I know it's not morning but my kids are out of school today and I didn't want to spend the morning on the computer so I'm just getting around to blogging.
I loved the message on Jonah as we continued through this great little book. This may sound strange but my favorite part was the invitation. I felt a strong urging early Sunday morning to really focus some prayer time on the invitation that would be offered. I can't imagine how Eddie could have made the invitation to Christ any clearer. The call to unbelievers is always to come to Christ and accept His gift of salvation. The call to believers today was to realize that one person really can make a difference. What is God calling us to do? What is He calling me to do?
Eddie and I left Sunday afternoon to head to Sumter (we actually lived there long ago). We went so that Eddie could take part in the ordination service for Scott Shipes. They have answered God's call to move to Africa realizing that that is where God is calling them and where Scott will be a children's minister. It was so great to be in the same worship center with them again and to get to spend some time with them. I have the utmost respect for them and have always loved them. It was overwhelming to watch as one by one people laid hands on them and prayed over them. It was a little more than overwhelming as their family members came forward and prayed. I know how proud they are of them and at the same time how their hearts ache because of the distance. I can't wait to hear all that God is going to do through them there and how many lives are going to come to Christ because of their ministry. So glad they obeyed God and didn't go down to Joppa. How awesome to have been in Jonah for the past few weeks and now witness the ordination of friends as they heed God's call on their lives and choose obedience over running.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Love Day...should be every day
It's Valentine's Day. I love holidays, any holiday really. I love having special days set aside to reflect. My husband cares very little about these kind of special days. I do know that love should be something we give every day of course. I guess since having children, we've made it just as much about them too. It's fun anyway to give the heart boxes of candy away and I miss my kids not writing Valentine cards for classmates. Stephen always had to make sure it wasn't a mushy one for the girls...that's changed a little, right Kaylin?? Anyway...
just want to say to my honey that I love you more than I ever have. I am so blessed to walk through this life by your side. I've never been more proud of you. Life has been one incredible adventure with you and I can't think of anyone I had rather run the race with other than you. You're the only Valentine I would ever want and together we have four of the most precious valentines I could ever imagine. I love you not just today on Valentine's but EVERY day!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Let the Spirit move
I had a fun day with Jessica today in Augusta doing some shopping and enjoying some mother/daughter time over lunch. But just let me say, it was freeeeezzzzing cold and WINDY!! Not my favorite kind of weather.
As we drove home God reminded me of some things. We all know you can't see the wind BUT we see evidence of it. The flags were blowing straight out, trees were bending and leaves were flying everywhere. I could feel it against the car and most definitely against myself when I got out of the car. John 3:8 says, "the wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
We cannot see the Holy Spirit either but we can see evidence of Him as well. We can see results of His work and movement. You can also tell with some people who are just filled to overflowing with the Spirit. Sometimes we can look at someone's body language or facial expression and see evidence of the Spirit within them or maybe a lack of. Some people just glow with Jesus all over them and others look as though they have been baptized in vinegar as my husband will say. Oftentimes it's the lack of peace and joy in our life that influences our attitudes and actions. Just being stressed out over trivial things instead of focused on kingdom matters. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." The result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. I don't know about you but peace is huge to me. I have to have it. I don't function well when there is a lack of it in my life but thankfully I know where to go to find it. I need His filling constantly throughout my day so that I can operate out of a heart of peace and joy instead of out of anger and frustration and resentment. I'm sure it's something we all long for but are we willing to do what it takes to have it?
As we drove home God reminded me of some things. We all know you can't see the wind BUT we see evidence of it. The flags were blowing straight out, trees were bending and leaves were flying everywhere. I could feel it against the car and most definitely against myself when I got out of the car. John 3:8 says, "the wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
We cannot see the Holy Spirit either but we can see evidence of Him as well. We can see results of His work and movement. You can also tell with some people who are just filled to overflowing with the Spirit. Sometimes we can look at someone's body language or facial expression and see evidence of the Spirit within them or maybe a lack of. Some people just glow with Jesus all over them and others look as though they have been baptized in vinegar as my husband will say. Oftentimes it's the lack of peace and joy in our life that influences our attitudes and actions. Just being stressed out over trivial things instead of focused on kingdom matters. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." The result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. I don't know about you but peace is huge to me. I have to have it. I don't function well when there is a lack of it in my life but thankfully I know where to go to find it. I need His filling constantly throughout my day so that I can operate out of a heart of peace and joy instead of out of anger and frustration and resentment. I'm sure it's something we all long for but are we willing to do what it takes to have it?
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