John 14: 16
"And, I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever."
Standby - caught my attention. We have all heard and almost take for granted that we understand Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Strengthener. Those words aptly describe our Lord and Savior. Standby sounds so worldly and today like. We have standbys that stand in the wings when people act, swing from the trapeze, dance, and all kinds of very active, dangerous roles. I love it.
So, we have a very today way to identify with our Holy Spirit who is in EVERYWAY, always there for us. No matter what capacity, career, everyday thing we do in life He has our back. The Holy Spirit stands by us and is our standby. When I picture that, I see this huge white wing shadow. I see His folded arms in ready stance to guard and scare away all foes of conflict. We've heard stories from others about how they knew they had been saved from some horrible accident. The timing was crazy. I can share this story with you that just happened. Someone we know works at a hospital. She is one of the tech people who work with giving MRI's and CT Scans. They had a new unit in and she volunteered to be a test case. Get ready to drop your jaw! They saw an aneurysm in her brain. Long story short, they rushed her through two hospitals and all the way to Indianapolis for a five-hour surgery to snip it off. She is back home this weekend. The doctor told her he had no idea how she lived to reach Indianapolis.
However, we do, don't we? Wow! That is our Holy Spirit in Standby mode. Was He all the rest of those too? Of course. It is just another way to study our God and draw closer to His plan for our life.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
120 TRUMPETS!!!!!!
I don't know about you, but one trumpet is too loud for me. Most women will tell you that after 60, your hearing really doesn't lesson at all. It becomes QUITE astute.
I Chronicles 5: 7/14
The priests had brought the ark of the covenant in and were "in short" wanting praise and worship to be the theme. It must have been quite dramatic to have 120 priests blowing 120 trumpets. Maybe we just need to trust the idea that it was a very big tabernacle. It would seem important that we need to analyze just how important it is to not only worship God for who He is, but to celebrate through music, instruments, and song.
Don't you know, at church this morning, it was all about learning just that. Worship is, of course, something we enjoy through music. Going to church, spending time in the Word, being thankful everyday is also music to God's ears. We can also shout to the world our praise and worship by being kind, helpful, flexible, spending time with God, helping others to spend time with God. And, telling people about Him, showing everyone in our walk that HE IS WORTH IT! We were worth it. He paid a price for us that can never be equaled.
So, not a big lesson today, but an impacting one. Worship is I Cor 10:31. Whatever I do, in action, thought, or word, I need to do it because He is worth it. Singing, playing instruments, hearing a fabulous choir sing about "Don't let us forget who He is", is wonderful and melodious. Let's agree to take it up a notch and show up every day for Him. He is Worth It!
Less then 60 days to Spring, and 41 days until daylight savings time. Now I can hear 120 trumpets and raise the roof too for that!!!
I Chronicles 5: 7/14
The priests had brought the ark of the covenant in and were "in short" wanting praise and worship to be the theme. It must have been quite dramatic to have 120 priests blowing 120 trumpets. Maybe we just need to trust the idea that it was a very big tabernacle. It would seem important that we need to analyze just how important it is to not only worship God for who He is, but to celebrate through music, instruments, and song.
Don't you know, at church this morning, it was all about learning just that. Worship is, of course, something we enjoy through music. Going to church, spending time in the Word, being thankful everyday is also music to God's ears. We can also shout to the world our praise and worship by being kind, helpful, flexible, spending time with God, helping others to spend time with God. And, telling people about Him, showing everyone in our walk that HE IS WORTH IT! We were worth it. He paid a price for us that can never be equaled.
So, not a big lesson today, but an impacting one. Worship is I Cor 10:31. Whatever I do, in action, thought, or word, I need to do it because He is worth it. Singing, playing instruments, hearing a fabulous choir sing about "Don't let us forget who He is", is wonderful and melodious. Let's agree to take it up a notch and show up every day for Him. He is Worth It!
Less then 60 days to Spring, and 41 days until daylight savings time. Now I can hear 120 trumpets and raise the roof too for that!!!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
WHO'S IN CHARGE HERE?
Isn't she gorgeous?
She came so close to the house to eat an osage orange that was out on the railroad tie. A squirrel had brought it up and she had to have it. We have such a good time out here with nature. It seems to have gotten so much more interesting then when we first moved in. I have no explanation for that, but we have animals all day going through the property. Garfield comes to eat every few days, his buddies try to hang out, but I only do one cat at a time. The deer do all kinds of things in our yard. WE even had a baby born here in the yard last summer. We had one a year ago during Valentines Day take up residency by the living room windows. She was injured and had to be put down, but she was here for days. Racoons, rabbits that live under the deck. Those deer that come just lately get to playing and pushing each other around. It is like we animal parents here and everyone comes to see us at least every other day.
This will not be an inspirational blog today, I am just led to notice all the neat happenings this week. The animals, a friend who has been a widow for 15 years has met someone and we are all so happy for her. We got to go out last evening with people we don't see nearly enough. Some of you know Jack Brand. He took Ellen to the prom when he was 17. They dated for a couple of years in between husbands. We just always have been friends with Jack. He is such an unusual guy. For example. He bought his dad's house a hundred years ago, and has been renovating it right along. I had not seen it for years, and last night we got to see the finished product. I am totally amazed at how any bachelor can take on the kind of project Jack had to do to fix his kitchen and adjoining bathroom. It was gutted and totaled due to mold and water pipe issues. It is now drop ceiling, gorgeous. I am always amazed at his talent to take something ugly and turn it into a Better Homes and Garden thing. We went out to eat with he and Marla, his girl friend. AT the restaurant, we are sitting next to a couple of couples. Jack turns to him and says."Didn't I trailer a home for you 30 years ago?" The guy took a bit, but admitted yes. Jack even remembered his wife's name - Kay. Now who can do that? Anyway, it was great to get together with them and enjoy fellowship. (His picture is on John's blog - www.soudersentinel.blogspot.com.)
I have enjoyed writing this week, working on a special project for my friends the Hefty family. And, enjoying the fact that we are close to being on the other side of winter. Heh Heh.
As I close, I appreciate all of you do read this blog and my ramblings. I will be
back in form this next week.
She came so close to the house to eat an osage orange that was out on the railroad tie. A squirrel had brought it up and she had to have it. We have such a good time out here with nature. It seems to have gotten so much more interesting then when we first moved in. I have no explanation for that, but we have animals all day going through the property. Garfield comes to eat every few days, his buddies try to hang out, but I only do one cat at a time. The deer do all kinds of things in our yard. WE even had a baby born here in the yard last summer. We had one a year ago during Valentines Day take up residency by the living room windows. She was injured and had to be put down, but she was here for days. Racoons, rabbits that live under the deck. Those deer that come just lately get to playing and pushing each other around. It is like we animal parents here and everyone comes to see us at least every other day.
This will not be an inspirational blog today, I am just led to notice all the neat happenings this week. The animals, a friend who has been a widow for 15 years has met someone and we are all so happy for her. We got to go out last evening with people we don't see nearly enough. Some of you know Jack Brand. He took Ellen to the prom when he was 17. They dated for a couple of years in between husbands. We just always have been friends with Jack. He is such an unusual guy. For example. He bought his dad's house a hundred years ago, and has been renovating it right along. I had not seen it for years, and last night we got to see the finished product. I am totally amazed at how any bachelor can take on the kind of project Jack had to do to fix his kitchen and adjoining bathroom. It was gutted and totaled due to mold and water pipe issues. It is now drop ceiling, gorgeous. I am always amazed at his talent to take something ugly and turn it into a Better Homes and Garden thing. We went out to eat with he and Marla, his girl friend. AT the restaurant, we are sitting next to a couple of couples. Jack turns to him and says."Didn't I trailer a home for you 30 years ago?" The guy took a bit, but admitted yes. Jack even remembered his wife's name - Kay. Now who can do that? Anyway, it was great to get together with them and enjoy fellowship. (His picture is on John's blog - www.soudersentinel.blogspot.com.)
I have enjoyed writing this week, working on a special project for my friends the Hefty family. And, enjoying the fact that we are close to being on the other side of winter. Heh Heh.
As I close, I appreciate all of you do read this blog and my ramblings. I will be
back in form this next week.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
NEW YEAR - NEW BEGINNINGS!!!
Feels like a long time since I wrote in here. Now that Logan and Ailsa have moved on to Ohio/Georgia, I can get some major things done.
It is a New Year! And, already it is different. We can drive anywhere we want and walk anywhere we want without boots or snow treads. The last two years I have worn out two sets of cletes on my boots each season. I am LOVING this! I don't agreement from several friends.
Well, I stayed up until midnight on New Year's Eve because I wanted to be sure that 2011 went away. Excessive, I admit, but it was fun.
My desire and commitments for 2012 are some the same, and a few different things. Prudence is one thing I want to develop. Better choices when choosing food is always a favorite. But, this year, I mean it. I find too many things don't like me, even when I eat them anyway. Done with that. For now, of course.
I found a scripture just before the end of December. I Cor. 15: 58 - Amplified version. I want to share it with you, because it just strikes a cord in every area of our life. I have broken it down so it is easier and more impacting. Spend some time looking at each area and making it real for your life and lifestyle.
I made it personal:
Therefore, Shirley - "BE FIRM" - (take firm prudent action about important issues
not only spiritual ones, but personal ones - no wishy washy stuff)
"BE (STEADFAST)" - Diligent, forthright, stable, consistent in your word and actions
"BE IMMOVABLE" - DO NOT let the enemy have access to your life. Do not accept his lies and distractions. Don't get caught up in his illusions/dillusions. Don't let people persuade you to delude the truth of Jesus Christ.
"ALWAYS - ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord." Whether you are a missionary or homemaker, doughnut hole maker, or business owner; get up in the morning, clean-up and dress. Do whatever you do all to the glory of the Lord.
"ALWAYS - BEING superior, ALWAYS excelling - doing more than enough in the service of the Lord. KNOWING and BEING" CONTINUALLY - CONTINUALLY - CONTINUALLY "Aware that your Labor in the Lord is not FUTILE! (It is never wasted OR to No Purpose!"
BE FIRM, BE STEADFAST, BE IMMOVABLE -
ALWAYS - ABOUNDING IN HIS WORK NO MATTER WHAT THAT IS -
ALWAYS BEING SUPERIOR AND EXCELLENT IN WHATEVER YOU DO-
BE AWARE THAT YOUR EFFORTS ARE NEVER FUTILE, AND EVEN IF YOU FEEL THEY ARE NOT GOOD, HE USES EVERYTHING! FOR HIS GOOD.
What a great way to start the year.
Happy New Year, everyone! And let us celebrate, that no matter what we face this year, we face it with the King of Glory.
It is a New Year! And, already it is different. We can drive anywhere we want and walk anywhere we want without boots or snow treads. The last two years I have worn out two sets of cletes on my boots each season. I am LOVING this! I don't agreement from several friends.
Well, I stayed up until midnight on New Year's Eve because I wanted to be sure that 2011 went away. Excessive, I admit, but it was fun.
My desire and commitments for 2012 are some the same, and a few different things. Prudence is one thing I want to develop. Better choices when choosing food is always a favorite. But, this year, I mean it. I find too many things don't like me, even when I eat them anyway. Done with that. For now, of course.
I found a scripture just before the end of December. I Cor. 15: 58 - Amplified version. I want to share it with you, because it just strikes a cord in every area of our life. I have broken it down so it is easier and more impacting. Spend some time looking at each area and making it real for your life and lifestyle.
I made it personal:
Therefore, Shirley - "BE FIRM" - (take firm prudent action about important issues
not only spiritual ones, but personal ones - no wishy washy stuff)
"BE (STEADFAST)" - Diligent, forthright, stable, consistent in your word and actions
"BE IMMOVABLE" - DO NOT let the enemy have access to your life. Do not accept his lies and distractions. Don't get caught up in his illusions/dillusions. Don't let people persuade you to delude the truth of Jesus Christ.
"ALWAYS - ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord." Whether you are a missionary or homemaker, doughnut hole maker, or business owner; get up in the morning, clean-up and dress. Do whatever you do all to the glory of the Lord.
"ALWAYS - BEING superior, ALWAYS excelling - doing more than enough in the service of the Lord. KNOWING and BEING" CONTINUALLY - CONTINUALLY - CONTINUALLY "Aware that your Labor in the Lord is not FUTILE! (It is never wasted OR to No Purpose!"
BE FIRM, BE STEADFAST, BE IMMOVABLE -
ALWAYS - ABOUNDING IN HIS WORK NO MATTER WHAT THAT IS -
ALWAYS BEING SUPERIOR AND EXCELLENT IN WHATEVER YOU DO-
BE AWARE THAT YOUR EFFORTS ARE NEVER FUTILE, AND EVEN IF YOU FEEL THEY ARE NOT GOOD, HE USES EVERYTHING! FOR HIS GOOD.
What a great way to start the year.
Happy New Year, everyone! And let us celebrate, that no matter what we face this year, we face it with the King of Glory.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)