tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75624250183425577992024-03-14T05:56:28.406-07:00Fulfilled By Christ<center>"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8</center>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-19803873872370730432014-09-24T11:45:00.000-07:002014-09-25T04:52:23.232-07:00In Awe of God. . .In awe of our Creator today! Boy does He love the orphans. He moves mountains for them. Please don't ever underestimate how much any little (or big) part you play means. It is incredible when you see God's people come together to get something done that God has set in motion. We are working feverishly on a new adoption blog/website. I do not get giddy about these types of things. In fact, Jim wanted to do this and I was incredibly hesitant. But I am really excited about this one. I feel like God is putting a plan in motion so much bigger than us. Call me crazy but I do.<br />
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For this adoption, the website will serve several purposes. First, I will begin posting all adoption related blogs there. Second, it will be the location for our online auction and so much better than doing it on Facebook. And thirdly, we are going to have some amazing adoption T-shirts available there.<br />
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After this adoption, we don't know what the plans will be but perhaps it will be used in some wonderful way to continue to get the message out and helps others. Praise God for whatever He will do! <span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.the127mandate.com/" target="_blank">The 1:27 Mandate</a><br />
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Pertaining to the t-shirts. . .have I told you how big our God is and how much He loves the orphans. Whew!!! We have an amazing friend who is donating professionally designed beautiful soft t-shirts to sell!!! God moves His people! Praising Him for ever puzzle piece, every auction item, every t-shirt and most of all for bringing hope to a little girl who would otherwise have none. Don't you love when God takes hold of something and all you can do is watch in awe. Humbled. . . Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-27536947679049273662014-09-19T04:09:00.001-07:002014-09-21T17:22:25.406-07:00Is this real?One of the things that I love about God is that often where He takes you would not be where you would go on your own. During the very early morning I laid awake listening to thunder roaring. I begin to let myself think about what it will be like to bring our new daughter into our lives. What will she be like? Will the transition be hard for her? Will she grieve greatly all that she will leave behind? What will her personality be like? How in the world did we get here? How did we get to the point that we are willing to adopt an older girl from the other side of he world? God! It is the only explanation. I remember just a month or so back saying to our pastor that it would take an act of God for us to adopt again. Well, I wonder if God laughed as I said that?<br />
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For the past couple weeks, I have struggled. I came to terms pretty easily with God's general plan. Just not so much the specifics. But He is teaching me, sanctifying me, and humbling me. This too I must fully lay on His throne. Hands WIDE open! Life lived for eternity!<br />
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Today. . . the "to do" list is long. Too long. And that is not helped by this growing passion that I am starting to feel that we need to work hard to go get our daughter as soon as possible. Is that my impatience or God's prompting. I am not sure. We don't know for sure how old she is so we have no idea if she is close to aging out. We don't know what if any special needs she has so we don't know if she needs other issues cared for. Thankfully, what we do know is that we serve a mighty God that day-by-day changed our hearts and minds sending us back to China for our new daughter. He is much more able than we are to care for her. And He is able to provide the way for us. Praise God!<br />
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So far, we have sold 16 puzzle pieces. 984 to go. When people help, not only does it help financially but it also helps us see God's hand in this. He moves His people. I know that for these kinds of things people like to be the eluding "last piece", but we need 984 pieces before that. Would you be willing? Would you buy a piece today and maybe even ask a couple friends or family members to also buy a piece? Have you watched "God's Not Dead"? Our suitcase is in the car (so to speak). Will you put yours in with us? Faith.<br />
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<a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.blogspot.com/2014/09/so-here-we-go-step-of-faith.html" target="_blank">Which piece will you be?</a><br />
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<u><b>Pieces</b></u><br />
1) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
2) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
3) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
4) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
5) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
6) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
7) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
8) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
9) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
10) Brian and WendyWatson<br />
11) Jason Owen<br />
12) Amanda Owen<br />
13) Allan Owen<br />
14) David and Ann Ess<br />
15) David and Ann Ess<br />
16) David and Ann Ess <br />
17)Rocky Carswell<br />
18) Evelyn Carswell<br />
19) Rico Carswell<br />
20) Taylor Shelton<br />
21) Taylor Shelton<br />
22) Taylor Shelton<br />
23) Taylor Shelton<br />
24) Taylor Shelton<br />
25) Edith Page<br />
26) Evelyn Carswell in honor of Vesna Solheim<br />
27) <span class="_3qi9" data-reactid=".54.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11411337104006=2a7cf94beb302af5d04.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span class="null">The Temple Family from Missouri</span></span><br />
28) <span class="_3qi9" data-reactid=".54.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11411337104006=2a7cf94beb302af5d04.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span class="null">The Temple Family from Missouri</span></span><br />
29) <span class="_3qi9" data-reactid=".54.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11411337104006=2a7cf94beb302af5d04.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span class="null">The Temple Family from Missouri</span></span> <br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjimandwendyadoptionfund&width&height=590&colorscheme=light&show_faces=true&header=true&stream=true&show_border=false" style="border: none; height: 590px; overflow: hidden;"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-66111867344630503832014-09-16T05:15:00.003-07:002014-09-19T15:51:44.150-07:00So here we go. . .step of faithSo. . . Here we go. With fear and trembling talking a step of faith. Honestly, the whole fundraising idea makes us feel vulnerable and I gotta say that we still prefer the $30,000 miracle. Wouldn't that be a story? But while we know our God is able, we know He may have other ideas including some that are $10.00 at a time. So our step of faith will begin with a “puzzle fundraiser” for our adoption!<br />
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We are selling each puzzle piece for $10. You can buy one piece, or as many as you like. We will then put your name/family's last name on the back of the puzzle piece. Once we have sold all the puzzle pieces, we will have it framed (glass on both sides) and hang it the room of our new daughter as a lasting treasure. She will then be able to see who helped bring her home from China.<br />
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<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
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You can donate through PayPal or mail us a check. Please indicate what you would like written on the back of your puzzle piece(s). Please share this information with your friends too! it will take a huge amount of support to bring her home. We will post updates on the progress of the puzzle as it is coming together. Thank you!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-64172216490232652772014-09-11T05:44:00.001-07:002014-09-21T17:24:16.640-07:00Orphan Ministry and next steps. . .Orphan Ministry. . .how do you define such a thing? I don't know that you do. You might start off trying to define what it means to you but then it just grips you. God opens your eyes and peels back your heart. You no longer have much choice. . .you just move out of love and compassion.<br />
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Our journey with orphan care started out of infertility and not passion. It started as self care. That is a harsh but true statement. Oh, we were interested and compassionate about the plight of the children but only to a certain degree. Then God brought two little boys into our lives. We were young and naive. They were traumatized and in many ways broken by the many hard places they had been. Their family failed them and then foster home after foster home failed them. Honestly, it was six years later before we came up for breath. It was that hard. One day we realized that we had breath and stated out loud how wonderful it was. But God saw hands that were about to relax and He said no.<br />
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It was time for the next part of the journey. But as I said, we were content and had no need. But He told us as clearly as writing on the wall that we had a daughter in China. What could we do but go get her. The Lord God had already pronounced her on loan to us. And the second journey began. We paper chased for a year. But then one day a FedEx envelope appeared at our doorstep with a picture of our baby girl. I cannot say it was instant love but it was as if I had always known her. This child that I had prayed for over the past year was already there with me in many ways. So we anxiously jumped on a plane for the long flight and brought home our daughter. She has been a joy and delight. Finally, our family is complete.<br />
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Fast forward seven years. God opened our eyes to even a deeper level to the plight of the orphan and His heart for these children. Specifically, the many children that are forever orphans without families many of which are trafficked. So we began advocacy and began to really get involved in other families who foster and adopt. We even licensed to foster parent. But we felt like God clearly said "no, this is not where I want you." That took some time and prayer to digest and understand.<br />
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So we settled back. . .what next Lord? He began talking to us about "living life for eternity" and living "hands wide open". These terms are still proving hard to grasp. After all, only our Savior could truly master that. Meanwhile, we tried making plans for the next steps in our life but doors keep getting closed. While I am so thankful to not be allowed to go in the wrong direction, those doors are starting to get a bit bothersome even painful at times. Yet at the same time it is clear to see God is up to something. He is preparing us for something. Both my husband and I are fully aware of this but what?<br />
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To my surprise, discussions from the most unlikely of places started surfacing about adopting again from China. But this time an older girl (in China they age out at 14). What???? Since we decided long ago that we were too old, too poor, too tired, etc to adopt again and that we would never adopt an older child. . .where did this come from? Hum? It is overwhelming and it will take a HUGE step of faith. Financially, we are not at a point to do this. God will have to provide it ALL. We have seen Him do that before but yet it feels more daunting now than ever. We covet your prayers. I jokingly said a few months back as I watched others do adoption fundraising that I would go back in a heartbeat if someone handed me a $30,000 check (that is how much it cost roughly). Um well, I think God is testing me on this but without the $30,000 check.<br />
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I have no idea what. . .if. . .when. . .etc. We need desperately to see God's hand. There is nothing our God cannot do. We are sure of that. Prayerfully, we can be fully willing to do whatever He ask of us. Even if that is to prepare pile upon pile of documents, travel across the World, fund-raise tirelessly, parent patiently a little girl who has spent too many years as an orphan already. Again your prayers are greatly coveted. Please pray that we see God's plan more clearly, that He provides provisions and resources if we are to move forward, and that we will be His willing servant.<br />
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In order to help us take the first leap of faith, would you consider purchasing a piece of the puzzle?If so, go to the next blog entry. . .<a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.blogspot.com/2014/09/so-here-we-go-step-of-faith.html" target="_blank">Be a piece of the puzzle!</a><br />
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Thank you so much!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-25627697317407951172014-09-03T06:16:00.000-07:002014-09-03T06:20:20.220-07:00A fresh new tilling. . .I love when God gives my heart a fresh new tilling especially when it is in the morning. The hardness is gone and I am filled with awe and humility even joy. But I do know there are times that people spend time with God and they don't feel like their hearts are tilled. In fact, they fill nothing. I personally have had plenty of those times. And with myself, I see a pattern.<br />
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A farmer would never go out to plant a field where the ground was hard. He would first till the field and prepare it even painstakingly. But we often rush to take a bit of God's Word from Sunday morning, a really quick devotion, or a flick of the radio dial and plant it in the hard soil of our hearts. Then we get busy again and fail to add anything necessary for the seeds that have fallen there to grow. So they simply lay on the hard soil of our hearts until the next time we take a few minutes to seek Him. Sadly, then many come to a very false conclusion such as: "I don't understand the Bible", "That preacher is boring", or "I can never feel God's presence".<br />
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God is about relationships. He loves each of us more than we can comprehend and wants to spend time with us. The more we spend time with Him. . .the more we began to understand Him. With each time of reading His Word, prayers full of humility, and authentic worship the soil of our hearts is tilled. Then the next time we hear a sermon or read His Word it falls on soft rich soil ready to receive the gift of relationship with God. NOTHING compares. There is no other way to obtain such a feeling. It is a sweet gift from our Savior. Have you ever felt so incredibly loved it blows you away?<br />
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So if you haven't spent any real time with the I AM lately. Today is a great day to change that. But if you don't sense His presence today, that is ok. Tomorrow the soil will be tilled a bit from the day before and so on. You wouldn't expect to build a relationship with a new friend in one quick sitting. Relationships take time and require something to build. Your relationship with God is no different. If you want the greatest experience in all of life. . .let Him till the soil of your heart.<br />
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Reading Revelations 4-5 is a great way to begin to let the magnitude of God penetrate your heart. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-11368563702675076552014-08-06T10:25:00.000-07:002014-08-06T10:25:07.919-07:00Patience is but faithThis year marks one of those times in life that is truly hard to put into words. In some ways it has been wonderful. I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friends that walk the face of this earth (no kidding). Every time I ponder it, I am blown away at the realization. These are people who are real. They love hard, have lots of fun, give unselfishly, and most importantly are head over heals for their Savior. How I rated friends like that I will never know. The crazy thing is that there even lots of them. There have been times in my life that I have pleaded with God for just one or two like them. Boy did He answer that prayer. I am not telling you this to brag but just so you know at the conclusion that there have been some incredibly fabulous things about this year.<br />
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For lots of the rest of the story have been hard. There have been so many times that I have wanted to sit down to my keyboard and bang out the details but always I knew I could not. Some were too personal. Some would hurt others. Some would reveal things about others that weren't mine to reveal. And the list goes on. Still details will be left to the imagination. But I felt like I might could safely share some lessons learned.<br />
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I remember days when our boys were little. People would say, "these days will pass too quickly" or "it will get easier", etc. Ha! What were they talking about? Yes, it did get easier for a time and there are easier seasons. But all in all, adult children are the hardest of all! Figuring out how to continue to gently guide and disciple young adults is the hardest. They are working to gain their independence and determine who they are themselves. It is so hard watching them hit dead ends but not want any help finding the right path. <u>Heart wrenching pain</u>. Nothing prepared me for this season. Nothing! Without love it would be a breeze but I wouldn't give up loving them for anything.<br />
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Secondly, when you put yourself out to love easily then you put yourself out to hurt deeply. Yep. But those who hurt deeply hurt others because they are hurting so much themselves. It is almost like a self destruct pattern. Forgiveness is golden. Vengeance is mine says the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35). Holding unforgiveness only hurts the one holding the unforgiveness and it will cut right through the bone. Forgive. . .no matter what forgive. Doesn't matter if they ask for forgiveness or even want forgiveness. . .just simply decide to forgive. And truthfully it may take many times determining in your heart that you will forgive to fully do it. The enemy loves to remind us of the pain and heartache.<br />
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Health issues are destructive to ones life and it doesn't need to be cancer or anything life threatening to cause havoc. All things answer to God. Everything in creation. He is sovereign!!! But I do feel that many of the health issues are from our lack of ability to lay things at His feet and leave them there. Stress is the stealer of health and all things good if allowed. Stress is not from God but rather the enemy.<br />
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People need to feel appreciated and loved. Most anyone will do anything they can for you if they feel appreciated and loved. Even knowing this. . .at time it is nearly impossible aside from God. He can whale up a great love for anyone inside of us when we surrender to Him. But be careful, once the eyes of your heart are opened to this unconditional love there is no going back.<br />
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Some days over the past year have seemed so dark. I have felt like hiding away although it is rare that my incredible friends would allow such. They never even know. They are just so in tune with God that they call or message at just the right time (I never want to spread the dark days so I put on a smile). But through it all I have had the most personal intimate God. It could seem so hopeless at times but I would have this pin light of faith shining through. The kind of faith that reminds me that God has this and that He is in control. It reminds me that He loves me more than any kind of love I can comprehend. I have often prayed for this kind of faith because when I have it I feel so close to God and so assured of Him. But I have also realized that it is not the kind of faith that I can have without His empartation of it. I just can't. It is not within me. So my advice, pray that God would increase your faith and keep praying it every day. Recently, I realized something so amazing. That kind of faith brings patience! That is mind blowing for me who has absolutely no patience of any sort. But God. . .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-37718412569382420532014-03-20T11:23:00.000-07:002014-03-20T11:23:06.507-07:00"Mommy, I want to see God."<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Early
last year, God began to show us again that we are not done with orphan
ministry. This is how it goes with us. We take a step and think we are
done but then our Savior shows us more of His plan. It all began 16 years
ago as we adopted our first two children through DSS. Years of healing were
required and then we were called to adopt again. More healing, more growth,
more time . . .we were sure we were done and our family complete but we started
being heavily burdened to do more. Being sure we were getting too old to
adopt or foster, we began getting involved in local orphan ministry. But
the needs kept pressing down upon us and it was never enough. Then one day, I
felt God say “You have breath which I supply. I decided your days and when you are
done.” Still yet, would my husband ever agree? Finally one day, I
ventured to ask. It is so cool when you venture to ask a really hard
question fully expecting a negative answer but God has already prepared the
heart. And so, he said “I was thinking about it too.” Thus a new journey began
into Foster Care Ministry.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That
is what we call it. . .Foster Care Ministry. It is a hand wide open ministry
every day of our life. It requires living in faith that it will never be too
much and it will make a difference. For what God has called us to is never a
waste. After all, He is God! We feel that God has given us a vision of
generations being changed by Christian families stepping forward to love,
nurture and teach of a Savior’s ultimate love. We know that fruit won’t always
be seen this side of Heaven and that there will be times it seems hopeless. . .
but God. We will simply do our part in praying for these little ones in
our care and their families. While daily depending on the strength of our Lord,
we will do our best to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The rest we must leave
up to God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our
new journey officially began the week of Christmas. Amidst travel and
traditions, we took in our first little one. He was sick when he entered our
home but so very precious. He still had a look of hope in his sweet eyes
even though he was filled with so much fear. We loved on him and cared for him.
He is, for the time, ours and we are his. Soon after, his brother joined
us as well. What a sweet, fulfilling and tiring journey. But this
journey is not just about giving. We have received so much from it. When
life is simple and comfortable, we don’t require too much of God.
But if you want to see God work in miraculous and amazing ways, then take that
step in orphan care. It will simply blow you away. Over these past
months, we have seen God open doors, change lives, and bless our socks
off. </div>
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<br /></div>
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A
few Sundays back, we took our tired selves in and sat down to hear the
morning’s sermon. As we listened, we were reminded of the widow that gave her
last two coins and Jesus was pleased. I thought, it doesn’t have to be coins.
What if we give the last of our time, the last of our food, the last bedroom or
bed in our home? What if we just live with our hands wide open and let God choose
what He will use? The one thing we are sure of is that He will never ask more
than we can give. Yes, at times it feels like more but it is not. It is those
times when our Savior is so close we can feel His presence. Then there
are the sweet reminders. . .a few mornings back one of the sweet little ones
entrusted to our care said, “Mommy, I want to see God.” He is too young to
fully understand but yet he is beginning to. Nothing could make this journey
more worthwhile than for him to see God!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-57864102904252549652013-11-27T10:26:00.002-08:002013-11-27T10:31:42.000-08:00The Dusting Lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyTMyn8vatDGSDIL6sdzIK1yiH-oUMB2Ibjol6iIchScRYdgy2L9nzuh6MiCW7OrRbig5F4Oxj9b7DHI-ROHBh3A2MpL0J3M9XSQWMWJ8egtHC83UPG4VEzYuG0llPP2z5gnmbRyQoNrH/s1600/dusting-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyTMyn8vatDGSDIL6sdzIK1yiH-oUMB2Ibjol6iIchScRYdgy2L9nzuh6MiCW7OrRbig5F4Oxj9b7DHI-ROHBh3A2MpL0J3M9XSQWMWJ8egtHC83UPG4VEzYuG0llPP2z5gnmbRyQoNrH/s320/dusting-table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week I was busily trying to get the house dusted. All dusters of homes know that it is a never ending process. But I love when I am doing the mundane and God shows me something new. That is exactly what He did.<br />
<br />
As I carefully moved each item I began to think about how much stuff we collect. Just loads of stuff. We fill our rooms, closets, attics and garages and when they will hold no more we pay for a storage unit. Have you ever wondered how much the stuff in your storage unit actually cost once you pay to store it monthly? As I get older, I hate clutter more and more. God continually reminds me that we are to lay up our treasures in Heaven and not on earth. So no, I am not terribly sentimental. I know that just seems wrong. I am sentimental toward people but do not transfer that value to possessions. <br />
<br />
So I continued to dust thinking "I will do this all again next week" and the next and the next and the next. Then I realized that taking care of so many possessions is being a poor steward of what God has entrusted me with. Clearly not making good financial choices is poor stewardship but what about spending my time to care for all the things. The things cost a lot more than the price the store charges. They keep me from taking time to be the hands and feet!<br />
<br />
How many times has there been something worthwhile to do but I just didn't have time? Was it because I had loads of clothes to wash, a big house to clean, lots of possessions to organize or to dust? How many times could I have been used to make a real difference in someone's life (maybe even an eternal one) but I was too busy taking care of our stuff.<br />
<br />
So the Lord convicted me where I stood, dust cloth in hand. Now I need to practice what has been revealed. Next time there something I would just love to purchase, I hope I will consider the full cost. How much will it cost of my time, talents and resources? It just might not be worth the eternal cost!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-47822533044437786182013-11-05T06:00:00.002-08:002013-11-05T06:00:46.088-08:00Life InterruptedThat is truly what it is. We lay down our best plans and say to God we are willing. It is hard, painful even. Our clean neat pretty packaged lives look more chaotic than we ever dreamed we would allow. Our churches look different when we openly invite the troubled, hurt, impoverished and suspicious to join us. Our families look different when we open our arms to the least of these. But are we willing?<br />
<br />
We are currently in the process of licensing for foster parenting. Not the first time, as we did this years ago with the intention of adopting. This time it is much less self serving. This time it is truly because God has moved mountains (selfish desires, plans, etc). We are down to one child being at home full-time and in the world's economy it is time to relax. After all. . . our laundry piles have dwindled to being crazy small, cooking, cleaning, having quiet times, spending one-on-one times, going and coming as we please, and oh it is so much cheaper to have a meal out. These are just a few things that are so nice right now. And yet. . . the Lord called.<br />
<br />
He whispered in our ear over weeks of time. He beckoned us. But one day it seemed louder. I said, "We are too old". He said, "you are breathing". I said, "but it is too hard". He said, "I love them and they have no home." What more needed to be said. From that day on I knew what needed to be done but feared greatly that my husband never would consider it. He likes writing on the wall (LOL) and practical. But I was wrong and I greatly underestimated him. The first time I asked, he said "I have been thinking about it too." Wow, God is incredible! It blew me away. We still talked and prayed for a while but I knew. The instant my husband answered that way. . .I knew. God would have us do it! And why not? His Word commands us over 50 times to take care of the orphans. <br />
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So we began the process. Our worker came out to meet with us and gave us a huge pile of paperwork. Honestly, it looked daunting. During the process, more than once I have felt it is just too much and there are many other ways to help. But God keeps reminding me that they are His and He loves them as much as He loves me. <i>He sets the lonely in families.</i> He reminds me of our boys and how hurt and broken they were. A good Christian foster home makes such a difference.<br />
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So we plug forward. The paperwork we got through quickly. It was best that way. Then you don't spend too much time thinking of all the very personal details you must share. Done! But each other step takes time as you wait on various people to do their part. I keep thinking, Why are we waiting when some child may desperately need to be in a home during the Holidays. But God is sovereign! He is in control! So I rest in Him! He sets the lonely in families. And yes, I still at times think that the Holidays will be much easier and more peaceful with our family as is.<br />
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But would it be best? Is an uninterrupted life where we find joy? I think mostly not. It is those very situations we would not have chosen for ourselves that prove to be the most meaningful. It is when we go out of our way to do something we wouldn't ordinarily do or we are put in a difficult situation and see the Lord's hand. Life interrupted is most often (in my estimation) where God paints the most amazing experiences into our lives. <b><i>We see Him most clearly then!</i></b> So this morning, once again, I laid the fears of moving ahead and the aggravation that we would need to wait at the Lord's feet. Such mixed up feelings. :)<br />
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This morning, I also had an opportunity to watch a video from a local church. It was remarkable. They get it! They have an incredible vision for what God would call a church to do in the face approximately 1,000 orphans in our states foster care system and a great shortage of foster homes. Please watch.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6WCQxc58kbc" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-576646005005572812013-11-01T09:38:00.000-07:002013-11-01T09:38:53.620-07:00Love. . .I write this post at risk that some dear sweet friends are going to think that I write about them every time we spend time together. But they are so inspirational. The thing is that I don't even think they know how amazing they are. They just do life. . .loving out-loud their Savior. <br />
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So through the night I was thinking (yes I know I should have been sleeping) about all the little snippets of conversation and what makes spending time with them so special. By morning, the Lord in His great mercy and grace showed me. They really get it! They understand more about Jesus than any lay person I have ever known. They don't speak Christian-ease or rush around doing church work. They definitely serve at church but they serve with their lives. They live so much like our Savior would if He walked earth in the flesh today. It leveled me with humility. It made me re-evaluate the way I think and what I do.<br />
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Do my actions, motives and words show my love for the Savior? I want to guard those more closely but how? And then I wept before the throne. For only He can change those things.<br />
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When I choose how to spend my time, talents and resources. . .who does it serve? What difference does it make? Is it the way Jesus would spend them? Am I willing to do the hard stuff to really serve Him and the least of these? Or do I do the easier stuff? I especially see this with my passion for orphan ministry (my friend showed me this). It is easier to try to motivate others to help than get dirty in the trenches myself. But my friend, well she is like Jesus telling the children to come to her. She is their shelter even when she is dead tired herself, She and her husband awaken the love that was nearly forever lost in these children. The love that their fragile little hearts had almost decided to be a myth. Because of these sweet lovers of Christ Jesus, these children know love and thus will be able to understand that God can love them too. It is a clear reminder that working with orphans has eternal consequences. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-46929921223844689422013-10-14T04:14:00.000-07:002013-10-14T04:37:14.418-07:00The Broken ChildAs a child, life should be so simple. Days full of swinging carefree on a swing-set, putting together legos, playing dolls, building the best racetrack. But for too many, they are busy trying to understand the cracks in their hearts. It seems that it might be different for other kids. Could it be that they had all their meals yesterday? Could it be that no one hit them or abused them? But most unimaginable. . .could it be that they were loved? Could it be that their days are filled with laughter, affirmation, hugs, kisses and sweet words of appreciation? <br />
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But as time passes, she is fairly certain that it is always this way or, well maybe, it will just always be this way for her. The small crack grows. As hard as she tries, the hurt, abuse and, worst of all, being unloved just continues. At the early age of four, there is nothing left but shards where the heart once was. People wonder why she won't behave. They can't understand. Every time she tries, the shards where the heart once was cut deeply. She wants desperately to get it back together so that she can love but the pain is excruciating. <br />
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What must our Savior think? How must His heart break? Is He wondering why the Christians won't notice and help her? Why won't they tell her of His great love and it's healing abilities? But then He chooses them. A beautiful Christian couple who love Him. They hear His voice and understand that He has called them to help. <br />
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The days ahead will be challenging. The little girl comes into their lives as a diamond in the rough. She is tattered and torn but yet at times the beauty is stunning. They love on her often with no return. She is afraid and the shards of her heart are far from healing. But they persist and tell her of their Savior's love. The progress is so slow they can't even see it except looking months and even years back. But one day. . . they realize she has been redeemed. A bright light shines from her but it is not even her own beauty, although she is. It is the light that shines brighter than any other and for eternity. It is the glow of a heart healed by her Savior.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-10928287777467640672013-10-08T07:43:00.002-07:002013-10-09T10:49:16.229-07:00Little CupsThat is truly all they are. . . little cups. I am talking about the small collection of communion cups which I have collected. Such a silly thing. I don't keep them all. Just the ones where the power of the Lord God is so strong I can hardly stand. Ever since I laid down my life to Christ and He revealed Himself to me, I have loved communion. But for about a year and half it has been more. It all started with a trip to the Holy Land park in Florida. If you haven't been it is both incredibly powerful and a <br />
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bit cheesy. Odd combination to be sure. They have this cave-like structure there in which they host communion. They try to make it real as if Jesus is hosting the communion. As I went in and took my seat at the table, I thought this is definitely going to the cheesy side. It is just hard to understand anyone playing the role of Jesus (who could ever). But I was surprised, the Holy Spirit was so strong in that place that it didn't matter where I was or who was standing there acting on behalf of our Savior. So the collection began with a little wooden cup cut from an olive tree from a theme park of all things.<br />
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The next cup would not be added until our first Sunday at our church which we are at our one year anniversary. That Sunday we were so exhausted from just moving and there was little left of ourselves. We humbly approached this new church and the communion service was like nothing we had ever experienced before. You were asked to meet with Jesus and then come accept His offering. His Spirit filled that place and His voice seemed so strong and loud. It blew me away. As we stood, I quickly tucked the cup in my purse. How could I not want to desperately hold onto that moment?<br />
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There is another way that I have learned to enjoy communion with the Lord. It is through the study and understanding of His names. They each open my heart to something new and exciting. They humble me and leave me in awe. I am so head over heals in love with my Savior. He is fascinating!!! Remember when Moses approached the burning bush (I love that story) and He asked God to identify Himself. He said, "I AM". Then in Isaiah 42:8, He said "I am the Lord". Both of these mean Yahweh (YHWH). Yahweh means "was, is, and will be." In other words, God always was, is now, and always will be. But to truly understand all this word meant, then maybe it would help us to remember how carefully it was used in early times. Did you know that when a Jewish scribe came to the name Yahweh that they put down their quill. They then took a new one to write Yahweh and broke it once they wrote that one word so that no other word would flow from it. The Jews thought this name so holy that they refrained from speaking it aloud. They referred to it as "the Name", "the extra-ordinary name", or "the ineffable name". Priest only dared utter the name Yahweh on Yom Kipper (the day of Atonement) or to bless the people (Numbers 6:23-27). <br />
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So all this to say, how often do we think this highly of the precious name Yahweh? When we sing Hallelujah (Praise Yah), are we in communion with Him? Humble before Him. Praising Him with all our being. Hallelujah!!!! Praise Him that He allows us to have communion with Him! Do you realize how incredible that is? <i><b>God was, is, and always will be allows us to have communion with Him!</b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-64594832533550651352013-08-12T08:05:00.000-07:002013-08-12T08:05:46.522-07:00Loving Each Other. . .We live in a world of tough guys, bullies, selfishness, etc. In this world, even among many Christians, we are expected to stand up for ourselves (and sometimes this is necessary for safety or a child's well-being). We are told, fight the battle. . .negotiate. . .jockey for position. At some point in our days, even those who try to submit to the Lord God find themselves guilty of this self promoting behavior or at a minimum thought process. But I would like to challenge this idea with Jesus Himself. As Christians, we are called to become more like Him each day. What a daunting thought.<br />
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In John 18 when the soldiers came for Jesus, Peter cut off the ear of one of soldiers. Not only did Jesus remind Peter of the work to be done but <b>he healed the soldiers ear</b>! Wow! He could have simply told Peter to stand down. After all, would it not have been just to cut all the soldier's ears off? But Jesus was kind, loving and sensitive even at this unbelievably difficult time.<br />
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So, should we defend our honor and jockey for position or should we remember:<br />
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"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." Proverbs 29:11<br />
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"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29<br />
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"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." Ephesians 4:31<br />
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"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;" James 1:19<br />
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Life is difficult. Sometimes it really stinks. But I think it is a question of trust. Can we trust God to defend us? Do we trust Him that even this situation will turn out for our best and His glory. Can we love those who treat us badly?<br />
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"“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?<sup> </sup>And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48<br />
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Admittedly, this is hard. When a Christian brother or sister treats you in an un-Christ-like manner, it requires immediate prayer. Nothing turns away wrath and anger like prayer. If you are truly blessed . . .they will even think you sensitive! :)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-1172861940216222272013-05-30T04:41:00.000-07:002013-08-12T07:56:13.910-07:00EyesCall me silly but I have been thinking lots about eyes lately. Have you ever noticed how much you can tell about a person and their life by their eyes? Ask any loving mother and she can certainly tell you. Ever notice how someone who loves the Lord has eyes that dance with joy or those living in sin show darkness in their eyes. What about the orphan child with the blank stare showing a dull look in their eyes. If you study a persons eyes, so often you can even determine if they are speaking truth. Although, sometimes it seems easier to not know! :( So it made me wonder, what does the Bible say about the eyes? Perhaps one of the best verses I found was Matthew 6:22. It says, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light," Wow!!! Perhaps that is why you can see so much in the eyes.<br/><br/>Another incredible verse is:<br/><br/>"For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’<sup> </sup>But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." Matthew 13:15-17<br/><br/>Have you also noticed that Adam and Eve's eyes that were opened when they ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. Not their hearts or their minds but their eyes. As Christians, we speak of eyes often perhaps not even giving real thought to it. We pray that the Lord open their eyes but do we think about it. Do we realize that it is not just Christianese but truly that "the eyes are the lamp of the body"? Do we realize that we are asking for their "while body to be full of light?" That is an incredibly amazing thought!!!<br/><br/>Once God puts something on your heart, the simplest of things can be so complex and yet at the same time more simple than ever before. Never again will I take lightly the truths or importance held by our very eyes. I dare you. . .really look at people eyes for there you may see their heart also. Although, I promise, at times the truths you see there will be hard.<br/><br/> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-56469926566264665432013-05-07T08:34:00.000-07:002013-08-12T07:56:13.904-07:00Finding TruthI have been delayed in posting. It is not because I didn't have anything to say but rather the opposite. My mind and heart have been overflowing. One of the things that I find about blogging is that I must write as soon as God lays something on my heart. Otherwise my muddled mind begins to pile all sorts of thoughts to the one I am holding for the next blog. So as I sit down today to write this. . .it is incredibly mixed up. Where do I begin and how much of the overflow can I share in one short blog.<br/><br/>So I am going to sit on the topic of Job. I don't know about you but this has never been a favorite book of mine. Who in their right mind would think of Job as a favorite? But yet it is rich with so much to learn. I admire Job in many ways. He was strong in the Lord. Through most of his trials, he still trusted in God. He understood his smallness and God's greatness.<br/><br/><strong>"Then Job answered the Lord and said:“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.”" Job 40:3-5</strong><br/><br/>His story is a beautiful picture of repentance and restoration.<br/><br/><strong>"Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent[a] in dust and ashes.”" Job 42:1-6</strong><br/><br/>I have thought a lot about the fact that God never told Job why he endured all he did. Don't we always want to know why? But I feel like the Lord revealed a simple reason. PRIDE. That nasty terrible thing that leads to death in many ways. Had Job known why he was picked and just how much the Lord loved him. . . pride would surely have reared it's ugly head. But I also think of Romans 8:16-17.<br/><br/><strong>"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, <em>provided we suffer with him</em> in order that we may also be glorified with him."</strong><br/><br/>The question it provokes is why do we think everything is suppose to be easy. Believe me, I am a big wimp so this idea of suffering is not one I cherish. But it has been one I am convicted of. Truly we want our nice, easy, simple life but what about getting our hands dirty for God. What about suffering for Him? What makes us think that our time here should be about self comfort or happiness? How would it look if I truly laid down my life for Him?<br/><br/>I believe that a life laid down for Him is full of joy, hope, redemption, but also heartache. I believe to see all the positives then we must endure some negatives. Now to try to put this into practice. Then comes the real rub. Because there are things we are passionate about that truly matter to God and these are pretty easy to do. But what about the ways that aren't so comfortable. Those that really make our life seem burdened at times. It might be mission trips, orphans, helping the homeless, etc. But it always deals with letting hurting people become part of our life. <strong>It always gets messy.</strong> BUT GOD is there when we have a heart for what matters to Him. It is then that we see His hand in such a way that He becomes incredibly real to us. So my prayer these days is that I will have a heart for what matters to God. Please let it be so Lord.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-19921837814250926172013-04-04T06:40:00.000-07:002013-08-12T07:56:13.835-07:00Orphans & UsI have written several times on adoption so no doubt you all know how I feel. But I wonder do you feel the burden that I feel right now. I was just looking over some orphan pages on Facebook. So many faces of little children looking back. Some show a little smile but many have that blank stare of hopelessness. Then I came across a teenaged young man who looked like maybe he has downs syn-drown. My immediate thought when I see an orphan with incredible needs like this, is that it is too much. Bless his heart. . . no one will be able to take on the level of care that he will need for the rest of his life.<br/><br/>But what if the Lord had looked upon us, our sin and the condition of our heart (which He did). But what if He said. . .Bless her heart that is just too much. My greed and my selfishness saddens me. I am sure it saddens the Lord. So often, I am not sure how much I can handle. The truth is that I can handle very little. But why do I continually decide what Christ (living in me) can handle? Why do I say "no" before allowing Him to guide? God is so good and patient with me. He takes me one step at a time. Prayerfully making me a bit more like Him. I pray He will give me a heart like His. That I might love unconditionally, show tremendous grace and mercy, and give sacrificially.<br/><br/>There are so many needs. So many children who have nothing and no one. How can we get so busy and forget? Do we even care as we sit down to three plus meals per day that there are children starving right now? More importantly. . .how can we call ourselves Christians and do nothing? We must step up!!! There are a few hands trying to do a daunting amount of work. Let's be the hands and feet of Christ. Here are a few ways to get busy:<br/><br/><a title="The Forgotten Initiative" href="http://theforgotteninitiative.org/" target="_blank">The Forgotten Initiative</a><br/><br/><a title="Miracle Hill" href="http://www.miraclehill.org/what-we-do/childrens-ministries/foster-care/" target="_blank">Miracle Hill</a><br/><br/><a title="Safe Families" href="http://www.safe-families.org/join_welcome.aspx" target="_blank">Safe Families</a><br/><br/>If you want more info or would like to know how to help some local children, please contact me. You can leave a comment if you are not sure how.<br/><br/> <br/><br/> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-1441187698298265002013-03-12T06:17:00.000-07:002013-08-12T07:56:00.604-07:00Daily BattleAs I mentioned some weeks back, we are having the incredible privilege to have Bible Institute classes at our church. Each session is absolutely packed with Biblical insight and wisdom. A couple weeks back, we talked about the Presence of God and it has stayed on my mind. Perhaps that is because it has been a time in my life when I so needed the presence of God. Sometimes it feels like life has lots of battles and sometimes it is downright war. Lately it has definitely been more of a war. Which is odd, since it has also been such an incredible time of learning and leaning on the Lord. But that lesson based on the Israelite's journey in the wilderness teaches this truth. God never said that we would not have difficulties, be hungry, have health issues, or even fight against a much more powerful enemy. Let's face it, even the most basic of relationships are difficult in this fallen world. However, what He did promise is that if we follow the Holy Spirits leading in our life . . . WE WILL WIN THE BATTLE!!! Woo Hoo!<br/><br/>In some ways, I envy the Israelites. Can you imagine being able to follow a visible sign from God? They went where the cloud went. The cloud moved they moved and if the cloud stopped they stopped. To me in my limited thinking, that seems simple. Oh how I long for simple. But truth is that we make it much harder than it need be. God gave us something much greater than a cloud. He gave us Himself!<a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Order-of-March.png"><img class="wp-image-334 alignright" style="border: 2px solid black; margin: 1px;" alt="Order-of-March" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Order-of-March.png" width="232" height="427" /></a><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:16</em></strong></p><br/>Ephesians 5:17-18 goes so far as to tell us to be intoxicated with the Spirit. As Christians, this should be something that we understand. Yet, I fear based on some of my own history that is often not the case. Matthew 12: 31-32, truly convicts on this:<br/><br/><em><strong>"Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. <sup>32 </sup>And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."</strong></em><br/><p style="text-align: left;">But there is more! When the Israelite marched, they did so in a certain formation. You might think that they did so to protect certain people or things. Perhaps especially the Ark of the Covenant. But guess what? The Arc of the Covenant was in front! The war was not a physical war but rather a spiritual war. With God first. . . they could not loose! Any battle they lost was because they failed to put God first and trust in Him. Sound familiar? It is the same with us. If God is first, then we cannot loose!!! That sounds really comforting.</p><br/> <br/><p style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Numbers 10:35-36 says "And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, "Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you." And when it rested, he said, "Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel."</em></strong></p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">I don't want to be like the first generation who lost the Holy War but rather I want to watch the walls come tumbling down. How about you? We don't need the Arc of Covenant because God sent a helper to us. His precious Holy Spirit lives within every Christian. So many of us fail to hear because we have quenched the Spirit. But it is there if you are a Christian. My prayer is that I will never again miss the leading of the Spirit but be finely tuned in. For when He goes first, every battle is already WON!</p><br/> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-26455751867736403952013-03-07T01:55:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.492-07:00What if?Ever have one of those God moments? One of those moments, when God whispers into your heart something that you thought you would never think. As the truth settles there, you stop wrestling with it. . . well because God doesn't get anything wrong. You know the thought is from Him because it is not something you would dream up. Perhaps it is one of the things on your never list (I will never______________ ). Perhaps it is something that you have already given all you can give to (but haven't counted on God to help you do more). Perhaps the timing is completely out of whack. Or all of the above!<br/><br/>Then God quietly but forcefully whispers what He has for you. What you must do. Shock and denial role through your mind as you consider the bazaar. Then realization sets in. . . if God says it then I must obey and it is best. Then turmoil gives way to joy. Sweet joy always comes with surrender to God's will for your life. Wow!<br/><br/>It seems that three of the things that God gives this little shove to are full-time ministry, mission work, and adoption. Yep, I believe that God puts adoption way up there. His own Word says he places the lonely in families.<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><i>"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-<br/>this is God, whose dwelling is holy.<br/>God places the lonely in families;<br/>he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.<br/>But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land."</i></strong></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><i><b>Psalm 68:5-6</b></i></strong></p><br/>It also says that pure and genuine religion in the sight of God is caring for the orphans.<br/><br/><strong><i>"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27</i></strong><br/><br/>I am sure you have seen or heard of some family that has a large number adopted children. Their Christmas picture is like a beautiful multicolored puzzle of love. As an adoptive family ourselves, we have come in contact with a number of such families. We also know first hand that sometimes it is really hard to raise children especially those who had a hard start. So we have looked upon those families thinking how amazing they are, how gifted they are, and sometimes how crazy they must be. But what if they are not? <strong>What if they truly get it?</strong> What if it is not about adopting our token child or two? What if, as Christians, we are called to adopt until there are no more children left to adopt?<br/><br/>I have been thinking about this lots lately. It is not an easy thought. It requires us to be incredibly selfless. . .giving up our lives. Fully surrendering to the authority and plan of God. <strong>Just like His Beloved Son. . .Jesus Christ. What if. . .that is the very way to transform most into the image of Christ? What if, we miss that opportunity?</strong><br/><br/><a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Wendy-signature.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-271" alt="Wendy signature" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Wendy-signature.png" width="189" height="96" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-36069726527086057482013-02-28T03:34:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.462-07:00Baskets & Adoption<a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/adoption.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-316" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 1px;" alt="adoption" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/adoption.jpg" width="185" height="134" /></a>This morning I was busy rushing about doing the daily chores and getting ready. In the midst of it, our eight year old (adopted from China) just spurted out how she was just dumped in a street in China in a basket. We have never kept any part of her adoption story from her so it was not a surprise that she knew. However, the disgust in her voice was new. Immediately our hearts were breaking together. I could not love a child more than I love this girl. She is so amazing and loves the Lord more than anyone I have ever known (young or old). But she felt thrown away.<br/><br/>If you doubt the Holy Spirit. . .I wish you could have been there at that moment. He graciously gave every word to say to her. Praise Him!!!! Immediately, I said to her that her first parents did several very loving things. For one, they allowed her to live and grow in her mommy's tummy. Then I told her about Moses. There are so many similarities. During Moses' babyhood it was the boys who were in danger for their lives. But the Lord helped his mother (and sister) care for him and protect him. When they could no longer protect him, they put him in a basket and watched from a safe distance. Once someone of authority took him, then they knew he would be safe.<br/><br/>Sometimes we think so harshly of those who don't choose to raise their children themselves but we shouldn't always. I believe based on adopting three children and one failed adoption that the most unselfish thing a mother can do is seek something better for her child if she is not able. I cannot imagine having to give up a child. I nearly was crushed under the weight of giving up a child that I did not birth. So how could I imagine such.<br/><br/>My dear sweet daughter and I sobbed as we talked about her feelings. Now we are praying that her first mommy and daddy know Jesus (so she might know them in Heaven). Praise God for His Word! It truly provides ALL we need to know to live. His Holy Spirit is incredibly God within us! How could we ask for more? And yet He too adopted us into His family that we might have life eternal! Praising our Lord and Savior! I would love to hear some of your adoption stories and the ways the Lord has worked through them. Please feel free to comment and tell your story.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-64488252457444951412013-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.440-07:00Next Step<a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/baby-steps.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-309" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 2px;" alt="baby steps" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/baby-steps.jpg" width="173" height="259" /></a>It seems our lives are full of next steps. Certainly lately, our family has been taking very frequent "next steps". There is still so much work to be done that it seems overwhelming at times. But the good news is that the Lord is working. We are seeing changes and improvements. We are learning and slowly willingly submitting our lives.<br/><br/>This seems like a simple thing but it is not. We live in a time when you can go to church religiously and never "get it". It is so sad. People are desperately broken. I know this because it was out of such brokenness that I have begged the Lord's help. In 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, it talks about us as fragile earthenware vessels. We truly are. Think of how many deal with depression, loneliness, unforgiveness, fear, anger, etc. Often the circumstances of our lives in this broken world are difficult but perhaps the biggest problem is that the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). We believe the lies of the enemy and our own desires. Then we so often loose hope. Without hope what good is anything?<br/><br/>Because of my own journey, I am convinced that knowledge of the Holy Spirit is often what is missing. Isn't that what seems missing for so many Christians. How is that? How is it that we can profess to be Christians and yet not realize that the Holy Spirit Himself lives within us? We have the power and presence of our God within us!!! If He does not live within you, then you are not a Christian.<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>“These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:25-27</strong></p><br/><p style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong>I want so badly to experience His spirit even as never before. I don't want to miss a moment of Him and His work around me. I was to be a usable vessel that is over flowing with His love which also fills every broken crack. Fully submitted! Humbled! All His! Nothing held back! That would be daily victory in our King Jesus.</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">As God gives me such hunger to be closer to Him and in His will, I take another step forward. Far too often they are baby steps, but I am prayerfully waiting and hoping for what might be a giant step. Too much has been held back for too long.</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Wendy-signature.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-271" alt="Wendy signature" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Wendy-signature.png" width="189" height="96" /></a></p><br/> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-7433939319891425512013-01-31T00:34:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.421-07:00Flooding of my heart. . .after lonelinessGod always gives us what we need. Not always what we think we want but what we need. About six years ago, we moved to beautiful South Carolina. I left behind the sweetest of friends and prayer warriors but was hopeful that the Lord would provide more. During the time that we moved into our new home, vinyl wall scripture had become a big thing. So one day while browsing a bookstore. . .we found on clearance a verse that seemed (size wise) to fit a space in our den. It was, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 Little did I know at the time that it was not about decor or even having the words of the Lord on our wall. It was about a lesson. The Lord God was teaching a lesson. As our time progressed there we were involved in church. We found many friends who we love but none were those sweet sisters who would curl up on the sofa and pray until tears ran down our faces. Not only did that make the six years lonely but it was filled to the brim with challenges. Oh my, what a difficult time it has been. Due to my recent Old Testament study and readings, I can't help but relate to the Israelites wondering in the desert stubbornly refusing to believe and submit.<br/><br/>During this time, over and over the Lord God has reminded me "Be still and know that I am God". I honestly feel now that the season was long because I was so incredibly stubborn. It was so hard for me to rest in Him no matter what. There were many times over the years that I felt His presence and amazing love. Still I was filled with anxiety, heartache, confusion and loneliness. Looking back I <a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/flooding-of-my-heart-after-loneliness/img_02531/" rel="attachment wp-att-301"><img class="alignleft wp-image-301" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 2px 5px;" alt="IMG_0253[1]" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_02531-e1359639130139.jpg" width="418" height="560" /></a>realize that if God weren't so merciful, I could have lost so much more than the six years. A message that God keeps putting before me right now is this. . .If I don't continually stay filled with Him then anything can get in. I must have His daily filling and restoration. Every thought must be tested against His word. I am far too gullible to the enemies lies.<br/><br/>Last October, we moved again to a small town down the road about 40 minutes. Not so far really, but in many senses a world away. As we went to Hobby Lobby looking for somethings to fill the walls of our new home, I couldn't help but be drawn to a rather large cross that is made up of the names of God. It took a couple of weeks for me to have the courage to buy such a large cross. But it marks a change in my life. From "Be still and know that I am God" to <strong><em>seeing</em></strong> who He is more fully. I love it! It marks even more of a change though. I am overwhelmed how God has blessed us these few short months. He has brought the most loving, caring, beautiful people into our lives. When Jim and I sit and talk about it. . . .there are no words. We are stunned! How could we love people and feel so loved in such a short time? The only explanation is the Holy Spirit. It would take pages for me to tell you all that has happened. We are overwhelmed by the hand of God and how obedient so many have been. I even sat on a sofa and poured out tears of love, faith and joy with a sweet sister this week. Praising God for how He loves us down to every little detail.<br/><br/>Not sure why I am telling you this other than I believe so many people (especially women) are lonely. They so desperately need a humble sweet prayer partner who will risk revealing the details of her life. It is not an easy thing. We have no problem sharing health concerns, legal concerns and even money problems to some degree. But forget about the things that most burden a heart. Just can't risk that. As we prepared to moved, I prayed desperately that God would provide deep friendships. You know, the kind only found between people who love Christ more than anything else. Praise God. . .He is faithful and He gives us the desires of our heart when we believe and trust.<br/><br/>I have a feeling that if you are still reading this. . . then you understand. You either need that friend or you know you need to learn to be that friend. I know it is hard but it is worth the risk! I pray you will begin today!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-30054607253136525752013-01-21T07:43:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.396-07:00Prayer Request and Study<a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/prayer-request-and-study/boomlift/" rel="attachment wp-att-291"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-291" alt="boomlift" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/boomlift.jpg" width="120" height="117" /></a>I have a prayer request that I have felt the Lord's calling to share here. Please join with me on this. We have sweet friends serving in Haiti as full-time missionaries. In so many ways their work there is dangerous, but one way is reaching high places in unsafe ways. They are in great need of a tow-able boom lift. I won't presume to know how the Lord God will answer this prayer but I believe He will. Please join in prayer that He might hear our cries. Even share this with your Bible Study groups. I know the Lord is able and willing to answer!<br/><br/>For accountability purposes - I completed week 3, day 1 of the James study. Oh my word, I love the book of James! There is so much packed in this little book. It is such sweet enrichment to my soul.<br/><br/>Then for my Old Testament reading, I am on Exodus 10. The richness of the lives described is amazing. I am daily overwhelmed my how the Lord is using these stories that I already knew to speak new truth. I am also amazed at how exciting these stories have become. For those who love to read a good fiction book, just think how much more exciting it is when you know they are based on a true story. Well, this is even greater. It is exciting like any good fiction book but is ALL a true story. Praise God for He is a God like no other.<br/><br/>As I have read through the stories of the plagues, the Lord spoke to me about how we often harden our hearts. It could be regarding anything the Lord calls us to do. As Christians, how often have we not even heard or understood because we didn't know it was from the Lord or didn't have a Godly fear. I thought. . . I read this story so often thinking poorly of Pharaoh when my own sin is no less. How humbling. If you are a non-Christian, is the Lord calling you to Himself? If so, don't drag it out. The pain caused along the way is not worth it. The eternal punishment is definitely not worth it. As Pharaoh discovered, in the end it doesn't matter what we believe. God is still God. We can be obedient and feel His love and peace. . . or go down a path that leads to death and destruction.<br/><br/>Father, please help us to be obedient. Please help us to not act like Pharaoh continuously going back on our word. Lord, please press your truth upon our hearts and minds that we might truly know that you are God (and there is none like you). Father, please make us hungry every day for your Word.<br/><br/><a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/new-year/wendy-signature/" rel="attachment wp-att-271"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-271" alt="Wendy signature" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Wendy-signature.png" width="189" height="96" /></a><br/><br/> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-17965373072508199482013-01-17T09:46:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.383-07:00Money WorriesI have pledged to myself to make this blog more applicable by letting my guard down. This is not easy. After years of leading Bible Studies, I have learned to keep things pretty impersonal. This is both to not burden people with the details of my life and for fear that I won't seem worthy to the task. Which by the way, I am far from ever being. It is only by the grace of God that I can take the next breath. Anyway. . .here goes starting with some light reading from James.<br/><br/><sup>"2<em><strong> </strong></em></sup><em><strong>Count it all joy, my brothers,<sup>[<a title="See footnote b" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1&version=ESV#fen-ESV-30252b">b</a>]</sup> when you meet trials of various kinds, <sup>3 </sup>for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. <sup>4 </sup>And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.</strong></em><br/><br/><em><strong><sup>5 </sup>If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. <sup>6 </sup>But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. <sup>7 </sup>For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; <sup>8 </sup>he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.</strong></em><br/><br/><em><strong><sup>9 </sup>Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, <sup>10 </sup>and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass<sup>[<a title="See footnote c" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1&version=ESV#fen-ESV-30260c">c</a>]</sup> he will pass away. <sup>11 </sup>For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.</strong></em><br/><br/><em><strong><sup>12 </sup>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. <sup>13 </sup>Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. <sup>14 </sup>But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. <sup>15 </sup>Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.</strong></em><br/><br/><em><strong><sup>16 </sup>Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. <sup>17 </sup>Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.<sup>[<a title="See footnote d" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1&version=ESV#fen-ESV-30267d">d</a>]</sup> <sup>18 </sup>Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."</strong></em><br/><br/>Unfortunately those who truly know me know this. . .I am often concerned with figuring out how to help with the family finances. My husband is most always very gracious and rarely ask for any kind of help. But I feel responsible. As a homeschool mom, it simply cannot be my priority. Wanting to be self sufficient (urg) that does not sit well lots of times. Today as I went through my Bible Study, it was a visit to a lesson the Lord has graciously laid on my lap on multiple occasions. Therefore, rather than realize He was telling me something. . .I thought it was review. How foolish! Rather than review, it was another opportunity to learn.<br/><br/>See I thought it was about needing to take care of the poor (and it is). However, He was pointing to my own sin. How I have refused to see how He has continually provided. How I refused to do what He called me to do and rest in Him. Praise Him for His patience and His willingness to cut to the chase and speak directly to us. I am humbled before the Almightly God! He is my provider! He is my King! Praise His name!<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Jehovah</em>-<em>Jireh</em> </strong></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><strong> "The Lord will provide"</strong></p><br/><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/new-year/wendy-signature/" rel="attachment wp-att-271"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-271" alt="Wendy signature" src="http://fulfilledbychrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Wendy-signature.png" width="189" height="96" /></a></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-18461434141668308432013-01-14T11:53:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.378-07:00Time with the LordLike always, time spent with the Lord has been such a blessing. It is so incredible how He blesses us when we do this simple thing. I spent time reading about Abraham. His story leaped off the page as if it were the first time I had heard it. It impressed me that even after he strayed, he would go back and build an alter before the Lord. He would then be greatly blessed. The Lord God impressed upon me that for us this alter before the Lord is built in our hearts. Gentle tears flowed as I eagerly moved forward through the chapters of Genesis. They were tears of joy, peace and understanding. The Lord's love is so great. Praise Him for how He speaks through His Word. Other things I enjoyed is how very specific prayers were answered, how He allowed Abraham to push the issue regarding Sodom And Gomorrah, and the beautiful picture left by Abraham's obedience with Issac. Despite the failures of Abraham, his faith in the Lord was strong. The beautiful scriptures gave way to a sweet prayer time before the Lord. I am so humbled by God. I know He will be faithful and answer my prayers. There are many things that I would love to change and cannot. . .but I trust in the Lord!<br/><br/>The James study is also going well. The battle of taking the good news to the gentiles was much harder than I had realized before. Between the Old Testament reading and doing this study about the time period when Christianity was born. . .I realize that the condition of our world today is not hopeless. God is able to win any battle and has in fact already won!!!!<br/><br/>Also, our sermons for the last two weeks have pressed upon me. Particularly giving an understanding of the Armour of God that I had not had before. We have talked about several of the parts so far but not all. I am hoping to put together a post regarding the parts once the sermons are complete. I believe that this will be greatly helpful to others if I can find the words to express it correctly. I also hope that these words are encouraging to you. If you are not experiencing a quiet time then I hope it will make you excited to. It is so worth it.<br/><br/><strong>Then Abraham <em>drew near</em>. . .Genesis 18:23</strong><br/><br/>Lord, please help me to draw near to you.<br/><br/> <br/><br/> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7562425018342557799.post-5509014702058622002013-01-11T06:27:00.000-08:002013-08-12T07:56:00.372-07:00Sounds crazy!Day 4 of the James study is complete. I am loving this study so far. Mostly I love that it helps me stay on track. It is funny how it works. By having the daily lesson that I feel I must do to stay on track. . .I end up doing lots more. I am also reading through the Old Testament to help with the Old Testament study. I am on Chapter 12 of Genesis right now. I do the Bible study in the early mornings and then do the reading in the afternoons. It is hard to stop and take time to sit down in the afternoon but I am enjoying the reading. Some thoughts:<br/><br/>From Galatians 1 - After Paul's conversion, he spent time allowing God to teach him for two to three years. Wow! The strength of his testimony was that it was directly from God and not just a passed down story. Paul immediately went to Arabia after his conversion where the risen Jesus taught him "by revelation" for the next two to three years (Galatians 1:11-18). This really reiterated to me that we must spend time with the Lord. We cannot depend on pastors and teachers to do our homework for us. It would like paying the smart kid at school to do the work and trying to take the reward. Besides who would want to miss the sweet fellowship that comes from spending time with Him? Not me. Yes, I do get off track and it saddens me since I know what I am missing. Praise God that time spent with Him is addictive. It makes us want more and more!<br/><br/>From Genesis - To be sure there is no theology in this thought. . .but wonder if Noah ever thought he was crazy. I often have thought about how other people probably thought Noah was crazy but wonder if Noah doubted. Did he ever think, what if I am going insane and that isn't God speaking to me? How easy it is to explain away the Lord's voice and yet how hard it is to really listen. Sadly, I know there are times when I have explained it away. We like to put God in a box. . .don't we? We decide what He can and can't do and leave no room for Him to be God in our lives.<br/><br/>My prayer today is that I would be humble before the Lord. I believe with my whole heart that I must be. I want to be teachable and willing to listen to Him no matter how crazy it may seem.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10811522327182673216noreply@blogger.com0