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Saturday, May 30, 2009

Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone

Clayton spent the night with Gram and Poppa last night so Mom and Dad could do all the wedding things necessary for Chad's brother that took place today. So Mr. Clayton could be at all the festivities and in the pictures I took him to the wedding right at wedding time. We walked into the church and Nikki was playing the Prelude for the wedding and she was playing "Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone". Although Chris Tomlin does it well, I like to hear her play and sing it much better. But today she was only playing it. That is one of my favorite songs, and I go to You Tube and listen to it and watch a video of it quiet often and think about what the song writer is saying. I have not been able to get the song off my mind since she was playing it at that wedding.

Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone

How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

I am thankful, oh so thankful as tears run down my face that my chains of sin are gone, and I can't help but hear this song and think of our sweet, darling granddaughter "Johanna" and know one day her chains that have her little body bound will be set free and that they will have no power over her.

Unending Love, Amazing Grace
Joan

Friday, May 29, 2009

What Is the Chief End of Man?

Alan, Clayton and I went with Jesse and Amy tonight to church. Jesse was preaching at a youth meeting in N. Wilkesboro at Goshen Baptist Church. My what a message he preached, I got to hear it all because Clayton was so tired of loafing with Poppa and Gram that he slept through the whole message.

Jesse preached out of Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 about ones youth. How not to waste ones youth and live it for the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord, Remembering what He has done and Removing what distracts you from the Lord. He made a statement that interested me and I had to come home and learn a little more about it. "Outside of the Bible the first question to the Westminster Cathechism is the most important statement there is". I came home and got on the internet and this is what I found out.

The Westminster Catechism was written in the 1640s by English and Scottish divines.The purpose of the Catechism is to educate lay persons in matters of doctrine and belief. The WSC (Westminster Shorter Catechism) is in a simple question and answer format to help memorization. Typically, the parents and the church would use the shorter catechism to train their children in the ways of the Lord. New converts are also given the WSC. It consists of 107 questions. The first 12 questions concern God as Creator. Questions 13-20 deal with original sin and the fallen state of man's nature. Questions 21-38 concern Christ the Redeemer and the benefits that flow from redemption. The next set of questions, 39-84, discuss the ten commandments. Questions 85-97 teach concerning the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. The final set of questions 98-107 teach and explain the Lord's prayer. Some denominations still use them for their standards today.

1. What is the chief end of man?
Man's chief end is to glorify God,(a)and to enjoy him for ever.(b)

(a) Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11
(b) Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4

Look up these scriptures and study on them to enrich your walk with the Lord and learn a little more of what our duties are as a Child of God. Thank You Son for challenging me so I would dig in Gods word and learn a little more about HIM and myself.

It's ALL About HIM
Joan

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Kabooooom ...Kapooooow....

Sounds like I might be the mother of Batman and Robin. Well, actually I am so these words are still in my vocabulary. I got up this morning and left to go to Ingles to go pick up Clayton for our day together. Nikki and I talked for a moment and then we both went our ways. Clayton and I are talking and jabbering as we usually do. Sometimes we sing, sometimes we talk. I think his morning it was Bye Bye Mama was our conversation.

We are proceeding along well and watching traffic and proceeding to slow way down at the yield lane at Smith's crossroads. Smack....Kaboooow...Kaboooow...(my thoughts was what was that and what just happened.) I soon realized we had been hit and by this time Clayton is crying and getting upset. It was not a hurt cry, it was a scared cry. I got out and go around the car and get him out of his car seat, and we snuggle and talk for a minute. It made no difference to me that traffic was stalled in the yield lane they could wait or go around and 1 did. All that mattered was Clayton. We then go to check on the lady that rear ended us and she was okay until she saw Clayton.(She was a grandmother also)She thought she had hurt him, but we assured her that he was okay and all was well. So we call the police and tell them we have collided and we are all okay and we have traffic backed up and do they want us to move. They did, so we pulled into a parking lot and as soon as I got out and got Clayton out, the Lenoir Police is there, he was just passing through and saw us.

I have a Toyota Camry,that I traded my SUV for last year for gas purposes. It is just a car that gets me from point A to point B. I have missed my SUV terribly and want another one. But financially circumstances don't allow us to trade at the moment so I must be content. The other lady has a Toyota Camry, Thankfully for he I have no damage, and she has very little damage to her car. (I guess I have a better appreciation of my car now)Seriously I might have a scratch or two that can be buffed out. The police said if we both agreed that a report did not have to be filled. I'm okay with that and she is more than okay with it and said they would fix their car and not have to deal with insurance. Alan came and checked on us and made sure all is well, and I mention my neck is really burning/stinging and he sees where the seatbelt attacked me.

All is well and we are thankful that God was watching over us all and only let our bumpers collide slightly.(Clayton is now taking his morning nap and has probably
forgotten the whole thing)

It's All about HIM
Joan

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Faith - What is It?

I have been curious the few days, well maybe a little longer than that about faith. What is it? I know Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". The dictionary gives the definition of- firm belief in something for which there is no proof.

My thoughts have been is it something we have and exercise,or is it something that God gives us. How can we have faith unless God gives it to us in and through Jesus. I am reading a book by Sheila Walsh "Extraordinary Faith". So far so good.

The first chapter of the book has a portion of a hymn by Eliza Hewitt "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place" I don't know the song but the words are so good I wanted to share them with you. The old hymns of days gone by are worth learning and knowing the are so full of the bible truths.

My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

So today for me faith is just trusting God to do what is right for me in every situation and not how much I believe God can do or not do something. God is more than able to do whatever He chooses.

It's All About HIM
Joan

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

That's My King by S.M. Lockridge

If you have not ever heard of or taken the time to listen to "That's My King" by S. M. Lockridge it is well worth your time to take a few minutes and listen to him describe The King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Every now and then I go to the internet just to listen to S.M. Lockridge describe MY SAVIOR.




Enjoy
Joan

Monday, May 25, 2009

My New Bible Study

I have recently started a new Bible Study and I wanted to share it with you. It is called "Step by Step Thorough the Old Testament" by Waylon Bailey & Tom Hudson. So far I am enjoying it. It is basically just a overview of the Old Testament just like the title says. It is a workbook, which you know I like and you also go to the scriptures to learn the facts. The authors also have a New Testament workbook which I will probably purchase at some point and work through.

This workbook book does not go deep into the spiritual meanings of the scriptures it is more geared to learning the history and facts of the events of the old Testament. Since I am lacking in the history and facts I thought it would be a good way to learn more about the people, places, culture of many of the events int he Old Testament. You do go to the scriptures to read and learn what all transpired in times past of the Bible. I do recommend it for those of you that are looking to learn more about this aspect of the Bible.

However, you know any Bible study book or work book is as only good as you allow it to be. If you keep putting it off and never start a bible study you are never going to grow in the Lord much. If you purchase it and never work through it is does you no good. If you only do a couple of pages you have not got the benefit of the whole bible study. I do encourage to find what works for you and get into the Bible on a daily basis. You will be surprised how your walk with the Lord changes.

It's all About HIM
Joan
I almost forgot you can find this work book at most Lifeway book stores, or order it online from Amazon or other places from the interent.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

So What Have You Done Today?

The weekends are always busy for Alan and I. Much busier especially for Alan since he preaches twice on Sunday. I don't know when my weekend actually starts but today has been busy.

  • Went to C.A.R.E Ministry at church this morning(while I was there I made the copies for the monthly newsletter for tomorrow, and we also cleaned the church. The janitors of our church had a death this week and we voluntered to take that load off of them. Actually most everyone else did the cleaning and some of us were folding newsletters)
  • Alan and I went to Pancho Villa for lunch.
  • Tried to take a quick nap when I got home, but my mind would not slow down long enough, so I got up and got busy.
  • Then off to Wal-mart to buy the groceries for Amy's(daughter in law) birthday supper tomorrow night with the family
  • Alan and I washed, folded and put away clothes. Alan washed dishes and I dried a few of them and put them away.
  • Made a cake and it is in the oven for Amy.
  • Finishing up the internet radio line up for Alan to load for the week afterwhile
Well, other than putting the Stouffers Lasagnan in the oven that is about it for the day. I am going to sit down and rest, relax and read.

However, I was thinking about how God has blest me over the years. He has been so good to me I was never around alcohol, drugs or partying or all that comes with that kind of a lifestyle growing up. AS a married woman I have always had the best husband. My two children have always been so wonderful they have never give Alan and I one minute of trouble. Now, they are both with their spouses actively serving the Lord. I have one granchild in heaven whom I am waiting to meet, then there is Clayton, and now there is Johanna(who I get to share the same meaning of our names- "The Lord(God) is Gracious"). And the icing on the cake is that I am a Child of the KING.

How about you waht have you done today?
Until Next Time
Joan

Friday, May 22, 2009

Nothing Spiritual Today

Yesterday was my daughter in laws Birthday, and I meant to make a post just about her. I actually got started and then got interrupted and never got around to it. But I love her because she loves my son, I did not give birth to her but she still is my daughter. Happy Birthday, Amy. Hope you had a wonderful day.

I have had the privilege of spending the last couple of days with Clayton. I have loved every minute of it. He plays hard and sleeps good. I just set down in the floor and we talk about or play whatever he has on his mind. I never knew I could love another child that was not my so much but in a total different way. I do not get to spend as much time with Johanna since she must stay with her Mom all the time now. But Johanna does dash in and out of the house with her mom sometimes.

Before becoming a "Gram" I could not imagine what all the fuss was about. I thought all grandparents acted silly and how could you make over a child that was not your own in such a way. But now I totally understand. I just have to say in is indescribable and after you become one talk with me and let me know how you feel. I imagine you will not be any different than all the grandparents before you.

Until next time
Joan

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Acceptable

Bro. Tom Gilliam was preaching again last night out of the book of II Corinthians. He is continuing to preach on "The Wisdom of Weakness". The central verse for the whole book is chapter 12:10 "...when I am weak, then am I strong". He has explained that the little word then means "then and only then" Last night in the course of his message he came across the verse in Colossians 1: 12-13

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."

Bro Tom explained that the little word meet means ACCEPTABLE. I looked the word up in the dictionary and this is what it said "to come into the presence of". I don't know about you but these meanings makes this scripture jump off the page. There is nothing good within me and the more of God I see the more I don't like what I see in me. But to know a holy, righteous God, the one who hung on Calvary for my sins, the one who set this world into existence made me acceptable, or made me able to come into HIS presence. That's big, really big. How can I not praise Him, my heartoverflows right now as I think about this. If you have not thought on this I encourage you to read it over and over and think about what you are reading until you see what HE is saying.

Acceptable
Joan

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

What a Message

Bro Tom Gilliam is with us this week at Calvary for Revival meeting and what preaching he has done. He is preaching on "The Wisdom of Weakness" from II Corinthians. The central verse for the whole book is chapter 12:10 ...when I am weak, then am I strong. He has explained that the little word then means "then and only then". Boy, that really makes the verse so so much more that we really need to get a hold of.

Last night he preached from II Corinthians 4, with a concentration out of the key verses 1 &16 where they both say "we faint not". Bro. Tom gave great insight to 4 things Paul did on a daily basis to keep from fainting not on God. If Paul did these things daily maybe we ought to take a look at them and put them into practice in our lives also.

1. Purifying the Secret Life v.2
2. Purposing the Servant Life v. 4&5
3. Piercing of th Self Life v. 7
4. Promoting of the Spiritual Life v. 16

You need to get the CD's if you were not in the meeting. Awesome preaching and a very timely series for our church.

I hope you are having a wonderful day and are basking in the Love of God today.
Joan

Monday, May 18, 2009

It's Gotta Go..

Matt 18:9
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Mark 9:47
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
Hebrews 12 :1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Since I want MORE out of my walk with Christ, I had to cut out something this morning that was distracting me from HIM. Although, not a sin in itself, for me occasionally it was beginning to make me loose my focus of Christ. I toyed with it for a while this morning should I or should I not, did it really matter or not. Then I after I looked up the above scriptures I felt like there was no question to what I must do.

(HaHa) I am not going to tell you what it is any more than you want to tell me what might be a stumbling block for you. We all have them, and it is what we do with them that really counts. What is a stumbling block for me, you might not have a problem with and vice versa. I'm not crazy. Although I want to use my blog for the Lord, I do not plan on devulging everything about myself. Somethings are between a girl and her saviour, or maybe between a girl and her family, or a girl and her church.

Hope to see you tonight at our revival,
Joan

Sunday, May 17, 2009

What A Saviour Is Mine

Isaiah 19:20
...a saviour, and a great one....

Oh, what a saviour is mine. Do You know HIM?

Life is All about HIM
Joan

Saturday, May 16, 2009

That's Not Fair...

That's Not Fair, I heard this many times as my children were growing up especially by one of them who I will not name. And I will have to admit that I have probably said it and felt it many times. How about You? But salvation is not fair, its Gods gift of grace to us. And we are undeserving of any grace from the Lord, but He so willing to bestow it upon us.

I have had on my mind for a couple of weeks the scripture in James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.

Today I have taken the time to look it up and study it out. First, I wanted to see what James was writing about when he was talking about temptations. All the commentaries and word studies agreed with what I already thought that it was just trials of any kind. Then I wanted to see if there were any other scriptures that helped support this verse. And there were many such as I Peter 1:6-8, Romans 5 :3-5 and James 1: 12. I will not post those and just let you look them for yourself.

I have read several thoughts on this scriptures and they all come back to the same thing, that if our faith is not good enough for us in a time of sorrow what kind of faith do we really have. What are we showing to others about God in the time of our sorrows, does this remind you of us being a fair weather friend.(Lord, forgive me)It is in the valley/sorrows that we can let God shine with his grace working in us.

Now, don't get me wrong I have not arrived and have a ways to go on my walk with the Lord. But, I should count it an honor to be used by God in the time of sorrow so others can see a true and living God.

This illustration says it better than I can from one of John MacArthurs sermons on James 1.

A jeweler gives as one of the surest tests for a true diamond what is called the water test. An imitation stone is never ever so brilliant as a genuine stone. But sometimes you can't tell that by just looking at it with your eye. And if your eye is not experienced enough to detect that difference, it is said by jewelers that water will definitely show up the real diamond. A genuine diamond placed in water sparkles brilliantly though it's under water while the imitation is practically extinguished as to its sparkle. Place one along side the other one in water and you'll be able to pick out the real diamond relatively easy. And if I might borrow from that analogy the thought that many people who are very confident of their faith, who feel that their faith is indeed genuine and shines brilliantly, when they find themselves under the water of sorrow or the water of affliction, find that the supposed genuineness of that diamond is shown to be nothing but an imitation. However, put the true child of God under the water of trial and he will shine as brilliantly as ever.

So we should be counting it an honor that God is willing to use us and our trials, according to the scriptures. Now don't get me wrong I don't like heartache any better than you do. But God is working in our lives and in the lives of others when we face trials of any kind in ways that we know nothing about. We must stay out of Gods way and let HIM work. I don't know about you but I want the world to see the true and living God in my life every day. God is more than fair with all of us and whatever He chooses to do.

Lord, let me count it an honor when sorrows come my way to be used by you and not think it unfair or question you to what you are doing. Let my life shine in times of sorrow so others can see you in my life more than ever. I thank you for Nikki and Chad continually letting you shine in the midst of heartache.

Joan

Friday, May 15, 2009

Gods Telephone Number

I was recently at a ladies conference and the speaker told of a little child that learned of Gods telephone and was so excited to tell his parents that he knew Gods telephone number. I can imagine the scene can't you in the day and time where everyone has more telephones than we know what to do with. It was Jeremiah 33:3 so this is my memory verse for today since it is the 15th I am going to post it in the sidebar.

Well on the agenda today, is playing with Clayton(when he is here I don't plan much but to spend time playing with him and enjoying him) Already today Clayton found Mattie - the dog laying in the floor chewing on her bone and he got on her back himself for the first time. Now, I might have put him on there before, but not this time. I am sure this is not the only time this will happen. I wish I had had the camcorder at this moment but of course I did not. Each new day is a blessing and an adventure to see what is going to happen next. But I am trying to make each day count for HIM.

Until next time,
Joan

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"Just His Experience and Bible Truth"

How many times do we sing songs in church that we do not realize what we are singing about. I am so guilty of this, how about you?

Lamentations 3:22-23 have been on my mind the last couple of days and I remembered a song that we use to sing at a former church "Great is thy Faithfulness" by Thomas Chisolm. I was curious to the history of the song (checked it out on the internet) and learned he wrote the words in 1923. Many times there are circumsatnaces that have lead authors to pen their words. As I read about this song acording to Chisolm there were no spe­cial cir­cum­stanc­es which caused its writ­ing—just his ex­per­i­ence and Bi­ble truth.

Great is thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Just his ex­per­i­ence and Bi­ble truth. Could we have penned such words just because of our experiences with God and our Bible knowledge. I don't know about you but I fail God so much and am nothing but filthy rags. What a God I Serve.

...and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...Isaiah 64:6
Joan

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Lamentations 3: 22 &23


Lamentations:-22-23

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Thank You Heavenly Father, King of King and Lord of Lords, My Saviour!
Joan

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

"Humble"

The bible has much to say about being humble or humility. Just a couple of verses are

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. or

I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

But what does humble actually mean or how do we be humble. We are suppose to be humble, but how can we truly be humble if we don't really know what it means or understand the meaning of being humble. The dictionary gives the definition as "not proud or arrogant".Thats an okay definition but I have always wanted a better one to make the scriptures come alive more about being humble.

I am reading another book(I finished the last one) by Donna Partow "Let Your Life Count" and she gave the best definition of humble that I have ever heard.

"Humility isn't thinking less of yourself, it's thinking or yourself less." WOW(As Bro. Tim Gilliam says).

I don't know about you but this spoke volumes to me on what being humble meant and now I can better apply the scriptures to my life because I understand this 6 let word better. I trust you will see the scriptures differently that reference humble or humility as I have with our new definition.

It's All About HIM
Joan

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day

I hope all you mothers had a wonderful Mothers Day today. What a honor that it is to be allowed to be a mother. God does not allow every female to become a mother and He and He alone chooses who He blesses with this honor.

I went to a ladies conference locally Friday night and Saturday and the speaker which is a retired school teacher and a grandmother made a comment that I thought was very fitting to dwell on for mothers day. " I want to watch what I feed the grandchildren and make sure I give them a healthy diet" now she was not talking about food that we eat. Don't get me wrong that is important, what he literally feed our children or grandchildren, too. We should probably aim for a healthy diet. But her point was on what we do and put in front of them. What examples are we setting in front of those little impressionable minds. I had not ever thought about it as "feeding". But it is feeding, what are feeding them with books we read, tv we let them watch, or the tv we watch in front ot them, the places we go, the places we let them go, our actions, their schooling, their and our church attendance...... the list could go on and on.

Now, I have a lot of regrets on what I did or didn't do when my children were in the home, but I can't go back and God worked in spite of my poor decisions. I wish I had been more serious about the Lord, I wishI had studied the bible more, I wish I had taught them more scritpures, I wish....But I can't reraise them, but inspite of me God worked anyway and I give Him all the praise for my children in how He raised them.

Trust me those 18 -20 years will be gone before you know it and your opportunity to train them up for God will be gone. Enjoy every moment and every stage because they really are precious and truely a gift from God above.

Nikki and Jesse, I love you both more than life itself and am honored to be your mother. I enjoyed every moment we had together as our family of four. But I enjoy you both as adults and watching God use you both and grow you into what He wants. Both of you have been a gift from God that He allowed for a little while to live in our home and to try to raise you for HIM. I am proud of you both and I love you. Thank You for putting up with me as your mom.

It's all about HIM
Joan

Saturday, May 9, 2009

What Are You Reading?


Besides the bible for all you book lovers out there, what are you reading? I enjoy books, and I enjoy reading. I like going to book stores, used book stores and the library. How about you?

As Alan and I travel, well maybe I should say as he goes to preach revivals, and camp meetings and I tag along. There are a few things that we like to do, checking out old cemeteries, new restaurants- especially good ones or ones we have seen on tv. I like to see new things and go different places, but since he must prepare to preach we do not do a lot of that. But we both like to read and enjoy checking out book stores all over the country. We have found a $5 Christian bookstore in Commerce, Ga that we like to stop at while we are traveling through. Since we only get that way 3-4 times a year we buy way more than we need or could possibly read until we get back there. But chasing books is better than chasing women/men as I heard one preacher say.

So I thought I could share with you what I have just read, and what I am currently reading. I just completed a book by Sheila Walsh " God Has A Dream For Your Life" She uses stories from The Wizard of Oz, World Vision, her family, and the Bible to help women catch a vision for God's love for them and His desire to work through them, freeing them to dream again.

I am currently reading Patsy Clairmonts book "I Grew Up Little". This book is Patsy Clairmont's autobiography, where she talks about her family, how she met her husband, her speaking ministry, friendships, and her struggle with agoraphobia, anxiety, and depression."

Enjoy your time in your lazy chair, or stretched out on the bed reading a good book.

Until We Meet Again
Joan

Friday, May 8, 2009

Rooms of Your Life

Some of the ladies and I from the church went to another church tonight to hear and see the presentation "The Rooms of Your Life by Jean Padgett. Check out her website and learn a little more abut her ministry. It is very unique. www.roomsofyourlife.com

Tonight we learned about the the door/foyer to your house, Jesus knocks and want us to let him in, then we moved onto the attic of our house. That place that we all put our clutter and we want no one to see it. Well I am afraid that we all have things in our heart that we need to get rid of that we don't want anyone to know about. But God knows all about them.

I am looking forward to the conference tomorrow to see what else I can glean from the word of God and the rooms of my life.

Joan

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

....A Time to keep Silence....

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.



The last couple of days I have needed time to myself and I have not been able to open up and blog like I sometimes do. (Before you get concerned, yes I am okay) I have gone about my daily routines, and got some computer work finished, nursed a bum knee, I've done my daily bible studies and enjoyed being able to stay home in the rainy weather. I love the rainy days. I always have. But I needed time to be silent.

It dawned(well the Lord reminded me) on me a few minutes ago that Ecclesiastes says something about different times in our life, that maybe I should not be to hard on myself for needing this time. That it really has been okay for me to be silent for a few days and have time for silence. Ecc 3:7.. a time to keep silence...

All is well, and God is good.
Joan

Friday, May 1, 2009

11 Words To Remember

I wanted to share a verse of scripture with you that has helped me this week. It was in my bible studies for the week, actually it was the main verse for the week. Imagine that, a verse of the Bible to be right where I needed it, right when I needed it.

Proverbs 24:10
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

I want the world to see in me A Big God, A Sovereign God, A God I can trust even when I don't understand, A God who is in control, A God I can worship no matter what, I want them to see the True and Living GOD who loves me and them.

After All Life is ALL About HIM
Joan