ABC's of Praise

Amazing Almighty
Blessing Bestower
Caring Creator
Divine Designer
Everlasting Enlightener
Forgiving Father
Gracious God
Harvesting Healer
Ideal Illustrator
Just Judge
Kind King
Loving Lord
Majestic Maker
Never-ending Name
Outrageous Opener
Personable Peacemaker
Quiet Quintessence
Radical Renewer
Shinning Savior
Tranquil Treasure
Undeniable Unifier
Victorious Virtue
Wonderful Waymaker
"X" treme "X" cellence
Yearning Yahweh
Zion's Zealous

7 Marks of A Servant - 2 Cor. 6.1-18

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about servant hood and what it really means. ‘Diakonos” is the Greek word for servant and it means servant, minister, a person who renders service and help to others, in some contexts with an implication of lower status; also translated as “deacon,” a trusted officer of helps and service in a local church. When I was reading this definition I was reminded that Jesus washed his disciples feet! (John 13) Taking on the role of a servant, he displayed his love in a tangible and moving way. How many of us serve in a manner like that?

1. *URGENCY*

2 Corinthians 6.1-2 “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

In order to fully understand these verses, one must read them with the passage before (in chapter 5) ---It’s talking about being a new creation in Christ and how we are to share the news of salvation with those around us.
Paul is saying that he doesn’t want the people to become complacent and inactive. We are to devote our very selves to the work of serving God; and not tomorrow or next week but today. Now is the day of God’s grace-we only have today!

2. *CONSISTENCY*

2 Corinthians 6.3-4 “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path…”

How important this is: that our behavior and attitudes are consistent with the word of God. That we should touch people with the love of God through our lives.

3. *ENDURANCE*

2 Corinthians 6.4-5 “…troubles, hardships, and distresses…”

We as Christians cannot expect to go through life without these things. Jesus himself said it, “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16.33)
Trouble comes to both the believer and the non-believer, yet there should be a difference: the ability to endure! And this can only come through the grace of God.

4. *GOODNESS*

2 Corinthians 6.6-7 “in purity, understanding, patience, and kindness…

These qualities of goodness, Paul says can be produced only by the Spirit of God within us. If the Holy Spirit is filling us daily, then we will be good servants of our Lord, because we will be led by the Spirit.

5. *REALISM*

2 Corinthians 6.8-10 “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, yet possessing everything.”

It’s a tough road to follow!! Any faithful servant of Jesus will have difficulties. Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “Few will find the narrow path that leads to life.” (Matthew 7.14)
We must be realistic about the path we have chosen to take because if we think that following Christ means ‘all roses and pansies’ then the disappointment may cause us to quit. To follow Jesus means we will suffer.

6. *AFFECTION*

2 Corinthians 6.11-13 “open wide your hearts also.”

Paul told the Corinthians that effective ministry is not just about the open word, but an open heart too. It’s about building relationships with people and truly caring about their needs.

7. *HOLINESS*

2 Corinthians 6.14-18 “Do not be yoked together with nonbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?”

Paul is saying that in order to serve Christ one must be holy. We are called to be separate from the world. How effective can I be, in any ministry, if I act just as the world acts!?! If there is no difference in my life then what is the point?
We should not try to be partly committed to Christ while at the same time trying to remain partly committed to the world.

do you ever wonder if anyone cares? do you feel like you are alone in the world at times? do you sit back thinking i've lost my mind? do you need someone to tell you they understand? do you need help? do you look at your life and think what am i doing? do you talk to yourself a lot? do you say no a thousand times a day? do you get sick of hearing whining and crying? do you feel shut down emotionally? do you wonder how you are going to make it? do you cry?

PRAYER

Praise God for who he is; exalt and adore him. Give him glory all you people.

Rest in God; find peace and calm in him. Be directed and fixed in your Lord, find rest for your souls.

Anoint your life for God; set it apart as holy unto him. Devote all you have and all you are to him. Dedicate yourself to his service and purpose.

Yearn for God; be filled with desire for him and his will. Long to love the Lord and be in close relationship with him. Then desire these things for those around you.

Examine your life; look critically at yourself to see your condition. Inspect your habits and beliefs, scrutinize your practices and thoughts, investigate your actions and words. Bring all under the Lordship of Jesus.

Renew your commitment to God and allow him to revive you. Begin again, each day with God. Ask him to make you strong. Anticipate and accept a refreshing of your spirit and a refilling of his.

-AH

March is Over!

Can you believe that March is over and April is here tomorrow??? More and more I find myself seeing time flash more quickly! My kids are growing so fast. I'm astounded at how much they change in a short period of time. God, teach me to teach them. Amen.

TEST

I wanted to see how to see Microsoft Office to post blogs.

Creative Cropping

Here's my entry in the i heart faces creative cropping contest! Check out their web site for lots of great ideas on cropping and other photo techniques.

This first one is the original photo.








This photo is the new and improved one. My son loves to say "cheeeeeeeeese"

Messy Face

This is my entry this week (week 8 for the kids category) in the i heart faces photo blog. Check out their web site it's fun and I've already gotten some great ideas for my photos. Thanks!

I took this when my daughter turned 1.

March Madness Indeed!

There is something incredibly humbling in realizing that you sometimes treat God the same way that your children sometimes treat you! I am often reminded that I have ignored God’s instruction and commands the way my children ignore mine. I am faced with the task of training my children to follow God’s instruction and I often fail to do the same in my own life.

How am I to do this?

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 5.1-2 as dearly loved children! Wow! I know that most of us have been told that “we are God’s children” but how many of us actually consider ourselves his children? Furthermore, how many of us consider ourselves as dearly loved?

Dictionary.com defines dear as: beloved or loved; precious in one's regard; cherished; heartfelt; earnest; high-priced; expensive; an affectionate or familiar term of address; fondness; a beloved one! You are precious in God’s regard! Not only that, but he considers you to be high-priced! You are worth a great deal to him. Let that fact sink over you for a moment.

It’s been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery, but I would say it’s the ultimate response we can give to God for his love toward us. He loves us and we should reciprocate by loving others (including our children), in the same manner.

As I think about these things, I am reminded of how God’s forgiveness continues to wash over me and how I must continue to extend that same forgiveness to my children when they just seem to not “get it”. They are learning, as am I, to follow closely the One who “gave himself up for [me] as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

How can I not imitate that love for my own children? Even when I am ready to pull my hair out from the insanity and frustration!

Put your name in the blank and remember it as often as your children disobey:

Be an imitator of God’s love, _____________, because you are a dearly cherished and valued daughter of the king!

101 Ways to Praise...Part 4

16. 5 minuets per day - get a timer and use it to pray for 5 minuets for your family, spouse, kids, work, church, President, Congressmen, etc. This can be a time packed with powerful prayer.

17. 7 x 7 - this one comes from the National day of Prayer Task Force: Set aside time in your day, everyday, to pray for the 7 seats of power and influence in our nation. They are, government, military, media, business, education, church, and family. Visit www.ndptf.org for more information, tips, and scriptures for participating in 7 x 7.

18. Sing - this sounds elementary and even silly, but go with me for a second. When you're praying (for most of us it's silent prayer, right?) do songs or choruses ever come to mind? The next time that happens, sing it out. Allow God's Spirit to lead you in your prayer time, and just see what he brings to your mind.

19. Sing a new Song! - God's word often encourages us to sing to him a new song. After you're tried singing songs that come to mind try allowing God to lead you in a new song of praise to him. Open up your heart to him and just let it out.

101 Ways to Pray & Praise...Part 3

11. Pray with your children. Children are so open spiritually. Teach and guide them into a life of prayer and praise.

12. Silence. Listen for and to God. This can be very difficult but very rewarding. Try to spend an hour or more in silence and contemplation. See how God will bless you.

13. Meet with a prayer partner and share your joys and sorrows. Remember where two or three are gathered the Lord is there!

14. Pray your schedule. Give God your past week, month, quarter and ask for his perspective and comments. Do the same with your coming day and week. Ask him for insight into the things he wants you to do and not to do, accomplish, pray for, and people to meet with. Ask him to permeate your plans.

15. Minister to God. God is seeking worshipers who will worship him in spirit and in truth. In stead of asking for anything give him worship. Praise him for who he is and what he has done for you.

What are you waiting for?

From the One-Minuet Writer

I would like to say that I am waiting on the Lord. Hoping in his salvation and eternal life. There are days when I forget to do this, days when I forget that this physical world I see is not all there is to reality. And I must say that those days are the ones when I am most frustrated with my kids, others, and myself. I would rather spend my time basking in the peace that surpasses all understanding than running in "the rat race". Amen

If you could live for a year at a different time in history, what time would you choose?

From the One-Minuet Writer

Definitely, 1950s! This one's easy for me because I've always loved the fifties: the music, the cars, the saddle shoes and poodle skirts. I love it all. I think it was also a time before things really started to change for the worse in our country. With all of our amenities and affluence I thin we've gotten worse at treating each other with respect and concern. You know the things you see in the old movies. A time when people were courteous to each other for no reason at all just because they respected each other as human beings. I'm not saying things were perfect just better in that regard.

If I Had A Nickle For...

From One-Minuet Writer

If I had a nickle for every toy I pick up I'd be pretty well off.

If I had a nickle for every dish I wash I'd be a millionaire.

If I had a nickle for every time I say "Don't do that." or "Stop doing that." (to my kids) I'd be a billionaire!

Where Do Your Affections Lie?

I once heard worship defined as, “ the object or person on which your affection lies.” Does your affection lie with the Great I AM, the Creator God or is it resting on something or someone else. Over the past couple of years I’ve learned a few ‘litmus’ tests to discover where your affection lies. I’d like to share them with you and I hope that you consider where your affection is placed because Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the LORD your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind, and all your strength.”
(Mk. 12.30)

1. Where and on what do you spend your free time? Do you spend your free time doing things that have kingdom value? Are you using your time wisely or do you simply waste away in front of the tv or computer? This is not to say that television or computer play is bad. Just check yourself in how much of your free is spent doing this or something of spiritual significance.

2. Where and on what do you spend your money? Is it easy for you to give freely? In case I haven’t meddled enough, the things you spend your money on can tell you a lot about your affection. Do you constantly spend money on yourself and those who are closest to you? Do you use funds to share with ‘the least’, ‘the poor’, or those who aren’t in your circle of friends? Do you spend more money accessorizing (home, vehicle, self) then you do on kingdom business?

3. Where are your thoughts concentrated? Do your thoughts center on worrying about “what ifs”? Are you constantly thinking about someone, so that they become an obsession (husband, children, parents, etc.)? What do you day dream about?

Our Father is seeking true, spiritual worshipers (Jn. 4.23 emphasis added). He desires the “valentine” of your heart rather than mere lip service. I’ll leave you with the words of Paul found in Romans 12.1-2:

I urge you, brothers (sisters), in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

101 Ways to Pray & Praise...Part 2

6. I love to sing old hymns. My children and I belt them out when we're doing chores and the like. Hymns are full of wonderful praise!

7. I love to use the ABCs. One thing I'm glad God gave me for each letter. This can also be a great mental exercise, trying to think of different things each time I go through the alphabet.

8. Write a psalm to God and then pray it back to God.

9. Use an address book to keep track of the people and situations you are praying for. Everyday pray through a couple of letters.

10. Pray T.H.U.M.B. I got this one from Pray! mag. it stands for: T is for Tribal people and animists; H for Hindus; U is for the unreached, unreligious, and unconvinced; M for Muslims; and B for Buddhists.

Jitter Bug...

I learned how to Jitter Bug this past weekend! Well, sort of. You see I have decided that this is a dance you don't just learn in one 2 hour session. (But feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong.) I've decided that learning the Jitter Bug is a lot like learning to walk. You practice it over and over and over and over....well you get the picture. And then, after you've gone over the steps and a few of the variations you really still don't have it down. And so you start over. And then, somewhere in the middle you, or your partner, says "Wait! I messed up. Start again." Reminds me of learning to follow Jesus. His steps are not overly difficult, and there are a few different things you need to remember. And you practice time and time again and invariably you get it wrong somewhere! I like Jesus as my teacher though, he keeps going over the steps with me, patiently reminding me that once I get the basic step of letting his power infuse me then the rest will begin to flow naturally. A Lot Like A Dance!

101 Ways to Pray & Praise...Part 1

I decided to record different ways I use or have used to talk to and praise God....This will be an ongoing list, mostly for my own reference!

1. I use a prayer journal. I record prayers for people, situations, material things, even ramblings that come from my heart. I also use it to record lessons that God has taught me. I have enjoyed over the years going back and looking at all the different places God and I have "gone" together.

2. This year, at Thanksgiving, I started a Thank You journal. (It's just some colored paper stapled together with a cover.) I have made a commitment to write at least 1 thing in it each. 1 thing that I am thankful for, 1 thing I may often take for granted, 1 thing that "sings" to my heart from God's.

3. In the past I have used lists to help me remember to pray for people. I keep a list of family members and friends. When I feel like I can't think of anything to pray for I get out my list and the prayer just starts flowing. I also have a list of family and friends whom I know are not saved. I use this one quite often.

4. I have taken many prayer walks. I walk around my church and pray for the ministries and the ministers involved in my church. I walk around a school and pray for the teachers, students, administrators, and parents. Then I pray for the community around that school. I have found that this can be a very enriching time of prayer.

5. I love to use scripture when I pray. One of the best ways that I can communicate with God is by using what he has given me in his word. There is endless material for praise and petition!

Untilted

Such a hollow trend.
Words that are meaningless,
And refusing to bend.
The world, in all of its blindness,
Is headed toward
Nothing but darkness.
Don't listen to their cries,
what they say
It's only lies!
Useless things.
An empty silence
But see what it brings!
Death and despair
A life full of sorrow,
Things you can't bear.
But, the Life and the Way,
The Truth and the Light,
Is with us today!

Patience is a Virtue!

Sometimes I feel as though this is one I will never master! In fact I'm certain of it. I can't seem to make any head way in the matter of being patient with my kids...in fact it seems to be getting worse not better! God help me, I'm drowning in a sea of my own misery. How I want to dwell each day in your peace and not be yelling at the kids and constantly getting frustrated with them. You are so patient with me! Why can't I seem to extend that to my own children?

Poem 1

I meant to post this a few weeks ago, but I still think it's appropriate. I want to remember how Jesus came into this world!

A long time ago, in a distant land
Shepherds saw the work of God’s own hand.
Angels were sent to deliver his word
“Today, God’s Son is born,” they heard.

“A blessing to all, he will save the world.”
The angels filled the sky and sang of the child.
Off the shepherds ran to see this sight,
A babe lying in a manger, wrapped up tight!

Jesus, the Savior, born this day, in a stable
The shepherds were delighted and able,
They fell and worshiped him there
Then out they ran with good news to share.

Why Resolutions Fail...

Have you made resolutions in the past and then by February you’ve already broken said resolution? I know I have! Why are we so drawn to change any way? I believe God ingrained the desire to change, the desire to be better, even the desire to be godlier, deep in our souls. It’s part of what draws us to him, to his miraculous transforming power. So when I am drawn to God he will begin to change me as he desires! And believe me, he does change you! His word says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5.17, emphasis added) So then why do resolutions fail? I can think of a few reasons:

1. After years of attempting to change my own life, I realized that I don’t have that power in and of myself! (No brainer, right.) I have to allow God to transform me a little at a time. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Rom. 7.18)

2. The new does not fit into the old container. This principle is a little harder to see but it is none the less biblical. The godly lifestyle I desire cannot and will not fit into my old sinful lifestyle. I must get rid of all those things God reveals to me that do not fit into his ways. “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” (Luke 5.37-38)

3. Relationship with my Creator is another vital key. God transforms me by renewing my mind through his word and through his Spirit, as I offer him everything I am and everything I hope to be. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12.1-2)

God’s mercies are new everyday not just every year. And he has made the ultimate resolution! He has determined, or resolved, to “make all things new!” (Rev. 21.1-6) He is at this moment making you new, making me new. It’s a process but it’s already done in his sight. Read the context of this passage, Christ is speaking from the throne in the New Jerusalem! He’s completed everything. Now, that’s a resolution I can get behind. Amen.

Resolution Smesolution!

When I think of resolution I think "How good is my screen or my picture quality." Not resolving to do anything or not do anything. In fact I don't think I've ever understood why people make resolutions that they aren't going to keep any way! The whole thing seems kind of silly to me. I suppose resolutions are fine if you're actually going to follow through. But in my experience very few people actually make it to Feb. still holding onto their resolution. Do I sound pessimistic? Alright I know I do! But it's okay with me I've adjusted to life as a realist. That's it.