September 23, 2011
Today, September 23, 2011 I took Olivia to science lab at school. My kids are both in school…something I am not used to…Isaac’s first week of school for pre-school boys with autism, Olivia now in Kindergarten….
Listening to Kwve and the LORD in His perfect timing puts on a message for ME. I pull over and listen, cry and type these notes….I hope this blesses you as it did me. This is Allistair Begg’s Commentary on Romans 8:28 paraphrased my me and with my thoughts too…
Allistair Begg’s Commentary on Rom 8:28
My notes from Allistair Begg's message--
There is much to discover from this familiar passage---
Rom 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. (New Living Translation)
Rom 8:28
We have to be careful to keep Romans 8:28 in its context
Love for God is the chief distinguishing feature of the child of God. (Romans 8:28 applies to the child of God)
The Child’s Attitude towards God- one of love. Supreme love. Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
God’s action toward us-the love of God expressed through the call of God
God’s the initiator- HE LOVED US FIRST
Instead of going to Rom 8:28 as a “mantra” like this, “Don’t worry, God works all things for good…”
He writes to all believers in Rome, who are LOVED by God and called to be His saints and who LOVE GOD
The comprehensive nature of this statement is that is limited to those who identify with God as their Father.
This is not a “self help” scripture that can be applied to everyone
Has this “call” reached you?
To those who are CALLED according to His purpose
Are you one who says, “I am His and He is mine”
How do you know if you are “called” ?
You know by the way God providentially, divinely and gracefully called you to Him (a drawing…a pulling, like a chords that draws you in)
God uses Sunday school teachers as a privilege to effectually plant a calling in a child’s heart. (wow)
“God works”
NIV- In all things God works
Its not a jig saw puzzle where the puzzle haphazardly fit together…
Example of Joseph’s life- it was A BAD THING for him to get sold into slavery, A BAD THING to get thrown into jail, etc. It appeared, the things were working against him. In all of the stuff, good bad and ugly GOD WORKS
John Murray- not one detail God works for evil to the child of God. Not one thing that happens in the child of God’s life will work for evil…in the end….even sufferings work GOOD (see Rom 8:18-27)
In the present life there is suffering…there are so many things that work AGAINST US. But things are not working haphazardly, in all things GOD WORKS.
All these things (good, bad and ugly) are working for a purpose
Rom 11:33-36 ----How unsearchable are his ways
You can’t use Rom 8:28 to remove you from the storm…(wow)
The foreknowledge of God-
God’s foreknowledge doesn’t mean this, “He knows those who would believe and so He gives them a little bit of help.”
Deut 7 paraphrased God says, “the reason I have loved you is because I have loved you” He loves because he loves….
Romans 8:28 provides fundamental encouragement to all believers.
My thoughts---
I needed to hear this. I remember things when I take notes so I took notes as Allistair Begg spoke on the radio air waves.
Divine- I JUST READ this morning a passage in Psalms about Joseph and it spoke to my heart about trusting in what God’s Word says, WILL come to pass. So awesome that I read about Joseph, I shared my thoughts, and then again, within only 2 hours, God repeated it for me on the radio air waves.
My heart—
My heart has been so heavy missing Isaac as he is in a new school. He cried when He got on the bus this morning. God over and over keeps telling me, “I have a plan.” I choose to cling to God’s Word and all of those scripture promises of God’s love, God’s sovereignty and God’s divine WORKING out of His plan.
Isaac just got diagnosed with Autism on September 14, 2011. My heart, mind, emotions are everywhere. Yet, again and again God is speaking to me and encouraging me. Some of my prayers this week have been ---Jesus help me. Jesus let your will be done. Jesus protect my babies when they are in school. Simple prayers from a little girl (me), who loves her Daddy (Abba Father)
Wow! I hope this encourages you….God is supremely GOOD. I am loved by Him and so are you!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Children Spared on 9-11, Children Spared Today
I was explaining 9-11 to Olivia and she said, “it’s sad a lot of people died…even kids.” I had to correct her… “No Olivia there weren’t children in the twin towers, it was a place where grown ups worked”
It hit me…Children saved...parents saved…another example of God’s mercy on 9-11-01.
I thought of the fact that many people were running late to work that day because it was the first day of school. This year, August 30, 2011, was Olivia’s first day of school. As a parent, my mind was not on any other obligation, errand or task…I wanted to get my child to school, meet her teacher and make sure the school year went off to a great start.
This was the same mentality for many parents who survived simply because they were fulfilling their responsibilities as parents and were intentionally “running late” to work that day…
“I knew I was going to stay at the school. A lot of parents were staying around the school anyway because it was beginning of the school year, it was a very touchy-feely school and at the beginning of the school year they let parents stay in the classroom for the first half hour or hour.” Jacques Menasche, a New York-based writer, editor, and filmmaker speaks about his experience taking his son to school on the first day, 9-11-01
I also learned that to the best of our knowledge, no child was left as an orphan as a result of 9-11.
Nina Bernstein of The New York Times writes that there is "Not a single child who needs foster care or adoption by strangers. Not a single documented case of a child who lost both parents."
Amazing Grace….
I thought of school field trips to the twin towers…As far as we know, there were no school field trips that day…
The terrorists did not discriminate against man, woman or child….anyone could have been a victim that day… but I believe God in His mercy spared many parents and children as they were at school, the first day of school, and fathers and mothers were staying behind in the classroom to make sure all was well. Even President Bush was in a classroom with children when the twin towers were hit.
A firefighter said it best, “We talk about how many people died on 9-11 but we forget how many were saved…”
People try to explain the “why” of 9-11. Why did this happen? I cannot answer that. However, I was so blessed by something Pastor Bob Botsford said on KWAVE this week. He said the tomb is empty, the throne is and always has been occupied. That really blessed me. God is sovereign. We don’t understand His ways or why He allows certain things to happen in this life. (Isaiah 55:8)
If we read His Word and get to know His ways by studying Jesus we learn that ALL THINGS, not some things, but all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). God’s children will turn closer to Him during times of trial and God in His amazing grace and mercy will indeed bring beauty from ashes. Just look at plants. A rose plant must be pruned and cut down in order to produce blooming roses. A fruit tree must be pruned to bear “more fruit.” John 15:1-5.
One amazingly beautiful thing that came out of 9-11 was a nation brought to her knees in prayer. We saw unity in prayer as people were praying for our nation, for safety, for healing from the wounds of the attacks, for peace for the families, and for peace in trying to stand up again after such a devastating blow on our country.
I read Job this week and saw something new…Something I never saw before. Job went through trial after trial after trial. He lost his children. He lost his business/livelihood, he lost compassion from his friends, he lost intimacy with his wife, his health deteriorated…He lost a lot…but the Word clearly says that after God spoke with Job, he instructed Job to pray for his friends.
“…My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him” (Job 42:8b)
Job’s friends did not have an accurate view of God and they assumed Job must have sin in his life and that was the cause of his trials. Many people after 9-11 thought God was judging America.
“And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10
Did you catch that? Job was restored when he prayed. How can we play a part in the after math of 9-11? PRAYER.
I am sure you feel like I do…totally inadequate and unworthy of the many blessings God gives me. I am thankful for God’s amazing grace through the blood at Calvary’s cross. One of my favorite blessings is motherhood…
Just like God showed mercy on so many parents and children on 9-11 in New York, God is giving us mercy and an opportunity to be part of restoration in America through prayer, and through raising children after His own heart.
LORD Jesus, we don’t know why so many evil things occur in this world. We know Satan is at work big time in America. Father, you are no longer allowed in schools, in work, or even in public open prayer at the Sept. 11, memorial service, but we cannot be silenced. As long as there is breathe in our lungs we will pray. As long as we walk in this life, we will be people who serve you and are committed to raising our kids to know you love you and share your truth with the lost. Jesus, please, please bring beauty through ashes to the families of firefighters, police officers, first responders, twin tower workers, airplane travelers, pentagon workers, and others who died on Sept. 11. May the families and friends turn to you in their times of grief and know that they have hope in seeing their loved ones again for there is hope for those who know and trust in Jesus. We have no words at times LORD and for those moments, Holy Spirit, intercede for us. May we continue to be one nation under God and have mercy on America. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
It hit me…Children saved...parents saved…another example of God’s mercy on 9-11-01.
I thought of the fact that many people were running late to work that day because it was the first day of school. This year, August 30, 2011, was Olivia’s first day of school. As a parent, my mind was not on any other obligation, errand or task…I wanted to get my child to school, meet her teacher and make sure the school year went off to a great start.
This was the same mentality for many parents who survived simply because they were fulfilling their responsibilities as parents and were intentionally “running late” to work that day…
“I knew I was going to stay at the school. A lot of parents were staying around the school anyway because it was beginning of the school year, it was a very touchy-feely school and at the beginning of the school year they let parents stay in the classroom for the first half hour or hour.” Jacques Menasche, a New York-based writer, editor, and filmmaker speaks about his experience taking his son to school on the first day, 9-11-01
I also learned that to the best of our knowledge, no child was left as an orphan as a result of 9-11.
Nina Bernstein of The New York Times writes that there is "Not a single child who needs foster care or adoption by strangers. Not a single documented case of a child who lost both parents."
Amazing Grace….
I thought of school field trips to the twin towers…As far as we know, there were no school field trips that day…
The terrorists did not discriminate against man, woman or child….anyone could have been a victim that day… but I believe God in His mercy spared many parents and children as they were at school, the first day of school, and fathers and mothers were staying behind in the classroom to make sure all was well. Even President Bush was in a classroom with children when the twin towers were hit.
A firefighter said it best, “We talk about how many people died on 9-11 but we forget how many were saved…”
People try to explain the “why” of 9-11. Why did this happen? I cannot answer that. However, I was so blessed by something Pastor Bob Botsford said on KWAVE this week. He said the tomb is empty, the throne is and always has been occupied. That really blessed me. God is sovereign. We don’t understand His ways or why He allows certain things to happen in this life. (Isaiah 55:8)
If we read His Word and get to know His ways by studying Jesus we learn that ALL THINGS, not some things, but all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). God’s children will turn closer to Him during times of trial and God in His amazing grace and mercy will indeed bring beauty from ashes. Just look at plants. A rose plant must be pruned and cut down in order to produce blooming roses. A fruit tree must be pruned to bear “more fruit.” John 15:1-5.
One amazingly beautiful thing that came out of 9-11 was a nation brought to her knees in prayer. We saw unity in prayer as people were praying for our nation, for safety, for healing from the wounds of the attacks, for peace for the families, and for peace in trying to stand up again after such a devastating blow on our country.
I read Job this week and saw something new…Something I never saw before. Job went through trial after trial after trial. He lost his children. He lost his business/livelihood, he lost compassion from his friends, he lost intimacy with his wife, his health deteriorated…He lost a lot…but the Word clearly says that after God spoke with Job, he instructed Job to pray for his friends.
“…My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him” (Job 42:8b)
Job’s friends did not have an accurate view of God and they assumed Job must have sin in his life and that was the cause of his trials. Many people after 9-11 thought God was judging America.
“And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10
Did you catch that? Job was restored when he prayed. How can we play a part in the after math of 9-11? PRAYER.
I am sure you feel like I do…totally inadequate and unworthy of the many blessings God gives me. I am thankful for God’s amazing grace through the blood at Calvary’s cross. One of my favorite blessings is motherhood…
Just like God showed mercy on so many parents and children on 9-11 in New York, God is giving us mercy and an opportunity to be part of restoration in America through prayer, and through raising children after His own heart.
LORD Jesus, we don’t know why so many evil things occur in this world. We know Satan is at work big time in America. Father, you are no longer allowed in schools, in work, or even in public open prayer at the Sept. 11, memorial service, but we cannot be silenced. As long as there is breathe in our lungs we will pray. As long as we walk in this life, we will be people who serve you and are committed to raising our kids to know you love you and share your truth with the lost. Jesus, please, please bring beauty through ashes to the families of firefighters, police officers, first responders, twin tower workers, airplane travelers, pentagon workers, and others who died on Sept. 11. May the families and friends turn to you in their times of grief and know that they have hope in seeing their loved ones again for there is hope for those who know and trust in Jesus. We have no words at times LORD and for those moments, Holy Spirit, intercede for us. May we continue to be one nation under God and have mercy on America. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
More Alike Than Different
I was next to Isaac the other day and had one of those special moments with the LORD and with my son....
I was looking at Isaac and realized...I am like him in many ways.
He doesn't communicate with words. Isaac has what the world calls a "speech delay." While other kids his age are talking and using language to communicate, Isaac doesn't....(yet).
He can be strong willed and desires to do his own thing...even if it can cause him danger. He doesn't like being in crowds and he much rather play by himself.
How alike you two are...I felt the LORD tell me.
I disagree. I love to talk and I love to be around people....but that's not what I felt God was showing me...
The Word says, "Ask and it will be given to you." Instead of praying, we try to do things on our own.We want to be independent and do our own thing. We think our way is the best way and we only go to God when it will help us.
I look at Isaac and think, "Just tell me how you feel. Just share with me...Just talk and open up your thoughts and communicate."
This is the LORD's heart. He just wants to be near us. He just wants to communicate with us and share and have a relationship....It's pretty simple if you think about it.
So while I continue to be a "talker" in the family, sharing and talking and communicating with words...Isaac remains non-verbal.
May this cause us to remember how important prayer is. God just wants us to chat with Him...to share our thoughts, our hearts, our lives.
As a mother of a non-verbal child, I can tell you how I long for the day when Isaac and I can sit and have a "chat." That's all God wants from us too...
Let's continue to pray without ceasing and enjoy the company of our Abba Father.
I was looking at Isaac and realized...I am like him in many ways.
He doesn't communicate with words. Isaac has what the world calls a "speech delay." While other kids his age are talking and using language to communicate, Isaac doesn't....(yet).
He can be strong willed and desires to do his own thing...even if it can cause him danger. He doesn't like being in crowds and he much rather play by himself.
How alike you two are...I felt the LORD tell me.
I disagree. I love to talk and I love to be around people....but that's not what I felt God was showing me...
The Word says, "Ask and it will be given to you." Instead of praying, we try to do things on our own.We want to be independent and do our own thing. We think our way is the best way and we only go to God when it will help us.
I look at Isaac and think, "Just tell me how you feel. Just share with me...Just talk and open up your thoughts and communicate."
This is the LORD's heart. He just wants to be near us. He just wants to communicate with us and share and have a relationship....It's pretty simple if you think about it.
So while I continue to be a "talker" in the family, sharing and talking and communicating with words...Isaac remains non-verbal.
May this cause us to remember how important prayer is. God just wants us to chat with Him...to share our thoughts, our hearts, our lives.
As a mother of a non-verbal child, I can tell you how I long for the day when Isaac and I can sit and have a "chat." That's all God wants from us too...
Let's continue to pray without ceasing and enjoy the company of our Abba Father.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Fashion Me
Fashion-
Webster's first entry definition is this: the make or form of something.
The more common definition (for a woman's brain at least) is this: a prevailing custom, usage, or style (1) : the prevailing style (as in dress) during a particular time (2) : a garment in such a style
Something occured to me a few hours ago and I HAVE to share it! I shared it the other day with my husband and I felt the Spirit leading me to write a blog about it...
The other day my mother in law asked me if I wanted her "In Style" magazine. She subscribed for one month for free and of course, they are continuing to send it to her even though she no longer wants the magazine.
In Style...It brings back memories...When I was in high school (x- years ago) I would eagerly wait for my new magazine. I reviewed it every month. I liked to look through the magazine and get ideas of how to "get the look for less."
Now, as a woman and closer to the LORD I have no desire to look at this type of magazine. Let me explain why:
1.) It's depressing. These types of magazines send a message of consumerism. You NEED this perfume to be attractive, You NEED this type of clothing to be hip and cute, You NEED to be as thin as these women (models) in the magazine, You NEED these accessories that cost $300 each (that's my downfall, jewelry and shoes), You NEED this make up to make you look pretty and on and on and on...
2.) My true identity is not in my outward appearance. As a teenage girl, it's ALL about how you look and appear. Now, I want to cultivate my relationship with Jesus. I want to be a woman after God's heart. I want to be a submissive, helpmate and encouraging wife to my husband. I want to be a mother who is praying for and pouring the love of God into my kids. That's what I want my identity to be! I want to encourage and pray for people. I want to be a Proverbs 31 woman.
Don't get me wrong! I still like fashion, clothes, shoes, accessories, make up, etc. However, those things don't DEFINE me. My identity is in Christ. I'm not writing this to seem overly spiritual or like I've arrived or anything...God is constantly pruning and purging me of lots of things....but God revealed to me, "You're not that girl any more. That girl that was constantly walking around a mall or make up counter trying to fix up and make the outside look cute and funky. Now, you have realized that true beauty comes from spending time with the Father. Let me fashion you"
Today I was listening to one of my favorite Phil Wickham cd's in the car. Part of the song says this, "Invade my very heart. Change me until I am who you want. Come and fashion me until every part is how you desire. Come and fashion me....come and fashion me..."
It clicked! The world's view of fashion and trends and clothing isn't really important to me anymore. I do like fashion, but it's not that important....I want to be clothed in robes of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10) I want to put on the armor of God. (Eph 6:13) I want to put on love which is the bond of perfection. (Col 3:14) I want God to fashion my heart...well if I can
in-expensively (I made up the word) make my exterior fashion look cute that's just bonus...Remember the first definition of fashion is "the make or form of something." That's God's area- creating, forming and molding...
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, And as a bride adorns [herself] with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10
Please feel free to leave a comment. I will be blessed to read your thoughts...
Webster's first entry definition is this: the make or form of something.
The more common definition (for a woman's brain at least) is this: a prevailing custom, usage, or style (1) : the prevailing style (as in dress) during a particular time (2) : a garment in such a style
Something occured to me a few hours ago and I HAVE to share it! I shared it the other day with my husband and I felt the Spirit leading me to write a blog about it...
The other day my mother in law asked me if I wanted her "In Style" magazine. She subscribed for one month for free and of course, they are continuing to send it to her even though she no longer wants the magazine.
In Style...It brings back memories...When I was in high school (x- years ago) I would eagerly wait for my new magazine. I reviewed it every month. I liked to look through the magazine and get ideas of how to "get the look for less."
Now, as a woman and closer to the LORD I have no desire to look at this type of magazine. Let me explain why:
1.) It's depressing. These types of magazines send a message of consumerism. You NEED this perfume to be attractive, You NEED this type of clothing to be hip and cute, You NEED to be as thin as these women (models) in the magazine, You NEED these accessories that cost $300 each (that's my downfall, jewelry and shoes), You NEED this make up to make you look pretty and on and on and on...
2.) My true identity is not in my outward appearance. As a teenage girl, it's ALL about how you look and appear. Now, I want to cultivate my relationship with Jesus. I want to be a woman after God's heart. I want to be a submissive, helpmate and encouraging wife to my husband. I want to be a mother who is praying for and pouring the love of God into my kids. That's what I want my identity to be! I want to encourage and pray for people. I want to be a Proverbs 31 woman.
Don't get me wrong! I still like fashion, clothes, shoes, accessories, make up, etc. However, those things don't DEFINE me. My identity is in Christ. I'm not writing this to seem overly spiritual or like I've arrived or anything...God is constantly pruning and purging me of lots of things....but God revealed to me, "You're not that girl any more. That girl that was constantly walking around a mall or make up counter trying to fix up and make the outside look cute and funky. Now, you have realized that true beauty comes from spending time with the Father. Let me fashion you"
Today I was listening to one of my favorite Phil Wickham cd's in the car. Part of the song says this, "Invade my very heart. Change me until I am who you want. Come and fashion me until every part is how you desire. Come and fashion me....come and fashion me..."
It clicked! The world's view of fashion and trends and clothing isn't really important to me anymore. I do like fashion, but it's not that important....I want to be clothed in robes of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10) I want to put on the armor of God. (Eph 6:13) I want to put on love which is the bond of perfection. (Col 3:14) I want God to fashion my heart...well if I can
in-expensively (I made up the word) make my exterior fashion look cute that's just bonus...Remember the first definition of fashion is "the make or form of something." That's God's area- creating, forming and molding...
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks [himself] with ornaments, And as a bride adorns [herself] with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10
Please feel free to leave a comment. I will be blessed to read your thoughts...
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Happy Anniversary to My Husband, 12 years already?
After 12 years of being married, my husband can still land a “backside disaster”-a.k.a. A cool skate trick
When I first started dating my husband I already knew that he enjoyed skateboarding. I would hang around West Covina High School and he would be there….skateboarding.
Since July 17 is our 12 year wedding anniversary I wanted to share one of my favorite stories….
On the evening of our first date Chuck tells me that he put on some nice pants and a nice shirt and boots. He looked in the mirror and decided to change his outfit. “If this girl is real she’ll like me for me” He changed his clothes, put on a skate shirt, jeans and Vans. We went out on our first date. I love this story! One of the things I love about my husband is his honesty, transparency and integrity.
He is the real deal.
He does not sugar coat things and tells things as they are. I love the fact that from day one he wanted me to like him for who he really was…A young man, a man dedicated to Jesus Christ, a man who enjoyed reading and studying his Bible, skateboarding, worked at CostPlus World Market and was enrolled at Citrus College. He told me on our first date, “If Christ is not in the relationship it can’t work.” I was in love!!!!!! What guy brings up the importance of having Christ as the center of a relationship on the very first date? He brought this conversation up even before he knew me. That’s my Chuck.
My husband and I have truly matured together over the years. They say some couples either grow together or grow apart. Well, I know from experience that a marriage with Jesus in the center, a marriage that emphasizes self-denial, prayer, daily encouragement in God’s Word, DATING each other, Eph 5:33 (love and respect), friendship, patience (and every fruit listed in Gal 5), is truly amazing and will produce growth.
I told Chuck the other day that there is nothing that attracts me more to him than seeing him interact as a dad. I realize that Olivia is going to one day be a wife and mother. I told her, “See how Daddy opens the door for me, your husband will do that for you too.” He spends time with her even when he’s tired. It’s those things that matter. I tell her that her future husband must answer the 5 questions- Do you read your Bible? Do you pray? Do you have Jesus in your heart? Do you go to church? Do you go to work? If he says yes to all these things then you can marry him. I know it sounds funny but I want to teach her while she’s young to look for these characteristics in her future spouse.
A girlfriend of mine said, “Even if he answers the 5 questions correctly, Olivia…you can’t get married yet…you have to wait a few minutes and see if he really does those things”
I thought that was a great addition! Watch and see! As a woman, I have observed my husband continually show me sacrificial love. I have watched him grow into a man of prayer, a man committed to serving young men and encouraging them in their walks with the LORD. I can honestly say my husband is a role model. As an 8th grade teacher, many of his students look up to him and they can say like I do, “Mr. G is the real deal.” Sometimes he still skateboards with his students after school and can win them at a battle of “sk8.” That is what I love about my husband. He is so down to earth and approachable, yet he is also full of wisdom and knowledge about life and about God’s Word. I love it that we still stop at skateparks on our vacations! I love it, my kids love it and it reminds me of when we were dating and I would watch him skate…I am privileged and honored to have Chuck as my husband, my love, my soul mate and best friend.
My encouragement to women who read this is to remember that your husband knows you love him….what he needs is your respect. Tell him you respect him as a man and pray for him daily. See photo above of Chuck landing a backside disaster, photo credit- his wife of 12 years...
When I first started dating my husband I already knew that he enjoyed skateboarding. I would hang around West Covina High School and he would be there….skateboarding.
Since July 17 is our 12 year wedding anniversary I wanted to share one of my favorite stories….
On the evening of our first date Chuck tells me that he put on some nice pants and a nice shirt and boots. He looked in the mirror and decided to change his outfit. “If this girl is real she’ll like me for me” He changed his clothes, put on a skate shirt, jeans and Vans. We went out on our first date. I love this story! One of the things I love about my husband is his honesty, transparency and integrity.
He is the real deal.
He does not sugar coat things and tells things as they are. I love the fact that from day one he wanted me to like him for who he really was…A young man, a man dedicated to Jesus Christ, a man who enjoyed reading and studying his Bible, skateboarding, worked at CostPlus World Market and was enrolled at Citrus College. He told me on our first date, “If Christ is not in the relationship it can’t work.” I was in love!!!!!! What guy brings up the importance of having Christ as the center of a relationship on the very first date? He brought this conversation up even before he knew me. That’s my Chuck.
My husband and I have truly matured together over the years. They say some couples either grow together or grow apart. Well, I know from experience that a marriage with Jesus in the center, a marriage that emphasizes self-denial, prayer, daily encouragement in God’s Word, DATING each other, Eph 5:33 (love and respect), friendship, patience (and every fruit listed in Gal 5), is truly amazing and will produce growth.
I told Chuck the other day that there is nothing that attracts me more to him than seeing him interact as a dad. I realize that Olivia is going to one day be a wife and mother. I told her, “See how Daddy opens the door for me, your husband will do that for you too.” He spends time with her even when he’s tired. It’s those things that matter. I tell her that her future husband must answer the 5 questions- Do you read your Bible? Do you pray? Do you have Jesus in your heart? Do you go to church? Do you go to work? If he says yes to all these things then you can marry him. I know it sounds funny but I want to teach her while she’s young to look for these characteristics in her future spouse.
A girlfriend of mine said, “Even if he answers the 5 questions correctly, Olivia…you can’t get married yet…you have to wait a few minutes and see if he really does those things”
I thought that was a great addition! Watch and see! As a woman, I have observed my husband continually show me sacrificial love. I have watched him grow into a man of prayer, a man committed to serving young men and encouraging them in their walks with the LORD. I can honestly say my husband is a role model. As an 8th grade teacher, many of his students look up to him and they can say like I do, “Mr. G is the real deal.” Sometimes he still skateboards with his students after school and can win them at a battle of “sk8.” That is what I love about my husband. He is so down to earth and approachable, yet he is also full of wisdom and knowledge about life and about God’s Word. I love it that we still stop at skateparks on our vacations! I love it, my kids love it and it reminds me of when we were dating and I would watch him skate…I am privileged and honored to have Chuck as my husband, my love, my soul mate and best friend.
My encouragement to women who read this is to remember that your husband knows you love him….what he needs is your respect. Tell him you respect him as a man and pray for him daily. See photo above of Chuck landing a backside disaster, photo credit- his wife of 12 years...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
I am not worthy...
Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.
Luke 7:6-9
Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
"Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
"For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does [it]."
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"
I love this! I was reading this recently and noticed something I never had before. Two times the Centurion confesses that he is "not worthy."
Self-worth is a big area of discussion these days. In the Christian's life, we die to our self so that Christ can be magnified.
I love how the Centurion ACKNOWLEDGES who Jesus is and confesses that he is not worthy of Jesus actual presence in his home...The Centurion realizes Jesus' Word alone has the power to heal. We need to trust Jesus at His Word too.
Just today I was reading about the prodigal son and the "older brother."
The older brother was angry that his father had a party for the younger brother (recall he returned from his spending the inheritance foolishly), "these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat; that I might make merry with my friends" Luke 15:29
Today, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the focus of the older brother. The focus was self.
"I" and "my" and "me."
Five times the older brother says "I" or "me" or "my." (read it again and look for I, my, or me.)
Who's agenda was the older brother focuesed on? Why was he upset? He was upset because he felt cheated. He felt he was worthy of a party like this but nooooo....the father has to have a big party for the foolish younger son. This is selfish thinking and opposite from the centurion in the earlier picture.
The older son was focused on his own self worth. "I've worked hard! I deserve that kind of praise." He didn't get the Father's heart! The centurion got it...I trust your Word Jesus. I am not worthy of you and only AT YOUR WORD my servant could be made whole. The centurion didn't care about his own self worth or agenda. All he cared about was that his servant be healed and restored...
The older son felt cheated. The father in the story said, "'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found'" Luke 15:32
We must remember our self worth. We are NOT worthy of the LORD and if our heart is to be alligned with the Father's we are to say like the centurion, "I am not worthy" and trust God's Word. We are to rejoice like the prodigal son's father when others are saved...and we are to be careful not to become self-righteous in our good works and feel something is owed to us.
We are not worthy...we were lost and now we have been found. We were dead and now we are alive. I think we can all agree that at some point in our lives we related (or can relate) with each person in these illustrations...
As Easter approaches, may we pray for MANY to return to the Father or come to know Him for the first time. May we ask God to give us a heart of humility to say, "I am not worthy" and may we refrain from any self righteousness in our self because apart from Him we can do nothing.
LORD Jesus, you are worthy. I am not worthy. You lived and died and rose again. I am not even worthy to be in your presence, but thank you that by calling on your name I am forever saved and I fall in love with you more and more each day. I love your presence. Please Jesus reveal yourself to many people this Good Friday and Easter. Thank you for your pouring out your life so that we may enjoy eternity with you. In Your Holy Name, the only name WORTHY to be praised Jesus, AMEN.
Luke 7:6-9
Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
"Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
"For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does [it]."
When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"
I love this! I was reading this recently and noticed something I never had before. Two times the Centurion confesses that he is "not worthy."
Self-worth is a big area of discussion these days. In the Christian's life, we die to our self so that Christ can be magnified.
I love how the Centurion ACKNOWLEDGES who Jesus is and confesses that he is not worthy of Jesus actual presence in his home...The Centurion realizes Jesus' Word alone has the power to heal. We need to trust Jesus at His Word too.
Just today I was reading about the prodigal son and the "older brother."
The older brother was angry that his father had a party for the younger brother (recall he returned from his spending the inheritance foolishly), "these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat; that I might make merry with my friends" Luke 15:29
Today, the Holy Spirit revealed to me the focus of the older brother. The focus was self.
"I" and "my" and "me."
Five times the older brother says "I" or "me" or "my." (read it again and look for I, my, or me.)
Who's agenda was the older brother focuesed on? Why was he upset? He was upset because he felt cheated. He felt he was worthy of a party like this but nooooo....the father has to have a big party for the foolish younger son. This is selfish thinking and opposite from the centurion in the earlier picture.
The older son was focused on his own self worth. "I've worked hard! I deserve that kind of praise." He didn't get the Father's heart! The centurion got it...I trust your Word Jesus. I am not worthy of you and only AT YOUR WORD my servant could be made whole. The centurion didn't care about his own self worth or agenda. All he cared about was that his servant be healed and restored...
The older son felt cheated. The father in the story said, "'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found'" Luke 15:32
We must remember our self worth. We are NOT worthy of the LORD and if our heart is to be alligned with the Father's we are to say like the centurion, "I am not worthy" and trust God's Word. We are to rejoice like the prodigal son's father when others are saved...and we are to be careful not to become self-righteous in our good works and feel something is owed to us.
We are not worthy...we were lost and now we have been found. We were dead and now we are alive. I think we can all agree that at some point in our lives we related (or can relate) with each person in these illustrations...
As Easter approaches, may we pray for MANY to return to the Father or come to know Him for the first time. May we ask God to give us a heart of humility to say, "I am not worthy" and may we refrain from any self righteousness in our self because apart from Him we can do nothing.
LORD Jesus, you are worthy. I am not worthy. You lived and died and rose again. I am not even worthy to be in your presence, but thank you that by calling on your name I am forever saved and I fall in love with you more and more each day. I love your presence. Please Jesus reveal yourself to many people this Good Friday and Easter. Thank you for your pouring out your life so that we may enjoy eternity with you. In Your Holy Name, the only name WORTHY to be praised Jesus, AMEN.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Worship and Bacon
I know. The two words sound weird together right? Well let me explain.
My kids love bacon. They are 3 and 5. We cook “turkey bacon” in our house but it is just as tasty…
Anyhow one day I was making breakfast. My daughter wakes up and comes straight to the kitchen. “Mom, are you cooking baking? Is it ready? Can I have some?” Isaac who doesn’t talk yet comes by and stands on tip toes with an expression that is the same, “I want some!” The smell is intoxicating. The smell is inviting…Best of all…the smell invites you in.
I know it might seem strange…but I think of this often. The sense of “smell” I mean. I love fragrance. Perfumes, scented candles, night jasmine in bloom, a clean baby’s hair…etc. One of the best scents I love is the smell of bacon cooking over a campfire in Yosemite. There is nothing like it! You have the combined scent of fresh air, pine trees and the wonderful smell of “outdoors” with the smell of fire wood burning and bacon cooking.
A couple of weeks ago I was cooking breakfast for my family. Olivia and Isaac congregate around me waiting for the bacon to be cooked and consumed. I realized--- this is exactly what worship is. It is a sweet smelling aroma. It draws you in. Worship is a fragrance of a sacrifice. Recall in the old testament God directed Moses to burn the “fat” to the LORD. This is the best part. When the fat of an animal is burned it smells so good! That’s what God wants from us. He wants us to be drawn into Him so that our worship is a sweet smelling aroma and it is so fragrant, so inviting that OTHERS want to be near the LORD too.
'and the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma; all the fat is the LORD's. Leviticus 3:16
I bet people passing/travelng by could smell it and notice and think to themselves, "someone is probably making an offering to the LORD."
Our life is to be lived out sacrificially to the LORD. Jesus gave Himself as an offering and the Word says His sacrificial, surrendered life was a “sweet smelling aroma” to the Father.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2 Our praise and/or singing is often called “worship.” The same idea applies. Worship is (or should be) like bacon. It is a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD and it draws others into the presence of the Almighty. Some of my favorite worship artists are Keith Green, Phil Wickham, Mary Barrett, Sherri Youngward, and Jeremy Camp. I often weep when I listen and worship to their songs. The songs are so powerful that I am brought to a place of worship with Jesus. The artist lived a life (or is living a life) poured out to Jesus and you can hear their love for the LORD through the song. The song causes you to want to love God like that! You hear the song and it turns into a prayer…
Here's my personal application…
Sometimes in church services I get distracted during worship. People walking in, a cell phone rings, I can’t find my pen…(it’s somewhere in this purse), the worship group leader got a new hair cut, I see a friend of mine sitting close by, etc. I notice my heart is unsettled. I close my eyes and say this simple prayer, “Just me and you Jesus.” I then try to focus in on worshipping him. I pray and I focus on the words of the song. I ask the Spirit to fill me so I can worship in spirit and in truth. I desire, just like you do, for my worship to be a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD. God desires our sacrifice to be sweet and pleasant. The result--When we have a worshipful heart we are drawn into His presence and others will see Christ through you and they will be drawn in too.
LORD Jesus, help us to have a worship that smells so good to you…May our worship rise to you like the yummy intoxicating smell of bacon cooking on the grill….everyone can smell food cooking and knows it is something good. May our worship please you and also affect our lives so powerfully that others are drawn to you by the aroma our life produces. We know this can only be done through the Spirit, prayer and meditation on your Word. Fill us with your Spirit and make us true worshippers so our life brings you glory and honor and praise. In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN
My kids love bacon. They are 3 and 5. We cook “turkey bacon” in our house but it is just as tasty…
Anyhow one day I was making breakfast. My daughter wakes up and comes straight to the kitchen. “Mom, are you cooking baking? Is it ready? Can I have some?” Isaac who doesn’t talk yet comes by and stands on tip toes with an expression that is the same, “I want some!” The smell is intoxicating. The smell is inviting…Best of all…the smell invites you in.
I know it might seem strange…but I think of this often. The sense of “smell” I mean. I love fragrance. Perfumes, scented candles, night jasmine in bloom, a clean baby’s hair…etc. One of the best scents I love is the smell of bacon cooking over a campfire in Yosemite. There is nothing like it! You have the combined scent of fresh air, pine trees and the wonderful smell of “outdoors” with the smell of fire wood burning and bacon cooking.
A couple of weeks ago I was cooking breakfast for my family. Olivia and Isaac congregate around me waiting for the bacon to be cooked and consumed. I realized--- this is exactly what worship is. It is a sweet smelling aroma. It draws you in. Worship is a fragrance of a sacrifice. Recall in the old testament God directed Moses to burn the “fat” to the LORD. This is the best part. When the fat of an animal is burned it smells so good! That’s what God wants from us. He wants us to be drawn into Him so that our worship is a sweet smelling aroma and it is so fragrant, so inviting that OTHERS want to be near the LORD too.
'and the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma; all the fat is the LORD's. Leviticus 3:16
I bet people passing/travelng by could smell it and notice and think to themselves, "someone is probably making an offering to the LORD."
Our life is to be lived out sacrificially to the LORD. Jesus gave Himself as an offering and the Word says His sacrificial, surrendered life was a “sweet smelling aroma” to the Father.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2 Our praise and/or singing is often called “worship.” The same idea applies. Worship is (or should be) like bacon. It is a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD and it draws others into the presence of the Almighty. Some of my favorite worship artists are Keith Green, Phil Wickham, Mary Barrett, Sherri Youngward, and Jeremy Camp. I often weep when I listen and worship to their songs. The songs are so powerful that I am brought to a place of worship with Jesus. The artist lived a life (or is living a life) poured out to Jesus and you can hear their love for the LORD through the song. The song causes you to want to love God like that! You hear the song and it turns into a prayer…
Here's my personal application…
Sometimes in church services I get distracted during worship. People walking in, a cell phone rings, I can’t find my pen…(it’s somewhere in this purse), the worship group leader got a new hair cut, I see a friend of mine sitting close by, etc. I notice my heart is unsettled. I close my eyes and say this simple prayer, “Just me and you Jesus.” I then try to focus in on worshipping him. I pray and I focus on the words of the song. I ask the Spirit to fill me so I can worship in spirit and in truth. I desire, just like you do, for my worship to be a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD. God desires our sacrifice to be sweet and pleasant. The result--When we have a worshipful heart we are drawn into His presence and others will see Christ through you and they will be drawn in too.
LORD Jesus, help us to have a worship that smells so good to you…May our worship rise to you like the yummy intoxicating smell of bacon cooking on the grill….everyone can smell food cooking and knows it is something good. May our worship please you and also affect our lives so powerfully that others are drawn to you by the aroma our life produces. We know this can only be done through the Spirit, prayer and meditation on your Word. Fill us with your Spirit and make us true worshippers so our life brings you glory and honor and praise. In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN
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