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.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sharing a Beautiful Christmas Story with You!
How befitting is it to have the snow coming down as I tell this story.
Many of you have followed the events of Jim Hefty. It was a very difficult time for our friends Jack and Joyce Covell. Jim was her brother. I will need to actually go back to the time that Jim Covell passed away on April 27th of this year. Jack's brother died of an aneurism that took everyone off guard. John graduated from high school with Jim. There was so much to deal with on all our fronts. One of the plants that Jack took home was something that looks like an Azalea plant or bush. What was interesting about that plant was; no matter what Joyce did, it would not bloom. Moving on into the story we know that not too long after Jim's passing, her brother Jim, age, 62 fell to cancer and was in the hospital from June to November 29th.
Already tired and trying to work through all the visits to the hospital and help with his business - His State Farm business was right next door to hers. Here they were also trying to work through Jim Covell's estate.
And then, on Thanksgiving weekend, the family began to say their goodbyes. Jim had a lot of favorite things in life, but snow ranked up right there at the top. Two minutes after his passing, it began to snow in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The family saw that as a sign that Jim had passed onto Heaven and was smiling as the snow began. They all drove back to Auburn to Raymond and Dorothy's home. As they all stood outside, the heavens opened up with snow thunder and lightning. They all smiled knowingly through their tears.
Not to long after Joyce was walking by the plant, now in the house, there they were . . .blooms! Everyone in the family were astonished. Especially since it was now winter and it is a summer plant.
And, if that wasn't enough to warm our hearts. . . the Christmas story.
It was Christmas Eve and John and I were invited to eat with Raymond, Dorothy, Jack and Joyce. Her dining room was breathtaking. Each place setting surrounded in greenery wreaths. We had all sat down, prayed and then Joyce unfolded another chapter in the communication they have experienced with Jim. Now I have always wanted to have something spiritual happen during Christmas Eve and here it was. I thank God for such a GIFT!
Joyce relayed the story of Jim's daughter-in-law Jackie. (married to his son Miles Hefty) They have two sons. One, named Coulter, age 6. Every night Jackie listens to their prayers before bedtime. One night not long ago, Coulter was praying and mentioning his grandpa. Suddenly, he stopped and started smiling. Eyes still closed, he began a conversation with his grandpa, Jim. He would stop at certain points to ask his mother, "Don't you see him, he is right here?" She decided to let him continue. You had to be there, and I can't begin to duplicate the wonderful exchange of words between them. Coulter wanted to know if Jesus was right there? Yes. Is other Jim there with you? Yes. What do you do there? Can you play football? Yes, there is every kind of thing you want to do. Can you come back to us? No! I am healthy and walking and happy here, Coulter. Coulter exclaimed, "I want to be with Jesus." Some day we will be together. Coulter started laughing. Jackie asked him why? He just ran into Jim Covell and knocked him down. Going quiet again, he asked his grandpa if he could come there right now? "No, you take care of your mom, dad, and brother. You spend time with Jesus, tell others, and someday we will have lots of time together."
Whether you believe this kind of interchange or not, you could feel the warmth, the truth of it in the room. It was the Perfect Gift. I knew that I knew, that I knew.
Only topped by Sunday at church. The CLC choir sang Fall On Your Knees and Handel's Messiah - Halleluiah Chorus. What a wonderful way to end 2011 after a big year of extremes.
I don't know what you want for 2012, but I want more of Our Lord Jesus. May He touch us all and bring Conviction (truth), Commitment and Change!
Many of you have followed the events of Jim Hefty. It was a very difficult time for our friends Jack and Joyce Covell. Jim was her brother. I will need to actually go back to the time that Jim Covell passed away on April 27th of this year. Jack's brother died of an aneurism that took everyone off guard. John graduated from high school with Jim. There was so much to deal with on all our fronts. One of the plants that Jack took home was something that looks like an Azalea plant or bush. What was interesting about that plant was; no matter what Joyce did, it would not bloom. Moving on into the story we know that not too long after Jim's passing, her brother Jim, age, 62 fell to cancer and was in the hospital from June to November 29th.
Already tired and trying to work through all the visits to the hospital and help with his business - His State Farm business was right next door to hers. Here they were also trying to work through Jim Covell's estate.
And then, on Thanksgiving weekend, the family began to say their goodbyes. Jim had a lot of favorite things in life, but snow ranked up right there at the top. Two minutes after his passing, it began to snow in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The family saw that as a sign that Jim had passed onto Heaven and was smiling as the snow began. They all drove back to Auburn to Raymond and Dorothy's home. As they all stood outside, the heavens opened up with snow thunder and lightning. They all smiled knowingly through their tears.
Not to long after Joyce was walking by the plant, now in the house, there they were . . .blooms! Everyone in the family were astonished. Especially since it was now winter and it is a summer plant.
And, if that wasn't enough to warm our hearts. . . the Christmas story.
It was Christmas Eve and John and I were invited to eat with Raymond, Dorothy, Jack and Joyce. Her dining room was breathtaking. Each place setting surrounded in greenery wreaths. We had all sat down, prayed and then Joyce unfolded another chapter in the communication they have experienced with Jim. Now I have always wanted to have something spiritual happen during Christmas Eve and here it was. I thank God for such a GIFT!
Joyce relayed the story of Jim's daughter-in-law Jackie. (married to his son Miles Hefty) They have two sons. One, named Coulter, age 6. Every night Jackie listens to their prayers before bedtime. One night not long ago, Coulter was praying and mentioning his grandpa. Suddenly, he stopped and started smiling. Eyes still closed, he began a conversation with his grandpa, Jim. He would stop at certain points to ask his mother, "Don't you see him, he is right here?" She decided to let him continue. You had to be there, and I can't begin to duplicate the wonderful exchange of words between them. Coulter wanted to know if Jesus was right there? Yes. Is other Jim there with you? Yes. What do you do there? Can you play football? Yes, there is every kind of thing you want to do. Can you come back to us? No! I am healthy and walking and happy here, Coulter. Coulter exclaimed, "I want to be with Jesus." Some day we will be together. Coulter started laughing. Jackie asked him why? He just ran into Jim Covell and knocked him down. Going quiet again, he asked his grandpa if he could come there right now? "No, you take care of your mom, dad, and brother. You spend time with Jesus, tell others, and someday we will have lots of time together."
Whether you believe this kind of interchange or not, you could feel the warmth, the truth of it in the room. It was the Perfect Gift. I knew that I knew, that I knew.
Only topped by Sunday at church. The CLC choir sang Fall On Your Knees and Handel's Messiah - Halleluiah Chorus. What a wonderful way to end 2011 after a big year of extremes.
I don't know what you want for 2012, but I want more of Our Lord Jesus. May He touch us all and bring Conviction (truth), Commitment and Change!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
CELEBRATING JESUS THIS SEASON!
As I think back to Christmas Eve 1973, I am shocked by how long it has been since I came to ask Jesus in my heart!
You do the math!
But, Christmas Eve was the beginning of a very impacting week. Through a very intense conflict that afternoon, I went to church at the United Methodist in Auburn at 11:00 PM.
I sat there in shock and wonderment. It was quiet, dark and the music was breathtaking.
However, in my mind things were not. I remember vaguely that we went to my mothers that afternoon for Lefsa and opening presents. And, now sitting in this spiritual setting I was making amends and coming to grips that a prayer I had issued earlier that summer was coming true. "Lord, if you really are who they say, then show me!" I certainly wasn't expecting that a conflict of this magnitude could bring about a new birth.
Not only the celebrated birth of Jesus, but my own. By weeks, end, the conflict had been resolved and I was on my knees. The rest, as they say, was history.
Thank you Jesus, for surprises that wake us up and bring new life. Every year I try to think of how I could pay it forward or celebrate that moment. I haven't found any answers to that. So this year I thought, do things that symbolize the birth and gobble up those moments. So I started Nov. 23rd downtown Ft. Wayne. Every sermon and accompanying music has had meaning. Christmas get together's that started last week, and all of them this week. It is my commitment to be in the moment that started this entire journey.
This morning they did something different. They spelled out the pregnancy and celebration of birth for Jesus on FACEBOOK. Sound pretty silly? It wasn't. It brought tears to my eyes. Just the idea that people - Joseph and Mary, and friends were talking about the pregnancy, marriage, and birth.
Let us take this moment whether significant of where you accepted Jesus, and be in the every moment. To heck with shopping, decorating, eating, and all those parties. They are fun, but keep in mind who started that festive and enriching beginning. He wanted us to celebrate, be kind, forgive, and impact each others lives. And, He wants us to remember why?
Two weeks from today - it is almost over as a holiday. For us it needs to just be the beginning.
You do the math!
But, Christmas Eve was the beginning of a very impacting week. Through a very intense conflict that afternoon, I went to church at the United Methodist in Auburn at 11:00 PM.
I sat there in shock and wonderment. It was quiet, dark and the music was breathtaking.
However, in my mind things were not. I remember vaguely that we went to my mothers that afternoon for Lefsa and opening presents. And, now sitting in this spiritual setting I was making amends and coming to grips that a prayer I had issued earlier that summer was coming true. "Lord, if you really are who they say, then show me!" I certainly wasn't expecting that a conflict of this magnitude could bring about a new birth.
Not only the celebrated birth of Jesus, but my own. By weeks, end, the conflict had been resolved and I was on my knees. The rest, as they say, was history.
Thank you Jesus, for surprises that wake us up and bring new life. Every year I try to think of how I could pay it forward or celebrate that moment. I haven't found any answers to that. So this year I thought, do things that symbolize the birth and gobble up those moments. So I started Nov. 23rd downtown Ft. Wayne. Every sermon and accompanying music has had meaning. Christmas get together's that started last week, and all of them this week. It is my commitment to be in the moment that started this entire journey.
This morning they did something different. They spelled out the pregnancy and celebration of birth for Jesus on FACEBOOK. Sound pretty silly? It wasn't. It brought tears to my eyes. Just the idea that people - Joseph and Mary, and friends were talking about the pregnancy, marriage, and birth.
Let us take this moment whether significant of where you accepted Jesus, and be in the every moment. To heck with shopping, decorating, eating, and all those parties. They are fun, but keep in mind who started that festive and enriching beginning. He wanted us to celebrate, be kind, forgive, and impact each others lives. And, He wants us to remember why?
Two weeks from today - it is almost over as a holiday. For us it needs to just be the beginning.
Monday, December 5, 2011
A Whole New Week!
Time does march on, doesn't it?
Today is Monday and I think about how rainy it is, I look out at the Land of the Black Sticks and wonder what the Hefty family is thinking and feeling today.
Mixed emotions I would imagine. A very bright light in their family has been extinguished. And, yet, he becomes the first Hefty to stand with Jesus in Heaven and is running and walking like new. I will be sharing some very pointed learning's from this weekend later.
I will be talking about the differences between Compassion, sympathy, and empathy. You will be surprised how they differ and how we might use them in our life everyday.
Today is Monday and I think about how rainy it is, I look out at the Land of the Black Sticks and wonder what the Hefty family is thinking and feeling today.
Mixed emotions I would imagine. A very bright light in their family has been extinguished. And, yet, he becomes the first Hefty to stand with Jesus in Heaven and is running and walking like new. I will be sharing some very pointed learning's from this weekend later.
I will be talking about the differences between Compassion, sympathy, and empathy. You will be surprised how they differ and how we might use them in our life everyday.
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