This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1John 1:5
Sorry I have been remiss in writing. I was visited this week by my oldest and dearest friend. "Oldest" meaning longest, don't want problems in our friendship over terms! She came to town to play with me in a golf tournament. We had a great time. Lots of golf, food, laughter, talk. We wore ourselves out. That's the good news; I twisted my ankle and fell two days before all this happened, so my golf was pretty stinky. Hard to swing the club when you are anticipating the jolt of pain that will inevitably be visited upon you. Until you hurt your right ankle, you tend to forget how much weight you place on your right side :( Oh well, you always need an excuse when you don't win a tournament.
So today, after I run a couple of really necessary errands, I am going to have some devotional quiet time. First I am going to meditate on 1John 1:1-7. I am not going to beat myself up, however, I am going to look over the past week to see where I slipped out of the light. Either by getting too involve in what was going on around me and forgetting or by letting my frustration make me a little edgy so I was not as "nice" as I could have been.
I love my Creator and want to always keep that first in my sight. But I slip into forgetting so often. I will not dwell on lost opportunities while I go over this today, but I will remind myself how easy it is to slip into the shadows of life's walk. We are human and we lose our light every now and then, but God doesn't. That light shines on us all the time, we just have to step back on to the course.
Shine your light on me today, O Lord, and I will run to get into it.
Showing posts with label fellowship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fellowship. Show all posts
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Retreats Change Lives
"Before the Lord God made man upon the earth He first prepared for him a world of useful and pleasant things for his sustenance and delight. In the Genesis account of the creation these are simply "things". They were made for man's use, but they were meant always to be external to the man and subservient to him. In the deep heart of man was a shrine where none but God was worthy to come. Within him was God; without, a thousand gifts which God had showered upon him." From The Pursuit Of God by A.W. Tozer
As you will recall, I asked you last Thursday to pray for my retreat weekend. Well, THANK YOU. Words can never describe what an incredible weekend I had. I have never been covered with such Christ like love in my entire life. If anyone ever approaches you concerning sponsoring you for a Walk to Emmaus...do not take a breath before you say yes. On second thought, don't say yes SHOUT YES PLEASE!! Know that that person loves you so much.
I came home with a new book. I have heard A.W. Tozer quoted many times, but I have never read anything by him. So when I saw this book I grabbed it up. It is wonderful. The part I used above really struck me in a deep place. Not only was I showered with "a thousand" of God's gifts this weekend, I was able to clear out my altar space inside my heart.
If you are looking for a meaningful book to add to your study time, I am highly recommending this one.
God bless you and thank you for those prayers.
As you will recall, I asked you last Thursday to pray for my retreat weekend. Well, THANK YOU. Words can never describe what an incredible weekend I had. I have never been covered with such Christ like love in my entire life. If anyone ever approaches you concerning sponsoring you for a Walk to Emmaus...do not take a breath before you say yes. On second thought, don't say yes SHOUT YES PLEASE!! Know that that person loves you so much.
I came home with a new book. I have heard A.W. Tozer quoted many times, but I have never read anything by him. So when I saw this book I grabbed it up. It is wonderful. The part I used above really struck me in a deep place. Not only was I showered with "a thousand" of God's gifts this weekend, I was able to clear out my altar space inside my heart.
If you are looking for a meaningful book to add to your study time, I am highly recommending this one.
God bless you and thank you for those prayers.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Work For The Correct Food
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the son of man will give you. John 6:27
This weekend the spouse and I played in a couples golf tournament. We were paired with a couple we had not previously met and were expected to "work" together to win the prize. It turned out we were a good team. When one of us faltered the other three picked up the load and carried on. We matched weakness with strengths, with laughter, understanding, and you know what we won!
Now winning a golf tournament is not something that is going to help us too far along the path towards eternal life. But the use of team work sure will. We used all the positive qualities and abilities God has given us to achieve a goal. We can take this same pattern and use it for much bigger things.
How beautiful if we would all pull together to work for the "food that endures". Jesus says that that work is "to believe in the one he has sent". If you are finding it hard to work alone on this job, then find a group. Get yourself a team. Join your seeking with others, the work is easier and certainly more joyous.
This weekend the spouse and I played in a couples golf tournament. We were paired with a couple we had not previously met and were expected to "work" together to win the prize. It turned out we were a good team. When one of us faltered the other three picked up the load and carried on. We matched weakness with strengths, with laughter, understanding, and you know what we won!
Now winning a golf tournament is not something that is going to help us too far along the path towards eternal life. But the use of team work sure will. We used all the positive qualities and abilities God has given us to achieve a goal. We can take this same pattern and use it for much bigger things.
How beautiful if we would all pull together to work for the "food that endures". Jesus says that that work is "to believe in the one he has sent". If you are finding it hard to work alone on this job, then find a group. Get yourself a team. Join your seeking with others, the work is easier and certainly more joyous.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Once Again With the Love Your Neighbor
...love your neighbor as yourself. Leviticus 19:18
Played golf yesterday for the third time since the summer travels. One of our Thursday group won the day's event. It was as much fun to have her win, as it would have been if I had won. She said it had been a number of years since she had taken that specific prize. Good going, friend!
As I think about the various threesomes and foursomes that played, it was a very mixed group of people. Religiously, economically, politically, ages, each one different. Some people paired together are so happy to get to play with each other. Some groups have a little tension, maybe a past hurt or slight, former misunderstandings or embarrassment over different skill levels. So how do you bring "love for your neighbor" into one of these groups? How do we bring our peace and calm into the situation?
I have noticed that usually during the round of golf there is a spot of laughter, a little smile, a time when one player sincerely compliments the other on a good shot. Maybe, these are little openings where the path to love your neighbor can start. Maybe it starts with one little step towards sharing a good moment, one little space of time where we can let down our guard and bring a little peace to the situation. Hopefully that one "piece of peace" can grow into a longer space of getting along, into a step towards understanding that we are all God's children.
I hope so. I have faith that that is what we are supposed to do. I will still work on it.
Played golf yesterday for the third time since the summer travels. One of our Thursday group won the day's event. It was as much fun to have her win, as it would have been if I had won. She said it had been a number of years since she had taken that specific prize. Good going, friend!
As I think about the various threesomes and foursomes that played, it was a very mixed group of people. Religiously, economically, politically, ages, each one different. Some people paired together are so happy to get to play with each other. Some groups have a little tension, maybe a past hurt or slight, former misunderstandings or embarrassment over different skill levels. So how do you bring "love for your neighbor" into one of these groups? How do we bring our peace and calm into the situation?
I have noticed that usually during the round of golf there is a spot of laughter, a little smile, a time when one player sincerely compliments the other on a good shot. Maybe, these are little openings where the path to love your neighbor can start. Maybe it starts with one little step towards sharing a good moment, one little space of time where we can let down our guard and bring a little peace to the situation. Hopefully that one "piece of peace" can grow into a longer space of getting along, into a step towards understanding that we are all God's children.
I hope so. I have faith that that is what we are supposed to do. I will still work on it.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Fellowship
Let us not give up meeting together,... Hebrews10:25
Yesterday I had beautiful and blessed fellowship in the mountains about two hours from this desert valley. A very dear couple, who happen to be retired ministers, invited me to tag along with them to meet and study with another retired minister in Hill Top, NM. What a treat and joy. We spent about two hours discussing two articles from the publication "Weavings" and some time at lunch.
One of the questions posed was do we put more of our attention into private prayer and meditation or sharing our time in fellowship. To which do we feel more drawn? I guess we need to be equal as we are called to do both. However, I had to say I am much more drawn to quiet, private study, to the still moments of prayer and meditation.
On rethinking this this morning, I believe I need to balance the two a bit better. Not lessen my private time, by make more time for group fellowship. Develop a deeper appreciation for get togethers in the Body of Christ.
Yesterday I had beautiful and blessed fellowship in the mountains about two hours from this desert valley. A very dear couple, who happen to be retired ministers, invited me to tag along with them to meet and study with another retired minister in Hill Top, NM. What a treat and joy. We spent about two hours discussing two articles from the publication "Weavings" and some time at lunch.
One of the questions posed was do we put more of our attention into private prayer and meditation or sharing our time in fellowship. To which do we feel more drawn? I guess we need to be equal as we are called to do both. However, I had to say I am much more drawn to quiet, private study, to the still moments of prayer and meditation.
On rethinking this this morning, I believe I need to balance the two a bit better. Not lessen my private time, by make more time for group fellowship. Develop a deeper appreciation for get togethers in the Body of Christ.
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Way Is Love
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
This is to be a busy week. Today I help a dear one set up for a member/guest golf tournament. Tomorrow is the tournament. I think this weekend we are having a visit from an old friend. I say "think" because he is on the road and said he might swing by our town. So, as I was sitting here doing my devotion and prayer I was a little preoccupied with the week's work. My devotion was primarily concerned with walking closer to Jesus, in the hands of the Holy Spirit. How do I let go of tension and worry and busy stuff... put the devotion to work?
As I put the dishes in the dish washer, pondering this question it became clear...I do it Jesus's way, and we know Jesus's Way is love. I realized I need to help make this tournament an opportunity for these lady golfers to have fun, fellowship, laughter. So every task I undertake needs to be done in love to shine love on the situation. Change the word task to gift.
I need to prepare the house and guest room for our friend so it will be filled with a feeling of welcome and love. So all tasks must be done in love and gratitude that we are available for our friend, who needs some unconditional love right now.
Let's walk this week, our hand in the hand of the Holy Spirit. Each task done in Jesus's love for the objective of shining love on the whole situation. Bet we will have a better week than last!
This is to be a busy week. Today I help a dear one set up for a member/guest golf tournament. Tomorrow is the tournament. I think this weekend we are having a visit from an old friend. I say "think" because he is on the road and said he might swing by our town. So, as I was sitting here doing my devotion and prayer I was a little preoccupied with the week's work. My devotion was primarily concerned with walking closer to Jesus, in the hands of the Holy Spirit. How do I let go of tension and worry and busy stuff... put the devotion to work?
As I put the dishes in the dish washer, pondering this question it became clear...I do it Jesus's way, and we know Jesus's Way is love. I realized I need to help make this tournament an opportunity for these lady golfers to have fun, fellowship, laughter. So every task I undertake needs to be done in love to shine love on the situation. Change the word task to gift.
I need to prepare the house and guest room for our friend so it will be filled with a feeling of welcome and love. So all tasks must be done in love and gratitude that we are available for our friend, who needs some unconditional love right now.
Let's walk this week, our hand in the hand of the Holy Spirit. Each task done in Jesus's love for the objective of shining love on the whole situation. Bet we will have a better week than last!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Essential Church
Let us not give up meeting together... Hebrews 10:25
The author of one of my favorite blogs, www.walkingwithfather , gave me a wonderful chance to ponder a very good question. If there was no Christian church in your area, what would be important to you in starting one up. I started thinking, what would I really miss not having? So I came up with my essentials: Risen Christ and Holy Spirit, prayer group, love and warmth shown to each other among gathers, Communion served weekly, outreach mission, a sermon and altar call, altar made easy for kneeling, music.
What about you? Let me know and go visit the Walker. He has a partial list for you to think about. Let him know what you think also. Even if you don't want to share, it is a good idea to mull over and his site is really good.
God bless you when you ponder (or mull if you are a better muller!).
The author of one of my favorite blogs, www.walkingwithfather , gave me a wonderful chance to ponder a very good question. If there was no Christian church in your area, what would be important to you in starting one up. I started thinking, what would I really miss not having? So I came up with my essentials: Risen Christ and Holy Spirit, prayer group, love and warmth shown to each other among gathers, Communion served weekly, outreach mission, a sermon and altar call, altar made easy for kneeling, music.
What about you? Let me know and go visit the Walker. He has a partial list for you to think about. Let him know what you think also. Even if you don't want to share, it is a good idea to mull over and his site is really good.
God bless you when you ponder (or mull if you are a better muller!).
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
Lord of Grace and Mercy , please bless the souls and spirits of all those who served our country so bravely. We owe them our freedom to pray and congregate. Bless their families who miss them. Let us remember them in our hearts and not take in vain the privileges we have.
Keep safe all those traveling today.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Keep safe all those traveling today.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Let the Joy Shine Out
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy...Galatians 5:25
Only three out of our usual seven gals were here to play this morning. We only played nine holes because of the wind. We had some crazy shots into, through, around, under and over the gusts. There was a lot of laughter.
We have some good chances to talk about religion and spirituality while we play. Not too often, but now and then. Our group has some believers, some strong, some thin and some non believers. Our discussions can be interesting.
Other people should be able to recognize that we are believers by our general happiness and love for each other. So, when in your groups, remember to let your joy shine out. That way others will want what you have and usually ask "How do you stay so happy?" The Holy spirit will continue to fill you up as you pass on the laughter, joy and love. Open up and let the Spirit fill you, then pour it out.
Only three out of our usual seven gals were here to play this morning. We only played nine holes because of the wind. We had some crazy shots into, through, around, under and over the gusts. There was a lot of laughter.
We have some good chances to talk about religion and spirituality while we play. Not too often, but now and then. Our group has some believers, some strong, some thin and some non believers. Our discussions can be interesting.
Other people should be able to recognize that we are believers by our general happiness and love for each other. So, when in your groups, remember to let your joy shine out. That way others will want what you have and usually ask "How do you stay so happy?" The Holy spirit will continue to fill you up as you pass on the laughter, joy and love. Open up and let the Spirit fill you, then pour it out.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Praise
"...so that in all things God maybe praised through Jesus Christ." 1Peter 4:11
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Strengthen me
"encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2Thessalonians 3:17
I am home. I arrived Wednesday about noon to a loving husband and two happy dogs. My time with my friends was beautiful. We talked until we were worn out and then we talked some more. So when I got home I was very grateful to have a husband who encouraged me to relax and slow down. He fixed lunch, listened to my tales and then let me sit and ponder for a while. That was nice.
Yesterday, after doing the wash and some straightening, I headed to the course to hit some practice balls. Did I tell you it was windy? The weather report used the word breezy, I think they were trying to be nice. When I got up on the practice tee the wind was blowing so hard my sunglasses blew off my visor. Since it had been over ten days since I had practiced I decided to hit some balls anyway. When you play in the wind you have to hold steady and get your balance from the strength in your legs. You have to have a firm foundation, yet you cannot fight the wind. It is like a flow coming out of a solid foundation. You gage where the wind is coming from and adjust your aim. You also get a lot of sand and dirt in your hair! The better your swing is, the closer to the ideal swing, the better you can hit in the wind. If your swing is in the groove, the right path, the strength of your foundation will sustain you.
Through the fellowship of our retreat we gathered to us God's grace and strength. We filled ourselves with knowledge, wisdom and love. We gathered the"eternal encouragement and good hope" also mentioned in verse 17. When we are faced with life, our words and deeds will be enhanced as we look for the good. As we look for the correct path (as in grooving my swing) we will be strengthened and encouraged by the ideas, conversations, wisdom and love we found God infilling us with.
Out of the strength of our foundation, we can face the wind of life. We can aim for the good and flow with our Creator's love and eternal encouragement.
I am home. I arrived Wednesday about noon to a loving husband and two happy dogs. My time with my friends was beautiful. We talked until we were worn out and then we talked some more. So when I got home I was very grateful to have a husband who encouraged me to relax and slow down. He fixed lunch, listened to my tales and then let me sit and ponder for a while. That was nice.
Yesterday, after doing the wash and some straightening, I headed to the course to hit some practice balls. Did I tell you it was windy? The weather report used the word breezy, I think they were trying to be nice. When I got up on the practice tee the wind was blowing so hard my sunglasses blew off my visor. Since it had been over ten days since I had practiced I decided to hit some balls anyway. When you play in the wind you have to hold steady and get your balance from the strength in your legs. You have to have a firm foundation, yet you cannot fight the wind. It is like a flow coming out of a solid foundation. You gage where the wind is coming from and adjust your aim. You also get a lot of sand and dirt in your hair! The better your swing is, the closer to the ideal swing, the better you can hit in the wind. If your swing is in the groove, the right path, the strength of your foundation will sustain you.
Through the fellowship of our retreat we gathered to us God's grace and strength. We filled ourselves with knowledge, wisdom and love. We gathered the"eternal encouragement and good hope" also mentioned in verse 17. When we are faced with life, our words and deeds will be enhanced as we look for the good. As we look for the correct path (as in grooving my swing) we will be strengthened and encouraged by the ideas, conversations, wisdom and love we found God infilling us with.
Out of the strength of our foundation, we can face the wind of life. We can aim for the good and flow with our Creator's love and eternal encouragement.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Longing Fullfilled
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 12:12
We have longed for this time together for a year. It has been worth every minute of waiting. We have again stretched each other out of our comfort zone so that I can see seeds sprouting. The seeds we plant in each other will grow until next year.
I am turning the blog over to the Las Vegas sister for her take on this time of fellowship.
How to begin to understand such a blessing of fellowship... You couldn't plan to make such special friends. You couldn't dream of the different personalities, backgrounds, ages and tastes coming together to share the most intimate stories of our lives with full acceptance and love. Tonight we are thinking of eating ice cream with no judgment and guilt associated , just finger lickin pleasure as we had as little girls. Then the discussion turns to going home, our next year get-together and our hopes and plans in between. It has been like the most fun summer camp complete with arts and crafts, lovely treasures to take home to remind us of our time together.
I can only encourage other women to make a circle of 3 or 4 girlfriends and spend one or two or four days of uninterrupted time together. No matter how long you have been friends, even if it is a short time, the connection runs deep and propels you into a place of understanding that you could get no other way. We all owe it to each other.
We have longed for this time together for a year. It has been worth every minute of waiting. We have again stretched each other out of our comfort zone so that I can see seeds sprouting. The seeds we plant in each other will grow until next year.
I am turning the blog over to the Las Vegas sister for her take on this time of fellowship.
How to begin to understand such a blessing of fellowship... You couldn't plan to make such special friends. You couldn't dream of the different personalities, backgrounds, ages and tastes coming together to share the most intimate stories of our lives with full acceptance and love. Tonight we are thinking of eating ice cream with no judgment and guilt associated , just finger lickin pleasure as we had as little girls. Then the discussion turns to going home, our next year get-together and our hopes and plans in between. It has been like the most fun summer camp complete with arts and crafts, lovely treasures to take home to remind us of our time together.
I can only encourage other women to make a circle of 3 or 4 girlfriends and spend one or two or four days of uninterrupted time together. No matter how long you have been friends, even if it is a short time, the connection runs deep and propels you into a place of understanding that you could get no other way. We all owe it to each other.
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