When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong

As part of our school lessons this year, the kids and I are reading “Hero Tales” by Dave & Neta Jackson. It’s a book about true stories from the lives of 15 different Christian Heroes. What a great book! We are all enjoying it.

This week, we have been reading about Dwight L. Moody, the founder of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. There was a point in Moody’s life, at the age of 54, when he was feeling weak and tired, mostly due to health concerns. After a scary ordeal took place while he and his son, Will, were on board a sinking ship, Moody told his son, who had asked him to start slowing down in his ministry endeavors, “I can’t slow down now! God has work for me to do. Hundreds of thousands of people are coming to the World’s Fair in Chicago - and they all need a Savior. And if God has work for me to do, He will give me the strength to do it!” Even though he was weak in body, he was not weak in spirit, and was not willing to slow down on sharing the Gospel message to all who would listen.

Moody’s dedication to God’s work is inspiring, and we can all learn a lot from his example - in our ministries to others through church projects, children’s ministries, and sharing our spiritual gifts; in our everyday lives as we go to work, care for the kids, and perform mundane tasks; and in our spiritual walk as we seek God’s will for our lives. We all have challenges we must face that can hinder our effectiveness in any of these areas mentioned. But, its important for us to remember the words of  II Corinthians 12:9-10:

"And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
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A Devotional Book Recommended for the Ladies

This is for the ladies who read my blog...

If you are looking for a new devotional book to read, I highly recommend “Becoming a Woman Who Walks With God” by Cynthia Heald. It's a small book that has 31 short devotionals (one month’s worth, if you read one every day) that deal with abiding in Christ. The author takes us on a journey of reflection and worship, helping us to discover the “joy and importance of abiding in Christ.” The chapters include responding to painful circumstances, finding joy in our trials, perseverance, trust, God’s faithfulness, strength for the weary, abiding in God’s Word, being fruitful, etc.

For my local friends, I am willing to loan this book out, if you would like to read through it. Just let me know! However, I DO want the book back. I have been through this book twice over the past few years, and it is soooo worth going over again. Its definitely a permanent member of my library.

For those interested in purchasing, you should be able to find it at your local Christian book store. Or, find it online at many different retailers. Here are just a few:

Christian Book Distributors
NavPress
Half.com
Amazon.com

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The Gospel of Mark - Narrated by Max McLean

If you are getting into a "funk" with your devotions, here's a neat idea to help get you excited again! Get onto You Tube and watch Max McLean narrate the entire Gospel of Mark while you read along in your Bible.

Who is Max McLean, you might ask? I didn't know myself until just a few days ago. According to Wikipedia, "Max McLean is an American actor and narrator for audio books. He is the President of Fellowship for the Performing Arts, narrator for the Listener's Bible audio line, and speaker on the daily radio program Listen to the Bible which airs on over 670 radio affiliates worldwide."

Answers in Genesis endorses Max on their website, and you can read more about what they have to say about him here:  MAX McLEAN

After watching Max narrate Mark Chapter 1, I saw the benefits of it because it really helps make the Bible "come to life." So, if you are interested, here are a few links to get you started. Enjoy!

Chapter 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcuP_jiapVk

Chapter 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brb8yfFPzlA&feature=related

Chapter 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zixuiqAqiJs&feature=related

Chapter 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa6DFHnfUIw&feature=related

Chapter 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVZYvnzOe0I&feature=related

You can continue on and watch all the way through chapter 16.
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Different Paths in Life

I was “chatting” with a friend recently, about how the Lord leads us all down different paths in life. However, as Christians, we all have at least one thing in common.... ALL of these paths are meant to lead us to the same place in our spiritual walk - to find faith, hope, and trust in the Lord.

One person’s path will have stress at work, another will have physical ailments, another will have a special needs child to raise. Some are unemployed and looking for work, some have marriage issues, some are dealing with the loss of loved ones, and some are simply trying to find peace in the valley. Others deal with pride, fear, anger, hurt, forgiveness, and the list goes on. We all have different things we are going through, and some of us are even experiencing more than one thing at a time - which can bring a feeling of total hopelessness and confusion!

No matter what we go through, its important for us to remember, our God is always a good God. He loves us dearly and allows things to come into our lives that will strengthen us and draw us closer to Himself. If I didn't believe that, I probably would have given up a long time ago; and I know many others who have felt like giving up as well.

But, be encouraged, my friends! There are brighter skies to be seen ahead and, no matter what the current conditions are on YOUR path, remember this.... the Lord has promised to NEVER give up on YOU.

God bless you on your journey....

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."

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A Tribute to Grandma

This is in memory of my Grandma on my mother's side, who passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2010. She was 90 years old. We loved Grandma and are thankful for the difference she has made in all of our lives. So thankful for her kind heart, giving spirit, and the genuine faith she had in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This was her favorite song (below). Her daughters sang it together at the funeral and I wish I knew how to add an MP3 link so you could hear it, but I haven't learned how to do that yet. (Maybe my brother can help me out with that some time?) You can, however, click on the title below to hear the tune.

Grandma will be missed on earth, but it’s a great feeling to know she is no longer in pain and is reunited with her beloved husband. We will one day see them both again - in one of those mansions over the hilltop...

I've Got A Mansion Just Over The Hilltop

Words & Music By: Ira Stamphill

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below

A little silver and a little gold

But in that city where the ransomed will shine

I want a gold one that's silver lined

CHORUS: I've got a mansion just over the hilltop

In that bright land where we'll never grow old

And some day yonder we will never more wander

But walk on streets that are purest gold

Though often tempted, tormented, and tested

And like the prophet my pillow's a stone

And though I find here no permanent dwelling

I know He'll give me a mansion my own

CHORUS

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely

I'm not discouraged I'm heaven bound

I'm but a pilgrim in search of the city

I want a mansion, a harp and a crown

CHORUS

 

GUEST BLOGGER: Judy Woodward Bates

Judy Woodward Bates is a speaker, TV personality, columnist for Examiner and Travelin' Tales, and author of Bargainomics: Money Management by the Book. With her permission, I am sharing this article she wrote, which was previously published in Baptist Press. Schedule her to speak or order her latest book at: Bargainomics.

If I asked the question, "How do you earn your living?" I'd get a lot of different responses. Truth is, there's one simple answer: by exchanging your time for money. Whether you dig ditches or perform heart surgery, your time is given in order to receive payment for services.

How you manage those paychecks and the lifestyle you choose to live determines how much of your time you need to exchange for money. And while working is a healthy part of living, no person should focus so much on acquiring money -- or the stuff you then exchange the money for -- that he neglects time with those he loves. Particularly if the Person you neglect is Jesus. He reminds us in Jeremiah 31:3: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness." God never quits on us, so why would we quit on Him?

Some years ago I was talking to a successful car salesman who told me, "I work Monday through Saturday, so Sunday is my downtime when I can stay home and relax. Business is just too good to slow down right now." Today this guy is singing a different song. Business is slow, but he's now required to work even more hours to maintain his current lifestyle -- and even with the extra work, he's really struggling.

Can't a person work like crazy and still spend time with the Lord? Read Hebrews 10:25: "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." Believers need not only individual times of prayer and worship, but corporate prayer, worship and fellowship.

And let's consider once again the whole time thing. What does the Bible say about that? In Luke 12 and "the parable of the Rich Fool," Jesus tells about a man who has stacked up so much wealth that he's decided to tear down his old barns and build bigger ones to hold it all. In preparation for a time he'd envisioned when he could kick back, relax and take it easy, this man had spent his entire life focused on nothing but adding to his coffers.

What did Jesus say about this man? "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you" Luke 12:20a.

Not one person on this planet knows how long or short his life will be. Yes, doctors can make educated guesses when it comes to certain illnesses, but still they're only guessing. Only the Lord knows how much time we have and, as believers in Jesus Christ, our time should be spent focused on Him and on those He has placed in our lives -- our family, our friends, our church and those He would have us reach for His Kingdom.
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A Fresh New Look!

I hope everyone is enjoying your Summer! Our days have been filled with various activities, including swimming lessons, mowing the lawn, trips to our favorite campgrounds, mowing the lawn, planting and weeding the garden, mowing the lawn, Vacation Bible School, play dates with friends, and did I mention mowing the lawn?! We've had quite a bit of rain this year, which is good, but it also brings alot of humidity and, of course, lawn mowing.

Speaking of growth, God has been raining on the lives of me and my family this Summer also. Various rainshowers, and sometimes thunderstorms, have come into our lives to produce more growing in our Spiritual lives. It hasn't always been a time of easy growth but, none the less, we know HE is working in our lives to help our lawns become fresh and green. I know we still have a long way to go before our grass is acceptable in God's eyes, but we'll keep working on it. I hope you will, too.

2 Pet 3:18 ...but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him {be} the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Speaking of fresh looks, how do you like the new design of my blog? I thought it was time for a change. Send me a note and let me know your thoughts!
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BOOK REVIEW: Lead Like IKE - Geoff Loftus

So, what’s been sitting on my night stand for the past month (aside from my Bible, and a homeschooling magazine)? It’s a book that is not the average kind of book I would normally read:  Lead Like IKE by Goeff Loftus. However, I decided to branch out of the normal, and picked it out to review for Book Sneeze.

Quite honestly, I had a difficult time getting “into” this book - not because of poor writing - but because of the content, which really didn’t apply to me. For one, I am not a CEO (Corporate Executive Officer), or a Manager of a business or corporation. Secondly, I am not a huge history buff, especially in the area of WWII. However, for those who fit into those two categories, this book is a well-written, unique approach, meant to give helpful suggestions and simple reminders to encourage you in your leadership.

The reason I have not been a huge history buff (although my interest is now growing) is because the subject was never taught to me in an interesting way. I admit, this book did have its interesting parts and, despite my lack of enthusiasm at the start, I did learn a few things about this part of History.

One quote I found especially interesting from the book is found on page 132:

In less than one day, Eisenhower had demonstrated what makes for truly great leadership: making the tough decision and accepting responsibility for the decision.

The decision he had to make, in this case, was whether or not to launch Operation Overlord, a pivotal move in the course of this war.

If you are a CEO, and you love History (or even if you just want a behind-the-scenes look of WWII), then this is the book for you.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.
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Following the Rules

A few weeks ago, my young son was having a difficult time obeying the rules of our household. After spending some time alone in his room, he was ready to talk and asked me, “Mommy, why do grownups get to make all the rules and not kids?” That was a fair question. I simply told him, “Its because kids are young and are still learning. Mommy and Daddy knows what is best for you. Someday, when you get older, you will understand better; but, for now, its important for you to trust us.”

Isn’t that just like us, sometimes, in relation to God? When we see others doing the things we know are wrong, we may still want to take part. If we are in one of our self-pity moods, we may ask God, “Why do YOU get to make all the rules? Everyone else is having fun doing this, so why can’t I?” But, if we spend time praying and REALLY listening to what God has to say, we will hear Him remind us, “My child, you are young and are still learning. I know what is best for you. Someday, when you are more mature, you will understand better; but, for now, its important for you to trust Me.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (NAS)
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GUEST BLOGGER: Sonya Gonzalez

Sonya is a Pastor's wife and a stay-at-home mom to 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls). She and I met at Edgemont Bible Church in Fairview Heights, IL, more than 20 years ago before we each attended college. I always enjoyed her friendship while I attended Edgemont. We recently connected again through Facebook and, after reading an article she wrote, I asked for permission to put it on my blog. Thanks for allowing me to share this, Sonya! 

The Little Things

May 2010

There always seems to be a debate on whether or not God cares about the little things in our lives. Whether or not we should pray for little things that don't seem to matter in the grand scheme of God's plan in the world. Well, I still pray for little things...especially when it comes to my children. One day God confirmed to me that He does care.

My mom and I decided to take Abby and Mason to the aquarium while the little kids were in preschool, to give us some more undistracted time with them.

This was not our first visit to the aquarium...we had been there many times before, and Mason, my 7 yr. old had quickly discovered there were certain aspects of the aquarium he didn't like. The parts where you could touch the creatures or they could touch you. You see, Mason is not really an animal lover. He appreciates them from afar but doesn't care to touch them. Even having dogs doesn't help. He tolerates them, but would be just as happy without them.

Abby, my 10 yr. old, is just the opposite! She loves every animal she sees, even the ugly ones, and wants to keep and take care of them. So when we get to the stingray tank, she is all ready to stick her hand in and pet them or even feed them shrimp when she gets the chance. When we go into the butterfly house, she can't wait for a butterfly to land on her!

Mason knows this and I wonder if it makes him feel inferior to his older sister. But he is also the type of child who will sometimes work to conquer certain things he can't do or personal fears that he has. I love that about

him.

When we got to the stingray tank, he tried. He really did. He would stick his hand in a little, but when the stingray got close, he would pull it out again. I have to admit, it is a little scary, they are so slimy, and all. It takes guts for me to do it. We stayed at the tank awhile, waiting for him to finally pet one. Soon everyone was getting anxious to move on. I told him that we could try again another day. He didn't object too much, and the next stop was the butterfly house.

The last time we went in there, he was afraid. He doesn't like bugs. I guess most boys do, but he is not one of them. All these bugs flying around sometimes landing on you was too much for him. But he was determined that this time would be different.

He told me, "Mom, I want one to land on me today."

"Really, you do? That's great, honey! You can do it!" I tried to encourage him.

We spent lots of time in the butterfly room. He walked around to many different butterflies, holding his fingers out in front of them, trying to get them to crawl on his fingers. I was so proud of him! He really was trying to conquer his fears! Since he didn't pet the stingray, I especially wanted this to work out for him. I didn't want him to feel discouraged the rest of the day.

It was almost time to go, and no butterfly would land on him or crawl onto his hand. "What is up with these butterflies today?" I wondered. "Please God," I had been praying, "please let a butterfly land on him. It means so much to him." I know that might sound silly to a lot of people, but it didn't feel silly at all to pray that. This was a big moment in my little boy's life. And God knew that.

We were about to give up and head out when it happened. A butterfly was on his hand. He was so happy! He walked around the room so proud of his accomplishment. And do you know what? That butterfly would not leave him. It stayed and stayed and stayed longer than I had seen any other butterfly stay on anyone else. My mom and I were amazed.

And in that moment I realized how much God listens to my prayers. And to the heart of my son. He truly cares about my boy. And about what is important to Mason.

Before we left we had to gently get the butterfly to fly away. Mason had conquered something huge that day in his young life. I was able to share with him how Mommy had been praying for him and how God answered my prayer for him. I want him to always remember these moments and realize how much God cares about him and wants to help him have victory in his life. I know sometimes he prays on his own for the little things, and no matter how God chooses to answer him, I pray that his faith will grow more and more in each
moment.

In the little things.

1 Peter 5:7 - "Give ALL your worries and cares to God,
for He cares about what happens to you."

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