Friday, March 8, 2013
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Traditional school in an fun alternative way!
My experience with time4learning has been great this year as I have been waiting for my 3 kids to gain access to their K12 programs through Washington Virtual Academy. I have set the kids up to work with Time4learning at www.time4learning.com.They are an affordable way to make sure your students are getting age and/or grade appropriate lessons. Time4learning also gears their online lessons to be mastery based, so your students can work at their own pace. I find this feature nice because my kids are able to work in a higher math but at grade level science and english for instance. It gives access to lessons one grade below and one grade above their current grade. Learning online is fun with very interactive lessons and the online tools keep track of your students progress in a very easy to read format. Time4learning also gives both student and parents ideas for extra reading and activities offline that compliment their online lessons. I would highly recommend time4learning to anyone, especially parents/kids new to homeschool as it is laid out in a easy to follow format and progress is tracked for every lesson.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Direction
Lately, I have been thinking of what I will post next. Maybe a post about... peace, forgiveness, or maybe even communication. All are good and necessary and I will probably get to those next time, but today our church's youth pastor answered my question as he taught a little about how God gives us direction. Pastor Shane's message really made sense of what I have been asking God for in my daily prayers. Direction is important, and the right direction is crucial to productivity. I have learned that going the direction that suits my desire isn't always productive. I have to lean on God asking for wisdom and His direction. For example, If it were up to me, any marathon I participate in would look very different. I may not feel like running hills that day and would for certain choose the easier path. I would say mile 18 is close enough and would not choose to push myself that extra 8.2 miles, but as a runner I know that hills build endurance and make me a better athlete overall. And, to be honest not pushing myself the extra 8.2 miles to the end of the race would feel great at first, but would not give me the same sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. There is a lot that I learn in those last miles about myself that would never be realized if it were up to me. Glad there is someone else that determines those things and it is just up to me to run the race. This is how I try to live life too, and you know I learned something. Sometimes God doesn't give us a road map, but he provides us with the next step. It's true that in a marathon you receive a map of the course, but honestly towards the end of the race just knowing your next goal is all you are concerned with. I usually have markers. "run until I get to that light post, and then I will walk until I reach that green house down the street". These are the next steps I am concerned making and a lot of those next steps put together get me to my ultimate goal, the end of the race. I tend to fear the unknown and life has a way of throwing unknown adventures into my path for time to time. I am living today in uncharted territory. This is a new chapter in our life in general, but even though change is happening, there are some things that remain consistent. And not all change is bad. Actually there are some exciting things on the horizon, but there is for sure a fork in the road. God only gives me what I can handle, right?! Well, maybe only what I can handle with Him by my side! I am excited to reveal more about the changes taking place, but am cautious too. What's that one saying Mom use to always say? Oh yeah, "don't count your chickens before they hatch". Good advice mom! I most certainly won't, but pray that I have many chicken's to share with you later! :D
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Blog Thoughts...
Have you ever had a friendship or relationship where maybe a pause for perspective was needed? What does God say about mending and strengthening friendships after perspective has been clarified? Is there a place for new beginnings? I certainly believe that God can use any circumstance to His glory and use new perspectives to accomplish what may not have been possible without the needed pause. God is at work in a mighty way and there is a lot to accomplish for his glory, but I walk in caution to seek his will through prayer when making bold moves and walking in uncharted territory. What are your thoughts and how can God use your experiences to make a difference in someone else's life?
Morning scripture reference:
Colossians 4
Morning scripture reference:
Colossians 4
Monday, May 23, 2011
CNN Health Article
Leukemia drug gives hopes to MS sufferers
Researchers in Britain say they have found that a drug used to treat leukemia can halt and even reverse the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The findings published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine will bring fresh hope to the world's millions of sufferers of the the auto-immune disease.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge in eastern England found that a drug called alemtuzumab can stop the advance of MS in its early stages.
MS causes the body's immune system to attack nerve fibres in the central nervous system.
Symptoms of the disease can include loss of sight and mobility, depression, fatigue and cognitive problems. There is no cure, and few effective treatments. Read an explainer about MS
In trials among sufferers, alemtuzumab cut the number of attacks and helped them recover lost functions. It even apparently helped repair damaged brain tissue so individuals were less disabled than at the start of the study.
Researchers also compared the effectiveness of alemtuzumab with interferon beta-1a, a leading MS treatment.
They found patients treated with alemtuzumab were 74 percent less likely to experience relapses than those taking interferon beta-1a.
"The ability of an MS drug to promote brain repair is unprecedented," said Dr. Alasdair Coles, a lecturer at Cambridge university's department of clinical neurosciences, who worked on the study.
"We are witnessing a drug which, if given early enough, might effectively stop the advancement of the disease and also restore lost function by promoting repair of the damaged brain tissue."
The MS Society, Britain's largest support charity for those affected by the condition, said the results of the trial will bring hope to many thousands of people living with the condition.
Lee Dunster, head of research at the charity, said: "The MS Society has been following this trial closely and we are delighted that it has reported such positive results.
"This is the first drug that has shown the potential to halt and even reverse the debilitating effects of MS and this news will rightly bring hope to people living with the condition day in, day out."
Despite the optimism researchers said further research must be carried out before the drug could be approved for the treatment of MS.
Researchers in Britain say they have found that a drug used to treat leukemia can halt and even reverse the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The findings published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine will bring fresh hope to the world's millions of sufferers of the the auto-immune disease.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge in eastern England found that a drug called alemtuzumab can stop the advance of MS in its early stages.
MS causes the body's immune system to attack nerve fibres in the central nervous system.
Symptoms of the disease can include loss of sight and mobility, depression, fatigue and cognitive problems. There is no cure, and few effective treatments. Read an explainer about MS
In trials among sufferers, alemtuzumab cut the number of attacks and helped them recover lost functions. It even apparently helped repair damaged brain tissue so individuals were less disabled than at the start of the study.
Researchers also compared the effectiveness of alemtuzumab with interferon beta-1a, a leading MS treatment.
They found patients treated with alemtuzumab were 74 percent less likely to experience relapses than those taking interferon beta-1a.
"The ability of an MS drug to promote brain repair is unprecedented," said Dr. Alasdair Coles, a lecturer at Cambridge university's department of clinical neurosciences, who worked on the study.
"We are witnessing a drug which, if given early enough, might effectively stop the advancement of the disease and also restore lost function by promoting repair of the damaged brain tissue."
The MS Society, Britain's largest support charity for those affected by the condition, said the results of the trial will bring hope to many thousands of people living with the condition.
Lee Dunster, head of research at the charity, said: "The MS Society has been following this trial closely and we are delighted that it has reported such positive results.
"This is the first drug that has shown the potential to halt and even reverse the debilitating effects of MS and this news will rightly bring hope to people living with the condition day in, day out."
Despite the optimism researchers said further research must be carried out before the drug could be approved for the treatment of MS.
Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon
Recently, I made a commitment to run in the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon October 9, 2011. This is no doubt a divine appointment as I had been seeking God for an avenue to make a difference. I ran the Rock'n'Roll marathon last year in Seattle. My first marathon ever and quite honestly the first major running competition I had competed in since my Track & Field Days in High school. My only goal that June day was to finish the marathon, and I did! Months of training with my sister-in-law by my side had paid off and I was thrilled that I had finished! Thinking that finishing one marathon would certainly be enough in my lifetime, I hung my medal up and really didn't give another marathon much thought.
Several months had gone by when I started getting the itch to compete again. I wanted to improve my time since the last marathon; however, lacked a good training program and the thought was merely a distant goal.
In the meantime, I was seeking God for a way to make a difference in other people's lives. I was trying to find the area God was calling me to when one day I saw a flyer for Team In Training. Team In Training is an organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for those suffering from Leukemia, Lymphoma and other cancers of the same sort. It was then I knew I had found my calling.
Why this cause, you may ask? This cause hits close to home. In December 2010 I found out that a dear friend I knew in High School past away (5 years earlier) after battling Burkitt's Lymphoma. This really shook me. I was completely shocked to hear that someone my age, someone I had known personally, had been a victim. I found out later that this disease is known to hit young people. People that have hope for a future like my friend that had recently gotten married, graduated and started a career in teaching. But his story has inspired me to reach out. To do my part in helping raise funds in support of further research to find a cure. Which I may add may help find cures for other cancers and other diseases such as MS that are closely related.
Not only will being a part of this team bring funds and support to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, but it gives an opportunity for me to take care of myself as well and compete once again in a marathon. A marathon for life and hope!
God calls us to be a light in the darkness. Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
PS- If you would like to support me in this calling, or if you would like to learn more, please visit my website at http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/victoria11/hmartinj6s
Thank you!
Several months had gone by when I started getting the itch to compete again. I wanted to improve my time since the last marathon; however, lacked a good training program and the thought was merely a distant goal.
In the meantime, I was seeking God for a way to make a difference in other people's lives. I was trying to find the area God was calling me to when one day I saw a flyer for Team In Training. Team In Training is an organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for those suffering from Leukemia, Lymphoma and other cancers of the same sort. It was then I knew I had found my calling.
Why this cause, you may ask? This cause hits close to home. In December 2010 I found out that a dear friend I knew in High School past away (5 years earlier) after battling Burkitt's Lymphoma. This really shook me. I was completely shocked to hear that someone my age, someone I had known personally, had been a victim. I found out later that this disease is known to hit young people. People that have hope for a future like my friend that had recently gotten married, graduated and started a career in teaching. But his story has inspired me to reach out. To do my part in helping raise funds in support of further research to find a cure. Which I may add may help find cures for other cancers and other diseases such as MS that are closely related.
Not only will being a part of this team bring funds and support to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, but it gives an opportunity for me to take care of myself as well and compete once again in a marathon. A marathon for life and hope!
God calls us to be a light in the darkness. Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
PS- If you would like to support me in this calling, or if you would like to learn more, please visit my website at http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/victoria11/hmartinj6s
Thank you!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Faith In What We Don't See
Hebrews 10:11
The Message
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see.
By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That's what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him". We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God". It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek Him.
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised to him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real eternal foundations-the city designed and built by God.
By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.
The Message
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see.
By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That's what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. "They looked all over and couldn't find him because God had taken him". We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken "he pleased God". It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek Him.
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised to him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real eternal foundations-the city designed and built by God.
By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
No Hesitation
9"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (New American Standard Bible)
Let me encourage you today that whatever challenge you face, be strong and courageous. Don't over think and get overwhelmed with the "to do" list today. Relax and let God work in your life. Find moments to pray throughout the day. Even little popcorn prayers will get you through. :)
Blessings,
Heather
Joshua 1:9 (New American Standard Bible)
Let me encourage you today that whatever challenge you face, be strong and courageous. Don't over think and get overwhelmed with the "to do" list today. Relax and let God work in your life. Find moments to pray throughout the day. Even little popcorn prayers will get you through. :)
Blessings,
Heather
Monday, October 11, 2010
Seriously Speaking...
Monday morning isn't meant for serious dialog right?! Well, try explaining that to the Man upstairs! Some reason making excuses for wanting it "easy" don't seem to get much feedback. This morning my husband is flying out of town on a business trip. Flying never really bothered me until after my last child was born. Before then, I would fly anywhere without a second thought, but now days I am a little more hesitant....Okay, a lot more hesitant! And like anything that scares me to pieces I make sure I am saying my prayers! It's a good place to start don't ya think? Even though it's not me flying, I still get nervous. So, as I wander into our cold dark living room this morning, I start a fire and get out my son's youth bible. I don't know where to start reading really, so I open my bible, close my eyes and point. Yep, pretty silly... Thanks PJ for the tip btw! Suddenly, the quest for something inspirational was quickly turned over by something that definitely got my attention. With undertones of security and peace was also a voice of authority. I had flipped my book to Luke 11:12. I encourage you to do the same this morning. This is a passage that really brings perspective; you don't want to miss it!!
Blessings,
Heather
Blessings,
Heather
Thursday, October 7, 2010
"Do it again"!
Have you ever done something so many times that you got to a point where you don't even think about it anymore you just do it? When I was a kid my flute teacher use to call this occurrence "muscle memory". I practiced so many times that pretty soon when I read the notes on the page my fingers just knew where to go. I didn't have to think about it anymore. That was the best! I loved it, until she said "Great Heather, now do it again"! I told her many times that I would buy her something with that phrase on it, since it seemed to become a coined phrase of her's! Well, this morning I am also experiencing a little bit of this. I have been typing now for 20 years. I wouldn't say I am the best, but after 20 years you get a little bit of "muscle memory" and don't need to look at your hands while you type. Recently, I have changed my email carrier and so my email address has changed. Boy, it's hard to change that automatic response. That is why my flute teacher would warn me not to practice a piece wrong. Once you get use to playing a note, it's hard to retrain yourself to play it a different way. I'm kinda going through that right now....
Thinking about how I can encourage you this morning I first thought what is it that Jesus wants for us to do over and over again? What quality does he want for us to exercise? There are several answers to this as I sit here and look through scripture and my little devotional book for an encouraging word. Some may say kindness. Kindness would fit. A gift of the spirit that should be exercised often, but I am going to stretch it even further and say Forgiveness. Kindness would be limited if it weren't for forgiveness. I am going to close with this thought. "Forgiveness is giving love when there is no reason to" God's little Devotional Book for Women ... "Blessed are the merciful, for the shall obtain mercy". Matthew 5:7
Blessings,
Heather
Thinking about how I can encourage you this morning I first thought what is it that Jesus wants for us to do over and over again? What quality does he want for us to exercise? There are several answers to this as I sit here and look through scripture and my little devotional book for an encouraging word. Some may say kindness. Kindness would fit. A gift of the spirit that should be exercised often, but I am going to stretch it even further and say Forgiveness. Kindness would be limited if it weren't for forgiveness. I am going to close with this thought. "Forgiveness is giving love when there is no reason to" God's little Devotional Book for Women ... "Blessed are the merciful, for the shall obtain mercy". Matthew 5:7
Blessings,
Heather
Friday, January 29, 2010
Delivered By God ~ Part 3
Included in this post is the last 3 Podcast of this series from Pastor John MacAuthor at Grace to you Church in Panorama City, California. Excellent series that really talks about the fundamentals of the Christian belief. As stated in bible itself in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 7:14-15 (New International Version)
14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
I looked up the verse in The Message Bible as well...
Matthew 7:14-15 (The Message)
Being and Doing
13-14"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
13"Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
I invite you to listen to these....
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-227
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-233
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-234
If for any reason these links don't work you can go to www.gty.org and listen to this whole series of John MacAuthor's. It is Called Delivered By God just like the Title of the Blog and it is extensive and good. I encourage you to check it out!
Matthew 7:14-15 (New International Version)
14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
I looked up the verse in The Message Bible as well...
Matthew 7:14-15 (The Message)
Being and Doing
13-14"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
13"Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
I invite you to listen to these....
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-227
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-233
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-234
If for any reason these links don't work you can go to www.gty.org and listen to this whole series of John MacAuthor's. It is Called Delivered By God just like the Title of the Blog and it is extensive and good. I encourage you to check it out!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Delivered by God -Cont.
For a condtinuation on this Series I am posting the next two links. John is a Pastor in California. I have never met him, but I came across these sermons and felt I needed to share them. I hope they bring clarity to your life and that after hearing them you are compeled to share them! If you have any difficulty accessing these sermons and have an iPhone or iPod touch, download their application from I-tunes called "Grace to You" and May God Bless You Richly!
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-223
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-224
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-223
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-224
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Delivered by God
These are two intense and powerful messages that are part of a series. Everyone should hear these!! Check them out! They really hit on some intresting points!
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-221
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-222
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-221
http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-222
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Just Average
Today, I wanted to reasearch what the Bible says about being average. Ironically I plugged the word "average" into some bible software online and the term "No Results" kicked back. I love that in God's message there is no "average" like we have in life. God customized each of us to operate with different talents and abilities.
Society says some of us are average and others are privilaged, but in actuality we are all chosen for different "positions".
Included is some scripture that I found while researching this topic...
Matthew 25:15 (New International Version)
15To one he gave five talents[a] of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
Footnotes:
Matthew 25:15 A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars.
Romans 5
Peace and Joy
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Footnotes:
Romans 5:1 Or let us
Romans 5:2 Or let us
Romans 5:3 Or let us
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12b-13
Society says some of us are average and others are privilaged, but in actuality we are all chosen for different "positions".
Included is some scripture that I found while researching this topic...
Matthew 25:15 (New International Version)
15To one he gave five talents[a] of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
Footnotes:
Matthew 25:15 A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars.
Romans 5
Peace and Joy
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Footnotes:
Romans 5:1 Or let us
Romans 5:2 Or let us
Romans 5:3 Or let us
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12b-13
Sunday, December 27, 2009
One Thing You Can Count On...
One Thing I can count on is that God is in Control of everything!
1 Chron. 26:11(LB) states, Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, oh Lord...We adore You as being in control of everything. Thank goodness I can rest in that everything doesn't ride on my sholders, yet it's humbling because as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and whatever other hats I wear throughout the day it can be hard to relinquish control in certain situations, but it is so freeing to do so!
Because God is in control my plans will have a limit. Pr.16:9(GN) says, "We should make plans - counting on God to direct us" For anyone, planning without prayer is presumtionous, and the way to remedy this is found in Pr.16:1(GN)
"We may make our plans, but God has the last word." therefore I need to pray for god to give me wisdom. Wisdom in raising my kids, wisdom in my financial decisions, wisdom for the next year to come.
Because God is in Control (any of) my problems will have a pourpose.
1 Peter 1:6-7(Ph) "...At present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials. This is no accident- it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold."
Because God is in Control my prayers will have an impact. 1John 5:14 (NIV) "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask everything according to His will, He hears us".
For full notes on the message that inspired this posting please see www.lakestevenschurch.com . The title of the message is: The One Thing You Can Count On in 2010 - A New Year's Message by Pastor Virgil Brown
1 Chron. 26:11(LB) states, Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, oh Lord...We adore You as being in control of everything. Thank goodness I can rest in that everything doesn't ride on my sholders, yet it's humbling because as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and whatever other hats I wear throughout the day it can be hard to relinquish control in certain situations, but it is so freeing to do so!
Because God is in control my plans will have a limit. Pr.16:9(GN) says, "We should make plans - counting on God to direct us" For anyone, planning without prayer is presumtionous, and the way to remedy this is found in Pr.16:1(GN)
"We may make our plans, but God has the last word." therefore I need to pray for god to give me wisdom. Wisdom in raising my kids, wisdom in my financial decisions, wisdom for the next year to come.
Because God is in Control (any of) my problems will have a pourpose.
1 Peter 1:6-7(Ph) "...At present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials. This is no accident- it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold."
Because God is in Control my prayers will have an impact. 1John 5:14 (NIV) "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask everything according to His will, He hears us".
For full notes on the message that inspired this posting please see www.lakestevenschurch.com . The title of the message is: The One Thing You Can Count On in 2010 - A New Year's Message by Pastor Virgil Brown
Friday, December 18, 2009
Change for Christmas
Tis the Season...for inspiration! I wanted to share with you an inspiring message during a holiday season that is more than a note to warn you of crowded shopping malls or that eBay sold the last whatchamacallit yesterday. I have added some of my own content, but the complete set of notes on this message can be found at www.lakestevenschurch.com labeled The Change of Celebration "Coming Home This Christmas" By Pastor Virgil Brown
For starters, Take out a penny from your pocket, piggy bank, junk drawer, collect all basket - whereever you can find some loose change. Look at this penny for a second. Now I want you to hold onto this penny. I want you to remember that this penny represents the past. Through Christ, "Your past is forgiven"!
Mark 2:17 Romans 4:7-8
Now go back to that piggy bank and take out a nickel. The nickel represents Now! I want you to keep this nickel in a special place to remind you that God's spirit is in you NOW!
Romans 8:11(MSG)
Do you have a dime laying around? The dime is for your Determined Destiny. "You have a place in Heaven".
John 5:24 Romans 5:21
One more....
Dig out a quarter for your collection. The quarter is there so you remember your Spiritual Growth. "You can continue to grow!
Matthew 13:4-8(MSG) Exodus 34:22(NLT)
I hope this message of change is as much of an inspiration to you as it was to me! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
With Love,
Heather
For starters, Take out a penny from your pocket, piggy bank, junk drawer, collect all basket - whereever you can find some loose change. Look at this penny for a second. Now I want you to hold onto this penny. I want you to remember that this penny represents the past. Through Christ, "Your past is forgiven"!
Mark 2:17 Romans 4:7-8
Now go back to that piggy bank and take out a nickel. The nickel represents Now! I want you to keep this nickel in a special place to remind you that God's spirit is in you NOW!
Romans 8:11(MSG)
Do you have a dime laying around? The dime is for your Determined Destiny. "You have a place in Heaven".
John 5:24 Romans 5:21
One more....
Dig out a quarter for your collection. The quarter is there so you remember your Spiritual Growth. "You can continue to grow!
Matthew 13:4-8(MSG) Exodus 34:22(NLT)
I hope this message of change is as much of an inspiration to you as it was to me! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
With Love,
Heather
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Personal Growth
I just Googled the definition to Personal Growth on an online dictonary. I got the definition of Individual gradual increase. But, even better... Personal growth equals change in action. Life is about Change and the only thing one can count on in life is change. I have been in a season of change and a season of discovery which has lead me to read more. Two books that I've been reading are The Emotionally Healthy Church and Emotionaly Healthy Spirituality both written by Peter Scazzero. They are the kind of books I need around as reference to go back and read from time to time and books that offer an opportunity for group study which I am intrested in starting.
Anyway, part of my discovery was to gather the tools in becoming an Emotionally Healthy adult in Christ which is a life long process. We never stop learning! But I needed a next level! I was desprately hungry to grow and was hitting a wall which lead me to pull away and doubt. I had expectations that were not being met. Did I communicate these expectations clearly to those I heald accountable? That is a question I have to ask myself. There are several things that can happen that cause us to look at something differently, or cause us to change the course that we are on. My despration for a direction of personal growth was high and I beleieve God was calling for me to "walk through" in order to get to the other side of understanding. Beth Moore has bible study materials I am using were I am learning how to communicate with God. When we are not upfront and honest with Him it makes us vunerable. I try to let Him know 1. How very Thankful I am for all He has gotten me through! My memory is short, so many times when I am up against difficult circumstances I need to remind myself of all He has done for me, which puts things into perspective. I realize that He will not leave me or forsake me and He is bigger than my circumstances! 2. What I need! No matter what. No matter how big or small it may be, my communication with him needs to be honest, because he desires a close relationship. and 3. What he wants me to know. For this I have to find a quiet place. Read my Bible and let Him guide me. This is a disapline that takes time.
We have been called to "Love Well" and it is my hope that I can do just that!
In Closing let me offer a prayer that Peter uses in his book. Emotionally Healthy Spriituality.
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. I am aware, Lord, of how often I treat people as its, as objects, instead of looking at them with eyes and a heart of Christ. Lord, I have unhealthy ways of relating that are deeply inbedded in me. Please change me. Make me a vessel to spread mature, steady reliable love so that people with whom I come in contact sense your tenderness and kindness. Deliver me from false peace making that is driven by fear. Lord Jesus, help me love well like you, Grow me, I pray, into an emotionally mature adult through the Holy Spirit's power. In Jesus' name, amen".
Anyway, part of my discovery was to gather the tools in becoming an Emotionally Healthy adult in Christ which is a life long process. We never stop learning! But I needed a next level! I was desprately hungry to grow and was hitting a wall which lead me to pull away and doubt. I had expectations that were not being met. Did I communicate these expectations clearly to those I heald accountable? That is a question I have to ask myself. There are several things that can happen that cause us to look at something differently, or cause us to change the course that we are on. My despration for a direction of personal growth was high and I beleieve God was calling for me to "walk through" in order to get to the other side of understanding. Beth Moore has bible study materials I am using were I am learning how to communicate with God. When we are not upfront and honest with Him it makes us vunerable. I try to let Him know 1. How very Thankful I am for all He has gotten me through! My memory is short, so many times when I am up against difficult circumstances I need to remind myself of all He has done for me, which puts things into perspective. I realize that He will not leave me or forsake me and He is bigger than my circumstances! 2. What I need! No matter what. No matter how big or small it may be, my communication with him needs to be honest, because he desires a close relationship. and 3. What he wants me to know. For this I have to find a quiet place. Read my Bible and let Him guide me. This is a disapline that takes time.
We have been called to "Love Well" and it is my hope that I can do just that!
In Closing let me offer a prayer that Peter uses in his book. Emotionally Healthy Spriituality.
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. I am aware, Lord, of how often I treat people as its, as objects, instead of looking at them with eyes and a heart of Christ. Lord, I have unhealthy ways of relating that are deeply inbedded in me. Please change me. Make me a vessel to spread mature, steady reliable love so that people with whom I come in contact sense your tenderness and kindness. Deliver me from false peace making that is driven by fear. Lord Jesus, help me love well like you, Grow me, I pray, into an emotionally mature adult through the Holy Spirit's power. In Jesus' name, amen".
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Inspired
I am feeling inspired to share more of my Journey lately. I plan on coming back to the Blog and journaling. Please stay tuned!
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