Well, it has been many months since I last wrote. I haven't just not had the time, I've really not had any thoughts that were burning in me to blog. Since I last wrote, we opened our new Pizza Factory and that has meant spending long long days and nights of working at the store. As you can see by the new picture, the store is complete and beautiful. We are so pleased with the result.
Anyway, this morning I actually had a thought that was burning in me to blog. I was thanking my Heavenly Father for His faithfulness and provision to my husband and I and I realized how much I am loved and how much grace He has poured out upon us. I was also thinking about our store managers at our businesses, Leigh, Robin and Joni and realized how much I appreciate them. Without them we could not operate like we do. They are invaluable to us. The time and energy they exert to take care of our businesses is great.
But I then realized how much I love my daughter Kelly, who by the way is within 18 days of giving birth to our first grandchild! As much as I appreciate the hard work that our managers exert for us, Kelly is the one who I hold in my heart as precious. I would never consider leaving our inheritance to anyone but her, even though she doesn't do anything workwise for me. She is precious to me because she is my child.
That led me to the thought about God's grace and love. It isn't a matter of our working hard for Him or trying to please Him that causes Him to love us unconditionally. He loves us because we are His, His precious children. How grateful I am that I can never do anything to cause Him to love me more or less. His love for me reaches to the heavens. Wow!
Anyway, hopefully I'll have more time and thoughts to spend here on my blog. I have missed it. I hope now to get back to writing and speaking God's grace and love to women everywhere!
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Friday, October 2, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
Building Project
Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote last. I knew that building a restaurant would be challenging, but I had no idea how many decisions concerning the building, along with choices of finishes and equipment that would have to be made. My husband and I both feel like we are being schooled in this new area of construction. I hope we make the grade!!
God continues to remind me that, regardless of the current economic condition of our country, and the challenges that so many face, that we have much to be thankful for. In this week of Thanksgiving, I just want to thank Him for everything He has given us. Above all, His grace is sufficient! Happy Thanksgiving to all.
God continues to remind me that, regardless of the current economic condition of our country, and the challenges that so many face, that we have much to be thankful for. In this week of Thanksgiving, I just want to thank Him for everything He has given us. Above all, His grace is sufficient! Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
We are Called to be Overcomers
I think one of the most frustrating things for me is being in relationship with imperfect Christians. Don't ask me why I think they should be perfect, I certainly am not. But something in me screams when I am slighted or hurt by another Christian.
Example: We are dealing with a very difficult Christian in the midst of our project development (I'll call her Jill) and every time I talk with her, I can barely contain the frustration and anger that surges within and throughout me.
Last night I had to spend some time talking to God about Jill. I started by whining quite a bit, justifying my anger and frustration and listing the incidences where I felt slighted. At that point I didn't feel any peace so I turned to the Word. Interesting how God knows exactly what we need at exactly the right moment. A passage in Acts 4:32-33 says,"Now the multitudes of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common..." I know this didn't specifically address my issues with Jill, but of course the Word is living and active and went right to my heart.
What I sensed at that point was that I had no grace, mercy or love for Jill. I only want her to suffer and be judged for her failings. As soon as I thought that, the Holy Spirit whispered the scripture from Luke 6:37-38 (I didn't know where it was so I looked it up, I just had Karen's version of it): Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Wow! Immediately I realized that even if I don't care about Jill, I certainly care about me and mine. (Sorry Lord, I have to be totally honest here!). If I dwell in anger at another person and judge or condemn them and not forgive them, I am going to suffer the consequences of that decision.
While I was talking to my husband about my thoughts, he said to me that Jill is accountable to God alone for her actions. I knew right away that he was right, even though I know there may be times when we have to hold others accountable for things. This really helped me to realize that she would be judged by God for her actions and that ultimately I needed to pray for her that she would see her sin and repent so that she would not have to be judged. (I go in and out of willingness to do this!)
As I wrestled with God over this whole thing, I heard the word "Overcomer". I had a sudden understanding that an overcomer overcomes the desire to wound back, to hate and to dwell in anger. Every time we choose forgiveness over hatred, every time we choose blessing over cursing, every time we choose God's ways over the devil's schemes, Jesus' Kingdom comes into that situation. That is one of the ways that His Kingdom comes, through our minute by minute choices. And as we make those choices, we become overcomers. We are called to desire the Kingdom of God to advance in the earth and so of course He gives us opportunities to choose blessing over cursing. And of course, God's abundantly compassionate heart makes sure that we too are blessed with our Godly decisions as He then pours a good measure into our laps. So, in the end, everyone benefits! Wow, God, You continue to amaze me more and more each day!
By the way, I felt much more peaceful after this time of ministry from the Lord. Thank you Father, for allowing us to come into contact with hard people so that Your Kingdom can come in our lives and theirs.
Example: We are dealing with a very difficult Christian in the midst of our project development (I'll call her Jill) and every time I talk with her, I can barely contain the frustration and anger that surges within and throughout me.
Last night I had to spend some time talking to God about Jill. I started by whining quite a bit, justifying my anger and frustration and listing the incidences where I felt slighted. At that point I didn't feel any peace so I turned to the Word. Interesting how God knows exactly what we need at exactly the right moment. A passage in Acts 4:32-33 says,"Now the multitudes of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common..." I know this didn't specifically address my issues with Jill, but of course the Word is living and active and went right to my heart.
What I sensed at that point was that I had no grace, mercy or love for Jill. I only want her to suffer and be judged for her failings. As soon as I thought that, the Holy Spirit whispered the scripture from Luke 6:37-38 (I didn't know where it was so I looked it up, I just had Karen's version of it): Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Wow! Immediately I realized that even if I don't care about Jill, I certainly care about me and mine. (Sorry Lord, I have to be totally honest here!). If I dwell in anger at another person and judge or condemn them and not forgive them, I am going to suffer the consequences of that decision.
While I was talking to my husband about my thoughts, he said to me that Jill is accountable to God alone for her actions. I knew right away that he was right, even though I know there may be times when we have to hold others accountable for things. This really helped me to realize that she would be judged by God for her actions and that ultimately I needed to pray for her that she would see her sin and repent so that she would not have to be judged. (I go in and out of willingness to do this!)
As I wrestled with God over this whole thing, I heard the word "Overcomer". I had a sudden understanding that an overcomer overcomes the desire to wound back, to hate and to dwell in anger. Every time we choose forgiveness over hatred, every time we choose blessing over cursing, every time we choose God's ways over the devil's schemes, Jesus' Kingdom comes into that situation. That is one of the ways that His Kingdom comes, through our minute by minute choices. And as we make those choices, we become overcomers. We are called to desire the Kingdom of God to advance in the earth and so of course He gives us opportunities to choose blessing over cursing. And of course, God's abundantly compassionate heart makes sure that we too are blessed with our Godly decisions as He then pours a good measure into our laps. So, in the end, everyone benefits! Wow, God, You continue to amaze me more and more each day!
By the way, I felt much more peaceful after this time of ministry from the Lord. Thank you Father, for allowing us to come into contact with hard people so that Your Kingdom can come in our lives and theirs.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Another Grass Observation
It's interesting that God spoke to me a couple of days ago through grass while I was golfing and now today He spoke to me again through grass. We lost a tree because of the wind in our front yard awhile back and we have tried to replace that spot with grass. We've had a hard time getting our grass to grow well in that spot because it's such a large spot. The rest of the grass in the yard is surrounded by well established grass, so it is thick and green, but this new spot has more dirt than grass so it can't stay wet enough. There is not enough established grass surrounding it to protect it and keep it hydrated. (I mentioned in my last post that it gets over 100 degrees daily here in the summer!)
As I was out watering that spot today I realized that when we are not surrounded by spiritually well hydrated people who are drinking daily and thick with the Lord's presence, there is a chance that we will dry out and die. We can't do this walk alone, I need you and you need me. None of us are doing it perfectly, but regardless, we still need each other. We need a lot of grace with each other to finish well on this walk on Planet Earth. But Praise God that He holds abundant amounts of grace just waiting to pour it out upon us. Let's ask for it abundantly!!
As I was out watering that spot today I realized that when we are not surrounded by spiritually well hydrated people who are drinking daily and thick with the Lord's presence, there is a chance that we will dry out and die. We can't do this walk alone, I need you and you need me. None of us are doing it perfectly, but regardless, we still need each other. We need a lot of grace with each other to finish well on this walk on Planet Earth. But Praise God that He holds abundant amounts of grace just waiting to pour it out upon us. Let's ask for it abundantly!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Longer I Know Him...
The longer I know Him, the more I realize the depths of His goodness.
The longer I know Him, the more I realize that it's more about Him than me.
The longer I know Him, the more I realize it's all His work to do and my job to trust Him.
A T. Davis Bunn book I'm reading has a line in it...the fictional video game junkie says, "That was the trouble with reality. He could never get it to do what he wanted." I had to think a long time about this. What makes us think that we can control or manage our reality? The more I try, the more the Lord thwarts what I try to control. He knows how dangerous it is for me to be in control, so He allows my plans to find invisible walls around them. As they fall apart, He arises in His perfect ways and gently (well, maybe it doesn't always seem so gentle) moves me toward what He has already, always purposed for me. Oh, Lord, give me more grace, more trust. Help me in my unbelief. Allow me to see your gracious Hand in everything around me. Amen!
The longer I know Him, the more I realize that it's more about Him than me.
The longer I know Him, the more I realize it's all His work to do and my job to trust Him.
A T. Davis Bunn book I'm reading has a line in it...the fictional video game junkie says, "That was the trouble with reality. He could never get it to do what he wanted." I had to think a long time about this. What makes us think that we can control or manage our reality? The more I try, the more the Lord thwarts what I try to control. He knows how dangerous it is for me to be in control, so He allows my plans to find invisible walls around them. As they fall apart, He arises in His perfect ways and gently (well, maybe it doesn't always seem so gentle) moves me toward what He has already, always purposed for me. Oh, Lord, give me more grace, more trust. Help me in my unbelief. Allow me to see your gracious Hand in everything around me. Amen!
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