Today, Matt Sanders, our Family pastor at Journey Christian Church, began a series about the family. The series is called "Picture Perfect." Todays sermon was thought provoking. It took us through the family dynamics of Jacob's 12 sons.
When reading or studying scripture I like to find the place where my life intersects with God's word. The story of Joseph has always given me some insight into God, His plan, and lessons for me. Today was no exception. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper truth to me. That is always a blessing, though not always easy!
When we first see Joseph in the Bible, he is a favored child of Jacob. He gets a special coat to wear and has the attention and the love of his father. I could hear the Holy Spirit tell me that I have always wanted to be a favorite as well. I am the second oldest child of a brood of seven. I was not the coddled youngest, nor the relied upon oldest. I was just second and always wanting to be first in line and in the hearts of my parents. O, yes, they loved me, but the love was different than the love of the firstborn and the last! In my eyes they had a special place. So, I was always wanting something I didn't have or be someone I wasn't.
I wondered if there might be another family for which I would be best suited back then, but Matt confirmed that God has determined our families. He has put us in the place that He wants us. Yes, He even placed me as a second child in a group of seven. He has a plan and He gave me a job. As Matt said: "Do what only You can do." Hm, what is it that only I can do in my family? I'll be giving that more thought. But on to the story.
Because Joseph was favored by his Father, he became hated by his brothers. Joseph didn't help matters. He shared his grand dreams of ruling over the family with his already jealous siblings. Again, I could put myself in the place of Joseph. I had dreams. I wanted to be first, didn't I? I may have even spoken out about my dreams to my sisters and brothers. Today I thought about how my arrogance and pride may have caused those rifts between family members that are so hard to mend. Oh my, The Holy Spirit can step on my toes sometimes!
Josephs brothers made a terrible decision to kill Joseph, but ended up selling him into slavery. They had no idea that their plan was also part of God's plan. God would use their ruthless deed against Joseph to set up the preservation of the entire family. I have been in the sandals of the brothers too. I sometimes wanted to kill or at least do something mean to those who seemed to command the better position in the family. Oh my, I am in need of a Savior!
Circumstances can cause families to fall apart or come back together. It took some doing to make that happen for Jacob's children. A severe drought, Joseph forgiving the wrongs against him, and repentant hearts of the brothers all came together to bring a group of related people back into being a family. I want to be the forgiving person, the repentant sinner who offers kindness to others in my family. I sometimes am that person, but sometimes I am not. I need to work on this.
The lesson learned? God put me into the family I belong to and He expects me to do what only I can do in that family! It may not be a perfect family but by God's grace it is the perfect family for me!
Father God, You designed and ordained the family unit. In wisdom You joined each person to others so that Your plan could be fulfilled for each of them and for the world around them. Forgive us, Father, for not trusting You and for taking out our misunderstandings on those who are closest to us. Thank You for each of our family members, in our earthly families and in our church family. Thank You for giving us grace to forgive and giving us all more than enough chances for making it right when we have hurt each other. Bring us to the place where we are united in love and offer forgiveness and grace to all our brothers and sisters. We have received Your forgiveness and grace through our older brother, Jesus. Let us be more like Him!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A Christmas Story
This past weekend I experienced a collision. Two separate occasions collided to create in me a profound awareness. I am not certain I can do it justice here with my feeble words, but I hope you will glimpse the amazing God who loves us within my story.
Friday, December 23, I received a call from a friend. She had a message from God the night before that she needed to find a recipient for her late husbands' wheelchair by Christmas. She told me the story of the search and discovery for just the right person to present the gift. It stirred in me a sense of God moving in a mighty way. I was so happy that she would finally be able to give away the wheelchair the next day accompanied by her grandson.
That night as my husband prayed over our meal I had the impression that we should ask my friend, Carol, if we could come along with her to give the gift. She was delighted to let us join her, and so our plans were made to visit the Russell Home for Atypical Children to present the wheelchair to Kenny.
Patrick and I had never been to the Russell Home. We were humbled by the gift that the home is for the families, community and residents. The Russell home is not a business. It survives with the generosity of donations alone.It is a light in the world.
Marie took us on a tour allowing us to see the home and meet the love givers who care for those who are so easily thrown away. It was there we heard the stories of people, like Kenny, who have found a family and are loved despite their inabilities to do much more than exist.
Later that night we attended our Christmas Eve service and heard our Pastor share a story that Steve Brown told about the ugliest car he had ever seen. The description made me a believer that it had to be the ugliest car ever. But on that car was a bumper sticker that read, "This is not an abandoned car." As I wrote it down in my notes, I was immediately drawn back to the Russell Home. I remembered those tiny twisted bodies and the uncertain eyes searching for understanding. I was certain God spoke to me saying, "These are NOT abandoned!" Yes, there was an emphasis on the "NOT." God had not abandoned those who would be considered the most ugly in our world.
I also realized that God has a purpose for these castaways. Could it be that they are a visual for us to see what our sin against God has done to our world? They carry a heavy burden, but God has not abandoned them! He is with them. He cares. He saves.
Father, Your children who suffer are never far from Your touch. I give You thanks for letting me see Your precious loved ones. Thank You for letting me see how MY sin against You has made our world so far from Your perfect plan. Help me to be their voice and to help them where I can! Thank You for Those who work at the Russell Home. Bless their open hearts and open our hearts to help them to continue their family.
P.S. The Russell Home needs a new facility. In 2012 they are asking each person who will to donate $20.12 to help them build a home. Google their name and help them if you can! Thank You!
Friday, December 23, I received a call from a friend. She had a message from God the night before that she needed to find a recipient for her late husbands' wheelchair by Christmas. She told me the story of the search and discovery for just the right person to present the gift. It stirred in me a sense of God moving in a mighty way. I was so happy that she would finally be able to give away the wheelchair the next day accompanied by her grandson.
That night as my husband prayed over our meal I had the impression that we should ask my friend, Carol, if we could come along with her to give the gift. She was delighted to let us join her, and so our plans were made to visit the Russell Home for Atypical Children to present the wheelchair to Kenny.
Patrick and I had never been to the Russell Home. We were humbled by the gift that the home is for the families, community and residents. The Russell home is not a business. It survives with the generosity of donations alone.It is a light in the world.
Marie took us on a tour allowing us to see the home and meet the love givers who care for those who are so easily thrown away. It was there we heard the stories of people, like Kenny, who have found a family and are loved despite their inabilities to do much more than exist.
Later that night we attended our Christmas Eve service and heard our Pastor share a story that Steve Brown told about the ugliest car he had ever seen. The description made me a believer that it had to be the ugliest car ever. But on that car was a bumper sticker that read, "This is not an abandoned car." As I wrote it down in my notes, I was immediately drawn back to the Russell Home. I remembered those tiny twisted bodies and the uncertain eyes searching for understanding. I was certain God spoke to me saying, "These are NOT abandoned!" Yes, there was an emphasis on the "NOT." God had not abandoned those who would be considered the most ugly in our world.
I also realized that God has a purpose for these castaways. Could it be that they are a visual for us to see what our sin against God has done to our world? They carry a heavy burden, but God has not abandoned them! He is with them. He cares. He saves.
Father, Your children who suffer are never far from Your touch. I give You thanks for letting me see Your precious loved ones. Thank You for letting me see how MY sin against You has made our world so far from Your perfect plan. Help me to be their voice and to help them where I can! Thank You for Those who work at the Russell Home. Bless their open hearts and open our hearts to help them to continue their family.
P.S. The Russell Home needs a new facility. In 2012 they are asking each person who will to donate $20.12 to help them build a home. Google their name and help them if you can! Thank You!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Childhood Memories
Do I remember truth about my childhood? I find it interesting to ask my six (yes, 6) siblings what they remember about certain events in our childhood. There is a mystery in every remembrance that I share with family. We can laugh or cry in empathy with parts of a story, but often there are parts I do not recognize. Each story is personalized for the individual.
Where can I go to find out the truth? Maybe it takes all of us telling our stories to see the bigger picture. Listening to my sisters and brothers tell about their relationships with our parents allows me to see a fuller picture of Dad and Mom.
One of my sisters shared Dad's love of aviation. She delights in telling stories about the things they shared. I love learning about all those wonderful treasures she found hidden in my Dad. But He was more than that! I enjoyed sharing with him some very special moments uniquely mine. Many of them were priceless images of his love of beauty and his art and creative talents. Each of us has something to share about Dad that the others need to know.
Mom shared her love of the church and her faith more deeply with my older sister. Though we may all have shared Mom's love of music and her cultural food dishes, we all seem to have found little unique treasures that we tucked away into our memories. Again, mom gave each of us unique experiences that need to be shared with the rest.
Our personal and unmatched memories are intertwined with each other. Our individual remembrances need not be a cause for argument or misunderstanding. They should be used as opportunities to fit the puzzle pieces together to see the big picture. We are a family! Family memories are a portrait of us!
Father God, Creator of the family and head of our forever family, You are wise and good. I thank You for giving me family. Thank You for the earthly family I was born into and for the eternal family into which I was born again. I forget sometimes to treasure those moments with family. Forgive my ungrateful, and selfish heart. I, too often, want my way and my memories to be right. Teach me to let the whole truth make my remembrances a clearer picture so that I might learn the lessons my family was meant to teach. Thank You!
Where can I go to find out the truth? Maybe it takes all of us telling our stories to see the bigger picture. Listening to my sisters and brothers tell about their relationships with our parents allows me to see a fuller picture of Dad and Mom.
One of my sisters shared Dad's love of aviation. She delights in telling stories about the things they shared. I love learning about all those wonderful treasures she found hidden in my Dad. But He was more than that! I enjoyed sharing with him some very special moments uniquely mine. Many of them were priceless images of his love of beauty and his art and creative talents. Each of us has something to share about Dad that the others need to know.
Mom shared her love of the church and her faith more deeply with my older sister. Though we may all have shared Mom's love of music and her cultural food dishes, we all seem to have found little unique treasures that we tucked away into our memories. Again, mom gave each of us unique experiences that need to be shared with the rest.
Our personal and unmatched memories are intertwined with each other. Our individual remembrances need not be a cause for argument or misunderstanding. They should be used as opportunities to fit the puzzle pieces together to see the big picture. We are a family! Family memories are a portrait of us!
Father God, Creator of the family and head of our forever family, You are wise and good. I thank You for giving me family. Thank You for the earthly family I was born into and for the eternal family into which I was born again. I forget sometimes to treasure those moments with family. Forgive my ungrateful, and selfish heart. I, too often, want my way and my memories to be right. Teach me to let the whole truth make my remembrances a clearer picture so that I might learn the lessons my family was meant to teach. Thank You!
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Family Church
I love spending time with my family! Yesterday we gathered to celebrate two birthdays. Our daughter, Briget, and our son, Joseph were born seven years and a day apart. We had a fun day with lots of laughs, conversation, good food, and the babies were passed around to lots of loving arms! We finally took a long awaited photo with the entire family. The best word to describe the day is blessed.
I have thought for a long time, that our family is a mini church. We recognize that we each have different gifts and talents. Our function in the family is mostly determined by our gifts, but we also chip in whatever the need. We love, forgive, teach, and serve one another and those outside of our little family church.
Though we are close, our family does not claim exclusive rights with each other. We all go out into the world to make a difference in the lives of those in our little communities. We pray that friends and acquaintances see a difference in us because of Jesus.
Our little family church celebrates holidays, and milestones with prayer, communion, and fellowship. Jesus is our foundation and our center. He is praised and called on in prayer when someone is in need.
We have many stories we could tell about baptisms, The Big Give, weddings, and memorial services and others. We have fed the poor, and visited the prisoner. Needs that touch one heart are cared about by all. The family church grows strong roots and reaches outward as well.
It is right for Christian parents to bring their families to church. It is also right for the church to be formed in the family. The Kingdom of God is here. Our families submitted to Christ as the head become a church in our neighborhoods. We grow, and send forth the next generations into new neighborhoods.
Lord God, You are the Father of the Family of God. Jesus, You hold the church together and You blessed us with families to help us grow and flourish. Our families don't always live life in harmony. We hurt one another or forget to offer the same grace You have given us. Forgive us, and help us to turn our hearts back to the generations with which we share the name family. Thank You that when two or more gather in YOUR NAME You are there! As for our family, we will serve the Lord.
I have thought for a long time, that our family is a mini church. We recognize that we each have different gifts and talents. Our function in the family is mostly determined by our gifts, but we also chip in whatever the need. We love, forgive, teach, and serve one another and those outside of our little family church.
Though we are close, our family does not claim exclusive rights with each other. We all go out into the world to make a difference in the lives of those in our little communities. We pray that friends and acquaintances see a difference in us because of Jesus.
Our little family church celebrates holidays, and milestones with prayer, communion, and fellowship. Jesus is our foundation and our center. He is praised and called on in prayer when someone is in need.
We have many stories we could tell about baptisms, The Big Give, weddings, and memorial services and others. We have fed the poor, and visited the prisoner. Needs that touch one heart are cared about by all. The family church grows strong roots and reaches outward as well.
It is right for Christian parents to bring their families to church. It is also right for the church to be formed in the family. The Kingdom of God is here. Our families submitted to Christ as the head become a church in our neighborhoods. We grow, and send forth the next generations into new neighborhoods.
Lord God, You are the Father of the Family of God. Jesus, You hold the church together and You blessed us with families to help us grow and flourish. Our families don't always live life in harmony. We hurt one another or forget to offer the same grace You have given us. Forgive us, and help us to turn our hearts back to the generations with which we share the name family. Thank You that when two or more gather in YOUR NAME You are there! As for our family, we will serve the Lord.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Birthdays & Other Celebrations
We celebrated three birthdays this weekend. Two were enjoyed long distance and one was with our family here! We also celebrated the great start to the cheer leading and gymnastics seasons for our granddaughters! Our grandman, Scott is starting preschool today so we marked his big step with a party. It was a busy, smiling weekend! We have a great reason to rejoice because the family we put the spot light on are loved greatly!
Patrick's sister, Crystal, turned_____ * on Saturday, August 21. She lives in south Florida so we did not get to see her but greetings were sent, via mail, Facebook and phone. Crystal is a caregiver for her husband, Alan. She is kind and loving to him even when it is hard for her. She is a grand hostess when people come to visit. Crystal has a shining brilliant heart filled with love.
My sister, Chris, also had a birthday Saturday. It was her _____ * birthday! Living in Colorado left us miles apart for her celebration, but again we made use of all methods to let her know we loved her and we are happy she is in the family. Chris is a gifted writer and creative mind. she has spent her entire career working for the people of her church. The hours she spends teaching, administrating and doing it all with a flair is amazing! Everyone would be blessed to have her on their team!
Our Son-in-law, Cliff, celebrated his birthday here with us. Actually today is his _____* birthday. The family joined to sing and share cake and ice cream for him last night. It was noisy and fun and tasty! I am glad all the cake is gone! Cliff is a prankster, creative mind, and hard worker. He is a tough Dad when he needs to be, but oh so gentle too.
Paige hit all her stunts at the preseason football warm up games. She is a flier this year and her petite size as well as her showmanship, make her perfect for that role. She loves the crowd. She works hard both at practice and at home so she can be her best. Paige will shine on the field this year!
Brooke surprised us all with the improvements she has made over the past six weeks at her new gym! She spruced up each routine and improved her scores! Brooke seems to practice all the time. She sets goals and masters them. She will be amazing at the meets this year!
Grandman Scott, has started preschool today. I enjoyed putting puzzles together with him last night and though I would ask about school and he would just say, "No," I know he will love it! I will miss him though!
The fun thing about watching our loved ones reach milestones is that we go through a milestone also. We grow and become new as our loved ones reach those special moments. We let go. We learn. We follow their lead. We pray more. We are changed.
Today I am sharing my family and their milestones with you. I am also offering you the insight that I, too, am reaching for milestones. Some, like letting go of my time with Grandman Scott, change me more than others, but they all bring me close to God in prayer.
Father, you are the head of my family. You created each of us and brought us together in special ways. You are the One who makes the perfect plan for our lives and You offer that plan to us. You do not force Your will, but allow us to accept it freely. I don't always allow that same freedom for my family, but I want to be more like You in that way. Thank You for modeling for me the best way to love and live with each other. I need You to lead me through these milestones!
( * ages have been withheld to avoid any problems with loved ones.)
Patrick's sister, Crystal, turned_____ * on Saturday, August 21. She lives in south Florida so we did not get to see her but greetings were sent, via mail, Facebook and phone. Crystal is a caregiver for her husband, Alan. She is kind and loving to him even when it is hard for her. She is a grand hostess when people come to visit. Crystal has a shining brilliant heart filled with love.
My sister, Chris, also had a birthday Saturday. It was her _____ * birthday! Living in Colorado left us miles apart for her celebration, but again we made use of all methods to let her know we loved her and we are happy she is in the family. Chris is a gifted writer and creative mind. she has spent her entire career working for the people of her church. The hours she spends teaching, administrating and doing it all with a flair is amazing! Everyone would be blessed to have her on their team!
Our Son-in-law, Cliff, celebrated his birthday here with us. Actually today is his _____* birthday. The family joined to sing and share cake and ice cream for him last night. It was noisy and fun and tasty! I am glad all the cake is gone! Cliff is a prankster, creative mind, and hard worker. He is a tough Dad when he needs to be, but oh so gentle too.
Paige hit all her stunts at the preseason football warm up games. She is a flier this year and her petite size as well as her showmanship, make her perfect for that role. She loves the crowd. She works hard both at practice and at home so she can be her best. Paige will shine on the field this year!
Brooke surprised us all with the improvements she has made over the past six weeks at her new gym! She spruced up each routine and improved her scores! Brooke seems to practice all the time. She sets goals and masters them. She will be amazing at the meets this year!
Grandman Scott, has started preschool today. I enjoyed putting puzzles together with him last night and though I would ask about school and he would just say, "No," I know he will love it! I will miss him though!
The fun thing about watching our loved ones reach milestones is that we go through a milestone also. We grow and become new as our loved ones reach those special moments. We let go. We learn. We follow their lead. We pray more. We are changed.
Today I am sharing my family and their milestones with you. I am also offering you the insight that I, too, am reaching for milestones. Some, like letting go of my time with Grandman Scott, change me more than others, but they all bring me close to God in prayer.
Father, you are the head of my family. You created each of us and brought us together in special ways. You are the One who makes the perfect plan for our lives and You offer that plan to us. You do not force Your will, but allow us to accept it freely. I don't always allow that same freedom for my family, but I want to be more like You in that way. Thank You for modeling for me the best way to love and live with each other. I need You to lead me through these milestones!
( * ages have been withheld to avoid any problems with loved ones.)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Family Unity
Bloodline. Covenant. These two words are the glue of which families are made. The connection between parents and their children born from their union creates a bloodline and they become family. But there is also covenant parent/child bonding in adoption. The covenant of marriage joins a man and woman together in a way that connects them as one.
The unity of bloodline and covenant lasts even when we as sinful people rend in two the relationship. Pain and heartache are the symptoms that prove the union stronger than our will.
If we are connected by blood or covenant vows, we belong to one another. Belonging is a comforting word. It can be true that we belong to a church family, but if there is no covenant with Father God, we do not find family there. He has bound us with covenant and with blood so we can be in his forever family only if we choose.
The truth is that we can find family by happenstance or by choice. Who will we choose to forge covenant family ties? Will we be willing to be faithful to our families so that our unity will remain strong?
Family unity is a God inspiration! May it inspire us!
The unity of bloodline and covenant lasts even when we as sinful people rend in two the relationship. Pain and heartache are the symptoms that prove the union stronger than our will.
If we are connected by blood or covenant vows, we belong to one another. Belonging is a comforting word. It can be true that we belong to a church family, but if there is no covenant with Father God, we do not find family there. He has bound us with covenant and with blood so we can be in his forever family only if we choose.
The truth is that we can find family by happenstance or by choice. Who will we choose to forge covenant family ties? Will we be willing to be faithful to our families so that our unity will remain strong?
Family unity is a God inspiration! May it inspire us!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Family Heritage
A newborn baby is examined closely to see which traits he/she carries from other family members. As the child grows, remarks are often made that the child behaves just like his Daddy or just like Mommy. Our spiritual inheritance, though totally our own choice, is also influenced by others.
Growing up in a Christian home is not a guarantee that a person will follow the beliefs growing on the family tree. However, the open communication of beliefs can be the first step in learning to trust God. Parents are urged to train up a child in the way they should go. In my opinion it cannot be done unless the parents are also walking consistently in the way of Christ.
The question today is do we believe with the strong conviction that we are following God, and we desire our children to follow the truth? Or are we half-hearted believers who are willing to risk the eternal salvation of our children? If we believe, we must live it out. If we live it out it will influence our children and others as well.
Good Father, You are the firm foundation of truth. You can be trusted to fulfill Your promises. Since You are believable, You will be the leader and we will follow. As for me and my house we will serve You Lord!
Growing up in a Christian home is not a guarantee that a person will follow the beliefs growing on the family tree. However, the open communication of beliefs can be the first step in learning to trust God. Parents are urged to train up a child in the way they should go. In my opinion it cannot be done unless the parents are also walking consistently in the way of Christ.
The question today is do we believe with the strong conviction that we are following God, and we desire our children to follow the truth? Or are we half-hearted believers who are willing to risk the eternal salvation of our children? If we believe, we must live it out. If we live it out it will influence our children and others as well.
Good Father, You are the firm foundation of truth. You can be trusted to fulfill Your promises. Since You are believable, You will be the leader and we will follow. As for me and my house we will serve You Lord!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Family Ties
Families tie us up in knots sometimes! We are bound by our past mistakes or by the roles we play. Breaking those bonds takes time, patience, and consistency. Family ties can be knotted quickly, but so hard to release.
None of us enjoy being faced with the ties that hold us back from growing within our families. We want to be heard and known for who we are now, not the person we are imprisoned to be because of our past. The problem is that we cannot change someone else's mind. We can only be consistently different and hope they will see and hear enough to set us free.
On the other side of the coin I see myself imprisoning my family with judgements that span the years. I lock my loved ones up with titles of crazy, controlling, unforgiving, wild, baby, bossy, unfocused, etc. And then God said, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." I must change if I am to be free. What would change for me if I looked for the good in others and set them free to be the best they can be? What would my walk with Christ look like if I opened up the prison doors and set my captive family free from my preconceived ideas of how they will react or think or believe?
Father, You are Freedom. You are the Open Door. You are Good. Change my heart and mind to reflect You. Work Your will in my family. You are the lifter of our heads!
None of us enjoy being faced with the ties that hold us back from growing within our families. We want to be heard and known for who we are now, not the person we are imprisoned to be because of our past. The problem is that we cannot change someone else's mind. We can only be consistently different and hope they will see and hear enough to set us free.
On the other side of the coin I see myself imprisoning my family with judgements that span the years. I lock my loved ones up with titles of crazy, controlling, unforgiving, wild, baby, bossy, unfocused, etc. And then God said, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." I must change if I am to be free. What would change for me if I looked for the good in others and set them free to be the best they can be? What would my walk with Christ look like if I opened up the prison doors and set my captive family free from my preconceived ideas of how they will react or think or believe?
Father, You are Freedom. You are the Open Door. You are Good. Change my heart and mind to reflect You. Work Your will in my family. You are the lifter of our heads!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Family Forever
One of my greatest desires is to see all my family in heaven. I want them all to trust Jesus' work on the cross and not themselves as their redemption for sin. Jesus wanted that for His Mother and brothers as well. He told us that it is to those who believe that He will become family. (see Mt. 12:46-50)
With that goal in mind, the question is: how do I follow Jesus in leading my family to know Gods' saving love? Jesus' example was to first do the Fathers' will in every circumstance. He loved them by demanding the same requirements for them as He does for us all. He lived a life dedicated to God in servant hood to Him and those He was with.
Serving family can sometimes become a duty more than an act of love. Serving in love is a heart felt action. As I wash dishes, pick up dropped belongings or separate stinky laundry, I must allow my heart to participate. The participation of my heart in serving my family will be seen by them as a new attitude. They will see Jesus working through me and be drawn to Him. That is what i want.
Lord Jesus, You are the greatest among us because You became the servant of all. You are my source of servant love for my family. Reveal my heart. Cleanse my heart. Pour Your servant love into my heart so they may see Your love and be drawn to Your heart.
With that goal in mind, the question is: how do I follow Jesus in leading my family to know Gods' saving love? Jesus' example was to first do the Fathers' will in every circumstance. He loved them by demanding the same requirements for them as He does for us all. He lived a life dedicated to God in servant hood to Him and those He was with.
Serving family can sometimes become a duty more than an act of love. Serving in love is a heart felt action. As I wash dishes, pick up dropped belongings or separate stinky laundry, I must allow my heart to participate. The participation of my heart in serving my family will be seen by them as a new attitude. They will see Jesus working through me and be drawn to Him. That is what i want.
Lord Jesus, You are the greatest among us because You became the servant of all. You are my source of servant love for my family. Reveal my heart. Cleanse my heart. Pour Your servant love into my heart so they may see Your love and be drawn to Your heart.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Random Thoughts
Today I can't seem to put a finger on what to write about so here are some random thoughts going through my head.
My son turns 28 today. He is a good man. It seems as if the difference in age between us is growing shorter. I don't feel as old as I am or as old as his Mom should be! Happy birthday, David!
It seems odd to me that most people I talked to this past week were surprised that I had mixed feelings about my son, Joseph, moving to Colorado. Seems I shouldn't want to have him near. I shouldn't be sad about not seeing him on a regular basis. The thing that surprises me is that they don't understand how much fun our family has together and how much we like being close! Of course these are people who don't know us well, so I guess if they haven't experienced this bond then they couldn't understand. I will miss him. He had a hard time pulling away also! He, too, had mixed emotions! Our family is just like that. We really do like each other!
Politics is evoking in me strong emotions and fervent prayers. I believe it is the same for most Americans. I know how my vote will go. What I do not know, is which way the country will vote. It seems as if we are in the dating period of getting to know the candidates. For me, I like one more than the other, but don't like everything my favorite says, does or stands for. Come November 4 the country will decide which candidate to whom we will be betrothed. Then January will be the official ceremony that will wed us to the leadership of that man for the next four years. I am certain that either way, we will find our country more divided than ever before! We already are!
I am reminded of Jesus' prayer that His followers would be in unity. Oh, may we find a way to be unified in spirit. The world is on the brink of something new. The signs are there. Christ's followers must pray and seek His face. We must walk humbly before our God. Most importantly we must look to our own hearts to examine our selves. Whatever we find that goes against God's standard is wickedness. We must turn back toward Him and repent of those wicked ways.
So what does God stand for? It is all found in the scriptures. What do we stand for? It is found in our checkbooks, our daily schedules, our leisure activities, etc.
Lord, show me Your ways! Give me strength to do Your will even if it is against the world. Stay near me, Lord, for you alone are my rock! May I conform to Your will in all things.
My son turns 28 today. He is a good man. It seems as if the difference in age between us is growing shorter. I don't feel as old as I am or as old as his Mom should be! Happy birthday, David!
It seems odd to me that most people I talked to this past week were surprised that I had mixed feelings about my son, Joseph, moving to Colorado. Seems I shouldn't want to have him near. I shouldn't be sad about not seeing him on a regular basis. The thing that surprises me is that they don't understand how much fun our family has together and how much we like being close! Of course these are people who don't know us well, so I guess if they haven't experienced this bond then they couldn't understand. I will miss him. He had a hard time pulling away also! He, too, had mixed emotions! Our family is just like that. We really do like each other!
Politics is evoking in me strong emotions and fervent prayers. I believe it is the same for most Americans. I know how my vote will go. What I do not know, is which way the country will vote. It seems as if we are in the dating period of getting to know the candidates. For me, I like one more than the other, but don't like everything my favorite says, does or stands for. Come November 4 the country will decide which candidate to whom we will be betrothed. Then January will be the official ceremony that will wed us to the leadership of that man for the next four years. I am certain that either way, we will find our country more divided than ever before! We already are!
I am reminded of Jesus' prayer that His followers would be in unity. Oh, may we find a way to be unified in spirit. The world is on the brink of something new. The signs are there. Christ's followers must pray and seek His face. We must walk humbly before our God. Most importantly we must look to our own hearts to examine our selves. Whatever we find that goes against God's standard is wickedness. We must turn back toward Him and repent of those wicked ways.
So what does God stand for? It is all found in the scriptures. What do we stand for? It is found in our checkbooks, our daily schedules, our leisure activities, etc.
Lord, show me Your ways! Give me strength to do Your will even if it is against the world. Stay near me, Lord, for you alone are my rock! May I conform to Your will in all things.
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