Saturday, December 31, 2011

Reflections

As the year 2011 comes to an end, I can not help but reflect on all the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. The Lord healed me in the beginning of the year. It was wonderful to know that my Lord works out everything. His ways are not my ways. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:10.
As the new year approaches, I am looking forward to all that God has in store for my life. I pray that I desire his full and complete will in my life. I am learning to say good-bye to my plan and allowing God to have full control to fullfill His plan. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:1.
Many Blessings to all of you this year!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Giving

Well we are entering the week of Thanksgiving. This year my husband and I have decided to do something for someone else. We are creating food bags for 6 homeless people. We have purchased some travel food items and box drinks. We also bought some Bibles. The plan is to drive around in the community and find someone who fits the need. It will be interesting to see how it works out. I will keep you posted of course.
I don't want to work so hard for all the earthy treasures. I want to work for my heavenly treasures, those are the ones that matter. Not that you go to heaven by works, for it is by God's grace we have been saved. Our church has just finished its emphasis on missions. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and in Samaria and to all the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NIV) We need to be a witness in our home, church, community & all the ends of the earth. Lets break out of our comfort zones and go into our community and find a need and provide the need. As it is written " How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15 (NIV) so lets walk with good news through out the community.. Jesus gave his life so we may live. That is reason enough for thanksgiving!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Esther

Hello Ladies,

Our women's small group has been doing Beth Moore's Esther Bible study.
It has been a great study thus far. We have learned "It's tough being a woman in another woman's shadow", "It's tough being a woman when beauty is a treatment" and "It's tough being a woman in a mean world".

Week four we are learning, "It's tough being a woman thrown a giant-size weight". One of the Personal discussion questions is... Has God ever allowed threat of trouble in your life to drive you to your knees? If so, what did you learn through the experience?
In my personal experience there have been many circumstances that have brought me to my knees. Divorce, health issues and loss of loved ones are just naming a few. I am always reminded that God is right there by my side. Psalm 121:7 says The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life. What a comforting verse. I wonder why I don't spend more time on my knees praising God for always watching over me.
I heard a story of a lady who always kicked her shoes off under her bed. That way every morning she was forced to get on her knees to pray.
I know what some of you maybe thinking, if I get on my knees I may never get up. haha You could find yourself in a very long prayer for certain, if only for strength to get back up.
Well sisters, I hope this week finds us on our knees. Share some of your moments that brought you to your knees.
Your sister in Christ,
Shannon

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Listen to His Voice

Jesus said " My sheep listen to my voice; I know them andd they follow me. I give eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me, is greater that all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:27-30
I am reflecting on the recent tornados that have devastated so many people in the United States. Satan will try to snatch the faith and hope of the Lord's sheep.  People had their homes or family members snatched up by the tornado. Yet many prayers had gone up to heaven while the storms were passing over. The shepherd knows the voice of his sheep. What a comfort to know that we cannot be snatched out of Jesus's hands. Even though we will go through trials on this earth, we have everlasting safety in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Goodness

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me. Psalm 116:12 (NIV)

This verse truly makes me think. God has done amazing things for me. How could I possibly repay the Lord back? We can never out do God, but we can still do some good. Titus 3:8 tells us...I want to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.
This act of goodness, is a very small way that I can repay the Lord for all his goodness. I must devote myself to doing good for others...others who may not deserve goodness. Now goodness, by no means equals salvation!! I still however must do some good  in the name of the Lord. I may not see results immediately however my efforts are not in vain. This is my memory verse for this week..
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
So Ladies, I ask you to begin your day with the word, and ask God to show you what good work will He have you do?  What a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the love of God.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Patience

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
When I wake up in the morning I have my set routine. After my shower, I will go to the kitchen to make my coffee. This is one of my treasured moments. The first sip of coffee warms my heart. For a brief moment I am at peace. Then I glance at the clock and get myself into panic mode. I only have a short time to get ready. I put on my clothes that  I picked out the night before. Then there is hair and of course my makeup. I can't leave the house without my makeup on. Then I try and figure out what shoes to wear. I usually get the assistance of my 10 year old daughter for the final OK. My outward appearance maybe just right to start the day, but is my heart ready to start the day? hmm. Driving to work I was very quickly reminded that I did not clothe myself with patience. I apparently had not put the lid of my coffee mug on correctly, hence the wet coffee spot on my blouse. Then there is everyone driving so slow in front of me. I certainly was not patient today.  I definetly was not gentle with my words. This is not the way to start the day representing Jesus Christ. There are so many watching my walk as a Christian, my daughter especially. Tomorrow morning when I wake up I will certainly be thinking of another clothing outfit. I will start my day with God's word and clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. How about you? Are you changing into another outfit?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

RESTORE

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willingness to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)


I love these verses. They jumped of the page for me tonight. How many times have I put my alone time with God aside? How many times have I said "Oh I will read my Bible later"? How many times have I been weak and weary from going a different direction than the one God has chosen for me? Yet I have the nerve to ask Him to always be present by my side. I ask him to restore my joy. God's agape love is so amazing. Instead of screaming "DUH!, I never left you" He is patient in His love. His joy is limitless for Jesus Christ has given us salvation. When I am saying "Hey Lord!..." He says " I hear you my darling daughter,I've been here waiting for you all this time."
Now that sustains me! Be Restored today darling daughters.