Service. Sacrifice. Laying down your life for a friend is a greater love. Today we remember those who have given so much, loved so much. Memorial Day 2010 will be filled with fun outings for families and good food and fellowship with friends. It is all made possible by those brave souls who protect us from enemies who would take it away.
Memorial Day is set aside to honor the soldiers killed in battle , but if we are truthful with ourselves we must admit that anyone who has walked in a uniform of the military has made sacrifices. They have given so much for all of us. A soldier may have a job far behind the front lines, but they work as a unit to fulfill the duty of maintaining our freedoms. We honor those who have fallen. It is right to do so. It is also right to thank the soldier who has lost a part of themselves when their buddy has died. Thank you!
Today, I remember family and friends who have served with patriotic hearts. They fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Most came back with only the frightening memories of horrors from which they protect us even now. Lance Corporal Leslie Wayne Williams did not come home. He died in Vietnam, far from the comforting voices and touches of those who loved him. He was only 20 years old. He fought hard to come home, but his injuries finally overcame his bravery. I will always remember him. I will always have a love for him.
Father God, You are Love. You weep over the loss of life. You desire that life is lived in peace. We fail to live as You desire because of our pride and arrogance. We thank You for the courage and love placed in the hearts of those who would protect innocence from evil. We want to live our lives as a living sacrifice, giving all we can in love for others. Pour your love and courage into us!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Silenced Voices
If the aborted children had a voice would they ask "Why?"
Why do you want to kill me?
Why don't you protect me?
Why do you not love me?
Why can't I live?
Why do you get to decide?
Father of all those who call to You, I hear the cries. It grows louder as the numbers joining them increase! Forgive me for not using my voice enough to stop this sea of blood spilt in vain. Thank You for holding each one in Your precious nail scarred hands. It is there they rest knowing they are loved.
Why do you want to kill me?
Why don't you protect me?
Why do you not love me?
Why can't I live?
Why do you get to decide?
Father of all those who call to You, I hear the cries. It grows louder as the numbers joining them increase! Forgive me for not using my voice enough to stop this sea of blood spilt in vain. Thank You for holding each one in Your precious nail scarred hands. It is there they rest knowing they are loved.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Answered Prayers
He is near. He hears my prayers and answers me!
I have had a couple of God sightings yesterday and today. He has answered my prayers in specific ways and I am blessed! He always answers prayer with His wisdom and pure love, giving me what I need not always what I want.
Yesterday, for example, I noticed that my flowers needed some water, but I was running in and out of the house on various errands all day. since the sky was overcast I muttered a prayer asking God to water my flowers for me. He did and I am blessed.
Again today, He answered a prayer very soon after I prayed. I was waiting for a response to an email I sent and prayed that I would get it very soon. I only waited about 5 minutes before the friend had called to respond to the email. God is to be praised! My friend may not have seen the email but it was important. I was getting ready to call when he called me!
The last few days I am sensing God's hand on me throughout my days. He is walking with me to help me overcome in a spiritual battle in which I have been weak. I am far from victorious, but i know He is working in and through me to conquer the enemy!
Answered prayers are such a sweet reminder that God is near, He cares and I can trust Him. Whatever the answer I know it is right and good because He is God.
All-Present God, You hear my prayers and answer me when I call! You are all I need! I don't always call on You as I should, I don't always turn to You in my need. Thank You for staying near anyway! Thank You for keeping an open ear to my cry for help! Teach me how to pray at all times!
I have had a couple of God sightings yesterday and today. He has answered my prayers in specific ways and I am blessed! He always answers prayer with His wisdom and pure love, giving me what I need not always what I want.
Yesterday, for example, I noticed that my flowers needed some water, but I was running in and out of the house on various errands all day. since the sky was overcast I muttered a prayer asking God to water my flowers for me. He did and I am blessed.
Again today, He answered a prayer very soon after I prayed. I was waiting for a response to an email I sent and prayed that I would get it very soon. I only waited about 5 minutes before the friend had called to respond to the email. God is to be praised! My friend may not have seen the email but it was important. I was getting ready to call when he called me!
The last few days I am sensing God's hand on me throughout my days. He is walking with me to help me overcome in a spiritual battle in which I have been weak. I am far from victorious, but i know He is working in and through me to conquer the enemy!
Answered prayers are such a sweet reminder that God is near, He cares and I can trust Him. Whatever the answer I know it is right and good because He is God.
All-Present God, You hear my prayers and answer me when I call! You are all I need! I don't always call on You as I should, I don't always turn to You in my need. Thank You for staying near anyway! Thank You for keeping an open ear to my cry for help! Teach me how to pray at all times!
Monday, April 19, 2010
God Sighting 1 and 2
Journey Christian Church is going on a God Hunt. (Thanks to David Mains for the idea!) We are to be aware of God's presence in our lives and give Him thanks when we recognize it. I have been on God Hunts in the past that have become a habit for me and, so this assignment is easy. I see God moving in and around me all of the time.
Before the service was over yesterday, I had a prompting to go down for prayer. I saw that there were about four women ready to pray for people but all had someone to pray with. I asked God to show me to whom I should go for prayer and i had the thought that I should go to my husband Patrick. We were to pray for each other at the cross. After service I told Patrick and we went. Actually I never told him we should go to the cross but he led me there and that was God too as I did not expect that. God was present and powerful in the promptings and in the prayers we offered.
The second God Sighting occurred before we left the church building. I sought out a friend who is heading up the Summer Ladies Bible Studies to let her know what I'd been doing to help her. I had received an email that could have lead to a potential conflict and I needed to tell her about it. After I explained the email, she told me God had already worked it out! It was an unexpected outcome and I was assured that this was a concrete answer to my prayer!
God is near and wants us to enjoy His presence. I look forward to what He has planned for me today!
Father, You are GOOD all the time! Though I do see You working in my life most of the time, I know that I overlook Your wonderful presence at times. Forgive me for taking You for granted. Thank You for being The all present God. Thank You for coming near and never walking away. Open my eyes to see You today in the little things! Open my ears to hear the small promptings and help me to obey. I love You, Lord!
Before the service was over yesterday, I had a prompting to go down for prayer. I saw that there were about four women ready to pray for people but all had someone to pray with. I asked God to show me to whom I should go for prayer and i had the thought that I should go to my husband Patrick. We were to pray for each other at the cross. After service I told Patrick and we went. Actually I never told him we should go to the cross but he led me there and that was God too as I did not expect that. God was present and powerful in the promptings and in the prayers we offered.
The second God Sighting occurred before we left the church building. I sought out a friend who is heading up the Summer Ladies Bible Studies to let her know what I'd been doing to help her. I had received an email that could have lead to a potential conflict and I needed to tell her about it. After I explained the email, she told me God had already worked it out! It was an unexpected outcome and I was assured that this was a concrete answer to my prayer!
God is near and wants us to enjoy His presence. I look forward to what He has planned for me today!
Father, You are GOOD all the time! Though I do see You working in my life most of the time, I know that I overlook Your wonderful presence at times. Forgive me for taking You for granted. Thank You for being The all present God. Thank You for coming near and never walking away. Open my eyes to see You today in the little things! Open my ears to hear the small promptings and help me to obey. I love You, Lord!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Fragrance
There are times when people hug me, and I come away with their fragrance mixed with mine. Not a good thing.
When I wear a fragrance, I put it on before I put on my clothing. It is on my skin and hopefully it does not get passed on to unsuspecting huggers! But there is a fragrance that I do want to pass along to others.
I want to be the fragrance spoken of in II Corinthians 2:16, the sweet savor of Christ. Of course, like the perfumes of those who have different likes than mine, our fragrance can be unwanted by those who want nothing to do with my Savior, Jesus Christ. to my brothers and sisters in Christ i bring the sweet offering of Jesus to them.
Lord Jesus, You are a sweet perfume, a delightful experience of our senses. I want to bring that delight to the world, but so often my sin stinks up the room for others. Forgive me Lord! Thank You for making a simple way for me to share with others. Help me to choose the right way so that my fragrance can be sweet and pleasant to those I encounter!
When I wear a fragrance, I put it on before I put on my clothing. It is on my skin and hopefully it does not get passed on to unsuspecting huggers! But there is a fragrance that I do want to pass along to others.
I want to be the fragrance spoken of in II Corinthians 2:16, the sweet savor of Christ. Of course, like the perfumes of those who have different likes than mine, our fragrance can be unwanted by those who want nothing to do with my Savior, Jesus Christ. to my brothers and sisters in Christ i bring the sweet offering of Jesus to them.
Lord Jesus, You are a sweet perfume, a delightful experience of our senses. I want to bring that delight to the world, but so often my sin stinks up the room for others. Forgive me Lord! Thank You for making a simple way for me to share with others. Help me to choose the right way so that my fragrance can be sweet and pleasant to those I encounter!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
His Birthday
Remembering the day my husband was born is a fun imagination exercise for me. I was in my Mother's womb. Only 3 months there. Patrick was being pushed out into the world! I was in Pueblo, Colorado. He was on a military base in Shreveport, Louisiana. Somehow we were destined to meet in collage, fall in love, and so far, live 36.5 years together.
Today, Patrick doesn't look old, but we laughed this morning about how we thought 59 was VERY old when we were children. We have alot of life left in us! He says he has alot he still wants to experience. I do too. We want to do it together.
Patrick has grown into a man who loves God and family more than he ever thought he could. He has found a passion in teaching. He can be stubborn and selfish like the best of us, but he owns a soft and generous heart. I hold him closer each day because as time goes on I know that tomorrow is not promised to us.
Fifty nine years is a long time when we break it down into days. So many days to choose to love. Today is just another day to celebrate the person God made him to be. Today is just another day to enjoy Patrick with all his faults and treasures. I couldn't love him without the whole package!
I am posting one of the poems I wrote for Patrick on my poetry blog Please visit it and enjoy http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com
Father, you are Good! You have given me a fine man to share life with. Bless Patrick today with more of You! You are the best gift I can ever hope for him!
Today, Patrick doesn't look old, but we laughed this morning about how we thought 59 was VERY old when we were children. We have alot of life left in us! He says he has alot he still wants to experience. I do too. We want to do it together.
Patrick has grown into a man who loves God and family more than he ever thought he could. He has found a passion in teaching. He can be stubborn and selfish like the best of us, but he owns a soft and generous heart. I hold him closer each day because as time goes on I know that tomorrow is not promised to us.
Fifty nine years is a long time when we break it down into days. So many days to choose to love. Today is just another day to celebrate the person God made him to be. Today is just another day to enjoy Patrick with all his faults and treasures. I couldn't love him without the whole package!
I am posting one of the poems I wrote for Patrick on my poetry blog Please visit it and enjoy http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com
Father, you are Good! You have given me a fine man to share life with. Bless Patrick today with more of You! You are the best gift I can ever hope for him!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Faith
Do you have amazing faith? Do you have the kind of faith that gets Gods' attention? I can tell you that I want that kind of faith, not just sometimes but on a daily basis!
Jesus said that the Centurion's' faith was greater than any found in Israel! He healed the paralytic because of the "Amazing" (my words) faith of his friends.Jesus was moved to heal, resurrect and free people from demons because of their faith. The Canaanite woman had faith that even the "scraps" of God's power were enough to fill her need. Another woman had enough faith to brave crowds and simply touch the hem of Jesus' garment. The blind saw, the deaf heard the lame were made to walk! Amazing faith!
Jesus asks if He will find faith on the earth when He returns? I want to have faith that makes Him stop and take notice, but how do I get it? I cannot work at it, nor can I get it from others. Jesus prayed that we would have faith. He told us that even a tiny grain of faith would produce huge results. But, again, how do I get it? What is the faith that is amazing to God?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I believe that it includes hearing His voice, being His sheep. Many can read the Word and never find faith in its meaning. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is the most simple and basic of our relationship with God, and yet, it can be so complex to explain to someone.
My faith needs to be exercised by hearing the word, hearing Gods' voice, prayer, and obedience. Those things are not faith but it exercises my faith. The bible says that faith is believing. We believe in what we don't see. We believe in The God who only needs to say the word, and healing will come. We believe in The God who is so good and powerful that we need only to ask, or get close enough to make our presence known by showing up for ourselves or for a friend. We believe He exists and is good. We believe He made us for relationship with Him. We simply believe in the real God, not the God we have made up in our minds.
God, I believe! Help my unbelief! Increase my faith! Let me know You more so I can believe more! You are real! You are God! You are here with me always!
Jesus said that the Centurion's' faith was greater than any found in Israel! He healed the paralytic because of the "Amazing" (my words) faith of his friends.Jesus was moved to heal, resurrect and free people from demons because of their faith. The Canaanite woman had faith that even the "scraps" of God's power were enough to fill her need. Another woman had enough faith to brave crowds and simply touch the hem of Jesus' garment. The blind saw, the deaf heard the lame were made to walk! Amazing faith!
Jesus asks if He will find faith on the earth when He returns? I want to have faith that makes Him stop and take notice, but how do I get it? I cannot work at it, nor can I get it from others. Jesus prayed that we would have faith. He told us that even a tiny grain of faith would produce huge results. But, again, how do I get it? What is the faith that is amazing to God?
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. I believe that it includes hearing His voice, being His sheep. Many can read the Word and never find faith in its meaning. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is the most simple and basic of our relationship with God, and yet, it can be so complex to explain to someone.
My faith needs to be exercised by hearing the word, hearing Gods' voice, prayer, and obedience. Those things are not faith but it exercises my faith. The bible says that faith is believing. We believe in what we don't see. We believe in The God who only needs to say the word, and healing will come. We believe in The God who is so good and powerful that we need only to ask, or get close enough to make our presence known by showing up for ourselves or for a friend. We believe He exists and is good. We believe He made us for relationship with Him. We simply believe in the real God, not the God we have made up in our minds.
God, I believe! Help my unbelief! Increase my faith! Let me know You more so I can believe more! You are real! You are God! You are here with me always!
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