Labor Day at the Lake....

Wow! It's a big one....right, Dad?

Finding Space Between.....

I just read a blog from the Willow Creek Association (www.wcablog.com) by Hanna Koenig. It was about the space in between. She quoted from this book Daily Office by Pete Scazzero, which I have on my desk, but never take the time to read. I want to have space between all that I am doing so that I follow God's leading. I loved her list of what your space between may look like....

• Finding 20 minutes to pray to talk to God, listen to God, and be with God.
• Taking a walk on a break
• Practicing being still in quiet moments
• Reading the Bible - Psalm 119:114 "You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your word to renew me."

I like these simple ideas. I know that interrupting my day with them would change my life.

“His purpose is in the process.”

Thought provoking---

Isn’t it great when you discover a new way to think about a familiar passage of scripture! I love those times! I experienced this a couple of weeks ago. I am still thinking about the lesson presented in a devotional written by Oswald Chambers in his daily devotional book “My Utmost for His Highest”. I hope you don’t think of this book as too hard to understand….please give it a chance. I had the book for years before I started reading it, and now it is one of my favorites.

I do a lot of thinking about God’s will, and God’s purpose for my life. This devotional especially spoke to me about the “journey” of my life and not necessarily each “destination”. The following is July 28 from My Utmost for His Highest……

“..Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home.” Mark 6:45

We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.

What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish—His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see “Him walking on the sea” with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see “Him walking on the sea” (6:49). It is the process, not the outcome that is glorifying to God.

God training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for some time in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.

God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.

–Oswald Chambers

As I work toward a deadline on a project or as I work toward a particular goal, I now try to look at each step along the way to see what is God’s purpose right now, at this moment. “His purpose is in the process.”

Life is Good

Yahweh Yireh - God my Provider

When I think about God, the first thing I think about is what He does for me. Is that selfish?

As I meditated and pondered on the question "who is God to me?" Jehovah Jireh, my provider kept resonating in my mind. This name for God is found in Genesis 22:14. God provided a ram for Abraham when he was ready to sacrifice his son Isaac. "Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means, "the LORD will provide"). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14

On the outside of the chapel at Northview there is a plaque that says "Christ our Provision", inside the chapel is an amazing stained glass window of Abraham receiving the sacrificial ram from God. It is a moving tribute to this scripture.

I am very blessed to have a wonderful earthly father. It is easy for me to understand God's love and provision because of my dad. My dad is a very honest man, he has modeled a life of discipline. When I was a child I was disciplined with love. My earthly father was a good provider. I feel extraordinarily blessed. My earthly father has made it easier for me to understand my heavenly Father. There are so many people who have not been so blessed.

A couple of weeks ago I read Romans 11:33-36 in my quiet time. I really embraced this because I was thinking about "who is God to me". I paraphrased it, here it is just as I wrote it in my journal that day...April 6, 2011...

It is impossible to understand His decisions and His ways... God's greatness in unimaginable. His riches, wisdom and knowledge are great. So great, that human minds can't understand His decisions and the way He moves. No one knows the thoughts of God. He doesn't go to anyone for advice. He doesn't owe anything to anybody. Everything exists through His power and because of His creation. All things are intended to give Him glory. And He is my Yahweh Yireh.

Hillsdale College

Virtus tentamine gaudet....

(Latin is still alive at Hillsdale!)

Margaret is there...

Abe is there....

Grace was there....

Music building...

Majestic eagles....

For those who served in the Civil War....

Grace was very good natured about my picture taking!

Beautiful buildings!

Leesa and Grace...

Thomas is there....

"Strength Rejoices in the Challenge"

Leesa's Birthday........

Table is set...ready for everyone!

Southern Living's strawberry pound cake. The glaze was a little thin! :) But it tasted very good.

A little birthday decor......

Ta-Dah....there she is.....the birthday girl! Love you Leesa!

Pillow Pets at Riley

My sister works at Riley Children's Hospital. She was so excited to share this picture with me this morning. I asked her to be a guest blogger so that you could hear her excitement about Pillow Pets for Riley!

Yesterday while working my shift in the PCIU, there was some unexpected excitement through the halls of Riley Children's Hospital. I was preparing to receive a young child after having open heart surgery and one of my colleagues came into room and said "You will never guess who is downstairs!". She went on to tell me that Third Day was in our lobby singing Old McDonald Had a Farm. She went on to tell me there were "thousands (?)" of Pillow Pets and the families were in line waiting to get their "pet". "Can you believe what a neat thing to do for our kids?." Because of hearing about the Pillow Pet project from my sister Lynn, I was able to share with her that the children's ministry staff with the help of many others at her church and the inspiration of one of her Bible Study friends this project was starting to help Jacob get his Pillow Pets for Riley. (see Jan's story in a previous post Pillow Pets for Jacob) What a treat for me to get to share that Lynn's friend listened to God's call and got to work on what she could do to help Jake get his 1,000 pillow pets. A true example of faith in action. Yes, the Pillow Pets were a wonderful gift to children and families who are challenged by illness and hospitalization. However, it is also a huge encouragement to those of us who care for these children. I am so happy I knew a bit of the "back story" and could share with my friends that these where not only Pillow Pets...they were a token of God's Love...first from Jacob....and then from God's family. Thanks!

Thanks Leesa, for sharing this blessing! Pillow Pets are coming in to the church from everywhere! It is amazing...and hearing KLOVE radio talk about Jacob...and having everyone praying for Jacob. It is truly inspiring.

When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakened cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work and prayer, to Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Does sadness fill my mind? A solace there I find:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Or fades my worldly bliss, my comfort still is this:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

In heaven's eternal bliss, the loveliest strain is this:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The powers of darkness fear, when this sweet chant they hear:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this while life is mine, my canticle divine:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this the eternal song, through all the ages long:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

When I was driving to work last week this song came to my mind. I can't tell you how long it had been since I had heard it.

"At like at work and prayer to Jesus I repair".......do I come to Jesus the same way when I approach my work as I do when I come to Him in prayer. And what about those times when a sadness comes over me that I can't explain or my worldly bliss just isn't very blissful...."a solace there I find"

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Valentine Table Settings.....

Enjoy these beautiful table settings. For a real treat go to http://www.thelittleroundtable.com/ Lots of wonderful table settings. Amazing collection of vintage table cloths! Info on Fiesta colors...

Organizing my YARN...

After purchasing a bit more yarn yesterday, I realized that I wanted a place to store and organize it. I found the little trunk and neat basket down in the basement. I used to use the little trunk at the other house in the family room, I put Grant's coloring books, etc in it. I haven't used it since we moved 4 years ago. I think I bought the basket at the Carmel Antique Mall or maybe at the flea market. It makes me so happy to use some things that I already have!

The yarn fits so nicely! The cotton yarn is in an open shoe box inside the trunk. I was so happy about the way the yarn fits in the basket. Formerly a wine basket, I think.

Here is the organized and finished storage. Now, I just have to keep it that way!

Fun with Yarn...

Yesterday was a super day! I took my yarn down to Leesa's and look what I made. Leesa and I thought it was cute. Fanny really likes it, no problem getting a pose from this little doggie girl. (Chinese Crested Powder Puff)

Keeps Brown Sugar fresh......

I don't think so....

I'm not grouchy. Leesa and I are going YARN shopping today!

Hold the phone....just googled....I was supposed to soak the sun in water before putting into the brown sugar. :)

Pillow Pets for Jacob....

Our Tuesday at One group has been reading "Out Live Your Life" (You were made to make a difference) by Max Lucado. After reading the first two chapters Jan was already sharing something that God put on her heart.

Jacob McConahay is an amazing 6 year old who attends Northview. Jacob is battling cancer. You can read all about Jacob at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobmcconahay Jan was so touched when she read that Jacob wanted to give 1,000 pillow pets for the kids at Riley..."because sometimes Doctors say things that are scary that kids shouldn't have to hear.". Jan is determined to help Jacob's dream come true.

Our children's ministry had already began to collect Pillow Pets and were so excited when Jan came to them and offered to help in their endeavor. Today we made three boxes to collect Pillow Pets during the weekend services.

Here Julie and Jan are covering the boxes that Jan picked up at Costco. We were working in the church lobby....

We put the boxes up on the Info Center, it made a great work table!

Here is one of the finished boxes. We are praying that Jacob will get all of his Pillow Pets! (We also pray for Jacob's health and his family)

It is wonderful to be a part of our Tuesday at One group. These women inspire me to follow God.

There is a neat prayer at the end of chapter five:

"O Lord, I have been called to be part of a holy community. You did not call me in isolation but placed me in the body of Christ, along with every other believer in Jesus throughout the world in every age. Let us grow as a team, work as a team, worship as a team, weep, laugh, and live as a team. Grant me the wisdom and the strength to partner with you and with my brothers and sisters in Christ. For Jesus' sake and in His name I pray, amen."

Crochet Flowers

Some finished flowers....what fun!

Crochet Flowers

Aren't these adorable! I was looking for a pattern for crochet flowers and found these and a wonderful blog..... http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-flowers-and-leaves.html

I have already made one...need to practice a bit before I post!

How Can I be a good example and follow God at work?

How can I be a good example and follow God at work? A question that I was praying about during my quiet time on Friday morning. My answer was so helpful and amazing that it prompted me to start up my blogging! :)

1. Live a life of love. (Eph. 5:12)

" Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave Himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to Him.

2. Don't give in to temptation to gossip or grumble. Look for a way out of conversations that are going downward. (1Cor. 10:12-13)

"If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

3. Be a good example. (1 Tim. 4:12b)

"Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

4. Think the right kind of thoughts. (Phil. 4: 8)

" And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

5. God is with me....always. Matt. 28:20b

"...and be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

I am so thankful for God's word! Wow! So practical...time for me to put it into practice.