Caution . . . Work Zone!

Isn't easy to take things for granted? Like being able to walk around without any assistance. Rejoicing in life's simple pleasures . . . having make up on for the first time since surgery; my hair looking great; and being content with the new normal that is just a temporary bump in the road right now in my life.

I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul when he wrote Philippians while in prison. Consider chapter 4 and verse 11 of this incredible epistle.

"Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am."

Has it been easy for me? No, I'm a rather stubborn and very independent person. I like to have things done my way. You may ask, "how is that working for you? Let's get honest, we all can be this way. It's when we have the interruptions in life, the unplanned moments where the rubber meets the road that we see what we're made of or what's in our hearts.

On the other hand, moments like these can be a time of allowing others to minister to you and it's okay to ask for help as well as accept help. Remember we're the body of Christ, not the island of Christ.

I'm listening to the classic book, "Stepping Heavenward." Just recently in this book, the author stated that sometimes it's the quiet moments that can be spiritual and a service to our Master. I know that I don't like this route but I'm choosing to enjoy the scenery and trust the Lord for what He has in mind.

All of us have moments in our lives that were unplanned or interrupted and these moments served to grow us up and into Christ. That's my prayer for myself as well as for each of you.

In conclusion, we are being conformed and transformed to the image of Christ, consider Romans 8:28-30:

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Happily to be a work in progress and confident He has the Master plan!

Introducing LibrioVox

One my favorite new sites to visit, click here. It's LibrioVox, acoustical liberation of books in the public domain. Recently discovered "Stepping Heavenward," by Elizabeth Prentiss (1818-1878). I've actually have a copy of this book. I have read the first two chapters, but have allowed the distractions of life to prevent me from completing it. Now I've downloaded it to my iPod and am listening to it as I'm writing this posting.

Click here for the particulars of "Stepping Heavenward." Enjoy the possibilities! The book is a must-read.

Selah-All of Me

A Powerful Quote by James Denney!

Read this quote by James Denney,

a Scottish theologian (1856-1917),

"No man can at the same time prove

that he is clever and

that Jesus Christ is mighty to save."

The Hand of God

"Praise God for the hammer, the file and the furnace.

The hammer molds us, the file sharpens us,

and the fire tempers us."

Sam Rutherford

Sharing & Comparing

Earlier this summer was reading Job 16:1-5, it was a gentle reminder as to when to give advice to those who are suffering or growing through great difficulties in their lives. Job called his friends, "sorry comforters."

Then Job answered,

"I have heard many such things; Sorry comforters are you all.

"Is there no limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer?

"I too could speak like you, If I were in your place. I could compose words against you And shake my head at you.

"I could strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips could lessen your pain.

Sometime it's tempting when we share similar difficulties to think that our situation is a lot more difficult than the person we're having the conversation with. Personally I find this extremely annoying. Each situation, procedure, or difficulty is unique just as each individual is. There is no way anyone could fully understand what another person goes through. I realize that often times these statements are made because of anxieties that individual has and perhaps this is their only way of working through the trial. Regardless of the rationale they may give, I'm choosing to exercise grace and mercy.

As I ponder what Scripture teaches us, it doesn't teach us to put ourselves or our situations above another individuals. It clearly instructs us to bear one another's burdens. It tells us that in the body of Christ the part that seems more unseemly, we need to give greater honor.

So the next time, you're tempted to share and compare, watch over your heart with all diligence. Please make sure you don't minimize the other person's situation and think only of your situation.

Observations in My Garden

Late Saturday afternoon, I was out in our backyard watering some herbs . . . observed this beautiful butterfly and was blessed to capture it with my camera.

A vivid reminder of God's incredible and majestic creation! May it serve to remind you of the minute care our Heavenly Father has for His creation . . . how much more He cares for you and I.

(original photo by Kathy Lundberg, 08/21/10)

(Please do not copy or reproduce for any form of media. Thanks!)

Our God Is Greater!

Indeed Our God Is Indescribable!

Consider this quote by Corrie Ten Boom,

"Never be afraid to trust

an unknown future

to a known God."

CF Didn't Define Christina & Ali

A Personal Reminder from God to Me

Lessons from a Godly Preacher

Voddie Baucham is one of my favorite preachers. Another preacher that I'm coming to enjoy and listen to is, John Piper. Here's a note from Voddie regarding John Piper's recent announcement of his 'leave of absence." Please click here to read the whole article.

(graphic courtesy: www.heartlight.org)

Extending Grace

Today an issue has come up where my sweet husband encouraged me to extend grace. Oh how hard it is. Yet on the other hand, it's consequences to our spiritual well-being is great affected and we allow roots of bitterness to creep through our life. The picture that comes to my mind is grass growing through the sidewalk or a parking lot. If the construction company does not treat the ground and prepare it for the paving, sometimes the grass continues to grow. Likewise, we must apply God's Word in and through our lives whereby not allowing roots of bitterness to take seed. Please click here to read a wonderful posting at the "Proverbs 31 Ministries."

(graphic courtesy of www.heartlight.org)

Refuge in the LORD!

But let all those

who take refuge

and put their trust

in You rejoice;

let them ever sing

and shout for joy,

because You make

a covering over them

and defend them;

let those also

who love Your name

be joyful in You

and be in high spirits.

- Psalm 5:11 (Amplified)

Anything that dims my vision for Christ,

or takes away my taste for Bible study,

or cramps me in my prayer life,

or makes Christian work difficult,

is wrong for me; and I must, as a Christian turn away from it.

J. Wilbur Chapman

1859-1918

American pastor and evangelist

source: http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biorpchapman.html

Security of Those Who Trust in the LORD, and Insecurity of the Wicked - Psalm 37

1 Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers.

2 For they will wither quickly like the grass And fade like the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.

9 For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.

10 Yet )a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there.

11 But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

12 The wicked plots against the righteous And gnashes at him with his teeth.

13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees his day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To cast down the afflicted and the needy, To slay those who are upright in conduct.

15 Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken.

16 Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken, But the LORD sustains the righteous.

18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, And their inheritance will be forever.

19 They will not be ashamed in the time of evil, And in the days of famine they will have abundance.

20 But the wicked will perish; And the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the pastures, They vanish--like smoke they vanish away.

21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives.

22 For those blessed by Him will inherit the land, But those cursed by Him will be cut off.

23 The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand.

25 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.

26 All day long he is gracious and lends, And his descendants are a blessing.

27 Depart from evil and do good, So you will abide forever.

28 For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.

29 The righteous will inherit the land And dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip.

32 The wicked spies upon the righteous And seeks to kill him.

33 The LORD will not leave him in his hand Or let him be condemned when he is judged.

34 Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked, violent man Spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil.

36 Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more; I sought for him, but he could not be found.

37 Mark the blameless man, and behold the upright; For the man of peace will have a posterity.

38 But transgressors will be altogether destroyed; The posterity of the wicked will be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.

40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him.

Psalm 2 Amplified

1) WHY DO the nations assemble with commotion [uproar and confusion of voices], and why do the people imagine (meditate upon and devise) an empty scheme?

2) The kings of the earth take their places; the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed One (the Messiah, the Christ). They say,

3) Let us break Their bands [of restraint] asunder and cast Their cords [of control] from us.

4) He Who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision [and in supreme contempt He mocks them].

5) He speaks to them in His deep anger and troubles (terrifies and confounds) them in His displeasure and fury, saying,

6) Yet have I anointed (installed and placed) My King [firmly] on My holy hill of Zion.

7) I will declare the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, You are My Son; this day [I declare] I have begotten You.

8) Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth as Your possession.

9) You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like potters' ware.

10) Now therefore, O you kings, act wisely; be instructed and warned, O you rulers of the earth.

11) Serve the Lord with reverent awe and worshipful fear; rejoice and be in high spirits with trembling [lest you displease Him].

12) Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity], lest He be angry and you perish in the way, for soon shall His wrath be kindled. O blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refuge and put their trust in Him!

Perfect Love

Silent Testimonies But Loud Praises To God!

Dug Down Deep Review

A favorite blog of mine is "Worship Matters." Click here to read Bob Kaulfin's more recent entry. Also, if you are looking for well-balanced and biblical perspective to worship, please bookmark this blog.

A Detail Review of the "Be Still DVD"

Rob and I own the DVD, "Be Still." We have previewed it a couple of times. We are alarmed at the false teaching that is entering into the church at a rapid pace. What concerns us is that folks have set up certain popular Christian speakers on such high podiums that when they read their gurus are promoting false teaching, they protest. Perhaps what they are really saying, "my favorite guru cannot be wrong. I love doing their Bible studies and going to their conferences."

Here's the link to a detailed explanation of the "Be Still, DVD Please click here to read Marcia Montenegro's article.

I encourage you to "step away your emotions," and honestly read this article. What these high profile Christian speakers are promoting is absolutely contrary to biblical teaching. These teachings need to be exposed and the folks held accountable for leading many astray.

Inspiration ~ Part 3

Inspiration ~ Part 2

Inspiration ~ Part 1

Answer to Your Decisions

How's Your Love?

Who Are You Trusting In?

(graphic courtesy of: www.extravagantgrace.net)

Making Tea!

Needing A Reminder As To the Greatness of God?

How's Your Temple?

It's so easy to rationalize why we eat the items we do. Or why we don't have time to exercise. I too have been guilty of making excuses in what I put into my mouth as well saying, "oh I don't have time to exercise."

Earlier this week I learned that my cholesterol levels are still high. My doctor suggested that I see the nutritionist again. I will not go on cholesterol medicine. However, as our pastor has been preaching on godly living the thought came to me, "I tell my doctor that I'm a believer and that I will exercise to get my levels down." Yet a year later, they are still up. The Holy Spirit has convicted me of my deceitfulness in how I present myself. So with a renewed commitment in the Lord's strength, I am determined to follow through. I do want my words to be honest and truthful.

It's not that we don't know what do do. We neglect to do the fundamentals across the board, whether spiritually or physically.

We have several Leslie Sansone's DVDs of her "Walk-at-Home," program. So Rob and I are without excuse. Today I resumed exercising. Tonight I will put in one of the DVD so it will be ready for Rob in the morning. This is how we can help our spouses. Does exercising make your more spiritually? No. However, it will allow you to have the energy you need to listen and serve the Lord. When our minds and bodies, we have clearer thinking, thereby honoring our Lord with the temple He indwells.

Click on here to see Leslie Sansone's website.

(graphic courtesy: www.heartlight.org)

Praying Daily for Your Children

A wonderful resource to use as you pray daily for your children. Click on here to view the PDF.

Then take the time to print it out. Some suggestions would be to print it out on beautiful paper and put the prayer calendars in frames located in prominent places throughout your home. It may be near a comfy chair where you have your time with the Lord. Sometimes in our busy schedules, we need visual prayer prompters to gently remind what huge blessing and opportunity we have to intercede on behalf of our children. Or you can use it as an example and make up your own calendar that suits you and your family. Truly it doesn't matter the motif. What does matter is that we have a plan to pray for our children and we PRAY!

(graphic courtesy: www.heartlight.org)

Lessons Learned From Laundry

You [are like] unfaithful wives

[having illicit love affairs with the world

and breaking your marriage vow to God]!

Do you not know that being the world's friend

is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses

to be a friend of the world

takes his stand as an enemy of God.

James 4:4 (Amplified Bible)

Last night when it was time for me to empty out my washer, I discovered hundreds of wet pieces of paper fuzz all over and in my laundry. I immediately knew what I had done; I had left paper napkins in the pockets of my slacks. Our laundry room is off our living room and outside. It was way too cold to stand on my back porch and shake out each item. Therefore, I had no other option but to bring the basket into our living room and shake the wet paper fuzz off each piece one by one. At the conclusion of this fun exercise, there was huge pile on the carpet. I rejoice that we have an excellent vacuum cleaner.

The thought occurred to me this is how sin is. We get careless and think what we do, say or participate in has no bearing in our Christian walk. It does. What we think is an innocent activity can become a lifestyle or a habit. Thereby attaching itself to our lives and giving the appearance of that we are living like a non-Christian. That is what I immediately thought of when I saw all the paper fuzz over all my laundry and yes, inside my washing machine.

I'm indeed grateful for the mercy, grace and forgiveness God grants us. I want my life to count for Christ. The statement that our pastor said yesterday, "What I believe about God will determine how I live and behave."

Today as I did several loads of laundry, I made sure the pockets were emptied. I can share it's been a "paper fuzz free day." Also, it's been a day whereby the activities I did throughout the day honored Christ.

I conclude with this wonderful verse from 1 Peter 2:12, "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation."

A work in progress!

Sola Gloria Deo . . . to God alone give glory!

Philippians 3:7-15

What Is Your Faith?

"If what you call your 'faith' in Christ

does not involve taking the slightest notice

of what He says, then it is not Faith at all

---nor faith or trust in Him,

but only intellectual acceptance

of some theory about Him." ---

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Bob Kauflin's Perspective on Worship

A Worship Leader's Reflections

Recently I came across several videos on YouTube where Bob Kauflin was being interviewed on the subject of worship. Early this evening, I clicked on to his blog, "Worship Matters." Immediately, I felt a deep connection with him and so appreciate his biblical perspective to worship.

The entry that caught my attention in particular was entitled, "Reflections on Turning 55." Perhaps because in two years, that will be my age. Aging is something none of us can prevent unless God calls us home and then it becomes such a minute issue.'

Here's a small part of it to wet your appetite.

"Yesterday's entry to his blog,

"Worship Matters,"
07 Jan, 2010
Reflections on Turning 55
Posted by: Bob Kauflin

55.

A speed limit. Five years past half a century. LV. Double nickels.

And today, my age. I finally qualify for the 10% senior discount at Jiffy Lube.

I remember when 55 seemed really old. Right now it feels like the prime of

life. What does a 55 year old worship leader think about? Here's a sample . . .

Click here to read his entry in its entirety. I promised you will be most blessed.

An Incredible Song by Bob Kauflin

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

I've always wanted to read, "Mere Christianity," by C.S. Lewis. It is considered a classic book in Apologetics. Recently I discovered the 35 part reading of this profound book on YouTube. Here is part 1. There are 35 parts altogether. I challenge each of you to listen to this one as well as the other 34 parts. On my Facebook wall, I am posting a reading each day. So by the end of January, one will have listened to the whole book being read.

A Greater Yes

Here's a movie that honestly deals with how God chooses to answer prayer. I highly recommend this video.

Prayer for the Courageous Movie