I just read the story of Esther. The most well known verse in this book is Esther 4:14. The story of Esther is a rags to riches or nobody to somebody story that intrigues me. Not because Esther was an unknown Jewish girl who became Queen of Persia but because her Uncle Mordecai was convinced that she was Queen in order to save her people...born for such a time as this.
As I think about it, I was born for this time. When I was born and where I live and work is not an accident or coincidence. God has had plans for me from before I was born. Granted I ran from God for many years and often tried my best to thwart His plans because I wanted to do what I wanted to do. That only led to disaster.
But God never gave up on me and His plan for me is still unfolding. As long as I live, He has purpose and plans that only I can fulfill. There is no one in the universe like me. I find that to be absolutely mind boggling. I may not ever do anything "great" in the eyes of men but being obedient in all things, big and small, that God puts before me, means that I am fulfilling my purpose.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
I Wonder...
I just finished reading Nehemiah. One of the things I like about Nehemiah's writing style is he puts short little prayers everywhere. As he's telling what the "bad" guys did to oppose the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, he just lights into a prayer asking God to deal with them. (Neh. 4:4-5) Then he goes on with his narrative.
Sometimes it's just one sentence like the end of Nehemiah 6:9 - strengthen my hands. Over in the New Testament writings, Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. I think Nehemiah already had that one down.
One of the most interesting things in the book is the prayer of confession of sins in Chapter 9. The people don't just confess their sins but go all the way back to the beginning to the promise God gave Abraham after calling him out of Ur. They confess the sins of their fathers starting with Moses in the wilderness and God's great mercies toward them and come forward until the present day. One theme is the people are stiff necked and sinful but God always forgives when the people cry out in their distress.
I wonder...what would happen if we could get the leaders in America to stand before the people and pray for forgiveness for the sins we've committed as a people, as a country. The hatred, the violence, the abortions, the homosexuality, the lust, the debt, the greed and on and on and on. But I think too often, Christ followers believe THEY have been unfaithful when in reality WE have been unfaithful. So maybe is we just confessed our sins more and then were more obedient God would respond in a favorable way to our country in our time of distress.
Sometimes it's just one sentence like the end of Nehemiah 6:9 - strengthen my hands. Over in the New Testament writings, Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. I think Nehemiah already had that one down.
One of the most interesting things in the book is the prayer of confession of sins in Chapter 9. The people don't just confess their sins but go all the way back to the beginning to the promise God gave Abraham after calling him out of Ur. They confess the sins of their fathers starting with Moses in the wilderness and God's great mercies toward them and come forward until the present day. One theme is the people are stiff necked and sinful but God always forgives when the people cry out in their distress.
I wonder...what would happen if we could get the leaders in America to stand before the people and pray for forgiveness for the sins we've committed as a people, as a country. The hatred, the violence, the abortions, the homosexuality, the lust, the debt, the greed and on and on and on. But I think too often, Christ followers believe THEY have been unfaithful when in reality WE have been unfaithful. So maybe is we just confessed our sins more and then were more obedient God would respond in a favorable way to our country in our time of distress.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Prayer and Action
In the book of Nehemiah we are told the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the exiles returned from Babylon and Persia. The Jews were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who was later defeated by the Persians.
The people were allowed to go back home at 3 separate times. Nehemiah was in the last group to go. He was the cup bearer (aka wine taster/poison control) to King Artaxeres. Nehemiah had always been cheerful but one day he was really sad because he had gotten word that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins and the gates had been burned. When King Artaxeres noticed Nehemiah's distress he asked the cause and then allowed Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding project.
As the people were working there were those who opposed them fiercely. They tried to discourage the Jews every way they new how. When that didn't work, they planned to fight them. Nehemiah had been praying and telling the people to be courageous but when he learned of the planned battle the Bible tells us in Nehemiah 4:9 that they prayed and then set up a guard. Later we learn that half the men worked on the walls and half were dressed and ready for battle.
Too often when we pray we are inactive in our waiting on God. Waiting is actually an active thing not passive. Nehemiah prayed for God's protection but armed the men for battle. When I pray for God's intervention in my life, I should also be active. If I am in the midst of financial distress, I should be cutting my expenses and living on a budget as I wait for God to help. If I need a job, I should let people know I am looking and send out some resumes or go back to school. If I need physical healing, I should see the doctor and take his advice and the prescribed medications.
God expects our faith to be in Him but at the same time He expects us to use the resources He puts around us. I heard a funny/sad story one time of a man caught in a flood. The rescue team comes by to take the man to safety but the man wouldn't leave. He said I've prayed and God will save me. A little later when the man has to go to the 2nd story of his house because the water is rising, a motor boat comes by but again the man won't leave. Finally the man is on the roof of the house and a helicopter comes but again he refuses to leave and dies in the flood. When he gets to heaven, he tells St Peter I thought God would save me when I prayed. St Peter replied, God sent you the rescue team, the motorboat and the helicopter...what more did you want?
God's remedy for my finances will not be the lottery or money falling from heaven. A new job will hardly be offered if I don't let people know I want one. God is the Great Physician but He gives doctors wisdom to be His instruments in the process of healing. I should pray fervently but also take action to prepare for battle.
The people were allowed to go back home at 3 separate times. Nehemiah was in the last group to go. He was the cup bearer (aka wine taster/poison control) to King Artaxeres. Nehemiah had always been cheerful but one day he was really sad because he had gotten word that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins and the gates had been burned. When King Artaxeres noticed Nehemiah's distress he asked the cause and then allowed Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding project.
As the people were working there were those who opposed them fiercely. They tried to discourage the Jews every way they new how. When that didn't work, they planned to fight them. Nehemiah had been praying and telling the people to be courageous but when he learned of the planned battle the Bible tells us in Nehemiah 4:9 that they prayed and then set up a guard. Later we learn that half the men worked on the walls and half were dressed and ready for battle.
Too often when we pray we are inactive in our waiting on God. Waiting is actually an active thing not passive. Nehemiah prayed for God's protection but armed the men for battle. When I pray for God's intervention in my life, I should also be active. If I am in the midst of financial distress, I should be cutting my expenses and living on a budget as I wait for God to help. If I need a job, I should let people know I am looking and send out some resumes or go back to school. If I need physical healing, I should see the doctor and take his advice and the prescribed medications.
God expects our faith to be in Him but at the same time He expects us to use the resources He puts around us. I heard a funny/sad story one time of a man caught in a flood. The rescue team comes by to take the man to safety but the man wouldn't leave. He said I've prayed and God will save me. A little later when the man has to go to the 2nd story of his house because the water is rising, a motor boat comes by but again the man won't leave. Finally the man is on the roof of the house and a helicopter comes but again he refuses to leave and dies in the flood. When he gets to heaven, he tells St Peter I thought God would save me when I prayed. St Peter replied, God sent you the rescue team, the motorboat and the helicopter...what more did you want?
God's remedy for my finances will not be the lottery or money falling from heaven. A new job will hardly be offered if I don't let people know I want one. God is the Great Physician but He gives doctors wisdom to be His instruments in the process of healing. I should pray fervently but also take action to prepare for battle.
Grandkids and the Rain
I wasn't sure how this weekend was going to stack up. It's been raining a lot for several days. When the grandkids come on the weekend, I like having options...like going for a walk or going to the park or riding skateboards and bicycles but when it's pouring down rain those are not really good options.
While we were at supper Friday night, Nathan's best friend called to ask him to go to the 7 PM movie. So we met Cole and his mom and dad at the theater and then Bella and I headed home to a Little Rascals movie. By the time it was over Nate was home so we watched Shrek. When Bella fell asleep...she brought her princess tent and set it up in my bedroom, Nathan wanted to watch I Am Legend. Since his mom sent it with him, I said OK. About 30 minutes in we turned it off and put Shrek back in. I Am Legend was just too intense for a 9 year old, and me too.
I think we watched Shrek 5 times this weekend. I hope I don't have to see it again any time soon. I guess we didn't REALLY watch it all those times, but it was playing. Nathan was busy with his Teck Decks most of the time and Bella was jumping on the mini trampoline.
Teck Decks are little finger skateboards with removable trucks. He also has a ramp, some stairs with a rail and a quarter pipe for doing tricks. I knew he had 'em but I didn't know they are such a big deal. We watched several videos on You Tube about how to do tricks with them. Nathan amazes me sometimes. He can do all the tricks with his fingers on these little boards that he can do on his real skateboard.
We also went to the hardware store and got Nathan a roll of duct tape. Seems there is a fad where kids make hats and wallets and such out of duct tape.
Bella, the little princess, got to help cook breakfast and lunch. At 4 1/2 she is REAL slow but loves to help so I try to slow my pace to hers. She was so proud of all she did to help. All in all it was a much quieter weekend than we usually have and don't really know why. I love it when they come, but I also love it when they leave! Ah, the joy of being Grandma Nancy!
Now, for a long night's sleep and a full day of volunteering at NewSpring Church.
While we were at supper Friday night, Nathan's best friend called to ask him to go to the 7 PM movie. So we met Cole and his mom and dad at the theater and then Bella and I headed home to a Little Rascals movie. By the time it was over Nate was home so we watched Shrek. When Bella fell asleep...she brought her princess tent and set it up in my bedroom, Nathan wanted to watch I Am Legend. Since his mom sent it with him, I said OK. About 30 minutes in we turned it off and put Shrek back in. I Am Legend was just too intense for a 9 year old, and me too.
I think we watched Shrek 5 times this weekend. I hope I don't have to see it again any time soon. I guess we didn't REALLY watch it all those times, but it was playing. Nathan was busy with his Teck Decks most of the time and Bella was jumping on the mini trampoline.
Teck Decks are little finger skateboards with removable trucks. He also has a ramp, some stairs with a rail and a quarter pipe for doing tricks. I knew he had 'em but I didn't know they are such a big deal. We watched several videos on You Tube about how to do tricks with them. Nathan amazes me sometimes. He can do all the tricks with his fingers on these little boards that he can do on his real skateboard.
We also went to the hardware store and got Nathan a roll of duct tape. Seems there is a fad where kids make hats and wallets and such out of duct tape.
Bella, the little princess, got to help cook breakfast and lunch. At 4 1/2 she is REAL slow but loves to help so I try to slow my pace to hers. She was so proud of all she did to help. All in all it was a much quieter weekend than we usually have and don't really know why. I love it when they come, but I also love it when they leave! Ah, the joy of being Grandma Nancy!
Now, for a long night's sleep and a full day of volunteering at NewSpring Church.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
God's Will
Someone recently said to me that you can't know God's will but I think you can. I know God's will for me is to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and to love my neighbor as myself.
I know I am to be sexually pure in and out of marriage; give a tithe to the church; give offerings to help the poor. I am to avoid drunkenness, greed, gossip and malicious anger among other things. I am to gather with other believers for worship. I am to pray and to fast. I am not to partner with someone in marriage or business who does not have the same beliefs I have. I am not to worry but trust God to take care of me. I am to spend less than I make so that I don't have debt. I am to live a life of freedom. I am to tell others about the saving power of Jesus Christ. I am to serve Him by serving others. I am to live at peace with others and to be holy.
Does it help me know who to marry? Yep...someone with the same beliefs. Does it help me know which house to buy? Yes...the one I can afford. That also can be applied to colleges and cars and all sorts of things. Should I actually commit to membership in a church? Absolutely...to be with other believers and to give my tithe. Should I volunteer in the community? Yes, to serve Christ. Invite friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances to church? Yes, to tell them about Jesus. And that doesn't even get me started on all that I know is God's will for me.
Some things are more easily known than others perhaps like hiring and firing employees, changing jobs, moving to a new city, investing money. But if I read the Bible, seek God in prayer - really pray without ceasing, and LISTEN for His voice He will make His will known for every situation.
I know I am to be sexually pure in and out of marriage; give a tithe to the church; give offerings to help the poor. I am to avoid drunkenness, greed, gossip and malicious anger among other things. I am to gather with other believers for worship. I am to pray and to fast. I am not to partner with someone in marriage or business who does not have the same beliefs I have. I am not to worry but trust God to take care of me. I am to spend less than I make so that I don't have debt. I am to live a life of freedom. I am to tell others about the saving power of Jesus Christ. I am to serve Him by serving others. I am to live at peace with others and to be holy.
Does it help me know who to marry? Yep...someone with the same beliefs. Does it help me know which house to buy? Yes...the one I can afford. That also can be applied to colleges and cars and all sorts of things. Should I actually commit to membership in a church? Absolutely...to be with other believers and to give my tithe. Should I volunteer in the community? Yes, to serve Christ. Invite friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances to church? Yes, to tell them about Jesus. And that doesn't even get me started on all that I know is God's will for me.
Some things are more easily known than others perhaps like hiring and firing employees, changing jobs, moving to a new city, investing money. But if I read the Bible, seek God in prayer - really pray without ceasing, and LISTEN for His voice He will make His will known for every situation.
God's Plans Always Succeed
Ezra 1:1 contains an interesting statement. God stirred the heart of a pagan king to do something that would fulfill a prophecy spoken by God through Jeremiah 70 years before.
The prophecy is Jeremiah 29:10, the next verse 29:11 completes verse 10 by stating "for I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." We fret and worry and struggle when we don't have to.
The prophecy is Jeremiah 29:10, the next verse 29:11 completes verse 10 by stating "for I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." We fret and worry and struggle when we don't have to.
Rainy Days
Rainy days...I don't like them much when it's cold or even chilly or windy. I don't like them much when I have to get out of bed and get out in the weather. Today is one of those days. I really did want to just turn over and stay in bed for a long time. I guess a lazy streak has attacked me.
I don't think I could live in a section of America - or the world - where days are gray more than they are sunny. Too much gray is not good for you; your mood can begin to turn gray too.
I am thankful, though, for the rain and the gray days we've had recently. The upstate of SC has been in a serious drought condition for several years. Finally having rain on a semi-regular basis is an answer to prayer. The grass, trees and flowers love a little regular rain. The creeks, ponds and lakes are getting a little fuller. The water table is rising a little. And for that I can thank God.
In Old Testament times, God withheld the rain to show his power and to humble his people, does He still do that today - or is it just global warming or something? I believe my God is the creator who controls it all and still has His hand on this world. The wind and waves obeyed the voice of Jesus during a storm 2000 years ago, why would they not obey today?
I don't think I could live in a section of America - or the world - where days are gray more than they are sunny. Too much gray is not good for you; your mood can begin to turn gray too.
I am thankful, though, for the rain and the gray days we've had recently. The upstate of SC has been in a serious drought condition for several years. Finally having rain on a semi-regular basis is an answer to prayer. The grass, trees and flowers love a little regular rain. The creeks, ponds and lakes are getting a little fuller. The water table is rising a little. And for that I can thank God.
In Old Testament times, God withheld the rain to show his power and to humble his people, does He still do that today - or is it just global warming or something? I believe my God is the creator who controls it all and still has His hand on this world. The wind and waves obeyed the voice of Jesus during a storm 2000 years ago, why would they not obey today?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Financial Upheavel
Yesterday, I fired my financial advisor. Several times in the many months that my investments lost traction and lots of money, I went to my advisor for input and to talk about what I wanted to do. Basically I was told that he knew best and leave it to him. I certainly don't know enough about stocks and bonds and mutual funds to want to go to a "do it yourself" trading position but I did know some things I wanted but didn't get.
So yesterday I found a new guy who is with Edward Jones and for the first time in almost a year have renewed confidence in the guy handling my money. And I am sure this is a God thing. Last December I was sure I should pull a considerable portion out of the market and, at least temporarily, increase my cash position. My old advisor didn't agree and I lost more money. As a 60 year old grandma, it made sense to me to limit my exposure to the market for a while.
This time around - although it is really late in the game and the market rally was starting - I heeded the call to pull my money out. I really didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it but I did find a 12 month CD at a local bank paying 3.5% so my plan was to drop it in there. This was on Monday.
Now, back up to last fall and the Financial Learning Experience at NewSpring Church taught by our financial pastor Joe Sangle. He mentioned investing with Edward Jones and how much he likes them cause they are all over the country. Since he travels a lot this is convenient for him. At the time I thought - I know someone at Edward Jones - but couldn't remember his name. I hadn't thought about it again.
Fast forward now to yesterday, Tuesday, morning. I wake up and I know the Edward Jones guy's name, Thomas McCarver. We used to go to church together and both served on the media team but I had not seen him in 2 years or so, and have not been in that church for almost a year. So, who put his name in my head overnight? God! Ya reckon??
I called Thomas on Tuesday morning got an appointment and spent 3 hours talking about my goals and the best way to achieve them. I actually now have an advisor who seems to care about my comfort level and my security and my financial future. Thank you, God, for being EVER faithful if I will just do what you say; if I will follow those inclinations you put in my heart.
So yesterday I found a new guy who is with Edward Jones and for the first time in almost a year have renewed confidence in the guy handling my money. And I am sure this is a God thing. Last December I was sure I should pull a considerable portion out of the market and, at least temporarily, increase my cash position. My old advisor didn't agree and I lost more money. As a 60 year old grandma, it made sense to me to limit my exposure to the market for a while.
This time around - although it is really late in the game and the market rally was starting - I heeded the call to pull my money out. I really didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it but I did find a 12 month CD at a local bank paying 3.5% so my plan was to drop it in there. This was on Monday.
Now, back up to last fall and the Financial Learning Experience at NewSpring Church taught by our financial pastor Joe Sangle. He mentioned investing with Edward Jones and how much he likes them cause they are all over the country. Since he travels a lot this is convenient for him. At the time I thought - I know someone at Edward Jones - but couldn't remember his name. I hadn't thought about it again.
Fast forward now to yesterday, Tuesday, morning. I wake up and I know the Edward Jones guy's name, Thomas McCarver. We used to go to church together and both served on the media team but I had not seen him in 2 years or so, and have not been in that church for almost a year. So, who put his name in my head overnight? God! Ya reckon??
I called Thomas on Tuesday morning got an appointment and spent 3 hours talking about my goals and the best way to achieve them. I actually now have an advisor who seems to care about my comfort level and my security and my financial future. Thank you, God, for being EVER faithful if I will just do what you say; if I will follow those inclinations you put in my heart.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Fasting
On Sunday, Clayton King preached a message on fasting from Matthew 6. What a convicting day! He was talking about putting God first and fasting from anything (not just food) that comes before God in my life. What about TV - when I watch instead of reading God's word. Or the internet - when I could spend time in prayer.
He spoke to the teenagers about texting. He said the average teenager sends 118 texts a day. His challenge was "Have you spent even 3 minutes in the word of God?"
Fasting is a discipline that helps us connect with God. Fasting is NOT about being pious or better than anyone else. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees who fasted on the market days and put dirt on their faces and clothes so everyone would praise them for being so religious.
God doesn't want a bunch of religious people...He wants sons and daughters who have a personal relationship with a loving Father; men and women who follow Jesus with their whole heart.
He spoke to the teenagers about texting. He said the average teenager sends 118 texts a day. His challenge was "Have you spent even 3 minutes in the word of God?"
Fasting is a discipline that helps us connect with God. Fasting is NOT about being pious or better than anyone else. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees who fasted on the market days and put dirt on their faces and clothes so everyone would praise them for being so religious.
God doesn't want a bunch of religious people...He wants sons and daughters who have a personal relationship with a loving Father; men and women who follow Jesus with their whole heart.
Monday, March 23, 2009
2 Chronicles 20-28
Verses that I marked:
Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord, from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 20:3-4
We do not know what to do but our eyes are on You. 20:12b God gives wisdom to know what to do if I will keep my eyes on Him and not my circumstance.
Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not your but God's. 20:15b Thank You, Lord, for fighting my battles for me!
Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established, believe his prophets, and you will succeed. 20:20b
[Jehoshaphat] appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise Him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever." And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir so that they were routed. 20:21b-22a Who sends the choir into battle to walk BEFORE the soldiers? Maybe we should!
And [Jehoram] did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that He had made with David, and since He had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever. 21:6b-7 God is the only one who never breaks a promise!
...at the end of two years...[Jehoram] died in great agony. The people made no fire in his honor, like the fires made for his fathers. And he departed with no one's regret. 21:19b, 20b That to me is one of the saddest things I've read...he died with no one's regret.
But it was ordained by God...22:7a
Yet [God] sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention. 24:19 How often do I not pay attention when God is speaking to me?
And [Amaziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart. 25:2 When do I do the right things but not with my whole heart. God alone looks at the heart. Lord, help me to love you, to follow you, to serve you with my whole heart.
For God has power to help or cast down. 25:8b
The Lord is able to give you much more than this. 25:9b Amaziah was concerned about losing money he had spent for an army when God said send them home. Amaziah obeyed, was victorious in battle and took much spoil. WAY more than the 100 talents of silver he was concerned about losing.
[Uzziah] set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. 26:5
God helped him...26:7a
But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God. 26:16a Do I ever grow proud and fail to give God the recognition for his faithfulness and provision in my life?
For the Lord humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had made Judah act sinfully and had been very unfaithful to the Lord. 28:19 How important the role of the leaders of our country to lead the people in the ways of God. Here the whole country was humbled because they followed the ways of a leader who "did not do right in the eyes of the Lord." How necessary it is that I pray for our president!
Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord, from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 20:3-4
We do not know what to do but our eyes are on You. 20:12b God gives wisdom to know what to do if I will keep my eyes on Him and not my circumstance.
Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not your but God's. 20:15b Thank You, Lord, for fighting my battles for me!
Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established, believe his prophets, and you will succeed. 20:20b
[Jehoshaphat] appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise Him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever." And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir so that they were routed. 20:21b-22a Who sends the choir into battle to walk BEFORE the soldiers? Maybe we should!
And [Jehoram] did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that He had made with David, and since He had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever. 21:6b-7 God is the only one who never breaks a promise!
...at the end of two years...[Jehoram] died in great agony. The people made no fire in his honor, like the fires made for his fathers. And he departed with no one's regret. 21:19b, 20b That to me is one of the saddest things I've read...he died with no one's regret.
But it was ordained by God...22:7a
Yet [God] sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord. These testified against them, but they would not pay attention. 24:19 How often do I not pay attention when God is speaking to me?
And [Amaziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart. 25:2 When do I do the right things but not with my whole heart. God alone looks at the heart. Lord, help me to love you, to follow you, to serve you with my whole heart.
For God has power to help or cast down. 25:8b
The Lord is able to give you much more than this. 25:9b Amaziah was concerned about losing money he had spent for an army when God said send them home. Amaziah obeyed, was victorious in battle and took much spoil. WAY more than the 100 talents of silver he was concerned about losing.
[Uzziah] set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. 26:5
God helped him...26:7a
But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God. 26:16a Do I ever grow proud and fail to give God the recognition for his faithfulness and provision in my life?
For the Lord humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had made Judah act sinfully and had been very unfaithful to the Lord. 28:19 How important the role of the leaders of our country to lead the people in the ways of God. Here the whole country was humbled because they followed the ways of a leader who "did not do right in the eyes of the Lord." How necessary it is that I pray for our president!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Malaria Capers
Donald, in my home group, gave me a book called The Malaria Capers. This was written almost 20 years ago by a scientist/researcher named Robert Desowitz who was involved in Africa and Asia in the study of malaria, kala azar and other diseases caused by parasites.
To be a "technical" writing, it is an interesting and easy read. The story traces the history of the pursuit of the source and transmission of malaria. Donald gave it to me because I have spoken several times of my desire to go to Kenya with our church as part of a missions team. I'm not sure if he was trying to give me knowledge, scare me, dissuade me or what but reading this has heightened my desire to go.
So much of the world lives in such abject poverty with unclean water and unsanitary homes and villages because of a lack of proper sewage. The life span in many third world countries is 50...if you make it past childhood.
Most of this story takes place in India or nearby regions, rather than Africa where I hope to go, but it just breaks my heart to read of the suffering and hopelessness that pervades the life of so many. I don't know how I can help or what I can do but I think I can do SOMETHING!
To be a "technical" writing, it is an interesting and easy read. The story traces the history of the pursuit of the source and transmission of malaria. Donald gave it to me because I have spoken several times of my desire to go to Kenya with our church as part of a missions team. I'm not sure if he was trying to give me knowledge, scare me, dissuade me or what but reading this has heightened my desire to go.
So much of the world lives in such abject poverty with unclean water and unsanitary homes and villages because of a lack of proper sewage. The life span in many third world countries is 50...if you make it past childhood.
Most of this story takes place in India or nearby regions, rather than Africa where I hope to go, but it just breaks my heart to read of the suffering and hopelessness that pervades the life of so many. I don't know how I can help or what I can do but I think I can do SOMETHING!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Springtime
I love the spring. I love the longer days, the cool mornings and warm afternoons, the flowers and trees that are blooming - and the greening of the trees. I love going to the park for lunch and playing outside with my grandchildren. I love the blue skies and the smells and sounds of spring.
What I love most about spring is that it reminds me of God's faithfulness. After the barrenness of winter, trees with no leaves, skies often gray, wind and rain, short days and long nights, year after year spring comes.
Spring is rebirth, everything new and fresh, second chances. That's what God has promised for me. Jesus died to give me new life, to make me a new creation, to fulfill promises made long ago. Every time I screw up and ask for forgiveness, God forgives. God makes new opportunities for me to serve Him, new friends to laugh and cry with, new awareness of His presence, new understanding of His word.
What I love most about spring is that it reminds me of God's faithfulness. After the barrenness of winter, trees with no leaves, skies often gray, wind and rain, short days and long nights, year after year spring comes.
Spring is rebirth, everything new and fresh, second chances. That's what God has promised for me. Jesus died to give me new life, to make me a new creation, to fulfill promises made long ago. Every time I screw up and ask for forgiveness, God forgives. God makes new opportunities for me to serve Him, new friends to laugh and cry with, new awareness of His presence, new understanding of His word.
If...then
I'm continuing to read in 2 Chronicles. There are so many "if...then" statements in chapters 6 & 7 from both Solomon in his prayer and from God in his response to Solomon. Solomon's if then's are predominately about IF the people sin or forsake God in some way but realize it and pray for forgiveness, THEN God, please listen to their plea and forgive and heal.
God's response includes a frequently quoted verses, 2 Chronicles 7:14. Walking close to God requires commitment to His ways. I can not expect God to do for me if I am not willing to give Him my all. That's not to negate the fact that God can do anything He wants. He used pagan kings to accomplish His purpose. Some of the kings of Israel and Judah did evil in God's sight but He allowed them to rule for many years. He took many of the most unlikely men and women, murderers, liars, prostitutes, thieves and adulterers, and used them to accomplish His purpose and to bring glory to His name.
But...IF we confess our sins, THEN He is faithful to forgive us. IF I am willing to lose my life for Jesus, THEN I will save it. The paradox of following Christ.
God's response includes a frequently quoted verses, 2 Chronicles 7:14. Walking close to God requires commitment to His ways. I can not expect God to do for me if I am not willing to give Him my all. That's not to negate the fact that God can do anything He wants. He used pagan kings to accomplish His purpose. Some of the kings of Israel and Judah did evil in God's sight but He allowed them to rule for many years. He took many of the most unlikely men and women, murderers, liars, prostitutes, thieves and adulterers, and used them to accomplish His purpose and to bring glory to His name.
But...IF we confess our sins, THEN He is faithful to forgive us. IF I am willing to lose my life for Jesus, THEN I will save it. The paradox of following Christ.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Word Is Alive
One of the reasons I like reading the Bible from beginning to end is the continuity of the story but for me, reading this way helps bring it to life.
In Hebrews 4:12, we are told the word of God is living and active. As I read through the Bible I am able to see how God reveals Himself to His people; how He cares for them, instructs them, disciplins them; how faithful God is even when His people are not; how mighty and strong God is; how loving and tender God is; how God HATES sin but loves people - to the point of sacrificing His own Son to pay the penalty for sin for all mankind.
I read a lot. All kinds of books, fiction and non-fiction, but the Bible is the most fascinating book I ever read. I read it over and over and every time God shows me something different, something I have not seen before. Or perhaps I've read a familiar verse many times but this time God shows me a new insight. Of course, a lot of what I get out of my reading depends on where I am in my walk with God. The longer I walk with Him and the more I desire to get closer to Him, the more He shows me, the more He teaches me.
The Bible is my personal invitation from God to get to know Him in very personal ways. So I read it - not every day like I should - but 5 or 6 days a week. Sometimes it's in the morning, sometimes at night. I read it because I want to see "what will happen next", not just in the story I am reading but in my own life. Some days I have to make myself put it down because I have other things I need to do - like work or sleep or laundry or grocery shopping or something.
However, all of this an exercise in futility if I don't DO what it says. If I don't love or give or worship or repent or anything else that God pricks my heart with, then it's just another book to me. Reading to read is not the purpose; knowing and doing God's will as He reveals it to me from His word is the purpose.
In Hebrews 4:12, we are told the word of God is living and active. As I read through the Bible I am able to see how God reveals Himself to His people; how He cares for them, instructs them, disciplins them; how faithful God is even when His people are not; how mighty and strong God is; how loving and tender God is; how God HATES sin but loves people - to the point of sacrificing His own Son to pay the penalty for sin for all mankind.
I read a lot. All kinds of books, fiction and non-fiction, but the Bible is the most fascinating book I ever read. I read it over and over and every time God shows me something different, something I have not seen before. Or perhaps I've read a familiar verse many times but this time God shows me a new insight. Of course, a lot of what I get out of my reading depends on where I am in my walk with God. The longer I walk with Him and the more I desire to get closer to Him, the more He shows me, the more He teaches me.
The Bible is my personal invitation from God to get to know Him in very personal ways. So I read it - not every day like I should - but 5 or 6 days a week. Sometimes it's in the morning, sometimes at night. I read it because I want to see "what will happen next", not just in the story I am reading but in my own life. Some days I have to make myself put it down because I have other things I need to do - like work or sleep or laundry or grocery shopping or something.
However, all of this an exercise in futility if I don't DO what it says. If I don't love or give or worship or repent or anything else that God pricks my heart with, then it's just another book to me. Reading to read is not the purpose; knowing and doing God's will as He reveals it to me from His word is the purpose.
Generous giving
I've just finished reading 1 Chronicles. Throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, when there are stories of David, many prayers David prayed are recorded for our inspiration. One such prayer for me is in 1 Chronicles 29:10-20.
Just prior to this prayer, David has called all the leaders of Israel together to let them know that he had started making provision for the temple - the house for the Lord - to be built. David wanted to build it himself but God said he could not but Solomon, his son, would build it. David had accumulated gold and silver and bronze and iron and wood and marble.
David had already gathered up 100,000 talents of gold (a talent was about 75 pounds) and 1M talents of silver. Now King David is asking the people to join him in giving to the Lord's house and they do. The amounts that were given were staggering - at least to me.
What stands out to me most is verse 9...they made their offering willingly and wholeheartedly. This offering is what prompted David's prayer. David states more than once that he and the people are only giving what God has already given to them; that everything belongs to God and they are just giving it back.
That is the real crux of generous giving - recognizing that none of it is mine. That all I have and all I am comes from God and when he asks me to give back I should do so generously and willingly with wholehearted devotion to Him.
Just prior to this prayer, David has called all the leaders of Israel together to let them know that he had started making provision for the temple - the house for the Lord - to be built. David wanted to build it himself but God said he could not but Solomon, his son, would build it. David had accumulated gold and silver and bronze and iron and wood and marble.
David had already gathered up 100,000 talents of gold (a talent was about 75 pounds) and 1M talents of silver. Now King David is asking the people to join him in giving to the Lord's house and they do. The amounts that were given were staggering - at least to me.
What stands out to me most is verse 9...they made their offering willingly and wholeheartedly. This offering is what prompted David's prayer. David states more than once that he and the people are only giving what God has already given to them; that everything belongs to God and they are just giving it back.
That is the real crux of generous giving - recognizing that none of it is mine. That all I have and all I am comes from God and when he asks me to give back I should do so generously and willingly with wholehearted devotion to Him.
Unleash 09
It is now Saturday morning after Thursday spent at Unleash 09 at NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC. I am finally beginning to feel that I have recouped physically from the experience. I don't want to recoup from the spiritual and emotional experience.
To say I was tired when I got home is the understatement of the year. I was up at 4:15 Thursday morning to be in Anderson (50 minute drive) by 6 a.m. Once there it was full steam ahead for the next 12 hours. I sat down 3 times during the day, once on a concrete floor, for a total of 30 - 45 minutes. The rest of the time I was walking or standing or talking to people and smiling - always smiling! Physically, it was a very hard day. I got home about 8:15 Thursday night after a drive through the country and stopping for supper.
Would I do it again? Absolutely!! There were about 3000 people at my church from all over the USA and the world (at least I know there were people there from the UK). I personally talked to people from New Hampshire, Virginia, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Jersey and South Carolina. I talked to several church planters some with churches from 2 to 6 years old and one couple with a church launching in 2 weeks.
All these people had come to Anderson to hear my pastor, Perry Noble speak, and his staff lead breakout sessions to tell the attendees what God is doing in our area of His kingdom. Will they all agree with Perry and the things he said? No, but that is okay because Perry is always faithful to say what God lays on his heart without fear of man's liking it or not.
It was a WONDERFUL day for me as a volunteer. And I was smart enough to ask off for 2 days so I didn't have to go to work on Friday. Woo Hoo!! So now my old body and brain are just about back to normal. Of course, I have friends who would say they were never normal to begin with.
To say I was tired when I got home is the understatement of the year. I was up at 4:15 Thursday morning to be in Anderson (50 minute drive) by 6 a.m. Once there it was full steam ahead for the next 12 hours. I sat down 3 times during the day, once on a concrete floor, for a total of 30 - 45 minutes. The rest of the time I was walking or standing or talking to people and smiling - always smiling! Physically, it was a very hard day. I got home about 8:15 Thursday night after a drive through the country and stopping for supper.
Would I do it again? Absolutely!! There were about 3000 people at my church from all over the USA and the world (at least I know there were people there from the UK). I personally talked to people from New Hampshire, Virginia, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Jersey and South Carolina. I talked to several church planters some with churches from 2 to 6 years old and one couple with a church launching in 2 weeks.
All these people had come to Anderson to hear my pastor, Perry Noble speak, and his staff lead breakout sessions to tell the attendees what God is doing in our area of His kingdom. Will they all agree with Perry and the things he said? No, but that is okay because Perry is always faithful to say what God lays on his heart without fear of man's liking it or not.
It was a WONDERFUL day for me as a volunteer. And I was smart enough to ask off for 2 days so I didn't have to go to work on Friday. Woo Hoo!! So now my old body and brain are just about back to normal. Of course, I have friends who would say they were never normal to begin with.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Question Doesn't Change
I was reading 1 Chronicles 17 about David's desire to build a house for the Lord and God's response to David through Nathan the prophet. What struck me were all the declarations God made: I have not; I brought up; I have gone; I have moved; I speak; I commanded; I took; I have been; I will make; I will appoint; I appointed; I will subdue; I declare; I will raise up; I will establish; I will be; I will not; I will confirm. God's telling David, and me, that it's ALL about Him.
David's response to this was "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?" That's really the question of the hour to me...who am I that You, God, have blessed me with salvation, family, health, home, friends, security, transportation, clothes, food, intelligence, work, sunsets, dreams, abilities, confidence, flowers, song birds, and the list goes on. I am NOBODY! Wait that is not right...I am a daughter of the Most High God, a bride of Jesus Christ, my FATHER lives in Heaven and created the universe! But that still begs the question - who am I that I should be chosen?
Open my mind, my eyes and ears, my heart to know how best I can worship You; how to fulfill the destiny You have for me. I do not believe that You are finished with me yet and the best is yet to be!
David's response to this was "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me thus far?" That's really the question of the hour to me...who am I that You, God, have blessed me with salvation, family, health, home, friends, security, transportation, clothes, food, intelligence, work, sunsets, dreams, abilities, confidence, flowers, song birds, and the list goes on. I am NOBODY! Wait that is not right...I am a daughter of the Most High God, a bride of Jesus Christ, my FATHER lives in Heaven and created the universe! But that still begs the question - who am I that I should be chosen?
Open my mind, my eyes and ears, my heart to know how best I can worship You; how to fulfill the destiny You have for me. I do not believe that You are finished with me yet and the best is yet to be!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The World's View of America
Mass shootings have become a feature of life in the United States.
Guns are widely available for purchase in the United States, a country that prides itself on the right to own weapons for self defense and hunting. (Writing by Matthew Bigg; editing by Tom Brown)
This was a quote from a Reuters news story about a shooting spree in Alabama that left 10 dead. They also mentioned the "Santa Claus" Christmas Eve shooting in California and the Virginia Tech shooting a couple of years ago. I can remember more such as Columbine High School in Colorado. There were several other school shootings right after that.
Rather than saying something about our pride in owning guns (which I don't), I think it says more about our view of the value of life and our value of ourselves. Why would someone note a day of death on his calendar and then walk into a church and kill the pastor at FBC in Maryville IL? What fills people with so much anger? Or maybe it is so much hopelessness because the shooter often takes his own life - or attempts to - after the killing spree.
The answer is not necessarily gun control or more laws but a heart change. An understanding that I am special because I am uniquely created by the living God. It's not my stuff or my job or my friends or my clothes or music or where I live or how much money I make...none of that gives me true worth or value because all that is fleeting (i.e. stock market, housing foreclosures). Only a personal relationship with the Almighty God who is King of kings and Lord of lords will give me real worth.
Monday, March 9, 2009
David's Army
I've been reading in 1 Chronicles and just got through the 9 chapters of genealogy. That's tough to read because the names are so hard to pronounce but if I am going to read the ENTIRE Bible, I'll read all those names and relationships. It is NOT my favorite read.
But then I got to the story of David. I don't think this is a chronological listing of events but more a summary of all that happened. One of the things I found interesting was a listing of the groups of people who were supporting him. 1 Chronicles 12: 22 says there were men coming to David day by day to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. In fact the "count" indicates there were over 300,000 warriors whose descriptions ranged from men armed with spear and shield to mighty men of valor to seasoned troops. In addition there were over 8000 Levites and priests. And they were all with David, eating and drinking. That means a huge need for lots of food and for lots of space to sleep at night. We're told their brothers made provision for them. It's still staggering to my feeble mind; I get stressed over dinner for 6 or 8.
The group I found most interesting was the 200 from the tribe of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. Maybe part of what made David such a great leader was his recognition of the need to have wise counsel around him in addition to the brute strength needed to defeat his enemies in battle.
Of course the people knew that the Lord had chosen David. (1 Chron 11:3, 12:18). But more importantly David knew it and sought God for direction. (1 Chronicles 14:8-16)
But then I got to the story of David. I don't think this is a chronological listing of events but more a summary of all that happened. One of the things I found interesting was a listing of the groups of people who were supporting him. 1 Chronicles 12: 22 says there were men coming to David day by day to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. In fact the "count" indicates there were over 300,000 warriors whose descriptions ranged from men armed with spear and shield to mighty men of valor to seasoned troops. In addition there were over 8000 Levites and priests. And they were all with David, eating and drinking. That means a huge need for lots of food and for lots of space to sleep at night. We're told their brothers made provision for them. It's still staggering to my feeble mind; I get stressed over dinner for 6 or 8.
The group I found most interesting was the 200 from the tribe of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. Maybe part of what made David such a great leader was his recognition of the need to have wise counsel around him in addition to the brute strength needed to defeat his enemies in battle.
Of course the people knew that the Lord had chosen David. (1 Chron 11:3, 12:18). But more importantly David knew it and sought God for direction. (1 Chronicles 14:8-16)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Ecomony
We've just started a new series at NewSpring called Where's My Bailout? Perry is teaching us what God says about money. And He says more about money than faith or heaven or hell. Tells me that God believes money - or rather my attitude about it - is REALLY important.
Thursday morning of last week my boss came in and closed the door, said he wanted to talk. My thought was Uh, Oh! But he wasn't there to chew me out or tell me I was fired or anything, even though things have been tough financially for us. What he did tell me was that he feels like his knuckles are white from holding on so tight during the last 6 months.
One thing I said to him was what Perry said tonight...God is in control. My boss knows it but he doesn't believe it; not deep down in his heart. He has started believing the doom and gloom from the talking heads who tell us the end is near. Well, maybe life as we know it is changing, but my God owns the cattle on a thousand hills...more than enough to feed and clothe his children.
Concern over the economy? Sure. I've taken steps to cut expenses and increase savings, smart stuff. Worry over the economy? No, I have God's promise that if I put him first in my finances - as well as other areas of my life - He will provide all that I need.
Thursday morning of last week my boss came in and closed the door, said he wanted to talk. My thought was Uh, Oh! But he wasn't there to chew me out or tell me I was fired or anything, even though things have been tough financially for us. What he did tell me was that he feels like his knuckles are white from holding on so tight during the last 6 months.
One thing I said to him was what Perry said tonight...God is in control. My boss knows it but he doesn't believe it; not deep down in his heart. He has started believing the doom and gloom from the talking heads who tell us the end is near. Well, maybe life as we know it is changing, but my God owns the cattle on a thousand hills...more than enough to feed and clothe his children.
Concern over the economy? Sure. I've taken steps to cut expenses and increase savings, smart stuff. Worry over the economy? No, I have God's promise that if I put him first in my finances - as well as other areas of my life - He will provide all that I need.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Church Face
When I took the job I currently have about 15 months ago, a woman I work with said, "I'm meeting with someone I go to church with so I have to put my church face on". I was stunned to hear her say that.
As I have gotten to know her, I've found that it is true. She has a daily, regular "face" aka attitude, work ethic, etc. and a church "face". I thought about that today as I was talking to her...just some things she said brought the earlier remark to mind.
Made me wonder if I ever have 2 sides. I hope not. I pray that what you see is what you get; that I am consistent in my walk with Christ no matter who I am with or where I am. I want to be real, to never have to pretend to be someone or something I am not, to never try to impress people with my "goodness" or "churchyness". There are times when I say something that may not be nice and I have apologized for being curt with someone. But I hope that my integrity, my positive attitudes, my work ethic, my love for Jesus shine throughout my day and are visible to those around me. When I tell people I am a Christ follower, I don't want them to see a hypocrite but a person who walks the walk.
As I have gotten to know her, I've found that it is true. She has a daily, regular "face" aka attitude, work ethic, etc. and a church "face". I thought about that today as I was talking to her...just some things she said brought the earlier remark to mind.
Made me wonder if I ever have 2 sides. I hope not. I pray that what you see is what you get; that I am consistent in my walk with Christ no matter who I am with or where I am. I want to be real, to never have to pretend to be someone or something I am not, to never try to impress people with my "goodness" or "churchyness". There are times when I say something that may not be nice and I have apologized for being curt with someone. But I hope that my integrity, my positive attitudes, my work ethic, my love for Jesus shine throughout my day and are visible to those around me. When I tell people I am a Christ follower, I don't want them to see a hypocrite but a person who walks the walk.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
God of Everything
As I read through the Old Testament, I see a side of God that I don't hear preached. God put a lying spirit in the mouth of prophets; the servant of Elisha was struck with leprosy; battles lost because God fought against (or didn't go with) his people are just a few examples of God doing "bad" things.
Of course there is plenty of "good" also. People healed of diseases, the dead raised to life, miraculous provision of food during famine, battles won. These are the things I have heard preached over the years. Everyone wants the God is love without the God is justice or wrath. We don't like to think of God causing - or even not stopping - disaster that comes to us personally or corporately.
Hezekiah had prayed for victory over Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Part of God's response through the prophet Isaiah was "Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass," (2 Kings 19:25) God also said, "I know your sitting down and your going out and coming in," (2 Kings 19:27). The message was actually to Sennacherib because he claimed to have done everything in his own strength and mocked the Holy One of Israel.
Can I wrap my mind around my God is SOVEREIGN? He controls or allows everything. He alone is ALL powerful, ALL knowing. Is my God really God in my mind? Is He God of/in EVERYTHING? The story of Job is a great example of God allowing disaster - death of children, loss of wealth, loss of health. But in the end Job had a better relationship with God...and God restored all Job had lost.
Right now in America we are seeing great loss of wealth. Often the wealth was accumulated by greed and lies and inventive accounting. We have claimed to make it on our own. We have pushed God aside and worshiped the idols of money and stuff. Could this downturn in the economy be God saying "I gave you everything and now you deny I exist, so let's see how good you can do without Me?" Just asking!
Of course there is plenty of "good" also. People healed of diseases, the dead raised to life, miraculous provision of food during famine, battles won. These are the things I have heard preached over the years. Everyone wants the God is love without the God is justice or wrath. We don't like to think of God causing - or even not stopping - disaster that comes to us personally or corporately.
Hezekiah had prayed for victory over Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Part of God's response through the prophet Isaiah was "Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass," (2 Kings 19:25) God also said, "I know your sitting down and your going out and coming in," (2 Kings 19:27). The message was actually to Sennacherib because he claimed to have done everything in his own strength and mocked the Holy One of Israel.
Can I wrap my mind around my God is SOVEREIGN? He controls or allows everything. He alone is ALL powerful, ALL knowing. Is my God really God in my mind? Is He God of/in EVERYTHING? The story of Job is a great example of God allowing disaster - death of children, loss of wealth, loss of health. But in the end Job had a better relationship with God...and God restored all Job had lost.
Right now in America we are seeing great loss of wealth. Often the wealth was accumulated by greed and lies and inventive accounting. We have claimed to make it on our own. We have pushed God aside and worshiped the idols of money and stuff. Could this downturn in the economy be God saying "I gave you everything and now you deny I exist, so let's see how good you can do without Me?" Just asking!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Sunday at NewSpring - but Not
This was a weird day. It's Sunday and I'm always in church at NewSpring on Sunday, except today. When I am not volunteering on the Production Team, which is an all day commitment, I attend the 6 PM service. Today was to be no different.
I had a lazy morning, reading my home group study book, reading the Bible, listening to the rain. Boy did we have LOTS of rain today. About 3 PM, I took a shower and got dressed. It takes about 30 minutes for me to make the drive to Greenville but because of the heavy rain, I decided to leave 15 minutes earlier than usual to head to the 6 o'clock service. In the 10 - 12 minutes it took to get to the interstate, the rain had changed to snow. I didn't debate TOO long in making the decision to go back home. The drive over would not have been bad but I didn't relish the idea of driving home alone at 7:30 or 8:00. The interstate would probably not be a problem but the road from the interstate to my house could be disastrous - a very steep hill down and back up, crossing a creek, rounding curves.
I really appreciate the web campus. Even though there were problems with access, being able to participate with the Anderson campus when I couldn't get to Greenville was good. And so far we're up to about 6" of snow!
I had a lazy morning, reading my home group study book, reading the Bible, listening to the rain. Boy did we have LOTS of rain today. About 3 PM, I took a shower and got dressed. It takes about 30 minutes for me to make the drive to Greenville but because of the heavy rain, I decided to leave 15 minutes earlier than usual to head to the 6 o'clock service. In the 10 - 12 minutes it took to get to the interstate, the rain had changed to snow. I didn't debate TOO long in making the decision to go back home. The drive over would not have been bad but I didn't relish the idea of driving home alone at 7:30 or 8:00. The interstate would probably not be a problem but the road from the interstate to my house could be disastrous - a very steep hill down and back up, crossing a creek, rounding curves.
I really appreciate the web campus. Even though there were problems with access, being able to participate with the Anderson campus when I couldn't get to Greenville was good. And so far we're up to about 6" of snow!
Let It Snow
Well, just when I thought Spring was here...the yellow bell and Bradford pears are blooming...we're having a big snow. Big for SC that is. It's been snowing for about 5 hours and we have over 5 inches of snow on the ground. The snow isn't supposed to end until around 3 AM.
It is a pretty snow. I like the purity, the whiteness, the cleanness of the snow before it gets to be dirty slush; before people put their feet in it; before the cars streak it up. I also like the quiet. There are no cars or trucks running up and down the street. No loud stereos booming as they go by. No nothing. Just snow and quiet. That's kinda nice. I wouldn't want it every day but occasionally, for us once every 4 or 5 years, a quiet snow is nice.
And then there is the 1/2 day I'll take off from work tomorrow. Every one else will take a full day because the schools are closed but it is supposed to be warm enough by mid day to melt the snow. I'll play it by ear and may just stay home too. I'm caught up on my work for the first time in about 3 weeks. I was able to see the top of my desk when I left on Friday...that's practically a miracle.
I hope Nathan and Bella build a snowman tomorrow and make snow angels and snow ice cream and have a snowball fight; all the fun stuff. This is probably Bella's first "real" snow. Can't wait to hear what she thinks of it when she's here on Friday.
It is a pretty snow. I like the purity, the whiteness, the cleanness of the snow before it gets to be dirty slush; before people put their feet in it; before the cars streak it up. I also like the quiet. There are no cars or trucks running up and down the street. No loud stereos booming as they go by. No nothing. Just snow and quiet. That's kinda nice. I wouldn't want it every day but occasionally, for us once every 4 or 5 years, a quiet snow is nice.
And then there is the 1/2 day I'll take off from work tomorrow. Every one else will take a full day because the schools are closed but it is supposed to be warm enough by mid day to melt the snow. I'll play it by ear and may just stay home too. I'm caught up on my work for the first time in about 3 weeks. I was able to see the top of my desk when I left on Friday...that's practically a miracle.
I hope Nathan and Bella build a snowman tomorrow and make snow angels and snow ice cream and have a snowball fight; all the fun stuff. This is probably Bella's first "real" snow. Can't wait to hear what she thinks of it when she's here on Friday.
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