Before you start to read this last blog entry of 2013, I want to thank you. Thank you for reading the words, ideas and feelings that often roll around in my head begging to spill out and be heard. Thank you for the comments of encouragement that what I am experiencing isn't unique and that you appreciate that my writing them has helped you articulate what's going on with you. Thank you for not commenting if your thoughts about my writing isn't positive or productive in helping me grow. I want you to know that I have sent a prayer of thanksgiving up for you today...you are His gift to me.
One of my favorite things in life is starting something new.....
~ starting a brand new journal as it's ripe with the potential of what life will bring that I will want to record
~ starting a new friendship that is full of possibilities
~ starting a new day with hope of doing it better than yesterday
~ embarking on a new project that may well change the trajectory of a ministry, a career or a life
~ starting a different approach to how I read the Word, anticipating that I will know Him deeper
~ starting a new endeavor that will take me out of the apathy that comfort in doing something the same way can bring
While I like the excitement that 'newness' can bring, today I celebrate the old....
~Those relationships that have passed the test of time and hardships and have become the sweet spot of my life.
~Those difficulties that I have endured, leaned into, and weathered to come out on the other side a much stronger and (hopefully!) better version of me.
~ The 'same old, same old' habit of getting into the Word as consistently as I can and seeing how that has changed my character and eternity.
~ Those small, consistent choices that bored me beyond measure but have yielded incredible fruit that I would have never experienced otherwise.
Yet, One is both new and old...my Savior. Jesus is always the same, always faithful, always true. Jesus is also such a mystery with depths that are worthy of my exploration. The fact of knowing that I can rely on his sameness and yet have so much more to be able to know about Him simply leaves me in awe of the only One deserving of that awe.
Thank you 2013 for all that you gave me. Welcome 2014.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Hope
I have decided that my word for 2014 is going to be hope. Just seems like there is so much of it sitting on the precipice of my new year. There has been so much that He has walked me through in 2013 that has grown my faith and has increased my hope. I often look at life on an eternal time perspective which has been so helpful in the difficult times, yet I am concerned that I miss out on the blessing of hope in the daily of life. Some things I hope for this year...
~ that I will become a more Christ like woman. This is going to require me to allow Him to change some deeply ensconced character flaws. It's not going to necessarily be fun, but it is necessary.
~ that I will have the courage to take a risk that leaves me knowing that He was all over it.
~ that I will do something completely outside of my character and comfort zone.
~ that I will be present in the moments of life.
~ that I will have much more face to face time with people and a lot less fb interactions. Nothing tops true connections with others!
~ that I make a difference for eternity in several lives this year...no specifics as to how... I just want to be a part!
~ that I will have the good discipline of embracing each day's opportunities to make those small good choices that add up to big changes.
~ that I will welcome those challenges that will ultimately help me know Him in ways that I don't today.
~ As I was researching to see if I had claimed a word last year, I re-read some past blogs and discovered that I unknowingly started (January 20) and ended (December 23) 2013 with the verse from Psalm 145:8! Isn't it just like Him to bring me full circle to know that he is full of mercy and compassion?! I hope to go deeper in my trust of His word.
~ that I will become a more Christ like woman. This is going to require me to allow Him to change some deeply ensconced character flaws. It's not going to necessarily be fun, but it is necessary.
~ that I will have the courage to take a risk that leaves me knowing that He was all over it.
~ that I will do something completely outside of my character and comfort zone.
~ that I will be present in the moments of life.
~ that I will have much more face to face time with people and a lot less fb interactions. Nothing tops true connections with others!
~ that I make a difference for eternity in several lives this year...no specifics as to how... I just want to be a part!
~ that I will have the good discipline of embracing each day's opportunities to make those small good choices that add up to big changes.
~ that I will welcome those challenges that will ultimately help me know Him in ways that I don't today.
~ As I was researching to see if I had claimed a word last year, I re-read some past blogs and discovered that I unknowingly started (January 20) and ended (December 23) 2013 with the verse from Psalm 145:8! Isn't it just like Him to bring me full circle to know that he is full of mercy and compassion?! I hope to go deeper in my trust of His word.
Psalm 71:14 ~ But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Monday, December 23, 2013
So long 2013....
It seems that 2012 was full of victory, clarity, and growth in positive circumstances. Not so with 2013. My first instinct was to entitle this post "Good riddance 2013", but I just couldn't go there. While there have been very difficult periods through out this year, I find myself underpinned with joy as this year closes out. The only reason for that is because of my faith in Jesus Christ. Period. I learned sometime back that basing my happiness/contentment/joy on circumstances is a pretty foolish thing to do. Times change, relationships change, finances change, health changes...Jesus alone is steadfast. For that I am most thankful.
It's weird when I think back to a conversation I had with my dear friend, Kira, at the beginning of the year. I remember telling her that I had a bad feeling about 2013. Nothing in the then present circumstances would have been indicative of the truth of that statement, but it almost seems prophetic on this side of that day! However, I am looking at 2013 through the eyes of gratefulness, so here goes my annual list of things I learned/am thankful for this year, in random order....
1. Prayer.
This was huge this year. Heck, it's huge any year, but I think I got a hardcore lesson on the importance of prayer. I've been privileged to have been able to meet with 5 other women every other Wednesday for the past year to pray over so many circumstances and people. We've seen answers that were hoped for, things that He chose to answer differently than we anticipated, things we are still waiting on...and some 'no' answers. Guess what? The answers aren't the lesson. It's the rich tapestry of the knitting of my soul to the souls of those I get to pray with bi-monthly. I've 'done' ministry a long time and NOTHING has topped what comes out of a time of prayer with other believers. We have shared laughter, tears, questions, hard words, more laughter, disappointments, and even questioning the whys with the Lord. Yet, we come back to a time where we acknowledge that He is what we are truly seeking. There is a like mindedness that develops when we seek Him together. There is a spirit of true thanksgiving that pours out at each prayer session. And He is there. I am seriously blessed.
2. Ministry:
Our Annual Women's retreat: The theme for 2013 was "Surrender". Little did I know that I would be living out that word over and over again this year. I got to witness women draw closer to each other and Jesus in that 24 hour period. I witnessed one woman give the most vulnerable message that touched almost every heart in the room. I saw lives change. Sadly, I saw a few women close themselves off to the opportunity to let go of baggage and get real and it broke my heart.
Captivating: I didn't want to do this Bible study, but my pastor believed it was the best choice for our women. He was more than right...he had God's view on this one!! I really do love that about my pastor and my God... they know how to lead me! That 10 week study pushed several women outside of their comfort zones. It broke some really destructive thought patterns that have held us back from understanding just who Christ is and how wildly captivated He is with us! I also got to see some women put themselves second because they served others instead of making the study all about them. How pleased the Lord must be with those servant hearts. I saw one allow herself to be pushed to a deeper place with Him and for Him. So.stunningly.sweet!
The lesson I walked away with was that in ministry all I can do is provide opportunities for women to know Jesus in a more intimate way, but ultimately the choice is theirs as to how much they will allow Him into their daily lives. I simply cannot want it more for them than they do for themselves, and some days it's all I can do to want it for myself.
3. Cancer.
The ugly "C" word that everyone dreads. So many feelings are attached to that disease. Almost everyone has a story of someone they know who has had it. My family had it happen up close and personal when my sister, Kelli, was diagnosed early in the year with it.
The lesson learned is that we truly have so little control over life events and bad things happen to good people. I also learned that there are some incredibly caring people in my world! I have experienced such selfless acts of caring support and I know that I can never 'repay' them. Thank you seems so insufficient, but felt to the core of my soul!
4. Love.
It came in many forms this past year. From the squeals of a delightful two year old who tells me she 'lubs" her Aunt Carla, to the hugs and orneriness of the older two who round out the three beings who have captured my Aunt heart. The Ewing clan who rallies around the one who may be weak momentarily for support....always laughing along the way! There have been friends who have been there for me...and I can't begin to articulate just how loved that has made me feel...certainly when I haven't deserved it. There was the love that I had hoped would grow into something deep and rich, but wasn't meant to do so. I still don't get why things can't be different...they simply aren't. Hard stuff to deal with, but that's where the ultimate love came in. Jesus. That name alone means love to me. He has continually proven to my broken, beat up heart that He loves me more than I can fathom. He has shown me that I don't have to know all of the 'whys'. I just have to know He is. The lesson: knowing "He is" truly is good enough.
5. Character.
Through some of the events of this past year, I caught the reflection of my character in the mirror of an other's eyes and I didn't like some things that I saw. Actually, I knew they were there, but didn't realize just how deep seeded they were. I've always prided myself on believing in character and that it is important...and maybe the pride is the issue. As the Lord peeled back layers to expose vulnerability to another, I obtained a clear view of my selfishness. I witnessed how far I would go to get what I wanted instead of loving the other more than myself. It wasn't pretty and it still stings. Funny thing, while I know I am forgiven by the Lord, I still hate that I hurt others so deeply. I can only pray that time heals the wounds I've caused. The lesson: I am a mess that only He can clean up.
6. Words.
I have spent the better part of this year just observing the use of words, whether communicated face to face, in groups, status postings, or other forms of writing and I've come to the conclusion that, as a whole, we humans are a sorry lot. While I am one of the fiercest defenders of the first amendment right to be able to speak freely in this country, I also believe that there is a time and way to say things. I also believe that just because you have an OPINION and the right to speak it does not mean you have to do so. I am witnessing the sheer meanness of people who have no backbone to discuss issues with others face to face, but would rather take to FB, twitter, blogging, letter writing etc. to take out the opposition. While some may say it's no different than gossip, I'd say it's more like gossip on steroids. It's destructive to the soul, both now and potentially for eternity. It seems to me that we spend so much time talking that we fail to listen. I have been so convicted of this in my own life of late. I have failed to dialogue with others to hear their point of view. I am capable of listening to a point of view with which I disagree, but fail to do so well. I do want to express one 'line in the sand' if you will...I do not intend for any of this to insinuate that I should fail to speak the truth from the Word of God. Those are His words, not mine. If God Almighty calls something out as being wrong or right, that is His right to do so. This being said, it is not my job to beat someone up with it...but to share the truth in love and let the Holy Spirit do what He does best...teach and convict in hopes to draw someone to Jesus. I have a long way to go on this issue, but I want with all in me to be better at it this time next year.
7. Finishing well.
This has been a difficult time with this one. The relationships that end poorly, a ministry situation that isn't coming together as planned, laziness, lack of focus, lack of discipline...all frustrations that I have endured in 2013. I hate it. I say I want it to be different, but see no real burning desire to make that happen. That's right where He meets me. I was just reading in my quiet time and a verse jumped out at me that gave me that grain of hope: Psalm 145:8 ~ The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and of great mercy. I am banking on the truth of this passage that He is full of compassion and mercy, because this girl is in serious need of it!
Honestly, I am looking forward to 2014 in a big way. I am more than ready for change, I don't want to look back and I hold to the hope that the new year will bring. No new year resolutions for me, but rather to continue on this adventure that Jesus and I are living together.
Friend, may you know the true blessing of Christmas this year...that Jesus loves you so much and wants a personal relationship with you. Praying that Christmas 2013 brings new life for you!
Hugs ~
Carla
It's weird when I think back to a conversation I had with my dear friend, Kira, at the beginning of the year. I remember telling her that I had a bad feeling about 2013. Nothing in the then present circumstances would have been indicative of the truth of that statement, but it almost seems prophetic on this side of that day! However, I am looking at 2013 through the eyes of gratefulness, so here goes my annual list of things I learned/am thankful for this year, in random order....
1. Prayer.
This was huge this year. Heck, it's huge any year, but I think I got a hardcore lesson on the importance of prayer. I've been privileged to have been able to meet with 5 other women every other Wednesday for the past year to pray over so many circumstances and people. We've seen answers that were hoped for, things that He chose to answer differently than we anticipated, things we are still waiting on...and some 'no' answers. Guess what? The answers aren't the lesson. It's the rich tapestry of the knitting of my soul to the souls of those I get to pray with bi-monthly. I've 'done' ministry a long time and NOTHING has topped what comes out of a time of prayer with other believers. We have shared laughter, tears, questions, hard words, more laughter, disappointments, and even questioning the whys with the Lord. Yet, we come back to a time where we acknowledge that He is what we are truly seeking. There is a like mindedness that develops when we seek Him together. There is a spirit of true thanksgiving that pours out at each prayer session. And He is there. I am seriously blessed.
2. Ministry:
Our Annual Women's retreat: The theme for 2013 was "Surrender". Little did I know that I would be living out that word over and over again this year. I got to witness women draw closer to each other and Jesus in that 24 hour period. I witnessed one woman give the most vulnerable message that touched almost every heart in the room. I saw lives change. Sadly, I saw a few women close themselves off to the opportunity to let go of baggage and get real and it broke my heart.
Captivating: I didn't want to do this Bible study, but my pastor believed it was the best choice for our women. He was more than right...he had God's view on this one!! I really do love that about my pastor and my God... they know how to lead me! That 10 week study pushed several women outside of their comfort zones. It broke some really destructive thought patterns that have held us back from understanding just who Christ is and how wildly captivated He is with us! I also got to see some women put themselves second because they served others instead of making the study all about them. How pleased the Lord must be with those servant hearts. I saw one allow herself to be pushed to a deeper place with Him and for Him. So.stunningly.sweet!
The lesson I walked away with was that in ministry all I can do is provide opportunities for women to know Jesus in a more intimate way, but ultimately the choice is theirs as to how much they will allow Him into their daily lives. I simply cannot want it more for them than they do for themselves, and some days it's all I can do to want it for myself.
3. Cancer.
The ugly "C" word that everyone dreads. So many feelings are attached to that disease. Almost everyone has a story of someone they know who has had it. My family had it happen up close and personal when my sister, Kelli, was diagnosed early in the year with it.
The lesson learned is that we truly have so little control over life events and bad things happen to good people. I also learned that there are some incredibly caring people in my world! I have experienced such selfless acts of caring support and I know that I can never 'repay' them. Thank you seems so insufficient, but felt to the core of my soul!
4. Love.
It came in many forms this past year. From the squeals of a delightful two year old who tells me she 'lubs" her Aunt Carla, to the hugs and orneriness of the older two who round out the three beings who have captured my Aunt heart. The Ewing clan who rallies around the one who may be weak momentarily for support....always laughing along the way! There have been friends who have been there for me...and I can't begin to articulate just how loved that has made me feel...certainly when I haven't deserved it. There was the love that I had hoped would grow into something deep and rich, but wasn't meant to do so. I still don't get why things can't be different...they simply aren't. Hard stuff to deal with, but that's where the ultimate love came in. Jesus. That name alone means love to me. He has continually proven to my broken, beat up heart that He loves me more than I can fathom. He has shown me that I don't have to know all of the 'whys'. I just have to know He is. The lesson: knowing "He is" truly is good enough.
5. Character.
Through some of the events of this past year, I caught the reflection of my character in the mirror of an other's eyes and I didn't like some things that I saw. Actually, I knew they were there, but didn't realize just how deep seeded they were. I've always prided myself on believing in character and that it is important...and maybe the pride is the issue. As the Lord peeled back layers to expose vulnerability to another, I obtained a clear view of my selfishness. I witnessed how far I would go to get what I wanted instead of loving the other more than myself. It wasn't pretty and it still stings. Funny thing, while I know I am forgiven by the Lord, I still hate that I hurt others so deeply. I can only pray that time heals the wounds I've caused. The lesson: I am a mess that only He can clean up.
6. Words.
I have spent the better part of this year just observing the use of words, whether communicated face to face, in groups, status postings, or other forms of writing and I've come to the conclusion that, as a whole, we humans are a sorry lot. While I am one of the fiercest defenders of the first amendment right to be able to speak freely in this country, I also believe that there is a time and way to say things. I also believe that just because you have an OPINION and the right to speak it does not mean you have to do so. I am witnessing the sheer meanness of people who have no backbone to discuss issues with others face to face, but would rather take to FB, twitter, blogging, letter writing etc. to take out the opposition. While some may say it's no different than gossip, I'd say it's more like gossip on steroids. It's destructive to the soul, both now and potentially for eternity. It seems to me that we spend so much time talking that we fail to listen. I have been so convicted of this in my own life of late. I have failed to dialogue with others to hear their point of view. I am capable of listening to a point of view with which I disagree, but fail to do so well. I do want to express one 'line in the sand' if you will...I do not intend for any of this to insinuate that I should fail to speak the truth from the Word of God. Those are His words, not mine. If God Almighty calls something out as being wrong or right, that is His right to do so. This being said, it is not my job to beat someone up with it...but to share the truth in love and let the Holy Spirit do what He does best...teach and convict in hopes to draw someone to Jesus. I have a long way to go on this issue, but I want with all in me to be better at it this time next year.
7. Finishing well.
This has been a difficult time with this one. The relationships that end poorly, a ministry situation that isn't coming together as planned, laziness, lack of focus, lack of discipline...all frustrations that I have endured in 2013. I hate it. I say I want it to be different, but see no real burning desire to make that happen. That's right where He meets me. I was just reading in my quiet time and a verse jumped out at me that gave me that grain of hope: Psalm 145:8 ~ The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and of great mercy. I am banking on the truth of this passage that He is full of compassion and mercy, because this girl is in serious need of it!
Honestly, I am looking forward to 2014 in a big way. I am more than ready for change, I don't want to look back and I hold to the hope that the new year will bring. No new year resolutions for me, but rather to continue on this adventure that Jesus and I are living together.
Friend, may you know the true blessing of Christmas this year...that Jesus loves you so much and wants a personal relationship with you. Praying that Christmas 2013 brings new life for you!
Hugs ~
Carla
Friday, December 13, 2013
No more Mr. Nice Guy
I was once friends with a man who had a penchant for being rude. He could take it to a level that I'd never seen before. After a particular incident, I called him out on his behavior and told him he needed to be nice. His response was interesting. He told me he never wanted to be known as a nice guy. While I understood what he meant was he didn't want to be known as a passive man, I explained that what I meant was kind. Guess what? They don't necessarily mean the same thing at all. Events of the past week have made me agree with Rudy Rudmeister. I no longer want to be known as nice.
I have allowed some circumstances to linger in my life that I know are not good for me, not good for the others involved, and most importantly would diminish the effectiveness of the gospel in my life. In an effort to 'be nice', I delayed dealing with what I knew needed to be done. I didn't want to hurt the other person. I didn't want to cause pain. Yet, I knew without a doubt that it was only delaying the inevitable. As the Lord does in my life, He unpeeled another layer and required me to go deeper and do a motive check. What he showed me was that the facade of being nice was covering the fact that I am selfish. I didn't want others to think ill of me. I wanted to be liked. I wanted momentary happiness in sacrifice of a lifetime of joy. It was all about me. Now, while I don't want to bring pain to some one's life, I came to realize that by not dealing with it because I was more concerned about me than the long term effect and deepening hurt on them was flat out unloving...and unkind.
Did you know that the word 'nice' isn't used in the Bible one time? Nope, not once in the KJV. Zilch. However, the word kind is used a multitude of times and is defined as 'to show one's self as mild, benevolent, useful, good or fit for use'. The word 'kind' is indicative of an action or attitude that one shows toward another. In the famous verse on love in 1 Corinthians 13:4, one of the definitive words on the subject is that it is kind. It indicates that there is an action involved towards another. It takes the focus off of me and onto the other. Because I love this person, I knew the kind thing to do was to deal with it. Sometimes, the loving thing will hurt momentarily, but produce good in the long run. Many of the greatest moments in my life, the greatest stretches of growth, some of the closest relationships have come out of difficult words that were said to me in loving kindness. I want to learn to be that for others.
Ephesians 4:32 ~ And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 ~ And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you.
Friday, December 6, 2013
ACK!
This week started with what I thought was the coolest opportunity to come my way in awhile. A friend, who happens to be a published author, is writing a book and has asked me to contribute a story! I excitedly said yes and proceeded to pray, to write the 500 word story, prayed more about it, tweaked it, asked a couple of people to review, tweaked again and then submitted it to her for review.
Now, you know the story doesn't end there.
I got a response back that while what I wrote was what she was looking for, she wanted more examples and detail and I quote, " If you don't mind me saying so, I feel you can be more vulnerable." Oh boy. There was one sentence that I never wanted to read. Vulnerable...not something that I am easily or willingly. As I re-read my product, it was obvious that it was very methodical, prescriptive and well, sterile. I replied to her that I couldn't go vulnerable on such a short turn around time, that it would take me some time to 'go there'. I thanked her for the opportunity and told her I completely understood if she needed to get another story to complete her project. Yeah, you know where this is going, don't you? She gave me an extension. In the immortal words of the cartoon character Cathy ~ ACK!
The Lord has taken what I'd hoped would be a small, fun, writing exercise and seems to want to use it to cleanse a wound that is not healing easily. The story is about how I have dealt with being single, dating, and not being married. While I am abundantly content a lion's share of the time with the life I have, there are those deep recesses of my soul that still struggle. Those voices that whisper that I am a failure because I am not worldly normal. Those battles between wanting to give into what my flesh wants, yet knowing that my spirit will not be satisfied. So many years of battles of "maybe this is as good as it gets/you deserve" to the arrogance of not being one of 'those women' who settles for less than what I believe He wants for my life just so I fit into the club. Honestly, there are portions of this adventure in my life that I haven't given to Him because I am afraid of what He will, or won't, do. I hate writing those truthful words because I want to be so much more for Him. I want to blindly trust Him...regardless. And I fail.
As I end this week, I have decided to accept the challenge my friend has so graciously given me. The immediate result will be what I pray is a story of encouragement for others. It will also help me sort through some things that have needed my attention for a long, long time but that I have purposely put on the back burner to deal with 'later'. Most importantly, it will draw me that much closer to my Jesus. Yep, this is an even cooler opportunity than I thought.
Now, you know the story doesn't end there.
I got a response back that while what I wrote was what she was looking for, she wanted more examples and detail and I quote, " If you don't mind me saying so, I feel you can be more vulnerable." Oh boy. There was one sentence that I never wanted to read. Vulnerable...not something that I am easily or willingly. As I re-read my product, it was obvious that it was very methodical, prescriptive and well, sterile. I replied to her that I couldn't go vulnerable on such a short turn around time, that it would take me some time to 'go there'. I thanked her for the opportunity and told her I completely understood if she needed to get another story to complete her project. Yeah, you know where this is going, don't you? She gave me an extension. In the immortal words of the cartoon character Cathy ~ ACK!
The Lord has taken what I'd hoped would be a small, fun, writing exercise and seems to want to use it to cleanse a wound that is not healing easily. The story is about how I have dealt with being single, dating, and not being married. While I am abundantly content a lion's share of the time with the life I have, there are those deep recesses of my soul that still struggle. Those voices that whisper that I am a failure because I am not worldly normal. Those battles between wanting to give into what my flesh wants, yet knowing that my spirit will not be satisfied. So many years of battles of "maybe this is as good as it gets/you deserve" to the arrogance of not being one of 'those women' who settles for less than what I believe He wants for my life just so I fit into the club. Honestly, there are portions of this adventure in my life that I haven't given to Him because I am afraid of what He will, or won't, do. I hate writing those truthful words because I want to be so much more for Him. I want to blindly trust Him...regardless. And I fail.
As I end this week, I have decided to accept the challenge my friend has so graciously given me. The immediate result will be what I pray is a story of encouragement for others. It will also help me sort through some things that have needed my attention for a long, long time but that I have purposely put on the back burner to deal with 'later'. Most importantly, it will draw me that much closer to my Jesus. Yep, this is an even cooler opportunity than I thought.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Perplexing prayer
Do you ever have something settle to the bottom of your soul and you just can't shake it? It doesn't happen a lot (or I don't perceive it to happen a lot) to me, so when it does I usually try to pay closer attention. It showed up again on Monday morning as I awoke to face the week after having an extended holiday reprieve. As my eyes opened, that undeniable still small voice whispered to my heart, "Pray for Pastor Saeed". Odd. I have prayed when I'd see an update on FB or the news, but honestly, I haven't been praying regularly for him. Why this unsettling in my soul over someone I don't know? I seriously have not been able to shake it for the past three days, so I have been praying. I don't have a clue how to specifically pray for him other than for his safety and release. As I got ready for work, I prayed for him with admission to the Lord that I don't know how to pray for him, but please help. That's why I am so very thankful for the Holy Spirit's work in my life. That promise in Romans that tells me that even though I don't know what to pray, He intercedes for me.
Today, I read an random update article posted yesterday that told of some things Pastor Saeed had been enduring the previous day. Yeah, the day that I'd been pressed by the Spirit to pray for him. I know without a doubt that my prayers for the pastor were heard. I don't understand how prayer works, but I know it does. I have seen miracle upon miracle occur because believers sought the Lord's intervention through prayer. I think we are utterly clueless as to how instrumental our prayers are for eternity and I can hardly wait to see what my prayers for Pastor Saeed on December 2, 2013, changed.
Romans 8:26 ~ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Father, I thank you for the privilege of prayer. Thank you so much for nudging me on Monday morning to pray for Pastor Saeed. Lord, I ask that you release him from the horrible suffering he is facing. I pray that he is knowing you in a way that is so much deeper than what those of us who haven't suffered for our faith. Comfort him and his family right now. I also pray for those men who are seeking his release right now. Please open doors for them. Father, I pray that you change the minds of the leaders of our country and help them to see that they are in the positions they are in to protect the citizens of this country. Holy Spirit, thank you for making intercessions for me when I don't know what to pray. In Jesus' name. Amen
Today, I read an random update article posted yesterday that told of some things Pastor Saeed had been enduring the previous day. Yeah, the day that I'd been pressed by the Spirit to pray for him. I know without a doubt that my prayers for the pastor were heard. I don't understand how prayer works, but I know it does. I have seen miracle upon miracle occur because believers sought the Lord's intervention through prayer. I think we are utterly clueless as to how instrumental our prayers are for eternity and I can hardly wait to see what my prayers for Pastor Saeed on December 2, 2013, changed.
Romans 8:26 ~ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Father, I thank you for the privilege of prayer. Thank you so much for nudging me on Monday morning to pray for Pastor Saeed. Lord, I ask that you release him from the horrible suffering he is facing. I pray that he is knowing you in a way that is so much deeper than what those of us who haven't suffered for our faith. Comfort him and his family right now. I also pray for those men who are seeking his release right now. Please open doors for them. Father, I pray that you change the minds of the leaders of our country and help them to see that they are in the positions they are in to protect the citizens of this country. Holy Spirit, thank you for making intercessions for me when I don't know what to pray. In Jesus' name. Amen
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sunday Surprise..."and it landed me in the ER"
I must admit, I've laughed at the blog challenges for the last couple of days. Given that it's been a stress filled 48 hours, it's a nice diversion. So today's challenge is to blog about something landing me in the ER. Hmmmm...several to choose from...like the time I sliced my toe in a canoe race before a big dance, or when I ended up with a concussion while imitation my friend Toney on the Batman ride at Six Flaggs, or when I broke my leg and my Daddy-o took me to the ER and was popping wheelies in the wheel chair with me in it...or the scarier times when I have ended up there and some of the most amazing people showed up to be with me. Nope, gonna go with humorous...it had to be the time I fell out of my office chair at home.
Let me set the scene...I was home working on some stuff at my desk while I was watching the Super Bowl. Now, you have to understand that I am a football fan and can get into just about any game (just ask my dog, who HATES football season and will go to her "happy place" in the bathroom when I get over zealous in my cheering!). There was some play that apparently excited me a bit too much and I cheered, pushed my chair back and completely flipped out of it, landing on the edge of my treadmill. I let out a war whoop that my roomie mistook for cheering, until I started screaming for her to come help me. As she came into the room to find the chair on top of me and me on top of the treadmill, I was crying out in pain. She tried to help me up, but we couldn't find an easy way to help me as I'd hurt my shoulder, arm, back and right hip. As I wallered around, she got to laughing and between my tears and pain, I started laughing. I finally was able to get up and we went to the ER to see if I'd broken anything.
Once in the ER, I happened to get one of our local docs with whom I'd worked during my nursing home tenure. We'd always gotten along and I knew I was in good hands. He asked me what had happened, and I embarrassingly had to relay the whole story. He then gets a wry grin on his face and asks how much I had to drink. Of course, I was stone sober and the drink du jour was a Diet Coke. As I get back from x-ray, I hear the nurse ask him what happened and he says, "She fell out of a chair"...then in a voice that was noticeably a few decibels louder says, "and I think she's been drinking". Oh, how he knows what fires me up... I yelled down the hall, "NO, I WASN'T!!" then began the peals of laughter from his little office area. As I was leaving he thanked me for livening up his evening and told me to lay off the liquor. I shot him the evil eye, and we both cracked up laughing.
I was fracture free but had one heck of a bruise on the entire right side of my body. I did have my arm in a sling, which produced many questions and opportunities to regale others with my story.
PS...to those of you who have been there for me when the story wasn't as humorous, thank you!
Let me set the scene...I was home working on some stuff at my desk while I was watching the Super Bowl. Now, you have to understand that I am a football fan and can get into just about any game (just ask my dog, who HATES football season and will go to her "happy place" in the bathroom when I get over zealous in my cheering!). There was some play that apparently excited me a bit too much and I cheered, pushed my chair back and completely flipped out of it, landing on the edge of my treadmill. I let out a war whoop that my roomie mistook for cheering, until I started screaming for her to come help me. As she came into the room to find the chair on top of me and me on top of the treadmill, I was crying out in pain. She tried to help me up, but we couldn't find an easy way to help me as I'd hurt my shoulder, arm, back and right hip. As I wallered around, she got to laughing and between my tears and pain, I started laughing. I finally was able to get up and we went to the ER to see if I'd broken anything.
Once in the ER, I happened to get one of our local docs with whom I'd worked during my nursing home tenure. We'd always gotten along and I knew I was in good hands. He asked me what had happened, and I embarrassingly had to relay the whole story. He then gets a wry grin on his face and asks how much I had to drink. Of course, I was stone sober and the drink du jour was a Diet Coke. As I get back from x-ray, I hear the nurse ask him what happened and he says, "She fell out of a chair"...then in a voice that was noticeably a few decibels louder says, "and I think she's been drinking". Oh, how he knows what fires me up... I yelled down the hall, "NO, I WASN'T!!" then began the peals of laughter from his little office area. As I was leaving he thanked me for livening up his evening and told me to lay off the liquor. I shot him the evil eye, and we both cracked up laughing.
I was fracture free but had one heck of a bruise on the entire right side of my body. I did have my arm in a sling, which produced many questions and opportunities to regale others with my story.
PS...to those of you who have been there for me when the story wasn't as humorous, thank you!
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