...at the start of another week. Its Sunday night and before I head off to bed I can't help but look back over the past week with all its pressures and smile knowing that God has indeed been faithful to bring me to this point. My reading for my online class got done, though it was later than I usually like; my teaching prep and classes all happened (though the content changed in the middle of one of them!); we had a great time at Palisades Community Bible Church yesterday; our Wellspring bible study class went well today and ....here I am getting ready to get up and do it all again, should God give me another day.
The theme of God's timing has been "popping up" recently. All the reading I've been doing in the prophets certainly has had something to do with that. Then, listening to several women tell their story of God's grace in their lives and how He has brought them all together at their church was a great reminder of God's continual working...and His continued working.
So, this week as I begin and face whatever it is God has planned I want to be aware of His work and His time, and be intentionally yielded to it. I know He has my best and His glory in mind. Now I've just got to get that out of my head and anchored in my heart so that it overflows in my life.
We sang a song in church today that "gets me" everytime. I believe the title is, "Who May Ascend". The chorus says,
So do what You will,
do what You want
We have decided to trust You only
We want to be wherever You're wanting,
You are the Lord of our lives
Another section states,
Lord, not my will, but Your will, let this be my cry
No matter what is going on, I want that to be my heart's resolve. Its ok that its hard, God knows, He sees, and He is at work--in His way and His time.
I hope your week makes Him look good! Here we go again...
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
its Wednesday
I'll admit it. This morning I was really feeling it...not the good "it", but the overwhelmed, so tired don't really want to think but will do what i have to do anyway, "it". Wednesday's are my longest day of the week with the way the classes are scheduled, and I affectionately refer to it as the "day from...God" :) Truly, I know God is faithful and will work His plan, but this morning as I was talking to Him, my heart was heavy and I was asking for some kind of encouragement.
My grad school course "Bible Overview" reading is in most of the prophets this week and I had already determined I would NOT be doing school work reading for my quiet time today. I needed something...I needed Him. I decided to turn to Isaiah 40 and 41. In His own wonderful way God's Spirit connected with mine to remind me (not rebuke me, mind you) of His strength. He is plenty big enough, and strong enough, and mindful enough, and loving enough to care for what He has orchestrated in my life right now.
Isaiah 41:10 is my Gram's favorite verse. She is 96 and you can't talk with her for 10 min without hearing her quote it to you. "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." There isn't much more that needs to be said. I know He's there. And I'm so thankful for His grace that is so gracious in my weakness. I hope the verse was an encouragment to you too.
My grad school course "Bible Overview" reading is in most of the prophets this week and I had already determined I would NOT be doing school work reading for my quiet time today. I needed something...I needed Him. I decided to turn to Isaiah 40 and 41. In His own wonderful way God's Spirit connected with mine to remind me (not rebuke me, mind you) of His strength. He is plenty big enough, and strong enough, and mindful enough, and loving enough to care for what He has orchestrated in my life right now.
Isaiah 41:10 is my Gram's favorite verse. She is 96 and you can't talk with her for 10 min without hearing her quote it to you. "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." There isn't much more that needs to be said. I know He's there. And I'm so thankful for His grace that is so gracious in my weakness. I hope the verse was an encouragment to you too.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
fresh breath
Its Labor Day weekend--I remember when all that really meant was that you shouldn't wear white shoes anymore, the pool would close soon, there would be a cook out for dinner and school would start soon. Now--you can do fashion as you see fit, schools start before this weekend, I'm not too sure about the pools...but there are plenty of cookouts happening. I need to find one of those tomorrow.
Yesterday I was invited to a friend's lake house. In the midst of all the busy-ness and time crunching, I thought it would be a good idea to take some time to just be...and I'm so glad I did. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. I sat on the dock and did some homework (c'mon, I can't take the whole day away!) but spent most of the day just admiring the beauty and peace. We went out on the row boat (which had a distinct zig-zag pattern when it was my turn to row!)--a blue sky with some clouds, light breeze, friends, and to top it all off we saw an eagle soaring above. I'm so thankful for the fresh breath again in the midst of what seems close to overwhelming circumstances.
Today in our sunday school class we started a series: What do you know? We'll be looking at passages in the Bible where God says specifically that we are to know something in particular. Today we studied Deuteronomy 8, particularly verse 5. Our big idea for today was: When times are hard, God is at work. Again another reminder that what life looks like right now is all under my Father's control and serves purpose whether I understand it or not.
So, here I am on the verge of another week. I'm so thankful for the fresh breath and reminder for my soul that I am not forgotten and that all this does indeed have a point. Tomorrow morning, should God give me breath, I intend to use it for His intentions. Of course, now that I've said that all of life will be screaming at once, but this too is God's discipline (Deut 8) and building in me endurance (Heb 12:1-17). For now though, I think I'll get ready for bed and get some rest.
God is good...all the time. Breath deep.
Yesterday I was invited to a friend's lake house. In the midst of all the busy-ness and time crunching, I thought it would be a good idea to take some time to just be...and I'm so glad I did. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. I sat on the dock and did some homework (c'mon, I can't take the whole day away!) but spent most of the day just admiring the beauty and peace. We went out on the row boat (which had a distinct zig-zag pattern when it was my turn to row!)--a blue sky with some clouds, light breeze, friends, and to top it all off we saw an eagle soaring above. I'm so thankful for the fresh breath again in the midst of what seems close to overwhelming circumstances.
Today in our sunday school class we started a series: What do you know? We'll be looking at passages in the Bible where God says specifically that we are to know something in particular. Today we studied Deuteronomy 8, particularly verse 5. Our big idea for today was: When times are hard, God is at work. Again another reminder that what life looks like right now is all under my Father's control and serves purpose whether I understand it or not.
So, here I am on the verge of another week. I'm so thankful for the fresh breath and reminder for my soul that I am not forgotten and that all this does indeed have a point. Tomorrow morning, should God give me breath, I intend to use it for His intentions. Of course, now that I've said that all of life will be screaming at once, but this too is God's discipline (Deut 8) and building in me endurance (Heb 12:1-17). For now though, I think I'll get ready for bed and get some rest.
God is good...all the time. Breath deep.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
daily life
I wonder if Joshua ever felt overwhelmed. That's probably a silly question considering the tasks at hand and who he was working with. But sometimes its easy to forget the people we read in the Bible were real with everyday issues and the people they had to rub shoulders with had issues too. I'm sure Joshua had a few things on his plate to care for and I'm not so sure he had any spiritual secrets, he just did life daily.
I'm taking a grad class these next few weeks called "Bible Overview". This week we're studying, among other things, Joshua and Israel's beginnings in the promised land. I have to admit that the start of the new semester of teaching, and taking a class, along with the remodeling in the basement, prepping for speaking weekends coming up and the prep each week for sunday school has definitely begun to take a toll on my mind and emotions.
But like Joshua I am seeking to rely on God's presence and remain strong and courageous to just do what He calls me to do today, and leave tomorrow for another day's concerns. I am tired, but He has promised me the strength I will need to do what He asks of me...so with that in mind I'm trying to not waste that strength on other things--wrong thinking or emotions, worry, etc--and try and remain focused on what I have to do for today.
now where did I put that to-do list?
I'm taking a grad class these next few weeks called "Bible Overview". This week we're studying, among other things, Joshua and Israel's beginnings in the promised land. I have to admit that the start of the new semester of teaching, and taking a class, along with the remodeling in the basement, prepping for speaking weekends coming up and the prep each week for sunday school has definitely begun to take a toll on my mind and emotions.
But like Joshua I am seeking to rely on God's presence and remain strong and courageous to just do what He calls me to do today, and leave tomorrow for another day's concerns. I am tired, but He has promised me the strength I will need to do what He asks of me...so with that in mind I'm trying to not waste that strength on other things--wrong thinking or emotions, worry, etc--and try and remain focused on what I have to do for today.
now where did I put that to-do list?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
a traditionalist at heart
Today marks the beginning of my 24th year here at Baptist Bible College. I won't take the time to rehearse all that's happened in those years, but tonight I just thought I'd write about the traditional CONVOCATION that we open the school year with.
As we lined up today I almost got a little teary just thanking God for His grace and so many blessings that brought me to BBC as well as kept me here. As I stood in line waiting to begin marching (which took a little longer than expected as the Provost tried to get the accompaniest's attention and let him know we were ready! ha!) I was overwhelmed with gratitude. God made me to teach, I know that, and that He's letting me do it again here at BBC is a good thing.
You may need to remind me I said all that as I begin my class schedule with a full day tomorrow. Wednesdays have a back-to-back-to-back (you get the idea) schedule. So hold on, here we go again...and no matter what I might say in the midst of the busy schedule and craziness...I'm so glad I get to do it again.
As we lined up today I almost got a little teary just thanking God for His grace and so many blessings that brought me to BBC as well as kept me here. As I stood in line waiting to begin marching (which took a little longer than expected as the Provost tried to get the accompaniest's attention and let him know we were ready! ha!) I was overwhelmed with gratitude. God made me to teach, I know that, and that He's letting me do it again here at BBC is a good thing.
You may need to remind me I said all that as I begin my class schedule with a full day tomorrow. Wednesdays have a back-to-back-to-back (you get the idea) schedule. So hold on, here we go again...and no matter what I might say in the midst of the busy schedule and craziness...I'm so glad I get to do it again.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
a breath of fresh air
at this point, I would consider my summer "officially over". I've just returned from a week of vacation and now its time to finish the preparations for the new semester to begin. Classes will begin in less than 2 weeks, so I've got my work cut out for me.
I returned today from the last bit of summer and as I look back, its been a very busy one. I can't help but thank God for all the blessings He gives. He certainly is gracious. This month started with "Kingdom Bound" in Darien Lake, NY. FLN does a splendid job of hosting this event and has a little something for everyone. My topic was "satisfaction" and I gave 3 choices that David seems to have made as evidenced in his writing of Psalm 63. In and of itself this was a great opportunity, but God gave some wonderful grace gifts on top of it. He allowed me to bring 3 friends along to share the experience. We went to Niagara Falls Sunday night (I spoke Monday afternoon), and saw the fireworks over the falls. What an incredible sight!! All that water. And it just keeps coming; there is no decrease of diminishing of the amount...it just keeps coming. What a great picture of God's lovingkindness and grace. My friends and I were also able to enjoy the park as well as the rest of the scheduled events for that day and the next. This included concerts by Matthew West and Casting Crowns (which we watched from the open field on a clear night!)
After Kingdom Bound I had scheduled a week away to regroup a bit before the semester begins. God was so gracious yet again giving a week of beautiful weather to enjoy along with the company of Christie and her family. They were so kind to allow me to just "be" and join in with their daily life. I'm grateful to God for the refreshment He gives through people, and my friendship with Christie is mutually encouraging and refreshing. What a gift we have.
While away I read a new book...there's a surprise! I had originally taken one I have read before but try to read at least yearly, Humility, by CJ Maheney, but Christie had just gotten several new books so I picked up one of them and started to read. It is "Practical Theology for Women" by Wendy Horger Alsup. Now, there's nothing different that women need to do when learning theology. She doesn't treat the topic as though her readers are weaker. Alsup actually takes a hard-lined practical look at how our beliefs about God really don't match up with what we say we believe about Him. This really leaves us with only 2 options: 1. We don't know about Him, or 2. We choose not to live as though He is for real. The beginning of the book speaks to the matter of faith and what that really looks like and then she dives into some of the content--who God is. If you get a chance, its a good read.
Well, that's a small wrap up from an overflowing heart of gratitude. I feel as though God is giving me new air to breathe. And I want to be sure to take a deep breath.
I returned today from the last bit of summer and as I look back, its been a very busy one. I can't help but thank God for all the blessings He gives. He certainly is gracious. This month started with "Kingdom Bound" in Darien Lake, NY. FLN does a splendid job of hosting this event and has a little something for everyone. My topic was "satisfaction" and I gave 3 choices that David seems to have made as evidenced in his writing of Psalm 63. In and of itself this was a great opportunity, but God gave some wonderful grace gifts on top of it. He allowed me to bring 3 friends along to share the experience. We went to Niagara Falls Sunday night (I spoke Monday afternoon), and saw the fireworks over the falls. What an incredible sight!! All that water. And it just keeps coming; there is no decrease of diminishing of the amount...it just keeps coming. What a great picture of God's lovingkindness and grace. My friends and I were also able to enjoy the park as well as the rest of the scheduled events for that day and the next. This included concerts by Matthew West and Casting Crowns (which we watched from the open field on a clear night!)
After Kingdom Bound I had scheduled a week away to regroup a bit before the semester begins. God was so gracious yet again giving a week of beautiful weather to enjoy along with the company of Christie and her family. They were so kind to allow me to just "be" and join in with their daily life. I'm grateful to God for the refreshment He gives through people, and my friendship with Christie is mutually encouraging and refreshing. What a gift we have.
While away I read a new book...there's a surprise! I had originally taken one I have read before but try to read at least yearly, Humility, by CJ Maheney, but Christie had just gotten several new books so I picked up one of them and started to read. It is "Practical Theology for Women" by Wendy Horger Alsup. Now, there's nothing different that women need to do when learning theology. She doesn't treat the topic as though her readers are weaker. Alsup actually takes a hard-lined practical look at how our beliefs about God really don't match up with what we say we believe about Him. This really leaves us with only 2 options: 1. We don't know about Him, or 2. We choose not to live as though He is for real. The beginning of the book speaks to the matter of faith and what that really looks like and then she dives into some of the content--who God is. If you get a chance, its a good read.
Well, that's a small wrap up from an overflowing heart of gratitude. I feel as though God is giving me new air to breathe. And I want to be sure to take a deep breath.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
the end is near :)
I can hardly believe its August already. Besides being the best month of the year (I'm a little partial!) it means summer is officially coming closer to the end. These months have been so busy, the time seems to have gone by faster than it usually does. LYFE Conference, Basketball AAU tournaments, working in the office, work on the house, friends and family visits...there certainly was alot happening. Today I'll leave for Kingdom Bound! I have to admit, I'm excited and a little nervous. What a neat opportunity. They've asked me to come for a radio interview at 7:30 am and then to speak at 1:30. After that my friends and I get to enjoy some great music and,...even more important...each other :)
Take some time to enjoy what God has placed around you today. I don't want to come to the end of the summer and think to myself, "what in the world did I do these past few months?" I want to keep my eyes open and catch all that God has for me each and every day--sometimes I agree with it and like it, and sometimes I don't, but I'm trying to live more by faith these days than ever. If He is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do (and I believe He is, and will!!) then I need to stop keeping Him in the little box I've made and allow Him to be my God.
Live like crazy today and find your true satisfaction in God alone. David wrote about it in Psalm 63...check it out!
Take some time to enjoy what God has placed around you today. I don't want to come to the end of the summer and think to myself, "what in the world did I do these past few months?" I want to keep my eyes open and catch all that God has for me each and every day--sometimes I agree with it and like it, and sometimes I don't, but I'm trying to live more by faith these days than ever. If He is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do (and I believe He is, and will!!) then I need to stop keeping Him in the little box I've made and allow Him to be my God.
Live like crazy today and find your true satisfaction in God alone. David wrote about it in Psalm 63...check it out!
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