Thursday, May 22, 2008
Prayer Request
I suspect that by now you have heard the news of the death of Steven and MaryBeth Chapman's youngest daughter, Maria Sue (and third adopted from China). Here is a link to a memorial blog and more information http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/inmemoryofmaria/ I cannot begin to imagine how a family deals with a tragedy such as this. This is one of those "whys" we ask God - perfect timing for our current sermon series. I'm at a loss for words and am brought to tears as I think of the blessing Maryn has brought to my life. I know I'll be hugging on her more and thanking God for her!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
Yesterday was a wonderful day for me, one that I've looked forward to for 3 years. It was my first mother's day with Maryn. It was also the day we dedicated her. We were surrounded by our parents and wonderful church family. Rich surprised me with a video of Maryn saying "Happy Mommy Day!" It seems he had to work pretty hard to get the words out, then took some time editing, but one of the best mother's day gifts!
While it was wonderful for me, I talked to a friend who is a military mom whose husband was recently deployed to Iraq. Talking to her gave me perspective on just how blessed I am and how blessed we are as a country, for the men and women who serve in the military and the families they leave behind. Thank you ladies for your sacrifice! I pray that God will bless you and your families, especially those whose husbands are currently deployed!
While it was wonderful for me, I talked to a friend who is a military mom whose husband was recently deployed to Iraq. Talking to her gave me perspective on just how blessed I am and how blessed we are as a country, for the men and women who serve in the military and the families they leave behind. Thank you ladies for your sacrifice! I pray that God will bless you and your families, especially those whose husbands are currently deployed!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Mary Heart Martha World Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Kitchen Service
Dwight L. Moody said, “Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the ninety-nine will read the Christian.” p. 83
There is truth and conviction in that statement. We discussed the people whose lives made us first notice Christ. This is why Kitchen Service is so important…our service can point others to Christ or push them away.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
We read the example of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17. This act would have been shocking to the disciples. They would have considered beneath them to even was Jesus’ feet so to have Jesus bend down and wash theirs was unthinkable. This was also the only time in Scripture that Jesus told the disciples to follow his example. He meant for us to serve one another.
We also looked at three passages: Mark 1:29-34 Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law and those who came to the door, Mark 6:30-34 Jesus stopped and ministered to the crowd, and Mark 7:31-35 Jesus took a deaf man aside and healed him. In these passages we see Jesus serving others as he went on his way, as he went out of his way, and in all kinds of ways. Then we discussed how we could practically serve others and show Christ’s love in different areas of our lives.
We discussed using our spiritual gifts and talents for the Lord. One thing the book pointed out that although discovering your spiritual gift is helpful in many ways, it has also become an excuse for many of us not to do things in the church. There are things that need to be done and the way to find our balance is to spend time in the Living Room with Christ first, then we will know when we need to respond.
One of the ladies at church recently shared with me that a pastor told her each person in the church should serve in two areas: one in which they are passionate and one in which something just needs to be done. I thought this was a simple way to make sure we are humbling ourselves in service as a member of the church body.
Finally we looked at Acts 3:1-10 as an example of how to serve. When we serve, we must do it in a way that points people to Jesus or “we risk becoming surrogate messiahs” (page 96). We must always be looking for what God is doing around us and join Him there.
If you are interested in learning more about servant evangelism, I highly recommend reading “Conspiracy of Kindness: A Refreshing New Approach to Sharing the Love of Jesus” by Steve Sjogren.
Our discussion closed with 1 Corinthians 10:31-33…
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Dwight L. Moody said, “Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the ninety-nine will read the Christian.” p. 83
There is truth and conviction in that statement. We discussed the people whose lives made us first notice Christ. This is why Kitchen Service is so important…our service can point others to Christ or push them away.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
We read the example of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17. This act would have been shocking to the disciples. They would have considered beneath them to even was Jesus’ feet so to have Jesus bend down and wash theirs was unthinkable. This was also the only time in Scripture that Jesus told the disciples to follow his example. He meant for us to serve one another.
We also looked at three passages: Mark 1:29-34 Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law and those who came to the door, Mark 6:30-34 Jesus stopped and ministered to the crowd, and Mark 7:31-35 Jesus took a deaf man aside and healed him. In these passages we see Jesus serving others as he went on his way, as he went out of his way, and in all kinds of ways. Then we discussed how we could practically serve others and show Christ’s love in different areas of our lives.
We discussed using our spiritual gifts and talents for the Lord. One thing the book pointed out that although discovering your spiritual gift is helpful in many ways, it has also become an excuse for many of us not to do things in the church. There are things that need to be done and the way to find our balance is to spend time in the Living Room with Christ first, then we will know when we need to respond.
One of the ladies at church recently shared with me that a pastor told her each person in the church should serve in two areas: one in which they are passionate and one in which something just needs to be done. I thought this was a simple way to make sure we are humbling ourselves in service as a member of the church body.
Finally we looked at Acts 3:1-10 as an example of how to serve. When we serve, we must do it in a way that points people to Jesus or “we risk becoming surrogate messiahs” (page 96). We must always be looking for what God is doing around us and join Him there.
If you are interested in learning more about servant evangelism, I highly recommend reading “Conspiracy of Kindness: A Refreshing New Approach to Sharing the Love of Jesus” by Steve Sjogren.
Our discussion closed with 1 Corinthians 10:31-33…
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Beautiful Woman in Christ
We had a great Mom's Time Cafe at the Markle's home this past Saturday. There was time to get to know other moms, time to laugh at some Anita Renfroe DVD clips and be encouraged by a devotional shared by Pastor Steve's mom, Leslie. The devotional was so inspiring that I knew it had to be put on the blog for all to see and think about. (Leslie used the outline below from www.creativeladiesministry.com by Julia Bettencourt, but shared other scripture and examples from her own life.)
As we go through our daily "beauty routine" think of the parallels spiritually.
1. Cleanser - In order to make ourselves beautiful, we have to first cleanse ourselves of all unwanted impurities. Our cleansing agent works through our confession and God's forgiveness. I John 1:9
2. Moisturizer - Having compassion can be a good moisturizer. When we start seeing others and their need instead of our own it can really soften us up! Jude 21, 22
3. Wrinkle Cream - If we want to smooth out those wrinkles how about applying a meek and quiet spirit? I Peter 3:4
4. Foundation - We need to start with a good foundation and what is better than the Word of God? If we have the Word of God in our hearts the rest of our spiritual make-up can be easily applies. Psa 119:11
5. Eye Makeup - To keep our eyes shinning the brightest we need to guard them from seeing things that are not fitting of a beautiful woman in Christ. I Cor 6:19
6. Lipstick - To make the face complete don't forget your lips. Apply lipstick in the shade of "pleasantness" daily for best results. Prov 16:24
7. Blush - The blush we apply should be God's love radiating through us. Rom 5:5
8. Hand Lotion - We don't want our hands to become dry and brittle so we need to apply some generosity and good deeds. Prov 31:31
9. Food Therapy - Sometimes when we overlook our feet they can get callused and rough so we need to get them going in the right direction. Take your feet only to the places that Christ would approve. I Thes 5:22
I hope these words cause you to think the next time you're getting ready!
As we go through our daily "beauty routine" think of the parallels spiritually.
1. Cleanser - In order to make ourselves beautiful, we have to first cleanse ourselves of all unwanted impurities. Our cleansing agent works through our confession and God's forgiveness. I John 1:9
2. Moisturizer - Having compassion can be a good moisturizer. When we start seeing others and their need instead of our own it can really soften us up! Jude 21, 22
3. Wrinkle Cream - If we want to smooth out those wrinkles how about applying a meek and quiet spirit? I Peter 3:4
4. Foundation - We need to start with a good foundation and what is better than the Word of God? If we have the Word of God in our hearts the rest of our spiritual make-up can be easily applies. Psa 119:11
5. Eye Makeup - To keep our eyes shinning the brightest we need to guard them from seeing things that are not fitting of a beautiful woman in Christ. I Cor 6:19
6. Lipstick - To make the face complete don't forget your lips. Apply lipstick in the shade of "pleasantness" daily for best results. Prov 16:24
7. Blush - The blush we apply should be God's love radiating through us. Rom 5:5
8. Hand Lotion - We don't want our hands to become dry and brittle so we need to apply some generosity and good deeds. Prov 31:31
9. Food Therapy - Sometimes when we overlook our feet they can get callused and rough so we need to get them going in the right direction. Take your feet only to the places that Christ would approve. I Thes 5:22
I hope these words cause you to think the next time you're getting ready!
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