WOW! I always heard that weddings completely take over your thought life....and that you enter this alternate reality and now I am living it. :)
This is the first time I feel like I have been able to put normal thoughts together and jump back into the blogger world. Its been a roller coaster since we got engaged (almost two weeks ago). I have had some stressful days, but friends and family remind me that once all the big pieces are together, the stress dies down...at least until right before the BIG DAY!
We are still hunting a reception site, but hopefully after two appointments on Wednesday we will have it booked. We now have the church, the photographer, our pastor, and this weekend I found MY DRESS!!!! YAY!!! I am so excited and its so beautiful...and not what I would have expected at all. My mom wasn't with me, so I didn't buy it yet. She is coming with me this weekend! I can't wait for her to see it...and her mom (Mema) will be with us too! I think we have also found the bridesmaid and junior bridemaid dresses as well. So, I am feeling much better about things. However, the sleep thing isn't working so well. I can get to sleep, but if for any reason I wake up in the middle of the night I can't get back to sleep. I start thinking about all the things that need to be done. Or I brainstorm ideas. Or I fall back to sleep and have nightmares about what isn't going to go as planned. I have a feeling I will sleep VERY well the day AFTER the wedding!
I am also constantly reminding myself that the most important part of the BIG DAY is at the end I am Ken's wife. That we are married and starting a new season of life. That God is bringing us together to serve in ministry for Him. I am constantly humbled by this entire process. From the gorgeous ring that is perfect for me...that he picked out himself. To the help and support from my parents and everyday reminder that this day only comes once, so have fun! And, the beautiful flowers Ken's parents sent me welcoming me to their family and showing their excitement! And to the wonderful friends that are wanting to throw me showers. God is teaching me humilty and how to accept grace and not just give it all the time. But to allow others to give it as well.
I've been struggling with where I am going to serve this year and nothing was working out. I was frustrated and didn't understand what God was doing. Now, I do. I understand that the one thing that I am giving most of my time to is planning the day I will be Ken's wife. Throughout this time, I want to represent Christ in every aspect. From how I treat my family and Ken to Christ being seen in me by the photographer, baker, florist, etc. that I have never met. I want Christ to be glorified in all that I do! This is a union that He is making and I want to remember that. Its not about the dress, or the cake, or the reception site, or how amazing people think the wedding is....its about Christ! Its about representing Him! Its about the covenant with Him that Ken and I are making! This is my ministry at this time.
I also want to be preparing for marriage...not a wedding. I look forward to being Ken's wife and want to be a godly woman for him and our children some day. I don't want to just plan a wedding. I want to be preparing myself for being a wife...and a godly one.
My prayer is that I don't get so caught up in the worldy, popular aspect of the wedding and forget what I am really planning for....my marriage! I don't want to get caught up in what I want and forget WHO I am really representing....Christ, my Savior!
This WILL be a fabulous day! Only because I get to become my best friend's wife AND because we get to share our Savior with all of our friends and family!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
WE'RE ENGAGED!!!!!
It happened this last Wednesday April 15, 2009! :) We were both off work and meeting at Ken's house to go to Tractor Supply for a swing that we wanted for the yard. I got to the house (soon to be mine too!) before he got back from running to "work" (where he said he was going). Me getting there first prevented him from hinding the ring that he had just picked up from Jackson's Jeweler. He was outside for a long time. I knew he was hooking the trailer up to his truck, but it was an unusually long time. So I stuck my head out to see if he needed help...and he said yes. He was mumbling something about the trailer as I was walking up and right when I got to him, he spun around and had the ring in his hand. He was SO excited about giving it to me, I don't think he could have waited longer than the 20-30 minutes that he had it in his possession. I just stood there....shocked! I knew it was coming, but I didn't know when. He then got on his knee and asked if I would marry him....and I said "YES", of course! The ring is BEAUTIFUL!!! I am so humbled everytime I look at it! He did such a great job picking it out on his own. He knew what I liked, but we never shopped together or anything. We are so excited!!! And are planning the wedding for this October. We are still working on a set date, but will have that set by the end of this next week. I am so very excited and thankful and humbled that I get to be his wife!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!! 
And, here is the swing we bought! I love it and can't wait to be out there to use it ALL the time! 
And PLEASE after you read this, click here to read this about Ken!!!! Somethings are just better said by those who love you! Thank you, my sister!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Why Do You Seek The LIVING Among the Dead???
HE IS ALIVE!!!! HE IS RISEN!!!!
Was It A Morning Like This
by Sandi Patti
Was it a morning like this
When the Son still hid from Jerusalem?
And Mary rose from her bed
To tend the Lord She thought was dead
What is a morning like this,
When Mary walked down from Jerusalem?
And two angels stood at the tomb,
Bearers of news she would hear soon.
Did the grass sing?
Did the earth rejoice
To feel you again?
Over and over like a
Trumpet underground,
Did the earth seem to pound:
“He is risen”
Over and over in a never ending round
“He is risen, alleluia, alleluia!”
Was it an morning like this,
When Peter and John ran from Jerusalem?
And as they raced for the tomb,
Beneath their feet was there a tune?
Was it a morning like this,
When my Lord looked out On Jerusalem?
He is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
Over and over like a Trumpet underground,
Did the earth seem to pound:
“He is risen”
Over and overin a never ending round
“He is risen, alleluia, alleluia!”
Was It A Morning Like This
by Sandi Patti
Was it a morning like this
When the Son still hid from Jerusalem?
And Mary rose from her bed
To tend the Lord She thought was dead
What is a morning like this,
When Mary walked down from Jerusalem?
And two angels stood at the tomb,
Bearers of news she would hear soon.
Did the grass sing?
Did the earth rejoice
To feel you again?
Over and over like a
Trumpet underground,
Did the earth seem to pound:
“He is risen”
Over and over in a never ending round
“He is risen, alleluia, alleluia!”
Was it an morning like this,
When Peter and John ran from Jerusalem?
And as they raced for the tomb,
Beneath their feet was there a tune?
Was it a morning like this,
When my Lord looked out On Jerusalem?
He is risen, alleluia, alleluia.
Over and over like a Trumpet underground,
Did the earth seem to pound:
“He is risen”
Over and overin a never ending round
“He is risen, alleluia, alleluia!”
Friday, April 10, 2009
Applying GOOD FRIDAY To Life
Why is it so hard to have grace for others? Its hard when we get our feelings hurt, our expectations are unmet, hurtful things are done to us or someone we love, and the list can go on and on.
God didn't ask us to only have grace for those we want to have grace for....or to love those we WANT to love. He has called us to love and have grace for everyone. Especially those its hard to extend grace and love to.
Sometimes we have to step out in obedience and do what we know is truth...and our emotions will follow later. Sometimes, we have to completely rely on God to help us take that obedient step of faith, because we've been hurt too many times or we just feel like living in the flesh that day.
Christ humbled Himself and became flesh, human, so that He could take our place. He alone is the acceptable sacrifice for our sins because He alone fulfilled the Law. He was perfect! He was and IS God! He was God in the flesh!!! Leaving the glory of Heaven, leaving the Father, and His own glory to become like us. Don't be confused, He NEVER stopped being God! He WAS God in the flesh! WOW!!! Have you ever really thought about that? He became like us! The same temptations, the same frustrations, the same ungodly world, the same world that doesn't believe He is God. Only He could take our place! God was so gracious to send His own Son knowing we could never be worthy enough to reconcile our sinful nature to His perfect being. Because He is a just God, someone had to the punishment of sin. Christ did that for you and me! He was the perfect sacrifice! The acceptable payment was made and we can now be reconciled to God, the Father....It was a perfect God bringing sinful man back to Himself through Jesus Christ, His Son. We can now be saved from eternal separation and live with Him forever!!! How do we have this salvation and eternal life with Him? Believe!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life.
Through GRACE ALONE by FAITH ALONE in CHRIST ALONE! We can all have eternal life with Him! Trusting Him and believing that He alone took your place and died for you and ROSE AGAIN, conquering death, on SUNDAY!!!
What I was convicted of today was to have that same grace and love that He had for me! I have a past and a present and a future that can and will have times that make me unloveable, but GOD LOVES ME! And God loves all of His children. We need to start looking at all people the way God does...as His child and not through our fleshful eyes. Love them the way He does...and for some people we need Him to love through us because its too hard to do on our own.
Like Christ laid down His life for us, lets lay down our flesh and our emotions and extend that same grace to others. Whether you think they deserve it or not is not the point. Its taking on the life of Christ and revealing what He has done for ALL people to others. We all need a Savior! We are called to live in the world, but not live like the world. Lets show others we are differnent so they may come to know the Savior!
HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!!!! But, Sunday is coming!!!!!
***You can read more about Good Friday at Angela's Blog too***
God didn't ask us to only have grace for those we want to have grace for....or to love those we WANT to love. He has called us to love and have grace for everyone. Especially those its hard to extend grace and love to.
Sometimes we have to step out in obedience and do what we know is truth...and our emotions will follow later. Sometimes, we have to completely rely on God to help us take that obedient step of faith, because we've been hurt too many times or we just feel like living in the flesh that day.
Christ humbled Himself and became flesh, human, so that He could take our place. He alone is the acceptable sacrifice for our sins because He alone fulfilled the Law. He was perfect! He was and IS God! He was God in the flesh!!! Leaving the glory of Heaven, leaving the Father, and His own glory to become like us. Don't be confused, He NEVER stopped being God! He WAS God in the flesh! WOW!!! Have you ever really thought about that? He became like us! The same temptations, the same frustrations, the same ungodly world, the same world that doesn't believe He is God. Only He could take our place! God was so gracious to send His own Son knowing we could never be worthy enough to reconcile our sinful nature to His perfect being. Because He is a just God, someone had to the punishment of sin. Christ did that for you and me! He was the perfect sacrifice! The acceptable payment was made and we can now be reconciled to God, the Father....It was a perfect God bringing sinful man back to Himself through Jesus Christ, His Son. We can now be saved from eternal separation and live with Him forever!!! How do we have this salvation and eternal life with Him? Believe!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life.
Through GRACE ALONE by FAITH ALONE in CHRIST ALONE! We can all have eternal life with Him! Trusting Him and believing that He alone took your place and died for you and ROSE AGAIN, conquering death, on SUNDAY!!!
What I was convicted of today was to have that same grace and love that He had for me! I have a past and a present and a future that can and will have times that make me unloveable, but GOD LOVES ME! And God loves all of His children. We need to start looking at all people the way God does...as His child and not through our fleshful eyes. Love them the way He does...and for some people we need Him to love through us because its too hard to do on our own.
Like Christ laid down His life for us, lets lay down our flesh and our emotions and extend that same grace to others. Whether you think they deserve it or not is not the point. Its taking on the life of Christ and revealing what He has done for ALL people to others. We all need a Savior! We are called to live in the world, but not live like the world. Lets show others we are differnent so they may come to know the Savior!
HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!!!! But, Sunday is coming!!!!!
***You can read more about Good Friday at Angela's Blog too***
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Passion of Mary-Margaret - Week 2
OK....So I am VERY behind, but I finally got my questions answered. They were very thought provoking and it took me longer than I thought. I have so loved this book....I just want to keep reading certain parts over and over again.
Gosh, how hard would it be to go back and retrieve detailed memories to journal so people would have a glimpse into my walk with the Lord. And, I’m only 30!!! I can’t imagine doing it in my 70’s or 80’s. How awesome it would be if people would leave journals for us to find after they have gone. It would give such an account for who they really are!!!! Like me, I’m sure everyone has some pivotal spiritual growing moments that are personal and are better left in the past. So, my list is less specific than it would be if I was journaling my life (obviously).
My Family
This would include my parents especially because they are the one’s who led me to the Lord and taught me who He is and what He has done for me. They pretty much taught me most of what I know and outside factors just expanded on the basics they taught. I am thankful that my parents raised me in a believing home and it was a safe place to be. It was safe in all aspects: physical, emotional, financial and especially the spiritual. In this group would also be my brothers, their wives and families. I would also list extended family here: my aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents. I can honestly say that I have a story with each one that has touched and changed my life and given me something to hold onto. I am so blessed to have a family that is full of believers. I’m not sure I could name one that doesn’t love the Lord and that is rare. It’s an amazing legacy my grandparents have.
Friends
This list begins as far back as I can remember! Jamie (D.) T., Joni (R.) S., Arianne P., Amy N., Elizabeth M., Erin (Z) U., Rachel (W.) T., Melissa (B.)L., Abby (B.) K. Trisha J.. All of these women have been my best friends! While we may not talk everyday or be in the same place, they have an extremely special place with me and I know that we can call each other and talk like we never stopped. They are all amazing and have helped me grow spiritually. God has been so gracious and provided me with amazing friends. I have never been alone in this area of my life.
Ministry
I have two youth directors that really impacted my life. Dave and his wife, Rhonda, and Eric. They both really challenged me in my early walk with the Lord. How and what they taught really opened up my passion for the Lord. They weren’t afraid to teach what was really important just because we were young. I will always remember Rhonda teaching me to make a list of qualities I wanted in a husband when I was in 7th grade (and I stuck to it). My next major ministry that affected me was moving to Countryside Church after college. JB is the most amazing teacher! I already knew what I believed, but he showed me how to explain it, understand how it all fits together, and show people WHY I believe what I believe. And then serving in Crossover, our college ministry. It changed my life in ways that I didn’t know needed to be changed…and a lot of it wasn’t fun change either. I had a great time serving and loving the college girls, but there were some “terrible two’s” going on with God and me. I was pretty defiant in learning to turn some things over to Him.
Mentors
I could actually give Toni M. her own group! She has been like my “mom-away-from-home.” I met her my sophomore year in college and just adopted her ever since! Then she became more of a mentor in my single-life and has now become my friend! She is great accountability and the most amazing prayer warrior. She has been there for me from learning the Word, to broken hearts, to frustration, to working on homework, to just having coffee. I would also put Lorinda S. and all the great women from Body Buddies in this group. Each one of these women has made an impact in my life.
Michelle
She does have her own group. There are no words that can describe how she has changed my life and she would have the longest chapter in my journal and mentioned in every single story I have from the moment I met her to present. God is SO amazing and I can’t believe He decided to give me a sister!!!!
The testimony of my life would be that I lived for the Lord, even in the mistakes I made, hoping to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
2. In chapter 3, on page 22 Mary-Margaret breaches the subject of Christian mysticism. How did this sit with you? What are your thoughts on this topic?
It’s hard for me to say that what MM is saying is not true because I believe God can do anything He wants. He is all powerful! However, every time in the bible when people see the actual presence of God, He has to hide their face because His glory is so blinding. And Christ, after revealing Himself on earth after the resurrection and being taken into heaven, never returned. He left the Holy Spirit with us in His place. Other religions claim that Christ returned specifically to them, but it goes against all scripture. I have a hard time believing her idea of the mysticism, but like I said God can do anything He wants. I do love that she says He sits with her and talks with her…they actually have conversations together. And, I talk to Him in a similar way, but still don’t know about the whole idea of actually seeing Him.
3. In these chapters (3, 4 & 5) we begin to see Mary-Margaret’s intimate relationship with Jesus. What do you think about the relationship we see between Him and her? In what ways can you relate to her approach to Jesus? In what ways can you not?
A personal relationship with Him…Although Christ went everywhere with her, there was no place more intimate than the alone time she had with her Savior. I talk to Christ all day! But, there is no place like my quiet time with Him every day.
She has real conversations with Christ and He speaks back. I do have times where I sit and talk to Him. He is sitting next to me. I may not be able to see Him, but I know He is there. I talk to Him like I talk to my best friend.
She was a believer at a young age and fell completely in love with Christ. I became a believer at a young age and just fell in love with Him and His word.
Implies she has given her life to His service…if not, other things take His place and create harder challenges in life. I have wanted to serve Him for as long as I can remember. I’ve definitely had my times of living more in the world, but my true desire is for Him.
Not quick at defending her beliefs….after the conversation ends, she can always think of perfect answers. THIS IS SO ME!!! Sometimes I get shocked to silence and don’t have the words to defend my faith….until later. Then I can come up with the perfect answers.
Sometimes she thinks, deep down, that there are still some things too hard for God…then says, “thankfully there is a deeper down” because we know that God can do anything, yet doesn’t. This is how I lived a lot of my single-life. I sometimes just believed that there are some things God couldn’t do…but I KNEW it was because it wasn’t His plan OR His perfect time.
Ok…I’ll stop writing. If you actually got through this long blog, I thank you!
LAST Thursday's Discussion Questions :)
1. We find ourselves reading Mary-Margaret’s personally penned story of her life. If you were to look back on your life and journal it all down in story format what are some things you would include? What main characters would we meet? What would be the tone of your story? Ultimately, what would the testimony of your life be (or what do you hope it would be!)?
1. We find ourselves reading Mary-Margaret’s personally penned story of her life. If you were to look back on your life and journal it all down in story format what are some things you would include? What main characters would we meet? What would be the tone of your story? Ultimately, what would the testimony of your life be (or what do you hope it would be!)?
My Family
This would include my parents especially because they are the one’s who led me to the Lord and taught me who He is and what He has done for me. They pretty much taught me most of what I know and outside factors just expanded on the basics they taught. I am thankful that my parents raised me in a believing home and it was a safe place to be. It was safe in all aspects: physical, emotional, financial and especially the spiritual. In this group would also be my brothers, their wives and families. I would also list extended family here: my aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents. I can honestly say that I have a story with each one that has touched and changed my life and given me something to hold onto. I am so blessed to have a family that is full of believers. I’m not sure I could name one that doesn’t love the Lord and that is rare. It’s an amazing legacy my grandparents have.
Friends
This list begins as far back as I can remember! Jamie (D.) T., Joni (R.) S., Arianne P., Amy N., Elizabeth M., Erin (Z) U., Rachel (W.) T., Melissa (B.)L., Abby (B.) K. Trisha J.. All of these women have been my best friends! While we may not talk everyday or be in the same place, they have an extremely special place with me and I know that we can call each other and talk like we never stopped. They are all amazing and have helped me grow spiritually. God has been so gracious and provided me with amazing friends. I have never been alone in this area of my life.
Ministry
I have two youth directors that really impacted my life. Dave and his wife, Rhonda, and Eric. They both really challenged me in my early walk with the Lord. How and what they taught really opened up my passion for the Lord. They weren’t afraid to teach what was really important just because we were young. I will always remember Rhonda teaching me to make a list of qualities I wanted in a husband when I was in 7th grade (and I stuck to it). My next major ministry that affected me was moving to Countryside Church after college. JB is the most amazing teacher! I already knew what I believed, but he showed me how to explain it, understand how it all fits together, and show people WHY I believe what I believe. And then serving in Crossover, our college ministry. It changed my life in ways that I didn’t know needed to be changed…and a lot of it wasn’t fun change either. I had a great time serving and loving the college girls, but there were some “terrible two’s” going on with God and me. I was pretty defiant in learning to turn some things over to Him.
Mentors
I could actually give Toni M. her own group! She has been like my “mom-away-from-home.” I met her my sophomore year in college and just adopted her ever since! Then she became more of a mentor in my single-life and has now become my friend! She is great accountability and the most amazing prayer warrior. She has been there for me from learning the Word, to broken hearts, to frustration, to working on homework, to just having coffee. I would also put Lorinda S. and all the great women from Body Buddies in this group. Each one of these women has made an impact in my life.
Michelle
She does have her own group. There are no words that can describe how she has changed my life and she would have the longest chapter in my journal and mentioned in every single story I have from the moment I met her to present. God is SO amazing and I can’t believe He decided to give me a sister!!!!
Dating
I have to have a group on how God taught me what I wanted in a husband and through dating he also showed me the blessing in having Ken. I didn’t date a lot...there is a running joke that I don’t date anyone longer than two weeks b/c I just know. I did have a more long-term relationship in college and I have to say the break up was more life changing than anything I ever learned in the relationship. The breakup taught me how desperately I needed my Savior and that He alone is sufficient (which in turn will help me be a better wife one day). This was the start of me falling completely in love with Christ. Not all of my dating decisions were great ones, but God always taught me through them. He taught me GRACE! To have it for myself and to extend it to others. I learned to love the unbeliever and know they don’t live by our standard and we shouldn’t hold them to that. Learning that my actions do have consequences and that despite my thinking they do hurt and affect others. Deciding to REALLY look for what is on my list – stop just dating and really, really look for what I want. I think now when I look back my favorite thing about dating is I can see what an amazing miracle God did in bringing Ken into my life.
I have to have a group on how God taught me what I wanted in a husband and through dating he also showed me the blessing in having Ken. I didn’t date a lot...there is a running joke that I don’t date anyone longer than two weeks b/c I just know. I did have a more long-term relationship in college and I have to say the break up was more life changing than anything I ever learned in the relationship. The breakup taught me how desperately I needed my Savior and that He alone is sufficient (which in turn will help me be a better wife one day). This was the start of me falling completely in love with Christ. Not all of my dating decisions were great ones, but God always taught me through them. He taught me GRACE! To have it for myself and to extend it to others. I learned to love the unbeliever and know they don’t live by our standard and we shouldn’t hold them to that. Learning that my actions do have consequences and that despite my thinking they do hurt and affect others. Deciding to REALLY look for what is on my list – stop just dating and really, really look for what I want. I think now when I look back my favorite thing about dating is I can see what an amazing miracle God did in bringing Ken into my life.
Ken
He has his own! Nothing can express what he means to me. He is the miracle I never thought I would see. He is the answer to many prayers. He is what I have waited for since I was a little girl. He is God’s perfect gift to me. I pray I cherish him for the rest of my life! I pray that I strive to be a godly woman, wife and mother for him and the Lord.
He has his own! Nothing can express what he means to me. He is the miracle I never thought I would see. He is the answer to many prayers. He is what I have waited for since I was a little girl. He is God’s perfect gift to me. I pray I cherish him for the rest of my life! I pray that I strive to be a godly woman, wife and mother for him and the Lord.
I have to list two other things that have had a major impact on my life:
Plane Crash – Two of my close friends died in a tragic plane crash in 2001. It was horrible and life changing. I learned that God doesn’t take people from you to make you learn a lesson (something I believed), BUT if you don’t learn something from it, you walked away from a chance to experience God on a whole new level. It also gave me insight on how I deal with tragedy.
My strongholds – These are what bring me closer to the Lord. They bring trials and help me build character and become more like Him. Sometimes they are temporary (single life) and sometimes they stick around. They all make me realize my need for Christ and that He alone is sufficient.
The tone of my story would be one of grace and a journey of relying on Christ’s sufficiency until I am in His presence. A story like David, a life of complete devotion to the Lord, with mistakes that bring me to a closer walk with the Lord. Something I would want everyone to walk away learning is that in any and all trials, if we go through them and don’t come out at the end being more like Christ and learning from them, then we went through it for nothing.
Plane Crash – Two of my close friends died in a tragic plane crash in 2001. It was horrible and life changing. I learned that God doesn’t take people from you to make you learn a lesson (something I believed), BUT if you don’t learn something from it, you walked away from a chance to experience God on a whole new level. It also gave me insight on how I deal with tragedy.
My strongholds – These are what bring me closer to the Lord. They bring trials and help me build character and become more like Him. Sometimes they are temporary (single life) and sometimes they stick around. They all make me realize my need for Christ and that He alone is sufficient.
The tone of my story would be one of grace and a journey of relying on Christ’s sufficiency until I am in His presence. A story like David, a life of complete devotion to the Lord, with mistakes that bring me to a closer walk with the Lord. Something I would want everyone to walk away learning is that in any and all trials, if we go through them and don’t come out at the end being more like Christ and learning from them, then we went through it for nothing.
The testimony of my life would be that I lived for the Lord, even in the mistakes I made, hoping to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
2. In chapter 3, on page 22 Mary-Margaret breaches the subject of Christian mysticism. How did this sit with you? What are your thoughts on this topic?
It’s hard for me to say that what MM is saying is not true because I believe God can do anything He wants. He is all powerful! However, every time in the bible when people see the actual presence of God, He has to hide their face because His glory is so blinding. And Christ, after revealing Himself on earth after the resurrection and being taken into heaven, never returned. He left the Holy Spirit with us in His place. Other religions claim that Christ returned specifically to them, but it goes against all scripture. I have a hard time believing her idea of the mysticism, but like I said God can do anything He wants. I do love that she says He sits with her and talks with her…they actually have conversations together. And, I talk to Him in a similar way, but still don’t know about the whole idea of actually seeing Him.
3. In these chapters (3, 4 & 5) we begin to see Mary-Margaret’s intimate relationship with Jesus. What do you think about the relationship we see between Him and her? In what ways can you relate to her approach to Jesus? In what ways can you not?
A personal relationship with Him…Although Christ went everywhere with her, there was no place more intimate than the alone time she had with her Savior. I talk to Christ all day! But, there is no place like my quiet time with Him every day.
She has real conversations with Christ and He speaks back. I do have times where I sit and talk to Him. He is sitting next to me. I may not be able to see Him, but I know He is there. I talk to Him like I talk to my best friend.
She was a believer at a young age and fell completely in love with Christ. I became a believer at a young age and just fell in love with Him and His word.
Implies she has given her life to His service…if not, other things take His place and create harder challenges in life. I have wanted to serve Him for as long as I can remember. I’ve definitely had my times of living more in the world, but my true desire is for Him.
Not quick at defending her beliefs….after the conversation ends, she can always think of perfect answers. THIS IS SO ME!!! Sometimes I get shocked to silence and don’t have the words to defend my faith….until later. Then I can come up with the perfect answers.
Sometimes she thinks, deep down, that there are still some things too hard for God…then says, “thankfully there is a deeper down” because we know that God can do anything, yet doesn’t. This is how I lived a lot of my single-life. I sometimes just believed that there are some things God couldn’t do…but I KNEW it was because it wasn’t His plan OR His perfect time.
Ok…I’ll stop writing. If you actually got through this long blog, I thank you!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Church
I’ve been really struggling with going to church lately. I give people the same “talk” that I need to be giving myself right now: “The church isn’t perfect and it’s not meant to be. Every church has its issues/problems. Don’t put your faith in the people, but in the Lord. Going to church isn’t about what it can do for you, but how you are serving the Lord and others there.” I find that every time I am on my way to church, I am frustrated and irritated and don’t want to go. Have a I gotten so far out of touch with being there that I dread it now? I HATE THAT!!! I am letting little issues affect my attitude, which then affects me wanting to be there.
Over the last week, I have been re-learning little characteristics of Satan through my bible study (Esther by Beth Moore). Satan:
1. Loves to show the good side of sin
2. Comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10)
3. Is the father of lies and a murderer (John 8:44)
4. Knows no truth! (John 8:44)
I know this is a spiritual battle within me! I realized what’s going on is that Satan would love nothing more than to keep me from growing spiritually and fellowshipping with other believers. It weakens my relationship with the Lord!
How does he do this?
1. Showing the good side of sin. God tells us to fellowship with other believers and to grow in the grace and knowledge of His Word (2 Peter 3:18)…both of which can be done through church. Every Sunday, I am tempted to stay in bed and sleep in. My desire to be lazy kicks in and I just want to do nothing! If I decide to get up and go, my attitude is terrible. I am either irritable that I am up this early on my weekend or I have the attitude to get up, go and get it over with. I am also tempted to not go because it gives me more time in my day to get things done.
2. “He comes to steal, kill and destroy.” Not going to church steals, kills and destroys: my joy, my fellowship with God and others, my spiritual growth, my walk with the Lord, my humility, my godly decision making.
3. He is the “father of lies” and a murderer. When I am not in fellowship or growing spiritually, Satan’s lies are easier to listen to, and they are harder to combat against. I am allowing him to murder my fellowship which creates separation from my Lord.
4. He knows no truth! If he knows no truth, then I find truth in Christ and His Word! I’m limiting my hearing of His Word when I choose not to go to church….or when I choose to have a bad attitude.
I am tired of being attacked in this area! I miss learning God’s Word! I long to know Him more and fellowship with Him! The ironic thing is….the only thing holding me back from “fixing” this problem is me! I have to choose to live for the Lord or live for the world. I choose to live for Him! And Him alone!
Over the last week, I have been re-learning little characteristics of Satan through my bible study (Esther by Beth Moore). Satan:
1. Loves to show the good side of sin
2. Comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10)
3. Is the father of lies and a murderer (John 8:44)
4. Knows no truth! (John 8:44)
I know this is a spiritual battle within me! I realized what’s going on is that Satan would love nothing more than to keep me from growing spiritually and fellowshipping with other believers. It weakens my relationship with the Lord!
How does he do this?
1. Showing the good side of sin. God tells us to fellowship with other believers and to grow in the grace and knowledge of His Word (2 Peter 3:18)…both of which can be done through church. Every Sunday, I am tempted to stay in bed and sleep in. My desire to be lazy kicks in and I just want to do nothing! If I decide to get up and go, my attitude is terrible. I am either irritable that I am up this early on my weekend or I have the attitude to get up, go and get it over with. I am also tempted to not go because it gives me more time in my day to get things done.
2. “He comes to steal, kill and destroy.” Not going to church steals, kills and destroys: my joy, my fellowship with God and others, my spiritual growth, my walk with the Lord, my humility, my godly decision making.
3. He is the “father of lies” and a murderer. When I am not in fellowship or growing spiritually, Satan’s lies are easier to listen to, and they are harder to combat against. I am allowing him to murder my fellowship which creates separation from my Lord.
4. He knows no truth! If he knows no truth, then I find truth in Christ and His Word! I’m limiting my hearing of His Word when I choose not to go to church….or when I choose to have a bad attitude.
I am tired of being attacked in this area! I miss learning God’s Word! I long to know Him more and fellowship with Him! The ironic thing is….the only thing holding me back from “fixing” this problem is me! I have to choose to live for the Lord or live for the world. I choose to live for Him! And Him alone!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Another FRIDAY!!!!! :)
Well, its Friday! YAY! I am so thankful for weekends. I thought vacation was supposed to be restful. While Ken and I had the most amazing trip, I am still tired! I have so many pictures and will hopefully blog later this weekend. I also need to blog about my book reading too! Thats the other thing about vacation...When I leave, I REALLY LEAVE! I don't think about anything that I have left at home. I complete vacate my normal life!!! So, when I return, I feel VERY behind and it takes a few days to play catch-up. That is what I will be doing this weekend. We will see how successful it is though because one of my best friends, Emily, is coming to stay! I am so excited!!! I can't wait to shop and play and be lazy and just have good girl-time. Hope you all have a great weekend!
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