Scriptural Sundays: The Love of God

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:35-39 (ESV)

Sorry this post is going up so late. But, I needed to make sure this was right, so it took some extra prayer and editing. Thanks for being patient and I hope it blesses you and gives you hope as it did me!

This morning The Hubster sang, “Love of God” by Mercy Me at church. First, what an amazing song!! The words are so powerful and oh so true!! If you haven’t heard it, just click on the link above to listen to it on YouTube.

As I listened to him practice this week, I knew I wanted to share the song with you all this week. But, this morning after he sang, we started talking and I knew it needed to be more than just a link to the song.

As we talked, I asked him what Scripture comes to mind with this song. Almost immediately he responded with Romans 8:35-39. This verse is exactly what he taught on at small group Thursday. So, I thought I would share it with you all today. Again, sorry it’s going up so late!!

First of all, we need to understand the theme of Chapter 8 prior to verse 35. The theme of Chapter 8 is being and doing good, which is accomplished by conforming to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. In verse 8, Paul tells us that we cannot please God if we are not His child. It can’t happen! But, for those of us in Christ Jesus, those living in the Spirit not the flesh will live in righteousness because of the Spirit that dwells inside us. (vs 9-10)

Second, in order to understand the glory that awaits us, we must endure trials and tribulations. But, take comfort in that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Rom 8:18, ESV) When going through the trials and tribulations of this world, you must understand the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. If you don’t understand this, none of the rest of it matters!!

Now, how do we understand the love of God? First we must understand that everything Paul lists in verse 35b and 38-39 cannot and WILL NOT stop the love of God, which is at work in us to do good. (vs 28)

God’s love is so much more powerful than any “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword” (v 35b) that we might endure here on this earth. He has already overcome all of it with the living sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

But, just because the love of God is more powerful than all those things (and so much more), doesn’t mean our lives are going to be easy. We will endure trials and if we are truly in Christ Jesus, persecution on some level. As we go through those seemingly relentless trials, we must also understand that God gives us what we need not what we want. Why? Because it’s all for His Glory!!!

James says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, ESV)

It’s all because of Him and for Him. And that’s great news!!

Blessings friends,

Annette


Linking up here:
These Five of Mine Plus Two

Scriptural Sundays: He is the Potter, I am the Clay

If you’ve ever lost a parent, grandparent or loved one at all, you probably understand what I’ve been going through these past 2 ½ months. Learning to live life without someone who’s been there everyday of your life is not fun. In fact, quite frankly it sucks!

And when that person is your parent, I think it’s even more difficult. Now, I know I’ve been married for nearly 9 years now, but I was still a Daddy’s girl. And my mom…she’s my best friend! I have always been close to my parents – with the exception of a few years in there that we’ll just skip over and never talk about again!!

I talk to my mom and grandma everyday. I didn’t talk to my Dad every day, cause…well…guys just don’t do that. But my parents only live 7 houses down from me so he was only a few seconds away if I needed him. I could be at their house literally seconds and see him. Give him a hug. Listen to his laugh.

Oh how I have taken life for granted. All. Of. It.

These past two months have been difficult, to say the least, but as with any trial and situation (good or bad), God has been teaching me and molding me. Again. Just like a potter and his clay. Have you ever watched a potter spin a new creation? I have. In fact, a former professor of mine in college is a potter. And on several different occasions, he was asked to come and demonstrate how to make a pot. But, it wasn’t until I saw a demonstration that I understood what God meant in Jeremiah 18:3-4 “So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” (ESV) and in Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (ESV, italics mine.)

Watch this video to see a demonstration, before reading the rest of my post. Trust me…it will make MUCH more sense!

So, how does this relate to our lives as Christians? Let’s break it down.

1. Before ever putting the clay on the wheel, the potter does some shaping. Actually, he’s softening the clay so that it will be more pliable and responsive to his hands. Sound familiar? Doesn’t God try to shape us in His hands? Sometimes we may be tossed around a bit, but it’s simply so we’ll become more open and willing to listen and follow Him.

2. Then, the clay is literally thrown on the wheel. Not tossed or placed neatly…thrown…hard. Why? Because he needs a firm foundation for the vessel he’s creating. If it’s not “stuck” down, the spinning wheel will cause it to become lop-sided or even fly away. Once God has completely broken us and we’re pliable, ready to be molded, He starts from the bottom up. He teaches us what it means and how to have a firm foundation.

3. Then the potter starts the wheel spinning and begins by putting some water over the clay for yet…more softening. Doesn’t God do the same with us? After He’s thrown us down to reshape us, he starts out with gentleness and kindness (the water) to begin molding us.

4. Then, he begins molding the shape he envisioned. Occasionally he will put water on his hands to make the clay easier to work with. The potter must keep the clay pliable and easy to work with as he continues to push and pull using his own power to manipulate the clay into what he wants. If it doesn’t cooperate, he will simply pick it up and throw it back down to start over.

How often has God done this with us or maybe someone we know? Sometimes we’re stubborn and God must use his power and might to change us into who HE sees us as. Who He wants us to be. We are his “vessels” and are at the will of him. To be used by Him and for Him. And, if we’re stubborn, God will “throw” us back down only to go through the process again. Only this time…He might be a little harder on us.

5. Once the vessel is completed and exactly what the potter envisioned he then puts it in the kiln to set it. Now I did some reading about this part, so bear with me here. When firing the vessel, the temperature must be monitored very closely. There are many stages in the firing process (read all about them here if you like), but a couple things really stand out for our discussion here.

1. There is a maturation temperature of clay. Each type of clay has its own maturation. Once it’s reached, “the clay will have the desired density and, upon cooling, will have attained a rigidity of structure. Once this happens, the firing is stopped. If it continues and a higher temperature is reached, “the clay will continue to melt and vitrify; it may become molten or quite soft, and warp or change its shape and may become extremely dense, hard and brittle upon cooling.
2. On the other hand, if the clay is underfired, “it may become too porous and soft upon cooling. Heavier clay objects require a more gradual temperature rise than lighter, thin-walled” vessels. (Information from  here.)

So many parallels in this!!!! I’m getting excited…can you tell? But, seriously…the kiln is temperamental, just like we humans can be. If it’s too hot, the vessel will melt and if it’s not hot enough, the vessel will crumble – eventually.

So after God has shaped and molded us into His vision for our lives, he puts us through the fire to “set it” for keeps – permanently. Now, hear me on this…I believe that we, as humans, have free-will. I do not believe our “destiny” is set in stone to the point that we have no choices. I believe we have choices, but I also believe that the Holy Spirit is there to guide us and direct us, so long as we listen. God keeps us in the “fire” to strengthen us to the point of firmness. A firm grasp of God’s love for us that can not easily be broken.

But, if we resist and pull ourselves out of the “fire” too soon…we will be so fragile that we could break at any moment. And then it’s back to the molding stage we go. Because when you glue the broken pieces back together and fill the vessel with water, there will likely be leaks. They may be small, but over time the pressure of the water will continue to expand and eventually it will break…again. And, there’s only so many times you can glue it back together before you need to just start over with a new one.

So…all of this to say…I have been broken, worn down, tired and beaten. But, my God is molding me, reshaping me and putting me through the fire yet again. And by His grace, I will be stronger in my faith, more able to share my beliefs and more willing to follow His will for my life. And I…I am ready!

What has the Lord been teaching you lately? Please share in the comments or feel free to link up to a post that shares your story. We can all learn and be encouraged by each other.

Blessings,

Annette

Linking up to these encouraging parties:

The Better Mom, These Five of Mine Plus Two, Raising Arrows, The Straightened Path, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Deep Roots At Home, The Imperfect Housewife

Scriptural Sundays: Unfailing Love

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

Psalm 36:5-7 (NIV)

This verse has been transformed into one of my most favorite praise songs. For me, it is such a vivid reminder of God’s unfailing love. Today I taught 25 precious 4 & 5 yr olds at church. Yes…that was a LOT of them. But, they were so captivated by the Bible story and how much God cares for us that I envied them.

Our Bible story was actually taken from Matthew 6:25-34 right in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus was speaking to thousands. Our lesson point was "I will trust God to take care of me." We have no reason to worry!! Now, most kids don’t worry about things, but they do understand trusting someone.

So, we did a little exercise in class about trust. They kids were paired up and one person had to close their eyes and be led through a maze of chairs. The one with their eyes closed had trust their partner. Now, to be honest I’m not sure how many of them really kept their eyes closed, I mean they are only 4 & 5. But I still think they got the idea. They had to trust someone to get them from point A to point B.

How often do we say we’re going to trust the Lord to…you fill in the blank and we don’t allow Him to work? Often times we still do whatever we can to “make” things happen, don’t we? I know we have. We have “borrowed” money to buy that house we just knew was in God’s plan. Only later to find out there was more wrong with it than we knew. But, had we taken the time to really seek God’s guidance and approval the outcome might have been very different.

As adults, I think it’s so much more difficult to fully trust God and take Him at his word. We have become so self-reliant that we often forget that God cares for even the smallest flower and the tiniest bird. His love is something our finite minds will likely never grasp. But, if we never give ourselves the chance…we may never know how deep and wide and long and high God’s love is for us.

Take a few moments to listen to this song. I hope you are blessed by this song as much as I am.

Your Love, Oh Lord by Third Day

Blessings dear friends,

Annette

Linking up with the encouraging parties:

These Five of Mine Plus Two, Comfy in the Kitchen, The Straightened Path, Deep Roots At Home, 

Scriptural Sundays: Romans 12:1-2

Photo courtesy

This weeks Scripture is very personal. This connects perfectly with Part 3 of my own personal testimony about my Daddy. (You can catch up by reading pt 1 and pt 2). 

(Part 3) The Change

I was always a Daddy’s girl, even when we weren’t that close. He would never let anything happen to me and hated when I was hurt, sad or having a rough time. But, it wasn’t until my college years that I could really see that side of him. And, it wasn’t until I was married and having children of my own that I really saw the man my mom fell in love with. He was kind, gentle and soft-spoken with my babies. That is the Dad I remember!!!! That’s the Dad I wanted growing up! I was so happy he was “back” for lack of a better term.

Several years after we got married (2003), a family friend approached my Dad about a mission opportunity in March 2007. Now, my parents had been to Mexico with our church group for 6-7 years, but this mission was in Mozambique, Africa. WOW!!! The friend came over and talked to my parents for hours (like 4 or 5 I think). And, let me tell you right now…I had known this man for close to 20 years and had never heard him say more than 20 words at a time!! The talk got my Dad so fired up that he couldn’t quit talking about it. Now, my Dad could talk for hours, but usually it was about computers (he was a computer programmer). But, for him to talk about missions was a totally new experience. My husband and I decided we needed to know all about this mission idea. We were completely blown away.

The things they told us about the Mozambican people were astounding. They had/have no conceptual thinking skills – NONE!! For example: In a story the family friend told, he sat down with some tribal leaders and they presented him with a problem they had. They did not have the vegetation for their tribe. They needed to have some for food, but didn’t know how to get it. If I remember correctly, their land could not sustain vegetation, so farming was not an option. So how were they to get it? He told them they needed to meet together and discuss their options. (He had been working with them on conceptual thinking and problem solving skills at this point.) He said it literally took them 3 days to figure out they could sell/trade some of their cattle, of which they had an abundance, to get the vegetation they desired. THREE DAYS…can you imagine?! That would have taken most Western thinkers less than 15 minutes to figure out.

And there were many more stories like that one! They have very graphic pictures painted on the outside of their “public” restrooms so people know how to use them. Their women, who are treated as property, find their worth in how many children they can bear. Some starting at the young age of 12!! And the list could go on! It’s appalling to think about when you consider where we are in our American thinking. Yes, these people needed Jesus, but they couldn’t even understand the basic concept of good and evil. So how could they understand God’s saving grace?

It begins in Romans 12:1-2, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” NLT (emphasis mine)

It all begins with “changing the way you think”! They were embarking on a new and ground-breaking philosophy that could and would quite literally change the world! And frankly, it already has!!


Blessings,
Annette


Part 4 coming Thursday!!!

Scriptural Sundays

Early Tuesday morning, February 14^th, my Daddy went to his Eternal Home. Today was my Daddy’s funeral. (I have not had a chance to write about everything yet. But, I will.)  We planned his service as a Celebration and I think that’s exactly what it was. Much more laughter than sadness. That was my Daddy…the life of the party! I am so blessed and thankful to have called him Daddy.

For this morning’s post, I wanted to share the songs we sang at the Celebration service. I hope they bless you as much as they did us.

“He Is” by Mark Shultz

“Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)”

“Worthy is the Lamb”

“I Will Rise”

“Revelation Song”

And, I want to share with you the words of my favorite song:

There’s a peace I’ve come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail

There’s an anchor for my soul

I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

[Chorus]

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles’ wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near

When this darkness breaks to light

And the shadows disappear

And faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

[Chorus]

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles’ wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,

“Worthy is the Lamb”

And I hear the cry of every longing heart,

“Worthy is the Lamb”

[repeat]

[Chorus]

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles’ wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

Blessings,

Annette


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Scriptural Sundays: 2 Chronicles 16:9

"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

2 Chronicles 16:9 

I am sorry I have missed a few days of posts. These past few days have been very long and difficult. My Daddy is still hanging in there and fighting with all he has, but he doesn’t have much strength left. So, I along with my mother and brothers are fighting for him and with him. But I must admit, this is NOT a battle I thought I would ever fight, nor one I wanted to fight.

My youngest brother was able to get leave this weekend from Tech school (he’s in the Air Force). He joined us late Friday night after a very, very emotional day. We were all thrilled to see him, even if it was 10pm!! And, my Daddy was happy too.

Here’s my facebook post on Saturday (copied from my mom):

Yesterday was a busy day. Went down for CT scan. Followed by breathing distress and over to Special Procedures. Stabilized with breathing treatment so on to Radiation therapy. Severe breathing distress, back to Special Procedures. Breathing treatments, sterioids, anxiety, C-pap. CT results available, no PE (basically, blood clot) but right lung collapse. Radiology - chest tube, central line put in and stable enough to do liver biopsy. So many unanswered questions. Thank you Lord for a quiet and restful night. Thank you for letting us see all 3 of our children. (My thoughts)**We have been so blessed by the prayers and support from our family and friends! Thank you all for continuing to intercede on my family's behalf!!!

After Friday, Saturday was a mostly uneventful day. I was able to visit briefly in the morning and then come back up and say goodnight to him. He was extremely tired and needed his rest after Friday.

We were hopeful after his positive day on Saturday, so it was a bit of a shock on Sunday when my mother text me early and said he had a difficult night. Lots of trapped gas causing pain and they were trying to help relieve the pressure. Apparently they were unable to do so. I got a text in the middle of church that said they were inserting a tube to empty the stomach contents and hopefully relieve gas pressure. This did not completely work and his pain was getting worse. They ordered a CT scan (which my brother and mother had to convince him to do, especially after the ordeal on Friday) and found that the intestine was “kinked” and just needed to be relaxed. So they are now in the process of emptying the upper section of intestine in order to allow the kink to relax and hopefully subside. Then, they can again go to work on the lower bowel.

Leaving my Daddy behind at the hospital is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I am absolutely POSITIVE 100% that I will see my Daddy again (when his time comes). I am just not ready to say goodbye. I was blessed to have all 4 of my grandparents alive until I was 25 years old!! And, now the thought of my kids not having their grandpa alive is sometimes more than I can bear. I will miss seeing my Daddy’s smile, hearing is roaring laughter and feeling his warm arms around me when I need a hug. I am just not ready for life without him. But, as we’re reminded in 2 Chronicles 16:9, God is there to strengthen my heart. All I need to do is ask!

But, isn’t that the hardest part…asking? I am perfectly comfortable asking for help with a project. Or asking for help with dinner. Or asking for help with my kids. But when it comes to asking God for help to strengthen us in times of trial…that seems more difficult to me. Now, don’t get me wrong, my entire family and I have been praying for strength during this whole process. But, asking for strength to bear pain…a deep pain you never knew existed before, is so much harder. Maybe it’s because that makes it more real. So.Much.More.Real.

I may not understand why my Daddy and our family has to go through this trial, but I know The One who does. And, if I remain fully committed to Him – He will continue to be my strength. And in that…that I can find rest.

Blessings,

Annette

Scriptural Sundays: Ephesians 3:14-21

My Daddy

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” 

Ephesians 3:14-21“

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you probably know by now what family has gone through the past couple weeks. Well, yesterday (Saturday) was no different. We received more news about the cancer invading my daddy’s body. There is a tumor on his bladder (likely where it all began) which has metastasized and spread to his lymph nodes, lungs, around his arteries and they are checking his kidney for blockage.

I’m sorry to say my initial reaction was human. I cried. HARD. I am not ready for my daddy to be gone. I admit I am selfish. I want my daddy here with me, but also for my kids. I was so blessed to grow up with all 4 of my grandparents alive and well. It was just 9 years ago that I lost my grandpa. The other three are still alive and well! I truly want the same for my own kids. I want them to know their Papa D and how generous, funny, loving, caring, kind, sweet, gentle he is. I want them to grow up listening to him sing praises to our Lord. I want them to have sweet memories of sitting in his lap for hours on end watching tv, reading a book or just sitting because they can.

Doctors have told us the tumor is inoperable. But, there are treatment plans available. My parents are talking through the options and praying for God’s guidance. However, we know that God is MUCH, MUCH BIGGER than this!!! Last night was a sweet, sweet time of prayer in my Daddy’s room. The elders and ministers gathered in his room to pray, followed by my oldest brother and 6 of his closest friends!! The Hubster and I were there with my brother and were so blessed and honored. Such sweet words were lifted up before our Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for these young men and faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

While visiting with my mother at the hospital, we found out a little more in detail about how the oncologist told them. She is the on-call doctor this weekend and the one assigned to my daddy. As she told them the extent of the cancer, she kept apologizing for having to be the one to tell them. My mother simply looked at her and said, “it’s okay. God is in control and knew before you did and He knows the outcome. It’s okay.” She looked at my mother and said, “You’re exactly right.” After she left the room, my mother went out to the family who was there and relayed the news. As she approached my grandmother and aunt, the oncologist walked up to them and asked if she could pray with them!! WOW!!! And, my mom said “…boy did she pray!” The doctor was very emotional and told my mother that she was honored to pray with them. She was honored? How many times has a doctor said that?!

We serve a MIGHTY and POWERFUL God!!!! He can and will do miracles!! The verse for today was posted on a facebook prayer page for my daddy. What a fitting verse for this time. We only ask with our finite minds, but we really have no idea the awesome power our God has!!

Thank you for taking this journey with me and my family. This blog (especially my Sunday posts) have been so therapeutic for me. I process best when I write. So, thank you for letting me share my heart.

Blessings,

Annette


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Scriptural Sundays

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

You ever have one of those weeks where you just know the evil one is trying his best to get to you? Yep…that was this past week. (Read more about it here.) Sometimes it just seems that everything you’ve come to expect and know in your life is spinning out of control. And, no matter how hard you try, you can’t stop it. It’s frustrating, annoying and down right mean if you ask me!

But, there is one thing I like about those weeks (if you want to call it a “like”). I like that those weeks refocus my faith and my trust in my heavenly Father. In my heart I always know He’s with me, every step and around every turn. But, it often takes a lot longer for that to make its way to my head. Sometimes my human side takes over and I can’t quit thinking about how different I thought things would turn out or how this tragedy seems so senseless. I start feeling sorry for myself and wallowing in my own self pity. Then, it’s like an unknown force smacks me upside the head and the pity and wallowing is done. I’m knocked back into reality. I’m reminded of my Faith and how much my God takes care of me. Even when it doesn’t seem to make sense – He’s there!  His plan is always greater than ours! Thank goodness!! Cause I’ve had some not-so-great plans.

After the past few weeks of sickness, uncertainty and death I am so very thankful I have my Faith to lean on. I’m thankful I have a relationship with Jesus. And I’m thankful my God is in control and has a bigger plan at work. And, in that…that I can find healing, peace and comfort.

Blessings,

Annette

Scriptural Sunday – 22 January 2012

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

Proverbs 31:26

I am attending a class on Wednesday nights at church. It’s a Bible study over the book, Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. During the video this past week, she tells a story about teaching her son how to do the hard thing and put away his selfish desires just as she walks into the house and into the pantry for a “quick-fix” chocolate snack. Just then the LORD spoke to her and asked her how could she demand one thing from her son and not from herself. That hit me right between the eyes!! How often do we do that in our own lives? How many times have I asked one thing of my children and yet I turn around and do just what I’ve asked them not to do. WOW!! This week my challenge has really been to speak with “wisdom and faithful instruction” so that I can be the best example for my children and husband. Besides my relationship with Jesus Christ, my family is #1 on my priority list. I want them to be proud of me. Not just because I'm his wife or their mother; but because I am a woman who "speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction." I want to guard my tongue so that everything I speak is holy and pleasing to the Lord.

Blessings,

Annette

Scriptural Sunday – 15 January 2012

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

I Peter 5:6-7

This Sunday I found myself at home with three, yes THREE, sick littles. My three youngest (ages 4.5m, 20m & 35m) have been cooped up in this house with RSV – and I along with them. We’ve made 3 trips to the doctor and one to the ER. It’s been a long sleepless, exhausting, emotionally draining week. Frankly though, I don’t feel very rested today – our “day of rest.” Maybe that’s why this verse kept playing over and over in my head. I may not be able to catch up on laundry, dishes or sleep, but if I humbly seek Him and cast all my cares upon Him, I will find rest. I will be restored. It may not be in the physical sense we’ve always known as “rest”, but I will find wholeness in Him. And that wholeness will restore my soul. And in that…that restored soul…there I will find rest. I’m so thankful that I have a loving and caring Heavenly Father whom I can cast all my cares upon. He will take the burden from me - no matter how small it is – He truly cares! What a blessing that is!

So, even though I may be completely exhausted from the long week of sickies in my house, I rest in the fact that my Heavenly Father can and will sustain me. He will be there for me at 2am when my 2yo can’t breath and needs a breathing treatment. He will be there for me at 9:30pm when the hubster is getting ready to leave for his overnight shift and I’m feeling all alone. He will even be there for me when I wake up from a blissfully restful night of sleep. Okay…who am I kidding? That never happens! But, someday it will and there He will be…waiting.

Blessings,

Annette

Scriptural Sunday - 8 Jan 2012

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; 

the old has gone, the new has come."   

II Corinthians 5:17

This week has been full of emotion, trial and the normal stresses. But, one verse has comforted me throughout it all - 2 Corinthians 5:17. As with many people, the beginning of a new year causes me to reflect on my failures and successes of the previous year. And this year was no different. However, I felt that I had MANY more failures than successes and that, that discouraged me. Until I read 2 Corinthians 5:17 - I am a new creation because I am in Christ!! HALLELUJAH!! I may have failed at reaching my weight-loss goal after delivering baby #4, but I can start fresh and new in 2012! I may have failed at getting rid of my temper AT ALL TIMES - but I am given another chance in 2012. I have few successes for 2011, but I am so very thankful that I serve a MERCIFUL and MIGHTY God that will allow me to start fresh and new. I hope you'll join me in this new journey!! So, get up. Get started. And ask Christ to guide you through 2012!! With Him in charge, I know 2012 is going to be GREAT! Sure we're going to have bumps & bruises along the way. But nothing will come that He can't handle. In fact, he already knows what's coming. I just need to trust Him through it all!! I'm so excited and ready to see what 2012 has to offer - aren't you?


Blessings,
Annette

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