Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22,23
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Friday, February 25, 2005
Two years ago I was awakened in the middle of the night, 4:09 am to be exact, and as I sat straight up in bed looking at the digital display on my clock the scripture reference Zechariah 4:9 came to me. Zechariah is book I'd never taken the time to read before and I found it to be quite intriguing that this just popped into my head in the middle of the night so when I got up in the morning I immediately looked up the passage and here is what it said,
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple.
His hands shall also finish it
Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.
And here is what is written in my bible about this paticular verse.....
The Power of God
The greatest displays of God's power are not necessarily shows of force, mighty acts or creative splendor. Rather the supremacy of God's power is seen in the ways He accomplishes His purposes through mere vessels of clay made mighty because He has infused them with His life.
This text addresses a worn and weary Zerubbabel, who, having gallantly laid the temple's foundation, was about to succumb to discouragement. But the word of God makes a declaration that ,by the Spirit of God, Zerubbabel will complete the work God has destined for him.
Discouragment can always be answered with God's ability to grace and empower the human soul. His might is seen by what He does through the weak, the insignificant, the powerless - a babe born in Bethlehem, a timid Gideon, a melancholy Jeremiah, a band of twelve ordinary men.
Rest in this assurance: As long as the heart is turned toward Him in childlike trust, He will enable anyone to complete the work to which He has called them.
My hands will complete the work set before me, by His power alone. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. After reading this I felt encouraged knowing that I am weak. The foundation has been laid, God began calling me when I was a child and when I begin to feel discouraged I always return to this passage.
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple.
His hands shall also finish it
Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.
And here is what is written in my bible about this paticular verse.....
The Power of God
The greatest displays of God's power are not necessarily shows of force, mighty acts or creative splendor. Rather the supremacy of God's power is seen in the ways He accomplishes His purposes through mere vessels of clay made mighty because He has infused them with His life.
This text addresses a worn and weary Zerubbabel, who, having gallantly laid the temple's foundation, was about to succumb to discouragement. But the word of God makes a declaration that ,by the Spirit of God, Zerubbabel will complete the work God has destined for him.
Discouragment can always be answered with God's ability to grace and empower the human soul. His might is seen by what He does through the weak, the insignificant, the powerless - a babe born in Bethlehem, a timid Gideon, a melancholy Jeremiah, a band of twelve ordinary men.
Rest in this assurance: As long as the heart is turned toward Him in childlike trust, He will enable anyone to complete the work to which He has called them.
My hands will complete the work set before me, by His power alone. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. After reading this I felt encouraged knowing that I am weak. The foundation has been laid, God began calling me when I was a child and when I begin to feel discouraged I always return to this passage.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
the mistakes I've made
that caused pain
I could have done without
all my selfish thought
all my pride, the things I hide
you have forgot about
they're all behind you
they'll never find you
they're on the ocean floor
your sins are forgotten
they're on the bottom
of the ocean floor
my misdeeds, all my greed
all the things that haunt me now
they're not a pretty sight to see
but they're wiped away
by a mighty, mighty wave a mighty, mighty wave
your sins are erased
and they are no more
they're out on the ocean floor
take them away
to return no more
take them away to the ocean floor
- Ocean Floor (audio adrenaline)
that caused pain
I could have done without
all my selfish thought
all my pride, the things I hide
you have forgot about
they're all behind you
they'll never find you
they're on the ocean floor
your sins are forgotten
they're on the bottom
of the ocean floor
my misdeeds, all my greed
all the things that haunt me now
they're not a pretty sight to see
but they're wiped away
by a mighty, mighty wave a mighty, mighty wave
your sins are erased
and they are no more
they're out on the ocean floor
take them away
to return no more
take them away to the ocean floor
- Ocean Floor (audio adrenaline)
It was bound to happen.........
While I was out yesterday I ran into an old acquaintance, someone I used to know well but have hardly seen over the past five years or so. When I approached to say "hi" to her she responded with an icy coldness. A stone cold face with no expression and clearly no desire to have a conversation with me. I quickly realized that she had heard (through the grapevine I'm sure) about this past year and some of the mistakes I'd made. To make matters worse, at this point in time, there are also lies and false accusations being hurled around about me and my character. I can only imagine what this lady must have heard......
I was officially snubbed.
At first I felt pretty horrible about myself, I wanted to say......... Actually I wanted to scream out "What part of forgiven are you not getting here??" After all the person who had the most right to snub me (Gary) chose to forgive me and love me. I had a sense of not feeling welcome anywhere in town (an exaggeration, I know) This person with whom I spoke with yesterday is a Christian, but somehow I felt so judged and worthless. I also suddenly felt that perhaps I can relate to those who feel unwelcome or too intimidated to walk through the doors of the church. Especially after making a series of bad choices in their lives, maybe there is not as much acceptance there as we think. I say this about the church in general not about any one paticular place. And even with that being said, maybe it's not so much about the church but rather that I can totally relate to the feeling of being judged. I can see how being surrounded by that would easily lead to a person believing that they are worthless.
There will probably be more cold faces in the future.......
Some days are just overwhelming.
Funny that she didn't bother asking me directly what was truth or not??
A side note
On the weekend my dad said something that floored me. He told me that he learnt something from me this past year.......not to run away from a crisis. WOW. Thanks dad!
I was officially snubbed.
At first I felt pretty horrible about myself, I wanted to say......... Actually I wanted to scream out "What part of forgiven are you not getting here??" After all the person who had the most right to snub me (Gary) chose to forgive me and love me. I had a sense of not feeling welcome anywhere in town (an exaggeration, I know) This person with whom I spoke with yesterday is a Christian, but somehow I felt so judged and worthless. I also suddenly felt that perhaps I can relate to those who feel unwelcome or too intimidated to walk through the doors of the church. Especially after making a series of bad choices in their lives, maybe there is not as much acceptance there as we think. I say this about the church in general not about any one paticular place. And even with that being said, maybe it's not so much about the church but rather that I can totally relate to the feeling of being judged. I can see how being surrounded by that would easily lead to a person believing that they are worthless.
There will probably be more cold faces in the future.......
Some days are just overwhelming.
Funny that she didn't bother asking me directly what was truth or not??
A side note
On the weekend my dad said something that floored me. He told me that he learnt something from me this past year.......not to run away from a crisis. WOW. Thanks dad!
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Yep, I have a girlie girl
She squeals and squeaks, screeches and screams (not crying but a high pitched, ringing in your ears, squeal of excitement!)............all day, and yes even at night. Four months old and she's just discovered her voice. Totally different from her brothers!! I have visions of girl parties all ready.
She is so beautiful!
She is so beautiful!
Monday, February 14, 2005
love extravagantly
Love never gives up
Love cares more for others than for self
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have
Love doesn't strut
Doesn't have a swelled head
Doesn't force itself on others
Isn't always "me first"
Doesn't fly off the handle
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others
Doesn't revel when others grovel
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth
Puts up with anything
Trusts God always
Always looks for the best
Never looks back
But keeps goin to the end.
1 Corninthians 13 (The Message)
Friday, February 11, 2005
" For every lesson that you must learn there is an easy way or a more difficult way. You can humble yourself, fall on the rock and be broken, or the rock will fall on you and crush you into powder. Either way the final result will be brokenness which is humility." - Rick Joyner
Seems to me that choosing the easy way always appears to be harder because it involves humbling ourselves, getting over ourselves to be able to say, hey....I've messed up. On the flip side having the rock fall on us can be devastating, the consequences can be far reaching, beyond what we could have imagined. Literally fragments flying everywhere. The truth of the trail is that no matter which way we choose the end result is the always the same.......Brokenness.
Seems to me that choosing the easy way always appears to be harder because it involves humbling ourselves, getting over ourselves to be able to say, hey....I've messed up. On the flip side having the rock fall on us can be devastating, the consequences can be far reaching, beyond what we could have imagined. Literally fragments flying everywhere. The truth of the trail is that no matter which way we choose the end result is the always the same.......Brokenness.
" If remorse is turned into resolve, the trail will be much easier."
For whatever trail you may find yourself enduring right now resolve to choose the easy way, the way that God leads us........ Humbleness.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
I heard this on TV this morning....
A group of children were asked what they thought Love meant. One answer that I heard stuck out above the rest.
"You know when someone really loves you because the way they say your name is different than anyone else's name. They say your name so differently that you know your name is safe in their mouth."
A group of children were asked what they thought Love meant. One answer that I heard stuck out above the rest.
"You know when someone really loves you because the way they say your name is different than anyone else's name. They say your name so differently that you know your name is safe in their mouth."
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
had to try it.....
 | Cheer Bear |
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Resting in the Shadow of the Almighty
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare of the Lord:
He alone is my is my refuge, my place of safety
he is my God and I am trusting Him.
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me I will answer:
I will be with them in times of trouble
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."
Psalm 91:1-2,14-16
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare of the Lord:
He alone is my is my refuge, my place of safety
he is my God and I am trusting Him.
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me I will answer:
I will be with them in times of trouble
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."
Psalm 91:1-2,14-16
Monday, February 07, 2005
our child's prayer
This past weekend Gary decided to prune the shrubs in our backyard. After five years of neglect they have completly blocked our view of Abbotsford. This job required the use of a chainsaw (of course). Our son had a rather perplexed look on his face as he was watching his dad perched precariosly on the top of ladder wielding a chainsaw. He yelled over to Gary " DAD, I think I should pray for you." Gary paused and replied " Ok son." Caleb then prayed for protection for his dad in the shrubs with a chainsaw. Haha.....He knows his dad so well.......
Saturday, February 05, 2005
as i was shopping this afternoon at the superstore a voice came over the loud speaker (i'll leave the last name out) "Darren, please report to the customer service counter." a few minutes later again "Darren, could you please meet you ANGRY wife at the customer service counter." The whole store chuckled.
Friday, February 04, 2005
a wow moment
Sometimes God speaks so powerfully that it leaves me speechless.
For the past two or three weeks I have not been sleeping well (partially thanks to my new baby girl)but mostly because my mind does not seem to want to shut down when I lay down. It's been working overtime reminding me of all the destruction my actions from the past have caused. Every morning when I wake up I feel more & more weighed down from the guilt of these past mistakes. I know that God will lead me through this paticular part of my journey, but at this moment in time I'm fighting the 'guilt' battle. "Just get over it" is easier said then done.
Earlier this week I had a dream that was incredibly powerful, but left me asking many questions. I tend to have many dreams when I do finally get to enjoy some sleep. I have always believed that this is one of the ways God chooses to speak to me. I'm going to share this paticular dream with all of you only because the process of how God chose to speak to me is very cool!
I dreamt I was somewhere in Israel. I was in some sort of centre square, a meeting place. I have never been to Israel so I have no idea if this square exisists or not. There were great big concrete walls surronding the square with large, heavy iron gates. There were gaurds posted at each of the gates. I had a sense of being trapped there. As I was standing in the square it was suddenly flooded with water and when the waters receded the guards were all standing around disoriented and stunned. A voice then spoke out to me and said "Now is the time to attack your enemies! I have 'stunned' them and you must step forward NOW, point your sword and declare freedom!" As I stepped forward with my sword, I was told to declare freedom in the Ukraine. So, in my dream, I began speaking for freedom and for the gates to open. Then I woke up.
I'm still not 100% sure if this dream was intended only for my own personal victory or if it implied something greater (Israel, the Ukraine??) but yesterday a close friend sent me a scripture passage. She told me that I had been on her mind consistantly this past week. Here's what I was to read;
Isaiah 26:1-6
Our city is now strong!
We are surronded by the walls of God's salvation.
Open the gates to all who are righteous;
allow the faithful to enter.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You,
whose thoughts are fixed on You.
Trust in the Lord always,
for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.
He humbles the proud
and brings the arrogant city to the dust.
It's walls come crashing down!
The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot.
All I had to say upon reading that was........WOW!
For the past two or three weeks I have not been sleeping well (partially thanks to my new baby girl)but mostly because my mind does not seem to want to shut down when I lay down. It's been working overtime reminding me of all the destruction my actions from the past have caused. Every morning when I wake up I feel more & more weighed down from the guilt of these past mistakes. I know that God will lead me through this paticular part of my journey, but at this moment in time I'm fighting the 'guilt' battle. "Just get over it" is easier said then done.
Earlier this week I had a dream that was incredibly powerful, but left me asking many questions. I tend to have many dreams when I do finally get to enjoy some sleep. I have always believed that this is one of the ways God chooses to speak to me. I'm going to share this paticular dream with all of you only because the process of how God chose to speak to me is very cool!
I dreamt I was somewhere in Israel. I was in some sort of centre square, a meeting place. I have never been to Israel so I have no idea if this square exisists or not. There were great big concrete walls surronding the square with large, heavy iron gates. There were gaurds posted at each of the gates. I had a sense of being trapped there. As I was standing in the square it was suddenly flooded with water and when the waters receded the guards were all standing around disoriented and stunned. A voice then spoke out to me and said "Now is the time to attack your enemies! I have 'stunned' them and you must step forward NOW, point your sword and declare freedom!" As I stepped forward with my sword, I was told to declare freedom in the Ukraine. So, in my dream, I began speaking for freedom and for the gates to open. Then I woke up.
I'm still not 100% sure if this dream was intended only for my own personal victory or if it implied something greater (Israel, the Ukraine??) but yesterday a close friend sent me a scripture passage. She told me that I had been on her mind consistantly this past week. Here's what I was to read;
Isaiah 26:1-6
Our city is now strong!
We are surronded by the walls of God's salvation.
Open the gates to all who are righteous;
allow the faithful to enter.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You,
whose thoughts are fixed on You.
Trust in the Lord always,
for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.
He humbles the proud
and brings the arrogant city to the dust.
It's walls come crashing down!
The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot.
All I had to say upon reading that was........WOW!
Thursday, February 03, 2005
take off the blinders
(written by Gary)
God wants us his people to start looking into and understand the truth.
Before we can understand these truths we must break down the barriors of our own pride,self-rightiousness,holier than thou attitudes.You who think that you are more important or more loved by God because of how you precieve yourself as being rightess or better than anyone else are dangerously wrong,p eople who take it upon themselves to judge others ,especially those whom God has annoited to teach us.We have to understand that people put into these positions have to be constantly lifted up in prayer.How many times do you think Satan fires his arrows at these people? Well guess what? Satan uses you and me to do this. We say we want to be apart of God's army,but we do not pick up His weapons we use satans weapons. Judgement ,destructive criticism,slander,self rightiousness are all weapons of Satan.If we truly want to be a part of God's army we need to use His weapons. Love,grace,humility,selflessness,knowledge that we have all,yes all of us, have sinned and have come short of the glory of God.Friends we are all in this battle together,lets get serious and put on all of Gods armour. Lets pray for God to judge us instead of judging others . I challenge anyone to do this ,it won't be an easy road ,but this will bring us into a level of glory and God's grace that makes going through the flames of His judgements worth it. LETS GET SERIOUS!
God wants us his people to start looking into and understand the truth.
Before we can understand these truths we must break down the barriors of our own pride,self-rightiousness,holier than thou attitudes.You who think that you are more important or more loved by God because of how you precieve yourself as being rightess or better than anyone else are dangerously wrong,p eople who take it upon themselves to judge others ,especially those whom God has annoited to teach us.We have to understand that people put into these positions have to be constantly lifted up in prayer.How many times do you think Satan fires his arrows at these people? Well guess what? Satan uses you and me to do this. We say we want to be apart of God's army,but we do not pick up His weapons we use satans weapons. Judgement ,destructive criticism,slander,self rightiousness are all weapons of Satan.If we truly want to be a part of God's army we need to use His weapons. Love,grace,humility,selflessness,knowledge that we have all,yes all of us, have sinned and have come short of the glory of God.Friends we are all in this battle together,lets get serious and put on all of Gods armour. Lets pray for God to judge us instead of judging others . I challenge anyone to do this ,it won't be an easy road ,but this will bring us into a level of glory and God's grace that makes going through the flames of His judgements worth it. LETS GET SERIOUS!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Well, thanks to Lori, I'm walking around my house wondering what project to start on first. Should I re-paint the bedroom, install a new kitchen floor or move the laundry room to the back of the house (anyone know a plumber?). Moving the washer & dryer would involve removing a few walls (small ones of course) which for some reason I'm feeling inspired to do! Yes, reading all about Lori's walls has put me in a renovation state of mind. I'm sure my husband is going to be thrilled when I tell him. I think this is a good year to re-paint the outside of the house too.
Thanks Lori!!
Thanks Lori!!
Caleb got an award this morning in assembly at school. I'm thinking he must have a split personality thing going on. He is known for constantly saying (more like muttering under his breath) " Ohhh, that's too much work" or " Ohhh, I NEVER get to do anything fun." Oh ya and the classic standby "Oohhh....it's not fair!" We are constantly reminding him to have a postive outlook on life(it's pretty sad when you have to try to teach that to a 5 yr old!)
His award this morning - for "his friendly cheerful attitude and his detailed and colorful artwork"
First of all...... he must use up every ounce of 'cheerfulness' at school, leaving us with the complaining.
Second of all.....attention to detail!?!
Do we really know the real Caleb. Hmmmmm
His award this morning - for "his friendly cheerful attitude and his detailed and colorful artwork"
First of all...... he must use up every ounce of 'cheerfulness' at school, leaving us with the complaining.
Second of all.....attention to detail!?!
Do we really know the real Caleb. Hmmmmm
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
when the tears fall
I've had questions without answers
I've known sorrow, I've known pain
But there's one thing that I'll cling to
You're faithful.....Jesus You're true
When hope is lost
I'll call You Savoir
When pain surronds
I'll call You Healer
When silence falls
You'll be the song in my heart
In the lone hour of my sorrow
Through the darkest night of my soul
You sorround me and sustain me
My Defender, forever more
And I will praise You
I will praise You
When the tears fall
Still I will sing to You
I will praise You
Jesus praise You
Through the suffering.....still I will sing.
-Tim Hughes
I shed some tears today. I cried out to my God today. His answer to me was simple. He is my Savoir, my Healer, my Defender, indeed, He is the Song in my heart.
I've known sorrow, I've known pain
But there's one thing that I'll cling to
You're faithful.....Jesus You're true
When hope is lost
I'll call You Savoir
When pain surronds
I'll call You Healer
When silence falls
You'll be the song in my heart
In the lone hour of my sorrow
Through the darkest night of my soul
You sorround me and sustain me
My Defender, forever more
And I will praise You
I will praise You
When the tears fall
Still I will sing to You
I will praise You
Jesus praise You
Through the suffering.....still I will sing.
-Tim Hughes
I shed some tears today. I cried out to my God today. His answer to me was simple. He is my Savoir, my Healer, my Defender, indeed, He is the Song in my heart.
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