A taste of heaven

Have you ever been given a gift that far exceeded anything that you could imagine? No really! One that you never even dreamed possible? This past weekend our Journey leaders went away for a time of refreshment before our new year started.

One of our leaders had asked a friend of hers if we might be able to use their lodge for the weekend getaway. Generously they granted the request but asked to remain anonymous. No one in the group had ever been to the lodge and we were thrilled to have a place to stay. A few of us went early to set things up for the women before they arrived.  I was so excited to put little gifts in their rooms to make each person feel appreciated.  Little did I know that our present was in front of us! As we approached the address on the map we noticed a very elaborate gate and intercom. I was starting to think that this little lodge was more than I had previously thought.  We entered into the drive and saw a large log house to the left and an even larger, no, massive estate to the right. Did I mention the landscaping? Everywhere we looked there were trees, flowers, ponds, fountains and beauty! My stomach began to feel like a washing machine.  I was nervously excited.  If we hadn't spoken to the caretaker at the gate, I would have thought that we were at the wrong place.  To say that this place was grand would be an understatement. We entered into the great room and I had no words!  I was trying to look as though I wasn't impressed in front of the caretaker but when he went out of the room I jumped up and down and giggled like a little kid!  I could not contain the excitement.  "How in the world did I get here?" I thought to myself. As we spent the next half and hour looking at the lodge I kept thinking,

"If I am this excited to be in this place, How much more am I going to be when I get to heaven?"

The bible describes heaven as a city that is filled with the brilliance of costly stones and crystal clear jasper. Heaven has twelve gates (Revelation 21:12) and twelve foundations (Revelation 21:14). The paradise of the Garden of Eden is restored: the river of the water of life flows freely and the tree of life is available once again, yielding fruit monthly with leaves that “heal the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2). However eloquent John was in his description of heaven, the reality of heaven is beyond the ability of finite man to describe (1 Corinthians 2:9).


Heaven is a place of “no mores.” There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6).

The best thing about heaven is the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and sacrificed Himself so that we can enjoy His presence in heaven for eternity.http://www.gotquestions.org/heaven-like.html

Nothing on earth can take the place of having a home in heaven.

Father,

Thank you for giving us glimpes of you!  Thank you for preparing a place for us in heaven.  May I grow in the knowledge of you and of your kingdom.  I yearn to know you more and to make you name known.

Jann

Leaving the past behind

A friend posted pictures today on Facebook from 2001. It brought back great memories of people, places and events. I was smiling as I saw people at camp, on missions trips and serving the community together.


Looking back on our lives can be a good thing.

There are however, some things that that we would like to forget.

As I reflect on past mistakes, I am embarrased to have people know some of the stupid things that I did. The first thing that comes to mind is the time that I left the church late one night. Crash! "What just happened?" I asked myself, as I sat there dazed. The confusion quickly turned to embarrassment as I realized that the parking lot gate post was down and I had driven right into it! My front window was

shattered! All I could think of was,"I hope no-one saw this!" I drove home as fast as I could still reeling from the incredibly dumb event that had just taken place. You should have seen my husband's face when I showed him the car.


We have two choices in regards to our past mistakes.

• Learn from them and move on.

Or

• Keep repeating them in a never ending cycle.

Scripture tells us that everyone of us has sinned and that we all will make mistakes. There is no way around it. But, we do have a choice in how we deal with them!

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:8-9

I love that God says we are to recognize our mistakes, tell Him about them and then let Him clean us up!

Remember also what He said to the woman caught in adultery, "Go and sin no more!"

This is the second part to making mistakes. Don't keep doing them!

Make a decision today to leave the past behind you and press on to that which you have been called to.

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,  Ephesians 1:18

Father,

May we learn from our pasts to better serve you in the future. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace.

jann

Give Him the Leash

I walked Spunky this morning. It was difficult to say the least. Everywhere we went she took the lead. It wasn't pleasant, fun, or relaxing. In fact it was as enjoyable as a toddler having a temper tantrum

She pulls me and runs ahead of me. When I bring her leash in close she walks next to me, but you can tell she is still wanting to go her own way. If a bunny or squirrel comes along she is right after them. This defiant dog is determined to follow that little critter into whatever path they will take her. Sometimes she hops around on two legs trying to see past the tall weeds. She is obstinate and forceful in her desire to go after them.

It is almost as if, it is her right.

Sometimes I will call her back to myself when she is all worked up and hold her close. This seems to calm her down for the moment. But then she is at it again, pulling and straining to lead the direction and speed of our walk.

Finally when she is tired, she is much more willing to be lead and it is a pleasant experience.

I am so like my dog! I push and pull and strive to go in the direction that I want to go. I follow after things without asking Him the direction that He wants me to go. I accept his loving embrace and am calmed by it only to forget that calmness and once again to begin the striving all over again. When I am tired,weak, and spent, I more readily surrender to His leadership.

I wonder;

where he would lead me if I gave up control?

how many bunny trails I have gone down and wasted precious time as I sought to follow my own ways?

how often I have exerted my right to go in my own direction?

how often God thinks of me as a two year old having a tantrum?

Thankfully, God has given us examples of people who followed their own hearts and dreams instead of waiting on him. Abraham, Moses and David

all experienced their desires to control the direction of their lives.

He still held them in the palm of His hand and patiently waited until they were tired, weak and spent to redirect them.

How about you? What will it take to give Jesus control?

How tired, weak and spent do you need to be to allow Him to lead you into

His Plan,

His Direction,

His will?

Father,

Take this leash and give me your yoke. I submit to your will, your way your direction.

Jann

Joy in the victories!

I went for a bike ride tonight. The sun was going down and the temperature had dipped a bit. It felt great to be outside and riding. Then I saw IT! The hill that seemed to go on forever. I knew that it was going to take work and persistence to get to the top. I began to peddle harder to get the momentum that I needed and then I realized that I would not make it at the intensity level that I was tackling it at. I changed gears and it was better. That lasted for a little while and then I needed to gear down again and again until I was able to keep moving without hyperventilating. Just in the nick of time I saw a driveway of a business that had a long flat entrance. It was my oasis in the midst of the never ending mountain! I peddled into this driveway and got my second wind! As I reentered the mountainous road I was more determined than ever to make it to the top. I had speed and oxygen on my side and eventually I made it to the top.

Now I know that you are laughing at me and that's okay because I am proud that I did not give up! I am proud that I did not fall over! When I got to the top I screamed, "Yes, I did it!" I was glad that No one heard me! I enjoyed the victory all the way down the hill.

Little victories are crucial to making big ones.

That is why I think that Scripture tells us to be faithful in little things.

His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21

Little by little, victory by victory we become more and more into the image of Jesus!

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

What little victory can you be thankful for today?

How is God transforming you?

Where do you need a second wind?

Father,

Thank you for using the ride today to remind me of the little victories. It is only through your power and strength that we can have victory over sin. I give you all the Glory and Honor that is due your name. May I be transformed into ReFlecting you more and more through these little victories.

Jann

Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing one of my favorite things. Teach from the Word with my husband. I don't know when we discovered that doing this together was such an invigorating activity but we absolutely delight in it! We have been in ministry together for 30 years. It is hard to believe but it is true.



Kevin and I became Christians in High school and had an amazing experience being part of a ministry that reached out to 1000+ students on a weekly basis. Later we found ourselves working together to teach and lead these students. It was in the basement of the youth center one night when I saw God working through Kevin and thought. "He is so attractive!" I was falling in love with the man who was loving God. We would lead meetings together, talk through bible passages, critique each others messages and spur one another on. Through the years this has repeated itself in many ways and in various environments.



I guess each time we teach together I am reminded of
the early days of our relationship.


Scripture says that

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. Ecc.4:9

It also says that

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

I truly think that for my husband and I, we are a balance of many gifts and that when we use our gifts together it is a good thing. We feel blessed and hopefully those who have heard us together feel this way.

Father,

I am grateful for the gift of a spouse who loves you and seeks after you. Thank you for continuing to work in his life for your great pleasure. I praise you for giving us opportunities to serve you together. My heart is filled with joy as I think about all that happened yesterday. It would be okay with me if we had more times like that. May your name be lifted high through our lives.

Jann

Stones of Forgiveness

Last night I partook of a wonderful experience with women in prayer.
Set up all around the room were prayer centers. There are many great ideas at a website http://www.creativeprayer.com/index.php?blog=1. I am grateful that they had so many experiences listed and ready to try out. We had 8 stations each one with a focus, verse, picture, object or task.

One of the stations focused on forgiveness. At this table were smooth flat stones and washable markers. As we prayed if a person came to mind that we needed to forgive we were instructed to write their initials on the stone and then asked to offer a prayer of blessing for them.

As I held onto the stone in my hands,I realizedhow powerless I am to forgive anyone. Only through Christ can I even attempt to forgive. Only through His blood and forgiveness in my life, do I know how to forgive and to receive forgiveness.

The next step was to wash the stone in water and watch the name drip away. This was very significant for me. I have been holding onto this for way to long. God does not remember my sins, should I hold onto the sins of others? It felt good to release this and ask blessing for this person.

Holding onto unforgiveness takes up space that God wants to have in our hearts. I wonder how much space I have been wasting? If I truly want to be filled to overflowing with the Spirit then There has to be room for Him.


I have a suspicion that I may need to use some more stones! :)

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13


Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times Matthew 18:21-22

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14

Father,

How many times have you forgiven me? I am grateful and humbled by your mercy and grace. You have also blessed me beyond belief. I stand before you as one who has experieinced your love and peace and yet struggle to let go of old hurts, dissappointments and forgive. Outwardly I may appear as one who is upright, but you oh Lord know the condition of those places in my heart. As I hold these stone in front of you, may I be as Abraham and offer them to you as an altar of praise. Bless these dear ones of yours and remove from me the stain of unforgiveness. I am humbled by you longsuffering and crave to know you more.

Jann

Blah's

Image by [ r ♥ c e y t ♥ y ] {I br♥ke for bokeh} via Flickr

I am feeling kinda blah today. Vacation is definitely over. I can barely remember what the beach looks like and the feeling of restfulness has passed by. It is foggy outside and later it will be hot and humid. I feel foggy on the inside and blah!

How do we get into these conditions?

Nothing bad has happened, no-one has hurt my feelings. I am exercising and eating right.
Sleep isn't an issue.

Why? Why do I feel this way?????

Sometimes it just is. Perhaps it is the let down of the vacation excitement, or the knowledge that the fall is right in front of me. Maybe I have taken my eyes off of Jesus? Maybe my hormones are out of whack! All I know is that I can't seem to shake it off.

There is only one thing, One person who can prescribe for me the antidote for my condition. God!

Scripture tells us how we can be glad. Focus on God and what he has done.

• Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

• My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

• Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. Psalm 42:5-6

• Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46:10-11

• The LORD is good a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him Nahum 1:7

• Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19

• Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God: trust also in me. Luke 14:1

• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

God's word has a way of setting me right. I filled up and re-directed. The fog begins to lift as I soak myself in His word, in His thoughts in His will.

It's gonna be a great day after all.

Father,

Your word is true and able to reach me where nothing else can. It fulls me with joy and gladness to be in your presence. There is truth in your word that re-directs me and sets my feet on solid ground. Your Word changes my focus and my attitude. thank you for giving us the gift of your word. Fill me Holy Spirit with your truth and love till overflowing. May I be a ReFlection of your word today.

Jann

Why do Golf balls have dimples?

Image by WebWideJosh via Flickr

When they first manufactured golf balls, they made the covers smooth. A certain young man, who was having severe financial difficulties, loved to play golf. He did not let the fact that he had only one old, beat up golf ball, keep him from playing. The men he was playing gold with had new, smooth, shiny golf balls. As they played, it was discovered Pete’s ball got a lot more distance and went straighter than the smooth balls.

Today, all golf balls are manufactured with dimples all over the covers. With these rough spots, the ball goes further.

So it is with life. It takes some rough spots in your life to make you go the farthest, to bring the best out in you.
From 12 Ways to Develop a Positive Attitude, Dale E. Galloway, page 56

James says that we are to,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Your dimples and rough spots are building you into
a person of perseverance

Let that perseverance take hold of you and make you into the person that God wants to recreate.

Think of this when you are experiencing;

pain and prejudice

grief and godlessness

anger and anguish

hatred and heated discussions

financial difficulties and friendship issues

selfishness and sinfulness

weeping and wishing

loss and loneliness

Father,

Thank you for the rough spots in my life. They help me see you more clearly and give me the perseverance to go the distance. I want to cling to you and what you are doing instead of my circumstances. Remind me through your word how to persevere.

Jann

The distracted gardener

Image by bmitd67 via Flickr

Weeds! You pull them and they just keep coming back. Early this summer I weeded one of my flower beds. I carefully took out everything that I could see that would even remotely look like a weed. Weeds will take the nutrients that the flowers need and can choke out the plants that I want to grow. Knowing this I was diligent to watch for any new weeds that would begin and immediately take care of the little boogers.

That was until we went on vacation. We had a wonderful time in the sun and i never even thought about my flowers or weeding. Upon returning home I had a little surprise waiting for me. WEEDS! Not just a few! Hundreds it seems have popped up during the time I was gone. How is this possible? Undetected under the surface were weeds waiting for this distracted gardener to look away and poof they began to sprout and grow.I didn't get at the roots and so they just grew back!

Scripture says that sin is just like these weeds.

but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

Sin undetected and unobserved will begin to steal and choke out the good things that God wants to produce in and through us.

Take some time to evaluate your own life.

• Am I harboring any bad feelings towards others?



• Are their hidden sins that I need to confess?



• Am I preoccupied or worried about something?



• Is there an area that I have taken back control of?



• Am I taking the glory, instead of giving it to God?



• Is their an area of disobedience to God's word?



• Have I allowed something or someone to take God's rightful place in my life?



• Is there unforgiveness in my heart?



• Am I giving faithfully of my resources and time?



• Am I abiding in Christ?

This list is just a beginning. Satan is trick and wants us all to be deceived. Ask God to show you your weeds and to dig out the roots that they might have in your life.

Father,

I confess to you that I too have fallen short of who you have called me to be. I have been distracted and not watchful. I ask you today to reveal to me the things that are not pleasing to you in my life. Show me the weeds that have crept in and are choking the good things that you want. I know that it may be painful and I desire for you to pull them out by the roots so that they will be gone. Thank you for promising that you will always be with me. I want to be a ReFlection of you.

Jann

Ouch, That hurt!

Image via Wikipedia

During vacation I spent time with my daughters. There is nothing like the three of us being together. We know each other so well. Sometimes that is a good thing and at other times it can be painful. All of us were going to a wedding and were excited for it to begin. The next sequence of events occurred and they were lets say, painful. I saw an old friend and screamed out her name as she came to give me a hug. Both of my daughters gave me the look and said "mom, you are too loud". I remember shushing them in church and other places, but for them to tell me to be quiet was another matter. Next as we were sitting in the congregation my daughter said, "do you pluck your eyebrows anymore"? Again, I have helped them through the years with their makeup and hair and I think I do a good job at keeping myself up to date. "Maybe there are some hairs that I missed". Last my other daughter asked, "where did you get those shoes"? It wasn't a complement, but I proudly told her payless.

Why does it hurt when people point out our flaws? Why do we point out other peoples weaknesses?

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:3-5

For some reason we do it to each other and especially to people we know very well. I have often pointed out things to my daughters and husband of how I think things should be done or ways in which they could improve. I never realized how hurtful some of my words could have been.

Father,

Thank you for using my own daughters to teach me to choose my words wisely and with kindness. Help me to look into my own life before I try to fix somebody else.

Jann