I don't know about you....but there something about the show "Deal or No Deal". I'm actually not a big fan....but if it's on and I'm doing nothing else, I find myself mesmorized by the contestants. I often fantisize about how I would "play" the game. But the truth is....I really have no idea how I would react if I were on the show. I would like to think I would be content with a modest amount of money....but would I long to have the "secret" amount? I don't know....
Finally! A chapter that I think I already "get"!! YEAH!! I have been on so many sides of this subject..... I've learned to be content in a lot of areas.....and I also long for God's perfect plan for my life. I don't think I fully know what that is yet! I certainly do not want to grow complacent and not yearn for something more....it's not my nature. But on the other hand, I'm so incredibly content with my life.....if nothing changed, I would not be disappointed.
I Corinthians 13:12 "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
One of my favorite verses in the Bible... As a teenager, I used to cling to this verse....not knowing how my life would turn out. Interestingly enough, this verse still has the same "wow" for me. God has blessed my life with a wonderful family, wonderful friends, and filled me with joy....yet, I still do not know fully what He has in store for me. That is the longing of my heart.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Chapter 8 - Balancing Wants and Needs
What's the longest you've had to hunt for that perfect something? How many stores did you have to go through before finding something that suited?
Sometimes it seems that our lists of wants is much longer than our list of needs. How do we avoid falling into this trap of wants? When you find yourself wanting more and more, it is helpful to remember that God provides all of our needs. God knows just what we need, when we need it. He will provide for us. He is Jehovah Jireh!
As a mother, I find this to be true with my children. Some of the things that they must have are not really needs, but are wants. I find myself able to see the bigger picture and knowing what is coming up (a different season, a birthday, Christmas, etc). I am sure that God must feel the same way with my list list of "needs". I find much relief in the fact that God knows what I really need and he will provide it to me and my family.
I am thankful that God is not stingy with His provision. We are called to be generous with our gifts so we can be a blessing to others. Our generosity is a testament of God's love and a witness to those around us. God loves a cheerful giver.
Let's go and be a blessing to the people around us!
Sometimes it seems that our lists of wants is much longer than our list of needs. How do we avoid falling into this trap of wants? When you find yourself wanting more and more, it is helpful to remember that God provides all of our needs. God knows just what we need, when we need it. He will provide for us. He is Jehovah Jireh!
As a mother, I find this to be true with my children. Some of the things that they must have are not really needs, but are wants. I find myself able to see the bigger picture and knowing what is coming up (a different season, a birthday, Christmas, etc). I am sure that God must feel the same way with my list list of "needs". I find much relief in the fact that God knows what I really need and he will provide it to me and my family.
I am thankful that God is not stingy with His provision. We are called to be generous with our gifts so we can be a blessing to others. Our generosity is a testament of God's love and a witness to those around us. God loves a cheerful giver.
Let's go and be a blessing to the people around us!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Chapter 7 - Balancing Faith and Works
Which came first faith or works? It's kind of like the chicken and the egg deal..... You really cannot have one without the other. The Bible tells us it is by grace we are saved through faith....we must have faith. The Bible also tells us faith without works is dead. We have to learn to BALANCE both!
Titus 1:16 "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
Did you ever know any one like this? As Christians, we need to be aware of how our actions speak to others. Are we showing a Christ-like attitude? Are we kind? Are we loving? Are we striving for holiness....without being self righteous? Are we humble? Yikes! These are not attributes I always demonstrate......I need to work on these.
Ephesians 2:10....tells us that God created us to do good works. This is why we're here!! Have you ever heard of random acts of kindness? A dear friend reminded me of this selfless act last night. What a way for us to demonstrate our love for the Father!!
With that in mind, I encourage you to show random acts of kindness....to your neighbor, your sister, your friends, your co-workers......the list goes on and on. Let your light so shine that others will see your good works and praise the Lord your God!
Titus 1:16 "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good."
Did you ever know any one like this? As Christians, we need to be aware of how our actions speak to others. Are we showing a Christ-like attitude? Are we kind? Are we loving? Are we striving for holiness....without being self righteous? Are we humble? Yikes! These are not attributes I always demonstrate......I need to work on these.
Ephesians 2:10....tells us that God created us to do good works. This is why we're here!! Have you ever heard of random acts of kindness? A dear friend reminded me of this selfless act last night. What a way for us to demonstrate our love for the Father!!
With that in mind, I encourage you to show random acts of kindness....to your neighbor, your sister, your friends, your co-workers......the list goes on and on. Let your light so shine that others will see your good works and praise the Lord your God!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Chapter 6 - Balancing Love and Obedience
What is the strangest thing you were ever dared to do?
I thought this was an interesting question considering the topic for this week. But the more I thought about....it made sense. Don't we often "accept" a dare to prove something? To be accepted? To show love? I am scared to death of heights....seriously. I remember as a teenager, my best friend had pool.....and the garage was about 15 feet from it. You know where this is going.... Yes....we ran off the roof of the garage and jumped into the pool. Did I want to do this? Of course not! But EVERYONE was doing it and I didn't want to look like the chicken I was. Boy....am I glad I've grown out of that stage in life!!
How did God show His love for us? Romans 5:8....He demonstrated His love for us....while we were still sinners.....He died for us! God tells us that we are to show our love for Him by keeping His commandments....by loving Him (I John 5:3).
Love and Obedience truly go hand in hand. Because I love the Lord, I want to keep His commandments......I want to be obedient. Isn't it interesting.....when we truly love God and are seeking after Him, sin doesn't sound "fun" anymore.
There was a song I used to sing as a child in Sunday School.....I couldn't help but sing it as I wrote this. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E......Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Isn't it the truth?
I thought this was an interesting question considering the topic for this week. But the more I thought about....it made sense. Don't we often "accept" a dare to prove something? To be accepted? To show love? I am scared to death of heights....seriously. I remember as a teenager, my best friend had pool.....and the garage was about 15 feet from it. You know where this is going.... Yes....we ran off the roof of the garage and jumped into the pool. Did I want to do this? Of course not! But EVERYONE was doing it and I didn't want to look like the chicken I was. Boy....am I glad I've grown out of that stage in life!!
How did God show His love for us? Romans 5:8....He demonstrated His love for us....while we were still sinners.....He died for us! God tells us that we are to show our love for Him by keeping His commandments....by loving Him (I John 5:3).
Love and Obedience truly go hand in hand. Because I love the Lord, I want to keep His commandments......I want to be obedient. Isn't it interesting.....when we truly love God and are seeking after Him, sin doesn't sound "fun" anymore.
There was a song I used to sing as a child in Sunday School.....I couldn't help but sing it as I wrote this. O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E......Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Isn't it the truth?
Girls' Night Out! Save the Date!!
WCL
End of Semester Night Out
Wednesday
May 16th
CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE
LEGENDS/VILLAGE WEST
6:00PM
Join us for:
DINNER
“GOODIE BAG EXCHANGE”
then….. maybe shopping!!!!
End of Semester Night Out
Wednesday
May 16th
CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE
LEGENDS/VILLAGE WEST
6:00PM
Join us for:
DINNER
“GOODIE BAG EXCHANGE”
then….. maybe shopping!!!!
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