Reflect

Joy Thief

2012-02-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

Have you been here? Comparing yourself to others.

You think if only you had ______ then you too would be content, joyful, fulfilled.

Growing up we did not have a lot of material things. I remember wondering what it was like to have new clothes, not hand me downs. Often, I felt left out, because we couldn't go to certain places, we didn't have the money. As I grew it only seemed to become more intense of a feeling.

My family moved many times, renting homes and apartments. One of my deepest desires was to stay in one place, one home, one school, one community. Looking at children who knew each other from preschool, who had long lasting friendships, whose families had always lived in the community seemed like an unattainable goal for me. I coveted the thought of this life.

Could I ever have that? Could I know the joy of staying in one place? What did it feel like to start the school year with friends in the classroom who would call out your name as you entered the class? My life was completely opposite of this dream.

In the midst of this comparison I was missing a gift, Joy! Let me explain. As I was comparing my life to what others had, I missed all of the things that were good about my life. Sure, they had stability and history, but I had adventure, new opportunities and excitement! If I didn't like someone in my class, I probably wouldn't see them the next year! I learned how to make friends quickly and was able to see many different types of schools! I was exposed to a variety of cultures and communities! All of these components have played a role in my development. Today as I look back, I am grateful that I had those experiences.

Because of my past, I am able to be more effective as a teacher. It has prepared me to reach out to many people, cultures and communities. I am not afraid to be in new situations, talk to people I do not know or try new things!

Comparison is a dangerous thing! It makes us think that what we have or are going through is not valuable. It robs us of the joy of the journey! It takes our eyes off of what God is doing in our midst and puts it on envy and discontentment!

Choose Joy, Choose to live what Paul learned.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. Philippians 4:12

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

I know! They look incredible and every delicious bite leaves a beautiful memory in your mouth! Is it wrong to have these feelings about food?

After looking at the recipe and the ingredients, I modified the original Paula Dean recipe and used crushed cinnamon graham crackers instead of flour for the crust and reduced the butter to 1 stick, then added 1/3 light cream cheese for the filling and reduced the brown sugar and flour to only a 1/2 cup each for the topping. I also changed the recipe to be made into individual muffin tins.

What a tasty Superbowl dessert!

Here is how they were made:
Directions-

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line muffin tray with papers

Begin the layering process

1. Press crust mixture evenly into the bottom of each tin. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly brown.

2. Pour cheesecake filling on top of warm crust.

3. Spoon apple mixture on top.

4. Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping.

5. Bake 20 minutes, or until filling is set.

6, Drizzle with caramel topping.

7. Enjoy! (Caution It is difficult to eat only one).

For the complete recipe check out Paula's original.

This reminded me that God has a plan!

Each day that passes

Trials that come

Rocky times

Greatest joys

Deepest despair

Uncomfortable situations

Laughter and tears

He takes a look at the ingredients of our lives and He uses it all to complete His recipe for your life. As every moment is layered together your life becomes a sweet, testimony for Him.

The next time you are in the midst of something difficult:

Ask God how He wants to use it to further His kingdom.

Ask Him what you may learn from it.

Ask Him to show you His plan.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?

Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

He is such a Mole!

2012-02-07T04:30:00.000-05:00

The snow melted this week and little dirt mounds have appeared everywhere. Moles! I had never noticed them in the snow, but they have been there, under the surface all along.

As these pests burrow lawns,they create molehills, which results in dying lawns and plant damage 5:8. The reason that they burrow is to find food. Earthworms are their favorite. Mole tunnels are a type of worm trap. When the mole senses that a worm has fallen into it's path, a quick dash begins to run and capture it's prey. Here is a cool fact. If they are not hungry at the moment, moles can paralyze their prey for a snack later on!

Satan, is like a mole!

He burrows beneath the surface, trying to desperately undermine our foundation.
At any moment he will poke up his nasty little head
If we are to stumble and fall he is quickly there to snatch us up, trying to devour us.
If he can't get us at the very moment we have fallen, he will try to paralyze us in fear, and remind us later on that we have fallen!

We are warned about the schemes of the devil.

God tells us that Satan is our enemy

the devil/Satan means the slanderer, our adversary and our accuser. Job 1:6-12, Rev. 12: 9-10
He is called a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

What can we do when we feel like a trapped earthworm?

Prepare for the battle.Ephesians 6
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Then draw near to God-The closer you are to God the harder it will be for Satan to entrap you! James 4:8
How to resist him "stand firm in the faith" I Peter 5:9

Ultimately we must remember that God has complete

power, not Satan!

Father, whatever it is that is threatening us, entrapping us, undermining our foundation we ask that you would conquer! Strengthen us through your word. Open our eyes to see the weaknesses in our faith and the power to overcome! Jann

Golden Earring

2012-02-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Guest Blog

Since age 4, The Boy has asked for a piercing in his ear,and since age 4, I’ve said, “Sorry. No.” To be perfectly honest, I didn’t really care one way or another if my sonwore an earring or not, but I knew that his military academy graduate fatherdid, and out of respect for The Colonel I denied the requests for an earringwithout wavering. Regardless of my unyielding position, this exchange betweenmy son and me took place every time we I passed the Gold Kiosk. At age8, he surprised me as he broke character and went off-script after we passedthe kiosk. Instead of asking if he could destroy a perfectly good ear that Ihad worked 9 months to make, he asked to borrow my phone. Assuming that hewanted it to play Tetris, I handed it over.

Tactical Error by Mom.

He called his father. At the time, Dad was an Air Force orthopedicsurgeon, who happened to be, on this particular occasion, knee deep in an elbowreplacement, or elbow deep in a complete knee replacement- (I’m not sure whichanymore) in his operating room, which was packed with his team. The Colonel’sinterns, residents, o.r. technicians and nurses all knew my cell number, andthough it was rare that I would call him on a surgery day, if a call did come through from my phone, one ofthem would scrub out, turn down the Classic Rock that suppressed the sound ofpower tools, push “talk” and hold the phone up to his ear while everyone in theroom listened for the next crazy story I might be calling about. (They think I’m insane. I don’t know how theycame to that conclusion. <grin>)

Instead, this time here was a little voice dripping withhope and awesome on the other end.

“Hi Dad. It’s me. How are you? Are you cutting someone’sguts open?” (About this time, back at the mall, I nearly stroke out right therebetween the Gold Kiosk and The Gap and frantically start looking for one ofthose defibrillator things that hang on a wall to re-start my failing heart...)

“It’s Friday. The Good Doctor is most certainly in surgery. He knowsthis.”, I tell myself. I realize this isa calculated ploy. He’s calling his father because he knows it’s too difficultto debate with an 8–year old in the middle of surgery.

”Uh, I’m at the mall and I’m standing next to the Gold Kiosk.Do you care if I get my ear pierced? I don’t think Mom minds.” I swear I gavebirth to Calvin from Bill Waterson’s comic, Calvinand Hobbes.

“Son, may I please speak with your Mother?”

Kill me!

That was the last time I handed either one of my kids myphone without asking, “Who are we calling?”

Fast forward 9 years of Gold Kiosk drive-by’s at the mall.The 7 year old is now 16 and he is growing into a seasoned sailor and diverwith 15 ocean voyages under his belt. His captain, mentor and most reliablefriend is a 6’5”, burly, balding & bearded giant of a guy with piercingblue eyes and a heart as big as Texas. He also has an earlobe with 2 or 3 small,subtle golden rings that perforate his ear. I secretly think they look rathernice but I don’t share that with The Boy, who needs no encouragement to keepthe earring dialogue going.

It was during a 4-day road trip with The Boy, threeFebruarys ago that The Captain had occasion to share a story with him whiledriving. I wasn’t actually in the car as it was told, so forgive my creativelicense as I re-tell it, but it went something like this:

“Boy, do you know why sailors wear gold earrings in theirears?”

“No, Sir. I don’t.“

“Well, back in the day when ships were a primary means oftravel, a sailor might be out to sea for long periods of time. While on the waterand with medicine being what it was back then, there were many, many ways bywhich a man could grow sick and die. It was a true state of affairs albeitunfortunate, that if a sailor were to die mid-voyage, he literally went frombeing part of a mighty ship’s crew to becoming, “dead weight” that burdened theship more even as the crew was now one man short. His corpse essentially becamerotting cargo. It was a common practice therefore, to dispose of a dead sailorby the way of Davy Jones’ Locker if you know what I mean.”

“Yes, Sir. He was tossed overboard.”

“That’s right he was given a sea burial and tossed right offthe side, left to the wake of the boat and to the appetites of the predatorsbelow- that is, unless he was carrying the money to pay his passage back homeso that his loved ones and family could give him a proper burial.”

“Yes Sir. Having money would be good for that.” (I canimagine the Boy getting nervous about where this conversation is going,considering his job during the summer. I know I would have been!)

“So you see, it was for this very reason- as an insurancepolicy, that sailors began to place gold rings through their earlobes- to beremoved only upon their death as payment for passage home.”

I’ve since learned that depending on how far a man wassailing, or in which hemisphere he voyaged, he would have 1, 2 or 3 rings inhis ear- all related to the cost of going home. Today’s mariners therefore,wear earrings as a reminder that they belong somewhere and intend to return there.

And with the conclusion of the story, The Captain who knewthat The Colonel was not cool with his teenage son piercing a perfectly good earreached into his pocket and pulled out a small gold coin. On one side was a seaturtle, and the other, a crown. It was a 50 dollar gold piece from the BritishVirgin Islands that at one time had been real currency. He handed the gold cointo The Boy and told him, “This is for you to keep so that you can always findyour way home.”

The timing of all of this was significant in that The Boywould be graduating in a few months, then off to sail the Caribbean with TheCaptain as usual. From there he was starting his freshman year of college in astate that was completely new to him. He knew that while he was down islandthat summer, I would be placing his childhood home on the market, locking thedoor one last time and joining The Colonel across the country. We had justpurchased a new home and he was joining a civilian practice. It was all anawful lot for one Boy to bear.

I’ll never forget him telling me the story about the coin becausehe was standing in the bare living room of that new place with tears in hiseyes as he opened up a clenched fist and showed it to me. The Captain had takena 10 hour detour in a snow storm during that road trip just to allow The Boy tosee the new place with his own eyes before going back to finish high school andstart his new life away from any home he’s ever had. I melted.

I love the history behind the story of the sailors and theirearrings. I love the depth of compassion and timing behind the actions of TheCaptain. I love that now at almost 20-years old, The Boy still keeps that goldcoin close; wearing it on a signet ring we had custom made for him for his highschool graduation. I also love that I amreminded of this story every single time I cruise past one of my favorite,heavily highlighted passages in the Psalm 19:

⁹ “The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the LORD are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

¹⁰ They are moreprecious than gold,

than much pure gold; …”

It was probably because of this short passage 32 years ago thatI realized in a life-changing way, that the passage home for believers is foundonly through a pure and lasting relationship with The Divine. That in this climateof waffling faith and watered down belief systems, it is the Word of a Holy Godthat stands firm and unmoved amidst the ebb and flow of society’s shiftingvalue system. It is His righteousness that we cling to in the midst of stormsand it is an incessant desire to reflect with our lives and our hearts thetruths we find in His Word that anchors our lives to Him and paves our wayhome. And indeed, the psalmist reminded me that night in my room alone andthrough no uncertain terms, that these things are more precious than the purest of gold.

Like most things about God that confound man, it’s easy tolook around us and see examples of the abandonment of Truth in pursuit ofriches or worldly treasures. How silly of us, when we already know that it isthe truth of God that is the most valuable of all things within our grasp. Itis this truth, and this truth only that ensures our passage home.

Every morning since the day my son shared that story, as Istand before the bathroom mirror and carefully put on my earrings, I have takena moment to thank God for that precious price he paid on our behalf. I havecommitted myself to being more mindful of His holiness and more appreciative ofthe strength of His Word in my life. I’m not perfect- I’m certainly notworthy…but somehow this morning ritual has lent itself to fortifying the thingsupon which I have come to most heavily rely.

And I pray that my son will continue to do the same as heperiodically removes the new, bright ring that now hangs discreetly, just outof sight, beneath his messy mop of sun-bleached, blonde hair. It sits there inthe cartilage of his right ear in homage to the ocean habitat he loves, theCaptain he adores and the rad God he is learning to serve.

This post was written by a friend who wishes to remain unknown.

Inexcusable

2012-02-03T05:30:00.000-05:00

When I read this I did not like it!

Not because I dislike God forgiving me, but rather because I fall so short in forgiving others.

Through the years we all have been hurt by people. The list varies for all of us.

We may have experienced

Abuse, alcoholism, affairs, anger, abandoned

Beatings, backstabbing, belittling

Cruelty, cheating, coldness

Divorce, death, denials

Emptiness, envy

Failures, foolishness, fighting

Gossip,

Hidden agendas, hopes dashed

I could go on and on.

I am right there with you. Even after I have asked for God to help me to forgive someone, that intense feeling still remains. I have cried out to God more times than anyone knows, "What they have done is inexcusable"!

Gently, softly I hear His voice, "forgive, as I have forgiven you." Colossians 3:13 So I try again to forgive and move on. This is not easy for me and has taken so long to see any growth in.

Just the other day I drove by a place that usually filled me with anger. This day, this wonderful day, I felt nothing! Oh the joy of freedom from that hold on me!

On the other hand, I am still struggling with one particular hurt! This time when I cry out that their behavior is inexcusable I hear His voice saying to me "Let it go, my grace is sufficient". II Corinthians 12:9

I am selfish! His grace is sufficient, but I have not wanted to extend that grace to others. I am the one who has acted in an inexcusable way!

Father, you have been so gracious and patient with me. Forgive me for being ungrateful! Change my inexcusable behavior and attitude. Fill me to overflowing with your grace and forgiveness that is extended to others. Thank you for your freedom that you grace gives. Jann

The Lord is my light

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! It is 41 degrees on a normally freezing January day in Michigan.

All the way home I can think of only one thing, sunshine! I crave the warmth of it. I crave the way my skin feels as it slowly warms to the embrace of it.

When will I be in the sun's presence?

I greet my husband, but really I want the sun. There is a patch of sunlight pouring through the door that leads to the deck and my dog is lying in it. I grab my pillow and lay down next to Spunky in the sun-lighted spot. She know the importance of this moment, almost sacred moment and lies still beside me.

No, I am not crazy, but when you have been without the sun, you begin to crave it, need it, start dreaming about it. When you experience it you are satisfied.

God is my light.

He is precious and fills me with inexpressible joy.

His Spirit fills me with the warmth of his love.

I crave sacred time with Him.

When I spend the time to sit in His presence, in His word, delighting in the Sonlight, I am satisfied.

Psalm 23: 1 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul.

Psalm 4:4 Meditate with in your heart on your bed and be still.

Psalm 37: 7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.

Grab a pillow and join me in the Son!

Zody's

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

It was a warm, Late August afternoon in sunny California.The year was 1974 and I was in the 7^th grade. This time period is very vivid for me. Maybeit is because of where we went that day, or because of the excitement of beinga 7^th grader, I remember it well!

On this day my mother said the most exciting news, "We aregoing to Zody’s!” This made my heartskip a beat! My mind began to race as I started categorizing my shopping list.After all, school was starting in a few weeks and I was in Junior High. Zody’s was the local, economical, departmentstore. The precursor to Target or Walmart.

We walked into the store and there before my eyes was themost beautiful sweater that I had ever seen! A brown and orange striped sweater beckoned meto it. I knew instantly that this was on the must have list! After trying it onand lovingly admiring myself in the mirror, I showed it to my mom.

“This is kinda expensive, how about this one instead?”, myheart sank as she made the suggestion that my perfect sweater might not begoing home with me! Could she not see the incredible value and beauty ofit? This purchase meant that I would becool, pretty, skinny and popular if I could just get it out of the store and wearit to school!

Seeing the devastated look on my face, my mother made afinal proposal that I look around the store and if I really wanted the sweater,I would have to reduce my amount of back to school clothing. Ouch! This wasgoing to be difficult, but the longer the sweater was hanging on my arm, and closeto me I knew that it had to be mine!

Honestly, I have no idea what else was bought that day! AllI know is that the sweater and I went home together and we had some great timesin 1974!

Have you ever longed for that perfect purchase? The one thatwould make all of your dreams come true?

Perhaps for you it is:

Clothing

Furniture

Car

Home

Jewelry

Unfortunately these things don’t satisfy for long. We canend up wishing we never spent that money or craving for even more!

The most import transaction that we can make in our livesactually requires no money, but all that we have!

The good news is that this transaction is more precious than silver andmore costly than Gold. Psalm 119:72

It will nottarnish, it is renewed every morning! Lamentations 3:23

It is God’s Grace! Romans 3:23-26

Do you know it? Have you received it?

This grace is better than any purchase, any transaction andis guaranteed for eternity!

Thank you Father, that your grace is better than any purchase! Thank you that you give it freely to everyone who calls on your name and declares Jesus Christ as Lord. I am humbled by your love for us!
Jann

My Father

2012-01-28T09:09:00.001-05:00

From christdaily.tumblr.com

AMEN!

May you be blessed with this knowledge today!

Jann

What are you hoping for?

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-05:00

Leaning up against a gas station wall stood a disheveled man, shivering from the cold. In Grand Rapids there are many homeless people and it is quite possible that he also fell into this category.

In one hand he held his gloves and in the other he grasped a lottery ticket that he was furiously working on. Hoping it would be a winner.

I wondered what else he was hoping for? Why would he spend the money that he begged for on such a slim chance? The odds of winning the lottery usually have odds 18 million to 1 and some have odds as high as 120 million to 1.

With those odds it will take a lot more than hope to win the lottery!

Where is your hope? Is it put in something or someone that you can trust? You can put your hope in God!

He is trustworthy.

His word is trustworthy

The law of the LORD is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
Psalm 19:7

He is trustworthy

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. Psalm 145:13

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Psalm 25:3

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7

He is the definition of hope-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

Father, you are trustworthy and I put my hope in you and you alone! Jann

Memories of Jesus

2012-01-25T17:58:00.002-05:00

I saw something this week that brought back a flood of memories! A picture that was created for Crossroad Youth ministry took me back, way back to 1976!

From 1976-1980 while I was in High school, this greeted me each time I entered into the building. It holds a deep, deep place in my heart! I have incredible memories! Memories of hundreds of high school students declaring their love for Jesus and encouraging others to do so also! I remember the first night that I came into this room and by the end of the evening I was a part of God's family! I remember silly dramas, deep conversations, convicting messages and learning what it means to fall, deeply, madly, whole heartily, un-embarrassingly in love with Jesus! I remember the evenings of competitions, team chants and cheers. I remember all of it!

This picture is how I envision Jesus. I know that it may completely false, but it is a part of me. Actually I attribute more feeling to this picture than what is portrayed.

The Jesus I know is kind and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love and grace. He is the one who has saved me from my sins and from myself. He has changed me and remade me! He is everything to me!

This picture represents the beginning of a life spent with the savior! Thank you Lord that on that warm summer day in 1976 you asked me to come and be a part of your family! Thank you! Jann

Combative Cover ups

2012-01-24T04:30:00.000-05:00

I am so fortunate! My mother loves to iron and every week she comes to my house and irons. meticulously creating creases on my husbands shirts and proudly lining up her completed masterpieces, she is am ironing wonder! I am so blessed by her love of ironing!

This week, upon returning home from school, I walked into an interesting sight. On the kitchen floor was a bright blue sheet wadded up against the dishwasher. My mother declared that the dishwasher was spitting out water!

A couple things ran through my mind.

I had turned the dishwasher on before I left in the morning.
Did she use dish soap in the dishwasher?

Mom, What soap did you use? I carefully questioned. I knew the answer before she even came over to the kitchen sink. As she picked up the bottle I could see why it had been confusing to her. My husband, who loves a good deal had bought the econo size container of liquid dish soap.

This indeed was the culprit! I explained to her that we use little square dishwasher tablets and not the liquid.

Embarrassed, my mother reverted to what I like to call combative cover ups. "Well, you should put them on different sides of the cabinet!", she barked at me. I hate to tell you, but it gave me so much pleasure to open up the other side of the cabinet and reveal the dishwasher tablets! If that wasn't enough I also sarcastically said, "like this?"

Why did I need to do this? I really was just wanting to show her that we had the dishwasher soap and that she should use those in the future if she wanted to run the dishwasher, but in a blink of an eye, I had become combatively sarcastic!

Why combative? I have the disease known as I am right! At least I think I am or I am going to make you believe I am! I am sure I inherited it from my mother! This disease gets in the way all the time! It causes me to say and do things that I would never believe that I was capable of! Do you know of this disease? Has it found it's way into your heart?

James 3:6 says that our tongue can set the course of our whole world on fire. (ouch)

I am a work in progress and so is my mother. My tongue has gotten me into a lot of trouble over the years. For this reason, James 3:1-12 is important to me.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:1-10

Thank you Lord for teaching me through dish soap! May I reflect whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—may I think about such things. Jann

The Descendants

2012-01-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I went to see the movie The Descendants this week. I love George Clooney and had heard the buzz about how good the performances were. I did not know anything about the plot, characters or setting. All I knew about this film was that my friend George ( I have a slight crush) was in it.

Sometimes I invent a scenario about a movie before I see it. In this case I predicted that the movie was going to be about family relationships through out the generations, hence the name The Descendants.

The movie was not what I expected although many reviewers raved about it. Rotten Tomotoes said, "Funny, moving, and beautifully acted, The Descendants captures the unpredictable messiness of life with eloquence and uncommon grace."

Matt King (Clooney's character) must deal with a comatose wife, an angry teenage daughter and a young daughter who doesn't understand what is going on. He must wrestle with the reality that he hasn't passed anything on to his daughters, and is now in need of a relationship with them.

Mix the drama with a lot of cussing, the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii and the movie, The Descendants unfolds. In my opinion there were some good scenes but not as many as one would expect for such a highly touted film.

My favorite actor in the film was Patricia Hastie who played the comatose wife. Each time she was in the scene I was drawn to her contorted body and her solemn face. Gazing at her hands turned inward and her sallow, pale skin I was reminded me of a dear friend Vicky who is now with Jesus. I wonder what she would say was the most important thing she passed down to her children?

I love that God

Calls us his Children

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! I John 3:1

Gives us a Rich Inheritance.

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:14

Gives us something Valuable to pass on to our Descendants

Proverbs 3:1-35

Deuteronomy 4:9

Deuteronomy 11:18-21

No matter if your kids are grown, or still at home you can pass on a rich inheritance to them.

What do you want to pass on to your families?

Father, show me what to share with my girls. Direct me as I strive to honor you and build into them the truth of your love and your word.

River otters chasing a butterfly!

2012-01-20T04:30:00.000-05:00

Watch this video of River otters chasing after a butterfly.

It reminds me that joy can be found in simple things. When you know the one who created all things you can have joy.

Joy can be found in

A smile

a bike ride

Time in prayer

Extra time to sleep

Looking at the sunset

God's word shared with you

The bible verse that hits home

A book, blanket and a fireplace

Snuggling with your kids
The perfect cup of coffee

Long conversations
A loving embrace
Yummy desserts
Dark chocolate

When you see God in the midst of
these and other events of your day there is Joy!

Seek Him! Look for Him today!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Show me your joy today!

Flower Pins

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

What can be done with old clothes? Women's pants, skirts, blouses, sashes and scarves, bridesmaid, prom dresses, Men's shirts and suits, and even curtains?

Flower pins of course!

These pins were all made from old, ready to be given away clothing.

How did we do it? One word Pinterest! This online gathering of everything crafty has tutorials for step to step directions.

I am so amazed at how many new things I can create using recycled clothing.

Taking something old and making it into beautiful new article of clothing reminds me that God has done, and is doing this to me.

“Behold, I am making all things new" Revelation 21:5

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

No matter what the past has held for you. No matter what you have experienced or done. Today you can be made new!

This is truly the Good News of Jesus!

He can take the worst of us, clean us up, and make us new!

Even if you have tried before

feel worn out

are embarrassed

feel unworthy

are ashamed

feel discouraged, depleted, despairing

He is able to make all things new!

Father, often I forget that you have this redeeming desire for us. You want us to be made new in the likeness of your Son.
Thank you for this opportunity of newness!

Unaware

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

How often am I unaware of what is happening around me?
This question came up as I was having dessert with some friends.

On a snowy night as we sat together at a restaurant eating pie, chocolate sundaes and anything else rich and gooey a question was asked of my friend, "Are you from England?" Puzzled, we all looked at her and wondered why this was asked. My friend giggled and politely responded "no, but why do you ask?" The woman went on to explain that she noticed my friend using a fork and knife to gather together and eat her cheesecake and it reminded her of the way the English eat.

Here's the funny thing. Only when she is eating does she use her left hand. Even more humorous was the fact that her husband of over 20 years had never noticed that she did this!

How often do we do this with God? We miss the everyday occurrences that point us to our creator.

We can fail to see
His hand
as
He leads and guides us
into His plan
at
His time
and
In His way.

Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? “You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
Psalm 15:11-13

Today, as you
Eat and Drink
Work and Rest
Sit and Stand
Laugh and Cry

Remember to notice the one who notices you. 2 Timothy 2:19

Father, May I never miss your touch, your leading, your whisper. May I always see you in the joy and the pain, the laughter and the sorrow. Reveal yourself more and more to me. I want to see you more and more!

Jann

Reflecting on Pizza

2012-01-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

A simple lesson of making pizza in our first grade classrooms taught me an enormous lesson! Working together can be fun, frightening, faith renewing and filling.

Fun- watching 50 first graders roll pizza while they sing roll, roll, roll your dough almost made me fall over giggling!

Frightening- This was the maiden voyage of this lesson, I was nervous that it would even be successful! Helping these students spread the sauce without spilling it all over the carpet kept me on my toes.

Faith Renewing- Watching all four groups of students and teachers be fully engaged in learning was why I became a teacher! My nervous thoughts were dissipated, the Pizzas turned out fabulous! Why had I ever been nervous?

Filling- Eating the Pizza was great, watching the students enjoy their educational experience and enjoying their work of art filled me up! Simple joy in the moment.

What I learned

God gives us experiences to help us grow and to understand Him better. These can be fun, frightening, faith renewing and filling. Sometimes this means that we must stop long enough to Reflect on what has happened. A process that I often overlook.

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.Psalm 71:17

Take some time to Reflect over your week and answer these questions.

Where did I see God at work?
What caused fear or unbelief?
How did this cause my faith to grow?
I praise God for ______ because it taught me _________.

I would love to hear from you and how these questions have helped you Reflect!

Jann

Submit????

2012-01-12T06:57:00.001-05:00

Submission is never easy!

Spunky is my dog on the left and Bailey is my daughter Jeni's dog on the right. This was their very first visit.

We have had an interesting time getting these two familiar with each other.

Dog's have a process they go through to show dominance and submission. Besides the normal sniffing each other in the most intimate places, there is a doggie dance that they do.

The more dominant animal must show their leadership. This is Spunky's house, she is older and bigger and feels the need to show Bailey that she is in charge. This is accomplished by nudging Bailey and cornering her until Bailey flops over, all four paws in the air. You can almost hear her say,

"You win, I submit!"

It happened again while rolling on the carpet and snuggling up against each other, Grrrrrrr- yelp then a mad dash away and straight under the bed. Bailey instead of finding comfort in playing was frightened by the harshness of Spunky. She retreated to the safest place she could find.

One that Spunky couldn't reach.

I also have a difficult time submitting. Give me a way out and I may to run, scurrying off to the safest place that I can find.

Maybe it is my rebellious nature?

Or the need to be in control?

Or because I want to be the top dog?

There are many scriptures referring to submission

Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 30:8

Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Job 22:21

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Hebrews 12:9

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Father, I have to admit I have an easier time submitting to you than I do to people. This is an area that I am working on little by little. Take this stronghold and make it yours. Help me to scurry to you.

Jann

Hugo

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. Internet Movie Database

During Christmas break we went to see this movie. 3D movies always intrigue me. Often I take off the glasses because I want to see what the movie looks like without them. It's blurry!

Hugo the twelve year old boy in the film is gifted at fixing clocks and machines. He soon discovers that people can be fixed too.

My favorite quote from the movie is;

"If you don't have a purpose you are broken."

I was overwhelmed with this quote. For those who know me, purpose is everything. Often I ask, what is the purpose of this event, why are we doing it? Sometimes we can get lost in the midst of busyness, and the day to day routine. We can feel like we do not have a special purpose!

It is easy to feel broken, useless and worn out.

I have Good News for You!

You and I have a purpose!

We do Not have to live broken!

God will restore you!

God created each of us with a plan in mine. Jeremiah 29:11

He created us with gifts that must be utilized. I Peter 4:10

We are called to Reflect His glory and make His name Known. Isaiah 26:8

Father, May your purpose be fulfilled in our lives. Reveal it to us that we may walk in it. Jann

Cirque de Noel

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Sitting in the audience of the DeVos Performance Center we anxiously awaited the show to begin. The orchestra were finely tuning their instruments as the location filled with the buzzing sound of excited people. Behind us sat a family that included two very grey haired Grandparents, their young Grandchildren and their parents. A little girls voice could be heard asking, "When will it start, Where do the people fly in from?"

Our seats were in the middle of all of the excitement! I sat in between my two daughters as my husband sat proudly on the end. (This was after all his idea!) the lights dimmed and the distinguished conductor walked onto the stage.

The orchestra masterfully performed Deck the Halls and then the magic began! An aerialist climbed up some fabric and began to perform high above WITHOUT a net!

I could feel my heart racing as I watched with excitement, fear and wonder at this amazing woman! All night long we stared in awe at the performances that we witnessed.

By far my favorite was the act the was done with what looked like a hula hoop that was suspended from the ceiling. Like a child playing on a swing she swayed back and forth showing us her incredible strength. What happened next took be by surprise! The woman was hanging from the ceiling by her feet in the hoop and she had NO net! Honestly it was difficult to catch my breath! I kept thinking, "What if she falls?"

I glanced at my daughters during each performance, there eyes were filled with wonder and their mouths wide open in shock as each act demonstrated unbelievable strength, flexibility, showmanship and "death defying acts".

I had an interesting reaction to this show. "Why would these people purposefully do things that could result in their harm or death, without a net?"

Jesus wants to provide you with an amazing gift of peace, love and forgiveness. Why keep trying to do everything alone, unprotected and fearful?

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 4:7

Every time we try to do life without Jesus, we are living without His net! He is our net! He is the one that provides access to the Father and to all things good.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Father, may each day be filled with your love, peace, and safety net! Help me to hear your voice and respond. Thank you for your protection and care. Jann

Russian Christmas

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Russia, has been on my mind. I have never been there and frankly never really have thought much about the country or it's people. Recently my heart and mind has turned towards this vast land.

The Lord is doing something, I just don't know what He is designing. As I have learned this year, I will "get up and go" and then I will find out my assignment. No I am not going to Russia, yet!

I am intrigued however.

Here are a few Russian Christmas facts;

Christmas was banned throughout Russia in 1917.
The winter holidays were celebrated as a New years holiday
In 1992, Seventy-five years later, the holiday officially was given permission to be celebrated.
Christmas is celebrated around January 7

Recently a poll (Deutsche Welle) interviewed 1000 Russians regarding how they view Christmas.

Over 80% celebrate Christmas
One third see themselves as religious (They go to church on holidays)
3% say they are deeply religious
11% are atheist
6% are not religious but observe Christian traditions (weddings, baptisms)

People in Russia are very much like Americans!

They are Religious-

Religious

1.imbued with or exhibiting religion; pious; devout; godly: a religious man.
2.scrupulously faithful; conscientious: religious care.
3.pertaining to or connected with a monastic or religious order.
4.appropriate to religion or to sacred rites or observances.

This is where we all need to be reminded that being a Christian, a follower of Christ, is about a relationship.

We need a Relationship-

Relationship

1.a connection, association, or involvement.
2.connection between persons by blood or marriage.

We have been given a gift from Jesus to have a relationship with Him. He gave us this gift by coming to us as a baby and leaving us as a servant, a shepherd, the one who has died so that we may live.

This year may we offer Him more than a religious affiliation and give to him the relationship of our hearts and lives.

There are some exciting things happening for Jesus in Russia.

Pray for these ministries as they extend the love and grace of Jesus!

Moscow Good News Church is making an impact and changing lives.

Russian Ministries Is living out the good news by coming alongside of people and sharing the love of Christ.

Father, thank you for giving us the gift of Jesus! I pray for the people in Russia and here in the United States who know about someone called Jesus but do not have a relationship with Him. Make yourself known this Christmas! Empower your people to love and share with others. Thank you for being so much more than a religion! Jann

Guest Blog-Lessons from Sydney

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

Lessons from Sydney #2

“Ijust love Zoe”. Not the words you expectfrom a 6 year old that just had 2 legs broken by a dog. Now, I knew it wasn’t the dogsfault. As a matter of fact I was busyblaming myself for not stopping it. Zoewas only acting like dogs do, and Sydney’s bones were so fragile from beingnon-weight bearing.

ButSydney not only forgave her, but was proclaiming her LOVE for her. Her next move was to call my nephew, the dog’sowner, because she didn’t want him to feel sad.

Bearwith each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have againstanother. Forgive as the Lord forgaveyou. And over all these virtues put onlove, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14

Godcalls us not just to forgive each other, but to forgive as he forgave us.

Without holding grudges

Without blame,

andas Sydney reminds us,

to forgive and to love.

Kami

You can read more about Sydney's story here.

Blame it on the Olibollen

2012-01-04T05:00:00.001-05:00

"Do you know what we are having for dessert?", Kevin excitedly prodded us. Then he blurted out. Oliebollen! We all looked at him with a "huh" look on our face. "Doughnuts", he explained!

Kevin and Tina eat mostly organic and doughnuts seem so out of character. Tina is very creative with her cooking and uses farm fresh ingredients. Her blog Return to the garden is full of exciting cooking techniques and healthy recipes.

Olibollen is a tradition in her family. Every on New Years Eve they are made. Oliebollen is the Dutch version of doughnuts and when translated means "oily balls".

Oliebollen recipe

Gluten free doughnut recipe

I eagerly watched as she made the batter, a gluten free variation that also included chopped apples. As a pan of oil was heating up the kitchen began to smell of grease and my stomach began to turn. I love fried foods, but they do not like me so much!

Into the grease the batter was spooned and when browned these olibollen were placed on a towel and doused with powdered sugar.

They were delicious!

I only had one because I was afraid of the deep fried effect. The men in the house ate at least 3 each!

As we played a game together the effects of these olibollen began to be seen. It was difficult for some of the men to concentrate, their minds were feeling the effect of the grease and sugar. During the game when ever someone made a mistake or could not think clearly we began to say, "It's the oliebollen!"

What I learned

We must be careful about what enters our minds and our bodies. Oliebollen is fine in moderation but eat too much and you may feel differently.

We have so many choices in life.

Mary and Martha had a choice.

Peter and the disciples had a choice

The woman at the well had a choice

We must choose wisely

what we see

what we hear

what we say

what we do

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Jann

The Fish Bowl game

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Recently our small group gathered and played a game, Fish Bowl.

These are the directions.

1. Each person writes a sentence on a slip of paper. These are put in a bowl ("the fish bowl").

2.Players describe each sentence. They receive a point for each slip they get correctly. You cannot skip slips.

3. A timer is set for 2 minutes, at the end, the teams switch. This continues until all the slips have been correctly guessed.

4. Next, the slips are put back in, but this time people can only act it out (not speaking). Timer is set for 1 minute

5. Finally, the sentences are put back in and the individual trying to give away what they are can only say one word. If they say anything (e.g. "shoot", "hmmmph", "ahhh") this counts as their word and they can't skip the slip or say anything else. Game Secretary

We had so much fun! At first no one thought that they would get the sentence but amazingly, all sentences were guessed. This was no easy feat! Here is a list of some of our sentences

It is raining in the fireplace.

Gabby is skipping down the yellow brick road.

The Detroit Lions are going to the playoffs.

Chocolate covered coffee beans make me happy!

Oh say can you see?

They lived happily ever after.

It is indeed a beautiful day outside.

Snow fell on Christmas.

I noticed that as each round went by it was easier to guess the sentence because we were more acquainted with it, the sentence was familiar to us. By the third round where only one word was given as a clue, our minds quickly raced to the sentences and we were able to complete it. Even when someone said "umm", the team started rattling off the sentences and we were able to get the correct answer.

What I Learned

The more that we spend time with God getting to know Him and His word, the more we will be able understand

His ways,

His leading,

His promptings.

We will not be surprised,

Rather because we are so acquainted with Him,

Familiar of His ways,

We will be able to follow Him more fully.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees;

I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:10-16

My Prayer Lord is this;

Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness;

give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Psalm 86:11-12

Cheers to the Struggles-Guest Blog

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

As 2011comes to a close, I have been taking a stroll down memory lane and thinkingabout all of the year’s events- the good, the bad, and the oh so ugly. My mindthen wandered to the start of my young adulthood- the 18-25 years. The thingsthat stuck out to me were the relationships built, memories made and most ofall the struggles.

You see,the struggles are bittersweet to me. Without struggles, I would have no storiesto tell. I would have nothing to say about the jobs I hated, boys I dated, andcredits rated.

When Iwas 19, I quit my job as a bank teller, watched my parents move a million milesaway and take my sister with them, was in a long term relationship I knew Ishouldn’t be in, and my finances were quickly becoming completely disarrayed.

Needlessto say, I was STRUGGLING.

Iremember thinking my life was over! I would forever be unemployed, lonely andpoor (I know, quite the dramatic). What I didn’t realize at the time was what aloving God I had on my side, who had a much bigger picture than my small mindcould see. There was a night when I checked and saw my account was negative andhad no idea where I would come up with money to even cover the overdraft fees.I felt totally alone and was so embarrassed of myself and the life I was livingthat I didn’t feel like I had anyone to turn to. I threw myself on the floorand cried out to God in the most desperate of times. It was then I realizedthat my only solution was Him.

I’m a tiny bit of a control freak and all alongI had been struggling because I wanted to do it all on my own, without His helpand His perfect guidance. This was the most valuable lesson I ever learned. NowI know that God isn’t some magic genie that will just nod his head twice andmake my problems disappear, and after that night, I was still broke as ever andhad a long road ahead of me. But only He could fill the missing pieces in mylife that I had filled with other useless things. It wasn’t pretty. It has taken years of counseling, a fewfinancial freedom seminars, and loving and supportive family and friends tohelp me along the way.

You see,I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today if I never struggled. I’m thankful forevery struggle along the way because it forced me to cling to my loving God ina way I never imagined I would have to. When I felt so alone, He was there.When I was poor and jobless, He provided. When my heart was broken, He healedit.

In theyears that followed I was blessed to experience freedom from past relationshipsand the bondage of debt, study abroad in London as well as serve in Cambodia,find a great job and come to love and understand the reasons God sent myparents to Corinth all the way in Byron Center, Michigan!

I’m sureyou are thinking that my life couldn’t possibly be perfect now and by NO MEANSis it. At times, my life is still what feels like a chaotic mess, but on theother side of the struggle I can say that I know and believe in God who is somuch bigger than any struggle I could ever face. I have learned that everychallenge that comes my way is just that. A challenge. But with God on my side, I gotthis.

“But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage.” Psalm 55:16-18

So, cheers to the struggles and to the many more that areguaranteed to come in the 25-30’s.

Lissa

Lissa Cobb is my youngest daughter and according to her my favorite one! She is deeply in love with Jesus, enjoys making yummy food, travelling to new places and is learning to be an Aunt to Drake Spencer Dixon.

You can follow her on twitter

A Leaf Vacuum

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

I saw this cool lawn tool.

A leaf vacuum is a new concept to me! Like a giant wet vac the leaves were raked together and then this large hose sucked them up!

It was so cool!

Standing there, standing and staring at the might and vacuuming power of this machine, lost in thoughts of how similar God is to this vacuum!

He takes our mess and cleans it up.

If we will come to Him, be honest about our mess,

then he will take our sins and remove them! There is no mess to big or messy for Him. Many people think that they must get their lives together before they can come to God.

His might and cleansing power is amazing.

The bible is clear about what God's deep love for us.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear Him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a Father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Psalm 103:10-13

End this year with a clean slate!

Let God remove, restore and renew you!

Lord, I desire that you would take my sin and remove it! Thank you that you say because of Jesus you will remember them, no more!

You is Beautiful, Smart and Important!

2011-12-28T17:56:00.000-05:00

This was the #1 post of 2011

You Is Beautiful

You Is Smart

You Is Important

These words were shared with a young girl, Mae Mobley in the movie, The Help. Abileen, her nanny spends a lot of time encouraging this child to believe that these words are truth. Sometime we also need to be reminded that someone thinks of us this way!

God, through the Holy Spirit has spent a lot of time reminding us of similar truths. God tell us that;

You is beautiful!

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Think about how adorable a baby is. Any new parent will tell you that their child is the most beautiful child that they have ever seen.From every crinkled brow to funny shaped ear, Parents adore their children. This how God your father thinks about you!

The book of Song of Solomon is thought to be a picture of Christ and His relationship with us. Listen to what God says to you,“Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me (Song of Solomon 2:10). You are beautiful!

You is smart!

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

1 Corinthians 1:30

You are Important!

You were created in His image
What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen; Even the beasts of the field, The birds of the air, And the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas. Psalms 8:4-8

You were the reason that God sent his son to die for you.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I John 4:10

You have been Chosen!

For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, ‘Give them up! and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:3-7

To put it simply, He does not make Junk!

Receive His love and encouragement today. He created you, loves you and adores you. Live in that knowledge!

Father, I am humbled to think that you are looking in my eyes and telling me that I am beautiful, smart and important in your eyes! Help me to live in this knowledge and to accept how you view me as the truth! Your beautiful, smart and important daughter.

My First Give away- Not a Fan book

2011-12-27T00:30:00.000-05:00

My first give away!

One of my favorite reads from 2011 is the book "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman.

Here is the description from the Not a Fan website.

Are you a follower of Jesus?

Don’t answer too quickly.

In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a “Define the Relationship” conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you’re not into Jesus, period.

In any case, don’t take the question—Are you a follower of Jesus?—lightly.

Some people don’t know what they’ve said yes to and other people don’t realize what they’ve said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman . But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers.

Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.

If this books interest you, enter your link below! or leave a comment telling me why you would like a copy of this book.

Be Still-Guest Blog

2011-12-26T05:30:00.000-05:00

Be Still. Calm.

Ugh!!!! I can’t handle it! Too quiet, too still, too calm.... I must do SOMETHING!!

Welcome to the mind of Brenda Renderos. You would probably never guess this is my mind at our first meeting. I’m initially the silent type. But alas, my mind struggles in being still and calm.

The last few months have been a season in revisiting the spiritual disciplines. Of course tithing, prayer, Bible study and fasting. But also solitude, silence, reflection, confession...

Interesting how these last few months have been very full ones. Some strife but mostly an abundance of blessing and growth within the ministry I serve with. My calendar has been full almost every day and the ministry is flourishing in an amazing way. It’s exciting! The sort of thing that gets my blood pumping and I can find myself going non-stop if I’m not careful. So many in need and reaching out. So many wanting to grow and serve. So many with questions. So many.

Once again God’s timing is perfect.

We can so easily fall into the trap that we can and must do it all. And that if we don’t then that somehow lessons our value. I’m a leader in ministry, wife of 17 years, mom of 3 kids (one is a teenager!), sister, friend, mentor and I could go on! But at the end of the day those don’t define who I am. They are roles. They are things that I do. Areas of gifting and calling.

So who am I? Who are you? Outside all of your roles and titles, who are you?

I’m sure many of you are speaking either verbally or mentally right now who you are in Christ. But how deep into the core of your being have you received that?

Life has many demands of us. In those demands we can quickly and very subtly forget where our true identity comes from. During this time of flourishing and down right crazy schedule I know without a doubt that I am one who could have fallen prey to this.

What was the safety net?

Times of going away for silent retreat.
Times of prayerfully reflecting on the Word of God. Study times, yes. But also times of reflection.
Times of solitude. Unplugging. Phone shut off.
Times of confessing those areas of struggle with those close and trustworthy.

It has been during these times that my strength has be renewed and my purpose clarified.
My identity secured and priorities put in order.
My worries handed over and the sorrows turned to joy.

It has been during these times of leaning on my Abba Father that He has pressed into me as well and been my anchor and compass. The anchor to keep me from drifting and the compass to keep me on His way.

As difficult and impossible as it may seem during this busy season to be still, consider the alternative of losing your way in the hustle and bustle of life.

Where would you rather be? Tossed with the waves here and there? Or anchored in His heart and secure in His way?

Psalm 46:10b “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Brenda

To read more of Brenda's thoughts about walking with Jesus, visit her delightful blog Jalapenos and Chocolate.

I Believe-Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

I see this word everywhere!

Believe.

It is thrown around as if there is something magical about the word itself.

I understand the intention.

We were made to believe.

We were created to trust in something, someone grander than ourselves.

Peter was asked who he believed Jesus was. Mark 8:29

The disciples believed that Jesus was the one. John 6:69

The crowds believed many things about Jesus Luke 9:18-19

They thought He could be;
John the Baptist
Elijah
One of the prophets come back to life.

What do you believe? Who is Jesus to you?

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

I Believe!

Merry Christmas!

An Unexpected Advent-Guest Blog

2011-12-23T05:30:00.000-05:00

I am in love with Christmas time.

I have always felt this way about December. I attribute most of my Christmas obsession tomy dad. We like to call him Mr.Christmas. He worked hard to createspecial traditions every year. Onetradition I loved was when he got the Christmas movies down from theattic. He would hide them away all yearlong and the day after Thanksgiving they would come out of hibernation. He would be standing on the ladder, box inhand, as I shouted for White Christmasand jumped with glee.

My dad also made sure that we knew the real reason wecelebrated Christmas. We would be sureto go the church in our Christmas best. I have fond memories of matching Christmas dresses for me and my sisterand cool crisp mornings walking into the church on Christmas Day to celebrateour Savior’s birth.

With all these memories dancing like sugarplums in my headthrough the years you can bet your bottom dollar that I had big plans forDecember. Advent activities, hotchocolate parties, cookie baking, and of course some Pinterest crafts were allon the docket.

Most importantly, I had planned on using these activities toteach The Bug, my 2 ½ year old, who gets mad if I leave the ½ out, about thereason we celebrate Christmas.

But then, something unexpected happened…life happened and my plans got put on the back burner and then theburner behind that one.

Being a mama to a 6 month old and a toddler has taught meover and over again to let go of my daily expectations. I have learned that to thrive I need toembrace the unexpected. Otherwise, Iwalk around thoroughly disappointed and downright cranky…teaching things I’mnot intending to teach.

Ironically, coincidentally or providentially, it seems thatit is when the unexpected hits and expectations are held loosely enough to beforgotten that the lessons I desperately want learned find a way into myordinary circumstances. His unexpectedcameo in the midst of my “big plans” always steals the show.

It was one of these unexpected interruptions that has causedthis Advent season to be one I will never forget.

A week ago, Sunday, after soaking in my guilt of failurefrom another week not being what I had planned it to be I heard a whisper. We were at church and the Bug was in myarms.

“Take her in the Sanctuary.”

I shooed the thought away like an annoying gnat or anabsurdity I gave a second’s worth to.

Again, the thought rang in my ears.

“But, that’s breaking the rules.” I said, answering the quiet tug.

(Kids have to be 3 and up to come into the adult worshipservice.)

I couldn’t shake it. So, I snuck my 2 ½ year old into the sanctuary. We stood in the back. The Spirit of worship was thick. I couldn’t help it. I raised my empty arm and closed myeyes. I engaged in the moment.

A few minutes later I opened my eyes, and what did I see,but my sweet Bug, hand in the air just like me.

Unexpected. Beautiful. A lesson I sodesperately want her to learn.

She can tell me that it’s Baby Jesus’ birthday. She knows that the wise men brought gold,frankincense and myrrh. She can name allthe figurines in our nativity. For thisI am grateful, but it was the unexpected lesson she learned that I will remembermost from this Advent season.

My Bug learned a posture of worship. I know that you don’t have to raise your armsin the air to worship God but I also know that the posture we take in ourworship is important. I raise my handsbecause if I don’t I will burst. Somedays it’s my posture of praise and thanksgiving other days it’s my posture ofgrief and desperation. Either way, it ishow I turn to God and say, “In this mess, I am yours.” The Bug saw my posture and something made herdecide to try it too. I always try toremember how my kids will learn from my example but this lesson wasso…unexpected.

Christmas time with little ones is magical. Their enthusiasm and excitement can be socontagious. Their smiles and bellylaughs light up our home like a Christmas tree. I can’t wait for even more memories as future Christmas’ come and go.

However, I will never forget that one moment I had with theBug. There weren’t any Christmas lights,there wasn’t any hot chocolate and the Advent calendar was at home collectingdust. But, she still learned animportant lesson in spite of my plans going awry.

My Christmas wish this year is that her sweet moment ofmimic will turn into a heart that worships with abandon and I will continue tounexpectedly teach her so.

Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,when I cry to you for help, when I liftup my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:2

Allison

I'm just your average prodigal daughter who went looking for love, fame and fortune in all the wrong places. When I finally came to my senses I was lavished upon. I am passionate about life and my relationships: my husband, whom I call "fly," and my sweet children, "The Bug" and "Little Man," and the people who still love me in my messiness. I have a strong infatuation with musicals, Shakespeare and 90's top hits. Nothing makes me more angry than injustice, especially when it's done to "the least of these." I believe with every ounce of my being that God takes our messes and creates beauty...so here's to my beautiful mess.

Read more at Allison's blog A Beautiful mess

Superstar

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11

Jesus, the son of God has come! He is in our midst.

During this season I pray that like the Magi, you will

Be overjoyed

See Jesus

Worship Him

Present Him with gifts

Caramel Apples

2011-12-21T05:22:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite traditions for Christmas is making caramel apples. They are quite the process but oh so worth it! From the buttery caramel to the creative decorating I love every step, mostly! For the complete recipe click here.

Step 1 Wash the apples and insert wooden stick.
If the apples are not washed, the wax will cause the caramel not to stick

Step 2 Make caramel sauce
The caramel must get hot enough to make it to the firm ball stage. If it isn't hot enough the caramel will not harden.

Step 3 Dip apples into caramel
Allow the caramel to drip off of the apple a little and begin to harden before placing apples on parchment paper or too much caramel slide off of the apple.

Step 4 Prepare Chocolate
Only prepare as much as you can use while it is still warm or the chocolate will harden quickly in the bowl.

Step 5 Apply the chocolate to the apple.
This can be done by swirling or dipping

Step 6 Coat the apple in a topping
This could be, Reeses, Butterfingers, Oreos, Nuts, Nutterbutters, Coconut, graham cracker, toffee bits or anything else sweet.

Step 7 Place the apple lovingly in a cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon.

Step 8 Give as a gift.
Watch as their eyes grow big and their mouths begin to drool.

Step 9 Rest! Well done!

Apples taught me a great trust lesson.

When making these caramel apples we must follow the recipe to ensure the best results. As Christians we must follow the recipe for life that God has given us. Sometimes we don't understand the steps or why we have to follow them, but just like the recipe there are reasons why things must be done. The process can be as important as the finished result!

Trust that His steps are right.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Trust that He will lead and guide us.
God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Psalm 119:33-34 Message

Trust that He knows what the outcome will be.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Father, some days I just don't understand the why and how of life. I am frustrated by the things that happen and the hurt that occurs. I am trusting that your steps are right, that you will lead and guide us and that you know the outcome. Please remind me of this when I am weary..

Toy Story 3

2011-12-19T06:00:00.002-05:00

"Do you know what makes Woody special? He will never give up on you!", Declares Andy as he gives away his treasured toys.

People told me that they had cried during this movie and I thought they were silly! Yes I cried. At that moment when I made the connection between Woody and Jesus it all made sense to me!

We all long for someone to believe in us.

To stay with us!

To see us through!

Jesus is Immanuel,"God with us".

Jesus has promised to be with us!

I will never leave you or forsake you! Hebrews 13:5

I will always be with you. Matthew 28:20

I will send you another counselor. John 14:16

Do you know what make Jesus so special?

He is with us and He will never give up on you!

Father, I needed to be reminded of your deep love for me today! Thank you for using a movie to speak the tender words, "I am with you!

The Buried Life #2

2011-12-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

I started working on my list.

It is the "What 100 things do you want to do before you die?" list.

In No particular order here is the first ten.

1. Write a book

2. Complete 100 miles on my bike in one day.

3. Skydive

4. Share about Jesus in Russia

5. Develop a mentoring program for women.

6. Organize my kitchen cabinets

7. Spoil grandchildren (my daughters will love this!)

8. Go to Relevant in 2012

9. Vacation in Ireland with my husband

10. Memorize a psalm

This is going to be harder than I thought. Just taking time to think through the things that I feel compelled to do is tough. I kept thinking, "this sounds shallow, what will people think?" I am going to fight through these thoughts and keep working on my list anyway. After all it's my list!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23

I am also going to pray about the list. God might have things that I have haven't even thought of yet that He want's to reveal to me. Can't wait to discover what they are!

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

What's on your list?

Are you Fruity?

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Taken by Kathy Stuby

This picture reminds me that our lives have a purpose, "to bear fruit" John 15:8

Bearing fruit means focusing your life to reflect the glory of God.

He who has the wisdom of God is full of good fruits: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:17,18).

John 15:45

Hebrews 13:15

Galatians 5:22,23

A couple of self reflection questions-

How are you focusing your life to reflect God's glory?

What good fruits are being produced in your life?

Why not stop and thank God for the fruits that are being produced in and through you?

Father, you are the giver of all gifts and you are the one that produces the fruit in our lives. Help me today to focus on you and your glory. Help me to reflect you in all I do and say.

Warning Signs

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

2:30 am and I feel as if someone is watching me. I open my eyes and there next to the bed is our dog Spunky. She looks directly at me and beckons me to pay attention to her. "This is odd" I think, gently pet her and then roll over to go back to sleep. Within a minute she is standing up and pawing at me. Slightly more awake, I also notice that she is shaking. Usually this means that she is frightened.

That is when I heard it. "Beep"! Somewhere in our house this quiet sound was signaling a warning. Spunky was just trying to make me aware of it.

Falling out of bed I stumbled into the living room. No beep happening there. Following my every step Spunky was eager to make it stop. Downstairs the sound became louder leading us to the furnace room. The warning beep was telling us that the battery in the fire alarm needed to be changed. Fortunately we had a battery and after fumbling to put the battery in correctly, it was replaced and I found my way back to bed.

Both the "beep" and Spunky acted as warning signs for me. I am grateful that God has placed warning signs in our lives as well.

There are warning signs that we;

are walking the wrong way
Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise. Ephesians 5:15

have wandered from the truth

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

that we have trusted in the wrong things

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Psalm 118:8

that the evil one is about to attack

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

A firetruck and an ambulance use a siren, a train beeps it's horn and flashes its lights, and A fever warns us of sickness and infection. These signals are intended to keep us from harm. God has also warning signs. They are to protect us and redirect us.

Where is the beep coming from in your life?

Father, thank you that you have given us warnings to heed. Your love is protective and guiding. Show us what to pay attention to and what to turn away from.

Scrooge

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

We went with some friend to see the "A Christmas Carol". You know the story of a man who chose wealth over relationships and joy. Then after being shown what his life has been and what it will end up he chooses to have a change of heart. I was struck by this phrase that the ghost of Christmas past said to him.

"May you be happy with the life that you have chosen."

This phrase hit home. We choose to live a certain way and there are outcomes that are based on our choices. If we choose to focus our attention on one thing, then we will by default ignore another thing.

Where we choose to put our time, energy and money, may or may not bring us the happiness that we are looking for. Ultimately the choice is ours.

In Deuteronomy 30 this concept is clearly laid out for us.

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

If we love God and walk in His ways, we will be blessed.

But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

If we are disobedient and follow after other things there will be destruction.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:15-20

"May you be happy with the life that you have chosen"

Weekly Reflections

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Share something from your blog with us! A Reflection of your week to encourage, inspire, resonate and make us laugh!

I am like a squirrel!

2011-12-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Peering through the gate was this adorable creature! Normally squirrels are afraid of people and go scurrying away. This little one came closer when I began to talk to it.

How did a squirrel that should be afraid of people seem so comfortable approaching me?

Some background for you.

This squirrel has become a regular on the patio of a restaurant that also has an outside seating area in Downtown Grand Rapids.
Often patrons of this restaurant eat peanuts.
This squirrel has become accustomed to having it's food provided by the people who visit the restaurant.

Because of it's good fortune with people and their kindness towards this squirrel he has decided that they are safe, approachable, and will provide food.

Through the years I have become more an more like this squirrel. In my relationship with God I have become a regular at being where others gather to worship and have become accustomed to being fed right from His hand.

What have I learned about God through my experience with Him?

He is faithful in keeping His promises

God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. I Corinthians 1:9 (NLT)

He is gentle and kind John 10:11
He forgives and then does not remember my sin any longer. Psalm 103:12
He is trustworthy! Psalm 22:4-5

Father, thank you for you simple reminders that you are always near, always faithful, always trustworthy.

I understand how you feel

2011-12-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Understanding how your spouse feels was the topic this week in the Marriage session of Trading Places that my husband and I are teaching. Each person completed an exercise where we looked at the following list and chose the 3 most common communication styles that we use with our spouses.

Ordering-“You can’t do that!”
Threatening- “I’m warning you!”
Moralizing- “You should really know better.”
Advising- “I can tell you what’s best for you.”
Questioning- “Did you even think about asking me first?”
Judging- “You are way out of line.”
Condescending- “You’re a regular genius.”
Diagnosing- “You’re being paranoid.”
Reassuring- “There’s no need to worry.”
Diverting-“Think about the positives.”

What 3 would you choose?
I am embarrassed to tell you that my 3 are Ordering, Advising and Questioning.

After choosing our 3 communication styles, I modeled the next step of the exercise. My husband was out of town so I asked one of the men in the class to fill in for him. What I learned from this exercise shocked me.

Standing in front of everyone I spoke as if my husband was right there in next to me listening. "When you advise me, when you tell me what you think I should do. I feel like you don't think I know anything, that I am dumb." As I said these words it felt good to express myself. It was the next part that shocked me.

The man that stood in for my husband looked at my list and then began to speak, "When you question me, I feel that you don't trust me and that hurts me." I stood there looking at him, unable to speak or respond.

"Is that the way my husband feels when I question him?", I wondered. This is going to be an interesting conversation when he returns.

Sometimes the truth is revealed to us through others. The truth is I never have thought about how my husband feels when I question him. What I learned today is a game changer. I love when these things happen!

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

When we consider others as more important is is easier to set aside our feelings and begin to Understand how others feel. Father help me to do so.

I Wish I Knew This Before!

2011-12-03T08:56:00.000-05:00

I love teaching! It is how God put me together and there is nothing that I enjoy more than telling a good story. Today I was asked to tell about a time that I got hurt with a 2nd grade classroom.

Briskly strutting to the front of the room, I grabbed the marker and began to draw a tree map on the white board. Labeled on top was the title, A time when I got hurt and then three category headings of Beginning, Middle and End. The students were engaged with the story and loved the gory details.

When the tree map was almost finished, stretching across the White board, the teacher emphatically urged me from the back of the room, "Mrs. Cobb stop using that marker!" Looking down at my hand it became so clear! I had been using a permanent marker that had mistakenly been placed on the whiteboard!

What I thought was a wonderful teaching experience had quickly become a little bit of a nightmare!

For the next twenty minutes the teacher and I scrubbed the board with a sponge. My arms still hurt from this!

After class I shared the experience with a fellow teacher. She commented that using the whiteboard markers on top of the permanent marker was a great, easy way to remove the permanent marker.

Now she tells me! I wish I knew this information before I went through all of that work!

This reminded me that;

The Bible has many answers

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God will give us wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Our lives can be filled with many hardships and difficult decisions. I am grateful that God has given us a plan book, the bible that will help us with the information that we need.

Father, thank you that you have prepared us for all situations through your Word. Help us to spend time in it knowing all the things that will strengthen and guide us.

Weekly Reflections

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love reading what is happening in your blogs. Join this Friday blog hop and share a recent favorite posting from your blog. Don't forget to visit the person in front of you and leave a nice note! Just click on the weekly Reflections link.

My Buried Life

2011-12-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Remember the movie The Bucket List?

Yesterday I watched a television show called The Buried Life.

The premise behind the show is that these 4 college guys made list of 100 things that they want to do before they die. The list was full of random stuff like make a toast at a strangers wedding, sneak into the Playboy mansion and get a date with a celebrity. In addition, the coolest part for me was that they ask strangers what their wish would be and then helped them accomplish it.

In a way this is our mission as Christians, to live our lives reaching, stretching ourselves in order to fulfill God's purpose for us.
I wonder what His 100 list for us would be?

What would you do for God if you knew that you only had one year left?

I am going to start working on my list. This will be an adventure!

The guys on the show also did something to help a stranger.

What would you be willing to do for a stranger?
What if we did something for someone else, every time we did or bought something for ourselves?
What if we asked God every day what He wanted us to do?

Jesus showed us over and over again what it meant to live for God by loving Him and loving others. Matthew 22:37

Father, every gift in our lives comes from you. Every day, every moment is from you. Show us how to live in this gratitude, in a position of asking you what you wanted us to do. Thank you for your constant direction, leading and guiding.

Anxious

2011-11-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

Spunky is our Australian shepherd and Chow mix dog. She has bounds of energy and is so much fun. She has one very noticeable tendency. Anxiousness! Lightening and thunder throw her into a shaking tizzy. Loud noises and beeping, especially from a fire alarm that needs batteries will increase her anxiousness and result in her leaning into whoever is home.

Today was the day that she visited the groomer. Yes, this too creates havoc in our nervous Nelly. I felt terrible leaving her, standing there, shaking, puppy eyes and all.

Maybe she doesn't remember that I always come back, or that nothing bad will happen to her. Has she forgotten how beautiful she will look after all that old fur has been removed?

I can be so much like Spunky. I often become afraid of the unknown, things can startle me. Unlike her, it isn't the loud sounds that create havoc for me. Instead it is the things that shake me to the core, divorces, sickness, tragedy, suffering.

My anxiousness occurs when I forget that Jesus is coming back.

When I fail to remember His promise to always be with me. Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5
When I have taken my eyes off of Him and have focused on the problems. Philippians 3:13

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

Father, Keep me in your peace. Help me to remember that you will always be with me. I can trust in you.

Jello fruit slices

2011-11-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

What in the world are these colorful oranges? Jello slices!

Our small group gathered together for a fun night of sharing.

On the table sat these amazing looking jello slices.

I kept thinking, "how did she do it? How did she get the jello in them?"

Later I found out that she had scooped out half of the orange and then poured in the jello. They are fun and delicious! You can read more about how to make these here.

I had an experience similar to these Jello fruit slices.

In order for God to change me into what He wanted me to be, He also had to scoop out my old self and then He poured His Spirit into me!

Romans 6:6, John 14:26

All I know is that now I have been flavored with his Spirit and that he continually refills me. Who says being a Christian is boring?

Father, thank you for recreating me! Thank you for filling me with your Spirit!

Don't text "Jesus" in Pakistan

2011-11-25T07:48:00.001-05:00

Pakistan has declared that 1600 words are forbidden to be text on cell phones!

The name of Jesus Christ has also been banned.

His name is offensive to Islam.

Cell phone companies were told to begin blocking any text message containing outlawed words, including “Satan,” “nude” and “athlete’s foot.” Many of the banned words had sexual connotations.

Pakistan blocked Facebook for two weeks in May 2010, after a competition was held to draw pictures of the Prophet Mohammed — this is forbidden under Islam. In 2008 YouTube was blocked temporarily because of a similar competition that appeared on the site.

Photo taken by Allison Stuby

I am reminded of Jesus riding into Jerusalem. The people and the disciples praised God for all the miracles that they had seen! They even shouted

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord" Luke 19:38

Like in Pakistan, the officials there also tried to silence the peoples praise of Jesus.

Jesus responded, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!" Luke 19:40

As Jesus looked over Jerusalem He wept for them. I believe that He weeps for Pakistan as well.

"If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." Luke 19:42

Pray with me for the name of Jesus to be lifted high in Pakistan.

Feed my Lambs

2011-11-24T07:11:00.001-05:00

Last month a group offriends and I visited a trailer park and hosted a Halloween party. Wereturned yesterday to share a Thanksgiving meal with these specialfriends.

The banquet table wasset with turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green beancasserole, Sweet potato casserole and pies, pies, pies! We had enough food tofeed hundreds.

This affair was spurredon by Jesus’s words to Peter.

When they had finishedeating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly loveme more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that Ilove you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." John 21:15

His words reminded us ofour mission. “Feed my lambs.”

Feedthem by sharing;

a Meal

in Conversations

in Laughter

in reading the Bible

in Prayer

in Thankfulness

Our longing was toremind our new friends that Jesus has requested that they come to His banquettable. Song of Solomon 2:4

Today as you sit to eat with friends and family remember that you too have been called to His table. His desire is that you would experience feasting with the King, delighting in His presence and being filled with His Spirit.

Father, thank you forinviting us into your banquet. We are honored to be seated at your table. Remind us to Feed your Lambs. Thank you for calling us into your flock. May the seeds of love that were planted last night take root andgrow.

True or False?

2011-11-23T07:40:00.001-05:00

At school this week I had a remarkable conversation with a first grade student. "I'm not afraid of that!", John declared proudly as he pointed to a tiger on the worksheet. Then as he continued to color, he quietly confided in me, "You know what I am afraid of? I am afraid of those people, they eat bugs!" I could hardly contain my laughter. This First grader was completely serious as he shared his fear with me. Clearly he had some misconceptions about a certain people group, but nonetheless he was adamant about his beliefs.

How often have you held to a false belief?

Growing up our parents told us many things, some were true and some mere misconceptions. I remember my mom telling me to NEVER run the hot water when the garbage disposal was on. "It will burn out the motor", she would remind me. For 45 years I never ran hot water when the disposal was on!

One night after a meal with friends during the clean up, my friend ran the hot water, while the garbage disposal was on!!! I became very anxious and ran over to turn the water to cold. I reiterated what I had been told by my mother. Everyone began to laugh! Come to find out, I had clung to a false belief for 45 years!!!!!

God's word tell us the things that we can truly put our trust in.

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

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Father reveal to us those things that are not true! Focus us on your truth, your word!

A room with a view

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-05:00

On a weekend away we had a lovely view from our hotel room. We looked down on the river and onto Lake Michigan. Sailboats drifted through the river right in front of us. It was easy to daydream that I was on one of those boats. Aaaawwww! Wouldn't that be relaxing!

Soon my attention drifted towards the tall apartment buildings that flagged the river. "I wonder what view they have in their apartments?"

It is easy to daydream about what others may have or begin to think about what your life could be if only.......

Paul tells us that he learned to be content in whatever state that he found himself to be in.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. Philippians 4:12

He tells us the secret in the very next verse.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength Philippians 4:13

Father, teach me to be content with the life that you have given. Jesus makes this possible, by His strength, His power and His guidance!

I can empathize

2011-11-20T12:30:00.001-05:00

Empathy, according to DR'S. Les and Leslie Parrott is the ability to get into your spouses skin, to understand where they are coming from. The more you can see things from their perspective the better your communication will be.

My husband and I are leading a discussion session with couples using this material from the Parrott's. Last week we were instructed to take an assessment that helps you figure out if you use more of your head or your heart in your communication style. Take your own assessment here.

The goal is to become more of a balanced communicator. The Parrott's call it being an empathizer. This means that you will use both your head and your heart when communicating with your spouse.

I was pretty excited to take the assessment. I like these type of tests. I started answering the questions and soon discovered that I had to make some tough choices in this assessment. Was I more like this, or this? When I was finished my results were broadcast on the bottom of the page. The assessment gives you 2 scores. Your heart score and your head score.

When I looked at my scores I was shocked to discover that according to this test, I have very little heart! I had scored only 4 out of 15, in the heart category but had scored a huge amount in the thinking category. Apparently, I am strongly analytical!

It all began to make sense to me, "Oh that is why I just want the facts and not all of the emotional stuff. That is also why it is difficult for me to empathize with people. I tend to lean toward fixing things for people then towards crying with them.

There is so much to learn in this area for me. I will be working hard to become more of an empathizer in my marriage.What a blessing to know that God understands that we are a work in progress.

I am trusting in this verse.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Father thank you that you know my frailties. Thank you that you are the great high priest who understands us. Show me how to make my marriage stronger by becoming a better communicator.

All Saints Company

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

All Saints, (believers) are in need of repair.

This picture reminded me of that simple statement.

Restore us, O God;

make your face shine on us,

that we may be saved.

Psalm 80:3

God has began a new work in us, to make us into what he wants us to be.

This requires a bit of sewing.

When repairing a garment there are a few things that it may require;

Some fabric may need to be cut off Matthew 5:30

Seams might be ripped out Colossians 2:11

A patch may be applied. Psalm 103:12

I constantly struggle with those things that have attached themselves to me.

Bad attitudes

Sarcastic remarks

Selfish actions and desires

Meanness

What can save me from myself?

Only the Master Tailor!

Only Jesus can restore me, recreate me, refashion me.

Father, I come before you knowing that I have things that must be remade in order to serve you. Even though I know it is necessary, I confess I am afraid of the pain that it may take to under go this process. Trusting you.

Happy Birthday Jeni Cobb

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!

I am blessed to call you my daughter and my friend.

Thinking through your 27 years, I have memories of some energetic soccer games, eating chicken Mcnuggets with extra sauce, princess stories with princess Jeni and mounds and mounds of pink!

The first time we drove into Mexico, I was struck by your ability to see past the poverty when you you said, "they don't have chimneys!" All throughout your life I have been stretched by your desire to help those who are in need. Your compassion is one of your great strengths.

I pray that you would know more deeply and intimately,
God's great and unending love for you.

On this day may you know the power of becoming conformed
into the likeness of Christ!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

A Dog's love

2011-11-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight we had a group of people over and at the end of our time together we stood and held hands and prayed. I was holding my husband's hand and on the other side I was holding the hand of member of the team that was a man.

As we were praying my dog Spunky sat up and began to put her paw on my hand. Then she began pawing at the man's hand. She did not like this man holding my hand. It was amazing to watch her try and lovingly protect me from what she thought was wrong.

We can learn a lot from Spunky.

1. Don't be afraid to show others how much you care about them.

2. Tell people when you see them going down the wrong path.

3. Keep telling them until they listen.

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Galatians 6:1 NLT

Thank you God for using my dog to remind me that I must show care and concern for others even if it is uncomfortable.

Elevator or Stairs?

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

When faced with the stairs or the elevator which one do you take?

I have to admit I usually take the elevator. It just is easier.

The Geneva stair study in 2008 asked participants to take only the stairs for 12 weeks. The results are what would be expected, increased health and lower waist size.

This result occurred because people simply said no to the easy way and yes to something that took more effort.
Lately I have had the Stair Effect going on. Maybe I should call it the elevator effect? I have been saying yes to the easy way and no to the more difficult one. The effects for me have been a quick temper and lack of patience.

What have I said yes and no to? Time in the word and prayer.

I have had lots of time studying the word just not much time applying and enjoying it. My prayer time has also been lacking. I started making excuses that I was too busy with serving God. After all I have been preparing a message every week, I tell myself.

The effects have crept up and today I realized that I had missed what Mary knew to be true.

but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42

I am making a commitment today to reignite my prayer and time in God's word.

Father, it seems like we have been down this path so many times. Thank you for always redirecting me back into your arms.

Crossing the Bridge

2011-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

There is a bridge that connects a bike route over a river to another route in the Kent trails. For obvious reason it is one of my favorite places to bike.

Every time we get to the bridge I make up some reason to stop. Honestly I just love to look down the path across the bridge to the other side. It takes my breath away! As if something or someone is standing there beckoning me to get on the bridge, to come across, to pass through, to make it over!

Jesus used the path as an example of walking with Him. He talked about the narrow Gate and about the way.

In Matthew 7: 13 - 23 We read about the narrow path.

The great thing is that We don't have to know any directions except to get on the road and let Jesus direct us through the curves and roadways.

There is only one perfect bridge that can close the gap between God and man. His name is Jesus!

Father, thank you for using this bridge to remind me that you call us by name to enter into a relationship with you. Graciously you have given your son Jesus to be that bridge. Where once we had no hope, now we have hope because of His merciful gift of reconciliation. Thank you!