"For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost." Luke 19:10 (NIV)
Read that verse again. That's Christmas...after the "Christmas story". That's why He came.
It reminds me of the line in Amazing Grace that says, "I once was lost, but now am found." Yes, that grace is amazing. For that grace I am so thankful...for myself...and for others...those who've experienced that grace...and those that have yet to. We must keep praying...and remember that HE is still seeking.
It was Christmas Eve. The children...and the grownups..."were nestled all snug in our beds" when I was awakened to the sounds of whispering. It was my niece. I thought she was talking in her sleep. The last thing I heard her mumble was "Whatever." I think I chuckled at that beautiful teenager before dozing back off. I re-entered wakefulness and decided to just check on the girls (my niece and daughter) sleeping at the foot of our bed to be sure they were covered up. My niece wasn't there. I checked the bathroom. I walked downstairs...oh so quietly to avoid waking anyone else...or cause undue concern. I tiptoed back up...looked more carefully at the air mattress. Not there. Back downstairs to the sofa where her brother was sleeping...knowing she wouldn't fit there, but checked anyway. Nope. I went and listened at the door where her other brother was sleeping. Couldn't hear anything. I woke up my husband. He just turned over. I thought, "Hmmm...maybe she went to her Dad's room." So I looked...not only disrupting his sleep, but his little doggy's too. Not there. I told him that I'd try the brother's room again. Ah, whew! There she was...wrapped in a blanket on the floor. She looked up at me and said, "I couldn't sleep because of Uncle John's snoring."
I headed back to bed...rejoicing...silently. I shared the good news with her Dad...and John...who smiled and turned over again. I could return to sleeping in heavenly peace.
Have you experienced that feeling...of someone being lost? Maybe at the mall...or the grocery store...or in your neighborhood? It's a scary feeling that can fill you with panic.
As I thought back over the scenario, my mind went to the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin...both found...and rejoiced over. Just past that passage in Luke 15 is the parable of the lost son...the prodigal. Along with the sheep and coin, he was found. And there was great rejoicing and celebration. Jesus said, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Do you know of someone who is lost...not just temporarily, but eternally? A friend? A family member? A spouse? Don't give up. Keep praying. Jesus is searching. He longs to find them. That's what He came for...to seek and save the lost.
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming as a babe in a lowly manger, walking through life sinless, and yielding Your life as atonement for our sins. Thank You for all You endured for us. Lord, please draw those to Yourself who are lost...like sheep without a shepherd. We long to rejoice with You and with the angels!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Life is Good!
It doesn't get much better than this...a fun morning at ChickfilA with some of my favorite friends (and Santa & Elf Cow)...a little Christmas shopping...a Peppermint Mocha from Starbuck's...
and SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, life is good.
Gracie and Grover were excited too...hmmmm...next book...Gracie & Grover's Snowy Day????
Please hop over to my Gracie's Grounds blog to see all of the fun we've been having!!!
A glimpse here...
Santa Cow and Elf Cow even participated in storytime!!! They are great bell jinglers!!!
and SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, life is good.
Please hop over to my Gracie's Grounds blog to see all of the fun we've been having!!!
A glimpse here...
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Yes You Can!!
"I pray that...you may know...His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV)
Okay, hang with me here. This is going to start off a little strange...but I do know where it's going. :)
When I was little, my great-grandmother lived in a house with no indoor "facilities"...and most people used the outhouse. I didn't like it very much...ewwwwww...dirty, snake-y and spider-y. I preferred the cold, metal, (I think) porcelain covered white pot with the red rim...on the screened in back porch. Chilly..really chilly...but safer...and less dirty...and less made of wood!
I'm not really sure that this poem actually went with that potty experience, but that's the memory accompanying it.
Here goes:
Who took me from my warm, warm spot
And put me on this cold, cold pot?
Who said I could
When I could not?
"Mommy, I'm through!" (And that "through" is said in two syllables.) :)
So...do you ever feel that you've been plucked up from a nice, comfy situation...and placed in another that's not quite so comfortable...even uncomfortable? Are there voices...from those around you...or even just those in your head...that say, "You can!" when you're thinking, "There's no way on earth that I can do this!"? (And I didn't even begin to know how to punctuate that last sentence.)
Well, this is just a reminder...from God's Word that says "Yes, You Can!" We are told in Philippians 4:13 that "[We] can do all things through Christ who gives [us] strength." Did you get that? It doesn't have to be in our own strength...but in the strength He gives! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares that the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Can you believe that? He uses our weakness...our inability...to show His great power!! Paul went on to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Do you just love thinking about Christ's power resting on you!?!? And he continues in saying, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Because of His incomparably great power!
So...wrap your arms around that! Yes, you can!!! Whatever it is! Yes, you can!!!
Just wait...before you know it, you will be able to say, "I'm through!"
Father, we're trusting You to be our sufficiency...to have Your power, that is incomparably great, resting on us. We yield our weakness to You, knowing that in You we can be strengthened! You are our Yes! Show us Your glory!
Okay, hang with me here. This is going to start off a little strange...but I do know where it's going. :)
When I was little, my great-grandmother lived in a house with no indoor "facilities"...and most people used the outhouse. I didn't like it very much...ewwwwww...dirty, snake-y and spider-y. I preferred the cold, metal, (I think) porcelain covered white pot with the red rim...on the screened in back porch. Chilly..really chilly...but safer...and less dirty...and less made of wood!
I'm not really sure that this poem actually went with that potty experience, but that's the memory accompanying it.
Here goes:
Who took me from my warm, warm spot
And put me on this cold, cold pot?
Who said I could
When I could not?
"Mommy, I'm through!" (And that "through" is said in two syllables.) :)
So...do you ever feel that you've been plucked up from a nice, comfy situation...and placed in another that's not quite so comfortable...even uncomfortable? Are there voices...from those around you...or even just those in your head...that say, "You can!" when you're thinking, "There's no way on earth that I can do this!"? (And I didn't even begin to know how to punctuate that last sentence.)
Well, this is just a reminder...from God's Word that says "Yes, You Can!" We are told in Philippians 4:13 that "[We] can do all things through Christ who gives [us] strength." Did you get that? It doesn't have to be in our own strength...but in the strength He gives! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares that the Lord said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Can you believe that? He uses our weakness...our inability...to show His great power!! Paul went on to say, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Do you just love thinking about Christ's power resting on you!?!? And he continues in saying, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Because of His incomparably great power!
So...wrap your arms around that! Yes, you can!!! Whatever it is! Yes, you can!!!
Just wait...before you know it, you will be able to say, "I'm through!"
Father, we're trusting You to be our sufficiency...to have Your power, that is incomparably great, resting on us. We yield our weakness to You, knowing that in You we can be strengthened! You are our Yes! Show us Your glory!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-3 (NLT)
Ah, yes, let's give Him thanks. His love never fails. It endures forever.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Tending the Fire
"When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread....Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.'...Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish." John 21:9, 12a, 13 (NIV)
The fire was dancing in the firepit...in the backyard...not on a distant shore. It was more like a late night snack than breakfast. The fare included s'mores and hot chocolate rather than bread and fish. And those enjoying the warmth and sweet indulgences were women instead of men.
But one thing was the same.
Jesus was there.
He was a very present guest...in each conversation...in every testimony...in the moments of prayer...and in the laughter of girls who love their Jesus.
Thanks to my friend, Amy, the tender of the fire...in her firepit...and in the friendships that unite us.
Our Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessing of friendships. Thank You that You are Emmanuel...God with us. We love every minute of Your presence.
The fire was dancing in the firepit...in the backyard...not on a distant shore. It was more like a late night snack than breakfast. The fare included s'mores and hot chocolate rather than bread and fish. And those enjoying the warmth and sweet indulgences were women instead of men.
But one thing was the same.
Jesus was there.
He was a very present guest...in each conversation...in every testimony...in the moments of prayer...and in the laughter of girls who love their Jesus.
Thanks to my friend, Amy, the tender of the fire...in her firepit...and in the friendships that unite us.
Our Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessing of friendships. Thank You that You are Emmanuel...God with us. We love every minute of Your presence.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Ask!
"You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2b (NIV)
The ring was lovely...a blue topaz with tiny sparkly diamonds...emphasis on tiny...around it and on the band. And it was on sale...really on sale...for two days. We went on the evening of the second day. Sold out...had been since that morning. Checked online where they had been available the night before. Sold out.
It would have made a nice Christmas gift. It was really quite perfect...simple, yet elegant...small, nicely suited for my little hands...and inexpensive. I'm not one who is inclined to costly jewelry, so it was just right! The frequent TV advertisements and the flyer that came in the mail screamed out my name.
And my darlin' husband was ready to order it online that first night. He would give me anything...within reason...and definitely that ring...at that price! But I wanted to see it...to try it on. Oh well...too late.
I'm just wondering what lovely thing is before your eyes? And I'm not talking about material things...not jewels...but something God can give...the fulfillment of a dream...bright hope for your future. Are you being bold in your asking? Are you praying...and believing? Are you coming to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts with a pure heart and praying according to His will?
God's Words says that "The prayer of a righteous man [or woman] is powerful and effective." James 5:16b Do we believe that?
I'm reading Steven Furtick's book Sun Stand Still, about audacious praying. What a challenge and an encouragement it has been to my prayer life! And to the faith to take some bold steps in pursuing some work that only God can do!!!
What is looming in the realm of possibility that you have not because you ask not? Go ahead! Do it! Ask!
Lord, forgive us when we fall into that category of "ye of little faith." Help us to seek You, to knock at Your door, to ask believing in Your incomparably great power!! Act on our behalf according to Your will. You are so great and mighty! We bow in Your presence...and rejoice knowing what You have the ability to do!
The ring was lovely...a blue topaz with tiny sparkly diamonds...emphasis on tiny...around it and on the band. And it was on sale...really on sale...for two days. We went on the evening of the second day. Sold out...had been since that morning. Checked online where they had been available the night before. Sold out.
It would have made a nice Christmas gift. It was really quite perfect...simple, yet elegant...small, nicely suited for my little hands...and inexpensive. I'm not one who is inclined to costly jewelry, so it was just right! The frequent TV advertisements and the flyer that came in the mail screamed out my name.
And my darlin' husband was ready to order it online that first night. He would give me anything...within reason...and definitely that ring...at that price! But I wanted to see it...to try it on. Oh well...too late.
I'm just wondering what lovely thing is before your eyes? And I'm not talking about material things...not jewels...but something God can give...the fulfillment of a dream...bright hope for your future. Are you being bold in your asking? Are you praying...and believing? Are you coming to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts with a pure heart and praying according to His will?
God's Words says that "The prayer of a righteous man [or woman] is powerful and effective." James 5:16b Do we believe that?
I'm reading Steven Furtick's book Sun Stand Still, about audacious praying. What a challenge and an encouragement it has been to my prayer life! And to the faith to take some bold steps in pursuing some work that only God can do!!!
What is looming in the realm of possibility that you have not because you ask not? Go ahead! Do it! Ask!
Lord, forgive us when we fall into that category of "ye of little faith." Help us to seek You, to knock at Your door, to ask believing in Your incomparably great power!! Act on our behalf according to Your will. You are so great and mighty! We bow in Your presence...and rejoice knowing what You have the ability to do!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
But Take Heart
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
The words are right there in black and white...or red...words that Jesus spoke. "In this world you will have trouble." Do you wish He would have not verbalized that reality? Do you wish He could take that back?
I don't like trouble. And I really don't like trouble that batters and pummels and mangles...and just when you hope that it might possibly be ending...that maybe, just maybe there's light at the end of the tunnel...packs another wallop that threatens to totally undo you...the kind that makes you look up and go, "God are You there? Do You see what's going on here? I'm having a hard time seeing You in this one."
You said, "But take heart." You said, "I have overcome the world."
Please show us some victory. Remind us that You reign. We believe. Help us in our unbelief.
Better yet, come back.
Until You do...help us to remember that You are with us...through the fire...through the valley. Please give us peace.
The words are right there in black and white...or red...words that Jesus spoke. "In this world you will have trouble." Do you wish He would have not verbalized that reality? Do you wish He could take that back?
I don't like trouble. And I really don't like trouble that batters and pummels and mangles...and just when you hope that it might possibly be ending...that maybe, just maybe there's light at the end of the tunnel...packs another wallop that threatens to totally undo you...the kind that makes you look up and go, "God are You there? Do You see what's going on here? I'm having a hard time seeing You in this one."
You said, "But take heart." You said, "I have overcome the world."
Please show us some victory. Remind us that You reign. We believe. Help us in our unbelief.
Better yet, come back.
Until You do...help us to remember that You are with us...through the fire...through the valley. Please give us peace.
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