Our Daily Bread
I played a lot of sports in my younger days. As I get healthier now in my 50's, I am playing sports again! Woohooo! One of the first things I learned about any sport is being in the correct position, whether it is the correct position for your body, like blocking out in basketball, or the correct position on the court, like in tennis. Being successful at any sport depends on re-positioning your body as the situation changes!
Our Christian lives are very similar. We need to keep this mind as our lives change and as we change. We need to keep re-positioning ourselves so we can keep our focus on God. Think of it like looking at the sky with a telescope. You have to keep moving the telescope if you want to look at the same star for more than one night due to the rotation of the earth. Keep your mind and heart's telescope moving so you can keep them focused on God as your life moves!
Lord, thank you for being in the same place, for being the stable influence in my life. Help me always keep my mind and heart focused on you!
Movie Monday
I didn't get to see a movie this week. I was pretty busy. I watched 1 1/2 seasons of Eureka (from the Scify Channel) at my sister's house over the weekend. That was pretty cool. It was also the most television I have watched in a long time!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
road trip
I am on a road trip to Kentucky with my mother. We are visiting a sister and my brother. Having a good time so far.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Seriously? Apologize?
Our Daily Bread
I have to admit that I am usually the first to apologize when I am in a conflict with a friend. I can't stand being out of relationship with someone I care about. This is hard for me many times because I am not always the one at fault (no really, I am not...). hehehe I will be the first to admit that I have strong opinions and feelings about things. I usually express them. ;-p The biggest thing I learned the past few weeks is that I must speak things in love at all times.
From what I read in the Bible, God can't stand the fact that folks sinned and got out of relationship with him. He wants to have a relationship with us. That is why he made us. He does not require a relationship with us, but for some reason that I don't really understand it is important to him. In my silly mind, I think God has so much love to share and wants good things to happen, that he wants to share all of that with us. I like that thought!
Lord, help us to recognize when we need to apologize. Let us always be sincere!
Technology Thursday
I found some interesting articles about technology stuff this week. The first one is about gadgets -- the top gadgets to have this summer. I guess I am out of touch because I hadn't heard of most of them!
They are:
1. Eton Rukus Solar
2. Jawbone Jambox
3. Pebble Watch
4. WowWee Cinemin Slice Pico Projector
5. Canon PowerShot G1 X
6. Eco Terra Rugged and Waterproof Boombox
The article from Yahoo:
Here are a few other interesting things:
Google self driving car Approved in Nevada...
Portable object duplicator You can do this from your iPad now...
ATT Family data plans I was a little surprised by this since they sort of rape us on the data plans!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I have to admit that I am usually the first to apologize when I am in a conflict with a friend. I can't stand being out of relationship with someone I care about. This is hard for me many times because I am not always the one at fault (no really, I am not...). hehehe I will be the first to admit that I have strong opinions and feelings about things. I usually express them. ;-p The biggest thing I learned the past few weeks is that I must speak things in love at all times.
From what I read in the Bible, God can't stand the fact that folks sinned and got out of relationship with him. He wants to have a relationship with us. That is why he made us. He does not require a relationship with us, but for some reason that I don't really understand it is important to him. In my silly mind, I think God has so much love to share and wants good things to happen, that he wants to share all of that with us. I like that thought!
Lord, help us to recognize when we need to apologize. Let us always be sincere!
Technology Thursday
I found some interesting articles about technology stuff this week. The first one is about gadgets -- the top gadgets to have this summer. I guess I am out of touch because I hadn't heard of most of them!
They are:
1. Eton Rukus Solar
2. Jawbone Jambox
3. Pebble Watch
4. WowWee Cinemin Slice Pico Projector
5. Canon PowerShot G1 X
6. Eco Terra Rugged and Waterproof Boombox
The article from Yahoo:
Here are a few other interesting things:
Google self driving car Approved in Nevada...
Portable object duplicator You can do this from your iPad now...
ATT Family data plans I was a little surprised by this since they sort of rape us on the data plans!
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
What is your foundation?
Our Daily Bread
The devotional talked about how the writer's grandchildren loved Lego building blocks. I used to love them too when I was a child! I remember building stuff over and over again. I have also enjoyed buying them for nephews over the years and watching them enjoy them as well!
Regardless of what type of Lego kit or the basic building blocks used, it is crucial to have a firm foundation for the structure you are building. Is your life built on a firm foundation?
I also liked the "building blocks for life" that the author listed from several different passages. Let's look at this list more closely. Are we building our lives using these blocks?
Lord, help us build our lives on the firm foundation of you using the blocks given to us by the Holy Spirit!
Witness Wednesday
I know who I am
You might have noticed that I didn't write in this blog last week. God has been working on me in several ways the past few weeks. It has been wonderful and terribly draining all at the same time. I usually refer to the metaphor of the refining of silver meaning God is removing the dross from my life by turning up the heat! Yikes!
I learned some very important things. First, I know who I am. I know what I am not. I know that I am a beloved child of God. I know that he called me to be a prophet and a catalyst in all the things that I do, whether it be at church, at home or at work. I know I need to be a voice that speaks when others dare not. I know what he has given me the talents and gifts to accomplish the things he has told me to do. The coolest part is that I had this epiphany on Thursday. While reading my D1 lesson on Sunday, God reinforced the epiphany through the lesson! Wow! I will see where this direction takes me.
Second, I need to temper everything I say with love. Everything. In a conversation with a friend last night, I learned that I could possibly be saying things at times just to make myself feel better. Yes, truth is truth. It does not necessarily need to be proclaimed if it does not edify or build up others. Saying truth to make yourself feel better or to hurt someone else is not being a prophet who is speaking out of love. DOH!
Figuring this stuff out is not always easy. I am talking and praying about this role of prophet. Reading some of the stuff in the Old Testament scares me a little (and I am pretty fearless). I will just have to take it day by day and with each passing moment.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
The devotional talked about how the writer's grandchildren loved Lego building blocks. I used to love them too when I was a child! I remember building stuff over and over again. I have also enjoyed buying them for nephews over the years and watching them enjoy them as well!
Regardless of what type of Lego kit or the basic building blocks used, it is crucial to have a firm foundation for the structure you are building. Is your life built on a firm foundation?
I also liked the "building blocks for life" that the author listed from several different passages. Let's look at this list more closely. Are we building our lives using these blocks?
Value others above yourself by humbly serving them (Phil. 2:3-4)
Give generously of your resources to those in need (James 2:14-17)
Respond with love to those who have wronged you (Rom. 12:14-21)
Build a life that is worthy of being His temple (1 Cor. 3:16).
Lord, help us build our lives on the firm foundation of you using the blocks given to us by the Holy Spirit!
Witness Wednesday
I know who I am
You might have noticed that I didn't write in this blog last week. God has been working on me in several ways the past few weeks. It has been wonderful and terribly draining all at the same time. I usually refer to the metaphor of the refining of silver meaning God is removing the dross from my life by turning up the heat! Yikes!
I learned some very important things. First, I know who I am. I know what I am not. I know that I am a beloved child of God. I know that he called me to be a prophet and a catalyst in all the things that I do, whether it be at church, at home or at work. I know I need to be a voice that speaks when others dare not. I know what he has given me the talents and gifts to accomplish the things he has told me to do. The coolest part is that I had this epiphany on Thursday. While reading my D1 lesson on Sunday, God reinforced the epiphany through the lesson! Wow! I will see where this direction takes me.
Second, I need to temper everything I say with love. Everything. In a conversation with a friend last night, I learned that I could possibly be saying things at times just to make myself feel better. Yes, truth is truth. It does not necessarily need to be proclaimed if it does not edify or build up others. Saying truth to make yourself feel better or to hurt someone else is not being a prophet who is speaking out of love. DOH!
Figuring this stuff out is not always easy. I am talking and praying about this role of prophet. Reading some of the stuff in the Old Testament scares me a little (and I am pretty fearless). I will just have to take it day by day and with each passing moment.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Helper
Our Daily Bread
How many times have you seen someone who could use your help? How many times have you felt like God was leading you to help them? How many times did you listen to God and at least try to help? I have been thinking about that a lot since I read the devotional this morning.
"Helping" doesn't have to be a big deal. Sometimes a kind word or deed can be a big help (rather than some big gesture of money or other things). God asks us to use the talents and gifts he gave us to serve and help others. What an honor!
Lord, help us help others!
Teaching Tuesday
The second to last Disciple 1 lesson was a great one! It focused on spiritual gifts or gifts of the Spirit. The coolest part for me is how it clarified the difference between talents, spiritual gifts and the fruits of the Spirit. Sometimes this Bible study stuff just swirls around in my pretty little head! ;-p Here is what I got from the lesson these three things:
talents: these are the things that you can do based on your genes and predisposition, such as sports, singing, art, etc.
spiritual gifts: these are the roles that the Holy Spirit will use us in based on our willingness to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, such as being an apostle (preacher or pastor), administrator, healer, helper, miracle worker, prophet, and some others. The book did a great job of spelling out what each of these spiritual gifts means in today's world. Very cool!
Fruits of the Spirit: the fruits of the Spirit are the qualities a person demonstrates when they are leading a Spirit-filled life. They are from Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
What are your talents? What are your spiritual gifts? Are you demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit?
I came up with a "the Bible says" and "the world says" chart for the fruits of the Spirit:
What the Spirit says: What the world says:
love Love is just a four-letter word
joy Happiness is more important than joy.
peace Peace is only achieved through nuclear deterrents
forbearance (patience) You are codependent. You let people walk all over you.
kindness You will never get ahead in business or life being kind.
goodness Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go everywhere.
faithfulness If it feels good, do it, regardless of your commitments to others.
gentleness This signifies weakness. You have to be rough and tough.
self-control You are a prude or stick in the mud or out of touch.
How many times have you seen someone who could use your help? How many times have you felt like God was leading you to help them? How many times did you listen to God and at least try to help? I have been thinking about that a lot since I read the devotional this morning.
"Helping" doesn't have to be a big deal. Sometimes a kind word or deed can be a big help (rather than some big gesture of money or other things). God asks us to use the talents and gifts he gave us to serve and help others. What an honor!
Lord, help us help others!
Teaching Tuesday
The second to last Disciple 1 lesson was a great one! It focused on spiritual gifts or gifts of the Spirit. The coolest part for me is how it clarified the difference between talents, spiritual gifts and the fruits of the Spirit. Sometimes this Bible study stuff just swirls around in my pretty little head! ;-p Here is what I got from the lesson these three things:
talents: these are the things that you can do based on your genes and predisposition, such as sports, singing, art, etc.
spiritual gifts: these are the roles that the Holy Spirit will use us in based on our willingness to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, such as being an apostle (preacher or pastor), administrator, healer, helper, miracle worker, prophet, and some others. The book did a great job of spelling out what each of these spiritual gifts means in today's world. Very cool!
Fruits of the Spirit: the fruits of the Spirit are the qualities a person demonstrates when they are leading a Spirit-filled life. They are from Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
What are your talents? What are your spiritual gifts? Are you demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit?
I came up with a "the Bible says" and "the world says" chart for the fruits of the Spirit:
What the Spirit says: What the world says:
love Love is just a four-letter word
joy Happiness is more important than joy.
peace Peace is only achieved through nuclear deterrents
forbearance (patience) You are codependent. You let people walk all over you.
kindness You will never get ahead in business or life being kind.
goodness Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go everywhere.
faithfulness If it feels good, do it, regardless of your commitments to others.
gentleness This signifies weakness. You have to be rough and tough.
self-control You are a prude or stick in the mud or out of touch.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Timing, it is all in the timing...
Our Daily Bread
Sometimes I feel like I am a rabbit living in a turtle world! Other times, I feel like a turtle living in a rabbit world. The pace of the timing of events never seems to suit me. I remember as a child that it seemed like years before Christmas would arrive on December 25. Now, each Christmas comes and goes so quickly I can't keep track sometimes! I actually found an app for that! hehehe
Timing, it is all about timing. In God's time, not our time. Yes, I fully admit that I want things when I want them. I want God to act when I want him to act. I want to act slowly with others unless he is punishing them! hehehe God is so good and loving and forgiving and patient. Patience is so important that God made it of the seven fruits of the Holy Spirit when we let it govern our personalities! Galatians 5:22-23 What is God asking you to be patient for?
Lord, thank you for the fruits of the Spirit. Please let me show them in my life!
Movie Monday
I saw The Avengers on Saturday! Wow! I saw the 3D IMAX version. I don't care what version you see, you gotta see it! I read this morning that it took in over $200 million over the weekend. Wow!
The basic story is that Thor's brother, Loki, comes to earth to conquer it. Captain Fury calls upon the earth's super heroes to come together as a team to defeat the threat. The first part of the movie belabors the "storming and forming" part of the new team building (gosh, I may have gone to grad school...). There are a lot of cool sub plots throughout as well.
The 3D effects are OK. There are some cool parts, but they could have done so much more. It was definitely not as cool as Transformers last year. The IMAX filming was very cool.
I give this movie 3 1/2 bear paws. I loved the interaction of the characters and the belly laugh humor at times. See it in the theater on the big screen!
Sometimes I feel like I am a rabbit living in a turtle world! Other times, I feel like a turtle living in a rabbit world. The pace of the timing of events never seems to suit me. I remember as a child that it seemed like years before Christmas would arrive on December 25. Now, each Christmas comes and goes so quickly I can't keep track sometimes! I actually found an app for that! hehehe
Timing, it is all about timing. In God's time, not our time. Yes, I fully admit that I want things when I want them. I want God to act when I want him to act. I want to act slowly with others unless he is punishing them! hehehe God is so good and loving and forgiving and patient. Patience is so important that God made it of the seven fruits of the Holy Spirit when we let it govern our personalities! Galatians 5:22-23 What is God asking you to be patient for?
Lord, thank you for the fruits of the Spirit. Please let me show them in my life!
Movie Monday
I saw The Avengers on Saturday! Wow! I saw the 3D IMAX version. I don't care what version you see, you gotta see it! I read this morning that it took in over $200 million over the weekend. Wow!
The basic story is that Thor's brother, Loki, comes to earth to conquer it. Captain Fury calls upon the earth's super heroes to come together as a team to defeat the threat. The first part of the movie belabors the "storming and forming" part of the new team building (gosh, I may have gone to grad school...). There are a lot of cool sub plots throughout as well.
The 3D effects are OK. There are some cool parts, but they could have done so much more. It was definitely not as cool as Transformers last year. The IMAX filming was very cool.
I give this movie 3 1/2 bear paws. I loved the interaction of the characters and the belly laugh humor at times. See it in the theater on the big screen!
Sunday, May 6, 2012
I'm not dead...
Yes, I like silly comedies and movies like Monty Python. The title of this entry is a line from The Holy Grail! I am alive and kicking. I am going to start writing again. My struggle was putting too much personal status in my entries. This isn't that silly Facebook site, for goodness sake! hehehe I will focus on the daily devotional and topics. I plan interject personal experiences with the daily devotional material. No more "Other Stuff" sections. I think that works for me. I want the focus on each entry to be the content, not me. I know my life is horribly interesting and you might be living vicariously through me, so stop! hehehe
Our Daily Bread
The devotional is about Ezekiel, one of the prophets of the Old Testament. If you think your job sucks, then look at what the prophets had to do! While the benefits package was heavenly, the day to day work and public speaking were heck! ;-p Imagine being the voice of God to an entire nation that isn't following God's direction? Nobody wants to hear that they are wrong!
I love the points of the scripture passage: let God forgive you for your past sins and ask for a new heart and a new spirit so you can faithfully serve the living God!
Lord, help me make my ways, your ways. Please give me a new heart and a new spirit!
Psalm Sunday
The psalm for this week is Psalm 45. So many visual and other sensual references that the passage invites your whole being to join in!
Psalm 45
For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song.
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.
6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces adorned with ivory
the music of the strings makes you glad.
9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.
10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
Forget your people and your father’s house.
11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift,
people of wealth will seek your favor.
13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her—
those brought to be with her.
15 Led in with joy and gladness,
they enter the palace of the king.
16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
Our Daily Bread
The devotional is about Ezekiel, one of the prophets of the Old Testament. If you think your job sucks, then look at what the prophets had to do! While the benefits package was heavenly, the day to day work and public speaking were heck! ;-p Imagine being the voice of God to an entire nation that isn't following God's direction? Nobody wants to hear that they are wrong!
I love the points of the scripture passage: let God forgive you for your past sins and ask for a new heart and a new spirit so you can faithfully serve the living God!
Lord, help me make my ways, your ways. Please give me a new heart and a new spirit!
Psalm Sunday
The psalm for this week is Psalm 45. So many visual and other sensual references that the passage invites your whole being to join in!
Psalm 45
For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song.
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.
6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces adorned with ivory
the music of the strings makes you glad.
9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.
10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
Forget your people and your father’s house.
11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift,
people of wealth will seek your favor.
13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her—
those brought to be with her.
15 Led in with joy and gladness,
they enter the palace of the king.
16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
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