Our youth groups name is ZAO. The word in Greek means “to live”. Not just breathing but embracing life. Are you exsiting or embracing?
Springtime woes
I really love springtime. Flowers blooming, weather begins to get a little warmer, birds singing, bees buzzing, parks are full of family activity, yellow pollen everywhere, dry throats, runny eyes, coughing, sneezing….I love the springtime. Somsetimes, you have to take the good with the bad.
Church
Biblically, those who confess Jesus and believe in His death and resurrection are the church. Most of the time we put “church” in the building: We went to church today, Did you see so and so at church?, Church was boring, I really like that church….it appears that Christians do not have a clue about church. I can only speak for those believers in the American church. I do not know if this is a global thing or not. I was able to go to a prayer and praise service on Sunday night and we heard the people share what God was doing in their life. Person after person was sharing a scripture, what God was doing currently, remembering His faithfulness, singing songs, praying for one another…it was awesome. I find it so difficult to “do church”. The church is a growing, living body of people with life and purpose. Church is not a building that will fall down and need new plumbing or a new roof. The Church of Jesus is sustained by the Spirit of a living God, it is equipted to weather the storms of life, it is surrouded by a great cloud of witnesses, it is eternal. Are you a member of the church or are you a member of the building? When we are part of the real body of Christ we bare greater responcibilty than just attending our local church. we are all called to share the life of Christ with others and call people to believe in the truth and then walk out that relationship together. Jesus commands us to ”go and make disciples..”, not go and build churches. Some buildings are built in hopes that it will attract more people to come and be a part of their fellowship. Wouldn’t it be cool to have to build another building because the people in our current churches are sharing the gospel so much that people just keep coming with them to the services on Sunday? I’m glad that we cannot build a building big enough to seat the author and finisher of our faith.
Motorcyles
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If anybody really knows me at all, they are aware that there is nothing more relaxing to me (other than sailing) than riding a motorcyle. It’s just you and the bike! I love the sound of loud popping pipes, the feel of the road, no barriers between you and the elements. I’ve rode when it was burning up hot outside, chilling cold, and have even got caught in a couple rain storms. I love cruising around town and I love road trips. This weekend some of the Fellowship Rides (our bike club), will be going on a ride. I can’t wait. I, however, do not currently own a motorcycle, but will be borrowing one from a friend. That is trust! For those of you who are not into bikes, it would be like loaning your favorite, most important thing. I would have to say that if you have a strong grip on the things of this world, it would be hard to trust someone with the thing you value most. God has done the same thing with us. He has created us and let us rule over the earth. His creation, His Kingdom in the hands of us! He must trust our ability to depend on Him. He believes in us way more than we believes in ourselves. So much so that he actually allowed His Son (Jesus Christ) to take the penalty for us for abusing the gift of life. Why is it so important that we treasure the stuff here on earth so much, when it doesn’t even belong to us. The stuff here is on loan and we are stewards not owners. What are you possessing that is not yours? Have you taken ownership when you should’ve been stewarding?
Road signs
Speed limit signs are white with black letters that read SPEED LIMIT 65, Yeild signs are upside down triangle that are red and white that read YIELD, merging traffic signs are diamond shaped and have black arrows showing direction…I sometimes wish God would make visible road signs for our lives. More times that not, we are trusting the inner voice or seeking a peaceful feeling about a decision, sometimes it is a portion of scriture or a person that confirms something in your life, other times it seems God just lets you make the decision. And yes, He does speak; however it’s not always a booming voice. How many of those things mentioned above does God have to put in front of us before we just say, O.K. I get it!? I still think a Billboard outside my house would work as well. My own personal message board. But, then where is my faith in His provision. Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. Lord, give us wisdom today to hear, and do your will.
I am amazed at how well the girls did while mommy was away. It has definetly returned to normal around the house. Margaret is still tired, but doing great. You can never replace the love and care of a mom and a wife. Thanks to all our friends and family that stepped up and helped out. We all are so thankful.
You make me feel like a natural woman…
Laundry, vacuuming, doing dishes, cooking, cleaning the kitchen, making sure the kids eat and do homework, get to school and get picked up from school, doing homework with kids, playing with kids, praying with the kids, picking up after the kids, listening to crying kids, crying because of kids, love the kids, change diapers, clean the kids, grocery shop, fix the car, deposit money in bank, I’m sure I have left out a lot more. I love this woman.
Red Moon Rising
Awesome book. Here is a writting from a Boiler Room in the U.K. Boiler rooms are prayer rooms.
Suddenly I find myself in a giant hall. Surrounding me are thousands of young people, battered, bruised, and broken. Then suddenly, I hear a voice, “What am I bid?”
A young girl stands out before the crowd of leering, sneering men. “What am I bid for this piece of flesh?”
The men start to cheer and shout figures:”Ten”, “Twenty”, “Fifty”, “One Hundred”!
What can I do God?
I start to bid. I have to save her. The cost becomes huge, and I begin to waiver. Can I afford this? What price will I pay?
The dream stops.
I’m alone again. But the faces are real enough: Sarah being sold into prostiution; Mike with a revolver in his mouth; Kat covered in cuts and bruises; John falling into crime; Laura alone and desperate; Steve, heroin needle bulging into his vein.
“What am I bid?”
The voice shatters the silence. The auction is on again. The bidding has begun. It continues day and night until the end. Most of the bidders desire only to use and abuse. Satan drives them on.
And so I find myself in the aution. Will I watch or will I bid? The price of a single life is huge. The currency is prayer. The cost is massive, but the prize is glorious. A life for a life.
What am I bid?
This poem of sorts will pass right through some you and you will never think about it again. For others of us, we hear the same auctioneer. What can we do? Pray, yes! Go, yes! Here am I, send me!
Half-way there
Well, we have made it through one week without mommy….Can we go for two? We have to, whether we like it or not. Margaret comes home Saturday, Lord help us!
