Thursday, January 31, 2008

WAIT - Week #4

This week's word was everyone's favorite - WAIT. This is not typically my favorite word, in fact, I don't like to even think about it because more often than not I want what I want when I want it, and I wanted this YESTERDAY, not later - not tomorrow - how about now?

But, as God would have it, this week's challenge was to meditate and ponder on the word "WAIT" and see what God would show us individually about said word. Well, I was in no rush to investigate the word, so I decided to wait (how easy it is to wait when I want to, though, huh?) and think about it off and on for the next few days. Then, it hit me. The verse was there all along. I see it every day because it is hanging on my front door. But, I never really "saw" it, kwim? So, anyway, I did my layout about it and here it is for all to see. Let me know what you think about the word WAIT once you read my epiphany.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Beauty



Week 3's Scripture challenge is the word BEAUTY.

Like most women I know, I struggle with the idea of beauty. What is it anyway? Who decides what is beautiful and what is not? If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then why is everyone so worried about beauty? Why is it so elusive to so many?

I have talked to God about this issue off and on for a few years now. I am always reminded that God cares about what I look like on the inside. What is the condition of my heart? Sure, I can strive for the perfect size 2 body (highly unlikely I'd ever get there BTW) and have a dark, dirty heart - one full of secrets and unconfessed sin. Sure the world would esteem me, but how would God feel when He looked at me? He wants me to care for my body; I am not supposed to obsess over it. If I am to be obsessed with anything, it is in becoming more like Christ so that my heart is the perfect size - "Christ sized."

While it sounds trite, ultimately the state of my heart is what matters most. I want people to look at me and see a woman who tries to show love and compassion; one who cares for others; one who is kind; one who listens. For in the end, that is what people will remember most about a person - not what they looked like on the outside, but how what was INSIDE reflected and affected the outside.

I still struggle with wanting to be the perfect whatever that society says I should be. But, more and more I am coming to a place where I care more about what God thinks about me. I want to hear Him say "well done, my precious, precious child."

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but if true beauty comes from reflecting Christ, from the inside out, then I want to be the apple of God's eye. When God beholds me, I want Him to see Christ.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Week Two - KINDNESS

This week's Scripture Challenge word was "Kindness."

I had to give this one some thought. I started with a trip to the Merriam-Webster dictionary to see what kindness really means. According to Merriam-Webster, kindness is:

  • having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
  • the practice of being or the tendency to be sympathetic and compassionate.

Well, that to means means Jesus. He is all those things, and more.

The verses I chose were Heb. 2:17 - 18 -- Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

There is no greater, more tender or compassionate act than His laying down His life for me. Kindness in action - He experienced real life - all the trials, temptations, hurts, disappointments, joy, and laughter that comes with this journey on planet Earth. Because of this, He can totally sympathize with EVERYTHING I go through. That, to me, is kindness. He understands - He cares - He makes intercession for me to the Father because He's been here - done that - and emerged victorious from it.

I'm not thrilled with it, but it's done.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

CHECK IT OUT

Please check out my hubby's daily devotional blog - www.pastorgregdevo.blogspot.com

Friday, January 11, 2008

Scripture Challenge 2008 - Week One



I think it is so cool how God uses His word when you least expect it.

It took me a little while to decide which verse I wanted to use for this week's challenge - after all , it was the first one, and the first one typically sets the pace for the rest.

So, I decided on 1 Pet. 1:7, which is essence tells me that my faith WILL be tested, and God will use those trials to refine my faith to something much more valuable than gold, undestructible, and that faith will shine in my life to bring praise, honor and glory to Christ.

No one wants to suffer and go through hard times - me included. Yet, God uses those things that bring us discomfort to refine our faith so that ultimately it is more precious than gold. It cannot be greatly shaken or destroyed.

I had the opportunity to share this verse on Wednesday night in my Bible study. Our study topic had nothing to do with trials or faith - the goal was to talk about being grateful and thankful, not just in word, but in the very core of us - in our heart. Somehow, the conversation turned to the subject of trials, and I was able to share what I had learned just two nights prior with my group. It was awesome!

God is awesome! He knew that this verse would be an encouragement to many that night. I am so thrilled that He allowed me to be the one to share it with them!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Technology - Love it. Hate it.



I have this love-hate thing going on with technology today. It is a blessing and curse, simultaneously. I love the convenience of software that streamlines mundane chores like time slips. I hate the fact that it is SO efficient and so "smart" that once you hit the "approved" button and send the bill, it cannot be changed in any way, shape or form. Not even with a royal edict or a drop kick to the PC tower. I hate having to reenter 27 pages of time slips on a bill because someone told me that it was "all set - no changes."

I am trying to keep a positive outlook, but frankly after two hours of reentry, I feel like my brain is going to turn to mush, so I'm taking a break and blogging about my frustration.

Coffee break time is almost up - better get back to the monotony of repetition - for the 2ND TIME.

Friday, January 4, 2008

10-20-30

I've been tagged, so here goes:

I have to tell you all what I was doing 10, 20, and 30 years ago.

Ok,

Ten years ago I filed for divorce from my first husband. Nine years ago to the day, I appeared in divorce court to finalize my divorce. Seven months later I married my now dh--Best decision I have made to date. Yes, I know I didn't wait very long to get married after my divorce, and no, I wasn't having an affair while I was married. Circumstances in my life were such that dh and I met, crises befell me and my family, and he was right there waiting to pick up the pieces. Within two weeks' time, I buried my father and my dissolved my first marriage. I watched my mom fall apart because of my dad's sudden death. My boys were bereft from losing their grandfather and their dad in the same year. That's when dh stepped in. I truly believe he was a knight in shining armour sent to me from the hand of God Himself. I have never regretted my relationship with my dh for a minute. Was it a quick courtship? No doubt about it. Did I think long and hard about getting married again? You better believe it. But, I believe it was meant to be and so here I am.

Twenty years ago, I was in junior college, working full-time, and planning a wedding. I was 18 years old. I should have had my head examined. What was I thinking? Oh yeah, if I get married, then I can get out of the house and live my life exactly the way I want to. Yeah, ok.

Thirty years ago. Let's see, I was eight, and probably in the third or fourth grade. To the best of my recollection, I probably did lots of homework and played tag and hopscotch on the school playground.

I have no idea if I have any "followers" on my blog, so I'll just tag my hubby.

Gearing Up

Well, I'm gearing up for Scripture Challenge 2008. The first challege starts on January 7. I have no idea what to expect, other than to be encouraged to dig into God's Word to see what I can see. Putting it into a creative form is a bonus.

I'm not typically an "artsy" person; I think in words, not pictures. I enjoy words and writing. It is hard for me to let go and be creative, yet when I set my mind to it, I find that I thoroughly enjoy the process - being creative forces me to use the other side of my brain, and that's a good thing. I always feel so good after a creative session, no matter how long (or short) it happens to be.

Part of the challenge involves posting a pic of the layout or card created in response to the challenge. That's where it might get tricky, at least for my ego. See paragraph above. I'm really not a creative person. I don't think my work is exceptional or even all that great, but I enjoy the process and I enjoy having a finished product after my labor.

Here is a sample of pages of my work - it really does a good job of showing my style. I'm a linear, symmetrical kind of gal. It takes a lot for me to go outside the symmetrical box, believe me! I made this layout in response to a contest of sorts on Above Rubies Scrapbooking.

Hopefully, this upcoming year-long challege will not only help me grow spritutally, but also grow artistically. I'm hopeful that I'll learn some new techniques and be more brave when it comes to thinking
"outside the box." Wish me luck!