The train whistle haunts me. Not like a ghost or a foe. More like when something in your life isn’t right and God is trying to get your attention. Most are waiting and eager to hear the trumpet of God’s return but before the trumpet must come the train whistle. Maybe it’s just me but I hear it all the time, maybe I’ve lost my mind but I will stand by my belief that there is something in that train whistle. A sign of hope, more like a sign of fear, fear of God. In deaf culture a common idiom is “Train Gone” which means you’re basically out of the loop. The fear of being out of the loop with God scares me. I know he will never forsake me but I know there are areas in my life that need his guidance, need his holy touch, need his breath of grace, and need to be brought forth to his throne. I bring things to the alter, but when I leave I take them with me; I don’t leave them at his throne. Something that I know I’m not the only one guilty of. So after this revelation what do I do? Humble myself before him!
“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:7-10
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” – Psalm 25:9
Friday, April 14, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Stop
Stop and smell the roses
Stop and look at them
Stop and see their joy
Stop and see their pain
Stop and see their lost
Stop and see their going
Just stop and see
It is so easy to be
Caught in you
And not sky blue
He is all round
Waiting to be found
But the rush of life
Masks the knife
If only we knew
To stop and let only him rule
Stop your heart from sinning
Stop your mind from wandering
Stop your feet from moving
Stop and let him guide
Why wait to fall
Why wait to burn
Why wait for you
Cause it will be too late
So why do you wait?
You already have
Stop and look at them
Stop and see their joy
Stop and see their pain
Stop and see their lost
Stop and see their going
Just stop and see
It is so easy to be
Caught in you
And not sky blue
He is all round
Waiting to be found
But the rush of life
Masks the knife
If only we knew
To stop and let only him rule
Stop your heart from sinning
Stop your mind from wandering
Stop your feet from moving
Stop and let him guide
Why wait to fall
Why wait to burn
Why wait for you
Cause it will be too late
So why do you wait?
You already have
Thursday, March 02, 2006
a Lesson in God's Power
This is part of a letter I had to write in regard to an event in my life I chose to post it for there was a valuable lesson that I learned through this.
I have come to a deeper understanding of what went on Tuesday Feb 21st. Despite what others might believe I was actually in control of the situation. I could have at any point in time stopped but I thought it was helping me release feelings and frustrations I was having about my mental health and all of the events that lead up to my current state of mind. These feelings and frustrations came out in a some what violent and out of the ordinary way. Along with fighting my frustrations I was fighting God in the sense that I was angry that he hadn’t healed me yet. The biggest realization was the joy and peace that was found that I had forgotten. After fighting and struggling I eventually grew tired and unable to continue the struggle. I finally made the choice to stop. In tears I realized that one can’t win at a fight with God but that my walls of pride had to fall down. In tears because of God’s unfailing love for me I once again surrendered my pain and my mental struggles to him. Only he can heal me. I can’t fight this fight on my own. “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:29 I need his strength and guidance as well as the guidance he gives to those saints around me who too are filled with the Holy Spirit. He loves me and many others in my life love me as well and for that I am thankful.
God is sovereign in my life and so even though this was nerve rattling for me and many others I am rejoicing. “Sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” – 2 Cor. 6:10 My life is in his hands and so whatever trials that are still to come he will still be there with me. If one is not a believer this may not sound like there is much hope for I am saying that harder struggles have yet to occur. But saying that I am in the Lord’s hands is actually a message of deep love and hope.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” – Nehemiah 8:10
I have come to a deeper understanding of what went on Tuesday Feb 21st. Despite what others might believe I was actually in control of the situation. I could have at any point in time stopped but I thought it was helping me release feelings and frustrations I was having about my mental health and all of the events that lead up to my current state of mind. These feelings and frustrations came out in a some what violent and out of the ordinary way. Along with fighting my frustrations I was fighting God in the sense that I was angry that he hadn’t healed me yet. The biggest realization was the joy and peace that was found that I had forgotten. After fighting and struggling I eventually grew tired and unable to continue the struggle. I finally made the choice to stop. In tears I realized that one can’t win at a fight with God but that my walls of pride had to fall down. In tears because of God’s unfailing love for me I once again surrendered my pain and my mental struggles to him. Only he can heal me. I can’t fight this fight on my own. “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:29 I need his strength and guidance as well as the guidance he gives to those saints around me who too are filled with the Holy Spirit. He loves me and many others in my life love me as well and for that I am thankful.
God is sovereign in my life and so even though this was nerve rattling for me and many others I am rejoicing. “Sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” – 2 Cor. 6:10 My life is in his hands and so whatever trials that are still to come he will still be there with me. If one is not a believer this may not sound like there is much hope for I am saying that harder struggles have yet to occur. But saying that I am in the Lord’s hands is actually a message of deep love and hope.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” – Nehemiah 8:10
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Surrender and renew
I try to run and I try to hide
But you promise to never leave my side
Your love is so kind
And I am so undesevering
This plagues my mind
How you could be so unswerving
My pace quickens
My heart skips a beat
My grip tightens
My soul begins to retreat
But it is not until the tears fall
That on my knees I send out a call
O Lord only you
Will satisfy
Through and through
To you I die
Alone on the tracks
I renew my vow
Can finally relax
As I joyfully bow
"Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth." - Psalm 31:5
But you promise to never leave my side
Your love is so kind
And I am so undesevering
This plagues my mind
How you could be so unswerving
My pace quickens
My heart skips a beat
My grip tightens
My soul begins to retreat
But it is not until the tears fall
That on my knees I send out a call
O Lord only you
Will satisfy
Through and through
To you I die
Alone on the tracks
I renew my vow
Can finally relax
As I joyfully bow
"Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth." - Psalm 31:5
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Ugly Duckling
Have you ever read the story of the ugly duckling? I think every kid has but when was the last time you read it? I picked up to day when I was waiting for a meeting to start. It is my story! Hopefully yours too!
I was born to 2 unbelievers and grew up always feeling like I didn't belong. I grew up desiring to find what I was looking for and to have friends that truly liked/loved me. Like the duckling I left the old farm in search of a place were I would fit in. In search of my identity. I was found by God and he revealed to me that I am an ugly duckling to this world but to him I was a swan! Our identity in him is the most beautiful of all.
The Ugly Duckling
Once upon a time down on an old farm, lived a duck family, and Mother Duck had been sitting on a clutch of new eggs. One nice morning, the eggs hatched and out popped six chirpy ducklings. But one egg was bigger than the rest, and it didn't hatch. Mother Duck couldn't recall laying that seventh egg. How did it get there? TOCK! TOCK! The little prisoner was pecking inside his shell.
"Did I count the eggs wrongly?" Mother Duck wondered. But before she had time to think about it, the last egg finally hatched. A strange looking duckling with gray feathers that should have been yellow gazed at a worried mother. The ducklings grew quickly, but Mother Duck had a secret worry.
"I can't understand how this ugly duckling can be one of mine!" she said to herself, shaking her head as she looked at her last born. Well, the gray duckling certainly wasn't pretty, and since he ate far more than his brothers, he was outgrowing them. As the days went by, the poor ugly duckling became more and more unhappy. His brothers didn't want to play with him, he was so
clumsy, and all the farmyard folks simply laughed at him. He felt sad and lonely, while Mother Duck did her best to console him.
"Poor little ugly duckling!" she would say. "Why are you so different from the others?" And the ugly duckling felt worse than ever. He secretly wept at night. He felt nobody wanted him.
"Nobody loves me, they all tease me! Why am I different from my brothers?"
Then one day, at sunrise, he ran away from the farmyard. He stopped at a pond and began to question all the other birds. "Do you know of any ducklings with gray feathers like mine?" But everyone shook their heads in scorn.
"We don't know anyone as ugly as you." The ugly duckling did not lose heart, however, and kept on making inquiries. He went to another pond, where a pair of large geese gave him the same answer to his question. What's more, they warned him: "Don't stay here! Go away! It's dangerous. There are men with guns around here!" The duckling was sorry he had ever left the farmyard.
Then one day, his travels took him near an old countrywoman's cottage. Thinking he was a stray goose, she caught him.
"I'll put this in a hutch. I hope it's a female and lays plenty of eggs!" said the old woman, whose eyesight was poor. But the ugly duckling laid not a single egg. The hen kept frightening him.
"Just wait! If you don't lay eggs, the old woman will wring your neck and pop you into the pot!" And the cat chipped in: "Hee! Hee! I hope the woman cooks you, then I can gnaw at your bones!" The poor ugly duckling was so scared that he lost his appetite, though the old woman kept stuffing him with food and grumbling: "If you won't lay eggs, at least hurry up and get plump!"
"Oh, dear me!" moaned the now terrified duckling. "I'll die of fright first! And I did so hope someone would love me!"
Then one night, finding the hutch door ajar, he escaped. Once again he was all alone. He fled as far away as he could, and at dawn, he found himself in a thick bed of reeds. "If nobody wants me, I'll hid here forever." There was plenty a food, and the duckling began to feel a little happier, though he was lonely. One day at sunrise, he saw a flight of beautiful birds wing overhead. White, with long slender necks, yellow beaks and large wings, they were migrating south.
"If only I could look like them, just for a day!" said the duckling, admiringly. Winter came and the water in the reed bed froze. The poor duckling left home to seek food in the snow. He dropped exhausted to the ground, but a farmer found him and put him in his big jacket pocket.
"I'll take him home to my children. They'll look after him. Poor thing, he's frozen!" The duckling was showered with kindly care at the farmer's house. In this way, the ugly duckling was able to survive the bitterly cold winter.
However, by springtime, he had grown so big that the farmer decided: "I'll set him free by the pond!" That was when the duckling saw himself mirrored in the water.
"Goodness! How I've changed! I hardly recognize myself!" The flight of swans winged north again and glided on to the pond. When the duckling saw them, he realized he was one of their kind, and soon made friends.
"We're swans like you!" they said, warmly. "Where have you been hiding?"
"It's a long story," replied the young swan, still astounded. Now, he swam majestically with his fellow swans. One day, he heard children on the river bank exclaim: "Look at that young swan! He's the finest of them all!"
And he almost burst with happiness.
I was born to 2 unbelievers and grew up always feeling like I didn't belong. I grew up desiring to find what I was looking for and to have friends that truly liked/loved me. Like the duckling I left the old farm in search of a place were I would fit in. In search of my identity. I was found by God and he revealed to me that I am an ugly duckling to this world but to him I was a swan! Our identity in him is the most beautiful of all.
The Ugly Duckling
Once upon a time down on an old farm, lived a duck family, and Mother Duck had been sitting on a clutch of new eggs. One nice morning, the eggs hatched and out popped six chirpy ducklings. But one egg was bigger than the rest, and it didn't hatch. Mother Duck couldn't recall laying that seventh egg. How did it get there? TOCK! TOCK! The little prisoner was pecking inside his shell.
"Did I count the eggs wrongly?" Mother Duck wondered. But before she had time to think about it, the last egg finally hatched. A strange looking duckling with gray feathers that should have been yellow gazed at a worried mother. The ducklings grew quickly, but Mother Duck had a secret worry.
"I can't understand how this ugly duckling can be one of mine!" she said to herself, shaking her head as she looked at her last born. Well, the gray duckling certainly wasn't pretty, and since he ate far more than his brothers, he was outgrowing them. As the days went by, the poor ugly duckling became more and more unhappy. His brothers didn't want to play with him, he was so
clumsy, and all the farmyard folks simply laughed at him. He felt sad and lonely, while Mother Duck did her best to console him.
"Poor little ugly duckling!" she would say. "Why are you so different from the others?" And the ugly duckling felt worse than ever. He secretly wept at night. He felt nobody wanted him.
"Nobody loves me, they all tease me! Why am I different from my brothers?"
Then one day, at sunrise, he ran away from the farmyard. He stopped at a pond and began to question all the other birds. "Do you know of any ducklings with gray feathers like mine?" But everyone shook their heads in scorn.
"We don't know anyone as ugly as you." The ugly duckling did not lose heart, however, and kept on making inquiries. He went to another pond, where a pair of large geese gave him the same answer to his question. What's more, they warned him: "Don't stay here! Go away! It's dangerous. There are men with guns around here!" The duckling was sorry he had ever left the farmyard.
Then one day, his travels took him near an old countrywoman's cottage. Thinking he was a stray goose, she caught him.
"I'll put this in a hutch. I hope it's a female and lays plenty of eggs!" said the old woman, whose eyesight was poor. But the ugly duckling laid not a single egg. The hen kept frightening him.
"Just wait! If you don't lay eggs, the old woman will wring your neck and pop you into the pot!" And the cat chipped in: "Hee! Hee! I hope the woman cooks you, then I can gnaw at your bones!" The poor ugly duckling was so scared that he lost his appetite, though the old woman kept stuffing him with food and grumbling: "If you won't lay eggs, at least hurry up and get plump!"
"Oh, dear me!" moaned the now terrified duckling. "I'll die of fright first! And I did so hope someone would love me!"
Then one night, finding the hutch door ajar, he escaped. Once again he was all alone. He fled as far away as he could, and at dawn, he found himself in a thick bed of reeds. "If nobody wants me, I'll hid here forever." There was plenty a food, and the duckling began to feel a little happier, though he was lonely. One day at sunrise, he saw a flight of beautiful birds wing overhead. White, with long slender necks, yellow beaks and large wings, they were migrating south.
"If only I could look like them, just for a day!" said the duckling, admiringly. Winter came and the water in the reed bed froze. The poor duckling left home to seek food in the snow. He dropped exhausted to the ground, but a farmer found him and put him in his big jacket pocket.
"I'll take him home to my children. They'll look after him. Poor thing, he's frozen!" The duckling was showered with kindly care at the farmer's house. In this way, the ugly duckling was able to survive the bitterly cold winter.
However, by springtime, he had grown so big that the farmer decided: "I'll set him free by the pond!" That was when the duckling saw himself mirrored in the water.
"Goodness! How I've changed! I hardly recognize myself!" The flight of swans winged north again and glided on to the pond. When the duckling saw them, he realized he was one of their kind, and soon made friends.
"We're swans like you!" they said, warmly. "Where have you been hiding?"
"It's a long story," replied the young swan, still astounded. Now, he swam majestically with his fellow swans. One day, he heard children on the river bank exclaim: "Look at that young swan! He's the finest of them all!"
And he almost burst with happiness.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Trust God with your homework
"God loves math and that's why he gave humans the idea of math. If you are having trouble with math you should pray about it. In the Bible it says all things are possible through Christ who strenghthens me. If you pray to God about your trouble with math God will help you get it eventually. You should trust God. All you have to do is believe in Him because He works MIRACLES! "
A 13 year old wrote this!
And here are some verses that I found related to work/wisdom/future, oh boy are there more!
1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
A 13 year old wrote this!
And here are some verses that I found related to work/wisdom/future, oh boy are there more!
1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Proverbs 22:29
Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings;
he will not serve before obscure men.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Pains of Surgery
I read this today from the book "Real Christians don't
Dance". I admit when I have a problem I try to fix my
environments, by getting rid of the idol but what
about the idol in my heart. We have to be cleansed
from the inside out and let me tell you what, it
hurts. humbling yourself before God and being
vulnerably is not the most comfortable place to be at
but that is what needs to be done. Pray with me not
just for me but for anybody else who is going through
this too.
The cartoon character Pogo's famous statement says it
best: "We have met the enemy and he is us." A pure
environment doesn't necessarily make pure people.
Avoiding movies, burning records, staying away from
dances, or turning off the radio does not make anyone
spiritually strong. In fact, these actually tend to
produce the opposite effect, developing fragile
Christians who must live in a controlled, censored
environment � much like people who are so sensitive
to germs and chemical pollution that they have to live
in sterile rooms and breathe only filtered air.
The real problem of evil is inside us and not on
our walls or our stereo turntables. The purifying
process must begin in the heart and mind. The Bible
says: "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those
who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure"
(Titus 1:15). God works from the inside out, not
outside in. A pure heart makes for a pure world, not
vicversasa.
A pure heart comes from knowing Jesus Christ and
having Him recreate our hearts and minds through His
Word. It's strictly an inside job. Once that process
of change has begun, we begin to see differently. The
Word of God becomes a compass that points us toward
truth. With our new-found eyesight, we begin to sift
out truth from wherever we find it � even in the
most unlikely places. "To the pure, all things are
pure."
Dance". I admit when I have a problem I try to fix my
environments, by getting rid of the idol but what
about the idol in my heart. We have to be cleansed
from the inside out and let me tell you what, it
hurts. humbling yourself before God and being
vulnerably is not the most comfortable place to be at
but that is what needs to be done. Pray with me not
just for me but for anybody else who is going through
this too.
The cartoon character Pogo's famous statement says it
best: "We have met the enemy and he is us." A pure
environment doesn't necessarily make pure people.
Avoiding movies, burning records, staying away from
dances, or turning off the radio does not make anyone
spiritually strong. In fact, these actually tend to
produce the opposite effect, developing fragile
Christians who must live in a controlled, censored
environment � much like people who are so sensitive
to germs and chemical pollution that they have to live
in sterile rooms and breathe only filtered air.
The real problem of evil is inside us and not on
our walls or our stereo turntables. The purifying
process must begin in the heart and mind. The Bible
says: "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those
who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure"
(Titus 1:15). God works from the inside out, not
outside in. A pure heart makes for a pure world, not
vicversasa.
A pure heart comes from knowing Jesus Christ and
having Him recreate our hearts and minds through His
Word. It's strictly an inside job. Once that process
of change has begun, we begin to see differently. The
Word of God becomes a compass that points us toward
truth. With our new-found eyesight, we begin to sift
out truth from wherever we find it � even in the
most unlikely places. "To the pure, all things are
pure."
Thursday, February 02, 2006
"Every Warrior of the Light
has felt afraid of going into battle.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light
has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light
has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.
Every Warrior of the Light
has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light
has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'
Every Warrior of the Light
has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light,
Because he has been through all this
and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is."
Paulo Coelho, Brazilian Author
From his book: 'Warrior Of The Light'
has felt afraid of going into battle.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light
has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light
has suffered for the most trivial of reasons.
Every Warrior of the Light
has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the Light.
Every Warrior of the Light
has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light
has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'
Every Warrior of the Light
has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light,
Because he has been through all this
and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is."
Paulo Coelho, Brazilian Author
From his book: 'Warrior Of The Light'
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ~ John 13:34
I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with Joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clean before my father
I am his child, and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I will gladly obey
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion
I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges
I dare to see another point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me
Your power and glory let them shine through me
Your hallowed name, O may I bear with honor
and may your living Kingdom come in me
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor
And may you feed a hungry world through me
I then shall live as one who's been forgiven
I'll walk with Joy to know my debts are paid
I know my name is clean before my father
I am his child, and I am not afraid
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother
The law of love I will gladly obey
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion
I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges
I dare to see another point of view
And when relationships demand commitment
Then I'll be there to care and follow through
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me
Your power and glory let them shine through me
Your hallowed name, O may I bear with honor
and may your living Kingdom come in me
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor
And may you feed a hungry world through me
Friday, January 27, 2006
My, Your, Our Sovereign God
Is God sovereign in your life? I mean is he really? Do you have the fear of God in you? Are you afraid to pray powerful prayers because you know they will come true. Ask and you shall receive. YOU SHALL RECEIVE. So what do you ask for and how do you react when you get it. When I was younger I would make birthday lists and Christmas lists that way my family wouldn't have to figure out what I wanted. The lists consisted of at least 10 items. Along would come Christmas and I would get stuff that was on the list but yet I wasn't completely thankful because even though my request was granted I really wanted the other items on the list(After 5 years I finally got a CD player that I wanted!) or I wasn't completely satisfied with the item that I did get(I wanted the red ball not the blue one). My point is when we pray and God answers our prayers how thankful are we? Did we want him to answer one prayer before another, did we even want him to answer a certain prayer and are we grateful for the way he answered the prayer?
The reason I brought this up is because yesterday I was faced with the reality that God answers prayers. I prayed in the morning for him to be sovereign in my life and to break me. I took pride in this prayer because I felt so Spirited and decided that it would be a good day because I did my Christian duty. Quickly before I knew what happen he put a big struggle right in front of me and all I could do was face it head on. He decided to break me and show to me that he is sovereign in my life. I wanted to run but he reminded me that I asked for it. I asked for a ball and well I got it. Don't run Christian! Or at least don't run from him but instead run right into his arms. Humble yourself and let go of all your pride and the mask that you wear to look strong. Trust in him to guide you and to comfort you. Sovereign sustaining grace.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7
Here is the song that is powerful and can't be song without understanding what you are singing. Everytime I sing it I find myself on my knees because God has answered my prayers. I ask you all pray it for yourself if you want God to be sovereign in your life.
Break Me
Travis & Sarah Swan/Katrina Jansson
Wake me
Shake me from my sleep
Move me
And I fall to my knees
Breathe on me
DonÂ’t let my heart be cold
Burn in me
A fire I canÂ’t control
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
When IÂ’m weak, you understand my cry
Holy Spirit come, IÂ’m ready for Your life
Call me, and name me as Your own
Set my mind upon Your ways as I let my way go
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
So Your glory can be seen
Glory for the world to see
Show yourself to the world through me 4x
The reason I brought this up is because yesterday I was faced with the reality that God answers prayers. I prayed in the morning for him to be sovereign in my life and to break me. I took pride in this prayer because I felt so Spirited and decided that it would be a good day because I did my Christian duty. Quickly before I knew what happen he put a big struggle right in front of me and all I could do was face it head on. He decided to break me and show to me that he is sovereign in my life. I wanted to run but he reminded me that I asked for it. I asked for a ball and well I got it. Don't run Christian! Or at least don't run from him but instead run right into his arms. Humble yourself and let go of all your pride and the mask that you wear to look strong. Trust in him to guide you and to comfort you. Sovereign sustaining grace.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:6-7
Here is the song that is powerful and can't be song without understanding what you are singing. Everytime I sing it I find myself on my knees because God has answered my prayers. I ask you all pray it for yourself if you want God to be sovereign in your life.
Break Me
Travis & Sarah Swan/Katrina Jansson
Wake me
Shake me from my sleep
Move me
And I fall to my knees
Breathe on me
DonÂ’t let my heart be cold
Burn in me
A fire I canÂ’t control
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
When IÂ’m weak, you understand my cry
Holy Spirit come, IÂ’m ready for Your life
Call me, and name me as Your own
Set my mind upon Your ways as I let my way go
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
Have Your way with me
Break me
So I can be set free
Break me
So Your glory can be seen
Glory for the world to see
Show yourself to the world through me 4x
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Maker of Heaven and Earth
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895)
Maker of Heaven and Earth
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;--
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
Maker of Heaven and Earth
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;--
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Courage to not Run
When faced with something do you choose to run from it or do you choose to take it head on? Pause before you answer this!
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. - Proverbs 28:1"
I'm not referring to anything particular. Financial problems, school problems, relationships, temptations, surrendering of idols, your own sins, your weaknesses or any struggle that you find yourself in. For me I guess it is all of these, I confess. I'm a runner and not in the one foot in front of the other way but the one where avoidance is my way of life.
But there is hope! WE have the Spirit in us and God is on our side.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Phil 4:13"
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. - 1 Corinthians 16:13"
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion. - Proverbs 28:1"
I'm not referring to anything particular. Financial problems, school problems, relationships, temptations, surrendering of idols, your own sins, your weaknesses or any struggle that you find yourself in. For me I guess it is all of these, I confess. I'm a runner and not in the one foot in front of the other way but the one where avoidance is my way of life.
But there is hope! WE have the Spirit in us and God is on our side.
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Phil 4:13"
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. - 1 Corinthians 16:13"
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Road marked with Suffering
"Drowned eyes
Dark skies
Lonely nights
Fading lights
You will wipe my tear
every word you hear
Change my heart of stone
For I am not alone
My God is good
for there I stood
looking to the cross
now I count my sin as loss
All my life to give
is the only way to live
Endure the race
to see His Face!"
I wrote these words this evening, reflecting on my most resent struggles and on my past struggles. I was reminded today that dwelling is not good. Dwelling on the negative, dwelling on my sorrows, dwelling on my struggles, and worst of all dwelling on the lies Satan tells me. But Christ died for me and for ALL, no need to dwell. Rejoice instead for he has saved me and I bring pleasure to his eye.
"Blessed be Your Name
On the Road marked with suffering
Though there is pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name"
Dark skies
Lonely nights
Fading lights
You will wipe my tear
every word you hear
Change my heart of stone
For I am not alone
My God is good
for there I stood
looking to the cross
now I count my sin as loss
All my life to give
is the only way to live
Endure the race
to see His Face!"
I wrote these words this evening, reflecting on my most resent struggles and on my past struggles. I was reminded today that dwelling is not good. Dwelling on the negative, dwelling on my sorrows, dwelling on my struggles, and worst of all dwelling on the lies Satan tells me. But Christ died for me and for ALL, no need to dwell. Rejoice instead for he has saved me and I bring pleasure to his eye.
"Blessed be Your Name
On the Road marked with suffering
Though there is pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name"
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Grandma and Me!
I went to church with my grandma Sunday and then lunch together afterwards. I thought of something I heard from John Piper that before I became Christian somebody maybe many more were praying for me. Because of their faithfulness and even more because of God’s faithfulness I am a Christian, going on 16 months! My grandma was one of those and I know that when I told her last year she rejoiced. Imagine praying for somebody for 18 years and then getting a letter declaring an answer to your prayer. Imagine the joy and I can still see it in her eyes and feel it in her hugs. It was great to sit and chat with my grandma and to go to her church. I remember when I was younger when my brothers and I would stay at my grandparents’ house on the weekend. They would take us to their church. Entering the church this time was totally different because I liked to be there, God’s spirit was in this church. Like my church in Fort Collins this one focuses on the great commission that God has called us to work for. But at the same time when I saw the alter all I could think of was my grandpa’s memorial service. The same screen that we watched old pictures of his life I was reading lyrics about the Hope I have in Christ. Painful but yet joyful. I thought of my recent stroll through the cemetery thinking about the pains of being a widow. Many going years after their spouse has died, years that I imagine are lonely and depressing. But then I think of my grandma and I think of the old lady that has breakfast alone every Saturday morning at Elmers, local breakfast restaurant. You give your heart to somebody and then after 50 years or so you find yourself without them. Nights so sad that you can’t even cry but there is hope. I looked at that alter and read what was written below, “Christ is Lord”. There is our hope, there is their hope and there is the hope that we live everyday for. That hope and joy is reflected in my grandma’s eyes and smile. The same smile that God has blessed me with, like a friend of grandma’s said, “I can tell you gals are related”.
Praise God for my grandma and her faithfulness, praise him for my salvation, praise him for the hope we all have in Christ. Praise Him!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Hello dear blog, I haven’t forgotten about you I just don’t know what to write. It’s not a lack of thought but really a lack of understanding. The only thing I am sure of anymore is that God is almighty and his way leads to victory. He is faithful with our prayers and he is always with me despite my many failures. More soon I hope.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Stars and Us
Even the moon is not alone
it is surrounded by many stars
most you can't even see
They each have a part
in lighting up the sky for God
With my fellow
brothers and sisters
I too have the duty
no the privledge
of lighting up this world
for GOD!
"children of god without fult in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" - Phil 2:15
it is surrounded by many stars
most you can't even see
They each have a part
in lighting up the sky for God
With my fellow
brothers and sisters
I too have the duty
no the privledge
of lighting up this world
for GOD!
"children of god without fult in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" - Phil 2:15
I wish to be a tree - Abra
I wish to be a tree
In all of it's glory
Firm in stand
Not shaken by another hand
Either dressed or bare
It will always be fair
Stretching to the sky
And never living a lie
Identity as he see
God made him a tree
In a yard or countryside
That is for God to decide
In all of it's glory
Firm in stand
Not shaken by another hand
Either dressed or bare
It will always be fair
Stretching to the sky
And never living a lie
Identity as he see
God made him a tree
In a yard or countryside
That is for God to decide
A poem by me
I walked into a cave
Thinking it was a tunnel
No light it gave
Only into darkness via a funnel
Down, Down, I went
Into the dark abiss
No way to vent
Hoping to not miss
But everytime I closed my eyes
there my Savior stood
With all the tearful goodbyes
He will always be perfectly good
Life is now worth living
I now have a plan
To always be giving
Love received by a holy man
Thinking it was a tunnel
No light it gave
Only into darkness via a funnel
Down, Down, I went
Into the dark abiss
No way to vent
Hoping to not miss
But everytime I closed my eyes
there my Savior stood
With all the tearful goodbyes
He will always be perfectly good
Life is now worth living
I now have a plan
To always be giving
Love received by a holy man
Monday, December 12, 2005
God Sent Me An Angel
by Tommy Q
I was walking along a country road one calm and cloudy day
Feeling down about the problems that had seemed to come my way
My pain was very great and my tears I could not hide
And was calling God to help me as I was hurting deep inside
I then thought about what I've believed and how I've rarely called
For sometimes I have wondered if God were there at all
As I lifted up my head and looked down that road a spell
I spotted someone coming - from the distance hard to tell
As he got a little closer I could then see all the signs
Of someone who'd been down that road quite a number of times
His clothes were old and dusty and his shoes were pretty worn
But there seemed a glow about him - at least I could have sworn
His face appeared real friendly as he peered up in the sky
He said, the weather is pretty calm today, hope the rain will pass us by
He first talked about the weather, but there seemed to be much more
That we both had in common, except for what we wore
He started talking about his life and the places he had been
And he spoke as if he knew me, like we were next-of-kin
From the problems that he had, to the happy times he found
Our likeness was uncanny and was becoming more profound
We had so much in common - I couldn't believe how much alike,
That I decided to tag along, we continued on our hike
He said he's from all over and his name was just like mine,
And hoped one day that we would meet as he had a real short time
I was feeling sort of baffled, as we went on with our walk
But he had held my interest, so I listened as he talked
He said, I know you're hurting - as your life has been so hard
But it seems today that you found God, where once you'd disregard
From the point that I was calling and was asking for God's hand,
Is the point where he had first appeared, as this was in God’s plan
He said to take more time for prayer - that I could bend God's ear
That He is always listening, and He is always near
God knows about my struggles but better times will be ahead,
As long as I keep believing and will no longer be mislead.
We then turned onto a sidewalk and now very close to home,
And it was then it struck me that I was suddenly now alone.
This stopped me in my tracks and I began to call his name
And it was then I understood, why to me that day he came.
I then realized God had heard me, as my Angel He then sent
To relieve me of my worries, and all my discontent.
Today I pray more often and feel blessed with my God's Love
As He was there and listening - and sent an Angel from above
by Tommy Q
I was walking along a country road one calm and cloudy day
Feeling down about the problems that had seemed to come my way
My pain was very great and my tears I could not hide
And was calling God to help me as I was hurting deep inside
I then thought about what I've believed and how I've rarely called
For sometimes I have wondered if God were there at all
As I lifted up my head and looked down that road a spell
I spotted someone coming - from the distance hard to tell
As he got a little closer I could then see all the signs
Of someone who'd been down that road quite a number of times
His clothes were old and dusty and his shoes were pretty worn
But there seemed a glow about him - at least I could have sworn
His face appeared real friendly as he peered up in the sky
He said, the weather is pretty calm today, hope the rain will pass us by
He first talked about the weather, but there seemed to be much more
That we both had in common, except for what we wore
He started talking about his life and the places he had been
And he spoke as if he knew me, like we were next-of-kin
From the problems that he had, to the happy times he found
Our likeness was uncanny and was becoming more profound
We had so much in common - I couldn't believe how much alike,
That I decided to tag along, we continued on our hike
He said he's from all over and his name was just like mine,
And hoped one day that we would meet as he had a real short time
I was feeling sort of baffled, as we went on with our walk
But he had held my interest, so I listened as he talked
He said, I know you're hurting - as your life has been so hard
But it seems today that you found God, where once you'd disregard
From the point that I was calling and was asking for God's hand,
Is the point where he had first appeared, as this was in God’s plan
He said to take more time for prayer - that I could bend God's ear
That He is always listening, and He is always near
God knows about my struggles but better times will be ahead,
As long as I keep believing and will no longer be mislead.
We then turned onto a sidewalk and now very close to home,
And it was then it struck me that I was suddenly now alone.
This stopped me in my tracks and I began to call his name
And it was then I understood, why to me that day he came.
I then realized God had heard me, as my Angel He then sent
To relieve me of my worries, and all my discontent.
Today I pray more often and feel blessed with my God's Love
As He was there and listening - and sent an Angel from above
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