A friend of mine is taking his last steps in this life and approaching the doorway of eternal life with Jesus Christ. His wife, family and friends are not able to help him take these last steps. We can only stand and watch.
It is comforting to know that God our Father understands the suffering of those who watch. He stood watch over His Son as He died on the cross. Because of this, prayer is the true comfort in these times. Talking it over with the Father brings comfort and hope.
Heavenly Father, You know this journey well. You have walked beside many who have trusted You. You are the comfort and hope we all need. Thank You for prayer, the way of connecting to You and all You can offer. Help my friend live his last moments here in peace. Help my friends who stand watching close to see Your hand upon their loved one. Let us all never forget Your Son who gives us hope to be together again. We trust You!
Showing posts with label marriage relationships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage relationships. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Family Finances
Last Sunday our church air conditioning wasn't working well. My husband and i walked into the sanctuary and saw hundreds of bulletins waving in the air. As we entered a row of seats we greeted those seated behind us. I mentioned that I saw we had a new air conditioning system, while motioning to their waving papers. They agreed. I then turned my attention to one friend who sat quietly and I said that if it was to work we all needed to do our part. He laughed but continued to sit without helping to fan the air. Later in the service the air kicked in and the rustle of fans died down. Everyone was blessed.
It isn't just in the fanning of the air that we need to all do our part. Money has many issues that can be similar or unique to each individual. A family must unite to provide the necessities even if they struggle to unite on differing issues. The same is true for the Family of God.
Summer time is notorious for the church to struggle in finances because of the lack of giving. Members vacation and have many activities that take priority over the needs of the church. It isn't right.
Over the years I have heard many sermons on tithing and a general theme is that we must "Pay God back" for all He gives us. Can we really pay God back? Obviously the answer is no. I ask myself, "Why try?" I think that the truth of not being able to give back to God should lead us to look for the real reason we should pay our tithes with a joyful heart. The reason I offer is that we are a family.
Our church family must come together in unity to provide for the necessities of promoting the gospel. The Family has many parts that struggle with different issues but as a family we are obligated to work together. In doing our part, whether little or big, we draw closer to one another and find joy in our relationship to god and the Body of Christ with which we are connected.
The question is, am I doing my part? Am I dealing with my individual issues so that I can be part of the provision for the family?
Provider God, You are the Greatest of Givers. You give abundantly and without needing it to be returned! I have struggled so often with money issues and failed to trust You in providing all I need. forgive me! Thank You for drawing us together into a family where we can work together to be Your body to a needy world. Continue to open my eyes to how You desire us to give and do our part. Fill us with the joy of giving! You are our example!
It isn't just in the fanning of the air that we need to all do our part. Money has many issues that can be similar or unique to each individual. A family must unite to provide the necessities even if they struggle to unite on differing issues. The same is true for the Family of God.
Summer time is notorious for the church to struggle in finances because of the lack of giving. Members vacation and have many activities that take priority over the needs of the church. It isn't right.
Over the years I have heard many sermons on tithing and a general theme is that we must "Pay God back" for all He gives us. Can we really pay God back? Obviously the answer is no. I ask myself, "Why try?" I think that the truth of not being able to give back to God should lead us to look for the real reason we should pay our tithes with a joyful heart. The reason I offer is that we are a family.
Our church family must come together in unity to provide for the necessities of promoting the gospel. The Family has many parts that struggle with different issues but as a family we are obligated to work together. In doing our part, whether little or big, we draw closer to one another and find joy in our relationship to god and the Body of Christ with which we are connected.
The question is, am I doing my part? Am I dealing with my individual issues so that I can be part of the provision for the family?
Provider God, You are the Greatest of Givers. You give abundantly and without needing it to be returned! I have struggled so often with money issues and failed to trust You in providing all I need. forgive me! Thank You for drawing us together into a family where we can work together to be Your body to a needy world. Continue to open my eyes to how You desire us to give and do our part. Fill us with the joy of giving! You are our example!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Memories
Fathers' Day was a day of memories. We made memories with the family, especially the long awaited reunion of my Son-in-law to his family. Johns' sermon brought memories from long ago. Both are precious treasures hidden away in our minds and hearts.
Smiles, grins, giggles and screams of excitement filled the house! Daddy was home to stay for my Granddaughters! They never thought the day would come, but it did. It came with the power of God who protected and provided! Joy flooded our hearts and filled the house with happy noise! Memories of faces and voices delighted with the day will be treasured.
Strong healing memories of my Daddy flooded my mind during Pastor Johns' sermon. I will never forget my Dads' call to me after an argument that sent me down the road, determined never to come back. "Carolynn, Come home!" he called. It is what I needed and wanted to hear. A tender memory of love, forgiveness and reunion.
Memories. We never want to lose them! We hold on to them long after the day is gone. They are worth more than all the gold in the world.
Father, You are the best of Dads! You are perfect in dealing with Your children. I don't tell You enough how much I love You for making me Your child. Thank You for watching over my memories. Thank You for the gift of memory! Comfort those who have lost that gift and restore to them the joy of knowing the good You have brought into their lives! Teach me to treasure the gift always.
Smiles, grins, giggles and screams of excitement filled the house! Daddy was home to stay for my Granddaughters! They never thought the day would come, but it did. It came with the power of God who protected and provided! Joy flooded our hearts and filled the house with happy noise! Memories of faces and voices delighted with the day will be treasured.
Strong healing memories of my Daddy flooded my mind during Pastor Johns' sermon. I will never forget my Dads' call to me after an argument that sent me down the road, determined never to come back. "Carolynn, Come home!" he called. It is what I needed and wanted to hear. A tender memory of love, forgiveness and reunion.
Memories. We never want to lose them! We hold on to them long after the day is gone. They are worth more than all the gold in the world.
Father, You are the best of Dads! You are perfect in dealing with Your children. I don't tell You enough how much I love You for making me Your child. Thank You for watching over my memories. Thank You for the gift of memory! Comfort those who have lost that gift and restore to them the joy of knowing the good You have brought into their lives! Teach me to treasure the gift always.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Keeping Promises
I promise. Those are big words no matter what comes after them. We promise never to do something again, go somewhere, or do a chore. Wedding promises are so important that we celebrate those vows with celebrations fit for a king and queen and then remember them year after year! Promises, little or big are meant to be kept.
It is not easy to keep promises. Many things can stand in our way from following through with what our words have spoken. I find that my promises haunt me. Even if I am late with making good on my word, I do what I can to fulfill it. When I cannot make my promise happen, I need to ask forgiveness and admit my failure. I am becoming more aware of my promises. I am careful to communicate to others, especially children, when saying I will.
We make promises to God, others and ourselves. I know that God forgives. He even gives us everything we need to fulfill our promises to Him. Others may not always be so kind. We may suffer broken relationships when we break our promises to others. Sometimes the vows we make to ourselves become barriers to fulfilling our vows to God and others. Vows should never be spoken lightly but with sincere hearts and counting the cost.
Today I promised to attend my Grandlady, Brooke's', Poetry Play at her class. It was a delight and I am so very glad I kept my promise! I am reminded that Gods' word has said that when we are faithful in little things we will be given more. Being faithful in keeping my little promises will prepare me for being faithful with the big ones!
Faithful and True God, You are the Promise Keeper. Your word is always true and You are faithful to fulfill every promise! I cannot say that I am always faithful, and I do not like it when I fail You. Thank You for showing me the wonderful rewards of faithfulness. Thank You for revealing Yourself in the promises You keep! Guard my mind, heart and mouth when tempted to make promises. change me to be more like You, Lord!
It is not easy to keep promises. Many things can stand in our way from following through with what our words have spoken. I find that my promises haunt me. Even if I am late with making good on my word, I do what I can to fulfill it. When I cannot make my promise happen, I need to ask forgiveness and admit my failure. I am becoming more aware of my promises. I am careful to communicate to others, especially children, when saying I will.
We make promises to God, others and ourselves. I know that God forgives. He even gives us everything we need to fulfill our promises to Him. Others may not always be so kind. We may suffer broken relationships when we break our promises to others. Sometimes the vows we make to ourselves become barriers to fulfilling our vows to God and others. Vows should never be spoken lightly but with sincere hearts and counting the cost.
Today I promised to attend my Grandlady, Brooke's', Poetry Play at her class. It was a delight and I am so very glad I kept my promise! I am reminded that Gods' word has said that when we are faithful in little things we will be given more. Being faithful in keeping my little promises will prepare me for being faithful with the big ones!
Faithful and True God, You are the Promise Keeper. Your word is always true and You are faithful to fulfill every promise! I cannot say that I am always faithful, and I do not like it when I fail You. Thank You for showing me the wonderful rewards of faithfulness. Thank You for revealing Yourself in the promises You keep! Guard my mind, heart and mouth when tempted to make promises. change me to be more like You, Lord!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Happy Anniversary
Yesterday was my Daughters' anniversary. Briget and Jimmy have been married for two years now. They are working through the challenges of molding their lives into one. It has not been easy, but they are still loving each other through the tough times. I am proud of them.
When I talk to newly weds now-a-days, I find their ideas of marriage are so much different than mine. They are eager to work together, but they also insist that their spouse change for them. Did I think that way when I was newly married? Yes, I must say I did. Thirty five and a half years has taught me differently. No matter how hard I try, Patrick will not always think or act like I want. He is a man. The differences between men and women go much deeper than just teaching each other how to behave. Our differences are who we are.
The questions that run through my mind today are: Why do we focus on making our spouse a carbon copy of ourselves? Wouldn't it be better to celebrate, explore, use and delight each others unique qualities? I think that with 35+ successful years of marriage we have some wisdom to offer young couples, so why don't they want to listen?
Young couples would be wise to find an older mentor couple to help them through their tough times. Maybe not family, but someone they can look to for sound healthy Godly advice.
Father, You brought Adam and Eve together and designed the relationship of marriage for them and for us. Thank You for making men and women differently. We can learn so much more about You through our differences! Help us to grow closer to one another in love. Bless the young couples I know and give them grace to find their unique relationship style in Your plan!
When I talk to newly weds now-a-days, I find their ideas of marriage are so much different than mine. They are eager to work together, but they also insist that their spouse change for them. Did I think that way when I was newly married? Yes, I must say I did. Thirty five and a half years has taught me differently. No matter how hard I try, Patrick will not always think or act like I want. He is a man. The differences between men and women go much deeper than just teaching each other how to behave. Our differences are who we are.
The questions that run through my mind today are: Why do we focus on making our spouse a carbon copy of ourselves? Wouldn't it be better to celebrate, explore, use and delight each others unique qualities? I think that with 35+ successful years of marriage we have some wisdom to offer young couples, so why don't they want to listen?
Young couples would be wise to find an older mentor couple to help them through their tough times. Maybe not family, but someone they can look to for sound healthy Godly advice.
Father, You brought Adam and Eve together and designed the relationship of marriage for them and for us. Thank You for making men and women differently. We can learn so much more about You through our differences! Help us to grow closer to one another in love. Bless the young couples I know and give them grace to find their unique relationship style in Your plan!
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