Sunrise Service. Must say, I have never actually stopped to think about the meaning of these services. I have only attended two. But for some reason, the entire week leading up to the remembrance of this amazing event has taken on a whole new meaning.
What would it have been like to have been there that morning so many years ago? Those ladies prepared to go take care of the body of their master after the extended Sabbath. Can you imagine their surprise? Their excitement? The prophecy had come to pass. Then they had to go tell EVERYONE. HE WAS ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!
But you know, He is as alive today as He was that day. Tomorrow, as we Christians celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, let us remember that fact. HE IS ALIVE.
For those that have not accepted the wonderful gift of forgiveness He offers, He came to this earth all those years ago and suffered and died to bear the burden of YOUR sins. He died to break the chains of death. The chains of sin. And then He rose from the dead to free us from those sins. This Easter He offers you a fresh start. A new way of life.
For me, Easter will mean so much more than it ever has before. And I am so thankful to the Lord for what He has done for me. Because He loved me when I wanted nothing to do with Him and was determined to do things my way. If it wasn't for what He did on the cross of Calvary, I would still be so lost in my sins, without Him, I am nothing. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." -- John 14:6 (NKJV)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
My Dream
So, what is my dream? I was thinking about this earlier. It can be pretty easy to get so caught up in life that you lose sight of YOU. Well, to be healthy was my very first thought. That will direct so much about my future.
That says a lot about where my thinking has gotten lately. My health does not direct the course of my future. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
But allowing myself to get distracted from my true purpose on this earth has really shaken me. The verse 1 Peter 1:16 for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.
As a child of God, my one true dream should be to seek to be like him. Jesus Christ should be my priority. Not me. Not my husband. Not my dogs. Not even my church. My relationship with Him comes first. But you know, that can be hard. There are so many things that try and come between that. The health issues I have faced seem so important. And I have felt the need to be in control of of it. I guess it just makes me feel better. But no matter what I do, I am not in control of it. Not really. So instead of worrying, I should be worshipping the one that is in control of all things.
I know there is no guarantee that life is going to be wonderful by putting Him first in all things. But, I will be equipped to handle whatever I face. I will be able to deal with it with peace, joy, grace. I know it. The Lord promises it in His Word.
And there are a few steps simple steps to getting closer to Him. Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. Pray. Read His Word. You will come to LOVE it. If you think coffee is addictive, watch out!!! Meditate. Spend quiet time alone thinking on the things you have learned about Him and about all the good things He has done for you. Spend time with other believers. Join a Bible study. Separate yourself from negative influences in your life. This is painful. Trust me, I know. But it is essential.
Funny thing is, when I was first saved, I did all these things. I guess I just let life creep in and crowd Him out. But that is not what I want. I want more of God. I do not want to live a life of complacency. I want to grow, to learn, to serve, to love. But most of all, I want to be holy, as He is holy. What better testament to Him is there?
That says a lot about where my thinking has gotten lately. My health does not direct the course of my future. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
But allowing myself to get distracted from my true purpose on this earth has really shaken me. The verse 1 Peter 1:16 for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.
As a child of God, my one true dream should be to seek to be like him. Jesus Christ should be my priority. Not me. Not my husband. Not my dogs. Not even my church. My relationship with Him comes first. But you know, that can be hard. There are so many things that try and come between that. The health issues I have faced seem so important. And I have felt the need to be in control of of it. I guess it just makes me feel better. But no matter what I do, I am not in control of it. Not really. So instead of worrying, I should be worshipping the one that is in control of all things.
I know there is no guarantee that life is going to be wonderful by putting Him first in all things. But, I will be equipped to handle whatever I face. I will be able to deal with it with peace, joy, grace. I know it. The Lord promises it in His Word.
And there are a few steps simple steps to getting closer to Him. Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. Pray. Read His Word. You will come to LOVE it. If you think coffee is addictive, watch out!!! Meditate. Spend quiet time alone thinking on the things you have learned about Him and about all the good things He has done for you. Spend time with other believers. Join a Bible study. Separate yourself from negative influences in your life. This is painful. Trust me, I know. But it is essential.
Funny thing is, when I was first saved, I did all these things. I guess I just let life creep in and crowd Him out. But that is not what I want. I want more of God. I do not want to live a life of complacency. I want to grow, to learn, to serve, to love. But most of all, I want to be holy, as He is holy. What better testament to Him is there?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Don't take the little things for granted!
I remember the day Greg proposed. He got down on one knee and pulled that ring out of his pocket. WOW!!! I was SHOCKED!! And let me tell you....He picked out a gorgeous ring. I was SO proud to show it off. To me, that ring really meant something. I was HIS. It was a beautiful display of our amazing relationship. And every single person that I met got to see it.
Well, it has been 3 1/2 years. And I still do that. But really, how often do we let the wonder of those amazing things fade in our lives? These two rings mean the same thing now that they did then. Honestly, they mean more. We have been through more as a couple. Our relationship is stronger. I can't tell you how many time a day I look at my left hand and smile. I almost still cannot believe that I am lucky enough to call myself Mrs. Hall!
But I am going to admit that there are time that I allow life to creep in. I allow myself to get frustrated. And instead of looking at all the amazing things that about my husband and our life together, I gripe about little things that do not matter. I overlook the one that do matter.
I am really trying to refocus. Because that is where the problem is. What you think about. Are you thinking about the negative in your spouse or the positive? Because whatever you are thinking about is what WILL come out of you mouth and how you will behave.
Greg makes thinking about the positive really easy. And you know, I really hope I never lose that amazement I get at hearing myself referred to as Mrs. Hall. Or seeing my wedding rings. Or seeing him smile. Or cuddling up with him as we drift off to sleep. Because God has truly blessed me with such a wonderful man. And I am so blessed to be able to share this life with him. I pray I never take all these little things, or him, for granted.
Well, it has been 3 1/2 years. And I still do that. But really, how often do we let the wonder of those amazing things fade in our lives? These two rings mean the same thing now that they did then. Honestly, they mean more. We have been through more as a couple. Our relationship is stronger. I can't tell you how many time a day I look at my left hand and smile. I almost still cannot believe that I am lucky enough to call myself Mrs. Hall!
But I am going to admit that there are time that I allow life to creep in. I allow myself to get frustrated. And instead of looking at all the amazing things that about my husband and our life together, I gripe about little things that do not matter. I overlook the one that do matter.
I am really trying to refocus. Because that is where the problem is. What you think about. Are you thinking about the negative in your spouse or the positive? Because whatever you are thinking about is what WILL come out of you mouth and how you will behave.
Greg makes thinking about the positive really easy. And you know, I really hope I never lose that amazement I get at hearing myself referred to as Mrs. Hall. Or seeing my wedding rings. Or seeing him smile. Or cuddling up with him as we drift off to sleep. Because God has truly blessed me with such a wonderful man. And I am so blessed to be able to share this life with him. I pray I never take all these little things, or him, for granted.
Monday, March 7, 2011
My Story
For those of you not familiar with my favorite story here it is, the story of how I got saved :)
I was 16 and working at a local radio station on Sundays. All days Sundays. I was quite far from God. My friends weren't Christian, I smoked, I drank, I cussed. And I thought all these things were cool. At least, I was trying to. It wasn't how I really was. I never was a "bad" girl. It just isn't me. I can try as hard as I want, but it just isn't natural! I guess for that, I am lucky.
Anyways, for the most, most of the people that came in the radio station paid me no attention, or were rude to me. I was young. And didn't act right. I was polite. But still, not up to there standards. But there were a few that really reached out to me. And I must say it made a HUGE impact on my life. Apart from the people there, I had this one friend in my life, Stephanie, that was really trying to steer me in the right direction. I will NEVER forget all these people and the role the played in my life.
There was this one song. I have tried and tried, but can't remember the name of it. But the song talked about Jesus dying on the cross, stealing the keys to the grave, and leading a victory march. Something in that song touched me.
And one day, all by myself in that radio station I heard the Lord speak to me. I knew I was living in sin. And I was so incredibly sorry for it. The fact that He was SO HOLY and I was so sinful overwhelmed me. I can't really remember anyone "talking" to me about salvation. But I KNEW. I knew I needed a Savior. I knew I needed saving. I was in trouble. I was headed down a path that I didn't want to be on. And I WANTED God. I wanted want He had to offer. I wanted to change. So there in that little booth I knelt. Yes, I felt so awkward. But it didn't matter. I had no clue what exactly to say. But I trusted God to fill in the blanks. He knew what I meant. I knew He did. And I have NO CLUE how I knew it. I knelt down there and asked Him to forgive Him of my sins. I told Him I needed Him. I asked Him to be MY Savior. To be my Life.
Let me tell you. EVERYTHING changed. I quit smoking, cussing, and drinking that day. No one had to tell me to. It was just what I needed to do. After a few rough starts, I found an awesome church family. I "quit" all the friends that had held me down and really hurt me for a long time. Let me tell you, that was HARD. But I knew for me to really give my all to God, I had to dump my baggage.
I fell in love. But that sure didn't mean I didn't make mistakes. That love made sure I kept getting back up and serving Him. And that love will keep moving me forward no matter what I face. Because I only love Him because He first loved me. :)
I was 16 and working at a local radio station on Sundays. All days Sundays. I was quite far from God. My friends weren't Christian, I smoked, I drank, I cussed. And I thought all these things were cool. At least, I was trying to. It wasn't how I really was. I never was a "bad" girl. It just isn't me. I can try as hard as I want, but it just isn't natural! I guess for that, I am lucky.
Anyways, for the most, most of the people that came in the radio station paid me no attention, or were rude to me. I was young. And didn't act right. I was polite. But still, not up to there standards. But there were a few that really reached out to me. And I must say it made a HUGE impact on my life. Apart from the people there, I had this one friend in my life, Stephanie, that was really trying to steer me in the right direction. I will NEVER forget all these people and the role the played in my life.
There was this one song. I have tried and tried, but can't remember the name of it. But the song talked about Jesus dying on the cross, stealing the keys to the grave, and leading a victory march. Something in that song touched me.
And one day, all by myself in that radio station I heard the Lord speak to me. I knew I was living in sin. And I was so incredibly sorry for it. The fact that He was SO HOLY and I was so sinful overwhelmed me. I can't really remember anyone "talking" to me about salvation. But I KNEW. I knew I needed a Savior. I knew I needed saving. I was in trouble. I was headed down a path that I didn't want to be on. And I WANTED God. I wanted want He had to offer. I wanted to change. So there in that little booth I knelt. Yes, I felt so awkward. But it didn't matter. I had no clue what exactly to say. But I trusted God to fill in the blanks. He knew what I meant. I knew He did. And I have NO CLUE how I knew it. I knelt down there and asked Him to forgive Him of my sins. I told Him I needed Him. I asked Him to be MY Savior. To be my Life.
Let me tell you. EVERYTHING changed. I quit smoking, cussing, and drinking that day. No one had to tell me to. It was just what I needed to do. After a few rough starts, I found an awesome church family. I "quit" all the friends that had held me down and really hurt me for a long time. Let me tell you, that was HARD. But I knew for me to really give my all to God, I had to dump my baggage.
I fell in love. But that sure didn't mean I didn't make mistakes. That love made sure I kept getting back up and serving Him. And that love will keep moving me forward no matter what I face. Because I only love Him because He first loved me. :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Breaking Our Box
I heard an incredibly moving sermon Sunday. The scripture is Mark 26:1-13
1When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2“As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Mana will be handed over to be crucified.”
3At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5“But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
6Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7While he was eating,b a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
8The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9“It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
Now, many of us have heard this preached. This preacher took a different angle. A more personal angle.
He compared our lives to the fragrance inside that jar. Until the jar was broken, you couldn't smell it. You couldn't appreciate the beauty and the depth that was there.
How often at church do we say hi. Ask how we are doing. But how often do we TRULY mean it? We compliment each other. Nice dress, pretty hair, powerful suit. But do anything of those things matter? So many times we don't want to make OURSELVES uncomfortable and truly reach out to others. Break ourselves for the sake of another person. Even if it is just as simple as telling another you are praying for them. Sitting quietly by in your little comfort zone while you fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are hurting wrong. It is being lukewarm. It is not allowing yourself to truly be broken for the cause of Christ. And it is not just for our brethren. But unbelievers. We are to show love. And this is a first step.
Next time you ask how someone is doing, don't do so while walking away. Look them in the eye. Mean it. You may be the only person that does.
We never know the battle that another person may be facing. And NEVER assume other people have reached out. I found out that a lot of people were praying for me. And I mean a lot. I was stunned. I had no idea. No one had told me. I mean I had family member and some friends and people that are going through similar circumstances. I have actually felt quite alone. But now I see I wasn't. And that REALLY matters.
ANY kind of battle, whether physical, mental, spiritual, marital, family, etc has a habit of making you feel isolated and alone. So there is a need for others to reach out. And yes, that can require a sacrifice on our part at times. But it is really worth it.
Breaking ourselves before God can a lasting legacy. Look at the story of Mary.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Walk
I have been thinking a lot lately about our walks here on earth. God knows the way our paths will go and has a plan to use us. He wasn't suprised by sins I have committed that I was for sure would derail everything.
I am facing some uncertain things. I got a bad report from an MRI and I think that plays into this a little. The doctors that I am seeing have no clue what is going on. And i must admit I am pretty scared. But you know something that is so comforting for me. God is not suprised. While He did not bring this into my life, He WILL use it for His glory. He will use it to mold me more into His image. It is in the refiner's fire that we are made pure. And through all these trials and experiences, I will be able to hold someone else's hand while they struggle with understanding a devastating illness. God can use these times to make us aware of how incredibly incompotent we are and how much we need Him. I sure know I do. And I am far from through the fire. I still do not get it. But that is the beauty of faith. You do not have to. You simply have to trust in the One with the Plan. I may not know the whole story, but I know how it ends as long as I keep the faith in Jesus Christ. VICTORY!
I am facing some uncertain things. I got a bad report from an MRI and I think that plays into this a little. The doctors that I am seeing have no clue what is going on. And i must admit I am pretty scared. But you know something that is so comforting for me. God is not suprised. While He did not bring this into my life, He WILL use it for His glory. He will use it to mold me more into His image. It is in the refiner's fire that we are made pure. And through all these trials and experiences, I will be able to hold someone else's hand while they struggle with understanding a devastating illness. God can use these times to make us aware of how incredibly incompotent we are and how much we need Him. I sure know I do. And I am far from through the fire. I still do not get it. But that is the beauty of faith. You do not have to. You simply have to trust in the One with the Plan. I may not know the whole story, but I know how it ends as long as I keep the faith in Jesus Christ. VICTORY!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7
Monday, February 7, 2011
Being Selective
I have learned the last few months how important it is to be selective about what is allowed in your life. Allowing the wrongs things can do more damage than you initially realize.
Television can change the way you view the world. If you are a Christian, we are to have a God-view of things. Everything should be filtered through the Bible. TV and Music can both distort the truth. I know a lot of people say, "but it is just entertainment." THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO DANGEROUS. It brings your guard down. I am just watching a romance. Instead, it leaves you thinking about all the things your spouse doesn't do and you end up fighting or nagging (been there). Or an idea that is CLEARLY spoken against in the Bible is sympathetically portrayed to the point you accept it. I have seen it and people don't even realize it. It is not just entertainment. I know I can do better making my choices. But I am trying.
Also, friends. Listening to people that are always miserable, always negative, always complaining. It can affect you. Read Proverbs. We are to be careful who we surround ourselves with. No one is immune. If you CHOOSE to be around it, that kind of behavior does rub of. Trust me. Do not learn this the hard way. I have.
But most importantly, if you feed your love for God constantly, none of the rest of these will have any hold on you. I must say I am not quite to this point yet. But I am taking steps. More Bible study time. Greg and I are doing a marriage study at church and are dedicating the next seven weeks to building not just our relationship, but God's. Will you take this journey with us? I will share here what we do. We will be going through the love dare with our church beginning next week. Have you done it before?
What are your tips for keeping your relationship with God strong and keeping the devil at bay in your life?
May God bless you
Television can change the way you view the world. If you are a Christian, we are to have a God-view of things. Everything should be filtered through the Bible. TV and Music can both distort the truth. I know a lot of people say, "but it is just entertainment." THAT IS WHAT MAKES IT SO DANGEROUS. It brings your guard down. I am just watching a romance. Instead, it leaves you thinking about all the things your spouse doesn't do and you end up fighting or nagging (been there). Or an idea that is CLEARLY spoken against in the Bible is sympathetically portrayed to the point you accept it. I have seen it and people don't even realize it. It is not just entertainment. I know I can do better making my choices. But I am trying.
Also, friends. Listening to people that are always miserable, always negative, always complaining. It can affect you. Read Proverbs. We are to be careful who we surround ourselves with. No one is immune. If you CHOOSE to be around it, that kind of behavior does rub of. Trust me. Do not learn this the hard way. I have.
But most importantly, if you feed your love for God constantly, none of the rest of these will have any hold on you. I must say I am not quite to this point yet. But I am taking steps. More Bible study time. Greg and I are doing a marriage study at church and are dedicating the next seven weeks to building not just our relationship, but God's. Will you take this journey with us? I will share here what we do. We will be going through the love dare with our church beginning next week. Have you done it before?
What are your tips for keeping your relationship with God strong and keeping the devil at bay in your life?
May God bless you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)