Some random thoughts:
So thankful for growth groups:
Had our first growth group meeting for Weird: Because Normal Isn't Working on Monday. I absolutely love our group. Our group is diverse in age so I can't wait to hear the different points of view on each of the topics. Overall, I am very excited that everyone wants to be "weird" meaning set apart from the crowd when it comes to Christianity. I think that there are areas of my life that need a reevaluation or even a complete overhaul when it comes to being more like Jesus.
Gave something up more to come:
I made a pretty difficult decision to cut an activity for the summer. After praying, reading and talking with others I think there may be more things that need to be cut so that I can prioritize my time in a way that glorifies God and creates space for loved ones. In all honesty, there are several reasons that I feel overwhelmed. Yeah, I'm gonna stop there because everyone has those things that make them feel stressed out. It's nothing new. I will have use most of my time this summer and really however long it takes to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Uhh, well...here is goes..I am 30 years old and on three different blood pressure medicines. Man, that was hard to write.. I am on blood pressure medicine because I am obese and do not handle stress well at all. I am type A to the extreme. I used to get bloody noses when I got angry. I have changed alot since then, but not enough. I want to be around and health for my family and friends. If I do not make better choices now I am sure to have other health issues. This time I think that I will be successful for a longer time because Craig is also trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Please pray for me. I know what I need to do. I know God will help me.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
6/8/11
3/24/10
Message from Pastor Matt
Boy did I need to read this today!
Patience in the Madness
"Yesterday we talked about how God wants us to learn patience not only with people, but with Him on answering our prayers. If you’re anything like me, patience is one of the hardest things to put into practice in life.
We’re so conditioned to get answers and info immediately in this day and age, and when that Google-factor doesn’t translate into our relationships, it can be frustrating, but God wants us to keep it in check.
Here are some main takeaways from yesterday:
KU fans now need an extra dose of patience
When circumstances are uncontrollable, we try to compensate by worrying (a form of impatience). Worrying about something you can control is dumb. Worrying about something you can’t control is useless.
Using Job (from the Old Testament) as an example, we can see how deep our trust and love for God goes when other things we love are taken away from us. If our confidence endures (patience) the hard times, it shows our confidence in God, that He always has our best interest (our character, integrity) in mind.
God is in control and moving our entire history to a climax. Tough circumstances do not mean God is not there or has abandoned us. He is at work and will never allow anything in your life that you can’t successfully get through while relying on Him.
A delay in God’s response is not a denial. He may be waiting for you to move forward with what you’ve been given or preparing a better answer according to how He wants you to grow. There is a difference between “no” and “not yet.”
We must wait on God expectantly. That means we prepare the best we can for God to actually answer our requests. If we want God to work in our financial distress but we aren’t willing to change our spending habits or financial outlook, we can’t expect God to bless that part of our lives.
God wants to bless you. Despite what some “Christian” books tell you, there is no turn-key system to a specific type of blessing hidden in the pages of the Bible. However, God does promise to bless us when we’re patient with Him, diligent with our relationships and generous with the blessings we already have. What form those blessings take will vary from person to person since God’s relationship with you is personal."
http://findmattcox.com/
Patience in the Madness
"Yesterday we talked about how God wants us to learn patience not only with people, but with Him on answering our prayers. If you’re anything like me, patience is one of the hardest things to put into practice in life.
We’re so conditioned to get answers and info immediately in this day and age, and when that Google-factor doesn’t translate into our relationships, it can be frustrating, but God wants us to keep it in check.
Here are some main takeaways from yesterday:
KU fans now need an extra dose of patience
When circumstances are uncontrollable, we try to compensate by worrying (a form of impatience). Worrying about something you can control is dumb. Worrying about something you can’t control is useless.
Using Job (from the Old Testament) as an example, we can see how deep our trust and love for God goes when other things we love are taken away from us. If our confidence endures (patience) the hard times, it shows our confidence in God, that He always has our best interest (our character, integrity) in mind.
God is in control and moving our entire history to a climax. Tough circumstances do not mean God is not there or has abandoned us. He is at work and will never allow anything in your life that you can’t successfully get through while relying on Him.
A delay in God’s response is not a denial. He may be waiting for you to move forward with what you’ve been given or preparing a better answer according to how He wants you to grow. There is a difference between “no” and “not yet.”
We must wait on God expectantly. That means we prepare the best we can for God to actually answer our requests. If we want God to work in our financial distress but we aren’t willing to change our spending habits or financial outlook, we can’t expect God to bless that part of our lives.
God wants to bless you. Despite what some “Christian” books tell you, there is no turn-key system to a specific type of blessing hidden in the pages of the Bible. However, God does promise to bless us when we’re patient with Him, diligent with our relationships and generous with the blessings we already have. What form those blessings take will vary from person to person since God’s relationship with you is personal."
http://findmattcox.com/
3/9/10
Read this Book!!
I love this book. I feel like it was written just for me.
We are reading this book in my women's group at church.
2/16/10
2/2/10
Day 28 of Love Dare
This on shook me to my core...
Love Makes Sacrifices
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. – 1 John 3:16 HCSB
Life can be hard. But what we usually mean is that our life can be hard. We’re the first to feel it when we’re the ones being mistreated or inconvenienced. We’re quick to sulk when we’re the ones who feel deprived or unappreciated. When life is difficult for us, we notice.
But too often the only way we notice that life is hard for our mate is when they start complaining about it. Then instead of genuinely caring or rushing in to help, we might think they just have a bad attitude. The pain and pressure they’re under don’t register with us the way it does when it’s our pain and pressure. When we want to complain, we expect everyone to understand and feel sorry for us.
This doesn’t happen when love is at work. Love doesn’t have to be jarred awake by your mate’s obvious signs of distress. Before worries and troubles have begun to bury them, love has already gone into action mode. It sees the weight beginning to pile up and it steps in to help. That’s because love wants you to be sensitive to your spouse.
Love makes sacrifices. It keeps you so tuned in to what your spouse needs that you often respond without being asked. And when you don’t notice ahead of time and must be told what’s happening, love responds to the heart of the problem.
Even when your mate’s stress comes out in words of personal accusation, love shows compassion rather than becoming defensive. Love inspires you to say “no” to what you want, in order to say “yes” to what your spouse needs.
That’s what Jesus did. “He laid down His life for us” to show us that “we should also lay down our lives” for others. He taught us that the evidence of love is found in seeing a need in others, then doing all we can to satisfy it. “For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me” (Matthew 23:35-36).
These are the types of needs you should be looking for in your wife or husband. Instead of sitting around upset that they’re not treating you the way you think they should, let love pick you up out of your self-pity and turn your attention to their needs.
Is he “hungry” – needing you sexually, even when you don’t feel like it?
Is she “thirsty” – craving the time and attention you seem to be able to give everyone else?
Does he feel like a “stranger” – insecure in his work, needing home to be a refuge and sanctuary?
Is she “naked” – frightened or ashamed, desperate for the warm covering of your loving affirmation?
Is he feeling “sick” – physically tired and needing you to help guard him from interruptions?
Does she feel in “prison” – fearful and depressed, needing some safety and intervention?
Love is willing to make sacrifices to see that the needs of your spouse are given your very best effort and focus. When your mate is overwhelmed and under the gun, love calls you to set aside what seems so essential in your own life to help, even if it’s merely the gift of a listening ear.
Often all they really need is just to talk this situation out. They need to see in your two attentive eyes that you truly care about what this is costing them, and you’re serious about helping them seek answers. They need you to pray with them about what to do, and then keep following up to see how it’s going.
The words “How can I help you?” need to stay fresh on your lips.
The solutions may be simple and easy for you to do, or they may be complex and expensive, requiring time, energy and great effort. Either way, you should do whatever you can to meet the real needs of the one who is a part of who you are. After all, when you help them, you are also helping yourself. That’s the beautiful part of sacrificing for your spouse. Jesus did it for us. And He extends the grace to do it for others.
When the New Testament believers began to walk in love, their lives together were marked by sharing and sacrifice. Their heartbeat was to worship the Lord and to serve His people. “All those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have “need” (Acts 2:44-45). As Paul said to one of these churches in a later decade, “I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15). Lives that have been raised from death by Jesus sacrifice should be ready and willing to make daily sacrifices to meet the needs of others.
Today’s Dare
What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse’s life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Love Makes Sacrifices
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. – 1 John 3:16 HCSB
Life can be hard. But what we usually mean is that our life can be hard. We’re the first to feel it when we’re the ones being mistreated or inconvenienced. We’re quick to sulk when we’re the ones who feel deprived or unappreciated. When life is difficult for us, we notice.
But too often the only way we notice that life is hard for our mate is when they start complaining about it. Then instead of genuinely caring or rushing in to help, we might think they just have a bad attitude. The pain and pressure they’re under don’t register with us the way it does when it’s our pain and pressure. When we want to complain, we expect everyone to understand and feel sorry for us.
This doesn’t happen when love is at work. Love doesn’t have to be jarred awake by your mate’s obvious signs of distress. Before worries and troubles have begun to bury them, love has already gone into action mode. It sees the weight beginning to pile up and it steps in to help. That’s because love wants you to be sensitive to your spouse.
Love makes sacrifices. It keeps you so tuned in to what your spouse needs that you often respond without being asked. And when you don’t notice ahead of time and must be told what’s happening, love responds to the heart of the problem.
Even when your mate’s stress comes out in words of personal accusation, love shows compassion rather than becoming defensive. Love inspires you to say “no” to what you want, in order to say “yes” to what your spouse needs.
That’s what Jesus did. “He laid down His life for us” to show us that “we should also lay down our lives” for others. He taught us that the evidence of love is found in seeing a need in others, then doing all we can to satisfy it. “For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me” (Matthew 23:35-36).
These are the types of needs you should be looking for in your wife or husband. Instead of sitting around upset that they’re not treating you the way you think they should, let love pick you up out of your self-pity and turn your attention to their needs.
Is he “hungry” – needing you sexually, even when you don’t feel like it?
Is she “thirsty” – craving the time and attention you seem to be able to give everyone else?
Does he feel like a “stranger” – insecure in his work, needing home to be a refuge and sanctuary?
Is she “naked” – frightened or ashamed, desperate for the warm covering of your loving affirmation?
Is he feeling “sick” – physically tired and needing you to help guard him from interruptions?
Does she feel in “prison” – fearful and depressed, needing some safety and intervention?
Love is willing to make sacrifices to see that the needs of your spouse are given your very best effort and focus. When your mate is overwhelmed and under the gun, love calls you to set aside what seems so essential in your own life to help, even if it’s merely the gift of a listening ear.
Often all they really need is just to talk this situation out. They need to see in your two attentive eyes that you truly care about what this is costing them, and you’re serious about helping them seek answers. They need you to pray with them about what to do, and then keep following up to see how it’s going.
The words “How can I help you?” need to stay fresh on your lips.
The solutions may be simple and easy for you to do, or they may be complex and expensive, requiring time, energy and great effort. Either way, you should do whatever you can to meet the real needs of the one who is a part of who you are. After all, when you help them, you are also helping yourself. That’s the beautiful part of sacrificing for your spouse. Jesus did it for us. And He extends the grace to do it for others.
When the New Testament believers began to walk in love, their lives together were marked by sharing and sacrifice. Their heartbeat was to worship the Lord and to serve His people. “All those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have “need” (Acts 2:44-45). As Paul said to one of these churches in a later decade, “I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15). Lives that have been raised from death by Jesus sacrifice should be ready and willing to make daily sacrifices to meet the needs of others.
Today’s Dare
What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse’s life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
7/21/09
Every problem is an opportunity to trust God
I was messing around on the Internet when I came across this beautiful message about how every problem is an opportunity to trust God. I can't tell you how many times I sit and stress myself out about my own problems! I should have been taking them to the Lord in earnest prayer.
I hope that you have a blessed day!
3/24/09
Back to normalcy
Spring break is over! I am sad to see it go. I had to work, but it wasn't that bad. Lawrence was pretty quiet while the KU students were away. I had alot of things that I wanted to get done but I guess that is how things are. Craig is back to classes today. I know that he enjoyed having a week off of classes and being able to spend more time at home and with friends.
Spring reminds me of God's mercy. No matter how yucky winter is we know that Spring is on its way, because God is faithful. He the same way with us. We could be in the mist of some really upsetting and awful situations, but when we just trust in him and meditate on the bible and our "spring" will be just around the corner. I hope that brightens someones day!
Spring reminds me of God's mercy. No matter how yucky winter is we know that Spring is on its way, because God is faithful. He the same way with us. We could be in the mist of some really upsetting and awful situations, but when we just trust in him and meditate on the bible and our "spring" will be just around the corner. I hope that brightens someones day!
1/1/09
Happy New Year!
Just us girls! Me, Emily, Carole!
Me and Emily
Craig loves rocking out to guitar hero!
Craig again!
2008 was pretty good, but I think that 2009 will be better! In 2008, I found a full time job, paid off all credit card debt, reconnected with old friends, made new friends, learned more about the love of Jesus, took a trip to Chicago with friends, became a big sister through big brothers big sisters, received our puppy Stewie, got a new van, witnessed two weddings of some of the best people you will ever meet and read alot of books!
In 2009 I hope to go above and beyond what I did last year. I know that all things are possible with God!!
I feel so happy and full of hope for the future! I hope that everyone had a safe New Years! Here are some photos from our celebration at home with friends!
10/30/08
Guard your Heart!
I read this in my email this morning and I felt convicted because I struggle with guarding my heart daily. I let negative thoughts creep up and before I know it weeds begin to grow. Most noticeably in my life recently is that I usually do the right thing, but my minds not right.. Pray for me and enjoy this message!
The Battle for Your Garden
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
There is a very real spiritual battle that is going on in the life of every Christian and it revolves around your spiritual "garden," which is the ground of your heart. The enemy is constantly seeking to overtake Believers' lives by planting the wrong kinds of seeds within them. He does this through thought injections that are designed to create wrong images in their minds. As a soldier in the army of the Lord, it is your responsibility to vigilantly guard your heart and mind with the Word of God. This will keep the weeds out of your garden and ensure that the seed of God's Word grows up in your life to produce an abundant harvest.
Every day, Christians are barraged with images, words and suggestions that try to sway them away from the truth of God's Word. Whether it is a news report that glorifies the work of the enemy, an ungodly television show or even a billboard that promotes an ungodly lifestyle, there is no escaping the fact that we live in an environment that is determined to plant the wrong seeds in us. But God has given us His bag of seed that we must plant in our hearts. It will grow healing, deliverance, financial wealth, joy, peace, happiness and all kinds of promises from God.
The key to making sure your garden stays "weed-free" is to guard it. You must continually keep scriptures before your eyes, in your ears and coming out of your mouth. Satan is on a mission to try and dominate your life and all he does to accomplish his goal is get you thinking about his suggestions. Though they may sound good, don't take the bait.
It is critical that you become a custodian over your thought life and refuse to accept the enticement of the devil. Adam and Eve fell prey to his schemes in the Garden of Eden because they failed to guard what God had entrusted to them. Satan showed up in the form of a serpent and made a suggestion to Eve. His question, "Hath God said...?" planted a seed of doubt in her mind as to the validity of God's instructions to her and her husband. Although God had already told them that if they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would surely die, Satan challenged God's Word. Isn't that what he is doing today in the lives of Christians? God has said one thing, and he comes with a contradictory statement to try and get us to doubt or question whether or not God's way is best.
Unfortunately, Adam and Eve succumbed to the temptation of the devil. Once they "took" his thought injection, they began to be moved by their emotion, noticing that the fruit looked good and appealed to their hunger cravings at the time. Their feelings led them to act in a way that separated them from their connection and fellowship with God. Their decision to disobey ushered a curse into the earth. They allowed the devil to pollute their garden simply by accepting his thoughts.
You may be wondering how you can avoid being infected by the enemy's thoughts. Although you may not be able to stop the thoughts from coming, you don't have to accept them when they come. The Bible gives clear instructions on how to handle ungodly thoughts when they show up. Second Corinthians 10:4,5 says, "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Your weapon against negative thoughts is the Word of God! When those suggestions come to your mind, open your mouth and confess God's promises in faith. This is what it means to capture your thoughts and cast them down. There is no thought or imagination that can stand against the Word. It is the final authority in your life.
Don't ever get slack where guarding your heart is concerned for the issues of your life flow out of it (Proverbs 4:23). Be a good custodian over your thought life and feed your spirit the Word of God on a continual basis. When you do, you will protect your garden and see the promises of God become a reality in your life.
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, 25,000 member church in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning "Changing Your World" television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org to learn more. Click here to browse and purchase Books, CDs, and DVDs by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar!
© Creflo Dollar Ministries all rights reserved.
The Battle for Your Garden
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
There is a very real spiritual battle that is going on in the life of every Christian and it revolves around your spiritual "garden," which is the ground of your heart. The enemy is constantly seeking to overtake Believers' lives by planting the wrong kinds of seeds within them. He does this through thought injections that are designed to create wrong images in their minds. As a soldier in the army of the Lord, it is your responsibility to vigilantly guard your heart and mind with the Word of God. This will keep the weeds out of your garden and ensure that the seed of God's Word grows up in your life to produce an abundant harvest.
Every day, Christians are barraged with images, words and suggestions that try to sway them away from the truth of God's Word. Whether it is a news report that glorifies the work of the enemy, an ungodly television show or even a billboard that promotes an ungodly lifestyle, there is no escaping the fact that we live in an environment that is determined to plant the wrong seeds in us. But God has given us His bag of seed that we must plant in our hearts. It will grow healing, deliverance, financial wealth, joy, peace, happiness and all kinds of promises from God.
The key to making sure your garden stays "weed-free" is to guard it. You must continually keep scriptures before your eyes, in your ears and coming out of your mouth. Satan is on a mission to try and dominate your life and all he does to accomplish his goal is get you thinking about his suggestions. Though they may sound good, don't take the bait.
It is critical that you become a custodian over your thought life and refuse to accept the enticement of the devil. Adam and Eve fell prey to his schemes in the Garden of Eden because they failed to guard what God had entrusted to them. Satan showed up in the form of a serpent and made a suggestion to Eve. His question, "Hath God said...?" planted a seed of doubt in her mind as to the validity of God's instructions to her and her husband. Although God had already told them that if they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil they would surely die, Satan challenged God's Word. Isn't that what he is doing today in the lives of Christians? God has said one thing, and he comes with a contradictory statement to try and get us to doubt or question whether or not God's way is best.
Unfortunately, Adam and Eve succumbed to the temptation of the devil. Once they "took" his thought injection, they began to be moved by their emotion, noticing that the fruit looked good and appealed to their hunger cravings at the time. Their feelings led them to act in a way that separated them from their connection and fellowship with God. Their decision to disobey ushered a curse into the earth. They allowed the devil to pollute their garden simply by accepting his thoughts.
You may be wondering how you can avoid being infected by the enemy's thoughts. Although you may not be able to stop the thoughts from coming, you don't have to accept them when they come. The Bible gives clear instructions on how to handle ungodly thoughts when they show up. Second Corinthians 10:4,5 says, "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Your weapon against negative thoughts is the Word of God! When those suggestions come to your mind, open your mouth and confess God's promises in faith. This is what it means to capture your thoughts and cast them down. There is no thought or imagination that can stand against the Word. It is the final authority in your life.
Don't ever get slack where guarding your heart is concerned for the issues of your life flow out of it (Proverbs 4:23). Be a good custodian over your thought life and feed your spirit the Word of God on a continual basis. When you do, you will protect your garden and see the promises of God become a reality in your life.
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, 25,000 member church in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning "Changing Your World" television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org to learn more. Click here to browse and purchase Books, CDs, and DVDs by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar!
© Creflo Dollar Ministries all rights reserved.
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