Thursday, June 25, 2009

My Destiny

I am doing the "Esther- It's Tough Being a Woman" study by Beth Moore right now and learning a lot. I have read this book so many times and it is a personal favorite but I have missed many details that this study has been bringing out. It makes you slow down and savor the drama and the story. This was her life- not just a story but real life covered with warts, crowns, power and jewels.
So today I was reading Esther 4:14
"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (ESV)
This is the most famous verse of the whole book and I love and have memorized because of it's deep meaning. But today I stepped back and spent some time dwelling on how it applies to me. It seems that our destinies and purpose are always bound up with the hardest things in our lives. Often when you feel God calling you to your destiny, you are stuck in the meat grinder of life. God does not call us to comfort and security but to an on the edge life of faith and selflessness. To quote Beth "As much as I wanted relief, I knew that when all was said and done, I'd sit on that side of glory having much rather fulfilled my calling than served myself all the way to meaninglessness. I had to accept that I was not called to an easy life. I was called to a purposeful life." WOW- amen to that.
Jonathan & I know that we have been called to life of purpose and doing what God desires but I have to admit that sometimes when you are in the vice grip and you are screaming for relief, that self absorbed life of comfort beckons you. It seduces you with promises of ease, rest and enjoyment. While you are in the meat grinder, that sounds wonderful. But to quote Beth again "What if this is a critical moment? What if this very thing, this very decision, is the most important piece of the puzzle comprising my purpose?"
At those times of critical decision, I must call out to God for perseverance and the power to make the best choice- his choice! Other lives may depend on my small decisions of faithfulness. Although I may never understand the scope of the choices that I make, God has a plan and a purpose that goes far beyond me. At the worst, what can happen? Like Esther I must conclude- "and if I perish, I perish." I am honored that God has chosen me as his own and asked me to participate with him in the work.
Father, help me to remain faithful, not lose sight of the big picture and not become self possessed to the point of missing out on your work! Give me a glimpse of your glory and help me to act on faith when there isn't any!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Father's Day Fun

We headed up to Arkansas this past weekend to celebrate Father's Day with Dad. My parents requested a gift for Father's/Mother's Day, Anniversary, Birthdays, Christmas and any other holiday combined- "Come paint the outside of the house". So that is what we did! Poor Dad was kept running for us the whole time. "Dad I need..., Dad can you get me..., Dad do you know where.... is?"
But we got all the prep, painting and clean-up done in 1 1/2 days which was very fast. You can accomplish much when there are 7-8 adults working at the same time. The best part at the end of each day was jumping into the frigid fresh water creek off the rope swing to cool off! Here are some fun pictures of the results of the weekend!







Monday, June 15, 2009

MIA

Here it is the middle of June and I can't believe that I haven't been on here in a while! With life and being busy, I haven't posted as much as I have wanted to.
I am enjoying some summer bible studies but other than that, my schedule has been as busy as ever. When you don't have kids, aren't in college or a teacher, summer is pretty much the same except for more heat! This is the time of year when you don't want to wear too formal of professional dress for work each day! Thank goodness I can wear workout clothes when I am working some days! ;-)
But really I am blessed and thankful. Last week we had a big storm come through the area and our power was out for a few days. It quickly reminded me of how thankful I was to have air conditioning and a working fridge. Thankfully work is in the AC and I could borrow a fridge for most of my groceries. It could have been much worse. God was gracious to us and the weather wasn't too hot! The storms were awesome to watch and always inspire me to worship God and be awed by his creation.
By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?"
Job 26:13-14 NIV

June 15th Verse

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Wishing my husband a Happy Birthday

Today is June 2nd- one of my favorite days of the year because it is the day that Jonathan was born. He is not big into celebrations or big fusses (which immediately means that I want to give him some) but I love doing something special for him on this day every year. Sometimes it is big and sometimes it is small (depending on if he can keep me from making an occasion out of his day).
This year I wanted to say "Happy Birthday my love" in a new way. So here is to you Sweetie- my forever love. Wishing you the best birthday and a blessed new year. May God richly connect with and infuse you this year!

Monday, June 1, 2009

June 1st Verse

Here is my verse for June 1st!

1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms.