Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Eleven
...Is the age of the youngest client, or should we say child, who found herself needing the help of Akron Pregnancy Services.
In Sunday School, we have been focusing on Philippians and Paul's joy. We've spent time and discussion on verse 21 of chapter 1 which states "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." I often find myself longing for Heaven. I think this desire comes with age. It by no means is a morbid or depressing thought. It is one of hope and excitement.
While hearing a brief presentation from Akron Pregnancy Services this morning, though, I found myself longing for my True Home out of deep heartbreak.
Dedicating a Sunday to the sanctity of life is sad. Just as orphan Sunday is sad. This world is so lost. So dark. Things that were created for Your joy and purpose, sex, children, family and marriage, have been turned upside down. I know the wonder and beauty of (almost) all of these things and my heart hurts for those who do not.
I am thankful for the workers and volunteers at APS who have been called to serve these women and children desperate to know Your truth and hope.
You are the God of the hurting, the Protector and the great Healer.
In Sunday School, we have been focusing on Philippians and Paul's joy. We've spent time and discussion on verse 21 of chapter 1 which states "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." I often find myself longing for Heaven. I think this desire comes with age. It by no means is a morbid or depressing thought. It is one of hope and excitement.
While hearing a brief presentation from Akron Pregnancy Services this morning, though, I found myself longing for my True Home out of deep heartbreak.
Dedicating a Sunday to the sanctity of life is sad. Just as orphan Sunday is sad. This world is so lost. So dark. Things that were created for Your joy and purpose, sex, children, family and marriage, have been turned upside down. I know the wonder and beauty of (almost) all of these things and my heart hurts for those who do not.
I am thankful for the workers and volunteers at APS who have been called to serve these women and children desperate to know Your truth and hope.
You are the God of the hurting, the Protector and the great Healer.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Reset, Check.
Over the past several weeks, I have been needing a reset button. Emotionally, spiritually and physically, I was longing for a cleanse, a refresh, a reset.
This week, I was able to set aside a day to do just that. Bible and journal in hand, I set out praying for a word. And, by the grace of God, He gave me a word. He actually gave me a couple.
In my weakness, He is strong. I realized that I had been trying to deal with this on my own. I had started in the right direction, but then figured I could deal with whatever God was going to show me on my own. Am I new? What was I thinking? No wonder I have felt depleted in every way. I was trying to carry what Jesus promised to.
...but when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13
I don't have to deal with my junk on my own strength because Jesus promised a way out.
Amen, amen.
And what's a day of reflecting without a little J.P?..."The Holy Spirit overcomes our temptations to sin by awakening joy through faith in the blood-brought promises of God that are at work in us." (Isn't it awesome that I would read this on the same day...God is cool.)
This week, I was able to set aside a day to do just that. Bible and journal in hand, I set out praying for a word. And, by the grace of God, He gave me a word. He actually gave me a couple.
In my weakness, He is strong. I realized that I had been trying to deal with this on my own. I had started in the right direction, but then figured I could deal with whatever God was going to show me on my own. Am I new? What was I thinking? No wonder I have felt depleted in every way. I was trying to carry what Jesus promised to.
...but when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:13
I don't have to deal with my junk on my own strength because Jesus promised a way out.
Amen, amen.
And what's a day of reflecting without a little J.P?..."The Holy Spirit overcomes our temptations to sin by awakening joy through faith in the blood-brought promises of God that are at work in us." (Isn't it awesome that I would read this on the same day...God is cool.)
No eye has seen
No ear has heard
No mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him
I Corinthians 2:9
Friday, January 6, 2012
2011 in Pictures
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| At the Nature Realm |
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| Isaac "meeting" his forever family |
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| Bachelorette! |
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| Wonderful day! |
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| Still can't figure out where, or who, his musical talent came from. |
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| Meeting Ezra |
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| Myrtle Beach |
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| Beth Moore |
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| College reunion |
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| Nate teaching me how to play chess |
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| New Year's Eve |
Monday, January 2, 2012
Thankful
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
This is the verse my brother shared as part of his testimony yesterday. I am so proud of the young man my baby brother is becoming. He is faithful, thoughtful, mature and obedient. He had made good choices and his priorities often differ from most 13 year old boys'. Yes, he still is a 13 year old boy, but I am so thankful for him and who he is.
My tears of thankfulness flowed as I heard his testimony and watched him in quiet prayer with his youth pastor just before being immersed.
Yeah, I love that kid. And yesterday was really cool.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Worst day of the year
Historically speaking, December 31 is my least favorite day of the year. The hype surrounding today into tomorrow drives me crazy. Tomorrow is not a clean slate, it's just another day. Another day to live, love and glorify my Savior. 2011 was great. 2012 will be great. I mean, hey, life is just good. I don't need to get drunk, party and start over tomorrow. Stupid. Just stupid.
With that said, the next two days will be very fun...breakfast and a movie with the Flakers today. Ice skaing with Ben and Kenzie tonight (have I mentioned how much I love our best friends are also my sister and her husband?), and tomorrow, I get to celebrate my brother's baptism.
See, life is good.
With that said, the next two days will be very fun...breakfast and a movie with the Flakers today. Ice skaing with Ben and Kenzie tonight (have I mentioned how much I love our best friends are also my sister and her husband?), and tomorrow, I get to celebrate my brother's baptism.
See, life is good.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
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