Twelve Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:54:00 +0000

WOW-It has been awhile!

I left for Uganda on May 24th. This trip was a long time in coming. I was supposed to go with some great ladies last year-one that is my good friend and I ended up with kidney cancer so I wasn't able to go until this year.

I am of course still digesting all that God revealed to me on this trip-as is always the case when returning from a mission trip. Just because our feet touch American Soil-doesnt mean the trip ends. I always experience the revelations continuing -even when back home.

I think one of the most powerful experiences for me was the time spent with disabled/special need orphans. Not only are you living a life among the Fatherless, but you are suffering physically as well. Really? I still can't get my head around it. I spent some time with a precious child name Arafat who is unbelievably sweet. Whether I am at home, doing yoga or sitting on a spinning bike-I can't get his precious smile out of my head. I also hung out with a little boy who I named Joseph. Can you believe no one knew his name since he is deaf and there isn't someone to speak sign language where he stays. Seriously? He was so beautiful and had the biggest smile. I asked all the little girls to make sure when I left and include him and be nice to him-as when I walked up-he was sitting on the outskirts of the driveway while all the rest of the kids were huddled up on the patio.

In Uganda it seems if you are born with a disability, you end up an orphan-in many cases. You are considered an outcast from the start. I met one of two girls who run a special needs orphanage in Jinja. These girls are probably not even 25. I was blown away by their surrender of their lives to Christ. I felt awkward and embarrassed thinking of me and how I live. Day in and day out they take care of 20-30 special needs orphans that the rest of the world has cast out. They truly care daily- 24x7 for God's "precious", the world's "least of these."

I couldn't speak. I didn't have words.

I must be honest-in my flesh I would have been grossed out by some of the things I saw-but I knew I was there in my spirit, with God giving me eyes to see what He wanted me to see and ears to hear what He wanted me to hear.

I felt weird are group was there. Imposing for a few hours. All they did was work. Work to care for the kids. Cooking. Feeding. Teaching. Hugging. Cleaning. Hugging some more. Drawing. Chasing. Rubbing backs. Wheeling Wheelchairs. Feeding while kids spit up. Pattng backs so they didn't choke. Hugging. Chasing. Picking up limp bodies and moving to wheelchairs. Loving. Loving. Loving. Serving. Serving. Serving.

For me-it isn't about what I do-it is about what I don't do.

Matthew 25:45

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

Alice's Bucket List: Hello :)

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:46:00 +0000

Alice's Bucket List: Hello :): "Hello :) It's a bit funny me doing a blog because mum has always done these sort of things and I've never really being interested before. M..."

Our Perfect Parent on this Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sun, 08 May 2011 15:50:00 +0000

I always call Jesus our perfect parent. He is in fact Our Father! But He is our Mother too! He is our greatest Encourager, our greatest Comforter, our Protector, our Shield, our Refuge, our Everything. I think He gives on loan every child brought into this world to the parents He chooses they be born to and raised by.

If those parents raise them that is.

I have done just a little bit of travel to third world countries over the past 3 years specifically to Kenya and Haiti and I have witnessed first hand the dire life of an orphan. An orphan who maybe eats a mud pie to fill his or her tummy because they don't have any food. An orphan that lives in a cow dung hut and not on a street in a slum, if he is lucky enough. An orphan whose eyes look funny because they are so mal nurioushed and an orphan who desperately craves love in a manner I have never experienced to the point that they practically throw themselves at you because they are so...unloved.

An orphan that has the brightest biggest smile just because he is alive.
An orphan who just like your own child desires to do the best he or she can in school.
An orphan who wants to do a good job or receive an "ada boy" since they don't even know what a sticker is.
An orphan who if he has some shoes, is filled with more pride than a child who gets a full ride scholarship.
An orphan who most likely walks 2-5 miles one way to school...with no shoes.
An orphan who has to go home half way through the day to eat some pourage because he/she can't stay awake during class.

An orphan who thinks his or her only way out is to get an education...yet they have no one to pay for it.

Yes these orphans are just as precious to our God as the child who has a $100 outfit on in his or her 1st grade class.
As the child who has an iPad and so many video games and toys that they will end up- never having enough.
As the child whose parent drives them each way to and from school.
As the child whose primary fear is what might be in their closet or under their bed at night.

Although we may not get to see the 143 million orphans around this world, they are there-living in darkness, trying to function, trying to do their best, wondering if they are loved.
May the Light of Christ comfort them.
May they sense His love and presence on this Mother's Day!
May they know they are fearfully and wonderfully made and are not and never will be
forgotten by their Perfect Parent!
May they all know Him intimately and be adopted back into His Kingdom someday if not already.

There are over 143 million orphans in this world today and I believe around 125, 000 in the US alone from the bit of research I have done. And on this Mother's Day, I want to lift them up, cover them in prayer and truly hope and pray that the Holy Spirit reveals to them just how special they are to Jesus our King of Kings! They are loved! Deeply! Perfectly!

James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Isaiah 1:17
¹⁷ Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.

Valetines Day

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:21:00 +0000

1 COR 16:14
Do everything in love.

The one prayer God always answers....

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:18:00 +0000

I recently lost my dog who I had for 10 years. It hurt my tummy much more than I had expected. The whole experience was quite profound actually. I know it was because I prayed the prayer that God always answers.

It was early January and I was at a retreat. I had been in New York the week prior, came home, got locked out of my house, spent the night with my sister (since my friend had the only key and the roads were stil very icy and she had a baby and we couldn't get to her until the morning when the tempature was finally supposed to drop), picked up my dog the next morning from the same friend, then went home and worked all day. Just as I was headed out to leave for the retreat that evening, I noticed how big my doggie's belly was and called and asked my sister if she wouldn't mind taking her to the vet the next morning. She was upset because she had seen her tummy as well that afternoon and thought I needed to run her up myself right then because it may be a problem. I told her I couldn't make my friend late for the retreat and it was probably just too many treats or maybe she even ate a toy.

My doggie's name was Thelma. Oh did I love her. I still do and I miss her very much. I know she was just a dog and not a person, but she was my best buddy. We were always together and she loved me no matter how I looked, what I did, how rich or poor I was, regardless of what kind of car I drove or what size my clothes were...she just loved me plain and simple. We went everywhere together. I took her in my car always and we went for walks in the neighborhood. I couldn't walk her at the park because she was dog aggressive whenever she was on a leash or behind a window. But when she was free to be with dogs she was fine and enjoyed doggies of all types and sizes. She was a protector, a hunter and a runner. She could jump a 4 1/2 foot fence in the blink of an eye. Her three favorite things to do where: to escape from my house and run freely for about an hour or so roaming through the woods nearby (I would be sick to my stomach anytime this happened because there were also roads nearby), to be on high alert looking for other dogs whether it be while riding around town in the car, sitting on my bed peering out a window as she waited for a dog to walk by, or looking at the dining room window, standing on her back legs with the two front sitting on the window sill...all 70 lbs of herself...or going for a walk. She will do circles if I put on a hat or tennis shoes, sliding all over the hardwoods, following me hoping I would grab the leash. Then most of the time it ended up being her walk not mine. She was a very strong dog. This was our fun time together! I haven't gone on a walk yet since she passed. I might need to find a new route.

When I got the text while at the retreat, it was from dear friend who had taken my dog up to the vet for me. My sister met her there also. They were concerned, it didn't look good per the vet. I dialed the vet and one of the nicest girl's anwered. She knew my sister and had said that my sister in law was there too. All three of them where there with Thelma, to love on her since I wasn't. It made my heart melt. I felt so loved and cared for that day. I will never forget how I felt deep in my heart when she told me that.

The next part was not so good news. She went on to tell me the doctor found bleeding in Thelma's tummy and the girls had already left and were taking her to the animal hospital. I cried so hard. I called my friend she didn't answer. I called my sister, no answer. I called my sister in law and she answered. I just balled and balled and balled. She sat on the other end and let me cry. I went through two entire packets of kleenex in less than 10 minutes. I remember when I got ready to make the call, I picked this particular spot on a hill overlooking all of the acres of the ranch covered in snow, it was breath-taking. I said to myself this is what I want to look out to as I make this call as my gutt was telling me it was not going to be good news. I starred out into God's prestine creation.

For some reason it was in that moment, when I feel like I began to come to the realization that Thelma was sick and was going to die. She would live for another 10 days but I know that is when I first digested the situation at hand. And I hadn't even spoken with a doctor yet at that point. Soon after, my friend briefed me and confirmed how serious it was. She was so sad. My sister couldn't even get on the phone with me she was heart-broken. We had personal time at this point at our retreat, so I just went back and laid in my bed and cried, while everyone else went on walks, etc. My sweet room mate had texted me to ask how I was and she said to come meet her at lunch if I felt like it.

Before I went I toiled with what to do-should I go home? Is my dog going to make it through the night? Am I putting a dog first over God if I leave? How will I get home? If I just rush out of here am I allowing my flesh to take over and not trust in God? I felt as if I would betray God if I left.

The first night of the retreat we focused on Matthew 11:28:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

If I got up and left I would not be "coming to Him," so I thought. The other point that was mentioned to us is "to remain in Him." This pierced my heart. This was personal to me-I struggle with remaining in Christ. I come to Him often but I needed to remain in Him. And this is what I wanted and want always. Could I do it this time...in such a crisis?

As I was walking to lunch my mine was chaotic. I called my dad to see if he could come get me; he said no. My sister in law offered to drive 90 minutes each way to get me (they have 3 kids) and I just felt too bad having her do that. I even thought about calling the car service I use for work to come and get me. It was so ironic to me that I rode with someone else. I always drive my own car everywhere. As I look back, I am sure God had planned for me not to drive this time. Because if I had my own car, I am 90% sure I would have left that afternoon and if so-I would have missed out on the insight given to us later that night, about the one prayer God always answers. That prayer sustained me through the whole experience.

When I walked into lunch the first thing my sweet friend said was that I could take her car back to Atlanta and she would find a ride back if I needed to leave. I just hugged her. I went on to tell her how guilty I had felt about leaving and also about staying. My friend made me feel like I must come home and yet I felt as if I would not be "remaining" in Him if I just up and left. I know what it is like to "remain in Him" and I wanted to do this.

Immediately after I had explained my dilemma to the ladies at the table (let's be honest I was at a Christian Womens Retreat, I was looking for their perspective on the situation) and they had all said it would be ok to go home that God isn't a God that would get angry with us in a situation like this, a text came through stating there were no doctors there to do the sonogram until the morning, so no reason for me to come home. I was so excited. I knew in my heart Thelma would make it through the night because I was allowing myself to expect that from God.

I can sit her now and honestly tell you I still don't know what I would have done if I had my own car. I probably would have driven home that afternoon and left. I am so glad I didn't.

To be continued.......

Do I give like the least of these gives? Hmmm not so sure...

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:42:00 +0000

First Grade class in rural Ngaamba, Kenya

When I went to Kenya for the first time in 2008 we spent some time at an elementary school in Ngaamba called Tumbelea. It was my first experience witnessing the conditions typical of a third world country classroom. I had so many thoughts and emotions running through my head.

I was teamed up to assist for two days in first grade with my friend Rita. We were helping the teacher draw pictures on the board and then the kids would have to name the picture in English. Most of them spoke their tribal language because we were so far removed from any major city. They didn't even speak their national language Kiswahili. (English is Kenya's official language)

Rita drew a horse on the board and no one could figure out the picture. We laughed thinking her picture was so bad, they just couldn't tell it was a horse. The teacher told us they don't know what a horse is-they have never seen one. Wow-did that put things in perspective.

Keep in mind, these little ones walk anywhere from 2-5+ miles ONE WAY to school five days a week, most of them with no shoes on their feet. Their mom's don't drive them to school or walk them to the end of the driveway to catch the bus-no matter how young they are.

Each morning we arrived, the kids from the entire school would come out singing to greet us as our bus pulled up. We could not even get off the bus without being bombarded with hands, smiles and hugs and lots of singing! They welcomed us with open hearts and big gracious smiles. It touched my heart profoundly. Most of them had massive dark green runny noses and you could tell many were really sick. Before I got to Ngaamba, after being briefed, I was scared that I was going to get menegitis from them or something else-but the second I saw them all running on the playground towards our team, all those fears fled from this first time mission-trip girl.

Something happened the next day that I still think about often. As we were wrapping up the second day and moving onto out into the field with the rest of our team to dig the ditches to lay pipe for water, the class had a little ceremony to thank Rita and I. They brought one egg for me and one for Rita and a pot of corn. Rita and I were so humbled it brought tears to our eyes.

It was confusing for us because we were not comfortable accepting it-knowing their mom, dad, brothers and sisters may go without food that evening because they gave to us-we were mere strangers, whom they may never see again, who don't even think twice about buying a dozen or two or more of eggs for our families, nor do we ever think how fortunate we are to cook corn anytime our heart desires.

They-so financially poor, so young, so rich in faith and spirit....so Christ-like.

Luke 21:2-4
He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Lord-Help me to always remember the example of the poorest of the poor who you have introduced me to. I look forward to meeting many many more who are so rich in faith. I learn more from them, then they could ever learn from me. Amen

TMI

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:56:00 +0000

Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

This may be too much information to share, but I just have to because it is so amazing to me that I have realized as of late, God whispers to me when I am in four very distinct places:

1. Driving alone in the car
2. When I am walking or running by myself, sometimes with my dog (praying is part of my ritual of my walks/run)
3. In the shower (this is most often the case when I hear Him)
4. When I am swimming laps in the pool, praying as well-all the while trying to remember the # of laps I have done

It is always when things are quiet and I am removed from the hussle and bussle of my day and the world, that He catches me off guard, with a whisper, with a loving word, with encouragement, and also with conviction. And it is "so God" to do it when least expected and with perfect timing.

I became aware of this repeated pattern of His only during a quiet time, when I slowed down to settle myself. It is oh so precious to me.

It does not happen in every instance when I am physically in one of these places-no not at all. Usually it is when my heart is aligned with His-which is not often enough. I notice when I redirect my efforts for the day towards His Kingdom and am working for Him on projects, ideas, etc. is when it occurs vs when I am simply on autopilot for the day.

When I ponder on it, it is chilling to think what measures I go to, to readjust my schedule for work, for a personal indulgence, to accomodate my own coziness or comfort or to ensure an hour of exercise-but I don't necessarily do the same for Him. I feel the continous tug of war inside of me to go to bed earlier so I can wake up earlier and spend the early morning hours with Him and in His Word. When I do that, my day always takes a different path. Those days are more of an adventure, with tiny revelations throughout them. They are exciting days, even during tough times. I seem to have ears that hear and eyes that see moreso on those particular days. I am more intune with Him.

Is He truly at the top of my list each morning? No-not always. Yet I claim I love Him so much.

It takes intention, discipline and obedience to keep our Heavenly Father, the King of Kings at the top of our day, in the center of our life and on the forefront of our mind as we make decisions and choices.

But I think before we even get to that point, we have to have an open heart to receive Him in, so we can begin to experience the love relationship that He so longs to have with us. He is after all our Perfect Parent and loves us more than our parents love us and even more than a parent loves their own child.

Lord- Thank you for revealing yourself to me when I am still and removed from the chaos of life. I cherish those moments. I am honored to get the nudge or the whisper. It is a joy and an adventure that compares to none other. Help me to always receive your Word and put it to good use as nothing You say or do is meaningless. Thank you for pursuing me continually.

Ain't no mountain high enough

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 23:20:00 +0000

Isaiah 2:2

In the last days,
   the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established
   as chief among the mountains,
   it will be raised above the hills,
   and all nations will stream to it.

Mt. Moriah's elevation is 2,428 ft.
The highest and tallest elevation on the earth's surface is the top of Mount Everest on the border of Nepal and China at 29,035 feet...

Yet we know that this mountain will be raised up somehow as the mountain of mountains when Christ comes again. It will be the place where Christ teaches from when He reigns. And all nations will stream to it....I just love that line.....how beautiful-a river of all peoples streaming to it. I am not sure what it all means..but that is ok. I don't need all the details or specifics because I have faith and I rest and gain peace in the beauty of the Scripture.

One day...
There will be only one King and He is the King of Kings.
He alone will reign on this earth from both a spiritual perspective and a governmental.
He will reign over all nations.
There will be only His name alone.

Today this mountain, considered the most Holy of Holies, is controlled by Muslims.
This blows my mind. (Although I do not understand all the specifics regarding the fighting between nations on this)

The scripture in Isaiah 2 goes on to say... v3-4

Many peoples will come and say,

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob.

He will teach us His ways,

so that we may walk in His paths."

The law will go out from Zion,

the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

He will judge between nations

and will settle disputes for many peoples.

They will beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will not take up sword against nation,

nor will they train for war anymore.

This mountain, in the last days will be a place of peace. People will destroy their weapons and fight no more. Jesus will teach from this Holy mountain and yet today-look at the situation going on with this mountain....it is the cause of the biggest longest lasting conflict in the Middle East.

I wish Israel had control of it. Regardless....in the end, God's Word stands.

As a follower of Christ, I know while the Temple Mount is holy, God is with me always through the Holy Spirit and I am ever so grateful for that gift. Thank you Heavenly Father!

Things eternal.....

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:45:00 +0000

It is so easy for me to lose focus on eternal riches, as I get wrapped up in less important things in the moment.

As I was waking up this morning, coming out of my sleep I had a revelation.

Today is Saturday. I committed to build a powerpoint deck for my VP over the weekend for a meeting he has Monday morning. It all just came about as a request Thursday night and I was in an all day meeting on Friday. Eager to step up and honored to be asked to assist, I was dedicated to the task at hand. I would drop everything and rearrange my weekend schedule regardless of other plans to get this done.

Do I do the same for God when He calls me to do something? NO.

So as that was going through my head this morning, I realized how able, willing and ready I was to immediately do this for my VP...yet, I have been working on a project for the One and Only CEO in Heaven for over two months now because I keep allowing less important things to take precedence. It is something I could have completed in less than a month and here I am in my third month. Why?

I think it is a combination of things....one I am constantly getting burned out from my daily duties at work and it makes me worthless after 7pm at night. So-what does that tell me? I need to wake up earlier to do the important things I want to accomplish. If that means 5am or 5:30am then I need to organize my evenings to go to bed early enough to wake up early.

Also-I need to plan my weekends better and stick to the plan. I am not good at this at all....when the weekends come, I sense freedom and I want to just go with the flow. Oh and how I enjoy that. I am encouraged to make an about face in this area when I think of all my friends who are parents. (99.9% of my friends) They don't get to just do whatever they want, whenever they want, rather they have one, two, three children they are responsible for caring for, loving on and driving to places. Their days are consumed with deeds for others.

Being single, it is so easy to get sucked into focusing on just myself. I need to defend against that and make the effort to spend my time helping and serving others, otherwise I will end up unfufilled in the long run. It is one thing to say it and know it and another to actually do it.

Why am I a person who has all of these big ideas, big goals and visions and yet I spend a lot of my time on things of such little value?

I am sure there is a balance in all this. Each morning is a new opportunity to get things in order. It is not going to happen without effort, work, and a plan that I am committed to sticking to...day by day.

Do I love Him enough to get things in order?

Lord- In Romans 7 we learn about how our flesh wants to do one thing and the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us desires to do what we are called to do-bring You honor and glory by loving and serving others. Yet while we know this and what know what is the right thing to do, we don't do it. Help me as I struggle with this constantly, to get to a place where I always put You first Lord....always!

Isaiah 1:25

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:40:00 +0000

Isaiah 1:25
I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.

Dross- waste matter, refuse
refuse (n)-something that is discarded as worthless or useless

Redeem- to buy or pay off or buy back; to make amends for....

In today's world we often say "I am not going to judge him or her"....or someone else might say in defense..."don't judge me." Or we might even say, "I am only accountable to God."

But don't we have to stop and ask ourselves... if someone comes to us lovely to give us wise counsel, are we acting foolish if we get defensive and turn our back to them? Shouldn't we receive their counsel, ponder it, think about if the intentions are pure and loving? And if they are...take heed.

Most of us can sense if when someone has pure intentions when the come to us.

I do not think it is healthy for me to only hold myself accountable to myself and God...there is too much freedom there. I must have an accountability partner or two. (and in most cases if not all that should not be a spouse who may be bias) I prefer for it to be someone older than I who is a mentor and who has a deep faith. I seek someone who calls it like it is and does not sugar coat anything and will be deeply honest and of course keep things confidential.

At the same time, I pray I am wise enough at all times to welcome constructive insight from my family and a few close friends. If they can not comfortably come to me in truth, then there is something wrong on my side of the relationship.

In the verse above, God was speaking to Judah and its people. I want God to reveal to me the refuse in my life, what is unnecessary. I want Him to prune in me a pure heart, so I can walk more pure in my life and shine brighter. I hope and pray that I am humble enough to receive that from those that love me most as well.

In my Bible in reference to Isaiah 1:25 it says this:
God promised to refine His people similiar to the way that metal is purged with lye in a smelting pot. This process involves melting the metal and skimming off the impurse dross until the worker can see his own image in the liquid metal. We must be willing to submit to God, allowing Him to remove our sin so that we might reflect His image.

I love that!

I know a few areas God is currently pruning me in and one is with my words-they can be negative instead of always positive and up lifting. (sometimes I need to just be silent and use self-control) I know this is in part a generational trait on one side of my family. I also know through Christ and keeping my eyes on Him, I can overcome this day by day as I allow God to prune me. I became aware of this through a loved one sharing with me. I am not sure that I would have recognized it on my own-by only being accountable to myself...

Sometimes God may give us a gentle whisper or He may chose to send a friend or loving family member to speak to us...so we can be refined, so we can become more pure hearted, so we can be a bright shining light for Him and His Kingdom always.

Dear Lord-Humble me. When you want to refine me, I know it is because You love me. Help me to always be receptable to wise counsel, no matter how awkward the circumstances may be. Help me to always have an open heart to be accountable to You and to others, so I can continue to grow closer to You. You made each of us in Your image, and the mor the dross gets out of the way, the more clearly I start to be a better reflection of You. I love you Lord.

Two themes this summer

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:14:00 +0000

Isaiah 64:8
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Exodus 20: 3-6

³ "You shall have no other gods before me.
⁴ "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.

I did a lot of walking this summer and actually even started running again. In early July I could only run a half a mile and just yesterday I ran 2.4. It is the first time in probably 8 years I have ran that far. But...it was the podcasts I listened to this summer that kept me going. I listened to an array of pastors and nine times out of ten I would randomly select a sermon on the lists I had downloaded that had two reoccurring themes this summer...

God is the Creator and everything else in our universe is created.

We are created for outpouring ongoing worship for Him alone.

But do we?

Worship

To be totally devoted to

It was totally bizarre, no matter what I listened to or where I was over the span of the three months of summer, these two themes kept popping up over and over. God is telling me something as He continiously prunes me.

Prune (as a verb):

To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of; to improve shape or growth.
To remove or cut out as superfluous

Superfluous

exceeding what is sufficient or necessary
not needed; marked by wastefulness

I have too much of just about everything-whether it is stuff, cosmetics, lotions, clothes, shoes, purses, junk food and snacks, pressures, magazines, wine glasses, worries, chores, excess weight, cards for every occassion, errands, knick knacks, candles, lists, birthday gifts...just in case, folders, jewelry I don't wear too often, etc.

I am superfluous.
It is not in congruence with God's way.
I desire less.
This will allow for reduced clutter and a gain of focus;
Thus, better use of my time.

I am grateful I am aware of this and have eyes to see what He wants me to see. It doesn't mean it will come easy unfortunately but then again I have the Holy Spirit with me to be a constant reminder.

The things listed above get in the way of my love for God. He created us in His image to glorify Him through a life of worship. Worship is as simple as serving and loving others. Worship is waking up each morning and giving Him my day. Worship is humbling myself at work. Worship is showing a loving heart towards others. Worship is being a mirror of Him to others.

There is that saying-where do you spend the bulk of your time? That is what you worship. Anything that is created (which is everything...)-our children, our families, our own body, our face and hair, our house, our possessions, the ability to teach, exercise, eat, work or serve, etc.....anything that we focus the bulk of our effort,energy and time on- day after day- other than God...is worshipping something other than Him-our King.

God has spent time with me this summer making me keenly aware of this. I now recognize it and I have to make an effort daily to put Him first. I have to be aware of where I spend the majority of my time and energy.

Where is He on my list?
Where is my focus during the day?
What is the first thing I think about in the morning?
How do I prioritize my time and what comes before Him?
Am I bringing Him glory and honor by my actions throughout my day or seeking to bring glory, recognition and honor to myself?

I know it is ok to enjoy all those other things and I do but I don't want them or anything to come a priority over Him. That is not what He intends as He continously creates all of us and all things.

Heavenly Father- I love you so much. I am so glad I know you and that you love me Lord. You alone are the Creator of all things. Help me to recognize in my days when I am focused on creation/things created and not on You. Lord remind me in the early morning to walk in the Holy Spirit and live my day to bring You alone glory and honor....not myself. Thank you for making us in your image. Thank you for creating us for a love relationship with You. Lord forgive me when I don't do things that bring you honor and glory. Thank you for revealing to me this is my single purpose in life to bring you glory by loving others whatever that may look like day by day. I love you

A Day of Rest. Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:34:00 +0000

Exodus 20:8-11

⁸ "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. ¹¹ For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

God calls us to observe the Sabbath still even today in 2010. Do I do this today? No. I have really been wrestling with this lately. I always tell God I love Him so much and yet my actions and how I spend myself and my time do not always align with my love for Him. It is one thing to not recognize it-but when I do notice I am out of sync, that is when I must step up and make a decision. Am I going to stop paying people to work in my yard on Sundays because it is convenient for me-since I am too busy during the week to get these things done? Is it ok if I do it sometimes? No not really-I need to honor God by my choices and obey His commands regardless.

Yet I like all others am not perfect and I do not obey Him always-but when I know something is being pressed on my heart, I need to do an about face and be obedient.

We can jump to Isaiah 58:13-14 and see it again with a promise.
"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
   and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
   and the Lord's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
   and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
then you will find your joy in the Lord,
   and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
   and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
   The mouth of the Lord has spoken.

It always comes back to God's intentions as the Creator. He intended for us to have a day of rest. Why? Well to take the notes from my Bible...
   The day of rest should be observed and regarded not only because Sabbath-keeping is a commandment but also because it is best for us and because it honors God. Keeping the Sabbath shows proper respect to God, Our Creator, who also rested on the seventh day. Our day of rest refreshes us spiritually and physically-providing time when we can gather together for worship and when we can reflect on God without the stress of everyday activities.

It also unifies and sets priorities for our family.

I remember Sundays at my grandmother's house as I was growing up before we moved to Atlanta. It was so much fun and a great tradition that I so enjoyed. Being with my mom's extended family at my grandmother's house and all sitting down together to eat on Sunday afternoons was one of my fondest memories as a child. I grew close to all my Aunts and Uncles and Grammy and had lots of fun with my cousins too. My grandmother didn't have a fancy house or anything. We would mix and match tables, pull chairs together and extend the tables from the dining room into the living room for the kids table.

I grew up with my mom carrying forth the same tradition for our own family...cooking all her delicious Italian dishes on Sundays as well. What a special treat.
Then I moved to California where I lived in a little apartment. On Sundays I would walk down to the market after church and buy fresh bread, tomatoes and vegetables, come home and then make sauce. I would let it simmer all day long. The tradition continued-even when it was just me.

When I walk into my mom's house, which is not so often these days, and smell fresh sauce and meatballs on the stovetop, I feel close to Grammy, my mom and God. I feel rested. I feel refreshed.

Now with a house to take care of, a busy schedule at work during the week which often requires travel, I spend my weekends playing catch up. I run errands. I have a few handy men who help me with my house and yard. I meet up with friends and family for lunch. I indulge myself in a facial or massage sometimes too often. And then before I know it, it is Sunday, I am behind, so I try to catch up and squeeze what I can in on Sunday afternoons.
I do what is convenient for me instead of what is reverent to the God I love so much.
Where is the downtime? Where is the time with family? Where is the time to rest and get refreshed before the whole cycle starts over again? God calls us to honor the Sabbath because He knows what is best for us.

Maybe I will ask everyone if they want to start coming over to my house on Sunday afternoons. I definitely could afford to learn a few more recipes and I am sure being with my family and obeying God's commandment would be refreshing to my soul and everyone elses! :)

Lord- I know you always know what is best for me. Hold me accountable. Remind me when I am planning my weekends to honor You and the Sabbath. When I am refreshed, I am in congruence with You. I am not flustered and overwhelmed. I am at peace even in the eye of a stormy week. I love you.

The early morning...

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:57:00 +0000

Isaiah 50: 4

The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,

to know the word that sustains the weary.

He wakens me morning by morning,

wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

The early morning just has something unique about it.

The smell of the air, the dew on the ground and the things that are low to it,

the sky, the moment, everything about it. I treasure it...when I can wake up early enough to

submerse myself in it.

My brain is like a sponge in the early morning-it soaks up everything. It is so alert.

This is also my favorite time to read God's Word.

But most of all, when on rare occasion I am awakened by the Holy Spirit from my sleep,

this is when I am most delighted. It is very hard to articulate the closeness to God I experience when this occurs but it is always the same and thus why I know it is of Him. I usually hear myself praying and since I am asleep-I must be praying in the Spirit when this happens.

Thank you so much Lord for this great gift!

GUARD GATE

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 13:41:00 +0000

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I find more often than not, I have to consciously make a very concerted effort to guard my mind. It is a difficult but necessary task, that requires consistency as well. Guarding my mind is what keeps me focused on God and His ways. It is so easy to within an instant, allow the world's way to distract me.

Let's take beauty for example. To the world, it is primarily on the outside...clothes, shoes, handbags, houses, cars, our hair, our body, our jewlery. Sure we can see beauty through the sparkle of someone's eyes, the gorgeous big smile of a child, or a stranger, or a loved one. Or we may see it in the mountains, the ocean, the butterfly that crosses our path or the aroma of flowers in a garden or on a hillside. But we must protect our minds from defining beauty as the world does.

This revelation came to me almost three years ago, when I felt the pressing on my spirit to stop reading Hollywood and fashion magazines.

It took me several months to work up to letting go of them but in January of 2008 I stopped reading magazines such as People, In-Touch, Entertainment Weekly, OK, Us, etc. I travel for work, so every week when I was flying-all I was doing in my downtime was reading these magazines of little substance and that of which are nothing more than pure gossip and mostly the invasion of people's personal lives. The information I was choosing to fill my mind with was clouding my judgement, causing my conversation to be foolish and the wasting of words, infusing a poor self-image into my thoughts and pure rubbish.

Now that I look back on it-it is quite interesting that the timing of all of this occurred as I was preparing my heart and mind to serve God and His people on my first ever mission trip. The other thing really cool about all of this, is that the Holy Spirit took the desire away from me. I can see this clear as day, as I have no desire to read the magazines. I have since bought three and if you can believe I never even got to reading or looking at two of them before I threw them away.

I have prayed to let go of things and the difference is vivid to me between when it becomes a fleshly struggle to let go verses the Holy Spirit delivering me from the temptation or foolishness.

I truly believe it starts with making every effort to guard my mind from what words, thoughts, or pictures/images I allow to come in and occupy it.

Mark 12:30

Love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Dear Lord- Help me to guard my mind and thoughts all day long. Help me to stay focused on You and to always be reminded that the best way to do that is to read your Living Word, take the time to serve your people and to pray continously. It is not always easy for me to do this, but Lord please stay close to me and help me to do this, so I can bring you honor and glory. I love you.

Heavenly Hosts

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:13:00 +0000

Romans 12:10

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Today I was listening to a podcast and the pastor posed a great question. Do you use your home to host those who are maybe too uncomfortable to go to church? You can break bread with them at your dining room table and entertain and serve them or just love on them by listening when they are in need-all while exemplifying the love of Christ.

He asked if our homes have been used to pray over people? I smiled with excitement as I was grateful that I could say yes. But then I was immediately humbled as I thought to myself....well-it's not in that way enough.

And then it got worse when I realized my answer to the next question. He then explained that we are called to be missionaries not just overseas and outside of our borders-but in our own backyard and across the street. That is when I got so frustrated wtih myself and realized my own next door neighbor does not even know I am a follower of Christ and love Him so much.

And...I have just recently started to become a better hostess. For years I was always so stressed when people would come over. I didn't take time to talk to my guests because I was so busy with the details of the dinner or party. I didn't slow down and relax so they could enjoy themselves. I took on too much and I was always late for my own party. I always wanted to be the best entertainer and wanted my house to look as perfect as I could make it. I wanted to do it all myself. But that was all for my glory-not God's. About a year ago, I read this verse below and then it sunk in. I had been doing it all wrong. I am now focused on doing what I can to make them feel welcomed and comfortable. It is so much easier when the change comes from the Holy Spirit and not the effort of my flesh.

Maybe if I invite the neighbors on the one side over who I love and adore, it will help me get the courage to invite the one on the other side whom I barely know.

Hebrews 13:1& 2

Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Mark 12:28-31

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
It really says a lot to me when I have lived in my home for ten years and never once have I invited my next door neighbor over to break bread.
Lord- Thank you for your example. May I honor you and bring you glory by doing something that isn't necessarily easy for me but I know it is important to you. May I continue to draw near to you so I can learn more about Your Ways and how you call me to live each day. I get so caught up in my comfort and my schedule and my ways and what is convenient and habit. Help me to continue to break away from those patterns and become more like you. It isn't easy and it takes effort. I need your help. I love you Lord.

Out of this world

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:47:00 +0000

We are called to live in this world but not to be of it, not to love its ways-because its ways are not God's ways.

1 John 2: 15-17

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

These few words are so rich in substance, meaning and truth. It amazes me that although the Bible was written very long ago, it provides perfect counsel and wisdom for the current day.

For me, worldliness starts with my mind. I have to guard it. The Holy Spirit prompts me when I start to go off track. Then it is up to me to make the wise choice from there. I think as I begin to walk more often in the Spirit instead of my flesh, it becomes easier each to get back on track each time I vear off. But it takes self-control and a conscience decision to turn from one's longstanding ways. (or at least for me it does) I can not do it on my own. I need the Holy Spirit to guide me, as well as friends and family members who hold me accountable.

As we grow closer and closer to Christ, and when we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit-we become keenly aware of how vastly different the world's ways truly are from God's. We care more about His concerns, we become less self-focused, we take on the likeness of Christ...some more than others, each at our own place and time-as we go through this adventure of faith and intimacy with Christ.

Galatians 3:26

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

We actually begin to rid ourselves from the world's ways and become clothed in Christ. It feels awkward at times. But wouldn't that make sense? Just because we live in this world, does not mean we are of it.

As I begin to feel uncomfortable in my worldly patterns in different areas of my life, that is my way of knowing I am growing closer to Christ and becoming more aware and even obedient.

Dear Lord- Thanks for keeping me on a tight leash and on the right track. Thanks for giving me ears to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit. I know at the same time you call me to make the wise choice all the time as you have given us both knowledge and faith. May we walk wisely and humbly in this chaotic world, that is yet so beautiful too because you created it.

Thirsty...

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:11:00 +0000

John 7: 37-39

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

John 4:11-14

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Our souls hunger and thirst, just like our flesh does. How do we feed our soul?

Christ is the Bread of Life. He tells us that those who thirst will thirst no more-when we come to Him.

If you think about it-in regards to food and nourishment-we can learn all we want about healthy eating, we can study it and we could look at all the healthy food all day long but if we don't eat it and fill ourselves up with it, what purpose does it serve? What good does it do us to just know the truth about it, to just watch others eat healthy.

When we decide to eat healthy and wisely, what changes? Do we feel refreshed? Do we come alive and have more energy? Does it take a desire and self discipline to eat healthy and make wise choices about our food and drink and what we put into our bodies? Do we have to focus on it until it becomes natural? Isn't that the same way with our Spiritual appetite as well?

What good does it do us to just know the truth about Christ? Not much. We need to make it a priority to feed our souls with Him. He is the Bread of Life. When we drink from His well, we will thirst no more. But it doesn't just happen. We have to put Him first. We have to make the effort and take the time out of the busyness of life to be self disciplined and to make room for Him.

When we come to Him, He will fill us up. His Holy Spirit will fill us up with rivers of rushing water when we put Him first-over all else...over exercise, over work, over our family, over our spouse, over our children, over our things, over our comforts, over our fears, over all.

The Bible is called His Living Word.

He is the Bread of Life.

In Him we will no longer be thirsty.

What do we allow to "fill us up"?

The things of this world or Him?

Let's be honest with ourselves. A good view into this-is to look at where we spend our downtime? If we work and/or care for our family 8 hours a day and sleep 8 hours a day, where do we choose to spend the rest of our time? Focused on who?

Even the bad guys take care of their own family...

I remember when I lived in Beverly Hills back in the late 90s. Our priest told a story that has stuck with me ever since. He told about a lady at his church who had eight children. She had no help and she had so much to do to care for her children, but yet she was the one who volunteered the most at the church. She volunteered to serve the poor, feed the hungry, love the unloved. She allowed herself to be inconvenienced. She chose to serve and not be served. Christ was first in her life and everyone saw that without her having to say a word.

Lord- I love you so much. Help me to be wise with my time. Thank you dear Lord for giving me ears to hear You as You often make me aware when I am wasting my time on things that are self indulgent. I am grateful I am becoming more and more aware of this. I pray that I may go to sleep earlier so I may wake up earlier and spend my mornings with you. I desire to put you first in my day and may nothing else come before you each morning. I struggle with this. I don't understand why I want it but my flesh does not always do this. Help me Lord to be self-disciplined for I can not do it alone, only through your Spirit. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that fills me up. I do get confused on the Scriptures though because I can never get enough of You-my thirst for You oh Lord is never quenched. I always long for more. But my soul is satisfied in You alone-so I guess that is what it means. I love you Lord!

Oh how HE loves us....Oh how HE loves

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹ O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, ^{a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to ^{b]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[b]} me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

An appetite is never satisfied...

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:07:00 +0000

Cognitive Dissonance

The uncomfortable feeling caused by holding two contradictory ideas simultaneously. The theory proproses that people have a motivational drive to reduce dissonance by changing their attitudes, believes and behaviors, or by justifyin or rationalizing them.

Cognition-the act or process of knowing; perception

Dissonant-not in harmony

Dissonance- lack of agreement; especially : inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs

The classical version of this idea is expressed in the Aesop fable The Fox and the Grapes, in which a fox sees some high-hanging grapes and wishes to eat them. Unable to think of a way to reach them, he surmises that the grapes are probably not worth eating anyway (that they are not yet ripe or that they are too sour). The dissonance of the desire for something unattainable versus the lack of fulfillment is reduced by irrationally deciding that the grapes must be flawed.

Because it is often easier to make excuses than it is to change behavior, dissonance theory leads to the conclusion that humans are rationalizing and not always rational beings.

Today in church we continued on the subject of one's appetite. An appetite of any kind can never ever be fulfilled. The only word it knows is more.

Appetite-the desire to satisfy a bodily craving.

We read from Genesis 25, as we learned how Esau literally traded his birthright to his brother Jacobfor one measley bowl of stew. Esau was so desperately hungry, he sacrificed his entire future and birthright as the first born son of Issac, because of a short term desire that was right infront of him because of how good the stew smelled and how starved he was at that very moment. He had focalism on his hunger.

Focalism- allowing too much focus on one event and not enough focus on the consequences of future events

As we live life, we need to be aware of what we want our future to look like and carry that picture with us-so we don't allow our appetites to get in the way of us being healthy down the road, of us being financially secure down the road, of us not being the best parents we can be by spending time with our children.

Impact bias-when we over estimate the length and intensity of impact of an emotional event. (maybe we thinking buying a new car or getting our drivers liscense will make life all better and we will feel great for as long as we have it-when in fact it the happiness will only last a little while.)

What short term financial decisions can cause a long-term impact we spend too much time digging out of?

What impact does that have on our family?

What example does that set for our children?

What is at stake as a business leader?

What impact does unhealthy eating have on our bodies longterm?

Do we use cognitive dissonance to justify eating junk food and food we shouldn't eat? I do.

Do we have focalism that causes us to make unwise impulse decisions?

Shouldn't we be more sound in our thinking and consider the consequences of the decision and not be so quick to react-but be discerning and thoughtful?

The sermon was ended with this:

If you don't have a clear and simple picture of what your future will look like-you will settle for anything that feels good in that given moment. Don't let your current appetites derail your longterm plans.

It is critical we become aware of this within ourselves, our habits, our decision-making and reframe and redirect our appetities. Be intentional and wise. Don't be foolish by being impulsive.

Dear Lord- Help me to defend against my impulsiveness whether it is with my tongue, how I spend my money, my eating habits, or my time. I pray I always turn to the Holy Spirit to guide me and I don't allow my flesh to just be reactive. I pray that I am able to walk in the Spirit in this area so that eventually the way I react to an appetite is natural for me and I make wise decisions that allow for my long term picture to be fulfilled. Lord-may I lean hard into you on this always-so that at any given moment, I am wise and I think big picture. I love you. Amen

Whose Father? Our Father. Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:03:00 +0000

It is hard for me to understand how some people believe that God just created the world, created each of us born into the world and then He stands back. If He is our Father-why would He do that? What parent just creates their child and then after they are born says, "ok your own your own."?

Jesus taught us to call God Father because of the love relationship that exists and that God longs to have with us all. We can't earn this by being a good person. Just like (well for most of us) we can't earn our parents love by being a good child...they just love us regardless. It is the same way-but even moreso with God.

Deism is a religious and philosophical belief that a supreme being created the universe, and that this can be determined using reason and observation of the natural world alone, with the need for either faith or organized religion. Many Deists rejec the notion that God intervenes in human affairs, through miracles and revelations.

Obviously, these views contrast our Christian faith and everything that Scripture reveals when we read it.

I wonder how many Deists have ever opened a Bible and prayed as they read it asking the Holy Spirit to reveal God's truths to them. Hmmm....

Whose Father? Our Father! Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:10:00 +0000

Abba is the Aramaic word for "father." In the three times it is mentioned in the Bible, each time it is followed by the greek word for father reading abba ho pater in the Greek text and "Abba, Father" in the English version.

Brennan Manning points out in his book, the furious longing of God, "that American psychologists tell us that the average American baby begins to speak between the ages of 14 and 18 months. Regardless of the sex of the child, the first word normally spoken at that age is- da-da, da, daddy. A little Jewish child speaking Aramaic in first-century Palestine at that same level would begin to say

ab-ab, ab, Abba."

When Jesus teaches us in Luke 11:2-4 how to pray, He said,

"When you pray, say:

" 'Father, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,

for we also forgve everyone who sings against us.

And lead us not into temptation.' "

Jesus taught the Jews that God is our compassionate loving Father. Before Jesus, people did not look at God in this way. Some still don't. No-many do not. But I am so glad I do!

How comforting! How amazing! How safe! How exciting! But oh how comforting!

This is a huge hurdle in the deepening of one's faith for many. Some just can not get their arms around the fact that God wants to have a personal relationship with each and every one of us. But for me, as I read God's Living Word day in and day out-it is so evident to me. He loves us profoundly. He knows us intimately (even if we don't know Him). He watches over us. He will never fail us...never.

It is so God to send His Son into our world, so at the crux of our faith is a Father's love for His Child, Jesus' love for His Father and there He sits at His Father's right hand...for us.

Since the majority of adults are parents there is meaning beyond measure in this love relationship.

I am not even a parent (unfortunately), yet I know that Jesus loves me more than my own parents do-because I know the love of Christ. (I don't understand the depth of it or the magnificance of it by any means...but I have always known His deep love of me) For a parent to try to get their mind around the fact that God loves their own children more than they do-must be mind twisting.

He loves us more than we can begin to fathom.

He didn't just create us and send us on our way.

If we want Him to-He will guide us and show us what we "ought to do."

He created us for a love relationship with Him first, so He could teach us how to go out into this messed up world and love others with one of a kind Christ-like love.

Any other kind of love will not run deep enough, will not be selfless, will be based on fear and insecurity, will be imbalanced and will not be perfect.

He is our Perfect Father, our Perfect Mother. He is the Perfect Parent.

Heavenly Father-

Thank you for allowing me to humbly come before You, the Creator of all things, and call You Abba Father. Thank you for loving me, for caring about me and for always being there with me wherever I go. Thank you for showing me what you care about in this world and what you do not care about-so I can get to know you better each and every day. Thank you for loving me right where I am.

One nation under God?

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:54:00 +0000

Are we still a nation under God? I chose to think so. I hope so...no matter what pop culture says or does not say, regardless of what is allowed legally to be posted in a public building or not.

Did you hear about the sign displayed the past two Christmas seasons at the state Capitol in Chicago by a group known as Freedom from Religion Foundation? The sign

(placed infront of the Christmas tree) read:

"At the time of the winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is just myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

When a Chicago Republican candidate running for office knocked the sign face down he was escorted out of the building and written up by the Capitol police.

Stories like this make me sad about our country. But on the other hand, I was delighted as I spent some time researching our nation's history in order to reconfirm the facts that articulate we are of course a nation founded under God. The information is overwhelmingly clear. Here is just one link to review.

http://www.afn.org/~govern/Christian_Nation.html

And just a few examples of what is listed in the link...

Most of the fifty-five Founding Fathers who worked on the Constitution were members of orthodox Christian churches and many were even evangelical Christians. The first official act in the First Continental Congress was to open in Christian prayer, which ended in these words: "...the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Savior. Amen".

This view, that we were a Christian nation, was hold for almost 150 years until the Everson v. Board of Education ruling in 1947. Before that momentous ruling, even the Supreme Court knew that we were a Christian nation. In 1892 the Court stated:

"No purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people...This is a Christian nation." From the Supreme Court of the United States. This court went on to cite 87 precedents (prior actions, words, and rulings) to conclude that this was a "Christian nation".

If it is so abundantly obvious that we were founded as one nation under God....why does current culture say otherwise? It seems to me our founding fathers were full of wisdom and our current culture is far more foolish. Was is the minority winning out in our country? Why do they want God to not be at the center of our country? I mean...really?

Any poll over the past 10 years is going to show that 75-86% of our country states they are Christian (only 33% of the world states this claim), 1.5-2% Jewish (less than .025% of the world) and 13-15% no religion (right on par with the rest of the world), 4% of our nation says they are a religion other than Christian compared to the world where an entire 54% claim a religion other than Christian.

I wonder what George Washington would say to our country not being a Christian nation? He used 54 Biblical terms to describe God in his various writings.

One nation under God? I think so. I live as so.

God Bless America, my home sweet home.

Psalm 33

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.

Lord- Help me to stand strong in honor of you. Stronger than those who deny you. May I never be timid, may I walk boldy. May all of us who live in this great nation and love you rise up taller and higher than those who deny you. May your kingdom always reign in our nation forever. May more Americans come to know you intimately each and every day. May our children find you early on in life. May our soliders and their families know you and know your endless unconditional love for each of them. May you be with all of our men and women Lord as they step out into the unknown to protect- those of us who stay back and those who are yet to be born into this great nation-as they serve others, just as you call each of us to do. Thank you for all that have gone before them too Lord.

Pick me! Pick me!

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:42:00 +0000

Why do some of us care so much about our clothes and how well dressed we are? Why do we spend $400 or more on a silly pair of shoes or $1k on a business suit or $500 on sunglasses that will soon be outdated or $100,000 on a car that depreciates 25% or more within minutes of driving off the lot? Then there are even some who have a closet full of purses that may even total close to $15-$20,000 and yet we buy a new one instead of reusing the ones we have piled up, still looking brand new. The point is-why do we spend our money the way we do-relative to our income.

Is it to seek the approval of men instead of God? Is it to be recognized by the world as someone special...above others? Are we living of the world or walking in the Spirit?

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

(GAL 1:10)

servant: a devoted and helpful follower

I have to ask myself: Am I am devoted follower of the world or Christ? I can not be a servant to both.

When I was in elementary school I never ever wanted to be picked last. I can still remember clear as day, the pit in my tummy if it came down to me being one of the last three. When I played basketball growing up, I often would turn around after a defensive steal or scoring two points to see if my parents saw; I would even wait an extra few seconds to seek out their big smiles of approval. Then when I went to college it was so critical that my sorority "accepted" me. What if they hadn't? Oh boy, back then my world would have been destroyed if they had rejected me and my desire to be a part of their group-I would have felt worthless. Cut to my career where I have always sought the approval and recognition from my boss and at times even my peers. I even went so far five years ago to gain worth through the car I bought. At the time I didn't realize it -but now that I look back why else would I have bought that car-I mean seriously? This was only five years ago, when my faith was already at a deep place. Was I unaware that my decision was so self-indulgent? Did I surpress the guidance from the Holy Spirit at the time of the purchase or did I not even recognize the Holy Spirit's whisper? (Honestly I can not remember...I am sure the shiny new black car was all I could think of at the time and my mind was focused on instant gratification and not Christ) If we are really honest with ourselves, isn't part of the reason we buy jewerly, or design and decorate a home or drive a certain car-to indirectly imply to others "over here...look at me over here. Include me. I fit in. I am worthy." That was my logic. Why do we have this strong need for approval?

I know why I did...I desired to feel accepted and worthwhile, to know that I mattered and was special, to be included and considered important....and especially to feel loved. The moment we first begin to understand Christ's love for us, the realization of how precious we are to Him unravels. The approval we seek from the world slowly starts to dissipate. We are refreshed and it is beautiful. Aaahh-the heavy burden of acceptance is lifted. We are accepted, loved and cherished by Him.

He knew us before our parents even thought about us. Just take a moment and think about that....wow! Especially if you are a parent - think about how much you love your child or children...and to think that Christ loves them infiinitely more than you must be overwhelming. He created our innermost being and knit us together in our mother's womb. (Psalm 139: 13)

He made us. He will carry us and sustains us...until grey hairs and old age. (Isaiah 46:4)

Whatever life has handed us from the generation or generations before, we can take refuge in knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God's love for us in endless and unconditional. We don't need to dig ourselves in a hole, waste our time numbing ourselves from past pains or possibly even go bankrupt trying to gain acceptance, approval or recognition from the world. We are precious to Him. It is critical we grasp this or we will spend our lives in toil and then turmoil over our toil.

I know the Holy Spirit dwells within me and it is because of this, that when I make a poor decision in effort to gain the world's approval and not His, I am immediately uncomfortable inside my own skin. Yet, sometmes I still choose to surpress the Whisper that seeks to guide me away from my unwise choice. I used to flat out ignore the Holy Spirit-that is no longer the case. Regardless of my foolish ways, the Holy Spirit is still there inside me. The compromise becomes an uneasiness that lingers and it may plays itself out, even at times with more compromises-until it becomes a vicious cycle to the point where we can become so caught up in it we are unaware that we are living of the world and not of the Spirit. If we are a follower of Christ and if we truly have heart-felt love for Him-we are called to recognize this of ourselves and turn.

Each time I make a choice of any sort, I have to slow down and think about it. I need to ask myself...do I really care most about bringing glory and honor to God in the way I live or...do I chose to put myself first? What is this choice about? Merely me wanting instant gratification and possibly to gain acceptance and approval from others? How do I spend my time? On what do I spend my money? What do I do first each morning? What do I do during my down time? Does it serve a purpose of comfort or convenience for me primarily or am I spending myself for God's Kingdom? I have to call myself out on it. Do I? Not enough.

Lord- Help me to always put You and Your Kingdom first in all my choices. Hold me accountable. Call me out by making me restless when I make a choice that is self-serving and is intended to gain approval from men. Help me to always make choices that You approve of...in how I utilize my time...in how I speak...and in how I spend my money. Lord-Help me to be intentional. Help me to not be idle and to spend myself for your Kingdom. Help me to speak words that are refreshing, honest, uplifting, kind and gentle to others. Help me to be wise with my money no matter how much or how little I have. Help me to always think of others first. (I need lots of help here God) You call us to love You with all our heart, all of our soul and all of our mind and to love others just the same. May I make choices that You approve of always. I understand it isn't a matter of if You and the world approve-as a servant I can only have one master. Help me to not compromise. Help me Lord to get to a place where the decision-making is no longer of my flesh but only of my Spirit. Transform me Lord to always seek only Your approval. May I get to a place one day Lord where I don't even have to think about it-it just comes supernaturally by the way I live. I love you dear Jesus! Amen.

Do you know Him or just of Him?

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:20:00 +0000

We all have all different types of relationships-some people we know of...like a friend of a friend who we have never met or Jennifer Anniston or George W. Bush-we know "of " them but we don't know them. We know who they are...or do we really? Then we have aquaintences that we know kinda/sorta...it isn't until we make the choice to take the time and effort to get to know someone...through conversation, spending time together, listening, sharing our heart and pains and great times too-that we get to really know someone...so that we become intimate friends.

What good does it really do us to know who Jesus is? Really doesn't that just make it about religion? To just know who He is and what He stands for serves what purpose? He calls us to go beyond that and to truly know Him...intimately-in fellowship, friendship, relationship. it is only then that we begin to understand how much He loves us. How can you ever think someone loves you if you don't even know them? He loves me and you but if we don't get to know Him-we can't begin to grasp even a piece of that truth. If we don't understand His love for us-how can we trust Him and have faith in Him?

Just like any friendship, any relationship it takes two. Jesus is already there waiting for us...He always has been....but it is up to us to open our hearts to Him so we can begin to get to know Him. Through that first step we can begin to know Him-not because we are worthy-we are not...but it is by His righteousness only that we can receive this eternal gift. From that comes the opportunity for a beautiful intimacy like none other.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Mark 12:30

Won't you be my neighbor?

noreply@blogger.com (Elaine) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:30:00 +0000

I think it is fascinating that God places certain families and people strategically in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, condo/townhouse communities, etc. I so love going on "God walks" with my little next door neighbor. It is a highlight of my week each time we can escape the noise of the day to coordinate a walk. We always have so much to talk about regarding how God works in our lives, this world, our families and the wise counsel God provides through His Living Word. We usually end up walking double the amount of time we planned-which is always a good thing because without realizing it we end up doing double the exercise.

So who is your "God walk" partner? For my little neighbor, for now she is stuck with me because she can not drive just yet on her own. I have a few and I cherish the time together with each as our conversation is always fruitful and so fulfilling. Our talks are not about purses, clothes, shoes, makeup, hollywood, etc.- things that are temperal but rather about God and His goodness. Sometimes I have to drive for awhile to meet up with a friend for a "God Walk"....sometimes I can just knock on my neighbor's door next door. And for that I am grateful. How far would you have to go to find a "God Walk" partner/friend?