Palm Sunday

"Rejoice, O people of Zion! 

Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!

Look, your king is coming to you.
He is righteous and victorious,
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
riding on a donkey’s colt." 

Zechariah 9:9

Hosanna!

 

Save me!

 



I need Jesus

my Comforter,

my Prince of Peace,

my Savior,

my Redeemer,

my Wonderful Counselor,

my Mighty God.

 

 

I need Jesus to be able to be a wife that is humble, gentle, kind, and patient.

I need Jesus to be able to be a mom that is patient with my son.

I need Jesus to give me the strength each day to walk this journey without Carter.

I need Jesus to feel hopeful and find joy in all that He has for me.

I need Jesus to be able to forgive when my heart has been hurt.

I need Jesus to help me persevere when life is hard.

I need Jesus to help me love my enemies.

I need Jesus to be able to work hard and do the work that God calls me to do.

I need Jesus to help me be a good steward of all that God provides for us.

I need Jesus to help me take care of myself and be a good steward of my health.

 

 

This was Sunday of the week that Jesus would be crucified.  Our King came to Jerusalem on a donkey's colt.  Jesus came riding into the city to save us.......to save me.

 

What is Palm Sunday to me?  A reminder of how much I need Jesus!

 



Listen to the song: "Rescue (I need you Jesus)",

on the following link:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPj_2L-uRpM

 

 

Trusting God has a Purpose

I cried through this entire reading......


Thank You, Father, for never leaving our side.  Thank You for Jesus; and now Carter is by His side......

 

 

 

March 5, 2013

 

Either He Planned It or He Permitted It

By Van Walton

 

"He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross, ... refining them like gold and silver..." Malachi 3:3 (NLT)

 

I wasn't happy with the turn of events in my life. In fact "not happy" didn't begin to describe my emotional free fall.

 

Devastated. Petrified. Paralyzed. Lost. Angry. Disbelief. Even somewhat crazed. Now those adjectives described me.

 

"Not me!" I continually repeated. Never in my wildest imagination would I have dreamed that my life could end up here.

 

During this time of near inconsolable anguish, my cousin sent wise and comforting words: "Remember, either God sent it or He has allowed it."

 

Her words helped me understand God was in control and there had to be a reason behind this circumstance.

 

Either God sent it or He allowed it.

 

I found myself contemplating this phrase. It made total sense. Slowly, peace replaced anguish. Acceptance replaced anger. Submission replaced unbelief. Could God be allowing these circumstances to change something in me? Was God granting permission for me to go through this fire for a specific reason?

 

Malachi 3:3 is a picture of a silversmith purifying the precious metal. God shares this word picture to let us know that He is the silversmith refining us; He's who burns away the dross, which is something that is base, trivial, or inferior. In other words, not necessary or helpful.

 

Most of us would agree that life's trials can feel like a punishment. Major disruptions seem like they're meant to make us miserable. The truth is, God transforms us with each trial we experience. He is removing the "dross" or imperfections from us. Each time we survive a major ordeal we grow stronger, wiser, more prepared for the next challenge. We are conquerors and overcomers with God's help.

 

Ordeals, hardships, distresses are permitted by God for our perfection. Either He permits them or He plans them. If God has intentionally laid out a troublesome path for us, He has a purpose.

But it's not always about us. God might place pain, suffering or distraction on our path to teach others about His love, steadfastness, and mercies. The way we react to stress reflects what we believe about God, and allows others to see His faithfulness.

 

Few of us are immune to desperate circumstances. But sometimes they are the best way for God to perfect us. He wants to display us as His showpiece to give the world hope. We don't always feel good about God's higher ways. They hurt. They stretch. I know. I have felt the pain, the pull, the piercing agony.

 

However, if God plans my circumstances, then I have to trust He has a purpose. I believe He sends "assignments" so we can show the world that He is worthy to trust and has good plans. If I model confidence in Him, I'm announcing to the world, with my actions and attitude, our great God knows exactly what He is doing with my life.

 

Nothing compares to knowing and trusting the Lord is in control ... especially when everything around me feels unstable. He won't permit or plan something difficult for us to walk through without having a greater purpose behind it. One that will make us holier, more like Him, and shine His glory. Our experience is not in vain!

 

Holy Father, the anguish I feel when life slams me seems to be more than I can handle. Give me strength to push on. Remind me of Your peace and keep me focused on the truth that You have a greater plan and purpose. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

Singing for Jesus!

Thank you, Family & Friends!

We love you!!

March 1, 2013

 

What Could Mean the World to Someone

By Amy Carroll

 

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

 

"How are you doing?" she asked. "I heard about the death of your grandmother and have been thinking about you." My eyes widened in surprise and pleasure as I recognized my friend Melanie's voice on the phone. She's a friend I dearly love, but we live long-distance and don't stay in close touch.

 

I told her about my sadness, but also my joy over the fullness of my grandmother's life. We chatted about old friends, kids and church with the ease that a long-time friendship brings. However, I started to wonder when we'd get to the reason for her call. Finally, there was a pause, and she explained that she needed to go back to her work.

 

I was stunned. That was it?

 

There was no other agenda or hidden need? No. Melanie had just carved out the time in her day to call and check on me.

 

A phone call from a friend is always appreciated. But for Melanie to call meant even more, because she is a young widow whose husband died suddenly. She is dealing with raising children, running a business they used to manage as a couple and all the other curve-balls life inevitably throws her way. Yet she made time in her day just to check in with me. I told her how grateful I was she had been so intentional and kind.

 

That’s when Melanie shared what happened after her husband's death. Worship time at church was when the floodgates of her grief opened. She would often stand and cry throughout the service, pouring out her heart to God and receiving comfort from Him. And there was one woman who often sat by Melanie and silently held her hand.

 

One woman.

 

In silence.

 

Offering the ministry of presence.

 

A profound gift.

 

Melanie continued, describing the impact this gesture made on her. "I've learned how much sharing time means. If I can only run by and take a cake to someone who is hurting, I do it. All of life's busyness can be overwhelming, but I make time for people now. People are the most important thing."

 

I thought of how my friend reflects Jesus—of how Jesus made people more important than His to-do list. There were so many He stopped for. Countless faces in the crowds who made Him pause, just because.

 

The woman rejected by others for her many husbands.

 

The despised tax collector.

 

The woman who had despaired of ever being healed.

 

The men who gave up everything to follow Him.

 

The list could go on and on.

 

I think about the day's to-do list. A long list. There are lines and lines of things to do that aren't checked off yet, calling for my attention and time. They're all important, but how do I process my list through today's key verse, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12)? How do I become more like Jesus, numbering my days aright so that I might gain a heart of wisdom?

 

I think I'll start a fresh to-do list and take a lesson from Melanie. My new first line on my checklist: "Be more like Jesus. Make people important today."

 

Dear Lord, I need Your help to plan my day with Your priorities. You know how task-driven I can be. Will You teach me to put people first? Sensitize my spirit to listen to Yours and to pause for people like You would. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Carter making Grandma's walking stick

 

 

 

Bradley                       God's face             Carter

Playing Soccer

 

 

POWERFUL - THAT'S GOD!

We love this!!

 

11 Year-Old Proclaims Jesus Through the Bible:

 

 

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=09CJCJNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20-%20Mobile&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=02/23/2013

 

 

Waiting....

February 22, 2013

 

Wait Training 101

By Karen Ehman

 

"... but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

 

Ever feel like God signed you up for an intense "wait training" class?

 

You pray. You ask. You anticipate God's answer, but like an Internet page taking a long time to load, you must wait.

 

And wait.

 

And wait some more.

 

I had to wait years before I became pregnant. During that time I attended baby showers while choking back tears.

 

I had to wait nearly three years for our too-expensive-for-our-new-financial-situation home to sell. During that time, I pinched pennies and lost sleep.

 

And I'm still waiting on many prayer requests: for a spiritually lost loved one, a family friend in ICU, a plan for my high school son's future. Waiting, waiting, waiting ...

 

But just as physical weight training builds strength, so does spiritual "wait training." We are promised this in Isaiah 40:31:

 

"... but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

 

How can waiting renew our strength? After all, doesn't waiting seem to sap our strength as we worry and fret and drum our fingers impatiently? It's exhausting playing the "What if?" game in our minds:

 

What if this doesn't work out?
What if God's answer is "No"?
What if the thing I fear the most actually happens ... what then?

 

All of this worry-laden waiting drains rather than strengthens. How can we turn this around and actually find ourselves renewed?

 

I have found that to shift my perspective in the waiting times replenishes my strength. I try not to think of those times of seemingly silence from God as waiting in the sense of sitting and anxiously anticipating a response. But as in waiting like a butler, maid or restaurant server.

 

Those who "wait on the Lord"—as in serve Him, cater to Him, help Him accomplish His work; those who take His order and bring Him what He wants—they are the ones who renew their strength.

 

They mount up with wings as eagles.

 

They walk and do not faint.

 

As we serve, we become more aware of what the One we are waiting on desires. We become alert, attentive, and in tune with His wishes. We begin to take our eyes off of our problems and fix them on the Lord instead. As we do, we get a glimpse into His heart.

 

Then, instead of the wait sapping our spiritual strength, it is renewed as we seek to do the Lord's will ... to make Him famous ... to give Him glory. Even in those long, hard times of waiting for an answer, we continue to serve Him.

 

Will you sign up with me for Wait Training 101?

 

You'll grow stronger spiritual muscles if you do. But we must commit to this perspective: we won't just "wait on the Lord," we'll wait on Him. Trust me, the tips He leaves are out of this world!

 

Dear Lord, teach me to shift my perspective during those times of waiting and doubt. May I stop fretting and worrying, and busy myself serving You instead. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

"By Your Side", Tenth Avenue North:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvQQt6Nbh8

 

Living with our Eternal Home in mind...

 

Our weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen us moment by moment.

 

 

 

David Crowder Band's, "O Praise Him".....

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpVsF4W8V2Y

 

 



Proverbs 31 Ministries

February 7, 2013

 

A Year of Adventure

By Lysa TerKeurst

 

"... great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'" Lamentations 3:23b-24 (NIV)

 

A few months ago my youngest daughter presented me and my husband with a proposal. An iMovie proposal. Complete with dramatic scenes and credits that rolled at the end.

 

The message of the iMovie? A request ...

 

"Please homeschool me."

 

Oh my heavenly days, no.

 

No.

No.

No.

No.

 

I'm not a teacher. I'm not patient. I'm not even nice some days.

 

No.

 

I tried homeschooling this darling in kindergarten and honestly thought I was going to lose my mind. I would watch other moms do this thing right. They were organized and scheduled and undistracted.

 

Me? I looked like a dog's tongue when he's got his head stuck out the window of a truck going 70 miles per hour. Messy. Flapping about. Not pretty to look at.

 

Can you imagine the conversations she will have about me with her therapist one day? No, let's not add homeschooling to the list of things Mom didn't do well.

 

But then I got to thinking. What if I took a year of adventure with this beautiful young woman? What if I hit the pause button on all things typical and just took a year to do things differently? With her. For her. Could I do that?

 

Okay, God if You want me to take a year of adventure with Brooke, I will wait for You to show me. I need You to help fill in the gaps where I'm weak.

 

Then I met a math teacher who got excited about teaching my daughter a couple times a week.

 

And a fabulous reading and writing tutor just happened to have a few days a week to do the same.

 

My friend Kristi asked if Brooke could be in her small group Bible study this year.

 

Another friend asked if Brooke wanted to take cheerleading classes at her gym.

 

And I'd already been planning an educational trip to Sea World.

 

So, the year of adventure started unfolding in front of me and I held tightly to these promises: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him'" (Lamentations 3:21-24 NIV).

 

I had no idea how this year would turn out. I thought I might royally mess up my child's education.

 

But it has turned out to be a year we will never forget. While we are still living out the adventure, it has been a wonderful experience. One where we are growing, being stretched, and learning. Together.

 

One where we've seen God's great love lower stress when stress can run high. A year I have had to depend on His compassion ... to receive for myself and to give to my daughter. Every new day, Brooke and I walk this adventure out, led by God who continues to fill in the gaps creatively.

 

You too can have a year of adventure with your children. Maybe it's the year of them learning 12 Bible verses, one per month. Or maybe it could be the year of everybody making their bed at least 3-4 times per week. Or maybe it's the year of letter-writing, where you have them write one letter per week to brighten someone's day.

 

One leap of faith. One year. God's compassion is there. The adventure is waiting. No pressure. Just intentional learning and fun.

 

Dear Lord, equip me with the things I need for my year of adventure. Give me Your strength to help me step out of my comfort zone. Please use this as an opportunity for me to grow closer to my children and closer to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.