yrwts

yrwts

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Some things are worth the wait...

Even the most dedicated atheist would have to admit the world cannot just keep going like it is now, something big is on the way.  As Christians, we are taught that Jesus will return and take us to be with Him.  It is "The Blessed Hope".
The disciples lived in a time that there was much change going on.  They knew that Jesus was Messiah and they knew that the world itself would have to change in order to bring His Kingdom.  One day they asked Jesus one day to explain what would happen when this present age would end.  In Matthew 24 Jesus told them in great detail just what would take place before the end of the age.  He told them to watch and wait and be ready. 
It is exciting to anticipate His coming...  Don't you want to be there???  Can you imagine what it will be like???  To have all that you have hoped in and trusted in God for, to be right there!!!
Matthew 24:33 & 44 "So also when you see these signs, all taken together, coming to pass, you may know of a surety that He is near, at the very doors."
"You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him."


When Jesus was born, there were people who were anticipating His arrival.  They had been promised that they would see the Messiah face to face.  They had waited SO long... but, Holy Spirit led them to be in the temple on a certain day...

Luke 2:25-32 "Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  
And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law,
[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said,
"And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word.
For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation,
Which You have ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples,
A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel."
Luke 2:36-38 "And there was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, and as a widow even for eighty-four years. She did not go out from the temple enclosure, but was worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer.
And she too came up at that same hour, and she returned thanks to God and talked of [Jesus] to all who were looking for the redemption (deliverance) of Jerusalem."

Can you imagine their excitement?  To finally hold the Messiah in their arms!  To have what they had waited for all their lives finally be manifested in flesh and blood!  Both of these people were very old.  I am sure that people had wagged their heads at them, laughed at them and told them, "You think you will actually live long enough to see the Messiah face to face???  You are a fool!  We have been waiting for thousands of years.  God is not in any hurry."
BUT... there He was!  In Simeon's arms!  You just know that old man was so full of joy and satisfaction! He saw his hope fulfilled!!!!!!
The Word says that we are not to be discouraged that it seems like Jesus coming is never going to happen.  We have people who tell us, "You think you will actually live long enough to see Jesus return face to face?  You are a fool!  We have been waiting thousands of years.  God is not in any hurry."

But, He IS coming... He is even at the doors!

Now That I've Held Him In My Arms by Micahel Card

Praying today for:
The nation of Cameroon
The state of Colorado

Remember, Nana loves you!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Is God enough?

2 Corinthians 12: 7-9 "I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

I am so thankful for this portion of the Word.  There are three parts of it that really stood out to me today:

1.  "I pleaded"
2.  "My grace"
3.  "sufficient"

"I pleaded"  Paul did not whine to other Christians about how hard his walk was.  Instead he brought it to God.  And not just once... he pleaded with God three times for God to remove a situation that made Paul feel weak and helpless.  And, God did NOT remove the Paul from the situation.  Instead, God let Paul know that He would NOT take him out of the situation, but that Paul was not alone, and he was equipped to live a full life in spite of a less than perfect situation.
The Holy Spirit is our COMFORTER.  We have emasculated Him to the point that He is no more to us than a quilt or a blanket.  We want "comfort" that makes us able to take a little nap and not have to be concerned with anything or anyone but ourselves.
The word "comfort" is originally from the two latin words for "with" and "strength".  This is the kind of "Comforter" that Holy Spirit is...  He has been sent to be WITH us and to STRENGTHEN us spiritually.  He is not a static presence... He is moving in the earth and He is living within the members of the body of Christ, the Church.  He is not here to help us to get all snuggy soft and sleepy, to give us a big income and a big home and a fancy car.  He is here to point everyone on earth straight to Jesus and to empower us to do the work of Christ on earth. 
"My grace" What is grace?  it is another word that has been worn down over the years until say someone with "grace" is someone with poise, elegance, and politeness.  You would hardly call a he-man "graceful"... it is a feminine term.  But, the scripture says that while God will NOT remove the stumbling block from Paul's walk, grace is available.  Now, this is a spiritual battle and when I am in the midst of a spiritual battle all the poise and elegance and politeness in the world is meaningless.  I want God.  Not flowery words.  But, God tells Paul to look to His grace... the word for "grace" here means, "favor, loving kindness and mercy".  WOW!  When we are up against it, it is sometimes hard to believe that we have God's favor.  That He is pleased with us.  But, we do!  The FAVOR of God is on us.  That should make us able to withstand anything.  The God who created the UNIVERSE favors me.  Ol' crazy Sharon... I have the favor of God.  His "loving kindness" is also all over us.  In the Hebrew the word is "hesed".  http://www.bible-researcher.com/chesed.html It is only used of a relationship where those involved have a close tie to one another.  It is not just blanket kindness, and mercy for everyone.  It is used to stress the RELATIONSHIP between two individuals. 
So... not only does God favor me, He has allowed me to be in a two way relationship with HIM!  Also, His "grace" contains the element of "God's mercy".  His "mercy" is what allows me to come boldly before His throne... His "mercy" is what allows me to call myself a "child of God"... His mercy is what causes my spirit to be able to cry, "Abba, Father" to the One that created everything! The Word says that His mercies never come to an end.  They are new every morning. And, His faithfulness never comes to an end.  No matter how much we need, there is MORE! 
"Sufficient" What a promise! There is always enough of God's grace.  "Sufficient" is a word that can be intrepreted as "barely enough" or "plenty".  Since there are so many scriptures that tell us God's mercy and loving kindness are endless, I think it is safe to believe that we can interpret the word "sufficient" here to mean P L E N T Y !
Oh, if I can only get this into my head, my soul and my spirit!!!!!!!!!!!  God  is on my side, and He has my back!  He also has my front and both sides! LOL!!!!  All of the STRENGTH of heaven is in His hands and He holds me in those same hands!



Praying today for:
The nation of Syria
The state of Nebraska

Remember, Nana loves you!

Friday, November 26, 2010

He's always looking for something good...

My dog Boo is always ready for good stuff.  A treat, a squirrel or a 'possum to chase, a lap for a nap.  When he can't find any of those, he settles down on the sofa in our office and dozes off... dreaming of finding his favorite things. 
Boo never expects the worst.
He never gets angry because the squirrel doesn't show up... he just sits and calmly waits at the window for them to eventually show up.
He never gets angry because I don't give him a treat when he thinks one should be coming.  He just waits until I am ready to go to the fridge.
He is patient.
He is faithful. 
He is hopeful. 
He is always ready to be nice.

I could learn a lot from Boo.

Praying today for:
The nation of Panama.
The state of Colorado.

Remember, Nana loves you.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


Praying today for:
The nation of Germany
The state of Georgia

Remember, Nana loves you!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

I wish everyone had a "Missy".

Some people just make the world a better place to be in...

One of my best friends for over 30 years is a beautiful, sweet, and funny woman named, Melissa.  We all call her "Missy".
Now, Missy is very soft spoken and nice.  I don't think she has a mean bone in her body.  But, she has the most wicked-funny sense of humor of anyone else that I know.  She can make you laugh till you cry by telling you the plot of a silly 1960's sci-fi movie, or about her crazy neighbor, who should be referred to as "He who should be imprisoned".  Missy's humor can sneak up on you and when it does, it will flatten you out!
She can tell the most ourtrageous stories that just amaze you.  One of the things that amazes you is the fact that her stories are TRUE!  She has known some of the craziest folks on this planet.  (I just realized that I am included in that group!!!)
She is completely loyal to those she loves.  She loves you no matter what... and she does it without making you feel smothered or like you owe her for anything.

One thing that Missy is above all things is kind.  If you Google the word "kind", you get the following definition:
  • compassionate: having a generous warm compassionate nature
  • generous: showing generosity or compassion
  • safe: not harsh, unpleasant, or likely to have destructive effects
This is a perfect description of Missy... (as long as you add "funny" and "loyal" to that definition).  She is one of a kind and I am SO thankful to call her my friend.  Everyone should have a friend as funny, sweet, kind and loving as Missy.  The world would be a much better place.



Praying today for:
The nation of North Korea
The state of Nevada

Remember, Nana loves you.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My favorite movie, "to Kill a Mockingbird"

Warning... SPOILERS below...

I am sitting here at work watching the movie, "To Kill A Mockingbird".  I love both the movie and the book.  I never get tired of this story, never.

The characters are so rich and interesting.    The fact that the story is told by a girl always appealed to me.  Even though she has an older brother, we are treated to life from Scout's point of view.

The story is played out in little vignettes that make you want to know these people... you want to BE these people.  One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Scout is flabberghasted at Walter Cunningham when he douses his entire dinner with molasses.  When Calpurnia orders Scott into the kitchen you can tell by the look on her face that she is knows that she is in for trouble.  And, she is.  Calpurnia tells her in no uncertain terms that she is to be polite to company, no matter who they are.  Atticus later explains to Scout that to be cruel to a person that is harmless and powerless compared to you is like "killing a mockingbird."  He tells her that a mockingbird has no other purpose but to be a pretty bird and sing for us.  There are quite a few of these "mockingbirds" in our story, Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, even the pathetic Mayella Ewell.



The children spend the entire story terrified of their "maniac" neighbor, Boo Radley and his father.  We, as observers, know that there is a much more sinister force threatening these children, the powerful force of  ignorance combined with prejudice embodied in the character, Bob Ewell.  Mr. Ewell is not the only ignorant man in their world.  This is revealed in the showdown between Atticus and several of the men of their town outside the courthouse the night before Tom Robinson's trial.  It reveals that there are many people who agree with Bob Ewell's thinking.  It is not so much the fact that Atticus has been appointed Tom Robinson's attorney that angers these men.  They are shocked and angered at the fact that Atticus actually does intend to put on a real defense of Tom.  The story of what becomes of Tom Robinson is so needless and sad.  It is clear that Atticus has proven that Tom is innocent and Mayella's own father is the real criminal.  But, the men on the jury could and would never be able to admit this... and so, Tom Robinson is found guilty and ultimately loses his life. Scout's assessment of these things is a simple, "Entanglements are bad..."  And, indeed they are. 

The most unlikely "mockingbird" of all turns out to be the one the children spend the movie fearing, Boo Radley.

Praying today for:
The nation of Venuzeula
The state of Utah

Remember, Nana loves you.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Mailing packages!

We sent packages to our son's family today.  We had so much fun putting them together. 
I love this time of year.  There are hassles and crowds, but it is still so much fun.  And I am so thankful to have two little boys to send things to!!!!!!!!!

Praying today for:
Then nation of Yemen
The state of Virginia

Remember Nana loves you!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Beautiful words and beautiful voices!

"Immanuel" written by Michael Card is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs I have heard.  The version I am posting here is sung by some of the most beautiful people on earth, children of England. 
The church in England is alive and growing.  The joy of the children in this video is so empowering!!!  You cannot listen and not smile and think of our WONDERFUL Savior and the love He has brought to us all.
After 2,000 years, Jesus birth still matters!  It matters to a 59 year old grandmother in Texas, it matters to little children in England, it matters to people in their twenties attending C3 at the Bridge in Denton, it matters to us all!!!!  No matter who, no mater what, no mater where!  Praise God, the birth of Jesus is still something that we rejoice in!!  The angels still sing over His church, "Peace on earth and good will towards men!"
Immanuel, our God IS with us!




God bless you!

Praying today for:
The nation of India
The stater of Mississippi

Remember, Nana loves you!!!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Getting ready for the weekend!

Last weekend was so much fun!  I hope this week end is good!

Getting things together to send to our sweeties in Pennsylvania.  We went to the Hallmark store and bought a couple of the recordable books.  Buddy wanted me to do both books, but I know the boys will want to hear the voice of their good ol' Pops!  So, I recorded "The Night Before Christmas" and Buddy recorded "All Things Bright and Beautiful".  I hope the boys enjoy them.  They were a lot of fun to record!

Praying today for:
The nation of Nigeria
The state of Connecticut

Remember, Nana loves you!!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Limited assets? No, just unclaimed assets.

The economics of the days we live in are insane.  The numbers that governments deal in are beyond comprehending.  Trillions of dollars... trillions!  Greece, Spain, Ireland... all are teetering on the brink of financial colapse.  Even the good ol' USA has been affected, our rating has been lowered by the companies that rate nation's financial stability.
I read an article recently that said the amount of debt owed on our planet exceeds the worth of every asset of our planet all added together. 
In other words, planet earth is bankrupt.
Things are rapidly changing from the world we have known into a world we may not recognize.
There is a limit to how much any government on this earth can do.  There is a limit of resources on this planet.

BUT...

Thank God, the church does not depend on any government to keep it going.  Regardless of denomination, the "true" church of Jesus Christ will survive.  It will grow no matter what comes in world governments, in world finances, in world politics... the church will survive.  No matter what form of government sits in power on earth, the Leader of the church has no limit of resources... there is no limit on His assets.  A trillion dollars to Him is nothing.  What matters to Him is people.  Souls.


Isaiah 9:6-7 
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

"Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end..."  The church in China thrives, the church in Viet Nam is growing and alive!  The church in the United States will go on no matter what happens in our government, no matter what happens in our banks.
For the people who are the true believers of Jesus Christ there are always enough assets...
There is always enough
...grace for people to be saved.  (Romans 5:20)
...love to cover a multitude of sin, to cast out all fear... (1 Peter 4:8 &1 John 4:18)
...joy unspeakable that is filled with His glory... (1 Peter 1:8)
...peace that passes all understanding... (Phil. 4:7)
...kindness to help people forgive one another... (Ephesians 4:32)
...goodness so we can leave some behind us where ever we go... (Ps. 23:6)
...mercy to help people to give joyfully and passionately... (Romans 12:8)
...gentleness to soothe the soul of the oppressed... ( Eph 4:2)
...faithfulness to do what is right whether someone is looking or not... (Hebrews 11)
...self control for us to posess our own souls & lack nothing... (Luke 21:19 & James 1:4)

These are all Gifts of God, of course there is no shortage of any of these... God has an boundless supply.
We, however, can run short of them.  When we are running short on these things personally, it is only because we have not prayed, we have not read the Word.  I know that is the reason I run out of those things.  Maybe it is just me... but, I have found through prayer and reading of the Word, Jesus comunes with me and I comune with Him.

Praying today for:
The nation of Haiti
The state of Virginia

Remember, Nana loves you!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Who are you making famous?

I just finished listening to a fantastic sermon by my son's pastor, Jack Groblewski.  He is the senior pastor at NC4 in Bethlehem, Pa.  (Please note the link to that church in my list of links on this page.)
The sermon I listened to is from the 2007 Confrence of Grace Network churches.  Bro.Groblewski was preaching on the "Glory of God".  Please give it a listen... here is a link to the sermons from that conference.  Bro. Jack Groblewski's sermon is the 3rd one.  (The other sermons are really good also.)


He gives definition and explanation of God's glory that just knocks me down!!!  God's glory is His fame... it is who He is... it is what He is known for!
So, when we as His earthen vessels have his glory shine out of us, other people should be able to know about God's character.  I should be making God famous.  Not me.
God's character cannot shine out of me like it should unless Sharon gets out of the way. 
Is this what Paul means when he says, "I die daily."????

OH MY!!!!!! 
This really    knocks   me   down. 
What am I letting shine out of me?
Who am I making famous?  God?  Sharon?  Or something else?

This makes me realize I really need to spend more time in the Word.  More time in prayer.  Lord, help me to "show" the right thing out of this earthen vessel!  Lord, forgive me for letting myself shine more than I let You shine.  People don't need me, they need you.

If you already knew this, please have patience with me just figuring it out... I am only 59 years old.

Praying today for:
The nation of Rwanda
The state of South Dakota

Remember, Nana loves you!!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!"

Not even Lewis Carroll could come up with anything as tongue-tied and convoluted as the stuff I have pulled up on the net while looking for information on "Non-Dualism".   It sounds to me like the same old, tired, ignorance trying to water down the Gospel.  Lots of stuff about combining Zen Buddhist wisdom with Christian understanding.  The explanations given involve a lot of goofiness about "being" and "suchness"...  SUCHNESS?????  What on Earth???????????????

Paul, in Galatians 1:6-9 covered it very well:
"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."

All I can say about it is, PHOOEY.  So, if anyone comes to you talking about "Non-Dualism", you may quote me.

Praying today for:
The nation of Viet Nam
The state of North Dakota

Remember, Nana loves you!!!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Getting excited...

My last, very last step of preparation for my bariatric surgery is next Tuesday, the 16th of November.  Once it is done, my surgeon, Dr. Gonzalez will send off the request for approval.  I am hoping that I will be approved for surgery really quickly. 

I wonder what life will be like at this time next year...

Praying today for:
The nation of Saudi Arabia
The state of Rhode Island

Remember, Nana loves you!!!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Where did the time go?????????

It is ridiculous to be 59 years old!  Let me tell you, 59 is nothing like it is supposed to be.  It really seems like I ought to be around 30 or so... but 59?????

When I think back on memories that seemed to be just a few years ago, they end up being 40 years ago!

I am thankful for every day of my 59+ years.  But, I still don't know what I will be when I grow up.

Praying tday for:
The state of West Virginia
The nation of Portugal

Remember, Nana loves you!!!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Uncle Sam wants YOU... to make popcorn

Just a little about my Uncle Sam today.

My Uncle Sam is only 11 years older than me.  I have had some great times with him.  He has always been the source of good memories.  His oldest grandson, Ryan sent him a Happy Birthday greeting, calling him his Popcorn Pawpaw.
Uncle Sam has always be a popcorn goumet and he taught me to be one as well.  None of that microwave stuff for us.  No way!  We made popcorn in top of the stove in a big ol' pot with a lid.  Once, when he and I were making popcorn I knocked the lid off the pot and the two of us ran around in a hail of popcorn fire trying to get the lid back on before we lost all the popcorn to the kitchen floor!
Watching old movies with him is so much fun.  Forget about MST3K... he and I yelled comments back at the tv screen 40 years ago... and his comments were hilarious.  One of my all time favorite movies to watch with him was, "The Son of Frankenstein" with Basil Rathbone.
He was as funny as Jonathan Winters to me.  He makes laugh at the absurdity of dealing with everyday life.  He has an ironic and razor sharp sense of humor.
Every Saturday night when we all lived in Phoenix we gathered around the tv and watched Carol Burnett and then Mission Impossible. It was so much fun!

He has been a minister for his entire adult life.  I remember riding down the road in the back seat of his car and listening while he and my grandmother discussed the Bible.  I learned so much from just sitting there listening to him and her talk.  Great fun times.  It gave me a real hunger to study God's word.
I have passed down the things I learned from him to my son.  And my son is in the ministry and those gems from the Bible are still being passed to others.
I wish everyone could have an Uncle Sam like mine.

Praying today for:
The nation of Peru
The state of Nebraska

Remember, Nana loves you!!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I will still miss my kids, but...

Buddy and I were wondering what we would do with ourselves this holiday season.  Matt and Clair and our little grandsons are in Pennsylvania and we won't be able to see them until sometime next summer or fall. So... we were expecting a kind of boring holiday season this year.  But, God has provided us with some great oportunities to be with family and friends!
Our friends Bobbie, Missy and Terry are having dinner at Houlihan's on Thanksgiving Day and we will be joining them.  Buddy and I figured to go out to eat on Thanksgiving.  We wanted to get out of the house and go... somewhere that day.  Well, we will be joining our wonderful friends, this will include Missy's daughter Sammie and Terry's husband, Jake.  We are so looking forward to this.  (And, NO COOKING!  How great is that?)  The Saturday after Thanksgiving we are going to visit with my husband's sister, Loys and anyone else in his family who wants to join us.
My Uncle Sammy and his family have invited us to go to be with them on December 26th.  This will be so great. 
This leaves me able to work for my friend Betty on Christmas Day.

I thought there was not much to be excited about this holiday season, but I am so glad I was wrong.

Praying today for...
Then nation of Syria
The state of Wyoming

Remember, Nana loves you!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Pain is a not four letter word...

Well, it is a four letter word, but it is not a bad four letter word.  There is a very good book about pain by Dr. Paul Brand called, "The Gift of Pain".
Why does God allow pain?  Dr. Brand helped me understand that pain can be a positive influence in our lives.  Pain actually means, "Stop what you are doing.  Get help. NOW."
Whether our pain is physical, emotional, or spiritual, it is telling us:
1. Stop what we are doing.
2. Take an evaluation of the pain.  Is it because of growth?  Is it because of harm?
3.  Get help.  A doctor, a counsellor, God.

Your pain is not your enemy.  It is an alarm built in by your Creator, because He loves you.

Praying today for:
The state of New Hampshire
The nation of North Korea

Remember, Nana loves you!!!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Good Stuff...

There are a lot of things that are good...

Micah laughing out loud at some silly nonsense.
Joel with a muddy face.
Having breakfast with my son.
Hearing my daughter in law say, "Hello!" with her sweet accent.
Sitting with my husband and laughing at some fool thing Boo is doing.
Meeting up with friends and laughing until we cry.
Reading a Bible verse for the 100th time and finally "getting it".
Listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin sing.
Watching an old Cary Grant movie like, "The Awful Truth".
Rainy mornings.
Sunny afternoons.
Smell of a campfire.

There are many, many more. 

Praying today for:
The nation of Sweeden
The state of New Jersey

Remember, Nana loves you!!!!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

More than we can ask or think...

I love the hymn, "It is Well With My Soul".  The lyrics were written by Horatio Spafford.  Mr Spafford was a successful businessman in Chicago, Illinois.  He lost his business and much of his money in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.  A short while later, all four of Spaf­ford’s daugh­ters died in a shipping accident while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Spaf­ford’s wife, Anna, sur­vived and sent him the now fa­mous tel­e­gram, “Saved alone.”  Many weeks lat­er, as Spaf­ford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daugh­ters died, the Ho­ly Spir­it in­spired these words.

"It is Well With My Soul"
Verse 1:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Verse 2:
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Verse 3:
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Verse 4:
And Lord, haste the day when my faith be made sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Chorus:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Of all the triumphs this song speaks of, the one that makes my heart jump inside my chest most of all is that third verse.  All my sin, every bit of it was nailed to the cross with Christ "and I bear it no more".  If God's plan provided nothing else for me but that wonderful priviledge.  My head and my heart cannot fully grasp what that means.  The honor, the God purchased right to actually talk to God, one on one.  To be called His child. Colossians 2:13-14 "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross."
 
Praying today for:
The nation of Liberia
The state of Mississippi

Remember, Nana loves you!!!





Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Just be still for a minute, will ya?????

There is a battle going on in the time we live...  sometimes you can feel weak and insecure.
There is an old saying, "Knowledge is Power".  People speak those words and they seem very wise.  But, "knowledge" is not necessarily empowering.  There is a lot of information out there that we might have "knowledge" of, but if it is not true, does it give us power?  And, if so what kind of power is based on lies?  It would seem to me that knowledge based on lies is like the man who built his house on the sand... it is something easily toppled.  But, knowledge based on truth?  It will stand forever.  So it is safe to say, "Knowledge of THE TRUTH is Power".
 Lots of folks are looking for answers these days.  And just where do we go to find the "Truth".  We hear lots of folks claiming to tell us the truth.  But, like Ponitas Pilot, we end up asking, "What is truth?"
We can tear around trying to fight the lies and never find what we are looking for.
In Psalm 46 the Psalmist speaks of battles and the insecurities we can have trying to struggle through life.

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Selah) 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. 6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah) 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Selah)

There are a lot of things that can topple and be crushed.  It can frighten you to see things around you fall.  Banks are failing, unemployment is up, kingdoms rise every day, and kingdoms fall every day.  Companies that people thought would be around forever just disappeared overnight.  But, without God's truth, no plan, no idea will stand.
God's truth will not topple, it cannot be crushed, it cannot be shaken.   The waters of the earth may roar and foam, but they do not harm the city of God... in fact, the city of God is BLESSED by the river that flows through it!

In verse 10 God Himself tells us, "Be still and know that I am God!"   He wants us to stop tearing around and just LISTEN for the small voice.  The word "stop" is translated "drop your hands" in one translation.  Stop throwing your hands up in despair and frustration, instead "stop" and just enjoy the presence of God!

When we are tired of all the hype, when we just cannot stand lies and mendacity one more second, pause... stop... drop your hands... shut your mouth... listen... 
He has all the answers.

Praying today for:
The nation of Egypt
The state of Connecticut

Remember, Nana loves you!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Homing in on a major goal!

I met with the counselor today for the first time...  I only have to have two meetings with him and I have fulfilled all the requirements for my bariatric surgery!

The counselor seems great.  I think I can get my head straight to succeed at last!

Praying today for:
The nation Of United States
The state of Nevada

Remember, Nan loves you!!!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Who is the most controversial person?

I read an article that said Sarah Palin is the most controversial and the most polarizing person alive today.  Well, I am sure she doesn't mind that title in the least.  But, unfortunately, it is not true.
Anyone who stands up firmly for what they believe in these days is polarizing and controversial.  There are lots of folks that people agree with and love or disagree with and hate.
Sarah Palin is one.  But, both Bill and Hillary Clinton, Michelle and Barak Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Tom Delay, Newt Gingrich, Glen Beck, Keith Olbermann, John Stewart, Rush Limbaugh, George Bush and his daddy are too.
The man who wrote the article just happens to be a liberal and he clearly doesn't like her because she is a conservative.  But, there are just as many conservative people writing things about liberals that are just as silly and just as untrue.
Kinda makes me want to give my brain a bath.

Praying today for:
The nation of El Salvador
The state of Michigan

Remember, Nana loves you!