Wow! A Year has passed....

A year has passed since I wrote for this blog. What grand plans I can scheme! HA!

But, I serve a God of second, third, and millionth chances, so a new attempt at a blog is ok, right?

I've just completed the most exhausting, yet rewarding, week of my life. And the most amazing thing about the week was how God so intimately dealt with me. He encouraged, comforted, and rebuked me with His Word.

It's a sad part of my remaining flesh that when I get tired, I stop fighting my flesh. Oh boy, that can be an ugly thing. But God...never stops calling me to repent, to walk worthy, and be grateful not grumpy.

Today, at this point in my life, I am literally begging the Lord to let me 'retire' to my home. I so long to clean, cook, garden, read, serve my neighbors, disciple young ladies! But, for reasons known only to Him, He has placed me in a very stressful position at work. It causes me to beseech Him, call on Him, and fight for contentment.

This blog is not intended for any audience in particular. Maybe it will be therapeutic!

Preparing the Soils

The great southern snow storm of 2011 has given me a little extra time this morning to make a couple of soil preparations.

First, the soil of my heart:

My Bible reading plan has me on Mark chapter 9, and this simple response from Jesus struck a chord.

Mark 9:29, "He replied, 'This kind can come out only by prayer'."
In context, the disciples were questioning why that had been unable to command a demon out of the boy- Jesus had to step in. In principle, what sin am I struggling with, what trial is threatening to overwhelm me, or what relationship is causing me to despair, that might only require prayer.

If you're like me I'd much rather be actively doing something or even trying to ignore it til it goes away. ANYTHING but the most logical: PRAY. Thank you Lord for that reminder!

Next, the soil for my seeds:

I have it on good authority, the United States Postal Service, that my annual seeds have left the Birmingham post office. Which means for me that today or tomorrow, I will receive my seed order. Now, I have thus far, in my short gardening experience, always started my seeds too late. For instance, I have a lot of little green pansies, none of which are blooming! I'm guessing they'll bloom about the time everyone else is planting their summer annuals :/! And of course there is the baby pie pumpkin that has finally ripened in the window - not quite in time for Thanksgiving....

So, if I'm going to err this time it will be on the 'too early' side of seed starting. I'm posting a few pics of my DIY seed starting method. As always, I've gathered my facts from GOOGLE and modified with what I have on hand. There is definitely a learning curve.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! The New Year is a time to begin new habits- or renew your commitments! I'm committing to faithfully be in the Word this year and to share with you what God is teaching me. What about you?

I also LOVE that we've started the new year off with Mark. I was overwhelmed by one of the most prolific verses in the Bible: Mar 1:15, "and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel'." That statement is just as true today, and it really should be our life verse!

I was also struck by the grace of God and His long-suffering. He patiently awaits the coming of sinners, while knowing exactly when they shall come. He endures the mocking of the world as He faithfully gives to Christ all He has chosen. He could make that, "every knee shall bow" thing come true today, or 100 years ago, or a thousand years ago. BUT GOD, is gracious and merciful allowing that universal invitation to remain open.

I'm committing to calling women to repentance this year. What about you? Do you REALLY have that saving faith in Christ. The gospel good news is that YOU ARE A SINNER, but that God loves you and wants to have fellowship with you so much that He allowed Christ to bear the penalty of your sin. Will you confess your need for a savior today and believe that Christ died for your sins. Only God need know your answer!

Here's to the beginning if a new year, new opportunities to worship, praise, serve, and grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ! Cheers (she raises the cup of coffee)!

Considering Part 3

Jam 1:2 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,". Consider it all joy, all the events of 2010. Why, you say? Or better yet, how? Because all the circumstances, trials, blessings, provision, gifts, pains, ailments, sunshine-filled days...everything was created, allowed, ordained by God.

In the midst of a trial, or anything that is not perfectly suited to our desires, it's sometimes hard to see the need to rejoice! But surely, looking back over the year as a whole, we can see God's hand at work. Can't you see Romans 8:28, "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," being played out in your life?

Thinking on the year's events, remembering the days when it seemed as though everything was going wrong and getting worse, I realize how overly important inconsequential things were. In hindsight, I see how I missed the opportunity to witness God at work because I was trying to "work out' things God already had settled!

I see how He has once again proven Isa 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. I've been given the opportunity to be thankful that He didn't answer some prayers, but gave me what I needed instead of what I wanted.

I pray Lord, "help me to 'consider' every day, every hour, every trial AND every blessing of 2011 as JOY!

Still Considering...

Still considering the word 'consider': 1Co 1:26 "For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;"

Consider your calling. I had a conversation about this on lunch at Monday. Once you semi-grasp the idea that God (THE GOD OF ALL CREATION) chose and called me (SINFUL ME), it's not long until you realize the implications. That means that always, throughout my life, He's been protecting, keeping, preparing me for the day of salvation! WHOA! WOW! UNREAL! ALWAYS THERE! ALWAYS KNOWING! AMAZING!

Nicole Nordeman has a song, I Am, which slays me every time I hear it. It speaks of His presence throughout our lives.

Even though I'll surely become a liquid, I'm listening today and thanking Him that 2010 is just one of 47 years that He has been working in my life!

Consider...

Somehow this morning my mind has landed on the word 'Consider'. I guess it's an end of the year reflection mindset that we all tend to have. I did a word search and found such glorious verses using the word 'consider'. Here's my favorite so far: Job 37:14 "Listen to this, O Job, Stand and consider the wonders of God.

In context this is near the end of the book- where God puts an end to Job's pity party! But it's such a great verse for anyone on any day. It's imperative, or a command in it's structure. CONSIDER: think about carefully, contemplate, pay attention to....THE WONDERS OF GOD! And many there are. What are the wonders of God that you have learned, experienced or witnesses this year?

Daily Word from God

Rev 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done"

That verse will either make you shudder or well up with gratitude for Christ. He IS coming. He WILL render to each of us reward or judgment!

It's not hard to examine our lives according to the Word and see what we deserve. BUT GOD, in grace, gave us Christ. And ONLY because of that, but JUST because of that...we gain reward!

"Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart. His wounds have paid my ransom."