On Sunday, I told God I was tired and I was very sorry to act like an Israelite again... but I really needed to see His hand in my life, to see His assurances again. I didn't ask for anything specific, just for God to show Himself. Yesterday (Monday) a grocery gift card arrived in the mail. God, apparently, had already set the wheels in motions to answer my humble prayer before I even prayed it.
I get frustrated and impatient. I'm exceedingly human in my responses to life and frustrations. God just keeps whispering to me, "I am your provider, I'm Jehovah Jireh."
"Jehovah-jireh," the Lord will see to it, the Lord will provide.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thankful Thinking
It is Thanksgiving this week, and we have so much to be thankful for, don't we? Yes, our economy is getting a little scary, and the war that will not end continues, and violence and difficulties are all over the world...
Yet, we can have confidence in the ONE and only Father of the Universe. He is in control of our world and our circumstances. This week, Laine's Letter encouraged mothers to be Thankful Thinkers. She shared how her mother lived her life in this way, even during days of homelessness, when her family lived in a Volkswagon van for months and months. Being thankful in those circumstances would require supernatural strength and fortitude. I would guess that it would only be possible in a woman who was intimately acquainted with God... and woman who sat and drank from His Word on a regular basis. I pray that I can be that kind of woman.
This has been one of the hardest years I've faced, especially the last six months or so. But, can I still be thankful? You betcha. Here is my "Thankful Thirteen":
1) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15)
2) God's love and faithfulness in each and every circumstance of my life.
3) My Family... they are the very best in the world.
4) Our granddaughter. I am in awe of her beauty and of the love we immediately feel for this little one. We are thankful to have her with us this Thanksgiving!
5) Our military. I am thankful for the service men and women who work to protect our freedoms and make unimaginable sacrifices each and every day.
6) Our military families. Thank you for your sacrifices, past, present and future. I do not know how mothers and wives of soldiers do it. You are my heroes.
7) Food to eat. We received a generous gift that will give us a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner here at home, and more.
8) A Christmas tree in storage that we will pull out this weekend, stand in a corner, and then walk down memory lane as we hang each ornament and reminisce. I have ornaments from my grandparent's trees, ornaments that have been gifts to me from friends and family, some my children made.... it is a pleasant annual ritual.
9) A caring church family. So many of you have helped us through the last year and a half. You have given supportive words, gifts, love, encouragement, etc., etc. What would we do without our brothers and sisters in Christ?
10) The Word of God. I drink thirstily from it daily. How different life would be without it's reassurances and hope.
11) A roof over my head. Our home has some problems, but it is warm and dry and I am thankful for that!
12) Clothes to wear.... I'm amazed that God provides in this area so faithfully. Even when we haven't had money to buy clothes, He helps me find a way.
13) Generous grandparents, who have helped our kids not feel the brunt of the job loss as greatly as they might have... they have provided them with things that they need, assistance for youth trips, school expenses, etc.
Today I pray this beautiful prayer over each of you who have been so supportive, loving and caring towards us. God bless you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Yet, we can have confidence in the ONE and only Father of the Universe. He is in control of our world and our circumstances. This week, Laine's Letter encouraged mothers to be Thankful Thinkers. She shared how her mother lived her life in this way, even during days of homelessness, when her family lived in a Volkswagon van for months and months. Being thankful in those circumstances would require supernatural strength and fortitude. I would guess that it would only be possible in a woman who was intimately acquainted with God... and woman who sat and drank from His Word on a regular basis. I pray that I can be that kind of woman.
This has been one of the hardest years I've faced, especially the last six months or so. But, can I still be thankful? You betcha. Here is my "Thankful Thirteen":
1) Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15)
2) God's love and faithfulness in each and every circumstance of my life.
3) My Family... they are the very best in the world.
4) Our granddaughter. I am in awe of her beauty and of the love we immediately feel for this little one. We are thankful to have her with us this Thanksgiving!
5) Our military. I am thankful for the service men and women who work to protect our freedoms and make unimaginable sacrifices each and every day.
6) Our military families. Thank you for your sacrifices, past, present and future. I do not know how mothers and wives of soldiers do it. You are my heroes.
7) Food to eat. We received a generous gift that will give us a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner here at home, and more.
8) A Christmas tree in storage that we will pull out this weekend, stand in a corner, and then walk down memory lane as we hang each ornament and reminisce. I have ornaments from my grandparent's trees, ornaments that have been gifts to me from friends and family, some my children made.... it is a pleasant annual ritual.
9) A caring church family. So many of you have helped us through the last year and a half. You have given supportive words, gifts, love, encouragement, etc., etc. What would we do without our brothers and sisters in Christ?
10) The Word of God. I drink thirstily from it daily. How different life would be without it's reassurances and hope.
11) A roof over my head. Our home has some problems, but it is warm and dry and I am thankful for that!
12) Clothes to wear.... I'm amazed that God provides in this area so faithfully. Even when we haven't had money to buy clothes, He helps me find a way.
13) Generous grandparents, who have helped our kids not feel the brunt of the job loss as greatly as they might have... they have provided them with things that they need, assistance for youth trips, school expenses, etc.
Today I pray this beautiful prayer over each of you who have been so supportive, loving and caring towards us. God bless you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
.....And this is my prayer:
that your love may abound more and more in knowledge
and depth of insight,
so that you may be able to discern what is best
and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ—
to the glory and praise of God.
Phil. 1:3-11
Amen and Amen
***
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
.....And this is my prayer:
that your love may abound more and more in knowledge
and depth of insight,
so that you may be able to discern what is best
and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ—
to the glory and praise of God.
Phil. 1:3-11
Amen and Amen
***
Monday, November 12, 2007
Be Strong and Courageous!
Our pastor preached on Hezekiah yesterday. In 2 Chronicles, it tells of the time when Hezekiah learned that the king of Assyria was coming with his army to attack. The kids and I recently studied the Assyrians and the textbook we have called them some of the first "terrorists" in history... they were very brutal and very feared. I can only imagine how Hezekiah and those around him must've felt when they heard this news. But, Hezekiah was strong in his faith and he encouraged his people to be strong:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said." (2 Chron. 32:7-8)
Pastor shared this list that he called "The Positive Value of Trials and Tests":
Trials and Tests:
1) Keep us dependent on God -- 2 Chron. 32:7-8
2) Reveal the true nature of our spirit
3) Purifiies us
4) Strengthen us ("Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish." Is. 38:17)
5) Glorify God
6) Encourage others.
I can say amen and amen on all accounts. We never learn full dependence on God until life's crutches are swept away and we find ourselves either sprawled on the ground or throwing our whole self on God's mercy and allowing Him to hold us up. In addition, we won't know the true nature of our faith until it is tested-- This is when we make a mental choice to be "strong and courageous" -- a decision we an only make because we know on Whom we lean!
Pastor's third point is that trials purify us... When a refiner is working to purify silver, he will put the silver over a fire. The silver melts and eventually the dross (the impurities) will begin to float to the top. This allows the refiner to skim those out and the silver become more pure. It is a perfect picture of trials.... they may at times bring out the worst in us. But, then the ugliness we hide inside of us comes to the surface and God will help us remove it from our lives. This is where the rubber meets the road.
I don't know if Pastor purposely put the above points in the order he did, but I almost see it as steps to success... first we have to be fully dependent on God... if we are able to do that, then our faith is proved strong. Then, we find ourselves being purified through the trial... and finally, we find ourselves and our faith strengthened by our experience! As we work our way through the trial, we can use the experience to bring glory to God and to encourage others. I've found this to be true in my life. Because of what we've experienced, I've had numerous opportunities to encourage and minister to other women whose husbands have also lost their jobs, or who have dealt with other difficult losses.
Nothing is wasted in God's economy. If you are experiencing a trial, then know that God has allowed it for a reason and will help you through it and eventually use it in your life for some good purpose. He is there and waiting for you to lean on Him, but He doesn't force Himself on us. He waits for us to choose. Putting your trust in Him throughout a difficult or long trial, sometimes only happens through sheer willpower. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking trust and faith will bubble out of us automatically when we need it, but rather it can be a battle to get there. I hope my blog never gives anyone the idea that I don't have down times. I literally have to fight to keep doubt and uncertainties at bay and some days it is more difficult than others. It IS a spiritual battle "against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil" and just like the scripture says we must, "put on the full armor of God so that we can stand our ground." (Eph. 6:10-18)
Most of all, remember that God is trustworthy and faithful, even when we are not. He is always there and waiting to take our full weight upon Him at any given moment. There is never a pit so deep that He can not rescue us. His arm is never too short. Put your trust in Him, even if is only by sheer willpower. He will not fail you.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said." (2 Chron. 32:7-8)
Pastor shared this list that he called "The Positive Value of Trials and Tests":
Trials and Tests:
1) Keep us dependent on God -- 2 Chron. 32:7-8
2) Reveal the true nature of our spirit
3) Purifiies us
4) Strengthen us ("Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish." Is. 38:17)
5) Glorify God
6) Encourage others.
I can say amen and amen on all accounts. We never learn full dependence on God until life's crutches are swept away and we find ourselves either sprawled on the ground or throwing our whole self on God's mercy and allowing Him to hold us up. In addition, we won't know the true nature of our faith until it is tested-- This is when we make a mental choice to be "strong and courageous" -- a decision we an only make because we know on Whom we lean!
Pastor's third point is that trials purify us... When a refiner is working to purify silver, he will put the silver over a fire. The silver melts and eventually the dross (the impurities) will begin to float to the top. This allows the refiner to skim those out and the silver become more pure. It is a perfect picture of trials.... they may at times bring out the worst in us. But, then the ugliness we hide inside of us comes to the surface and God will help us remove it from our lives. This is where the rubber meets the road.
I don't know if Pastor purposely put the above points in the order he did, but I almost see it as steps to success... first we have to be fully dependent on God... if we are able to do that, then our faith is proved strong. Then, we find ourselves being purified through the trial... and finally, we find ourselves and our faith strengthened by our experience! As we work our way through the trial, we can use the experience to bring glory to God and to encourage others. I've found this to be true in my life. Because of what we've experienced, I've had numerous opportunities to encourage and minister to other women whose husbands have also lost their jobs, or who have dealt with other difficult losses.
Nothing is wasted in God's economy. If you are experiencing a trial, then know that God has allowed it for a reason and will help you through it and eventually use it in your life for some good purpose. He is there and waiting for you to lean on Him, but He doesn't force Himself on us. He waits for us to choose. Putting your trust in Him throughout a difficult or long trial, sometimes only happens through sheer willpower. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking trust and faith will bubble out of us automatically when we need it, but rather it can be a battle to get there. I hope my blog never gives anyone the idea that I don't have down times. I literally have to fight to keep doubt and uncertainties at bay and some days it is more difficult than others. It IS a spiritual battle "against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil" and just like the scripture says we must, "put on the full armor of God so that we can stand our ground." (Eph. 6:10-18)
Most of all, remember that God is trustworthy and faithful, even when we are not. He is always there and waiting to take our full weight upon Him at any given moment. There is never a pit so deep that He can not rescue us. His arm is never too short. Put your trust in Him, even if is only by sheer willpower. He will not fail you.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
With Thanksgiving....
I'm happy to report that Mark had two inspections this week. Thank you for your prayers! It is odd how they have come... seems like always in bunches of 2 or 3 and then nothing for weeks and weeks. We really need consistency in the work, so please continue to pray. I'd love to see this turned around through the power of prayer!
I always feel leery about sharing too many details about our financial situation.... and yet we want to everyone to know how God continues to provide, so that He receives the glory. Can I just say that God showed us again that He is keeping our flour and oil from becoming empty? We needed some money for living expenses and found a way to do that, and then God replaced that money very quickly. Praise God! We also received an anonymous gift in the mail, which will go to groceries. Thank you. God is so faithful.
I always feel leery about sharing too many details about our financial situation.... and yet we want to everyone to know how God continues to provide, so that He receives the glory. Can I just say that God showed us again that He is keeping our flour and oil from becoming empty? We needed some money for living expenses and found a way to do that, and then God replaced that money very quickly. Praise God! We also received an anonymous gift in the mail, which will go to groceries. Thank you. God is so faithful.
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
.....
Thursday, November 01, 2007
God Blesses
Unfortunately, no work recently. The dry periods are pretty discouraging to be quite honest. I've been praying for God to make the work more consistent. Please pray with me about that. When the housing market recovers, things should get easier because Mark does get enthusiastic responses from folks he has worked with. We need wisdom to make good decisions in the interim.
On occasion, we still have blessings pop up when we need them most. Whenever possible, I buy groceries when God has provided cash to do so. It is extraordinary at times, how it comes into my hand. Recently, a friend again won a drawing at work and got a grocery store gift card. She passed it on to me and it was such a tremendous blessing as I planned and prepared to squeeze the biggest benefit out of that card! Another friend gave us a sack of groceries with cheeses and vegetables and nutrtious home ground flour. Since we use a lot of Panera's bread from our bread ministry (great w/ the cheeses) and because we have a vegetarian in the family, it couldn't be more perfect for our needs. Other times, help might come from book sales or extra work or selling school things we aren't using anymore. God is very creative in His provision.
I love to find ways to spend only $40-50 a week at the grocery store. Sometimes I'm not able to do it, especially weeks I have to buy meat, but it is always my goal. Some people have asked how I do it and maybe some day I'll start a web site just for that. But, it is definitely a challenge and I'm always learning more.
The bread ministry is good. We've been able to help many people who have serious financial difficulties. Most recently, our son became aware of someone who has absolutely no food, but works during our bread distribution time We're working out a way to make sure he gets bread each week. We only have maybe 6-8 families pick up bread at the church, but between deliveries and people who come by my house to get bread, we're probably ministering to more than a dozen families who need assistance.
Our second son's band has released their first CD. It is great! I can tell you how to buy one or listen to samples of the music if you contact me.
God bless you!!
On occasion, we still have blessings pop up when we need them most. Whenever possible, I buy groceries when God has provided cash to do so. It is extraordinary at times, how it comes into my hand. Recently, a friend again won a drawing at work and got a grocery store gift card. She passed it on to me and it was such a tremendous blessing as I planned and prepared to squeeze the biggest benefit out of that card! Another friend gave us a sack of groceries with cheeses and vegetables and nutrtious home ground flour. Since we use a lot of Panera's bread from our bread ministry (great w/ the cheeses) and because we have a vegetarian in the family, it couldn't be more perfect for our needs. Other times, help might come from book sales or extra work or selling school things we aren't using anymore. God is very creative in His provision.
I love to find ways to spend only $40-50 a week at the grocery store. Sometimes I'm not able to do it, especially weeks I have to buy meat, but it is always my goal. Some people have asked how I do it and maybe some day I'll start a web site just for that. But, it is definitely a challenge and I'm always learning more.
The bread ministry is good. We've been able to help many people who have serious financial difficulties. Most recently, our son became aware of someone who has absolutely no food, but works during our bread distribution time We're working out a way to make sure he gets bread each week. We only have maybe 6-8 families pick up bread at the church, but between deliveries and people who come by my house to get bread, we're probably ministering to more than a dozen families who need assistance.
Our second son's band has released their first CD. It is great! I can tell you how to buy one or listen to samples of the music if you contact me.
God bless you!!
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