Boy, do I need this study today! I personally hate black Friday....I mean, I'm just as materialistic as the next girl( sadly) but I try to at least keep up the appearances that I'm not....there is nothing about Black Friday that exudes conservative or being happy with what one already has. Nothing. And so I hate it. Oh and I hate crowds and getting up early or staying up late-so there's that too ;)
Anyway, I had to go against everything that I stand for today and go wrap presents at the Px ( basically a cross between a Walmart and a Kmart that also sells Coach purses...) to raise money for Brett's company's Family Readiness Group. Five hours on my feet....wearing an elf hat and making up different words to Jingle Bells that basically says "Let us wrap your presents, you give us five dollars..."
Put all that together and I'm grouch.
So I came home, gave my kid a bath and read...
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 and then Isaiah 11:1-4, 6-9
and then I went and listened to this...
Now, did that not give you chills when it gets to the chorus, "WONDERFUL! COUNSELOR! ALMIGHTY GOD!...." ?!
That's how these verses need to be read...with that kind of joy and expectation, that kind of reverence.
And getting down to business, I confess that I actually went about memorizing this whole chapter this past summer and I got to...ooooh....verse 3. This has reminded me and inspired me to pick it back up. Because, while it is a Promise about Jesus-something that's already happened. I also find these verses to be a Promise for the future.
First of all, the government will be on His Shoulders. Basically, bottom line. He will Rule over all. No more stressing and worrying about this or that about our own government...at least not worry to the point of distraction. For here I am reminded that ultimately there is One who will have Victory over it ALL...
Wonder Counselor- I learned today that the word "Wonderful" actually means "miraculous". and Counselor is "one of great wisdom". Oh how we all desire that! Someone who is miraculously wise when it comes to our lives. How I must trust in Jesus that He is, indeed, just that!
The Mighty God- Ah yes, important detail, since so many like to say Jesus was a "prophet" or a "wise man"...here it flat out says that He is God. We cannot dilute and decide which bits and pieces we want to believe. He is God. The Almighty God. And He deserves my Praise.
The Everlasting Father-Oh how wonderful! We are all in need of a Daddy. A true Father. One who loves us, disciplines us, protects us, instructs us....Jesus is just that. He is are everlasting father.
Prince of Peace- I love this one! The one who brings peace. The giver of blessing. I saw the great need for this characteristic of Jesus in the Px today. So many searching for peace and blessing in a giant TV....And I too am guilty of looking in all the wrong places. And yet, here it is, the Answer. Jesus is the Prince of Peace....
And then I love at the end of verse 7 it says "And the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this." Wow. Nothing, nothing could get in the way of the Lord's ultimate plan of sending us a Savior in the form of Jesus. And this was prophesied ( here in Isaiah) a good 700 years before Christ ( or so my wikipedia skills tell me). And I was reminded in Genesis last week, the Lord knew from the BEGINNING that He would one day bring a Savior to Earth. Awesome, truly awesome.
And now, since I'm once again in danger of making this post too wordy...my favorite favorite part of the Chapter 11 reading has to be verse 3:
His greatest joy will be to Obey the Father. This king will not judge by appearances and listen to rumors...
Many spend so much time reading the Gospels ( the books, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) to figure out the characteristics of Christ-as well we should! But I forget to look elsewhere as well for the characteristics of Jesus that I can try to emulate and learn from....and after a day spent surrounded by gossip and the temptation to be catty. I am glad of a reminder of our Lord, a thankfulness in my heart that He is both fair and just and the perfect example of an obedient Son.
Spending an evening thinking about these characteristics of Christ reminds me afresh how much I love Him and delight in celebrating His birth and look expectantly to His coming.
November 25, 2011
November 21, 2011
I wish I'd thought of this sooner ( Happy Birthday, Me.)
So, on Sunday I was taking my thirty minute walk with God...which turned into me sitting on a swing in the elementary school's playground that is conveniently located across the street from our house....the sky was beautiful, bright autumn blue with streaks of clouds across it. The air was warm, but since it was about 3pm most of the humidity had burned off ( thanks Georgia Fall...you just CANT make up your mind can you!?)...anyway, I was listening to praise music and thanking God for many things. And I was reminded that when I turned 22, I took the time every day of the month of November, up until my Birthday...to talk about a different person ( or persons) who have impacted my life up to that point.
So I went back, and I checked it out.
Its interesting that if I was to do the same thing today, there would be a whole slew of new people that I would need to add, and that in just 6 years I could think of ten people ( or peoples) who I would definitely need to talk about, thank God for, be reminded of how they have impacted me, changed me and helped shape the person I am today. ( and that list includes really impacting people...like my husband(!) and son(!)) Its amazing how quickly time passes and how much has happened in the past 6 years. I've moved 6 times and lived in 4 different states, I've gotten married, "joined" the Army Life, I've had four jobs-two of which were non-paying ( haha!) ...so make that FIVE jobs ( I'm now counting Mothering as a job), and I've had a child, I've become an aunt several times over, and I've made many new friends and lost touch with several. I've come to terms with the person that I once was, and I've learned a lot about who I want to be.
I am excited that the next six years prove to be JUST as exciting!!
So I went back, and I checked it out.
Its interesting that if I was to do the same thing today, there would be a whole slew of new people that I would need to add, and that in just 6 years I could think of ten people ( or peoples) who I would definitely need to talk about, thank God for, be reminded of how they have impacted me, changed me and helped shape the person I am today. ( and that list includes really impacting people...like my husband(!) and son(!)) Its amazing how quickly time passes and how much has happened in the past 6 years. I've moved 6 times and lived in 4 different states, I've gotten married, "joined" the Army Life, I've had four jobs-two of which were non-paying ( haha!) ...so make that FIVE jobs ( I'm now counting Mothering as a job), and I've had a child, I've become an aunt several times over, and I've made many new friends and lost touch with several. I've come to terms with the person that I once was, and I've learned a lot about who I want to be.
I am excited that the next six years prove to be JUST as exciting!!
November 18, 2011
Advent Week #1
Gen. 3:8-19, Gen 22:15-18
As far as this study goes ( if you're inclined to look ahead at the coming weeks readings), this week has by far the "hardest" passage. And it may even seem odd that we'd read about the "fall of man" during the Christmas season, a time of Joy and Hope.
But, really, as with any gift, the gift is much better when you know how much went into it-time, thought, money....these are things we often subconsciously calculate when valuing a gift we receive. And of course, the BEST gifts are the ones you really want ( or if you're dramatic like me...need.)....
And if there was every a gift that we needed more than anything-it would be Jesus. The Son of God.
In reading Genesis 3, especially the first part ( I took a running start at our reading for the study), is such a grim reminder of what a scummy person I really am...even on my best days. I am JUST like Adam and Eve ( pointing the finger, making excuses etc. etc.) and just like Adam and Eve, I'm sinful. Very very sinful.
And yet, how glorious is verse 15?!?
When right there as God's talking to the Devil he talks about His Son for the first time....
"You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies. One of hers ( JESUS!!!!!) will strike you on the head, and you shall bruise his heal."
Right here at the very BEGINNING of the Bible, God is really ready with a way to send freedom and victory to mankind. Beautiful. Awe-inspiring.
Which brings me to the second passage for this week, a little change of gears but always a great piece of our Christmas "Heritage"....
I always love looking at these Promises that God makes to Abraham and after him Isaac, and Israel, and even David later on....with each, God talks about their Family, their Nation....how they will be more "numerous than the sands of the seashore" and how their "descendants ( JESUS!!!) will be a blessing to the whole world!! I always get goosebumps when I think about how this is quite literally talking about all of us! How because of His sacrifice on the Cross, we are now part of this Family.
What a family, a family that may not be connected by blood, but instead by Heart.
This holiday season I thank God for my "extended" family...the ones connected by Blood...but not family blood, but instead the Blood that Christ spilled for us all. (oooops! Look at me! I switched and went all Easter on this Christmas post!! Gah! I can't help it!). I have such an amazing family-and even though Brett and I and now Ransom too are all over the place, I know we are never alone. I am grateful for my family.
As far as this study goes ( if you're inclined to look ahead at the coming weeks readings), this week has by far the "hardest" passage. And it may even seem odd that we'd read about the "fall of man" during the Christmas season, a time of Joy and Hope.
But, really, as with any gift, the gift is much better when you know how much went into it-time, thought, money....these are things we often subconsciously calculate when valuing a gift we receive. And of course, the BEST gifts are the ones you really want ( or if you're dramatic like me...need.)....
And if there was every a gift that we needed more than anything-it would be Jesus. The Son of God.
In reading Genesis 3, especially the first part ( I took a running start at our reading for the study), is such a grim reminder of what a scummy person I really am...even on my best days. I am JUST like Adam and Eve ( pointing the finger, making excuses etc. etc.) and just like Adam and Eve, I'm sinful. Very very sinful.
And yet, how glorious is verse 15?!?
When right there as God's talking to the Devil he talks about His Son for the first time....
"You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies. One of hers ( JESUS!!!!!) will strike you on the head, and you shall bruise his heal."
Right here at the very BEGINNING of the Bible, God is really ready with a way to send freedom and victory to mankind. Beautiful. Awe-inspiring.
Which brings me to the second passage for this week, a little change of gears but always a great piece of our Christmas "Heritage"....
I always love looking at these Promises that God makes to Abraham and after him Isaac, and Israel, and even David later on....with each, God talks about their Family, their Nation....how they will be more "numerous than the sands of the seashore" and how their "descendants ( JESUS!!!) will be a blessing to the whole world!! I always get goosebumps when I think about how this is quite literally talking about all of us! How because of His sacrifice on the Cross, we are now part of this Family.
What a family, a family that may not be connected by blood, but instead by Heart.
This holiday season I thank God for my "extended" family...the ones connected by Blood...but not family blood, but instead the Blood that Christ spilled for us all. (oooops! Look at me! I switched and went all Easter on this Christmas post!! Gah! I can't help it!). I have such an amazing family-and even though Brett and I and now Ransom too are all over the place, I know we are never alone. I am grateful for my family.
November 13, 2011
GET EXCITED!!!! ( New Bloggin' Bible Study!!)
So, I have to tell you I was a bit...I dont know...at a loss about what to do for the next Bloggin' Bible Study. And since most of you where all about starting up again immediately...the crunch was on! At first, I was all about doing another poll and voting about which book of the Bible to study next (I still want to do this in the future...) , but then...then I read a blog post and I got really inspired. Strike that. I got inspired and EXCITED!!
The blog post I read is here. But basically its an advertisement for an album put out-all proceeds go to help those affected by human trafficking-by the band Jubilee. The album is an Advent Album, basically 9 "lessons" ( or scripture readings) and some Christmas Hymns to be meditated on leading up until Christmas...and this got me thinking. WE HAVE GOT TO CELEBRATE Advent together here on our Bloggin' Bible Study! What better way to study the bible in this busy "holiday" season then to prepare ourselves with some preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ?!?!
So, we've got (pauses to count) 6 weeks until Christmas. And I would like to do at least 5 weeks of "lessons" ( though I think I'll do one for Christmas Eve too...just because I love it so much!)....
Now, this time it'll be a little bit harder to keep up because we're jumping around the Bible, but hopefully we'll get some great thoughts about Jesus's coming and a better grasp of the "big picture" of Christmas and it'll all be worth it! Here is my guide for the coming weeks!! I'll be referencing back to it as the weeks go on, but feel free to read the passages and go with what the Spirit leads you on how YOU study it!! And once again, remember to link your thoughts to me in the comment section and I'll be keeping up with all the links up at the top of the page under "bloggin' bible study"
Week One ( Nov 18):
Read Genesis 3: 8-19, Genesis 22:15-18
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Two (Nov 25):
Read Isaiah 9:2, and verses 6-7, Isaiah 11:1-4, and 6-9
Week Three (Dec 2):
Read Luke 1:26-38.
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Four (Dec 9):
Read Luke 2:1-16
Week Five (Dec 16):
Read Matt 2:1-12
BONUS CHRISTMAS READING (Dec 24):
Read John 1:1-14
The blog post I read is here. But basically its an advertisement for an album put out-all proceeds go to help those affected by human trafficking-by the band Jubilee. The album is an Advent Album, basically 9 "lessons" ( or scripture readings) and some Christmas Hymns to be meditated on leading up until Christmas...and this got me thinking. WE HAVE GOT TO CELEBRATE Advent together here on our Bloggin' Bible Study! What better way to study the bible in this busy "holiday" season then to prepare ourselves with some preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ?!?!
So, we've got (pauses to count) 6 weeks until Christmas. And I would like to do at least 5 weeks of "lessons" ( though I think I'll do one for Christmas Eve too...just because I love it so much!)....
Now, this time it'll be a little bit harder to keep up because we're jumping around the Bible, but hopefully we'll get some great thoughts about Jesus's coming and a better grasp of the "big picture" of Christmas and it'll all be worth it! Here is my guide for the coming weeks!! I'll be referencing back to it as the weeks go on, but feel free to read the passages and go with what the Spirit leads you on how YOU study it!! And once again, remember to link your thoughts to me in the comment section and I'll be keeping up with all the links up at the top of the page under "bloggin' bible study"
Week One ( Nov 18):
Read Genesis 3: 8-19, Genesis 22:15-18
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Two (Nov 25):
Read Isaiah 9:2, and verses 6-7, Isaiah 11:1-4, and 6-9
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Three (Dec 2):
Read Luke 1:26-38.
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Four (Dec 9):
Read Luke 2:1-16
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Five (Dec 16):
Read Matt 2:1-12
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
BONUS CHRISTMAS READING (Dec 24):
Read John 1:1-14
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
A good season
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall say green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jer 17:7-8
I think we just might be in a “year of drought” around here. Now, I hesitate to say that because usually ( and here comes my non-Pollyanna thought process…) when I think things are bad I get shown what bad reeeeally looks like. But, anyway, instead of saying things are bad, I’ll just say that things are currently hard.
But, I was really encouraged by the whole “does not cease to bear fruit” part. I think I often critique my circumstances and think, “well, I shouldn’t start looking for God to do anything right NOW…because right now is really bad…I’m sure he’ll wait and do something later when things are better…”
Which brings me to Joshua 3. I read this a few months ago and was reminded of it today...This chapter BLOWS MY MIND. Imagine Israelites wandering around in the desert for 40 years and then finally, after all that time God decides to send them on over into the Promise Land…”when the river was at its fullest.” Um..really?! 40 years and God had to wait and send them during the rainy season?! During the season when crossing rivers is the hardest?!?!
WOW. Bad planning God. Or iiiiissss it?!
But, I bet the Israelites didn’t see it coming, bet they thought-as I would have, that surely God would wait for a more “optimal” time to do his work. Wrong.
I think we should expect God to move ALL the time! There is no bad season with God. There is no drought, or flood that can stop God from doing what He wants in our lives. His fruit has no particular season in which it grows best. Instead all that matters is the ground in which its growing. I need to stop looking around at my circumstances and instead make sure my tree has some deep/long roots….then just start watching. Because something’s bound to happen!
November 07, 2011
Philippians Bloggin Bible Study- In Review
So, I've been thinking about how I'd classify this Philippians Bloggin' Bible Study...and I'd have to say "refreshing" and "laid back" would be at the top of my list.
Refreshing because its been good to have the accountability and the consistency of really digging deep into the Word and ask questions, not just reading it because "I should" or its a "good idea" but because its meant to deeply impact my life and its one of the ways in which God speaks to me...so really why wouldn't I be doing this more?!?
And laid back because I've been down right delighted that people do not find the "Fridays" deadline as a restriction for doing the studies...eventually. hehe!! I've SO loved going back and seeing people slowly trickle in as they find the time to read and study a chapter and share their thoughts! I think all told about 14 people participated at some point or another and I hope that those who only got through the first few chapters do not consider this bible study "finished" until they've added their thoughts for the final chapters!! I'm still adding links up at the top of the page there! So feel free to let me know when you want added...
Also, I've added a little poll to the sidebar of this blog, so if you're reading this on your phone, ipad, or on a blog roll, please visit my ACTUAL blog and answer the question pleeeeease! :-)
And feel free to add your "review" of this "bloggin' bible study" in the comment section. I'm looking for things like, "your posts were too long." " I wish we'd had more time on each chapter." "I loved your witty remarks about holy scriptures." and "why don't they give out Oscars for Blog posts?! You should get one." etc. etc.
And of course, head on over to the Link at the top of the blog where you can visit all the ladies who've participated in this study and read all their great thoughts on Philippians! I keep adding to the list so check back in! :-)
Refreshing because its been good to have the accountability and the consistency of really digging deep into the Word and ask questions, not just reading it because "I should" or its a "good idea" but because its meant to deeply impact my life and its one of the ways in which God speaks to me...so really why wouldn't I be doing this more?!?
And laid back because I've been down right delighted that people do not find the "Fridays" deadline as a restriction for doing the studies...eventually. hehe!! I've SO loved going back and seeing people slowly trickle in as they find the time to read and study a chapter and share their thoughts! I think all told about 14 people participated at some point or another and I hope that those who only got through the first few chapters do not consider this bible study "finished" until they've added their thoughts for the final chapters!! I'm still adding links up at the top of the page there! So feel free to let me know when you want added...
Also, I've added a little poll to the sidebar of this blog, so if you're reading this on your phone, ipad, or on a blog roll, please visit my ACTUAL blog and answer the question pleeeeease! :-)
And feel free to add your "review" of this "bloggin' bible study" in the comment section. I'm looking for things like, "your posts were too long." " I wish we'd had more time on each chapter." "I loved your witty remarks about holy scriptures." and "why don't they give out Oscars for Blog posts?! You should get one." etc. etc.
And of course, head on over to the Link at the top of the blog where you can visit all the ladies who've participated in this study and read all their great thoughts on Philippians! I keep adding to the list so check back in! :-)
November 05, 2011
Headed home
So, I've been pretty MIA this week because my brain has been on vacation since last Thursday...in fact, the brain went on vacay a bit TOO early, since I was one minute late for check in and was told that we could not check any bags.
I literally stuffed Ransom's Pjs and a few diapers and our tooth brushes into my purse and had to give my suitcase to my friend Miranda to take home....a ten day trip with only the clothes on our backs....awwwwwwweeeeeessssssooooooome!
But as irony would have it, while I couldn't be ONE MINUTE LATE for check in....my plane could be 45 minutes late without any repercussions. However, the silver lining was Miranda miraculously did not go straight home,but went just down the street to Birlington Coat Factory. So she was able to quickly buy a Carryon bag,stuff as much of our clothes into the bag and bring it to me at security. Whew! Crisis semi-averted.
BUT THEN I went and left my iPad on the plane in Dallas. So yeah. That was also a no-brain moment. ( after a tearful night, a million calls to the airport lost and found and a drive BACK to the airport, I did get it back. Praise God.)
So, that's how I started the trip. So needless to say, I'm a bit nervous about Ransom and my return trip tomorrow.
Though I will say, with a time change and a time zone change I honestly have NO IDEA when we're getting home. Hahaha
The rest of our trip to Texas was a total 180 from the beginning ( minus the stomach bug that Ransom and I both got...on the same night...awful) and we had a grand time with family! We loved every minute. I was gratified to notice that Ransom seemed to recognize all his Nacogoches "haunts" immediately and didn't need any time to get use to his bed in the closet again. ( I will be so sad when Ransom outgrows sleeping in a walk in closet on trips...it's SO handy). Which makes me even more excited about Christmas when we can spend even more time with both sides of the family and most importantly Brett will be with us too! I love the thought that Ransom is going to have such great memories of time in Nacogdoches...the place where all the people who spoil him live.
But, at least for now, we must return to real life. A root canal calls my name on Tuesday. And Ransom needs to realize that he can walk just as well at home as it can in Texas. We get to look forward to Daddy coming home from the field and hopefully get some time together. a thanksgiving celebration to plan. And, of course, I've got a finale Philippians Post to write and hopefully some much needed hang outs with my darling friends that I've missed while being gone!! real life isn't all THAT bad
See you when I get back :-)
I literally stuffed Ransom's Pjs and a few diapers and our tooth brushes into my purse and had to give my suitcase to my friend Miranda to take home....a ten day trip with only the clothes on our backs....awwwwwwweeeeeessssssooooooome!
But as irony would have it, while I couldn't be ONE MINUTE LATE for check in....my plane could be 45 minutes late without any repercussions. However, the silver lining was Miranda miraculously did not go straight home,but went just down the street to Birlington Coat Factory. So she was able to quickly buy a Carryon bag,stuff as much of our clothes into the bag and bring it to me at security. Whew! Crisis semi-averted.
BUT THEN I went and left my iPad on the plane in Dallas. So yeah. That was also a no-brain moment. ( after a tearful night, a million calls to the airport lost and found and a drive BACK to the airport, I did get it back. Praise God.)
So, that's how I started the trip. So needless to say, I'm a bit nervous about Ransom and my return trip tomorrow.
Though I will say, with a time change and a time zone change I honestly have NO IDEA when we're getting home. Hahaha
The rest of our trip to Texas was a total 180 from the beginning ( minus the stomach bug that Ransom and I both got...on the same night...awful) and we had a grand time with family! We loved every minute. I was gratified to notice that Ransom seemed to recognize all his Nacogoches "haunts" immediately and didn't need any time to get use to his bed in the closet again. ( I will be so sad when Ransom outgrows sleeping in a walk in closet on trips...it's SO handy). Which makes me even more excited about Christmas when we can spend even more time with both sides of the family and most importantly Brett will be with us too! I love the thought that Ransom is going to have such great memories of time in Nacogdoches...the place where all the people who spoil him live.
But, at least for now, we must return to real life. A root canal calls my name on Tuesday. And Ransom needs to realize that he can walk just as well at home as it can in Texas. We get to look forward to Daddy coming home from the field and hopefully get some time together. a thanksgiving celebration to plan. And, of course, I've got a finale Philippians Post to write and hopefully some much needed hang outs with my darling friends that I've missed while being gone!! real life isn't all THAT bad
See you when I get back :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)