighter at one point. It is important to do what you need to, and don't give up! The rewards are ready to be enjoyed.
The display of light, color and snaps and pops last night brought cheers and delighted the neighborhood! We had fun! It was worth the effort to push through and make it all happen. The lesson to learn is that marriage can be a fireworks display of delight or a fizzled out disappointment depending on the effort and commitment of both husband and wife. I think God planned it that way!
Creator God, You are the author of marriage. You make a miracle in uniting us together as one flesh in marriage. We can never make it work without You! Thank You for giving us the tools to make it work. Help us to choose wisely each day. Help us to love one another and show us the fireworks!
Lighting the fireworks took preparation and effort from both of us. We needed a bucket of water and a working lighter. Then trying to light them with the wind blowing was a bit tricky. When the fuse finally took, it wasn't long before we enjoyed the sparkles, crackles and whistles!
It was much like marriage. Preparations are made for the ceremony and every couple can benefit from the preparation for the uniting of their two lives. Discussing the tough issues is not always fun, but necessary. It is best to get a good start on those talks before the vows are said. In every marriage each person needs to be willing to light the spark of romance and love. We also need to make sure we are prepared to douse out the flames of arguments before they get out of control. Preparing for the party is only part of what engagements are about.
There is plenty of opposition to lighting the spark of love each day. Yes, every day the choice must be made to light the fire of love between spouses. Just like the wind last night, the world and the enemy can swiftly make that decision difficult if not impossible! Busyness, irritations, selfishness, and much more can whip up the winds of adversity that fight the flame, and your best efforts. Last night Patrick and I had to huddle together to get most of the fuses lit. We even had to get a new lighter at one point. It is important to do what you need to, and don't give up! The rewards are ready to be enjoyed.
The display of light, color and snaps and pops last night brought cheers and delighted the neighborhood! We had fun! It was worth the effort to push through and make it all happen. The lesson to learn is that marriage can be a fireworks display of delight or a fizzled out disappointment depending on the effort and commitment of both husband and wife. I think God planned it that way!
Creator God, You are the author of marriage. You make a miracle in uniting us together as one flesh in marriage. We can never make it work without You! Thank You for giving us the tools to make it work. Help us to choose wisely each day. Help us to love one another and show us the fireworks!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Marriage
37 years ago Patrick and I celebrated our wedding day. Our lives together really started about a year before that. When we met we had no idea that today would be a day of celebrating so much of our lives together. We simply enjoyed being with each other and began to fall in love over deep conversations, and Taco Bell.
We still enjoy deep conversations, but not too much Taco Bell. We have grown to admire each others' strengths, and forgive our weaknesses. We have learned to appreciate our differences. Disappointments and disillusionment have been sprinkled with love making those tough times become teachable moments for each of us as individuals and as a couple. We choose to remember the joys and delights that have lifted us to heights we never would have reached if we had not been committed to each other.
After 37 years we do know some of what it takes to make a marriage work. I admit we have much we do not know. We have yet to face a life threatening illness. We have not had to live with disability in each other or our children. Our lives have not been touched by infidelity or a major breech of trust. We don't need to experience these things to have a good marriage. Our experience has not and probably will never be an example of a perfect marriage, but our desire is to be a living example of Christ and the Church.
When one of us fails the other will sacrifice and forgive. We will work together to see that we each will be all that God has designed us to be. We will be the beacon of light and a tree that gives shade as we live out our vows. today we repeat those vows with the trust that we cannot fulfill them without the help of God. (If you want to read our vows to each other I will post them on my Poetry Impressed blog. You can find it at http://www.poetryimpressed.blogspot.com)
God, our Father, You have made us man and wife. You have blessed us with Your presence in our marriage and I thank You! You continue to help us fight the enemy and the world that would diminish our resolve to love each other through all of our days. Today we look back over the years and see Your blessing and faithfulness. We trust in You to get us through to the end. Draw us closer to the goal. Draw us closer to You! We will always remember that a threefold cord is not quickly broken!
We still enjoy deep conversations, but not too much Taco Bell. We have grown to admire each others' strengths, and forgive our weaknesses. We have learned to appreciate our differences. Disappointments and disillusionment have been sprinkled with love making those tough times become teachable moments for each of us as individuals and as a couple. We choose to remember the joys and delights that have lifted us to heights we never would have reached if we had not been committed to each other.
After 37 years we do know some of what it takes to make a marriage work. I admit we have much we do not know. We have yet to face a life threatening illness. We have not had to live with disability in each other or our children. Our lives have not been touched by infidelity or a major breech of trust. We don't need to experience these things to have a good marriage. Our experience has not and probably will never be an example of a perfect marriage, but our desire is to be a living example of Christ and the Church.
When one of us fails the other will sacrifice and forgive. We will work together to see that we each will be all that God has designed us to be. We will be the beacon of light and a tree that gives shade as we live out our vows. today we repeat those vows with the trust that we cannot fulfill them without the help of God. (If you want to read our vows to each other I will post them on my Poetry Impressed blog. You can find it at http://www.poetryimpressed.blogspot.com)
God, our Father, You have made us man and wife. You have blessed us with Your presence in our marriage and I thank You! You continue to help us fight the enemy and the world that would diminish our resolve to love each other through all of our days. Today we look back over the years and see Your blessing and faithfulness. We trust in You to get us through to the end. Draw us closer to the goal. Draw us closer to You! We will always remember that a threefold cord is not quickly broken!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Mom's Birthday
Saturday was a busy day for me. A memorial service in which I read one of my poems, a baby shower for my daughter who is expecting in September, and my Mom's 80th birthday was on my list.
I began my day thinking of my Mom. I said a prayer for her and thanked God that she is still with us. I could not be with her since she lives 3000 miles from me, but I wanted God to shower her with love, grace, and special fun. She would be enjoying a family dinner with most of her loved ones in attendance, I wanted to be there too, but there are somethings that just can't be helped. The Florida family sent flowers. She loves flowers! I am sure she would have preferred having us there, but flowers will do.
During the memorial service, I also thought of my Mom. I asked God to let me see her again before it would be her time.
The baby shower also reminded me of her. She would have been so excited to have been there! she loves babies! Mom is having the privilege of four, yes, FOUR new great grandchildren this year! She thinks they are all beautiful and smart!
Mom has been blessed to live for 80 years. She has seen many changes and she, too, has changed! She has learned many lessons life offers. I wrote a poem for her years ago and i will post it on my poetry blog. If you are interested you can read it at http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I am so happy to celebrate YOU! God has richly blessed me with you as my Mom.
Father, You are so wise and good! You have blessed my life with a Mom who has helped me to grow in loving You and loving others. Bless my mom as she gets older. Bless her with health and protection and provision for her needs. I know You love her smile just like I do...You made it just for her! Thanks!
I began my day thinking of my Mom. I said a prayer for her and thanked God that she is still with us. I could not be with her since she lives 3000 miles from me, but I wanted God to shower her with love, grace, and special fun. She would be enjoying a family dinner with most of her loved ones in attendance, I wanted to be there too, but there are somethings that just can't be helped. The Florida family sent flowers. She loves flowers! I am sure she would have preferred having us there, but flowers will do.
During the memorial service, I also thought of my Mom. I asked God to let me see her again before it would be her time.
The baby shower also reminded me of her. She would have been so excited to have been there! she loves babies! Mom is having the privilege of four, yes, FOUR new great grandchildren this year! She thinks they are all beautiful and smart!
Mom has been blessed to live for 80 years. She has seen many changes and she, too, has changed! She has learned many lessons life offers. I wrote a poem for her years ago and i will post it on my poetry blog. If you are interested you can read it at http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I am so happy to celebrate YOU! God has richly blessed me with you as my Mom.
Father, You are so wise and good! You have blessed my life with a Mom who has helped me to grow in loving You and loving others. Bless my mom as she gets older. Bless her with health and protection and provision for her needs. I know You love her smile just like I do...You made it just for her! Thanks!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Planting Seeds
Today at Bible Study we talked about how amazing it is that we plant one little seed and it will grow and blossom and bring forth fruit. We do so little to make the fruit appear. We only put the seed in the ground. It got me thinking.....
We have opportunities to plant and water seeds every day. We may not see the growth and often we forget about the roots that grow deep from those seeds. It can be years later that we see the result of our work. Granted our work was multiplied by God's hand and His working, but our minuscule effort was part of the result.
I checked out my Facebook page today. I had a friend request from someone long ago. I thought about how our roots connected us to one another. A seed is planted, roots grow deep and wide and connections are made. We remember. We are connected, not because of our efforts alone, but by the work of God in our lives! He is a connection expert! He works miracles to bring growth to us individually and as a body! I believe those connections never go away if God is the author of the relationship!
Father, You have many children all connected to one another by the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ! You are a the source of our lives whether we be near or apart! I sometimes think I am more than I really am. I puff up with pride and make myself believe that I am the maker of relationships. Forgive me. Thank You for roots that connect me to others here on the earth! Thank You for the blessings of being a part of the growth You make happen! I want to walk closely to You and be a part of Your work here on earth!
We have opportunities to plant and water seeds every day. We may not see the growth and often we forget about the roots that grow deep from those seeds. It can be years later that we see the result of our work. Granted our work was multiplied by God's hand and His working, but our minuscule effort was part of the result.
I checked out my Facebook page today. I had a friend request from someone long ago. I thought about how our roots connected us to one another. A seed is planted, roots grow deep and wide and connections are made. We remember. We are connected, not because of our efforts alone, but by the work of God in our lives! He is a connection expert! He works miracles to bring growth to us individually and as a body! I believe those connections never go away if God is the author of the relationship!
Father, You have many children all connected to one another by the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ! You are a the source of our lives whether we be near or apart! I sometimes think I am more than I really am. I puff up with pride and make myself believe that I am the maker of relationships. Forgive me. Thank You for roots that connect me to others here on the earth! Thank You for the blessings of being a part of the growth You make happen! I want to walk closely to You and be a part of Your work here on earth!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Books, Books, Books
I love books. Old and new, books send out a sirens call to me, drawing me to bring them home to my already overflowing bookcases. Will I ever have enough?
I heard recently that a book given as a gift is really and invitation to a conversation. The giver wants to enjoy the experience of the book with the recipient. I know that is true for me. When I give a book I really want to know what you think about it. Did you enjoy it? Or not? What did you learn, if anything? One thing I always want to know is that you did read it.
For the past few summers I have spent my reading time immersed in the Black, Red, White Trilogy by Ted Dekker. It took me three summers to really get a grasp of the story and the underlining message. I now have a pile of books to look into this summer, accumulated from the past three that I spent revisiting the dual worlds in the Trilogy. I do not know what I will choose to read this summer, but it would be fun to share with you!
I have heard that to be a good writer you should read, read, read, and write, write, write! I am doing my part and I do hope that my efforts are rewarded.
Father, You are the Author of the greatest book given to mankind! I love Your words and Your story! You give wisdom and life through all the laughter, tears, struggles, failures and victories that fill Your pages. I can never compare to You ! No other author that I enjoy compares to You. Thank You for reaching out to us with Your words. Thank you for the gift of communication and relationship! You gave me Your word so we might have a conversation. Help me to turn to You for that revealing time after I read Your Word! Thank You!
I heard recently that a book given as a gift is really and invitation to a conversation. The giver wants to enjoy the experience of the book with the recipient. I know that is true for me. When I give a book I really want to know what you think about it. Did you enjoy it? Or not? What did you learn, if anything? One thing I always want to know is that you did read it.
For the past few summers I have spent my reading time immersed in the Black, Red, White Trilogy by Ted Dekker. It took me three summers to really get a grasp of the story and the underlining message. I now have a pile of books to look into this summer, accumulated from the past three that I spent revisiting the dual worlds in the Trilogy. I do not know what I will choose to read this summer, but it would be fun to share with you!
I have heard that to be a good writer you should read, read, read, and write, write, write! I am doing my part and I do hope that my efforts are rewarded.
Father, You are the Author of the greatest book given to mankind! I love Your words and Your story! You give wisdom and life through all the laughter, tears, struggles, failures and victories that fill Your pages. I can never compare to You ! No other author that I enjoy compares to You. Thank You for reaching out to us with Your words. Thank you for the gift of communication and relationship! You gave me Your word so we might have a conversation. Help me to turn to You for that revealing time after I read Your Word! Thank You!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Love
How does God want to be loved? Is strict obedience to His law the way He receives love from us? Or is there a way that brings us really close to God's heart, the essence of who He is: LOVE?
Love to me implies a relationship. Relationship is built on time, talk and truth. Learning to have relationship with God involves the Trinity:Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Taking time to be with someone is an act of love. It is not necessary to do anything. Love lets us "Be" with each other. God is I AM. He is with us always and present in our present.
Communication can be a deep well that satisfies and refreshes our relationships. Without the intimate conversations love cannot grow. God is THE WORD. He reveals Himself to us and draws us deeper into His heart of love by sharing precious promises, and truths with us.
Honesty is a strong foundation on which love is built. God is the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. Without His truth we would be lost in the trap of tthe Father of Lies. Gods' truth frees, cleanses, and restores.
God is LOVE. We, His children, are called to love. So, how does God want to be loved? I think He desires relationship. He wants us to take time to be with Him, talk to Him intimately, and open ourselves up to His truth (The only way He can be!)
God loves me, He chooses me, He pursues me, He rescues me, He washes me in His freeing truth. I love God, choosing him and pursuing Him. Lord, Help me love others the same. (Part of this list comes from the book "Black" by Ted Dekker. P.118-119)
Love to me implies a relationship. Relationship is built on time, talk and truth. Learning to have relationship with God involves the Trinity:Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Taking time to be with someone is an act of love. It is not necessary to do anything. Love lets us "Be" with each other. God is I AM. He is with us always and present in our present.
Communication can be a deep well that satisfies and refreshes our relationships. Without the intimate conversations love cannot grow. God is THE WORD. He reveals Himself to us and draws us deeper into His heart of love by sharing precious promises, and truths with us.
Honesty is a strong foundation on which love is built. God is the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. Without His truth we would be lost in the trap of tthe Father of Lies. Gods' truth frees, cleanses, and restores.
God is LOVE. We, His children, are called to love. So, how does God want to be loved? I think He desires relationship. He wants us to take time to be with Him, talk to Him intimately, and open ourselves up to His truth (The only way He can be!)
God loves me, He chooses me, He pursues me, He rescues me, He washes me in His freeing truth. I love God, choosing him and pursuing Him. Lord, Help me love others the same. (Part of this list comes from the book "Black" by Ted Dekker. P.118-119)
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