The last two days I have been mediating and rereading Isaiah 43. There are some beloved verses in it. Verses that speak to my heart. I chose to share just those verses instead of the whole chapter this time. This is some of what the Lord has been "doing" in my life:
Isaiah 43
1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Another reminder that God created me, formed me in my mother's womb, called my name, redeemed me, and I am His!!! WOW! When I think of all this, really, why should I fear?
2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. A well known verse when going through overwhelming times. Again God's promise to be with me!
4Since thou wast precious in my sight.........God views me as precious, His only Son's life was given for me!
5Fear not: for I am with thee.....In case I didn't get it all the other times, God is reminding me again, not to be afraid, He is with me, I am not facing anything alone!
7Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. I am called a Christian, a child of God, I was created for His glory, not my own, for His. And every work He does in my life, even the things I feel are bad, are for my good and His glory.
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10Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
12I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
I am a witness to the world for my God; I have a personal relationship with Him and am chosen to testify of Him. To tell the world there is no other saviour besides Him!
13Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? There it is again, that verse. I still need to share part 2 on that. Anyway twice in the last week God brought this verse to my attention again. God, the Almighty God, will work. No one can stop Him, not me, not other sinful men, and not the devil.
15I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. My king, too often I focus on the Lord as my friend (which He is) and neglect to reverance and fear Him as my King.
16Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
This verse always makes me think of this song: "God can make a way, when there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see, He can make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me safely to His side, with love and strength for each new day, He can make a way, He can make a way."
19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Two thoughts came to me as I read this: First, that God has done a new thing in my life. He took my dreams and hopes for the future and created them into something new. If He had asked my permission to turn my life upside down and take my beloved husband home, I would have shouted No, defiantly in His face. Thankfully, He didn't ask. This new thing, this walk of young widowhood, has been like a walk along a river in the desert. If I wander away from Him, I get very faint and thirsty, my mind gets confused and mirages of lies lure me away from my source of life. But when I stay close to Him, He keeps me refreshed and makes beauty show up in a desolate place. This new thing, has been good for me as He promised (Romans 8:28). The second thought was another chorus, "My Lord know the way through the wilderness, All I have to do is follow...Strength for day is mine all the way, all I have to do is follow.."
25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. My sins are many, dear reader, as are yours. I don't have to tell you mine, and you don't have to tell me yours. But the God who created us knows our sins, they grieve Him, they must be atoned, they must be paid for....thankfully God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to come from Heaven to die on the cruel cross for my sins and your sins. Do you accept this wonderful gift of love? Do you believe Jesus was the Son of God and rose from the grave? He is at the right hand of God right now, awaiting all who will repent and call upon Him. Then.....he blots out all our sin by His blood and remembers them no more.....
Wow!
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April 26, 2010
April 18, 2010
Reminds Me of God
Recently my son lovingly looked at a toy I had purchased for him. In his childlike seriousness, he spoke, "Mom, this toy reminds me of God, Daddy, and T.(His new friend)
He went on to explain what features of the toy reminded him of each person. I smiled at his creativeness and depth of thinking. It reminds me of his sentimental daddy.
Oh, the lessons we can learn from children.
When was the last time I looked for God in everything I saw? Now it is easy on a beautiful morning with the birds singing, or the hug from a friend when we are sad. But what about the ordinary things of the day? When I erase something, do I think of God erasing my sins? When I slip on my shoes, do I think of how God protects me where I go? When I answer the phone, do I think how God never is too busy to listen to me? When I get a drink, do I think about His Love that quenches my thirst? When I eat, do I think of His Word that nourishes my soul?
Like I said before, the lesson we can learn from children.
Lord, help me be more like my son and see you in everything in my life.
He went on to explain what features of the toy reminded him of each person. I smiled at his creativeness and depth of thinking. It reminds me of his sentimental daddy.
Oh, the lessons we can learn from children.
When was the last time I looked for God in everything I saw? Now it is easy on a beautiful morning with the birds singing, or the hug from a friend when we are sad. But what about the ordinary things of the day? When I erase something, do I think of God erasing my sins? When I slip on my shoes, do I think of how God protects me where I go? When I answer the phone, do I think how God never is too busy to listen to me? When I get a drink, do I think about His Love that quenches my thirst? When I eat, do I think of His Word that nourishes my soul?
Like I said before, the lesson we can learn from children.
Lord, help me be more like my son and see you in everything in my life.
Approved
We all know that feeling....you are standing at the checkout and you have swiped your card. You wait for the little "Approved" message to flash on the screen. Most of the time it shows up, but at least once in your life it will say "Denied." Oh, the shock, the embarrassment, the frustration, the anxiety, the fear.....
Recently at the checkout, as the word "Approved" flashed for me and I busied myself with my parcels, a still soft voice whispered to me. "Someday everyone will look at the Creator and await His answer. Approved or denied......."
Oh, the Spirit of Truth is always.........so true:) I praise God that the blood of Christ will speak for me and because it covers my sin I am "approved." For without that blood, I am too vile and sinful to enter and would surely be "denied."
As the old hymn says, "Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb, Are you full trusting in His grace this hour, Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"
It is my prayer for you, dear reader, to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved! So when you stand before the Great Judge, you will be approved.
Recently at the checkout, as the word "Approved" flashed for me and I busied myself with my parcels, a still soft voice whispered to me. "Someday everyone will look at the Creator and await His answer. Approved or denied......."
Oh, the Spirit of Truth is always.........so true:) I praise God that the blood of Christ will speak for me and because it covers my sin I am "approved." For without that blood, I am too vile and sinful to enter and would surely be "denied."
As the old hymn says, "Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb, Are you full trusting in His grace this hour, Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"
It is my prayer for you, dear reader, to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved! So when you stand before the Great Judge, you will be approved.
April 12, 2010
The Bullet Creek Boys
I was teasing Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr today that they are the Bullet Creek Boys. We love the Sugar Creek Gang series and enjoy reading through the books out loud as a family. Lately with the weather so nice we have been exploring the creek near our home. Today they longed to do it again. I was curled up in my warm bed reading a book when Snipp came in and asked if we could go down to the creek.
I will admit my first thought wasn't yes. But I went and watch some crazy boys play in the chilly water.
I will admit my first thought wasn't yes. But I went and watch some crazy boys play in the chilly water.
Just like a couple days previous when Snipp asked me to play football after he got his school work done. I hesitated to say yes then too. Though I did end up saying yes. We had a grand time playing catch and a one-on-one game with me losing 18-30.
Some people say I need to turn away from the past and move forward. Yet the past is the key to going forward.
The day before my husband died, the boys wanted to take a walk in the woods. I had just done that with them 3 days previous and wasn't excited about the idea. Actually I didn't even plan on going; I felt exhausted as being pregnant will do to you. I planned to take a nap naturally. But the words of my husband stopped me and I went anyway. We had a great time exploring the woods and made a memory the boys have cherished. I almost missed it. It scares me I almost missed it. A little over 24 hours later, Jim was gone from us.......
What powerful words did Jim speak that changed my plans?
"What is so important?"
And that is the same thought that made me skip housework and play football.
Some people say I need to turn away from the past and move forward. Yet the past is the key to going forward.
The day before my husband died, the boys wanted to take a walk in the woods. I had just done that with them 3 days previous and wasn't excited about the idea. Actually I didn't even plan on going; I felt exhausted as being pregnant will do to you. I planned to take a nap naturally. But the words of my husband stopped me and I went anyway. We had a great time exploring the woods and made a memory the boys have cherished. I almost missed it. It scares me I almost missed it. A little over 24 hours later, Jim was gone from us.......
What powerful words did Jim speak that changed my plans?
"What is so important?"
And that is the same thought that made me skip housework and play football.
It is the same words that echoed in my head and got me out of my comfy bed and set my interesting book aside.
"What is so important?"
Words from the past that are keys to the future.
A future in which I plan to leave a legacy of the kind of mom I dream of being.
So what is so important?
Many things but at the top of my list,
right under Christ are my Bullet Creek Boys.
right under Christ are my Bullet Creek Boys.
Thank You, Jesus, for the sweet, funny, adventurous, deep thinking, brave boys You have blessed me with. Though parenting them can seem exhausting, they have been tools in Your hands to make me a better person. They challenge me to stick close to You and be brave.
Like Papa Piccolo says, "Oh, the adventures we have!!!"
April 08, 2010
Through the Eyes of Time
Today I saw an old friend at the library. We hadn't chatted much since September and it was great to visit. The more we chatted, the more I realized how much clearer I see how God has been working in my life. Catching up with an old friend who loves the Lord as much as I do was exciting. She could see what I was seeing, how the Lord has just been stretching me, expanding my "borders", drawing others into my life for His purpose.....and I stand amazed.
Through the eyes of time, I can see how God started me on a journey within the journey of young widowhood. He had me begin to looking beyond my pain 
and heartache and become a grief mentor of sorts. Some fingerprints of God on our lives: we have put back on our weekly menu the same meal we were having the night Jim died, my love for baking has returned much to the boys delight, I have called strangers and shared my story, I've become more of a let's-pray-right-now kind of prayer warrior, nine different young widows' lives have crossed mine, some have become precious friends, articles were written that God used to help others, I have become a sort of texting prayer warrior, an informal email support group started, my children have begun to reach out to other hurting children and see how God is enough even when they miss Daddy so much....and these are just the first layer of fingerprints that I see. I know there is more, many more on my heart where the Lord has touched me and changed me for my good and His glory.
and heartache and become a grief mentor of sorts. Some fingerprints of God on our lives: we have put back on our weekly menu the same meal we were having the night Jim died, my love for baking has returned much to the boys delight, I have called strangers and shared my story, I've become more of a let's-pray-right-now kind of prayer warrior, nine different young widows' lives have crossed mine, some have become precious friends, articles were written that God used to help others, I have become a sort of texting prayer warrior, an informal email support group started, my children have begun to reach out to other hurting children and see how God is enough even when they miss Daddy so much....and these are just the first layer of fingerprints that I see. I know there is more, many more on my heart where the Lord has touched me and changed me for my good and His glory. Teachable Moments
My son came to my room this morning. We snuggled as we read his Bible together and discussed his devotional unhurried without having to meet a school bus. Then the talk lead to another teachable moment about how a good leader cannot lead by emotion. My young son and I talked about having our wills lined up with God's will so that our mind and emotions follow instead of our emotions leading our thinking to do our own will. It was a grand discussion that he really seemed to take in and he added to it his own comments and thought-provoking questions. God even used my own tongue to teach me something! (Now I know why my preacher often says he is preaching to himself.) I praise the Lord for His wisdom on my tongue and the teachable moments He gives me with my sons. I miss them somedays, but I am glad I listened to the Holy Spirit's prompting and seized the moment this day.
Deuteronomy 6: 5-7 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6: 5-7 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Isaiah 12
This scripture was words of life to me this week;
I will share my personal thoughts in green.
Isaiah 12
1And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
I know there is much in my life I have done that was not pleasing to the LORD. If we all were honest, we all have done wrong things against God. Lied, stole, been prideful, greedy, lustful, dishonoring to parents, rebellious against authority, loved things or people more than HIM (idolatry), been slothful, angry, ungrateful, revengeful, and just plain old selfish. Proverbs 8: 36a says, "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul" All that sin that seemed so pleasurable, was really very damaging to me. But I will praise Him for when I cried out to Him in repentance, HE COMFORTED ME!
2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Amen!! Daily He reminds me I can do nothing good without HIM, He IS my strength, my song, and my salvation.
3Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Ah, how sweet and refreshing it is to drink.
4And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
This verse really stood out to me. It convicted me that I need to be doing a better job at testifying of His "doings" in my life. I need to be praising the LORD verbally outloud. My kids and others need to see me calling upon His name, not just in times of stress and trouble, but times of peace and joy. I need to be declaring to others what He has been doing in my life this week, even this day. I need to make mention of Him so the name of the LORD is exalted.
5Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. This reminded me of my life verse Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him."
6Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. Again be verbal with my praise to the LORD and He is in the mist of me....isn't that so true? I have been born again into the family of God and His Holy Spirit is within me. Amazing!
I will share my personal thoughts in green.
Isaiah 12
1And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
I know there is much in my life I have done that was not pleasing to the LORD. If we all were honest, we all have done wrong things against God. Lied, stole, been prideful, greedy, lustful, dishonoring to parents, rebellious against authority, loved things or people more than HIM (idolatry), been slothful, angry, ungrateful, revengeful, and just plain old selfish. Proverbs 8: 36a says, "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul" All that sin that seemed so pleasurable, was really very damaging to me. But I will praise Him for when I cried out to Him in repentance, HE COMFORTED ME!
2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Amen!! Daily He reminds me I can do nothing good without HIM, He IS my strength, my song, and my salvation.
3Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Ah, how sweet and refreshing it is to drink.
4And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
This verse really stood out to me. It convicted me that I need to be doing a better job at testifying of His "doings" in my life. I need to be praising the LORD verbally outloud. My kids and others need to see me calling upon His name, not just in times of stress and trouble, but times of peace and joy. I need to be declaring to others what He has been doing in my life this week, even this day. I need to make mention of Him so the name of the LORD is exalted.
5Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. This reminded me of my life verse Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him."
6Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. Again be verbal with my praise to the LORD and He is in the mist of me....isn't that so true? I have been born again into the family of God and His Holy Spirit is within me. Amazing!
Now you know a little of what HE has been "doing" in my life.
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