This is a link to an incredible song - straight from the Word. Close your eyes and be ministered to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzmP7IZgaUM# (use this to copy/paste)
Lindsey Kane - "Measure of Beauty"
Weighty Matters
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Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Bringing a Receipt...
Working in retail, you really get to know that return policies can either make or break the customer experience. Most places won’t even talk to you without a receipt, that little piece of paper you stuffed in your pocket as you walked to the car. Well, here you are, standing at the return desk with that item you just couldn’t use or one that just won’t fit…what you need is the receipt. That little slip of paper you probably left in your jeans and washed this morning. Of course, that little piece of paper is now the most important item of the hour. It doesn’t matter that you brought receipts from lunch or from last week, or that you are really nice to the employees there…nothing else will work – you need that receipt! It’s comedic really; you knew when you got it, that it probably would be important sometime in the future. Yet, here you are standing in front of the return desk and you don’t have the one thing you need. You have to leave.
Wow, I’m sure as silly as that sounds, many can relate to that situation. I laugh at that one, but am saddened by another. What about when you think about that little prayer we said? When we asked Jesus into our lives as Savior and King, believing we are here to serve Him alone…what about that?
It’s so simple really to be a Christian, “if you believe with your heart and confess with you mouth that Jesus Christ is King, you will be saved.” (Rom 10:9) So you go on to live a “good” life and love people and all of that…
What next? Are you going to be OK standing behind a friend in line at Heaven’s gate, to see her turned away because she didn’t bring her receipt? How passionate are we about this charge to “go out and make disciples of all nations?”
This has to be a daily commitment and reminder to myself. “I’m not that bold!,” I say to the Lord. Then the Lord says to me, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Ex 4:11) What convicting words! I can only imagine what Moses was thinking, about to talk to Pharaoh. Here I am, worried about talking to my beautiful friends who look like they’ve got it all together or to my dad, who is very much against anything “religious”. It’s remarkable to think that regardless of what we’re involved in or how intense the moments are when we talk about Christ – he gives us this promise:
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb 4:15-16)
Oh Lord, I desire to seek your heart and know you more. Father, I pray for opportunities to daily share your word and speak your truths. Please open the hearts of people around me who don’t know you yet Father. Let your words of hope and salvation bring people to their knees to worship you. Father I pray for my father, he doesn’t know you and his heart is cold to you. Please allow your seeds to be planted in his life and in his heart. I so desperately want him to know you Jesus!
Wow, I’m sure as silly as that sounds, many can relate to that situation. I laugh at that one, but am saddened by another. What about when you think about that little prayer we said? When we asked Jesus into our lives as Savior and King, believing we are here to serve Him alone…what about that?
It’s so simple really to be a Christian, “if you believe with your heart and confess with you mouth that Jesus Christ is King, you will be saved.” (Rom 10:9) So you go on to live a “good” life and love people and all of that…
What next? Are you going to be OK standing behind a friend in line at Heaven’s gate, to see her turned away because she didn’t bring her receipt? How passionate are we about this charge to “go out and make disciples of all nations?”
This has to be a daily commitment and reminder to myself. “I’m not that bold!,” I say to the Lord. Then the Lord says to me, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Ex 4:11) What convicting words! I can only imagine what Moses was thinking, about to talk to Pharaoh. Here I am, worried about talking to my beautiful friends who look like they’ve got it all together or to my dad, who is very much against anything “religious”. It’s remarkable to think that regardless of what we’re involved in or how intense the moments are when we talk about Christ – he gives us this promise:
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb 4:15-16)
Oh Lord, I desire to seek your heart and know you more. Father, I pray for opportunities to daily share your word and speak your truths. Please open the hearts of people around me who don’t know you yet Father. Let your words of hope and salvation bring people to their knees to worship you. Father I pray for my father, he doesn’t know you and his heart is cold to you. Please allow your seeds to be planted in his life and in his heart. I so desperately want him to know you Jesus!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Finding Freedom
"The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating – in work, in
play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal
critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around
like rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the
barrier to you life. “-- Anne Morris, found on my Starbucks cup
I wondered at this quote for some time. Although it struck me, I just didn’t get it. How could tying yourself to something or someone actually result in freedom? In life I’ve fought the “status quo” – seeking instead my own path or way of doing things. In marriage I’ve struggled with seeing my husband as an opponent rather than a teammate. I know the Lord has purpose for this strong, independent woman he’s created – it’s all about finding the freedom in Him.
Paul writes in Ephesians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free...” (Eph 5:1) Wow, so here He’s promising us freedom in Him. I don’t have to fight battles alone – even the internal ones! “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:29) It really is that easy; I can just say “Ok Lord, this battle is yours.” You’ve created me as this strong, independent woman for a purpose. It is possible for you to work in me!
Paul writes that “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Cor. 6:11) What honest and humbling words! I am so unworthy, yet have been made worthy through his death on the cross. I am free.
He goes on to write in Galatians 5, “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” And with that I continue to go forward. It’s the Lord’s charge to us, to daily take on his yoke and his word, to be made free in him.
play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal
critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around
like rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the
barrier to you life. “-- Anne Morris, found on my Starbucks cup
I wondered at this quote for some time. Although it struck me, I just didn’t get it. How could tying yourself to something or someone actually result in freedom? In life I’ve fought the “status quo” – seeking instead my own path or way of doing things. In marriage I’ve struggled with seeing my husband as an opponent rather than a teammate. I know the Lord has purpose for this strong, independent woman he’s created – it’s all about finding the freedom in Him.
Paul writes in Ephesians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free...” (Eph 5:1) Wow, so here He’s promising us freedom in Him. I don’t have to fight battles alone – even the internal ones! “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:29) It really is that easy; I can just say “Ok Lord, this battle is yours.” You’ve created me as this strong, independent woman for a purpose. It is possible for you to work in me!
Paul writes that “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Cor. 6:11) What honest and humbling words! I am so unworthy, yet have been made worthy through his death on the cross. I am free.
He goes on to write in Galatians 5, “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” And with that I continue to go forward. It’s the Lord’s charge to us, to daily take on his yoke and his word, to be made free in him.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Name Your MOST Embarrassing Moment
Okay girls--I double dog dare you to tell us about your most embarrassing moment. For me, there are numerous ones and I'm guessing that's the case for you too. At least, I hope so!
Here's one: One Saturday, I had to rush out and do some errands and most of my pants were in the wash, so I grabbed a pair of old capris I hadn't worn in a couple of years--which turned out to be a bad idea.
I rushed out the house and noticed that people were treating me weird everywhere I went. The way they were gawking at me was so rude--it infuriated me. Finally, I scrapped the rest of my errands and returned home. I couldn't wait to tell my husband all about it, but as soon as I started talking, even he started staring! Even in my own home!
Just as I was about the read him his rights, he pointed to my pants and asked me if I felt a draft. When I looked down I gasped. The inseam of the pants had completely ripped apart, revealing part of my underwear! AGH! I wanted to scream! I had walked around all day with the inseam of my pants ripped open. No wonder people were looking at me. I would have done the same if I'd seen some strange woman walking around with a big gaping rip in the inseam of her pants.
I still blush when I think about it--and believe me, I try NOT to think about it much.
NOW, let's hear your stories! I CAN'T WAIT!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Babes Q & A
Dear Babes,
We're starting something new--a question of the week! Click on the comment bar below to leave an answer.
Here's the question:
When you were a little girl, what did you dream of being when you grew up?
Again, leave your answer by clicking on the comments bar below:)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Through the Fire
As I was packing away ornaments last week, I came across one my oldest son had given me when he was a pre-schooler, almost 20 years ago. Other than having an incredibly adorable picture of him, it was the same kind of ornament many other mothers have and treasure, I'm sure. The amazing thing about this ornament however, is that it survived an attic fire that destroyed all my other Christmas decorations and other precious keepsakes. The ornament is priceless because it's of my son, and especially because of what it has survived. I'm sure it doesn't look the way it did when my 4-year-old son proudly presented it to me. It has aged, and although not burned, its original clear red color has been darkened by smoke.
This year I had to force myself to get out Christmas decorations. After yet another move, I felt "boxed out." As an almost empty-nester, I also wasn't looking forward to the wave of emotions Christmas memories bring. Still raw and unsettled, I forced myself to "unpack" more stuff, although on a much smaller scale than previous Christmases. Although the children are grown and I face a new journey, the smoked ornament reminded me of what God has brought me through. It also served as a touching reminder of how God treasures one who has come through the fire.
This year I had to force myself to get out Christmas decorations. After yet another move, I felt "boxed out." As an almost empty-nester, I also wasn't looking forward to the wave of emotions Christmas memories bring. Still raw and unsettled, I forced myself to "unpack" more stuff, although on a much smaller scale than previous Christmases. Although the children are grown and I face a new journey, the smoked ornament reminded me of what God has brought me through. It also served as a touching reminder of how God treasures one who has come through the fire.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sunday, December 21, 2008
It's Delightful, It's Delicious, It's DeLorean!
Above--Walt and Margaret Paul, hot-rodders! Below--Dannelle Woody and Linda Kozar posed in Jim and Susan Hersch's DeLorean, a "Back To The Future" type car, to announce they will be teaching "Back To OUR Future--a Study on the Book of Revelation." The study begins on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009, from 9:30-11:30 am at Linda's Home. Please email zarcom1@aol.com for further info.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Slain in the Spirit testimony
(written 12/11) I wanted to share what happened at last night’s prayer service (12/10). We got there 10 minutes late. I had Sam with me (he's 9) which was not easy. I walked in and immediately felt the presence of the Lord. I had to take Sam because my teen boys went to their small groups, and David's in Ohio with his dad who is quite ill. Sam was whining and moaning about the loud music during the first half of the service. I almost gave in and left, but I put a condition that if we left, he would give up computer play the rest of the week. I wanted to see if it's him whining or the enemy through him. Huh, somehow he was able to stay *wink* , and Praise God that I did. I later found out Dana Spinler had prayed for him to hang on and make it through the service.
When they prayed for healing for either you or standing in for someone, Sam and I went up and prayed for David's dad, against the spirit of depression. I immediately started bawling when the prayer started, and it moved into huge sobs, which turned into convulsing. I was slain in the spirit, bigger than I had ever experienced. I remember two people laying hands on me - Emily Graham was one, but I didn’t know the other person. It felt like pitch-blackness was releasing from me. I could not control my sobbing or convulsing. I remember repenting and giving it over to Jesus. Most of it was just complete darkness, but I do remember a pair of hands taking it away. When the prayer was over, I was so unsteady on my feet that I had to be helped back to the front row of seats.
Poor Sam was crying for me. I didn't mean to scare him. He just went up with me in faith for his Papa. It took us the entire next prayer to calm down.
I got a call at 3am last night from the nursing home looking for my husband. He's at his dad's house in Ohio. My FIL was put back into the hospital and near death this morning from a kidney infection. I'm ok if it's his appointed time, but I didn't want him to go due to depression. I was still holding out hope that he would recover because at the time of praying yesterday, the depression was his only issue. David later called to say that the doctor will try to get rid of the infection today. He cannot go to dialysis because of a breathing assistance machine he's on (not a ventilator). He also has aspiration pneumonia most likely caused by the infection. If he can pull through this infection, then he will go to dialysis tomorrow....if not, it's just a matter of time before his organs start shutting down.
For me, I have definitely seen healing for myself today. The Lord has spoken to me today that the healing was in fact for me. I didn’t sleep the entire night with the 3am phone call, yet, I’ve had more energy than I can remember in a long time. I have a low thyroid condition and a leaky gut condition that has hindered me with energy. I recently went through cleansing streams and at the retreat last month, I had a divine appointment at lunch with an intercessor who had the same thyroid/gut issues. She said she thought the Lord would heal me and prayed over me. I would be thrilled if this is part of that healing~!
The other thing I wanted to mention is that the Lord spoke to me about writing out my testimony of healing through cleansing streams on the boards during Sunday’s service and that He honored that.
Going through cleansing streams was fabulous, but I have seen continued healing in the past weeks and now this huge release of darkness. God is so good~!
Kate Young
(12/14) God healed my father-in-law, but it was not in the manner in which I thought it would be. George went home to be with Jesus on Saturday morning at 6:26am. We have the assurance that George had put his faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ, and will spend eternity with God. (John 11:25-26) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." We will miss him until we are reunited with him in eternity with God too. Thank you Jesus for giving EVERYONE the free gift of grace and entrance into heaven through your saving blood on the cross. All we have to do is ask for it and we receive it. Thank you for dying for each and every person ever born into this world that we might be called child of God. You are our wonderful redeemer~!
When they prayed for healing for either you or standing in for someone, Sam and I went up and prayed for David's dad, against the spirit of depression. I immediately started bawling when the prayer started, and it moved into huge sobs, which turned into convulsing. I was slain in the spirit, bigger than I had ever experienced. I remember two people laying hands on me - Emily Graham was one, but I didn’t know the other person. It felt like pitch-blackness was releasing from me. I could not control my sobbing or convulsing. I remember repenting and giving it over to Jesus. Most of it was just complete darkness, but I do remember a pair of hands taking it away. When the prayer was over, I was so unsteady on my feet that I had to be helped back to the front row of seats.
Poor Sam was crying for me. I didn't mean to scare him. He just went up with me in faith for his Papa. It took us the entire next prayer to calm down.
I got a call at 3am last night from the nursing home looking for my husband. He's at his dad's house in Ohio. My FIL was put back into the hospital and near death this morning from a kidney infection. I'm ok if it's his appointed time, but I didn't want him to go due to depression. I was still holding out hope that he would recover because at the time of praying yesterday, the depression was his only issue. David later called to say that the doctor will try to get rid of the infection today. He cannot go to dialysis because of a breathing assistance machine he's on (not a ventilator). He also has aspiration pneumonia most likely caused by the infection. If he can pull through this infection, then he will go to dialysis tomorrow....if not, it's just a matter of time before his organs start shutting down.
For me, I have definitely seen healing for myself today. The Lord has spoken to me today that the healing was in fact for me. I didn’t sleep the entire night with the 3am phone call, yet, I’ve had more energy than I can remember in a long time. I have a low thyroid condition and a leaky gut condition that has hindered me with energy. I recently went through cleansing streams and at the retreat last month, I had a divine appointment at lunch with an intercessor who had the same thyroid/gut issues. She said she thought the Lord would heal me and prayed over me. I would be thrilled if this is part of that healing~!
The other thing I wanted to mention is that the Lord spoke to me about writing out my testimony of healing through cleansing streams on the boards during Sunday’s service and that He honored that.
Going through cleansing streams was fabulous, but I have seen continued healing in the past weeks and now this huge release of darkness. God is so good~!
Kate Young
(12/14) God healed my father-in-law, but it was not in the manner in which I thought it would be. George went home to be with Jesus on Saturday morning at 6:26am. We have the assurance that George had put his faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ, and will spend eternity with God. (John 11:25-26) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." We will miss him until we are reunited with him in eternity with God too. Thank you Jesus for giving EVERYONE the free gift of grace and entrance into heaven through your saving blood on the cross. All we have to do is ask for it and we receive it. Thank you for dying for each and every person ever born into this world that we might be called child of God. You are our wonderful redeemer~!
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