I have been "tagged" by Belinda, http://www.whateverhesays.blogspot.com/, to write about Five Things I Love About Jesus.
1) I love that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) He has no beginning or ending and He transcends all time and fads. I know that He is constant. He is never behind the times or out of style.
2) I love that Jesus is a caring High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. ( Hebrews 4: 14 - 16) I have confidence I can approach Him in my times of need. Jesus has faced every type of temptation and struggle that I will ever face, yet He was without sin.
3) I love that Jesus died so that I could be reconciled to God. (Romans 5: 8- 11) I don't have to depend on my efforts to try to reach God.
4) I love the diversity and creativity of Jesus; for example His methods of teaching and healing. Jesus identified the heart issues and ministered accordingly. How He ministers to me is unique to my heart issues as well.
5) I love that Jesus had friends who He loved while He was on earth; for example Mary, Martha, Lazarus and John. It is through Jesus' relationships with His friends and others that I can gain insight on how to treat others.
Friday, 27 July 2007
Friday, 20 July 2007
A Choice
I am continuing to type up my reflections and impressions from my journals. I recently came across this journal entry from September 2002.
"Something hit me like a ton of bricks. When I was under legalism I obeyed God because I had to. I knew what was expected of me. It wasn’t a choice, but a robotic submission. My emotions were suppressed; my mind was confined. God liberated my mind, will and emotions. I began to feel things that I hadn’t for years. I went through a time of adjustment, from one extreme to another. I have been listening to a teaching series on holiness by Joyce Meyer. She was saying that we shouldn’t be ruled or controlled by our emotions. I asked the Lord if this was the case, why would He restore my emotions to me instead of allowing me to remain in legalism? He spoke to my heart that now I had a choice to obey or not. Now I could fully feel and desire to do things that I was supposed to do and I could also choose to obey and to do what is right even when it would go against my feelings."
"I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8 (NIV)
"Something hit me like a ton of bricks. When I was under legalism I obeyed God because I had to. I knew what was expected of me. It wasn’t a choice, but a robotic submission. My emotions were suppressed; my mind was confined. God liberated my mind, will and emotions. I began to feel things that I hadn’t for years. I went through a time of adjustment, from one extreme to another. I have been listening to a teaching series on holiness by Joyce Meyer. She was saying that we shouldn’t be ruled or controlled by our emotions. I asked the Lord if this was the case, why would He restore my emotions to me instead of allowing me to remain in legalism? He spoke to my heart that now I had a choice to obey or not. Now I could fully feel and desire to do things that I was supposed to do and I could also choose to obey and to do what is right even when it would go against my feelings."
"I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8 (NIV)
"Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart." Psalm 119:34 (NIV)
Thursday, 19 July 2007
An Alphabet of Thanks
I was thinking that I have a lot to be thankful for. These are just some of the things and people that I am thankful to God for.
Anita - a true friend
Brenda - my "baby" sister & Belinda - an encourager re writing
Chris - my oldest son
Dan - my husband & Dianne - one of my best friends & Dad
Encouraging words
Friends & Freedom in Christ
Gayle - my middle sister
Holly - an encourager regarding dance
Interests
Joy - my daughter
Kelly - an encourager regarding dance
Linda - an encourager regarding dance
Mom & Magda - a new friend
New experiences
Old memories
People sharing their spiritual journeys
Quiet times with God
Rest
Salvation & Sandi - a fellow dancer
Tim - my youngest son
Unconditional love
Venerate - a contemporary worship service
Wendy - my cousin
X-rays ( I had to put something that was true, if not high on my list:))
Young people's passion for God
Zeal tempered with wisdom
Anita - a true friend
Brenda - my "baby" sister & Belinda - an encourager re writing
Chris - my oldest son
Dan - my husband & Dianne - one of my best friends & Dad
Encouraging words
Friends & Freedom in Christ
Gayle - my middle sister
Holly - an encourager regarding dance
Interests
Joy - my daughter
Kelly - an encourager regarding dance
Linda - an encourager regarding dance
Mom & Magda - a new friend
New experiences
Old memories
People sharing their spiritual journeys
Quiet times with God
Rest
Salvation & Sandi - a fellow dancer
Tim - my youngest son
Unconditional love
Venerate - a contemporary worship service
Wendy - my cousin
X-rays ( I had to put something that was true, if not high on my list:))
Young people's passion for God
Zeal tempered with wisdom
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
My Alphabet About God
God is:
Awesome
Beautiful
Caring
Divine
Enduring
Faithful
Gracious
Holy
Immanuel
Jesus
King
Lord
Mighty
Nice
Omnipresent
Powerful
Quick to forgive
Righteous
Saviour
Trustworthy
Unfailing
Victorious
Worthy
Xenophile - He loves foreign people
Your God and mine
Zealous
Awesome
Beautiful
Caring
Divine
Enduring
Faithful
Gracious
Holy
Immanuel
Jesus
King
Lord
Mighty
Nice
Omnipresent
Powerful
Quick to forgive
Righteous
Saviour
Trustworthy
Unfailing
Victorious
Worthy
Xenophile - He loves foreign people
Your God and mine
Zealous
Monday, 16 July 2007
The Holy Spirit's Empowering
On Sunday our pastor spoke about the Baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit. One of the evidences of being filled with the Holy Spirit is being empowered to do things that we could not do in our own strength or ability. This past week I have recognized the working of the Holy Spirit in my own life.
My husband Dan and I were away at a cottage for a few days last week. The lake was calm and Dan wanted to launch his boat to take advantage of the lake conditions, since they are changeable. There is a public access point to the lake just north of the cottage. As he was backing the boat trailer into the water he had to keep going since the water was so shallow. Unfortunately the van got stuck while he was trying to drive out so he decided it would be best to put the boat back on the trailer and call CAA. Dan stayed with the van while I walked back to the cottage to make the phone call. I was informed that we either had to detach the boat and trailer or add "recreational vehicle" to Dan's membership, which we chose to do. Amazingly I was not stressed. I was a lot calmer than I would have been in the past. I recognized this as an evidence of the Holy Spirit's empowering in my life. This was an inward working of the fruit of the Spirit.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to dance in the church service for one song, Refiners Fire, using a "fire flag". Before the service the other dancers and I discussed how and where we would dance with our flags. Everything started the way it was planned and then one of the dancers decided to dance "as the Spirit led" so I was immediately put into a place of depending on the Holy Spirit to empower me to continue and to not freeze on the spot or panic. I was able to refocus on the Lord and finish the dance. This was an inward working of the Holy Spirit that resulted in outward action.
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law." Galatians 5: 22,23 (NLT)
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4 : 11b-13 (NIV)
My husband Dan and I were away at a cottage for a few days last week. The lake was calm and Dan wanted to launch his boat to take advantage of the lake conditions, since they are changeable. There is a public access point to the lake just north of the cottage. As he was backing the boat trailer into the water he had to keep going since the water was so shallow. Unfortunately the van got stuck while he was trying to drive out so he decided it would be best to put the boat back on the trailer and call CAA. Dan stayed with the van while I walked back to the cottage to make the phone call. I was informed that we either had to detach the boat and trailer or add "recreational vehicle" to Dan's membership, which we chose to do. Amazingly I was not stressed. I was a lot calmer than I would have been in the past. I recognized this as an evidence of the Holy Spirit's empowering in my life. This was an inward working of the fruit of the Spirit.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to dance in the church service for one song, Refiners Fire, using a "fire flag". Before the service the other dancers and I discussed how and where we would dance with our flags. Everything started the way it was planned and then one of the dancers decided to dance "as the Spirit led" so I was immediately put into a place of depending on the Holy Spirit to empower me to continue and to not freeze on the spot or panic. I was able to refocus on the Lord and finish the dance. This was an inward working of the Holy Spirit that resulted in outward action.
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law." Galatians 5: 22,23 (NLT)
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4 : 11b-13 (NIV)
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Time to Fly
I know that I have been created to "fly", if I use the analogy of a bird. I have spent long enough time in the nest. It was quite comfortable in the nest. I knew the routines; what was expected of me; what roles I was to fulfill. I don't like change. I am most comfortable when things are peaceful; others are doing their part and I am doing mine.
God allowed me to be pushed from the nest, but instead of flying right away, I fell to the ground and my wings were broken. Time has passed and the Lord has healed my broken wings. I have been challenged to discover what God is doing around me. I can only see that when I fly. It is easy to build another nest; there are plenty of materials at my disposal. Yet that is not what God has called me to do. It wasn't a matter of changing nests, but rather that I am to fly.
My husband Dan wrote a song that ties in with this theme.
On The Wings Of An Eagle (Dan Antonio - September 20,2005)
On the wings of an eagle you will fly
Let the wind of My Spirit lift you high
Above the storm where the sun always shines
On the wings of an eagle you will fly
Cast your cares on Me
Your pain and sorrows too
Disappointment and broken dreams
I've a plan and purpose for you
I don't see you thru the eyes of sin
I see you thru a heart of love
You are beautiful and precious in My sight
You're My child, My heart's delight
"Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. they will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40: 28 - 31 (NLT)
God allowed me to be pushed from the nest, but instead of flying right away, I fell to the ground and my wings were broken. Time has passed and the Lord has healed my broken wings. I have been challenged to discover what God is doing around me. I can only see that when I fly. It is easy to build another nest; there are plenty of materials at my disposal. Yet that is not what God has called me to do. It wasn't a matter of changing nests, but rather that I am to fly.
My husband Dan wrote a song that ties in with this theme.
On The Wings Of An Eagle (Dan Antonio - September 20,2005)
On the wings of an eagle you will fly
Let the wind of My Spirit lift you high
Above the storm where the sun always shines
On the wings of an eagle you will fly
Cast your cares on Me
Your pain and sorrows too
Disappointment and broken dreams
I've a plan and purpose for you
I don't see you thru the eyes of sin
I see you thru a heart of love
You are beautiful and precious in My sight
You're My child, My heart's delight
"Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. they will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40: 28 - 31 (NLT)
Thursday, 14 June 2007
An Evening Boat Ride
There are benefits to living close to a river. We are a five minute drive from the Holland River, which runs into Lake Simcoe. We recently purchased a used 14 foot Legend aluminium boat. My husband, Dan, and our two sons have gone fishing quite regularly since acquiring this boat. They have found a dynamite fishing spot near the mouth of the river and the lake. They have caught several large pike and even some nice bass; but they had to throw them back since bass weren't in season.
I had not yet taken a boat ride, but Dan had promised to take me out after work. Tonight was the night. I had only been on the river once before, in the winter when we had walked on the ice. There are so many twists and turns. We saw osprey, blue herons and cormorants. As we headed out from town we passed yachts; sea planes; houseboats; and other types of water craft. There is a little community there.
As we were going up the river I felt like we were far from civilization. It reminded me of times when we have been at a cottage or camping. There is a sense of freedom on the water. It takes about 20 minutes to get from town to the mouth of the river. We had just enough time to go there and back before the sun was beginning to set.
As we were boating I had a deep sense of satisfaction. At that moment in time I was completely content. Thankfulness to God welled up in my spirit. I was thankful for the Lord blessing us with this boat; I was thankful for my husband taking me on this boat ride to show me what he and the boys experienced and where they fished.
We will probably fish there sometime. I have my fishing licence; but I only enjoy fishing when the fish are actually biting! I usually take along a book to occupy me when I get tired of the process and the fish aren't biting. I am looking forward to trying out the dynamite fishing spot; if I go by past results I should be able to catch something worthwhile too!
I had not yet taken a boat ride, but Dan had promised to take me out after work. Tonight was the night. I had only been on the river once before, in the winter when we had walked on the ice. There are so many twists and turns. We saw osprey, blue herons and cormorants. As we headed out from town we passed yachts; sea planes; houseboats; and other types of water craft. There is a little community there.
As we were going up the river I felt like we were far from civilization. It reminded me of times when we have been at a cottage or camping. There is a sense of freedom on the water. It takes about 20 minutes to get from town to the mouth of the river. We had just enough time to go there and back before the sun was beginning to set.
As we were boating I had a deep sense of satisfaction. At that moment in time I was completely content. Thankfulness to God welled up in my spirit. I was thankful for the Lord blessing us with this boat; I was thankful for my husband taking me on this boat ride to show me what he and the boys experienced and where they fished.
We will probably fish there sometime. I have my fishing licence; but I only enjoy fishing when the fish are actually biting! I usually take along a book to occupy me when I get tired of the process and the fish aren't biting. I am looking forward to trying out the dynamite fishing spot; if I go by past results I should be able to catch something worthwhile too!
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