This is a continuation of Tuesday's post.
A quick summary...God healed my hubby of allergies...now on with the story.
We were part of a Bible study group which independently met one night a week. This group was made up of couples from our Sunday School class...and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed each and every person. Our time together was not only enlightening, but fun as well.
It was on such a night...we were kicking back with our BS friends (That really doesn't sound right does it... but THAT STANDS FOR BIBLE STUDY friends.) and hubby started having an allergy attack. It was really...really...really bad. So bad in fact, we had to immediately leave and come home so he could get into the shower in an effort to calm the attack.
Even with a hot shower, he was still sniffling. I had forgotten what it was like for him to have such a bad attack.
We knew God had healed him many months before, but why was this allergy attack so sudden and violent...it made no sense.
Have you ever had what I call a "just knowing" kind of experience? That was what we experienced that evening. We KNEW he was healed no matter what things looked like. On top of that, I KNEW I was ovulating.
We looked at each other, prayed once again...this time not for healing, but in thanksgiving for the healing which had already taken place. Within minutes, the attack ceased.
The next morning, we went to church as usual. I told some of our friends we were pregnant. They excitedly asked me "how far along are you"...to which I responded..."Oh...about 12 hours".
They looked at me like I was a nut case, but 9 months later our little princess was born. God was great at helping us to see beyond the negative circumstances and reminded us of what He had already done.
I think at this point in my relationship with God, I was testing Him just a bit, but like any good Father, He overlooked my impulsive zeal and blessed us with a child. I wish I could tell you the rest of the story behind why I was so grateful for this child, but that will have to remain a mystery for now. Just trust me when I say He gave me a wonderful gift. It is not about what we deserve, it is about His love and His desire to heap gifts on us.
So, what is it you need. Go crawl up into Daddy God's lap and have a talk with him.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
AndTheySayGodDoesn'tExist
My husband had asthma as a child. Many a holiday was spent in the hospital under an oxygen tent. As he grew up, the asthma ceased but allergies seemed to dictate what he ate and how many antihistamines he had to consume before mowing the lawn.
Several years into our marriage, we began to hear and read about a healing God and realized His desire to heal was not just for Bible times, but was for now as well.
That understanding was tested one evening in Dallas, Texas. We were working a gift show at the World Trade Center and were staying at our boss's home. After a very full and exhausting day, we crashed in bed. As we lay there enjoying the breeze from the ceiling fan, we began to talk about this whole idea of God healing today. We were both tired of his allergies and all the medicine he took. We were tired of him waking up every morning at 6:00 a.m. sharp like an alarm clock...sniffing and snorting and blowing his nose. So, we decided that was the night he was going to be healed. After a simple prayer asking God to totally heal his allergies, we nestled under the covers and quickly dozed off.
Neither of us thought much about that decision until we returned home ready to resume our "normal" activities. It was Saturday, and of course Saturday's are for lawn mowing.
I knew my hubby's MOA (method of operation)...allergy mask, allergy medication then the nose blowing rag in his pocket. (Now I wouldn't necessarily recommend doing what I did.) There was precious little time for me to get all of the medications and the allergy masks hidden before he made his kingly walk into the kitchen to procure all of these lawn mowing necessities. After rummaging through the cabinets without finding his medicine, he realized I was up to something
Facing a slightly irritated husband, I told him if we really believed he was healed in Dallas, then he was going to have to mow the lawn on his own. (He knew that meant the antihistamines plus were gone...but thought I had thrown them away.) Stomping out, he realized I was right and began to mow the lawn...no sniffles. But, being the kind of man he is, he decided to give his healing the ultimate test...the ice cream test. Diving into a carton of one of his favorite flavors, he ate until he was full...no sniffles.
We were slightly excited...especially me 'cause that meant I could sleep past 6:00 a.m.! I know my motives were not exactly pure but I truly did want my husband healed. Those allergies had robbed us of precious time together on the weekends for too long and we were glad they were gone. And they say God doesn't exist and His healing power was only for yesterday. But that is not the end of this story...they tried to come back on a very important day...that day was...
Several years into our marriage, we began to hear and read about a healing God and realized His desire to heal was not just for Bible times, but was for now as well.
That understanding was tested one evening in Dallas, Texas. We were working a gift show at the World Trade Center and were staying at our boss's home. After a very full and exhausting day, we crashed in bed. As we lay there enjoying the breeze from the ceiling fan, we began to talk about this whole idea of God healing today. We were both tired of his allergies and all the medicine he took. We were tired of him waking up every morning at 6:00 a.m. sharp like an alarm clock...sniffing and snorting and blowing his nose. So, we decided that was the night he was going to be healed. After a simple prayer asking God to totally heal his allergies, we nestled under the covers and quickly dozed off.
Neither of us thought much about that decision until we returned home ready to resume our "normal" activities. It was Saturday, and of course Saturday's are for lawn mowing.
I knew my hubby's MOA (method of operation)...allergy mask, allergy medication then the nose blowing rag in his pocket. (Now I wouldn't necessarily recommend doing what I did.) There was precious little time for me to get all of the medications and the allergy masks hidden before he made his kingly walk into the kitchen to procure all of these lawn mowing necessities. After rummaging through the cabinets without finding his medicine, he realized I was up to something
Facing a slightly irritated husband, I told him if we really believed he was healed in Dallas, then he was going to have to mow the lawn on his own. (He knew that meant the antihistamines plus were gone...but thought I had thrown them away.) Stomping out, he realized I was right and began to mow the lawn...no sniffles. But, being the kind of man he is, he decided to give his healing the ultimate test...the ice cream test. Diving into a carton of one of his favorite flavors, he ate until he was full...no sniffles.
We were slightly excited...especially me 'cause that meant I could sleep past 6:00 a.m.! I know my motives were not exactly pure but I truly did want my husband healed. Those allergies had robbed us of precious time together on the weekends for too long and we were glad they were gone. And they say God doesn't exist and His healing power was only for yesterday. But that is not the end of this story...they tried to come back on a very important day...that day was...
Monday, April 23, 2007
GrowingInPoop
Howdy to everyone. I've been out for about a week now, but am ready to get back in the blogging picture. I'll not bore you with my last week, but instead, I want to just say "hey" and let ya'll know you are loved.
Everyone has poop (p-ewe-p) in their lives...it is just part of the human condition. As you can see from my flower pic, these lovely pink blossoms are growing from a pile of poop. Okay, okay...that was my best effort at drawing poop without totally grossing you all out.
It reminds me of growing up in New Mexico. You always knew when one of the neighbors was using manure to green up their lawn...it's fragrance would waft through the air for miles on end. (Here in Texas, we call that smell $money$.)
Anyway, for some reason, I was thinking about this concept of growing in the midst of poop. It stemmed from a conversation with God several days ago when He said that most of the New Testament was written under pressure. Wow...I really knew that, but didn't really want to participate in the pressure/poop thing.
In other words, He wasn't giving me an out for not getting busy with what I KNEW He wanted me to do. I suppose, Joseph blossomed in the midst of his being piled higher and deeper with life's poop.
Remember Gene Kelly in "Singing In The Rain"? He did this marvelous "rain" dance...Remember? Well, move over Gene...there's a new dance a comin'. It's called the Poop Trot. Yes, it is trotting through or should I say, dancing through flushable stuff which seems to come in seasons by the truckload.
Well, I don't know about you, but I am ready to decree once again INCREASE into your life and ours as well. So, with that in mind, I'm going to ask you to do something I myself must do as well. That something is to decree the good things God has done. It has a tendency to lift one right out of the "stuff" and into a new level. You don't have to respond here, but somewhere...to someone...tell them just how much God has done for you even if the only thing you can think about is that He's given you breath. So, here goes.
1. God has given me life and allowed me to have children.
2. God has given me breath so that with each breath I remember I have a purpose.
3. God has given me a husband who loves me.
4. God owns everything so I know He has deep pockets when I go to Him for help.
5. God has allowed me to encourage people because that fills me up with purpose.
6. God has healed me when the doctors found a lump in my thyroid...He put my system back in working order.
7. God loves me and wants to heap good stuff on me.
8. God has bestowed on me friends.
Now with that said...tell someone they are loved and are a blessing in your life today. It'll make the mire grow flowers.
Friday, April 13, 2007
PrayersAndMorePrayers
I have literally been crying my way through blogs. Heather and Erin need our vigilant prayers.
Please add my brother George to your list. He has been in the hospital (He has been in a wheelchair for many years...unable to walk...no feeling from the waist down) because the Dr's said he had a problem with his gall bladder...so they took it out. Just got word it wasn't his gall bladder and it looks like he is headed back into the operating room.
My Dad... http://89andholding.blogspot.com called just a minute ago crying. He wanted to pray right there on the phone so we did that. Also, keep my Dad in your prayers. We are waiting on a CT scan on his artery in his neck to see what the course of action is and to see just how blocked it is.
I just keep getting this verse pop into my being about "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus"...I keep getting this for everyone facing physical challenges...and for everyone who is family or friends grieved by bad news or difficult news.
I've had that "surpassing" kind of peace...I've felt it many times like when we miscarried our first child...it is strange and undeniably a wave of calmness and knowing God hasn't left you or forsaken you. It is like joy in the midst of crap. When the Word says it surpasses all understanding...it is true...that is the only way to describe this peace of God...bypassing all the mind stuff...the worry...the what if's.
It is like having a new way of looking at life and seeing the trouble through different eyes...calm eyes...joyful eyes...it is indeed strange but wonderful. It was that way when we miscarried at home and hubby took me to the hospital because I was hemorrhaging. Laying on that table...having to go through labor...it was as if a wave of scripture began to flow like water through my innermost being. Water washing and cleansing and refreshing. It was water that came from the Holy Spirit and it was unbelievable.
It was as though every scripture I had ever learned as a child growing up...being crammed down me sometimes against my will, became my saving grace as it rolled through my brain in rapid succession. It was in that time I knew why it was important to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ...His Holy Spirit was recalling every kind of God word to me and playing it over and over again. Healing. How strange it was when I felt healed leaving that hospital expecting to have an emotional relapse...kept looking for it...almost happened...but God's peace just kept coming in...11 months later I was pregnant with our 20 year old daughter...never give up.
I believe in God...He is loving and kind and is always there.
Please add my brother George to your list. He has been in the hospital (He has been in a wheelchair for many years...unable to walk...no feeling from the waist down) because the Dr's said he had a problem with his gall bladder...so they took it out. Just got word it wasn't his gall bladder and it looks like he is headed back into the operating room.
My Dad... http://89andholding.blogspot.com called just a minute ago crying. He wanted to pray right there on the phone so we did that. Also, keep my Dad in your prayers. We are waiting on a CT scan on his artery in his neck to see what the course of action is and to see just how blocked it is.
I just keep getting this verse pop into my being about "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus"...I keep getting this for everyone facing physical challenges...and for everyone who is family or friends grieved by bad news or difficult news.
I've had that "surpassing" kind of peace...I've felt it many times like when we miscarried our first child...it is strange and undeniably a wave of calmness and knowing God hasn't left you or forsaken you. It is like joy in the midst of crap. When the Word says it surpasses all understanding...it is true...that is the only way to describe this peace of God...bypassing all the mind stuff...the worry...the what if's.
It is like having a new way of looking at life and seeing the trouble through different eyes...calm eyes...joyful eyes...it is indeed strange but wonderful. It was that way when we miscarried at home and hubby took me to the hospital because I was hemorrhaging. Laying on that table...having to go through labor...it was as if a wave of scripture began to flow like water through my innermost being. Water washing and cleansing and refreshing. It was water that came from the Holy Spirit and it was unbelievable.
It was as though every scripture I had ever learned as a child growing up...being crammed down me sometimes against my will, became my saving grace as it rolled through my brain in rapid succession. It was in that time I knew why it was important to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ...His Holy Spirit was recalling every kind of God word to me and playing it over and over again. Healing. How strange it was when I felt healed leaving that hospital expecting to have an emotional relapse...kept looking for it...almost happened...but God's peace just kept coming in...11 months later I was pregnant with our 20 year old daughter...never give up.
I believe in God...He is loving and kind and is always there.
JelliedDonkeyInACup
I know...I may get a lot of "comments" about this one. Where was this taken? This was taken by moi in a local discount warehouse establishment. I was amused and at the same time wondering what was going on in the mind of the individual whom I am sure purposely placed the shipping label over the "ortment" part.
------------------------------
As I was taking this picture of a box, several people strolled by and smiled...wondering "what in the world is wrong with this woman". For me...it was simply comic relief in an already busy Saturday which had jettisoned me around town ahead of tornadoes and storms and snow and dust storms. It was jellied humor in a cup
---
Visually, I don't want to describe to you what was happening inside my brain at the sight of this box.
-----
So, I will try to bring this image around to something productive...instead of leaving you here. A story from the archives will do
-------
It was almost 19 years ago, when our family was going through the first of many changes in jobs. Money was slim and as I've written before, we sold furniture and I lit Christmas trees in the bare living room to make money to feed our family of three.
---
As you have probably experienced, hard times tend to make you more aware of the need for a relationship with God. "God help us", was a daily phrase in our household.
---
I was very excited about my relationship with God. My hubby on the other hand, though he was a Christian, was flying his life on "a moral auto pilot" but didn't have that sense of knowing the voice of God. The Bible was just "flat" you might say...it was not full of life like it was to me. Well, I felt pretty big headed about the whole thing...but that is another story.
---
One day I was watching with my husband a nationally know tel-evangelist. He was totally irritating to me. My husband was daily being ministered to by this...man and I couldn't see why. That morning I was sequestered...reading my Bible...and glorying in my superior Christian walk...over my husband I might add. I heard the voice of the Father speak to me. Of course I was in a mood that morning because hubby was watching the dipstick evangelist who grated against my last nerve.
-------------------------------------------------------
"Aaah", I thought..."Whateth iseth you desireth Father?" (Okay, maybe that is a slight exaggeration) His reply was to call the 800 number on the T.V. and ask for "them" to pray for me so that I could be filled with the Holy Spirit. I went immediately into debate mode with God.
---
"You got to be kidding me!" I said.
---
"If I can use Balam's ass, then I can use ________ __________." God said.
---
That was a day which totally humbled me, and changed my life. If you haven't read that story, it is a good one and well worth reading.
---
I learned just how much God loved me that day. He was willing to stop Balam from doing something totally stupid. Even if it took putting God words into a donkey's mouth, well then so be it.
-------------------
The rest of the story? Well, I did make that call and was amazed at what happened. I'm still not a big fan of that evangelist, but I learned not to criticize or dictate the messenger God sends to bring correction into my life. In this case, it was not only correction, but blessing.
---
Unfortunately, that evangelist later had some really sad things happen and had to start all over. He's still a little strange to me, but I know, God can move the hearts of stubborn folks ANY WAY HE WANTS.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Mama'sBeenWorking
Hello all you little dearies out there. Mama's been working here lately and life has stirred up another concoction of many events. It is akin to taking what is in the refrigerator and pitching it into a pot. Each time it turns out a little different. Sometimes sweet, and sometime it need a little kick...kabam. But each time it is a new stew. Yep, that's been this YM's life here lately.
I've gone part-time to allow hubby to go full-time. Picking up the little mister after school again. Hitting the chiropractor as many times a week as possible...interviewing for my replacement come summer. Wow...I've seen more resumes, a little too much cleavage and scared stiff women. I've been called "Ma'am" by women older and been given "bull" by women younger.
Sitting on the other side of the interview process is really interesting. Some resumes put you to sleep with all the "big" words...and lots of words, while others show the obvious...a need for spell check. Sometimes I want to take a big red pen and correct them and say...make it simple...cause...I have a booty load of these things to go through. Finally, the few...gave me a break and were perky with their personal presentation and simple with their "word" (i.e. resume) presentation.
I just love doing this...when they call, I want to see how they handle dead air time.
"............financial services....this is Cheryl...may I help you?"
" Yeah, this is Matilda Snickerdoodle. Yeah, I read about the position you have...the job you showed in the paper."
(dead air just to see how they handle it)
"Umm"
Eventually I relieve their stress and respond, but some were quite skillful in filling in the time.
So, after looking at job hunting from the other side, I've picked up a few tips. What not to do tips! (By the way, I still have several more days of doing this, so I am sure more stories will ensue)
Stay away from phrases like:
"So you are saying it is mainly busy work?" GONG
"I can tell I would just L-O-V-E working in a place like this, but of course I know I could N-E-V-E-R be able to fill your shoes" (Sure)
"I'm pregnant, so should I even try to fill out an application?"
"I'm 19 and no one is wanting to hire me!"
To...please send a resume: " I don't have a resume".
To...you may send me a resume by fax or e-mail: "Let me find a pen".
That's all for now...going to hit the sack after I read a few more stimulating resumes. Pray for me! I must have the mind of God to find the right person...
You all are great...I'll visit this weekend and try to do some catch up with your lives!
I've gone part-time to allow hubby to go full-time. Picking up the little mister after school again. Hitting the chiropractor as many times a week as possible...interviewing for my replacement come summer. Wow...I've seen more resumes, a little too much cleavage and scared stiff women. I've been called "Ma'am" by women older and been given "bull" by women younger.
Sitting on the other side of the interview process is really interesting. Some resumes put you to sleep with all the "big" words...and lots of words, while others show the obvious...a need for spell check. Sometimes I want to take a big red pen and correct them and say...make it simple...cause...I have a booty load of these things to go through. Finally, the few...gave me a break and were perky with their personal presentation and simple with their "word" (i.e. resume) presentation.
I just love doing this...when they call, I want to see how they handle dead air time.
"............financial services....this is Cheryl...may I help you?"
" Yeah, this is Matilda Snickerdoodle. Yeah, I read about the position you have...the job you showed in the paper."
(dead air just to see how they handle it)
"Umm"
Eventually I relieve their stress and respond, but some were quite skillful in filling in the time.
So, after looking at job hunting from the other side, I've picked up a few tips. What not to do tips! (By the way, I still have several more days of doing this, so I am sure more stories will ensue)
Stay away from phrases like:
"So you are saying it is mainly busy work?" GONG
"I can tell I would just L-O-V-E working in a place like this, but of course I know I could N-E-V-E-R be able to fill your shoes" (Sure)
"I'm pregnant, so should I even try to fill out an application?"
"I'm 19 and no one is wanting to hire me!"
To...please send a resume: " I don't have a resume".
To...you may send me a resume by fax or e-mail: "Let me find a pen".
That's all for now...going to hit the sack after I read a few more stimulating resumes. Pray for me! I must have the mind of God to find the right person...
You all are great...I'll visit this weekend and try to do some catch up with your lives!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
WhatIsSeeding?
This post is in response to a recent question... "What is seeding?"
Seeding is simply taking time, money or possessions and giving them with the idea you will receive a harvest. I know this makes some very uncomfortable, but if a farmer didn't expect to get at least a hundred fold on his seed, he would find another profession. In fact, a hundred fold in some cases (for a farmer) wouldn't be worth the effort.
Living in West Texas for a number of years, the seedtime/harvest scenario is part of the landscape, so it isn't surprising that in order to receive a crop, you have to seed.
But, isn't it funny that God seems to ask us to "seed" so many times when we are tapped out, financially stressed, emotionally empty and just wondering where the next meal is coming from.
"God...If you don't help us, we are sunk...we need (list)"
Pause
"What, did I hear you right. You want me to what? Give? Give what...I've tithed and given everything I have to give. I've given up time with my family and poured myself into other's lives and there isn't anything left for me to give! What I'm here for...talking to you...is for you to GIVE to me! Oh, you want to give to me? So what's all this about me giving? This doesn't make sense to me."
Pause
"You want me to give first? Okay, I hope I'm hearing you right because this is only a very big deal to me...My heart? My heart belongs to you God...Oh...I see...I have to trust you in this. Okay...I'll do what you say. Say thank you? Thank you...thank you for answering my prayer"
Perhaps you've told your children that in order for them to have a friend, they have to "give" friendship. A smile begets a smile. Love begets love. Friendship begets friendship. But does this apply to more tangible items like cars and clothes and houses?
Mark 10:28-30 "Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Looks like it does, but here are the parameters around this verse..."for my sake and the gospel's". Jesus has to get the credit out of the giving, so He has to do the directing...that's the only way HE GETS THE CREDIT when the harvest comes.
Genesis 8:22 "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
Harvest will come...it is a fact.
Real life examples of this? Hold on to your hats cause this will be lengthy.
This was many years ago right before our 20 year old was born. I was pregnant and our sales rep jobs were playing out because of the oil crunch. Decorating items for homes were not being bought, so sales were very slim. We sold almost all of our furniture right after our daughter came along. I was lighting Christmas trees in the empty living room of our home for extra money. God amply supplied in many marvelous ways that summer, but I just want to give you one story from that time in our lives.
We were going to a Baptist Church and were department directors of about 30 adults and were active in other areas of our church as well. One day as I was praying, God asked me to give my only fitting...nice...red dress to a woman in our Sunday School class. I had just had a baby, and that was about the only dressy garment I had that actually fit. I had been praying for some clothes. God in turn asked me to "seed" my best, so He could bring me what I needed. The woman I gave the dress to had been praying for a red dress to wear for her family portrait. That portrait she made was her last picture. Later that year she passed away from cancer. She and I became closer during that whole process. I received a blessing just from being around her, but that wasn't the end of the story. Within a few days of giving her the dress, another woman from our SS class just dropped by. She and her family were moving out of town that weekend...it was sudden...and her sister had given her a bunch of clothes she couldn't wear so she brought them to me...two 30 gallon grocery bags full. These were very nice, expensive clothes...guess what? They fit.
You never know whose life you touch when you respond to God asking you to "seed" in order for you to have a harvest.
Here's another one:
My husband was in the middle of a job change, so the company car he drove was going to have to be returned. Our other car, a large conversion van...fully loaded...was the only car we actually owned. What that meant was that we would have one car.
We began to ask God for another car because we really needed two cars. As we each independently sought God on this matter, we both knew what He was asking us to do...give our only car away. We talked about it, called the family we were to give the car to and then made arrangements to meet him at the tax office to sign over the title the next morning.
Without us asking, the company Al was leaving said we could drive the car another few weeks, so we had wheels just a bit longer.
Okay I know this is long, but I have to tell you what had happened in the family we gave the car to...the day before our call, they had given a car to one of their family members. A quick turn around for them!
So here we were, about to be without a car when my husband finds out about a car another agent has for sell in Albuquerque. He flies to Albuquerque, buys the car and then drives home. When we looked at the car the next morning, it was in need of a paint job along with quite a few other things. In my mind I thought..."Our car we gave away was nice, but this "new" car isn't too hot!" Hubby knew we were to buy it, so we did. After a paint job, repairing some lost items in the inside like handles and such...a gasoline leak, an air conditioning problem and an electrical security systems problem, the car was in pretty good shape.
We were still needing another car. My Dad asked me one day if I would like to have his car since he didn't need it any more. I said "sure" and we transferred the title that day. (That was the car which was recently totalled) This put us in a pretty good position with cars, but then...God said to give the one we had fixed up away.
This time, it was to go to a single lady in our church who needed a car to go to work. Once again, we were back to one car, but we knew God was once again up to something.
By this time, our eldest was driving, and had cut her driving teeth on the conversion van. She did not have a car of her own to drive and to a teen...that was horrible. She was working, but not enough hours to make car payments. It was around Christmas that year when we got a call from some dear friends who asked if we were going to be around cause they wanted to come over. They came in two cars into our driveway and left with one. It was a red Explorer they gifted to us. Our eldest daughter and I had a car to drive again (although she drove it most of the time).
God caused seed time and harvest in our lives. We are once again in a similar position with a company car going back at the end of May, and one personal car...but I know God's track record. This time, we've been praying for three good cars...one came after the wreck when the '95 was totalled and replaced with a '99.
So, seed time and harvest? It never ends. If you are needing something...just ask boldly. God will tell you what to do. You may be asked to give. If He does ask you to give, just do it...there will always be a harvest. He knows where our other two cars are. I think I'll let Him do the arranging.
Seeding is simply taking time, money or possessions and giving them with the idea you will receive a harvest. I know this makes some very uncomfortable, but if a farmer didn't expect to get at least a hundred fold on his seed, he would find another profession. In fact, a hundred fold in some cases (for a farmer) wouldn't be worth the effort.
Living in West Texas for a number of years, the seedtime/harvest scenario is part of the landscape, so it isn't surprising that in order to receive a crop, you have to seed.
But, isn't it funny that God seems to ask us to "seed" so many times when we are tapped out, financially stressed, emotionally empty and just wondering where the next meal is coming from.
"God...If you don't help us, we are sunk...we need (list)"
Pause
"What, did I hear you right. You want me to what? Give? Give what...I've tithed and given everything I have to give. I've given up time with my family and poured myself into other's lives and there isn't anything left for me to give! What I'm here for...talking to you...is for you to GIVE to me! Oh, you want to give to me? So what's all this about me giving? This doesn't make sense to me."
Pause
"You want me to give first? Okay, I hope I'm hearing you right because this is only a very big deal to me...My heart? My heart belongs to you God...Oh...I see...I have to trust you in this. Okay...I'll do what you say. Say thank you? Thank you...thank you for answering my prayer"
Perhaps you've told your children that in order for them to have a friend, they have to "give" friendship. A smile begets a smile. Love begets love. Friendship begets friendship. But does this apply to more tangible items like cars and clothes and houses?
Mark 10:28-30 "Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life."
Looks like it does, but here are the parameters around this verse..."for my sake and the gospel's". Jesus has to get the credit out of the giving, so He has to do the directing...that's the only way HE GETS THE CREDIT when the harvest comes.
Genesis 8:22 "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
Harvest will come...it is a fact.
Real life examples of this? Hold on to your hats cause this will be lengthy.
This was many years ago right before our 20 year old was born. I was pregnant and our sales rep jobs were playing out because of the oil crunch. Decorating items for homes were not being bought, so sales were very slim. We sold almost all of our furniture right after our daughter came along. I was lighting Christmas trees in the empty living room of our home for extra money. God amply supplied in many marvelous ways that summer, but I just want to give you one story from that time in our lives.
We were going to a Baptist Church and were department directors of about 30 adults and were active in other areas of our church as well. One day as I was praying, God asked me to give my only fitting...nice...red dress to a woman in our Sunday School class. I had just had a baby, and that was about the only dressy garment I had that actually fit. I had been praying for some clothes. God in turn asked me to "seed" my best, so He could bring me what I needed. The woman I gave the dress to had been praying for a red dress to wear for her family portrait. That portrait she made was her last picture. Later that year she passed away from cancer. She and I became closer during that whole process. I received a blessing just from being around her, but that wasn't the end of the story. Within a few days of giving her the dress, another woman from our SS class just dropped by. She and her family were moving out of town that weekend...it was sudden...and her sister had given her a bunch of clothes she couldn't wear so she brought them to me...two 30 gallon grocery bags full. These were very nice, expensive clothes...guess what? They fit.
You never know whose life you touch when you respond to God asking you to "seed" in order for you to have a harvest.
Here's another one:
My husband was in the middle of a job change, so the company car he drove was going to have to be returned. Our other car, a large conversion van...fully loaded...was the only car we actually owned. What that meant was that we would have one car.
We began to ask God for another car because we really needed two cars. As we each independently sought God on this matter, we both knew what He was asking us to do...give our only car away. We talked about it, called the family we were to give the car to and then made arrangements to meet him at the tax office to sign over the title the next morning.
Without us asking, the company Al was leaving said we could drive the car another few weeks, so we had wheels just a bit longer.
Okay I know this is long, but I have to tell you what had happened in the family we gave the car to...the day before our call, they had given a car to one of their family members. A quick turn around for them!
So here we were, about to be without a car when my husband finds out about a car another agent has for sell in Albuquerque. He flies to Albuquerque, buys the car and then drives home. When we looked at the car the next morning, it was in need of a paint job along with quite a few other things. In my mind I thought..."Our car we gave away was nice, but this "new" car isn't too hot!" Hubby knew we were to buy it, so we did. After a paint job, repairing some lost items in the inside like handles and such...a gasoline leak, an air conditioning problem and an electrical security systems problem, the car was in pretty good shape.
We were still needing another car. My Dad asked me one day if I would like to have his car since he didn't need it any more. I said "sure" and we transferred the title that day. (That was the car which was recently totalled) This put us in a pretty good position with cars, but then...God said to give the one we had fixed up away.
This time, it was to go to a single lady in our church who needed a car to go to work. Once again, we were back to one car, but we knew God was once again up to something.
By this time, our eldest was driving, and had cut her driving teeth on the conversion van. She did not have a car of her own to drive and to a teen...that was horrible. She was working, but not enough hours to make car payments. It was around Christmas that year when we got a call from some dear friends who asked if we were going to be around cause they wanted to come over. They came in two cars into our driveway and left with one. It was a red Explorer they gifted to us. Our eldest daughter and I had a car to drive again (although she drove it most of the time).
God caused seed time and harvest in our lives. We are once again in a similar position with a company car going back at the end of May, and one personal car...but I know God's track record. This time, we've been praying for three good cars...one came after the wreck when the '95 was totalled and replaced with a '99.
So, seed time and harvest? It never ends. If you are needing something...just ask boldly. God will tell you what to do. You may be asked to give. If He does ask you to give, just do it...there will always be a harvest. He knows where our other two cars are. I think I'll let Him do the arranging.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
PuttingUpWithPottie
Pottie brain...
A problem with most of us
Bad thoughts about others?
Well, we know better
Bad thoughts about us?
Free reign to let the potty flow over our brain and
pour water...putrid water.
It clouds our eyes and
makes us stink...
It makes us angry
Angry enough to lash out at others because of our
own bad thinking.
A worm
a sinner deluxe
Unworthy of anything good
because of what's been done in the past.
A looser
"Don't say that about him"
Yet feeling it inside
The big "L" on the forehead.
Potty Head
Potty Brain
Potty Vision
Potty Odor
Flush it
Remove it
Throw it in the trash
Go forward
See yourself through God's eyes...not potty eyes.
Kings..
Priests...
Prophets...
Crowns and jewels
Arrayed in purple and fine linen
Sitting on a throne...not the potty throne
but the royal throne
Value
Purpose
Calling
Loving
Caring
Worthy
Why?
Because Father knows best.
Daddy sees his little girl all grown up
A princess
A favorite
Full of vision
Daddy God sees his princess
wise and fruitful
It is upsetting to Him to hear pottie stuff
come out of our minds and hearts...
when it comes to his princess.
He sees us strong and courageous
able to do anything he asks.
He sees us snuggled up in his arms
and yelling to the world...
"My Daddy owns everything"
He sees us...
For who we really are...
His child...joint heir
Sitting in His throne
At His right hand...the hand of blessing.
Potty Brain...get lost
Flush somewhere else.
Monday, April 02, 2007
WhatDadSays
Aah, what a grand and glorious day. (Sounds a little Irish doesn't it!)
My hubby began training for another job today, and I moved to part time at work in order to pick up the man child. The sun is shining and I look forward to getting back to the house to work on taxes and writing. Well, at least one of those activities I am looking forward to doing.
Anyway...I just wanted to post quickly and let you know that my Dad just wrote a post about me. He's written a post on all four of us kids, and I'm the omega in the family. Before you read his post, I want to qualify why I didn't want to go out with the "nice" young man...he kissed with his mouth open as wide as he could. I feared loosing my head.
Love you all...I hope after I get the tax thing done I can come back and visit more often. I think about all of you often!
Dad's Blog: http://89andholding.blogspot.com/2007/04/kid-4-girl.html
My hubby began training for another job today, and I moved to part time at work in order to pick up the man child. The sun is shining and I look forward to getting back to the house to work on taxes and writing. Well, at least one of those activities I am looking forward to doing.
Anyway...I just wanted to post quickly and let you know that my Dad just wrote a post about me. He's written a post on all four of us kids, and I'm the omega in the family. Before you read his post, I want to qualify why I didn't want to go out with the "nice" young man...he kissed with his mouth open as wide as he could. I feared loosing my head.
Love you all...I hope after I get the tax thing done I can come back and visit more often. I think about all of you often!
Dad's Blog: http://89andholding.blogspot.com/2007/04/kid-4-girl.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
